By Ronron
April 27, 2007
A woodcarver in Ifugao province who is suspected to be the killer of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell surrendered to police Friday afternoon and admitted he committed the crime.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Police, said Juan Duntogan, 25, was surrendered by his mother, Jane, before the Ifugao Police Provincial Office in Lagawe town past 3:30 pm yesterday.
“He admitted he killed Campbell… He is the culprit,” Ifugao Police Provincial Office Director Sr. Supt. Pedro Ganir said in Filipino in a separate interview.
Ganir, however, has yet to learn Duntogan’s motivation, saying the interrogation on him, in the company of his lawyer, is still ongoing as of press time.
Asked about the bag of Campbell, which was last seen with Duntogan on April 8, Ganir said: “He threw it somewhere that he said he could not recall.”
Duntogan became a possible suspect after a 10-year-old child positively identified the woodcarver as the guy carrying Campbell’s bag on April 8, the day Campbell was last seen alive in Barangay Battad, Banaue town.
Ganir said Duntogan looked “guilty” when he showed up at the police station yesterday afternoon.
“I think he is already bothered by his conscience,” Ganir said when asked what could have convinced Duntogan to give his self up.
In an earlier interview, Adnol said they have asked Duntogan’s mother, Jane, to help them convince her son to surrender.
“We have asked her mother to convince Juan to surrender because it’s going to be better for him, and it will give him the chance to clear his name,” Adnol said.
“We hope he will contribute for the enlightenment of everybody on what really happened. We hope he’ll tell the truth,” he added.
Ganir said Duntogan will no longer be allowed to leave the police office because he voluntarily surrendered and he already made an admission.
Ganir said Duntogan could be charged with robbery with homicide.
The police officer agreed that it was good timing that Duntogan surrendered yesterday because last Thursday, the laboratory examinations on some material pieces of evidence in the case yielded negative for fingerprints and traces of blood, which could give them a lead about the suspect.
Campbell, 40, of Virginia, was found dead last April 18 at Barangay Battad. She started serving as a peace corps volunteer in the country in March 2005./DMS
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Two killed, 12 others wounded in shootout in Nueva Ecija
By Ronron
April 27, 2007
A municipal councilor candidate and a policeman died while 12 other persons, mostly cops, were wounded in a shootout Thursday night in Nueva Ecija province allegedly involving two feuding political figures in the province.
A police report from the Region III Police Office said the shooting incident between the groups of Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Rodolfo Antonino (KAMPI) and dismissed Jaen Municipal Mayor Prospero Antonio Esquivel (Liberal Party-Atienza wing) clashed at around 10 pm the other day at Barangay Dampulan in Jaen town.
Initial data gathered by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who went to the site yesterday (Friday), showed that the party of Antonino was holding a political caucus near the clash site when they allegedly noticed the presence of armed men.
This prompted them to request for deployment of members of the Regional Mobile Group III at the site.
Calderon said that when the RMG troops arrived, they met up with Antonino, who was with his wife and two children. Antonino is seeking another term at the Congress this May 14 polls.
Minutes later, the convoy of Esquivel, who is also participating in the upcoming elections as a Mayoralty candidate of Jaen, arrived.
Calderon said the RMG troops signaled at the convoy, consisting of at least three vehicles, to slow down since it is a narrow road and a caucus is ongoing nearby.
However, the convoy sped off, until a burst of gunfire was heard.
Killed were Rufino Galang, 54, a candidate for Municipal Councilor of Jaen; and, SPO1 Bobby Ferrer, 44, of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office. Both belong to Esquivel’s party.
The following members of Esquivel’s party were also wounded: Conrado Reyes; Ireneo Yadro; Teofila Mangunay; Patricio de Belen; SPO1 Noly Rey Perez, 42; SPO2 Elmer Bautista, 48; PO2 Egbert Castillo, 31; PO1 Emerson Nagaño, 35; Mark Lawrence Esqiuvel, candidate for Vice-Mayor in Jaen; Mark Anthony Esquivel; and PO2 Nestor Ramos, 30.
PO1 Michael Valenzuela, a member of the RMG, was likewise wounded.
The Region III police report said scene of the crime operatives from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Crime Laboratory recovered empty shells of M16, M14, caliber 9mm, and caliber 45 from the site.
“As to who fired the first shot, that’s the subject now of the investigation,” Calderon said.
In a television interview, Esquivel alleged that he saw Antonino talking to the RMG operatives, as if ordering to open fire at them.
But Antonino said he could not have ordered for an ambush because he was with his family. Besides, he said it was the party of Esquivel who refused to heed to the RMG’s signal.
Antonino theorized that the bullets that hit Esquivel’s companions could have also come from his followers because only the front parts were hit.
Asked about the circumstances of the incident, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office Director Sr. Supt. Allen Bantolo said it is better to wait for the Task Group Jaen, created by Calderon, to finish its investigation.
Calderon said although the feud between Antonino and Esquivel is not deeply rooted, it was recently stirred up by the latter’s dismissal in January of this year.
Calderon said Esquivel blamed Antonino as the person behind the complaint lodged against him before the Office of the Ombudsman for the illegal recall of the appointments of three Board of Director members of the Jaen Water Distrcit.
Esquivel was found guilty of grave misconduct by the Ombdusman for said allegation.
Although he called the incident an isolated and expected one, Calderon said he instituted measures to avoid the escalation of the feud and a repeat of the same among other candidates in the province.
He said he recommended the placing of the entire province of Nueva Ecija under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which he hopes to be approved as soon as possible.
Also, Calderon said Task Force Jaen will make sure that the police escorts provided to candidates will come from one unit so that every one knows one another.
Calderon immediately relieved the chief of police of Jaen and all RMG operatives who were part of the incident as the investigation continues.
“We are trying to assure the country, especially the people of Nueva Ecija that we will give you a peaceful and orderly elections this year,” Calderon said./DMS
April 27, 2007
A municipal councilor candidate and a policeman died while 12 other persons, mostly cops, were wounded in a shootout Thursday night in Nueva Ecija province allegedly involving two feuding political figures in the province.
A police report from the Region III Police Office said the shooting incident between the groups of Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Rodolfo Antonino (KAMPI) and dismissed Jaen Municipal Mayor Prospero Antonio Esquivel (Liberal Party-Atienza wing) clashed at around 10 pm the other day at Barangay Dampulan in Jaen town.
Initial data gathered by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who went to the site yesterday (Friday), showed that the party of Antonino was holding a political caucus near the clash site when they allegedly noticed the presence of armed men.
This prompted them to request for deployment of members of the Regional Mobile Group III at the site.
Calderon said that when the RMG troops arrived, they met up with Antonino, who was with his wife and two children. Antonino is seeking another term at the Congress this May 14 polls.
Minutes later, the convoy of Esquivel, who is also participating in the upcoming elections as a Mayoralty candidate of Jaen, arrived.
Calderon said the RMG troops signaled at the convoy, consisting of at least three vehicles, to slow down since it is a narrow road and a caucus is ongoing nearby.
However, the convoy sped off, until a burst of gunfire was heard.
Killed were Rufino Galang, 54, a candidate for Municipal Councilor of Jaen; and, SPO1 Bobby Ferrer, 44, of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office. Both belong to Esquivel’s party.
The following members of Esquivel’s party were also wounded: Conrado Reyes; Ireneo Yadro; Teofila Mangunay; Patricio de Belen; SPO1 Noly Rey Perez, 42; SPO2 Elmer Bautista, 48; PO2 Egbert Castillo, 31; PO1 Emerson Nagaño, 35; Mark Lawrence Esqiuvel, candidate for Vice-Mayor in Jaen; Mark Anthony Esquivel; and PO2 Nestor Ramos, 30.
PO1 Michael Valenzuela, a member of the RMG, was likewise wounded.
The Region III police report said scene of the crime operatives from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Crime Laboratory recovered empty shells of M16, M14, caliber 9mm, and caliber 45 from the site.
