By Ronron
September 7, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured on Friday that it will ensure the security of former President Joseph Estrada this coming Wednesday when the Sandiganbayan promulgates its ruling on his plunder case.
“We will implement what we have prepared for to ensure that the promulgation will be peaceful and Erap will be secured,” Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., public information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said yesterday after learning of the promulgation schedule.
The PNP had earlier announced that it will be fielding 4,000 personnel on the day of the promulgation of the Sandiganbayan’s decision on Estrada’s case. They will be augmented by some 2,000 personnel from the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director Gen. Reynaldo Varilla had said that the police force in the region could be placed on red alert status one or two days before the promulgation day just to make sure no untoward incident will happen.
As of yesterday, Pagdilao said there is still no advise to raise the alert from the present heightened level.
Officials have said that they are expecting supporters of Estrada to mass up near the Sandiganbayan in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on promulgation day, and they are wary that communist rebels will infiltrate the demonstrators.
But, in a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines, said the fear of the PNP is “baseless” as it is surely from the police ranks that violence will start.
“Gloria Arroyo morbidly fears the renews build up of massive protests demanding her ouster, especially in the face of the revival of the Hello Garci investigations with even more damning evidence and witnesses, and the mounting opposition to the corrupt-ridden broadband deal and other cases of corruption in her government,” CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in the statement.
Rosal called the deployment of a total of 6,000 forces as “exhibiting extreme paranoia” on the part of the government./DMS
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Doble may be held liable for disclosing intel works details – Esperon
By Ronron
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking into the possibility of taking legal action against former intelligence agent Vidal Doble for spilling out information about the activities of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said “some security concerns are unnecessarily prejudiced” with Doble’s appearance yesterday before the Senate wherein he recounted their alleged wiretapping activities during the 2004 elections.
“We are looking at that… Even as a former soldier, he certainly should have some concern for the national security. It’s unimaginable that a former soldier would be indeed crossing lines just to get whatever has motivated him,” Esperon said.
Doble has been removed from the AFP rolls since February of this year because he did not seek for a re-enlistment. He claimed that he started with the organization in 1989.
Doble was the witness in yesterday’s Senate inquiry on the alleged wiretapping incident in 2004.
Asked to comment on Doble’s statements at the Senate, Esperon said: “Let that be proven because as far as I know, the capability is not there.”
But because of his no longer being a member of the AFP, Doble, according to Esperon, cannot be tried in a military tribunal./DMS
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking into the possibility of taking legal action against former intelligence agent Vidal Doble for spilling out information about the activities of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said “some security concerns are unnecessarily prejudiced” with Doble’s appearance yesterday before the Senate wherein he recounted their alleged wiretapping activities during the 2004 elections.
“We are looking at that… Even as a former soldier, he certainly should have some concern for the national security. It’s unimaginable that a former soldier would be indeed crossing lines just to get whatever has motivated him,” Esperon said.
Doble has been removed from the AFP rolls since February of this year because he did not seek for a re-enlistment. He claimed that he started with the organization in 1989.
Doble was the witness in yesterday’s Senate inquiry on the alleged wiretapping incident in 2004.
Asked to comment on Doble’s statements at the Senate, Esperon said: “Let that be proven because as far as I know, the capability is not there.”
But because of his no longer being a member of the AFP, Doble, according to Esperon, cannot be tried in a military tribunal./DMS
AFP to comply with CA order on disclosure of Burgos investigation report
By Ronron
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will comply with the order of the Court of Appeals (CA) for the release of the report of the military’s internal investigation regarding the license plate that was used in the abduction of Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 in Quezon City.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Friday that they will submit a copy of the report to the CA as a sign of respect and recognition to the court order.
“It’s a legal court order so by all means, we have to follow the court order and the laws of the land,” Esperon said.
But the military chief hinted that the family of Burgos may only get frustrated if they find out the content of the report because it only centered on the license plate (TAB-194) that was used in the abduction, and not the actual abduction and disappearance of Burgos.
“The investigation on Jonas Burgos is with the Philippine National Police. Ours was only on the plate number. So our actions will be seen there (in the report) why somebody was relieved,” Esperon said.
“It (AFP investigation) was our way of ascertaining who could have been responsible for the missing plate number. It’s not for the use of the plate number (or) where it was alleged to have been used. That’s completely different. That’s the domain of the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Mrs. Edith Burgos, mother of Jonas, expressed elation upon learning about Esperon’s statement.
