By Ronron
May 25, 2007
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has taken into custody one of the five suspects behind the hold-up resulting to homicide case that involved the deputy chief of the Makati City Police.
Supt. Franklin Mabanag, chief of the QCPD Criminal Investigation Division, said Bernardo Peralta, a native of Albay who is residing along Agham Road in Quezon City, was collared during follow-up operations by police late Thursday afternoon.
Mabanag said Peralta was positively identified by five witnesses as the one who drove the Nissan Urvan van of Supt. Joven Bocalbos after he and four of his cohorts declared a hold-up while posing as passengers of Bocalbos last Wednesday night along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Mabanag said Peralta matched the artist’s sketch of one of the three suspects described by three different victims/passengers.
Mabanag said it was easy to accost Peralta because is frequently seen at the FX Taxi Terminal at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue. The suspect is known to others as “Sarge.”
Mabanag said Peralta is known to be a tough guy, carrying along a .357 Magnum revolver and introducing himself as an asset of a police unit.
At the time of his apprehension, Mabanag said three other men were with him. The three will also be presented to other witnesses for identification purposes.
Bocalbos died at a hospital in Makati City after he was shot by one of Peralta’s cohorts who found out that he was a policeman.
From Quezon City, the suspects commandeered Bocalbos’ van, which was also carrying 13 other passengers, up to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City where they alighted and escaped.
Bocalbos moonlighted as a public transport driver to earn additional income to augment his income as a police officer. He is survived by his wife and three children, who are still in elementary and high school level./DMS
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Trillanes claims it is “mathematically impossible” to drag him out of Magic 12
By Ronron
May 25, 2007
Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes IV is very confident he will win in the recently concluded elections based on his camp’s own counting of his votes from copies of election returns they got.
Trillanes, a former Navy officer with a rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade, said Friday that the votes from the remaining few provinces that have yet to be canvassed by the National Board of Canvassers or the Commission on Elections (Comelec) are no longer material to cause his displacement from the Magic 12.
“I can even say that it’s mathematically impossible (for those uncanvassed votes at the Comelec to alter my standing),” Trillanes said.
Based on the official count of the Comelec as of 5pm of May 25, Trillanes is on the 11th spot with over eight million votes.
Trillanes claimed yesterday that based on his camp’s tabulation, he actually got around 11 million votes.
“I’m very happy because this shows there is hope in us. Only through change can we improve the state of our country,” Trillanes said of his good showing in the official canvassing of votes.
“It’s a vote for change,” he added.
The jailed candidate conceded though that the administration would really work for his removal from the Magic 12 in favor of candidates from Team Unity, which, so far, is only represented by two of its candidates in the official counting.
Trillanes admitted he has no wide political machinery that could cover the entire country to ensure that the votes for him are protected and counted.
But he said that should it succeed, he will not resort to filing an election protest because “Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos is no different from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” whom she describes as a bogus leader, having no mandate based on alleged electoral fraud in 2004.
Trillanes warned that it will be the people who will decide on how to deal with such actuation of the administration.
“If that will happen, I will leave it up to the Filipino people if they want to get that kind of treatment again. It’s like, the people’s will is being trampled upon every election period. So, the administration can put to a test the patience of the people if they do that,” Trillanes said.
Trillanes led the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City that aired some of the gripes of some members of the military against the Arroyo government, particularly on corruption and ill governance.
He is currently jailed at the Philippine Marine headquarters in Taguig City as he remains on trial for coup d’ etat charges before a Makati City court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial./DMS
May 25, 2007
Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes IV is very confident he will win in the recently concluded elections based on his camp’s own counting of his votes from copies of election returns they got.
Trillanes, a former Navy officer with a rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade, said Friday that the votes from the remaining few provinces that have yet to be canvassed by the National Board of Canvassers or the Commission on Elections (Comelec) are no longer material to cause his displacement from the Magic 12.
“I can even say that it’s mathematically impossible (for those uncanvassed votes at the Comelec to alter my standing),” Trillanes said.
Based on the official count of the Comelec as of 5pm of May 25, Trillanes is on the 11th spot with over eight million votes.
Trillanes claimed yesterday that based on his camp’s tabulation, he actually got around 11 million votes.
“I’m very happy because this shows there is hope in us. Only through change can we improve the state of our country,” Trillanes said of his good showing in the official canvassing of votes.
“It’s a vote for change,” he added.
The jailed candidate conceded though that the administration would really work for his removal from the Magic 12 in favor of candidates from Team Unity, which, so far, is only represented by two of its candidates in the official counting.
Trillanes admitted he has no wide political machinery that could cover the entire country to ensure that the votes for him are protected and counted.
But he said that should it succeed, he will not resort to filing an election protest because “Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos is no different from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” whom she describes as a bogus leader, having no mandate based on alleged electoral fraud in 2004.
Trillanes warned that it will be the people who will decide on how to deal with such actuation of the administration.
“If that will happen, I will leave it up to the Filipino people if they want to get that kind of treatment again. It’s like, the people’s will is being trampled upon every election period. So, the administration can put to a test the patience of the people if they do that,” Trillanes said.
Trillanes led the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City that aired some of the gripes of some members of the military against the Arroyo government, particularly on corruption and ill governance.
He is currently jailed at the Philippine Marine headquarters in Taguig City as he remains on trial for coup d’ etat charges before a Makati City court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial./DMS
AFP takes lead role in securing Lanao del Sur special elections
By Ronron
May 25, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was deputized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take a lead role in securing the special elections today (Saturday) in 13 towns in Lanao del Sur province.
But the AFP is quick in assuring that it will not resort to any electioneering activities, noting that it is not in violation of the October 2006 Memorandum of Agreement between the Defense Department and the Comelec that limits the election-duties of the military.
“The AFP would be on the lead role. But I would like to specify that it’s a lead role on the security for the elections in Lanao del Sur (today). The details of this is now being ironed out,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said in a news conference Friday afternoon in Camp Aguinaldo.
“This is a Comelec directive so we will comply with the directive of the Commission on Elections and other provisions in the MOA,” Bacarro added.
Quoting a Memorandum from Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmeinto, Bacarro said the “AFP can deploy units to patrol the vicinity of threatened areas in order to provide AFP visibility.”
“Patrols in the vicinity of such threatened election shall be limited to a distance of 50 meters away from the perimeter of the polling center unless there is an exigency impending or actual threat to be quelled,” he went on.
Since their task is only limited to security, Bacarro said the military personnel are therefore still not allowed to get inside polling centers and carry ballot boxes.
“Indeed, you can classify this as an election-related duty but this is in the aspect of security… I think we are credible enough to provide security in the area,” he said.
Told that the military may be suspected again of engaging in partisan politics like what happened in the 2004 polls, particularly also in Lanao, Bacarro said: “One thing is definite, whatever activities the AFP will undertake will be done in coordination, in collaboration with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the Comelec because there is a Comelec designated representative who would be providing most of the decisions based on the recommendations of our ground troops there.”
During the main election last May 14, it was the PNP that was deputized by the Comelec to take a lead role in securing the voting and canvassing precincts. It stemmed from the AFP’s refusal to take active role in this year’s elections following allegations that some of its personnel, including current Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., were involved in vote rigging operations in the 2004 elections to favor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
As the lead security, the AFP infused additional troops to the province where an Army brigade is already stationed.
Bacarro said components from four battalions coming from the 4th Infantry Division, based in Cagayan de Oro City, and from the 6th Infantry Division, based in Maguindanao, and two independent companies from the Division Reconnaissance Companies were sent to Lanao del Sur to augment the 103rd Infantry Brigade there.
Bacarro said the additional troops is more than 800 in total.
“This will just show the level of preparedness of the AFP in performing their function as lead in the aspect of security,” he said.
He said the military will particularly work in coordination with the Regional Mobile Group of the PNP.
“The local police in the area will revert back in performing their normal police functions,” said Bacarro.
The special elections will be held in the towns of Pualas, Butig, Lumbatan, Marogong, Kapatagan, Sultan Dumalondong, Lumbayanague, Kapai, Madalum, Lumba-bayabao, Masiu, Binidayan, and Bayang.
Voting in these towns did not push through last May 14 due to administrative matters, such as refusal of some election inspectors to report to duty due to threats by armed groups or from rival candidates./DMS
May 25, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was deputized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take a lead role in securing the special elections today (Saturday) in 13 towns in Lanao del Sur province.
But the AFP is quick in assuring that it will not resort to any electioneering activities, noting that it is not in violation of the October 2006 Memorandum of Agreement between the Defense Department and the Comelec that limits the election-duties of the military.
“The AFP would be on the lead role. But I would like to specify that it’s a lead role on the security for the elections in Lanao del Sur (today). The details of this is now being ironed out,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said in a news conference Friday afternoon in Camp Aguinaldo.
“This is a Comelec directive so we will comply with the directive of the Commission on Elections and other provisions in the MOA,” Bacarro added.
Quoting a Memorandum from Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmeinto, Bacarro said the “AFP can deploy units to patrol the vicinity of threatened areas in order to provide AFP visibility.”
“Patrols in the vicinity of such threatened election shall be limited to a distance of 50 meters away from the perimeter of the polling center unless there is an exigency impending or actual threat to be quelled,” he went on.
Since their task is only limited to security, Bacarro said the military personnel are therefore still not allowed to get inside polling centers and carry ballot boxes.
“Indeed, you can classify this as an election-related duty but this is in the aspect of security… I think we are credible enough to provide security in the area,” he said.
Told that the military may be suspected again of engaging in partisan politics like what happened in the 2004 polls, particularly also in Lanao, Bacarro said: “One thing is definite, whatever activities the AFP will undertake will be done in coordination, in collaboration with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the Comelec because there is a Comelec designated representative who would be providing most of the decisions based on the recommendations of our ground troops there.”
During the main election last May 14, it was the PNP that was deputized by the Comelec to take a lead role in securing the voting and canvassing precincts. It stemmed from the AFP’s refusal to take active role in this year’s elections following allegations that some of its personnel, including current Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., were involved in vote rigging operations in the 2004 elections to favor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
As the lead security, the AFP infused additional troops to the province where an Army brigade is already stationed.
Bacarro said components from four battalions coming from the 4th Infantry Division, based in Cagayan de Oro City, and from the 6th Infantry Division, based in Maguindanao, and two independent companies from the Division Reconnaissance Companies were sent to Lanao del Sur to augment the 103rd Infantry Brigade there.
