By Ronron
March 16, 2007
If he had his way, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff would have recommended the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as in illegal organization.
If it happened, mere membership with the CPP would be enough basis for arrest.
“If I will be asked to recommend, I will recommend the outlawing of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Esperon said during the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) forum on Thursday night in Makati City.
The CPP became a legal organization in 1986 upon the repeal of Republic Act 1700. Then President Corazon Aquino made the move to encourage communists to go back to the folds of the law.
But Esperon said the communist movement took advantage of it by still maintaining its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), even as it has placed representatives in Congress.
Last week, an official of the government’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) also warned that the CPP may be enlisted as a terrorist group once the Human Security Act of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, takes effect on July 14, 2007.
If it happens, the government will have the legal basis to arrest CPP members.
And, under the Revised Penal Code, membership in illegal organizations is penalized for at least six months up to six years.
The CPP marked its 38th anniversary last December./DMS
Saturday, March 17, 2007
John Osmena calls Team Unity a “herd of cows”
By Ronron
March 16, 2007
“They are like a herd of cows!”
Thus said Genuine Opposition (GO) Senatorial candidate John Osmeña of the senatorial candidates of the administration’s Team Unity in a press conference Friday in Mandaluyong City.
This even as GO consistently brags that it will not resort to personality-bashing against Team Unity, but only bring up issues against it.
Osmeña came up with the comparison to prove that unlike the administration, the GO candidates are not coerced to unite, nor are they being forced to like each other.
“The members of Team Gloria are like cows, they are all herded all the time. They buy tickets for everyone, sit beside each other on the plane, walk together towards a waiting coaster, all at the expense of the government. While we use our own vehicles,” Osmeña said in Filipino.
Asked if he is envious of the arrangement of the administration candidates, he quickly replied: “Oh, no! I have been a part of that, I was already once a cow.”
Osmeña added: “I love it this way.”
He said the “oneness” being “radiated” by the administration ticket is only because “they move next to each other wherever they go.”
“That’s a forced marriage. Do you think Tessie Oreta and Chavit Singson like to go together?” said Osmeña.
Oreta was a former ally of the former President Joseph Estrada, who was accused by Singson of massive corruption in 2000, leading to his downfall in January 2001.
“If there unity is coerced, our unity is our own desire,” Osmeña said./DMS
March 16, 2007
“They are like a herd of cows!”
Thus said Genuine Opposition (GO) Senatorial candidate John Osmeña of the senatorial candidates of the administration’s Team Unity in a press conference Friday in Mandaluyong City.
This even as GO consistently brags that it will not resort to personality-bashing against Team Unity, but only bring up issues against it.
Osmeña came up with the comparison to prove that unlike the administration, the GO candidates are not coerced to unite, nor are they being forced to like each other.
“The members of Team Gloria are like cows, they are all herded all the time. They buy tickets for everyone, sit beside each other on the plane, walk together towards a waiting coaster, all at the expense of the government. While we use our own vehicles,” Osmeña said in Filipino.
Asked if he is envious of the arrangement of the administration candidates, he quickly replied: “Oh, no! I have been a part of that, I was already once a cow.”
Osmeña added: “I love it this way.”
He said the “oneness” being “radiated” by the administration ticket is only because “they move next to each other wherever they go.”
“That’s a forced marriage. Do you think Tessie Oreta and Chavit Singson like to go together?” said Osmeña.
Oreta was a former ally of the former President Joseph Estrada, who was accused by Singson of massive corruption in 2000, leading to his downfall in January 2001.
“If there unity is coerced, our unity is our own desire,” Osmeña said./DMS
Genuine Oppostion to bring senatorial candidates with poor ratings in latest surveys to areas where they are least known
By Ronron
March 16, 2007
The Genuine Opposition (GO) will bring its senatorial candidates to areas where they are least known as shown by their standing in latest surveys.
In a press conference Friday, GO campaign manager San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito said they will also adapt a new strategy, which is to campaign individually for most of the week, and hold one or two sorties in a week in key cities or provinces.
“We are very confident we have a big possibility that all our candidates will make it,” Ejercito said.
Of the 11 senatorial candidates under the GO ticket, nine made it to the top 17 list in the latest survey of Pulse Asia. Those not included are Antonio Trillanes IV and former Senator Anna Dominic Coseteng.
Trillanes remains in detention at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City as he stands on trial at a civilian and a military court for his alleged involvement in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny, while Coseteng admits she has decided not to spend much for her campaign materials but resorts instead to holding personal dialogue with the people.
Asked how is the group helping Trillanes’ campaign, Coseteng revealed in the same press conference that she willingly allows the resigned military officer’s staff to join her sortie and give out leaflets and other campaign materials of Trillanes.
Ejerito said they are also planning a special activity for Trillanes to make up for his absence, especially that the officer is well-loved by the public. He did not elaborate.
The Makati City court trying Trillanes’ case of coup d’ etat has earlier denied his plea to give media interviews inside his detention facility for security and judicial reasons.
GO candidate former Senator John Osmeña told reporters in the same briefing that he had told his contacts in Cebu his desire that the whole GO slate win in his home province. And he said he always make special mention of Trillanes as he finds the latter admirable for his conviction.
Trillanes has so far only resorted to campaigning through his family, relatives, friends and the use of internet./DMS
March 16, 2007
The Genuine Opposition (GO) will bring its senatorial candidates to areas where they are least known as shown by their standing in latest surveys.
In a press conference Friday, GO campaign manager San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito said they will also adapt a new strategy, which is to campaign individually for most of the week, and hold one or two sorties in a week in key cities or provinces.
“We are very confident we have a big possibility that all our candidates will make it,” Ejercito said.
Of the 11 senatorial candidates under the GO ticket, nine made it to the top 17 list in the latest survey of Pulse Asia. Those not included are Antonio Trillanes IV and former Senator Anna Dominic Coseteng.
Trillanes remains in detention at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City as he stands on trial at a civilian and a military court for his alleged involvement in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny, while Coseteng admits she has decided not to spend much for her campaign materials but resorts instead to holding personal dialogue with the people.
Asked how is the group helping Trillanes’ campaign, Coseteng revealed in the same press conference that she willingly allows the resigned military officer’s staff to join her sortie and give out leaflets and other campaign materials of Trillanes.
Ejerito said they are also planning a special activity for Trillanes to make up for his absence, especially that the officer is well-loved by the public. He did not elaborate.
The Makati City court trying Trillanes’ case of coup d’ etat has earlier denied his plea to give media interviews inside his detention facility for security and judicial reasons.
GO candidate former Senator John Osmeña told reporters in the same briefing that he had told his contacts in Cebu his desire that the whole GO slate win in his home province. And he said he always make special mention of Trillanes as he finds the latter admirable for his conviction.
Trillanes has so far only resorted to campaigning through his family, relatives, friends and the use of internet./DMS
Friday, March 16, 2007
Defense establishment acknowledges need for in-depth probe to stop extrajudicial killings
By Ronron
March 15, 2007
Camp Tecson, Bulacan - Both Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. admitted here on Thursday that the spate of extrajudicial killings in the country will not stop unless a deeper investigation is conducted and then yield results as to those behind the incidents.
During Ebdane and Esperon’s visit to the First Scout Rangers Regiment (FSRR) camp here yesterday, the two officials agree that the government is still far from solving what has been called by the US government as a “serious problem of the Philippine government.”
“How can we say we can stop it when we don’t even know who are doing these,” Esperon said in Filipino.
