By Ronron
April 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG briefed on Friday afternoon a select group of staff from the United States House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the political killings in the country.
Police Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., deputy chief for administration, said the US delegation, led by Mr. Cobb Mixter, Senior Staff Assistant of US Congressman Tom Lantos, chairman of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, came upon his invitation following his visit to Washington last March.
“I would like to thank (you)… for giving us this opportunity to present the true picture of the alleged political killings in the country,” Razon told Mixter and his two companions during the one-hour-and-a-half “cordial meeting.”
“We assure you of our strong resolve and determination in protecting democracy and safeguarding the fundamental liberties and human rights, which your great country has passed on to us,” he added.
Razon told the US delegates that the PNP Task Force USIG, which was created by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in May last year to investigate killings of militants, journalists and government officials, is currently looking into 116 cases of killings of militants, and 26 cases of killings of journalists.
Razon clarified that the delegation was not in the country for an official inquiry, rather just “exploiting through a round-table discussion” the issues at hand.
“If we don’t do that, they will only listen to one side,” Razon said, referring to allegations from militant groups in the country, which claim there are over 800 cases of extrajudicial killings in the country since 2001.
The Philippine government has been accused of being remiss in addressing the spate of killings, which militants said got worse during the incumbency of Arroyo. The criticism came from United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston, the US Senate inquiry, and even the Malacanang-created Melo Commission.
“They received our briefing very openly. They welcomed the presentation. They were most anxious to find out what the Task Force USIG has been doing, and the actions taken by the government itself,” Razon said.
He said the US guests were also briefed about the proposed Executive Order for a closer cooperation with the prosecution office and the law enforcement agencies, which he said had the inputs of the US Embassy in Manila.
“We told them that the Presidential Chief Legal Counsel, Secretary Sergio Apostol, is on top of this and we are confident that shortly, the President will sign this Executive Order,” Razon said.
The proposed model of closer collaboration with law enforcers and the prosecution office under the Department of Justice is patterned from the United States government.
The US delegates refused to talk to the media when interviewed after the closed-door briefing.
The party started to hold official meetings since Thursday until yesterday with government officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno, Defense Undersecretaries Ricardo Blancaflor and Ernesto Carolina, Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose of the Armed Forces Human Rights, Office, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, and the Commission on Human Rights./DMS
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Two militants abducted, one wounded in Iloilo attack
By Ronron
April 13, 2007
Two militant group members were abducted while another one was shot by unidentified suspects on Thursday night in Iloilo province, police said.
The victims were identified as Jose Ely Garachico, who sustained gunshot wound on the neck; and Ma. Luisa Pusa and Nilo Arado, who were both taken to an unknown place.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) spokesman Carl Ala identified Garachico, 51, as the Secretary-General of Karapatan in Panay; Pusa, as a member of SELDA (Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detention at para sa Amnestiya); and Arado, as a member of the KMP National Council and Anakpawis.
Police said Arado also belongs to the Panay Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).
SPO3 Neri Legislador, Officer-in-Charge of Oton Municipal Police Station, said in a phone interview Friday that the victims were aboard a black L-200 pick-up (plate number FEA-784) when they were blocked by an L-300 van (plate number FVF-463) at past 8:30 pm in Barangay Cabanbanan, same town.
Garachico, 51, who was driving the vehicle, told police that he noticed the L-300 van tailing them from San Jose, Antique, where they came from, to Iloilo City, where they are heading to.
Upon reaching Barangay Cabanbanan, three of the suspects alighted the L-300 van and opened fire, targeting Garachico.
Garachico sustained a gunshot wound in the neck and was dropped at the shooting site. He was later brought to the Iloilo Doctors Hospital for medical treatment by local residents.
The suspects then took control of the victims’ pick-up, taking along Pusa and Arado.
At around 6 am yesterday (Friday), Legislador said the pick-up was discovered abandoned at Januiay town in Iloilo, burned already.
Police said the pick-up was owned by a certain Romeo Capalla, who once belonged to the New People’s Army (NPA) Panay Regional Party Committee, like Garachico. Pusa and Arado themselves were described by police as former members of the local NPA’s United Front Committee.
“The victims are former communist rebels who are now working with party-list groups. But we are still investigating the motive and identities of the suspects,” said Director Geary Barias, commander of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG which is tasked to investigate killings of militants, journalists and local officials.
Asked if the incident could be part of the communist movement’s purging, Barias said: “We will wait for the investigation and we have to come up with some definite information before we say anything.”
But Ala was quick to blame the military for the incident, particularly the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, saying the victims have been tailed since December of last year.
Promptly, PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon relieved Inspector Vicente Castor, chief of police of Oton, upon the recommendation of Barias, citing the principle of command responsibility.
“Castor will be temporarily relieved by his deputy while undergoing investigation. But I can always order his return to post if an investigation will show that he was not remiss in his duties,” Calderon said in a statement.
Incidentally, Castor was on official leave since Thursday, and it was Legislador who was on duty at the time the crime happened.
Barias said the Task Force USIG in Police Regional Office VI already began a thorough investigation into the incident.
“I am confident we will make a breakthrough in our investigation very soon,” Barias said./DMS
April 13, 2007
Two militant group members were abducted while another one was shot by unidentified suspects on Thursday night in Iloilo province, police said.
The victims were identified as Jose Ely Garachico, who sustained gunshot wound on the neck; and Ma. Luisa Pusa and Nilo Arado, who were both taken to an unknown place.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) spokesman Carl Ala identified Garachico, 51, as the Secretary-General of Karapatan in Panay; Pusa, as a member of SELDA (Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detention at para sa Amnestiya); and Arado, as a member of the KMP National Council and Anakpawis.
Police said Arado also belongs to the Panay Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).
SPO3 Neri Legislador, Officer-in-Charge of Oton Municipal Police Station, said in a phone interview Friday that the victims were aboard a black L-200 pick-up (plate number FEA-784) when they were blocked by an L-300 van (plate number FVF-463) at past 8:30 pm in Barangay Cabanbanan, same town.
Garachico, 51, who was driving the vehicle, told police that he noticed the L-300 van tailing them from San Jose, Antique, where they came from, to Iloilo City, where they are heading to.
Upon reaching Barangay Cabanbanan, three of the suspects alighted the L-300 van and opened fire, targeting Garachico.
Garachico sustained a gunshot wound in the neck and was dropped at the shooting site. He was later brought to the Iloilo Doctors Hospital for medical treatment by local residents.
The suspects then took control of the victims’ pick-up, taking along Pusa and Arado.
At around 6 am yesterday (Friday), Legislador said the pick-up was discovered abandoned at Januiay town in Iloilo, burned already.
Police said the pick-up was owned by a certain Romeo Capalla, who once belonged to the New People’s Army (NPA) Panay Regional Party Committee, like Garachico. Pusa and Arado themselves were described by police as former members of the local NPA’s United Front Committee.
“The victims are former communist rebels who are now working with party-list groups. But we are still investigating the motive and identities of the suspects,” said Director Geary Barias, commander of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG which is tasked to investigate killings of militants, journalists and local officials.
Asked if the incident could be part of the communist movement’s purging, Barias said: “We will wait for the investigation and we have to come up with some definite information before we say anything.”
But Ala was quick to blame the military for the incident, particularly the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, saying the victims have been tailed since December of last year.
Promptly, PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon relieved Inspector Vicente Castor, chief of police of Oton, upon the recommendation of Barias, citing the principle of command responsibility.
“Castor will be temporarily relieved by his deputy while undergoing investigation. But I can always order his return to post if an investigation will show that he was not remiss in his duties,” Calderon said in a statement.
Incidentally, Castor was on official leave since Thursday, and it was Legislador who was on duty at the time the crime happened.
Barias said the Task Force USIG in Police Regional Office VI already began a thorough investigation into the incident.
“I am confident we will make a breakthrough in our investigation very soon,” Barias said./DMS
German national, Filipina wife killed in Bohol robbery incident
By Ronron
April 13, 2007
A 69-year-old German national and his 59-year-old Filipina wife were killed in a pre-dawn robbery incident on Friday inside their residence in Bohol province, police said.
A report from Region VII police identified the victims as Helmut Malinka and Eustaquia Malinka, both residents of Barangay Laya, Baclayon town.
Baclayon Municipal Police Station Officer-in-Charge SPO2 Bonifacio Paredes said Helmut, who has resided in Bohol since 2004, and Eustaquia died due to multiple stab wounds.
An initial autopsy on Helmut’s body by the municipal health officer also revealed he was fatally hit several times by a hard object.
“We suspect the motive for this is robbery. The two suspects were only after money since a passbook and laptop of the couple were missing,” Paredes said in the Cebuano dialect when reached by phone.
He said the couple’s helper, Virginia Saluza, survived the incident since she was just hogtied by the suspects all throughout.
Paredes said Saluza learned of the incident when she was awakened by the shout of Helmut for help. When she went out of her room, she was met by the two bonnet-wearing suspects and immediately tied her hands and feet.
Saluza estimated the incident to have happened at around 2 am. When she was able to free herself after the suspects left, Saluza ran to the police station to report the incident, Paredes said.
Saluza told police that the suspects were armed with a short firearm, a revolver and a hunting knife. But she said the suspects did not use the guns and suspected that they just used it to poke at the Malinka couple.
Paredes said Eustaquia, who was occupying the master’s bedroom, was first killed by the suspects. Then the latter went to Helmut, who was occupying the guest room.
Paredes described the Malinka’s bungalow house as nice and big, secured with a gate, but visible from the highway. He said a passerby can tell from the outside that the owner of said house is really well-to-do.
Paredes disclosed that Helmut is a retired pilot, and is believed to be surviving only out of his pension from his home country. Paredes said he is not aware about any business of the Malinka’s in town.
Police are still determining the total amount of the lost valuables inside the Malinka’s residence, as the investigation continues for the identification and arrest of the suspects./DMS
April 13, 2007
A 69-year-old German national and his 59-year-old Filipina wife were killed in a pre-dawn robbery incident on Friday inside their residence in Bohol province, police said.
A report from Region VII police identified the victims as Helmut Malinka and Eustaquia Malinka, both residents of Barangay Laya, Baclayon town.
Baclayon Municipal Police Station Officer-in-Charge SPO2 Bonifacio Paredes said Helmut, who has resided in Bohol since 2004, and Eustaquia died due to multiple stab wounds.
An initial autopsy on Helmut’s body by the municipal health officer also revealed he was fatally hit several times by a hard object.
“We suspect the motive for this is robbery. The two suspects were only after money since a passbook and laptop of the couple were missing,” Paredes said in the Cebuano dialect when reached by phone.
He said the couple’s helper, Virginia Saluza, survived the incident since she was just hogtied by the suspects all throughout.
Paredes said Saluza learned of the incident when she was awakened by the shout of Helmut for help. When she went out of her room, she was met by the two bonnet-wearing suspects and immediately tied her hands and feet.
Saluza estimated the incident to have happened at around 2 am. When she was able to free herself after the suspects left, Saluza ran to the police station to report the incident, Paredes said.
