By Ronron
February 16, 2007
Thirty-four people, mostly female high school students, were hurt after the hanging bridge they were passing through in Batangas province gave way on Friday morning.
Chief Insp. Jonathan Tangongan, chief of San Juan Municipal Police Station, said the incident happened at around 8:20 am as some 167 first year female high school students were on their way to a hiking activity in Barangay Mabalanoy.
The activity was part of their being members of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP).
Tangongan said the victims, composed of 32 students of Batangas Eastern Academy (aged 12 and 13 years old), a 62-year-old female vendor, and a 10-year-old boy, were walking through the 50-meter long, one-meter wide, and 30-meter high hanging bridge when it suddenly snapped from one end.
The bridge is located at the back of the public market of San Juan.
“We found out that the cable was already very old. But I am not sure if that is the source of the collapse. But at that time, many people were passing along. There was also no notice about the weight capacity of that bridge,” Tangongan said in Filipino.
The victims landed on the muddy creek below the bridge, leaving them with gashed wounds, lacerations, fractures, and broken bones, although none so far have been reported to be in serious condition.
Tangongan said the victims were brought to the San Juan District Hospital and Duque General Hospital in San Juan, and to other hospitals in Lipa City.
Because of the accident, the hiking activity of the students was cancelled./DMS
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Two policemen killed, two others wounded in NPA ambush in Mindoro Oriental
By Ronron
February 16, 2007
Two police officers were killed while two others were wounded after they were ambushed by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Friday morning while on their way to the site where the communist group earlier burned two heavy equipment in Bulalacao town, Mindoro Oriental.
The slain cops were identified as PO2 Rosauro Pandiño and PO3 Rommel Petate, while the two wounded officers were PO2s Dennis Gagan and Rico Balacaña.
The four were part of a five-man team from the Bulalacao Municipal Police Station that was sent to Sitio Tambangan, Barangay San Juan to investigate the burning by communist rebels of a pay loader and cement mixer before midnight of Thursday.
But while traversing the vicinity of Barangay Cabillan at around 9am yesterday (Friday), the responding team was fired upon by undetermined number of suspected NPA members.
Mindoro Oriental Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr. said the ambush perpetrators were the same group of NPA rebels that torched the construction equipment in Barangay San Juan at 11:45 pm Thursday.
Joint operatives of the Bulalacao MPS and the Philippine Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion are now conducting pursuit operations in the area./DMS
February 16, 2007
Two police officers were killed while two others were wounded after they were ambushed by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Friday morning while on their way to the site where the communist group earlier burned two heavy equipment in Bulalacao town, Mindoro Oriental.
The slain cops were identified as PO2 Rosauro Pandiño and PO3 Rommel Petate, while the two wounded officers were PO2s Dennis Gagan and Rico Balacaña.
The four were part of a five-man team from the Bulalacao Municipal Police Station that was sent to Sitio Tambangan, Barangay San Juan to investigate the burning by communist rebels of a pay loader and cement mixer before midnight of Thursday.
But while traversing the vicinity of Barangay Cabillan at around 9am yesterday (Friday), the responding team was fired upon by undetermined number of suspected NPA members.
Mindoro Oriental Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr. said the ambush perpetrators were the same group of NPA rebels that torched the construction equipment in Barangay San Juan at 11:45 pm Thursday.
Joint operatives of the Bulalacao MPS and the Philippine Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion are now conducting pursuit operations in the area./DMS
Suspected Reds burn construction equipment in Mindoro Oriental
By Ronron
February 16, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned before midnight of Thursday two privately-owned construction equipment in Mindoro Oriental province.
Col. Mario Chan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 204th Infantry Brigade based in said province, said some 10 communist rebels used gasoline in torching the pay loader and cement mixer of a private construction company owned by a certain Dr. Malaluan at around 11:45 pm Thursday.
The incident happened at Sitio Tambangan, Barangay San Juan, Bulalacao town.
“The arson is a desperate move of the communist terrorists in Mindoro Island due to the AFP successes in the island province,” Chan said in a text message.
“It is also a diversionary tactic to ease pressure from our intense operations,” he added.
Chan said the suspects were immediately pursued by elements of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Antonio Sugarol.
He lamented that the latest harassment could further derail the development projects in the said locality and deny employment opportunities for the local residents.
“These equipments are used in concreting the national highway in that place,” Chan said.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a suspected member of the NPA’s faction RPA/ABB (Revolutionary Proletariat Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade) was gunned down in Iloilo province.
A police report identified the victim as Jose Cabunagan, a native of Leon town.
Cabunagan was shot dead at around 9:15 am at Barangay Bagacay, Tigbanan town by more or less nine unidentified persons believed to be members of the NPA sparrow unit, the report said.
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the head and different parts of his body, causing his instantaneous death.
Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene 13 fired cartridge cases of 5.56 mm, three live ammunition of 5.56, and one live ammunition of 7.62mm.
Police is still investigating the motive of the incident./DMS
February 16, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned before midnight of Thursday two privately-owned construction equipment in Mindoro Oriental province.