The Philippine government has received flak from the international community, including no less the United Nations, for its failure to address the killings. The police and military maintain its theory that the incidents are related to the insurgency problem in the country.
Critics of the government, however, point at the military as being responsible for the killings to eliminate their colleagues, especially those who are Left-leaning.
In the hope of solving the problem, the Philippine National Police (PNP) put up Task Force USIG middle of last year to investigate over 100 cases of extrajudicial killings of militants, and 26 cases of journalist killings.
It was followed by the creation by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Melo Commission, which later partly blamed the military for the killings. Arroyo ordered the body to extend its investigation.
The AFP, for its part, took internal actions over the same issue. Aside from conducting internal investigations, it also created early this year the AFP Human Rights Office. All field commanders were also tasked to immediately submit special reports once a killing happens in their areas of responsibility.
Asked yesterday if the government’s efforts are enough to address the problem, Ebdane said: “Our efforts will not be enough unless we have stopped it. So, it’s a continuing effort.”
Esperon reiterated that the AFP will participate in any investigation in the hope of “getting to the bottom of all of these (incidents).” And this would include cases where soldiers are being implicated as suspects.
“But I must say that the insurgency has its characteristics. It’s just scary that the insurgents here would not really stop until they win, until they could rule over this land,” the military chief said.
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) will celebrate its 38th anniversary this March 29th. The government intends to neutralize the 7,100-strong movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
According to the military, most of the killings is part of the NPA’s purging activities, which began in the mid-1980’s, against their members suspected of spying for the government.
The movement, however, denies the allegation./DMS
March 15, 2007
Camp Tecson, Bulacan - Both Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. admitted here on Thursday that the spate of extrajudicial killings in the country will not stop unless a deeper investigation is conducted and then yield results as to those behind the incidents.
During Ebdane and Esperon’s visit to the First Scout Rangers Regiment (FSRR) camp here yesterday, the two officials agree that the government is still far from solving what has been called by the US government as a “serious problem of the Philippine government.”
“How can we say we can stop it when we don’t even know who are doing these,” Esperon said in Filipino.
The Philippine government has received flak from the international community, including no less the United Nations, for its failure to address the killings. The police and military maintain its theory that the incidents are related to the insurgency problem in the country.
Critics of the government, however, point at the military as being responsible for the killings to eliminate their colleagues, especially those who are Left-leaning.
In the hope of solving the problem, the Philippine National Police (PNP) put up Task Force USIG middle of last year to investigate over 100 cases of extrajudicial killings of militants, and 26 cases of journalist killings.
It was followed by the creation by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Melo Commission, which later partly blamed the military for the killings. Arroyo ordered the body to extend its investigation.
The AFP, for its part, took internal actions over the same issue. Aside from conducting internal investigations, it also created early this year the AFP Human Rights Office. All field commanders were also tasked to immediately submit special reports once a killing happens in their areas of responsibility.
Asked yesterday if the government’s efforts are enough to address the problem, Ebdane said: “Our efforts will not be enough unless we have stopped it. So, it’s a continuing effort.”
Esperon reiterated that the AFP will participate in any investigation in the hope of “getting to the bottom of all of these (incidents).” And this would include cases where soldiers are being implicated as suspects.
“But I must say that the insurgency has its characteristics. It’s just scary that the insurgents here would not really stop until they win, until they could rule over this land,” the military chief said.
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) will celebrate its 38th anniversary this March 29th. The government intends to neutralize the 7,100-strong movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
According to the military, most of the killings is part of the NPA’s purging activities, which began in the mid-1980’s, against their members suspected of spying for the government.
The movement, however, denies the allegation./DMS
Ebdane adapted as honorary Scout Rangers
By Ronron
March 15, 2007
Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan - Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. was adapted as an honorary member of the First Scout Rangers Regiment (FSRR) during his visit here yesterday (Thursday).
FSRR commander Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu said Ebdane deserves to be recognized as an honorary member of the elite unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is under the operational control of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), because he also used to conduct special operations while he was still an active officer of the former Philippine Constabulary.
Ebdane’s visit at the FSRR camp here was preceded by similar troop visits to Sulu, Davao City and Zamboanga City a few weeks back, in the company of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
Asked if yesterday’s visit is in any way connected with the upcoming elections, particularly to woo soldiers to support the administration bets, Mapagu said: “No, none at all because in fact, they already visited other units (prior to yesterday’s). They started with major units like the unified commands. Now he’s going down.”
Mapagu said Ebdane “really wants to feel the pulse from the ground,” which, for him, “is good so one can see what the troops in the frontlines really need.”
“It’s a good indication of their continuing support to the troops,” Mapagu said.
Ebdane was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the 2004 election, which was marred of allegations of fraud in favor of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. An alleged wiretapped conversation of Arroyo and then elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano mentioned Ebdane’s name, implying his alleged participation in the manipulation of the conduct of election and its results.
The alleged electoral fraud was among the issues brought up by disgruntled military officers and men that led them allegedly to almost rise up against the government in February 2006.
Those government troops come from the FSRR, particularly no less than its commander then Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, and the Philippine Marine Corps. Twenty-eight of them are now about to start court martial proceedings.
Asked if there is a need for Ebdane to conduct loyalty check among the current FSRR members, Mapagu said: “No, no. Absolutely, no need.”
He pointed out that in fact, only a few from the FSRR defected the chain of command during the alleged February 24, 2006 coup plot. And these are the few who have to “go through” the “military justice system” because they were charged.
“At least, they are being given their day in court,” Mapagu said of the 19 accused FSRR members led by Lim who are now charged before a military tribunal.
The AFP leadership has long reminded officers and soldiers not to engage in partisan politics to avoid a repeat of its being dragged in electoral fraud allegations. A memorandum of agreement between the Defense Department and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) signed last October 12, 2006 has also limited the AFP’s role in the upcoming mid-term elections for the same purpose.
During his visit yesterday, Ebdane formally opened some new projects inside the camp that are expected to benefit the FSRR members.
He first launched the FSRR potable water system project, followed by a mahogany tree-planting activity nearby, the blessing of a new barracks for Military Policemen that could accommodate at least 60 personnel, a visit to the housing units of FSRR members, and inauguration of the planning bay where Scout Rangers on schooling could train and develop their skills on planning an operation.
In his speech during a brief program after the above activities, Ebdane said: “Every day, you of the FSRR risk life and limb to secure the peace and secure the future. Every day, you of the FSRR are at the frontlines, securing the peace, keeping our communities safe. My job as your DND Secretary is to make sure that you have the means and the mindset to get the job done.”
Aside from the projects he launched, Ebdane bragged to the FSRR men the availability of free legal assistance for company-grade officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP who are facing service-connected charges.
“This program is being done in cooperation with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to give our soldiers the basic legal assistance needed for a fair trial and due process,” Ebdane said.
He said the department is also expecting the deliveries in the next few months of the new equipment and weaponry under the Modernization Program of the AFP.
“With this influx of new equipment and systems, we will be in a better position to strike fast and hit the targets set by President Arroyo of making the communist movement irrelevant, eradication terrorist groups, and containing the secessionist movement by 2010,” Ebdane said.
And he assured that the FSRR special operations “will come in handy as we expand the reach of our efforts to win the hearts and minds (of the populace) by being partners for progress in more barangays.”
The FSRR is being used by the government in its fight against communist insurgency in Luzon and Moslem extremist groups in Mindanao.