Saluza told police that the suspects were armed with a short firearm, a revolver and a hunting knife. But she said the suspects did not use the guns and suspected that they just used it to poke at the Malinka couple.
Paredes said Eustaquia, who was occupying the master’s bedroom, was first killed by the suspects. Then the latter went to Helmut, who was occupying the guest room.
Paredes described the Malinka’s bungalow house as nice and big, secured with a gate, but visible from the highway. He said a passerby can tell from the outside that the owner of said house is really well-to-do.
Paredes disclosed that Helmut is a retired pilot, and is believed to be surviving only out of his pension from his home country. Paredes said he is not aware about any business of the Malinka’s in town.
Police are still determining the total amount of the lost valuables inside the Malinka’s residence, as the investigation continues for the identification and arrest of the suspects./DMS
Retired police officers threaten to hold rally unless pension adjustment is implemented
By Ronron
April 13, 2007
Retired officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are not afraid to be water cannoned and sprayed with teargas once they hold rally at Plaza Miranda in Manila City come April 27 if the adjustment of their pension and three other demands are not granted or assured by the government.
Retired Director Guillermo Domondon, President of the PNP Retirees Association, Inc. (PRAI), told reporters in Camp Crame Friday that their members are ready to fill up the historic rally site in Quiapo District if their demands remain to fall on deaf ears in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the PNP.
Domondon laid out four demands from the DBM and the PNP that they hope to be resolved within a week. These are: 1) full release of their pension adjustment worth P4.9 billion; 2) implementation of their differential pay; 3) construction of the 12 million-peso worth PRAI office; and, 4) that the retirees be accorded courtesy and respect when they claim their pension.
He also lamented that some of the retirees are denied of free hospitalization benefits at the PNP General Hospital, contrary to what is mandated by law.
“Sometimes you really have to make noise to be heard. But if our demands will be settled, or if we just get a commitment that they will be resolved, then we might not push through with our planned rally,” Domondon said in Filipino.
Asked if they are prepared to be watered down or sprayed with teargas if they hold the rally, Domondon said: “We’re willing to do that… We will fight for this.”
But he assured that if it pushes through, it will be a peaceful rally.
In response to their demands, PNP Director for Comptrollership Director Noe Wong explained that the pension adjustment for the 31,000 retirees is delayed due to lack of budget appropriation due to the reenactment of the 2005 budget.
But he said it is now being addressed with the passage of the more than P1 trillion budget for this year, and the request for supplemental budget.
“The DBM Secretary, however, has assured that the Department will immediately act on the deficit to fully implement the pension adjustment,” Wong said.
As to the building of PRAI, Wong said he will have to confer it with PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon for inclusion in the next budget proposal.
Wong said the PNP failed to provide the P6 million fund that former PNP chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao and Calderon promised to PRAI because they had a change in priorities, in favor of housing projects for those in the active service.
Wong said a coordinating meeting with other units in the PNP will be held to address the treatment problem that Domondon raised for his fellow retirees.
The PNP General Hospital also denied the allegation that it is outrightly turning down retirees who are seeking medical attention there. The Hospital said it sometimes has to ask some retirees to go other medical facilities due to lack unavailability of hospital beds, medicines and other medical supplies.
“The policy of taking care of the morale and welfare of personnel does not only apply to policemen inn the active service but to the police retirees as well. We take good care of the retired sector of the PNP because all of us are destined to join their ranks soon,” Wong said.
Domondon said they “will see” if the PNP will be able to deliver these new promises.
“I trust that he will abide by these commitments,” Domondon said./DMS
April 13, 2007
Retired officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are not afraid to be water cannoned and sprayed with teargas once they hold rally at Plaza Miranda in Manila City come April 27 if the adjustment of their pension and three other demands are not granted or assured by the government.
Retired Director Guillermo Domondon, President of the PNP Retirees Association, Inc. (PRAI), told reporters in Camp Crame Friday that their members are ready to fill up the historic rally site in Quiapo District if their demands remain to fall on deaf ears in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the PNP.
Domondon laid out four demands from the DBM and the PNP that they hope to be resolved within a week. These are: 1) full release of their pension adjustment worth P4.9 billion; 2) implementation of their differential pay; 3) construction of the 12 million-peso worth PRAI office; and, 4) that the retirees be accorded courtesy and respect when they claim their pension.
He also lamented that some of the retirees are denied of free hospitalization benefits at the PNP General Hospital, contrary to what is mandated by law.
“Sometimes you really have to make noise to be heard. But if our demands will be settled, or if we just get a commitment that they will be resolved, then we might not push through with our planned rally,” Domondon said in Filipino.
Asked if they are prepared to be watered down or sprayed with teargas if they hold the rally, Domondon said: “We’re willing to do that… We will fight for this.”
But he assured that if it pushes through, it will be a peaceful rally.
In response to their demands, PNP Director for Comptrollership Director Noe Wong explained that the pension adjustment for the 31,000 retirees is delayed due to lack of budget appropriation due to the reenactment of the 2005 budget.
But he said it is now being addressed with the passage of the more than P1 trillion budget for this year, and the request for supplemental budget.
“The DBM Secretary, however, has assured that the Department will immediately act on the deficit to fully implement the pension adjustment,” Wong said.
As to the building of PRAI, Wong said he will have to confer it with PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon for inclusion in the next budget proposal.
Wong said the PNP failed to provide the P6 million fund that former PNP chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao and Calderon promised to PRAI because they had a change in priorities, in favor of housing projects for those in the active service.
Wong said a coordinating meeting with other units in the PNP will be held to address the treatment problem that Domondon raised for his fellow retirees.
The PNP General Hospital also denied the allegation that it is outrightly turning down retirees who are seeking medical attention there. The Hospital said it sometimes has to ask some retirees to go other medical facilities due to lack unavailability of hospital beds, medicines and other medical supplies.
“The policy of taking care of the morale and welfare of personnel does not only apply to policemen inn the active service but to the police retirees as well. We take good care of the retired sector of the PNP because all of us are destined to join their ranks soon,” Wong said.
Domondon said they “will see” if the PNP will be able to deliver these new promises.
“I trust that he will abide by these commitments,” Domondon said./DMS
Friday, April 13, 2007
AFP not bothered by survey-based public distrust on Esperon
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not bothered by the low trust rating that its chief of staff, Gen. Hermogenes Epseron, Jr., got from the public that were surveyed by Pulse Asia recently.
“We are not affected by this survey… Despite the survey, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is not in any way affected by this survey because these are just surveys,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Thursday.
In a survey conducted by Pulse Asia among 1,800 respondents last April 3 to 5, Esperon got a distrust rating of 41 percent. He also got the same rating for those who cannot say whether or not they trust him.
The survey said not more than two out of ten surveyed only trust Esperon.
Bacarro said it was the first time that Esperon became a subject of a trust survey among the public.
Calling the survey result as just “perception,” Bacarro said the readers of the survey should consider who commissioned it, what is its objective, and who were those interviewed.
“All of these would lead to what is really the intent (of the survey),” Bacarro said, as he questioned the inclusion of Esperon in the survey that had political figures mostly as its subject.
Bacarro said what is important is that Esperon enjoys the “trust and confidence of the soldiers.”
“Never has the Armed Forces of the Philippines this strong. We are all aware of the number of efforts to destroy the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the number of disinformation efforts with the intent of causing divisiveness within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. And they have continued to fail because of the fact that the soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly trust our Chief of Staff,” Bacarro said.
He said hopefully, the efforts and accomplishment of the AFP under the leadership of Esperon will correct the “public perception” on him.
“He remains to be focused on performing his task, which is to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines in accomplishing our mandate,” Bacarro said of Esperon.
Esperon figured in the “Hello Garci” scandal over a year ago after his name was mentioned in the taped conversation that allegedly planned to rig the results of the 2004 elections in favor of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Esperon was once a chief of Arroyo’s Presidential Security Group in 2001./DMS
April 12, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not bothered by the low trust rating that its chief of staff, Gen. Hermogenes Epseron, Jr., got from the public that were surveyed by Pulse Asia recently.
“We are not affected by this survey… Despite the survey, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is not in any way affected by this survey because these are just surveys,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Thursday.
In a survey conducted by Pulse Asia among 1,800 respondents last April 3 to 5, Esperon got a distrust rating of 41 percent. He also got the same rating for those who cannot say whether or not they trust him.
The survey said not more than two out of ten surveyed only trust Esperon.
Bacarro said it was the first time that Esperon became a subject of a trust survey among the public.
Calling the survey result as just “perception,” Bacarro said the readers of the survey should consider who commissioned it, what is its objective, and who were those interviewed.
“All of these would lead to what is really the intent (of the survey),” Bacarro said, as he questioned the inclusion of Esperon in the survey that had political figures mostly as its subject.
Bacarro said what is important is that Esperon enjoys the “trust and confidence of the soldiers.”
“Never has the Armed Forces of the Philippines this strong. We are all aware of the number of efforts to destroy the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the number of disinformation efforts with the intent of causing divisiveness within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. And they have continued to fail because of the fact that the soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly trust our Chief of Staff,” Bacarro said.
He said hopefully, the efforts and accomplishment of the AFP under the leadership of Esperon will correct the “public perception” on him.
“He remains to be focused on performing his task, which is to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines in accomplishing our mandate,” Bacarro said of Esperon.
Esperon figured in the “Hello Garci” scandal over a year ago after his name was mentioned in the taped conversation that allegedly planned to rig the results of the 2004 elections in favor of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Esperon was once a chief of Arroyo’s Presidential Security Group in 2001./DMS
Two soldiers killed, 10 wounded in fresh encounter with ASG in Sulu
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded following an encounter last Wednesday against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, a military spokesman said yesterday.
Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Philippine Army Public Information Officer, said the fresh firefight happened at around 1pm the other day (Wednesday) at Sitio Marang, Barangay Buansa in Indanan town.
Torres said members of the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion were conducting pursuit operations against ASG members under the command of Radulan Sahiron and Dr. Abu when they caught up with the group, with a force of about 100 in size.
The fierce exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of two soldiers and the wounding of 10 others, whose identities are not yet immediately available.
Many terrorists were also believed to have been killed but their bodies were not recovered, said Torres.
“Upon learning about the incident, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, gave instructions to the troop commander to make sure that the casualties are taken cared of even while pursuit operations are being conducted,” Torres said.
He disclosed that the cadavers of the two slain soldiers were immediately claimed by their relatives for immediate burial, while the wounded were brought to a hospital in Sulu for medical treatment.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its fight against the ASG and other terrorist groups in Sulu since August 1, 2006 with the launching of Operation Plan (OPLAN) Ultimatum.
The operation has so far claimed the heads of the top two leaders of the ASG, Khadaffy Janjalani, and Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Soliaman./DMS
April 12, 2007
Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded following an encounter last Wednesday against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, a military spokesman said yesterday.
Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Philippine Army Public Information Officer, said the fresh firefight happened at around 1pm the other day (Wednesday) at Sitio Marang, Barangay Buansa in Indanan town.
Torres said members of the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion were conducting pursuit operations against ASG members under the command of Radulan Sahiron and Dr. Abu when they caught up with the group, with a force of about 100 in size.
The fierce exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of two soldiers and the wounding of 10 others, whose identities are not yet immediately available.
Many terrorists were also believed to have been killed but their bodies were not recovered, said Torres.
“Upon learning about the incident, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, gave instructions to the troop commander to make sure that the casualties are taken cared of even while pursuit operations are being conducted,” Torres said.
He disclosed that the cadavers of the two slain soldiers were immediately claimed by their relatives for immediate burial, while the wounded were brought to a hospital in Sulu for medical treatment.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its fight against the ASG and other terrorist groups in Sulu since August 1, 2006 with the launching of Operation Plan (OPLAN) Ultimatum.
The operation has so far claimed the heads of the top two leaders of the ASG, Khadaffy Janjalani, and Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Soliaman./DMS
Terror threat in most parts of Mindanao remains high, says PNP
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
The threat of terrorism in most parts of Mindanao remains high for this month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) quoted the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) to have given said assessment.
In a statement Thursday, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the ATTF placed Regions 9, 10, 11, and 12, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under Terror Threat Level III or “High” because of the continuing threat from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiyah and other Al Qaeda terrorist groups.
A “high” terror level means a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a certain period of time.
The lowest level is LOW, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack; followed by MODERATE, which means that a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. Next to HIGH level is EXTREME, which is classified further into two: EXTREME SEVERE, which means a terrorist attack is highly likely, and EXTREME CRITICAL, which means that a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected.
“PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ordered all police personnel in Central Mindanao to remain vigilant after the Anti-Terrorism Task Force said terrorist threat in the said region remains high for the month of April,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said Calderon ordered the entire police force in Mindanao to “keep up their measures to ensure public safety by beefing up their intelligence operations and their day and night checkpoints in order to prevent” the ASG, the JI, as well as the New People’s Army from carrying out terrorist activities.
The only region in Mindanao that is safe from terrorist attack is Region XIII or the Caraga Region, which has been placed on Low Terror Threat Level, similar to regions from Ilocos to Southern Tagalog, and Regions V to VIII.
Terrorism threat in Metro Manila, however, remains at Moderate Level.
Hence, Pagdilao said Calderon directed the regional police directors in the National Capital Region and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) to “guard all government and other vital installations, such as communication facilities and power lines.”
“These facilities are commonly the subject of terrorist attacks and the PNP cannot afford to take chances and let the NPA in MIMAROPA carryout their vicious activities,” Calderon said in the statement./DMS
April 12, 2007
The threat of terrorism in most parts of Mindanao remains high for this month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) quoted the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) to have given said assessment.
In a statement Thursday, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the ATTF placed Regions 9, 10, 11, and 12, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under Terror Threat Level III or “High” because of the continuing threat from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiyah and other Al Qaeda terrorist groups.
A “high” terror level means a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a certain period of time.
The lowest level is LOW, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack; followed by MODERATE, which means that a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. Next to HIGH level is EXTREME, which is classified further into two: EXTREME SEVERE, which means a terrorist attack is highly likely, and EXTREME CRITICAL, which means that a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected.
“PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ordered all police personnel in Central Mindanao to remain vigilant after the Anti-Terrorism Task Force said terrorist threat in the said region remains high for the month of April,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said Calderon ordered the entire police force in Mindanao to “keep up their measures to ensure public safety by beefing up their intelligence operations and their day and night checkpoints in order to prevent” the ASG, the JI, as well as the New People’s Army from carrying out terrorist activities.
The only region in Mindanao that is safe from terrorist attack is Region XIII or the Caraga Region, which has been placed on Low Terror Threat Level, similar to regions from Ilocos to Southern Tagalog, and Regions V to VIII.
Terrorism threat in Metro Manila, however, remains at Moderate Level.
Hence, Pagdilao said Calderon directed the regional police directors in the National Capital Region and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) to “guard all government and other vital installations, such as communication facilities and power lines.”
“These facilities are commonly the subject of terrorist attacks and the PNP cannot afford to take chances and let the NPA in MIMAROPA carryout their vicious activities,” Calderon said in the statement./DMS
Smith is impatient inside the US Embassy, says Philippine official
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
Smith is impatient inside the US Embassy, says Philippine official
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
Fire at old Comelec building was an accident, says gov’t investigators
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
An inter-agency body that investigated the fire that gutted down the old Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila last March 11 declared on Thursday that the incident was a pure accident.
In a press conference at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Quezon City, DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus said the 12-man Inter-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force, headed by Fire Supt. Fennimore Jaudian, traced the origin of the fire to loose electrical wiring.
“After evaluating all the sworn statements and the investigation, the team found no significant information that would indicate that the incident was intentionally done,” Corpus said.
“Likewise, there were no telltale signs and incriminating evidence of arson at the scene of the fire,” he added.
Consistent with the testimony of a Comelec utility worker who was inside the building when the fire started, Corpus said fire investigators found out that the flame originated from the ceiling of the electrical/power room of the General Services Division (GSD).
“The team was of the opinion that the cause of the fire was probably due to loose energized electrical wiring connection that generated arcs/sparks that ignited combustible materials thereat,” Corpus said.
In the same press conference, Jaudian pointed out that “no general rewiring” was done at the said building since it was built in the 1960’s.
And the fire grew bigger due to the strong winds coming from Manila Bay and the combustible materials inside the building, apart from the fact that the structure itself is already very old, Corpus said.
The fire was only put out at 5:30 am, or almost five hours since it started at 12:51 am.
Corpus said firemen at the nearby Intramuros Fire Station had difficulty in penetrating the fire scene because of a huge wall that blocked the old Comelec building.
Aside from conducting ocular inspection and forensic examination on recovered burnt materials, Corpus said the task force gathered the statements of 17 witnesses who include residents in the area, Comelec employees, and policemen assigned in the area.
“Based on the interviews and investigation conducted by the team, we consider this fire incident solved or closed, with the cause of the fire accidental in nature,” Corpus said.
As such, no one will be prosecuted in relation to the incident, said Jaudian.
Corpus said the Comelec fire incident should now serve as warning to all local government offices, not just in Manila City, for them to strictly adhere to the required annual inspection and maintenance of all buildings.
The fire at the old Comelec building, which is located along Postigo corner Arzobispo Streets in Intramuros, damaged more or less P20 million worth of properties, according to the Comelec./DMS
April 12, 2007
An inter-agency body that investigated the fire that gutted down the old Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila last March 11 declared on Thursday that the incident was a pure accident.
In a press conference at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Quezon City, DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus said the 12-man Inter-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force, headed by Fire Supt. Fennimore Jaudian, traced the origin of the fire to loose electrical wiring.
“After evaluating all the sworn statements and the investigation, the team found no significant information that would indicate that the incident was intentionally done,” Corpus said.
“Likewise, there were no telltale signs and incriminating evidence of arson at the scene of the fire,” he added.
Consistent with the testimony of a Comelec utility worker who was inside the building when the fire started, Corpus said fire investigators found out that the flame originated from the ceiling of the electrical/power room of the General Services Division (GSD).
“The team was of the opinion that the cause of the fire was probably due to loose energized electrical wiring connection that generated arcs/sparks that ignited combustible materials thereat,” Corpus said.
In the same press conference, Jaudian pointed out that “no general rewiring” was done at the said building since it was built in the 1960’s.
And the fire grew bigger due to the strong winds coming from Manila Bay and the combustible materials inside the building, apart from the fact that the structure itself is already very old, Corpus said.
The fire was only put out at 5:30 am, or almost five hours since it started at 12:51 am.
Corpus said firemen at the nearby Intramuros Fire Station had difficulty in penetrating the fire scene because of a huge wall that blocked the old Comelec building.
Aside from conducting ocular inspection and forensic examination on recovered burnt materials, Corpus said the task force gathered the statements of 17 witnesses who include residents in the area, Comelec employees, and policemen assigned in the area.
“Based on the interviews and investigation conducted by the team, we consider this fire incident solved or closed, with the cause of the fire accidental in nature,” Corpus said.
As such, no one will be prosecuted in relation to the incident, said Jaudian.
Corpus said the Comelec fire incident should now serve as warning to all local government offices, not just in Manila City, for them to strictly adhere to the required annual inspection and maintenance of all buildings.
The fire at the old Comelec building, which is located along Postigo corner Arzobispo Streets in Intramuros, damaged more or less P20 million worth of properties, according to the Comelec./DMS
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Military court sentences 54 Magdalo junior officers to dishonorable discharge from the service, and continued detention until January 2008 for pleadin
By Ronron
April 11, 2007
A military court on Wednesday recommended 54 junior officers who took part in the Oakwood mutiny in 2003 to be removed from the service until they have completed their court-imposed terms of confinement on January 27, 2008.
This after they pleaded guilty to violating Articles of War 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, in exchange for the dropping of charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
“Wherefore, premises considered, this General Court Martial (GCM), after confidential deliberation in chamber and upon secret ballot, declares upon its unanimous votes that the accused are hereby adjudged to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the military offense for violation of AW 97,” court law member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan said in open court at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The penalty of continued detention until January 27, 2008 for the 54 officers, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, was arrived at after the court considered their detention since July 28, 2003, and three mitigating circumstances that their lawyers cited.
First is the voluntary surrender of the accused. Second is the voluntary change of plea. And third is the their long confinement in jail.
The court said the dishonorable discharge of the officers will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence to confinement.
“Furthermore, it should be noted that their discharge from the Armed Forces of the Philippines is effective only upon the approval by the President or the Commander-in-Chief,” Escarlan said.
If an AFP member is dishonorably discharged, he or she does not get any benefits other than his personal contributions to some pension agencies. He or she is also barred from being employed in any government office, said AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro.
Bacarro said the confinement penalty against the 54 will have to be approved by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., while the dishonorable discharge recommendation will need a Presidential action.
The 54 officers are comprised of eight from the Philippine Air Force, 19 from the Philippine Navy, 14 from the Philippine Marines and 13 from the Philippine Army.
Seven other officers opted not to avail of the said plea-bargaining agreement that the 54 entered into since they want the trial to proceed, said defense lawyer Trixie Angeles.
Two of the seven are actually still awaiting a resolution of the AFP Special Adjudication Board (SAB) to their application for a dropping of charges against them.
Earlier in the day, the court recognized and implemented an AFP SAB resolution dated February 22, 2007 that cleared five other junior officers from AW charges in relation also to the Oakwood incident.
But only four will be freed since the other one has gone absent without official leave and remains unaccounted for until yesterday.
The AFP SAB said all five were cleared of charges after the evidence against them were found to be weak.
On July 27, 2003, some 300 officers and enlisted personnel took over Oakwood Hotel in Makati City to protest the alleged massive corruption in government./DMS
April 11, 2007
A military court on Wednesday recommended 54 junior officers who took part in the Oakwood mutiny in 2003 to be removed from the service until they have completed their court-imposed terms of confinement on January 27, 2008.