“I’m very, very happy that finally, he has seen the light,” Mrs. Burgos said.
But Mrs. Burgos said she will definitely be not disappointed with whatever is the content of the report because she was already aware of the scope of the AFP probe from the start.
“It’s one step forward. It’s an additional link to whatever we have. Remember that only the license plate is our link to the abductors. If we find out the names of those who were investigated, then we will take note of that lead,” she said in a phone interview.
Asked if they will pursue those identified as handlers of the license plates for possible involvement in the abduction of Jonas, Mrs. Esperon said: “I’m sure the court will find something there… Every little thing is important to us.”
The AFP has earlier reprimanded and relieved from their respective posts the following officials for alleged negligence in their job at the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Norzagaray, Bulacan where the license plate was traced after the abduction of Burgos: Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Lt. Col. Noel Clement, Lt. Col. Edison Caga, Cpl. Castro Bugalon and Private First Class Jose Villena.
During a probe by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the five denied any involvement in the abduction of Burgos.
Authorities earlier found out that the license plates belong to an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) that was intercepted on June 24, 2006 in Norzagaray for allegedly transporting illegally-cut forest products. The AUV was impounded at the 56th IB’s camp since then.
It is suspected that the license plates was stolen when the camp was abandoned for a while when the battalion went on field training maneuvers.
Police had earlier presented witnesses claiming that Burgos was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and was snatched by fellow rebels for allegedly pilfering organization funds and slowly turning against the movement.
Mrs. Burgos has belied this and maintained that her son was just providing training on agriculture technology to farmers in Central Luzon./DMS
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will comply with the order of the Court of Appeals (CA) for the release of the report of the military’s internal investigation regarding the license plate that was used in the abduction of Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 in Quezon City.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Friday that they will submit a copy of the report to the CA as a sign of respect and recognition to the court order.
“It’s a legal court order so by all means, we have to follow the court order and the laws of the land,” Esperon said.
But the military chief hinted that the family of Burgos may only get frustrated if they find out the content of the report because it only centered on the license plate (TAB-194) that was used in the abduction, and not the actual abduction and disappearance of Burgos.
“The investigation on Jonas Burgos is with the Philippine National Police. Ours was only on the plate number. So our actions will be seen there (in the report) why somebody was relieved,” Esperon said.
“It (AFP investigation) was our way of ascertaining who could have been responsible for the missing plate number. It’s not for the use of the plate number (or) where it was alleged to have been used. That’s completely different. That’s the domain of the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Mrs. Edith Burgos, mother of Jonas, expressed elation upon learning about Esperon’s statement.
“I’m very, very happy that finally, he has seen the light,” Mrs. Burgos said.
But Mrs. Burgos said she will definitely be not disappointed with whatever is the content of the report because she was already aware of the scope of the AFP probe from the start.
“It’s one step forward. It’s an additional link to whatever we have. Remember that only the license plate is our link to the abductors. If we find out the names of those who were investigated, then we will take note of that lead,” she said in a phone interview.
Asked if they will pursue those identified as handlers of the license plates for possible involvement in the abduction of Jonas, Mrs. Esperon said: “I’m sure the court will find something there… Every little thing is important to us.”
The AFP has earlier reprimanded and relieved from their respective posts the following officials for alleged negligence in their job at the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Norzagaray, Bulacan where the license plate was traced after the abduction of Burgos: Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Lt. Col. Noel Clement, Lt. Col. Edison Caga, Cpl. Castro Bugalon and Private First Class Jose Villena.
During a probe by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the five denied any involvement in the abduction of Burgos.
Authorities earlier found out that the license plates belong to an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) that was intercepted on June 24, 2006 in Norzagaray for allegedly transporting illegally-cut forest products. The AUV was impounded at the 56th IB’s camp since then.
It is suspected that the license plates was stolen when the camp was abandoned for a while when the battalion went on field training maneuvers.
Police had earlier presented witnesses claiming that Burgos was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and was snatched by fellow rebels for allegedly pilfering organization funds and slowly turning against the movement.
Mrs. Burgos has belied this and maintained that her son was just providing training on agriculture technology to farmers in Central Luzon./DMS
Friday, September 7, 2007
PNP will not order pull out of its peacekeeping force in East Timor
By Ronron
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not order a pull out of its contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, defying a demand of a political group there, which stemmed from an alleged making of a political statement by the contingent head.
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, told Camp Crame reporters Thursday that there will be no recall order unless the United Nations issues one.