Ebdane said that to go with the military offensive of the FSRR is the “revitalization” of the AFP’s Civil Military Operations, “beginning with stronger presence in Peace and Order Councils.”
“We will enable a secure environment for development to take root. Our might and our network must be applied jointly with all concerned agencies and sectors to eradicate threats and enable progress across the land,” he said./DMS
March 15, 2007
Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan - Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. was adapted as an honorary member of the First Scout Rangers Regiment (FSRR) during his visit here yesterday (Thursday).
FSRR commander Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu said Ebdane deserves to be recognized as an honorary member of the elite unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is under the operational control of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), because he also used to conduct special operations while he was still an active officer of the former Philippine Constabulary.
Ebdane’s visit at the FSRR camp here was preceded by similar troop visits to Sulu, Davao City and Zamboanga City a few weeks back, in the company of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
Asked if yesterday’s visit is in any way connected with the upcoming elections, particularly to woo soldiers to support the administration bets, Mapagu said: “No, none at all because in fact, they already visited other units (prior to yesterday’s). They started with major units like the unified commands. Now he’s going down.”
Mapagu said Ebdane “really wants to feel the pulse from the ground,” which, for him, “is good so one can see what the troops in the frontlines really need.”
“It’s a good indication of their continuing support to the troops,” Mapagu said.
Ebdane was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the 2004 election, which was marred of allegations of fraud in favor of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. An alleged wiretapped conversation of Arroyo and then elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano mentioned Ebdane’s name, implying his alleged participation in the manipulation of the conduct of election and its results.
The alleged electoral fraud was among the issues brought up by disgruntled military officers and men that led them allegedly to almost rise up against the government in February 2006.
Those government troops come from the FSRR, particularly no less than its commander then Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, and the Philippine Marine Corps. Twenty-eight of them are now about to start court martial proceedings.
Asked if there is a need for Ebdane to conduct loyalty check among the current FSRR members, Mapagu said: “No, no. Absolutely, no need.”
He pointed out that in fact, only a few from the FSRR defected the chain of command during the alleged February 24, 2006 coup plot. And these are the few who have to “go through” the “military justice system” because they were charged.
“At least, they are being given their day in court,” Mapagu said of the 19 accused FSRR members led by Lim who are now charged before a military tribunal.
The AFP leadership has long reminded officers and soldiers not to engage in partisan politics to avoid a repeat of its being dragged in electoral fraud allegations. A memorandum of agreement between the Defense Department and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) signed last October 12, 2006 has also limited the AFP’s role in the upcoming mid-term elections for the same purpose.
During his visit yesterday, Ebdane formally opened some new projects inside the camp that are expected to benefit the FSRR members.
He first launched the FSRR potable water system project, followed by a mahogany tree-planting activity nearby, the blessing of a new barracks for Military Policemen that could accommodate at least 60 personnel, a visit to the housing units of FSRR members, and inauguration of the planning bay where Scout Rangers on schooling could train and develop their skills on planning an operation.
In his speech during a brief program after the above activities, Ebdane said: “Every day, you of the FSRR risk life and limb to secure the peace and secure the future. Every day, you of the FSRR are at the frontlines, securing the peace, keeping our communities safe. My job as your DND Secretary is to make sure that you have the means and the mindset to get the job done.”
Aside from the projects he launched, Ebdane bragged to the FSRR men the availability of free legal assistance for company-grade officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP who are facing service-connected charges.
“This program is being done in cooperation with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to give our soldiers the basic legal assistance needed for a fair trial and due process,” Ebdane said.
He said the department is also expecting the deliveries in the next few months of the new equipment and weaponry under the Modernization Program of the AFP.
“With this influx of new equipment and systems, we will be in a better position to strike fast and hit the targets set by President Arroyo of making the communist movement irrelevant, eradication terrorist groups, and containing the secessionist movement by 2010,” Ebdane said.
And he assured that the FSRR special operations “will come in handy as we expand the reach of our efforts to win the hearts and minds (of the populace) by being partners for progress in more barangays.”
The FSRR is being used by the government in its fight against communist insurgency in Luzon and Moslem extremist groups in Mindanao.
Ebdane said that to go with the military offensive of the FSRR is the “revitalization” of the AFP’s Civil Military Operations, “beginning with stronger presence in Peace and Order Councils.”
“We will enable a secure environment for development to take root. Our might and our network must be applied jointly with all concerned agencies and sectors to eradicate threats and enable progress across the land,” he said./DMS
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Lady cadet tops graduating PMA class
By Ronron
March 14, 2007
A 23-year-old native of Cavite tops this year’s graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Cadet Andrelee Mojica of Indang town will graduate as valedictorian of the 282-strong Marangal na Tagapagligtas class of 2007, said PMA Public Information Officer Capt. Dennis Solomon.
The PMA will hold the graduation ceremonies for Class 2007 on March 19 at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, to be attended by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Mojica is the third female to graduate at the top of her class ever since female cadets broke tradition by joining the then-all male Cadet Corps in 1994 by virtue of Republic Act 7192, the Equal Opportunity Act,” Solomon said.
She is among the 23 female cadets who will graduate this year, and the 148 female cadets that have graduated over the past 10 years since 1997.
“By graduating at the top of her class, Mojica will be receiving the Presidential Saber from (Arroyo) … and the PGMA Achievement Award for Excellence,” Solomon said.
She will also receive the Philippine Navy sword for being the number one graduating cadet joining the Philippine Navy; and the JUSMAG (Joint US Military Assistance Group) Award, which is given to the top graduates joining the three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
According to Solomon, the first female cadet to graduate Valedictorian was Ensign Arlene dela Cruz, Philippine Navy (Class of 1999), of Camiling, Tarlac; and the second one is 2Lt. Tara Velasco, Philippine Army (Class of 2003), of Marikina City./DMS
March 14, 2007
A 23-year-old native of Cavite tops this year’s graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Cadet Andrelee Mojica of Indang town will graduate as valedictorian of the 282-strong Marangal na Tagapagligtas class of 2007, said PMA Public Information Officer Capt. Dennis Solomon.
The PMA will hold the graduation ceremonies for Class 2007 on March 19 at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, to be attended by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Mojica is the third female to graduate at the top of her class ever since female cadets broke tradition by joining the then-all male Cadet Corps in 1994 by virtue of Republic Act 7192, the Equal Opportunity Act,” Solomon said.
She is among the 23 female cadets who will graduate this year, and the 148 female cadets that have graduated over the past 10 years since 1997.
“By graduating at the top of her class, Mojica will be receiving the Presidential Saber from (Arroyo) … and the PGMA Achievement Award for Excellence,” Solomon said.
She will also receive the Philippine Navy sword for being the number one graduating cadet joining the Philippine Navy; and the JUSMAG (Joint US Military Assistance Group) Award, which is given to the top graduates joining the three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
According to Solomon, the first female cadet to graduate Valedictorian was Ensign Arlene dela Cruz, Philippine Navy (Class of 1999), of Camiling, Tarlac; and the second one is 2Lt. Tara Velasco, Philippine Army (Class of 2003), of Marikina City./DMS
At least 15 Magdalo officers want to plead guilty before military tribunal
By Ronron
March 14, 2007
At least 15 officers of the Magdalo group that took over the posh Oakwood Premiere Hotel in Makati City in July 2003 want to plead guilty now to lesser charges brought against them before a military tribunal.