Col. Mario Chan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 204th Infantry Brigade based in said province, said some 10 communist rebels used gasoline in torching the pay loader and cement mixer of a private construction company owned by a certain Dr. Malaluan at around 11:45 pm Thursday.
The incident happened at Sitio Tambangan, Barangay San Juan, Bulalacao town.
“The arson is a desperate move of the communist terrorists in Mindoro Island due to the AFP successes in the island province,” Chan said in a text message.
“It is also a diversionary tactic to ease pressure from our intense operations,” he added.
Chan said the suspects were immediately pursued by elements of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Antonio Sugarol.
He lamented that the latest harassment could further derail the development projects in the said locality and deny employment opportunities for the local residents.
“These equipments are used in concreting the national highway in that place,” Chan said.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a suspected member of the NPA’s faction RPA/ABB (Revolutionary Proletariat Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade) was gunned down in Iloilo province.
A police report identified the victim as Jose Cabunagan, a native of Leon town.
Cabunagan was shot dead at around 9:15 am at Barangay Bagacay, Tigbanan town by more or less nine unidentified persons believed to be members of the NPA sparrow unit, the report said.
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the head and different parts of his body, causing his instantaneous death.
Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene 13 fired cartridge cases of 5.56 mm, three live ammunition of 5.56, and one live ammunition of 7.62mm.
Police is still investigating the motive of the incident./DMS
Friday, February 16, 2007
AFP leadership not aware yet of any active members campaigning for Trillanes
By Ronron
February 15, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still not aware of any active officers and soldiers in the service who are campaigning for resigned Navy Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, who is running for Senator in the May 14 polls.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told reporters Thursday that in fact, he has yet to check on the blog site of Trillanes’ supporters, http://magdaloparasapagbabago.blogspot.com, which was designed to campaign for the alleged mutineer.
“We have not started any investigation on that. If, as I said, it is maintained by any personnel that is in the active service or a civilian employee, then that will call for an investigation,” Esperon said.
Asked if soldiers are running the blog, the military chief replied: “We cannot give anything definite on that yet.”
Esperon, on the same day, has ordered all AFP personnel and civilian employees not to campaign publicly for any candidate as this goes against the policy that is intended to insulate the military from partisan politics.
But he admitted that the military will have difficulty monitoring the internet, which may be used as medium for the campaign, unless it is found out that the office computers of the AFP are the ones being used for these campaign blogs.
“As to the control of blogs, we will leave that to the proper authorities… We are not the agency that has any regulatory powers over that,” Esperon said.
Trillanes has earlier admitted that he will use other media to campaign for his senatorial bid since he could not leave detention to personally meet the public.
The 35-year-old former officer is currently jailed at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as he stands on trial at a military tribunal for alleged violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman), and before the Makati City Regional Trial Court for his coup d’ etat case, both in relation to the 2003 Oakwood mutiny.
Trillanes is running under the opposition’s Grand and Broad Coalition ticket./DMS
February 15, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still not aware of any active officers and soldiers in the service who are campaigning for resigned Navy Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, who is running for Senator in the May 14 polls.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told reporters Thursday that in fact, he has yet to check on the blog site of Trillanes’ supporters, http://magdaloparasapagbabago.blogspot.com, which was designed to campaign for the alleged mutineer.
“We have not started any investigation on that. If, as I said, it is maintained by any personnel that is in the active service or a civilian employee, then that will call for an investigation,” Esperon said.
Asked if soldiers are running the blog, the military chief replied: “We cannot give anything definite on that yet.”
Esperon, on the same day, has ordered all AFP personnel and civilian employees not to campaign publicly for any candidate as this goes against the policy that is intended to insulate the military from partisan politics.
But he admitted that the military will have difficulty monitoring the internet, which may be used as medium for the campaign, unless it is found out that the office computers of the AFP are the ones being used for these campaign blogs.
“As to the control of blogs, we will leave that to the proper authorities… We are not the agency that has any regulatory powers over that,” Esperon said.
Trillanes has earlier admitted that he will use other media to campaign for his senatorial bid since he could not leave detention to personally meet the public.
The 35-year-old former officer is currently jailed at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as he stands on trial at a military tribunal for alleged violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman), and before the Makati City Regional Trial Court for his coup d’ etat case, both in relation to the 2003 Oakwood mutiny.
Trillanes is running under the opposition’s Grand and Broad Coalition ticket./DMS
AFP working on target to neutralize ASG within the year
By Ronron
February 15, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is working on a target to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) within this year under the Operation Plan (OPLAN) Ultimatum.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., however, refused to disclose in yesterday’s news briefing at Camp Aguinaldo the specific target date so the military will not be pressured by it.
Oplan Ultimatum was launched on August 1, 2006 with an objective of annihilating the less than 500-strong ASG, which is believed to have links with Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network.
It has so far led to the neutralization of ASG nominal leader Khadaffy Janjalani and second-ranking leader Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., as well as other sub-leaders, members, and even an operative of the Jeemah Islamiyah, its regional ally in Southeast Asia.
“We are studying the setting of a deadline for our Oplan Ultimatum in Sulu… We have some dates in mind but we are studying very carefully so that our actions will not be unnecessarily bound to some dates,” Esperon said.