“As to who fired the first shot, that’s the subject now of the investigation,” Calderon said.
In a television interview, Esquivel alleged that he saw Antonino talking to the RMG operatives, as if ordering to open fire at them.
But Antonino said he could not have ordered for an ambush because he was with his family. Besides, he said it was the party of Esquivel who refused to heed to the RMG’s signal.
Antonino theorized that the bullets that hit Esquivel’s companions could have also come from his followers because only the front parts were hit.
Asked about the circumstances of the incident, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office Director Sr. Supt. Allen Bantolo said it is better to wait for the Task Group Jaen, created by Calderon, to finish its investigation.
Calderon said although the feud between Antonino and Esquivel is not deeply rooted, it was recently stirred up by the latter’s dismissal in January of this year.
Calderon said Esquivel blamed Antonino as the person behind the complaint lodged against him before the Office of the Ombudsman for the illegal recall of the appointments of three Board of Director members of the Jaen Water Distrcit.
Esquivel was found guilty of grave misconduct by the Ombdusman for said allegation.
Although he called the incident an isolated and expected one, Calderon said he instituted measures to avoid the escalation of the feud and a repeat of the same among other candidates in the province.
He said he recommended the placing of the entire province of Nueva Ecija under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which he hopes to be approved as soon as possible.
Also, Calderon said Task Force Jaen will make sure that the police escorts provided to candidates will come from one unit so that every one knows one another.
Calderon immediately relieved the chief of police of Jaen and all RMG operatives who were part of the incident as the investigation continues.
“We are trying to assure the country, especially the people of Nueva Ecija that we will give you a peaceful and orderly elections this year,” Calderon said./DMS
Metro Manila, neighboring regions police force go on heightened alert midnight of Sunday for Labor Day celebration
By Ronron
April 27, 2007
Police forces in Metro Manila and nearby regions will be placed on heightened alert, the second of three levels, effective midnight of Sunday in preparation for the Labor Day celebration on May 1.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon said on Thursday night that they are doing this even if they expect fewer people to take the streets due to the preoccupation of many candidates in the election campaign.
“We will be declaring heightened alert status for the entire NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) and the adjacent regional offices effective 12 midnight on April 29,” Calderon said.
A heightened or blue alert status calls for the physical presence of 50 percent of the entire police force at police stations and outposts to ensure their availability when needed.
Calderon said the Task Force Manila Shield of the NCRPO, under Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, will also be activated “to address the threat of major disturbances brought about by mass actions.”
Calderon said he directed his regional directors to closely coordinate with labor leaders and rally organizers for a peaceful celebration of Labor Day.
At the same time, he said he also reminded the civil disturbance management elements of the PNP to “strictly observe and respect human rights and exercise maximum tolerance in the events of rallies and demonstrations.”
Labor Day in the Philippines is traditionally celebrated by militant and other cause-oriented groups on the streets to air their grievances against the government. But it usually turns violent when confronted with law enforcers tasked to disperse them./DMS
April 27, 2007
Police forces in Metro Manila and nearby regions will be placed on heightened alert, the second of three levels, effective midnight of Sunday in preparation for the Labor Day celebration on May 1.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon said on Thursday night that they are doing this even if they expect fewer people to take the streets due to the preoccupation of many candidates in the election campaign.
“We will be declaring heightened alert status for the entire NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) and the adjacent regional offices effective 12 midnight on April 29,” Calderon said.
A heightened or blue alert status calls for the physical presence of 50 percent of the entire police force at police stations and outposts to ensure their availability when needed.
Calderon said the Task Force Manila Shield of the NCRPO, under Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, will also be activated “to address the threat of major disturbances brought about by mass actions.”
Calderon said he directed his regional directors to closely coordinate with labor leaders and rally organizers for a peaceful celebration of Labor Day.
At the same time, he said he also reminded the civil disturbance management elements of the PNP to “strictly observe and respect human rights and exercise maximum tolerance in the events of rallies and demonstrations.”
Labor Day in the Philippines is traditionally celebrated by militant and other cause-oriented groups on the streets to air their grievances against the government. But it usually turns violent when confronted with law enforcers tasked to disperse them./DMS
Friday, April 27, 2007
Smith back at US Embassy
By Ronron
April 26, 2007
Convicted rapist US Lance Corporal Daniel Smith is back on Thursday afternoon at the US Embassy in Manila premises after undergoing medical treatment at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus, who heads a five-man government team to monitor the condition of Smith while under US custody, said he received a call from the US Embassy Security Officer past 3pm yesterday, informing him that Smith, 21, had been returned to his detention cell.
“He was already back at the US Embassy but the US requested to keep his medical condition private and confidential,” Corpus said of the young Marine soldier who was found guilty of raping a Filipino woman on November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province.
Reports from other media that quoted anonymous source said Smith underwent surgical operations for the removal of kidney stones.
Like Corpus, US Embassy Deputy Press Attache Stacy Mactaggert said in an email: “For privacy reason, the US Embassy doesn’t comment on the personal health concerns of an American citizen.”
When Smith was first taken to Makati Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon at around 4 o’clock, Corpus said he was suffering from abdominal pain.
Shortly before 9pm of the same day, Smith was seen leaving the Makati Medical Center, heading for another hospital, which Corpus confirmed only yesterday as the Asian Hospital.
Corpus explained that upon the request of the US Embassy, he could not disclose the second hospital where Smith was brought “for security reasons and for the serenity and welfare of other patients in the hospital.”
He assured that the government will continue to monitor the condition of Smith at the embassy to ensure that he is not given special treatment.
Corpus said the latest condition of Smith was deemed an “emergency,” so he cannot disapprove it.
Smith was brought to the US Embassy last December 29, 2006 after the Philippine executive branch acceded to the US government’s request to take Smith under their custody while awaiting for the final decision of the Court of Appeals on his guilty verdict handed by a Makati City Regional Trial Court on December 4th of the same year.
The rationale behind the transfer was taken from the Visiting Forces Agreement of the Philippines and the US, which governs the criminal liabilities of American forces in the country./DMS
April 26, 2007
Convicted rapist US Lance Corporal Daniel Smith is back on Thursday afternoon at the US Embassy in Manila premises after undergoing medical treatment at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus, who heads a five-man government team to monitor the condition of Smith while under US custody, said he received a call from the US Embassy Security Officer past 3pm yesterday, informing him that Smith, 21, had been returned to his detention cell.
“He was already back at the US Embassy but the US requested to keep his medical condition private and confidential,” Corpus said of the young Marine soldier who was found guilty of raping a Filipino woman on November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province.
Reports from other media that quoted anonymous source said Smith underwent surgical operations for the removal of kidney stones.
Like Corpus, US Embassy Deputy Press Attache Stacy Mactaggert said in an email: “For privacy reason, the US Embassy doesn’t comment on the personal health concerns of an American citizen.”
When Smith was first taken to Makati Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon at around 4 o’clock, Corpus said he was suffering from abdominal pain.
Shortly before 9pm of the same day, Smith was seen leaving the Makati Medical Center, heading for another hospital, which Corpus confirmed only yesterday as the Asian Hospital.
Corpus explained that upon the request of the US Embassy, he could not disclose the second hospital where Smith was brought “for security reasons and for the serenity and welfare of other patients in the hospital.”
He assured that the government will continue to monitor the condition of Smith at the embassy to ensure that he is not given special treatment.
Corpus said the latest condition of Smith was deemed an “emergency,” so he cannot disapprove it.
Smith was brought to the US Embassy last December 29, 2006 after the Philippine executive branch acceded to the US government’s request to take Smith under their custody while awaiting for the final decision of the Court of Appeals on his guilty verdict handed by a Makati City Regional Trial Court on December 4th of the same year.
The rationale behind the transfer was taken from the Visiting Forces Agreement of the Philippines and the US, which governs the criminal liabilities of American forces in the country./DMS
PNP fails to lift fingerprints and blood from materials related to Campbell slay
By Ronron
April 26, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday failed to lift fingerprints and detect blood on several materials expected to be used as pieces of evidence in the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell.
