By Ronron
May 4, 2007
Investigators from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said on Friday that the recovered bugging device from the telephone line of former President Corazon Aquino is real.
Supt. Frank Mabanag, chief of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), said in a phone interview that they already played the tape found inside the cassette recorder and heard conversations of Aquino, her daughter Balsy and some unidentified callers.
“They were just talking about Noynoy’s senatorial bid, and then were well-wishers,” Mabanag said of the nature of the conversation that was recorded.
Noynoy, or Benigno III, is Aquino’s only son who is running under the Genuine Opposition senatorial slate this May 14 polls.
Mabanag said only a very small portion of the 120-minute long blank tape captured a voice recording. He said they have yet to find out why. Aquino handed the tape to police late Wednesday.
“I have asked my men to transcribe the entire recorded conversation,” Mabanag said.
As regards the actual tape recording device, Mabanag said they have yet to actually test it since they could not find a 40-volt power supply.
He described the black box attached to the cassette tape recorder as the supplier of power that was connected to the battery inside the cabinet box where the device was found last May 2nd.
“But based on the tape conversation, we can say that it was really working,” Mabanag said of the device.
Mabanag said they have already taken the statements of four employees of PLDT, including the maintenance crew who actually discovered and removed the device at around 3pm last Wednesday from the cabinet box located along Times Street in Quezon City.
Based on their statements, he said they found out that more than 30 repairmen have access to the box at any given time.
Mabanag said they maintain their theory that the person who placed the bugging device could be an employee of PLDT because there were no signs of forcible opening of the cabinet box.
He said that if the company is able to provide them with a list of all persons with the key to said box, they would of course investigate them all.
Mabanag lamented that it could be difficult to trace the repairmen who opened the cabinet prior to May 2nd because the company has no logbook for their dispatch of personnel.
Mabanag said they will continue to investigate the matter as long as there are new information that arrive./DMS
Saturday, May 5, 2007
AFP ordered to ensure 12-o win of Team Unity –Trillanes
By Ronron
May 4, 2007
Opposition senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes IV claimed on Friday that the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is planning again to cheat this May 14 polls to ensure the victory of the administration’s senatorial candidates.
In a court-approved interview at his detention facility at the Philippine Marine headquarters in Taguig City, the resigned Navy officer said he received information from military insiders that a radio message was issued by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., directing battalion commanders to make sure that all 12 senatorial candidates of the administration’s Team Unity win this election.
“If they push this through, then we will have another Hello Garci scandal before us,” Trillanes said, referring to the 2005 expose of the alleged vote-rigging activities of the camp of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 2004 elections to ensure her victory over rival Presidential candidate Fernando Poe, Jr.
He alleged that the administration is bent on manipulating this coming elections because it is aware that the opposition is gaining more support from the electorate.
Trillanes said he got the information from four sources in the military, which apparently shows that the sympathy and loyalty of the soldiers lie not with the AFP leadership.
“Many AFP units are already protesting against the orders to them for this coming elections. They don’t want to be used anymore in any electoral fraud because they already saw the tragedy that hit the country after the Hello Garci scandal,” he said.
This is why his sources are revealing the said radio message, he said.
Trillanes said that at the proper time, his sources will expose their evidence to such claim to the public.
At the same time, he showed to the media a copy of an alleged radio message also from the Philippine Army leadership, which orders all soldiers to remove his campaign posters and materials that are posted near military camps.
A transcription of the radio message shows that the order was handed down last April 9.
It reads: “In connection with the ongoing campaign of various candidates for the forthcoming national and local election, it is expected that supporters of Lt. Senior Grade Trillanes will take advantage by posting his campaign posters near military detachments/units to show to the public that the AFP is supporting the bid of subject officer for senatorial post.”
“In this regard, destroy/remove all campaign posters of Lt. SG Trillanes that are posted near the unit bases under your command. This is to show the general public that the AFP is not supporting or endorsing the candidacy of subject officer,” it added.
Trillanes said such order only shows that the AFP is not really sincere in its pronouncement that it will remain apolitical by not campaigning for or against any political candidate.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro and Philippine Army chief of staff Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo denied Trillanes’ claim.
Both said there are no such radio messages as the AFP sticks to its non-partisan policy.
Bacarro challenged Trillanes to support his claim with an evidence.
But even with said order, Trillanes said he is confident he will win in the elections based on results of surveys his camp had been doing.
“I expect to win, regardless of, despite, and even if I know they will cheat,” Trillanes said.
He thanked his fellow candidates in the Genuine Opposition for supporting him, considering the situation he is in, and his other supporters, like from the entertainment industry.
Trillanes said so far, he has already shelled out more than P5 million for his senatorial bid, which he got from his personal and family’s pocket, and other supporters.
Asked how he will effect change if he wins, the former officer said he will push for the impeachment and conviction of Arroyo.
“The solution of everything is the removal of GMA (Arroyo’s initials). She is the sole person allowing all these injustices… We can never have a clean government with such President. If we have a new President, then we will have a new chief of staff, new cabinet secretaries,” Trillanes said.
He said the authority of Arroyo up to this day is still questionable because she has no mandate, as proven by the Hello Garci scandal.
And in fact, he said the gripes he raised when he led about 300 officers and soldiers in taking over Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003 continues to these days, like the massive corruption.
Trillanes remains in detention because of an ongoing case he is facing before the Makati City court and the General Court Martial for said incident./DMS
May 4, 2007
Opposition senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes IV claimed on Friday that the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is planning again to cheat this May 14 polls to ensure the victory of the administration’s senatorial candidates.
In a court-approved interview at his detention facility at the Philippine Marine headquarters in Taguig City, the resigned Navy officer said he received information from military insiders that a radio message was issued by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., directing battalion commanders to make sure that all 12 senatorial candidates of the administration’s Team Unity win this election.
“If they push this through, then we will have another Hello Garci scandal before us,” Trillanes said, referring to the 2005 expose of the alleged vote-rigging activities of the camp of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 2004 elections to ensure her victory over rival Presidential candidate Fernando Poe, Jr.
He alleged that the administration is bent on manipulating this coming elections because it is aware that the opposition is gaining more support from the electorate.
Trillanes said he got the information from four sources in the military, which apparently shows that the sympathy and loyalty of the soldiers lie not with the AFP leadership.
“Many AFP units are already protesting against the orders to them for this coming elections. They don’t want to be used anymore in any electoral fraud because they already saw the tragedy that hit the country after the Hello Garci scandal,” he said.
This is why his sources are revealing the said radio message, he said.
Trillanes said that at the proper time, his sources will expose their evidence to such claim to the public.
At the same time, he showed to the media a copy of an alleged radio message also from the Philippine Army leadership, which orders all soldiers to remove his campaign posters and materials that are posted near military camps.
A transcription of the radio message shows that the order was handed down last April 9.
It reads: “In connection with the ongoing campaign of various candidates for the forthcoming national and local election, it is expected that supporters of Lt. Senior Grade Trillanes will take advantage by posting his campaign posters near military detachments/units to show to the public that the AFP is supporting the bid of subject officer for senatorial post.”
“In this regard, destroy/remove all campaign posters of Lt. SG Trillanes that are posted near the unit bases under your command. This is to show the general public that the AFP is not supporting or endorsing the candidacy of subject officer,” it added.
Trillanes said such order only shows that the AFP is not really sincere in its pronouncement that it will remain apolitical by not campaigning for or against any political candidate.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro and Philippine Army chief of staff Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo denied Trillanes’ claim.
Both said there are no such radio messages as the AFP sticks to its non-partisan policy.
Bacarro challenged Trillanes to support his claim with an evidence.
But even with said order, Trillanes said he is confident he will win in the elections based on results of surveys his camp had been doing.
“I expect to win, regardless of, despite, and even if I know they will cheat,” Trillanes said.
He thanked his fellow candidates in the Genuine Opposition for supporting him, considering the situation he is in, and his other supporters, like from the entertainment industry.
Trillanes said so far, he has already shelled out more than P5 million for his senatorial bid, which he got from his personal and family’s pocket, and other supporters.
Asked how he will effect change if he wins, the former officer said he will push for the impeachment and conviction of Arroyo.
“The solution of everything is the removal of GMA (Arroyo’s initials). She is the sole person allowing all these injustices… We can never have a clean government with such President. If we have a new President, then we will have a new chief of staff, new cabinet secretaries,” Trillanes said.
He said the authority of Arroyo up to this day is still questionable because she has no mandate, as proven by the Hello Garci scandal.
And in fact, he said the gripes he raised when he led about 300 officers and soldiers in taking over Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003 continues to these days, like the massive corruption.
Trillanes remains in detention because of an ongoing case he is facing before the Makati City court and the General Court Martial for said incident./DMS
Soldier killed, 11 others accosted in shooting incident in Bulacan
By Ronron
May 4, 2007
A soldier was killed before dawn of Friday in a shooting incident between members of the Philippine Army and supporters of a mayoralty candidate in Bulacan province, police said.
But the version of the incident of the police and the camp of Bocaue mayoralty candidate Eduardo “Jonjon” Villanueva, Jr., son of Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement leader, Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva, differs to that of the Philippine Army.
According to police, the camp of the younger Villanueva had just arrived at their campaign headquarters in Barangay Bunlo, Bocaue at around 12:45 am yesterday (Friday) when they received information that the billboards of CIBAC (Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption) and BUTIL Farmers party-list organizations are being destroyed by unidentified armed men.
Villanueva’s brother, Joel, is the Representative of CIBAC.
When Villanueva went out to check the billboards, police said the bystanders pointed at one passing motorcycle as the one carrying the persons responsible for the billboard bashing.
Villanueva then shouted at the motorcycle-riding persons to stop what they are doing. But the unidentified men drew out their short firearms, sparking the shooting incident.
One of the armed men died and was later found out to be a member of the Philippine Army, identified as Corporal Leonardo Pataray of the 3rd Infantry Battalion.
Elements of the Bocaue Police Station (BPS) promptly arrived at the site and immediately nabbed the armed men. They were later discovered to be elements as well of the 3rd IB, which is based in Hagonoy town of same province.
They were identified as Corporals Joselito dela Cruz, Elpidio Sagucio, Jr., and Roland Merwin Dagupan; Privates First Class Fernando Asurillo, Tranquilino Pillos, Jonathan Correa, Isaac Cesar Oplama, Joseph Winston Gonzales, and Michael Agustin; and Privates Arnel Manuel and Ariel Cabalquinto.
Confiscated from them were three M16 Armalite rifles, two ammunition bandoleers with seven loaded long magazines and 11 loaded short magazines for M16, one XRM motorcycle with plate number RH 8090, and one Mistubishi L200 pick up with plate number TSV 448.
At the same time, the Bocaue Police took custody of Villanueva’s police security escort, identified as SPO1 Renato Aldepolla from the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) in Camp Crame, and SPO1 Jesus Payongayong, from the BPS.
Recovered from the two police officers were one caliber 38 revolver (issued firearm of Aldepolla), caliber 9mm pistol (issued to Payongayong), and one Hyundai Grace van with plate number XCR 239, owned by Adlepolla.
Members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered from the crime scene the following items: seven empty shells for M16; two empty shells for cal. 9mm; two empty shells for cal. 45; two rounds of live ammunition for M16; one slug of still undetermined caliber; and one wallet with personal documents of Pataray.
All accosted soldiers and police officers were already subjected yesterday to gunpowder residue tests, and their firearms to ballistic examinations.
In a radio interview, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said Aldepolla already admitted to have opened fire first to serve as warning shot to the Army troops.
“Definitely, the exchange of gunfire is between the group of mayoralty candidate Villanueva and the group of the Philippine Army,” Calderon said.
Asked if the Army were indeed destroying the posters, Calderon said: “That is the initial finding. They were allegedly putting up also some posters and there are reports that they have a poster-removal brigade.”
But the Army has a different version of the incident.
Maj. Gen. Juanito Gomez, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, which has supervision and control of the 3IB, said the 12-man team had just come from a surveillance work in Barangay Buhan, Meycauayan town.
He said that when the team arrived at Barangay Bunlo at around 12:45 am, a group of armed men tried to flag them down.
Since there were no signs that it was a checkpoint, Gomez said the Army troops, who were aboard a van and a motorcycle, did not heed to the signal. They were then fired upon by the group of armed men on the ground.
Gomez revealed that the Army troopers were just in civilian clothes.
The brief shootout resulted in the death of Pataray, who was the team leader, said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr.
Villanueva said he believes the person behind the attack against him is the incumbent mayor of Bocaue, Serafin dela Cruz, who is challenging him this May 14 polls.
Dela Cruz belied the allegation, saying he does not even have a firearm or any bodyguard.
Dela Cruz went instead to theorize that the incident was just for show so he can gain media mileage.
Due to unclear motives, police investigators would not immediately say if the incident is related to the upcoming elections.
A task force was created to investigate the incident./DMS
May 4, 2007
A soldier was killed before dawn of Friday in a shooting incident between members of the Philippine Army and supporters of a mayoralty candidate in Bulacan province, police said.
But the version of the incident of the police and the camp of Bocaue mayoralty candidate Eduardo “Jonjon” Villanueva, Jr., son of Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement leader, Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva, differs to that of the Philippine Army.
According to police, the camp of the younger Villanueva had just arrived at their campaign headquarters in Barangay Bunlo, Bocaue at around 12:45 am yesterday (Friday) when they received information that the billboards of CIBAC (Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption) and BUTIL Farmers party-list organizations are being destroyed by unidentified armed men.
Villanueva’s brother, Joel, is the Representative of CIBAC.
When Villanueva went out to check the billboards, police said the bystanders pointed at one passing motorcycle as the one carrying the persons responsible for the billboard bashing.
Villanueva then shouted at the motorcycle-riding persons to stop what they are doing. But the unidentified men drew out their short firearms, sparking the shooting incident.
One of the armed men died and was later found out to be a member of the Philippine Army, identified as Corporal Leonardo Pataray of the 3rd Infantry Battalion.
