By Ronron
July 13, 2007
The number of dead persons in last Thursday’s sea mishap off Quezon province involving a roll-on roll-off (roro) vessel rose to 11 with the discovery yesterday of more cadavers floating at sea.
The fatalities include at least three of the 23 crew members of MV Blue Water Princess that ran aground before dawn of Thursday some 500 meters away from the shoreline of Barangay Pagsangahan in San Francisco town, Quezon, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
Based on the PCG’s list, five more persons are missing while 126 persons were rescued.
Office of Civil Defense Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Director Vicente Tomazar said they are not yet discounting the possibility that some people could still be trapped inside the ill-fated vessel because it has yet to be penetrated by search and rescue teams.
The MV Blue Water Princess was sailing for Masbate coming from Lucena City in Quezon when it was hit with big waves at around 3am Thursday, causing it to tilt to the right side. The vessel, however, failed to regain its balance as the 14 trucks aboard it also slid to the right side of the vessel. This caused the vessel to hit a rocky base of the sea and there it was stuck.
The passengers panicked during the incident and jumped off the ship. The survivors managed to swim to the shore of San Francisco, while the unfortunate ones died due to the strong current that drowned them and slammed them to the rocks under the sea.
Attempts to look into the vessel yesterday were futile because of the strong winds and the big waves.
Arnie Santiago, lead investigator from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), said in a radio interview yesterday that oil streaks were already found at the shores of San Francisco town.
Santiago said it could have come from the ill-fated vessel.
“There are leaked oils found on the sea. So there is a possibility that oils may have already leaked from the vessel,” Santiago said in Filipino.
The PCG said in a statement yesterday that BRP Pampanga and PCG Motor Tugboats were already placed on standby status for possible search and rescue augmentation and oil spill contingency measure and response.
The Special Board of Marine Inquiry has yet to convene to investigate the incident.
Earlier, the PCG spokesman said the incident could not yet be blamed solely to bad weather since the judgement of the ship crew, especially the captain, during said incident needs to be looked into as well./DMS
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Additional Marine battalion set to arrive in Basilan, punitive actions against lawless elements looming
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Military probes Basilan clash, including misfiring of 81mm ammunition
By Ronron
July 13, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is sending an investigating team today (Saturday) to Basilan to look into the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s heavy clash in Al-Barka town that claimed the lives of 14 soldiers, 10 of whom were beheaded, and the wounding of nine others.
AFP Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters Friday in Camp Aguinaldo that the team, consisting of the military’s Inspector Generals, will also probe into the failure of the 81mm mortar ammunitions used by the engaged Marine troopers to fire.
“We’d like to inform everybody that the Chief of Staff has directed the Inspector General of the AFP, Major General Ferdinand Bocobo, to create a joint investigating body… This body will be composed of the Inspector General (IG) himself, the IG of the Philippine Navy, IG of the Philippine Marines, the IG of the Western Mindanao Command and some technical persons from the logistics family,” Bacarro said.
Bacarro said the team, which will be headed by deputy IG of the AFP, Brig. Gen. Henry Galarpe, is given by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. seven days to complete the report.
During the nine-hour gun battle at Barangay Guinanta in Al-Barka, some of the 81mm mortars used by elements of the 1st Marine Brigade did not go off, prompting some sectors, including newly elected Senator and former Navy officer Antonio Trillanes IV, to call for a probe into the equipment and weapons of the AFP.
Bacarro said it is possible that those mortars were exposed to harsh conditions of the environment like being submerged in water, thus they misfired.
He said a mortar round has three sensitive parts – the propellant, the initiator fuse, and the fuse in front.
Bacarro said the question of whether or not there is a problem in the AFP’s procurement system is already out because the issue only falls on the handling and storage of the mortar rounds.
He said the failure of the mortar rounds to fire does not also indicate that the Philippine soldiers are equipped.
“Based on the inventory of equipment that we have, we are equipped,” stressed Bacarro.
“We just can’t avoid those incidents. It’s really probable that the mortar round will not fire. But it is very rare that they will not go off all together at one instance. So, it could have been possible that these ammunitions were exposed to harsh conditions like being dipped in the water,” he added.
Bacarro disclosed that the 81mm mortar rounds used by the engaged troops in the Al-Barka encounter came from the United States military, and each is estimated to be worth no more than US$150.
As a result of last Tuesday’s clash and pending the investigation, all 81 mm mortars with the same lot number (or from the same batch) will no longer be used. They will be replaced with same type of mortars with another lot number.
“We have sufficient, particularly for the 81mm mortars, in our inventory. We still have about 38,000 rounds of 81 mm mortars,” Bacarro said.
Asked if Esperon was horrified by the misfiring of the 81mm mortar, Bacarro said: “It is a concern for the AFP.”/DMS
July 13, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is sending an investigating team today (Saturday) to Basilan to look into the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s heavy clash in Al-Barka town that claimed the lives of 14 soldiers, 10 of whom were beheaded, and the wounding of nine others.
AFP Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters Friday in Camp Aguinaldo that the team, consisting of the military’s Inspector Generals, will also probe into the failure of the 81mm mortar ammunitions used by the engaged Marine troopers to fire.
“We’d like to inform everybody that the Chief of Staff has directed the Inspector General of the AFP, Major General Ferdinand Bocobo, to create a joint investigating body… This body will be composed of the Inspector General (IG) himself, the IG of the Philippine Navy, IG of the Philippine Marines, the IG of the Western Mindanao Command and some technical persons from the logistics family,” Bacarro said.
Bacarro said the team, which will be headed by deputy IG of the AFP, Brig. Gen. Henry Galarpe, is given by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. seven days to complete the report.
During the nine-hour gun battle at Barangay Guinanta in Al-Barka, some of the 81mm mortars used by elements of the 1st Marine Brigade did not go off, prompting some sectors, including newly elected Senator and former Navy officer Antonio Trillanes IV, to call for a probe into the equipment and weapons of the AFP.
Bacarro said it is possible that those mortars were exposed to harsh conditions of the environment like being submerged in water, thus they misfired.
He said a mortar round has three sensitive parts – the propellant, the initiator fuse, and the fuse in front.
Bacarro said the question of whether or not there is a problem in the AFP’s procurement system is already out because the issue only falls on the handling and storage of the mortar rounds.
He said the failure of the mortar rounds to fire does not also indicate that the Philippine soldiers are equipped.
“Based on the inventory of equipment that we have, we are equipped,” stressed Bacarro.
“We just can’t avoid those incidents. It’s really probable that the mortar round will not fire. But it is very rare that they will not go off all together at one instance. So, it could have been possible that these ammunitions were exposed to harsh conditions like being dipped in the water,” he added.
Bacarro disclosed that the 81mm mortar rounds used by the engaged troops in the Al-Barka encounter came from the United States military, and each is estimated to be worth no more than US$150.
As a result of last Tuesday’s clash and pending the investigation, all 81 mm mortars with the same lot number (or from the same batch) will no longer be used. They will be replaced with same type of mortars with another lot number.
“We have sufficient, particularly for the 81mm mortars, in our inventory. We still have about 38,000 rounds of 81 mm mortars,” Bacarro said.
Asked if Esperon was horrified by the misfiring of the 81mm mortar, Bacarro said: “It is a concern for the AFP.”/DMS
Makati court drops Honasan’s coup case
By Ronron
July 13, 2007
A Makati City court dropped on Friday the charge of coup d’ etat against Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan following the withdrawal of the complaint earlier by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Atty. Noni Tagalicud, clerk of the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148, said Presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel ordered in open court the dismissal of the information against Honasan, which accused him as brain of the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez last June 22 absolved Honasan of any criminal liabilities in relation to the military adventurism almost four years ago due to “insufficiency of evidence.”
The move saddened the DOJ prosecutors handling the case, saying Honasan played a role during the recruitment of officers and soldiers who will take part in the takeover of the former Oakwood Hotel on July 27, 2003.
Honasan was implicated in the case after he was seen in a photograph of the alleged meeting of the Magdalo leaders and mentioned by some witnesses to be present during the preparatory meetings.
Tagalicud said a resolution or order about the dropping of the case is expected to be issued by the court on Monday.
Asked if there was a deal struck with the Arroyo administration over his absolution, Honasan said: “If this kind of process is being doubted to be a result of any arrangement or deal, what will happen to our justice system? Would we say then that those party-list congressmen whose cases were also dismissed were also striking a deal with the government? We should avoid that allegation.”
Honasan was arrested in November last year in Quezon City after going in hiding since February of the same year when a warrant for his arrest was issued in relation to his alleged involvement in the Oakwood incident.
The Senator was involved in a number of coup d’ etat activities during the latter part of the Aquino administration but was given amnesty by the Ramos administration./DMS
July 13, 2007
A Makati City court dropped on Friday the charge of coup d’ etat against Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan following the withdrawal of the complaint earlier by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Atty. Noni Tagalicud, clerk of the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148, said Presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel ordered in open court the dismissal of the information against Honasan, which accused him as brain of the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez last June 22 absolved Honasan of any criminal liabilities in relation to the military adventurism almost four years ago due to “insufficiency of evidence.”
The move saddened the DOJ prosecutors handling the case, saying Honasan played a role during the recruitment of officers and soldiers who will take part in the takeover of the former Oakwood Hotel on July 27, 2003.
Honasan was implicated in the case after he was seen in a photograph of the alleged meeting of the Magdalo leaders and mentioned by some witnesses to be present during the preparatory meetings.