Bacarro said the additional troops is more than 800 in total.
“This will just show the level of preparedness of the AFP in performing their function as lead in the aspect of security,” he said.
He said the military will particularly work in coordination with the Regional Mobile Group of the PNP.
“The local police in the area will revert back in performing their normal police functions,” said Bacarro.
The special elections will be held in the towns of Pualas, Butig, Lumbatan, Marogong, Kapatagan, Sultan Dumalondong, Lumbayanague, Kapai, Madalum, Lumba-bayabao, Masiu, Binidayan, and Bayang.
Voting in these towns did not push through last May 14 due to administrative matters, such as refusal of some election inspectors to report to duty due to threats by armed groups or from rival candidates./DMS
Former VP, Burgos family get shabby treatment from AFP during rally
By Ronron
May 25, 2007
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr. and the family of missing Joseph Jonas Burgos received a shabby treatment from the military when they attempted on Friday morning to hold a rally in front of its general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Edith Burgos, mother of the missing agriculturist, said she went to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) main camp in search for her son but the loud music played before them at its Gate 1 along Santolan Road showed the military’s refusal to listen to her cries.
“We asked them to stop playing the music. What we’re only asking for is that our voices be heard. We asked the commander to tell his men to listen to the voice of a mother looking for her son,” Edith, 63, told reporters.
“But they just said that they are following orders,” she said.
When Edith and Guingona arrived at the rally site at around 11:20 am yesterday, not more than 30 militants from Anakpawis, Bayan and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas have already begun a demonstration since 10:30 am, calling for the release of Burgos, who was abducted last April 28 from a shopping mall in Quezon City.
The militants were joined by Burgos’ younger brother, JL, who said that one of their purpose in holding the rally at the military headquarters was to demand for the release of the investigation report of the military’s Provost Marshall regarding the license plates attached to the car that was used in abducting Burgos and two other companions.
The license plates, TAB-194, were traced to actually belong to a vehicle impounded at the Philippine Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
The military leadership said the Provost Marshall investigated the administrative lapses of Corporal Castro Bugalon and Private First Class Jose Villena, the custodian of the impounded vehicle, as well as 56th IB commander Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano for command responsibility.
But the criminal aspect or the circumstances surrounding the abduction in particular of Burgos is being investigated by the Philippine National Police.
Bugalon and Villena already showed up to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Camp Crame on Thursday afternoon and promised to come back on Monday to give their sworn statements.
Feliciano, on the other hand, was also given up to May 31st to appear in the same investigation.
JL said to prove its innocence, the AFP should open all its facilities, like barracks, to inspection to show that indeed his brother is not in their hands.
But just a few minutes after they started their rally, JL and the militants were treated to a loud playing of novelty, pop and disco music coming from the camp gate.
The playing of music lasted until the arrival of Guingona and Edith, and until everyone voluntarily dispersed before 12 noon.
The music includes double-meaning songs like, Jumbo Hotdog (Kaya Mo Ba ‘To?), Pasaway, and Kiliti (Wag D’yan). Other song played were disco music from the 1980’s.
“The music should be stopped because there will be calls for justice here… The message is to release Jonas and all victims of abduction, and justice for the victims,” said Guingona who was in formal attire, wearing a Barong Tagalog.
In a brief talk with the ground commander at the gate, Guingona and Edith were told that they are just following orders about the music-playing, and that they will only stop that if an order is issued.
“It’s sad. We are a family in search for our missing family member. And yet, we get that kind of response from the military,” JL said.
The rally almost resulted to a scuffle when the anti-riot military personnel shoved the placards-bearing militants away from the camp gate using their shields.
What could have been a violent encounter was prevented through the physical intervention of JL, Edith and Guingona, who all stood in the middle.
“We are not here to fight against the government. We are here to look for my son… And we intend to do that peacefully,” Edith said.
“Isn’t it just natural for a mother to look for her son?” she added.
Both Edith and JL said they are convinced that Burgos is in the hands of the military, based on the evidence they have, particularly the license plates.
“All the circumstantial evidence points to them (military) so we hold them responsible,” Edith said. Guingona nodded in agreement, saying that “by all indications,” Burgos is under the custody of the AFP.
in a separate interview, Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Public Information Officer of the AFP, denied the allegation. “As far as the information that I have, we don’t have Burgos with us,” Bacarro said.
But he assured that should the investigation of the police find some military personnel to be really involved in the abduction of Burgos, then the full force of the law will be imposed on them.
“It’s not a policy of the AFP to abduct,” Bacarro said.
Told about the loud music-playing for the rallyists who include the former Vice President, Bacarro said: “The music (we played) is universal. It’s very soothing … and the music played could also alleviate the plight of those caught in the middle of the traffic.”
Asked if the military does not see it as a form of disrespect to the former Vice President and to the family, Bacarro replied: “They should also respect that part of the camp… We want to make it clear that we do recognize their right to air their sentiments. However, we are checking if they have the permit to conduct that rally in front of the camp.”/DMS
May 25, 2007
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr. and the family of missing Joseph Jonas Burgos received a shabby treatment from the military when they attempted on Friday morning to hold a rally in front of its general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Edith Burgos, mother of the missing agriculturist, said she went to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) main camp in search for her son but the loud music played before them at its Gate 1 along Santolan Road showed the military’s refusal to listen to her cries.
“We asked them to stop playing the music. What we’re only asking for is that our voices be heard. We asked the commander to tell his men to listen to the voice of a mother looking for her son,” Edith, 63, told reporters.
“But they just said that they are following orders,” she said.
When Edith and Guingona arrived at the rally site at around 11:20 am yesterday, not more than 30 militants from Anakpawis, Bayan and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas have already begun a demonstration since 10:30 am, calling for the release of Burgos, who was abducted last April 28 from a shopping mall in Quezon City.
The militants were joined by Burgos’ younger brother, JL, who said that one of their purpose in holding the rally at the military headquarters was to demand for the release of the investigation report of the military’s Provost Marshall regarding the license plates attached to the car that was used in abducting Burgos and two other companions.
The license plates, TAB-194, were traced to actually belong to a vehicle impounded at the Philippine Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
The military leadership said the Provost Marshall investigated the administrative lapses of Corporal Castro Bugalon and Private First Class Jose Villena, the custodian of the impounded vehicle, as well as 56th IB commander Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano for command responsibility.
But the criminal aspect or the circumstances surrounding the abduction in particular of Burgos is being investigated by the Philippine National Police.
Bugalon and Villena already showed up to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Camp Crame on Thursday afternoon and promised to come back on Monday to give their sworn statements.
Feliciano, on the other hand, was also given up to May 31st to appear in the same investigation.
JL said to prove its innocence, the AFP should open all its facilities, like barracks, to inspection to show that indeed his brother is not in their hands.
But just a few minutes after they started their rally, JL and the militants were treated to a loud playing of novelty, pop and disco music coming from the camp gate.
The playing of music lasted until the arrival of Guingona and Edith, and until everyone voluntarily dispersed before 12 noon.
The music includes double-meaning songs like, Jumbo Hotdog (Kaya Mo Ba ‘To?), Pasaway, and Kiliti (Wag D’yan). Other song played were disco music from the 1980’s.
“The music should be stopped because there will be calls for justice here… The message is to release Jonas and all victims of abduction, and justice for the victims,” said Guingona who was in formal attire, wearing a Barong Tagalog.
In a brief talk with the ground commander at the gate, Guingona and Edith were told that they are just following orders about the music-playing, and that they will only stop that if an order is issued.
“It’s sad. We are a family in search for our missing family member. And yet, we get that kind of response from the military,” JL said.
The rally almost resulted to a scuffle when the anti-riot military personnel shoved the placards-bearing militants away from the camp gate using their shields.
What could have been a violent encounter was prevented through the physical intervention of JL, Edith and Guingona, who all stood in the middle.
“We are not here to fight against the government. We are here to look for my son… And we intend to do that peacefully,” Edith said.
“Isn’t it just natural for a mother to look for her son?” she added.
Both Edith and JL said they are convinced that Burgos is in the hands of the military, based on the evidence they have, particularly the license plates.
“All the circumstantial evidence points to them (military) so we hold them responsible,” Edith said. Guingona nodded in agreement, saying that “by all indications,” Burgos is under the custody of the AFP.
in a separate interview, Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Public Information Officer of the AFP, denied the allegation. “As far as the information that I have, we don’t have Burgos with us,” Bacarro said.
But he assured that should the investigation of the police find some military personnel to be really involved in the abduction of Burgos, then the full force of the law will be imposed on them.
“It’s not a policy of the AFP to abduct,” Bacarro said.
Told about the loud music-playing for the rallyists who include the former Vice President, Bacarro said: “The music (we played) is universal. It’s very soothing … and the music played could also alleviate the plight of those caught in the middle of the traffic.”
Asked if the military does not see it as a form of disrespect to the former Vice President and to the family, Bacarro replied: “They should also respect that part of the camp… We want to make it clear that we do recognize their right to air their sentiments. However, we are checking if they have the permit to conduct that rally in front of the camp.”/DMS
Friday, May 25, 2007
Authorities raid suspected local JI lair in Compostela Valley province, two killed
By Ronron
May 24, 2007
Two suspected local members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) died after their lair in Compostela Valley province was raided by military troops on Wednesday morning.
Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Public Information Officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said yesterday that joint elements of the 10th Scout Rangers Company and Military Intelligence Group 11 launched the operation at 7am the other day (Wednesday) in Sitio Tigpa, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan town after receiving information that more or less JI members are hiding there.
Bacarro said the military operatives swooped down on two nipa huts at said place, where the suspected lawless terrorists were positively sighted.
“They are Filipino contacts of the JI. They are Filipino trainers and bombers,” Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment, said of the suspects in a phone interview yesterday.
He said among them are brothers Moamar “Omar” Venancio, alias Khalil, and Hassan Venancio, who are both suspects in the 2005 Davao City bombing.
Asked if the 10 also include foreign JI members, Mapagu said: “That is our suspicion.”
Mapagu said when the suspects noticed the arriving government troops, they opened fire, resulting to a 15-minute exchange of gunfire
Two of the suspects were killed while the rest managed to escape, said Mapagu. One of the fatalities was recovered by responding elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the clearing operations and was identified as Abdul Salarbi. The other one is still being located.
From the government side, one soldier was wounded, said Mapagu.
Recovered from one of the nipa huts were two M16 rifles and a loaded rocket-propelled grenade launcher, Mapagu said.