Elements of the Bocaue Police Station (BPS) promptly arrived at the site and immediately nabbed the armed men. They were later discovered to be elements as well of the 3rd IB, which is based in Hagonoy town of same province.
They were identified as Corporals Joselito dela Cruz, Elpidio Sagucio, Jr., and Roland Merwin Dagupan; Privates First Class Fernando Asurillo, Tranquilino Pillos, Jonathan Correa, Isaac Cesar Oplama, Joseph Winston Gonzales, and Michael Agustin; and Privates Arnel Manuel and Ariel Cabalquinto.
Confiscated from them were three M16 Armalite rifles, two ammunition bandoleers with seven loaded long magazines and 11 loaded short magazines for M16, one XRM motorcycle with plate number RH 8090, and one Mistubishi L200 pick up with plate number TSV 448.
At the same time, the Bocaue Police took custody of Villanueva’s police security escort, identified as SPO1 Renato Aldepolla from the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) in Camp Crame, and SPO1 Jesus Payongayong, from the BPS.
Recovered from the two police officers were one caliber 38 revolver (issued firearm of Aldepolla), caliber 9mm pistol (issued to Payongayong), and one Hyundai Grace van with plate number XCR 239, owned by Adlepolla.
Members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered from the crime scene the following items: seven empty shells for M16; two empty shells for cal. 9mm; two empty shells for cal. 45; two rounds of live ammunition for M16; one slug of still undetermined caliber; and one wallet with personal documents of Pataray.
All accosted soldiers and police officers were already subjected yesterday to gunpowder residue tests, and their firearms to ballistic examinations.
In a radio interview, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said Aldepolla already admitted to have opened fire first to serve as warning shot to the Army troops.
“Definitely, the exchange of gunfire is between the group of mayoralty candidate Villanueva and the group of the Philippine Army,” Calderon said.
Asked if the Army were indeed destroying the posters, Calderon said: “That is the initial finding. They were allegedly putting up also some posters and there are reports that they have a poster-removal brigade.”
But the Army has a different version of the incident.
Maj. Gen. Juanito Gomez, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, which has supervision and control of the 3IB, said the 12-man team had just come from a surveillance work in Barangay Buhan, Meycauayan town.
He said that when the team arrived at Barangay Bunlo at around 12:45 am, a group of armed men tried to flag them down.
Since there were no signs that it was a checkpoint, Gomez said the Army troops, who were aboard a van and a motorcycle, did not heed to the signal. They were then fired upon by the group of armed men on the ground.
Gomez revealed that the Army troopers were just in civilian clothes.
The brief shootout resulted in the death of Pataray, who was the team leader, said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr.
Villanueva said he believes the person behind the attack against him is the incumbent mayor of Bocaue, Serafin dela Cruz, who is challenging him this May 14 polls.
Dela Cruz belied the allegation, saying he does not even have a firearm or any bodyguard.
Dela Cruz went instead to theorize that the incident was just for show so he can gain media mileage.
Due to unclear motives, police investigators would not immediately say if the incident is related to the upcoming elections.
A task force was created to investigate the incident./DMS
Supporters of Abra Congressional candidate attacked; 6 killed, 3 wounded
By Ronron
May 4, 2007
Six persons, including a barangay captain, were killed while three others were wounded following in what is believed to be another politically motivated ambush that happened Friday afternoon in Abra province.
Sr. Supt. Alexander Pumecha, Abra Provincial Police Office (PPO) Director, said most of the victims were relatives while the rest are supporters of incumbent Lagayan Mayor Cecilia Luna, who is running for Congressman of Abra province.
Those killed were identified as barangay captain Romero Guyang of Barangay Bai; Eduardo Guyang, President of Lagayan Association of Barangay Captains (ABC); Felima Caleflores; Jeson Battalao; Bali Rubeo; and Darwin Sitnagen.
The wounded were identified as Lorenzo Guyang, Armenio Ayab and Roderick Guyang.
Pumecha said the victims were aboard a silver Mitsubishi Pajero (XJT-650), owned by Luna, when they were fired upon by undetermined number of armed men at around 1pm at the boundary of Barangays Bai and Pang-ot in Lagayan town.
The group were on their way back to Barangay Bai after attending a burial of Luna’s relative in Bangued town.
Pumecha said the suspects, who were armed with high-powered firearms, escaped on foot.
He described the place of incident as mountainous and remote.
“Probably, this is politically motivated. We are looking into the political aspect because those who died are supporters and relatives of the Congressional candidate (Luna),” Pumecha said in a phone interview.
In a television interview, Luna said she was lucky that she did not ride the Pajero because she believes she is really the target of the gunmen.
Asked who could be behind the incident, she said: “It would be my opponent … our Governor here (Vicente Valera) because he has long wanted me to die.”
Valera is running against Luna in the Congressional race for the lone district of Abra, and two other candidates.
Valera was the suspect in the slay of Abra Congressman Luis Bersamin in December last year in Quezon City. He is believed to be maintaining a private armed group with the discovery of firearms from his car when he was arrested later that month also in the same city.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Region Police, said the suspects were pursed by members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, the 1601st Police Provincial Mobile Group, and the Abra PPO.
Abra is one of the few areas placed under Comelec control due to intense political rivalries that lead to violent incidents./DMS
May 4, 2007
Six persons, including a barangay captain, were killed while three others were wounded following in what is believed to be another politically motivated ambush that happened Friday afternoon in Abra province.
Sr. Supt. Alexander Pumecha, Abra Provincial Police Office (PPO) Director, said most of the victims were relatives while the rest are supporters of incumbent Lagayan Mayor Cecilia Luna, who is running for Congressman of Abra province.
Those killed were identified as barangay captain Romero Guyang of Barangay Bai; Eduardo Guyang, President of Lagayan Association of Barangay Captains (ABC); Felima Caleflores; Jeson Battalao; Bali Rubeo; and Darwin Sitnagen.
The wounded were identified as Lorenzo Guyang, Armenio Ayab and Roderick Guyang.
Pumecha said the victims were aboard a silver Mitsubishi Pajero (XJT-650), owned by Luna, when they were fired upon by undetermined number of armed men at around 1pm at the boundary of Barangays Bai and Pang-ot in Lagayan town.
The group were on their way back to Barangay Bai after attending a burial of Luna’s relative in Bangued town.
Pumecha said the suspects, who were armed with high-powered firearms, escaped on foot.
He described the place of incident as mountainous and remote.
“Probably, this is politically motivated. We are looking into the political aspect because those who died are supporters and relatives of the Congressional candidate (Luna),” Pumecha said in a phone interview.
In a television interview, Luna said she was lucky that she did not ride the Pajero because she believes she is really the target of the gunmen.
Asked who could be behind the incident, she said: “It would be my opponent … our Governor here (Vicente Valera) because he has long wanted me to die.”
Valera is running against Luna in the Congressional race for the lone district of Abra, and two other candidates.
Valera was the suspect in the slay of Abra Congressman Luis Bersamin in December last year in Quezon City. He is believed to be maintaining a private armed group with the discovery of firearms from his car when he was arrested later that month also in the same city.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Region Police, said the suspects were pursed by members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, the 1601st Police Provincial Mobile Group, and the Abra PPO.
Abra is one of the few areas placed under Comelec control due to intense political rivalries that lead to violent incidents./DMS
Friday, May 4, 2007
Mayor in Abra province apprehended, charged for gunban violation
By Ronron
May 3, 2007
A mayor in Abra province was apprehended on Wednesday afternoon for keeping in his possession a cache of firearms and ammunition in violation allegedly of the Commission on Election (Comelec) gunban policy for this election period.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Region Police, said Mayor Antonio Domes-ag of Peñarrubia town was nabbed at around 5pm the other day (Wednesday) at his farmhouse in Barangay Lusuac of said town.
Adnol said police found the following items above two beds inside Domes-ag’s farmhouse: one AK 47; one GA shotgun; one cal. 22 rifle; one cal. 38 revolver; one magazine feed pistolized cal. 22; 16 live ammunitions for cal. 38; 16 live ammunitions for GA 12; six live ammunitions for cal. 22; one long magazine for cal. 22; three magazines for cal. 7.62; three magazines for AK 47; 81 live ammunitions for AK 47; one black inside holster for cal. 38; one brown leather holster for cal. 38; and one black nylon magazine pouch for caliber 45.
“Mayor Domes-ag, who was present at that time, failed to show pertinent documents of the firearms, which resulted to the confiscation of the said firearms and immediately arrested him,” Adnol said.
Domes-ag is a mayoralty candidate for this May 14 elections.
“The discovery of the firearms bolstered our suspicion that indeed, the mayor is maintaining a private armed group,” said Abra Police Director Sr. Supt. Alexander Pumecha when reached by phone.
Adnol and Pumecha said the discovery of the firearms at Domes-ag’s farmhouse was accidental since police were just responding to a reported shooting incident in the same barangay.
Pumecha said a certain Wilfredo Pacano, 44, a farmer, and resident of Barangay Lusuac, was reportedly shot by a certain Ferdinand Fernandez, 30, also a local resident who works for Domes-ag.
Pacano was unhurt in the reported incident.
“When the suspect noticed the responding policemen approaching, he (Fernandez) ran inside the farmhouse of Mayor Antonio Domes-ag, which prompted policemen to run after him. This led to the discovery of the above-mentioned firearms and ammunitions placed on top of two beds,” Adnol said in a statement.
Domes-ag and Fernandez were later apprehended. But since the former’s blood pressure shot up, and the latter was wounded while trying to evade arrest, the two were brought to a hospital where they remain confined as of press time.
But on Thursday morning, Pumecha said charges for violation of the Comelec Resolution 7764-A, or the gunban, were filed against Domes-ag and Fernandez before the local prosecutor’s office. Additionally, Fernandez was charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting of Pacano.
Pumecha said the investigation continues to find out the members of the PAG that Domes-ag allegedly maintains./DMS
May 3, 2007
A mayor in Abra province was apprehended on Wednesday afternoon for keeping in his possession a cache of firearms and ammunition in violation allegedly of the Commission on Election (Comelec) gunban policy for this election period.
Supt. Joseph Adnol, spokesman of the Cordillera Region Police, said Mayor Antonio Domes-ag of Peñarrubia town was nabbed at around 5pm the other day (Wednesday) at his farmhouse in Barangay Lusuac of said town.
Adnol said police found the following items above two beds inside Domes-ag’s farmhouse: one AK 47; one GA shotgun; one cal. 22 rifle; one cal. 38 revolver; one magazine feed pistolized cal. 22; 16 live ammunitions for cal. 38; 16 live ammunitions for GA 12; six live ammunitions for cal. 22; one long magazine for cal. 22; three magazines for cal. 7.62; three magazines for AK 47; 81 live ammunitions for AK 47; one black inside holster for cal. 38; one brown leather holster for cal. 38; and one black nylon magazine pouch for caliber 45.
“Mayor Domes-ag, who was present at that time, failed to show pertinent documents of the firearms, which resulted to the confiscation of the said firearms and immediately arrested him,” Adnol said.
Domes-ag is a mayoralty candidate for this May 14 elections.
“The discovery of the firearms bolstered our suspicion that indeed, the mayor is maintaining a private armed group,” said Abra Police Director Sr. Supt. Alexander Pumecha when reached by phone.
Adnol and Pumecha said the discovery of the firearms at Domes-ag’s farmhouse was accidental since police were just responding to a reported shooting incident in the same barangay.
Pumecha said a certain Wilfredo Pacano, 44, a farmer, and resident of Barangay Lusuac, was reportedly shot by a certain Ferdinand Fernandez, 30, also a local resident who works for Domes-ag.
Pacano was unhurt in the reported incident.
“When the suspect noticed the responding policemen approaching, he (Fernandez) ran inside the farmhouse of Mayor Antonio Domes-ag, which prompted policemen to run after him. This led to the discovery of the above-mentioned firearms and ammunitions placed on top of two beds,” Adnol said in a statement.
Domes-ag and Fernandez were later apprehended. But since the former’s blood pressure shot up, and the latter was wounded while trying to evade arrest, the two were brought to a hospital where they remain confined as of press time.
But on Thursday morning, Pumecha said charges for violation of the Comelec Resolution 7764-A, or the gunban, were filed against Domes-ag and Fernandez before the local prosecutor’s office. Additionally, Fernandez was charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting of Pacano.
Pumecha said the investigation continues to find out the members of the PAG that Domes-ag allegedly maintains./DMS
Soldier implicated in 2005 killing of activist in Bicol gives up
By Ronron
May 3, 2007
A government soldier surrendered to police last Wednesday over the killing he allegedly perpetrated in 2005 of an activist in Camarines Sur province, a police official said.
Sr. Insp. Virgilio Olalia, chief of police of the Pasacao Police Station in Camarines Sur, said Corporal Esteban Vivar of the Philippine Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion voluntarily surrendered with the assistance of Capt. Allan Cornejo of the military’s Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO).
Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias identified Vivar as the suspect behind the killing of Delio Apolinar, a member of a local peasant organization in Pasacao, last April 25, 2005.
“Task Force USIG hailed the surrender of the Army corporal linked to the murder of a Bicol activist as a gesture of good faith on the part of the military establishment to cooperate in the investigation of cases involving military personnel,” Barias said in a statement.
A case of murder had already been filed earlier on against Vivar, CAFGU Active Auxilliary Ronnie Canet and two John does before the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 of Naga City.
Apolinar was found dead along the national highway in Sitio Canal, Barangay Pahay in Pasacao, Barias said.
Asked if Vivar claimed that the motive for the killing is personal in nature or was sanctioned by his officials, Olalia replied: “He didn’t mention anything. He just surrendered to this office.”
Barias said that prior to his surrender, Vivar was under the custody of his unit commander and was restricted inside the camp.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Human Rights Office chief Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose said the case involving Vivar is just one of the 18 cases of alleged human rights violations perpetrated by military personnel that he is monitoring.
Although not certain, Benedicto said Vivar must also be facing an administrative case at the Philippine Army./DMS
May 3, 2007
A government soldier surrendered to police last Wednesday over the killing he allegedly perpetrated in 2005 of an activist in Camarines Sur province, a police official said.