Military prosecutors and defense lawyers refused to identify those interested to enter into a plea-bargaining agreement, although they said the group could become bigger in the next few days after the rest of the accused were enlightened by the pro’s and cons of the move.
During yesterday’s hearing at Camp Aguinaldo of the General Court Martial (GCM) trying the case of the Magdalo officers, senior military prosecutor Col. Pedro Davila disclosed that 15 to 20 officers from the group of 59 accused officers facing five Articles of War (AW) violations, including mutiny, are already decided to reverse their plea of not guilty to guilty.
“One is, the process is too long. They could also be bored already. And they have families, yet they are detained,” defense lawyer Edgardo Abaya told reporters in Filipino when asked after the hearing what prompted the change of pleading of some of his clients.
The group of 59 officers are facing charges for alleged violation of AW 63 (Disrespect towards the President, Vice President, Congress of the Philippines or Secretary of National Defense); 65 (Assaulting or Willfully Disobeying Superior Officer; 67 (Mutiny); 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman); and 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).
Another group of 29 officers, who are the core Magdalo members, are also tried before the same GCM for alleged violation of AW 96. They are the same set of officers being tried at the Makati City Regional Trial Court for coup d’ etat charges.
Defense lawyer Rose Beatrix Angeles said in a separate interview that the proposed plea-bargaining agreement was presented to the military prosecution panel about two weeks ago, and is now awaiting the approval of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
She said among the conditions set by the accused are the following: 1) detention at a military facility for at least 10 more months upon the reading of the judgment; 2) continuous pay of salary until the finality of the judgment; and, 3) discharge (whether honorable or dishonorable is still subject of discussion).
But Davila said he would not settle for anything less than dishonorable discharge if his opinion is asked.
“My position is very hard. The military justice system is very harsh. So they must bear the most severe penalty for their offenses,” Davila said.
Angeles said it is likely that the accused who would change their plea will plead guilty to AW 96 since it carries the lesser penalty of dismissal from the service, compared to the four other charges.
Abaya said that after talking to all his clients yesterday after the adjournment of the hearing, he had a feeling that more accused will avail of the plea-bargaining agreement.
“We have reason to adopt a positive note on the probability of approval (of the proposed plea-bargaining agreement) by the higher authorities,” Davila said during the hearing.
From Esperon, the proposed plea-bargaining agreement will be presented to the GCM for final approval and implementation.
Former accused, all of whom are enlisted personnel, in the same case also entered into a plea-bargaining agreement.
For almost four years now, the prosecution has yet to start presenting evidence due to the administrative procedures that need to be attended to first.
“We have long been eager (to present our evidence). We have been prepared for a long time. The delay did not come from our part,” Davila said.
Some 300 junior officers and enlisted personnel seized the Oakwood Hotel on July 27, 2003 to protest the alleged corruption in the government and the military establishment./DMS
March 14, 2007
At least 15 officers of the Magdalo group that took over the posh Oakwood Premiere Hotel in Makati City in July 2003 want to plead guilty now to lesser charges brought against them before a military tribunal.
Military prosecutors and defense lawyers refused to identify those interested to enter into a plea-bargaining agreement, although they said the group could become bigger in the next few days after the rest of the accused were enlightened by the pro’s and cons of the move.
During yesterday’s hearing at Camp Aguinaldo of the General Court Martial (GCM) trying the case of the Magdalo officers, senior military prosecutor Col. Pedro Davila disclosed that 15 to 20 officers from the group of 59 accused officers facing five Articles of War (AW) violations, including mutiny, are already decided to reverse their plea of not guilty to guilty.
“One is, the process is too long. They could also be bored already. And they have families, yet they are detained,” defense lawyer Edgardo Abaya told reporters in Filipino when asked after the hearing what prompted the change of pleading of some of his clients.
The group of 59 officers are facing charges for alleged violation of AW 63 (Disrespect towards the President, Vice President, Congress of the Philippines or Secretary of National Defense); 65 (Assaulting or Willfully Disobeying Superior Officer; 67 (Mutiny); 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman); and 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).
Another group of 29 officers, who are the core Magdalo members, are also tried before the same GCM for alleged violation of AW 96. They are the same set of officers being tried at the Makati City Regional Trial Court for coup d’ etat charges.
Defense lawyer Rose Beatrix Angeles said in a separate interview that the proposed plea-bargaining agreement was presented to the military prosecution panel about two weeks ago, and is now awaiting the approval of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
She said among the conditions set by the accused are the following: 1) detention at a military facility for at least 10 more months upon the reading of the judgment; 2) continuous pay of salary until the finality of the judgment; and, 3) discharge (whether honorable or dishonorable is still subject of discussion).
But Davila said he would not settle for anything less than dishonorable discharge if his opinion is asked.
“My position is very hard. The military justice system is very harsh. So they must bear the most severe penalty for their offenses,” Davila said.
Angeles said it is likely that the accused who would change their plea will plead guilty to AW 96 since it carries the lesser penalty of dismissal from the service, compared to the four other charges.
Abaya said that after talking to all his clients yesterday after the adjournment of the hearing, he had a feeling that more accused will avail of the plea-bargaining agreement.
“We have reason to adopt a positive note on the probability of approval (of the proposed plea-bargaining agreement) by the higher authorities,” Davila said during the hearing.
From Esperon, the proposed plea-bargaining agreement will be presented to the GCM for final approval and implementation.
Former accused, all of whom are enlisted personnel, in the same case also entered into a plea-bargaining agreement.
For almost four years now, the prosecution has yet to start presenting evidence due to the administrative procedures that need to be attended to first.
“We have long been eager (to present our evidence). We have been prepared for a long time. The delay did not come from our part,” Davila said.
Some 300 junior officers and enlisted personnel seized the Oakwood Hotel on July 27, 2003 to protest the alleged corruption in the government and the military establishment./DMS
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
AFP says latest killing in Mis. Oriental is part of NPA purging
By Ronron
March 13, 2007
Denying any responsibility for the killing of a lady militant-farmer last Saturday in Misamis Oriental province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday blamed instead the New People’s Army (NPA).
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Cichi Gandinao, 56, was already cooperating with the government at the time she was killed, thus her death could only benefit those against such allegiance.
“This is part of their purging. Who else is to gain from all of these (killings?),” Bacarro told Camp Aguialdo reporters.
“Ms. Gandinao has been cooperating with the government as she has turned her back against the cause espoused by the CPP/NPA. Groups who have been affected by her cooperation with the government is most likely to be behind the said killing,” he added.
Bayan Muna, which claimed that Gandinao is its member, accused the military of being behind the killing of the victim in Salay town, Misamis Oriental. It pointed out that the shooting site was located near the Philippine Army detachment.
The Philippine National Police, which is investigating the case, refused to say, however, who could be behind the latest killing and its motivation.
“The AFP condemns in the strongest terms the brutal killing of Ms. Cichi Gandinao. Based on our initial inquiry, no member of the AFP is involved in the said killing. The AFP is not involved in the said killing as maliciously calmed by some groups,” Bacarro said.
A detachment of the Bravo Company of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion is located near the place of incident.
Nonetheless, Bacarro said “the AFP will cooperate with the (PNP) and any investigative body that would look into the said incident.”
The PNP Task Force USIG has taken cognizance of the Gandinao killing especially that it came about a month after her uncle-in-law, Dalmacio Gandinao, provincial coordinator of Bayan Muna in Misamis Oriental, was also gunned down in the same town, and the case is yet to be resolved.
