By Ronron
July 6, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. briefed on Friday visiting Italian lawmaker Margherita Boniver about the ongoing efforts of security forces in Mindanao to search and rescue abducted Italian Catholic priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday that Esperon personally conveyed to Boniver the size of troops scouring the mountains of Mindanao and that both have agreed about not entertaining any demands of ransom.
Bacarro said Esperon also told Boniver about the non-participation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the ongoing operations to avoid possible misencounters on the field.
“The Italian envoy was very happy about it, and she appreciated the efforts of our troops there on the field,” Bacarro said.
Bacarrro said Esperon disclosed to Boniver that there are currently three Army battalions, a Light Reaction Company, and Naval and Air assets in the area, conducting search and rescue operations for Bossi.
And they are complemented by some 200 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said Bacarro.
“We believe that the number is sufficient enough,” he said.
“And during the discussions, it was emphasized that it is a common policy (for both Philippine and Italian governments) not to yield to ransom demands (by the abductors),” said Bacarro.
As to the MILF’s non-participation, Bacarro said Esperon explained to Boniver that since any rescue operation for Bossi is a delicate one, the participation of the secessionist group could result to “bungled operations.”
“The Chief of Staff conveyed that right now, the MILF is no longer involved to resolve the issue, particularly the rescue of Fr. Bossi because we – AFP-PNP-MILF – are not interoperable,” said Bacarro.
The MILF pulled out its thousand soldiers last Saturday in Lanao del Sur upon the agreement of the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
The MILF troops were helping members of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in the ongoing operations in Lanao del Sur. A separate operation is being conducted in Zamboanga Sibugay by elements of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.
Bossi, 57, was supposed to officiate a mass in Barangay Bulawan, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay when 10 armed men snatched him last June 10.
Bacarro said Esperon and Boniver met at around lunchtime yesterday at an undisclosed place outside Camp Aguinaldo. Boniver arrived in the country Thursday./DMS
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Burgos mom says ISAFP abducted Jonas
By Ronron
July 6, 2007
The mother of abducted agriculturist Jonas Joseph Burgos accused on Friday the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) as being behind the kidnapping last April 28, 2007.
Mrs. Edith Burgos said she has received information from reliable sources that intelligence agents were behind the abduction and forced disappearance of her son over his alleged alliance with the communist movement.
“The information that the kidnapping was conducted by intelligence agents has been with us for a long time now. But we just could not confirm it right away,” Burgos said yesterday.
She said she decided to spill the beans yesterday following publication of similar reports, quoting an alleged intelligence agent who wants anonymity.
“I am happy (with the coming out of the intelligence agent) because I have always believed that among those in said institution, there is always somebody who is God-fearing,” Mrs. Burgos said in Filipino.
But the fact that the abduction was allegedly carried out by intelligence operatives of the government makes her “very, very sad.”
And she is even sadder because Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. outrightly denied the allegation without the benefit of an investigation, said Mrs. Burgos.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said not only Esperon is belying the report, but ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Delfin Bangit as well.
“I have spoken with Gen. Bangit last night and he said that he had already conducted an internal investigation on the matter to find out if any of the ISAFP unit is involved. Conclusively, there is no unit or individual that is involved,” Bacarro said.
Bacarro quoted Bangit to have told him: “My conscience is clear, my organization had nothing to do with the abduction of Jonas Burgos.”
It can be recalled that during the investigation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the matter last May, ISAFP legal counsel Maj. Serme Ayuyao reported that the ISAFP did not conduct any operations last April 28 along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Burgos was with a male and female companion inside a restaurant at Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Avenue when snatched. He was providing trainings then on agricultural technology among members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in Central Luzon.
Bacarro said Esperon has challenged the accusers to show up and substantiate their allegations.
“The chief of staff is saying that if they have sufficient evidence (against the ISAFP), then they should file appropriate cases in court. We are prepared to make available those that will be implicated,” Bacarro said.
But in the absence of “faces” of the accusers, Bacarro said the AFP will just look at it as another allegation of “interest groups that have negative intentions for the organization.”
Asked if the AFP indeed has profiled Burgos to be have links with the communist movement, Bacarrro said the matter is still being investigated.
But he “believes” that at the time Burgos was snatched, the military has no reason to do so.
Mrs. Burgos said that now that an intelligence agent admitted the ISAFP’s involvement in the incident, she would hope next that another person would show up to disclose the whereabouts of her son.
The ISAFP was last involved in a controversial abduction in May of last year, when they took five supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada in Quezon City on allegations they were plotting rebellion against the Arroyo administration.
The involvement of ISAFP was initially denied by the AFP but was later admitted, saying one of them, Ruben Dionisio, was a member of the New People’s Army Special Operations Group tasked to assassinate four cabinet officials./DMS
July 6, 2007
The mother of abducted agriculturist Jonas Joseph Burgos accused on Friday the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) as being behind the kidnapping last April 28, 2007.
Mrs. Edith Burgos said she has received information from reliable sources that intelligence agents were behind the abduction and forced disappearance of her son over his alleged alliance with the communist movement.
“The information that the kidnapping was conducted by intelligence agents has been with us for a long time now. But we just could not confirm it right away,” Burgos said yesterday.
She said she decided to spill the beans yesterday following publication of similar reports, quoting an alleged intelligence agent who wants anonymity.
“I am happy (with the coming out of the intelligence agent) because I have always believed that among those in said institution, there is always somebody who is God-fearing,” Mrs. Burgos said in Filipino.
But the fact that the abduction was allegedly carried out by intelligence operatives of the government makes her “very, very sad.”
And she is even sadder because Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. outrightly denied the allegation without the benefit of an investigation, said Mrs. Burgos.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said not only Esperon is belying the report, but ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Delfin Bangit as well.
“I have spoken with Gen. Bangit last night and he said that he had already conducted an internal investigation on the matter to find out if any of the ISAFP unit is involved. Conclusively, there is no unit or individual that is involved,” Bacarro said.
Bacarro quoted Bangit to have told him: “My conscience is clear, my organization had nothing to do with the abduction of Jonas Burgos.”
It can be recalled that during the investigation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the matter last May, ISAFP legal counsel Maj. Serme Ayuyao reported that the ISAFP did not conduct any operations last April 28 along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Burgos was with a male and female companion inside a restaurant at Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Avenue when snatched. He was providing trainings then on agricultural technology among members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in Central Luzon.
Bacarro said Esperon has challenged the accusers to show up and substantiate their allegations.
“The chief of staff is saying that if they have sufficient evidence (against the ISAFP), then they should file appropriate cases in court. We are prepared to make available those that will be implicated,” Bacarro said.
But in the absence of “faces” of the accusers, Bacarro said the AFP will just look at it as another allegation of “interest groups that have negative intentions for the organization.”
Asked if the AFP indeed has profiled Burgos to be have links with the communist movement, Bacarrro said the matter is still being investigated.
But he “believes” that at the time Burgos was snatched, the military has no reason to do so.
Mrs. Burgos said that now that an intelligence agent admitted the ISAFP’s involvement in the incident, she would hope next that another person would show up to disclose the whereabouts of her son.
The ISAFP was last involved in a controversial abduction in May of last year, when they took five supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada in Quezon City on allegations they were plotting rebellion against the Arroyo administration.
The involvement of ISAFP was initially denied by the AFP but was later admitted, saying one of them, Ruben Dionisio, was a member of the New People’s Army Special Operations Group tasked to assassinate four cabinet officials./DMS
Suspect in Bukidnon police station raid nabbed
By Ronron
July 6, 2007
A suspected communist rebel who is allegedly involved in the raid of a police station in Bukidnon province in Mindanao late last month was apprehended last Wednesday by joint police and military operatives.
Maj. Rommel Sagun, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division, identified the suspect as Virgilio Elorde, alias Marvin, secretary of Section Committee 1 under Front Committee 6 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
Sagun said Elorde was apprehended at 2:30 pm last July 4 at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Malaybalay City where he was confined due to gunshot wounds he sustained a few days earlier.
Aside from his alleged participation in the raid of the Dangcagan Municipal Police Station in Bukidnon last June 24 that left a policeman dead, Elorde also has a standing warrant for two counts of murder, Sagun said. The latter crime was committed a few years back.
“The 4ID chief, Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, congratulated 403rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Florante Martinez and 26th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. for the successful conduct of the operations leading to the arrest of Elorde,” said Sagun.
Sagun said Elorde is now under heavy guard by members of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Philippine Army.
Some 30 suspected members of the NPA raided the Dangcagan Municipal Police Station at noon of June 24, killing SPO1 Danilo Noblefranca and carting away five M16 rifles, a caliber 45, and a 9mm handgun./DMS
July 6, 2007
A suspected communist rebel who is allegedly involved in the raid of a police station in Bukidnon province in Mindanao late last month was apprehended last Wednesday by joint police and military operatives.
Maj. Rommel Sagun, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division, identified the suspect as Virgilio Elorde, alias Marvin, secretary of Section Committee 1 under Front Committee 6 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
Sagun said Elorde was apprehended at 2:30 pm last July 4 at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Malaybalay City where he was confined due to gunshot wounds he sustained a few days earlier.
Aside from his alleged participation in the raid of the Dangcagan Municipal Police Station in Bukidnon last June 24 that left a policeman dead, Elorde also has a standing warrant for two counts of murder, Sagun said. The latter crime was committed a few years back.
“The 4ID chief, Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, congratulated 403rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Florante Martinez and 26th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. for the successful conduct of the operations leading to the arrest of Elorde,” said Sagun.
Sagun said Elorde is now under heavy guard by members of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Philippine Army.