Asked if it will be within the year, Esperon replied in the affirmative.
But when asked if it means military operations in Sulu will end this year, he said: “Not really. Ultimatum called for the deployment of more troops. We can reduce the presence of troops there if we so determine that the threat has subsided or has been satisfactorily addressed.”
“Indeed, we want to finish the operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu as soon as possible,” he added.
In a separate interview also at Camp Aguinaldo, US Ambassador in Manila Kristie Kenney said she hopes the AFP will indeed meet its target of finishing the ASG within the year following the “very serious blows” it left “against the internationally-wanted terrorists.”
Kenney noted that Janjalani and Sali each has a $5 million bounty on their heads for their arrest or neutralization.
She disclosed that the release of the reward money are already being worked on, in fact, “some people may already have money.”
“We’ve identified some of the people who’ll received funds and we’re still tracking down a few more. The hard part is to determine exactly who gets that money, and make sure they do,” Kenney said.
“Some of them you won’t know about when it’s disbursed because people’s privacy I at stake and some people, for security, have asked that we not let anyone know,” she added.
Kenney reiterated her government’s praise for the AFP for its recent successes against the terrorist group in Sulu./DMS
February 15, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is working on a target to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) within this year under the Operation Plan (OPLAN) Ultimatum.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., however, refused to disclose in yesterday’s news briefing at Camp Aguinaldo the specific target date so the military will not be pressured by it.
Oplan Ultimatum was launched on August 1, 2006 with an objective of annihilating the less than 500-strong ASG, which is believed to have links with Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network.
It has so far led to the neutralization of ASG nominal leader Khadaffy Janjalani and second-ranking leader Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., as well as other sub-leaders, members, and even an operative of the Jeemah Islamiyah, its regional ally in Southeast Asia.
“We are studying the setting of a deadline for our Oplan Ultimatum in Sulu… We have some dates in mind but we are studying very carefully so that our actions will not be unnecessarily bound to some dates,” Esperon said.
Asked if it will be within the year, Esperon replied in the affirmative.
But when asked if it means military operations in Sulu will end this year, he said: “Not really. Ultimatum called for the deployment of more troops. We can reduce the presence of troops there if we so determine that the threat has subsided or has been satisfactorily addressed.”
“Indeed, we want to finish the operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu as soon as possible,” he added.
In a separate interview also at Camp Aguinaldo, US Ambassador in Manila Kristie Kenney said she hopes the AFP will indeed meet its target of finishing the ASG within the year following the “very serious blows” it left “against the internationally-wanted terrorists.”
Kenney noted that Janjalani and Sali each has a $5 million bounty on their heads for their arrest or neutralization.
She disclosed that the release of the reward money are already being worked on, in fact, “some people may already have money.”
“We’ve identified some of the people who’ll received funds and we’re still tracking down a few more. The hard part is to determine exactly who gets that money, and make sure they do,” Kenney said.
“Some of them you won’t know about when it’s disbursed because people’s privacy I at stake and some people, for security, have asked that we not let anyone know,” she added.
Kenney reiterated her government’s praise for the AFP for its recent successes against the terrorist group in Sulu./DMS
AFP bans political campaigns within camps
By Ronron
February 15, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. has banned political campaigns inside military camps as the campaign season begins for the May 14 national elections.
In a news conference Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo, Esperon also reminded all officers, soldiers and civilian employees of the AFP not to publicly campaign for the candidates they support or want to vote, as this is not allowed by law.
According to him, the election campaign guidelines, which he gave out to military commanders in the field all over the country, are in accordance with Article XVI, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution, Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of National Defense and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“These guidelines were set not to infringe on the individual rights of our soldiers and civilian employees but rather, to ensure that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as an organization, remains to be nonpartisan,” Esperon said.
In particular, Esperon’s guidelines read: 1) prohibit the entry inside camps of any political candidate, without distinction, except for official business; 2) prohibit the display of posters, leaflets, stickers/banners of any political candidate inside military camps; and, 3) prohibit any member of the AFP, to include civilian employees, from either endorsing or campaigning publicly in any form for a particular candidate to any elective position.
Asked if they will enforce the same policy with the administration’s senatorial ticket, Esperon said: “There is no distinction. They cannot campaign inside camps… I’m sure the President will not tell us to campaign for anybody or vote for anybody.”
He said even campaign materials posted on fences of military camps will be removed in compliance with his directive.
On Saturday, the policy will be put to a test when the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) holds its annual alumni homecoming in Baguio City, where some of its graduates who are seeking elective posts this coming elections are expected to arrive, as well as Senate President Manuel Villar, who is their invited guest speaker.
“I would like to join the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. in their appeal to all alumni who are attending the homecoming activities this weekend to go there with only one purpose – for homecoming activities. We would like to appeal to candidates not to do any campaigning while inside the grounds of Fort Del Pilar,” Esperon said.
Among the PMA alumni who are joining this electoral race are Senator Panfilo Lacson, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief retired general Arturo Lomibao (who is reportedly running for Governor of Pangasinan), former Senator Gregorio Honasan, and resigned Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV.