In a related development, former TF USIG commander Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Edgardo Doromal, Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose of the AFP Human Rights Office, and Col. Gaudencio Pangilinan, deputy of the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, are off to the US to speak at the US Senate inquiry on the political killings in the Philippines.
Razon said the party will be there for a week, starting Wednesday.
Razon said the US inquiry is a welcome opportunity for the Philippine government where they could present the real situation in the Philippines.
He said the Task Force has only recorded 115 cases of militant killings and 26 journalist killings, as against Karapatan’s 853 figure.
Of 115 political killing cases, 46 were already filed in court while the remaining 69 are still under investigation. Of the journalist killing cases, 21 were also filed already in court while the five remain under investigation./DMS
March 13, 2007
Denying any responsibility for the killing of a lady militant-farmer last Saturday in Misamis Oriental province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday blamed instead the New People’s Army (NPA).
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Cichi Gandinao, 56, was already cooperating with the government at the time she was killed, thus her death could only benefit those against such allegiance.
“This is part of their purging. Who else is to gain from all of these (killings?),” Bacarro told Camp Aguialdo reporters.
“Ms. Gandinao has been cooperating with the government as she has turned her back against the cause espoused by the CPP/NPA. Groups who have been affected by her cooperation with the government is most likely to be behind the said killing,” he added.
Bayan Muna, which claimed that Gandinao is its member, accused the military of being behind the killing of the victim in Salay town, Misamis Oriental. It pointed out that the shooting site was located near the Philippine Army detachment.
The Philippine National Police, which is investigating the case, refused to say, however, who could be behind the latest killing and its motivation.
“The AFP condemns in the strongest terms the brutal killing of Ms. Cichi Gandinao. Based on our initial inquiry, no member of the AFP is involved in the said killing. The AFP is not involved in the said killing as maliciously calmed by some groups,” Bacarro said.
A detachment of the Bravo Company of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion is located near the place of incident.
Nonetheless, Bacarro said “the AFP will cooperate with the (PNP) and any investigative body that would look into the said incident.”
The PNP Task Force USIG has taken cognizance of the Gandinao killing especially that it came about a month after her uncle-in-law, Dalmacio Gandinao, provincial coordinator of Bayan Muna in Misamis Oriental, was also gunned down in the same town, and the case is yet to be resolved.
In a related development, former TF USIG commander Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Edgardo Doromal, Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose of the AFP Human Rights Office, and Col. Gaudencio Pangilinan, deputy of the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, are off to the US to speak at the US Senate inquiry on the political killings in the Philippines.
Razon said the party will be there for a week, starting Wednesday.
Razon said the US inquiry is a welcome opportunity for the Philippine government where they could present the real situation in the Philippines.
He said the Task Force has only recorded 115 cases of militant killings and 26 journalist killings, as against Karapatan’s 853 figure.
Of 115 political killing cases, 46 were already filed in court while the remaining 69 are still under investigation. Of the journalist killing cases, 21 were also filed already in court while the five remain under investigation./DMS
Napolcom won’t spare high-ranking PNP officers from electioneering charges
By Ronron
March 13, 2007
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) warned high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday that they will also face the penalty of dismissal from the service once they are found to be electioneering.
Napolcom Director for Personnel and Administrative Services Isidro Siriban said during the Talakayan Sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) forum yesterday at Camp Crame that top PNP officials should also distance themselves from partisan politics as much as it wants ordinary policemen to do the same.
Those found engaged in partisan politics could be dismissed from the service, depending on the gravity of their actuations, he said.
“If it warrants dismissal, then so be it,” Siriban said.
At the moment though, Siriban said the Napolcom has yet to receive reports about policemen violating said policy.
Asked what actions warrant a dismissal, Siriban cited: serving as bodyguards to some candidates and harassing people to get votes for candidates.
“This is the level that they should not do as it could mean dismissal from the service,” Siriban explained.
Siriban said the role of policemen for the coming election is only to vote and then, secure the elections upon the orders of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
But he assured that all police officers who will be accused of violating the policy will be “given their day in court” and “due process.”
The PNP was tasked solely to provide security for the May 14 elections after the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was limited by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) forged by the Comelec and the Defense department in October last year./DMS
March 13, 2007
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) warned high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday that they will also face the penalty of dismissal from the service once they are found to be electioneering.
Napolcom Director for Personnel and Administrative Services Isidro Siriban said during the Talakayan Sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) forum yesterday at Camp Crame that top PNP officials should also distance themselves from partisan politics as much as it wants ordinary policemen to do the same.
Those found engaged in partisan politics could be dismissed from the service, depending on the gravity of their actuations, he said.
“If it warrants dismissal, then so be it,” Siriban said.
At the moment though, Siriban said the Napolcom has yet to receive reports about policemen violating said policy.
Asked what actions warrant a dismissal, Siriban cited: serving as bodyguards to some candidates and harassing people to get votes for candidates.
“This is the level that they should not do as it could mean dismissal from the service,” Siriban explained.
Siriban said the role of policemen for the coming election is only to vote and then, secure the elections upon the orders of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
But he assured that all police officers who will be accused of violating the policy will be “given their day in court” and “due process.”
The PNP was tasked solely to provide security for the May 14 elections after the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was limited by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) forged by the Comelec and the Defense department in October last year./DMS
AFP tolerates MILF gun ban violation
By Ronron
March 13, 2007
A Philippine military official on Tuesday admitted that government
troops tolerated the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last Sunday
when the latter's fighters in Lanao del Sur were seen to be violating
the gun ban policy of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in
relation to the upcoming elections.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command
(NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said the government
soldiers under the Philippine Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade returned
the firearms they seized from seven MILF fighters in Barangay Taluan,
Lumba-Bayabao town in Lanao del Sur in the afternoon of March 11 "to
solve the standoff."
The Army troopers, based in Marawi City, were out to respond to the
operation of the MILF against a lawless group headed by Lanao's public
enemy number one, Dimaporo Masacal, alias Delta Force, when they saw
the seven armed MILF members on the roadside.
After disarming the seven, the 16 Army troopers where also disarmed by
a bigger reinforcement force of the MILF, under the command of a
certain Commander Mercury. The 16 were held for over two hours, as
the standoff was only resolved at around 6:30 pm.
"They (MILF and Army) returned each other's firearms. That was the
solution to the standoff between the two groups," Dolorfino said when
asked why the Philippine Army returned the seized firearms of the MILF
even as he admitted that the secessionist group is "covered by the
gunban."
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Tuesday that a total
of 1,011 persons were already arrested for violating the gun ban under
Comelec Resolution No. 7764, covering the period January 14 to March
13, 2007.
Seventeen other violators were killed in confrontation with law
enforcers, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said in a
statement.
From the 798 separate police operations during the past 57 days of
implementation of the nationwide gun ban, Pagdilao said 833 firearms
of different types and caliber, 40 explosive devices, and 169 assorted
deadly weapons were seized.
Topping among the regional offices is the National Capital Region
Police Office, which accounted for 171 separate incidents of violation
of Comelec Resolution No. 7764, resulting in the arrest of 233
violators and the killing of five suspects, and the confiscation of
136 firearms, three explosives and 84 deadly weapons.
"The number of arrested offenders and the result of interdiction
operations against armed groups show the effectiveness of our
checkpoint operations against the movement of Partisan Armed Groups
and common law violators," PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said in a
statement./END
March 13, 2007
A Philippine military official on Tuesday admitted that government
troops tolerated the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last Sunday
when the latter's fighters in Lanao del Sur were seen to be violating
the gun ban policy of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in
relation to the upcoming elections.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command
(NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said the government
soldiers under the Philippine Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade returned
the firearms they seized from seven MILF fighters in Barangay Taluan,
Lumba-Bayabao town in Lanao del Sur in the afternoon of March 11 "to
solve the standoff."