Some 30 suspected members of the NPA raided the Dangcagan Municipal Police Station at noon of June 24, killing SPO1 Danilo Noblefranca and carting away five M16 rifles, a caliber 45, and a 9mm handgun./DMS
Mayor in South Cotabato arrested over three-year-old murder case
By Ronron
July 6, 2007
An incumbent mayor in South Cotabato province in Mindanao was arrested on Friday morning by police operatives over a three-year-old murder case where he is implicated.
Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Robert Kuinisala identified the suspect in a phone interview as Tampakan Mayor Bienvenido Barroso, 33.
Kuinisala said Barroso was arrested at his residence in the town proper of Tampakan at around 8:45 am yesterday by virtue of a warrant issued by a court in Manila over his alleged involvement in a murder case in 2004.
“He did not resist arrest. He was civil enough and submitted his self to the arresting team from the Provincial Police Office,” Kuinisala said of Barroso, who won in the recently held national and local elections.
Kuinisala said his men served the arrest warrant against Barroso after receiving it last Thursday from Manila. The warrant was issued by Judge Jose Mendoza of the National Capital Judicial Region, Branch 55 in Manila City.
“The Mayor is implicated in the murder of Gregorio Banal last July 28, 2004 in Tampakan. Mr. Banal ran against but lost to the mayor’s father, Claudius, in the May 2004 elections,” Kuinisala said.
Kuinisala is not aware, however, as to specific details about the case, particularly the motive and the younger Barroso’s alleged role in the killing.
“The arrest warrant did not say if he (Barroso) is the mastermind,” said Kuinisala.
Kuinisala said Barroso will be flown to Manila later Friday and will be accepted by the Department of Justice, particularly Prosecutor Leo Dacera, who will present him to Judge Mendoza.
Asked if the Mayor was defiant during yesterday’s operations, Kuinisala said: “No. He said he is prepared to face the charges against him and will follow the due process.”
Barroso refused to talk to this reporter by phone when an attempt was made through Kuinisala./DMS
July 6, 2007
An incumbent mayor in South Cotabato province in Mindanao was arrested on Friday morning by police operatives over a three-year-old murder case where he is implicated.
Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Robert Kuinisala identified the suspect in a phone interview as Tampakan Mayor Bienvenido Barroso, 33.
Kuinisala said Barroso was arrested at his residence in the town proper of Tampakan at around 8:45 am yesterday by virtue of a warrant issued by a court in Manila over his alleged involvement in a murder case in 2004.
“He did not resist arrest. He was civil enough and submitted his self to the arresting team from the Provincial Police Office,” Kuinisala said of Barroso, who won in the recently held national and local elections.
Kuinisala said his men served the arrest warrant against Barroso after receiving it last Thursday from Manila. The warrant was issued by Judge Jose Mendoza of the National Capital Judicial Region, Branch 55 in Manila City.
“The Mayor is implicated in the murder of Gregorio Banal last July 28, 2004 in Tampakan. Mr. Banal ran against but lost to the mayor’s father, Claudius, in the May 2004 elections,” Kuinisala said.
Kuinisala is not aware, however, as to specific details about the case, particularly the motive and the younger Barroso’s alleged role in the killing.
“The arrest warrant did not say if he (Barroso) is the mastermind,” said Kuinisala.
Kuinisala said Barroso will be flown to Manila later Friday and will be accepted by the Department of Justice, particularly Prosecutor Leo Dacera, who will present him to Judge Mendoza.
Asked if the Mayor was defiant during yesterday’s operations, Kuinisala said: “No. He said he is prepared to face the charges against him and will follow the due process.”
Barroso refused to talk to this reporter by phone when an attempt was made through Kuinisala./DMS
Friday, July 6, 2007
RP, UN appeal for US$16.2 million help for 2006 typhoons
By Ronron
July 5, 2007
The Philippine government and the United Nations (UN) jointly appealed on Thursday to the local and international community for some US$16.2 million to fund needs for residual relief and early recovery activities for victims of four typhoons in the Philippines late last year.
In a statement, the Philippine government and the UN said the appealed amount will be used for the following: 1) providing food aid and temporary wage employment; 2) re-establishing essential services, such as health, education, nutrition, and water and sanitation; 3) ensuring temporary and permanent shelter for the affected population; 4) distributing seeds, tools, and other goods and services that help to revive the socio-economic activities of the affected populations; 5) urgent environmental restoration needed to allow return to livelihoods; 6) supporting national and local governments in implementing early recovery programs; and, 7) strengthening the self-help efforts and capacities of the affected population (displaced people in particular) to contribute actively to the resettlement process.
The consolidated appeal was made at a time when the country is expecting weather disturbances to start hitting starting this month until October, based on forecasts made by the government weather station. The Philippines is visited annually by more or less 20 storms or typhoons.
“It needs to be stated that these funds will not be used for any new emergency needs, but are intended to continue to provide for existing humanitarian and early recovery plans following the September/December 2006 series of typhoons,” the statement said.
Last year’s four typhoons from September 27 until December left 1,158 people dead, 3,235 injured and 891 missing, according to National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Executive Officer Glenn Rabonza.
Hardest hit by those typhoons were the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes provinces.
The 309,518 totally damaged and 301,729 partially damaged houses left 300,000 people displaced, he said. Schools and health facilities likewise suffered large-scale damages.
Total losses in those calamities were estimated to be worth P20 billion or US$434 million, said Rabonza.
Following the first Typhoon Appeal made by the government and the UN last December 15, 2006 when the Philippine’s was declared as under a State of Calamity, a total of US$24.4 million was committed to the Philippines. But only US$15 million of that pledge materialized.
So far, a total of over US$12 million or 80.52 percent of the received funds has been utilized by the UN and its partners on wide range of interventions in the areas of food and agriculture, livelihood, shelter and camp management, transport and logistics, health, protection and education, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and early recovery. The remaining US$2.9 million has already been committed to specific projects.
The statement said over 6.8 million individuals and 566 institutions (schools and health centers) have benefited from the projects and activities funded by said amount.
The statement said a Consolidated Appeal is made this time, or six months after the First Appeal, because “the First Appeal did not include many early recovery components as it was too early to assess recovery-related needs.”
“The funds for residual relief programs would help the UN and partner agencies to sustain their relief activities among the communities affected by typhoons and provide them the much needed continuity in addressing a wide spectrum of humanitarian needs, whereas the early recovery assistance would provide an opportunity to implement the resettlement program, introduce risk reduction measures in the process of recovery, and provide an effective decision support system to the Government of Philippines,” the statement said./DMS
July 5, 2007
The Philippine government and the United Nations (UN) jointly appealed on Thursday to the local and international community for some US$16.2 million to fund needs for residual relief and early recovery activities for victims of four typhoons in the Philippines late last year.
In a statement, the Philippine government and the UN said the appealed amount will be used for the following: 1) providing food aid and temporary wage employment; 2) re-establishing essential services, such as health, education, nutrition, and water and sanitation; 3) ensuring temporary and permanent shelter for the affected population; 4) distributing seeds, tools, and other goods and services that help to revive the socio-economic activities of the affected populations; 5) urgent environmental restoration needed to allow return to livelihoods; 6) supporting national and local governments in implementing early recovery programs; and, 7) strengthening the self-help efforts and capacities of the affected population (displaced people in particular) to contribute actively to the resettlement process.
The consolidated appeal was made at a time when the country is expecting weather disturbances to start hitting starting this month until October, based on forecasts made by the government weather station. The Philippines is visited annually by more or less 20 storms or typhoons.
“It needs to be stated that these funds will not be used for any new emergency needs, but are intended to continue to provide for existing humanitarian and early recovery plans following the September/December 2006 series of typhoons,” the statement said.
Last year’s four typhoons from September 27 until December left 1,158 people dead, 3,235 injured and 891 missing, according to National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Executive Officer Glenn Rabonza.
Hardest hit by those typhoons were the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes provinces.
The 309,518 totally damaged and 301,729 partially damaged houses left 300,000 people displaced, he said. Schools and health facilities likewise suffered large-scale damages.
Total losses in those calamities were estimated to be worth P20 billion or US$434 million, said Rabonza.
Following the first Typhoon Appeal made by the government and the UN last December 15, 2006 when the Philippine’s was declared as under a State of Calamity, a total of US$24.4 million was committed to the Philippines. But only US$15 million of that pledge materialized.
So far, a total of over US$12 million or 80.52 percent of the received funds has been utilized by the UN and its partners on wide range of interventions in the areas of food and agriculture, livelihood, shelter and camp management, transport and logistics, health, protection and education, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and early recovery. The remaining US$2.9 million has already been committed to specific projects.
The statement said over 6.8 million individuals and 566 institutions (schools and health centers) have benefited from the projects and activities funded by said amount.
The statement said a Consolidated Appeal is made this time, or six months after the First Appeal, because “the First Appeal did not include many early recovery components as it was too early to assess recovery-related needs.”
“The funds for residual relief programs would help the UN and partner agencies to sustain their relief activities among the communities affected by typhoons and provide them the much needed continuity in addressing a wide spectrum of humanitarian needs, whereas the early recovery assistance would provide an opportunity to implement the resettlement program, introduce risk reduction measures in the process of recovery, and provide an effective decision support system to the Government of Philippines,” the statement said./DMS
Security officials assure media not target of anti-terror law
By Ronron
July 5, 2007
Security officials assured on Thursday that the media is not a target of the Anti-Terrorism Law that will take effect in the middle of this month.