Asked what if these candidates, including Villar, defy his order, Esperon said: “If they do, then I understand the Philippine Military Academy superintendent Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig has given instructions to the camp commander and to the military police to confiscate such campaign materials.”
Active members of the AFP who engage in active campaigning may also face legal actions, Esperon warned.
The AFP has been dragged into the alleged electoral fraud in the May 2004 polls after Esperon and other names of officers were mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” conversations./DMS
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Explosives recovered near Army headquarters
By Ronron
February 14, 2007
Bomb experts of the Philippine Army recovered on Wednesday morning some explosive materials near its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as the country marks the second anniversary of the Valentine’s Day bombings in the cities of Makati, Davao and General Santos.
Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said a civilian passerby, identified as Joel Reyes, 21, of Barangay Palar, found the two high explosive hand fragmentation grenades, one hand offensive grenade, and a percussion cap along Bayani Road some 150 meters away from the Gate 1 of Libingan ng mga Bayani at around 11:05 am.
Torres said the explosive materials were placed inside a plastic bag and sealed with a masking tape. No one saw who left the items.
“We can’t say for now (the motive). We are still investigating who is behind this,” Torres told Camp Aguinaldo reporters in a phone interview.
He said a team of the Philippine Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion (EODBn), led by 1Lt. Francis Señoron, responded to the site after Reyes reported what he found.
The troops immediately brought the items to their headquarters for safekeeping after conducting an intensive search at the vicinity for other “sabotage materials,” said Torres.
On Tuesday morning, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) placed its forces on heightened alert in preparation for possible attacks similar to the 2005 Valentine’s Day bombings that claimed at least eight lives and injured scores others.
The deadly, almost-simultaneous blasts were attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group, Rajah Solaiman Movement, and Jeemah Islamiyah, all believed to have links with Osama Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network./DMS
February 14, 2007
Bomb experts of the Philippine Army recovered on Wednesday morning some explosive materials near its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as the country marks the second anniversary of the Valentine’s Day bombings in the cities of Makati, Davao and General Santos.
Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said a civilian passerby, identified as Joel Reyes, 21, of Barangay Palar, found the two high explosive hand fragmentation grenades, one hand offensive grenade, and a percussion cap along Bayani Road some 150 meters away from the Gate 1 of Libingan ng mga Bayani at around 11:05 am.
Torres said the explosive materials were placed inside a plastic bag and sealed with a masking tape. No one saw who left the items.
“We can’t say for now (the motive). We are still investigating who is behind this,” Torres told Camp Aguinaldo reporters in a phone interview.
He said a team of the Philippine Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion (EODBn), led by 1Lt. Francis Señoron, responded to the site after Reyes reported what he found.
The troops immediately brought the items to their headquarters for safekeeping after conducting an intensive search at the vicinity for other “sabotage materials,” said Torres.
On Tuesday morning, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) placed its forces on heightened alert in preparation for possible attacks similar to the 2005 Valentine’s Day bombings that claimed at least eight lives and injured scores others.
The deadly, almost-simultaneous blasts were attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group, Rajah Solaiman Movement, and Jeemah Islamiyah, all believed to have links with Osama Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network./DMS
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Opposition “Senatoriables” kick off campaign in Manila
By Ronron
February 13, 2007
The Senatorial ticket of the “Grand and Broad Coalition” of the opposition kicked off its campaign for the upcoming May 14 polls on Tuesday, holding it in the poor district of Tondo in Manila City.
Although supporters and staff of the candidates began gathering at around 12:45 pm at the corner of North Bay and Honorio Lopez Boulevards, the caravan only started to roll at 2:40 pm, heading towards Divisoria.
“We chose to do (it first in the poor areas in Manila City) to emphasize the opposition’s deep concern for the poor and marginalized,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, spokesman of the ticket.
Present among the members of the ticket are Atty. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Congressman Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, former Senator Loren Legarda, Sonia Roco, and former Senator John Osmeña. Their campaign manager, San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, was also in attendance.
Resigned Navy Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, who could not leave his detention at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City, sent his campaign staff aboard two vehicles.
The other candidates – former Senator Anna Dominic Coseteng, Senators Manuel Villar and Francis Pangilinan, and Congressmen Allan Peter Cayetano and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III – did not make either because they were unprepared for the sudden campaign schedule yesterday or are in the province.
In an interview, Pimentel described their first campaign day as “well-organized,” and credited it to the efforts of Ejercito, who, upon the order of his father, former President Joseph Estrada, gave up his desire to join the Senatorial race in favor of Roco.
He said their ticket has to take advantage of the 90-day campaign opportunity since, unlike the administration, they do not have the resources to make their selves known to the voting public.
“This (election) is not about Erap (Estrada) against (President) Gloria (Macapagal-Arroyo). It’s all about the Filipino people against the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The administration should see this campaign as an opportunity for them to explain the issues that were brought up against her in the impeachment complaint filed at the House of Representatives (but was shot dead by her allies),” Lacson, for his part, said in a separate interview.
Both Pimentel and Lacson assured that their slate will just challenge the administration’s ticket on certain issues and not on personal matters, so they hope their opponents will also do the same.
