By Ronron
June 16, 2005
Anti-illegal drug agents seized 200 grams of
methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and arrested
four persons involved in the sale of the said illegal
drug during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday in
Quezon City.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director
Anselmo Avenido Jr. said the operation, led by Police
Chief Inspector Primitivo Bayongan of the PDEA Special
Enforcement Service, took place in front of Mercury
Drugstore on P. Tuazon St., Barangay Tagumpay, Proj.
4, Quezon City at around 3:45 pm the other day.
A poseur-buyer had earlier arranged to buy 200 grams
of shabu for P300,000 at said place from the four
suspects, identified as Ali Sultan, 30; Alandag
Sultan, 28; Alimo Sultan, 22; and, Macmud Sultan, 26,
all residents of Baguio City.
When the transaction was completed and the arrest was
about to be carried out, Avenido said the suspects, on
board a black Toyota Rav 4 with plate number XTS-868,
tried to escape by bumping one of the arresting
officers.
This prompted a back-up cop to shoot the left rear
tire of the vehicle, preventing the suspects from
escaping.
PDEA agents are now preparing to file charges against
the four for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. All four
are now detained at the PDEA National Office in Quezon
City./DMS
Friday, June 17, 2005
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Three rebel soldiers sentenced after pleading guilty to AW 97
By Ronron
June 13, 2005
Three of the six rebel soldiers who exposed alleged politicking in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) early last year were sentenced Monday to reduction of their salary and holding of their promotion within a year after they pleaded guilty on the charge of violating Article of War 97.
Col. Virgilio Espeneli, military court President, said Army Captains Peter Navarro, Philip Esmeralda, and Rembert Baylosis pleaded guilty to AW 97 (disorder and neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) which carries a harsher penalty of removal from service.
"This court … sentences you to forfeit two-thirds of your pay for six months (and) to be suspended for promotion for one year," Espeneli said during the promulgation of the order yesterday morning at the Army Officers Club in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.
The three were among the six KAWAL PILIPINO members who called in January 2004 for the resignation of then Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita and criticized the alleged politicking in the AFP. The rebel soldiers showed in their background an inverted Philippine flag.
"The trio admitted having committed acts prejudicial to the service. The group wittingly allowed themselves to be used by some misguided elements in furthering their ulterior motives," Army Information Officer Maj. Bartolome Bacarro told a press briefing after the promulgation.
Bacarro disclosed the three entered into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution last June 10. The previous month, more than 180 enlisted military personnel who took part in the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 also entered into a plea bargaining agreement that resulted to their release from detention.
The two other Kawal members, Capts. Marcos Serafica and Muyusof Hasan, avoided prosecution after they turned themselves into state witness. The sixth member, Asadon Baltazar, was a civilian and could not be subjected to court martial.
Navarro, Baylosis and Esmeralda have been under solitary confinement in the last 16 months inside the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. Their release will follow after the necessary administrative processes are accomplished.
Bacarro clarified the penalty against the three will only be effective until Judge Advocate Col. Gilbert Jose Roa approves the recommendation of the court.
But while defense lawyer Franklin Sunga expressed gratitude to the General Court Martial for the speedy resolution of the case, he said might file a motion for clemency for the removal of the one-year suspension of the soldiers’ promotion.
Baylosis said he is satisfied with the verdict but he maintained that what they did was not military adventurism.
"This exercise once again affirms the firm stand and commitment of the Army leadership that it will not tolerate any infraction of laws, regulations and policies," Bacarro said./DMS
June 13, 2005
Three of the six rebel soldiers who exposed alleged politicking in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) early last year were sentenced Monday to reduction of their salary and holding of their promotion within a year after they pleaded guilty on the charge of violating Article of War 97.
Col. Virgilio Espeneli, military court President, said Army Captains Peter Navarro, Philip Esmeralda, and Rembert Baylosis pleaded guilty to AW 97 (disorder and neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) which carries a harsher penalty of removal from service.
"This court … sentences you to forfeit two-thirds of your pay for six months (and) to be suspended for promotion for one year," Espeneli said during the promulgation of the order yesterday morning at the Army Officers Club in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.
The three were among the six KAWAL PILIPINO members who called in January 2004 for the resignation of then Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita and criticized the alleged politicking in the AFP. The rebel soldiers showed in their background an inverted Philippine flag.