The clarification was made by Anti-Terrorism Task Force spokesman Ricardo Blancaflor and military chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. after Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was quoted to have hinted about media men being placed on surveillance under said law, officially known as the Human Security Act of 2007, if they have ties with suspected terrorists.
“The media is not the target (of the law). There will be no wanton disregard for rights… The law is intended for terrorists, ant not for specific groups, especially the media. Why would we wiretap you?” Esperon told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
Blancaflor, in a phone interview, said the media may only be wiretapped if a court sanctions it, believing there is strong evidence of an alliance with suspected terrorists, particularly an overt act of terrorism.
But if the relationship is only limited to the professional job of a journalist, then any surveillance is not authorized by the law, he said.
“This (surveillance) exceptions on journalists and sources is very accurate because that is precisely what we want to protect, the freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” Blancaflor told Defense reporters.
Blancaflor said the exception is contained in Section 7 of the law, which also includes doctors and their patients, and lawyers and their clients.
“Definitely, the Human Security Act is really a law on human rights,” he stressed.
Blancaflor assured that media personalities may not even be forced under the law to disclose the whereabouts of suspected terrorists they interview.
“That will be covered by other laws on disclosure. That is no longer within our territory,” he said.
Asked if he knows any media personality at the moment who may have links with terrorists, Blancaflor said there is none./DMS
July 5, 2007
Security officials assured on Thursday that the media is not a target of the Anti-Terrorism Law that will take effect in the middle of this month.
The clarification was made by Anti-Terrorism Task Force spokesman Ricardo Blancaflor and military chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. after Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was quoted to have hinted about media men being placed on surveillance under said law, officially known as the Human Security Act of 2007, if they have ties with suspected terrorists.
“The media is not the target (of the law). There will be no wanton disregard for rights… The law is intended for terrorists, ant not for specific groups, especially the media. Why would we wiretap you?” Esperon told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
Blancaflor, in a phone interview, said the media may only be wiretapped if a court sanctions it, believing there is strong evidence of an alliance with suspected terrorists, particularly an overt act of terrorism.
But if the relationship is only limited to the professional job of a journalist, then any surveillance is not authorized by the law, he said.
“This (surveillance) exceptions on journalists and sources is very accurate because that is precisely what we want to protect, the freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” Blancaflor told Defense reporters.
Blancaflor said the exception is contained in Section 7 of the law, which also includes doctors and their patients, and lawyers and their clients.
“Definitely, the Human Security Act is really a law on human rights,” he stressed.
Blancaflor assured that media personalities may not even be forced under the law to disclose the whereabouts of suspected terrorists they interview.
“That will be covered by other laws on disclosure. That is no longer within our territory,” he said.
Asked if he knows any media personality at the moment who may have links with terrorists, Blancaflor said there is none./DMS
Two ASG killed in Basilan
By Ronron
July 5, 2007
Two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in an encounter Thursday morning against government troops in Basilan province, a military official said.
According to Col. Ramiro Alivio, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, the clash happened at around 8:30 am yesterday (Thursday) in Barangay Bohebessey, Akbar, Basilan.
Alivio said two teams from the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team, led by 1Lt. John dela Cruz and Staff Sergeant Danilo Cabacungan, were conducting combat patrol when they were engaged by around 30 Abu Sayyaf rebels.
The exchange of fires lasted for 20 minutes, resulting in the death of ASG members Kumander Panjang and Ladjii Mohammad, said Alivio.
No one was hurt or killed on the government side.
Alivio said that during clearing operations at the site, the government troops recovered three high-powered firearms – an M14, an M16 and an M177 – left behind by the fleeing rebels, as well as hundreds of ammunitions of assorted types.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been running after the ASG, most of them believed to be in Sulu, in the hope of neutralizing them totally following the death of their top leader, Khadaffy Janjalani, in September of last year, and the second top leader, Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Solaiman.
Recently, the AFP said the ASG has elected its new leader in the person of Yasser Igasan, who used to be the money-man of the group.
The ASG is believed to have ties with Osama Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network./DMS
July 5, 2007
Two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in an encounter Thursday morning against government troops in Basilan province, a military official said.
According to Col. Ramiro Alivio, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, the clash happened at around 8:30 am yesterday (Thursday) in Barangay Bohebessey, Akbar, Basilan.
Alivio said two teams from the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team, led by 1Lt. John dela Cruz and Staff Sergeant Danilo Cabacungan, were conducting combat patrol when they were engaged by around 30 Abu Sayyaf rebels.
The exchange of fires lasted for 20 minutes, resulting in the death of ASG members Kumander Panjang and Ladjii Mohammad, said Alivio.
No one was hurt or killed on the government side.
Alivio said that during clearing operations at the site, the government troops recovered three high-powered firearms – an M14, an M16 and an M177 – left behind by the fleeing rebels, as well as hundreds of ammunitions of assorted types.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been running after the ASG, most of them believed to be in Sulu, in the hope of neutralizing them totally following the death of their top leader, Khadaffy Janjalani, in September of last year, and the second top leader, Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Solaiman.
Recently, the AFP said the ASG has elected its new leader in the person of Yasser Igasan, who used to be the money-man of the group.
The ASG is believed to have ties with Osama Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network./DMS
Government holds peace summit in Mindanao
By Ronron
July 5, 2007
The government will hold a two-day “Mindanao Peace and Security Summit” in Cagayan de Oro City next week to find out and address factors that prevent sustainable development in the region.
National Security Council (NSC) Senior Deputy Director General retired Lt. Gen. Victor Mayo said in a statement that the activity is organized by the NSC and will be participated by some 200 delegates from the national government, private stakeholders and local government units.
“The Summit aims to identify problems and difficulties faced in fighting terrorists from the perspectives of the stakeholders and agree on an action agenda to strengthen local mechanisms for counter-terrorism,” Mayo said of the event to be held on July 9 and 10.
“It hopes to present to the President, at the close of the summit, a covenant of partnership to help in a broad and multi-sectoral campaign against the terror threat in the country,” he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will personally attend the event on July 10, said NSC Public Information and Advocacy Office chief Lt. Col. Francis Judes Lauengco.
Mayo said the participants of the Summit are concerned members of the Cabinet, local government officials, including governors and city mayors; police and military commanders; recognized leaders of indigenous people groups, business groups, religious institutions, and the academe.
Asked in an interview at Camp Crame about the various threats to security in Mindanao, Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia mentioned the communist rebels, the secessionists, and the local Moslem extremists.
Garcia said the number one threat is the New People’s Army (NPA), followed by the separatists such as renegade members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The number three threat, he said, are the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies like the Jemaah Islamiyah, the Rajah Solaiman Movement, and other Moslem extremists.
“These are the ones that really pose a big threat to peace and development in Mindanao,” he said.
Garcia placed the NPA on the number one spot because its threat “is pervasive everyday,” and most of its 7,100 members are spread all over Mindanao.
It is also the most organized, having legal fronts that support it, said Garcia.
“The NPA is the primary reason why we don’t have peace, especially in the countryside. We want to develop the countryside but they (NPA) are there, threatening potential investors. They burn establishments and facilities, or resort to extortion activities,” Garcia said.
Asked if the PNP can meet the deadline set by Arroyo for government troops to crush the communist movement before her term ends, Garcia said: “We can diminish them considering that more and more funds and equipment are being released for that purpose. So hopefully, by 2010, we can terminate them.”/DMS
July 5, 2007
The government will hold a two-day “Mindanao Peace and Security Summit” in Cagayan de Oro City next week to find out and address factors that prevent sustainable development in the region.
National Security Council (NSC) Senior Deputy Director General retired Lt. Gen. Victor Mayo said in a statement that the activity is organized by the NSC and will be participated by some 200 delegates from the national government, private stakeholders and local government units.
“The Summit aims to identify problems and difficulties faced in fighting terrorists from the perspectives of the stakeholders and agree on an action agenda to strengthen local mechanisms for counter-terrorism,” Mayo said of the event to be held on July 9 and 10.
“It hopes to present to the President, at the close of the summit, a covenant of partnership to help in a broad and multi-sectoral campaign against the terror threat in the country,” he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will personally attend the event on July 10, said NSC Public Information and Advocacy Office chief Lt. Col. Francis Judes Lauengco.
Mayo said the participants of the Summit are concerned members of the Cabinet, local government officials, including governors and city mayors; police and military commanders; recognized leaders of indigenous people groups, business groups, religious institutions, and the academe.
Asked in an interview at Camp Crame about the various threats to security in Mindanao, Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia mentioned the communist rebels, the secessionists, and the local Moslem extremists.
Garcia said the number one threat is the New People’s Army (NPA), followed by the separatists such as renegade members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The number three threat, he said, are the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies like the Jemaah Islamiyah, the Rajah Solaiman Movement, and other Moslem extremists.
“These are the ones that really pose a big threat to peace and development in Mindanao,” he said.
Garcia placed the NPA on the number one spot because its threat “is pervasive everyday,” and most of its 7,100 members are spread all over Mindanao.
It is also the most organized, having legal fronts that support it, said Garcia.
“The NPA is the primary reason why we don’t have peace, especially in the countryside. We want to develop the countryside but they (NPA) are there, threatening potential investors. They burn establishments and facilities, or resort to extortion activities,” Garcia said.