Tagalicud said a resolution or order about the dropping of the case is expected to be issued by the court on Monday.
Asked if there was a deal struck with the Arroyo administration over his absolution, Honasan said: “If this kind of process is being doubted to be a result of any arrangement or deal, what will happen to our justice system? Would we say then that those party-list congressmen whose cases were also dismissed were also striking a deal with the government? We should avoid that allegation.”
Honasan was arrested in November last year in Quezon City after going in hiding since February of the same year when a warrant for his arrest was issued in relation to his alleged involvement in the Oakwood incident.
The Senator was involved in a number of coup d’ etat activities during the latter part of the Aquino administration but was given amnesty by the Ramos administration./DMS
2 missing as fishing vessel capsizes off Palawan
By Ronron
July 13, 2007
Two persons were reported missing when a fishing vessel capsized off Palawan province, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.
According to initial reports received by the PCG at 8:30 am yesterday (Friday), fishing boat Timothy Monalinda 48 Dalton, owned by RBL Fishing Corporation, overturned most probably due to big waves in the vicinity of Quinloban Island in Agutaya, Palawan.
The actual time of the incident was not immediately known.
The PCG said 22 of the 24-man crew were rescued by the vessel’s sister ship, while the remaining two are still missing.
The two were identified as Reynaldo Lagrio and Robert Caparo, the PCG said.
A Coast Guard team was sent to the area to help in the search and rescue operations for the two.
On Thursday, at least nine people died after the roll-on roll-off (roro) vessel they were riding from Lucena City, Quezon to Masbate province ran aground and tilted in the shallow waters off San Francisco town, Quezon.
The bad weather in the country is blamed to typhoon “Bebeng,” which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility but is only located far north./DMS
July 13, 2007
Two persons were reported missing when a fishing vessel capsized off Palawan province, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.
According to initial reports received by the PCG at 8:30 am yesterday (Friday), fishing boat Timothy Monalinda 48 Dalton, owned by RBL Fishing Corporation, overturned most probably due to big waves in the vicinity of Quinloban Island in Agutaya, Palawan.
The actual time of the incident was not immediately known.
The PCG said 22 of the 24-man crew were rescued by the vessel’s sister ship, while the remaining two are still missing.
The two were identified as Reynaldo Lagrio and Robert Caparo, the PCG said.
A Coast Guard team was sent to the area to help in the search and rescue operations for the two.
On Thursday, at least nine people died after the roll-on roll-off (roro) vessel they were riding from Lucena City, Quezon to Masbate province ran aground and tilted in the shallow waters off San Francisco town, Quezon.
The bad weather in the country is blamed to typhoon “Bebeng,” which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility but is only located far north./DMS
Friday, July 13, 2007
NDCC alerts people in Bicol as typhoon season sets in
By Ronron
July 12, 2007
Disaster officials in the country alerted people in the Bicol region on Wednesday as the typhoon season sets in this month, starting with “Bebeng.”
During the meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) the other night (Wednesday) at Camp Aguinaldo, officials said the soil in the Bicol region is too soft that it will only need little trickles to cause lahar flow.
The region was hit hard during last year’s typhoon Reming, triggered by the active status of Mayon Volcano which brought out ashes.
“We should take a more pro-active stance for Bicol,” said Martin Rellin, Jr., Director of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA).
“We should watch out for Bicol, especially Albay,” echoed Dr. Graciano Yumul, Jr. Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Rellin said that although “Bebeng” is forecast not to touch land, it will still draw in rains in the Southern Luzon areas and the Visayas until Saturday or Sunday.
During the meeting, National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense acting Secretary Norberto Gonzales directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to make the necessary preparations, especially for Bicol.
He also directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PAG-ASA, the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), and the PAG-ASA to meet to identify the landslide and flashflood prone areas in the country where the military’s engineering brigade could be dispatched before the onset of the typhoon.
The DENR disclosed that there are 820 municipalities, mostly in the eastern part of the country, identified as critical to landslide and flooding.
“I don’t want us being caught in the middle of the typhoon,” Gonzales, who chairs the NDCC, said during the meeting.
He said he already sent most of the undersecretaries and assistance secretaries of the Department of National Defense to the different regions in the country, which is experiencing the effect of “Bebeng” so they could assess the demands of the people there.
Asked about the preparations for the billboards in the capital, most of which collapsed during last year’s typhoons, Gonzales said: “(Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman) Bayan Fernando is very good on that. He’s taking steps already.”
He did not elaborate, however.
PAG-ASA has earlier warned of three typhoons to come into the country starting this month until October.
It said that on an average, based on historical accounts, 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility every year, but only seven of which hit land.
Of the seven, three to four are said to be destructive.
NDCC Executive Officer Glenn Rabonza said the government has a calamity fund of P1 billion for this year, but he disclosed that a few portion of that was already spent./DMS
July 12, 2007
Disaster officials in the country alerted people in the Bicol region on Wednesday as the typhoon season sets in this month, starting with “Bebeng.”
During the meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) the other night (Wednesday) at Camp Aguinaldo, officials said the soil in the Bicol region is too soft that it will only need little trickles to cause lahar flow.
The region was hit hard during last year’s typhoon Reming, triggered by the active status of Mayon Volcano which brought out ashes.
“We should take a more pro-active stance for Bicol,” said Martin Rellin, Jr., Director of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA).
“We should watch out for Bicol, especially Albay,” echoed Dr. Graciano Yumul, Jr. Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Rellin said that although “Bebeng” is forecast not to touch land, it will still draw in rains in the Southern Luzon areas and the Visayas until Saturday or Sunday.
During the meeting, National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense acting Secretary Norberto Gonzales directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to make the necessary preparations, especially for Bicol.
He also directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PAG-ASA, the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), and the PAG-ASA to meet to identify the landslide and flashflood prone areas in the country where the military’s engineering brigade could be dispatched before the onset of the typhoon.
The DENR disclosed that there are 820 municipalities, mostly in the eastern part of the country, identified as critical to landslide and flooding.
“I don’t want us being caught in the middle of the typhoon,” Gonzales, who chairs the NDCC, said during the meeting.
He said he already sent most of the undersecretaries and assistance secretaries of the Department of National Defense to the different regions in the country, which is experiencing the effect of “Bebeng” so they could assess the demands of the people there.
Asked about the preparations for the billboards in the capital, most of which collapsed during last year’s typhoons, Gonzales said: “(Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman) Bayan Fernando is very good on that. He’s taking steps already.”
He did not elaborate, however.
PAG-ASA has earlier warned of three typhoons to come into the country starting this month until October.
It said that on an average, based on historical accounts, 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility every year, but only seven of which hit land.
Of the seven, three to four are said to be destructive.
NDCC Executive Officer Glenn Rabonza said the government has a calamity fund of P1 billion for this year, but he disclosed that a few portion of that was already spent./DMS
Italian envoy extends sympathy to families of slain Marine soldiers
By Ronron
July 12, 2007
The ambassador of Italy in Manila has extended his sympathy to the Philippines Marine Corps and the families of the Marine soldiers who died in an encounter in Basilan after conducting search operations for the abducted Italian Catholic priest, Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi.
National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense Officer-in-Charge Norberto Gonzales said Wednesday night he received a text message from Italian ambassador Reubens Fedele, expressing his feelings for the lives lost during last Tuesday’s encounter in Al-Barka town, Basilan between Moro fighters and Marines soldiers.
“The Italian Ambassador just texted me, expressing his sympathies and condolences that a part of our units has been ambushed while they were looking for Fr. Bossi,” Gonzales told Defense reporters at Camp Aguinaldo after presiding over a meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), which he also chairs.
“I just got the text while we were having the meeting,” he said.
Gonzales said Fedele “is very, very sorry” that the incident happened “in the good effort that the Armed Forces is exerting to recover Fr. Bossi.”
Fourteen soldiers died while nine others were wounded during the nine-hour encounter.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) admitted it was its forces that clashed with the government forces for entering their territory without prior coordination, but the military believes there were Abu Sayyaf rebels there as well.
Bossi was abducted last June 10 in Payao, Zamboanga del Sur and various sources have said he is already in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Earlier, the military said MILF renegade members were responsible for the abduction.
Asked if the heavy fighting indicates that the armed group is indeed holding Bossi there, Gonzales said: “It could be, it could be.”
Gonzales said the indications he received show Bossi is still alive but there is still no concrete proof of life.
“What I can always says is this is not going to be easy and it will take some time before we finally recover Fr. Bossi,” he said.
Told about the MILF’s admission, Gonzales gave an optimistic view, nevertheless, that it will not affect the peace talks of the government with the secessionist group.
But when told that the MILF will file a protest against the Armed Forces for violating the ceasefire agreement, the official said: “They were the ones who killed our troops, yet they will file a protest?”
MILF Public Information Officer Mohagher Iqbal had said that four MILF rebels also died and seven others were wounded in the encounter.
But Gonzales said the incident should not affect the peace talks, saying: “We cannot allow sparks of violence to sabotage or to end the peace talks. We will not allow that.”/DMS
July 12, 2007
The ambassador of Italy in Manila has extended his sympathy to the Philippines Marine Corps and the families of the Marine soldiers who died in an encounter in Basilan after conducting search operations for the abducted Italian Catholic priest, Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi.
National Security Adviser and concurrent Defense Officer-in-Charge Norberto Gonzales said Wednesday night he received a text message from Italian ambassador Reubens Fedele, expressing his feelings for the lives lost during last Tuesday’s encounter in Al-Barka town, Basilan between Moro fighters and Marines soldiers.