Among the issues Lacson wants the administration to explain to the public in this campaign season is the government’s hand on the PIATCO deal for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport III project.
Pimentel, for his part, raised the issues on attacks to civil liberties of ordinary Filipinos and on cheating and corruption in government.
He said he will also tackle “science and education because we need to increase productivity for the future of our country.”
During the tour at Divisoria, Lacson and Legarda were obvious crowd favorites, as against Roco, who has to be introduced by her campaign staff as “the wife of Roco,” referring to the late Senator Raul Roco.
From Divisoria, the convoy proceeded to Recto Avenue, to Espana Boulevard, to Welcome Rotonda, to Quiapo Church, and then to Pasay Rotonda.
Some of the spectators said that while they are biased for the opposition because of the “Hello Garci” issue that Arroyo failed to explain properly, they do not promise of a 12-vote straight for the opposition slate.
“Of course, we have to choose who is more qualified… the real patriots, pro-justice, and who knows a lot on governance,” Imelda Cruz of Gagalangin, Tondo, told Manila Shimbun in Filipino as she looks at the opposition sortie before the campaign kick-off.
While she vowed to vote for Legarda when asked immediately after seeing the latter pass by her clothes-for-sale on-display at the sidewalk of Divisoria, Gregoria Gani said she has to weigh the other opposition candidates as well those from the administration ticket. She said her most important consideration would be the willingness and sincerity of the candidate to help the poor like her.
Aside from calendars that fit the walls or the pockets, the candidates also gave out stickers to spectators.
Today (Wednesday), the slate will campaign from Monumento in Caloocan City up to Malolos, Bulacan. On Wednesday, their car parade will move from the Coastal Road in Paranaque City up to Alabang-Zapote.
Their first provincial sortie will be next week in Iloilo.
The group will be formally proclaimed this Friday./DMS
Cotabato City policemen attacked by armed men
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Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Metro Manila police goes on heightened alert ahead of Valentine’s Day bombing anniversary
By Ronron
February 12, 2007
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on heightened alert effective Tuesday morning to thwart possible attacks by terrorists similar to the so-called Valentine’s Day bombing two years ago that claimed eight lives in Makati, General Santos and Davao Cities.
NCRPO chief Director Reynaldo Varilla was quick, however, to clarify that there is no direct threat of terrorists in the capital and that everything is just being done as preventive measures.
Varilla said the heightened alert, the second of three levels which require 50 percent of police forces to be physically present, takes effect at 6am today.
He said policemen and canines will be deployed starting today to the Commission on Elections building in Intramuros, oil depots, MRT, LRT, malls, bus terminals, seaports and other crowded areas “to check on illegal drugs and explosives.”
Varilla did not say until when the alert status will stay.
The ASG, with their Jeemah Islamiyah cohorts, carried out the so-called “Valentine’s Day bombings” that also left scores of people injured./DMS
February 12, 2007
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on heightened alert effective Tuesday morning to thwart possible attacks by terrorists similar to the so-called Valentine’s Day bombing two years ago that claimed eight lives in Makati, General Santos and Davao Cities.
NCRPO chief Director Reynaldo Varilla was quick, however, to clarify that there is no direct threat of terrorists in the capital and that everything is just being done as preventive measures.
Varilla said the heightened alert, the second of three levels which require 50 percent of police forces to be physically present, takes effect at 6am today.
He said policemen and canines will be deployed starting today to the Commission on Elections building in Intramuros, oil depots, MRT, LRT, malls, bus terminals, seaports and other crowded areas “to check on illegal drugs and explosives.”
Varilla did not say until when the alert status will stay.
The ASG, with their Jeemah Islamiyah cohorts, carried out the so-called “Valentine’s Day bombings” that also left scores of people injured./DMS
Four bandits killed, two others wounded in separate clashes in Sulu
By Ronron
February 12, 2007
Four bandits were killed while two others were captured in separate clashes against the military on Monday as pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) continues in Sulu.
The first incident happened at around 5:30 am in Barangay Andanan, Luuk town when elements of the Special Operations Platoon of the Marines Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) III and 52nd Marines Force Reconnaissance Company were conducting scouring operations.
“This is part of our pursuit operations against our high-value targets… They (government troops) were fired upon by unidentified armed men while proceeding to their target,” said Marines spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan.
Caculitan could not immediately say if the suspects were members of the ASG since the military also received reports that there was an ongoing clan war or “redo” in said area at that time.
The 30-minute firefight resulted in the death of two bandits and the capture of two others, one of whom was wounded. An M14 rifle was also recovered from them.
No one was hurt on the government side.
At 11:40 am, another encounter ensued in Bud Dajo in Talipao town, involving some 40 suspected ASG members and Scout Ranger elements.
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the First Scout Rangers Regiment (FSRR), said the ASG group was believed to be led by sub-commander Albader Parad.
Mapagu said the exchange of fires lasted for one hour and a half, resulting in the death of two suspected rebels whose bodies were recovered by the military.
No one was hurt among the Army rangers.
The AFP has stepped further its operations against the Al Qaeda-linked ASG after it has scored against the group with the deaths of their top two leaders, Khadaffy Janjalani and Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., alias Abu Solaiman.