"The trio admitted having committed acts prejudicial to the service. The group wittingly allowed themselves to be used by some misguided elements in furthering their ulterior motives," Army Information Officer Maj. Bartolome Bacarro told a press briefing after the promulgation.
Bacarro disclosed the three entered into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution last June 10. The previous month, more than 180 enlisted military personnel who took part in the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 also entered into a plea bargaining agreement that resulted to their release from detention.
The two other Kawal members, Capts. Marcos Serafica and Muyusof Hasan, avoided prosecution after they turned themselves into state witness. The sixth member, Asadon Baltazar, was a civilian and could not be subjected to court martial.
Navarro, Baylosis and Esmeralda have been under solitary confinement in the last 16 months inside the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. Their release will follow after the necessary administrative processes are accomplished.
Bacarro clarified the penalty against the three will only be effective until Judge Advocate Col. Gilbert Jose Roa approves the recommendation of the court.
But while defense lawyer Franklin Sunga expressed gratitude to the General Court Martial for the speedy resolution of the case, he said might file a motion for clemency for the removal of the one-year suspension of the soldiers’ promotion.
Baylosis said he is satisfied with the verdict but he maintained that what they did was not military adventurism.
"This exercise once again affirms the firm stand and commitment of the Army leadership that it will not tolerate any infraction of laws, regulations and policies," Bacarro said./DMS
Monday, June 13, 2005
Search is on for next military chief
By Ronron
June 12, 2005
The search is on for the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as incumbent military chief Gen. Efren Abu begins to count his last few days in the service prior to his retirement on June 24.
According to Abu, there are 12 three-star generals who are qualified to take over his post but he refused to say which one has the bigger chance.
“If I mention two, the 10 might get angry with me,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the Defense Press Corps at Camp Aguinaldo Friday.
The contenders include, among others, Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga, Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jose Reyes, Philippine Navy Flag Officer Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio, Southern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ariston de los Reyes, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, and National Capital Region Commander Lt. Gen. Allan Cabalquinto.
An insider said the strong candidates are Senga and De Leon because of their record of achievements, their seniority as to the acquisition of their third star, and the longer time left for them to serve as AFP chief of staff before they reach their mandatory age of retirement.
Senga, a member of Philippine Military Class (PMA) class of 1972, is set to retire in July 2006 while De Leon, also of the same PMA class, is set to retire in September 2006.
Abu said he still has yet to submit a recommendation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who serves concurrently as the AFP’s commander-in-chief, as to his choice for his replacement.
“The President has a wide latitude as far as who could be the (next) Chief of Staff…but we have not talked about this yet,” he said.
The outgoing military chief, who rose to the top-most position in October 2004, is expected to brief Arroyo and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz about each of the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses which would be integral to the President’s decision.
Asked what if Arroyo extends his term, Abu hinted of refusing the offer by saying: “No. Anybody can take over my position. I’m very sure of that.”
AFP Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said Abu will be remembered for instituting reforms in the military, particularly on financial management and organizational structure, “to suit the call of the time.”
Pascual is confident a new chief of staff will be announced before Abu steps down on June 24. “Whoever will be the appointed chief of staff by the President, the Armed Forces will welcome him,” he said./DMS
June 12, 2005
The search is on for the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as incumbent military chief Gen. Efren Abu begins to count his last few days in the service prior to his retirement on June 24.
According to Abu, there are 12 three-star generals who are qualified to take over his post but he refused to say which one has the bigger chance.
“If I mention two, the 10 might get angry with me,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the Defense Press Corps at Camp Aguinaldo Friday.
The contenders include, among others, Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga, Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jose Reyes, Philippine Navy Flag Officer Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio, Southern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ariston de los Reyes, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, and National Capital Region Commander Lt. Gen. Allan Cabalquinto.
An insider said the strong candidates are Senga and De Leon because of their record of achievements, their seniority as to the acquisition of their third star, and the longer time left for them to serve as AFP chief of staff before they reach their mandatory age of retirement.
Senga, a member of Philippine Military Class (PMA) class of 1972, is set to retire in July 2006 while De Leon, also of the same PMA class, is set to retire in September 2006.