“The Italian Ambassador just texted me, expressing his sympathies and condolences that a part of our units has been ambushed while they were looking for Fr. Bossi,” Gonzales told Defense reporters at Camp Aguinaldo after presiding over a meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), which he also chairs.
“I just got the text while we were having the meeting,” he said.
Gonzales said Fedele “is very, very sorry” that the incident happened “in the good effort that the Armed Forces is exerting to recover Fr. Bossi.”
Fourteen soldiers died while nine others were wounded during the nine-hour encounter.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) admitted it was its forces that clashed with the government forces for entering their territory without prior coordination, but the military believes there were Abu Sayyaf rebels there as well.
Bossi was abducted last June 10 in Payao, Zamboanga del Sur and various sources have said he is already in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Earlier, the military said MILF renegade members were responsible for the abduction.
Asked if the heavy fighting indicates that the armed group is indeed holding Bossi there, Gonzales said: “It could be, it could be.”
Gonzales said the indications he received show Bossi is still alive but there is still no concrete proof of life.
“What I can always says is this is not going to be easy and it will take some time before we finally recover Fr. Bossi,” he said.
Told about the MILF’s admission, Gonzales gave an optimistic view, nevertheless, that it will not affect the peace talks of the government with the secessionist group.
But when told that the MILF will file a protest against the Armed Forces for violating the ceasefire agreement, the official said: “They were the ones who killed our troops, yet they will file a protest?”
MILF Public Information Officer Mohagher Iqbal had said that four MILF rebels also died and seven others were wounded in the encounter.
But Gonzales said the incident should not affect the peace talks, saying: “We cannot allow sparks of violence to sabotage or to end the peace talks. We will not allow that.”/DMS
Nine killed as ship runs aground off Quezon, 42 passengers in stranded vessel in Surigao del Norte rescued
By Ronron
July 12, 2007
Nine people were killed while over a hundred others survived when a roll-on roll-off (roro) vessel ran aground near Quezon province before dawn of Thursday, officials said.
Meanwhile, in Surigao del Norte down south, a separate distress at sea was not as tragic as the 42 passengers aboard an inter-island ferry were safely rescued despite floating in the middle of the sea for over 24 hours.
Officials said M/V Blue Water Princess, owned and operated by AC-Joy Express Liner and Magic Blue Ferry, was sailing for Masbate province from Lucena City, Quezon when it ran aground at around 3 am yesterday (Thursday).
The 400-gross tonnage vessel was being manned by a 23-man crew and was carrying about a hundred passengers and 14 trucks loaded with cargoes.
It left the port of Lucena City at around 5pm Wednesday and was expected to arrive Masbate at around 5am yesterday.
However, at the vicinity of San Francisco town in Quezon, the vessel was met with huge waves, causing the trucks aboard it to slide to the right side. The tilting caused the vessel to hit ground and got stuck.
San Francisco Mayor Hernani Tan said the vessel ran aground some 500 meters away from the shoreline of Barangay Pagsangahan in said town.
Quoting the survivors, Tan said the tilting caused panic among the passengers of the vessel, prompting them to jump off to the sea.
He said those recovered dead drowned at sea and sustained injuries from the corals. Four of those who died were under the care of Tan, while the five others were at the neighboring town of San Andres.
Tan said his office has also accounted for 114 survivors, most of whom swam to the shore. The Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Office of Civil Defense (OCD), however, has 126 survivors, in its data.
Region IV-A OCD Director Vicente Tomazar noted that only 28 passengers are listed in the vessel’s manifest.
“We cannot just solely blame here the weather. There could be human error. So, let’s wait for the investigation,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Lt. Armand Balilo said.
Although typhoon “Bebeng” was inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, it did not touch land. Instead, it just caused rains and strong wind in southern Luzon and parts of Visayas as it triggered the southwest monsoon.
OCD Administrator Nathaniel Rabonza said the incident could not be categorically classified as an aftermath of “Bebeng” because there was no storm signal raised by the government weather station.
Rabonza said this was precisely the reason why the vessel was allowed to sail.
In Surigao del Norte, the MB Super Shuttle Ferry 10 suffered engine trouble while it was sailing Wednesday from Surigao City to Liloan, Southern Leyte.
The vessel, owned by Asian Marine Transport Corporation, left Surigao City at 7:15 am Wednesday and then encountered the problem about two hours later or at 9 am while at the vicinity of Sumilom Island, still part of Surigao City.
Initial assessment reveals that the engine failed to function because the fuel was diluted with water.
The PCG in Surigao City said it immediately sent a tugboat to tow the vessel in distress but returned about an hour later due to the strong wind and rough water.
It was only at around 3pm yesterday that all 42 passengers of the vessel was retrieved completely by a private vessel, ML News MPC 4, and brought to San Jose town in Dinagat Island. They are expected to be shipped back to Surigao City today (Friday) if the weather permits.
The rainy season this month has so far claimed five lives already when a landslide hit a portion of Mt. Diwata in Monkayo, Compostela Valley early this week./DMS
July 12, 2007
Nine people were killed while over a hundred others survived when a roll-on roll-off (roro) vessel ran aground near Quezon province before dawn of Thursday, officials said.
Meanwhile, in Surigao del Norte down south, a separate distress at sea was not as tragic as the 42 passengers aboard an inter-island ferry were safely rescued despite floating in the middle of the sea for over 24 hours.
Officials said M/V Blue Water Princess, owned and operated by AC-Joy Express Liner and Magic Blue Ferry, was sailing for Masbate province from Lucena City, Quezon when it ran aground at around 3 am yesterday (Thursday).
The 400-gross tonnage vessel was being manned by a 23-man crew and was carrying about a hundred passengers and 14 trucks loaded with cargoes.
It left the port of Lucena City at around 5pm Wednesday and was expected to arrive Masbate at around 5am yesterday.
However, at the vicinity of San Francisco town in Quezon, the vessel was met with huge waves, causing the trucks aboard it to slide to the right side. The tilting caused the vessel to hit ground and got stuck.
San Francisco Mayor Hernani Tan said the vessel ran aground some 500 meters away from the shoreline of Barangay Pagsangahan in said town.
Quoting the survivors, Tan said the tilting caused panic among the passengers of the vessel, prompting them to jump off to the sea.
He said those recovered dead drowned at sea and sustained injuries from the corals. Four of those who died were under the care of Tan, while the five others were at the neighboring town of San Andres.
Tan said his office has also accounted for 114 survivors, most of whom swam to the shore. The Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Office of Civil Defense (OCD), however, has 126 survivors, in its data.
Region IV-A OCD Director Vicente Tomazar noted that only 28 passengers are listed in the vessel’s manifest.
“We cannot just solely blame here the weather. There could be human error. So, let’s wait for the investigation,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Lt. Armand Balilo said.
Although typhoon “Bebeng” was inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, it did not touch land. Instead, it just caused rains and strong wind in southern Luzon and parts of Visayas as it triggered the southwest monsoon.
OCD Administrator Nathaniel Rabonza said the incident could not be categorically classified as an aftermath of “Bebeng” because there was no storm signal raised by the government weather station.
Rabonza said this was precisely the reason why the vessel was allowed to sail.
In Surigao del Norte, the MB Super Shuttle Ferry 10 suffered engine trouble while it was sailing Wednesday from Surigao City to Liloan, Southern Leyte.
The vessel, owned by Asian Marine Transport Corporation, left Surigao City at 7:15 am Wednesday and then encountered the problem about two hours later or at 9 am while at the vicinity of Sumilom Island, still part of Surigao City.
Initial assessment reveals that the engine failed to function because the fuel was diluted with water.
The PCG in Surigao City said it immediately sent a tugboat to tow the vessel in distress but returned about an hour later due to the strong wind and rough water.
It was only at around 3pm yesterday that all 42 passengers of the vessel was retrieved completely by a private vessel, ML News MPC 4, and brought to San Jose town in Dinagat Island. They are expected to be shipped back to Surigao City today (Friday) if the weather permits.
The rainy season this month has so far claimed five lives already when a landslide hit a portion of Mt. Diwata in Monkayo, Compostela Valley early this week./DMS
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Death toll in Basilan clash rise to 14, MILF owns up incident
By Ronron
July 11, 2007
The death toll on the government side in the clash Tuesday in Basilan province rose to 14 yesterday (Wednesday) as the missing soldiers were found and all accounted for during clearing operations at the encounter site in Al-Barka town (not Tipo-tipo as earlier reported).
At the same time, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership said it was its forces, not the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who clashed with the elements of the 1st Marine Brigade that had just conducted search operations for abducted Italian priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi.
MILF chief peace negotiator and public information officer Mohagher Iqbal said in a phone interview yesterday that their members were fired upon by the government troops at around 10am the other day in Barangay Guinanta in Al-Barka, prompting them to fire back.
“There was no Abu Sayyaf there. They were all MILF fighters. The soldiers entered our territory without coordination with the MILF CCCH (Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities), that’s why there was an encounter,” Iqbal said.
But the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) maintains there were ASG rebels in the clash, based on the initial reports they received from the field.
“It is our humble contribution on the effort to locate physically Fr. Bossi so that he may eventually be rescued in a pursuing operation supposedly. But, in the process, our troops were waylaid,” said PMC spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan in a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo.
“The attackers are composed of Abu Sayyaf Group members and some lawless armed group elements in the local area,” he added.