The Army troopers, based in Marawi City, were out to respond to the
operation of the MILF against a lawless group headed by Lanao's public
enemy number one, Dimaporo Masacal, alias Delta Force, when they saw
the seven armed MILF members on the roadside.
After disarming the seven, the 16 Army troopers where also disarmed by
a bigger reinforcement force of the MILF, under the command of a
certain Commander Mercury. The 16 were held for over two hours, as
the standoff was only resolved at around 6:30 pm.
"They (MILF and Army) returned each other's firearms. That was the
solution to the standoff between the two groups," Dolorfino said when
asked why the Philippine Army returned the seized firearms of the MILF
even as he admitted that the secessionist group is "covered by the
gunban."
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Tuesday that a total
of 1,011 persons were already arrested for violating the gun ban under
Comelec Resolution No. 7764, covering the period January 14 to March
13, 2007.
Seventeen other violators were killed in confrontation with law
enforcers, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said in a
statement.
From the 798 separate police operations during the past 57 days of
implementation of the nationwide gun ban, Pagdilao said 833 firearms
of different types and caliber, 40 explosive devices, and 169 assorted
deadly weapons were seized.
Topping among the regional offices is the National Capital Region
Police Office, which accounted for 171 separate incidents of violation
of Comelec Resolution No. 7764, resulting in the arrest of 233
violators and the killing of five suspects, and the confiscation of
136 firearms, three explosives and 84 deadly weapons.
"The number of arrested offenders and the result of interdiction
operations against armed groups show the effectiveness of our
checkpoint operations against the movement of Partisan Armed Groups
and common law violators," PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said in a
statement./END
PNP worried with anti-terror law
By Ronron
March 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is “worried” with the recently passed anti-terrorism law because of the penalties that await erring law enforcers, its spokesman said Tuesday.
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. told reporters in Camp Crame that because of the P500,000-per-day fine that will be imposed against law enforcers who wrongly held a suspected terrorist, “they might opt not to operate anymore.”
“By being too careful, they could be stalled. That is the danger. Or, what is supposed to be preempted will explode already because of too much caution. That is the danger,” Pagdilao said in Filipino.
Section 50 of the Human Security Act of 2007, commonly known as the anti-terrorism bill, states that “upon acquittal, any person who is accused of terrorism shall be entitled to the payment of damages in the amount of P500,000 for every day that he or she has been detained or deprived of liberty or arrested without a warrant as a result of such accusation.”
The amount will come from the PNP or the Anti-Terrorism Council that caused the filing of charges, and shall be released within 15 days from the date of acquittal.
Saying that the amount is too much, Pagdilao “subscribed” to the recommendation of Anti-Terrorism Task Force Director for Legal, Public Information and Advocacy Ricardo Blancaflor of P20,000 a day and a cap of P2 million.
“That is what the PNP is looking at for possible amendment,” Pagdilao said.
Also, he complained that the three-day legal custody of a suspected terrorist, as stated in Section 18 of the law, is too short of a time to finish a substantial investigation.
“Maybe, we have to increase that number of days. Even in advanced countries, with their advanced technologies, advance equipment for their police, they have a longer period for custodial detention and investigation. In England, I understand, they have 30 days… Fifteen days would be sufficient. We’re just cutting into half what most countries are imposing as a standard,” Pagdilao said.
He said the three-day period may not actually be “enough teeth to fight terrorism.”
Nonetheless, since there is no stopping for the present version of the law to take effect come July 14, Pagdilao said the PNP is already preparing for it.
He disclosed that the 120,000-strong PNP is set to undergo “different stages” of training seminar “from different levels, involving commanders from the national headquarters” down to foot patrol officers.
“Chief PNP, Director General Oscar Calderon has ordered all PNP officers and men, starting from the highest level, including him, down to all regional directors, to our foot patrol officers, to study the law. So we are preparing our coordination with the UP Law Center, the Commission on Human Rights, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines so they can lecture us about the law to help our policemen,” Pagdilao said.
He said the training seminar starts this month until after the election on May 14.
Blancaflor has earlier stressed that the new law really needs a paradigm shift on the attitude and performance of law enforcers in the country since the safeguards were put in place to address concerns of civil libertarians that the law will be abused by the government, especially against those critical of the government.”/END
March 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is “worried” with the recently passed anti-terrorism law because of the penalties that await erring law enforcers, its spokesman said Tuesday.
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. told reporters in Camp Crame that because of the P500,000-per-day fine that will be imposed against law enforcers who wrongly held a suspected terrorist, “they might opt not to operate anymore.”
“By being too careful, they could be stalled. That is the danger. Or, what is supposed to be preempted will explode already because of too much caution. That is the danger,” Pagdilao said in Filipino.
Section 50 of the Human Security Act of 2007, commonly known as the anti-terrorism bill, states that “upon acquittal, any person who is accused of terrorism shall be entitled to the payment of damages in the amount of P500,000 for every day that he or she has been detained or deprived of liberty or arrested without a warrant as a result of such accusation.”
The amount will come from the PNP or the Anti-Terrorism Council that caused the filing of charges, and shall be released within 15 days from the date of acquittal.
Saying that the amount is too much, Pagdilao “subscribed” to the recommendation of Anti-Terrorism Task Force Director for Legal, Public Information and Advocacy Ricardo Blancaflor of P20,000 a day and a cap of P2 million.
“That is what the PNP is looking at for possible amendment,” Pagdilao said.
Also, he complained that the three-day legal custody of a suspected terrorist, as stated in Section 18 of the law, is too short of a time to finish a substantial investigation.
“Maybe, we have to increase that number of days. Even in advanced countries, with their advanced technologies, advance equipment for their police, they have a longer period for custodial detention and investigation. In England, I understand, they have 30 days… Fifteen days would be sufficient. We’re just cutting into half what most countries are imposing as a standard,” Pagdilao said.
He said the three-day period may not actually be “enough teeth to fight terrorism.”
Nonetheless, since there is no stopping for the present version of the law to take effect come July 14, Pagdilao said the PNP is already preparing for it.
He disclosed that the 120,000-strong PNP is set to undergo “different stages” of training seminar “from different levels, involving commanders from the national headquarters” down to foot patrol officers.
“Chief PNP, Director General Oscar Calderon has ordered all PNP officers and men, starting from the highest level, including him, down to all regional directors, to our foot patrol officers, to study the law. So we are preparing our coordination with the UP Law Center, the Commission on Human Rights, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines so they can lecture us about the law to help our policemen,” Pagdilao said.
He said the training seminar starts this month until after the election on May 14.
Blancaflor has earlier stressed that the new law really needs a paradigm shift on the attitude and performance of law enforcers in the country since the safeguards were put in place to address concerns of civil libertarians that the law will be abused by the government, especially against those critical of the government.”/END
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Army troopers held briefly by MILF men in Lanao del Sur
By Ronron
March 12, 2007
Sixteen members of the Philippine Army were held briefly by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters on Sunday in Lanao del Sur province.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, commander of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) and co-chairman of the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the government and the MILF, said Monday that the incident happened as the Army troopers were out to respond to an operation by the MILF against a lawless group headed by Lanao’s public enemy number one, Dimaporo Masacal, alias Delta Force.