“No. That will be based on the decision of the United Nations, and not because of a (demand of a) particular party in East Timor,” Razon said when asked if Supt. Joel Doria or other contingent members will be ordered to return to Manila.
The Department of Foreign Affairs had said that Jose Teixeira, Parliamentarian of Fretilin, one of East Timor’s major political groups, has asked for the recall of Doria for allegedly accusing Fretilin to be involved in organizing violence in East Timor.
Doria’s statement was supposedly found in a Time Magazine article on August 6, 2007.
The DFA said Teixeira went on to call the PNP as “notoriously corrupt” and “with a reputation for brutality.”
“We have asked the contingent to submit a report to our Directorate for Plans with regard to the complaint of Fretilin,” Razon said, adding that an investigation is already being conducted.
Asked about the policy of the PNP as regards political statements, Razon said: “It is an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that the policemen should not get involved in political disputes, whether here in our country or in other countries.”
The DFA had earlier explained that the Philippines is only answerable to the UN and not to the East Timor government with regard to the issue.
It also defended the credibility of the 145 Filipino peacekeepers there, citing even the UN Service Medal award given to them.
The DFA said the Filipino peacekeepers in East Timor will end their tour of duty on October 16, 2007./DMS
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not order a pull out of its contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, defying a demand of a political group there, which stemmed from an alleged making of a political statement by the contingent head.
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, told Camp Crame reporters Thursday that there will be no recall order unless the United Nations issues one.
“No. That will be based on the decision of the United Nations, and not because of a (demand of a) particular party in East Timor,” Razon said when asked if Supt. Joel Doria or other contingent members will be ordered to return to Manila.
The Department of Foreign Affairs had said that Jose Teixeira, Parliamentarian of Fretilin, one of East Timor’s major political groups, has asked for the recall of Doria for allegedly accusing Fretilin to be involved in organizing violence in East Timor.
Doria’s statement was supposedly found in a Time Magazine article on August 6, 2007.
The DFA said Teixeira went on to call the PNP as “notoriously corrupt” and “with a reputation for brutality.”
“We have asked the contingent to submit a report to our Directorate for Plans with regard to the complaint of Fretilin,” Razon said, adding that an investigation is already being conducted.
Asked about the policy of the PNP as regards political statements, Razon said: “It is an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that the policemen should not get involved in political disputes, whether here in our country or in other countries.”
The DFA had earlier explained that the Philippines is only answerable to the UN and not to the East Timor government with regard to the issue.
It also defended the credibility of the 145 Filipino peacekeepers there, citing even the UN Service Medal award given to them.
The DFA said the Filipino peacekeepers in East Timor will end their tour of duty on October 16, 2007./DMS
Police intensifying security preparations also because of upcoming 9/11 attack anniversary
By Ronron
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is including in its security preparations these days the possible attacks of terrorists in the light of the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States that claimed around 3,000 lives.
Deputy Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr., Deputy Chief for Administration of the PNP, said the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is among the “confluence of events” that the PNP is preparing for, considering that the Al Qaeda network that was behind it is believed to have links with the local terror group, the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“We are talking with different intelligence agencies of the government, including our foreign counterparts, our allies in the fight against terrorism,” Razon told Camp Crame reporters yesterday.
He said the PNP is now on heightened alert, meaning each unit has to have 50 percent of its personnel present so it is ready to respond for any eventualities.
Aside from the 9/11 anniversary, Razon said the PNP is also preparing for the upcoming promulgation of the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada, the possible retaliatory attacks of the ASG due to the military offensives in Basilan and Sulu, the possible attacks of the New People’s Army in response to the arrest of its leader, Jose Maria Sison, in the Netherlands, and the investigations of the Congress on controversial issues like the politically-charged “Hello Garci” wiretapping incident in 2004.
“All of these the PNP is preparing for to maintain our peace and order situation,” Razon said.
With this, he said the public should therefore not consider the PNP preparations, as announced, as overkill.
“The police force we are preparing is not only for the Sandiganbayan verdict but also on the daily anti-crime situation,” Razon said, referring to the 4,000 policemen that will be deployed during the Estrada verdict day.
He said they are not discounting the possibility that communist rebels may take advantage of the 9/11 anniversary, or the handing down of the Estrada case decision.
“The NPA is our highest threat because they have arms and they have been waging a long campaign,” he said./DMS
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is including in its security preparations these days the possible attacks of terrorists in the light of the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States that claimed around 3,000 lives.