Mapagu said they have yet to ascertain what the group was up to in Compostela Valley, which is only known to be infested with communist rebels historically./DMS
May 24, 2007
Two suspected local members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) died after their lair in Compostela Valley province was raided by military troops on Wednesday morning.
Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Public Information Officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said yesterday that joint elements of the 10th Scout Rangers Company and Military Intelligence Group 11 launched the operation at 7am the other day (Wednesday) in Sitio Tigpa, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan town after receiving information that more or less JI members are hiding there.
Bacarro said the military operatives swooped down on two nipa huts at said place, where the suspected lawless terrorists were positively sighted.
“They are Filipino contacts of the JI. They are Filipino trainers and bombers,” Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment, said of the suspects in a phone interview yesterday.
He said among them are brothers Moamar “Omar” Venancio, alias Khalil, and Hassan Venancio, who are both suspects in the 2005 Davao City bombing.
Asked if the 10 also include foreign JI members, Mapagu said: “That is our suspicion.”
Mapagu said when the suspects noticed the arriving government troops, they opened fire, resulting to a 15-minute exchange of gunfire
Two of the suspects were killed while the rest managed to escape, said Mapagu. One of the fatalities was recovered by responding elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the clearing operations and was identified as Abdul Salarbi. The other one is still being located.
From the government side, one soldier was wounded, said Mapagu.
Recovered from one of the nipa huts were two M16 rifles and a loaded rocket-propelled grenade launcher, Mapagu said.
Mapagu said they have yet to ascertain what the group was up to in Compostela Valley, which is only known to be infested with communist rebels historically./DMS
Deputy chief of Makati police killed in hold-up incident
By Ronron
May 24, 2007
The deputy chief of Makati City Police was killed in a hold-up incident Wednesday night in Quezon City, a police report said.
Supt. Joven Bocalbos, 38, was driving his passenger Nissan Urvan van along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City when five of his passengers declared a hold-up at around 7:30pm, reads the report signed by Supt. Franklin Moises Mabanag of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
The Makati City Police chief, Supt. Gilbert Cruz, said Bocalbos is engaged in the public transport business to earn additional income “to make ends meet,” saying that the slain officer’s three children are still in elementary and high school.
A police superintendent’s base pay is around P18,000, but one has allowances that could make their gross pay to about P30,000 a month.
“That’s how it is for responsible policemen, they resort to extra-work to augment the little amount they get from the government,” Mabanag said when reached by phone.
Mabanag’s report said that Bocalbos was carrying 18 passengers, including the five suspects, aboard his van with plate number XED-744 prior to the incident.
The van was plying the Quezon Avenue–Almar, Zabarte Road in Fairview route.
Upon reaching Fairview, the five suspects declared a hold-up, showing off handguns. They then commandeered the van and brought Bocalbos at the back seat. Before the Fairview Market, the van took a U-turn and headed back to Quezon Avenue direction.
“Supt. Bocalbos, who was then moving his body while talking with the suspects, was bodily frisked by one of the suspects and suddenly shot him once in the head when his firearm was noticed,” Mabanag said in the report.
“Thereafter, the suspects… divested all the victims of their cash money, cellular phones and other personal belongings, including the firearm of Supt. Bocalbos. The suspects continuously drove the vehicle up to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City where they alighted and fled to unknown direction,” he added.
Once the suspects were gone, one of the passengers drove the vehicle to M-Tech Hospital in Makati City where Bocalbos was declared dead on arrival at around 8:45 pm.
Mabanag said they are looking at robbery as motive of the crime. “They (suspects) killed him because they could have realized he was a policeman since he was armed,” said Mabanag.
Based on descriptions provided by three passengers, artist’s sketches of three of the five suspects were released yesterday afternoon by the QCPD./DMS
May 24, 2007
The deputy chief of Makati City Police was killed in a hold-up incident Wednesday night in Quezon City, a police report said.
Supt. Joven Bocalbos, 38, was driving his passenger Nissan Urvan van along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City when five of his passengers declared a hold-up at around 7:30pm, reads the report signed by Supt. Franklin Moises Mabanag of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
The Makati City Police chief, Supt. Gilbert Cruz, said Bocalbos is engaged in the public transport business to earn additional income “to make ends meet,” saying that the slain officer’s three children are still in elementary and high school.
A police superintendent’s base pay is around P18,000, but one has allowances that could make their gross pay to about P30,000 a month.
“That’s how it is for responsible policemen, they resort to extra-work to augment the little amount they get from the government,” Mabanag said when reached by phone.
Mabanag’s report said that Bocalbos was carrying 18 passengers, including the five suspects, aboard his van with plate number XED-744 prior to the incident.
The van was plying the Quezon Avenue–Almar, Zabarte Road in Fairview route.
Upon reaching Fairview, the five suspects declared a hold-up, showing off handguns. They then commandeered the van and brought Bocalbos at the back seat. Before the Fairview Market, the van took a U-turn and headed back to Quezon Avenue direction.
“Supt. Bocalbos, who was then moving his body while talking with the suspects, was bodily frisked by one of the suspects and suddenly shot him once in the head when his firearm was noticed,” Mabanag said in the report.
“Thereafter, the suspects… divested all the victims of their cash money, cellular phones and other personal belongings, including the firearm of Supt. Bocalbos. The suspects continuously drove the vehicle up to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City where they alighted and fled to unknown direction,” he added.
Once the suspects were gone, one of the passengers drove the vehicle to M-Tech Hospital in Makati City where Bocalbos was declared dead on arrival at around 8:45 pm.
Mabanag said they are looking at robbery as motive of the crime. “They (suspects) killed him because they could have realized he was a policeman since he was armed,” said Mabanag.
Based on descriptions provided by three passengers, artist’s sketches of three of the five suspects were released yesterday afternoon by the QCPD./DMS
Explosion rocks La Union town, no one hurt
By Ronron
May 24, 2007
An explosion rocked the town of Agoo in La Union province before dawn of Thursday, the provincial police commander said.
Sr. Supt. Franklin Jesus Bucayu said the blast, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), happened at around 1:15 am in front of the Southern La Union Gravel and Sand and General Merchandise in Barangay Sta. Barbara.
There were no damages or casualties reported in the incident.
The business establishment is owned by a certain Ronie Baldemor, and is located two to three houses away from the residence of outgoing Agoo Mayor Eufranio Eriguel, Bucayu said.
“The motive is still undetermined, although Baldemor is a close supporter of Mayor Eriguel,” Bucayu said when asked if the incident is business-related or politically charged.
The police official could not also say yet if the target of the blast is really Baldemor’s business establishment or the residence of Eriguel, whose wife, Sandra, won the May 14 polls for the mayoralty post.
Asked if Baldemor has received any threats to his life, Bucayu said: “I don’t know yet.”
Bucayu said a “balut” vendor saw three men aboard a motorcycle in front of the establishment shortly before the explosion.
Bucayu said plastic debris recovered from the blast site indicate initially that the IED could have been made up gasoline contained in a plastic bottle for mineral water./DMS
May 24, 2007
An explosion rocked the town of Agoo in La Union province before dawn of Thursday, the provincial police commander said.
Sr. Supt. Franklin Jesus Bucayu said the blast, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), happened at around 1:15 am in front of the Southern La Union Gravel and Sand and General Merchandise in Barangay Sta. Barbara.
There were no damages or casualties reported in the incident.
The business establishment is owned by a certain Ronie Baldemor, and is located two to three houses away from the residence of outgoing Agoo Mayor Eufranio Eriguel, Bucayu said.
“The motive is still undetermined, although Baldemor is a close supporter of Mayor Eriguel,” Bucayu said when asked if the incident is business-related or politically charged.
The police official could not also say yet if the target of the blast is really Baldemor’s business establishment or the residence of Eriguel, whose wife, Sandra, won the May 14 polls for the mayoralty post.
Asked if Baldemor has received any threats to his life, Bucayu said: “I don’t know yet.”
Bucayu said a “balut” vendor saw three men aboard a motorcycle in front of the establishment shortly before the explosion.
Bucayu said plastic debris recovered from the blast site indicate initially that the IED could have been made up gasoline contained in a plastic bottle for mineral water./DMS
RP-US Naval exercises set for first week of June
By Ronron
May 24, 2007
The Philippine and United States Navies will conduct combined exercises in the country from May 31 until June 9 of this year for further enhancement of interoperability of the two units, especially in combating terrorism and transnational crimes.
Ensign Annaleah Palad, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Officer for the exercises dubbed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007, said approximately 1,400 American sailors and around 600 of their Filipino counterparts will take part in the activity.
In a statement, Palad said the exercises will be spread in various training sites in Cavite, Zamboanga City and Basilan.
“Held annually, CARAT is designed to enhance interoperability between the two forces in combined naval operations, including skills applicable in combating seaborne terrorist threats and transnational crimes at sea,” Palad said.
At the Naval Base Cavite in Sangley Point, Cavite City, Palad said Dive Exercises and Salvage Exercises will be held.
While in Zamboanga City and Basilan, Command Post Exercises, Staff Exercises, and Passage Exercises will be complemented with humanitarian projects, Palad said.
Palad said the participating US personnel will be accompanied by the USS Harpers Ferry from Sasebo, Japan; USS Ford from Everett, Washington; and USS Jarrett from San Diego, California. The Navy Seabess will also be joined by Army doctors and veterinarians for the humanitarian projects.
For the Philippine part, the following Navy vessels will take part: BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS 37), BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS 38), BRP Quezon (PS 70), and BRP Bagobo (AT 293). They will also be joined by some personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard.
“The series of drills and simulation activities are expected to strengthen the Philippine Navy’s Fleet-Marine tandem in their operational skills and synergy in carrying out combined operations,” Palad said.
Formal opening of the CARAT 2007 will be held on May 31st at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Officers Club in Zamboanga City.
CARAT 2007 is one of the activities approved by the RP-US Mutual Defense Board under the Mutual Defense Treaty, Palad said./DMS
May 24, 2007
The Philippine and United States Navies will conduct combined exercises in the country from May 31 until June 9 of this year for further enhancement of interoperability of the two units, especially in combating terrorism and transnational crimes.
Ensign Annaleah Palad, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Officer for the exercises dubbed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007, said approximately 1,400 American sailors and around 600 of their Filipino counterparts will take part in the activity.
In a statement, Palad said the exercises will be spread in various training sites in Cavite, Zamboanga City and Basilan.