The attack and encounter, which happened from 10 am until 7pm, happened exactly a month after Bossi was snatched by 10 armed men in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. Right after the incident, the military was quick to attribute the crime to renegade members of the MILF.
But the secessionist group belied the allegation and pointed instead at the ASG. Recently, the ASG theory was supported by no less than National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.
An official of the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), who requested anonymity, said, however, that it is very likely MILF men were holding Bossi.
Told about Iqbal’s claim, 1st Marine Brigade Commander Col. Ramiro Alivio said in a phone interview yesterday: “We were trying to verify the presence of the lawless elements holding Fr. Bossi. So, imagine us coordinating that operation with them?”
“Besides, that is not their camp. It was an expanse of bushes, a thickly-forested area. So they cannot claim it as their territory,” he added.
The Marine troops, numbering about a hundred (not 50 as earlier reported), had just come from an area in Barangay Guinanta and its neighboring villages in search for Bossi when ambushed, said Alivio.
The troops were aboard an M35 truck, and two dump trucks, and were heading to their base near Lamitan town.
While traversing a rough road still in Barangay Guinanta, one of the trucks got stuck in the mud, forcing the troops to make a stop in what is known as a “killing zone.”
That was when the more or less 300 armed elements, carrying M16’s, M14’s, machine guns, and 81 mm mortars, attacked.
Alivio said the Marine troopers, despite not prepared for combat, retaliated, causing the firefight to drag on until Tuesday night.
Caculitan said reinforcement troops from the 1st Marine Brigade failed to penetrate the area to help their fellow soldiers because of the large size of the lawless elements.
Two soldiers died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at a hospital. Nine others and an assistant cameraman of a GMA 7 news team were wounded.
Ten other soldiers were initially missing but were discovered on Wednesday morning dead already, beheaded. Their firearms were already gone.
Two of the trucks were also found burned already, Alivio said.
Alivio and Caculitan said the government troops inflicted casualties on their enemy but could not say how many as no bodies were recovered.
Alivio said the government and the MILF CCCH arrived at the area yesterday, ordering a ceasefire. The action, however, effectively, prevented the government troops from pursuing the perpetrators, he said.
Iqbal said if only there was proper coordination with the MILF, the encounter would have been prevented. Because of the incident, Iqbal said they will file a protest against the Marines before the GRP-MILF CCCH over said incident.
Told about the MILF’s claim, Caculitan said: “If there would have been participation of some MILF members, then we would bring the matter to the ceasefire committee.”
The government and the MILF forged an agreement on the cessation of hostilities in June 2001 as part of measures in arriving at a final peace accord. The peace talks hit a snag last year after both parties failed to agree on the ancestral domain issue.
Asked if the MILF soldiers therefore beheaded the Marine soldiers following his admission that no other lawless groups participated in the clash, Iqbal said: “We are investigating that. Pending the investigation, we do not really know… But what is important is the MILF strictly tells our forces not to commit that kind of atrocity… because that is against Islam.”
The last beheading in the south happened in April when ASG rebels cut the head of their seven kidnap victims after their ransom demand was not granted by the government. The victims were working for a road project in Sulu.
Still convinced that the armed elements were mainly ASG rebels, Caculitan said of the beheading: “This shows how barbaric the Abu Sayyaf is. Whenever they have the chance, they will decapitate their victims.”
Caculitan said the Marines may have failed to locate Bossi, and may have suffered heavy casualties in Tuesday’s clash, but their operations will go on.
“The Philippine Marine Corps is always supportive to the thrusts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. So we are trying our best to give our humble contribution in the search for Fr. Bossi. And that will remain even if these things will happen,” Caculitan said.
Alivio said their efforts to look for Bossi in Basilan have begun in June 17, or seven days since the abduction happened, after receiving reports that the 57-year-old priest was taken their by his captors./DMS
July 11, 2007
The death toll on the government side in the clash Tuesday in Basilan province rose to 14 yesterday (Wednesday) as the missing soldiers were found and all accounted for during clearing operations at the encounter site in Al-Barka town (not Tipo-tipo as earlier reported).
At the same time, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership said it was its forces, not the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who clashed with the elements of the 1st Marine Brigade that had just conducted search operations for abducted Italian priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi.
MILF chief peace negotiator and public information officer Mohagher Iqbal said in a phone interview yesterday that their members were fired upon by the government troops at around 10am the other day in Barangay Guinanta in Al-Barka, prompting them to fire back.
“There was no Abu Sayyaf there. They were all MILF fighters. The soldiers entered our territory without coordination with the MILF CCCH (Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities), that’s why there was an encounter,” Iqbal said.
But the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) maintains there were ASG rebels in the clash, based on the initial reports they received from the field.
“It is our humble contribution on the effort to locate physically Fr. Bossi so that he may eventually be rescued in a pursuing operation supposedly. But, in the process, our troops were waylaid,” said PMC spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan in a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo.
“The attackers are composed of Abu Sayyaf Group members and some lawless armed group elements in the local area,” he added.
The attack and encounter, which happened from 10 am until 7pm, happened exactly a month after Bossi was snatched by 10 armed men in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. Right after the incident, the military was quick to attribute the crime to renegade members of the MILF.
But the secessionist group belied the allegation and pointed instead at the ASG. Recently, the ASG theory was supported by no less than National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.
An official of the GRP-MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), who requested anonymity, said, however, that it is very likely MILF men were holding Bossi.
Told about Iqbal’s claim, 1st Marine Brigade Commander Col. Ramiro Alivio said in a phone interview yesterday: “We were trying to verify the presence of the lawless elements holding Fr. Bossi. So, imagine us coordinating that operation with them?”
“Besides, that is not their camp. It was an expanse of bushes, a thickly-forested area. So they cannot claim it as their territory,” he added.
The Marine troops, numbering about a hundred (not 50 as earlier reported), had just come from an area in Barangay Guinanta and its neighboring villages in search for Bossi when ambushed, said Alivio.
The troops were aboard an M35 truck, and two dump trucks, and were heading to their base near Lamitan town.
While traversing a rough road still in Barangay Guinanta, one of the trucks got stuck in the mud, forcing the troops to make a stop in what is known as a “killing zone.”
That was when the more or less 300 armed elements, carrying M16’s, M14’s, machine guns, and 81 mm mortars, attacked.
Alivio said the Marine troopers, despite not prepared for combat, retaliated, causing the firefight to drag on until Tuesday night.
Caculitan said reinforcement troops from the 1st Marine Brigade failed to penetrate the area to help their fellow soldiers because of the large size of the lawless elements.
Two soldiers died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at a hospital. Nine others and an assistant cameraman of a GMA 7 news team were wounded.
Ten other soldiers were initially missing but were discovered on Wednesday morning dead already, beheaded. Their firearms were already gone.
Two of the trucks were also found burned already, Alivio said.
Alivio and Caculitan said the government troops inflicted casualties on their enemy but could not say how many as no bodies were recovered.
Alivio said the government and the MILF CCCH arrived at the area yesterday, ordering a ceasefire. The action, however, effectively, prevented the government troops from pursuing the perpetrators, he said.
Iqbal said if only there was proper coordination with the MILF, the encounter would have been prevented. Because of the incident, Iqbal said they will file a protest against the Marines before the GRP-MILF CCCH over said incident.
Told about the MILF’s claim, Caculitan said: “If there would have been participation of some MILF members, then we would bring the matter to the ceasefire committee.”
The government and the MILF forged an agreement on the cessation of hostilities in June 2001 as part of measures in arriving at a final peace accord. The peace talks hit a snag last year after both parties failed to agree on the ancestral domain issue.
Asked if the MILF soldiers therefore beheaded the Marine soldiers following his admission that no other lawless groups participated in the clash, Iqbal said: “We are investigating that. Pending the investigation, we do not really know… But what is important is the MILF strictly tells our forces not to commit that kind of atrocity… because that is against Islam.”
The last beheading in the south happened in April when ASG rebels cut the head of their seven kidnap victims after their ransom demand was not granted by the government. The victims were working for a road project in Sulu.
Still convinced that the armed elements were mainly ASG rebels, Caculitan said of the beheading: “This shows how barbaric the Abu Sayyaf is. Whenever they have the chance, they will decapitate their victims.”
Caculitan said the Marines may have failed to locate Bossi, and may have suffered heavy casualties in Tuesday’s clash, but their operations will go on.
“The Philippine Marine Corps is always supportive to the thrusts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. So we are trying our best to give our humble contribution in the search for Fr. Bossi. And that will remain even if these things will happen,” Caculitan said.
Alivio said their efforts to look for Bossi in Basilan have begun in June 17, or seven days since the abduction happened, after receiving reports that the 57-year-old priest was taken their by his captors./DMS
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
ISAFP chief decries allegations his men are involved in Burgos abduction
By Ronron
July 10, 2007
The chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) is hurt about allegations his men are involved in the abduction of Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 in Quezon City.
In a phone interview yesterday (Tuesday) with Defense reporters, Maj. Gen. Delfin Bangit, Jr. categorically denied the allegation that was further bolstered on Monday by the recommendation of Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco for the National Bureau of Investigation to summon six military personnel for possible involvement in the abduction case.
“I have already said this to Mrs. Burgos, and this will still be my statement now. I can still look into her eyes, saying ISAFP has nothing to do with the disappearance of Burgos,” Bangit said.
Bangit said the publication of the allegation in different news outlets “is very damaging to the institution” especially that it does not bear any hint of truth.