Sr. Insp. Virgilio Olalia, chief of police of the Pasacao Police Station in Camarines Sur, said Corporal Esteban Vivar of the Philippine Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion voluntarily surrendered with the assistance of Capt. Allan Cornejo of the military’s Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO).
Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias identified Vivar as the suspect behind the killing of Delio Apolinar, a member of a local peasant organization in Pasacao, last April 25, 2005.
“Task Force USIG hailed the surrender of the Army corporal linked to the murder of a Bicol activist as a gesture of good faith on the part of the military establishment to cooperate in the investigation of cases involving military personnel,” Barias said in a statement.
A case of murder had already been filed earlier on against Vivar, CAFGU Active Auxilliary Ronnie Canet and two John does before the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 of Naga City.
Apolinar was found dead along the national highway in Sitio Canal, Barangay Pahay in Pasacao, Barias said.
Asked if Vivar claimed that the motive for the killing is personal in nature or was sanctioned by his officials, Olalia replied: “He didn’t mention anything. He just surrendered to this office.”
Barias said that prior to his surrender, Vivar was under the custody of his unit commander and was restricted inside the camp.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Human Rights Office chief Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose said the case involving Vivar is just one of the 18 cases of alleged human rights violations perpetrated by military personnel that he is monitoring.
Although not certain, Benedicto said Vivar must also be facing an administrative case at the Philippine Army./DMS
Suspected bugging device discovered at telephone line connected to former President Aquino’s house; AFP denies it is behind the incident
By Ronron
May 3, 2007
A suspected bugging device was discovered last Wednesday afternoon connected to the telephone line of former President Corazon Aquino.
A maintenance crew of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) company who was conducting a routine inspection on the company’s cross-connect cabinet on Times Street in Quezon City found the suspected bugging device at past 3pm the other day (Wednesday), the company and police said.
The device was found out to be made up of a black box, believed to be the source of power, and a cassette tape recorder that was attached to the telephone line installed at the residence of Aquino.
Immediately, the PLDT advised Aquino about the development on Wednesday evening.
Yesterday morning, the former President was shown the device and was assured by the Quezon City Police District that the incident will be investigated.
She requested to have the cassette tape in her custody for a while so she could listen to what could have been recorded. As of yesterday, the former President has yet to play the cassette tape since she has no player.
“I challenge the government to bring to justice those who did this. If not, naturally, they will be the suspect behind this operation,” Aquino’s son, opposition senatorial candidate Benigno III, said in Filipino.
“Maybe, this is a result of the non-closure of the Garci issue, which apparently encouraged people to do that, violate the law because anyway, no one will be caught,” he added.
The younger Aquino was referring to the alleged wiretapping during the May 2004 Presidential elections of the phone conversation between a woman and man, purported to be then Presidential candidate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and then Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
The conversation was interpreted by many as attempts to rig the results of the voting in favor of Arroyo.
An intelligence operative of the military, Technical Sergeant Vidal Doble, had claimed that he sold the tape of the alleged recorded conversation to a retired executive of the National Bureau of Investigation, who later exposed it to other politicians.
The scandal was exposed in June 2005, prompting many sectors to call for Arroyo’s resignation, including Aquino.
“This is a challenge for the State and the government, those who are in power now, (to solve this case) because if they can’t solve this one that involves a former President, our fellow men might have more reason to live in fear,” the younger Aquino said.
In a news briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the military has no efforts at the moment to wiretap the former leader, saying there is no reason to.
Bacarro said the AFP only conducts wiretapping when it is able to secure a court order./DMS
May 3, 2007
A suspected bugging device was discovered last Wednesday afternoon connected to the telephone line of former President Corazon Aquino.
A maintenance crew of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) company who was conducting a routine inspection on the company’s cross-connect cabinet on Times Street in Quezon City found the suspected bugging device at past 3pm the other day (Wednesday), the company and police said.
The device was found out to be made up of a black box, believed to be the source of power, and a cassette tape recorder that was attached to the telephone line installed at the residence of Aquino.
Immediately, the PLDT advised Aquino about the development on Wednesday evening.
Yesterday morning, the former President was shown the device and was assured by the Quezon City Police District that the incident will be investigated.
She requested to have the cassette tape in her custody for a while so she could listen to what could have been recorded. As of yesterday, the former President has yet to play the cassette tape since she has no player.
“I challenge the government to bring to justice those who did this. If not, naturally, they will be the suspect behind this operation,” Aquino’s son, opposition senatorial candidate Benigno III, said in Filipino.
“Maybe, this is a result of the non-closure of the Garci issue, which apparently encouraged people to do that, violate the law because anyway, no one will be caught,” he added.
The younger Aquino was referring to the alleged wiretapping during the May 2004 Presidential elections of the phone conversation between a woman and man, purported to be then Presidential candidate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and then Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
The conversation was interpreted by many as attempts to rig the results of the voting in favor of Arroyo.
An intelligence operative of the military, Technical Sergeant Vidal Doble, had claimed that he sold the tape of the alleged recorded conversation to a retired executive of the National Bureau of Investigation, who later exposed it to other politicians.
The scandal was exposed in June 2005, prompting many sectors to call for Arroyo’s resignation, including Aquino.
“This is a challenge for the State and the government, those who are in power now, (to solve this case) because if they can’t solve this one that involves a former President, our fellow men might have more reason to live in fear,” the younger Aquino said.
In a news briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the military has no efforts at the moment to wiretap the former leader, saying there is no reason to.
Bacarro said the AFP only conducts wiretapping when it is able to secure a court order./DMS
CHR tells AFP, PNP to produce Burgos in five days, or submit report on investigation; car plate of vehicle used to bring victims traced to Bulacan res
By Ronron
May 3, 2007
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ordered on Thursday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to produce the abducted son of press freedom icon Jose Burgos and his two companions within five days.
If not, the two agencies should submit their respective investigation reports to the office of CHR Chairperson Purificacion Quisumbing within the same period.
“Look for him, whether Jonas (Joseph Burgos) is dead or alive. This is an order from the Commission,” said Commissioner Dominador Calamba during yesterday’s en banc session at the CHR head office in Quezon City.
“We are asking for your help,” he added, noting that only the AFP and the PNP have the resources to investigate the alleged abduction incident last April 28 at the Ever Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Present in the session were Chief Supt. German Doria, chief of the PNP Human Rights Office; Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose, chief of the AFP Human Rights Office; Maj. Serme Ayuyao, legal counsel of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP); Supt. Edgardo Wycoco, assistant director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – National Capital Region (NCR); and, Chief Inspector Roman Loreto of the PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management (DIDM).
Those who failed to arrive were Maj. Gen. Delfin Bangit, head of ISAFP; Rear Admiral Leonardo Calderon, Deputy Chief for Intelligence of the AFP; and Chief Supt. Geary Barias, DIDM chief and Task Force USIG Commander. Their representatives said the three were on official business missions outside of Metro Manila.
“We would like to state that we are not calling you here to tell you that you abducted the three,” Calamba told the present officials from the PNP and AFP.
Nonetheless, Ayuyao stated that according to the chief of the military intelligence group in the NCR, there was no operation by ISAFP operatives on April 28 along Commonwealth Avenue.
Doria, for his part, said the PNP is continuously investigating the case.
Both gave assurances to the CHR leadership that they will try to comply with its directive.
In a statement later in the day, Barias said investigators have already traced the owner of the license plates attached to the suspects’ and victims’ getaway vehicle to a resident of Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Barias said the plate TAB-194, which was found attached to the Toyota Revo that took away the victims, was registered to a certain Mauro Mudlong, and it was supposed to belong to a 1991 Isuzu utility vehicle.
“Mudlong’s statement will be taken to establish how the car plates registered to his car was transferred to another vehicle,” Barias said.
Quisumbing said Burgos’ mother, Edith, personally went to her office last Wednesday to ask for assistance in the search of his son.
“She (Edith) could not think of any possible motive. But I think it’s related to his affiliation with activists groups, since the family could not think of any enemy of Jonas,” Quisumbing said.
Burgos reportedly used to provide trainings on agricultural technology to members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, a peasant group linked by authorities with the communist movement of the Philippines.
Of his two companions, only was identified to be a certain Melissa Reyes, while the other guy remains unidentified.
Barias said police investigators have already established contact with the family of Burgos and is backtracking his last activities.
“We are giving preferential attention to this particular case because of the status of the person involved whose father is considered a national figure in promoting press freedom,” Barias said./DMS
May 3, 2007
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ordered on Thursday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to produce the abducted son of press freedom icon Jose Burgos and his two companions within five days.
If not, the two agencies should submit their respective investigation reports to the office of CHR Chairperson Purificacion Quisumbing within the same period.
“Look for him, whether Jonas (Joseph Burgos) is dead or alive. This is an order from the Commission,” said Commissioner Dominador Calamba during yesterday’s en banc session at the CHR head office in Quezon City.
“We are asking for your help,” he added, noting that only the AFP and the PNP have the resources to investigate the alleged abduction incident last April 28 at the Ever Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Present in the session were Chief Supt. German Doria, chief of the PNP Human Rights Office; Lt. Col. Benedicto Jose, chief of the AFP Human Rights Office; Maj. Serme Ayuyao, legal counsel of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP); Supt. Edgardo Wycoco, assistant director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – National Capital Region (NCR); and, Chief Inspector Roman Loreto of the PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management (DIDM).
Those who failed to arrive were Maj. Gen. Delfin Bangit, head of ISAFP; Rear Admiral Leonardo Calderon, Deputy Chief for Intelligence of the AFP; and Chief Supt. Geary Barias, DIDM chief and Task Force USIG Commander. Their representatives said the three were on official business missions outside of Metro Manila.
“We would like to state that we are not calling you here to tell you that you abducted the three,” Calamba told the present officials from the PNP and AFP.
Nonetheless, Ayuyao stated that according to the chief of the military intelligence group in the NCR, there was no operation by ISAFP operatives on April 28 along Commonwealth Avenue.
Doria, for his part, said the PNP is continuously investigating the case.
Both gave assurances to the CHR leadership that they will try to comply with its directive.
In a statement later in the day, Barias said investigators have already traced the owner of the license plates attached to the suspects’ and victims’ getaway vehicle to a resident of Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Barias said the plate TAB-194, which was found attached to the Toyota Revo that took away the victims, was registered to a certain Mauro Mudlong, and it was supposed to belong to a 1991 Isuzu utility vehicle.
“Mudlong’s statement will be taken to establish how the car plates registered to his car was transferred to another vehicle,” Barias said.
Quisumbing said Burgos’ mother, Edith, personally went to her office last Wednesday to ask for assistance in the search of his son.
“She (Edith) could not think of any possible motive. But I think it’s related to his affiliation with activists groups, since the family could not think of any enemy of Jonas,” Quisumbing said.
Burgos reportedly used to provide trainings on agricultural technology to members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, a peasant group linked by authorities with the communist movement of the Philippines.
Of his two companions, only was identified to be a certain Melissa Reyes, while the other guy remains unidentified.
Barias said police investigators have already established contact with the family of Burgos and is backtracking his last activities.
“We are giving preferential attention to this particular case because of the status of the person involved whose father is considered a national figure in promoting press freedom,” Barias said./DMS
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Esquivel files charges against Antonio, cops
By Ronron
May 2, 2007
Dismissed Mayor Prospero Antonio Esquivel of Jaen, Nueva Ecija filed charges of attempted murder and frustrated murder against Congressman Rodolfo Antonino, two identified policemen, a retired police officer, and 20 unidentified persons, mostly police officers from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) III.
The case was filed last April 30, 2007 before the Nueva Ecija Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in relation to the April 26 shooting incident in Jaen town that resulted to the death of two persons and the wounding of 12 others, including Esquivel’s two sons.
Yesterday (Wednesday), Esquivel said the wife of the slain victim, Rufino Galang, also filed murder charges against the same set of respondents.
“I did not wait anymore for the investigation of the police. We have our own witnesses, medical certificates, and autopsy, which are enough to support our case,” Esquivel said.
Esquivel accused Antonino to have ordered his security personnel and elements of the RMG III to “ambush” him and his party while they were passing along the congressman’s political caucus in Barangay Dampulan of said province.
Antonino denied the allegation, and went on to blame the former Mayor instead for refusing to heed to the RMG element’s signal to slow down his convoy, prompting the outburst of gunfire.
Galang, 54, who is running for councilor in Jaen, and SPO1 Bobby Ferrer, 44, of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, died during the shooting incident. Both belong to Esquivel’s camp.
All but one (a member of the RMG) of the 12 wounded victims also belong to Esquivel’s camp.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon welcomed the initiative of Esquivel, saying the court would be the best forum for the truth to come out.
“On my side, as chief, I want to know what procedures were violated by my men, who first committed the mistake, so that this will be corrected,” Calderon said, adding that an internal administrative investigation is ongoing within the organization against the involved policemen.
He said administrative and criminal sanctions await them if proven they erred because two lives were lost.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said that as of yesterday, the paraffin tests on the RMG personnel involved in the incident and the ballistic examinations on their firearms have yet to yield results.
Pagdilao said the results are expected to be known this week.
Esquivel has blamed Antonino as being behind his dismissal from the mayoralty post in January of this year. The Ombudsman found Esquivel guilty of grave misconduct for the illegal recall of members of the Board of Directors of the Jaen Municipal Water District.
The April 26 incident has prompted the Commission on Elections to place the province of Nueva Ecija under its control for the duration of the election season./DMS
May 2, 2007
Dismissed Mayor Prospero Antonio Esquivel of Jaen, Nueva Ecija filed charges of attempted murder and frustrated murder against Congressman Rodolfo Antonino, two identified policemen, a retired police officer, and 20 unidentified persons, mostly police officers from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) III.
The case was filed last April 30, 2007 before the Nueva Ecija Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in relation to the April 26 shooting incident in Jaen town that resulted to the death of two persons and the wounding of 12 others, including Esquivel’s two sons.
Yesterday (Wednesday), Esquivel said the wife of the slain victim, Rufino Galang, also filed murder charges against the same set of respondents.