“Held annually, CARAT is designed to enhance interoperability between the two forces in combined naval operations, including skills applicable in combating seaborne terrorist threats and transnational crimes at sea,” Palad said.
At the Naval Base Cavite in Sangley Point, Cavite City, Palad said Dive Exercises and Salvage Exercises will be held.
While in Zamboanga City and Basilan, Command Post Exercises, Staff Exercises, and Passage Exercises will be complemented with humanitarian projects, Palad said.
Palad said the participating US personnel will be accompanied by the USS Harpers Ferry from Sasebo, Japan; USS Ford from Everett, Washington; and USS Jarrett from San Diego, California. The Navy Seabess will also be joined by Army doctors and veterinarians for the humanitarian projects.
For the Philippine part, the following Navy vessels will take part: BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS 37), BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS 38), BRP Quezon (PS 70), and BRP Bagobo (AT 293). They will also be joined by some personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard.
“The series of drills and simulation activities are expected to strengthen the Philippine Navy’s Fleet-Marine tandem in their operational skills and synergy in carrying out combined operations,” Palad said.
Formal opening of the CARAT 2007 will be held on May 31st at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Officers Club in Zamboanga City.
CARAT 2007 is one of the activities approved by the RP-US Mutual Defense Board under the Mutual Defense Treaty, Palad said./DMS
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Air Force still probing cause of chopper emergency landing Tuesday in Cebu
By Ronron
May 23, 2007
The Philippine Air force (PAF) spokesman said Wednesday that it has yet to learn the cause of the emergency landing the other day (Tuesday) of a Huey chopper in Cebu province.
Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr. said officials of the PAF 205th Helicopter Wing based in Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island in Cebu have yet to wrap up their interview with the pilot of the ill-fated chopper, Capt. Roderick Lindog, to determine initially the cause of the mishap that happened less than a month since a similar type of helicopter crashed in Lapu-lapu City, killing nine people.
A UH-1H chopper made an emergency landing at around 3:15 pm last Tuesday at a rice field in Sitio Cabancalan, Barangay Jubay, Liloan town for still unknown reasons.
Panzo said there were only four people – two pilots and two crew members – aboard the ill-fated chopper, and that none of them were hurt.
The four were identified as Captain Roderick Lindog, First Pilot; Captain Cherrylane Laforteza, co-pilot; Sgt. Apolinario Sumicad, crew chief; and, A1C Joseph Abrigo.
But the Liloan Municipal Police Station said two other civilians – an unidentified adult female and a boy - were aboard the downed Huey, and the female sustained fractures after the incident.
Told about this, Panzo said: “I don’t have that report. I talked to the commander of the 205th Wing. But if ever that is true, that is supposed to be against the regulations because it was a training flight. We will apply the full force of the law.”
Panzo said the downed chopper was acquired by the Philippines from Singapore in 2005 and was refurbished.
Asked if the accident would prompt the grounding again of all Huey’s, Panzo said: “I don’t think so because it was just a case of an emergency landing.”
The PAF has a total of 42 Huey’s in its inventory, more than 30 of which are operational at any given time, but it was reduced by two following the April 28 crash in Lapu-lapu City and last Tuesday’s crash-landing.
The April 28 incident, which was caused by a kite nylon cord that got entangled with the rotor of the chopper, claimed the lives of two PAF personnel and seven civilians who were aboard two motorcycles where the chopper fell over./DMS
May 23, 2007
The Philippine Air force (PAF) spokesman said Wednesday that it has yet to learn the cause of the emergency landing the other day (Tuesday) of a Huey chopper in Cebu province.
Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr. said officials of the PAF 205th Helicopter Wing based in Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island in Cebu have yet to wrap up their interview with the pilot of the ill-fated chopper, Capt. Roderick Lindog, to determine initially the cause of the mishap that happened less than a month since a similar type of helicopter crashed in Lapu-lapu City, killing nine people.
A UH-1H chopper made an emergency landing at around 3:15 pm last Tuesday at a rice field in Sitio Cabancalan, Barangay Jubay, Liloan town for still unknown reasons.
Panzo said there were only four people – two pilots and two crew members – aboard the ill-fated chopper, and that none of them were hurt.
The four were identified as Captain Roderick Lindog, First Pilot; Captain Cherrylane Laforteza, co-pilot; Sgt. Apolinario Sumicad, crew chief; and, A1C Joseph Abrigo.
But the Liloan Municipal Police Station said two other civilians – an unidentified adult female and a boy - were aboard the downed Huey, and the female sustained fractures after the incident.
Told about this, Panzo said: “I don’t have that report. I talked to the commander of the 205th Wing. But if ever that is true, that is supposed to be against the regulations because it was a training flight. We will apply the full force of the law.”
Panzo said the downed chopper was acquired by the Philippines from Singapore in 2005 and was refurbished.
Asked if the accident would prompt the grounding again of all Huey’s, Panzo said: “I don’t think so because it was just a case of an emergency landing.”
The PAF has a total of 42 Huey’s in its inventory, more than 30 of which are operational at any given time, but it was reduced by two following the April 28 crash in Lapu-lapu City and last Tuesday’s crash-landing.
The April 28 incident, which was caused by a kite nylon cord that got entangled with the rotor of the chopper, claimed the lives of two PAF personnel and seven civilians who were aboard two motorcycles where the chopper fell over./DMS
Police formally charges two cops, other unidentified suspects over Batangas school torching
By Ronron
May 23, 2007
Police formally charged on Wednesday noon before the prosecutor’s office the two cops implicated in the May 15 torching of a school in Batangas province that claimed three lives already and wounded five others.
Charges of arson resulting to double homicide and multiple serious physical injuries were lodged against Inspector Roberto Marinda and SPO2 William Relos, Jr., Batangas Team leader and assistant leader respectively of the Region IV-A Police Special Operations Group, for their alleged involvement in the burning of the Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan, Batangas at 3am last May 15.
Six other John Does were included in the charge sheet, received past 12 noon yesterday by the Office of Batangas Provincial Prosecutor Benito Lat.
Director Geary Barias, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, said the case may be upgraded to multiple homicide when the police takes hold of a copy of the death certificate of the third fatality, Guillermo Malaluan, who expired Monday night at the University of Sto. Tomas hospital in Manila City.
Barias reiterated yesterday that police has a very strong case against Marinda and Relos, citing the witnesses who implicated them.
The burning of the Pinagbayanan Elementary School immediately left a teacher and a poll watcher killed./DMS
May 23, 2007
Police formally charged on Wednesday noon before the prosecutor’s office the two cops implicated in the May 15 torching of a school in Batangas province that claimed three lives already and wounded five others.
Charges of arson resulting to double homicide and multiple serious physical injuries were lodged against Inspector Roberto Marinda and SPO2 William Relos, Jr., Batangas Team leader and assistant leader respectively of the Region IV-A Police Special Operations Group, for their alleged involvement in the burning of the Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan, Batangas at 3am last May 15.
Six other John Does were included in the charge sheet, received past 12 noon yesterday by the Office of Batangas Provincial Prosecutor Benito Lat.
Director Geary Barias, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, said the case may be upgraded to multiple homicide when the police takes hold of a copy of the death certificate of the third fatality, Guillermo Malaluan, who expired Monday night at the University of Sto. Tomas hospital in Manila City.
Barias reiterated yesterday that police has a very strong case against Marinda and Relos, citing the witnesses who implicated them.
The burning of the Pinagbayanan Elementary School immediately left a teacher and a poll watcher killed./DMS
RP military demonstrates anti-terrorism and disaster-response capabilities before delegates of the ASEAN Regional Forum
By Ronron
May 23, 2007
Philippine military troops on Wednesday afternoon demonstrated to delegates of the five-day meeting of officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and dialogue partners in other parts of the world their capability to combat terrorism and respond to disasters and calamities.
Members of the Philippine Army’s Light Reaction Battalion, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), K9 Company, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion; the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and Marine Reconnaissance Battalion of the Philippine Navy; and the Philippine Air Force’ (PAF) 505th Search and Rescue Group showcased their respective competence before over two dozens of delegates to the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
“This is part of the activities of the ARF and Defense Official’s Meeting which is being held at Makati Shangri-la from last May 21 until the 25th,” Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told reporters after the demonstration held at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
“This is to show to our neighbors that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is always prepared and that we have the capability to conduct counter-terrorism activities and respond to disasters and natural calamities,” he added.
The demonstration, which began at 3pm, kicked off with a simulated air assault by Scout Rangers elements on a suspected terrorist lair. It was followed by a similar counter-terrorist assault but was carried out on land.
Anti-bomb experts took their turn next in demonstrating their capability to detect suspected explosive devices using canines and defuse them with disruptors. The activity highlighted the authorities’ preparedness for this kind of incidents by pointing out the availability of a fire truck for possible fire that may result out of the defusing process, and of an ambulance for any possible casualties.
The demonstration ended with the PAF Search and Rescue Team’s display of its capability to airlift a disaster or calamity victim.
“(It’s a) very impressive demonstration to counter terrorism,” Japanese Navy Captain Tokuetso Ishibashi from Japan’s Ministry of Defense Joint Staff Office said after the activity.
“I understand the Philippines faces, experiences severe problem especially in the southern part of the Philippines. So, this kind of demonstration enhances mutual understanding among ARF countries,” added Ishibashi, who was among the AFP delegates treated to the capability demonstration.
Asked if he thinks the Philippines has some problems in terms with equipment or armament, Ishibashi said: “I have no comment about it because I have no comment about the capability of the Philippine Armed Forces. But it’s a very good and very effective demonstration.”
Torres admitted the Philippines “lack some equipment,” but he said the country makes up for it through “intelligence and information” that it shares with neighboring countries.
The ARF is the primary multilateral political and security body in the Asia Pacific region established in 1994, Torres said. It is comprised of the 10 ASEAN Member States (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam); 10 ASEAN Dialogue Partners (Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States); one ASEAN observer; and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan and East Timor.
“The ARF meeting being conducted at various leadership levels in different member countries every year aims to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern,” Torres said./DMS
May 23, 2007
Philippine military troops on Wednesday afternoon demonstrated to delegates of the five-day meeting of officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and dialogue partners in other parts of the world their capability to combat terrorism and respond to disasters and calamities.