PNP Crime Laboratory Director Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac reported yesterday afternoon that no latent prints were lifted from the following items: two red empty tin cans of sardines; empty cigarette pack; cosmetic sun block; rectangular tin can; white crumpled paper; black synthetic digital camera covering; plastic sunglasses; mineral water bottle; and eyeglasses.
“These items were exposed to sunlight, probably rain, considering the time these were left behind in the area, and the time it was recovered by our police officers,” Cacdac explained.
Campbell was found dead on April 18 at Barangay Battad in Banaue, Ifugao where she was supposed to go on hiking starting April 8. The materials mentioned above were found near the site where was found buried.
Cacdac said also that no blood was found on the pestle (rice pounding wood) and two pairs of maong pants recovered from the house of the suspected killer, Juan Duntogan.
“However, we are still proceeding with the DNA examination to validate the result of the serology examination,” he said.
Cacdac admitted “it is a sad development,” but he said “we’re not losing hope because we’re still pinning our hope that the DNA will yield some results.”
The PNP was hoping to life some fingerprints or detect blood on said materials to provide a direct link between Duntogan and Campbell.
Duntogan, a 25-year-old wood carver, was tagged as a possible suspect after a child pointed at him as the guy carrying Campbell’s bag on April 8. This led police to think that the motive could be robbery.
Asked if the initial laboratory findings indicate that there were no other persons at the crime scene, Cacdac said: “Unfortunately, that’s how it is as of this moment. But we’re still hoping that the DNA examination will yield something – the presence of another set of DNA which will say that there is another person to be identified.”
Reached by phone, Cordillera Region Police Director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales said the initial findings of the Crime Lab show that police investigators need to exert more effort in gathering evidence.
He said this does not in any way clear out Duntogan from their suspicion.
“It just proves that we need more evidence to pin down whoever did that crime,” Gonzales said.
Although, he admitted that it will slow down their investigation because they have already begun building up a case against Duntogan.
Duntogan remains at large as of Thursday night, said Gonzales. He refused to answer when asked if police knows his whereabouts.
The PNP Crime Lab had already disclosed based on the autopsy on Campbell’s remains that the 40-year-old native of Virginia died due to multiple traumatic blunt injuries to the head.
Campbell was a peace corps volunteer in the country since March 2005./DMS
April 26, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday failed to lift fingerprints and detect blood on several materials expected to be used as pieces of evidence in the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell.
PNP Crime Laboratory Director Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac reported yesterday afternoon that no latent prints were lifted from the following items: two red empty tin cans of sardines; empty cigarette pack; cosmetic sun block; rectangular tin can; white crumpled paper; black synthetic digital camera covering; plastic sunglasses; mineral water bottle; and eyeglasses.
“These items were exposed to sunlight, probably rain, considering the time these were left behind in the area, and the time it was recovered by our police officers,” Cacdac explained.
Campbell was found dead on April 18 at Barangay Battad in Banaue, Ifugao where she was supposed to go on hiking starting April 8. The materials mentioned above were found near the site where was found buried.
Cacdac said also that no blood was found on the pestle (rice pounding wood) and two pairs of maong pants recovered from the house of the suspected killer, Juan Duntogan.
“However, we are still proceeding with the DNA examination to validate the result of the serology examination,” he said.
Cacdac admitted “it is a sad development,” but he said “we’re not losing hope because we’re still pinning our hope that the DNA will yield some results.”
The PNP was hoping to life some fingerprints or detect blood on said materials to provide a direct link between Duntogan and Campbell.
Duntogan, a 25-year-old wood carver, was tagged as a possible suspect after a child pointed at him as the guy carrying Campbell’s bag on April 8. This led police to think that the motive could be robbery.
Asked if the initial laboratory findings indicate that there were no other persons at the crime scene, Cacdac said: “Unfortunately, that’s how it is as of this moment. But we’re still hoping that the DNA examination will yield something – the presence of another set of DNA which will say that there is another person to be identified.”
Reached by phone, Cordillera Region Police Director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales said the initial findings of the Crime Lab show that police investigators need to exert more effort in gathering evidence.
He said this does not in any way clear out Duntogan from their suspicion.
“It just proves that we need more evidence to pin down whoever did that crime,” Gonzales said.
Although, he admitted that it will slow down their investigation because they have already begun building up a case against Duntogan.
Duntogan remains at large as of Thursday night, said Gonzales. He refused to answer when asked if police knows his whereabouts.
The PNP Crime Lab had already disclosed based on the autopsy on Campbell’s remains that the 40-year-old native of Virginia died due to multiple traumatic blunt injuries to the head.
Campbell was a peace corps volunteer in the country since March 2005./DMS
Malik, another fellow MNLF commander reportedly injured in last week’s clash
By Ronron
April 26, 2007
Two Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commanders being hunted down by government troops in Sulu were reportedly injured during pursuit operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since April 14.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, commander of the AFP National Capital Region Command and a member of the peace negotiating body of the government with the MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said Thursday that Ustadz Habier Malik was slightly wounded while Tahil Sali, the MNLF’s vice chairman for Military Affairs, was seriously injured.
“Somebody informed me by phone that he (Malik) was wounded, he has a minor wound… in the foot,” Dolorfino told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
He described his source as an MNLF informant.
Dolorfino, who was held hostage by Malik along with other government peace negotiators last February inside the MNLF commander’s camp in Panamao town, said Malik sustained the injury during an encounter last week in Parang town.
“Probably, this is why there is a lull now (in the fighting against Malik’s group),” Dolorfino said.
As for Sali, he said the latter got his injuries in a separate military operation.
Dolorfino said that personally, he feels that the problem with Malik should be resolved peacefully if possible.
He said charges can be filed against the MNLF commander since he really committed a crime with the death a civilian and soldiers, and the wounding of many others out of their mortar shelling since the night of April 13.
This way, Malik can be held accountable for his actions.
Dolorfino said that he had tried to communicate with Malik since the start of the fighting but to no avail.
Instead, he went to MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to seek for the latter’s intercession.
But Dolorfino said Misuari opted to distance himself so as not to affect his ongoing rebellion case.
“On the second day of what is happening in Sulu, I went to Chairman Misuari. He told me he cannot do anything because if he tries to intercede, it might affect the resolution of his case. So he is waiting for somebody from the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) or the government to tell him to do something,” Dolorfino said.
Malik had said in media interviews earlier that what provoked his decision was the operation launched by the AFP against a camp of a fellow MNLF commander.
But the AFP denied it, saying what they attacked was the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The MNLF forged peace with the government in 1996, without surrendering their firearms, an issue the government now sees as an irony in having the peace pact./DMS
April 26, 2007
Two Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commanders being hunted down by government troops in Sulu were reportedly injured during pursuit operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since April 14.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, commander of the AFP National Capital Region Command and a member of the peace negotiating body of the government with the MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said Thursday that Ustadz Habier Malik was slightly wounded while Tahil Sali, the MNLF’s vice chairman for Military Affairs, was seriously injured.
“Somebody informed me by phone that he (Malik) was wounded, he has a minor wound… in the foot,” Dolorfino told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
He described his source as an MNLF informant.
Dolorfino, who was held hostage by Malik along with other government peace negotiators last February inside the MNLF commander’s camp in Panamao town, said Malik sustained the injury during an encounter last week in Parang town.
“Probably, this is why there is a lull now (in the fighting against Malik’s group),” Dolorfino said.
As for Sali, he said the latter got his injuries in a separate military operation.
Dolorfino said that personally, he feels that the problem with Malik should be resolved peacefully if possible.
He said charges can be filed against the MNLF commander since he really committed a crime with the death a civilian and soldiers, and the wounding of many others out of their mortar shelling since the night of April 13.
This way, Malik can be held accountable for his actions.
Dolorfino said that he had tried to communicate with Malik since the start of the fighting but to no avail.
Instead, he went to MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to seek for the latter’s intercession.