Asked if the PNP can meet the deadline set by Arroyo for government troops to crush the communist movement before her term ends, Garcia said: “We can diminish them considering that more and more funds and equipment are being released for that purpose. So hopefully, by 2010, we can terminate them.”/DMS
A Feature on Cagbalete Island in Quezon
On July 6, 2007, this came out on GMANews.TV. This was just an attempt if my feature writing is good enough to be published in a local news agency. What I wrote here was basically based on my and my girlfriend's trip to Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon in May 2007. Check it out here:
file:///Users/roncal79/Desktop/GMANews.TV%20-%20The%20simple%20pleasures%20of%20Cagbalete%20Island,%20Quezon%20-%20Lifestyle%20-%20Official%20Website%20of%20GMA%20News%20and%20Public%20Affairs%20-%20Latest%20Philippine%20News.webarchive
file:///Users/roncal79/Desktop/GMANews.TV%20-%20The%20simple%20pleasures%20of%20Cagbalete%20Island,%20Quezon%20-%20Lifestyle%20-%20Official%20Website%20of%20GMA%20News%20and%20Public%20Affairs%20-%20Latest%20Philippine%20News.webarchive
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Light plane crash lands in Bohol airport
By Ronron
July 4, 2007
A light aircraft made a crash-landing for still unclear reasons at the Tagbilaran City airport in Bohol province Wednesday morning.
Officials said the two-seater Cessna 152, piloted by Captain Jaymar Ortega, made an emergency landing at the airport runway at around 10:15 am yesterday, damaging its nose gear and propeller.
Supt. Eleodoro Ocampo, Assistant Director for Operations of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, said in a report that there was no casualty in the incident. Ortega was just alone in the flight and was not hurt.
Ocampo said the plane came from Mactan, Cebu. The purpose of its flight is not immediately known.
“We haven’t determined yet the cause of the accident,” said Tagbilaran City Air Transportation Office Manager Edgar Solis when reached by phone.
Ocampo said the accident caused a delay for almost one hour in the departure of Philippine Airlines flight PR 176 bound for Manila./DMS
July 4, 2007
A light aircraft made a crash-landing for still unclear reasons at the Tagbilaran City airport in Bohol province Wednesday morning.
Officials said the two-seater Cessna 152, piloted by Captain Jaymar Ortega, made an emergency landing at the airport runway at around 10:15 am yesterday, damaging its nose gear and propeller.
Supt. Eleodoro Ocampo, Assistant Director for Operations of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, said in a report that there was no casualty in the incident. Ortega was just alone in the flight and was not hurt.
Ocampo said the plane came from Mactan, Cebu. The purpose of its flight is not immediately known.
“We haven’t determined yet the cause of the accident,” said Tagbilaran City Air Transportation Office Manager Edgar Solis when reached by phone.
Ocampo said the accident caused a delay for almost one hour in the departure of Philippine Airlines flight PR 176 bound for Manila./DMS
Korean arrested for murder of fellow national
By Ronron
July 4, 2007
A Korean national was arrested Tuesday night in Quezon City by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the murder of a fellow national and a Filipino last March.
In a statement released Wednesday, CIDG chief Director Edgardo Doromal identified the suspect as Yu Yong-Yeal, said to be in his early 50’s and a resident in the country since 1996.
Doromal said Yu was nabbed at around 8pm the other day (Tuesday) at Matalino Street corner Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City by members of the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Division, led by its chief, Senior Supt. Gilbert Sosa.
The arrest was made by virtue of two warrants issued by Judge Angelica Paras-Quiambao of Regional Trial Court 3rd Judicial Region, Branch 58 in Angeles City, Pampanga, said Doromal.
“Yu is facing two counts of murder and a frustrated murder case … for the incident last March 5, 2007 at Barangay Tabon, Angeles City,” Doromal was quoted to have told Korean Consul Kitae Park who visited Camp Crame yesterday to meet the suspect.
CIDG spokesman Felix Vargas said Yu allegedly shot to death Yun Cho Sang-lag and his driver, Emerson Castro during said incident last March. Another Korean national, Kim Seok Hwan, was also shot by the suspect but survived. (caliber 45)
Vargas said the motive for the crime is said to be related to money matters.
In the CIDG statement, Sosa disclosed that Yu was previously arrested for the crime of estafa filed against him by a Korean firm. The initial arrest was carried out by the Bureau of Immigration sometime 1999 or 2000 by virtue of a warrant issued by a Makati City court.
Vargas said Park and another Korean police attaché who accompanied him at Camp Crame conveyed to Doromal how pleased they were over Yu’s arrest and congratulated the CIDG for its successful effort.
Sosa said Yu will be transported later Wednesday to Pampanga where he will be turned over to the Angeles City court that issued the arrest warrant against him./DMS
July 4, 2007
A Korean national was arrested Tuesday night in Quezon City by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the murder of a fellow national and a Filipino last March.
In a statement released Wednesday, CIDG chief Director Edgardo Doromal identified the suspect as Yu Yong-Yeal, said to be in his early 50’s and a resident in the country since 1996.
Doromal said Yu was nabbed at around 8pm the other day (Tuesday) at Matalino Street corner Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City by members of the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Division, led by its chief, Senior Supt. Gilbert Sosa.
The arrest was made by virtue of two warrants issued by Judge Angelica Paras-Quiambao of Regional Trial Court 3rd Judicial Region, Branch 58 in Angeles City, Pampanga, said Doromal.
“Yu is facing two counts of murder and a frustrated murder case … for the incident last March 5, 2007 at Barangay Tabon, Angeles City,” Doromal was quoted to have told Korean Consul Kitae Park who visited Camp Crame yesterday to meet the suspect.
CIDG spokesman Felix Vargas said Yu allegedly shot to death Yun Cho Sang-lag and his driver, Emerson Castro during said incident last March. Another Korean national, Kim Seok Hwan, was also shot by the suspect but survived. (caliber 45)
Vargas said the motive for the crime is said to be related to money matters.
In the CIDG statement, Sosa disclosed that Yu was previously arrested for the crime of estafa filed against him by a Korean firm. The initial arrest was carried out by the Bureau of Immigration sometime 1999 or 2000 by virtue of a warrant issued by a Makati City court.
Vargas said Park and another Korean police attaché who accompanied him at Camp Crame conveyed to Doromal how pleased they were over Yu’s arrest and congratulated the CIDG for its successful effort.
Sosa said Yu will be transported later Wednesday to Pampanga where he will be turned over to the Angeles City court that issued the arrest warrant against him./DMS
Three alleged carnappers nabbed in QC
By Ronron
July 4, 2007
Three suspected members of a carnapping syndicate that operates in Quezon City were apprehended by policemen dawn of Wednesday.
Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), identified the suspects as Gilbert Sablan, Leonardo Tablante, and Christine Tablante.
The three are said to be members of the Tablante Carnapping Group headed by Rico Tablante who remains at large, Gatdula said. Leonardo, he said, is Rico’s brother while Christine is the latter’s wife.
Gatdula said the three were nabbed inside the Tablante residence at No. 14 Mark Street, Filinvest II Subdivision in Batasan Hills, Quezon City as elements of the QCPD Anti-Carnapping Section and Batasan Police Station were tracing a Pajero stolen late Tuesday night inside the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman.
A certain Atoy Laynes had earlier reported to police that his black Pajero got lost past 9pm of Tuesday inside UP.
A check through an installed tracking device of the vehicle led operatives to Filinvest II Subdivision. With the help of an asset who used to be connected with the Tablante group, police found Laynes’ car at the garage of the Tablante residence, said Gatdula.
There, police found more vehicles and other pieces of evidence of alleged cargnapping activities of the group: a Chrysler van, a brand new Volks Wagen, a Toyota Hi-Lux, a Mistubishi van, a Toyota Lite-Ace, assorted hub cubs, tirings, car spare parts, registered stickers, OR/CR (Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration) of the vehicle of one Arceli Yano that was also carnapped inside the UP campus almost two weeks ago.
“So far, this is the organized carnapping group we know that operates in Quezon City, while the others just operate on a fly-by-night basis,” Gatdula told reporters Wednesday at Camp Karingal during the presentation of the recovered vehicles.
Gatdula said Rico, who reportedly has a car-exchange business and a bar in Metro Manila, is now subject of a manhunt operation.
Charges of carnapping are now being prepared against the suspects, said Gatdula.
Quezon City used to be tagged as the carnapping capital of the country because of numerous incidents that happened there. Police had said car thieves easily operate around the city because of its wide area./DMS
July 4, 2007
Three suspected members of a carnapping syndicate that operates in Quezon City were apprehended by policemen dawn of Wednesday.
Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), identified the suspects as Gilbert Sablan, Leonardo Tablante, and Christine Tablante.
The three are said to be members of the Tablante Carnapping Group headed by Rico Tablante who remains at large, Gatdula said. Leonardo, he said, is Rico’s brother while Christine is the latter’s wife.
Gatdula said the three were nabbed inside the Tablante residence at No. 14 Mark Street, Filinvest II Subdivision in Batasan Hills, Quezon City as elements of the QCPD Anti-Carnapping Section and Batasan Police Station were tracing a Pajero stolen late Tuesday night inside the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman.
A certain Atoy Laynes had earlier reported to police that his black Pajero got lost past 9pm of Tuesday inside UP.
A check through an installed tracking device of the vehicle led operatives to Filinvest II Subdivision. With the help of an asset who used to be connected with the Tablante group, police found Laynes’ car at the garage of the Tablante residence, said Gatdula.
There, police found more vehicles and other pieces of evidence of alleged cargnapping activities of the group: a Chrysler van, a brand new Volks Wagen, a Toyota Hi-Lux, a Mistubishi van, a Toyota Lite-Ace, assorted hub cubs, tirings, car spare parts, registered stickers, OR/CR (Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration) of the vehicle of one Arceli Yano that was also carnapped inside the UP campus almost two weeks ago.