Dolorfino said the MILF, which is not supposed to operate against lawless elements, was “over-zealous” that it initiated an operation against Masacal in Barangay Taluan, Lumba-Bayabao town at around 3pm.
Upon learning of the incident, elements of the Army’s 103rd Brigade, based in Marawi City, were sent to the encounter site.
While on the way to the site, the government troops found seven armed MILF rebels along the road also in Barangay Taluan. Thinking that they were lawless elements, Dolorfino said the Army soldiers disarmed the seven. The incident happened at around 4pm.
Upon learning of the incident, the head of the MILF team operating against Masacal, Commander Mercury, sent reinforcement troops, outnumbering the 16-man Army team. The 16 were then disarmed.
With the interception of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the AHJAG in Lanao, and the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Dolorfino said the incident was then “resolved peacefully” at around 6:30 pm.
Dolorfino said the clash between the MILF and Masacal’s group left two of the latter’s fighters dead. Masacal, who is allegedly wanted for multiple murder case, eluded arrest.
Dolorfino pointed out that the MILF is not authorized to operate against lawless groups, but should only serve as “blocking force” during operations of the Philippine National Police and the AFP.
The matter was already brought up between the negotiating parties of the MILF and the government to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government is yet to resume after it had an impasse last year over disagreements on the ancestral domain issue./DMS
March 12, 2007
Sixteen members of the Philippine Army were held briefly by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters on Sunday in Lanao del Sur province.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, commander of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) and co-chairman of the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the government and the MILF, said Monday that the incident happened as the Army troopers were out to respond to an operation by the MILF against a lawless group headed by Lanao’s public enemy number one, Dimaporo Masacal, alias Delta Force.
Dolorfino said the MILF, which is not supposed to operate against lawless elements, was “over-zealous” that it initiated an operation against Masacal in Barangay Taluan, Lumba-Bayabao town at around 3pm.
Upon learning of the incident, elements of the Army’s 103rd Brigade, based in Marawi City, were sent to the encounter site.
While on the way to the site, the government troops found seven armed MILF rebels along the road also in Barangay Taluan. Thinking that they were lawless elements, Dolorfino said the Army soldiers disarmed the seven. The incident happened at around 4pm.
Upon learning of the incident, the head of the MILF team operating against Masacal, Commander Mercury, sent reinforcement troops, outnumbering the 16-man Army team. The 16 were then disarmed.
With the interception of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the AHJAG in Lanao, and the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Dolorfino said the incident was then “resolved peacefully” at around 6:30 pm.
Dolorfino said the clash between the MILF and Masacal’s group left two of the latter’s fighters dead. Masacal, who is allegedly wanted for multiple murder case, eluded arrest.
Dolorfino pointed out that the MILF is not authorized to operate against lawless groups, but should only serve as “blocking force” during operations of the Philippine National Police and the AFP.
The matter was already brought up between the negotiating parties of the MILF and the government to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government is yet to resume after it had an impasse last year over disagreements on the ancestral domain issue./DMS
Female rebel captured in Catanduanes clash
By Ronron
March 12, 2007
A female fighter of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was captured following an encounter yesterday (Monday) noon against government troops in Catanduanes province.
Philippine Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the firefight happened at 11:30 am as operating elements of the 65th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operation at Sitio San Isidro, Barangay Mayngaway, San Andres town.
He said the government troops clashed against 20 suspected members of the NPA, led by a certain alias Waren.
Firefight lasted for one hour, until the suspected rebels withdrew, Torres said.
Aside from apprehending the unidentified amazon, the government troops recovered from the fleeing rebels an M16 rifle, one carbine, some documents and personal belongings.
They also claim to have seen the escaping rebels carry more or less five of their wounded comrades.
There was no casualty on the government side, Torres said.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now. Its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, backed out from the peace negotiations with the government in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist by foreign governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to crush the insurgency movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
March 12, 2007
A female fighter of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was captured following an encounter yesterday (Monday) noon against government troops in Catanduanes province.
Philippine Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the firefight happened at 11:30 am as operating elements of the 65th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operation at Sitio San Isidro, Barangay Mayngaway, San Andres town.
He said the government troops clashed against 20 suspected members of the NPA, led by a certain alias Waren.
Firefight lasted for one hour, until the suspected rebels withdrew, Torres said.
Aside from apprehending the unidentified amazon, the government troops recovered from the fleeing rebels an M16 rifle, one carbine, some documents and personal belongings.
They also claim to have seen the escaping rebels carry more or less five of their wounded comrades.
There was no casualty on the government side, Torres said.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now. Its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, backed out from the peace negotiations with the government in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist by foreign governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to crush the insurgency movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
AFP probe clears soldiers deployed in MM from electioneering charges
By Ronron
March 12, 2007
An internal probe of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) cleared its soldiers deployed in urban poor areas in Metro Manila from electioneering charges raised by Gabriela party-list group, a military officer said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, NCRCom chief, said they have already completed their investigation on the matter last Saturday and submitted its report to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday (Monday).
The investigation was prompted by a letter from Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos after receiving Gabriela’s complaint that soldiers are telling residents of Barangay Parola, Isla Puting Bato, Delpan and 20, all in Tondo, Manila, not to vote for the party-list organization.
Gabriela is among the groups tagged by the military as legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“The result of our investigation showed they were not campaigning against certain candidates or party-list (groups), and there was no indication that it happened in those communities,” Dolorfino said in a phone interview.
The probe began last March 3 and concluded only last Saturday, March 10th. It was headed by Lt. Col. Feliciano Loy, Staff Judge Advocate of the NCRCom.
Dolorfino said over 100 residents from all four barangays were interviewed by the investigators and even executed their affidavits.
The AFP has said that the deployment of 26 teams of 10 soldiers each to urban poor communities and Moslem areas in the cities of Caloocan, Manila, Quezon, and Taguig is just part of its civil military operations (CMO).
The military has strongly reminded its soldiers not to engage in partisan politics after it was dragged in the alleged electoral fraud in the 2004 Presidential elections./DMS
March 12, 2007
An internal probe of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) cleared its soldiers deployed in urban poor areas in Metro Manila from electioneering charges raised by Gabriela party-list group, a military officer said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, NCRCom chief, said they have already completed their investigation on the matter last Saturday and submitted its report to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday (Monday).
The investigation was prompted by a letter from Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos after receiving Gabriela’s complaint that soldiers are telling residents of Barangay Parola, Isla Puting Bato, Delpan and 20, all in Tondo, Manila, not to vote for the party-list organization.
Gabriela is among the groups tagged by the military as legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“The result of our investigation showed they were not campaigning against certain candidates or party-list (groups), and there was no indication that it happened in those communities,” Dolorfino said in a phone interview.
The probe began last March 3 and concluded only last Saturday, March 10th. It was headed by Lt. Col. Feliciano Loy, Staff Judge Advocate of the NCRCom.
Dolorfino said over 100 residents from all four barangays were interviewed by the investigators and even executed their affidavits.
The AFP has said that the deployment of 26 teams of 10 soldiers each to urban poor communities and Moslem areas in the cities of Caloocan, Manila, Quezon, and Taguig is just part of its civil military operations (CMO).
The military has strongly reminded its soldiers not to engage in partisan politics after it was dragged in the alleged electoral fraud in the 2004 Presidential elections./DMS
NPA’s attack Globe cellsite in Camarines
By Ronron
March 12, 2007
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) attacked anew a cellsite of Globe Telecommunications in Camarines Sur province over the weekend, police and military reports said Monday.