But Dolorfino said Misuari opted to distance himself so as not to affect his ongoing rebellion case.
“On the second day of what is happening in Sulu, I went to Chairman Misuari. He told me he cannot do anything because if he tries to intercede, it might affect the resolution of his case. So he is waiting for somebody from the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) or the government to tell him to do something,” Dolorfino said.
Malik had said in media interviews earlier that what provoked his decision was the operation launched by the AFP against a camp of a fellow MNLF commander.
But the AFP denied it, saying what they attacked was the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The MNLF forged peace with the government in 1996, without surrendering their firearms, an issue the government now sees as an irony in having the peace pact./DMS
AFP says civilian killed last Black Saturday in Parang, Sulu along with nine soldiers initiated firing
By Ronron
April 26, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Thursday that the civilian killed along with nine soldiers in a shooting incident last April 7 inside a military camp in Parang, Sulu was the one who initiated the firing.
But AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the identity and motive of the slain civilian remain unknown to this day because no one can immediately identify him.
Based on the investigation, Bacarro said the suspect was first seen in the company of a Private First Class (PFC) Nautan, a personnel of the Charlie Company, 35th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, on the night of April 6 at a canteen near the patrol base of the latter.
The two were then seen getting inside the patrol base, located in Barangay Silangkan, wherein the civilian was allowed entry since he was with Nautan.
Without provocation and most probably taking advantage of the darkness, Bacarro said the suspect forcibly took the M16 rifle of a Private Gindal, the duty guard at that time, at around 2:25am of April 7.
Out of fear, Gindal hurriedly ran towards the house where many other soldiers are staying, and proceeded to the second floor.
Bacarro said the suspect pursued Gindal inside the house and “indiscriminately fired several bursts of automatic shots, instantly killing some occupants on the ground floor.”
He said other occupants exited through the window and promptly occupied battle positions.
But the suspect was still able to fire at Gindal and hit him, as well as PFC Samsi, who was positioning some meters west of the house.
“The suspect fired more shots towards the direction of the radio room (located inside the house), hitting Corporal Enaniog and other personnel and equipment thereat,” Bacarro said.
At 3 am, the soldiers sought for reinforcement via radio communication from their battalion headquarters located at Barangay Bud Dato in Indanan town, same province. At this time, the firing stopped intermittently.
An hour and a half later, elements from the 35th IB headquarters arrived at the Silangkan Patrol Base but were met by gunfire from the direction of the suspect. The government troops retaliated with machine gun fire from armored vehicles.
“The operation ended at about 5:30 am,” Bacarro said.
“The clearing operations resulted in the discovery of nine soldiers and the civilian suspect killed. Also rescued were two wounded, identified as Cpl. Labrado and Mrs. Sapie, who expired later,” he added.
Bacarro said it was Labrado who positively identified the slain civilian as the one who snatched the rifle away from Gindal before the shooting started.
He clarified that the civilian is not the errand boy in the camp earlier reported as the one who died.
Bacarro said pictures of the slain civilian were shown to different units and agencies in the towns of Parang, Maimbung, Indanan and Jolo for identification purposed but proved futile.
He said it is unfortunate that Nautan could no longer identify the suspect since he also among the fatalities.
“Even as we have singled out the perpetrator of the said killing, we consider it imperative to establish his identity in order to be able to determine his motive,” Bacarro said./DMS
April 26, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Thursday that the civilian killed along with nine soldiers in a shooting incident last April 7 inside a military camp in Parang, Sulu was the one who initiated the firing.
But AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the identity and motive of the slain civilian remain unknown to this day because no one can immediately identify him.
Based on the investigation, Bacarro said the suspect was first seen in the company of a Private First Class (PFC) Nautan, a personnel of the Charlie Company, 35th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, on the night of April 6 at a canteen near the patrol base of the latter.
The two were then seen getting inside the patrol base, located in Barangay Silangkan, wherein the civilian was allowed entry since he was with Nautan.
Without provocation and most probably taking advantage of the darkness, Bacarro said the suspect forcibly took the M16 rifle of a Private Gindal, the duty guard at that time, at around 2:25am of April 7.
Out of fear, Gindal hurriedly ran towards the house where many other soldiers are staying, and proceeded to the second floor.
Bacarro said the suspect pursued Gindal inside the house and “indiscriminately fired several bursts of automatic shots, instantly killing some occupants on the ground floor.”
He said other occupants exited through the window and promptly occupied battle positions.
But the suspect was still able to fire at Gindal and hit him, as well as PFC Samsi, who was positioning some meters west of the house.
“The suspect fired more shots towards the direction of the radio room (located inside the house), hitting Corporal Enaniog and other personnel and equipment thereat,” Bacarro said.
At 3 am, the soldiers sought for reinforcement via radio communication from their battalion headquarters located at Barangay Bud Dato in Indanan town, same province. At this time, the firing stopped intermittently.
An hour and a half later, elements from the 35th IB headquarters arrived at the Silangkan Patrol Base but were met by gunfire from the direction of the suspect. The government troops retaliated with machine gun fire from armored vehicles.
“The operation ended at about 5:30 am,” Bacarro said.
“The clearing operations resulted in the discovery of nine soldiers and the civilian suspect killed. Also rescued were two wounded, identified as Cpl. Labrado and Mrs. Sapie, who expired later,” he added.
Bacarro said it was Labrado who positively identified the slain civilian as the one who snatched the rifle away from Gindal before the shooting started.
He clarified that the civilian is not the errand boy in the camp earlier reported as the one who died.
Bacarro said pictures of the slain civilian were shown to different units and agencies in the towns of Parang, Maimbung, Indanan and Jolo for identification purposed but proved futile.
He said it is unfortunate that Nautan could no longer identify the suspect since he also among the fatalities.
“Even as we have singled out the perpetrator of the said killing, we consider it imperative to establish his identity in order to be able to determine his motive,” Bacarro said./DMS
Chinese border officials to visit PNP to discuss maritime, transnational crime issues
By Ronron
April 26, 2007
Border Control officials of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) will visit today (Friday) the Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss maritime and other border security concerns between the two nations.
In a statement, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said eight officials from the Border Control Department (BCD) of the PROC Ministry of Public Security will meet with PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon.
Pagdilao said the Chinese delegation will be led by Maj. Gen. Gen Guo Shun, Deputy Director of BCD, while Calderon will be joined by members of the PNP Directorial Staff, officials from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Intelligence Group (IG).
“The scheduled visit of these Chinese officials to the PNP national headquarters is aimed at promoting Maritime Law Enforcement Cooperation with the PNP Maritime Group and to discuss matters related to maritime security and stability,” Pagdilao said.
“The meeting with the Chinese officials will also address the concerns of transnational crimes, including human trafficking, illegal drugs trade, and piracy that are adversely affecting the economy and security of the two countries,” he added.
Pagdilao said the Chinese officials, in particular, are expected to compare notes with their counterparts from the PNP Maritime Group on their respective policies on the proper conduct of vessel inspection and criminal investigations.
The activity, he said, hopes to develop a “united operational policy that will strengthen border security cooperation to deny perpetrators of transnational crime of opportunity to commit crime.”/DMS
April 26, 2007
Border Control officials of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) will visit today (Friday) the Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss maritime and other border security concerns between the two nations.
In a statement, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said eight officials from the Border Control Department (BCD) of the PROC Ministry of Public Security will meet with PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon.
Pagdilao said the Chinese delegation will be led by Maj. Gen. Gen Guo Shun, Deputy Director of BCD, while Calderon will be joined by members of the PNP Directorial Staff, officials from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Intelligence Group (IG).
“The scheduled visit of these Chinese officials to the PNP national headquarters is aimed at promoting Maritime Law Enforcement Cooperation with the PNP Maritime Group and to discuss matters related to maritime security and stability,” Pagdilao said.
“The meeting with the Chinese officials will also address the concerns of transnational crimes, including human trafficking, illegal drugs trade, and piracy that are adversely affecting the economy and security of the two countries,” he added.