He lamented that the claim of Velasco’s informant, who provided six names of members of the military as suspects, is drastically leading the investigation away from the truth.
Bangit said he checked the names provided by Velasco’s information – Army T/Sgt. Jason Roxas; Air Force Cpl. Maria Joana Francisco, reportedly assigned with the Military Intelligence Group (MIG) 15 of ISAFP; Air Force M/Sgt. Aron Arroyo, also assigned with MIG 15; an alias T.L., also of MIG 15; Army 1st Lt. Jaime Mendaros, assigned with the 56th Infantry Battalion; and, Lt. Col. Noel Clement also of the 56th IB but presently assigned at the Escort and Security Battalion (PA) in Fort Bonifacio – but were found to be non-existent in their list of personnel.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said that out of the three Army personnel mentioned, only Mendaros and Clement are confirmed to be in their rolls. He said they are prepared to submit the two the Department of Justice investigation.
Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr., for his part, denied the existence of the two named Air Force personnel.
“The only way to check (the truth) is for the witness to really come out and tell us about this,” Bangit said, apparently challenging Velasco’s informant.
Bangit said that aside from publicly clearing the organization from what is being hurled against it, he can only order a further information-gathering by his men relative to the Burgos abduction case to prove their innocence.
“With conviction and will all honesty, ISAFP is not in any way connected in this disappearance,” Bangit insisted.
Burgos was abducted from a mall along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City reportedly due to his links with the communist movement.
But his family maintained the victim was just providing agriculture technology training on members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in Central Luzon.
Burgos is a son of the late Philippine press freedom icon, Jose Burgos./DMS
July 10, 2007
The chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) is hurt about allegations his men are involved in the abduction of Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 in Quezon City.
In a phone interview yesterday (Tuesday) with Defense reporters, Maj. Gen. Delfin Bangit, Jr. categorically denied the allegation that was further bolstered on Monday by the recommendation of Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco for the National Bureau of Investigation to summon six military personnel for possible involvement in the abduction case.
“I have already said this to Mrs. Burgos, and this will still be my statement now. I can still look into her eyes, saying ISAFP has nothing to do with the disappearance of Burgos,” Bangit said.
Bangit said the publication of the allegation in different news outlets “is very damaging to the institution” especially that it does not bear any hint of truth.
He lamented that the claim of Velasco’s informant, who provided six names of members of the military as suspects, is drastically leading the investigation away from the truth.
Bangit said he checked the names provided by Velasco’s information – Army T/Sgt. Jason Roxas; Air Force Cpl. Maria Joana Francisco, reportedly assigned with the Military Intelligence Group (MIG) 15 of ISAFP; Air Force M/Sgt. Aron Arroyo, also assigned with MIG 15; an alias T.L., also of MIG 15; Army 1st Lt. Jaime Mendaros, assigned with the 56th Infantry Battalion; and, Lt. Col. Noel Clement also of the 56th IB but presently assigned at the Escort and Security Battalion (PA) in Fort Bonifacio – but were found to be non-existent in their list of personnel.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said that out of the three Army personnel mentioned, only Mendaros and Clement are confirmed to be in their rolls. He said they are prepared to submit the two the Department of Justice investigation.
Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr., for his part, denied the existence of the two named Air Force personnel.
“The only way to check (the truth) is for the witness to really come out and tell us about this,” Bangit said, apparently challenging Velasco’s informant.
Bangit said that aside from publicly clearing the organization from what is being hurled against it, he can only order a further information-gathering by his men relative to the Burgos abduction case to prove their innocence.
“With conviction and will all honesty, ISAFP is not in any way connected in this disappearance,” Bangit insisted.
Burgos was abducted from a mall along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City reportedly due to his links with the communist movement.
But his family maintained the victim was just providing agriculture technology training on members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in Central Luzon.
Burgos is a son of the late Philippine press freedom icon, Jose Burgos./DMS
Terror alert raised in MM, lowered down in Central Mindanao
By Ronron
July 10, 2007
The anti-terrorism agency of the government has raised the terrorism threat level in Metro Manila to “moderate,” and lowered to “high” the level for Central Mindanao, the national police spokesman said Tuesday.
Quoting the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF), Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said in a statement that the present terror threat level is due to the upcoming events in the capital later this month, and the relatively peaceful situation in the south.
A Moderate Terror Threat level means a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. A High level indicates a strong possibility of a terrorist attack within a period of time.
The four-tiered alert level begins with Low (or normal), followed by Moderate, then High, and finally Extreme. But the highest level is further subdivided 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.
Prior to the current level, Metro Manila was just on Low Terror Level, and Central Mindanao was on Extreme-Critical.
Pagdilao said PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to “beef up their security and intelligence operations… in the wake of a high level of terrorist threat this July generated by the incoming State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministerial Meeting.”
The SONA will be held on July 23, while the AMM will go full-swing on the 28th.
Despite being on Moderate Terrorism Threat, police in Metro Manila are advised by the ATTF to implement high level of security as the two “events might serve as magnets for terrorists to stage daring attacks to capitalize the tensions it will cause to politics and security,” said Pagdilao.
Pagdilao said NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla was specifically ordered to double security efforts in the vicinity of Malacañang Palace in Manila City, the surrounding areas of Batasan in Quezon City, and the venue of the AMM in Pasay City.
This is “to prevent any form of destabilization activity that may coincide with various protest actions that the militant sector will launch,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said Calderon is also asking the public to give their share in securing the community.
A task force, consisting of some 6,000 personnel, was already created by the PNP for the ASEAN meeting but its full operation will still commence later this month.
For Central Mindanao, Calderon said the people there, especially the police, should remain vigilant despite the lowering of the threat level from Extreme to High, citing the ATTF’s warning of possible terror attacks.
“The ATTF has reduced the threat level, particularly in Central Mindanao, after it was revealed that the recent incidents of bombings were perpetrated by criminal groups trying to be like terrorists in order to extort money from the owners of public utility buses plying the region,” Pagdilao said, referring to the series of bus bombings that began last May.
“Gen. Calderon said police personnel in Mindanao must remain vigilant after the ATTF said it is not discounting the possibility that terrorists may have a hand in the recent bomb attacks since it was observed in the past that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) foot soldiers exploit bombing plots to extort money from targeted commercial establishments,” Pagdilao said.
Quoting the ATTF, Pagdilao disclosed that the ASG, under the reported new leadership of Yasser Igasan, is consolidating its forces in Sulu “to carry out kidnapping for ransom activities to arrest their dwindling funds.”
Central Mindanao-based foreign jihadist Zulkilpi Bin Hir, alias Marwan, who is the prime suspect in the recent successive bombings in Mindanao, has also joined the ASG in Sulu, particularly those under the command of Isnilon Hapilon, said Pagdilao.
“The relocation of Marwan to Sulu is being attributed by the ATTF to the government’s pressure on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership to expel terrorist in their area to show their sincerity to the peace negotiation,” Pagdilao said, referring to the May 2002 Joint Communique of the GRP and the MILF./DMS
July 10, 2007
The anti-terrorism agency of the government has raised the terrorism threat level in Metro Manila to “moderate,” and lowered to “high” the level for Central Mindanao, the national police spokesman said Tuesday.
Quoting the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF), Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said in a statement that the present terror threat level is due to the upcoming events in the capital later this month, and the relatively peaceful situation in the south.
A Moderate Terror Threat level means a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. A High level indicates a strong possibility of a terrorist attack within a period of time.
The four-tiered alert level begins with Low (or normal), followed by Moderate, then High, and finally Extreme. But the highest level is further subdivided 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.
Prior to the current level, Metro Manila was just on Low Terror Level, and Central Mindanao was on Extreme-Critical.
Pagdilao said PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to “beef up their security and intelligence operations… in the wake of a high level of terrorist threat this July generated by the incoming State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministerial Meeting.”
The SONA will be held on July 23, while the AMM will go full-swing on the 28th.
Despite being on Moderate Terrorism Threat, police in Metro Manila are advised by the ATTF to implement high level of security as the two “events might serve as magnets for terrorists to stage daring attacks to capitalize the tensions it will cause to politics and security,” said Pagdilao.
Pagdilao said NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla was specifically ordered to double security efforts in the vicinity of Malacañang Palace in Manila City, the surrounding areas of Batasan in Quezon City, and the venue of the AMM in Pasay City.
This is “to prevent any form of destabilization activity that may coincide with various protest actions that the militant sector will launch,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said Calderon is also asking the public to give their share in securing the community.
A task force, consisting of some 6,000 personnel, was already created by the PNP for the ASEAN meeting but its full operation will still commence later this month.
For Central Mindanao, Calderon said the people there, especially the police, should remain vigilant despite the lowering of the threat level from Extreme to High, citing the ATTF’s warning of possible terror attacks.
“The ATTF has reduced the threat level, particularly in Central Mindanao, after it was revealed that the recent incidents of bombings were perpetrated by criminal groups trying to be like terrorists in order to extort money from the owners of public utility buses plying the region,” Pagdilao said, referring to the series of bus bombings that began last May.
“Gen. Calderon said police personnel in Mindanao must remain vigilant after the ATTF said it is not discounting the possibility that terrorists may have a hand in the recent bomb attacks since it was observed in the past that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) foot soldiers exploit bombing plots to extort money from targeted commercial establishments,” Pagdilao said.
Quoting the ATTF, Pagdilao disclosed that the ASG, under the reported new leadership of Yasser Igasan, is consolidating its forces in Sulu “to carry out kidnapping for ransom activities to arrest their dwindling funds.”