At least 15 armed rebels strafed the communication tower of Globe and burned its power generator using gasoline at around 11:40 pm last Saturday in Barangay Batang, Pamplona town, said Insp. Marianito Almendral, deputy chief of Pamplona police, in a phone interview.
Almendral said estimated cost of damages is P1 million.
“It is believed that said atrocity was staged by the terrorist group against the said company for refusing to give extortion money,” Philippine Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said in a separate statement.
Torres said the insurgents escaped towards neighboring Barangay Tampadong of same municipality. They were pursued by elements of 42nd Infantry Battalion – Alpha Company.
Almendral said there was no casualty in the incident since no one was guarding the telecommunication facility.
He disclosed that the caretaker, who also owns the land where the facility is located, lives some 30 meters away, and was only made aware by the incident upon hearing the gunfire.
Almendral said that despite the attack, the facility remains operational.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now.
Its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, backed out from the peace negotiating table with the government in August 2004 after it was included in the terrorist lists of the European Union and United States governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered for the neutralization of the movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
March 12, 2007
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) attacked anew a cellsite of Globe Telecommunications in Camarines Sur province over the weekend, police and military reports said Monday.
At least 15 armed rebels strafed the communication tower of Globe and burned its power generator using gasoline at around 11:40 pm last Saturday in Barangay Batang, Pamplona town, said Insp. Marianito Almendral, deputy chief of Pamplona police, in a phone interview.
Almendral said estimated cost of damages is P1 million.
“It is believed that said atrocity was staged by the terrorist group against the said company for refusing to give extortion money,” Philippine Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said in a separate statement.
Torres said the insurgents escaped towards neighboring Barangay Tampadong of same municipality. They were pursued by elements of 42nd Infantry Battalion – Alpha Company.
Almendral said there was no casualty in the incident since no one was guarding the telecommunication facility.
He disclosed that the caretaker, who also owns the land where the facility is located, lives some 30 meters away, and was only made aware by the incident upon hearing the gunfire.
Almendral said that despite the attack, the facility remains operational.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now.
Its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, backed out from the peace negotiating table with the government in August 2004 after it was included in the terrorist lists of the European Union and United States governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered for the neutralization of the movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
Lady farmer-militant shot dead in Misamis Oriental
By Ronron
March 12, 2007
A lady farmer-militant was shot dead over the weekend by an unknown suspect in Misamis Oriental province.
Police and Bayan Muna officials said Monday that Cichi Gandinao, 56, a member of Bayan Muna and Misamis Oriental Farmers Association, was killed a month after her husband’s uncle, Dalmacio Gandinao, was also killed in the same town of Salay in said province.
Gandinao was walking along the barangay road of Guinalaban, together with her husband, Ancilmito, and daughter, Elda, when the unidentified suspect shot her at around 3pm last Saturday, said Insp. Joserico Dayo, chief of the Salay Municipal Police Station.
Dayo said in a phone interview that the assailant, whose face was covered, immediately escaped on foot towards uphill direction.
Gandinao sustained gunshot wounds on her left chest, and both arms. She was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in the neighboring town of Balingasag.
“The motive is still being investigated jointly by the Salay Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Army unit here… We can not say yet if this is related to the killing of Dalmacio Gandinao (last February 8),” Dayo said in Cebuano. (The Dalmacio Gandinao killing case is yet to be resolved, said Dayo.)
Bayan Muna, however, immediately accused the military to be behind incident, saying a Philippine Army detachment is located nearby.
“Gandinao testified before UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston on February 20 regarding the February 8 murder of her (uncle-in-law) Dalmacio Gandinao, who was then the provincial chairperson of Bayan Muna…. Her slay brings to 129 the number of extrajudicially-killed Bayan Muna members and officers since (President Gloria Macapagal-) Arroyo came to power,” Bayan Muna said.
Dayo refused to confirm the party-list group’s claim as even the family of Gandinao has yet to blame any person or group. They could cite also any possible motive.
But Dayo admitted that in fact, a detachment of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, Bravo Company, is located near the shooting site.
“In our talk this morning with Divina Tina, a sister of the victim, at the office of Salay Mayor Vevincia Capistrano and 1Lt. Lemuel Bacarro, the ground commander here of the Philippine Army, she said they are not really sure if the suspect was a military man because he could not be recognized. So they could not point yet at any group or suspect,” Dayo said.
Bayan Muna Representative Teodoro Casiño said the Gandinao killing will “be brought immediately to the attention of Mr. Alston and US Senator Barbara Boxers, who will preside over a hearing on Wednesday regarding political killings” in the Philippines.
“We will exert all efforts to attain justice for the Gandinaos. We will press the Arroyo government to investigate the two murders. This is a challenge for law enforcers to identify and capture the perpetrators,” said Davao City-based Bayan Muna Representative Joel Virador./END
March 12, 2007
A lady farmer-militant was shot dead over the weekend by an unknown suspect in Misamis Oriental province.
Police and Bayan Muna officials said Monday that Cichi Gandinao, 56, a member of Bayan Muna and Misamis Oriental Farmers Association, was killed a month after her husband’s uncle, Dalmacio Gandinao, was also killed in the same town of Salay in said province.
Gandinao was walking along the barangay road of Guinalaban, together with her husband, Ancilmito, and daughter, Elda, when the unidentified suspect shot her at around 3pm last Saturday, said Insp. Joserico Dayo, chief of the Salay Municipal Police Station.
Dayo said in a phone interview that the assailant, whose face was covered, immediately escaped on foot towards uphill direction.
Gandinao sustained gunshot wounds on her left chest, and both arms. She was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in the neighboring town of Balingasag.
“The motive is still being investigated jointly by the Salay Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Army unit here… We can not say yet if this is related to the killing of Dalmacio Gandinao (last February 8),” Dayo said in Cebuano. (The Dalmacio Gandinao killing case is yet to be resolved, said Dayo.)
Bayan Muna, however, immediately accused the military to be behind incident, saying a Philippine Army detachment is located nearby.
“Gandinao testified before UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston on February 20 regarding the February 8 murder of her (uncle-in-law) Dalmacio Gandinao, who was then the provincial chairperson of Bayan Muna…. Her slay brings to 129 the number of extrajudicially-killed Bayan Muna members and officers since (President Gloria Macapagal-) Arroyo came to power,” Bayan Muna said.
Dayo refused to confirm the party-list group’s claim as even the family of Gandinao has yet to blame any person or group. They could cite also any possible motive.
But Dayo admitted that in fact, a detachment of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, Bravo Company, is located near the shooting site.
“In our talk this morning with Divina Tina, a sister of the victim, at the office of Salay Mayor Vevincia Capistrano and 1Lt. Lemuel Bacarro, the ground commander here of the Philippine Army, she said they are not really sure if the suspect was a military man because he could not be recognized. So they could not point yet at any group or suspect,” Dayo said.
Bayan Muna Representative Teodoro Casiño said the Gandinao killing will “be brought immediately to the attention of Mr. Alston and US Senator Barbara Boxers, who will preside over a hearing on Wednesday regarding political killings” in the Philippines.
“We will exert all efforts to attain justice for the Gandinaos. We will press the Arroyo government to investigate the two murders. This is a challenge for law enforcers to identify and capture the perpetrators,” said Davao City-based Bayan Muna Representative Joel Virador./END
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