By Ronron
January 19, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) started on Friday its own internal investigation on the violent raid of its men at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in Iloilo City last Wednesday to enforce the dismissal of Governor Niel Tupas, Sr.
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said in a statement that Director Edgardo Doromal, director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), flew to Iloilo City yesterday to investigate the incident, on instructions of PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
“He is set to interview police personnel involved in the operation, as well as other persons who were inside the provincial capitol during the incident,” Pagdilao described Doromal’s tasks in Iloilo City.
Members of the Regional Mobile Group of the Region VI Police drew criticisms for alleged overkill in forcing Tupas to vacate the capitol premises following the service of his dismissal order last Monday by Interior Undersecretary Wencelito Andanar.
The raiding policemen, mostly armed with long firearms and in full battle dress attire, broke glasses to enter the building and pointed guns at civilians inside and outside the capitol.
No less than Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno described the gun-pointing incidents as violative of the police operational procedure.
But Pagdilao said that Calderon hopes “to see a bigger picture of the entire incident, especially the circumstances that lead the police to respond that way,” thus Doromal’s investigation.
“If there were lapses or any violations of PNP regulations, we will be swift and decisive in imposing sanctions,” Pagdilao said.
Initial information reaching Pagdilao’s office showed that the raiding policemen were tasked to carry out three orders.
First is “to bring order and help restore government operations in the capitol, which halted when Gov. Tupas defied the legal orders of (dismissal) and barricaded the government building.”
Second is “to arrest armed persons inside the capitol, i. e. provincial jail guards, civil security of the Office of the Governor, and reported NPA personalities.”
And, third is “to free persons illegally detained inside the capitol building who were refused egress because of the barricade.”
Tupas refused to recognize the Ombudsman’s order, saying he was not given a fair chance to respond to allegations that he and two fellow dismissed Provincial Board Members connived in the malversation of public funds.
Tupas allegedly falsified public documents to allow and approve the grant of financial assistance worth P65,000 for trainings and seminars to Provincial Board members Cecilia Capadosa and Domingo Oso.
“The financial assistance was charged against the Community Direct Action Project (and) there was no proof of such trainings and seminars. Moreover, it was alleged that Gov. Tupas approved the check payable to respondent Capadosa, instead of the account of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines,” the interior department said, quoting the Ombudsman’s decision.
But the Office of the Ombudsman justified its actions, saying it is not necessary for the respondents to be called to hearings for the cases against them, so long as the documents would suffice in its investigation.
Aside from the dismissal from the service, the penalty against Tupas, Capadosa and Oso also includes cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, the perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service, and to pay a fine of P65,000.00.
But Tupas, after the violent raid, received a copy from the Court of Appeals branch in Cebu of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) it issued against the Ombudsman’s order, preventing police from physically carrying him out of the capitol building and pacifying later the tension brought about by the police presence.
Tupas has called the Ombdusman decision a political persecution and oppression, him being a member of the Liberal Party, particularly with the faction of Senator Franklin Drilon, who is a known staunch critic of the Arroyo government./DMS
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Marine brigade goes to Basilan to hunt ASG, JI
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Friday, January 19, 2007
Arraignment of alleged February 2006 coup plotters stalled anew
By Ronron
January 18, 2007
Tanay, Rizal - The arraignment proceedings against the military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the Arroyo government in February last year failed to proceed in Thursday’s hearing at a military camp here as the accused refuse to recognize the tribunal created by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. to try their case.
Defense lawyers, led by former Solicitor General Frank Chavez, also insisted in yesterday’s hearing that they should be furnished a copy of the pre-trial investigation report (PTIR) against their clients as part of “due process,” a request denied again by the military prosecution panel, led by the Judge Advocate, Col. Ukol Paglala.
At the start of the hearing, Atty. Homobono Adaza, who represents accused Col. Ariel Querubin, said the Special General Court Martial (GCM) , headed by Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, commander of the AFP Southern Luzon Command, is illegal because one, it was created by Esperon, one of the accusers, and two, there is no such thing as a Special GCM in military law books.
The defense pointed out later in the hearing that the GCM should not proceed until the Court of Appeals acts on the petition filed by Querubin last year, questioning the legality of the GCM.
Also, the defense objected to a continuance of the proceeding because their clients remain “in the dark” with the denial of their request to get a copy of the PTIR.
“It is their inherent right to know (the allegations against them). It is in keeping with due process that the accused be furnished of copies of the PTI report,” Chavez argued.
But Paglala simply said they will furnish the defense with copies of the PTIR “only in due time through channels.”
To this, the defense replied: “The accused are detained. They are deprived of their liberty. They don’t have the luxury of time.”
Present in yesterday’s proceedings were the 19 accused Army officers, led by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, erstwhile commander of the First Scout Rangers Regiment, and seven of the nine accused Marine officers, led by former Philippine Marine Corps commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda.
All Army officers, except for Capt. Dante Langkit who is held in solitary confinement at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, are detained at a detention facility here, while the Marine officers are jailed at Fort San Felipe in Cavite City.
Accused Lt. Col. Achilles Segumalian confided to reporters that the accused Marines had to wake up at 3am and leave their camp at 4 am to make it for the 8:30 am schedule of the hearing, which actually started only at 9:10 am.
He said Col. Januario Caringal and Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon could not make it to yesterday’s hearing because they are “ill-disposed.”
Langkit, for his part, was said to have been brought here without giving him food for breakfast. He had earlier been reported to being subjected to mental torture by his custodians in the Army so he could turn against his fellow rebel officers.
Chavez claimed that the reason for suppressing the PTIR is because it actually recommended for the dismissal of the charges against the accused. He said it was just overturned by Esperon, thus the present situation.
“It is not an exercise of discretion. It was a gross and glaring exercise of discretion. It was power abused arrogantly,” he said.