“I did not wait anymore for the investigation of the police. We have our own witnesses, medical certificates, and autopsy, which are enough to support our case,” Esquivel said.
Esquivel accused Antonino to have ordered his security personnel and elements of the RMG III to “ambush” him and his party while they were passing along the congressman’s political caucus in Barangay Dampulan of said province.
Antonino denied the allegation, and went on to blame the former Mayor instead for refusing to heed to the RMG element’s signal to slow down his convoy, prompting the outburst of gunfire.
Galang, 54, who is running for councilor in Jaen, and SPO1 Bobby Ferrer, 44, of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, died during the shooting incident. Both belong to Esquivel’s camp.
All but one (a member of the RMG) of the 12 wounded victims also belong to Esquivel’s camp.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon welcomed the initiative of Esquivel, saying the court would be the best forum for the truth to come out.
“On my side, as chief, I want to know what procedures were violated by my men, who first committed the mistake, so that this will be corrected,” Calderon said, adding that an internal administrative investigation is ongoing within the organization against the involved policemen.
He said administrative and criminal sanctions await them if proven they erred because two lives were lost.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said that as of yesterday, the paraffin tests on the RMG personnel involved in the incident and the ballistic examinations on their firearms have yet to yield results.
Pagdilao said the results are expected to be known this week.
Esquivel has blamed Antonino as being behind his dismissal from the mayoralty post in January of this year. The Ombudsman found Esquivel guilty of grave misconduct for the illegal recall of members of the Board of Directors of the Jaen Municipal Water District.
The April 26 incident has prompted the Commission on Elections to place the province of Nueva Ecija under its control for the duration of the election season./DMS
Cebu mayoralty bet shot dead in Cebu
By Ronron
May 2, 2007
A mayoralty bet in Cebu province was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Cebu City by a lone gunman, police said.
The victim was identified as Rogelio Ilustrisimo, Sr., 59, a candidate for Mayor in Sta. Fe town in the northern tip of the province.
Ilustrisimo had just attended a hearing at the Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City when he was shot dead at around 10:38 am by an unidentified man.
“There is a disqualification case against him and it is being heard at the Comelec office,” Sr. Supt. Arturo Evangelista, Chief of the Region 7 Police Operations and Plans Division, said by phone.
Evangelista said Ilustrisimo, who is an incumbent councilor in Sta. Fe, sustained two gunshot wounds, causing his instantaneous death.
Empty shells and slug for a caliber 45 were recovered at the crime scene, according to Evangelista.
The suspect, meanwhile, managed to escape on foot but left his pair of sunglasses, cigarette lighter, and cigarette at the scene.
“There is already a cartographic sketch of the suspect, and our investigators are now following up some clues that would lead to his identification and arrest,” Evangelista said.
Evangelista said police is very inclined to believe that the incident is politically motivated, given the fact that the victim is a political candidate and he died during the election period.
Evangelista identified the opponent of Ilustrisimo as Domingo Zaspa, but refused to immediately tag him as a possible suspect.
He pointed out though that Zaspa is the complainant in the pending case against Ilustrisimo at the Comelec, the nature of which Evangelista could no longer elaborate citing lack of knowledge.
Evangelista said the killing of Ilustrisimo is the first election-related violent incident to happen in Cebu City./DMS
May 2, 2007
A mayoralty bet in Cebu province was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Cebu City by a lone gunman, police said.
The victim was identified as Rogelio Ilustrisimo, Sr., 59, a candidate for Mayor in Sta. Fe town in the northern tip of the province.
Ilustrisimo had just attended a hearing at the Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City when he was shot dead at around 10:38 am by an unidentified man.
“There is a disqualification case against him and it is being heard at the Comelec office,” Sr. Supt. Arturo Evangelista, Chief of the Region 7 Police Operations and Plans Division, said by phone.
Evangelista said Ilustrisimo, who is an incumbent councilor in Sta. Fe, sustained two gunshot wounds, causing his instantaneous death.
Empty shells and slug for a caliber 45 were recovered at the crime scene, according to Evangelista.
The suspect, meanwhile, managed to escape on foot but left his pair of sunglasses, cigarette lighter, and cigarette at the scene.
“There is already a cartographic sketch of the suspect, and our investigators are now following up some clues that would lead to his identification and arrest,” Evangelista said.
Evangelista said police is very inclined to believe that the incident is politically motivated, given the fact that the victim is a political candidate and he died during the election period.
Evangelista identified the opponent of Ilustrisimo as Domingo Zaspa, but refused to immediately tag him as a possible suspect.
He pointed out though that Zaspa is the complainant in the pending case against Ilustrisimo at the Comelec, the nature of which Evangelista could no longer elaborate citing lack of knowledge.
Evangelista said the killing of Ilustrisimo is the first election-related violent incident to happen in Cebu City./DMS
Navy demonstrates readiness for any sea-borne disaster despite lack of equipment
By Ronron
May 2, 2007
The Philippine Navy demonstrated on Wednesday its readiness to respond to any major disasters at sea even if it admitted to be lacking in equipment.
In preparation for the expected onset of the typhoon season next month, the Philippine Navy held yesterday at its Naval Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City a Disaster Response Static Display and Capability Demonstration.
The activity was participated in by members of the Philippine Navy Disaster Response Task Group (DRTG) 90.5 based at the Cavite Naval Base.
The participants included a total of 290 personnel and crew members from the BRP Quezon Patrol Ship 70, BRP Bacolod City Landing Ship Tank (LST) 550, BRP Dagupan City LST 551, Naval Special Operations Group, Naval Air Group, Naval Fire Station, Naval Assistance and Rescue Team, and Naval Hospital.
“We are showing what we can do, what these people can do in response to maritime disasters in general,” said Rear Admiral Amable Tolentino, vice commander of the Philippine Navy and commander of the DRTG 90.5.
Tolentino inspected first the members of the DRTG 90.5 before he was shown of the group’s capability to respond to an incident when a vessel catches fire at sea, and when people are drifted in the deep waters.
During the exercise, BRP Quezon served as the vessel in distress, while BRP Bacolod City acted as responding vessel, providing water to put off the fire. A rubber boat also approached BRP Quezon to safely secure some passengers and provide medical team to those in need.
A chopper also flew from BRP Bacolod City to conduct aerial survey on BRP Quezon and assess what other assistance can be extended.
Meanwhile, at the exercise concerning people drifted at sea, the Navy showed its readiness to respond by sending out a chopper at the site to drop off life-saving equipment, and a diver to consolidate all victims.
A patrol boat and rubber boat then arrived to save the victims and bring them to shore, where a medical team awaited them. Upon arrival, the victims were given first aid treatment and then brought to a waiting ambulance that took them to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Tolentino pointed out that what is important in every disaster is that the information must be relayed as quickly as possible so that the response teams, like those of the Navy, can arrive at the site the earliest possible time.
He said that despite the lack of equipment, the Navy is prepared to respond to disasters, with the “sincere dedication” of their personnel to help people in distress, as demonstrated in past incidents like the landslides in Quezon province in the year 2004, and last year’s Reming typhoon that hit the Bicol Region.
“We are also showing that your Armed Forces is not only involved in war fighting but also in development, and in helping our countrymen,” Tolentino said.
He said the Navy currently needs one helicopter in addition to its two existing choppers, more islanders, and rubber boats that can be used in times of disaster.
“These rubber boats can be used for small unit operations. But at the same time, it can be used for search and rescue… We have to have some more of that,” Tolentino said.
Currently, he said the Navy is refurbishing two islanders, one of which is expected to be finished this year.
He said he is also expecting the Cavite Naval Base commander, Commodore Ramon Punzalan, to make a request for the refurbishing of another helicopter so it can be added to the existing choppers being used.
As for the rubber boats, he said the Navy plans to get three more for this year.
Tolentino said the refurbishing and acquisition of these equipment will be sourced from the P10 billion worth Capability Upgrade Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said half of said program is allotted for the Philippine Navy.
“We have to upgrade some of our aircrafts. We have to buy boats. We have to have fast craft boats. And then we will have to have equipment for our Marines like automatic grenade launcher, squad automatic weapons, sniper rifles, and other stuffs,” Tolentino explained.
Told how he could say that the Navy is prepared to respond to disasters when he admitted that there is lack of equipment, Tolentino replied: “Well, not all organizations are fully equipped. So, we have to live with our limitations. But what I can boast of is the resolve of our personnel to do the job even if they lack equipment.”
“We cannot hope to really get all the equipment but we will work with what we have. That is the commitment of our men,” he added./DMS
May 2, 2007
The Philippine Navy demonstrated on Wednesday its readiness to respond to any major disasters at sea even if it admitted to be lacking in equipment.
In preparation for the expected onset of the typhoon season next month, the Philippine Navy held yesterday at its Naval Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City a Disaster Response Static Display and Capability Demonstration.
The activity was participated in by members of the Philippine Navy Disaster Response Task Group (DRTG) 90.5 based at the Cavite Naval Base.
The participants included a total of 290 personnel and crew members from the BRP Quezon Patrol Ship 70, BRP Bacolod City Landing Ship Tank (LST) 550, BRP Dagupan City LST 551, Naval Special Operations Group, Naval Air Group, Naval Fire Station, Naval Assistance and Rescue Team, and Naval Hospital.
“We are showing what we can do, what these people can do in response to maritime disasters in general,” said Rear Admiral Amable Tolentino, vice commander of the Philippine Navy and commander of the DRTG 90.5.
Tolentino inspected first the members of the DRTG 90.5 before he was shown of the group’s capability to respond to an incident when a vessel catches fire at sea, and when people are drifted in the deep waters.
During the exercise, BRP Quezon served as the vessel in distress, while BRP Bacolod City acted as responding vessel, providing water to put off the fire. A rubber boat also approached BRP Quezon to safely secure some passengers and provide medical team to those in need.
A chopper also flew from BRP Bacolod City to conduct aerial survey on BRP Quezon and assess what other assistance can be extended.
Meanwhile, at the exercise concerning people drifted at sea, the Navy showed its readiness to respond by sending out a chopper at the site to drop off life-saving equipment, and a diver to consolidate all victims.
A patrol boat and rubber boat then arrived to save the victims and bring them to shore, where a medical team awaited them. Upon arrival, the victims were given first aid treatment and then brought to a waiting ambulance that took them to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Tolentino pointed out that what is important in every disaster is that the information must be relayed as quickly as possible so that the response teams, like those of the Navy, can arrive at the site the earliest possible time.
He said that despite the lack of equipment, the Navy is prepared to respond to disasters, with the “sincere dedication” of their personnel to help people in distress, as demonstrated in past incidents like the landslides in Quezon province in the year 2004, and last year’s Reming typhoon that hit the Bicol Region.
“We are also showing that your Armed Forces is not only involved in war fighting but also in development, and in helping our countrymen,” Tolentino said.
He said the Navy currently needs one helicopter in addition to its two existing choppers, more islanders, and rubber boats that can be used in times of disaster.
“These rubber boats can be used for small unit operations. But at the same time, it can be used for search and rescue… We have to have some more of that,” Tolentino said.
Currently, he said the Navy is refurbishing two islanders, one of which is expected to be finished this year.
He said he is also expecting the Cavite Naval Base commander, Commodore Ramon Punzalan, to make a request for the refurbishing of another helicopter so it can be added to the existing choppers being used.
As for the rubber boats, he said the Navy plans to get three more for this year.
Tolentino said the refurbishing and acquisition of these equipment will be sourced from the P10 billion worth Capability Upgrade Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said half of said program is allotted for the Philippine Navy.
“We have to upgrade some of our aircrafts. We have to buy boats. We have to have fast craft boats. And then we will have to have equipment for our Marines like automatic grenade launcher, squad automatic weapons, sniper rifles, and other stuffs,” Tolentino explained.
Told how he could say that the Navy is prepared to respond to disasters when he admitted that there is lack of equipment, Tolentino replied: “Well, not all organizations are fully equipped. So, we have to live with our limitations. But what I can boast of is the resolve of our personnel to do the job even if they lack equipment.”
“We cannot hope to really get all the equipment but we will work with what we have. That is the commitment of our men,” he added./DMS
PNP arrests one of the two suspected gunmen in Resuello slay case; charges filed before prosecutor’s office
By Ronron
May 2, 2007
One of the wounded victims in the San Carlos City, Pangasinan shooting incident last Saturday was tagged by police as one of the two gunmen who shot dead city mayor Julian Resuello and his civilian aide.
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said on Wednesday that Angelito Soriano, 38, one of the seven wounded persons, was identified by fellow wounded victim SPO1 Jose Almoite as one of the perpetrators.
“The wounded policeman (Almoite) who traded shots with the suspects identified Angelito Soriano as one of the gunmen… He (Soriano) was brought to the bedside of SPO1 Almoite in Virgen Milagrosa Hospital and was pinpointed as the gunman,” Pagdilao said.
Soriano was being treated at the Elguera Hospital in San Carlos City due to a gunshot wound on his leg.
Police are still conducting background check on him, including his relationship, if any, with the political rivals of the Resuello’s in the city, the family of mayoralty candidate Douglas Soriano.
Pagdilao said the paraffin test conducted on Soriano the other day (Tuesday) also yielded positive result about the presence of gunpowder nitrates on his right hand.
With this material piece of evidence, police immediately filed on Tuesday night charges of double murder and multiple frustrated murder before the city prosecutor’s office against Soriano, a certain Cesar de Guzman (alias Kabesa, whose sketch was already released earlier on Tuesday), and two John Does.
Pagdilao said de Guzman was also positively identified by the two witnesses of the police since he used to be an errand boy of the late Resuello. De Guzman remains at large as of this writing, although manhunt operation against him is still ongoing.
Pagdilao said concerned citizens in the city made additional contributions to increase the reward money for de Guzman’s capture from P300,000 to P500,000.
The police spokesman refused to say that the case is already solved despite the arrest of one of the suspects, the identification of the other, and the filing of the case, saying investigators are still working out on the possibility that the two could have just been ordered to kill Resuello.