The AFP’s Oplan Ultimatum against the ASG was launched in August 2006./DMS
February 12, 2007
Four bandits were killed while two others were captured in separate clashes against the military on Monday as pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) continues in Sulu.
The first incident happened at around 5:30 am in Barangay Andanan, Luuk town when elements of the Special Operations Platoon of the Marines Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) III and 52nd Marines Force Reconnaissance Company were conducting scouring operations.
“This is part of our pursuit operations against our high-value targets… They (government troops) were fired upon by unidentified armed men while proceeding to their target,” said Marines spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan.
Caculitan could not immediately say if the suspects were members of the ASG since the military also received reports that there was an ongoing clan war or “redo” in said area at that time.
The 30-minute firefight resulted in the death of two bandits and the capture of two others, one of whom was wounded. An M14 rifle was also recovered from them.
No one was hurt on the government side.
At 11:40 am, another encounter ensued in Bud Dajo in Talipao town, involving some 40 suspected ASG members and Scout Ranger elements.
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the First Scout Rangers Regiment (FSRR), said the ASG group was believed to be led by sub-commander Albader Parad.
Mapagu said the exchange of fires lasted for one hour and a half, resulting in the death of two suspected rebels whose bodies were recovered by the military.
No one was hurt among the Army rangers.
The AFP has stepped further its operations against the Al Qaeda-linked ASG after it has scored against the group with the deaths of their top two leaders, Khadaffy Janjalani and Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., alias Abu Solaiman.
The AFP’s Oplan Ultimatum against the ASG was launched in August 2006./DMS
Soldiers warned against campaigning for Trillanes
By Ronron
February 12, 2007
Military men were warned on Monday against campaigning for resigned Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV who is running for Senator this May under the opposition ticket even if the suspected mutineer has vowed to advance the interest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once he gets a seat in the Upper House of Congress.
In a news briefing, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said soldiers caught making overt acts of support for the former Navy officer may be charged for violation of Articles of War 96 or conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.
“That (campaigning for Trillanes) would be falling under doing something which is partisan. So that will not be allowed...even if they (soldiers) are not wearing their uniforms, because whether they like it or not, they are part of the (military) organization,” Bacarro told reporters.
Bacarro disclosed that members of the AFP are split in their sentiments for Trillanes, although he said that the negative feedback is more overwhelming than the positive ones.
But he assured that the AFP leadership will not impose upon the soldiers whether or not they should vote for Trillanes, saying they respect their individual choices. Bacarro reiterated he is not going to vote for Trillanes even as he said he is not undermining the capabilities of the aspirant.
But should the Senatoriable win, Bacarro said he would be obliged to address Trillanes as “The Honorable.”
“He said he is going to fight for the rights and welfare of the soldiery. Maybe, we’ll wait if he wins. And if he will do that, then it’s good for the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Bacarro said.
But he reiterated that Trillanes will continue to face his criminal liabilities before the military tribunal and the civilian courts borne out of his leadership at the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 even if he has filed his candidacy or if he wins.
“The (military) jurisdiction over the person of Trillanes has been established. So, he will be subjected to military provisions, including his detention, his desire to campaign… If we follow the provisions of his confinement, he cannot leave his detention facility (at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City), ” Bacarro said.
Trillanes filed his candidacy last February 6, and was adopted by the Grand Opposition Coalition on Sunday as among its 12 senatorial candidates.
Among his legislative programs are a new AFP modernization bill, an amendment of the Constitutional provision on the promotion of AFP officers, and a bill to completely reorganize, re-train and re-indoctrinate the PNP./DMS
February 12, 2007
Military men were warned on Monday against campaigning for resigned Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV who is running for Senator this May under the opposition ticket even if the suspected mutineer has vowed to advance the interest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once he gets a seat in the Upper House of Congress.
In a news briefing, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said soldiers caught making overt acts of support for the former Navy officer may be charged for violation of Articles of War 96 or conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.
“That (campaigning for Trillanes) would be falling under doing something which is partisan. So that will not be allowed...even if they (soldiers) are not wearing their uniforms, because whether they like it or not, they are part of the (military) organization,” Bacarro told reporters.
Bacarro disclosed that members of the AFP are split in their sentiments for Trillanes, although he said that the negative feedback is more overwhelming than the positive ones.
But he assured that the AFP leadership will not impose upon the soldiers whether or not they should vote for Trillanes, saying they respect their individual choices. Bacarro reiterated he is not going to vote for Trillanes even as he said he is not undermining the capabilities of the aspirant.
But should the Senatoriable win, Bacarro said he would be obliged to address Trillanes as “The Honorable.”
“He said he is going to fight for the rights and welfare of the soldiery. Maybe, we’ll wait if he wins. And if he will do that, then it’s good for the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Bacarro said.
But he reiterated that Trillanes will continue to face his criminal liabilities before the military tribunal and the civilian courts borne out of his leadership at the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 even if he has filed his candidacy or if he wins.
“The (military) jurisdiction over the person of Trillanes has been established. So, he will be subjected to military provisions, including his detention, his desire to campaign… If we follow the provisions of his confinement, he cannot leave his detention facility (at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City), ” Bacarro said.