Finally, the proceeding yesterday was also stalled by Atty. Vicente Millora’s withdrawal of his court appearance, leaving his client 1Lt. Jacon Cordero without any counsel of his choice.
Because of these reasons, Yano decided to hold the next hearing on February 27, 2007, three days after the supposed crime of coup d’ etat would have marked its first anniversary. The hearing adjourned shortly before 12 noon.
All accused are being charged for alleged violation of Articles of War (AW) 67 (mutiny or sedition) and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
But Lim has additional charges of violation of AW 63 (Disrespect towards the President, Vice President, Congress of the Philippines, and Secretary of the National Defense), 65 (Assaulting or Willfully Disobeying Superior Officer), and 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).
Querubin is also charged additionally with violating AW 65 and 97, and Segumalian with AW 97./DMS
10 ASG rebels, 3 soldiers killed in fresh encounter in Sulu; US envoy praises RP troops
By Ronron
January 18, 2007
A day after confirming the death of Abu Sayyaf notorious leader Abu Solaiman in Sulu, 10 more rebels were killed and three others were captured on Thursday in a fresh encounter in the town of Patikul against government troops, a military spokesman said.
Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, public information officer of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), said elements of the Special Operations Platoon of the 3rd Marine Brigade clashed at 12 noon yesterday (Thursday) against at least 60 ASG rebels believed to be under the command of Dr. Abu Pula and Radulan Sahiron at Sitio Biti. Barangay Timpook.
He said the government troops, led by 2Lt. Alex Toledo, were already following the bandits since Wednesday night but only engaged them in a firefight yesterday, lasting for about an hour.
“This is our commitment to destroy the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu,” Caculitan said of the fresh encounter.
Unfortunately, he said three enlisted Marine personnel also lost their lives in the gun battle.
Caculitan said the three apprehended ASG rebels are now under the custody of the 9th Marine Battalion, under Lt. Col. Melquiades Ordiales.
On Tuesday, ASG leader Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., alias Abu Solaiman, who has a $5 million bounty on his head, was killed in an encounter against the Philippine Army’s Special Forces unit in Talipao town.
ASG Urban Terrorist Group Binang Sali was likewise neutralized when his safehouse in Patikul town was raided by military troops on January 9.
Three days earlier, Marine troopers shot dead five ASG operatives, one of whom was sub-leader Jundam Jamalul, alias Black Killer, and a Jeemah Islamiyah operative in a sea encounter in Tawi-tawi.
On the same day, two ASG members were also arrested in Zamboanga City.
The said neutralizations were credited to the AFP’s intensified campaign against the terrorist group under the campaign program OPLAN Ultimatum, launched on August 1, 2006.
Since that time, a total of 11 Marine officers and personnel were already killed in action.
In an ambush interview yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney was all praises for the Philippine troops for the recent operations, while acknowledging it as results of the latter’s training with American forces.
“I’ve seen the AFP in Jolo, and they should make all of us very proud. They are a tremendous fighting force, and they are extraordinary in capturing some of the world’s most deadly terrorists. So, our strongest congratulations to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to fight under tremendous leadership,” Kenney said.
“Obviously, the efforts in Jolo, as Gen. (Hermogenes) Esperon said, are the result of the extraordinary training on the part of the Philippine troops and I’m very proud that American forces have been here, training with, learning from, sharing ideas, advising, assisting,” she added.
Kenney said she looks forward to the upcoming RP-US Balikatan exercises next month as it would also “have a very special focus” on the humanitarian side, aside from “making people’s lives safer.”
The Balikatan exercises almost did not push through this year after the US initially withdrew their participation over the custody row involving convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps.
Smith was sentenced last December 4 to lifetime imprisonment by a Makati City court for raping a Filipino woman on November 1, 2005 at Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales.
He had just participated then from another RP-US training exercises in the country, the Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercises.
Smith was first detained at the Makati City jail, upon orders of Makati judge Benjamin Pozon, but was whisked to the US Embassy in Manila on December 29th with the authority of the Philippine’s executive department, but not from the court.
Subsequently, the US government said it was pushing through with the holding of the Balikatan exercises./DMS
January 18, 2007
A day after confirming the death of Abu Sayyaf notorious leader Abu Solaiman in Sulu, 10 more rebels were killed and three others were captured on Thursday in a fresh encounter in the town of Patikul against government troops, a military spokesman said.
Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, public information officer of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), said elements of the Special Operations Platoon of the 3rd Marine Brigade clashed at 12 noon yesterday (Thursday) against at least 60 ASG rebels believed to be under the command of Dr. Abu Pula and Radulan Sahiron at Sitio Biti. Barangay Timpook.
He said the government troops, led by 2Lt. Alex Toledo, were already following the bandits since Wednesday night but only engaged them in a firefight yesterday, lasting for about an hour.
“This is our commitment to destroy the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu,” Caculitan said of the fresh encounter.
Unfortunately, he said three enlisted Marine personnel also lost their lives in the gun battle.
Caculitan said the three apprehended ASG rebels are now under the custody of the 9th Marine Battalion, under Lt. Col. Melquiades Ordiales.
On Tuesday, ASG leader Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., alias Abu Solaiman, who has a $5 million bounty on his head, was killed in an encounter against the Philippine Army’s Special Forces unit in Talipao town.
ASG Urban Terrorist Group Binang Sali was likewise neutralized when his safehouse in Patikul town was raided by military troops on January 9.
Three days earlier, Marine troopers shot dead five ASG operatives, one of whom was sub-leader Jundam Jamalul, alias Black Killer, and a Jeemah Islamiyah operative in a sea encounter in Tawi-tawi.
On the same day, two ASG members were also arrested in Zamboanga City.