Resuello died on Monday morning at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, while his aide, Eulogio Martinez, 41, died on the spot during the attack, which happened while the mayor was gracing the coronation night of the Miss San Carlos City beauty pageant at the city plaza in celebration of the city’s fiesta.
Aside from Soriano and Almoite, five other persons were wounded in said incident, namely: 1) Jonathan dela Cruz, 34, Resuello’s civilian aide; 2) Alwin Fermin, 29, spectator; 3) Paulo Biso, 14, spectator; 4) Reyna Muñoz, 9, spectator; and, 5) Domingo Mamaril, 52, spectator.
The camp of Domingo Soriano had already denied involvement in the attack, said PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Resuello was supposed to run for vice mayor this coming elections, while his son, Julier, will attempt to replace him in the mayoralty post.
The deadly shooting incident has resulted in the placing of San Carlos City under the control of the Commission on Elections./DMS
May 2, 2007
One of the wounded victims in the San Carlos City, Pangasinan shooting incident last Saturday was tagged by police as one of the two gunmen who shot dead city mayor Julian Resuello and his civilian aide.
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said on Wednesday that Angelito Soriano, 38, one of the seven wounded persons, was identified by fellow wounded victim SPO1 Jose Almoite as one of the perpetrators.
“The wounded policeman (Almoite) who traded shots with the suspects identified Angelito Soriano as one of the gunmen… He (Soriano) was brought to the bedside of SPO1 Almoite in Virgen Milagrosa Hospital and was pinpointed as the gunman,” Pagdilao said.
Soriano was being treated at the Elguera Hospital in San Carlos City due to a gunshot wound on his leg.
Police are still conducting background check on him, including his relationship, if any, with the political rivals of the Resuello’s in the city, the family of mayoralty candidate Douglas Soriano.
Pagdilao said the paraffin test conducted on Soriano the other day (Tuesday) also yielded positive result about the presence of gunpowder nitrates on his right hand.
With this material piece of evidence, police immediately filed on Tuesday night charges of double murder and multiple frustrated murder before the city prosecutor’s office against Soriano, a certain Cesar de Guzman (alias Kabesa, whose sketch was already released earlier on Tuesday), and two John Does.
Pagdilao said de Guzman was also positively identified by the two witnesses of the police since he used to be an errand boy of the late Resuello. De Guzman remains at large as of this writing, although manhunt operation against him is still ongoing.
Pagdilao said concerned citizens in the city made additional contributions to increase the reward money for de Guzman’s capture from P300,000 to P500,000.
The police spokesman refused to say that the case is already solved despite the arrest of one of the suspects, the identification of the other, and the filing of the case, saying investigators are still working out on the possibility that the two could have just been ordered to kill Resuello.
Resuello died on Monday morning at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, while his aide, Eulogio Martinez, 41, died on the spot during the attack, which happened while the mayor was gracing the coronation night of the Miss San Carlos City beauty pageant at the city plaza in celebration of the city’s fiesta.
Aside from Soriano and Almoite, five other persons were wounded in said incident, namely: 1) Jonathan dela Cruz, 34, Resuello’s civilian aide; 2) Alwin Fermin, 29, spectator; 3) Paulo Biso, 14, spectator; 4) Reyna Muñoz, 9, spectator; and, 5) Domingo Mamaril, 52, spectator.
The camp of Domingo Soriano had already denied involvement in the attack, said PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Resuello was supposed to run for vice mayor this coming elections, while his son, Julier, will attempt to replace him in the mayoralty post.
The deadly shooting incident has resulted in the placing of San Carlos City under the control of the Commission on Elections./DMS
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
No engine, pilot errors in Saturday’s chopper crash in Lapu-lapu City – PAF chief
By Ronron
May 1, 2007
The chief of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Tuesday that there were no engine and pilot errors in last Saturday’s crash of a military chopper in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu that claimed the lives of nine people.
PAF chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino said in a phone interview that no trouble was found on the engine after it was examined at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, and the pilot who survived claimed that everything was normal during their flight until a kite got in their way.
“So, the findings is that there was no problem with the engine… There was also no pilot error. It’s just that a kite got entangled with the helicopter on the air that’s why it crashed,” Tolentino said.
The accident investigators from the PAF, however, has yet to submit their final report to him, Tolentino said.
But he said that a proof of the initial finding is the nylon thread recovered from the swash plate assembly (SPA) of the chopper, which is located right below the rotor blade.
Tolentino disclosed that the nylon measures two millimeters in diameter, but its length could not immediately be determined since it remains entangled at the SPA and some parts of it already melted due to heat generated by the rotation of the blades.
Tolentino said this caused the rotor of the chopper to stop rotating, causing the crash.
The PAF chief revealed that the accident site was supposed to be a no-kite-fly zone, based on a regulation by the Air Transportation Office, which prohibits kites 2.5 miles from the center of the airport.
Tolentino noted that the chopper was already about to land when the accident happened, and therefore must have been just 400 to 500 feet above ground when the chopper’s blades ate up the kite’s nylon thread.
Tolentino said so far, the investigators have yet to identify the kite-flyer. He said he also expects no one will surface to admit as the owner of the kite that caused the crash.
But just in case the kite-flyer shows up, he said the PAF is not bent on filing criminal charges since they are treating what happened as an accident.
“We have no plan (to file charges). We are not blaming anyone for what happened,” Tolentino said.
He said he just hopes that the local government and other agencies in Lapu-lapu City will strictly enforce the no-kite-flying policy on the identified zones in the island.
“What I really wanted is that a legislation banning the flying of kites in the controlled zones of the airport be passed. I heard that the acting mayor of Lapu-lapu city has committed to issue a sort of executive order to that effect,” Tolentino said.
Recently relieved Lapu-lapu City Police chief Supt. Louie Oppus, who held the post for more than two years, said that as far as he can recall, this was the first crash incident in the city involving a kite.
But Tolentino said the same cause of aircraft or chopper accident was already reported in other parts of the country in the past, like in Jolo, Sulu where, in some instances, enemies of the government fly kites to down military choppers.
“But so far, this is the most tragic among the accidents that were caused by kites because we have a lot of fatalities,” Tolentino said.
Aside from the nine fatalities, which include two PAF personnel and seven civilians who were aboard two tricycles where the chopper crashed into, two other PAF personnel were wounded in last Sunday’s accident – the pilot, Capt. Allan Villagarcia and crew member Sgt. Johnny Reyes.
The PAF leadership had already extended assistance, including financial, to the families of the killed victims./DMS
May 1, 2007
The chief of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Tuesday that there were no engine and pilot errors in last Saturday’s crash of a military chopper in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu that claimed the lives of nine people.
PAF chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino said in a phone interview that no trouble was found on the engine after it was examined at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, and the pilot who survived claimed that everything was normal during their flight until a kite got in their way.
“So, the findings is that there was no problem with the engine… There was also no pilot error. It’s just that a kite got entangled with the helicopter on the air that’s why it crashed,” Tolentino said.
The accident investigators from the PAF, however, has yet to submit their final report to him, Tolentino said.
But he said that a proof of the initial finding is the nylon thread recovered from the swash plate assembly (SPA) of the chopper, which is located right below the rotor blade.
Tolentino disclosed that the nylon measures two millimeters in diameter, but its length could not immediately be determined since it remains entangled at the SPA and some parts of it already melted due to heat generated by the rotation of the blades.
Tolentino said this caused the rotor of the chopper to stop rotating, causing the crash.
The PAF chief revealed that the accident site was supposed to be a no-kite-fly zone, based on a regulation by the Air Transportation Office, which prohibits kites 2.5 miles from the center of the airport.
Tolentino noted that the chopper was already about to land when the accident happened, and therefore must have been just 400 to 500 feet above ground when the chopper’s blades ate up the kite’s nylon thread.
Tolentino said so far, the investigators have yet to identify the kite-flyer. He said he also expects no one will surface to admit as the owner of the kite that caused the crash.
But just in case the kite-flyer shows up, he said the PAF is not bent on filing criminal charges since they are treating what happened as an accident.
“We have no plan (to file charges). We are not blaming anyone for what happened,” Tolentino said.
He said he just hopes that the local government and other agencies in Lapu-lapu City will strictly enforce the no-kite-flying policy on the identified zones in the island.
“What I really wanted is that a legislation banning the flying of kites in the controlled zones of the airport be passed. I heard that the acting mayor of Lapu-lapu city has committed to issue a sort of executive order to that effect,” Tolentino said.
Recently relieved Lapu-lapu City Police chief Supt. Louie Oppus, who held the post for more than two years, said that as far as he can recall, this was the first crash incident in the city involving a kite.
But Tolentino said the same cause of aircraft or chopper accident was already reported in other parts of the country in the past, like in Jolo, Sulu where, in some instances, enemies of the government fly kites to down military choppers.
“But so far, this is the most tragic among the accidents that were caused by kites because we have a lot of fatalities,” Tolentino said.
Aside from the nine fatalities, which include two PAF personnel and seven civilians who were aboard two tricycles where the chopper crashed into, two other PAF personnel were wounded in last Sunday’s accident – the pilot, Capt. Allan Villagarcia and crew member Sgt. Johnny Reyes.
The PAF leadership had already extended assistance, including financial, to the families of the killed victims./DMS
AFP denies missing Burgos is in its custody
By Ronron
May 1, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday denied allegations it has in its custody the missing son of press freedom icon Jose “Joe” Burgos, Jr. and his two companions.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said it is unfair for militant groups to quickly blame the incident to the military, especially that they have no evidence to support their claim.
Jonas Joseph Burgos, who has been giving agriculture technology trainings to members of the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan, a provincial chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, failed to return home on April 28, along with his companions, Melisa Reyes and an unidentified guy.
The Families of Desaparecidos for Justice (Desaparecidos), which backed the family of Burgos, attributed the alleged abduction incident to the AFP and challenged the organization to produce the missing persons.
“We have checked it. There are no reports that Jonas is under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Bacarro said.
“That’s why I said it is unfair on the part of these militant groups to say that the (AFP) is behind the abduction of Jonas,” he added.
Bacarro said the AFP is already coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies for the investigation of the incident./DMS
May 1, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday denied allegations it has in its custody the missing son of press freedom icon Jose “Joe” Burgos, Jr. and his two companions.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said it is unfair for militant groups to quickly blame the incident to the military, especially that they have no evidence to support their claim.
Jonas Joseph Burgos, who has been giving agriculture technology trainings to members of the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan, a provincial chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, failed to return home on April 28, along with his companions, Melisa Reyes and an unidentified guy.
The Families of Desaparecidos for Justice (Desaparecidos), which backed the family of Burgos, attributed the alleged abduction incident to the AFP and challenged the organization to produce the missing persons.
“We have checked it. There are no reports that Jonas is under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Bacarro said.
“That’s why I said it is unfair on the part of these militant groups to say that the (AFP) is behind the abduction of Jonas,” he added.
Bacarro said the AFP is already coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies for the investigation of the incident./DMS
PNP says P300,000 reward money offered for capture of Resuello killer in Pangasinan
By Ronron
May 1, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said a reward money of P300,000 for the capture of the suspected killer of San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello and his civilian aide in Pangasinan last Saturday night has been put up by concerned citizens.
Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, Region 1 Police Director, issued the announcement after he released the artist’s sketch of one of the two gunmen, who, he said, was identified by an eyewitness as a certain alias “Kabesa.”
In a text message, Bataoil said the eyewitness described “Kabesa” as around 40 years old, 5’3” in height, medium built, wearing a ballcap, and armed with caliber 45 pistol at the time of the shooting.
“A reward of P300,000 had been offered by concerned citizens for the capture of this suspect,” Bataoil said.
The two gunmen escaped during the commotion after successfully hitting the 54-year-old Mayor and his aides and some spectators while they were inside the San Carlos City open auditorium late Saturday night in celebration of the city fiesta.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon had earlier said last Monday that the two gunmen are believed to be hired killers.
Resuello died on Monday morning due to the gunshot wounds he sustained, while his aide, identified as Eulogio Martinez, 41, died on the spot.
Bataoil said seven other persons were wounded in the attack, identified as: 1) SPO1 Jaime Almoite of the San Carlos City Police Station; 2) Jonathan dela Cruz, 34, Resuello’s civilian aide; 3) Alwin Fermin, 29, spectator; 4) Paulo Biso, 14, spectator; 5) Reyna Munoz, 9, spectator; 6) Angelito Soriano, 38, spectator; and, 7) Domingo Mamaril, 52, spectator.
The incident prompted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to place the city under its control for the upcoming May 14 polls.
Resuello is running for Vice-Mayor in said city, while his son, Julier, will attempt to replace him in the Mayoralty post. Both belong to the Lakas party.
Former Mayor Douglas Soriano will challenge the younger Resuello in the mayoralty position.
Calderon had earlier tagged the Soriano’s as possible suspects to the incident, saying they are the only identified political nemesis of the Resuello’s in the city. But the Soriano’s, said Calderon, had already denied any involvement to the shooting incident./END
May 1, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said a reward money of P300,000 for the capture of the suspected killer of San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello and his civilian aide in Pangasinan last Saturday night has been put up by concerned citizens.
Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, Region 1 Police Director, issued the announcement after he released the artist’s sketch of one of the two gunmen, who, he said, was identified by an eyewitness as a certain alias “Kabesa.”
In a text message, Bataoil said the eyewitness described “Kabesa” as around 40 years old, 5’3” in height, medium built, wearing a ballcap, and armed with caliber 45 pistol at the time of the shooting.
“A reward of P300,000 had been offered by concerned citizens for the capture of this suspect,” Bataoil said.
The two gunmen escaped during the commotion after successfully hitting the 54-year-old Mayor and his aides and some spectators while they were inside the San Carlos City open auditorium late Saturday night in celebration of the city fiesta.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon had earlier said last Monday that the two gunmen are believed to be hired killers.
Resuello died on Monday morning due to the gunshot wounds he sustained, while his aide, identified as Eulogio Martinez, 41, died on the spot.