This after they pleaded guilty to violating Articles of War 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, in exchange for the dropping of charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
“Wherefore, premises considered, this General Court Martial (GCM), after confidential deliberation in chamber and upon secret ballot, declares upon its unanimous votes that the accused are hereby adjudged to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the military offense for violation of AW 97,” court law member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan said in open court at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The penalty of continued detention until January 27, 2008 for the 54 officers, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, was arrived at after the court considered their detention since July 28, 2003, and three mitigating circumstances that their lawyers cited.
First is the voluntary surrender of the accused. Second is the voluntary change of plea. And third is the their long confinement in jail.
The court said the dishonorable discharge of the officers will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence to confinement.
“Furthermore, it should be noted that their discharge from the Armed Forces of the Philippines is effective only upon the approval by the President or the Commander-in-Chief,” Escarlan said.
If an AFP member is dishonorably discharged, he or she does not get any benefits other than his personal contributions to some pension agencies. He or she is also barred from being employed in any government office, said AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro.
Bacarro said the confinement penalty against the 54 will have to be approved by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., while the dishonorable discharge recommendation will need a Presidential action.
The 54 officers are comprised of eight from the Philippine Air Force, 19 from the Philippine Navy, 14 from the Philippine Marines and 13 from the Philippine Army.
Seven other officers opted not to avail of the said plea-bargaining agreement that the 54 entered into since they want the trial to proceed, said defense lawyer Trixie Angeles.
Two of the seven are actually still awaiting a resolution of the AFP Special Adjudication Board (SAB) to their application for a dropping of charges against them.
Earlier in the day, the court recognized and implemented an AFP SAB resolution dated February 22, 2007 that cleared five other junior officers from AW charges in relation also to the Oakwood incident.
But only four will be freed since the other one has gone absent without official leave and remains unaccounted for until yesterday.
The AFP SAB said all five were cleared of charges after the evidence against them were found to be weak.
On July 27, 2003, some 300 officers and enlisted personnel took over Oakwood Hotel in Makati City to protest the alleged massive corruption in government./DMS
Military deploys troops to Masbate, Abra to prevent escalation of violence
By Ronron
April 11, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed additional troops to the provinces of Masbate and Abra, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as election areas of concern.
In an interview Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said two companies from the Philippine Army were sent last week to Masbate, while a battalion was deployed to Abra.
With these fresh deployment, Masbate has now a battalion of Army troopers, while the new battalion to Abra augments the reconnaissance company there.
“We have already deployed additional troops to Masbate, we have deployed additional troops to Abra, as it is very clear that the New People’s Army in these areas have been perpetrating violent actions,” Esperon said.
The PNP has earlier identified Abra and Masbate as are areas of immediate concern for the upcoming election. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) then placed Abra under its control, while the case of Masbate is yet to be decided.
Additionally, the PNP said yesterday that parts of Nueva Ecija were also placed already under Comelec control due to intense political rivalry among local candidates.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said he instructed Chief Supt. Ismael Rafanan, chief of Region III PNP, to coordinate with the AFP Northern Luzon Command for the deployment of 350 peacekeeping soldiers in parts of Nueva Ecija.
Other provinces of immediate concern are Isabela and Cagayan.
“We hope that by continuing with our operations, we will be able to preempt any armed incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army,” Esperon said.
Together with the PNP, Esperon said military troops conduct checkpoints in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.
Its internal security operations are also ongoing to “prevent armed groups from carrying out plans in connection with the elections,” he said./DMS
April 11, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed additional troops to the provinces of Masbate and Abra, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as election areas of concern.
In an interview Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said two companies from the Philippine Army were sent last week to Masbate, while a battalion was deployed to Abra.
With these fresh deployment, Masbate has now a battalion of Army troopers, while the new battalion to Abra augments the reconnaissance company there.
“We have already deployed additional troops to Masbate, we have deployed additional troops to Abra, as it is very clear that the New People’s Army in these areas have been perpetrating violent actions,” Esperon said.
The PNP has earlier identified Abra and Masbate as are areas of immediate concern for the upcoming election. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) then placed Abra under its control, while the case of Masbate is yet to be decided.
Additionally, the PNP said yesterday that parts of Nueva Ecija were also placed already under Comelec control due to intense political rivalry among local candidates.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said he instructed Chief Supt. Ismael Rafanan, chief of Region III PNP, to coordinate with the AFP Northern Luzon Command for the deployment of 350 peacekeeping soldiers in parts of Nueva Ecija.
Other provinces of immediate concern are Isabela and Cagayan.
“We hope that by continuing with our operations, we will be able to preempt any armed incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army,” Esperon said.
Together with the PNP, Esperon said military troops conduct checkpoints in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.
Its internal security operations are also ongoing to “prevent armed groups from carrying out plans in connection with the elections,” he said./DMS
Korean government hands over second-hand trucks and equipment to AFP
By Ronron
April 11, 2007
The Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday handed over 134 trucks and construction equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is seen by the Philippine government as “an affirmation of continuing friendship” between the two countries.
The grant consists of 90 2.5-ton cargo trucks, nine 2.5-ton trucks with crane, six 5-ton cargo trucks, eight 5-ton dump trucks, 14 1.25-ton cargo trucks, and seven bulldozers.
“That will actually double the lift capability of the Armed Forces,” Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. said of the second-hand equipment in an interview after the formal hand-over rites yesterday morning at Camp Aguinaldo.
Present to turn over the equipment on behalf of the Korean Minister of Defense is ROK Ambassador to Manila Hong Jong Ki. Ebdane received the vehicles on behalf of the Philippines, and was witnessed by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
“The grant was a result of a Transfer Agreement signed last March 10 under the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation signed in May 1994 to enhance cooperation in logistics and promote defense cooperation in the defense industry between the two countries,” a Defense Department statement said.
Ebdane said the Philippines shouldered the shipment cost of the vehicles worth P23 million, as agreed upon.
In a separate interview, Esperon described the vehicles to be in good working condition even if they range from three to 10 years old already.
He said that of the 134 ground mobility vehicles, 43 will go to the Philippine Navy, mostly to the Philippine Marine Corps. The rest will be distributed among the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force, while a few will be retained at Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon said the places where the vehicles will be dispatched to will be decided by the major service commanders.
“The vehicles will go a long way in helping our Defense for Development Agenda to bring about more results in more areas in the near future. With the added mobility, we are in a better position to do more, for more communities,” Ebdane said./DMS
April 11, 2007
The Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday handed over 134 trucks and construction equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is seen by the Philippine government as “an affirmation of continuing friendship” between the two countries.
The grant consists of 90 2.5-ton cargo trucks, nine 2.5-ton trucks with crane, six 5-ton cargo trucks, eight 5-ton dump trucks, 14 1.25-ton cargo trucks, and seven bulldozers.
“That will actually double the lift capability of the Armed Forces,” Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. said of the second-hand equipment in an interview after the formal hand-over rites yesterday morning at Camp Aguinaldo.
Present to turn over the equipment on behalf of the Korean Minister of Defense is ROK Ambassador to Manila Hong Jong Ki. Ebdane received the vehicles on behalf of the Philippines, and was witnessed by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
“The grant was a result of a Transfer Agreement signed last March 10 under the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation signed in May 1994 to enhance cooperation in logistics and promote defense cooperation in the defense industry between the two countries,” a Defense Department statement said.
Ebdane said the Philippines shouldered the shipment cost of the vehicles worth P23 million, as agreed upon.
In a separate interview, Esperon described the vehicles to be in good working condition even if they range from three to 10 years old already.
He said that of the 134 ground mobility vehicles, 43 will go to the Philippine Navy, mostly to the Philippine Marine Corps. The rest will be distributed among the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force, while a few will be retained at Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon said the places where the vehicles will be dispatched to will be decided by the major service commanders.
“The vehicles will go a long way in helping our Defense for Development Agenda to bring about more results in more areas in the near future. With the added mobility, we are in a better position to do more, for more communities,” Ebdane said./DMS
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
5 killed, 35 injured in North Cotabato vehicular accident
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
Five persons, including two minors, died and 35 others were wounded after a vehicle they were riding crashed on Tuesday noon in North Cotabato province, police said.
Insp. Elias Colonia, chief of police of Matalam town, North Cotabato, told Manila Shiimbun in a phone interview that the victims were supposed to attend a wake of a relative when the misfortune struck them at around 12:30 pm yesterday (Tuesday).
Colonia said the victims were riding an Isuzu Elf cargo truck towards Barangay Tampid in Matalam when the vehicle’s brake malfunctioned while going downhill along the national highway in Purok Balabay, Barangay New Alimodian, same town.
Survivors of the accident told police that when the truck driver, Ronnie Cagud, lost control over the vehicle, he decided to bump it against a canal at the side of the road.
As a result, the truck (plate number TKN-223) turned turtle until about a meter away from the side of the road.
Almost all of its passengers, who were at the back of the truck, were then thrown towards the farther side of the road, which Colonia describe as filled with bamboo plants.
He said the five fatalities were pinned under the truck. They include two 45-year-old women, a 70-year-old man, and two two-year-old children.
Five of the 35 injured victims are also fighting for their lives as they are regarded to be in critical condition. They were brought to the Davao Medical Center.
The 30 other wounded victims, including possibly Cagud, meanwhile, are being treated at the Amas Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City, same province.
Colonia said the victims, who belong to the same clan, are all residents of Sitio Alimodian, Barangay Banayal, in Tulunan town, same province. They came from there prior to the accident and were heading for Sitio Imelda in Barangay Tampid to attend the wake of a relative who passed away earlier.
Colonia said Cagud could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries./DMS
April 10, 2007
Five persons, including two minors, died and 35 others were wounded after a vehicle they were riding crashed on Tuesday noon in North Cotabato province, police said.
Insp. Elias Colonia, chief of police of Matalam town, North Cotabato, told Manila Shiimbun in a phone interview that the victims were supposed to attend a wake of a relative when the misfortune struck them at around 12:30 pm yesterday (Tuesday).
Colonia said the victims were riding an Isuzu Elf cargo truck towards Barangay Tampid in Matalam when the vehicle’s brake malfunctioned while going downhill along the national highway in Purok Balabay, Barangay New Alimodian, same town.
Survivors of the accident told police that when the truck driver, Ronnie Cagud, lost control over the vehicle, he decided to bump it against a canal at the side of the road.
As a result, the truck (plate number TKN-223) turned turtle until about a meter away from the side of the road.
Almost all of its passengers, who were at the back of the truck, were then thrown towards the farther side of the road, which Colonia describe as filled with bamboo plants.
He said the five fatalities were pinned under the truck. They include two 45-year-old women, a 70-year-old man, and two two-year-old children.
Five of the 35 injured victims are also fighting for their lives as they are regarded to be in critical condition. They were brought to the Davao Medical Center.
The 30 other wounded victims, including possibly Cagud, meanwhile, are being treated at the Amas Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City, same province.