Central Mindanao-based foreign jihadist Zulkilpi Bin Hir, alias Marwan, who is the prime suspect in the recent successive bombings in Mindanao, has also joined the ASG in Sulu, particularly those under the command of Isnilon Hapilon, said Pagdilao.
“The relocation of Marwan to Sulu is being attributed by the ATTF to the government’s pressure on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership to expel terrorist in their area to show their sincerity to the peace negotiation,” Pagdilao said, referring to the May 2002 Joint Communique of the GRP and the MILF./DMS
5 killed in landslide in Compostela Valley
By Ronron
July 10, 2007
Five persons were killed in a landslide Monday night in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao, disaster officials said yesterday.
According to a report of Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Glenn Rabonza, the landslide happened at around 7:30 pm at Purok 2, Barangay Mt. Diwata, Monkayo due to the incessant rains in said town over the last two weeks, resulting to a loosening of soil.
Quoting reports from the field, Rabonza said three houses were totally damaged by the landslide, one of which totally buried and killed five persons, while another one was partially damaged.
The fatalities were identified as Ralph Soldia, 19; Rosemarie Mamaril, 16; Tata Rosales, 24; Marlito Bordios, 30; and Roderick Cabaluna, 22. The five are presumed to be involved in small-scale mining operations in the Mt. Diwata.
Joint members of the Mt. Diwata Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council, the 28th Infantry of the Philippine Army, and the local police helped in the search and retrieval operations, said Rabonza.
Rabonza said the estimated cost of damage is P600,000.00./DMS
July 10, 2007
Five persons were killed in a landslide Monday night in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao, disaster officials said yesterday.
According to a report of Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Glenn Rabonza, the landslide happened at around 7:30 pm at Purok 2, Barangay Mt. Diwata, Monkayo due to the incessant rains in said town over the last two weeks, resulting to a loosening of soil.
Quoting reports from the field, Rabonza said three houses were totally damaged by the landslide, one of which totally buried and killed five persons, while another one was partially damaged.
The fatalities were identified as Ralph Soldia, 19; Rosemarie Mamaril, 16; Tata Rosales, 24; Marlito Bordios, 30; and Roderick Cabaluna, 22. The five are presumed to be involved in small-scale mining operations in the Mt. Diwata.
Joint members of the Mt. Diwata Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council, the 28th Infantry of the Philippine Army, and the local police helped in the search and retrieval operations, said Rabonza.
Rabonza said the estimated cost of damage is P600,000.00./DMS
12 Magdalo core leaders plead guilty to Oakwood mutiny charge before court martial
By Ronron
July 10, 2007
Twelve of the 29 core leaders of the Magdalo Group that staged an attempted mutiny in July 2003 at Makati City pleaded guilty on Tuesday before a military court to a charge of violating the Articles of War.
The 12 who changed their original plea of “not guilty” to “guilty” to violating AW 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) were identified as: Captains Milo Maestrecampo, Albert Baloloy, Gerardo Gambala, Elvin Ebreo, Laurence Luis Somera, and John Andres, and First Lieutenants Rex Bolo, Von Rio Tayab, Audie Tocloy, Cleo Dongga-as, Florentino Somera, and Kristoffer Bryan Yasay. All belong to the Philippine Army.
If the plea is accepted, the 12 face dishonorable discharge from the military service, military officials said.
The 12 or their lawyers did not say yesterday during the hearing at Camp Aguinaldo why they are changing their original plea, entered for them by the court two years ago.
But during the hearing last June 6 when they first manifested their intention to change plea, one of the defense lawyer admitted that one of the factors could be “practicality” since they will still be meted with the same penalty if the case is pursued.
“Besides, their case at the Regional Trial Court is bailable, so there will no longer be a reason for them to be detained except this court martial proceedings,” said Atty. Ed Abaya.
All 29 core leaders are also facing coup d’ etat charges before the Makati City Regional Trial Court, together with two enlisted personnel (who were already discharged from the service), in relation to the same incident, which will mark its fourth year this July 27th.
At the Makati RTC, almost all of the 31 charged were granted bail except for a few of the six hardcore leaders, identified as Maestrecampo, Gambala, Marine Captain Gary Alejano, Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug, Navy Lt. SG Antonio Trillanes IV (now resigned and a Senator), and Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon.
Court Martial President Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi said the court will hand down the verdict on the 12 and their sentence on the next hearing day, which has yet to be scheduled.
But he hinted of the dismissal by telling the accused before ordering the adjournment, “It doesn’t matter anymore because you know your sentence.”
Meanwhile, 12 other leaders opted to enter into a “special plea,” which, military prosecutor Col. Pedro Davila called as a demurrer or a motion to dismiss the case.
The 12 are Alejano, Layug, Capt. Segundino Opriano, Lts. SG Andy Torrato, Eugene Louie Gonzales, Cabuchan, Lt. Junior Grade Arturo Pascua, 1Lts. Nathaniel Rabonza, Sonny Sarmiento, Billy Pascua, Francisco Ashley Acedillo, and Ensign Armand Pontejos.
The court ordered the lawyers of the 12 to file their special plea in writing and submit it within 15 days. The military prosecution will also be given another 15 days to submit a comment on the special plea.
The remaining five leaders – Trillanes, Faeldon, 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, 1Lt. Jonnel Sanggalang, and 1Lt. Warren Lee Dagupon – opted not to enter into a plea bargaining agreement for different reasons.
Trillanes, Faeldon and Sanggalang were not around, while San Juan said he would still await the action on his change plea motion at the Makati court. Dagupon, for his part, invoked his right to remain silent, but the court took it as a not-guilty pleading.
Aside from the 29, seven other junior officers are still facing court martial proceedings.
Just last June 12, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the plea-bargaining agreement entered into by 54 other Magdalo junior officers with the court martial. They were sentenced to jail until January 27 next year and will then be meted with dishonorable discharge.
A few other accused officers have been cleared of the charges by higher military authorities, while over 180 enlisted personnel who also participated in the takeover were already absolved, after also entering into a plea-bargaining agreement.
The 300 soldiers and officers took control of the former Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003 in protest of alleged corruption in the government, particularly the military organization./DMS
July 10, 2007
Twelve of the 29 core leaders of the Magdalo Group that staged an attempted mutiny in July 2003 at Makati City pleaded guilty on Tuesday before a military court to a charge of violating the Articles of War.
The 12 who changed their original plea of “not guilty” to “guilty” to violating AW 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) were identified as: Captains Milo Maestrecampo, Albert Baloloy, Gerardo Gambala, Elvin Ebreo, Laurence Luis Somera, and John Andres, and First Lieutenants Rex Bolo, Von Rio Tayab, Audie Tocloy, Cleo Dongga-as, Florentino Somera, and Kristoffer Bryan Yasay. All belong to the Philippine Army.
If the plea is accepted, the 12 face dishonorable discharge from the military service, military officials said.
The 12 or their lawyers did not say yesterday during the hearing at Camp Aguinaldo why they are changing their original plea, entered for them by the court two years ago.
But during the hearing last June 6 when they first manifested their intention to change plea, one of the defense lawyer admitted that one of the factors could be “practicality” since they will still be meted with the same penalty if the case is pursued.
“Besides, their case at the Regional Trial Court is bailable, so there will no longer be a reason for them to be detained except this court martial proceedings,” said Atty. Ed Abaya.
All 29 core leaders are also facing coup d’ etat charges before the Makati City Regional Trial Court, together with two enlisted personnel (who were already discharged from the service), in relation to the same incident, which will mark its fourth year this July 27th.
At the Makati RTC, almost all of the 31 charged were granted bail except for a few of the six hardcore leaders, identified as Maestrecampo, Gambala, Marine Captain Gary Alejano, Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug, Navy Lt. SG Antonio Trillanes IV (now resigned and a Senator), and Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon.
Court Martial President Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi said the court will hand down the verdict on the 12 and their sentence on the next hearing day, which has yet to be scheduled.
But he hinted of the dismissal by telling the accused before ordering the adjournment, “It doesn’t matter anymore because you know your sentence.”
Meanwhile, 12 other leaders opted to enter into a “special plea,” which, military prosecutor Col. Pedro Davila called as a demurrer or a motion to dismiss the case.
The 12 are Alejano, Layug, Capt. Segundino Opriano, Lts. SG Andy Torrato, Eugene Louie Gonzales, Cabuchan, Lt. Junior Grade Arturo Pascua, 1Lts. Nathaniel Rabonza, Sonny Sarmiento, Billy Pascua, Francisco Ashley Acedillo, and Ensign Armand Pontejos.
The court ordered the lawyers of the 12 to file their special plea in writing and submit it within 15 days. The military prosecution will also be given another 15 days to submit a comment on the special plea.
The remaining five leaders – Trillanes, Faeldon, 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, 1Lt. Jonnel Sanggalang, and 1Lt. Warren Lee Dagupon – opted not to enter into a plea bargaining agreement for different reasons.
Trillanes, Faeldon and Sanggalang were not around, while San Juan said he would still await the action on his change plea motion at the Makati court. Dagupon, for his part, invoked his right to remain silent, but the court took it as a not-guilty pleading.
Aside from the 29, seven other junior officers are still facing court martial proceedings.
Just last June 12, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the plea-bargaining agreement entered into by 54 other Magdalo junior officers with the court martial. They were sentenced to jail until January 27 next year and will then be meted with dishonorable discharge.