“So far, this is the organized carnapping group we know that operates in Quezon City, while the others just operate on a fly-by-night basis,” Gatdula told reporters Wednesday at Camp Karingal during the presentation of the recovered vehicles.
Gatdula said Rico, who reportedly has a car-exchange business and a bar in Metro Manila, is now subject of a manhunt operation.
Charges of carnapping are now being prepared against the suspects, said Gatdula.
Quezon City used to be tagged as the carnapping capital of the country because of numerous incidents that happened there. Police had said car thieves easily operate around the city because of its wide area./DMS
Arroyo approves GCM verdict on 54 Magdalo junior officers
By Ronron
July 4, 2007
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved last month the guilty verdict and sentence imposed earlier by a court martial against 54 Magdalo junior officers who participated in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Wednesday that the President acted on the General Court Martial (GCM) recommendation last June 12.
The GCM, through court member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan, had earlier said upon the promulgation of its ruling last April 11 that the dishonorable discharge against the 54 will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence of confinement and the approval of Arroyo, being the AFP commander-in-chief.
“Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved last June 12 the GCM’s verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt and the imposed sentence of confinement and dishonorable discharge of the 54 officers involved in the Oakwood incident,” Bacarro said.
“The 54 officers will be dishonorably discharged from the military service upon full completion of their sentence of confinement at noon of January 27, 2008,” he added.
The 54, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, had pleaded guilty to charges of violating Articles of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of the charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
They include eight Air Force officers, 19 Navy officers, 14 Marine officers and 13 Army officers.
“The approval of President Arroyo on the decision rendered by the GCM manifests that justice has been served and that the military justice system is fair and reasonable as it is harsh,” Bacarro said.
“Military adventurism has not place in a democratic society. It will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will in all cases be clear, swift and decisive,” he added.
Presently still being tried before the GCM are the 29 core leaders of the attempted mutiny and seven other junior officers on various charges./DMS
July 4, 2007
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved last month the guilty verdict and sentence imposed earlier by a court martial against 54 Magdalo junior officers who participated in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Wednesday that the President acted on the General Court Martial (GCM) recommendation last June 12.
The GCM, through court member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan, had earlier said upon the promulgation of its ruling last April 11 that the dishonorable discharge against the 54 will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence of confinement and the approval of Arroyo, being the AFP commander-in-chief.
“Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved last June 12 the GCM’s verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt and the imposed sentence of confinement and dishonorable discharge of the 54 officers involved in the Oakwood incident,” Bacarro said.
“The 54 officers will be dishonorably discharged from the military service upon full completion of their sentence of confinement at noon of January 27, 2008,” he added.
The 54, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, had pleaded guilty to charges of violating Articles of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of the charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
They include eight Air Force officers, 19 Navy officers, 14 Marine officers and 13 Army officers.
“The approval of President Arroyo on the decision rendered by the GCM manifests that justice has been served and that the military justice system is fair and reasonable as it is harsh,” Bacarro said.
“Military adventurism has not place in a democratic society. It will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will in all cases be clear, swift and decisive,” he added.
Presently still being tried before the GCM are the 29 core leaders of the attempted mutiny and seven other junior officers on various charges./DMS
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Police records fewer election-related violent incidents this year compared to last two national polls
By Ronron
July 3, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded fewer election-related violent incidents (ERVI’s) this year compared to the 2004 and 2001 national polls.
Records released Tuesday by PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia showed that only 146 violent incidents that happened during the election period from January 14 until June 13 of this year can be regarded as election-related.
The number is smaller compared to the 249 ERVI’s in 2004, and 269 in 2001.
At one point, the figure for this year reached 231, with 177 deaths and 214 injuries, based on the June 12 record of the PNP. But Garcia said it was eventually cut off after validation efforts proved that some of those cases are not related to politics or the elections.
PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director General Antonio Billones said their relatively “successful” security preparations for the May 14 polls this year can be attributed to “a combination of several factors.”
He enumerated said factors as “preemptive action of identifying areas of concern for PNP priority in deployment of troops; conduct of checkpoints to deter and control movement of armed groups, guns, and other deadly weapons; strict implementation of gun ban; police visibility; providing security to candidates; awareness and information drive; community support and public concern; media support and coverage; and, politicians’ attitude.”
The record showed only 75 were killed out of the 146 ERVI’s this year, way below the 189 record in 2004 and 111 in 2001.
Of those killed this year, 23 are politicians and candidates. In 2004 and 2001, 41 and 21 politicians and candidates, respectively, were killed.
As to the number of people injured, this year also posted a smaller figure of 129 compared to 279 in 2004, and 253 in 2001.
“We are more prepared and better organized for this elections. We did and implemented the plans well ahead of time,” Garcia said for his part.
This year’s elections tapped the services of the PNP in securing all polling and canvassing centers nationwide after the deputation in the 2004 polls of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was marred with alleged irregularities, particularly engagement in partisan politics./DMS
July 3, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded fewer election-related violent incidents (ERVI’s) this year compared to the 2004 and 2001 national polls.
Records released Tuesday by PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia showed that only 146 violent incidents that happened during the election period from January 14 until June 13 of this year can be regarded as election-related.
The number is smaller compared to the 249 ERVI’s in 2004, and 269 in 2001.
At one point, the figure for this year reached 231, with 177 deaths and 214 injuries, based on the June 12 record of the PNP. But Garcia said it was eventually cut off after validation efforts proved that some of those cases are not related to politics or the elections.
PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director General Antonio Billones said their relatively “successful” security preparations for the May 14 polls this year can be attributed to “a combination of several factors.”
He enumerated said factors as “preemptive action of identifying areas of concern for PNP priority in deployment of troops; conduct of checkpoints to deter and control movement of armed groups, guns, and other deadly weapons; strict implementation of gun ban; police visibility; providing security to candidates; awareness and information drive; community support and public concern; media support and coverage; and, politicians’ attitude.”
The record showed only 75 were killed out of the 146 ERVI’s this year, way below the 189 record in 2004 and 111 in 2001.
Of those killed this year, 23 are politicians and candidates. In 2004 and 2001, 41 and 21 politicians and candidates, respectively, were killed.
As to the number of people injured, this year also posted a smaller figure of 129 compared to 279 in 2004, and 253 in 2001.
“We are more prepared and better organized for this elections. We did and implemented the plans well ahead of time,” Garcia said for his part.
This year’s elections tapped the services of the PNP in securing all polling and canvassing centers nationwide after the deputation in the 2004 polls of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was marred with alleged irregularities, particularly engagement in partisan politics./DMS
MILF pulls out troops in search for Bossi
By Ronron
July 3, 2007
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has pulled out its troops in the search for abducted Italian Catholic priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi in the Lanao provinces to give time for their families and livelihood.
The MILF, through its website, and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, government chairman of the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), assured on Tuesday though that the Bangasmoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) will return to the site when needed.
“We have not ceased joint efforts. We just shifted to intelligence works,” Dolorfino said in a phone interview yesterday. “We will pursue all information that we can get to locate Fr. Bossi.”
“Meanwhile, the MILF gave time to their members to attend to their families and livelihood. They can be mobilized easily when needed,” he added.
Dolorfino said the pull out of MILF troops happened last Saturday after the GRP-MILF AHJAG considered the fact that the location of Bossi and his captors has yet to be pinpointed.
But in the MILF’s website, Mohammad Nasif of the MILF AHJAG Core Group said the decision was arrived at after the GRP-MILF AHJAG “realized that simultaneous rescue operations with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is not a very good situation.”
Reached by phone, MILF chief peace negotiator and Public Information Officer Mohagher Iqbal said the Philippine Army requested the MILF to withdraw so that a misencounter can be prevented, considering the large size of troops scouring the area.
The MILF said about a thousand soldiers of the BIAF were withdrawn, but they will remain on “standby mode to respond as quickly as possible if requested to take part in the rescue.”
“It is now the sole responsibility of the AFP to do the job alone,” Nasif was quoted to have said in the website.
Members of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade have been conducting the search and rescue operations in Lanao, together with MILF forces.
The MILF said the troops were pulled out from Sultan Gumander town in Lanao del Sur, which is a boundary to Lanao del Norte. They are originally based in Malabang and Pualas town in Lanao del Sur, said Dolorfino, making it easy for them to respond when needed.
“Our problem is we still have not established contacts. The three emissaries I sent have not provided results yet. That’s why, aside from them, I added another group of four,” Dolorfino said.
The government sent the three emissaries last June 26 after they volunteered information that they had established contacts already through text messages with Bossi’s abductors.
Told about AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.’s revelation last Monday that there was already contact made with Bossi, Dolorfino said: “It might be on the other efforts being made in Zamboanga Sibugay.”
Dolorfino was referring to the separate operation being conducted by the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade in Zamboanga Sibugay. Dolorfino had earlier said that a few members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are helping in said operations.
But Iqbal maintains that their information still indicates Bossi and his abductors remain in the Lanao area.
Bossi was to officiate a mass in Barangay Bulawan, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay last June 10 when he was snatched by 10 armed men./DMS
July 3, 2007
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has pulled out its troops in the search for abducted Italian Catholic priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi in the Lanao provinces to give time for their families and livelihood.
The MILF, through its website, and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, government chairman of the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), assured on Tuesday though that the Bangasmoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) will return to the site when needed.
“We have not ceased joint efforts. We just shifted to intelligence works,” Dolorfino said in a phone interview yesterday. “We will pursue all information that we can get to locate Fr. Bossi.”
“Meanwhile, the MILF gave time to their members to attend to their families and livelihood. They can be mobilized easily when needed,” he added.
