By Ronron
June 8, 2007
Four government soldiers and two suspected communist rebels were killed in a four-hour gun battle early Thursday morning in Compostela Valley province, an Army officer said.
In a phone interview yesterday with Defense reporters, Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Philippine Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, said eight soldiers and five rebels were also wounded in the clash that began at 3am in Barangay Rizal, Monkayo town.
Holganza said some 30 members of the Philippine Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion exchange gunfires with nearly 100 members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Holganza said the government troops were conducting combat patrol when they were first hit by a landmine set off by the insurgents, followed by the firefight.
The slain soldiers were identified as Privates First Class Ronel Mailas, Richard Danoy, John Odchinang, and Maulaha Hassan.
Holganza said the casualties on the rebel side were brought along by their fleeing comrades, and claimed that their figure of two rebels killed and five others wounded were only based on intelligence units.
A separate police report said the withdrawing rebels, who headed towards Laak town, took one URC 77 radio set, one handheld radio set, two M14 rifles, two M16 rifles and undetermined number of magazines and ammunitions from the government side.
The police report said the rebels are being pursued by joint elements of the 28th IB and the 1102nd Police Provincial Mobile Group (PPMG).
Holganza said after the encounter, the government soldiers discovered and overran a rebel camp in the area. “It’s a big camp, equipped with tunnels and running trenches. They could have occupied it for a year,” said Holganza.
But even before the Compostela Valley encounter was over, another group of rebels launched an ambush at around 4am against joint police and military forces in Davao Oriental province, a separate police report said.
An undetermined number of NPA rebels attacked members of the 1105th PPMG and of the Philippine Army’s 67th IB while the latter were onboard an armed personnel carrier (Simba) at Quarry, Sitio Magnum, Barangay Saoqueque in Baganga town, the report said.
“Accordingly, the joint government troops were on their way to reinforce the beleaguered troops from the composite detachment of the 67th and 72nd IB based at (the ambush site) who were attacked earlier by heavily armed communist terrorists,” the report said.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years but the government vows to crush the movement by 2010.
The heavy presence of communist insurgents in eastern Mindanao forced the military to create last year the Eastern Mindanao Command, so the Western Mindanao Command, which is based in Zamboanga City, can concentrate on Moslem extremists and secessionists./DMS
Saturday, June 9, 2007
10 hurt in another blast in North Cotabato
By Ronron
June 8, 2007
As predicted by the United States government, another blast rocked the province of North Cotabato in Mindanao on Friday, wounding 10 persons, police said.
The explosion, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), happened inside a bus at the public bus terminal of Matalam town at around 12:35 pm yesterday.
The incident happened less than a month since a bus terminal in Cotabato City was also blown up last May 18, killing a seven-year-old boy and wounding more than 30 others.
In a travel advisory issued June 1, 2007, the US Embassy in Manila warned its citizens about imminent terrorist attacks in North Cotabato in the following days.
Matalam Police Chief, Inspector Elias Colonia said the People’s Transit Corporation (PTC) bus (body number 1017) was about to leave the town’s public terminal when a cellular phone exploded at the upper luggage carrier on its left-rear portion.
The bus, driven by a certain Moises Relacion, 46, was then heading for Davao City, with 30 passengers on it and a crew/conductor, identified as Jeffrey Guillen, 26. It came from Cotabato City.
Suspecting that a bigger blast could follow, Colonia, who was at the site conducting regular security checks, immediately ordered the passengers to alight.
“When I found out that it was not the tire that exploded and I smelled powder, I suspected that there was going to be a follow-on explosion. True enough, a bigger blast happened around four minutes later,” Colonia told Manila Shimbun in Filipino by phone.
Colonia said the second blast came from the same portion of the bus where the first cellular phone explosion happened. The IED was reportedly placed inside a bag and was believed to have been left behind by the unidentified suspect.
He said the rear of the bus incurred heavy damages, while the windshield in front was totally blown away.
Wounded were bystanders Roy Firma, 28; Therese Balcita, 37; Gilbert Tejero, 21; Raul Sahulga, 30; Jocelyn Bernalte; Alover dela Peña, 21; Catherine Tillado, 27; Jeffery Alcade, 21; Melbert Helbolingo; and Ricardo Dordas, police said.
Firma and Balcita were brought to Babol General Hospital of said municipality; Tejero, Sahulga and Bernalte were taken to Estillore Medical Clinic and Hospital, also of Matalam; while Dela Peña, Tillado, Alcade, Helbolingo, and Dordas were brought to Amas Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City for medical treatment.
But as of 4pm, only one victim remains at the hospital as the others only sustained minor injuries caused by shrapnel and broken glasses.
Colonia said bomb experts recovered from the blast site parts of mortar shells of unknown type.
Asked about the motive of the incident, Colonia said: “We are still determining if this is related to extortion or terrorism attack.”
But Colonia noted that the PTC is an affiliate unit of the Weena Bus which was the subject of an attack last May 18 in Cotabato City allegedly after refusing to give in to an extortion attempt.
Colonia admitted that the blast happened even if the local police is in full alert status./DMS
June 8, 2007
As predicted by the United States government, another blast rocked the province of North Cotabato in Mindanao on Friday, wounding 10 persons, police said.
The explosion, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), happened inside a bus at the public bus terminal of Matalam town at around 12:35 pm yesterday.
The incident happened less than a month since a bus terminal in Cotabato City was also blown up last May 18, killing a seven-year-old boy and wounding more than 30 others.
In a travel advisory issued June 1, 2007, the US Embassy in Manila warned its citizens about imminent terrorist attacks in North Cotabato in the following days.
Matalam Police Chief, Inspector Elias Colonia said the People’s Transit Corporation (PTC) bus (body number 1017) was about to leave the town’s public terminal when a cellular phone exploded at the upper luggage carrier on its left-rear portion.
The bus, driven by a certain Moises Relacion, 46, was then heading for Davao City, with 30 passengers on it and a crew/conductor, identified as Jeffrey Guillen, 26. It came from Cotabato City.
Suspecting that a bigger blast could follow, Colonia, who was at the site conducting regular security checks, immediately ordered the passengers to alight.
“When I found out that it was not the tire that exploded and I smelled powder, I suspected that there was going to be a follow-on explosion. True enough, a bigger blast happened around four minutes later,” Colonia told Manila Shimbun in Filipino by phone.
Colonia said the second blast came from the same portion of the bus where the first cellular phone explosion happened. The IED was reportedly placed inside a bag and was believed to have been left behind by the unidentified suspect.
He said the rear of the bus incurred heavy damages, while the windshield in front was totally blown away.
Wounded were bystanders Roy Firma, 28; Therese Balcita, 37; Gilbert Tejero, 21; Raul Sahulga, 30; Jocelyn Bernalte; Alover dela Peña, 21; Catherine Tillado, 27; Jeffery Alcade, 21; Melbert Helbolingo; and Ricardo Dordas, police said.
Firma and Balcita were brought to Babol General Hospital of said municipality; Tejero, Sahulga and Bernalte were taken to Estillore Medical Clinic and Hospital, also of Matalam; while Dela Peña, Tillado, Alcade, Helbolingo, and Dordas were brought to Amas Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City for medical treatment.
But as of 4pm, only one victim remains at the hospital as the others only sustained minor injuries caused by shrapnel and broken glasses.
Colonia said bomb experts recovered from the blast site parts of mortar shells of unknown type.
Asked about the motive of the incident, Colonia said: “We are still determining if this is related to extortion or terrorism attack.”
But Colonia noted that the PTC is an affiliate unit of the Weena Bus which was the subject of an attack last May 18 in Cotabato City allegedly after refusing to give in to an extortion attempt.
Colonia admitted that the blast happened even if the local police is in full alert status./DMS
Friday, June 8, 2007
Trillanes plans to maintain office at Senate but will work in jail
By Ronron
June 7, 2007
Resigned Navy Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, who is awaiting proclamation by the Commission on Election as a winning senatorial candidate, will maintain an office at the Senate building in Pasay City but will actually work in jail.