Colonia said the victims, who belong to the same clan, are all residents of Sitio Alimodian, Barangay Banayal, in Tulunan town, same province. They came from there prior to the accident and were heading for Sitio Imelda in Barangay Tampid to attend the wake of a relative who passed away earlier.
Colonia said Cagud could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries./DMS
Police identifies Diasen’s killer; reports 30 deaths so far since start of election period last January 14
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already identified the suspected killer of Kalinga gubernatorial candidate Rommel Diasen who was gunned down last Black Saturday in Tabuk town.
Joel Melod, 18, a local tribesman, was identified by local residents who witnessed the crime, said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., quoting PNP Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias.
“We received reports that the suspect was dared by a fellow tribesman and wood-gatherer to kill Vice Governor Diasen to avenge the killing of a local judge a few years ago. We also had information that the suspect is a relative of the wife of Diasen,” Pagdilao quoted Barias to have said in his report to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
The PNP had earlier declared that the killing of Diasen is a result of an unresolved tribal feud, and not in any way related to the forthcoming election where he is participating as the Lakas’ candidate for Governor.
Cordillera Region Police Director Raul Gonzales had said that Diasen’s killing is a revenge for the death of Judge Milnar Lammawin a few years back. Both belong to rival tribes, and Diasen was linked to the Lammawin killing although no case against him prospered in court.
Diasen was delivering a speech in public in Barangay Magnao last Saturday afternoon to explain why he should not be blamed for Lammawin’s death and at the same time ask for the people’s support for his candidacy when he was shot.
Pagdilao said Melod is a member of the mixed Magnao-Lubuagan tribe. Lammawin belongs to the Magnao tribe.
A case of murder was already filed against Melod, who is now a subject of police manhunt.
With the declaration of Barias that the incident is fueled by a tribal war, PNP National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director General Antonio Billones struck out the Diasen killing case from the PNP’s list of election-related violent incidents (ERVI).
So far, 30 people, mostly barangay chairmen, were killed out of the 51 reported ERVI’s that happened since the start of the election period last January 14th, Billones said. Three of those killed were political candidates.
Twenty other people were injured.
But Billones said the situation now is still better compared to the last elections in 2004 and 2001.
He disclosed that in the 2004 Presidential elections, there were a total of 249 ERVI’s, and 269 in 2001. The number of deaths for the said election periods were 148 (41 of whom are candidates) and 111 (21 of whom are killed), respectively.
Billones said peace covenants among local candidates are continuously being proposed by the PNP to prevent further violence./DMS
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already identified the suspected killer of Kalinga gubernatorial candidate Rommel Diasen who was gunned down last Black Saturday in Tabuk town.
Joel Melod, 18, a local tribesman, was identified by local residents who witnessed the crime, said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., quoting PNP Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias.
“We received reports that the suspect was dared by a fellow tribesman and wood-gatherer to kill Vice Governor Diasen to avenge the killing of a local judge a few years ago. We also had information that the suspect is a relative of the wife of Diasen,” Pagdilao quoted Barias to have said in his report to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
The PNP had earlier declared that the killing of Diasen is a result of an unresolved tribal feud, and not in any way related to the forthcoming election where he is participating as the Lakas’ candidate for Governor.
Cordillera Region Police Director Raul Gonzales had said that Diasen’s killing is a revenge for the death of Judge Milnar Lammawin a few years back. Both belong to rival tribes, and Diasen was linked to the Lammawin killing although no case against him prospered in court.
Diasen was delivering a speech in public in Barangay Magnao last Saturday afternoon to explain why he should not be blamed for Lammawin’s death and at the same time ask for the people’s support for his candidacy when he was shot.
Pagdilao said Melod is a member of the mixed Magnao-Lubuagan tribe. Lammawin belongs to the Magnao tribe.
A case of murder was already filed against Melod, who is now a subject of police manhunt.
With the declaration of Barias that the incident is fueled by a tribal war, PNP National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director General Antonio Billones struck out the Diasen killing case from the PNP’s list of election-related violent incidents (ERVI).
So far, 30 people, mostly barangay chairmen, were killed out of the 51 reported ERVI’s that happened since the start of the election period last January 14th, Billones said. Three of those killed were political candidates.
Twenty other people were injured.
But Billones said the situation now is still better compared to the last elections in 2004 and 2001.
He disclosed that in the 2004 Presidential elections, there were a total of 249 ERVI’s, and 269 in 2001. The number of deaths for the said election periods were 148 (41 of whom are candidates) and 111 (21 of whom are killed), respectively.
Billones said peace covenants among local candidates are continuously being proposed by the PNP to prevent further violence./DMS
Police note peaceful celebration of Lenten season, especially in Metro Manila
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) noted a peaceful celebration of the Lenten season in the country, especially in Metro Manila, citing fewer incidents of crime reported to authorities.
“The Lenten season was generally peaceful. There were no untoward incidents, except for two cases. The first happened last Black Saturday involving Army troopers in Sulu, and the attack of the NPA (New People’s Army) at the Davao Penal Colony on Sunday,” PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said during Tuesday’s regular media forum at Camp Crame.
He said Metro Manila, in particular, was very quiet and peaceful during the Holy Week celebration, traffic became even “exceptionally good.”
According to a report released by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, the period of April 2 – 8, 2007 only posted 345 crimes committed in Metro Manila.
It was fewer by nine incidents during the Holy Week in 2006.
Crimes against persons in particular decreased by 31.3 percent, from 83 in 2006 to 57 this year. Only six cases of murder were reported as against 10 last year; seven homicide cases compared to last year’s nine; and 39 cases of physical injuries compared to 61 last year. Only the crime of rape increased, from three last year to five this year.
Crimes against persons also dipped by 18.25 percent, as robbery cases decreased by 14.3 percent and theft by 21.5 percent.
“The decrease in crime incidents in Metro Manila is just but expected. Since a lot of Metro Manila residents leave fro the provinces to spend time with their families while on a vacation or to join religious rites or festivities, the economic activities in the metropolitan area are considerably lessened, thereby removing most opportunities for crime to be committed,” said the report.
It also credited the PNP security measures, such as the doubling-up of checkpoints, and the conduct of joint patrols by the local police, barangay tanods and other civilian volunteer organizations, and the local government units.
“The joint visibility patrols give assurance to Metro Manila residents that their houses are safe from akyat-bahay, looters, and other criminals. The round-the-clock checkpoint operation, on the other hand, is the primary deterrent against hold-uppers, robbery suspects on motorcycles, and other criminal elements that might be moving around the metropolis,” the report explained.
Razon said that with Holy Week already over, the PNP can now focus again all of its efforts to the upcoming mid-term election on May 14th./DMS
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) noted a peaceful celebration of the Lenten season in the country, especially in Metro Manila, citing fewer incidents of crime reported to authorities.
“The Lenten season was generally peaceful. There were no untoward incidents, except for two cases. The first happened last Black Saturday involving Army troopers in Sulu, and the attack of the NPA (New People’s Army) at the Davao Penal Colony on Sunday,” PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said during Tuesday’s regular media forum at Camp Crame.
He said Metro Manila, in particular, was very quiet and peaceful during the Holy Week celebration, traffic became even “exceptionally good.”
According to a report released by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, the period of April 2 – 8, 2007 only posted 345 crimes committed in Metro Manila.
It was fewer by nine incidents during the Holy Week in 2006.
Crimes against persons in particular decreased by 31.3 percent, from 83 in 2006 to 57 this year. Only six cases of murder were reported as against 10 last year; seven homicide cases compared to last year’s nine; and 39 cases of physical injuries compared to 61 last year. Only the crime of rape increased, from three last year to five this year.
Crimes against persons also dipped by 18.25 percent, as robbery cases decreased by 14.3 percent and theft by 21.5 percent.
“The decrease in crime incidents in Metro Manila is just but expected. Since a lot of Metro Manila residents leave fro the provinces to spend time with their families while on a vacation or to join religious rites or festivities, the economic activities in the metropolitan area are considerably lessened, thereby removing most opportunities for crime to be committed,” said the report.
It also credited the PNP security measures, such as the doubling-up of checkpoints, and the conduct of joint patrols by the local police, barangay tanods and other civilian volunteer organizations, and the local government units.
“The joint visibility patrols give assurance to Metro Manila residents that their houses are safe from akyat-bahay, looters, and other criminals. The round-the-clock checkpoint operation, on the other hand, is the primary deterrent against hold-uppers, robbery suspects on motorcycles, and other criminal elements that might be moving around the metropolis,” the report explained.
Razon said that with Holy Week already over, the PNP can now focus again all of its efforts to the upcoming mid-term election on May 14th./DMS
Three Manila police officers only get admonition over lapses in Manila hostage drama
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
They will not be relieved.
Instead, the three Manila City police officers who took charge in resolving the March 28 hostage drama will only be “admonished” based on the recommendation of an internal investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“No one was recommended to be relieved (from their posts). The officers will only be admonished,” said PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. in an interview Tuesday morning at Camp Crame.
This, after revealing that the internal probe of the PNP, headed by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region (NCR) director Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, already wrapped up.
Razon disclosed that the initial findings of the probe that he cited last week were later adopted in to the final report, as well as the recommendations, except for the filing of administrative charges against the erring officers.
Subject in the investigation mainly were Manila Police District (MPD) acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza, MPD Station 5 commander Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., and MPD Lawton Police Community Precinct commander Chief Insp. Bernardino Cubacub.
Razon had earlier cited the following lapses in the negotiation for the peaceful resolution of the hostage taking incident involving Armando Ducat, Jr. and his business associate, Caezar Augusto Carbonell: 1) Failure to Control the Crowd; 2) Improper Media Handling; and, 3) Breakdown of Communication between the Crisis Management Committee and the ground police commanders.
The investigation, he said, recommended that the three officers be admonished; that a hostage-taking crisis management seminar be held for all members of the NCR Police Office (NCRPO); and that the Police Operational Procedures on Hostage Negotiation be reviewd by the Directorate for Operations of the PNP.
Razon said the investigation report will be submitted to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno for final approval.
But already, the MPD started yesterday (Tuesday) a five-day refresher course on hostage crisis negotiation in compliance with the directive of NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla.
The activity is being participated by station commanders and precinct commanders.
Varilla said the seminar will be replicated in other district offices in Metro Manila in the succeeding weeks and months.
“What is important here is we can have additional knowledge, that we will learn new things,” he said of the seminar.
Told that apparently the punishment against the three MPD officials turned lighter during the conclusion of the internal probe, Razon said: “Well, an admonition is also a heavy penalty.”
A day after Ducat and Carbonell hostaged 26 pupils and three teachers from the Musmos Day Care Center that the former built in Parola Compound, Puno ordered the relief of Abarsoza, Rosales and Cubacub for alleged mishandling of the hostage situation.
But Calderon requested that the punishment be withheld until after an internal probe is completed.
Ducat held hostage the students of his pre-school to protest over the massive corruption in government. He demanded that the government assure the graduates of his school of a continuous education until college and free housing provision.