The said neutralizations were credited to the AFP’s intensified campaign against the terrorist group under the campaign program OPLAN Ultimatum, launched on August 1, 2006.
Since that time, a total of 11 Marine officers and personnel were already killed in action.
In an ambush interview yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney was all praises for the Philippine troops for the recent operations, while acknowledging it as results of the latter’s training with American forces.
“I’ve seen the AFP in Jolo, and they should make all of us very proud. They are a tremendous fighting force, and they are extraordinary in capturing some of the world’s most deadly terrorists. So, our strongest congratulations to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to fight under tremendous leadership,” Kenney said.
“Obviously, the efforts in Jolo, as Gen. (Hermogenes) Esperon said, are the result of the extraordinary training on the part of the Philippine troops and I’m very proud that American forces have been here, training with, learning from, sharing ideas, advising, assisting,” she added.
Kenney said she looks forward to the upcoming RP-US Balikatan exercises next month as it would also “have a very special focus” on the humanitarian side, aside from “making people’s lives safer.”
The Balikatan exercises almost did not push through this year after the US initially withdrew their participation over the custody row involving convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps.
Smith was sentenced last December 4 to lifetime imprisonment by a Makati City court for raping a Filipino woman on November 1, 2005 at Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales.
He had just participated then from another RP-US training exercises in the country, the Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercises.
Smith was first detained at the Makati City jail, upon orders of Makati judge Benjamin Pozon, but was whisked to the US Embassy in Manila on December 29th with the authority of the Philippine’s executive department, but not from the court.
Subsequently, the US government said it was pushing through with the holding of the Balikatan exercises./DMS
Thursday, January 18, 2007
AFP says latest slain bandit in Sulu is Abu Solaiman
By Ronron
January 17, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. confirmed on Wednesday that the slain Abu Sayyaf bandit the other day (Tuesday) in Sulu is actually terrorist leader Abu Solaiman who was involved in the bold terrorist attacks of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Esperon said the cadaver recovered from the encounter site at Mt. Dajo in Talipao town was positively identified as that of Solaiman’s by military intelligence operatives, his former close-in agents, and one of his wives.
“We are officially confirming the death of Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Solaiman, alias the Engineer, who is actually the Abu Sayyaf Group Logistics and Supply Officer and the over-all leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group-Urban Terrorist Group,” Esperon said.
He said it was the “space between the two front teeth” of the cadaver that convinced authorities it was Solaiman.
Earlier, the military only suspected that Solaiman was wounded in the one-hour encounter that started past 9 am Tuesday, followed by another one-and-a-half hours of sporadic firefight.
The clash happened at a suspected ASG encampment, which has 17 bunkers and bomb materials.
“The action agents confirmed (he was Solaiman), one of whom had been with him for five years… It has also been identified by one of the wives,” Esperon said of the recovered cadaver, which was peppered with bullet wounds in the
Asked if the same will also be subjected to DNA analysis, like what the military did to the suspected remains of ASG chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani, for a scientific confirmation, Esperon replied: “probably.”
Esperon said the cadaver is now kept at the Joint Task Force Comet headquarters at the 104th Infantry Brigade headquarters in Busbus, Jolo town.
He disclosed that the US forces in Sulu helped in Tuesday’s operation as far as locating Solaiman’s group of 60 through their technical capabilities, particularly their “intelligence fusion” with that of the AFP.
Solaiman is wanted by the United States for planning and carrying out the abduction of their citizens from the Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan in May 2001, and the bombing in Malagutay, Zamboanga City in October 2002 that claimed the life of US serviceman.
The US government offered $5 million in reward to anyone who can lead to Solaiman’s arrest.
Esperon said Solaiman is also included in the list of the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee dated 22 February 2006 for his association with the Al Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden.
Locally, he has standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention from the Regional Trial Court in Isabela City, Basilan.
Esperon described Solaiman as the number one planner of the ASG, whose caliber is stronger as that of Janjalani, being an engineer by profession himself.
He said the bandit leader is from Basilan who was among the original members of the predecessor of ASG, the Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah, formed by Abdurajak Janjalani, the older brother of Khadaffy.
Aside from the Dos Palmas and Malagutay incidents, Solaiman was also implicated in the June 2001 hostage-taking of 200 civilians in Lamitan, Basilan, in the Superferry bombing in 2004, in the Chowking bombing in Zamboanga City in August 2005, and in the bombing of a videoke bar near the 104th Brigade headquarters in February 2006.
As acting spokesman, he also claimed in media interviews the ASG’s responsibility for the Awang Airport bombing in Maguindanao in February 2003, and the Valentine’s Day bombings in February 2005.
“We are confident that with the death of Solaiman, who is actually the number one planner of most of the activities of the Abu Sayyaf, (the ASG activities) will continue to go down,” Esperon said.
“It is at this time that we have resolved that this group must be finished off, their major commanders must be finished off so that we can put an end to these terrorists, notorious terrorist group,” he added.
But the military chief warned of possible retaliatory attacks from the group, which, he said, numbers no more than 350 as of last count.
“We expect that they would try to launch some retaliatory actions. However, we have instituted some actions so that the Abu Sayyaf Group will not be able to carry out retaliatory actions,” Esperon said./DMS
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
One ASG killed, 2 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash; top leader believed wounded
By Ronron
January 16, 2007
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was killed, while two government soldiers were wounded in a heavy firefight Tuesday in Sulu following a discovery of a suspected ASG bomb-making facility.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said ASG leader Abu Solaiman (Jainal Antel Sali, Jr.), who headed the bandit group, was also believed to have been wounded in the clash, citing the duration of the gun battle.
Bacarro said the encounter started at 9:10 am when operatives of the Philippine Army’s 8th Special Forces Company under the Joint Task Force Comet raided a suspected ASG encampment at Mt. Dajo in Talipao town.