Members of the Philippine Army’s Light Reaction Battalion, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), K9 Company, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion; the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and Marine Reconnaissance Battalion of the Philippine Navy; and the Philippine Air Force’ (PAF) 505th Search and Rescue Group showcased their respective competence before over two dozens of delegates to the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
“This is part of the activities of the ARF and Defense Official’s Meeting which is being held at Makati Shangri-la from last May 21 until the 25th,” Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told reporters after the demonstration held at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
“This is to show to our neighbors that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is always prepared and that we have the capability to conduct counter-terrorism activities and respond to disasters and natural calamities,” he added.
The demonstration, which began at 3pm, kicked off with a simulated air assault by Scout Rangers elements on a suspected terrorist lair. It was followed by a similar counter-terrorist assault but was carried out on land.
Anti-bomb experts took their turn next in demonstrating their capability to detect suspected explosive devices using canines and defuse them with disruptors. The activity highlighted the authorities’ preparedness for this kind of incidents by pointing out the availability of a fire truck for possible fire that may result out of the defusing process, and of an ambulance for any possible casualties.
The demonstration ended with the PAF Search and Rescue Team’s display of its capability to airlift a disaster or calamity victim.
“(It’s a) very impressive demonstration to counter terrorism,” Japanese Navy Captain Tokuetso Ishibashi from Japan’s Ministry of Defense Joint Staff Office said after the activity.
“I understand the Philippines faces, experiences severe problem especially in the southern part of the Philippines. So, this kind of demonstration enhances mutual understanding among ARF countries,” added Ishibashi, who was among the AFP delegates treated to the capability demonstration.
Asked if he thinks the Philippines has some problems in terms with equipment or armament, Ishibashi said: “I have no comment about it because I have no comment about the capability of the Philippine Armed Forces. But it’s a very good and very effective demonstration.”
Torres admitted the Philippines “lack some equipment,” but he said the country makes up for it through “intelligence and information” that it shares with neighboring countries.
The ARF is the primary multilateral political and security body in the Asia Pacific region established in 1994, Torres said. It is comprised of the 10 ASEAN Member States (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam); 10 ASEAN Dialogue Partners (Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States); one ASEAN observer; and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan and East Timor.
“The ARF meeting being conducted at various leadership levels in different member countries every year aims to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern,” Torres said./DMS
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Air Force chopper crash lands in Cebu, one wounded
By Ronron
May 22, 2007
Another Philippine Air Force (PAF) chopper crash-landed on Tuesday afternoon in Cebu province where a similar kind of chopper also crashed less than a month ago, killing nine people.
Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr., PAF spokesman, said a UH-1H chopper made an emergency landing at around 3:15 pm yesterday at a rice field in Liloan town for still unclear reasons.
Police said the rice field was particularly located at Sitio Cabancalan, Barangay Jubay.
Panzo said the chopper was carrying two pilots and two crew members, and was on a training flight. None of the four was hurt, Panzo said.
But the Liloan Municipal Police said two other civilians were aboard the chopper – an unidentified adult female and an unidentified boy. The police said the female sustained fractures.
Responding policemen failed to get the identities of the two civilians since all six were immediately taken by another chopper to an undisclosed location, but probably at the PAF base on Mactan Island.
“We will wait for the result of the investigation,” Panzo said when asked about the cause of the emergency landing.
Asked if it could be engine trouble, he said: “Initially, there is no indication of that.”
Panzo said the helicopter belongs to the 205th Helicopter Wing, which is based in Mactan Island, located right across Liloan.
He said only the tail rotor of the chopper was damaged but it was minor in nature.
Asked if all remaining 40 Hueys will be grounded, Panzo said: “It will depend on the result of the investigation as to the cause of the emergency landing.”
Police said the ill-fated chopper remains stuck at the rice field as of press time.
Last April 28, a Huey was downed in Lapu-lapu City on Mactan Island by a kite that got in its way. Authorities said the nylon cord of the kite got entangled with the rotor, causing it to stop rotating while still up on air.
The incident caused the death of the co-pilot, a crew member, and seven civilians aboard two tricycles where the chopper fell over./DMS
May 22, 2007
Another Philippine Air Force (PAF) chopper crash-landed on Tuesday afternoon in Cebu province where a similar kind of chopper also crashed less than a month ago, killing nine people.
Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr., PAF spokesman, said a UH-1H chopper made an emergency landing at around 3:15 pm yesterday at a rice field in Liloan town for still unclear reasons.
Police said the rice field was particularly located at Sitio Cabancalan, Barangay Jubay.
Panzo said the chopper was carrying two pilots and two crew members, and was on a training flight. None of the four was hurt, Panzo said.
But the Liloan Municipal Police said two other civilians were aboard the chopper – an unidentified adult female and an unidentified boy. The police said the female sustained fractures.
Responding policemen failed to get the identities of the two civilians since all six were immediately taken by another chopper to an undisclosed location, but probably at the PAF base on Mactan Island.
“We will wait for the result of the investigation,” Panzo said when asked about the cause of the emergency landing.
Asked if it could be engine trouble, he said: “Initially, there is no indication of that.”
Panzo said the helicopter belongs to the 205th Helicopter Wing, which is based in Mactan Island, located right across Liloan.
He said only the tail rotor of the chopper was damaged but it was minor in nature.
Asked if all remaining 40 Hueys will be grounded, Panzo said: “It will depend on the result of the investigation as to the cause of the emergency landing.”
Police said the ill-fated chopper remains stuck at the rice field as of press time.
Last April 28, a Huey was downed in Lapu-lapu City on Mactan Island by a kite that got in its way. Authorities said the nylon cord of the kite got entangled with the rotor, causing it to stop rotating while still up on air.
The incident caused the death of the co-pilot, a crew member, and seven civilians aboard two tricycles where the chopper fell over./DMS
Police identifies killer of Ilocos Norte town mayor, councilman
By Ronron
May 22, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday identified the killer of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte Mayor Philip Velasco and councilor Marcelo Andaya last Sunday night at the town’s auditorium.
But Region 1 Police Director Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil said they do not have idea yet as to the connection or mastermind of Marlo Cabasag, who was shot dead by responding security personnel after shooting Velasco and Andaya at around 11pm of May 20 while they were gracing the Bacarra Farmer’s Day celebration.
Bataoil said Cabasag was identified by a person who knows him based on the tattoos on his body. Cabasag is said to be in his late 20’s.
Cabasag was armed with a caliber 45 when he shot Velasco and Andaya at close range. The two officials were proclaimed dead on arrival at the hospital where they were rushed.
In the process of neutralizing Cabasag, three other persons were hurt. They were identified as councilor Shirly Ong-sin, Josefina Galapon and nine-year-old boy Ronron Laguban.
Bataoil said a P150,000 reward money was already put up for the identification and arrest of the mastermind of the killing.
He said the police continues to investigate the incident, which, he said, could possibly be motivated by politics, personal feud, or business/work.
Velasco and Andaya won in the May 14 polls./DMS
May 22, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday identified the killer of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte Mayor Philip Velasco and councilor Marcelo Andaya last Sunday night at the town’s auditorium.
But Region 1 Police Director Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil said they do not have idea yet as to the connection or mastermind of Marlo Cabasag, who was shot dead by responding security personnel after shooting Velasco and Andaya at around 11pm of May 20 while they were gracing the Bacarra Farmer’s Day celebration.
Bataoil said Cabasag was identified by a person who knows him based on the tattoos on his body. Cabasag is said to be in his late 20’s.
Cabasag was armed with a caliber 45 when he shot Velasco and Andaya at close range. The two officials were proclaimed dead on arrival at the hospital where they were rushed.
In the process of neutralizing Cabasag, three other persons were hurt. They were identified as councilor Shirly Ong-sin, Josefina Galapon and nine-year-old boy Ronron Laguban.
Bataoil said a P150,000 reward money was already put up for the identification and arrest of the mastermind of the killing.
He said the police continues to investigate the incident, which, he said, could possibly be motivated by politics, personal feud, or business/work.
Velasco and Andaya won in the May 14 polls./DMS
Canvassing in Basilan disturbed anew by two explosions, 3 injured
By Ronron
May 22, 2007
Three persons were hurt in twin explosions Monday night at a canvassing site in Basilan province, police said.
According to Sr. Supt. Alex Macapantar, Basilan Provincial Police Director, two ammunitions of an M79 grenade launcher landed at the Lamitan Central Elementary School (LCES) in Lamitan town proper at around 7:55pm the other day (Monday).
“Maybe this is harassment to disrupt the canvassing because it did not really hit the canvassing site,” Macapantar said in a phone interview.
Macapantar said the votes in Sumisip town were then being counted at the LCES.
He disclosed that one of the ammunition landed at the fishpond at the back of the school, while the other one landed on the roof of the school’s restroom.
Macapantar said three civilians staying at a waiting shed near the restroom were hit with shrapnel, and were brought to the St. Peter Hospital in said town for treatment.
They were identified as Ben Ecles, 40; Nasser Asarul, 32; and Jalil Paris, 35.
Macapantar said police still has no idea about the suspect, whom, personnel from the Lamitan Police and the Philippine Marines believe fired from 200 meters away, probably, at the Rizal Central Elementary School.
“The chief of police of Lamitan was already directed to conduct an investigation on the incident,” Macapantar said.
On March 16, a grenade was lobbed at the Basilan State College in the provincial capital of Isabela City where a canvassing was also ongoing. No one was hurt in said incident.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has included Basilan among the provinces with serious armed threats that need their serious watch./DMS
May 22, 2007
Three persons were hurt in twin explosions Monday night at a canvassing site in Basilan province, police said.
According to Sr. Supt. Alex Macapantar, Basilan Provincial Police Director, two ammunitions of an M79 grenade launcher landed at the Lamitan Central Elementary School (LCES) in Lamitan town proper at around 7:55pm the other day (Monday).
“Maybe this is harassment to disrupt the canvassing because it did not really hit the canvassing site,” Macapantar said in a phone interview.
Macapantar said the votes in Sumisip town were then being counted at the LCES.
He disclosed that one of the ammunition landed at the fishpond at the back of the school, while the other one landed on the roof of the school’s restroom.
Macapantar said three civilians staying at a waiting shed near the restroom were hit with shrapnel, and were brought to the St. Peter Hospital in said town for treatment.
They were identified as Ben Ecles, 40; Nasser Asarul, 32; and Jalil Paris, 35.
Macapantar said police still has no idea about the suspect, whom, personnel from the Lamitan Police and the Philippine Marines believe fired from 200 meters away, probably, at the Rizal Central Elementary School.