Abu said he still has yet to submit a recommendation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who serves concurrently as the AFP’s commander-in-chief, as to his choice for his replacement.
“The President has a wide latitude as far as who could be the (next) Chief of Staff…but we have not talked about this yet,” he said.
The outgoing military chief, who rose to the top-most position in October 2004, is expected to brief Arroyo and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz about each of the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses which would be integral to the President’s decision.
Asked what if Arroyo extends his term, Abu hinted of refusing the offer by saying: “No. Anybody can take over my position. I’m very sure of that.”
AFP Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said Abu will be remembered for instituting reforms in the military, particularly on financial management and organizational structure, “to suit the call of the time.”
Pascual is confident a new chief of staff will be announced before Abu steps down on June 24. “Whoever will be the appointed chief of staff by the President, the Armed Forces will welcome him,” he said./DMS
Arroyo calls on public to shun dirty politics on 107th Independence Day
By Ronron
June 12, 2005
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the public Sunday to do away with dirty politics so that the country would move forward and start benefiting economic gains as it starts another chapter after the 107th Independence Day, which was celebrated by the country yesterday.
In a speech during the Independence Day program at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City yesterday, Arroyo said only by doing so will the country be truly “free” from poverty and injustice which is what her administration is trying to achieve.
“My hope is for a unified Philippines. That is why, on this day, as we commemorate the lessons and memories of our national heroes, I am calling on everybody to do away with dirty politics and focus instead on pushing the economy,” said Arroyo, who is presently plagued with intrigues of cheating her way to the Presidency in the 2004 polls and that her family benefited from the illegal numbers game called jueteng.
The President, who earlier led the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Park and the laying of wreath to the monument of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, said she determined to bring the country forward, especially now that her administration is already in the second phase in the implementation of her economic reforms.
“Mark my word, I will use my power and determination so our democracy will remain firm and our countrymen is being led to the right direction. To honor the flag is my national duty. To serve the poor is my vow to the Lord. With this noble goal, I offer my dignity, my future, and even my own life,” she said in Filipino.
Arroyo disclosed that now that the government could raise additional fund in its coffer with the enactment of several revenue-generating laws, it could proceed with its projects, particularly on infrastructure, that will invite investors and eventually, provide jobs to the jobless.
“More importantly, during the second phase, we can extend the economic gains to the poor,” she said as she spoke before a crowd of about a thousand spectators, spread scantily all over the park.
The young, Arroyo said, will already be in schools at the end of her term in 2010, and most families by then shall have a child that is taking up a course that could provide them with their living, just as she promised in her campaign before the elections.
Corruption shall have been reduced by half in three years, and hopefully, totally gone when she steps down five years from now. Arroyo sought the cooperation of the private sector in this endeavor, citing and hoping to revive what the Bishop Businesses Conference did way back.
The President projects an eradication as well of various forms of illegal gambling within a year.
On energy, Arroyo vowed to work on the country’s self-reliance with regard to gasoline and crude oil.
“As we implement and achieve my 10-point agenda, just as we work on our Millenium Development Goal, we hope to cut by half the percentage of the poor in our society and ensure food on every table,” Arroyo said.
Paying respect to the Philippine flag, which she raised and described as symbol of the blood, sweat and labor of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberty, Arroyo expressed hope that just like the law of the land, it will serve as the “national sun that will bind all Filipinos together.”
“On this great national day my countrymen, my request from you is for you to help me become a good President,” Arroyo said.
The simultaneous celebration of the Independence Day all over the country turned out peacefully, according to the military and the police./DMS
June 12, 2005
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the public Sunday to do away with dirty politics so that the country would move forward and start benefiting economic gains as it starts another chapter after the 107th Independence Day, which was celebrated by the country yesterday.
In a speech during the Independence Day program at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City yesterday, Arroyo said only by doing so will the country be truly “free” from poverty and injustice which is what her administration is trying to achieve.
“My hope is for a unified Philippines. That is why, on this day, as we commemorate the lessons and memories of our national heroes, I am calling on everybody to do away with dirty politics and focus instead on pushing the economy,” said Arroyo, who is presently plagued with intrigues of cheating her way to the Presidency in the 2004 polls and that her family benefited from the illegal numbers game called jueteng.
The President, who earlier led the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Park and the laying of wreath to the monument of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, said she determined to bring the country forward, especially now that her administration is already in the second phase in the implementation of her economic reforms.