Pagdilao said the Chinese officials, in particular, are expected to compare notes with their counterparts from the PNP Maritime Group on their respective policies on the proper conduct of vessel inspection and criminal investigations.
The activity, he said, hopes to develop a “united operational policy that will strengthen border security cooperation to deny perpetrators of transnational crime of opportunity to commit crime.”/DMS
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Four killed in Pangasinan massacre
By Ronron
April 24, 2007
Four persons were killed in a massacre Monday night in Pangasinan province, police said.
Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, Region 1 Police Director, identified the victims as Honrado Miranda, 50, a businessman; his wife, Isabel, 48; and their two nephews, Adrian Fred Cancino, 15, and Cesar Quijara, 26.
Bataoil said all four were shot to death by around five suspects insider the couple’s house in Barangay Calepaan, Asingan town at around 9:15 pm the other day (Monday).
Bataoil said the motive of the incident is robbery since the suspects took some amount of money from the victims.
According to the maid and the 15-year-old son of the couple, who both survived the attack, the suspects arrived aboard a white van and a motorbike.
Upon barging inside the Miranda’s residence, the suspects tied Cancino and Quijara and then went upstairs where Isabel was. After the getting some money, the suspects shot Isabel dead.
They then went down and shot Cancino and Quijara dead. And while on their way out, the suspects met Honrado. They also shot him dead.
“The robbery theory stemmed from the series of events prior to the killing wherein the victims, who are money changers in Urdaneta City (still in Pangasinan), were being tailed by motorcycle-riding men on their way home,” Bataoil said.
Police in Asingan and the province are not conducting joint investigation on the incident./DMS
April 24, 2007
Four persons were killed in a massacre Monday night in Pangasinan province, police said.
Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, Region 1 Police Director, identified the victims as Honrado Miranda, 50, a businessman; his wife, Isabel, 48; and their two nephews, Adrian Fred Cancino, 15, and Cesar Quijara, 26.
Bataoil said all four were shot to death by around five suspects insider the couple’s house in Barangay Calepaan, Asingan town at around 9:15 pm the other day (Monday).
Bataoil said the motive of the incident is robbery since the suspects took some amount of money from the victims.
According to the maid and the 15-year-old son of the couple, who both survived the attack, the suspects arrived aboard a white van and a motorbike.
Upon barging inside the Miranda’s residence, the suspects tied Cancino and Quijara and then went upstairs where Isabel was. After the getting some money, the suspects shot Isabel dead.
They then went down and shot Cancino and Quijara dead. And while on their way out, the suspects met Honrado. They also shot him dead.
“The robbery theory stemmed from the series of events prior to the killing wherein the victims, who are money changers in Urdaneta City (still in Pangasinan), were being tailed by motorcycle-riding men on their way home,” Bataoil said.
Police in Asingan and the province are not conducting joint investigation on the incident./DMS
Malik is a thinking enemy, admits AFP
By Ronron
April 24, 2007
The Philippine military described on Tuesday renegade Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Ustadz Habier Malik as a “thinking enemy.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said this is the reason why there have been no encounters in Sulu in the last two days between government troops and the group of Malik.
“We have a thinking enemy. If they are in this location, and they see a movement of our troops towards them, they can (leave). They are mobile,” Bacarro said of Malik’s group in an interview at Camp Aguinaldo.
He denied that the AFP lost track of Malik, the reason why there is a lull in the ongoing pursuit operations against the rebel leader.
“They (government troops in Sulu) know where Malik is, his general location… There are just constraints that you compete with all like on the terrain, access to the area,” Bacarro explained.
He said the government troops are also just “pre-positioning” before they strike against Malik and his men.
The AFP is hunting down Malik following his “unprovoked attacks” through mortar shelling starting April 13 in Panamao town, Sulu. A civilian and many other soldiers have already died, while scores others were wounded since that time and when the military fought back.
A P1 million reward was already put up by the AFP for any one who could provide information that would lead to the arrest or neutralization of Malik./DMS
April 24, 2007
The Philippine military described on Tuesday renegade Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Ustadz Habier Malik as a “thinking enemy.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said this is the reason why there have been no encounters in Sulu in the last two days between government troops and the group of Malik.
“We have a thinking enemy. If they are in this location, and they see a movement of our troops towards them, they can (leave). They are mobile,” Bacarro said of Malik’s group in an interview at Camp Aguinaldo.
He denied that the AFP lost track of Malik, the reason why there is a lull in the ongoing pursuit operations against the rebel leader.
“They (government troops in Sulu) know where Malik is, his general location… There are just constraints that you compete with all like on the terrain, access to the area,” Bacarro explained.
He said the government troops are also just “pre-positioning” before they strike against Malik and his men.
The AFP is hunting down Malik following his “unprovoked attacks” through mortar shelling starting April 13 in Panamao town, Sulu. A civilian and many other soldiers have already died, while scores others were wounded since that time and when the military fought back.
A P1 million reward was already put up by the AFP for any one who could provide information that would lead to the arrest or neutralization of Malik./DMS
AFP can’t allow Trillanes to leave detention for campaign purposes
By Ronron
April 24, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) most likely will not allow resigned Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV to leave his detention cell for his campaign activities in relation to his senatorial bid for the May 14 polls.
In an interview Tuesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the military justice system has no provision regarding “right to bail,” which any accused gets from civilian courts as mandated by the Constitution.
“There is no such thing as right to bail in the military court, in the military justice system,” Bacarro said.
On Monday, the Genuine Opposition (GO), where Trillanes belongs, sought for the latter’s release following the granting of bail to former Senator Gregorio Honasan, his co-accused on coup d’ etat charges before the Makati City Regional Trial Court.
“Since Sen. Honasan, who is alleged to be the one of the masterminds of the Oakwood incident, has been granted bail, then GO candidate Lt. SG Antonio Trillanes, who allegedly merely executed the plan, should likewise be granted bail and allowed to campaign,” GO spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano said in a statement.
Honasan, who is an independent senatorial candidate for this May 14 election, was able to gain temporary freedom last Friday night after posting bail worth P200,000. The court granted his petition for bail, saying that as an alleged co-conspirator, his maximum punishment is only Reclusion Temporal, not Reclusion Perpetua.
But unlike Honasan, Trillanes is also facing charges for the same incident before a General Court Martial (GCM) since he was an active member of the AFP when he joined the Oakwood mutiny in July 2003.
“For extreme exigencies, for humanitarian reasons, these personnel who are under detention can be given leave from their confinement, example there are members of the family who died,” Bacarro said.
“But if you will apply the provisions of his (Trillanes) detention in the military court, I think (going out to campaign) is not probable,” he added.
Bacarro said even if the Makati court grants his petition for bail, Trillanes will still not be released by the military because of his ongoing case at the GCM.
Bacarro said Trillanes may only be released if the GCM approves it.
Trillanes allegedly led around 300 junior officers and enlisted personnel in seizing the posh Oakwood Hotel and Condominium in Makati City last July 27, 2003 to air their grievances over massive corruption in government./DMS
April 24, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) most likely will not allow resigned Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV to leave his detention cell for his campaign activities in relation to his senatorial bid for the May 14 polls.
In an interview Tuesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the military justice system has no provision regarding “right to bail,” which any accused gets from civilian courts as mandated by the Constitution.
“There is no such thing as right to bail in the military court, in the military justice system,” Bacarro said.
On Monday, the Genuine Opposition (GO), where Trillanes belongs, sought for the latter’s release following the granting of bail to former Senator Gregorio Honasan, his co-accused on coup d’ etat charges before the Makati City Regional Trial Court.
“Since Sen. Honasan, who is alleged to be the one of the masterminds of the Oakwood incident, has been granted bail, then GO candidate Lt. SG Antonio Trillanes, who allegedly merely executed the plan, should likewise be granted bail and allowed to campaign,” GO spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano said in a statement.