Dolorfino said the pull out of MILF troops happened last Saturday after the GRP-MILF AHJAG considered the fact that the location of Bossi and his captors has yet to be pinpointed.
But in the MILF’s website, Mohammad Nasif of the MILF AHJAG Core Group said the decision was arrived at after the GRP-MILF AHJAG “realized that simultaneous rescue operations with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is not a very good situation.”
Reached by phone, MILF chief peace negotiator and Public Information Officer Mohagher Iqbal said the Philippine Army requested the MILF to withdraw so that a misencounter can be prevented, considering the large size of troops scouring the area.
The MILF said about a thousand soldiers of the BIAF were withdrawn, but they will remain on “standby mode to respond as quickly as possible if requested to take part in the rescue.”
“It is now the sole responsibility of the AFP to do the job alone,” Nasif was quoted to have said in the website.
Members of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade have been conducting the search and rescue operations in Lanao, together with MILF forces.
The MILF said the troops were pulled out from Sultan Gumander town in Lanao del Sur, which is a boundary to Lanao del Norte. They are originally based in Malabang and Pualas town in Lanao del Sur, said Dolorfino, making it easy for them to respond when needed.
“Our problem is we still have not established contacts. The three emissaries I sent have not provided results yet. That’s why, aside from them, I added another group of four,” Dolorfino said.
The government sent the three emissaries last June 26 after they volunteered information that they had established contacts already through text messages with Bossi’s abductors.
Told about AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.’s revelation last Monday that there was already contact made with Bossi, Dolorfino said: “It might be on the other efforts being made in Zamboanga Sibugay.”
Dolorfino was referring to the separate operation being conducted by the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade in Zamboanga Sibugay. Dolorfino had earlier said that a few members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are helping in said operations.
But Iqbal maintains that their information still indicates Bossi and his abductors remain in the Lanao area.
Bossi was to officiate a mass in Barangay Bulawan, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay last June 10 when he was snatched by 10 armed men./DMS
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Three NPA rebels killed in encounter in Butuan City
By Ronron
July 2, 2007
Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter against government troops last Sunday in Butuan City.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 5:20 am at Sitio Kaigta, Barangay Rizal of said city.
Torres said elements from the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol in the area when they encountered more or less 12 rebels believed to be from the NPA’s Front Committee IV-A.
The clash lasted for 10 minutes until three rebels died and several others were wounded but were taken by their fleeing comrades, said Torres.
There was no casualty on the government side, he said.
The rebels escaped towards Barangay Malapong and Guinabsan of said city.
Recovered from the clash site were two M14 rifles, one Garand rifle, two hand grenades, and personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels, said Torres.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years./DMS
July 2, 2007
Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter against government troops last Sunday in Butuan City.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 5:20 am at Sitio Kaigta, Barangay Rizal of said city.
Torres said elements from the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol in the area when they encountered more or less 12 rebels believed to be from the NPA’s Front Committee IV-A.
The clash lasted for 10 minutes until three rebels died and several others were wounded but were taken by their fleeing comrades, said Torres.
There was no casualty on the government side, he said.
The rebels escaped towards Barangay Malapong and Guinabsan of said city.
Recovered from the clash site were two M14 rifles, one Garand rifle, two hand grenades, and personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels, said Torres.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years./DMS
Gonzales asks CPP to declare ceasefire but gets rejected
By Ronron
July 2, 2007
National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense Acting Secretary Norberto Gonzales asked the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leadership on Monday to declare a ceasefire against the government to set the ground for a resumption of the peace talks.
But CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal immediately rejected the call, saying it is “insincere” and a ceasefire is an “insidious precondition.”
Gonzales told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo after he took over as Defense Secretary that he went to Norway last week to explore the possibility of peace talks with the CPP following the falling out in 2004 due to the group’s inclusion in the terrorist lists of the US and the European Union.
“I am not against communism. I am only against armed rebellion. That’s why I’m advising the front organizations of the communists, why they can’t bind themselves together into a real political party and contest the elections? I want to show them that in other parts of the world, the communists have discovered a better way of achieving political power, not through armed rebellion,” Gonzales said.
He said that a declaration of ceasefire may even be considered when the government decides on which group will be classified as terrorists once the Human Security Act of 2007 or the Anti-Terrorism Law takes effect on July 14.
But Rosal said the government should first address the root causes of rebellion before the movement can declare a ceasefire.
And with the passage of the Human Security Act of 2007, a resumption of the peace talks is getting closer to impossible.
“Declaring a ceasefire before the roots of the armed conflict are addressed is tantamount to asking the revolutionary forces to surrender the right and initiative to defend themselves and the people and to wage an armed struggle, while the puppet, reactionary regime carries out its fascist onslaught and all-out campaign of terror,” Rosal said in a statement.
But Gonzales said how can the problem of poverty be addressed when the armed struggle of the NPA is one of its causes.
“In the principles of democracy, armed rebellion has no clause in Philippine society. This will have to be emphasized. If you want to be in government, engage us politically, but not through the use of arms. That is no loner acceptable anywhere in the world,” Gonzales explained.
Rosal said the government has to show its sincerity in resuming peace talks with the CPP by addressing the root causes of armed rebellion, stopping the spate of extrajudicial killings and abductions, and work on the removal of the group from the terrorist lists of foreign governments./DMS
July 2, 2007
National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense Acting Secretary Norberto Gonzales asked the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leadership on Monday to declare a ceasefire against the government to set the ground for a resumption of the peace talks.
But CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal immediately rejected the call, saying it is “insincere” and a ceasefire is an “insidious precondition.”
Gonzales told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo after he took over as Defense Secretary that he went to Norway last week to explore the possibility of peace talks with the CPP following the falling out in 2004 due to the group’s inclusion in the terrorist lists of the US and the European Union.
“I am not against communism. I am only against armed rebellion. That’s why I’m advising the front organizations of the communists, why they can’t bind themselves together into a real political party and contest the elections? I want to show them that in other parts of the world, the communists have discovered a better way of achieving political power, not through armed rebellion,” Gonzales said.
He said that a declaration of ceasefire may even be considered when the government decides on which group will be classified as terrorists once the Human Security Act of 2007 or the Anti-Terrorism Law takes effect on July 14.
But Rosal said the government should first address the root causes of rebellion before the movement can declare a ceasefire.
And with the passage of the Human Security Act of 2007, a resumption of the peace talks is getting closer to impossible.
“Declaring a ceasefire before the roots of the armed conflict are addressed is tantamount to asking the revolutionary forces to surrender the right and initiative to defend themselves and the people and to wage an armed struggle, while the puppet, reactionary regime carries out its fascist onslaught and all-out campaign of terror,” Rosal said in a statement.
But Gonzales said how can the problem of poverty be addressed when the armed struggle of the NPA is one of its causes.
“In the principles of democracy, armed rebellion has no clause in Philippine society. This will have to be emphasized. If you want to be in government, engage us politically, but not through the use of arms. That is no loner acceptable anywhere in the world,” Gonzales explained.
Rosal said the government has to show its sincerity in resuming peace talks with the CPP by addressing the root causes of armed rebellion, stopping the spate of extrajudicial killings and abductions, and work on the removal of the group from the terrorist lists of foreign governments./DMS
Manila airport raises alert level following London terror threats
By Ronron
July 2, 2007
The alert level against possible terror attack at the airports in Manila was raised on Monday afternoon to moderate from low or normal following threats of terrorism in London.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Assistant General Manager Angel Atutubo said the raising of alert level came after Philippine intelligence officials assessed the possible impact of the London incident to the Philippines.
“Starting yesterday (Sunday), we placed additional security preemptive measures to ensure the security and safety of our passengers, all Filipinos, including our facilities. We deployed additional security forces, canines, and patrol cars, and heightened police visibility at the vicinity of the airport,” Atutubo said.
Under the moderate level, a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. The next higher level is HIGH, which indicates a strong possibility of a terrorist attack within a period of time. The highest level is EXTREME, classified into two: Severe, which means, a terrorist attack is highly likely; and Critical, which means a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected.
In a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo, National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense acting Secretary Norberto Gonzales said the terror threat, however, in the rest of Metro Manila remains at low level, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack.
The alert level in Mindanao. Meanwhile, remains at Extreme-Critical, he said.
Atutubo said the alert level at the airport may be lowered in a few days if the Philippine intelligence community can ascertain that the terror threat in London will no longer affect the country.
With the raising of the alert level at the airport, Atutubo said that “if not 100 percent, I can assure 99 percent of the people’s security and safety at our airport.”
He asked passengers taking international flights to go to the airport two to three hours before their flights, and one or two hours for those taking domestic flights so they will have enough time to go through the series of security checks./DMS
July 2, 2007
The alert level against possible terror attack at the airports in Manila was raised on Monday afternoon to moderate from low or normal following threats of terrorism in London.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Assistant General Manager Angel Atutubo said the raising of alert level came after Philippine intelligence officials assessed the possible impact of the London incident to the Philippines.
“Starting yesterday (Sunday), we placed additional security preemptive measures to ensure the security and safety of our passengers, all Filipinos, including our facilities. We deployed additional security forces, canines, and patrol cars, and heightened police visibility at the vicinity of the airport,” Atutubo said.
Under the moderate level, a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. The next higher level is HIGH, which indicates a strong possibility of a terrorist attack within a period of time. The highest level is EXTREME, classified into two: Severe, which means, a terrorist attack is highly likely; and Critical, which means a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected.
In a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo, National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense acting Secretary Norberto Gonzales said the terror threat, however, in the rest of Metro Manila remains at low level, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack.