Bataoil said seven other persons were wounded in the attack, identified as: 1) SPO1 Jaime Almoite of the San Carlos City Police Station; 2) Jonathan dela Cruz, 34, Resuello’s civilian aide; 3) Alwin Fermin, 29, spectator; 4) Paulo Biso, 14, spectator; 5) Reyna Munoz, 9, spectator; 6) Angelito Soriano, 38, spectator; and, 7) Domingo Mamaril, 52, spectator.
The incident prompted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to place the city under its control for the upcoming May 14 polls.
Resuello is running for Vice-Mayor in said city, while his son, Julier, will attempt to replace him in the Mayoralty post. Both belong to the Lakas party.
Former Mayor Douglas Soriano will challenge the younger Resuello in the mayoralty position.
Calderon had earlier tagged the Soriano’s as possible suspects to the incident, saying they are the only identified political nemesis of the Resuello’s in the city. But the Soriano’s, said Calderon, had already denied any involvement to the shooting incident./END
PNP reshuffles four provincial chiefs in Southern Tagalog in relation to upcoming election
By Ronron
May 1, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership announced on Tuesday the reshuffle of four provincial chiefs in the Southern Tagalog region in connection with the approaching May 14 polls.
PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon said he had asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow the swapping of assignments by Sr. Supt. Tom Bañas of Batangas Police and Sr. Supt. Freddie Panen of Rizal Police, and by Sr. Supt. Felipe Rojas of Laguna Provincial Police Office and Sr. Supt. Fidel Posadas of Cavite.
Calderon said that if approved by the Comelec, the reshuffle will take effect only from May 3 until the 20th.
“This is just temporary to spare my police officers from being accused of being biased this coming election,” Calderon said during the weekly media forum entitled Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) held yesterday morning at Mendiola bridge in Manila City.
The PNP chief said he is also contemplating to implement the same action for the provincial chief of Nueva Ecija, Supt. Allen Bantolo.
Asked for the reason behind the reshuffle among the four provincial heads, Calderon said: “Because we anticipate that there could be violence in Region IV, and to isolate my police officers from any partisan politics, even with mere suspicions.”
So far, the Comelec has placed under its control the provinces of Abra and Masbate, and San Carlos City in Pangasinan, due to the imminent violence brought about by intense political rivalries.
PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Deputy Director General Wilfredo Garcia disclosed that the PNP also recommended that four municipalities from Kalinga province, Valencia City in Bukidnon, and the province of Palawan be placed under Comelec control.
When placed under Comelec control, the entire affairs of the concerned province, city or town will have to be subjected to the approval by Comelec during the election period./DMS
May 1, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership announced on Tuesday the reshuffle of four provincial chiefs in the Southern Tagalog region in connection with the approaching May 14 polls.
PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon said he had asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow the swapping of assignments by Sr. Supt. Tom Bañas of Batangas Police and Sr. Supt. Freddie Panen of Rizal Police, and by Sr. Supt. Felipe Rojas of Laguna Provincial Police Office and Sr. Supt. Fidel Posadas of Cavite.
Calderon said that if approved by the Comelec, the reshuffle will take effect only from May 3 until the 20th.
“This is just temporary to spare my police officers from being accused of being biased this coming election,” Calderon said during the weekly media forum entitled Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) held yesterday morning at Mendiola bridge in Manila City.
The PNP chief said he is also contemplating to implement the same action for the provincial chief of Nueva Ecija, Supt. Allen Bantolo.
Asked for the reason behind the reshuffle among the four provincial heads, Calderon said: “Because we anticipate that there could be violence in Region IV, and to isolate my police officers from any partisan politics, even with mere suspicions.”
So far, the Comelec has placed under its control the provinces of Abra and Masbate, and San Carlos City in Pangasinan, due to the imminent violence brought about by intense political rivalries.
PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Deputy Director General Wilfredo Garcia disclosed that the PNP also recommended that four municipalities from Kalinga province, Valencia City in Bukidnon, and the province of Palawan be placed under Comelec control.
When placed under Comelec control, the entire affairs of the concerned province, city or town will have to be subjected to the approval by Comelec during the election period./DMS
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
San Carlos City Mayor dies due to gunshot wounds
By Ronron
April 30, 2007
Mayor Julian Resuello of San Carlos City in Pangasinan province died on Monday morning due to the gunshot wounds he sustained in a shooting incident last Saturday night that immediately claimed the life of his civilian aide.
Resuello died at around 7am at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City due to complications of his vital organs, said his son, Julier, who is planning to take over his father in the mayoralty post this May 14 polls.
The older Resuello is only running as a vice-mayoralty candidate. He was 54.
“The doctors told us that the vital organs of the Mayor were also hit, and that his lungs continued to bleed so there were major arteries that remained cut and open,” Julier told reporters at St. Luke’s hours after his father passed away.
Resuello was attending his city’s fiesta celebration last Saturday evening at the city plaza when fired upon by two unidentified gunmen who posed as his supporters.
Aside from the death of his civilian bodyguard, identified as Jojo Martinez, 41, five other persons were also wounded in the incident. They were identified as Resuello’s police escort, SPO1 Jaime Almoite; his civilian aide, Jonathan dela Cruz, 34; and the following spectators to the event: Alwin Fermin, 29; Paulo Bino, 14; and Reyna Muñoz, 9.
“We are in the campaign season now. It’s time for politics. I do believe that this is politically motivated. Politics is the reason why my beloved father passed away,” Julier said in Filipino.
The police agreed with him.
In a press conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said: “I can say that the incident last Saturday night (in San Carlos City) was an election-related incident considering that the killed victim was the Mayor.”
And since only the Soriano family in San Carlos City is regarded as the political rival of the Resuello’s, Calderon did not hesitate to say that they are considered as suspects to the crime, although the killer were highly believed to be hired goons.
The younger Resuello is being challenged by former Mayor Douglas Soriano for the mayoralty position.
Although, Calderon said, the Soriano’s, he heard, already issued a statement of denial of involvement in the incident.
As of yesterday, police has already accounted for 97 election-related violent incidents since the start of the election period last January 14, 24 of which are validated as politically charged.
Said incidents resulted in the deaths of 31 persons, and the wounding of 59 others.
Calderon said they expect the political rivalry to intensify further as the May 14 polls approaches, that’s why he has ordered local police commanders to continue holding dialogues with local politicians and to conduct checkpoints in each city or town 24 hours, seven days a week.
He also welcomed the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to work closely with the PNP for the solution of election-related violent incidents and prevention of occurrence of such./DMS
April 30, 2007
Mayor Julian Resuello of San Carlos City in Pangasinan province died on Monday morning due to the gunshot wounds he sustained in a shooting incident last Saturday night that immediately claimed the life of his civilian aide.
Resuello died at around 7am at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City due to complications of his vital organs, said his son, Julier, who is planning to take over his father in the mayoralty post this May 14 polls.
The older Resuello is only running as a vice-mayoralty candidate. He was 54.
“The doctors told us that the vital organs of the Mayor were also hit, and that his lungs continued to bleed so there were major arteries that remained cut and open,” Julier told reporters at St. Luke’s hours after his father passed away.
Resuello was attending his city’s fiesta celebration last Saturday evening at the city plaza when fired upon by two unidentified gunmen who posed as his supporters.
Aside from the death of his civilian bodyguard, identified as Jojo Martinez, 41, five other persons were also wounded in the incident. They were identified as Resuello’s police escort, SPO1 Jaime Almoite; his civilian aide, Jonathan dela Cruz, 34; and the following spectators to the event: Alwin Fermin, 29; Paulo Bino, 14; and Reyna Muñoz, 9.
“We are in the campaign season now. It’s time for politics. I do believe that this is politically motivated. Politics is the reason why my beloved father passed away,” Julier said in Filipino.
The police agreed with him.
In a press conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said: “I can say that the incident last Saturday night (in San Carlos City) was an election-related incident considering that the killed victim was the Mayor.”
And since only the Soriano family in San Carlos City is regarded as the political rival of the Resuello’s, Calderon did not hesitate to say that they are considered as suspects to the crime, although the killer were highly believed to be hired goons.
The younger Resuello is being challenged by former Mayor Douglas Soriano for the mayoralty position.
Although, Calderon said, the Soriano’s, he heard, already issued a statement of denial of involvement in the incident.
As of yesterday, police has already accounted for 97 election-related violent incidents since the start of the election period last January 14, 24 of which are validated as politically charged.
Said incidents resulted in the deaths of 31 persons, and the wounding of 59 others.
Calderon said they expect the political rivalry to intensify further as the May 14 polls approaches, that’s why he has ordered local police commanders to continue holding dialogues with local politicians and to conduct checkpoints in each city or town 24 hours, seven days a week.
He also welcomed the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to work closely with the PNP for the solution of election-related violent incidents and prevention of occurrence of such./DMS
Police initial probe on Jaen shooting points to RMG responders as initiators of gunfire
By Ronron
April 30, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon disclosed on Monday that the initial investigation on the shooting incident last week in Jaen, Nueva Ecija pointed to the responding Regional Mobile Group (RMG) III team as the party who fired the first shot.
In a press conference at Camp Crame yesterday afternoon, Calderon said: “The initial result of the investigation points to the group on the ground, not to the group of ex-Mayor (Prospero Antonio) Esquivel, as the one who opened fire first.”
Calderon added: “We have more witnesses who say that it came first from the ground.”
The three-car convoy of Esquivel was about to pass along the road in Barangay Dampulan, Jaen town last Thursday night when it exchanged gun fires with members of the RMG who were out to respond to a report that armed men were seen at the site.
The shootout resulted in the death of two persons and the wounding of 12 others, mostly belonging to the party of Esquivel.
Esquivel accused Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Rodolfo Antonino as the one who ordered the shooting since he was seen by Esquivel in the company of the six-man RMG team on the ground.
Although Antonino did not deny he was at the scene, he denied Esquivel’s allegation he ordered the RMG personnel to open fire. Antonino instead challenged Esquivel to explain why his convoy did not slow down despite the signal of the RMG personnel to do so since there were people attending Antonino’s nearby political caucus beside the road.
Antonino said he could not have ordered the shootout or ambush on Esquivel’s party since he was in the company of his wife and two children at that time.
Antonino and Esquivel are two feuding political families in the province despite belonging to administration parties, the former with KAMPI and the latter with Liberal Party-Aitenza wing. Esquivel has accused Antonino as the person behind his dismissal from the Mayoralty post last January for alleged grave misconduct.
The case stemmed from allegations Esquivel illegally recalled the appointments of three Board of Director members of the Jaen Water District.
The two though are running for different positions this May 14 polls. Antonino is seeking another term as Congressman, while Esquivel is trying his luck again for the Mayoralty post in Jaen.
Asked if Esquivel can still run despite his dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said: “He was dismissed but not yet convicted. So, there is no penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.”
Sr. Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, chairman of Task Group Jaen, which is tasked to investigate the shooting incident, said Esquivel has yet to issue a statement to the police, particularly on why his convoy refused to heed to the slow-down signal.
Calderon said the incident prompted him to order all regional police directors to make sure that all police escorts provided to political candidates will come from one unit to avoid misencounters.
“I gave a nationwide directive today that those who will be assigned as security to a political candidate should report to higher authorities or caution the politicians if the latter are found to be carrying guns that are not registered with the Comelec, or unlicensed, or if they bring along armed goons. It is their responsibility,” Calderon said.
Eleazar said they have yet to wrap up their investigation since they are completing all ballistic examination results, awaiting for others to submit themselves to the same, and still gathering the testimonies of all concerned./DMS
April 30, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon disclosed on Monday that the initial investigation on the shooting incident last week in Jaen, Nueva Ecija pointed to the responding Regional Mobile Group (RMG) III team as the party who fired the first shot.
In a press conference at Camp Crame yesterday afternoon, Calderon said: “The initial result of the investigation points to the group on the ground, not to the group of ex-Mayor (Prospero Antonio) Esquivel, as the one who opened fire first.”
Calderon added: “We have more witnesses who say that it came first from the ground.”
The three-car convoy of Esquivel was about to pass along the road in Barangay Dampulan, Jaen town last Thursday night when it exchanged gun fires with members of the RMG who were out to respond to a report that armed men were seen at the site.
The shootout resulted in the death of two persons and the wounding of 12 others, mostly belonging to the party of Esquivel.
Esquivel accused Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Rodolfo Antonino as the one who ordered the shooting since he was seen by Esquivel in the company of the six-man RMG team on the ground.
Although Antonino did not deny he was at the scene, he denied Esquivel’s allegation he ordered the RMG personnel to open fire. Antonino instead challenged Esquivel to explain why his convoy did not slow down despite the signal of the RMG personnel to do so since there were people attending Antonino’s nearby political caucus beside the road.
Antonino said he could not have ordered the shootout or ambush on Esquivel’s party since he was in the company of his wife and two children at that time.
Antonino and Esquivel are two feuding political families in the province despite belonging to administration parties, the former with KAMPI and the latter with Liberal Party-Aitenza wing. Esquivel has accused Antonino as the person behind his dismissal from the Mayoralty post last January for alleged grave misconduct.
The case stemmed from allegations Esquivel illegally recalled the appointments of three Board of Director members of the Jaen Water District.
The two though are running for different positions this May 14 polls. Antonino is seeking another term as Congressman, while Esquivel is trying his luck again for the Mayoralty post in Jaen.
Asked if Esquivel can still run despite his dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said: “He was dismissed but not yet convicted. So, there is no penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.”
Sr. Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, chairman of Task Group Jaen, which is tasked to investigate the shooting incident, said Esquivel has yet to issue a statement to the police, particularly on why his convoy refused to heed to the slow-down signal.
Calderon said the incident prompted him to order all regional police directors to make sure that all police escorts provided to political candidates will come from one unit to avoid misencounters.
“I gave a nationwide directive today that those who will be assigned as security to a political candidate should report to higher authorities or caution the politicians if the latter are found to be carrying guns that are not registered with the Comelec, or unlicensed, or if they bring along armed goons. It is their responsibility,” Calderon said.