The incident ended peacefully after 10 hours./DMS
April 10, 2007
They will not be relieved.
Instead, the three Manila City police officers who took charge in resolving the March 28 hostage drama will only be “admonished” based on the recommendation of an internal investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“No one was recommended to be relieved (from their posts). The officers will only be admonished,” said PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. in an interview Tuesday morning at Camp Crame.
This, after revealing that the internal probe of the PNP, headed by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region (NCR) director Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, already wrapped up.
Razon disclosed that the initial findings of the probe that he cited last week were later adopted in to the final report, as well as the recommendations, except for the filing of administrative charges against the erring officers.
Subject in the investigation mainly were Manila Police District (MPD) acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza, MPD Station 5 commander Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., and MPD Lawton Police Community Precinct commander Chief Insp. Bernardino Cubacub.
Razon had earlier cited the following lapses in the negotiation for the peaceful resolution of the hostage taking incident involving Armando Ducat, Jr. and his business associate, Caezar Augusto Carbonell: 1) Failure to Control the Crowd; 2) Improper Media Handling; and, 3) Breakdown of Communication between the Crisis Management Committee and the ground police commanders.
The investigation, he said, recommended that the three officers be admonished; that a hostage-taking crisis management seminar be held for all members of the NCR Police Office (NCRPO); and that the Police Operational Procedures on Hostage Negotiation be reviewd by the Directorate for Operations of the PNP.
Razon said the investigation report will be submitted to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno for final approval.
But already, the MPD started yesterday (Tuesday) a five-day refresher course on hostage crisis negotiation in compliance with the directive of NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla.
The activity is being participated by station commanders and precinct commanders.
Varilla said the seminar will be replicated in other district offices in Metro Manila in the succeeding weeks and months.
“What is important here is we can have additional knowledge, that we will learn new things,” he said of the seminar.
Told that apparently the punishment against the three MPD officials turned lighter during the conclusion of the internal probe, Razon said: “Well, an admonition is also a heavy penalty.”
A day after Ducat and Carbonell hostaged 26 pupils and three teachers from the Musmos Day Care Center that the former built in Parola Compound, Puno ordered the relief of Abarsoza, Rosales and Cubacub for alleged mishandling of the hostage situation.
But Calderon requested that the punishment be withheld until after an internal probe is completed.
Ducat held hostage the students of his pre-school to protest over the massive corruption in government. He demanded that the government assure the graduates of his school of a continuous education until college and free housing provision.
The incident ended peacefully after 10 hours./DMS
Three cops, two civilians nabbed for alleged gunrunning
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
Three policemen and two civilians were arrested on Monday night by police operatives from Region IV-A at a city south of Metro Manila for alleged gunrunning.
In his report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Sr. Supt. Charles Calima, Jr., operations chief of Police Region IV-A Office, identified the suspects as: 1) PO1 Ricardo Espeleta, 37, of the Pasay City Police Station; 2) PO1 Leonilo Espeleta, 35, of the Traffic Management Group based in Camp Crame; 3) PO1 Michael Bañola, 27, of the Pasay City Police Station; 4) Danilo Caballes, 39; and, 5) Marcelino Lepiten, 39.
Calima said the five were arrested during an entrapment-turned-dragnet operation by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) IV-A and Regional Mobile Group (RMG) IV-A at the tollgate in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City at around 8:30 pm.
The five were supposed to meet up with policemen poseur gun-buyers at around 3pm Monday at the Tropical Hut restaurant in Bacoor, Cavite to strike a P1.5 million purchase deal for 20 pieces of caliber 45, machine pistol Beretta 9mm, AK 47, and M16 Bushmaster Armalite.
However, while they were on their way to Susana Heights aboard a Honda CRV (plate number MCC-988), they suspected that the meeting could be a police entrapment operation as they noticed the RSOG and RSM operatives’ tailing them.
Thus, they sped up, resulting in a car chase that ended at the tollgate.
Blocking forces immediately disarmed the five suspects and seized one submachine gun UZI pistol with five long magazines; one caliber 40 pistol Glock, with three magazines; three 9mm pistols with one magazine each; one Colt caliber 45 with magazine; 39 live ammunitions of caliber 40; and 20 live ammunitions of caliber 9mm.
Police said no shootout happened during the arrest.
The five were brought to the RSOG IV-A headquarters at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna for investigation.
Calima said charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294, (Illegal Possession of Firearms), and violation of Omnibus Election Code on Gun Ban are being prepared against the five.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla said he also ordered the filing of administrative charges against the two Pasay City policemen РRicardo Espeleta and Ba̱ola.
“We are not tolerating this kind of activity. So I immediately ordered the filing of administrative case against the two Pasay City policemen. If we have to dismiss them, we will do that. We have already done that before,” Varilla said.
Calima said further investigation is being conducted to find out where the five are sourcing the firearms./DMS
April 10, 2007
Three policemen and two civilians were arrested on Monday night by police operatives from Region IV-A at a city south of Metro Manila for alleged gunrunning.
In his report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Sr. Supt. Charles Calima, Jr., operations chief of Police Region IV-A Office, identified the suspects as: 1) PO1 Ricardo Espeleta, 37, of the Pasay City Police Station; 2) PO1 Leonilo Espeleta, 35, of the Traffic Management Group based in Camp Crame; 3) PO1 Michael Bañola, 27, of the Pasay City Police Station; 4) Danilo Caballes, 39; and, 5) Marcelino Lepiten, 39.
Calima said the five were arrested during an entrapment-turned-dragnet operation by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) IV-A and Regional Mobile Group (RMG) IV-A at the tollgate in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City at around 8:30 pm.
The five were supposed to meet up with policemen poseur gun-buyers at around 3pm Monday at the Tropical Hut restaurant in Bacoor, Cavite to strike a P1.5 million purchase deal for 20 pieces of caliber 45, machine pistol Beretta 9mm, AK 47, and M16 Bushmaster Armalite.
However, while they were on their way to Susana Heights aboard a Honda CRV (plate number MCC-988), they suspected that the meeting could be a police entrapment operation as they noticed the RSOG and RSM operatives’ tailing them.
Thus, they sped up, resulting in a car chase that ended at the tollgate.
Blocking forces immediately disarmed the five suspects and seized one submachine gun UZI pistol with five long magazines; one caliber 40 pistol Glock, with three magazines; three 9mm pistols with one magazine each; one Colt caliber 45 with magazine; 39 live ammunitions of caliber 40; and 20 live ammunitions of caliber 9mm.
Police said no shootout happened during the arrest.
The five were brought to the RSOG IV-A headquarters at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna for investigation.
Calima said charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294, (Illegal Possession of Firearms), and violation of Omnibus Election Code on Gun Ban are being prepared against the five.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla said he also ordered the filing of administrative charges against the two Pasay City policemen РRicardo Espeleta and Ba̱ola.
“We are not tolerating this kind of activity. So I immediately ordered the filing of administrative case against the two Pasay City policemen. If we have to dismiss them, we will do that. We have already done that before,” Varilla said.
Calima said further investigation is being conducted to find out where the five are sourcing the firearms./DMS
Monday, April 9, 2007
Chopper crash lands in Laguna; six persons hurt
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
A private chopper chartered by an opposition senatorial candidate to deliver campaign materials crashed on Saturday afternoon at a house in Laguna province due to mechanical problems.
Police said the twin-engine chopper (body number RP-C1495 / Agusta-109A) crash landed at around 3:15 pm the other day (Saturday) at a house on No. 6 P. Cabrera St., Barangay III-B, San Pablo City, owned by couple Nicanor and Aleli Chaylee.
The chopper, police said, was carrying campaign materials of Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda of the Genuine Opposition.
The six persons aboard it, including its pilot and flight mate/aircraft mechanic, sustained minor injuries only, the police said.
On the other hand, no one from the Chaylee’s residence was hurt.
Initial investigation disclosed that one of the engines of the chopper conked out as it was nearing its destination, the Platon Elementary School Landing Site in Barangay III-C, same city.
Police said the second engine failed to sustain the flight, resulting in the crashlanding.
Badly damaged were the two bedrooms and the porch of the Chaylee’s residence. The incident also resulted in power blackout in the immediate neighborhood.
Police said the chopper, registered under the Country Club Development Corporation, came from the Manila Domestic Airport.
Its pilot was identified as Isabelito Floro, 57, while the Aircraft mechanic was identified as Vincent Velasco, 30.
The four passengers were the following: 1) Gil Portugal, 39; 2) Adolfo de Ramos, 50; 3) Rey Salud, 38; and, 4) Cathy Palparan, 44.
All six were brought to a hospital in the city for medical treatment but were declared to be in stable condition./DMS
April 8, 2007
A private chopper chartered by an opposition senatorial candidate to deliver campaign materials crashed on Saturday afternoon at a house in Laguna province due to mechanical problems.
Police said the twin-engine chopper (body number RP-C1495 / Agusta-109A) crash landed at around 3:15 pm the other day (Saturday) at a house on No. 6 P. Cabrera St., Barangay III-B, San Pablo City, owned by couple Nicanor and Aleli Chaylee.
The chopper, police said, was carrying campaign materials of Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda of the Genuine Opposition.
The six persons aboard it, including its pilot and flight mate/aircraft mechanic, sustained minor injuries only, the police said.
On the other hand, no one from the Chaylee’s residence was hurt.
Initial investigation disclosed that one of the engines of the chopper conked out as it was nearing its destination, the Platon Elementary School Landing Site in Barangay III-C, same city.
Police said the second engine failed to sustain the flight, resulting in the crashlanding.
Badly damaged were the two bedrooms and the porch of the Chaylee’s residence. The incident also resulted in power blackout in the immediate neighborhood.
Police said the chopper, registered under the Country Club Development Corporation, came from the Manila Domestic Airport.
Its pilot was identified as Isabelito Floro, 57, while the Aircraft mechanic was identified as Vincent Velasco, 30.
The four passengers were the following: 1) Gil Portugal, 39; 2) Adolfo de Ramos, 50; 3) Rey Salud, 38; and, 4) Cathy Palparan, 44.
All six were brought to a hospital in the city for medical treatment but were declared to be in stable condition./DMS
Bulusan volcano spews ash anew
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
The Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province spewed ash anew dawn of Sunday after two months of silence.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum said the volcano exploded at around 5:45 am yesterday, emitting thick cloud of ash to as high as four to five kilometers from its tip.
“We have expected this (emission). In fact, yesterday, Black Saturday, the PHIVOLCS issued an advisory because of the frequency of volcanic earthquakes,” Solidum said Sunday in Filipino.
Casiguran town Mayor Edwin Hamor described yesterday’s emitted ash as similar to a shape of mushroom.
“Actually, it was a beautiful sight because it was four to five kilometers high, and there was no wind, so you’re like looking at a mushroom floating in the air,” Hamor said in Filipino.
He said that because of the absence of wind, the ash only fell on one barangay in Casiguran, while the rest went to three barangays in the neighboring town of Juban.