“The raid was the result of the information provided by the civilians in the area who are fed up with the extortion and other criminal activities perpetrated by the ASG,” Bacarro said.
He disclosed that when the government troops arrived at their target, around 60 ASG rebels, under Solaiman, were present, ensuing a one-hour firefight.
“The swiftness of the attack and the overwhelming fire power of the troops forced the ASG to withdraw. The troops gave chase, which resulted to another one-and-a-half hour of sporadic firefight,” Bacarro said.
The exchange of fires left a bandit dead, and two AFP enlisted personnel slightly wounded.
“In their haste to escape, the enemy left behind one killed and many more were believed to be wounded, among them probably Abu Solaiman, as evidenced by bloodstains along the enemy route of withdrawal,” Bacarro said.
Soliaman has a $5 million bounty on his head for his involvement in several terrorist activities of the ASG, among them the bombing in February 2004 of the Superferry 14 passenger vessel, which killed hundreds of civilians.
Bacarro said government troops recovered later during the clearing operations at the encounter site several improvised explosive devices, one Magellan GPS (Global Positioning System), six rounds of grenade launcher ammunition, 17 blasting caps, one tester, two soldering iron, assorted electronic materials used for bomb/explosives, assorted medical paraphernalia, two combat shoes, five lower BDA (Battle Dress Attire) uniforms, two upper BDA uniforms, one Poncho, seven combat packs with personal belongings, one M14 telescopic guide, and voluminous documents with high intelligence value.
“Joint Task Force Comet has again preempted an ASG plan to bomb hapless civilians, both Christians and Moslems, in Jolo and other areas,” Bacarro said.
The ASG, in connivance allegeldy with the Jeemah Islamiyah, was blamed for the series of bombings recently in Mindanao, and in past major bomb attacks in the different parts of the country./DMS
January 16, 2007
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was killed, while two government soldiers were wounded in a heavy firefight Tuesday in Sulu following a discovery of a suspected ASG bomb-making facility.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said ASG leader Abu Solaiman (Jainal Antel Sali, Jr.), who headed the bandit group, was also believed to have been wounded in the clash, citing the duration of the gun battle.
Bacarro said the encounter started at 9:10 am when operatives of the Philippine Army’s 8th Special Forces Company under the Joint Task Force Comet raided a suspected ASG encampment at Mt. Dajo in Talipao town.
“The raid was the result of the information provided by the civilians in the area who are fed up with the extortion and other criminal activities perpetrated by the ASG,” Bacarro said.
He disclosed that when the government troops arrived at their target, around 60 ASG rebels, under Solaiman, were present, ensuing a one-hour firefight.
“The swiftness of the attack and the overwhelming fire power of the troops forced the ASG to withdraw. The troops gave chase, which resulted to another one-and-a-half hour of sporadic firefight,” Bacarro said.
The exchange of fires left a bandit dead, and two AFP enlisted personnel slightly wounded.
“In their haste to escape, the enemy left behind one killed and many more were believed to be wounded, among them probably Abu Solaiman, as evidenced by bloodstains along the enemy route of withdrawal,” Bacarro said.
Soliaman has a $5 million bounty on his head for his involvement in several terrorist activities of the ASG, among them the bombing in February 2004 of the Superferry 14 passenger vessel, which killed hundreds of civilians.
Bacarro said government troops recovered later during the clearing operations at the encounter site several improvised explosive devices, one Magellan GPS (Global Positioning System), six rounds of grenade launcher ammunition, 17 blasting caps, one tester, two soldering iron, assorted electronic materials used for bomb/explosives, assorted medical paraphernalia, two combat shoes, five lower BDA (Battle Dress Attire) uniforms, two upper BDA uniforms, one Poncho, seven combat packs with personal belongings, one M14 telescopic guide, and voluminous documents with high intelligence value.
“Joint Task Force Comet has again preempted an ASG plan to bomb hapless civilians, both Christians and Moslems, in Jolo and other areas,” Bacarro said.
The ASG, in connivance allegeldy with the Jeemah Islamiyah, was blamed for the series of bombings recently in Mindanao, and in past major bomb attacks in the different parts of the country./DMS
DILG serves suspension order to Batangas Governor; swears in Vice Governor as replacement
By Ronron
January 16, 2007
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served on Tuesday the preventive suspension order issued by Ombudsman against Batangas Governor Armando Sanchez after receiving the go-signal from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The order was delivered by Region IV officers and was received shortly after lunch time by Sanchez’ spokesman and the Batangas Provincial Administrator, Atty. Ronnie Geron.
A few minutes later, or at 2pm, Vice Governor Ricky Recto was sworn in as acting Governor by DILG Undersecretary for Local Governments Wencelito Andanar at the DILG head office in Quezon City.
“The DOJ said the preventive suspension order (against Sanchez) is not prohibited, that we can implement it,” Andanar said in a phone interview.
On Monday, the DILG held in abeyance the implementation of the preventive suspension order against Sanchez since it opted to get the DOJ opinion on whether or not they can serve the order at the start of the election period.
Sanchez was placed under preventive suspension by the Ombudsman as his case remains under investigation. Sanchez is being complained of alleged irregularities attending the procurement of contract of services with a private firm in relation to the Provincial Real Property Tax Computerization Project in the amount of P350 million.
In a radio interview, Geron said Sanchez will not leave the provincial capitol of Batangas until they get an action from the Court of Appeals where they plan to file a petition for certiorari to get a temporary restraining order against the Ombudsman order.
Andanar expressed confidence, however, that Sanchez will eventually vacate the capitol premises after his supporters’ emotion turns calm./DMS
January 16, 2007
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served on Tuesday the preventive suspension order issued by Ombudsman against Batangas Governor Armando Sanchez after receiving the go-signal from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The order was delivered by Region IV officers and was received shortly after lunch time by Sanchez’ spokesman and the Batangas Provincial Administrator, Atty. Ronnie Geron.