Honasan, who is an independent senatorial candidate for this May 14 election, was able to gain temporary freedom last Friday night after posting bail worth P200,000. The court granted his petition for bail, saying that as an alleged co-conspirator, his maximum punishment is only Reclusion Temporal, not Reclusion Perpetua.
But unlike Honasan, Trillanes is also facing charges for the same incident before a General Court Martial (GCM) since he was an active member of the AFP when he joined the Oakwood mutiny in July 2003.
“For extreme exigencies, for humanitarian reasons, these personnel who are under detention can be given leave from their confinement, example there are members of the family who died,” Bacarro said.
“But if you will apply the provisions of his (Trillanes) detention in the military court, I think (going out to campaign) is not probable,” he added.
Bacarro said even if the Makati court grants his petition for bail, Trillanes will still not be released by the military because of his ongoing case at the GCM.
Bacarro said Trillanes may only be released if the GCM approves it.
Trillanes allegedly led around 300 junior officers and enlisted personnel in seizing the posh Oakwood Hotel and Condominium in Makati City last July 27, 2003 to air their grievances over massive corruption in government./DMS
Election-related violence heats up further as May 14 approaches
By Ronron
April 24, 2007
In a span of two weeks, the reported election-related violence in the country almost doubled, indicating that political rivalry is indeed heating up further as May 14 draws near.
During Tuesday’s media forum at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Operations Director Wilfredo Garcia said a total of 80 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) have already been reported since the start of the election season on January 14.
The figure was a big jump from 51 ERVI’s recorded by the police two weeks ago, Garcia admitted.
He said that of the 80 cases, 21 were confirmed as politically motivated while the remaining 59 are still subjected to validation.
So far, a total of 32 persons died out of these incidents, 22 of whom are political candidates for the upcoming election.
“As predicted, our intelligence prediction, and as we already said before, as the election draws near, the political and partisan rivalry heats up, leading to violence, intimidation, harassment, and even death,” Garcia said.
But, precisely because of this expected situation, the PNP, he said, continuously intensifies its monitoring and maintenance of the peace and order situation throughout the country.
Garcia reported that as of yesterday, the PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) has almost completed its inspection in the different regional commands of the PNP.
“I think only two regions remain unvisited and unchecked on their security preparations for the upcoming elections,” Garcia said.
Among the measures of the PNP is the setting up of checkpoints and chokepoints to monitor violators of the Comelec-imposed gunban, and the movement of Partisan Armed Groups (PAGS).
Garcia reported that as of yesterday morning, 1,874 persons were already arrested for violation of Comelec Resolution 7764-A, resulting in the confiscation of 1,754 firearms, 177 explosives, and 290 other deadly weapons.
He also disclosed that only 39 PAGS remain being monitored by the PNP.
Further, Garcia said the PNP is also closely monitoring the activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in relation to the election, particularly on their extortion activities in the form of collection of Permit-to-Campaign and Permit-toWin Fees from candidates.
A week before the election, Garcia said the PNP will recommend to the Comelec for the deputation of certain units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to augment police forces in securing certain areas of immediate concern, such as Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Masbate, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan and certain areas in Nueva Ecija province.
Despite the increasing ERVI’s, Garcia maintained that this year’s figure is still favorable compared to those in 2004, which recorded a total of 249 ERVI’s, and resulted in the death of 41 political candidates.
At around midnight of Monday, three village officials in Nueva Ecija province were killed while their companion survived in what is believed to be a politically motivated ambush.
Police Insp. Danilo Cuevas, chief of police of Talugtog town in Nueva Ecija, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the party of Liberato Ramos, 57, barangay chairman of Saverona in the same town, was on their way home from a political meeting when ambushed at the provincial road of Saverona village.
Ramos; his barangay councilor, Juanito Doña; and his village treasurer, Eusebio Jimenez died on the spot, while Rizal de Gracia was unhurt.
The four victims were riding a multicab when fired upon by not more than three suspects who were waiting for them beside the provincial road.
The suspects were believed to be armed with an M16 rifle and a caliber 45 based on the recovered 30 empty shells of the former and one empty shell of the latter at the crime scene.
Cuevas said the four victims had just attended a political meeting presided over by Talugtog Mayor Pacifico Monta in Barangay Sampaloc of said town prior to the ambush.
“They (victims) are known avid supporters of Mayor Monta. They left Barangay Sampaloc at around 11:30 pm,” said Cuevas.
Asked if the incident was politically motivated, Cuevas said: “We can considering that,” citing the nature of the victims’ jobs and the last activity they participated in.
He said Cuevas had received threats to his life prior to the attack but did not take those seriously.
But based on testimonies of the residents, Cuevas said Ramos was well-loved by his constituents because of his kindness and humility.
Cuevas said they hope to identify the suspects behind the ambush and establish the exact motive as their investigation progresses.
At this stage, Cuevas said the possibility that the New People’s Army had a hand in the attack is very remote.
Almost four hours later, supporters of a Mayoralty candidate in Abra province were also ambushed in Bangued town but survived.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Region Police, said the four supporters of incumbent Langiden Mayor and re-electionist Felix Castillo, led by his nephew, Joel, 24, were fired upon by unidentified suspects at around 3:45 am while traversing Sitio Bariquir in Barangay San Antonio, Bangued aboard a red owner-type jeep (plate number ACG-835).
The jeep was traveling in convoy with a van where the mayoralty candidate was riding. The van was tailing the jeep.
Joel Castillo was in the company of Andy Blaza, 32; Joseph Llanesa, 27; and Reynante Cayapa, 23, all residents of Barangay Baac, Langiden, Abra, at the jeep.
Adnol said the four escaped death after they were able to jump off from their jeep upon seeing that big stones blocked their way while traveling towards Barangay Cabuloan in Bangued.
The four only sustained minor injuries, while their jeep sustained three bullet holes on its windshield.
The van, on the other hand, was able to maneuver and reported the incident to police.
Immediately, members of the Bangued Municipal Police Station, the 1601st Police Provincial Mobile Group and Task Force Abra responded but lost track of the suspects, who were believed to have escaped on foot.
The responding authorities recovered 23 empty shells of still unknown caliber from the crime scene, Adnol said.
“The motive of the ambush is believed to be political,” he said, without elaborating.
Adnol said the case is now being investigated for the identification and arrest of the suspects./DMS
April 24, 2007
In a span of two weeks, the reported election-related violence in the country almost doubled, indicating that political rivalry is indeed heating up further as May 14 draws near.
During Tuesday’s media forum at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Operations Director Wilfredo Garcia said a total of 80 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) have already been reported since the start of the election season on January 14.
The figure was a big jump from 51 ERVI’s recorded by the police two weeks ago, Garcia admitted.
He said that of the 80 cases, 21 were confirmed as politically motivated while the remaining 59 are still subjected to validation.
So far, a total of 32 persons died out of these incidents, 22 of whom are political candidates for the upcoming election.
“As predicted, our intelligence prediction, and as we already said before, as the election draws near, the political and partisan rivalry heats up, leading to violence, intimidation, harassment, and even death,” Garcia said.
But, precisely because of this expected situation, the PNP, he said, continuously intensifies its monitoring and maintenance of the peace and order situation throughout the country.
Garcia reported that as of yesterday, the PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) has almost completed its inspection in the different regional commands of the PNP.
“I think only two regions remain unvisited and unchecked on their security preparations for the upcoming elections,” Garcia said.
Among the measures of the PNP is the setting up of checkpoints and chokepoints to monitor violators of the Comelec-imposed gunban, and the movement of Partisan Armed Groups (PAGS).
Garcia reported that as of yesterday morning, 1,874 persons were already arrested for violation of Comelec Resolution 7764-A, resulting in the confiscation of 1,754 firearms, 177 explosives, and 290 other deadly weapons.
He also disclosed that only 39 PAGS remain being monitored by the PNP.
Further, Garcia said the PNP is also closely monitoring the activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in relation to the election, particularly on their extortion activities in the form of collection of Permit-to-Campaign and Permit-toWin Fees from candidates.