“The chief of police of Lamitan was already directed to conduct an investigation on the incident,” Macapantar said.
On March 16, a grenade was lobbed at the Basilan State College in the provincial capital of Isabela City where a canvassing was also ongoing. No one was hurt in said incident.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has included Basilan among the provinces with serious armed threats that need their serious watch./DMS
Police set to file criminal case against Batangas cop over school burning
By Ronron
May 22, 2007
Charges of arson resulting to multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries were set to be filed Tuesday afternoon against the chief of the Batangas Police Special Operations Group (SOG).
Director Geary Barias, head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), said Insp. Roberto Marinda, relieved Batangas SOG team leader, will be charged based on a positive identification of him by a witness as “among those responsible for the arson.”
Barias said Marinda was presented in a police line-up last Monday along with nine other policemen, including his deputy, SPO2 William Relos, Jr., and was pointed by the police’ witness as “among those present at the site at the time of the crime.”
Asked if Marinda actually took part in setting the Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan town to fire at 3am of May 15, Barias said: “I don’t know.”
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Edgardo Doromal refused to respond to the same question, and referred this reporter back to Barias.
Police investigators had earlier said that Marinda also matched with the artist’s sketch of one of the possible suspects.
In an interview with the media last Monday, Marinda denied the allegation and claimed he was some 11 kilometers away from Barangay Pinagbayanan when the school was being burned.
Told about this, Barias said: “They can use that in their defense later on during the trial because we are following due process. Whatever they say in their own version, it’s up to the judge later on to weigh.”
Barias said they believe their witness, who survived the incident, is a credible one, “otherwise, we will not be filing the case.”
“We believe we have a strong case because of the positive identification during the line up and the circumstances surrounding all those things,” Barias said.
He said the police investigators “will just come up with” other corroborating evidence, including those material in nature, as the investigation proceeds.
Barias said Marinda’s deputy, SPO2 William Relos, Jr., will not yet be charged due to lack of direct evidence against him, although initial investigation reveals that he was with Marinda at that time.
Should a direct evidence crop up, Barias said Relos may be included in the case since the case against Marinda also includes several John Does.
Barias said the administrative case against Marinda and Relos for probable grave misconduct is also continuously being investigated.
Barias disclosed that the two were already transported back to Region IV-A Police headquarters in Calamba City, Laguna where they will remain under restrictive custody.
Because of said development, Atty. Romeo Esmero, lawyers for Marinda and Relos, said he is no longer filing his petition before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus.
Barias said the investigation is ongoing to ascertain the identities of the other suspects, who may include other SOG personnel, policemen from other unit, or civilians, noting that there were a total of five perpetrators in the crime.
On the other hand, Barias said Chief Insp. Elpidio Ramirez, the sacked chief of police of Taysan, and his deputy, Insp. Ruel dela Cruz, will be used as witness against Marinda and the other suspects.
Marinda had earlier complained against dela Cruz for pinning him in the crime, particularly suspecting the SOG personnel’s quick response to the incident and Marinda’s alleged matching with one of the artist’s sketches of the suspects.
Ramirez and dela Cruz are being investigated for possible administrative lapses in securing the school, particularly on its failure to provide personnel at the back where the perpetrators passed through.
Barias said the two were already turned over to Batangas-CIDG for custody.
Barias said the motive investigators are working on remains on the political nature, particularly on the “relationship” between Marinda and losing Taysan mayoralty candidate Hernando Villena.
“There are information that (Marinda and Relos) stayed at the safehouse of Villena. From there, we work on that… But we have to get more evidence so that we can even file a case against some political figures,” Barias said.
He said the admission by Marinda that their roving patrol around Taysan before the fire happened was upon the request by Villena “does not yet establish” a “criminal liability” on the mayoralty candidate.
As to Taysan Mayor-elect Victor Portugal, Jr.’s possible involvement in the crime, as insinuated by Marinda, Barias said their investigation failed to prove that.
“That has already been investigated. I will not deal into that anymore. That could be a defense by Marinda. They can just come up with their angle,” Barias said.
Meanwhile, Barias revealed that one of the six wounded victims already expired on Monday night at the University of Santo Tomas hospital in Manila City.
He identified the third fatality as Guillermo Malaluan. After the burning of the school, the charred bodies of a teacher, who served as an election inspector, and a poll watcher were recovered from the comfort room of the school where they were believed to have sought refuge./DMS
May 22, 2007
Charges of arson resulting to multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries were set to be filed Tuesday afternoon against the chief of the Batangas Police Special Operations Group (SOG).
Director Geary Barias, head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), said Insp. Roberto Marinda, relieved Batangas SOG team leader, will be charged based on a positive identification of him by a witness as “among those responsible for the arson.”
Barias said Marinda was presented in a police line-up last Monday along with nine other policemen, including his deputy, SPO2 William Relos, Jr., and was pointed by the police’ witness as “among those present at the site at the time of the crime.”
Asked if Marinda actually took part in setting the Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan town to fire at 3am of May 15, Barias said: “I don’t know.”
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Edgardo Doromal refused to respond to the same question, and referred this reporter back to Barias.
Police investigators had earlier said that Marinda also matched with the artist’s sketch of one of the possible suspects.
In an interview with the media last Monday, Marinda denied the allegation and claimed he was some 11 kilometers away from Barangay Pinagbayanan when the school was being burned.
Told about this, Barias said: “They can use that in their defense later on during the trial because we are following due process. Whatever they say in their own version, it’s up to the judge later on to weigh.”
Barias said they believe their witness, who survived the incident, is a credible one, “otherwise, we will not be filing the case.”
“We believe we have a strong case because of the positive identification during the line up and the circumstances surrounding all those things,” Barias said.
He said the police investigators “will just come up with” other corroborating evidence, including those material in nature, as the investigation proceeds.
Barias said Marinda’s deputy, SPO2 William Relos, Jr., will not yet be charged due to lack of direct evidence against him, although initial investigation reveals that he was with Marinda at that time.
Should a direct evidence crop up, Barias said Relos may be included in the case since the case against Marinda also includes several John Does.
Barias said the administrative case against Marinda and Relos for probable grave misconduct is also continuously being investigated.
Barias disclosed that the two were already transported back to Region IV-A Police headquarters in Calamba City, Laguna where they will remain under restrictive custody.
Because of said development, Atty. Romeo Esmero, lawyers for Marinda and Relos, said he is no longer filing his petition before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus.
Barias said the investigation is ongoing to ascertain the identities of the other suspects, who may include other SOG personnel, policemen from other unit, or civilians, noting that there were a total of five perpetrators in the crime.
On the other hand, Barias said Chief Insp. Elpidio Ramirez, the sacked chief of police of Taysan, and his deputy, Insp. Ruel dela Cruz, will be used as witness against Marinda and the other suspects.
Marinda had earlier complained against dela Cruz for pinning him in the crime, particularly suspecting the SOG personnel’s quick response to the incident and Marinda’s alleged matching with one of the artist’s sketches of the suspects.
Ramirez and dela Cruz are being investigated for possible administrative lapses in securing the school, particularly on its failure to provide personnel at the back where the perpetrators passed through.
Barias said the two were already turned over to Batangas-CIDG for custody.
Barias said the motive investigators are working on remains on the political nature, particularly on the “relationship” between Marinda and losing Taysan mayoralty candidate Hernando Villena.
“There are information that (Marinda and Relos) stayed at the safehouse of Villena. From there, we work on that… But we have to get more evidence so that we can even file a case against some political figures,” Barias said.
He said the admission by Marinda that their roving patrol around Taysan before the fire happened was upon the request by Villena “does not yet establish” a “criminal liability” on the mayoralty candidate.
As to Taysan Mayor-elect Victor Portugal, Jr.’s possible involvement in the crime, as insinuated by Marinda, Barias said their investigation failed to prove that.
“That has already been investigated. I will not deal into that anymore. That could be a defense by Marinda. They can just come up with their angle,” Barias said.
Meanwhile, Barias revealed that one of the six wounded victims already expired on Monday night at the University of Santo Tomas hospital in Manila City.
He identified the third fatality as Guillermo Malaluan. After the burning of the school, the charred bodies of a teacher, who served as an election inspector, and a poll watcher were recovered from the comfort room of the school where they were believed to have sought refuge./DMS
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Ilocos Norte town mayor, councilor shot dead
By Ronron
May 21, 2007
The reelected Mayor of Bacarra in Ilocos Norte and one of his councilmen were shot dead by an unidentified suspect while attending a town festivity on Sunday night in the town proper.
Police Regional Office 1 Director Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil said Mayor Philip Velasco and Sangguniang Bayan member Marcelino Andaya were pronounced dead on arrival at the Gov. Roque Albano, Sr. Memorial Hospital where they were rushed after being shot at close range at around 11pm last Sunday.
Bataoil said Velasco and Andaya were with other local officials at the Municipal Auditorium on Sunday night in celebration of the Bacarra Farmer’s Day when the lone suspect casually approached the mayor and shot him several times.
Velasco sustained four gunshot wounds while Andaya sustained one, causing their deaths.
Bataoil said security personnel of Velasco opened fire at the suspect, who managed to fire back before he was eventually neutralized.
Hit in the brief shootout were councilwoman Shirley Ong-sin, Josefina Galapon, and nine-year-old Ronron Laguban, said Bataoil.
Bataoil said the suspect, who is about 5’4” in height, remains unidentified as of press time.
Police could not immediately say the motive behind the attack as they are considering all possible angles such as politics, personal, or work-related.
They are not yet aware too if Velasco has received threats against his life prior to the incident./DMS
May 21, 2007
The reelected Mayor of Bacarra in Ilocos Norte and one of his councilmen were shot dead by an unidentified suspect while attending a town festivity on Sunday night in the town proper.
Police Regional Office 1 Director Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil said Mayor Philip Velasco and Sangguniang Bayan member Marcelino Andaya were pronounced dead on arrival at the Gov. Roque Albano, Sr. Memorial Hospital where they were rushed after being shot at close range at around 11pm last Sunday.
Bataoil said Velasco and Andaya were with other local officials at the Municipal Auditorium on Sunday night in celebration of the Bacarra Farmer’s Day when the lone suspect casually approached the mayor and shot him several times.
Velasco sustained four gunshot wounds while Andaya sustained one, causing their deaths.
Bataoil said security personnel of Velasco opened fire at the suspect, who managed to fire back before he was eventually neutralized.