This was disclosed by his lawyer, Reynaldo Robles, who said that Trillanes is already anticipating the Comelec proclamation to happen Friday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
“There are many scenarios, one of which is we will regularly ask the court to allow him to attend sessions at the Senate,” Robles told reporters Thursday after a hearing at the Makati City court of the Magdalo group’s coup d’ etat case of which Trillanes is included.
“But after every session, he will go back to his detention cell at the Philippine Marine Brig (in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City),” Robles added.
Robles said Trillanes, who ran under the Genuine Opposition ticket, might maintain an office at the Senate building but only his staff will be there.
“Mr. Trillanes had said from the start that he will not use this (Senatorial bid) as a ticket out of detention,” Robles said.
Trillanes was not present during yesterday’s hearing as he was expecting visitors, said Robles.
In a recent interview at his detention cell, Trillanes said he will never leave behind his fellow accused, citing the tradition of solidarity among Navy and Marine soldiers and officers.
Trillanes is currently at the 11th rank in the ongoing canvassing of votes by the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers. He and 12th placer Aquilino Pimentel III were excluded from Wednesday night’s proclamation of winners due to the uncanvassed votes from Lanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Maguindanao.
Trillanes had expressed confidence of his victory, saying he got more than 11 million votes based on the copies of election returns and certificates of canvass they got.
During yesterday’s hearing, Robles asked the court to allow Trillanes to leave detention just in case the Comelec will proclaim today (Friday) his client as a winning candidate.
But Judge Oscar Pimentel of the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148 said Robles should wait for the Comelec’s declaration before making such motion.
Pimentel even said that it is not mandatory for a winning candidate to be physically present during the proclamation rites.
“Joker Arroyo did not attend,” the judge said.
Robles explained he was just making an early manifestation of his client’s intention to attend the proclamation ceremony because they are afraid there might be no sufficient time to ask the court’s approval.
But Robles was relieved to hear that the prosecution will not pose any objection should they file the said motion.
Should he win, Trillanes had said that he will not accept “pork barrel” intended for members of Congress since it will run counter to his advocacy against corruption.
Trillanes is in jail as he stands on trial for coup d’ etat charges at the Makati court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial as a result of his participation in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny./DMS
June 7, 2007
Resigned Navy Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, who is awaiting proclamation by the Commission on Election as a winning senatorial candidate, will maintain an office at the Senate building in Pasay City but will actually work in jail.
This was disclosed by his lawyer, Reynaldo Robles, who said that Trillanes is already anticipating the Comelec proclamation to happen Friday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
“There are many scenarios, one of which is we will regularly ask the court to allow him to attend sessions at the Senate,” Robles told reporters Thursday after a hearing at the Makati City court of the Magdalo group’s coup d’ etat case of which Trillanes is included.
“But after every session, he will go back to his detention cell at the Philippine Marine Brig (in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City),” Robles added.
Robles said Trillanes, who ran under the Genuine Opposition ticket, might maintain an office at the Senate building but only his staff will be there.
“Mr. Trillanes had said from the start that he will not use this (Senatorial bid) as a ticket out of detention,” Robles said.
Trillanes was not present during yesterday’s hearing as he was expecting visitors, said Robles.
In a recent interview at his detention cell, Trillanes said he will never leave behind his fellow accused, citing the tradition of solidarity among Navy and Marine soldiers and officers.
Trillanes is currently at the 11th rank in the ongoing canvassing of votes by the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers. He and 12th placer Aquilino Pimentel III were excluded from Wednesday night’s proclamation of winners due to the uncanvassed votes from Lanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Maguindanao.
Trillanes had expressed confidence of his victory, saying he got more than 11 million votes based on the copies of election returns and certificates of canvass they got.
During yesterday’s hearing, Robles asked the court to allow Trillanes to leave detention just in case the Comelec will proclaim today (Friday) his client as a winning candidate.
But Judge Oscar Pimentel of the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148 said Robles should wait for the Comelec’s declaration before making such motion.
Pimentel even said that it is not mandatory for a winning candidate to be physically present during the proclamation rites.
“Joker Arroyo did not attend,” the judge said.
Robles explained he was just making an early manifestation of his client’s intention to attend the proclamation ceremony because they are afraid there might be no sufficient time to ask the court’s approval.
But Robles was relieved to hear that the prosecution will not pose any objection should they file the said motion.
Should he win, Trillanes had said that he will not accept “pork barrel” intended for members of Congress since it will run counter to his advocacy against corruption.
Trillanes is in jail as he stands on trial for coup d’ etat charges at the Makati court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial as a result of his participation in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny./DMS
US awards $10 million to four Filipino tipsters whose information helped in the neutralization of the top two ASG leaders
By Ronron
June 7, 2007
The United States government on Thursday awarded four Filipinos with 10,000 US dollars for providing information to Philippine authorities that led to the neutralization of the top two leaders of the terror Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), officials said.
US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenny and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. led the awarding ceremony held yesterday morning at the Hall of Justice of the Sulu Provincial Capitol in Jolo town.
The four recipients, all male and local residents of Sulu, covered themselves from head to foot to protect their identity for their personal safety.
Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, deputy commander of the AFP Western Mindanao command, said in a phone interview that one of the four led military troops to the location of Khadaffy Janjalani’s group in Patikul, Sulu last September, 4 2006 that resulted in an encounter and his death.
The two others, who are former ASG members who have surrendered to authorities, led the military last December 27, 2006 to the place in Patikul where Janjalani’s remains were buried.
At that time, Janjalani has a standing $5 million bounty on his head offered by the US government.
Meanwhile, the last recipient was the one who tipped the military about the location of Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., popularly known as Abu Solaiman, resulting in an encounter last January 16 in Talipao, Sulu and causing his death.
Solaiman, the second highest-ranking leader of the ASG who is regarded as the brains of the group, was also carrying a $5 million dollar bounty from the US government.
Both Janjalani and Solaiman were involved in various terrorist attacks of the ASG in the past few years that claimed lives of American citizens, among others.
“I’m proud to give $10 million to brave citizens. I’d be proud to give $10 million more to other citizens who will step forward and keep this country safe,” Kenney said in a speech during the awarding ceremony.
A US Embassy statement said, “the rewards were provided through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Rewards for Justice Program.”
“The reward payment on June 7 is the largest Rewards for Justice payment in the Philippines since the program began in 2002,” the statement said.
Col. Mark Antonio Supnet, commander of the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade based in Jolo, Sulu, said he expects that the awarding event will encourage local residents in the strife-torn island province to cooperate further with the authorities to end the problem of terrorism.
Sabban said he also hopes that the speculations about Janjalani’s unconfirmed death, as spread by the latter’s brother, Hector, who is in jail in Taguig City, will now end.
Sabban disclosed the four tipsters are now under the witness protection program of the government and are on the process of changing their identities./DMS
June 7, 2007
The United States government on Thursday awarded four Filipinos with 10,000 US dollars for providing information to Philippine authorities that led to the neutralization of the top two leaders of the terror Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), officials said.
US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenny and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. led the awarding ceremony held yesterday morning at the Hall of Justice of the Sulu Provincial Capitol in Jolo town.
The four recipients, all male and local residents of Sulu, covered themselves from head to foot to protect their identity for their personal safety.
Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, deputy commander of the AFP Western Mindanao command, said in a phone interview that one of the four led military troops to the location of Khadaffy Janjalani’s group in Patikul, Sulu last September, 4 2006 that resulted in an encounter and his death.
The two others, who are former ASG members who have surrendered to authorities, led the military last December 27, 2006 to the place in Patikul where Janjalani’s remains were buried.
At that time, Janjalani has a standing $5 million bounty on his head offered by the US government.
Meanwhile, the last recipient was the one who tipped the military about the location of Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., popularly known as Abu Solaiman, resulting in an encounter last January 16 in Talipao, Sulu and causing his death.
Solaiman, the second highest-ranking leader of the ASG who is regarded as the brains of the group, was also carrying a $5 million dollar bounty from the US government.
Both Janjalani and Solaiman were involved in various terrorist attacks of the ASG in the past few years that claimed lives of American citizens, among others.
“I’m proud to give $10 million to brave citizens. I’d be proud to give $10 million more to other citizens who will step forward and keep this country safe,” Kenney said in a speech during the awarding ceremony.