Eleazar said they have yet to wrap up their investigation since they are completing all ballistic examination results, awaiting for others to submit themselves to the same, and still gathering the testimonies of all concerned./DMS
Police initial probe on Jaen shooting points to RMG responders as initiators of gunfire
By Ronron
April 30, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon disclosed on Monday that the initial investigation on the shooting incident last week in Jaen, Nueva Ecija pointed to the responding Regional Mobile Group (RMG) III team as the party who fired the first shot.
In a press conference at Camp Crame yesterday afternoon, Calderon said: “The initial result of the investigation points to the group on the ground, not to the group of ex-Mayor (Prospero Antonio) Esquivel, as the one who opened fire first.”
Calderon added: “We have more witnesses who say that it came first from the ground.”
The three-car convoy of Esquivel was about to pass along the road in Barangay Dampulan, Jaen town last Thursday night when it exchanged gun fires with members of the RMG who were out to respond to a report that armed men were seen at the site.
The shootout resulted in the death of two persons and the wounding of 12 others, mostly belonging to the party of Esquivel.
Esquivel accused Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Rodolfo Antonino as the one who ordered the shooting since he was seen by Esquivel in the company of the six-man RMG team on the ground.
Although Antonino did not deny he was at the scene, he denied Esquivel’s allegation he ordered the RMG personnel to open fire. Antonino instead challenged Esquivel to explain why his convoy did not slow down despite the signal of the RMG personnel to do so since there were people attending Antonino’s nearby political caucus beside the road.
Antonino said he could not have ordered the shootout or ambush on Esquivel’s party since he was in the company of his wife and two children at that time.
Antonino and Esquivel are two feuding political families in the province despite belonging to administration parties, the former with KAMPI and the latter with Liberal Party-Aitenza wing. Esquivel has accused Antonino as the person behind his dismissal from the Mayoralty post last January for alleged grave misconduct.
The case stemmed from allegations Esquivel illegally recalled the appointments of three Board of Director members of the Jaen Water District.
The two though are running for different positions this May 14 polls. Antonino is seeking another term as Congressman, while Esquivel is trying his luck again for the Mayoralty post in Jaen.
Asked if Esquivel can still run despite his dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said: “He was dismissed but not yet convicted. So, there is no penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.”
Sr. Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, chairman of Task Group Jaen, which is tasked to investigate the shooting incident, said Esquivel has yet to issue a statement to the police, particularly on why his convoy refused to heed to the slow-down signal.
Calderon said the incident prompted him to order all regional police directors to make sure that all police escorts provided to political candidates will come from one unit to avoid misencounters.
“I gave a nationwide directive today that those who will be assigned as security to a political candidate should report to higher authorities or caution the politicians if the latter are found to be carrying guns that are not registered with the Comelec, or unlicensed, or if they bring along armed goons. It is their responsibility,” Calderon said.
Eleazar said they have yet to wrap up their investigation since they are completing all ballistic examination results, awaiting for others to submit themselves to the same, and still gathering the testimonies of all concerned./DMS
April 30, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon disclosed on Monday that the initial investigation on the shooting incident last week in Jaen, Nueva Ecija pointed to the responding Regional Mobile Group (RMG) III team as the party who fired the first shot.
In a press conference at Camp Crame yesterday afternoon, Calderon said: “The initial result of the investigation points to the group on the ground, not to the group of ex-Mayor (Prospero Antonio) Esquivel, as the one who opened fire first.”
Calderon added: “We have more witnesses who say that it came first from the ground.”
The three-car convoy of Esquivel was about to pass along the road in Barangay Dampulan, Jaen town last Thursday night when it exchanged gun fires with members of the RMG who were out to respond to a report that armed men were seen at the site.
The shootout resulted in the death of two persons and the wounding of 12 others, mostly belonging to the party of Esquivel.
Esquivel accused Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Rodolfo Antonino as the one who ordered the shooting since he was seen by Esquivel in the company of the six-man RMG team on the ground.
Although Antonino did not deny he was at the scene, he denied Esquivel’s allegation he ordered the RMG personnel to open fire. Antonino instead challenged Esquivel to explain why his convoy did not slow down despite the signal of the RMG personnel to do so since there were people attending Antonino’s nearby political caucus beside the road.
Antonino said he could not have ordered the shootout or ambush on Esquivel’s party since he was in the company of his wife and two children at that time.
Antonino and Esquivel are two feuding political families in the province despite belonging to administration parties, the former with KAMPI and the latter with Liberal Party-Aitenza wing. Esquivel has accused Antonino as the person behind his dismissal from the Mayoralty post last January for alleged grave misconduct.
The case stemmed from allegations Esquivel illegally recalled the appointments of three Board of Director members of the Jaen Water District.
The two though are running for different positions this May 14 polls. Antonino is seeking another term as Congressman, while Esquivel is trying his luck again for the Mayoralty post in Jaen.
Asked if Esquivel can still run despite his dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said: “He was dismissed but not yet convicted. So, there is no penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.”
Sr. Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, chairman of Task Group Jaen, which is tasked to investigate the shooting incident, said Esquivel has yet to issue a statement to the police, particularly on why his convoy refused to heed to the slow-down signal.
Calderon said the incident prompted him to order all regional police directors to make sure that all police escorts provided to political candidates will come from one unit to avoid misencounters.
“I gave a nationwide directive today that those who will be assigned as security to a political candidate should report to higher authorities or caution the politicians if the latter are found to be carrying guns that are not registered with the Comelec, or unlicensed, or if they bring along armed goons. It is their responsibility,” Calderon said.
Eleazar said they have yet to wrap up their investigation since they are completing all ballistic examination results, awaiting for others to submit themselves to the same, and still gathering the testimonies of all concerned./DMS
AFP, PNP raise alert level for Labor Day celebration
By Ronron
April 30, 2007
The Philippine military and police raised their respective alert levels on Monday noon in preparation for street demonstrations that will be held today (Tuesday) in celebration of Labor Day.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said the entire force of the military in Metro Manila went on full alert effective 12 noon yesterday (Monday), together with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
The other units, meanwhile, of the Philippine National Police (PNP) elsewhere in the country went on heightened alert.
“We will be on red alert effective today, which means that we will place on stand by our civil disturbance management units. In addition to that, our quick reaction units are also on stand by,” Dolorfino told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
Like the PNP, Dolorfino said the military sees no untoward incident happening today based on intelligence information.
Asked about the possible repeat of the May 1, 2001 siege by supporters of former President Joseph Estrada, Dolorfino said: “We do not foresee that such thing will happen again tomorrow.”
Dolorfino said a total of about 2,000 troops will be on standby for today’s activity, while the NCRPO said 4,185 anti-riot cops will be deployed all over Metro Manila, mostly in Manila City where militants and members of cause-oriented groups are set to cap their rallies at the Liwasang Bonifacio.
The Labor Day celebration in key cities of the country, especially in Metro Manila, is usually marked by mass rallies by militant and cause-oriented groups to air their grievances against the government./DMS
April 30, 2007
The Philippine military and police raised their respective alert levels on Monday noon in preparation for street demonstrations that will be held today (Tuesday) in celebration of Labor Day.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said the entire force of the military in Metro Manila went on full alert effective 12 noon yesterday (Monday), together with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
The other units, meanwhile, of the Philippine National Police (PNP) elsewhere in the country went on heightened alert.
“We will be on red alert effective today, which means that we will place on stand by our civil disturbance management units. In addition to that, our quick reaction units are also on stand by,” Dolorfino told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
Like the PNP, Dolorfino said the military sees no untoward incident happening today based on intelligence information.
Asked about the possible repeat of the May 1, 2001 siege by supporters of former President Joseph Estrada, Dolorfino said: “We do not foresee that such thing will happen again tomorrow.”
Dolorfino said a total of about 2,000 troops will be on standby for today’s activity, while the NCRPO said 4,185 anti-riot cops will be deployed all over Metro Manila, mostly in Manila City where militants and members of cause-oriented groups are set to cap their rallies at the Liwasang Bonifacio.
The Labor Day celebration in key cities of the country, especially in Metro Manila, is usually marked by mass rallies by militant and cause-oriented groups to air their grievances against the government./DMS
Duntugan charged with murder, presented to media in Crame
By Ronron
April 30, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday night charged the suspected killer of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell with murder before the Ifugao Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Ifugao Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Pedro Ganir said Juan Donald Duntugan, 25, was personally brought before Ifugao Provincial Prosecutor Marvin Ngayawan at around 11pm the other day (Sunday) for the filing of criminal case against him.
“The element for murder (which is intent to kill) was there,” Ganir said when asked why it was a case for murder.
Duntugan, Ganir said, had claimed that he killed Campbell after he mistook her as his neighbor-nemesis, named Blas, on the night of April 8. The woodcarver suspect said he was walking along the trails of Barangay Batad in Banaue, Ifugao when somebody bumped him from the back at around 6pm. Thinking it was Blas, he immediately pounced upon that person with stone on the head, only to find out later when the person became unconscious that it was a Caucasian woman.
“He (Duntugan) claimed he had a (mental) blackout that’s why he said he did not recognize the person,” said Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales, Cordillera Region Police chief, in a press briefing yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame where Duntugan was presented.
Before Duntugan surrendered last Friday, Ganir said they are contemplating on charging him with robbery with homicide since a witness claimed Duntugan was carrying Campbell’s bag.
However, after interrogating Duntugan and the holding of re-enactment of the incident at the crime scene last Saturday, police found no evidence for possible robbery charge.
Besides, Ganir said, Duntugan admitted he committed the crime.
“He (Duntugan) decided to proceed killing her (Campbell) when he realized she was not Blas because she was already unconscious,” said investigator Chief Insp. Rino Corpus from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
After killing Campbell, Duntugan dragged her to the ditch, hit her several times more with a piece of firewood, and then covered her body with soil.
But despite the filing of case, PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said they “are not taking his statements hook, line and sinker.”
“We want to cross check his statements with evidence and the findings of our own investigation. Mr. Duntugan’s blood and urine specimen have been taken for laboratory analysis, as well as the bloodied shirt and ballcap, piece of firewood, and a bolo which the suspect claimed he used as tool to move soil to cover the victim’s body,” Calderon said in the same press briefing.
During the presentation, a handcuffed Duntugan shed some tears and was not allowed to speak to the media, upon the advise of his lawyer.
Gonzales said he thinks that Duntugan’s act of voluntarily giving up his self to authorities will be considered by the judge when a verdict will be handed down against him.
Calderon pointed out that what caused Duntugan’s surrender is his conscience, him being a simple citizen with no criminal record prior to the Campbell slay.
Results of the drug test on Duntugan is still being awaited by authorities to find out if he was normal during the commission of the crime.
Duntugan was transported to Manila from Ifugao immediately after he was charged before the prosecutor’s office there. They arrived in Camp Crame on Monday morning, after seven hours of travel by land.
Duntugan will be brought back to Ifugao where he will be detained, Ganir said./DMS
April 30, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday night charged the suspected killer of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell with murder before the Ifugao Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Ifugao Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Pedro Ganir said Juan Donald Duntugan, 25, was personally brought before Ifugao Provincial Prosecutor Marvin Ngayawan at around 11pm the other day (Sunday) for the filing of criminal case against him.
“The element for murder (which is intent to kill) was there,” Ganir said when asked why it was a case for murder.
Duntugan, Ganir said, had claimed that he killed Campbell after he mistook her as his neighbor-nemesis, named Blas, on the night of April 8. The woodcarver suspect said he was walking along the trails of Barangay Batad in Banaue, Ifugao when somebody bumped him from the back at around 6pm. Thinking it was Blas, he immediately pounced upon that person with stone on the head, only to find out later when the person became unconscious that it was a Caucasian woman.
“He (Duntugan) claimed he had a (mental) blackout that’s why he said he did not recognize the person,” said Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales, Cordillera Region Police chief, in a press briefing yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame where Duntugan was presented.
Before Duntugan surrendered last Friday, Ganir said they are contemplating on charging him with robbery with homicide since a witness claimed Duntugan was carrying Campbell’s bag.
However, after interrogating Duntugan and the holding of re-enactment of the incident at the crime scene last Saturday, police found no evidence for possible robbery charge.
Besides, Ganir said, Duntugan admitted he committed the crime.
“He (Duntugan) decided to proceed killing her (Campbell) when he realized she was not Blas because she was already unconscious,” said investigator Chief Insp. Rino Corpus from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
After killing Campbell, Duntugan dragged her to the ditch, hit her several times more with a piece of firewood, and then covered her body with soil.
But despite the filing of case, PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said they “are not taking his statements hook, line and sinker.”
“We want to cross check his statements with evidence and the findings of our own investigation. Mr. Duntugan’s blood and urine specimen have been taken for laboratory analysis, as well as the bloodied shirt and ballcap, piece of firewood, and a bolo which the suspect claimed he used as tool to move soil to cover the victim’s body,” Calderon said in the same press briefing.
During the presentation, a handcuffed Duntugan shed some tears and was not allowed to speak to the media, upon the advise of his lawyer.
Gonzales said he thinks that Duntugan’s act of voluntarily giving up his self to authorities will be considered by the judge when a verdict will be handed down against him.
Calderon pointed out that what caused Duntugan’s surrender is his conscience, him being a simple citizen with no criminal record prior to the Campbell slay.
Results of the drug test on Duntugan is still being awaited by authorities to find out if he was normal during the commission of the crime.
Duntugan was transported to Manila from Ifugao immediately after he was charged before the prosecutor’s office there. They arrived in Camp Crame on Monday morning, after seven hours of travel by land.
Duntugan will be brought back to Ifugao where he will be detained, Ganir said./DMS
Monday, April 30, 2007
Air Force probers investigate kites got in the way of downed chopper in Cebu
Ronron
April 29, 2007
Investigators from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are trying to ascertain if indeed kites got in the way of the fallen military chopper on Saturday afternoon in Cebu province that claimed the lives of nine people.
PAF chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino said nylon threads were found entangled at the rotor system of the UH-1H or “Huey” helicopter (tail number 6225) that crashed at around 5:55 pm last Saturday in the middle of the road in Barangay Humay-humay, Lapu-lapu City in Mactan Island, Cebu.