Hit in the brief shootout were councilwoman Shirley Ong-sin, Josefina Galapon, and nine-year-old Ronron Laguban, said Bataoil.
Bataoil said the suspect, who is about 5’4” in height, remains unidentified as of press time.
Police could not immediately say the motive behind the attack as they are considering all possible angles such as politics, personal, or work-related.
They are not yet aware too if Velasco has received threats against his life prior to the incident./DMS
PNP will not apologize to NPA, only to victims of Batangas school arson if involvement of tagged cops is proven in the probe
By Ronron
May 21, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday it will not apologize to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for prematurely accusing the New People’s Army (NPA) as being responsible for the burning of a school in Batangas last May 15.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt.. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said it will not take back its allegation against the NPA since PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon divulge it in the context of being one of the many angles being looked into by police investigators.
Besides, Pagdilao said Calderon’s allegation has basis, considering the fact that Taysan town is infested with communist insurgents and that only the NPA will benefit from the arson if it disrupts the election process.
“It is not proper for us to apologize to the NPA,” Pagdilao said.
But as to the other demand of the CPP, Pagdilao said it will apologize to the victims of the crime and the people of Batangas if the investigation proves that members of the PNP are indeed involvement.
“If, at the end of the day, after the investigation, the involvement of the police will be proven, we certainly will ask for an apology for what these policemen did, which, by the way, is only very minor compared to what the NPA had been doing,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said the CPP should even be thankful that the PNP is showing its professionalism and trust-worthiness as an organization because it is not hiding the involvement of the cops in the crime.
Two personnel of the Police Regional Special Operations Group IV-A are being implicated in the incident, although they have denied the allegation./DMS
May 21, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday it will not apologize to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for prematurely accusing the New People’s Army (NPA) as being responsible for the burning of a school in Batangas last May 15.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt.. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said it will not take back its allegation against the NPA since PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon divulge it in the context of being one of the many angles being looked into by police investigators.
Besides, Pagdilao said Calderon’s allegation has basis, considering the fact that Taysan town is infested with communist insurgents and that only the NPA will benefit from the arson if it disrupts the election process.
“It is not proper for us to apologize to the NPA,” Pagdilao said.
But as to the other demand of the CPP, Pagdilao said it will apologize to the victims of the crime and the people of Batangas if the investigation proves that members of the PNP are indeed involvement.
“If, at the end of the day, after the investigation, the involvement of the police will be proven, we certainly will ask for an apology for what these policemen did, which, by the way, is only very minor compared to what the NPA had been doing,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said the CPP should even be thankful that the PNP is showing its professionalism and trust-worthiness as an organization because it is not hiding the involvement of the cops in the crime.
Two personnel of the Police Regional Special Operations Group IV-A are being implicated in the incident, although they have denied the allegation./DMS
Policemen tagged as suspects in the burning of a school in Batangas deny allegation, seek release from detention
By Ronron
May 21, 2007
The two cops implicated in the arson of a school in Batangas last May 15 denied involvement in the incident and sought for their immediate release from detention in Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In an interview with the media on Monday, Inspector Roberto Marinda, relieved head of the Batangas Special Operations Group (SOG), said he and his deputy, SPO2 William Relos, Jr., were 11 kilometers away from the Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan town at the time it was torched by five armed men.
“We did not even go to Pinagbayanan that night because it is very remote… We cannot do that (burn the school). How can I do that when I have a sister who is a teacher?” Marinda said.
The arson, which took place around 3am of May 15, left a teacher and a poll watcher killed.
Marinda admitted that he, Relos and three other SOG personnel passed by Taysan past midnight of May 14 but they only stayed at the poblacion, or the town proper.
He said he has some local officials, including Taysan Vice Mayor Luis Favorito, who attested that they were in the town proper at around 3am, preparing to end their roving around town as requested by then Taysan Mayor Hernando Villena.
Marinda’s lawyer, Romeo Esmero, said not even one of the 30 witnesses of the police investigators pointed at Marinda and Relos as among the perpetrators.
Esmero said they suspect it is the group of Tayson Mayor-elect Victor Portugal, Jr. who actually carried out the attack, pointing out the sighting of Portugal’s two vehicles at the vicinity of the school before it was burned, and the fact that Portugal was losing in the count at said school.
Esmero said Portugal had also threatened Relos before the incident in relation to the apprehension by the SOG of a barangay chairman who is allied with Portugal.
“This is politically-motivated,” Esmero said of the incident.
“My clients are being used as sacrificial lamb,” he added.
In a petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus he intends to file before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for the release of Marinda and Relos, Esmero said Villena could not have ordered the burning of the school because he was the one who requested the roving of the SOG personnel for the maintenance of peace and order.
The police earlier had accused the SOG personnel to have links with Villena who, investigators said, could have ordered the arson so he will have basis to seek for a declaration of failure of election.
Villena lost to Portugal in the final counting.
Asked if indeed he has ties with Villena as alleged by the PNP higher authorities, Marinda said: “Let me emphasize that I just assumed office (as RSOG Batangas Team Leader) two days before the incident. I came from Bicol.”
Esmero said he will file this morning (Tuesday) the petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus, noting that the PNP has no case against Marinda and Relos.
“I am requesting the PNP (Philippine National Police) organization to provide an explanation why my clients are being detained right now. Although they (PNP) are saying that they (Marinda and Relos) are just under restrictive custody, they are still in detention. And they could not leave the camp,” Esmero said in an interview at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) office where his clients are being held since Friday.
Esmero said the PNP deceived his clients by telling them that they will participate in a fact-finding investigation in Camp Crame last Friday, when in fact, they were already subjected to restrictive custody.
Marinda lamented that his implication in the case is only based on the suspicion of Taysan Deputy chief of Police Insp. Ruel dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz allegedly said that Marinda matched with one of the artist’s sketch of a possible suspect, and the SOG personnel’s swift arrival at the crime scene was highly suspicious, said Marinda.
Marinda said it should not be dela Cruz who will identify him as the person on the sketch, but the witness who provided the description./DMS
May 21, 2007
The two cops implicated in the arson of a school in Batangas last May 15 denied involvement in the incident and sought for their immediate release from detention in Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In an interview with the media on Monday, Inspector Roberto Marinda, relieved head of the Batangas Special Operations Group (SOG), said he and his deputy, SPO2 William Relos, Jr., were 11 kilometers away from the Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan town at the time it was torched by five armed men.
“We did not even go to Pinagbayanan that night because it is very remote… We cannot do that (burn the school). How can I do that when I have a sister who is a teacher?” Marinda said.
The arson, which took place around 3am of May 15, left a teacher and a poll watcher killed.
Marinda admitted that he, Relos and three other SOG personnel passed by Taysan past midnight of May 14 but they only stayed at the poblacion, or the town proper.
He said he has some local officials, including Taysan Vice Mayor Luis Favorito, who attested that they were in the town proper at around 3am, preparing to end their roving around town as requested by then Taysan Mayor Hernando Villena.
Marinda’s lawyer, Romeo Esmero, said not even one of the 30 witnesses of the police investigators pointed at Marinda and Relos as among the perpetrators.
Esmero said they suspect it is the group of Tayson Mayor-elect Victor Portugal, Jr. who actually carried out the attack, pointing out the sighting of Portugal’s two vehicles at the vicinity of the school before it was burned, and the fact that Portugal was losing in the count at said school.
Esmero said Portugal had also threatened Relos before the incident in relation to the apprehension by the SOG of a barangay chairman who is allied with Portugal.
“This is politically-motivated,” Esmero said of the incident.
“My clients are being used as sacrificial lamb,” he added.
In a petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus he intends to file before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for the release of Marinda and Relos, Esmero said Villena could not have ordered the burning of the school because he was the one who requested the roving of the SOG personnel for the maintenance of peace and order.
The police earlier had accused the SOG personnel to have links with Villena who, investigators said, could have ordered the arson so he will have basis to seek for a declaration of failure of election.
Villena lost to Portugal in the final counting.
Asked if indeed he has ties with Villena as alleged by the PNP higher authorities, Marinda said: “Let me emphasize that I just assumed office (as RSOG Batangas Team Leader) two days before the incident. I came from Bicol.”
Esmero said he will file this morning (Tuesday) the petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus, noting that the PNP has no case against Marinda and Relos.
“I am requesting the PNP (Philippine National Police) organization to provide an explanation why my clients are being detained right now. Although they (PNP) are saying that they (Marinda and Relos) are just under restrictive custody, they are still in detention. And they could not leave the camp,” Esmero said in an interview at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) office where his clients are being held since Friday.
Esmero said the PNP deceived his clients by telling them that they will participate in a fact-finding investigation in Camp Crame last Friday, when in fact, they were already subjected to restrictive custody.
Marinda lamented that his implication in the case is only based on the suspicion of Taysan Deputy chief of Police Insp. Ruel dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz allegedly said that Marinda matched with one of the artist’s sketch of a possible suspect, and the SOG personnel’s swift arrival at the crime scene was highly suspicious, said Marinda.
Marinda said it should not be dela Cruz who will identify him as the person on the sketch, but the witness who provided the description./DMS
Monday, May 21, 2007
NAMFREL won’t count Maguindanao votes
By Ronron
May 20, 2007
The National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) will not include in its quick count operations the votes from Maguindanao province after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the province refused to give the accredited citizen’s arm its copy of the election returns (ER).
Eric Alvia, Secretary-General of NAMFREL, said Sunday that NAMFREL-Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan Chairman Fr. Eduardo Tanudtanud reported about the local Comelec’s action despite an order from the main office to do otherwise.
“Our volunteers were told that municipal election officers issued a verbal order to withhold release of all copies of ER’s, including NAMFREL’s sixth copy,” Tanudtanud said in a statement released yesterday by the NAMFREL national leadership in Manila.
“In most cases, municipal Comelec officers did not recognize the appointment of our NAMFREL municipal chairpersons,” he added.
As a result of what he calls as “systematic withholding of the ER’s to NAMFREL,” Tanudtanud said NAMFREL-Maguindanao “will not be able to announce quick count results for the elections in the province.”
And even if the ER’s are made available to NAMFREL-Maguindanao in the coming days, Tanudtanud said they will no longer include the results in the quick count since withholding those “casts doubt on the integrity of the sixth copy of the election returns.”
“It’s too late if they will give the ER’s because we will still question the validity of those ER’s,” Alvia said.