Deputy Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr., Deputy Chief for Administration of the PNP, said the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is among the “confluence of events” that the PNP is preparing for, considering that the Al Qaeda network that was behind it is believed to have links with the local terror group, the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“We are talking with different intelligence agencies of the government, including our foreign counterparts, our allies in the fight against terrorism,” Razon told Camp Crame reporters yesterday.
He said the PNP is now on heightened alert, meaning each unit has to have 50 percent of its personnel present so it is ready to respond for any eventualities.
Aside from the 9/11 anniversary, Razon said the PNP is also preparing for the upcoming promulgation of the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada, the possible retaliatory attacks of the ASG due to the military offensives in Basilan and Sulu, the possible attacks of the New People’s Army in response to the arrest of its leader, Jose Maria Sison, in the Netherlands, and the investigations of the Congress on controversial issues like the politically-charged “Hello Garci” wiretapping incident in 2004.
“All of these the PNP is preparing for to maintain our peace and order situation,” Razon said.
With this, he said the public should therefore not consider the PNP preparations, as announced, as overkill.
“The police force we are preparing is not only for the Sandiganbayan verdict but also on the daily anti-crime situation,” Razon said, referring to the 4,000 policemen that will be deployed during the Estrada verdict day.
He said they are not discounting the possibility that communist rebels may take advantage of the 9/11 anniversary, or the handing down of the Estrada case decision.
“The NPA is our highest threat because they have arms and they have been waging a long campaign,” he said./DMS
Four suspected thieves killed in shootout with police in QC
By Ronron
September 6, 2007
Four suspected car thieves were killed in a shootout with policemen Thursday morning in Quezon City.
Supt. Edwin Butacan, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Traffic Management Group (TMG), said a policeman and a civilian were also wounded in the incident that happened past 8am along Batasan Road.
Butacan said elements of the TMG-National Capital Region and the Quezon City Anti-Carnapping Unit first spotted the black Toyota Altis (with plate number XEJ-943) that the suspects were riding at around 6am.
The said vehicle was subject of suspicion because its plate number was found out to belong supposedly to a Toyota Rev-o.
“Last September 4, operatives of the TMG-NCR intelligence saw the black Toyota Altis without an LTO (Land Transportation Office) sticker for 2007 while it was parked along Batasan Road… So when they saw it again this morning, they conducted the operation,” Butacan said.
Butacan said that when a police mobile car tried to approach the subject vehicle for questioning, the suspects drove off, sparking a brief chase for about two to three minutes.
But the car bumped a parked PLDT multicab beside the road, leaving the four men aboard it with no choice but to exchange gun fire with the tailing policemen.
Two of the suspects died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at the Gen. Marval Hospital.
The driver of the PLDT multicab was also hurt due to shrapnel, while TMG personnel SPO4 Leonardo Tecson sustained a gunshot wound to his left wrist. The latter was brought to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame for medical treatment.
Butacan said police is still investigating if the four suspects have existing criminal records.
“They are suspected car thieves because one, the plate number of their car belongs to another vehicle; they are armed; and they resisted arrest, they even fought it out with authorities,” Butacan said.
A subsequent check of the TMG revealed that the Altis was reported to have been forcibly taken last February 22, 2004 along Mios Drive in Mendez East, Tagaytay City by two armed men. It’s original plate number is XMJ-622./DMS
September 6, 2007
Four suspected car thieves were killed in a shootout with policemen Thursday morning in Quezon City.
Supt. Edwin Butacan, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Traffic Management Group (TMG), said a policeman and a civilian were also wounded in the incident that happened past 8am along Batasan Road.
Butacan said elements of the TMG-National Capital Region and the Quezon City Anti-Carnapping Unit first spotted the black Toyota Altis (with plate number XEJ-943) that the suspects were riding at around 6am.
The said vehicle was subject of suspicion because its plate number was found out to belong supposedly to a Toyota Rev-o.
“Last September 4, operatives of the TMG-NCR intelligence saw the black Toyota Altis without an LTO (Land Transportation Office) sticker for 2007 while it was parked along Batasan Road… So when they saw it again this morning, they conducted the operation,” Butacan said.
Butacan said that when a police mobile car tried to approach the subject vehicle for questioning, the suspects drove off, sparking a brief chase for about two to three minutes.
But the car bumped a parked PLDT multicab beside the road, leaving the four men aboard it with no choice but to exchange gun fire with the tailing policemen.