A few other accused officers have been cleared of the charges by higher military authorities, while over 180 enlisted personnel who also participated in the takeover were already absolved, after also entering into a plea-bargaining agreement.
The 300 soldiers and officers took control of the former Oakwood Hotel in Makati City last July 27, 2003 in protest of alleged corruption in the government, particularly the military organization./DMS
Soldiers back to slum areas in MM
By Ronron
July 10, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed back Tuesday its troops in Metro Manila for the continuation of civil-military operations (CMO) particularly geared against the proliferation of communism.
CMO Battalion commander Col. Ricardo Visaya of the Philippine Army said some 100 soldiers went back to slum areas in Quezon City and Taguig City past 1 pm yesterday to resume Community Development (CODE) activities.
“After getting approval from Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte and Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga, we will be sending back our CODE squads in these two cities today,” Visaya told reporters yesterday morning.
“This time, more vigorous actions will be undertaken to educate the people about CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) deceptions. They will be taught on how to counter the recruitment of the CPP,” Visaya said.
He said 30 of the soldiers will go to three barangays in Taguig City, while the rest will be spread in six barangays in Quezon City.
“Also, with the nod of Mayor Alfredo Lim, we will return back our soldiers in Manila City probably next week,” said Visaya. The same may also be done in Caloocan City.
The deployment of the first batch of CODE elements from November last year until May of this year was met with criticisms by militant groups and some sectors from the government, particularly the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
According to the objecting parties, the presence of some 260 soldiers in 19 barangays in the cities of Manila, Taguig, Caloocan and Quezon was reminiscent of the Martial Law days. They also feared that the soldiers will be used in electioneering activities of the military, especially against Left-leaning party-list groups.
But the military maintained that they were just performing their job as protector of the people, and denied the allegations of their critics. In fact, the village leaders themselves were asking for their presence.
Visaya said the new batch of CODE soldiers will still hold dialogues with local residents, even pre-school students, as a strategy in winning the hearts and minds of the populace, aside from engaging in various infrastructure projects and medical missions.
“We will have coordination talks with children. We have to win the next generation. I will go to the day care centers. This is what you call winning the next generation,” Visaya said.
He said the soldiers will be wearing their General Office Attires (GOA) so they will be properly recognized by the residents, and they will be allowed to carry their short firearms for self-protection.
It can be recalled that an Army soldier died early this year in Tondo, Manila City while in the act of responding to a crime. The suspect shot the soldier.
Visaya said if the barangay captains cannot provide shelter to the CODE soldiers, the latter will just stay in temporary tents.
Asked how long will the troop immersion be, Visaya said: “We will be in these areas until we are sure that the residents can already defend themselves.”
He disclosed that the CPP has recently created U-Watch (University in Urban Watch) teams to monitor the activities of the soldiers. But he said the AFP is not afraid.
“In fact, I am inviting them to be present in all our engagements. Contrary to their claim that we are curtailing people’s freedom, we are giving them freedom – freedom to live on their own and not be used by anyone for selfish motives,” Visaya said./DMS
July 10, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed back Tuesday its troops in Metro Manila for the continuation of civil-military operations (CMO) particularly geared against the proliferation of communism.
CMO Battalion commander Col. Ricardo Visaya of the Philippine Army said some 100 soldiers went back to slum areas in Quezon City and Taguig City past 1 pm yesterday to resume Community Development (CODE) activities.
“After getting approval from Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte and Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga, we will be sending back our CODE squads in these two cities today,” Visaya told reporters yesterday morning.
“This time, more vigorous actions will be undertaken to educate the people about CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) deceptions. They will be taught on how to counter the recruitment of the CPP,” Visaya said.
He said 30 of the soldiers will go to three barangays in Taguig City, while the rest will be spread in six barangays in Quezon City.
“Also, with the nod of Mayor Alfredo Lim, we will return back our soldiers in Manila City probably next week,” said Visaya. The same may also be done in Caloocan City.
The deployment of the first batch of CODE elements from November last year until May of this year was met with criticisms by militant groups and some sectors from the government, particularly the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
According to the objecting parties, the presence of some 260 soldiers in 19 barangays in the cities of Manila, Taguig, Caloocan and Quezon was reminiscent of the Martial Law days. They also feared that the soldiers will be used in electioneering activities of the military, especially against Left-leaning party-list groups.
But the military maintained that they were just performing their job as protector of the people, and denied the allegations of their critics. In fact, the village leaders themselves were asking for their presence.
Visaya said the new batch of CODE soldiers will still hold dialogues with local residents, even pre-school students, as a strategy in winning the hearts and minds of the populace, aside from engaging in various infrastructure projects and medical missions.
“We will have coordination talks with children. We have to win the next generation. I will go to the day care centers. This is what you call winning the next generation,” Visaya said.
He said the soldiers will be wearing their General Office Attires (GOA) so they will be properly recognized by the residents, and they will be allowed to carry their short firearms for self-protection.
It can be recalled that an Army soldier died early this year in Tondo, Manila City while in the act of responding to a crime. The suspect shot the soldier.
Visaya said if the barangay captains cannot provide shelter to the CODE soldiers, the latter will just stay in temporary tents.
Asked how long will the troop immersion be, Visaya said: “We will be in these areas until we are sure that the residents can already defend themselves.”
He disclosed that the CPP has recently created U-Watch (University in Urban Watch) teams to monitor the activities of the soldiers. But he said the AFP is not afraid.
“In fact, I am inviting them to be present in all our engagements. Contrary to their claim that we are curtailing people’s freedom, we are giving them freedom – freedom to live on their own and not be used by anyone for selfish motives,” Visaya said./DMS
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
German national found dead in La Union province
By Ronron
July 9, 2007
A 67-year-old German national was found dead last Saturday afternoon inside his house in La Union province.
Police identified the victim as Eberhard Rust, a pensioner, resident of No. 138 Mayer St., Abad Compound, Barangay Ili Norte, San Juan town. He is reportedly estranged from his Filipina wife who is now based in the neighboring province of Pangasinan.
Rust, who allegedly lives alone, was found by his neighbors at around 2:30 pm ,lying at the receiving room of his house, bearing several stab wounds all over his body and on his head.
Police said Rust’s neighbors have wondered why he has not responded to their calls in the last three days, prompting them to check on him.
Last Saturday afternoon, one of his neighbors, Leopoldo Basibas, peeked through a window but was met with an unpleasant smell. From the outside, he saw Rust’s decomposing body.
Police who later responded to the site recovered a pair of stainless kitchen knives and a wooden axe handle. The knives were stained with dried blood.
Police said the motive for the killing possibly is robbery because the closets and cabinets inside Rust’s house were found opened and his personal belongings were scattered.
Police suspect that the crime was perpetrated some three days before Rust’s body was found or from the time the neighbor’s calls were not heeded to.
They also noted the presence of maggot on the cadaver that indicates it is already under the state of decomposition.
Police are still investigating who could be behind the crime, noting the absence of signs of forcible entry.
Several empty bottles of San Miguel Beer found inside the receiving room, however, provides an indication that the suspects first had an encounter with Rust before committing the crime. The possibility that they are welcome guests also explains why the doors and windows were properly closed and locked.
But police have yet to find out if somebody saw these people whom Rust had a drinking session with.
They also have yet to establish contact with Rust’s alleged live-in partner, who was not around when the supposed incident happened.
The victim’s body was already taken to a funeral parlor in Bauang town for autopsy.
In April of this year, a German national in Bohol was killed together with his wife. The couple’s helper was implicated in the crime./DMS
July 9, 2007
A 67-year-old German national was found dead last Saturday afternoon inside his house in La Union province.
Police identified the victim as Eberhard Rust, a pensioner, resident of No. 138 Mayer St., Abad Compound, Barangay Ili Norte, San Juan town. He is reportedly estranged from his Filipina wife who is now based in the neighboring province of Pangasinan.
Rust, who allegedly lives alone, was found by his neighbors at around 2:30 pm ,lying at the receiving room of his house, bearing several stab wounds all over his body and on his head.
Police said Rust’s neighbors have wondered why he has not responded to their calls in the last three days, prompting them to check on him.
Last Saturday afternoon, one of his neighbors, Leopoldo Basibas, peeked through a window but was met with an unpleasant smell. From the outside, he saw Rust’s decomposing body.
Police who later responded to the site recovered a pair of stainless kitchen knives and a wooden axe handle. The knives were stained with dried blood.
Police said the motive for the killing possibly is robbery because the closets and cabinets inside Rust’s house were found opened and his personal belongings were scattered.
Police suspect that the crime was perpetrated some three days before Rust’s body was found or from the time the neighbor’s calls were not heeded to.
They also noted the presence of maggot on the cadaver that indicates it is already under the state of decomposition.
Police are still investigating who could be behind the crime, noting the absence of signs of forcible entry.
Several empty bottles of San Miguel Beer found inside the receiving room, however, provides an indication that the suspects first had an encounter with Rust before committing the crime. The possibility that they are welcome guests also explains why the doors and windows were properly closed and locked.
But police have yet to find out if somebody saw these people whom Rust had a drinking session with.
They also have yet to establish contact with Rust’s alleged live-in partner, who was not around when the supposed incident happened.
The victim’s body was already taken to a funeral parlor in Bauang town for autopsy.
In April of this year, a German national in Bohol was killed together with his wife. The couple’s helper was implicated in the crime./DMS
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Sunday, July 8, 2007
Bus bombed in South Cotabato
By Ronron
July 7, 2007
Another passenger bus in Mindanao was bombed late Saturday afternoon in Koronadal City, South Cotabato although no casualties were immediately reported, police said.