Solidum said yesterday’s emission was the fourth of Bulusan for this year, the first three having occurred in January.
Bulusan became active starting June of last year, which spewed ash about 10 times until the end of the year.
Solidum said Alert Level 1 remains around Bulusan Volcano, which means the four-kilometer permanent danger zone remains off limits to the people./DMS
April 8, 2007
The Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province spewed ash anew dawn of Sunday after two months of silence.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum said the volcano exploded at around 5:45 am yesterday, emitting thick cloud of ash to as high as four to five kilometers from its tip.
“We have expected this (emission). In fact, yesterday, Black Saturday, the PHIVOLCS issued an advisory because of the frequency of volcanic earthquakes,” Solidum said Sunday in Filipino.
Casiguran town Mayor Edwin Hamor described yesterday’s emitted ash as similar to a shape of mushroom.
“Actually, it was a beautiful sight because it was four to five kilometers high, and there was no wind, so you’re like looking at a mushroom floating in the air,” Hamor said in Filipino.
He said that because of the absence of wind, the ash only fell on one barangay in Casiguran, while the rest went to three barangays in the neighboring town of Juban.
Solidum said yesterday’s emission was the fourth of Bulusan for this year, the first three having occurred in January.
Bulusan became active starting June of last year, which spewed ash about 10 times until the end of the year.
Solidum said Alert Level 1 remains around Bulusan Volcano, which means the four-kilometer permanent danger zone remains off limits to the people./DMS
9 soldiers, one civilian killed in shooting incident in Sulu
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
Nine soldiers and a civilian were killed in a shooting incident before dawn of Saturday inside a military camp in Sulu, officials said yesterday.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 2am inside the command post of the 35th Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company located in Barangay Silangkan, Parang town.
“We have nine soldiers and one civilian killed. The incident is still being investigated,” Torres said.
Torres claimed he has no information as to the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the identities of the victims.
“There was no electricity at the place… When the reinforcement arrived led by the battalion commander, they were also fired upon. When the area was placed under control, 10 dead bodies were found,” he said.
Asked if it was an internal conflict among the soldiers, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Eugene Battara said: “I leave it to you how you will describe it.”
Like Torres, Batarra, who is based in Zamboanga City, said he has no further details about the incident since these were purposely withheld from him by higher authorities “until the investigation is over.”
Sulu Police Director Sr. Supt. Ahirun Ajirim could not also provide details when reached by phone, saying he was not furnished a copy of the report by the military.
When asked if police will also initiate an investigation considering that a civilian was among the victims, Ajirim replied in the affirmative.
“I have ordered the chief of police of Parang to conduct investigation on the incident. But of course, we have to wait for the investigation by the Army brigade so that we will not contradict each other,” Ajirim said.
Torres said the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade is now investigating the incident./DMS
April 8, 2007
Nine soldiers and a civilian were killed in a shooting incident before dawn of Saturday inside a military camp in Sulu, officials said yesterday.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 2am inside the command post of the 35th Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company located in Barangay Silangkan, Parang town.
“We have nine soldiers and one civilian killed. The incident is still being investigated,” Torres said.
Torres claimed he has no information as to the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the identities of the victims.
“There was no electricity at the place… When the reinforcement arrived led by the battalion commander, they were also fired upon. When the area was placed under control, 10 dead bodies were found,” he said.
Asked if it was an internal conflict among the soldiers, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Eugene Battara said: “I leave it to you how you will describe it.”
Like Torres, Batarra, who is based in Zamboanga City, said he has no further details about the incident since these were purposely withheld from him by higher authorities “until the investigation is over.”
Sulu Police Director Sr. Supt. Ahirun Ajirim could not also provide details when reached by phone, saying he was not furnished a copy of the report by the military.
When asked if police will also initiate an investigation considering that a civilian was among the victims, Ajirim replied in the affirmative.
“I have ordered the chief of police of Parang to conduct investigation on the incident. But of course, we have to wait for the investigation by the Army brigade so that we will not contradict each other,” Ajirim said.
Torres said the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade is now investigating the incident./DMS
Suspected Reds raid gov’t armory facility in Davao
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided an armory of a government facility before dawn of Sunday in Davao del Norte province, police officials said.
Region 11 Police Director Chief Supt. Andres Caro said a total of 99 “vintage and unserviceable firearms” were successfully carted away by the estimated 30 perpetrators from the armory of the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) in Dujali town following the bold raid at 1:30 am.
The DAPECOL is a facility of the Bureau of Corrections under the Department of Justice where criminals convicted by regional trial courts in the province are confined.
Caro said the suspects managed to gain entry into the compound after pretending to be military men belonging to Task Force DAVAO.
“They deceived the guard at the gate. They wore military uniforms, with patches of TF Davao. And then, they pretended that their vans are having some mechanical problem. So when the guard approached them, they immediately pointed a gun at him,” Caro said in Filipino.
Caro said the suspected rebels then proceeded to the armory where they got 45 carbines; three M16 rifles; five caliber 38 revolvers; 46 shotguns; five pairs of handcuff; and undetermined number of live ammunitions.
The guerillas escaped aboard two vans, said Region 11 Police spokesman Chief Insp. Querubin Manalang, Jr.
They are now being traced by elements of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion. Caro said the perpetrators are believed to be under the command of local rebel leader Commander Paragu.
The incident immediately prompted the entire Region 11 Police to be placed on full alert status yesterday morning, Caro said.
Caro admitted that they already had hints about the NPA raid after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels bought military uniforms.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years.
Peace talks with the government bogged down in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist group by foreign governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to crush the communist movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
April 8, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided an armory of a government facility before dawn of Sunday in Davao del Norte province, police officials said.
Region 11 Police Director Chief Supt. Andres Caro said a total of 99 “vintage and unserviceable firearms” were successfully carted away by the estimated 30 perpetrators from the armory of the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) in Dujali town following the bold raid at 1:30 am.
The DAPECOL is a facility of the Bureau of Corrections under the Department of Justice where criminals convicted by regional trial courts in the province are confined.
Caro said the suspects managed to gain entry into the compound after pretending to be military men belonging to Task Force DAVAO.
“They deceived the guard at the gate. They wore military uniforms, with patches of TF Davao. And then, they pretended that their vans are having some mechanical problem. So when the guard approached them, they immediately pointed a gun at him,” Caro said in Filipino.
Caro said the suspected rebels then proceeded to the armory where they got 45 carbines; three M16 rifles; five caliber 38 revolvers; 46 shotguns; five pairs of handcuff; and undetermined number of live ammunitions.
The guerillas escaped aboard two vans, said Region 11 Police spokesman Chief Insp. Querubin Manalang, Jr.
They are now being traced by elements of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion. Caro said the perpetrators are believed to be under the command of local rebel leader Commander Paragu.
The incident immediately prompted the entire Region 11 Police to be placed on full alert status yesterday morning, Caro said.
Caro admitted that they already had hints about the NPA raid after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels bought military uniforms.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years.
Peace talks with the government bogged down in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist group by foreign governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to crush the communist movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Cop tagged in killing of assistant election officer in Palawan
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
A policeman was tagged in the killing last Tuesday night of an election officer in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province.
Chief Supt. Napoleon Cachuela, chief of the Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Police, identified PO1 Alfredo Carandang as the alleged killer of Puerto Princesa City Assistant Election Officer Petronilo Amorin, Jr.
In his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon, Cachuela said Carandang belongs to the 413rd Provincial Mobile Group (PMG), which is based at Barangay Culanga, Taytay, Palawan.
“With the identification of the gunman, we can consider this (case) as solved already,” said Supt. Reynaldo Jagmis, spokesman of the Special Investigation Task Group “Amorin.”
On Good Friday, a case of murder was filed against Carandang before the Puerto Princesa City Prosecutor’s Office.
Pending the preliminary investigation on the case, Carandang will be placed under the custody of the Palawan Police Provincial Office.
A separate administrative case, possible for grave misconduct, will be also conducted by the PNP against him, said Jagmis.
Cachuela and Jagmis said Carandang was positively identified by at least two witnesses, and corroborated by two others, when shown before them in a police line-up.
Carandang was considered a suspect after the cartographic sketch of the suspected gunman matched his profile.
Amorin was shot at close range, four times – two in the head, one in the stomach, and one on the leg – by his killer at around 7:15 pm last April 3 near the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Police said the motive could be work-related or personal in nature.
Asked yesterday what could be Carandang’s reason for killing Amorin, Jagmis said: “He was in complete denial.”
Thus, police could not yet say if the incident is election-related. Jagmis said the ongoing investigation will hopefully reveal the truth about the motive of the killing.
Jagmis said a personal caliber 45 handgun of Carandang is now subjected to ballistics at the National Bureau of Investigation in Palawan to determine if it was the one used in the crime.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn had offered P1 million as reward for any one who can point at the suspect/s in the killing. The recipient of this reward money will be chosen by the task group, said Jagmis.
Police has earlier regarded the case as “isolated,” being the first of its kind in the city./DMS
April 7, 2007
A policeman was tagged in the killing last Tuesday night of an election officer in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province.
Chief Supt. Napoleon Cachuela, chief of the Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Police, identified PO1 Alfredo Carandang as the alleged killer of Puerto Princesa City Assistant Election Officer Petronilo Amorin, Jr.
In his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon, Cachuela said Carandang belongs to the 413rd Provincial Mobile Group (PMG), which is based at Barangay Culanga, Taytay, Palawan.
“With the identification of the gunman, we can consider this (case) as solved already,” said Supt. Reynaldo Jagmis, spokesman of the Special Investigation Task Group “Amorin.”
On Good Friday, a case of murder was filed against Carandang before the Puerto Princesa City Prosecutor’s Office.
Pending the preliminary investigation on the case, Carandang will be placed under the custody of the Palawan Police Provincial Office.
A separate administrative case, possible for grave misconduct, will be also conducted by the PNP against him, said Jagmis.
Cachuela and Jagmis said Carandang was positively identified by at least two witnesses, and corroborated by two others, when shown before them in a police line-up.
Carandang was considered a suspect after the cartographic sketch of the suspected gunman matched his profile.
Amorin was shot at close range, four times – two in the head, one in the stomach, and one on the leg – by his killer at around 7:15 pm last April 3 near the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Police said the motive could be work-related or personal in nature.
Asked yesterday what could be Carandang’s reason for killing Amorin, Jagmis said: “He was in complete denial.”
Thus, police could not yet say if the incident is election-related. Jagmis said the ongoing investigation will hopefully reveal the truth about the motive of the killing.
Jagmis said a personal caliber 45 handgun of Carandang is now subjected to ballistics at the National Bureau of Investigation in Palawan to determine if it was the one used in the crime.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn had offered P1 million as reward for any one who can point at the suspect/s in the killing. The recipient of this reward money will be chosen by the task group, said Jagmis.
Police has earlier regarded the case as “isolated,” being the first of its kind in the city./DMS
Police says latest ambush in Masbate is election-related
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
Police in Bicol Region officially tagged Thursday ‘s ambush incident in Masbate province, wherein two persons died and one was wounded, as an election-related violent incident (EVRI).