Two of the suspects died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at the Gen. Marval Hospital.
The driver of the PLDT multicab was also hurt due to shrapnel, while TMG personnel SPO4 Leonardo Tecson sustained a gunshot wound to his left wrist. The latter was brought to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame for medical treatment.
Butacan said police is still investigating if the four suspects have existing criminal records.
“They are suspected car thieves because one, the plate number of their car belongs to another vehicle; they are armed; and they resisted arrest, they even fought it out with authorities,” Butacan said.
A subsequent check of the TMG revealed that the Altis was reported to have been forcibly taken last February 22, 2004 along Mios Drive in Mendez East, Tagaytay City by two armed men. It’s original plate number is XMJ-622./DMS
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Barangay Captain in Cebu shot dead
By Ronron
September 5, 2007
Two unidentified suspects shot dead another barangay captain on Tuesday, this time in Cebu province, police said yesterday.
The killing of Cayang village captain Bienvenido Cañete, 43, in Bogo City happened as elections for barangay and youth officials nationwide on October 29 is nearing.
SPO1 Rolando Torquido, desk officer of the Bogo City Police Station, said in a phone interview yesterday that Cañete was in front of the Cayang Barangay Hall when the motorcycle-riding suspects fired at him using a caliber 45 pistol.
The suspects escaped after the incident, while Cañete died on the spot due multiple gunshot wounds in his body.
Torquido said recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells and two slugs of a caliber 45. Another slug was recovered from Cañete’s body at the Bogo District Hospital.
Asked if the shooting is related to the upcoming elections, Torquido answered in the negative, saying that Cañete is a last-termer and will no longer participate in the October 29 polls.
“It could be personal in nature,” Torquido theorized.
He said the case is still being investigated as of press time to determine the exact motive and the identities of the perpetrators./DMS
September 5, 2007
Two unidentified suspects shot dead another barangay captain on Tuesday, this time in Cebu province, police said yesterday.
The killing of Cayang village captain Bienvenido Cañete, 43, in Bogo City happened as elections for barangay and youth officials nationwide on October 29 is nearing.
SPO1 Rolando Torquido, desk officer of the Bogo City Police Station, said in a phone interview yesterday that Cañete was in front of the Cayang Barangay Hall when the motorcycle-riding suspects fired at him using a caliber 45 pistol.
The suspects escaped after the incident, while Cañete died on the spot due multiple gunshot wounds in his body.
Torquido said recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells and two slugs of a caliber 45. Another slug was recovered from Cañete’s body at the Bogo District Hospital.
Asked if the shooting is related to the upcoming elections, Torquido answered in the negative, saying that Cañete is a last-termer and will no longer participate in the October 29 polls.
“It could be personal in nature,” Torquido theorized.
He said the case is still being investigated as of press time to determine the exact motive and the identities of the perpetrators./DMS
Oil leak detected in Romblon
By Ronron
September 5, 2007
A little over a year since the country experienced the worst oil spill in Philippine history, an oil leak was detected Tuesday in Romblon province, prompting local residents to rally against a salvage operation that caused the incident.
Romblon Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Mario Velando said the leak of diesel oil was detected around 12:15 pm the other day (Tuesday) off the island town of Concepcion.
“There was an ongoing salvage operations for M/V Mactan, a vessel that sunk in the area many years ago, and they were trying to blast it. The fuel compartment was probably hit that’s why there was an oil leak,” Velando said in a phone interview yesterday.
There was no immediate information regarding the depth of the vessel and the volume of oil that went out from it, Velando said.
Velando said the residents of Barangay Masadya in Concepcion detected the leak after an “offensive odor” spread immediately after the blasting operation. He described the smell as “threatening to health and safety.”
Because of this, the local government issued right away a memorandum for the immediate stoppage of the salvaging operations until the leak is contained or cleaned up, and until an Environmental Compliance Certificate is secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said Velando.
The salvage operations, being carried out by Eduardo Calixto Enterprises, immediately complied with the order. Velando said the salvage operations began on August 31st, the reason for which he has yet to ask.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said an aerial survey at the affected area at around 6am yesterday by its helicopter revealed that the sheen of diesel oil was some 600 meters away from the shoreline of Concepcion, and was about 115 meters in length.
With this information, the PCG said the incident is therefore “minimal” only that it “can be dispersed naturally through wave action and evaporation.”
The PCG did not say if further action will be undertaken like placement of spill booms, or spraying of chemical dispersants.