The alert level in Mindanao. Meanwhile, remains at Extreme-Critical, he said.
Atutubo said the alert level at the airport may be lowered in a few days if the Philippine intelligence community can ascertain that the terror threat in London will no longer affect the country.
With the raising of the alert level at the airport, Atutubo said that “if not 100 percent, I can assure 99 percent of the people’s security and safety at our airport.”
He asked passengers taking international flights to go to the airport two to three hours before their flights, and one or two hours for those taking domestic flights so they will have enough time to go through the series of security checks./DMS
Contact with Bossi established – Esperon
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NSA Gonzales formally takes over as acting Defense Secretary, says will confront typhoon problems over other matters
By Ronron
July 2, 2007
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales formally assumed on Monday as Officer-in-Charge of the Department of National Defense after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered over the weekend the recall of Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
But Gonzales said that since he only has a month to act as Defense Secretary, he might not have the time to institute programs and projects that will address internal security problems and other defense issues.
“I was briefed by the staff of Secretary Ebdane yesterday (Sunday), I didn’t expect there are so many jobs of the SND (Secretary of National Defense). So, I cannot tell you where my priorities will be, except that three typhoons are coming (in July),” Gonzales told reporters after his formal takeover.
“I will be here for only a month and after getting that briefing… I will be Mr. Disaster. So, the first thing to prioritize is pre-positioning of assistance. Let us not wait for the typhoon to happen before we act,” he added.
As acting Defense Secretary, Gonzales will also be chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Last Friday, the government weather station warned of the three weather disturbances forecast to hit the country starting this month until October.
Gonzales will hold the post in a temporary capacity since the permanent Defense Secretary appointee, former Tarlac Congressman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., will only be available for the post on August 3, said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who presided over yesterday’s turn over rites at Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked what he can accomplish in a month’s time, Gonzales said: “Not much. I don’t think I can do much except really to continue what Secretary Ebdane is already doing.”
But in his speech during the ceremonies, Gonzales challenged the Defense establishment, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to counter the efforts of “enemies of the State” to discredit the government.
“We are accused of extrajudicial killings. This can’t be allowed to happen. I would like to assure the men and women in uniform that we won’t allow the enemies of the State to deceive our people,” he said, apparently referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Asked during the interview to expound on this, Gonzales said: “We will help in achieving a proper investigation… We have to speak. We have to show what we are doing. A lot of our officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines are quietly doing a lot of good things for this country.”
He said relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings should be encouraged to speak up so that the truth of every case is known. Gonzales lamented at how Karapatan allegedly prevented some relatives of extrajudicial killing victims from testifying during the probe of the Melo Commission.
“Some quarters are saying that the government is behind these killings. You know for a fact that for every killing that happens, the reputation of government is damaged. So why will we do something like that?,” Gonzales said.
He said that more than placing the government and country in a bad light, every killing is disrespect to life. “These individuals that are being killed, regardless of their political persuasions, are Filipinos. This is very, very tragic for our country. This has to be addressed and I think unnecessarily blaming certain institutions will not give us the truth,” said Gonzales.
Asked if he will initiate moves for the proscription of the CPP-NPA in the government’s terrorists list once the Human Security Act of 2007 takes effect on July 14, Gonzales said: “Are we forgetting that Jose Ma. Sison, the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army are labeled terrorists by the European community? So, we will study that very seriously.”
But he conceded that he might not have the time as Defense Secretary to work on the proscription of the CPP-NPA.
Gonzales said that among the programs and projects of Ebdane that he will continue to work on are the review of the current Maritime Law of the country, and the existing Defense arrangements of the country with other countries like Australia and Singapore.
He said he also asked Ebdane that they work together “in formulating what we will be recommending to the next DND Secretary.”/DMS
July 2, 2007
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales formally assumed on Monday as Officer-in-Charge of the Department of National Defense after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered over the weekend the recall of Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
But Gonzales said that since he only has a month to act as Defense Secretary, he might not have the time to institute programs and projects that will address internal security problems and other defense issues.
“I was briefed by the staff of Secretary Ebdane yesterday (Sunday), I didn’t expect there are so many jobs of the SND (Secretary of National Defense). So, I cannot tell you where my priorities will be, except that three typhoons are coming (in July),” Gonzales told reporters after his formal takeover.
“I will be here for only a month and after getting that briefing… I will be Mr. Disaster. So, the first thing to prioritize is pre-positioning of assistance. Let us not wait for the typhoon to happen before we act,” he added.
As acting Defense Secretary, Gonzales will also be chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Last Friday, the government weather station warned of the three weather disturbances forecast to hit the country starting this month until October.
Gonzales will hold the post in a temporary capacity since the permanent Defense Secretary appointee, former Tarlac Congressman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., will only be available for the post on August 3, said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who presided over yesterday’s turn over rites at Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked what he can accomplish in a month’s time, Gonzales said: “Not much. I don’t think I can do much except really to continue what Secretary Ebdane is already doing.”
But in his speech during the ceremonies, Gonzales challenged the Defense establishment, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to counter the efforts of “enemies of the State” to discredit the government.
“We are accused of extrajudicial killings. This can’t be allowed to happen. I would like to assure the men and women in uniform that we won’t allow the enemies of the State to deceive our people,” he said, apparently referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Asked during the interview to expound on this, Gonzales said: “We will help in achieving a proper investigation… We have to speak. We have to show what we are doing. A lot of our officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines are quietly doing a lot of good things for this country.”
He said relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings should be encouraged to speak up so that the truth of every case is known. Gonzales lamented at how Karapatan allegedly prevented some relatives of extrajudicial killing victims from testifying during the probe of the Melo Commission.
“Some quarters are saying that the government is behind these killings. You know for a fact that for every killing that happens, the reputation of government is damaged. So why will we do something like that?,” Gonzales said.
He said that more than placing the government and country in a bad light, every killing is disrespect to life. “These individuals that are being killed, regardless of their political persuasions, are Filipinos. This is very, very tragic for our country. This has to be addressed and I think unnecessarily blaming certain institutions will not give us the truth,” said Gonzales.
Asked if he will initiate moves for the proscription of the CPP-NPA in the government’s terrorists list once the Human Security Act of 2007 takes effect on July 14, Gonzales said: “Are we forgetting that Jose Ma. Sison, the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army are labeled terrorists by the European community? So, we will study that very seriously.”
But he conceded that he might not have the time as Defense Secretary to work on the proscription of the CPP-NPA.
Gonzales said that among the programs and projects of Ebdane that he will continue to work on are the review of the current Maritime Law of the country, and the existing Defense arrangements of the country with other countries like Australia and Singapore.
He said he also asked Ebdane that they work together “in formulating what we will be recommending to the next DND Secretary.”/DMS
Bedol arrested in Mindanao
By Ronron
July 2, 2007
Police arrested midnight of Sunday Maguindanao Election Supervisor Lintang Bedol at a hospital in Davao City where he underwent an eye operation.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police director Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao said Monday that Bedol was confined when placed under arrest at the Davao Doctor’s Hospital under a different name, indicating he was in hiding.
“He is now under our custody,” Goltiao said in a phone interview.
Goltiao said Bedol did not resist when arrested by members of the ARMM Police Task Force BEDOL, composed of elements from the Intelligence, Regional Mobile Group (RMG), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
He did not have a firearm also, said Goltiao.
Bedol was ordered arrested by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after he failed to show up during hearings about alleged irregularities in the conduct of elections in Maguindanao last May 14.
The transfer of Bedol yesterday to Manila was delayed, however, because his doctor advised him to have more time to recuperate from hypertension and his right eye surgery.
Goltiao said Bedol was expected to reach Manila before 9pm Monday aboard the last Philippine Airlines flight from Davao City.
Asked if Bedol will be immediately turned over to the Comelec upon arrival, Goltiao said: “It looks like the Comelec is reluctant to accept Bedol tonight. So we might place him under our custody.”
But Goltiao said Bedol cannot be brought to Camp Crame because he is not a criminal.
“We might bring him to a hotel. If the Comelec will not pay for the hotel bill, then we will be forced to pay for the bill,” Goltiao said./DMS
July 2, 2007
Police arrested midnight of Sunday Maguindanao Election Supervisor Lintang Bedol at a hospital in Davao City where he underwent an eye operation.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police director Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao said Monday that Bedol was confined when placed under arrest at the Davao Doctor’s Hospital under a different name, indicating he was in hiding.
“He is now under our custody,” Goltiao said in a phone interview.
Goltiao said Bedol did not resist when arrested by members of the ARMM Police Task Force BEDOL, composed of elements from the Intelligence, Regional Mobile Group (RMG), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
He did not have a firearm also, said Goltiao.
Bedol was ordered arrested by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after he failed to show up during hearings about alleged irregularities in the conduct of elections in Maguindanao last May 14.
The transfer of Bedol yesterday to Manila was delayed, however, because his doctor advised him to have more time to recuperate from hypertension and his right eye surgery.
Goltiao said Bedol was expected to reach Manila before 9pm Monday aboard the last Philippine Airlines flight from Davao City.
Asked if Bedol will be immediately turned over to the Comelec upon arrival, Goltiao said: “It looks like the Comelec is reluctant to accept Bedol tonight. So we might place him under our custody.”
But Goltiao said Bedol cannot be brought to Camp Crame because he is not a criminal.
“We might bring him to a hotel. If the Comelec will not pay for the hotel bill, then we will be forced to pay for the bill,” Goltiao said./DMS
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Bossi is still alive – Esperon
By Ronron
June 30, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said on Saturday that abducted Italian Catholic priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi is still alive.