A US Embassy statement said, “the rewards were provided through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Rewards for Justice Program.”
“The reward payment on June 7 is the largest Rewards for Justice payment in the Philippines since the program began in 2002,” the statement said.
Col. Mark Antonio Supnet, commander of the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade based in Jolo, Sulu, said he expects that the awarding event will encourage local residents in the strife-torn island province to cooperate further with the authorities to end the problem of terrorism.
Sabban said he also hopes that the speculations about Janjalani’s unconfirmed death, as spread by the latter’s brother, Hector, who is in jail in Taguig City, will now end.
Sabban disclosed the four tipsters are now under the witness protection program of the government and are on the process of changing their identities./DMS
San Juan affirms guilty pleading to coup charge
By Ronron
June 7, 2007
One of the leaders of the Oakwood Mutiny in July 2003, Army 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, affirmed before a Makati City court on Thursday his change of plea to guilty to the crime of conspiracy to commit coup d’ etat.
San Juan, through his lawyer, first manifested his intention to change his plea of not guilty to coup d’ etat during a court hearing in March of this year.
“I’m guilty of an offense… I believe I committed conspiracy (to commit coup d’ etat,” San Juan said on the witness stand at the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148 during yesterday morning’s proceedings.
Lawyers who attended the hearing said San Juan claimed he had a change of heart while in solitary confinement for three months last year after his re-arrest in February 2006.
“He said he reflected and for religious reasons (that’s why he changed his plea),” said defense lawyer Theodore Te, who once represented San Juan in said case until his services were terminated shortly after the officer’s re-arrest.
But Te and the other defense lawyers are not buying San Juan’s statements, which he voluntarily gave before Branch 148 Presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel.
“Some lawyers don’t see it that way, although we are just really speculating. It seems that he was just forced into making that decision, especially when he was placed in solitary confinement,” said Atty. Rey Robles, lawyer for San Juan’s co-accused, core leader Antonio Trillanes IV.
Robles said being placed in solitary confinement for three months could change one’s mind and break one’s spirit. San Juan was placed under said condition after he bolted from jail in January of this year, together with three other officers.
The lawyer noted that after he manifested his intention to change his plea, San Juan was transferred to a better facility.
Te also doubted if San Juan really voluntarily came up with said decision because he said it only happened after San Juan got a new lawyer provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
“A change of plea has to be voluntary,” Te explained.
It can be remembered that in April last year, San Juan wrote Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. a personal latter, asking for forgiveness for his “mistakes” and reaffirming loyalty to the government.
Questioned by Te, San Juan said he was aware that he can go to jail with his pleading. Conspiracy to commit cout d’ etat, under the Revised Penal Code, is punishable by imprisonment from six to 12 years, while coup d’ etat carries a lifetime imprisonment penalty.
But San Juan did not name names as to whom he conspired with.
The other defense lawyers had already expressed opposition to San Juan’s change of plea, saying it is untimely since the prosecution was already finished with its presentation of evidence, and it could pin down the other accused who are maintaining innocence to the charge.
San Juan is one of 29 junior officers and two enlisted personnel charged with coup d’ etat at the Makati City RTC in relation to the take over of the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003.
The same group of junior officers is charged with violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) before the General Court Martial for the same incident. Last Wednesday, all of them, except for Trillanes and Captain Nicanor Faeldon who are citing their principles, asked the GCM to give them one month to examine the possibility of entering into a plea-bargaining agreement with the military prosecution.
Lawyer Rene Saguisag, counsel for accused Capt. Nathaniel Rabonza, said the court should not allow San Juan to change plea because the defense has a pending demurrer to the prosecution evidence.
Saguisag said ruling in favor of San Juan’s motion is a “ruling on our demurrer by implication.”
The prosecution had rested its case late last year and the defense is supposed to follow later this year after the court decides on the formal offer of evidence of the prosecution.
Pimentel said San Juan’s motion will be considered submitted for resolution after 10 days, the time given to Te to file his supplemental opposition to it./DMS
June 7, 2007
One of the leaders of the Oakwood Mutiny in July 2003, Army 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, affirmed before a Makati City court on Thursday his change of plea to guilty to the crime of conspiracy to commit coup d’ etat.
San Juan, through his lawyer, first manifested his intention to change his plea of not guilty to coup d’ etat during a court hearing in March of this year.
“I’m guilty of an offense… I believe I committed conspiracy (to commit coup d’ etat,” San Juan said on the witness stand at the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148 during yesterday morning’s proceedings.
Lawyers who attended the hearing said San Juan claimed he had a change of heart while in solitary confinement for three months last year after his re-arrest in February 2006.
“He said he reflected and for religious reasons (that’s why he changed his plea),” said defense lawyer Theodore Te, who once represented San Juan in said case until his services were terminated shortly after the officer’s re-arrest.
But Te and the other defense lawyers are not buying San Juan’s statements, which he voluntarily gave before Branch 148 Presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel.
“Some lawyers don’t see it that way, although we are just really speculating. It seems that he was just forced into making that decision, especially when he was placed in solitary confinement,” said Atty. Rey Robles, lawyer for San Juan’s co-accused, core leader Antonio Trillanes IV.
Robles said being placed in solitary confinement for three months could change one’s mind and break one’s spirit. San Juan was placed under said condition after he bolted from jail in January of this year, together with three other officers.
The lawyer noted that after he manifested his intention to change his plea, San Juan was transferred to a better facility.
Te also doubted if San Juan really voluntarily came up with said decision because he said it only happened after San Juan got a new lawyer provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
“A change of plea has to be voluntary,” Te explained.
It can be remembered that in April last year, San Juan wrote Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. a personal latter, asking for forgiveness for his “mistakes” and reaffirming loyalty to the government.
Questioned by Te, San Juan said he was aware that he can go to jail with his pleading. Conspiracy to commit cout d’ etat, under the Revised Penal Code, is punishable by imprisonment from six to 12 years, while coup d’ etat carries a lifetime imprisonment penalty.
But San Juan did not name names as to whom he conspired with.
The other defense lawyers had already expressed opposition to San Juan’s change of plea, saying it is untimely since the prosecution was already finished with its presentation of evidence, and it could pin down the other accused who are maintaining innocence to the charge.
San Juan is one of 29 junior officers and two enlisted personnel charged with coup d’ etat at the Makati City RTC in relation to the take over of the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003.
The same group of junior officers is charged with violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) before the General Court Martial for the same incident. Last Wednesday, all of them, except for Trillanes and Captain Nicanor Faeldon who are citing their principles, asked the GCM to give them one month to examine the possibility of entering into a plea-bargaining agreement with the military prosecution.
Lawyer Rene Saguisag, counsel for accused Capt. Nathaniel Rabonza, said the court should not allow San Juan to change plea because the defense has a pending demurrer to the prosecution evidence.
Saguisag said ruling in favor of San Juan’s motion is a “ruling on our demurrer by implication.”
The prosecution had rested its case late last year and the defense is supposed to follow later this year after the court decides on the formal offer of evidence of the prosecution.
Pimentel said San Juan’s motion will be considered submitted for resolution after 10 days, the time given to Te to file his supplemental opposition to it./DMS
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Police nabs suspect behind abduction of German, three Filipinos in North Cotabato
By Ronron
June 6, 2007
Police nabbed last Tuesday a suspect behind the abduction of a German businessman and three Filipinos last May 31 in Pikit, North Cotabato province.
Pikit Police chief Sr. Insp. Elias Dandan said Eduard Cocal, 54, was apprehended at around 12 noon of June 5 at a restaurant in Midsayap town of same province by combined police forces from various units.
“He was the one who boarded the van of the victims from Kabacan (town of same province). He was the contact person of the victims for their transaction,” Dandan said of Cocal in a phone interview yesterday.
Dandan said Cocal is among those charged before the prosecutor’s office for kidnapping with serious illegal detention. Eight to nine more suspects are being searched now.
Cocal, a jobless locale, did not carry any firearm when nabbed, said Dandan.
Asked if the suspect is a member of any criminal group, Dandan said: “That’s the subject of our background investigation now because we have unconfirmed information that he had been involved in previous kidnapping cases in Central Mindanao although this is the only time he was charged.”