Trillanes filed his candidacy last February 6, and was adopted by the Grand Opposition Coalition on Sunday as among its 12 senatorial candidates.
Among his legislative programs are a new AFP modernization bill, an amendment of the Constitutional provision on the promotion of AFP officers, and a bill to completely reorganize, re-train and re-indoctrinate the PNP./DMS
Mayor in Abra, five others arrested over illegal drugs possession
By Ronron
February 12, 2007
A mayor in Abra province and five other people, including his two children, were arrested over the weekend after they were found during a buy-bust operation to be in possession of the illegal drugs “shabu.”
A police report reaching Camp Crame in Quezon City identified the local chief executive as Felix Castillo, 67, incumbent Mayor of Langiden town, and his two children as Evelyn, 37, and Nonito Wilbur, 33, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Danglas town.
The three others were civilians Cristina Molina, 20, an alleged mistress of Nonito; Diony Trinidad, 32; and, Rodel Panelo, 29.
The report said the six were arrested at around 10:30 pm last Saturday at the mayor’s residence at Barangay Zone 4 in Bangued town during a buy-bust operation by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force Abra and the Bangued Municipal Police Station.
Confiscated from Castillo’s residence were 29 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as shabu, with a total weight of 104.5 grams and a market value, according to the Dangerous Drugs Board, of P522,500.00.
Police also recovered a weighing scale, shabu kit and other drug paraphernalia.
All items were immediately turned over to the Crime Laboratory office of the Cordillera Police Regional Office for analysis and documentation, while the arrested suspects were detained at the Bangued MPS.
A case for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) was already filed against the six on Monday morning at the Abra Provincial Prosecutor’s Office./DMS
February 12, 2007
A mayor in Abra province and five other people, including his two children, were arrested over the weekend after they were found during a buy-bust operation to be in possession of the illegal drugs “shabu.”
A police report reaching Camp Crame in Quezon City identified the local chief executive as Felix Castillo, 67, incumbent Mayor of Langiden town, and his two children as Evelyn, 37, and Nonito Wilbur, 33, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Danglas town.
The three others were civilians Cristina Molina, 20, an alleged mistress of Nonito; Diony Trinidad, 32; and, Rodel Panelo, 29.
The report said the six were arrested at around 10:30 pm last Saturday at the mayor’s residence at Barangay Zone 4 in Bangued town during a buy-bust operation by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force Abra and the Bangued Municipal Police Station.
Confiscated from Castillo’s residence were 29 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as shabu, with a total weight of 104.5 grams and a market value, according to the Dangerous Drugs Board, of P522,500.00.
Police also recovered a weighing scale, shabu kit and other drug paraphernalia.
All items were immediately turned over to the Crime Laboratory office of the Cordillera Police Regional Office for analysis and documentation, while the arrested suspects were detained at the Bangued MPS.
A case for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) was already filed against the six on Monday morning at the Abra Provincial Prosecutor’s Office./DMS
Monday, February 12, 2007
Opposition completes senatorial line-up
By Ronron
February 11, 2007
The political opposition on Sunday completed its
senatorial line-up for the upcoming mid-term
elections, and announced its new name based on the
convergence of different political parties.
In a news conference yesterday afternoon at Club
Filipino in San Juan, Atty. Adel Tamano, spokesman of
the “Grand Opposition Coalition,” said that the
latter’s candidates for Senators are the following: 1)
Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition); 2)
Anna Dominique Coseteng (Independent); 3) Sonia Roco
(Aksyon Demokratiko); 4) Manuel Villar (Independent);
5) Francis Pangilinan (Independent); 6) Panfilo Lacson
(Independent-UNO); 7) John Osmeña (United Opposition); 8) Francis
Escudero (NPC); 9) Allan Peter Cayetano (Nacionalista
Party); 10) Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (Liberal Party
– Drilon faction); 11) Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
(Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban); and, 12) Lt.
Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV (Independent).
“This is really the ticket to beat. If we have a fair
election, there is a great possibility that we can
sweep this. Our line-up is very strong,” Tamano told
Manila Shimbun in a phone interview later on Sunday
evening.
He said that compared to the administration’s
“lopsided” slate, the opposition line –up are mostly
composed of those who top the recent surveys.
“We just hope that the people will vote wisely because
we are in danger, knowing that the administration has
the machinery and the money, compared to us,” said
Tamano, who refused to answer yet when asked where
their funds will come from.
Tamano said the opposition has yet to formulate its
slogan, although he said the entire slate is in
agreement in defending the Senate, which, he said, the
administration wants demolished.
“Everyone wants to defend the Constitution, the
democracy. We are opposed at least on the Chacha move
of the administration,” he said.
The administration has so far identified 11 of its 12
senatorial candidates, composed of Michael Defensor,
Prospero Pichay, Miguel Zubiri, Ralph Recto, Luis
“Chavit” Singson, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Edgardo Angara,
Vicente Sotto III, Joker Arroyo, Zambales Gov.
Vincente Magsaysay, and Leyte Gov. Jericho “Icot”
Petilla.