“There were nylon threads on the rotor system, which could have caused the accident. Although, it is not yet conclusive since the investigation is still on going,” Tolentino said in a phone interview.
But if it is found to be not the main cause, Tolentino said the nylon threads could be “contributory” to the accident.
The PAF chief personally went to Cebu on Sunday to look into the accident and personally condole with the families of the killed victims.
He said witnesses claimed that there were kites being flown at the place when the accident happened.
Witnesses further said that when the chopper, piloted by Captain Allan Villagarcia, was descending, its rotor blades were slowly stopping from rotating.
“If it was in full rotation when it went down, the blades should have been disintegrated, and there should have been some things near the ground that would be destroyed by it. But the rotor was still in its original form and there were no signs of damages on the things near the ground. Therefore, it could mean that the rotor stopped rotating when it went down,” Tolentino explained.
He hinted a human error could be a very remote cause of the crash, saying he vouches for Villagarcia’s capability.
“I can tell initially that there is no human error,” Tolentino said.
As to engine trouble, he said he is reserving his comment since the engine has yet to be examined. He said the engine will be brought to Manila for said purpose.
Pending the investigation as to the official cause of the accident, Tolentino ordered yesterday the grounding of all remaining 41 UH-1H choppers in the PAF inventory.
“Maybe, it will only last for two to three days since we could already have initial findings within said period whether or not the nature of the cause of the accident is mechanical,” Tolentino said.
Of all 42 Hueys of the PAF, Tolentino said 35 are operational at any one time since the rest undergo “scheduled maintenance.”
The PAF Hueys are being used for airlift operations of the military, particularly for troop insertions in combat operations, medical evacuations, and in search and rescue operations, among others.
The latest ill-fated chopper was being used at that time for Pilot Qualification Course training of 1Lt. Jesus Embat, the co-pilot of Villagarcia. They were accompanied in the flight by crew members SSgt. Michael Gavino and Sgt. Johnny Reyes.
Gavino died during the crash, along with seven passengers of two tricycles where the chopper plunged into. Embat died later at around 8:50 pm while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
Villagarcia and Reyes, meanwhile, are being treated at the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital.
Aside from expressing his deepest sympathy, Tolentino promised the families of the victims of the accident of whatever help, including financial, the PAF can extend./DMS
April 29, 2007
Investigators from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are trying to ascertain if indeed kites got in the way of the fallen military chopper on Saturday afternoon in Cebu province that claimed the lives of nine people.
PAF chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino said nylon threads were found entangled at the rotor system of the UH-1H or “Huey” helicopter (tail number 6225) that crashed at around 5:55 pm last Saturday in the middle of the road in Barangay Humay-humay, Lapu-lapu City in Mactan Island, Cebu.
“There were nylon threads on the rotor system, which could have caused the accident. Although, it is not yet conclusive since the investigation is still on going,” Tolentino said in a phone interview.
But if it is found to be not the main cause, Tolentino said the nylon threads could be “contributory” to the accident.
The PAF chief personally went to Cebu on Sunday to look into the accident and personally condole with the families of the killed victims.
He said witnesses claimed that there were kites being flown at the place when the accident happened.
Witnesses further said that when the chopper, piloted by Captain Allan Villagarcia, was descending, its rotor blades were slowly stopping from rotating.
“If it was in full rotation when it went down, the blades should have been disintegrated, and there should have been some things near the ground that would be destroyed by it. But the rotor was still in its original form and there were no signs of damages on the things near the ground. Therefore, it could mean that the rotor stopped rotating when it went down,” Tolentino explained.
He hinted a human error could be a very remote cause of the crash, saying he vouches for Villagarcia’s capability.
“I can tell initially that there is no human error,” Tolentino said.
As to engine trouble, he said he is reserving his comment since the engine has yet to be examined. He said the engine will be brought to Manila for said purpose.
Pending the investigation as to the official cause of the accident, Tolentino ordered yesterday the grounding of all remaining 41 UH-1H choppers in the PAF inventory.
“Maybe, it will only last for two to three days since we could already have initial findings within said period whether or not the nature of the cause of the accident is mechanical,” Tolentino said.
Of all 42 Hueys of the PAF, Tolentino said 35 are operational at any one time since the rest undergo “scheduled maintenance.”
The PAF Hueys are being used for airlift operations of the military, particularly for troop insertions in combat operations, medical evacuations, and in search and rescue operations, among others.
The latest ill-fated chopper was being used at that time for Pilot Qualification Course training of 1Lt. Jesus Embat, the co-pilot of Villagarcia. They were accompanied in the flight by crew members SSgt. Michael Gavino and Sgt. Johnny Reyes.
Gavino died during the crash, along with seven passengers of two tricycles where the chopper plunged into. Embat died later at around 8:50 pm while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
Villagarcia and Reyes, meanwhile, are being treated at the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital.
Aside from expressing his deepest sympathy, Tolentino promised the families of the victims of the accident of whatever help, including financial, the PAF can extend./DMS
5 alleged hijackers killed by police in Valenzuela City
By Ronron
April 29, 2007
Five suspected hijackers were killed in a shootout with policemen dawn of Saturday in Valenzuela City.
Police said a fellow suspect was also arrested, along with three persons with Chinese-sounding names who were supposed to buy the hijacked polyethylene resins contained in a truck.
According to Chief Supt. Pedro Tango, Northern Police District (NPD) Director, the truck (bearing plate number DSN-307), carrying 550 bags of polyethylene resins worth more or less P800,000, was seized by eight suspects past 4 am last Saturday along Maysan Road in Valenzuela City.
Tango said after the armed suspects commandeered the truck, they abandoned its driver and three crew members inside a white Tamaraw FX.
A police agent, who had been monitoring the criminal group, reported the incident to police, prompting quick police action.
Tango said the joint elements from the NPD, Region III Police and Valenzuela City police traced the truck at the Asia Compound located along T. Santiago Street in Barangay Canumay West.
While approaching the said compound at arounf 4:30 am, the police operatives were fired upon by five armed men aboard a Tamaraw FX parked outside the compound.
The shootout resulted in the death of the five suspects, three of whom were later identified only through their aliases as Boy Pasig, the alleged leader; Witwit, the alleged tactician and planner of the group; and Martin, an alleged ex-member of the Philippine Marines.
Recovered from them were one caliber 45, three caliber 38, and two hand grenades.
Tango said the truck driver and crew members positively identified the slain suspects as among those who assaulted them.
A search inside the compound also resulted to the arrest of a certain Virgilio Alberca while he was supervising the unloading of the stolen goods, and three persons with the following Chinese-sounding names: Lino Tiu, Wilson Chiang, and Tan Ca Tiu, all of Canumay Trading, the buyer of the hijacked items.
Two other suspected back-up members of the hijacking group evaded arrest.
The arrested suspect will be charged for robbery in band, while the three persons with Chinese-sounding names will be charged for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law.
All four arrested persons are now detained at the NPD headquarters./DMS
April 29, 2007
Five suspected hijackers were killed in a shootout with policemen dawn of Saturday in Valenzuela City.
Police said a fellow suspect was also arrested, along with three persons with Chinese-sounding names who were supposed to buy the hijacked polyethylene resins contained in a truck.
According to Chief Supt. Pedro Tango, Northern Police District (NPD) Director, the truck (bearing plate number DSN-307), carrying 550 bags of polyethylene resins worth more or less P800,000, was seized by eight suspects past 4 am last Saturday along Maysan Road in Valenzuela City.
Tango said after the armed suspects commandeered the truck, they abandoned its driver and three crew members inside a white Tamaraw FX.
A police agent, who had been monitoring the criminal group, reported the incident to police, prompting quick police action.
Tango said the joint elements from the NPD, Region III Police and Valenzuela City police traced the truck at the Asia Compound located along T. Santiago Street in Barangay Canumay West.
While approaching the said compound at arounf 4:30 am, the police operatives were fired upon by five armed men aboard a Tamaraw FX parked outside the compound.
The shootout resulted in the death of the five suspects, three of whom were later identified only through their aliases as Boy Pasig, the alleged leader; Witwit, the alleged tactician and planner of the group; and Martin, an alleged ex-member of the Philippine Marines.
Recovered from them were one caliber 45, three caliber 38, and two hand grenades.
Tango said the truck driver and crew members positively identified the slain suspects as among those who assaulted them.
A search inside the compound also resulted to the arrest of a certain Virgilio Alberca while he was supervising the unloading of the stolen goods, and three persons with the following Chinese-sounding names: Lino Tiu, Wilson Chiang, and Tan Ca Tiu, all of Canumay Trading, the buyer of the hijacked items.
Two other suspected back-up members of the hijacking group evaded arrest.
The arrested suspect will be charged for robbery in band, while the three persons with Chinese-sounding names will be charged for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law.
All four arrested persons are now detained at the NPD headquarters./DMS
Pangasinan mayor survives attack but civilian aide killed
By Ronron
April 29, 2007
A city mayor in Pangasinan province survived an attack by unidentified gunmen Saturday night while he was gracing an activity in line with the city’s fiesta celebration.
Pangasinan Police Director Sr. Supt. Isagani Perez said, however, that a civilian aide of San Carlos City Julian Resuello, identified as Jojo Martinez, 41, died upon arrival at the Blessed Doctor’s Family Hospital in said city following the attack that happened at around 9:45 pm.
Perez said Resuello, 54, was at the San Carlos City plaza the other night as the “Kabataan Night” was being held in connection with the city’s fiesta celebration.
Resuello is running as a Vice-Mayoralty Candidate this May 14 polls under the Lakas party, said Perez. His son will attempt to replace him in the Mayoralty position.
Perez said the Resuello’s are being challenged by the family of former Mayor Douglas Soriano, also a mayoralty candidate for the upcoming election.
Perez disclosed that the two unidentified gunmen disguised themselves as supporters of Resuello since they were found to have come from the thick crowd. But police believe they were supported by two others.
The shooting spree resulted in the death of Martinez and the wounding of the 54-year-old Mayor, his police escort SPO1 Jaime Almoite; his civilian aide, Jonathan dela Cruz, 34; and the following bystanders: Alwin Fermin, 29; Paulo Bino, 14; Reyna Muñoz, 9.
Resuello was brought to the Bernal Hospital while the rest were taken to the Virgin Milagrosa University Hospital in the same city.
Recovered from the crime scene were eight empty shells of caliber 45 and a 9 mm pistol.
The suspects managed to escape and are now subjects of a manhunt investigation.
“The most apparent that we see in this case is the political angle… Although we are not discounting other angles like his official and personal transactions,” Perez said.
The police official admitted that there is an intense political rivalry between the Resuello’s and the Soriano’s.
Additional two teams from the Regional Mobile Group 1 already arrived in the city to augment the San Carlos City Police force, in addition to the two teams deployed two weeks earlier before the incident happened.
Perez noted this is the first politically-motivated violent incident to happen in the province for this election period.
A Task Force Resuello was immediately organized, composed of elements from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, San Carlos City Police Station, Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, Crime Laboratory and Intelligence Unit, for the conduct of investigation./DMS
April 29, 2007
A city mayor in Pangasinan province survived an attack by unidentified gunmen Saturday night while he was gracing an activity in line with the city’s fiesta celebration.
Pangasinan Police Director Sr. Supt. Isagani Perez said, however, that a civilian aide of San Carlos City Julian Resuello, identified as Jojo Martinez, 41, died upon arrival at the Blessed Doctor’s Family Hospital in said city following the attack that happened at around 9:45 pm.
Perez said Resuello, 54, was at the San Carlos City plaza the other night as the “Kabataan Night” was being held in connection with the city’s fiesta celebration.
Resuello is running as a Vice-Mayoralty Candidate this May 14 polls under the Lakas party, said Perez. His son will attempt to replace him in the Mayoralty position.
Perez said the Resuello’s are being challenged by the family of former Mayor Douglas Soriano, also a mayoralty candidate for the upcoming election.
Perez disclosed that the two unidentified gunmen disguised themselves as supporters of Resuello since they were found to have come from the thick crowd. But police believe they were supported by two others.
The shooting spree resulted in the death of Martinez and the wounding of the 54-year-old Mayor, his police escort SPO1 Jaime Almoite; his civilian aide, Jonathan dela Cruz, 34; and the following bystanders: Alwin Fermin, 29; Paulo Bino, 14; Reyna Muñoz, 9.
Resuello was brought to the Bernal Hospital while the rest were taken to the Virgin Milagrosa University Hospital in the same city.
Recovered from the crime scene were eight empty shells of caliber 45 and a 9 mm pistol.
The suspects managed to escape and are now subjects of a manhunt investigation.
“The most apparent that we see in this case is the political angle… Although we are not discounting other angles like his official and personal transactions,” Perez said.
The police official admitted that there is an intense political rivalry between the Resuello’s and the Soriano’s.
Additional two teams from the Regional Mobile Group 1 already arrived in the city to augment the San Carlos City Police force, in addition to the two teams deployed two weeks earlier before the incident happened.
Perez noted this is the first politically-motivated violent incident to happen in the province for this election period.
A Task Force Resuello was immediately organized, composed of elements from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, San Carlos City Police Station, Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, Crime Laboratory and Intelligence Unit, for the conduct of investigation./DMS
A Review on one of the CompanY's concerts
On April 30, 2007, this piece came out on the Philippine Star and on the ABS-CBN News website. It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision to try contributing an article to the local broadsheet, and find out if it meets the standards of local editors. When it came out, I was thrilled, of course. But I remember being more worried that my bosses might find this out and reprimand me. Hopefully, they won't.
Go, check this out:
file:///Users/roncal79/Desktop/Philstar.com%20-%20The%20Filipino%20Global%20Community.webarchive
file:///Users/roncal79/Desktop/ABS-CBN%20Interactive.webarchive
Go, check this out:
file:///Users/roncal79/Desktop/Philstar.com%20-%20The%20Filipino%20Global%20Community.webarchive
file:///Users/roncal79/Desktop/ABS-CBN%20Interactive.webarchive
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)