Dandan said Cocal is now detained at the North Cotabato Provincial Police headquarters in Kidapawan City and will be subjected today (Thursday) to inquest proceedings.
The victims, Thomas Wallrat, May Sharon Jackson, Consuelo San Juan, and Deigo Daniel, were on a business trip to purchase nickels when held briefly within the day last May 31st in Pikit./DMS
June 6, 2007
Police nabbed last Tuesday a suspect behind the abduction of a German businessman and three Filipinos last May 31 in Pikit, North Cotabato province.
Pikit Police chief Sr. Insp. Elias Dandan said Eduard Cocal, 54, was apprehended at around 12 noon of June 5 at a restaurant in Midsayap town of same province by combined police forces from various units.
“He was the one who boarded the van of the victims from Kabacan (town of same province). He was the contact person of the victims for their transaction,” Dandan said of Cocal in a phone interview yesterday.
Dandan said Cocal is among those charged before the prosecutor’s office for kidnapping with serious illegal detention. Eight to nine more suspects are being searched now.
Cocal, a jobless locale, did not carry any firearm when nabbed, said Dandan.
Asked if the suspect is a member of any criminal group, Dandan said: “That’s the subject of our background investigation now because we have unconfirmed information that he had been involved in previous kidnapping cases in Central Mindanao although this is the only time he was charged.”
Dandan said Cocal is now detained at the North Cotabato Provincial Police headquarters in Kidapawan City and will be subjected today (Thursday) to inquest proceedings.
The victims, Thomas Wallrat, May Sharon Jackson, Consuelo San Juan, and Deigo Daniel, were on a business trip to purchase nickels when held briefly within the day last May 31st in Pikit./DMS
Magdalo leaders mull entering into plea-bargain
By Ronron
June 6, 2007
Most of the core leaders of the Magdalo Group that attempted a mutiny in July 2003 in Makati City are now entertaining thoughts about entering into a plea-bargaining agreement with the military prosecution.
After almost four years of detention, 27 of the 29 junior officers who led the so-called Oakwood Mutiny on July 27, 2003 said, through their lawyers on Wednesday, that they might come up with a proposed plea-bargaining agreement to end their case at the General Court Martial (GCM).
The 29 officers, led by resigned Navy Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV (now a Senatorial candidate), Army Captain Milo Maestrecampo, Army Captain Gary Alejano, Navy Lt. Sr. Grade James Layug, and Marines Captain Nicanor Faeldon, are facing charges of violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) before the GCM.
They face a separate case of coup d ‘etat being tried before the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148.
Except for Trillanes and Faeldon, who were both absent during Wednesday’s GCM proceedings at Camp Aguinaldo, the Magdalo leaders formally manifested their intent to go into a plea-bargaining agreement before the military prosecution and the court, Presided over by Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi.
Defense lawyer Edgardo Abaya said the Magdalo officers brought up the issue before him before yesterday’s proceedings began.
“We haven’t really discussed it thoroughly yet that’s why we asked for a one month period so we could examine the possibility of a plea bargaining. It’s not yet guaranteed,” Abaya told reporters after the hearing’s adjournment.
Among the possibilities are the pleading of guilty to the charge of violation of AW 96, or the pleading of guilty to a lesser offense.
“I couldn’t really say yet as to what is acceptable to them because we still have to discuss the content of the offer in the plea bargaining – whether it’s on the same offense or we look for another offense,” Abaya explained.
Under the process, the defense will make a proposed plea-bargaining agreement to the military prosecution. If the military prosecution accepts it, it will seek the approval of Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. before it is presented to the GCM, which will eventually deny or approve it for implementation.
The rest of the 300 Magdalo officers and enlisted personnel have availed of plea-bargaining agreements in the past, ending their cases at the GCM.
The lawyer surmised that the reason for the change of mind of the Magdalo officers is “more of practicality,” since they could end up with the same penalty of dishonorable discharge from the service if indeed they pursue the case on trial.
“It could be a factor that since they have been detained for so long already, about four years now. Besides, their case at the RTC is bailable, so there will no longer be a reason for them to be detained except this court martial proceedings,” Abaya said.
Abaya said he has yet to consult Trillanes on the planned plea-bargaining, while Faeldon, according to his lawyer, was already firm on his stand about pursuing the case.
Sharing Faeldon’s decision are six other junior officers who are not from the core group and are facing separate GCM charges for alleged violation of Articles of War 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), 96, and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).
“This is for consistency, for the same reason that they went to Oakwood. It’s a question of principle. They have submitted themselves to the procedures, to due process. But there is really no expectation of justice here. The system has not changed,” lawyer Trixie Angeles said of the decision of her clients, namely Faeldon, 2Lt. Junibert Tubo and 2Lt. Edwin Duetao, all from the Marines.
The court gave both panels until the first week of July to submit their agreed proposal./DMS
June 6, 2007
Most of the core leaders of the Magdalo Group that attempted a mutiny in July 2003 in Makati City are now entertaining thoughts about entering into a plea-bargaining agreement with the military prosecution.
After almost four years of detention, 27 of the 29 junior officers who led the so-called Oakwood Mutiny on July 27, 2003 said, through their lawyers on Wednesday, that they might come up with a proposed plea-bargaining agreement to end their case at the General Court Martial (GCM).
The 29 officers, led by resigned Navy Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV (now a Senatorial candidate), Army Captain Milo Maestrecampo, Army Captain Gary Alejano, Navy Lt. Sr. Grade James Layug, and Marines Captain Nicanor Faeldon, are facing charges of violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) before the GCM.
They face a separate case of coup d ‘etat being tried before the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148.
Except for Trillanes and Faeldon, who were both absent during Wednesday’s GCM proceedings at Camp Aguinaldo, the Magdalo leaders formally manifested their intent to go into a plea-bargaining agreement before the military prosecution and the court, Presided over by Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi.
Defense lawyer Edgardo Abaya said the Magdalo officers brought up the issue before him before yesterday’s proceedings began.
“We haven’t really discussed it thoroughly yet that’s why we asked for a one month period so we could examine the possibility of a plea bargaining. It’s not yet guaranteed,” Abaya told reporters after the hearing’s adjournment.
Among the possibilities are the pleading of guilty to the charge of violation of AW 96, or the pleading of guilty to a lesser offense.
“I couldn’t really say yet as to what is acceptable to them because we still have to discuss the content of the offer in the plea bargaining – whether it’s on the same offense or we look for another offense,” Abaya explained.
Under the process, the defense will make a proposed plea-bargaining agreement to the military prosecution. If the military prosecution accepts it, it will seek the approval of Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. before it is presented to the GCM, which will eventually deny or approve it for implementation.
The rest of the 300 Magdalo officers and enlisted personnel have availed of plea-bargaining agreements in the past, ending their cases at the GCM.
The lawyer surmised that the reason for the change of mind of the Magdalo officers is “more of practicality,” since they could end up with the same penalty of dishonorable discharge from the service if indeed they pursue the case on trial.
“It could be a factor that since they have been detained for so long already, about four years now. Besides, their case at the RTC is bailable, so there will no longer be a reason for them to be detained except this court martial proceedings,” Abaya said.
Abaya said he has yet to consult Trillanes on the planned plea-bargaining, while Faeldon, according to his lawyer, was already firm on his stand about pursuing the case.
Sharing Faeldon’s decision are six other junior officers who are not from the core group and are facing separate GCM charges for alleged violation of Articles of War 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), 96, and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).
“This is for consistency, for the same reason that they went to Oakwood. It’s a question of principle. They have submitted themselves to the procedures, to due process. But there is really no expectation of justice here. The system has not changed,” lawyer Trixie Angeles said of the decision of her clients, namely Faeldon, 2Lt. Junibert Tubo and 2Lt. Edwin Duetao, all from the Marines.
The court gave both panels until the first week of July to submit their agreed proposal./DMS
Four Army personnel survive ambush in Isabela
By Ronron
June 6, 2007
Two armed men shot four unarmed personnel of the Philippine Army last Tuesday while visiting a friend in Gamu, Isabela, a military spokesman said yesterday.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the victims, who were in civilian clothes, were aboard a van when fired upon at around 3:30 pm.