A few minutes later, or at 2pm, Vice Governor Ricky Recto was sworn in as acting Governor by DILG Undersecretary for Local Governments Wencelito Andanar at the DILG head office in Quezon City.
“The DOJ said the preventive suspension order (against Sanchez) is not prohibited, that we can implement it,” Andanar said in a phone interview.
On Monday, the DILG held in abeyance the implementation of the preventive suspension order against Sanchez since it opted to get the DOJ opinion on whether or not they can serve the order at the start of the election period.
Sanchez was placed under preventive suspension by the Ombudsman as his case remains under investigation. Sanchez is being complained of alleged irregularities attending the procurement of contract of services with a private firm in relation to the Provincial Real Property Tax Computerization Project in the amount of P350 million.
In a radio interview, Geron said Sanchez will not leave the provincial capitol of Batangas until they get an action from the Court of Appeals where they plan to file a petition for certiorari to get a temporary restraining order against the Ombudsman order.
Andanar expressed confidence, however, that Sanchez will eventually vacate the capitol premises after his supporters’ emotion turns calm./DMS
DILG serves suspension order to Batangas Governor; swears in Vice Governor as replacement
By Ronron
January 16, 2007
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served on Tuesday the preventive suspension order issued by Ombudsman against Batangas Governor Armando Sanchez after receiving the go-signal from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The order was delivered by Region IV officers and was received shortly after lunch time by Sanchez’ spokesman and the Batangas Provincial Administrator, Atty. Ronnie Geron.
A few minutes later, or at 2pm, Vice Governor Ricky Recto was sworn in as acting Governor by DILG Undersecretary for Local Governments Wencelito Andanar at the DILG head office in Quezon City.
“The DOJ said the preventive suspension order (against Sanchez) is not prohibited, that we can implement it,” Andanar said in a phone interview.
On Monday, the DILG held in abeyance the implementation of the preventive suspension order against Sanchez since it opted to get the DOJ opinion on whether or not they can serve the order at the start of the election period.
Sanchez was placed under preventive suspension by the Ombudsman as his case remains under investigation. Sanchez is being complained of alleged irregularities attending the procurement of contract of services with a private firm in relation to the Provincial Real Property Tax Computerization Project in the amount of P350 million.
In a radio interview, Geron said Sanchez will not leave the provincial capitol of Batangas until they get an action from the Court of Appeals where they plan to file a petition for certiorari to get a temporary restraining order against the Ombudsman order.
Andanar expressed confidence, however, that Sanchez will eventually vacate the capitol premises after his supporters’ emotion turns calm./DMS
January 16, 2007
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served on Tuesday the preventive suspension order issued by Ombudsman against Batangas Governor Armando Sanchez after receiving the go-signal from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The order was delivered by Region IV officers and was received shortly after lunch time by Sanchez’ spokesman and the Batangas Provincial Administrator, Atty. Ronnie Geron.
A few minutes later, or at 2pm, Vice Governor Ricky Recto was sworn in as acting Governor by DILG Undersecretary for Local Governments Wencelito Andanar at the DILG head office in Quezon City.
“The DOJ said the preventive suspension order (against Sanchez) is not prohibited, that we can implement it,” Andanar said in a phone interview.
On Monday, the DILG held in abeyance the implementation of the preventive suspension order against Sanchez since it opted to get the DOJ opinion on whether or not they can serve the order at the start of the election period.
Sanchez was placed under preventive suspension by the Ombudsman as his case remains under investigation. Sanchez is being complained of alleged irregularities attending the procurement of contract of services with a private firm in relation to the Provincial Real Property Tax Computerization Project in the amount of P350 million.
In a radio interview, Geron said Sanchez will not leave the provincial capitol of Batangas until they get an action from the Court of Appeals where they plan to file a petition for certiorari to get a temporary restraining order against the Ombudsman order.
Andanar expressed confidence, however, that Sanchez will eventually vacate the capitol premises after his supporters’ emotion turns calm./DMS
Cessna plane crashes in Subic waters, 2 passengers safe
By Ronron
January 16, 2007
A two-seater Cessna plane on training flight crashed on Tuesday afternoon in the waters of Subic Bay in Zambales allegedly due to engine problem.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza said in a radio interview that the incident happened past 2pm, although the two persons aboard it survived.
“We had a Cessna that crashed at sea, one kilometer away from the runway. But both passengers – the pilot and the instructor, are alive. They were immediately rescued,” Arreza said.
A statement issued later by the SBMA Public Relations Office disclosed that the Cessna A-150 plane, owned by the Subic-based Aeroflite Flying School, was on a routine flight run prior to the incident.
It was being piloted by flight instructor Emil Mananghaya, 27, while his passenger was identified as Malaysian national, Ng Soon Sen, 35.
“The plane supposedly suffered an engine trouble and was trying to glide back to the SBIA (Subic Bay International Airport). Apparently, they couldn’t glide the plane any further and was forced to ditch the plane off the coast of Chiquita Island,” SBIA General Manager Marcelo Santos said in the SBMA statement.
The ill-fated plane ditched one kilometer away from the approach end of Runway 07 of the SBIA.
Mananghaya and Sen were described as “a little shaken” when rescued by members of the SBMA Harbor Patrol, but were “unscathed” expect for minor injuries. They were brought to the James Gordon Hospital in Olongapo City, said Arreza.
The SBMA said the Cessna A-150 is a single-engine and single-propeller unit aircraft that are used for flying instructions.