The last day for the filing of candidacy for Senator
is today (Monday)./DMS
February 11, 2007
The political opposition on Sunday completed its
senatorial line-up for the upcoming mid-term
elections, and announced its new name based on the
convergence of different political parties.
In a news conference yesterday afternoon at Club
Filipino in San Juan, Atty. Adel Tamano, spokesman of
the “Grand Opposition Coalition,” said that the
latter’s candidates for Senators are the following: 1)
Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition); 2)
Anna Dominique Coseteng (Independent); 3) Sonia Roco
(Aksyon Demokratiko); 4) Manuel Villar (Independent);
5) Francis Pangilinan (Independent); 6) Panfilo Lacson
(Independent-UNO); 7) John Osmeña (United Opposition); 8) Francis
Escudero (NPC); 9) Allan Peter Cayetano (Nacionalista
Party); 10) Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (Liberal Party
– Drilon faction); 11) Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
(Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban); and, 12) Lt.
Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV (Independent).
“This is really the ticket to beat. If we have a fair
election, there is a great possibility that we can
sweep this. Our line-up is very strong,” Tamano told
Manila Shimbun in a phone interview later on Sunday
evening.
He said that compared to the administration’s
“lopsided” slate, the opposition line –up are mostly
composed of those who top the recent surveys.
“We just hope that the people will vote wisely because
we are in danger, knowing that the administration has
the machinery and the money, compared to us,” said
Tamano, who refused to answer yet when asked where
their funds will come from.
Tamano said the opposition has yet to formulate its
slogan, although he said the entire slate is in
agreement in defending the Senate, which, he said, the
administration wants demolished.
“Everyone wants to defend the Constitution, the
democracy. We are opposed at least on the Chacha move
of the administration,” he said.
The administration has so far identified 11 of its 12
senatorial candidates, composed of Michael Defensor,
Prospero Pichay, Miguel Zubiri, Ralph Recto, Luis
“Chavit” Singson, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Edgardo Angara,
Vicente Sotto III, Joker Arroyo, Zambales Gov.
Vincente Magsaysay, and Leyte Gov. Jericho “Icot”
Petilla.
The last day for the filing of candidacy for Senator
is today (Monday)./DMS
Roco’s widow, Sotto, Oreta file candidacy for Senator
By Ronron
February 11, 2007
Two former Senators and the widow of another former Senator filed their respective candidacies for the same position at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila Sunday.
First to file was Sonia Roco, the 62-year-old widow of former Senator and Presidentiable Raul Roco, who submitted her certificate of candidacy (COC) at 9:26 am in the company of United Opposition (UNO) President Jejomar Binay and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito.
Roco is running under her late husband’s Aksyon Demokratiko (Democratic Action) political party, but in alliance with the UNO after she was chosen as Ejercito’s replacement.
“His sacrifice (to withdraw from the Senatorial race) is very admirable of him. So I thank him a lot,” Roco said of Ejercito.
Ejercito was asked by his father, jailed former President Joseph Estrada, to offer his slot at the UNO to Roco apparently to avoid further rifts within UNO, which was criticized for promoting political dynasties in the Senate.
Roco said that more than promoting the welfare of women, she is also geared at improving the country’s education system being an educator herself.
Next to her in the list of those who filed candidacies is former Senator and entertainer Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is running under the administration-allied Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
The 58-year-old aspirant filed his COC at 10:15 am, the 47th in the list. He was accompanied by his actress wife, Helen Gamboa, entertainer daughter Ciara, and entertainer brother Vic, among others.
Although he admitted that the NPC leadership has yet to formally announce its alliance with the so-called Team Unity of the administration, Sotto expressed confidence that he will already be running under it.
Being an ally of the late opposition Presidentiable Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ), Sotto said he expects people to say negative things about his alliance now with the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
But he urged the people to let him keep his “peace” with the administration since his main consideration for joining the latter’s line-up is “unity” and “national development.”
“I believe that if FPJ is still alive, he would support my decision and all my undertakings… All he wanted was unity for the country,” Sotto said.
Fifteen minutes later after Sotto submitted his COC, fellow NPC member and also former Senator Teresa Tao “Tessie” Aquino-Oreta followed, accompanied by her sister Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara.
The 62-year-old former legislator said she hopes to win a seat in the Senate so she could continue her previous undertakings, particularly on matters regarding education.
While she expects to be criticized also for joining now the Team Unity, being a vocal critique of the present administration, Oreta said the people should think about moving forward and working together “for the betterment of this country.”
She downplayed as well would-be problems as regards the use of the “Aquino” family name with her nephew, Congressman Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who is also running for Senator under the UNO.
Under the election law, a lone “Aquino” vote would not go to either Oreta or her nephew.
Oreta said she would just educate the public about how to write down their names on the ballot boxes to make sure that no “Aquino” votes would go to waste.
“I could not underestimate the capabilities of Noynoy, his qualities… What is important is our desire and our passion to see that this country will move forward,” Oreta said.
More Senatorial candidates, particularly those from the administration and opposition tickets, are expected to rush to the Comelec office in Intramuros today (Monday), the last day of the filing of candidacies for the national position./DMS
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