The incident happened in front of the house of their friend, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Manuel Morillo, a retired Sergeant, in Barangay District 3.
The four military personnel were identified as Cpl. Filmore Salvador, T/Sgt. Jomides Reynoso, Sgt. Marbel Telan, and PFC Jennifer Romero, all members of the 5ID.
“It is strongly believed that the motive of the shooting was purely political and that the identity of the soldiers who were in the van was most probably mistaken to be that of the SB member,” Guillermo said.
Morillo was inside his residence at the time of the shooting and was spared from the attack.
Guillermo said the two suspects were dropped off from an owner-type jeep before firing their guns.
The four soldiers survived the attack as Salvador quickly drove off the van away.
“The vehicle, however, incurred damages mostly from the rear, including one that pierced through the rear window into the rear view mirror, and through the windshield,” said Guillermo.
Guillermo said two eyewitnesses are being questioned at the Gamu Municipal Police Station for the identification of the gunmen.
“It is said to note that the incident further blemished the image of the municipality of Gamu in the province of Isabela as this contributed to the increasing number of violent incidents in relation to politics in the said town,” Guillermo said.
Isabela is among the five provinces placed under Comelec control during the May 14 polls./DMS
June 6, 2007
Two armed men shot four unarmed personnel of the Philippine Army last Tuesday while visiting a friend in Gamu, Isabela, a military spokesman said yesterday.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the victims, who were in civilian clothes, were aboard a van when fired upon at around 3:30 pm.
The incident happened in front of the house of their friend, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Manuel Morillo, a retired Sergeant, in Barangay District 3.
The four military personnel were identified as Cpl. Filmore Salvador, T/Sgt. Jomides Reynoso, Sgt. Marbel Telan, and PFC Jennifer Romero, all members of the 5ID.
“It is strongly believed that the motive of the shooting was purely political and that the identity of the soldiers who were in the van was most probably mistaken to be that of the SB member,” Guillermo said.
Morillo was inside his residence at the time of the shooting and was spared from the attack.
Guillermo said the two suspects were dropped off from an owner-type jeep before firing their guns.
The four soldiers survived the attack as Salvador quickly drove off the van away.
“The vehicle, however, incurred damages mostly from the rear, including one that pierced through the rear window into the rear view mirror, and through the windshield,” said Guillermo.
Guillermo said two eyewitnesses are being questioned at the Gamu Municipal Police Station for the identification of the gunmen.
“It is said to note that the incident further blemished the image of the municipality of Gamu in the province of Isabela as this contributed to the increasing number of violent incidents in relation to politics in the said town,” Guillermo said.
Isabela is among the five provinces placed under Comelec control during the May 14 polls./DMS
German executive survives attack in Manila City
By Ronron
June 6, 2007
A German executive was hurt after he was shot by an unidentified gunman on Wednesday morning in Manila City, police said.
Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., commander of Manila City Police Station 5, identified the victim as Michael Johannes Hienen, 62, Chairman of the Board of Profound Master, Inc., a company that sends Filipino seamen abroad.
Rosales said Hienen sustained two gunshot wounds – one on his side and another on his left arm – after shot five times at around 8:30 am at the corner of Escoda and San Marcelino Streets in Ermita, Manila City.
The German was alighting from his Hyundai Tucson van (plate number ZAW-340) after parking it when the gunman, wearing only a ball cap, approached him, Rosales said.
Hienen was about to report to work at that time.
The suspect escaped aboard a motorcyle driven by a suspected lookout.
Rosales said Hienen was brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for medical treatment.
Police could not immediately say what type of firearm was used to shoot Hienen because the suspect hid it inside a bag. Recovered slugs from the crime scene are also still undergoing laboratory examination.
Asked about the motive, Rosales said: “Definitely, this is not robbery because the suspects immediately left without taking anything (from the victim). They (perpetrators) could be disgruntled applicants.”
“That is one angle because of the nature of his work,” he added.
On May 31, a German national was briefly held by unidentified criminals in Pikit, North Cotabato, together with his Filipina wife and two other Filipinos, while on a business trip. They were released within the day with the help of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which holds a camp in the area./DMS
June 6, 2007
A German executive was hurt after he was shot by an unidentified gunman on Wednesday morning in Manila City, police said.
Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., commander of Manila City Police Station 5, identified the victim as Michael Johannes Hienen, 62, Chairman of the Board of Profound Master, Inc., a company that sends Filipino seamen abroad.
Rosales said Hienen sustained two gunshot wounds – one on his side and another on his left arm – after shot five times at around 8:30 am at the corner of Escoda and San Marcelino Streets in Ermita, Manila City.
The German was alighting from his Hyundai Tucson van (plate number ZAW-340) after parking it when the gunman, wearing only a ball cap, approached him, Rosales said.
Hienen was about to report to work at that time.
The suspect escaped aboard a motorcyle driven by a suspected lookout.
Rosales said Hienen was brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for medical treatment.
Police could not immediately say what type of firearm was used to shoot Hienen because the suspect hid it inside a bag. Recovered slugs from the crime scene are also still undergoing laboratory examination.
Asked about the motive, Rosales said: “Definitely, this is not robbery because the suspects immediately left without taking anything (from the victim). They (perpetrators) could be disgruntled applicants.”
“That is one angle because of the nature of his work,” he added.
On May 31, a German national was briefly held by unidentified criminals in Pikit, North Cotabato, together with his Filipina wife and two other Filipinos, while on a business trip. They were released within the day with the help of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which holds a camp in the area./DMS
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Extreme-Severe terror level still up in Central and Western Mindanao
By Ronron
June 5, 2007
The government is maintaining a high alert level against terrorism in Central and Western Mindanao this month following the series of bombings that disrupted the recently concluded May 14 polls, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
But Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro could not say if the prevailing EXTREME SEVERE level in Region 12 and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has anything to do with the travel advisory issued over the weekend by the US Embassy in Manila for its citizens in the country.
Bacarro said the alert level was handed down by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) after assessing the situation in said regions.
“On the part of the AFP, based on previous incidents wherein there were successive bombings that took place in Tacurong City (in Sultan Kudarat province), Cotabato City, and Shariff Kabunsuan during and after the elections, that’s the basis why we considered the need to raise the alert level in the area,” explained Bacarro.
An Extreme-Severe terror alert means that a terrorist attack is highly likely.
In its June 1, 2007 advisory, the US Embassy said American citizens “should exercise extreme caution in Central Mindanao” because “terrorists may be planning to carry out bombings at bus terminals and public market places in Kidapawan (City) and Makilala (town) in North Cotabato over the next several days.”
“US citizens living and working in central Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile, and should avoid public gathering places,” it said.
Bacarro said he is not “in a position to answer” if the basis of the US Embassy in its advisory is the information that the military possesses about possible terrorist attacks.
“We cannot prevent a country from making such an advisory because it is the responsibility of this country to protect the interest of their citizens,” Bacarro said.
Meanwhile, Bacarro pointed out that the alert level does not require, however, additional deployment of troops, rather just reinforcement of the existing security measures in the area like patrolling and conduct of checkpoints.
The government has laid down four terror alert levels, beginning with Low, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack; followed by Moderate, which means that a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen; and then High, which means a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a certain period of time.
The highest level, Extreme, is classified further into two: Extreme Severe, and Extreme Critical, which means that a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected./DMS
June 5, 2007
The government is maintaining a high alert level against terrorism in Central and Western Mindanao this month following the series of bombings that disrupted the recently concluded May 14 polls, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
But Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro could not say if the prevailing EXTREME SEVERE level in Region 12 and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has anything to do with the travel advisory issued over the weekend by the US Embassy in Manila for its citizens in the country.
Bacarro said the alert level was handed down by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) after assessing the situation in said regions.
“On the part of the AFP, based on previous incidents wherein there were successive bombings that took place in Tacurong City (in Sultan Kudarat province), Cotabato City, and Shariff Kabunsuan during and after the elections, that’s the basis why we considered the need to raise the alert level in the area,” explained Bacarro.
An Extreme-Severe terror alert means that a terrorist attack is highly likely.