Asked about the matter, Velando just said: “As of this time, (there are) no reports (I have) obtained regarding action taken.”
Last year’s oil spill in Guimaras Island occurred after the oil tanker M/V Solar 1, which was sailing from Bataan to Mindanao to transport bunker fuel product of Petron, was battered with big waves, causing it to submerge./DMS
September 5, 2007
A little over a year since the country experienced the worst oil spill in Philippine history, an oil leak was detected Tuesday in Romblon province, prompting local residents to rally against a salvage operation that caused the incident.
Romblon Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Mario Velando said the leak of diesel oil was detected around 12:15 pm the other day (Tuesday) off the island town of Concepcion.
“There was an ongoing salvage operations for M/V Mactan, a vessel that sunk in the area many years ago, and they were trying to blast it. The fuel compartment was probably hit that’s why there was an oil leak,” Velando said in a phone interview yesterday.
There was no immediate information regarding the depth of the vessel and the volume of oil that went out from it, Velando said.
Velando said the residents of Barangay Masadya in Concepcion detected the leak after an “offensive odor” spread immediately after the blasting operation. He described the smell as “threatening to health and safety.”
Because of this, the local government issued right away a memorandum for the immediate stoppage of the salvaging operations until the leak is contained or cleaned up, and until an Environmental Compliance Certificate is secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said Velando.
The salvage operations, being carried out by Eduardo Calixto Enterprises, immediately complied with the order. Velando said the salvage operations began on August 31st, the reason for which he has yet to ask.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said an aerial survey at the affected area at around 6am yesterday by its helicopter revealed that the sheen of diesel oil was some 600 meters away from the shoreline of Concepcion, and was about 115 meters in length.
With this information, the PCG said the incident is therefore “minimal” only that it “can be dispersed naturally through wave action and evaporation.”
The PCG did not say if further action will be undertaken like placement of spill booms, or spraying of chemical dispersants.
Asked about the matter, Velando just said: “As of this time, (there are) no reports (I have) obtained regarding action taken.”
Last year’s oil spill in Guimaras Island occurred after the oil tanker M/V Solar 1, which was sailing from Bataan to Mindanao to transport bunker fuel product of Petron, was battered with big waves, causing it to submerge./DMS
Combat engineers leave for Basilan
By Ronron
September 5, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. sent off on Wednesday combat engineers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Basilan to take part in humanitarian projects as part of the government’s efforts in combating terrorism.
The send off ceremony for the 1st Navy Mobile Construction Battalion and the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing was also attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, Navy Flag-Offcer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, and Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are going to Basilan … to help and assist the Department of Public Works and Highways build the circumferential road,” Teodoro said in his speech before the combat engineers sailed from the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City yesterday morning.
Comprising the combat engineers are 170 personnel from the Air Force and 92 from the Navy, the spokesmen of both units said.
Teodoro said the combat engineers will stay in Basilan until the circumferential road project in the island province is completed, as well as other infrastructure projects like raising new school buildings, building potable water systems, and the like.
The length of their stay there will likewise depend on the request of the DPWH.
“Given the situation, security wise, in the island affected, you are there to help build the road and to fight to build the road if necessary,” Teodoro told the combat engineers.
Teodoro said the soldiers can always fight back if attacked while doing their projects “for their own personal security and protection, as a matter of self defense.”
Esperon expressed gladness that the AFP will not just engage in combat operations but also contribute to developmental undertakings.
“It will make a lot of difference because economic activities, with the construction of the circumferential road, will be enhanced. Delivery of basic services as well will be a lot easier for all the people in Basilan. And probably, this would entice some people to go back to daily lives rather than either join lawless elements, or the Abu Sayyaf Group, or the evacuees, if ever,” Teodoro said.
The combat engineers brought along with them some heavy equipment, diggers and earth movers aboard the Navy ship BRP Bacolod City that would take them to Basilan.
Navy spokesman Commander Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the combat engineers are expected to arrive in Basilan on Friday.
Another engineering battalion is already in Sulu to carry out similar projects, although an augmentation may be done, Teodoro said./DMS
September 5, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. sent off on Wednesday combat engineers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Basilan to take part in humanitarian projects as part of the government’s efforts in combating terrorism.
The send off ceremony for the 1st Navy Mobile Construction Battalion and the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing was also attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, Navy Flag-Offcer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, and Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are going to Basilan … to help and assist the Department of Public Works and Highways build the circumferential road,” Teodoro said in his speech before the combat engineers sailed from the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City yesterday morning.