A week before the election, Garcia said the PNP will recommend to the Comelec for the deputation of certain units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to augment police forces in securing certain areas of immediate concern, such as Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Masbate, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan and certain areas in Nueva Ecija province.
Despite the increasing ERVI’s, Garcia maintained that this year’s figure is still favorable compared to those in 2004, which recorded a total of 249 ERVI’s, and resulted in the death of 41 political candidates.
At around midnight of Monday, three village officials in Nueva Ecija province were killed while their companion survived in what is believed to be a politically motivated ambush.
Police Insp. Danilo Cuevas, chief of police of Talugtog town in Nueva Ecija, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the party of Liberato Ramos, 57, barangay chairman of Saverona in the same town, was on their way home from a political meeting when ambushed at the provincial road of Saverona village.
Ramos; his barangay councilor, Juanito Doña; and his village treasurer, Eusebio Jimenez died on the spot, while Rizal de Gracia was unhurt.
The four victims were riding a multicab when fired upon by not more than three suspects who were waiting for them beside the provincial road.
The suspects were believed to be armed with an M16 rifle and a caliber 45 based on the recovered 30 empty shells of the former and one empty shell of the latter at the crime scene.
Cuevas said the four victims had just attended a political meeting presided over by Talugtog Mayor Pacifico Monta in Barangay Sampaloc of said town prior to the ambush.
“They (victims) are known avid supporters of Mayor Monta. They left Barangay Sampaloc at around 11:30 pm,” said Cuevas.
Asked if the incident was politically motivated, Cuevas said: “We can considering that,” citing the nature of the victims’ jobs and the last activity they participated in.
He said Cuevas had received threats to his life prior to the attack but did not take those seriously.
But based on testimonies of the residents, Cuevas said Ramos was well-loved by his constituents because of his kindness and humility.
Cuevas said they hope to identify the suspects behind the ambush and establish the exact motive as their investigation progresses.
At this stage, Cuevas said the possibility that the New People’s Army had a hand in the attack is very remote.
Almost four hours later, supporters of a Mayoralty candidate in Abra province were also ambushed in Bangued town but survived.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Region Police, said the four supporters of incumbent Langiden Mayor and re-electionist Felix Castillo, led by his nephew, Joel, 24, were fired upon by unidentified suspects at around 3:45 am while traversing Sitio Bariquir in Barangay San Antonio, Bangued aboard a red owner-type jeep (plate number ACG-835).
The jeep was traveling in convoy with a van where the mayoralty candidate was riding. The van was tailing the jeep.
Joel Castillo was in the company of Andy Blaza, 32; Joseph Llanesa, 27; and Reynante Cayapa, 23, all residents of Barangay Baac, Langiden, Abra, at the jeep.
Adnol said the four escaped death after they were able to jump off from their jeep upon seeing that big stones blocked their way while traveling towards Barangay Cabuloan in Bangued.
The four only sustained minor injuries, while their jeep sustained three bullet holes on its windshield.
The van, on the other hand, was able to maneuver and reported the incident to police.
Immediately, members of the Bangued Municipal Police Station, the 1601st Police Provincial Mobile Group and Task Force Abra responded but lost track of the suspects, who were believed to have escaped on foot.
The responding authorities recovered 23 empty shells of still unknown caliber from the crime scene, Adnol said.
“The motive of the ambush is believed to be political,” he said, without elaborating.
Adnol said the case is now being investigated for the identification and arrest of the suspects./DMS
Metro Manila PNP to raise alert on May 1
By Ronron
April 24, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Metro Manila will raise its alert level on May 1st in response to planned mass protest actions of militant and cause-oriented groups.
Director Wilfredo Garcia, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, said during the weekly media forum at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday morning that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be placed either on heightened or red alert on Labor Day.
“PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon already issued a Letter of Instruction for the May 1 preparations because traditionally, militant groups conduct rallies on that day… So, we will ask the clearance of Chief PNP for the raising of the alert level,” Garcia said.
Heightened Alert is the second of three alert levels, which mandates the physical presence of 50 percent of the police force. Full or Red Alert is the highest level, which requires the presence of all police personnel.
Garcia, however, was quick to say that there is no “credible and confirmed threat” of terrorism on May 1st.
“But we always prepare for any possibilities,” he said.
Asked if military troops will be requested for deployment in the metropolis on said day, Garcia said: “Traditionally, we request the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to be on standby, as well as augmentation troops from the nearby PNP regional commands.”
Militant groups traditionally take the streets on Labor Day to air their grievances against the government, especially on labor issues.
But on May 1, 2001, the celebration was marred by violence coming from agitated supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada, who planned to storm Malacanang Palace.
The same day last year was similarly tense after authorities exposed an alleged plot of the political opposition, the communist movement and some rightists to gather huge crowd on that day and cause the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over allegations she cheated in the 2004 elections./DMS
April 24, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Metro Manila will raise its alert level on May 1st in response to planned mass protest actions of militant and cause-oriented groups.
Director Wilfredo Garcia, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, said during the weekly media forum at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday morning that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be placed either on heightened or red alert on Labor Day.
“PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon already issued a Letter of Instruction for the May 1 preparations because traditionally, militant groups conduct rallies on that day… So, we will ask the clearance of Chief PNP for the raising of the alert level,” Garcia said.
Heightened Alert is the second of three alert levels, which mandates the physical presence of 50 percent of the police force. Full or Red Alert is the highest level, which requires the presence of all police personnel.
Garcia, however, was quick to say that there is no “credible and confirmed threat” of terrorism on May 1st.
“But we always prepare for any possibilities,” he said.
Asked if military troops will be requested for deployment in the metropolis on said day, Garcia said: “Traditionally, we request the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to be on standby, as well as augmentation troops from the nearby PNP regional commands.”
Militant groups traditionally take the streets on Labor Day to air their grievances against the government, especially on labor issues.
But on May 1, 2001, the celebration was marred by violence coming from agitated supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada, who planned to storm Malacanang Palace.
The same day last year was similarly tense after authorities exposed an alleged plot of the political opposition, the communist movement and some rightists to gather huge crowd on that day and cause the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over allegations she cheated in the 2004 elections./DMS
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Two rebels, two soldiers killed in Samar clash
By Ronron
April 23, 2007
Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and two government soldiers were killed in an encounter last Saturday in Samar province, a military spokesman said Monday.
Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Public Information Officer of the Philippine Army, said members of the 52nd Cadre Battalion responded to reports about the presence of the NPA hit squad at Barangay Tominamos in Sta. Rita town when they encountered four unidentified suspicious looking men in the area.
The clash erupted at around 7pm, lasting briefly for two minutes.
The slain soldiers were identified as T/Sgt. Roperto Jandoquille, Jr. and paramilitary personnel Felizardo Eguia of the 10th Western Samar CAA (CAFGU Active Auxiliary) Detachment, while the two killed rebels have yet to be identified.
The rebels were believed to be members of the Sparu squad of the NPA.
Recovered from the fallen rebels were two caliber 45 pistols with four magazines and 19 live ammunition.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for more than 38 years now. The government hopes to crush the movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks with the communists bogged down in August 2004 following the tagging of the group as terrorist by foreign governments like the United States and the European Union./DMS
April 23, 2007
Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and two government soldiers were killed in an encounter last Saturday in Samar province, a military spokesman said Monday.
Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Public Information Officer of the Philippine Army, said members of the 52nd Cadre Battalion responded to reports about the presence of the NPA hit squad at Barangay Tominamos in Sta. Rita town when they encountered four unidentified suspicious looking men in the area.
The clash erupted at around 7pm, lasting briefly for two minutes.
The slain soldiers were identified as T/Sgt. Roperto Jandoquille, Jr. and paramilitary personnel Felizardo Eguia of the 10th Western Samar CAA (CAFGU Active Auxiliary) Detachment, while the two killed rebels have yet to be identified.
The rebels were believed to be members of the Sparu squad of the NPA.