In its June 1, 2007 advisory, the US Embassy said American citizens “should exercise extreme caution in Central Mindanao” because “terrorists may be planning to carry out bombings at bus terminals and public market places in Kidapawan (City) and Makilala (town) in North Cotabato over the next several days.”
“US citizens living and working in central Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile, and should avoid public gathering places,” it said.
Bacarro said he is not “in a position to answer” if the basis of the US Embassy in its advisory is the information that the military possesses about possible terrorist attacks.
“We cannot prevent a country from making such an advisory because it is the responsibility of this country to protect the interest of their citizens,” Bacarro said.
Meanwhile, Bacarro pointed out that the alert level does not require, however, additional deployment of troops, rather just reinforcement of the existing security measures in the area like patrolling and conduct of checkpoints.
The government has laid down four terror alert levels, beginning with Low, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack; followed by Moderate, which means that a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen; and then High, which means a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a certain period of time.
The highest level, Extreme, is classified further into two: Extreme Severe, and Extreme Critical, which means that a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected./DMS
Suspected minor rebel nabbed in clash with AFP in Quezon
By Ronron
June 5, 2007
A suspected minor rebel was captured by government troops in a clash last Sunday in Quezon province, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
According to Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Bryan Tumaclay, alias Balong, 16, was nabbed following a 30-minute clash between some 30 fully armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Philippine Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Torres, spokesman of the Philippine Army, said the encounter happened at around 10:30 am last Sunday at Barangay Milawid, Panukulan town.
Torres said elements of the Alpha Company of the 16th IB were on combat operations when they discovered a suspected NPA camp occupied by the 30 rebels.
He said Tumaclay was left behind by his comrades who have scampered to different directions following the firefight.
No casualty was reported on both sides.
The spokesman said Tumaclay will undergo debriefing before the military will turn him over to the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Torres said government troops recovered from the site pieces of subversive document and personal belongings.
He said two K9 teams proceeded to secure the place later in the day as other troops conducted pursuit operations against the fleeing insurgents.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has condemned the NPA’s alleged continuous recruitment of minors in their ranks, saying it is against international laws on human rights.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years and is now being targeted to be crushed by the Arroyo government by 2010.
Peace talks with the communist movement bogged down in August 2004 following its inclusion in the terrorist list of foreign governments./DMS
June 5, 2007
A suspected minor rebel was captured by government troops in a clash last Sunday in Quezon province, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
According to Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Bryan Tumaclay, alias Balong, 16, was nabbed following a 30-minute clash between some 30 fully armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Philippine Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Torres, spokesman of the Philippine Army, said the encounter happened at around 10:30 am last Sunday at Barangay Milawid, Panukulan town.
Torres said elements of the Alpha Company of the 16th IB were on combat operations when they discovered a suspected NPA camp occupied by the 30 rebels.
He said Tumaclay was left behind by his comrades who have scampered to different directions following the firefight.
No casualty was reported on both sides.
The spokesman said Tumaclay will undergo debriefing before the military will turn him over to the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Torres said government troops recovered from the site pieces of subversive document and personal belongings.
He said two K9 teams proceeded to secure the place later in the day as other troops conducted pursuit operations against the fleeing insurgents.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has condemned the NPA’s alleged continuous recruitment of minors in their ranks, saying it is against international laws on human rights.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years and is now being targeted to be crushed by the Arroyo government by 2010.
Peace talks with the communist movement bogged down in August 2004 following its inclusion in the terrorist list of foreign governments./DMS
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Trillanes sure of victory already, says Zubiri and Recto will only make it to Magic 12 if votes are rigged
By Ronron
June 4, 2007
“So, I told you!”
Thus said Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes IV before members of the Defense Press Corps who interviewed him at his detention cell Monday afternoon, a few days before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to proclaim winners of the May 14 senatorial race.
Trillanes was referring to his 11th standing in the ongoing canvassing of votes at the Comelec now sitting as National Board of Canvassers at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) as he had previously projected in an interview before the national voting.
“This is what I have been saying… Based on our own tabulation, because we have our own copies of the Election Returns and the Certificates of Canvass, it is safe to say that we will remain at number 11,” Trillanes said from the Philippine Marine Brig in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City where he is detained over charges of coup d’ etat for leading the foiled Oakwood Mutiny in 2003.
Trillanes, who was deemed resigned as a Navy Lt. Senior Grade upon his filing of his candidacy, said that had he not been cheated by approximately a million votes, he would even have landed at the eighth or ninth spot.
“Based on our own final tally, my lead over the 13th placer, (Juan Miguel) Zubiri (of Team Unity), will be about 400,000, while that over the 12th placer, (Aquilino “Koko”) Pimentel, is about 250,000,” the 35-year-old candidate said.
This count, he said, includes the CoC’s from Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Sultan Kudarat and Surigao del Norte, which the Comelec have yet to tabulate as of Sunday.
Trillanes said that even if the votes from Maguindanao will not be counted, which is what he prefers since it was reportedly marred with massive cheating, he will remain victorious.
He said that should Zubiri or re-electionist Team Unity candidate Ralph Recto land in the Magic 12, “definitely” the result was manipulated because “it’s impossible.”
“The administration knows that because they have their own copies of the ER’s and the CoC’s. It’s as if they don’t know that. Maybe, (the reason why they are not yet conceding is), they are looking for some room to maneuver,” Trillanes said.
He warned that should he be dislodged from the Magic 12, “the people will know what to do,” referring to a possible “civil unrest,” similar to what happened during the People Power 1 Revolution, which, he said, was sparked by massive cheating during the 1985 snap elections.
Asked to interpret the surprising support he got from the people, which was not manifested in pre-election surveys, Trillanes said: “I believe it’s because the people want change. Maybe, they saw in me that I can offer change.”
He particularly thanked the members of the rank and file of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who, according to his sources on the ground, voted for him despite what he claims as an order from the military leadership to do otherwise.
“Be assured that one of my priorities will remain the welfare of the AFP,” Trillanes said.
Asked to deliver a message to AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Trillanes said: “I don’t have any message for him. They got the message (from the rank and file of the AFP) loud and clear.”
He reiterated that his first agendum in the 14th Congress should he be finally proclaimed as Senator is to move for the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by convincing Congressmen and civil sectors.
“I can’t expect my legislative agenda to be approved by this executive branch. So we really have to get her out of the way. She’s blocking the path to progress,” Trillanes said.
He cited for example his anti-corruption agenda, which, he said, runs counter to the current “corrupt government.”
Trillanes said that should he win, he does not have to be at the Senate halls everyday. He said he will seek for Court approvals to leave detention only during important sessions at the Senate.
“I don’t have to physically get out of this place to serve. I can still be an effective Senator even if I am detained. I prefer to be here, detained with my companions,” he said.
Asked if he will accept the so-called “pork barrel,” Trillanes replied in the negative, saying it will only perpetuate corruption.
Trillanes is resigned to the fact that he may not be able to attend the proclamation of the Senatorial race winners expected later this week because of the time it will take to get a court clearance.
He also dismissed suggestions to file an advance motion in anticipation of a partial proclamation at the Comelec, saying it would be “presumptuous” on his part.
Trillanes said he has spent over P5 million for his campaign expenses, excluding the advertisements sponsored by Senator Jamby Madrigal and other supporters.
Trillanes is facing coup d’ etat charges before the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148, together with 28 officers and two former enlisted personnel, for attempting to stage a mutiny at the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003.
He is also charged for violating Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) before the General Court Martial over the same incident./DMS
June 4, 2007
“So, I told you!”
Thus said Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes IV before members of the Defense Press Corps who interviewed him at his detention cell Monday afternoon, a few days before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to proclaim winners of the May 14 senatorial race.
Trillanes was referring to his 11th standing in the ongoing canvassing of votes at the Comelec now sitting as National Board of Canvassers at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) as he had previously projected in an interview before the national voting.
“This is what I have been saying… Based on our own tabulation, because we have our own copies of the Election Returns and the Certificates of Canvass, it is safe to say that we will remain at number 11,” Trillanes said from the Philippine Marine Brig in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City where he is detained over charges of coup d’ etat for leading the foiled Oakwood Mutiny in 2003.