Comprising the combat engineers are 170 personnel from the Air Force and 92 from the Navy, the spokesmen of both units said.
Teodoro said the combat engineers will stay in Basilan until the circumferential road project in the island province is completed, as well as other infrastructure projects like raising new school buildings, building potable water systems, and the like.
The length of their stay there will likewise depend on the request of the DPWH.
“Given the situation, security wise, in the island affected, you are there to help build the road and to fight to build the road if necessary,” Teodoro told the combat engineers.
Teodoro said the soldiers can always fight back if attacked while doing their projects “for their own personal security and protection, as a matter of self defense.”
Esperon expressed gladness that the AFP will not just engage in combat operations but also contribute to developmental undertakings.
“It will make a lot of difference because economic activities, with the construction of the circumferential road, will be enhanced. Delivery of basic services as well will be a lot easier for all the people in Basilan. And probably, this would entice some people to go back to daily lives rather than either join lawless elements, or the Abu Sayyaf Group, or the evacuees, if ever,” Teodoro said.
The combat engineers brought along with them some heavy equipment, diggers and earth movers aboard the Navy ship BRP Bacolod City that would take them to Basilan.
Navy spokesman Commander Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the combat engineers are expected to arrive in Basilan on Friday.
Another engineering battalion is already in Sulu to carry out similar projects, although an augmentation may be done, Teodoro said./DMS
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Blasts rock Zamboanga City anew; no casualty and damage reported
By Ronron
September 4, 2007
Two successive bombings rocked Zamboanga City before dawn of Tuesday perpetrated supposedly by vendors and stall owners of the city’s public market, police said.
Police said the first improvised bomb went off at around 4:40 am near Stall No. 16 of the city market along Venancio Saavedra Street, while the second one followed five minutes later more than 100 meters away, at the meat section of the market, fronting J. S. Alano Street.
The market is located just behind the city police station.
“Investigation conducted by the responding elements of bomb squad disclosed that the explosives were ammonium nitrate used for blast fishing, contained in two bottles of one-liter softdrinks, improvised blasting caps (non-electrict), and mosquito coil used as initiator,” a police report said.
The two bombs were separately placed in boxes.
Police said there was no reported casualty and damage to property following the explosions.
“Investigation is still being conducted to determine the identities of the suspect/s,” the police report said.
In a text message, Region 9 Police Director Chief Supt. Jaime Caringal said it is possible that vendors or stall owners at the market are behind the twin blasts since they are protesting the ongoing clearing operations at the market.
He said the explosion could be directed against the city government.
“(The blasts are) related to the dismantling of the stalls because the market is currently being cleared,” Caringal responded when asked of the motive.
Discounting the involvement of terrorists, Caringal described the bombs as “very crude” that “it could not really hurt anyone.”
In the latter part of August, a bomb went off at the Pershing Plaza of the city, hurting 14 people. Police said the incident was part of retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies following the intensified military operations against them in Basilan and Sulu./DMS
September 4, 2007
Two successive bombings rocked Zamboanga City before dawn of Tuesday perpetrated supposedly by vendors and stall owners of the city’s public market, police said.
Police said the first improvised bomb went off at around 4:40 am near Stall No. 16 of the city market along Venancio Saavedra Street, while the second one followed five minutes later more than 100 meters away, at the meat section of the market, fronting J. S. Alano Street.
The market is located just behind the city police station.
“Investigation conducted by the responding elements of bomb squad disclosed that the explosives were ammonium nitrate used for blast fishing, contained in two bottles of one-liter softdrinks, improvised blasting caps (non-electrict), and mosquito coil used as initiator,” a police report said.
The two bombs were separately placed in boxes.
Police said there was no reported casualty and damage to property following the explosions.
“Investigation is still being conducted to determine the identities of the suspect/s,” the police report said.
In a text message, Region 9 Police Director Chief Supt. Jaime Caringal said it is possible that vendors or stall owners at the market are behind the twin blasts since they are protesting the ongoing clearing operations at the market.
He said the explosion could be directed against the city government.
“(The blasts are) related to the dismantling of the stalls because the market is currently being cleared,” Caringal responded when asked of the motive.
Discounting the involvement of terrorists, Caringal described the bombs as “very crude” that “it could not really hurt anyone.”