The Air Transportation Office (ATO) Investigative Board was already summoned to be conduct post-accident investigation, said Santos./DMS
January 16, 2007
A two-seater Cessna plane on training flight crashed on Tuesday afternoon in the waters of Subic Bay in Zambales allegedly due to engine problem.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza said in a radio interview that the incident happened past 2pm, although the two persons aboard it survived.
“We had a Cessna that crashed at sea, one kilometer away from the runway. But both passengers – the pilot and the instructor, are alive. They were immediately rescued,” Arreza said.
A statement issued later by the SBMA Public Relations Office disclosed that the Cessna A-150 plane, owned by the Subic-based Aeroflite Flying School, was on a routine flight run prior to the incident.
It was being piloted by flight instructor Emil Mananghaya, 27, while his passenger was identified as Malaysian national, Ng Soon Sen, 35.
“The plane supposedly suffered an engine trouble and was trying to glide back to the SBIA (Subic Bay International Airport). Apparently, they couldn’t glide the plane any further and was forced to ditch the plane off the coast of Chiquita Island,” SBIA General Manager Marcelo Santos said in the SBMA statement.
The ill-fated plane ditched one kilometer away from the approach end of Runway 07 of the SBIA.
Mananghaya and Sen were described as “a little shaken” when rescued by members of the SBMA Harbor Patrol, but were “unscathed” expect for minor injuries. They were brought to the James Gordon Hospital in Olongapo City, said Arreza.
The SBMA said the Cessna A-150 is a single-engine and single-propeller unit aircraft that are used for flying instructions.
The Air Transportation Office (ATO) Investigative Board was already summoned to be conduct post-accident investigation, said Santos./DMS
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Police arrests four Moslems as possible suspects in Cotabato City blast
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Sultan Kudarat town mayor cheats death
By Ronron
January 15, 2007
A town mayor in Sultan Kudarat province escaped death on Monday after two armed men opened fire near his residence, police said.
Mayor Felipe Allaga of Bagumbayan municipality was aboard his pick-up with a bodyguard and was about to leave his residence in the town proper when the motorcycle-riding suspects opened fire at around 7:45 am yesterday.
Who was hit, however, was Allaga’s personal employee, identified only as Paterno, 57, who, at that time, was working on the mayor’s hollow block business just outside his residence.
Supt. Ping Tucao, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Director, said Paterno died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the crime scene after the suspects fled away were three empty shells of caliber 45 pistol.
Tucao said Allaga was not hurt, nor was his car hit.
Tucao said Allaga refused yet to give any statement about the incident as he was still in shock.
But he is confident that the mayor has no political enemies because “he is a good man.”
“I think he has no enemy because this is already his last term as mayor,” Tucao said of Allaga.
Tucao said one of the suspects was promptly arrested at around 12 noon at the next town of Isulan after police all over the province immediately conducted checkpoints.
Tucao said the suspect, Ramil Ulama, who is the alleged gunman, was aboard a motorcycle and had a caliber 45 pistol when intercepted.
“He was subsequently identified by witnesses as the gunman. But we will also subject him to examination, as well as the gun for confirmation,” Tucao said of Ulama.
Tucao said a charge of murder is already being prepared against Ulama./DMS
January 15, 2007
A town mayor in Sultan Kudarat province escaped death on Monday after two armed men opened fire near his residence, police said.
Mayor Felipe Allaga of Bagumbayan municipality was aboard his pick-up with a bodyguard and was about to leave his residence in the town proper when the motorcycle-riding suspects opened fire at around 7:45 am yesterday.
Who was hit, however, was Allaga’s personal employee, identified only as Paterno, 57, who, at that time, was working on the mayor’s hollow block business just outside his residence.
Supt. Ping Tucao, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Director, said Paterno died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the crime scene after the suspects fled away were three empty shells of caliber 45 pistol.
Tucao said Allaga was not hurt, nor was his car hit.
Tucao said Allaga refused yet to give any statement about the incident as he was still in shock.
But he is confident that the mayor has no political enemies because “he is a good man.”
“I think he has no enemy because this is already his last term as mayor,” Tucao said of Allaga.
Tucao said one of the suspects was promptly arrested at around 12 noon at the next town of Isulan after police all over the province immediately conducted checkpoints.
Tucao said the suspect, Ramil Ulama, who is the alleged gunman, was aboard a motorcycle and had a caliber 45 pistol when intercepted.
“He was subsequently identified by witnesses as the gunman. But we will also subject him to examination, as well as the gun for confirmation,” Tucao said of Ulama.
Tucao said a charge of murder is already being prepared against Ulama./DMS
Police files homicide case against Leviste
Police files homicide charge against Leviste
By Ronron
January 15, 2007
Manila - Police filed homicide charges on Monday against former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste for the death of his aide last Friday.
Sr. Insp. Marlon Almoguera, chief of the Makati City Police Homicide Section, said Leviste, the estranged husband of former Senator Loren Legarda, was charged before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office based on his admission that he shot dead Rafael delas Alas in self-defense.
Leviste made the initial confession before Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and Makati City Police chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz when he surrendered at the Makati Medical Center a few hours after the shooting incident last Friday.
Leviste was confined at said hospital after he complained of hypertension.
In a radio interview yesterday, Almoguera said a female employee of Leviste had testified that prior to the shooting, delas Alas, 68, was walking back and forth in front of Leviste’s office at the 9th floor of the LPL Towers in Salcedo Village, Makati City at around lunch time.
Delas Alas was also observed to have tucked a gun on his waist even when he was still outside Leviste’s office.
When delas Alas was called in by Leviste, the female employee heard the two shouting at each other, arguing over something. Minutes later, gun fires were heard from the inside.
“Before the incident, they (Leviste and delas Alas) argued over the payment of one million pesos being asked by Ka Paeng (delas Alas). He (delas Alas) wanted to be paid at once. But the governor (Leviste) said the payment will be by 50,000 pesos a month… We still don’t know what is that one million pesos for,” Almoguera said in Filipino.