Recovered from the fallen rebels were two caliber 45 pistols with four magazines and 19 live ammunition.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for more than 38 years now. The government hopes to crush the movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks with the communists bogged down in August 2004 following the tagging of the group as terrorist by foreign governments like the United States and the European Union./DMS
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Campbell’s cause of death is multiple injuries to the head, says PNP
By Ronron
April 21, 2007
Forensic personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared on Saturday that several injuries to the head caused the death of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell.
The findings was announced yesterday afternoon after the autopsy on Campbell’s remains was completed by the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel at the Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium morgue in Makati City, with American forensic pathologists as observers.
“The cause of death involves multiple blunt traumatic injuries of the head,” said Chief Inspector Mamerto Bernabe, Jr., medico-legal officer of the PNP Crime Laboratory who led the autopsy.
PNP Crime Laboratory head Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac said the procedure began at 9am and ended at 3pm.
The process included pre-mortuary conference, documentation, breaking of the seal (the cadaver was placed in a bag and frozen), thawing of the cadaver, taking of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples, lifting of fingerprints, actual autopsy, odontological examination, reconstruction of the body, and debriefing.
“We will be preparing our official report, submit this to the chief PNP (Gen. Oscar Calderon), and make it available to everybody,” Cacdac said.
He said the report may be submitted to Calderon on Monday or Tuesday.
In an earlier interview, Cacdac also said: “We will also send copies of the report to the regional director of Cordillera Police and the Ifugao Police Provincial Director because they are the end users of this. We cannot hide this report because this will be used as evidence in the filing of a case, if ever.”
Campbell, 40, was believed to have been killed while hiking in Barangay Battad, Banaue, Ifugao. She was last seen alive on April 8 and discovered dead 10 days later at said barangay after a massive search by local residents, police and Army troopers.
Authorities had earlier said that the autopsy is intended to establish the identity of the recovered cadaver and the cause of death.
Based only on the results of the odontological examination yesterday, Cacdac said the “victim is indeed Julia Campbell.” The DNA test, on the other hand, will take three to four weeks to be able to yield results.
Bernabe said that with the injuries Campbell sustained on her head, mostly in front and on top of it, it is possible she was “bludgeoned” to death, using a blunt object.
Cordillera Region Police director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales had earlier said that a piece of hard, wooden object, with suspected blood stains, was recovered from the crime scene. It is suspected to be the weapon used in the attack.
Gonzales said the potential piece of evidence will be subjected to laboratory analysis to ascertain if indeed it is stained with blood, and if the blood belongs to that of Campbell.
As of yesterday, Cacdac said they have yet to receive any potential material evidence from the local police in Banaue for their analysis.
Told about the initial findings yesterday of the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel, Gonzales said: “It’s good, so we’ll be having a stronger case now.”
Gonzales has theorized that there was a robbery attempt against Campbell, which she resisted, prompting her perpetrator to kill her.
Gonzales said a digital camera, some money and disintegrated eyeglasses of Campbell were recovered some 20 to 25 meters away from the site where she was buried and discovered.
“This could be a sign of struggle,” he said of the scattered materials.
On Friday, police said they already have the identity of the suspect but refused to divulge his name until they have sought an arrest warrant against him.
On the suspicion that the peace corps volunteer was raped, Bernabe said they cannot comment on it immediately. He said they need to collate all the data they collected to come up with a finding on the matter.
The forensic experts had been pointing out that the advanced state of decomposition of the cadaver will not make it easy for them to conduct the autopsy. Yesterday’s process included taking of vaginal smears to find for any signs of sexual abuse.
In a radio interview earlier in the day, Gonzales downplayed the possibility that Campbell was sexually assaulted, as he noted that her pants were still properly worn and zipped when she was found, and her upper clothes were likewise intact.
Cacdac said that with the completion of the autopsy, the PNP Crime Laboratory immediately released Campbell’s remains to the US Peace Corps.
“The PNP Crime Laboratory officially lost jurisdiction over the cadaver,” he said.
The Peace Corps immediately took custody of the cadaver and transferred it to Rizal Funeral Homes in Pasay City.
Campbell is among the more than 130 American peace corps volunteers in the country. She started serving in March 2005 where in she taught at a school in Legazpi City, Albay./DMS
April 21, 2007
Forensic personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared on Saturday that several injuries to the head caused the death of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell.
The findings was announced yesterday afternoon after the autopsy on Campbell’s remains was completed by the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel at the Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium morgue in Makati City, with American forensic pathologists as observers.
“The cause of death involves multiple blunt traumatic injuries of the head,” said Chief Inspector Mamerto Bernabe, Jr., medico-legal officer of the PNP Crime Laboratory who led the autopsy.
PNP Crime Laboratory head Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac said the procedure began at 9am and ended at 3pm.
The process included pre-mortuary conference, documentation, breaking of the seal (the cadaver was placed in a bag and frozen), thawing of the cadaver, taking of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples, lifting of fingerprints, actual autopsy, odontological examination, reconstruction of the body, and debriefing.
“We will be preparing our official report, submit this to the chief PNP (Gen. Oscar Calderon), and make it available to everybody,” Cacdac said.
He said the report may be submitted to Calderon on Monday or Tuesday.
In an earlier interview, Cacdac also said: “We will also send copies of the report to the regional director of Cordillera Police and the Ifugao Police Provincial Director because they are the end users of this. We cannot hide this report because this will be used as evidence in the filing of a case, if ever.”
Campbell, 40, was believed to have been killed while hiking in Barangay Battad, Banaue, Ifugao. She was last seen alive on April 8 and discovered dead 10 days later at said barangay after a massive search by local residents, police and Army troopers.
Authorities had earlier said that the autopsy is intended to establish the identity of the recovered cadaver and the cause of death.
Based only on the results of the odontological examination yesterday, Cacdac said the “victim is indeed Julia Campbell.” The DNA test, on the other hand, will take three to four weeks to be able to yield results.
Bernabe said that with the injuries Campbell sustained on her head, mostly in front and on top of it, it is possible she was “bludgeoned” to death, using a blunt object.
Cordillera Region Police director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales had earlier said that a piece of hard, wooden object, with suspected blood stains, was recovered from the crime scene. It is suspected to be the weapon used in the attack.
Gonzales said the potential piece of evidence will be subjected to laboratory analysis to ascertain if indeed it is stained with blood, and if the blood belongs to that of Campbell.
As of yesterday, Cacdac said they have yet to receive any potential material evidence from the local police in Banaue for their analysis.
Told about the initial findings yesterday of the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel, Gonzales said: “It’s good, so we’ll be having a stronger case now.”
Gonzales has theorized that there was a robbery attempt against Campbell, which she resisted, prompting her perpetrator to kill her.
Gonzales said a digital camera, some money and disintegrated eyeglasses of Campbell were recovered some 20 to 25 meters away from the site where she was buried and discovered.
“This could be a sign of struggle,” he said of the scattered materials.
On Friday, police said they already have the identity of the suspect but refused to divulge his name until they have sought an arrest warrant against him.
On the suspicion that the peace corps volunteer was raped, Bernabe said they cannot comment on it immediately. He said they need to collate all the data they collected to come up with a finding on the matter.
The forensic experts had been pointing out that the advanced state of decomposition of the cadaver will not make it easy for them to conduct the autopsy. Yesterday’s process included taking of vaginal smears to find for any signs of sexual abuse.
In a radio interview earlier in the day, Gonzales downplayed the possibility that Campbell was sexually assaulted, as he noted that her pants were still properly worn and zipped when she was found, and her upper clothes were likewise intact.
Cacdac said that with the completion of the autopsy, the PNP Crime Laboratory immediately released Campbell’s remains to the US Peace Corps.
“The PNP Crime Laboratory officially lost jurisdiction over the cadaver,” he said.
The Peace Corps immediately took custody of the cadaver and transferred it to Rizal Funeral Homes in Pasay City.
Campbell is among the more than 130 American peace corps volunteers in the country. She started serving in March 2005 where in she taught at a school in Legazpi City, Albay./DMS
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