Trillanes, who was deemed resigned as a Navy Lt. Senior Grade upon his filing of his candidacy, said that had he not been cheated by approximately a million votes, he would even have landed at the eighth or ninth spot.
“Based on our own final tally, my lead over the 13th placer, (Juan Miguel) Zubiri (of Team Unity), will be about 400,000, while that over the 12th placer, (Aquilino “Koko”) Pimentel, is about 250,000,” the 35-year-old candidate said.
This count, he said, includes the CoC’s from Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Sultan Kudarat and Surigao del Norte, which the Comelec have yet to tabulate as of Sunday.
Trillanes said that even if the votes from Maguindanao will not be counted, which is what he prefers since it was reportedly marred with massive cheating, he will remain victorious.
He said that should Zubiri or re-electionist Team Unity candidate Ralph Recto land in the Magic 12, “definitely” the result was manipulated because “it’s impossible.”
“The administration knows that because they have their own copies of the ER’s and the CoC’s. It’s as if they don’t know that. Maybe, (the reason why they are not yet conceding is), they are looking for some room to maneuver,” Trillanes said.
He warned that should he be dislodged from the Magic 12, “the people will know what to do,” referring to a possible “civil unrest,” similar to what happened during the People Power 1 Revolution, which, he said, was sparked by massive cheating during the 1985 snap elections.
Asked to interpret the surprising support he got from the people, which was not manifested in pre-election surveys, Trillanes said: “I believe it’s because the people want change. Maybe, they saw in me that I can offer change.”
He particularly thanked the members of the rank and file of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who, according to his sources on the ground, voted for him despite what he claims as an order from the military leadership to do otherwise.
“Be assured that one of my priorities will remain the welfare of the AFP,” Trillanes said.
Asked to deliver a message to AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Trillanes said: “I don’t have any message for him. They got the message (from the rank and file of the AFP) loud and clear.”
He reiterated that his first agendum in the 14th Congress should he be finally proclaimed as Senator is to move for the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by convincing Congressmen and civil sectors.
“I can’t expect my legislative agenda to be approved by this executive branch. So we really have to get her out of the way. She’s blocking the path to progress,” Trillanes said.
He cited for example his anti-corruption agenda, which, he said, runs counter to the current “corrupt government.”
Trillanes said that should he win, he does not have to be at the Senate halls everyday. He said he will seek for Court approvals to leave detention only during important sessions at the Senate.
“I don’t have to physically get out of this place to serve. I can still be an effective Senator even if I am detained. I prefer to be here, detained with my companions,” he said.
Asked if he will accept the so-called “pork barrel,” Trillanes replied in the negative, saying it will only perpetuate corruption.
Trillanes is resigned to the fact that he may not be able to attend the proclamation of the Senatorial race winners expected later this week because of the time it will take to get a court clearance.
He also dismissed suggestions to file an advance motion in anticipation of a partial proclamation at the Comelec, saying it would be “presumptuous” on his part.
Trillanes said he has spent over P5 million for his campaign expenses, excluding the advertisements sponsored by Senator Jamby Madrigal and other supporters.
Trillanes is facing coup d’ etat charges before the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148, together with 28 officers and two former enlisted personnel, for attempting to stage a mutiny at the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003.
He is also charged for violating Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) before the General Court Martial over the same incident./DMS
Makati Court allows Beltran to leave detention and join Congressional sessions
By Ronron
June 4, 2007
Anakpawis party-list group Representative Crispin Beltran was released on Monday afternoon from the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) where he is on hospital arrest following a court order allowing him to attend the last few sessions at the Lower House of Congress.
“I’m like a bird who got out of the cage. I have a better view and I could feel the fresh air. And I could talk freely with people I previously talk to. So I am very happy,” the 74-year-old solon said in live radio interview before the Congressional hearing began yesterday afternoon.
“I feel like I now have the freedom I used to have when I was not in jail,” he added.
In a three-page order, Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150 Presiding Judge Elmo Alameda granted the temporary release from detention of Beltran, citing his compliance to terms and conditions of similar court orders in previous instances.
Prior to yesterday, Beltran was temporarily released five times since November 2006 for various reasons.
“In all those instances, Congressman Beltran faithfully complied with all the terms and conditions specified in the aforesaid orders, a clear indication of his commitment to submit himself to legal processes. Accordingly, the request (to leave) is granted,” Alameda said in the order dated June 1, 2007.
Alameda said Beltran can leave his detention at 3pm of June 4, 5, and 6, 2007 so he could attend the Sine Die Adjournment of the 13th Congress, and return to the PHC at 7pm of said dates.
On June 7th, he is allowed to leave at 1pm up to 8pm so he could be present during the Launching of the Centennial Celebration and Closing Ceremony of the 13th Congress at the House of Representatives Complex in Quezon City.
“The PNP Custodial Center is requested to provide sufficient number of escorts to accompany Representative Beltran at the place aforementioned and to be brought back thereafter,” reads the order.
Calling his freedom “temporary only,” Beltran said he hopes to be released from detention for good once the government resolves its issue with the Supreme Court, ordering the lower courts to dismiss charges against him and five other party-list representatives.
The Office of the Solicitor-General, which serves as counsel for the government, plans to appeal the SC ruling last Friday.
The High Tribunal had said that the charges against the so-called Batasan Six are apparently politically motivated./DMS
June 4, 2007
Anakpawis party-list group Representative Crispin Beltran was released on Monday afternoon from the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) where he is on hospital arrest following a court order allowing him to attend the last few sessions at the Lower House of Congress.
“I’m like a bird who got out of the cage. I have a better view and I could feel the fresh air. And I could talk freely with people I previously talk to. So I am very happy,” the 74-year-old solon said in live radio interview before the Congressional hearing began yesterday afternoon.
“I feel like I now have the freedom I used to have when I was not in jail,” he added.
In a three-page order, Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150 Presiding Judge Elmo Alameda granted the temporary release from detention of Beltran, citing his compliance to terms and conditions of similar court orders in previous instances.
Prior to yesterday, Beltran was temporarily released five times since November 2006 for various reasons.
“In all those instances, Congressman Beltran faithfully complied with all the terms and conditions specified in the aforesaid orders, a clear indication of his commitment to submit himself to legal processes. Accordingly, the request (to leave) is granted,” Alameda said in the order dated June 1, 2007.
Alameda said Beltran can leave his detention at 3pm of June 4, 5, and 6, 2007 so he could attend the Sine Die Adjournment of the 13th Congress, and return to the PHC at 7pm of said dates.
On June 7th, he is allowed to leave at 1pm up to 8pm so he could be present during the Launching of the Centennial Celebration and Closing Ceremony of the 13th Congress at the House of Representatives Complex in Quezon City.
“The PNP Custodial Center is requested to provide sufficient number of escorts to accompany Representative Beltran at the place aforementioned and to be brought back thereafter,” reads the order.
Calling his freedom “temporary only,” Beltran said he hopes to be released from detention for good once the government resolves its issue with the Supreme Court, ordering the lower courts to dismiss charges against him and five other party-list representatives.
The Office of the Solicitor-General, which serves as counsel for the government, plans to appeal the SC ruling last Friday.
The High Tribunal had said that the charges against the so-called Batasan Six are apparently politically motivated./DMS
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Six militant solons mull counter-charges against government prosecutors, policemen
By Ronron
June 2, 2007
Following their vindication from no less than the Supreme Court, six militant congressmen charged earlier by the government with rebellion plan to file counter-charges against prosecutors and policemen who arrested one of them.
Atty. Romeo Capulong, lawyer of party-list Congressmen Crispin Beltran, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Joel Virador, Teodoro Casiño and Rafael Mariano, said Saturday that once Beltran is released from police custody, they will file administrative and criminal charges against government prosecutors who pushed the rebellion charge, and against policemen who arrested and detained Beltran.
“We have a lot of counter-charges in mind. And we will file them against many PNP (Philippine National Police) officers who were involved in the unlawful arrest of Rep. Beltran, and public prosecutors who, according to the Supreme Court, allowed themselves to be used for political objectives,” Capulong told Manila Shimbun in Filipino in a phone interview yesterday.