“Mark my word, I will use my power and determination so our democracy will remain firm and our countrymen is being led to the right direction. To honor the flag is my national duty. To serve the poor is my vow to the Lord. With this noble goal, I offer my dignity, my future, and even my own life,” she said in Filipino.
Arroyo disclosed that now that the government could raise additional fund in its coffer with the enactment of several revenue-generating laws, it could proceed with its projects, particularly on infrastructure, that will invite investors and eventually, provide jobs to the jobless.
“More importantly, during the second phase, we can extend the economic gains to the poor,” she said as she spoke before a crowd of about a thousand spectators, spread scantily all over the park.
The young, Arroyo said, will already be in schools at the end of her term in 2010, and most families by then shall have a child that is taking up a course that could provide them with their living, just as she promised in her campaign before the elections.
Corruption shall have been reduced by half in three years, and hopefully, totally gone when she steps down five years from now. Arroyo sought the cooperation of the private sector in this endeavor, citing and hoping to revive what the Bishop Businesses Conference did way back.
The President projects an eradication as well of various forms of illegal gambling within a year.
On energy, Arroyo vowed to work on the country’s self-reliance with regard to gasoline and crude oil.
“As we implement and achieve my 10-point agenda, just as we work on our Millenium Development Goal, we hope to cut by half the percentage of the poor in our society and ensure food on every table,” Arroyo said.
Paying respect to the Philippine flag, which she raised and described as symbol of the blood, sweat and labor of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberty, Arroyo expressed hope that just like the law of the land, it will serve as the “national sun that will bind all Filipinos together.”
“On this great national day my countrymen, my request from you is for you to help me become a good President,” Arroyo said.
The simultaneous celebration of the Independence Day all over the country turned out peacefully, according to the military and the police./DMS
Ong may be arrested on Tuesday, says official
By Ronron
June 12, 2005
The government is securing a warrant of arrest for former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official Atty. Samuel Ong when office opens on Tuesday on the ground that he is in possession of a material that contains an alleged wire-tapped conversation.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters after the 107th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Qurino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City Sunday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will serve as the complainant against Ong, who made headlines last Friday when he claimed to be holding the “mother of all tapes” that allegedly contains a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, plotting to manipulate the results of the 2004 Presidential elections to favor Arroyo.
“Our legal counsels said that Ong’s admission of having in his possession that tape which is allegedly based on wire-tapped conversation is, according to law, violative of the provision of Republic Act 4200 (Anti-Wire Tapping Law),” Ermita said in Filipino. The offense is punishable by imprisonment of up to six years.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales made a separate pronouncement that Ong could also be charged for inciting to sedition, a non-bailable offense.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Arturo Lomibao, in a radio interview yesterday, said the police will be prepared to serve peacefully the arrest warrant to Ong when it comes out, even if it is within the premises of the church.
Government offices will only be open on Tuesday since Malacañang declared today as special non-working holiday to allow Filipinos to spend more time with their families in post-celebrations of the Independence Day.
“I told (Manila Arcbhishop Gaudencio Rosales during our meeting Saturday) that as long as there is no warrant of arrest, we will not arrest (Ong). And if ever it comes out, we will talk to the (church authorities of San Carlos Seminary),” Lomibao said in Filipino.
Ong, a former Deputy Director for Intelligence of the NBI, has been seeking sanctuary at the San Carlos Seminary along EDSA in Guadalupe, Makati City since Friday after making his expose in a press conference.
During their meeting, Rosales accordingly explained to Lomibao that allowing Ong to stay within the premises of the religious establishment does not mean that the church is tolerating Ong’s acts. “What I understand is that just like any lay man who goes to facilities or establishment of the church, Ong could not just be driven away by the church,” Lomibao said, quoting Rosales.
The top PNP official had called on Ong late Friday evening to surrender himself to authorities as this would imply a “lesser guilt of the violation” he committed. The effort of the PNP team, headed by PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, to negotiate for Ong to turn himself in that night went unsuccessful.
Ermita refused to admit that the Office of the President is “courting” the church for the release of Ong to authorities, but instead claimed that they are just talking to church officials to strengthen the relationship of the State and the Church, banking on the fact that “we are a very highly religious people” and that “we are all Catholics.”