In his statement, Tanudtanud said no other persons, including NAMFREL volunteers, were allowed entry to the centralized counting of votes for all 22 municipalities in the Maguindanao Provincial Capitol, except for members of the Board of Election Inspectors.
To prove their allegation of irregularity in the Maguindanao counting, the NAMFREL leadership gave the media yesterday a copy of the Comelec’s Very Urgent Memorandum dated May 11, 2007 for all regional, provincial, city and municipal election officers regarding the right of NAMFREL to get the sixth copy of the ER’s.
“Please be advised that Resolution 7815, dated 26 January 2007, clearly states that the sixth copy shall go to the citizen’s arm authorized by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count,” reads part of the memo signed by Comelec Executive Director Pio Jose Joson.
“Further, Commission En Banc Resolution on SPP No. 07-001 accredits the National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) as a citizen’s arm of the Commission authorized to conduct an unofficial quick count subject to conditions enumerated therein,” the memo added./DMS
May 20, 2007
The National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) will not include in its quick count operations the votes from Maguindanao province after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the province refused to give the accredited citizen’s arm its copy of the election returns (ER).
Eric Alvia, Secretary-General of NAMFREL, said Sunday that NAMFREL-Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan Chairman Fr. Eduardo Tanudtanud reported about the local Comelec’s action despite an order from the main office to do otherwise.
“Our volunteers were told that municipal election officers issued a verbal order to withhold release of all copies of ER’s, including NAMFREL’s sixth copy,” Tanudtanud said in a statement released yesterday by the NAMFREL national leadership in Manila.
“In most cases, municipal Comelec officers did not recognize the appointment of our NAMFREL municipal chairpersons,” he added.
As a result of what he calls as “systematic withholding of the ER’s to NAMFREL,” Tanudtanud said NAMFREL-Maguindanao “will not be able to announce quick count results for the elections in the province.”
And even if the ER’s are made available to NAMFREL-Maguindanao in the coming days, Tanudtanud said they will no longer include the results in the quick count since withholding those “casts doubt on the integrity of the sixth copy of the election returns.”
“It’s too late if they will give the ER’s because we will still question the validity of those ER’s,” Alvia said.
In his statement, Tanudtanud said no other persons, including NAMFREL volunteers, were allowed entry to the centralized counting of votes for all 22 municipalities in the Maguindanao Provincial Capitol, except for members of the Board of Election Inspectors.
To prove their allegation of irregularity in the Maguindanao counting, the NAMFREL leadership gave the media yesterday a copy of the Comelec’s Very Urgent Memorandum dated May 11, 2007 for all regional, provincial, city and municipal election officers regarding the right of NAMFREL to get the sixth copy of the ER’s.
“Please be advised that Resolution 7815, dated 26 January 2007, clearly states that the sixth copy shall go to the citizen’s arm authorized by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count,” reads part of the memo signed by Comelec Executive Director Pio Jose Joson.
“Further, Commission En Banc Resolution on SPP No. 07-001 accredits the National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) as a citizen’s arm of the Commission authorized to conduct an unofficial quick count subject to conditions enumerated therein,” the memo added./DMS
Alert level for Bulusan Volcano up to Level 11
By Ronron
May 20, 2007
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised on Sunday the alert level for Bulusan Volcano located in the province of Sorsogon due to more earthquake activities recorded during the past few days.
PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum said Alert Level II for Bulusan Volcano is up effective 12 noon yesterday due to the increasing its increasing seismic activity the past three days.
According to Solidum, 674 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by PHIVOLCS around Bulusan in the past three days.
And from 6am of Saturday until 6am of Sunday alone, Solidum said 223 volcanic earthquakes were recorded.
“We raised the alert level from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 to show to the people that Bulusan Volcano has been more active compared to previous weeks,” Solidum said in Filipino.
According to the PHIVOLCS website, a volcano on Alert Level 1 only manifests low level of seismic, fumarolic and other unrest, which is caused by magmatic, tectonic or hydrothermal disturbance. No eruption is imminent during said level.
Level II, on the other hand, means a volcano shows moderate level of seismic and other unrest with positive evidence for involvement of magma. At this level, there is probable magma intrusion that could eventually lead to an eruption, the PHIVOLCS website said.
Solidum said that at Alert Level II, the danger zone around the volcano is still four kilometers, but the local government should begin planning for their corresponding action and must be prepared to implement it.
Asked if a major explosion could happen in the next few days with the increasing seismic activity of Bulusan, Solidum said: “We don’t have any timetable whether or not there will be a major explosion. What we could foresee are possible ash explosions.”
“But if the volcanic earthquakes continue to happen more frequently, it really means more danger,” he warned.
Among the possible areas that may be affected by an explosion of Bulusan are the towns of Irosin, Juban, Casiguran, Bulan, Barcelona and Gubat, all in Sorsogon, said Solidum.
The last time time PHIVOLCS placed Bulusan at Alert Level II was in May 2006, Solidum said. It was subsequently lowered to Level 1 about two months later, or in July that year.
Solidum said that since Bulusan became active in March 2006, 23 ash explosions occurred, the last of which was only last May 12th./DMS
May 20, 2007
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised on Sunday the alert level for Bulusan Volcano located in the province of Sorsogon due to more earthquake activities recorded during the past few days.
PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum said Alert Level II for Bulusan Volcano is up effective 12 noon yesterday due to the increasing its increasing seismic activity the past three days.
According to Solidum, 674 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by PHIVOLCS around Bulusan in the past three days.
And from 6am of Saturday until 6am of Sunday alone, Solidum said 223 volcanic earthquakes were recorded.
“We raised the alert level from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 to show to the people that Bulusan Volcano has been more active compared to previous weeks,” Solidum said in Filipino.
According to the PHIVOLCS website, a volcano on Alert Level 1 only manifests low level of seismic, fumarolic and other unrest, which is caused by magmatic, tectonic or hydrothermal disturbance. No eruption is imminent during said level.
Level II, on the other hand, means a volcano shows moderate level of seismic and other unrest with positive evidence for involvement of magma. At this level, there is probable magma intrusion that could eventually lead to an eruption, the PHIVOLCS website said.
Solidum said that at Alert Level II, the danger zone around the volcano is still four kilometers, but the local government should begin planning for their corresponding action and must be prepared to implement it.
Asked if a major explosion could happen in the next few days with the increasing seismic activity of Bulusan, Solidum said: “We don’t have any timetable whether or not there will be a major explosion. What we could foresee are possible ash explosions.”
“But if the volcanic earthquakes continue to happen more frequently, it really means more danger,” he warned.
Among the possible areas that may be affected by an explosion of Bulusan are the towns of Irosin, Juban, Casiguran, Bulan, Barcelona and Gubat, all in Sorsogon, said Solidum.
The last time time PHIVOLCS placed Bulusan at Alert Level II was in May 2006, Solidum said. It was subsequently lowered to Level 1 about two months later, or in July that year.
Solidum said that since Bulusan became active in March 2006, 23 ash explosions occurred, the last of which was only last May 12th./DMS
CPP asks PNP to apologize for Batangas school arson
By Ronron
May 20, 2007
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) to apologize for the burning of a school in Batangas last May 15 that claimed the lives of a teacher and a poll watcher.
In a statement posted on its website (www.philippinerevolution.net), CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said the PNP should also take back its allegation that the New People’s Army, the armed wing of CPP, is behind the arson.
“The CPP and NPA is strongly demanding the PNP to take back its earlier accusation against the NPA and to apologize to the victims of this crime and the people of Taysan (town),” Rosal said in Filipino.
Hours after the burning of Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan was torched at around 3am of May 15 by five armed men, PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon quickly blamed the NPA as being responsible for the incident, saying it is the only group that has the motive to disrupt the elections.
Rosal immediately denied the allegation, and accused instead Calderon of issuing the statement to save the real culprits of the crime, whom, he said, are members of the police and military that are working for local politicians.
True enough, on Thursday, the PNP said members of the Police Region IV-A Special Operations Group were tagged as the perpetrators of the crime, based on eyewitnesses accounts and other circumstantial evidence.
Acting Batangas Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Freddie Panen said the RSOG personnel were suspected to have been ordered by Taysan mayoralty candidate Hernando Villena to burn the school, which was then being used as canvassing place, so he could request for a declaration of a failure of election.
Although Villena was leading against his rival, Victor Portugal, Jr., at the canvassing in said school, he eventually lost to Portugal in the final counting.
Despite the recent development, the PNP, however, said that it is not yet totally abandoning the NPA angle.
But like in its earlier statement, Rosal said anew: “To my fellow Filipinos in Taysan, in Barangay Pinagbayanan, you very well know that the NPA cannot inflict even a small damage against the people.”
Rosal had earlier vowed that the NPA will met out justice against the real culprits in the incident./DMS
May 20, 2007
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) to apologize for the burning of a school in Batangas last May 15 that claimed the lives of a teacher and a poll watcher.
In a statement posted on its website (www.philippinerevolution.net), CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said the PNP should also take back its allegation that the New People’s Army, the armed wing of CPP, is behind the arson.
“The CPP and NPA is strongly demanding the PNP to take back its earlier accusation against the NPA and to apologize to the victims of this crime and the people of Taysan (town),” Rosal said in Filipino.
Hours after the burning of Pinagbayanan Elementary School in Taysan was torched at around 3am of May 15 by five armed men, PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon quickly blamed the NPA as being responsible for the incident, saying it is the only group that has the motive to disrupt the elections.
Rosal immediately denied the allegation, and accused instead Calderon of issuing the statement to save the real culprits of the crime, whom, he said, are members of the police and military that are working for local politicians.
True enough, on Thursday, the PNP said members of the Police Region IV-A Special Operations Group were tagged as the perpetrators of the crime, based on eyewitnesses accounts and other circumstantial evidence.
Acting Batangas Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Freddie Panen said the RSOG personnel were suspected to have been ordered by Taysan mayoralty candidate Hernando Villena to burn the school, which was then being used as canvassing place, so he could request for a declaration of a failure of election.
Although Villena was leading against his rival, Victor Portugal, Jr., at the canvassing in said school, he eventually lost to Portugal in the final counting.
Despite the recent development, the PNP, however, said that it is not yet totally abandoning the NPA angle.
But like in its earlier statement, Rosal said anew: “To my fellow Filipinos in Taysan, in Barangay Pinagbayanan, you very well know that the NPA cannot inflict even a small damage against the people.”
Rosal had earlier vowed that the NPA will met out justice against the real culprits in the incident./DMS
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