Asked if they will include Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Capulong said: “It’s likely that the Justice Secretary will be included.”
Among the charges they will file are violation of a Revised Penal Code (RPC) provision that prohibits “incriminatory machination,” and the violation of the law regarding a lawmaker’s immunity from arrest.
Capulong said the charges will be brought before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Separate civil cases for damages, especially for Beltran, will also be forwarded before the courts.
But Capulong stressed that all these plans will be worked out only after Beltran is released from detention.
He said they plan to ask the Supreme Court, probably on Monday, to immediately order the release of Beltran. This after learning yesterday about the government’s plan to file a motion for reconsideration on the SC ruling.
On Friday, the High Tribunal ordered a lower court to dismiss the rebellion charge against the six solons due to insufficient evidence.
The suit stemmed from the solon’s activities in February 2006 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national state of emergency due to alleged plans to overthrow the government.
“We will give priority to working out for the release of Cong. Beltran because the government just announced this afternoon that it will file a Motion for Reconsideration to the Supremce Court. So their plan is to delay the implementation of the SC ruling,” Capulong said./DMS
June 2, 2007
Following their vindication from no less than the Supreme Court, six militant congressmen charged earlier by the government with rebellion plan to file counter-charges against prosecutors and policemen who arrested one of them.
Atty. Romeo Capulong, lawyer of party-list Congressmen Crispin Beltran, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Joel Virador, Teodoro Casiño and Rafael Mariano, said Saturday that once Beltran is released from police custody, they will file administrative and criminal charges against government prosecutors who pushed the rebellion charge, and against policemen who arrested and detained Beltran.
“We have a lot of counter-charges in mind. And we will file them against many PNP (Philippine National Police) officers who were involved in the unlawful arrest of Rep. Beltran, and public prosecutors who, according to the Supreme Court, allowed themselves to be used for political objectives,” Capulong told Manila Shimbun in Filipino in a phone interview yesterday.
Asked if they will include Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Capulong said: “It’s likely that the Justice Secretary will be included.”
Among the charges they will file are violation of a Revised Penal Code (RPC) provision that prohibits “incriminatory machination,” and the violation of the law regarding a lawmaker’s immunity from arrest.
Capulong said the charges will be brought before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Separate civil cases for damages, especially for Beltran, will also be forwarded before the courts.
But Capulong stressed that all these plans will be worked out only after Beltran is released from detention.
He said they plan to ask the Supreme Court, probably on Monday, to immediately order the release of Beltran. This after learning yesterday about the government’s plan to file a motion for reconsideration on the SC ruling.
On Friday, the High Tribunal ordered a lower court to dismiss the rebellion charge against the six solons due to insufficient evidence.
The suit stemmed from the solon’s activities in February 2006 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national state of emergency due to alleged plans to overthrow the government.
“We will give priority to working out for the release of Cong. Beltran because the government just announced this afternoon that it will file a Motion for Reconsideration to the Supremce Court. So their plan is to delay the implementation of the SC ruling,” Capulong said./DMS
Man kills 10 people, hurts 16 other persons in Samar
By Ronron
June 2, 2007
A man who is said to be mentally disturbed went amok before dawn of Saturday, killing 10 persons including children and wounding 16 others, all his neighbors, some even his relatives, in Calbayog City, Samar, the city police chief said.
Danny Guades, 39, a jobless resident of Barangay Gadgaran in said city, was seen by his neighbors to have gotten drunk late Friday night before he went on a hacking spree around 2am in the same village.
“This suspect is a known trouble-maker in that village. He was even brought here in the police station once for creating trouble there,” Chief Insp. Anecito Tecbobolan, chief of the Calbayog City Police Station, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday.
In a separate interview later in the day, SPO3 Jessie Gianan of the same police station told Manila Shimbun that Guades admitted committing the crime out of his desire to make his amulet work even stronger.
“He (Guades) told me he has to kill people so his amulet will become more effective. His amulet is like a prayer, which he said is in Latin, written on a piece of paper,” Gianan said in Filipino.
Tecbobolan said Guades first attacked four houses next to his house using a bladed weapon (22 inches in length) before heading to a wake about 400 meters away where he continued harassing other people.
The police chief said eight persons died on the spot, while 18 others were wounded and brought to St. Camilo’s Hospital and Sanitarium Hospital in the same city for medical treatment.
However, tow of the wounded victims expired while going under the knife at St. Camilo’s Hospital.
Of the 10 slain victims, at least six are minors, with age ranging from 12 to one year old.
Five of the 16 wounded victims are minors as well, from 12 years old to three years old.
Police said that out of the 26 victims, 17 were attacked by Guades while they were inside their houses. Two others were hurt as Guades was heading towards the wake, and the remaining seven were guests at the wake.
Tecbobolan said all victims sustained hack wounds all over their bodies.
Guades surrendered at around 5am to a prominent resident in the barangay, identified as Fortunato Porbana, claiming he fears being chased by police and being killed in the process, said Tecbobolan.
Porbana then turned over Guades to policemen who went to his residence.
The bladed weapon was recovered from Guades’ possession, said Tecbobolan.
Tecbobolan said Guades initially denied the killings, and admitted responsibility only to the killing of his brother some time ago in Manila.
“We could not talk to him properly because he appears to be not in his right senses. He gives us many different answers every time we attempt to ask him,” Tecbobolan said of Guades who is now under the custody of the city police.
Tecbobolan said charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder will be filed against Guades.
“This is the first time that we had this kind of incident in the history of this city. There was a case before of a man going amok but it happened during the day and only one was killed. Nothing like this serious happened until today,” Tecbobolan said./DMS
June 2, 2007
A man who is said to be mentally disturbed went amok before dawn of Saturday, killing 10 persons including children and wounding 16 others, all his neighbors, some even his relatives, in Calbayog City, Samar, the city police chief said.
Danny Guades, 39, a jobless resident of Barangay Gadgaran in said city, was seen by his neighbors to have gotten drunk late Friday night before he went on a hacking spree around 2am in the same village.
“This suspect is a known trouble-maker in that village. He was even brought here in the police station once for creating trouble there,” Chief Insp. Anecito Tecbobolan, chief of the Calbayog City Police Station, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday.
In a separate interview later in the day, SPO3 Jessie Gianan of the same police station told Manila Shimbun that Guades admitted committing the crime out of his desire to make his amulet work even stronger.
“He (Guades) told me he has to kill people so his amulet will become more effective. His amulet is like a prayer, which he said is in Latin, written on a piece of paper,” Gianan said in Filipino.
Tecbobolan said Guades first attacked four houses next to his house using a bladed weapon (22 inches in length) before heading to a wake about 400 meters away where he continued harassing other people.
The police chief said eight persons died on the spot, while 18 others were wounded and brought to St. Camilo’s Hospital and Sanitarium Hospital in the same city for medical treatment.
However, tow of the wounded victims expired while going under the knife at St. Camilo’s Hospital.
Of the 10 slain victims, at least six are minors, with age ranging from 12 to one year old.
Five of the 16 wounded victims are minors as well, from 12 years old to three years old.
Police said that out of the 26 victims, 17 were attacked by Guades while they were inside their houses. Two others were hurt as Guades was heading towards the wake, and the remaining seven were guests at the wake.
Tecbobolan said all victims sustained hack wounds all over their bodies.
Guades surrendered at around 5am to a prominent resident in the barangay, identified as Fortunato Porbana, claiming he fears being chased by police and being killed in the process, said Tecbobolan.
Porbana then turned over Guades to policemen who went to his residence.
The bladed weapon was recovered from Guades’ possession, said Tecbobolan.
Tecbobolan said Guades initially denied the killings, and admitted responsibility only to the killing of his brother some time ago in Manila.
“We could not talk to him properly because he appears to be not in his right senses. He gives us many different answers every time we attempt to ask him,” Tecbobolan said of Guades who is now under the custody of the city police.
Tecbobolan said charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder will be filed against Guades.
“This is the first time that we had this kind of incident in the history of this city. There was a case before of a man going amok but it happened during the day and only one was killed. Nothing like this serious happened until today,” Tecbobolan said./DMS
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