Police said Leviste shot delas Alas using his caliber 38 pistol, which was recovered at the crime scene, as well as four empty shells of caliber 38 ammunition.
A 9mm gun was also found at delas Alas right hand when responding policemen arrived.
Almoguera said it is possible that the prosecutor’s office may alter the case against Leviste to murder, if they find evidence that the shooting was pre-meditated.
Leviste remains under hospital arrest at the Makati Medical Center./DMS
By Ronron
January 15, 2007
Manila - Police filed homicide charges on Monday against former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste for the death of his aide last Friday.
Sr. Insp. Marlon Almoguera, chief of the Makati City Police Homicide Section, said Leviste, the estranged husband of former Senator Loren Legarda, was charged before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office based on his admission that he shot dead Rafael delas Alas in self-defense.
Leviste made the initial confession before Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and Makati City Police chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz when he surrendered at the Makati Medical Center a few hours after the shooting incident last Friday.
Leviste was confined at said hospital after he complained of hypertension.
In a radio interview yesterday, Almoguera said a female employee of Leviste had testified that prior to the shooting, delas Alas, 68, was walking back and forth in front of Leviste’s office at the 9th floor of the LPL Towers in Salcedo Village, Makati City at around lunch time.
Delas Alas was also observed to have tucked a gun on his waist even when he was still outside Leviste’s office.
When delas Alas was called in by Leviste, the female employee heard the two shouting at each other, arguing over something. Minutes later, gun fires were heard from the inside.
“Before the incident, they (Leviste and delas Alas) argued over the payment of one million pesos being asked by Ka Paeng (delas Alas). He (delas Alas) wanted to be paid at once. But the governor (Leviste) said the payment will be by 50,000 pesos a month… We still don’t know what is that one million pesos for,” Almoguera said in Filipino.
Police said Leviste shot delas Alas using his caliber 38 pistol, which was recovered at the crime scene, as well as four empty shells of caliber 38 ammunition.
A 9mm gun was also found at delas Alas right hand when responding policemen arrived.
Almoguera said it is possible that the prosecutor’s office may alter the case against Leviste to murder, if they find evidence that the shooting was pre-meditated.
Leviste remains under hospital arrest at the Makati Medical Center./DMS
DILG suspends, dismisses 20 local officials
Twenty local officials suspended, dismissed for various charges as election season begins
By Ronron
January 15, 2007
Manila - As the election season officially began on Monday, 20 officials from different local government units in various parts of the country were either suspended or dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for different charges.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno told a news conference yesterday at the DILG office in Quezon City that ordered dismissed were the following: 1) Jaen, Nueva Ecija Mayor Prospero Esquivel; 2) Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas, Sr., and, 3) Provincial Board Members Cecilia Capadosa and 4) Domingo Oso, Jr.; and, 5) Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad, 6) Vice Mayor Antonio Calixto, 7) City Councilors Richard Advincula, 8) Lexter Ibay, 9) Jose Antonio Roxas, 10) Noel Bayona, 11) Ernel Regino Arceo, 12) Editha Vergel de Dios, 13) Marie Irish Pineda, and 14) Greg Paolo Alcera.
Those suspended, on the other hand, were the following: 1) Panglao, Bohol Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan, for six months, and 2) her municipal accountant, Elvira Clenuar, for one month; 3) Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Joel Panaligan, for six months; 4) Aguilar, Pangasinan Mayor Ricardo Evangelista, during the pendency of the case, but not more than four months; 5) Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental Mayor Joniper Villegas, for six months and one day; and, 6) Batangas Governor Armando Sanchez, during the pendency of the case but not more than six months.
Puno said the suspension orders against Panaligan, Evangelista, and Villegas were already served over the weekend, while those of the rest, except for Sanchez, and those for dismissal were set to be implemented yesterday.
Puno disclosed that an opinion from the Department of Justice on the case of Sanchez is still being awaited by the DILG since a preventive suspension is supposed to be covered by the election ban.
“We are requesting opinion from the Department of Justice, because the orders were received and the implementation orders were signed prior to the election ban, whether (or not) it can be implemented during the period of the election ban,” Puno explained.
“There is still a legal question as to whether or not the preventive suspension by the Ombudsman is covered by the election ban,” he added.
Puno said Undersecretary Wencelito Andanar was to fly in yesterday to Iloilo to serve the suspension order against Tupas, Capadosa, and Oso, while the rest will be served of either their suspension or dismissal orders by the respective DILG Regional Directors.
Puno particularly noted that since Trinidad and his fellow Pasay City officials were already suspended earlier, then the incumbent officials, particularly acting Mayor Allan Panaligan and his vice mayor, “will be sworn in as permanent city officials.”
The DILG Secretary appealed to the suspended and dismissed officials not to resort to taking the law into their own hands by inviting their supporters to camp out at the city, municipal or provincial halls to protest the Ombudsman decision.
“To the officials involved here, I’m asking them to stay within the judicial process. These decisions are appealable to higher courts. And I would say that that is probably the best thing to do,” Puno said, citing for example the case of Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay late last year.
Puno also warned supporters not to block the entrances at the city, municipal or provincial halls and “impede public service” as this constitutes an act of “sedition.”
He downplayed though the possibility of violent confrontations since police were strongly advised to observe “maximum tolerance.”
Puno reminded the suspended and dismissed officials that their offices are not their private properties, so they have no right to encamp there.
“If the Governor (for example) is the one that precipitates this - he initiates the blocking of people from entering the capitol, that is another offense,” he said.
Puno dismissed speculations that the actions against the involved officials are politically motivated, saying only Tupas and Trinidad are actually allied with the political opposition.