As a sign of respect to the constitutionally mandated separation of the Church and the State, Ermita said the government is willing to await the arrest warrant for Ong and respect, for the meantime, the latter’s right to seek sanctuary in the church.
“We are both waiting for the legal procedures (to set in),” Ermita said of the church and the government, referring to the release of the search and arrest warrants.
As of yesterday, Lomibao said there is still no case or formal complaint against Ong.
Both Ermita and Lomibao believe Ong is still inside San Carlos Seminary as of yesterday as they have not yet received a report otherwise.
Yesterday, police took custody of a white Mitsubishi Lancer found inside the San Carlos Seminary compound, containing an M16 rifle. It was discovered Saturday, believed to be abandoned by around five men who were driven away on Friday night after refusing to identify themselves.
Lomibao said there are about 50 to 100 policemen stationed yesterday outside San Carlos Seminary to secure the place and watch out for the traffic./DMS
June 12, 2005
The government is securing a warrant of arrest for former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official Atty. Samuel Ong when office opens on Tuesday on the ground that he is in possession of a material that contains an alleged wire-tapped conversation.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters after the 107th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Qurino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City Sunday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will serve as the complainant against Ong, who made headlines last Friday when he claimed to be holding the “mother of all tapes” that allegedly contains a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, plotting to manipulate the results of the 2004 Presidential elections to favor Arroyo.
“Our legal counsels said that Ong’s admission of having in his possession that tape which is allegedly based on wire-tapped conversation is, according to law, violative of the provision of Republic Act 4200 (Anti-Wire Tapping Law),” Ermita said in Filipino. The offense is punishable by imprisonment of up to six years.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales made a separate pronouncement that Ong could also be charged for inciting to sedition, a non-bailable offense.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Arturo Lomibao, in a radio interview yesterday, said the police will be prepared to serve peacefully the arrest warrant to Ong when it comes out, even if it is within the premises of the church.
Government offices will only be open on Tuesday since Malacañang declared today as special non-working holiday to allow Filipinos to spend more time with their families in post-celebrations of the Independence Day.
“I told (Manila Arcbhishop Gaudencio Rosales during our meeting Saturday) that as long as there is no warrant of arrest, we will not arrest (Ong). And if ever it comes out, we will talk to the (church authorities of San Carlos Seminary),” Lomibao said in Filipino.
Ong, a former Deputy Director for Intelligence of the NBI, has been seeking sanctuary at the San Carlos Seminary along EDSA in Guadalupe, Makati City since Friday after making his expose in a press conference.
During their meeting, Rosales accordingly explained to Lomibao that allowing Ong to stay within the premises of the religious establishment does not mean that the church is tolerating Ong’s acts. “What I understand is that just like any lay man who goes to facilities or establishment of the church, Ong could not just be driven away by the church,” Lomibao said, quoting Rosales.
The top PNP official had called on Ong late Friday evening to surrender himself to authorities as this would imply a “lesser guilt of the violation” he committed. The effort of the PNP team, headed by PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, to negotiate for Ong to turn himself in that night went unsuccessful.
Ermita refused to admit that the Office of the President is “courting” the church for the release of Ong to authorities, but instead claimed that they are just talking to church officials to strengthen the relationship of the State and the Church, banking on the fact that “we are a very highly religious people” and that “we are all Catholics.”
As a sign of respect to the constitutionally mandated separation of the Church and the State, Ermita said the government is willing to await the arrest warrant for Ong and respect, for the meantime, the latter’s right to seek sanctuary in the church.
“We are both waiting for the legal procedures (to set in),” Ermita said of the church and the government, referring to the release of the search and arrest warrants.
As of yesterday, Lomibao said there is still no case or formal complaint against Ong.
Both Ermita and Lomibao believe Ong is still inside San Carlos Seminary as of yesterday as they have not yet received a report otherwise.
Yesterday, police took custody of a white Mitsubishi Lancer found inside the San Carlos Seminary compound, containing an M16 rifle. It was discovered Saturday, believed to be abandoned by around five men who were driven away on Friday night after refusing to identify themselves.
Lomibao said there are about 50 to 100 policemen stationed yesterday outside San Carlos Seminary to secure the place and watch out for the traffic./DMS
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