The announcement was made 20 days since Bossi was snatched last June 10 in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay by 10 armed men while he was on his way to officiate mass in a remote barangay.
“One thing I know, he’s alive,” Esperon said in a phone interview.
“But let’s just leave it at that,” he continued, saying he does not want to jeopardize ongoing operations to rescue the 57-year-old priest by revealing other details.
Esperon said the Army troops operating in Zamboanga Sibugay has already identified the “general location” of Bossi and his captors, and they are not stopping their operations.
“I am closely monitoring the operations there. Rest assured that our units there will not stop their operations. Our brigades are busy with it,” he said.
Asked if similar developments are happening in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur where the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is leading the rescue operations for Bossi, Esperon responded positively.
The MILF operations in the Lanao provinces is sanctioned by the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group, while that in Zamboanga Sibugay is only by the Philippine Army.
Though separate, officials say both operations will be good for the fast resolution of the crisis./DMS
June 30, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said on Saturday that abducted Italian Catholic priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi is still alive.
The announcement was made 20 days since Bossi was snatched last June 10 in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay by 10 armed men while he was on his way to officiate mass in a remote barangay.
“One thing I know, he’s alive,” Esperon said in a phone interview.
“But let’s just leave it at that,” he continued, saying he does not want to jeopardize ongoing operations to rescue the 57-year-old priest by revealing other details.
Esperon said the Army troops operating in Zamboanga Sibugay has already identified the “general location” of Bossi and his captors, and they are not stopping their operations.
“I am closely monitoring the operations there. Rest assured that our units there will not stop their operations. Our brigades are busy with it,” he said.
Asked if similar developments are happening in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur where the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is leading the rescue operations for Bossi, Esperon responded positively.
The MILF operations in the Lanao provinces is sanctioned by the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group, while that in Zamboanga Sibugay is only by the Philippine Army.
Though separate, officials say both operations will be good for the fast resolution of the crisis./DMS
Arroyo appoints new DND chief
By Ronron
June 30, 2007
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday appointed a new Defense Secretary in the person of outgoing Tarlac Congressman Gilbert Teodoro, Jr., her spokesman said.
Sec. Ignacio Bunye said Teodoro, who represented for nine years the 1st District of Tarlac at the Lower House under the Nationalist People’s Coalition political party, will assume office on August 3.
“I am humbled and sincerely honored by Her Excellency’s announcement. I will not comment any further until I have received the President’s instructions and guidance,” Teodoro said in a text message yesterday to reporters.
Teodoro, 43, will replace Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., who is reappointed back to head the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Ebdane will reassume the DPWH portfolio being held in an officer-in-charge capacity by Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
In the meantime, the Defense department will have National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales as officer-in-charge until Teodoro assumes the post on August 3, Bunye said.
Ebdane was assigned by Arroyo to the Defense department on February 1 of this year after the controversial resignation of Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. in late November of last year.
Teodoro will be the 32nd Defense Secretary of the country. He holds a Masters in Law, which he obtained from Harvard University, and is a passer of the New York State Bar examinations. He was a member of the Dangerous Drugs Committee in the Lower House.
He is the nephew of pro-administration NPC Chairman Emeritus and business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.
In a phone interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the appointment of Teodoro in the Defense department is welcome to the entire military organization.
“Congressman Teodoro has been considered long before. So, indeed, he is qualified, being a civilian, a bar topnotcher, and a three-termer (at Congress). His experience in Congress will surely benefit the AFP because he have some legislative advocacy also. His contact with Congress is a plus factor for us,” Esperon said.
Esperon revealed that Teodoro is a reserve Air Force Colonel, so he is confident the solon knows the concerns of ordinary soldiers and military officers.
The military chief said he also saw how Teodoro responds to calamities and disasters, referring to the time when he was still a commander at the 7th Infantry Division based in Nueva Ecija, a neighboring province of Tarlac. As Defense Secretary, Teodoro will also become chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
As he admits to be happy also for the return of Ebdane to the DPWH, Esperon did not keep to himself his sadness over the development, saying it was a happy experience working for four months with his namesake.
“I am just sad a bit although it’s for personal reasons. We are both Hermogenes, he was my former team leader, our wives are friends, and we are also long-time friends,” Esperon said of Ebdane.
But he said he is aware the President wants Ebdane to accomplish a lot of work at the DPWH so he respects the prerogative of their boss.
Esperon said he already knew about the revamp even before yesterday’s announcement so it was no surprise to him. What he was not aware of was the temporary appointment of Gonzales.
But Esperon said he also sees no problem with Gonzales being the acting Defense Secretary for a month because “being the NSA, he is aware of our problems, he has been our partner and we have been working already with him.”
Esperon said he does not see any of the projects in the AFP and the Defense department disrupted with the change of leadership since the timeline for these are already laid out.
Former House Committee chair on National Defense Paranaque Representative Roilo Golez said Teodoro’s appointment is “welcome news.”
“A civilian, Teodoro’s appointment is in accordance with the Feliciano Commission’s recommendation that a civilian, not career military man, be appointed to head the DND,” Golez said.
It can be recalled that Ebdane’s appointment as Defense Secretary was met with criticisms because being a former member of the uniformed service, more so a former chief of the Philippine National Police, he does not fall under the recommendations of the Feliciano Commission.
The said commission investigated the military uprising in 2003, now dubbed as the Oakwood Mutiny, and came up with recommendations to avoid a repeat of military adventurism. Among the issues raised by the mutineers, headed by now Senator-elect Antonio Trillanes IV, are alleged corruption in government and ill-governance.
“This (Teodoro’s appointment) will prevent inbreeding within the DND-AFP establishment by injecting fresh ideas and is consonance with the Constitutional principle of civilian supremacy over the military,” Golez said./DMS
June 30, 2007
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday appointed a new Defense Secretary in the person of outgoing Tarlac Congressman Gilbert Teodoro, Jr., her spokesman said.
Sec. Ignacio Bunye said Teodoro, who represented for nine years the 1st District of Tarlac at the Lower House under the Nationalist People’s Coalition political party, will assume office on August 3.
“I am humbled and sincerely honored by Her Excellency’s announcement. I will not comment any further until I have received the President’s instructions and guidance,” Teodoro said in a text message yesterday to reporters.
Teodoro, 43, will replace Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., who is reappointed back to head the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Ebdane will reassume the DPWH portfolio being held in an officer-in-charge capacity by Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
In the meantime, the Defense department will have National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales as officer-in-charge until Teodoro assumes the post on August 3, Bunye said.
Ebdane was assigned by Arroyo to the Defense department on February 1 of this year after the controversial resignation of Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. in late November of last year.
Teodoro will be the 32nd Defense Secretary of the country. He holds a Masters in Law, which he obtained from Harvard University, and is a passer of the New York State Bar examinations. He was a member of the Dangerous Drugs Committee in the Lower House.
He is the nephew of pro-administration NPC Chairman Emeritus and business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.
In a phone interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the appointment of Teodoro in the Defense department is welcome to the entire military organization.
“Congressman Teodoro has been considered long before. So, indeed, he is qualified, being a civilian, a bar topnotcher, and a three-termer (at Congress). His experience in Congress will surely benefit the AFP because he have some legislative advocacy also. His contact with Congress is a plus factor for us,” Esperon said.
Esperon revealed that Teodoro is a reserve Air Force Colonel, so he is confident the solon knows the concerns of ordinary soldiers and military officers.
The military chief said he also saw how Teodoro responds to calamities and disasters, referring to the time when he was still a commander at the 7th Infantry Division based in Nueva Ecija, a neighboring province of Tarlac. As Defense Secretary, Teodoro will also become chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
As he admits to be happy also for the return of Ebdane to the DPWH, Esperon did not keep to himself his sadness over the development, saying it was a happy experience working for four months with his namesake.
“I am just sad a bit although it’s for personal reasons. We are both Hermogenes, he was my former team leader, our wives are friends, and we are also long-time friends,” Esperon said of Ebdane.
But he said he is aware the President wants Ebdane to accomplish a lot of work at the DPWH so he respects the prerogative of their boss.
Esperon said he already knew about the revamp even before yesterday’s announcement so it was no surprise to him. What he was not aware of was the temporary appointment of Gonzales.
But Esperon said he also sees no problem with Gonzales being the acting Defense Secretary for a month because “being the NSA, he is aware of our problems, he has been our partner and we have been working already with him.”
Esperon said he does not see any of the projects in the AFP and the Defense department disrupted with the change of leadership since the timeline for these are already laid out.
Former House Committee chair on National Defense Paranaque Representative Roilo Golez said Teodoro’s appointment is “welcome news.”
“A civilian, Teodoro’s appointment is in accordance with the Feliciano Commission’s recommendation that a civilian, not career military man, be appointed to head the DND,” Golez said.
It can be recalled that Ebdane’s appointment as Defense Secretary was met with criticisms because being a former member of the uniformed service, more so a former chief of the Philippine National Police, he does not fall under the recommendations of the Feliciano Commission.
The said commission investigated the military uprising in 2003, now dubbed as the Oakwood Mutiny, and came up with recommendations to avoid a repeat of military adventurism. Among the issues raised by the mutineers, headed by now Senator-elect Antonio Trillanes IV, are alleged corruption in government and ill-governance.
“This (Teodoro’s appointment) will prevent inbreeding within the DND-AFP establishment by injecting fresh ideas and is consonance with the Constitutional principle of civilian supremacy over the military,” Golez said./DMS
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