Based on a DILG briefer, Esquivel was found guilty of grave misconduct and meted the penalty of dismissal from the service and shall carry with it the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and the perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service. It stemmed from a complaint for illegal recall of appointments of three Board of Directors of the Jaen Water District.
Tupas, Capadosa and Oso were also found guilty for grave misconduct for malversation of public funds thru falsification of public documents, for allowing and approving the grant of financial assistance in the amount of P65,000 for trainings and seminars to the two provincial board members. Aside from dismissal from the service, they were also meted with the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and the perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service and to pay of a fine of P65,000.00.
The Pasay City officials, led by Trinidad, meanwhile, were found guilty for grave misconduct for entering into a garbage collection contracts attended by several irregularities, such as overpricing and renewal of said contract for P232 million without the benefit of a public bidding. Along with dismissal from the service, their penalties include cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and the perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service.
For her part, Dumaluan was ordered suspended for six months after she was found guilty of simple misconduct for the illegal purchase of gasoline for her personal vehicle. Her accountant, Clenuar, was found guilty of the same for conniving, and was meted the penalty of one-month suspension from office without pay.
Panaligan of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro was also ordered to be suspended for six months without pay after he was found guilty of simple misconduct for falsification of payroll for the casual employees of the Sangguniang Bayan.
For the unauthorized use of the Special Education Fund, Evangelista of Aguilar, Pangasinan was placed under preventive suspension while the case remains under investigation until its termination, but not to exceed the total period of four months.
The Ombudsman also ordered the suspension from office for a period of six months and one day against Villegas of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental after he was found guilty for illegal dismissal of a municipal employee.
Finally, Sanchez was placed under preventive suspension while the case against him remains under investigation at the Ombudsman until its termination, but not to exceed six months, without pay. The case stemmed from a complaint of irregularities attending the procurement of contract of services with a private firm in relation to the Provincial Realty Property Tax Computerization Project in the amount of P350 million./DMS
Monday, January 15, 2007
Three Japs, Filipino pilot survive chopper crash in Palawan
Chopper with 3 Jap crashes off Palawan, all safe
By Ronron
January 14, 2007
Manila - A chopper with three Japanese passengers and piloted by a Filipino crashed in the waters of Palawan on Sunday afternoon allegedly due to “mechanical failure,” Navy officials said.
Navy Capt. Alberto Araojo, commander of the Joint Task Force Malampaya, (09178660703) said in a phone interview yesterday that the foreigners and the pilot were all safe and were not even hurt.
“Its descent must not have been abrupt… There was no explosion,” Araojo said of the ill-fated helicopter in a phone interview.
“They jumped out upon touching the water except the pilot who tried very hard to control the aircraft. He got out of the aircraft a few meters below the surface,” he added.
Araojo said the Eurocopter Company chopper crashed at 12:53 pm yesterday near Cauayan Island, located north of El Nido town or 15 nautical miles from the mainland of Palawan.
He said it plunged 30 meters deep into the sea, fronting the Lamuro Hotel in Barangay Villa Libertad, El Nido.
Araojo identified the pilot as a certain Butch Soriano, whom Lt. James Ramon, Jr., spokesman of the Naval Forces West, said is a police Inspector with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Araojo said the chopper came from Manila, and picked up the Japanese nationals from the headquarters of TF Malampaya in Barangay Villa Libertad for yesterday’s aerial survey and video taking of the nearby islands for future business projects and local tourism promotion.
Araojo said one of the three Japanese was reportedly a cameraman from a Japan-based media outlet, while the two others are businessmen.
All three refused to be identified for the media.
Araojo said they were first rescued by a yacht allegedly owned by a Japanese from the island, followed by elements of the Navy SWAG (Special Warfare Group). They were then brought to Lamuro Resort.
The rescue operations did not take more than 30 minutes.
Araojo described yesterday’s weather condition in Palawan to be “very fair,” although the place of the accident occasionally experiences turbulent winds in the air in the afternoon because of the mountains near the island./DMS
By Ronron
January 14, 2007
Manila - A chopper with three Japanese passengers and piloted by a Filipino crashed in the waters of Palawan on Sunday afternoon allegedly due to “mechanical failure,” Navy officials said.
Navy Capt. Alberto Araojo, commander of the Joint Task Force Malampaya, (09178660703) said in a phone interview yesterday that the foreigners and the pilot were all safe and were not even hurt.
“Its descent must not have been abrupt… There was no explosion,” Araojo said of the ill-fated helicopter in a phone interview.
“They jumped out upon touching the water except the pilot who tried very hard to control the aircraft. He got out of the aircraft a few meters below the surface,” he added.
Araojo said the Eurocopter Company chopper crashed at 12:53 pm yesterday near Cauayan Island, located north of El Nido town or 15 nautical miles from the mainland of Palawan.
He said it plunged 30 meters deep into the sea, fronting the Lamuro Hotel in Barangay Villa Libertad, El Nido.
Araojo identified the pilot as a certain Butch Soriano, whom Lt. James Ramon, Jr., spokesman of the Naval Forces West, said is a police Inspector with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Araojo said the chopper came from Manila, and picked up the Japanese nationals from the headquarters of TF Malampaya in Barangay Villa Libertad for yesterday’s aerial survey and video taking of the nearby islands for future business projects and local tourism promotion.
Araojo said one of the three Japanese was reportedly a cameraman from a Japan-based media outlet, while the two others are businessmen.
All three refused to be identified for the media.
Araojo said they were first rescued by a yacht allegedly owned by a Japanese from the island, followed by elements of the Navy SWAG (Special Warfare Group). They were then brought to Lamuro Resort.
The rescue operations did not take more than 30 minutes.
Araojo described yesterday’s weather condition in Palawan to be “very fair,” although the place of the accident occasionally experiences turbulent winds in the air in the afternoon because of the mountains near the island./DMS
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