The bombing of a Yellow Bus Line unit (plate number LVK-314) came less than a month since two buses were also blown off in Cotabato City and Davao del Sur last June 15, killing eight people and wounding 18 others.
PO1 Leonard Valdez, duty desk officer of the Koronadal City Police, said in a phone interview that the ill-fated bus had just arrived from Surallah town of the same province when the explosion happened at around 5:50 pm yesterday (Saturday) inside the Yellow Bus Line Terminal along General Santos Drive in Koronadal City.
Valdez said all passengers had already alighted, including the driver, when the unknown type of bomb went off at the rear portion of the bus.
“It was already five minutes since the last passenger of the bus got down so no one was hurt, based on the initial reports from the site,” said Valdez.
Valdez said only the rear portion of the bus was damaged.
He said police are now tracing a male passenger who was seen carrying the carton that allegedly contained the explosive device.
The man, described to be sporting a beard and mustache and wearing a red shirt, alighted from the bus before it reached the terminal of the Yellow Bus Line, said Valdez.
Investigation is still ongoing to determine the type of bomb used, the suspects behind it, and the motive, Valdez said.
Last June 15, two buses exploded separately within a 30-minute interval in Cotabato City and Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The first explosion happened at the Weena Bus Terminal in Cotabato City, leaving no casualties, while the second, which was more tragic, occurred along the national highway of Bansalan, killing eight people and wounding 18 others.
A week earlier, another bus was bombed in Matalam, North Cotabato, hurting 10 people, and much earlier on May 18, a Weena Bus was blown off in Cotabato City, killing at least one person and wounding over 30 others.
All incidents have been blamed to extortionists who reportedly demand “protection money” from the bus line owners./DMS
July 7, 2007
Another passenger bus in Mindanao was bombed late Saturday afternoon in Koronadal City, South Cotabato although no casualties were immediately reported, police said.
The bombing of a Yellow Bus Line unit (plate number LVK-314) came less than a month since two buses were also blown off in Cotabato City and Davao del Sur last June 15, killing eight people and wounding 18 others.
PO1 Leonard Valdez, duty desk officer of the Koronadal City Police, said in a phone interview that the ill-fated bus had just arrived from Surallah town of the same province when the explosion happened at around 5:50 pm yesterday (Saturday) inside the Yellow Bus Line Terminal along General Santos Drive in Koronadal City.
Valdez said all passengers had already alighted, including the driver, when the unknown type of bomb went off at the rear portion of the bus.
“It was already five minutes since the last passenger of the bus got down so no one was hurt, based on the initial reports from the site,” said Valdez.
Valdez said only the rear portion of the bus was damaged.
He said police are now tracing a male passenger who was seen carrying the carton that allegedly contained the explosive device.
The man, described to be sporting a beard and mustache and wearing a red shirt, alighted from the bus before it reached the terminal of the Yellow Bus Line, said Valdez.
Investigation is still ongoing to determine the type of bomb used, the suspects behind it, and the motive, Valdez said.
Last June 15, two buses exploded separately within a 30-minute interval in Cotabato City and Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The first explosion happened at the Weena Bus Terminal in Cotabato City, leaving no casualties, while the second, which was more tragic, occurred along the national highway of Bansalan, killing eight people and wounding 18 others.
A week earlier, another bus was bombed in Matalam, North Cotabato, hurting 10 people, and much earlier on May 18, a Weena Bus was blown off in Cotabato City, killing at least one person and wounding over 30 others.
All incidents have been blamed to extortionists who reportedly demand “protection money” from the bus line owners./DMS
Officer, soldier killed in duel, three others soldiers wounded
By Ronron
July 7, 2007
An Army officer and one of his subordinate soldiers died after both exchanged fires on Friday night inside their camp in Negros Occcidental province in western Visayas.
Lt. Col. David Tan, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the duel between a certain 2nd Lt. Lacson and Private First Class Erasmo, both of the 32nd Reconnaissance Company, also left three soldiers wounded after they were hit by gunfires coming from the feuding soldiers.
Tan said the incident happened at around 8pm inside the 32nd RC detachment in Barangay Bato, Sagay City as Lacson was conducting his nightly check on his men. Lacson is the executive officer or deputy commander of the 32nd RC, Tan said.
“It (shooting) happened during a formation. 2Lt. Lacson was on a routine check of his men and their firearms,” Tan said in a phone interview.
But Tan could not immediately say as to what sparked the incident or if any of Lacson and Erasmo are drunk, saying it is still being investigated by local military officials, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
“The initial report is 2Lt. Lacson and PFC Erasmo first had a heated exchange of words, and then the firing started. Both were armed with M16 rifles. As to who opened fire first, we still cannot say,” Tan said in a phone interview yesterday.
“We are still investigating the motive in coordination with the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Tan said Lacson and Erasmo died while being brought to the hospital, while three foot soldiers suffered slight injuries due to the gunfires./DMS
July 7, 2007
An Army officer and one of his subordinate soldiers died after both exchanged fires on Friday night inside their camp in Negros Occcidental province in western Visayas.
Lt. Col. David Tan, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the duel between a certain 2nd Lt. Lacson and Private First Class Erasmo, both of the 32nd Reconnaissance Company, also left three soldiers wounded after they were hit by gunfires coming from the feuding soldiers.
Tan said the incident happened at around 8pm inside the 32nd RC detachment in Barangay Bato, Sagay City as Lacson was conducting his nightly check on his men. Lacson is the executive officer or deputy commander of the 32nd RC, Tan said.
“It (shooting) happened during a formation. 2Lt. Lacson was on a routine check of his men and their firearms,” Tan said in a phone interview.
But Tan could not immediately say as to what sparked the incident or if any of Lacson and Erasmo are drunk, saying it is still being investigated by local military officials, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
“The initial report is 2Lt. Lacson and PFC Erasmo first had a heated exchange of words, and then the firing started. Both were armed with M16 rifles. As to who opened fire first, we still cannot say,” Tan said in a phone interview yesterday.
“We are still investigating the motive in coordination with the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Tan said Lacson and Erasmo died while being brought to the hospital, while three foot soldiers suffered slight injuries due to the gunfires./DMS
No destab threat on Arroyo’s SONA but security alert will be heightened
By Ronron
July 7, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday expressed confidence that the scheduled State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 23 will proceed smoothly, without any disruption by feared destabilization plots of disgruntled members of the police and military.
However, PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia said the police will not let down its guard and will “most likely” still raise its alert level on that day to heightened status from normal.
“For the SONA this 23rd, yes, we are prepared for that already… We will be deploying Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) troops just in case there will be rallies,” Garcia said.
“We will also secure those who will participate the event like those from the diplomatic community,” he added.
Garcia said dialogues and coordination meetings among members the PNP and Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives have long started and are still currently being held to polish all security measures for the event.
This will Arroyo’s seventh SONA since she assumed power in January 2001 when as vice president, she took over the Presidency from then President Joseph Estrada who was ousted by a civilian-backed uprising over his alleged involvement in massive corruption and ill-governance.
Last year’s SONA, however, was marred with fears of an attack at the House of Representatives building in Quezon City following the arrest on July 7 of last year of six Magdalo officers and two civilian supporters at a subdivision nearby.
Authorities said the arrested soldiers, led by fugitive Army 1st Liuetenants Sonny Sarmiento, Nathaniel Rabonza and Patricio Bumidang, were planning to execute Operation Plan TRIDENT, a plot to takeover the Batasan Complex and conduct shame campaign against certain government officials.
“Our intelligence community is still monitoring if there will be plans (to destabilize the government) but as of now, we have not monitored any,” Garcia said when asked if there are similar plots for the upcoming SONA.
Garcia said elements of the National Capital Region Police Office will take a lead role in securing this year’s SONA, and they will be augmented by forces from nearby regional police offices./DMS
July 7, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday expressed confidence that the scheduled State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 23 will proceed smoothly, without any disruption by feared destabilization plots of disgruntled members of the police and military.
However, PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia said the police will not let down its guard and will “most likely” still raise its alert level on that day to heightened status from normal.
“For the SONA this 23rd, yes, we are prepared for that already… We will be deploying Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) troops just in case there will be rallies,” Garcia said.
“We will also secure those who will participate the event like those from the diplomatic community,” he added.
Garcia said dialogues and coordination meetings among members the PNP and Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives have long started and are still currently being held to polish all security measures for the event.
This will Arroyo’s seventh SONA since she assumed power in January 2001 when as vice president, she took over the Presidency from then President Joseph Estrada who was ousted by a civilian-backed uprising over his alleged involvement in massive corruption and ill-governance.
Last year’s SONA, however, was marred with fears of an attack at the House of Representatives building in Quezon City following the arrest on July 7 of last year of six Magdalo officers and two civilian supporters at a subdivision nearby.
Authorities said the arrested soldiers, led by fugitive Army 1st Liuetenants Sonny Sarmiento, Nathaniel Rabonza and Patricio Bumidang, were planning to execute Operation Plan TRIDENT, a plot to takeover the Batasan Complex and conduct shame campaign against certain government officials.
“Our intelligence community is still monitoring if there will be plans (to destabilize the government) but as of now, we have not monitored any,” Garcia said when asked if there are similar plots for the upcoming SONA.
Garcia said elements of the National Capital Region Police Office will take a lead role in securing this year’s SONA, and they will be augmented by forces from nearby regional police offices./DMS
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