Sr. Supt. Cecilio Calleja, Jr., deputy regional director for Operation of the Region V Police, said in a report that the victims were found to be supporters of an independent mayoralty candidate in Batuan town, and the suspect was a supporter of a rival candidate.
At around 4:30 pm last Thursday, Manuel Ramiso and Raymund Persia were shot dead by a certain Alfredo Yuson at Barangay Poblacion, Batuan town, while Carlo Aligada was wounded in the said incident.
Recovered from the crime scene were 22 empty shells of M16 rifle.
“Please be informed that follow up investigation conducted by Batuan Municipal Police Station disclosed that it was an EVRI,” Calleja said in his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Calleja said the victims were identified as supporters of mayoralty candidate Lily Villanueva Alforte in Batuan, while Yuson supports mayoralty candidate Charlie Deroma Yuson III of KAMPI, the party headed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The PNP’s National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) has earlier recommended for the placement of Masbate province under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the May 14 election.
This after NTF commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones, the Deputy Chief PNP for operations, flew to Masbate last Tuesday to personally supervise the conduct of dialogues between rival politicians for the forging of a peace covenant.
The PNP has already recorded 26 victims of election-related killings since January 14 until April 6./DMS
April 7, 2007
Police in Bicol Region officially tagged Thursday ‘s ambush incident in Masbate province, wherein two persons died and one was wounded, as an election-related violent incident (EVRI).
Sr. Supt. Cecilio Calleja, Jr., deputy regional director for Operation of the Region V Police, said in a report that the victims were found to be supporters of an independent mayoralty candidate in Batuan town, and the suspect was a supporter of a rival candidate.
At around 4:30 pm last Thursday, Manuel Ramiso and Raymund Persia were shot dead by a certain Alfredo Yuson at Barangay Poblacion, Batuan town, while Carlo Aligada was wounded in the said incident.
Recovered from the crime scene were 22 empty shells of M16 rifle.
“Please be informed that follow up investigation conducted by Batuan Municipal Police Station disclosed that it was an EVRI,” Calleja said in his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Calleja said the victims were identified as supporters of mayoralty candidate Lily Villanueva Alforte in Batuan, while Yuson supports mayoralty candidate Charlie Deroma Yuson III of KAMPI, the party headed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The PNP’s National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) has earlier recommended for the placement of Masbate province under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the May 14 election.
This after NTF commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones, the Deputy Chief PNP for operations, flew to Masbate last Tuesday to personally supervise the conduct of dialogues between rival politicians for the forging of a peace covenant.
The PNP has already recorded 26 victims of election-related killings since January 14 until April 6./DMS
Kalinga gubernatorial bet shot dead
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
A candidate for governor in Kalinga province was shot dead on Saturday afternoon by an unidentified suspect in Tabuk town, police officials said.
Incumbent vice governor Rommel Diasen was shot by an unidentified male suspect past 1pm yesterday using a caliber 45 handgun while he was delivering a talk in public in Barangay Magnao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Police Director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales said.
Diasen, who is the Lakas’ candidate for Governor, sustained two gunshot wounds in the body.
He was rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but expired at around 2pm.
The suspect, meanwhile, managed to escape on foot.
Gonzales said the incident is most likely a result of a tribal conflict, more than being election-related.
“As of now, we cannot consider it as an election-related violent incident (ERVI) because we have not yet seen any evidence that directs to politics,” Gonzales told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
“We are leaning more on the tribal war angle. This could be related to the killing about two years ago of Judge (Minar) Lammawin,” he added.
Gonzales pointed out that Diasen was holding his talk yesterday at a place that local people describe as “Lammawin” territory.
“He (Diasen) was being accused by the tribemates of Judge Lammawin of not helping in the solution of the crime (killing of Lammawin). So he was explaining to the people yesterday his side, while he was also campaigning for the forthcoming election,” Gonzales said.
The police officer said the suspected gunman could be a member of Lammawin’s tribe.
“It could be revenge,” Gonzales said of the incident.
As to the possible political angle, Gonzales said it could be remote because there is no heated rivalry between Diasen and fellow gubernatorial candidate Laurence Wacnang.
Wacnang is currently the Representative of Kalinga at the Lower House of Congress. He belongs to the Liberal Party.
“There is no reason for them to have a rift because they belong to a coalition in support of the administration. In fact, they were seen together lately,” Gonzales said.
“We don’t really see this as politically-motivated,” he added.
So far, Diasen is the high-ranking victim of violence during the election season, as far as position is concerned.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already recorded 26 killed victims of election-related violent incidents since the start of the election period on January 14 until April 6th.
Most of the victims are either supporters of candidates or election officers.
PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones maintained that the recent figure of election-related violent incidents are lower compared to the previous elections.
He said any possible administrative action against local police commanders in Kalinga will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Gonzales has immediately created yesterday Task Force Diasen to focus on the case for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect.
The Task Force is composed of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and local members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“We are still looking at the actions of the provincial director, if he had taken preventive measures against these kinds of violent incidents. We are still assessing it,” Gonzales said when asked if the chief of Kalinga Police will be sacked.
He said the matter of recommending the province to be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be determined also after the investigation, especially if the incident is proven to be election related.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon already ordered the immediate dispatch of Special Action Force (SAF) troopers to the province “to help stabilize the situation and prevent the escalation of violence.”
More checkpoints were ordered established as well to prevent movement of firearms and partisan armed groups in the province, Pagdilao said.
The mid-term elections will be held in the country on May 14./DMS
April 7, 2007
A candidate for governor in Kalinga province was shot dead on Saturday afternoon by an unidentified suspect in Tabuk town, police officials said.
Incumbent vice governor Rommel Diasen was shot by an unidentified male suspect past 1pm yesterday using a caliber 45 handgun while he was delivering a talk in public in Barangay Magnao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Police Director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales said.
Diasen, who is the Lakas’ candidate for Governor, sustained two gunshot wounds in the body.
He was rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but expired at around 2pm.
The suspect, meanwhile, managed to escape on foot.
Gonzales said the incident is most likely a result of a tribal conflict, more than being election-related.
“As of now, we cannot consider it as an election-related violent incident (ERVI) because we have not yet seen any evidence that directs to politics,” Gonzales told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
“We are leaning more on the tribal war angle. This could be related to the killing about two years ago of Judge (Minar) Lammawin,” he added.
Gonzales pointed out that Diasen was holding his talk yesterday at a place that local people describe as “Lammawin” territory.
“He (Diasen) was being accused by the tribemates of Judge Lammawin of not helping in the solution of the crime (killing of Lammawin). So he was explaining to the people yesterday his side, while he was also campaigning for the forthcoming election,” Gonzales said.
The police officer said the suspected gunman could be a member of Lammawin’s tribe.
“It could be revenge,” Gonzales said of the incident.
As to the possible political angle, Gonzales said it could be remote because there is no heated rivalry between Diasen and fellow gubernatorial candidate Laurence Wacnang.
Wacnang is currently the Representative of Kalinga at the Lower House of Congress. He belongs to the Liberal Party.
“There is no reason for them to have a rift because they belong to a coalition in support of the administration. In fact, they were seen together lately,” Gonzales said.
“We don’t really see this as politically-motivated,” he added.
So far, Diasen is the high-ranking victim of violence during the election season, as far as position is concerned.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already recorded 26 killed victims of election-related violent incidents since the start of the election period on January 14 until April 6th.
Most of the victims are either supporters of candidates or election officers.
PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones maintained that the recent figure of election-related violent incidents are lower compared to the previous elections.
He said any possible administrative action against local police commanders in Kalinga will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Gonzales has immediately created yesterday Task Force Diasen to focus on the case for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect.
The Task Force is composed of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and local members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“We are still looking at the actions of the provincial director, if he had taken preventive measures against these kinds of violent incidents. We are still assessing it,” Gonzales said when asked if the chief of Kalinga Police will be sacked.
He said the matter of recommending the province to be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be determined also after the investigation, especially if the incident is proven to be election related.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon already ordered the immediate dispatch of Special Action Force (SAF) troopers to the province “to help stabilize the situation and prevent the escalation of violence.”
More checkpoints were ordered established as well to prevent movement of firearms and partisan armed groups in the province, Pagdilao said.
The mid-term elections will be held in the country on May 14./DMS
Over 1,200 families left homeless as fire engulfs squatters’ area in Mandaluyong City
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
More than 1,200 families were rendered homeless by a fire that struck dawn of Black Saturday at a slum area in Mandaluyong City, a fire official said.
SFO3 Avelino Caya, Arson Division chief of the Mandaluyong City Fire Department, said the blaze started at 3 am at Block 39, Welfare Ville Compound, Martinez corner Pavillo Streets in Barangay Addition Hills of said city.
“It took our firemen a while to put the fire under control because of the very narrow streets and the residents were blocking our way as they were busy saving their personal belongings,” Caya said in Filipino in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun yesterday.
Caya said the fire reached Task Force Echo, the highest of 10 alarm levels, and was put under control only at around 8:30 am. It was put out more than three hours later, or at 12:05 noon.
He said an estimated 400 shanties, mostly made of light materials, were burned down, resulting in estimated damage cost of more or less P6 million.
Two ladies, a 24-year-old and a 32-year-old, were slightly wounded in the incident and were brought to the Mandaluyong Medical Center for medical treatment.
Caya said initial investigation disclosed that the fire started from the house of a certain Aliw Vizmanos, located in the middle portion of the slum area.
“Allegedly, a candle was lighted at the second floor because it was dark. The owner did notice that the candled tipped over, causing the blaze,” he said.
The Vizmanos’ are now under investigation./DMS
April 7, 2007
More than 1,200 families were rendered homeless by a fire that struck dawn of Black Saturday at a slum area in Mandaluyong City, a fire official said.
SFO3 Avelino Caya, Arson Division chief of the Mandaluyong City Fire Department, said the blaze started at 3 am at Block 39, Welfare Ville Compound, Martinez corner Pavillo Streets in Barangay Addition Hills of said city.
“It took our firemen a while to put the fire under control because of the very narrow streets and the residents were blocking our way as they were busy saving their personal belongings,” Caya said in Filipino in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun yesterday.
Caya said the fire reached Task Force Echo, the highest of 10 alarm levels, and was put under control only at around 8:30 am. It was put out more than three hours later, or at 12:05 noon.
He said an estimated 400 shanties, mostly made of light materials, were burned down, resulting in estimated damage cost of more or less P6 million.
Two ladies, a 24-year-old and a 32-year-old, were slightly wounded in the incident and were brought to the Mandaluyong Medical Center for medical treatment.
Caya said initial investigation disclosed that the fire started from the house of a certain Aliw Vizmanos, located in the middle portion of the slum area.
“Allegedly, a candle was lighted at the second floor because it was dark. The owner did notice that the candled tipped over, causing the blaze,” he said.
The Vizmanos’ are now under investigation./DMS
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