In the latter part of August, a bomb went off at the Pershing Plaza of the city, hurting 14 people. Police said the incident was part of retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies following the intensified military operations against them in Basilan and Sulu./DMS
Human Security Act not fully suspended during election period – DOJ prosecutor
By Ronron
September 4, 2007
A state prosecutor clarified Tuesday that the Human Security Act (HAS) of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, is not fully suspended during election period, as stated in the law itself.
According to Atty. Geronimo Sy, only a certain provision of the law will have “limited application” two months before the election day and one month after it.
“There are two classes of surveillance – one on bank transactions and the other is what we call as electronic surveillance like on mobile phones and computers. That is the aspect (under the law) where there is limited application of the law during the said period,” Sy told reporters at Camp Crame during the weekly media forum of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he is a guest.
He said the controversial law, which took effect on July 15, cannot be suspended during election period because terrorists could take advantage of it.
“Imagine when an entire voting precinct is bombed on election day?” Sy said.
The country will hold on October 29 barangay elections. Prior to that, the country also held a nationwide, mid-term polls last May 14.
“Certain provisions will be suspended but it does not mean that if you committed a crime under the law, you are exempted… If you committed the crime, you should be punished both under either the Revised Penal Code or the Human Security Act,” Sy said./DMS
September 4, 2007
A state prosecutor clarified Tuesday that the Human Security Act (HAS) of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, is not fully suspended during election period, as stated in the law itself.
According to Atty. Geronimo Sy, only a certain provision of the law will have “limited application” two months before the election day and one month after it.
“There are two classes of surveillance – one on bank transactions and the other is what we call as electronic surveillance like on mobile phones and computers. That is the aspect (under the law) where there is limited application of the law during the said period,” Sy told reporters at Camp Crame during the weekly media forum of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he is a guest.
He said the controversial law, which took effect on July 15, cannot be suspended during election period because terrorists could take advantage of it.
“Imagine when an entire voting precinct is bombed on election day?” Sy said.
The country will hold on October 29 barangay elections. Prior to that, the country also held a nationwide, mid-term polls last May 14.
“Certain provisions will be suspended but it does not mean that if you committed a crime under the law, you are exempted… If you committed the crime, you should be punished both under either the Revised Penal Code or the Human Security Act,” Sy said./DMS
Severe government losses in Basilan, Sulu prompts more careful conduct of operations – Marine commandant
By Ronron
September 4, 2007
The death of many soldiers in operations in Basilan and Sulu since July this year has prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be careful in its future offensives against Moslem rebels in the south, the newly-installed commandant of the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) said Tuesday.
This explains the lull these days in armed confrontations between the government forces and their targets in Basilan and Sulu, said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are still on intelligence build up so that if you are armed with intelligence information, of course, the operations would be more focused and we can avoid affecting civilians,” Dolorfino told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
The last reported engagement in the south was on August 26 in Tipo-tipo, Basilan, where two soldiers were slightly hurt.
Since July 10, 57 junior officers and soldiers were already killed, some of whom were mutilated, in separate incidents in Basilan and Sulu. Some of these incidents were ambush by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while the rest are actual clashes.
Dolorfino said that to avoid suffering more casualties on the government side and to ensure the safety of civilians, the intent now of the AFP is to conduct “surgical operations.”
At the same time, an internal probe on the July 10 incident in Al-Barka and on the August 18 incident in Ungkaya Pukan, both in Basilan, has been ordered by the higher military leadership.
Dolorfino said boards of inquiry for each of the two incidents were created by the PMC to look into possible operational lapses that may have contributed to the suffering of heavy casualties on the government side.
He said the inquiries will “look into the encounters with the objective of knowing the lessons learned.”
Dolorfino said he will go to Basilan tomorrow (Thursday) to visit the Marine troops, find out their condition, and give his guidance as new PMC chief.
“We will look into their morale as part of their administrative requirements because they were exposed to the situation where their fellow soldiers were beheaded, many died… If necessary, we will conduct stress debriefing among the personnel involved in the operation,” he said./DMS
September 4, 2007
The death of many soldiers in operations in Basilan and Sulu since July this year has prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be careful in its future offensives against Moslem rebels in the south, the newly-installed commandant of the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) said Tuesday.
This explains the lull these days in armed confrontations between the government forces and their targets in Basilan and Sulu, said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are still on intelligence build up so that if you are armed with intelligence information, of course, the operations would be more focused and we can avoid affecting civilians,” Dolorfino told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
The last reported engagement in the south was on August 26 in Tipo-tipo, Basilan, where two soldiers were slightly hurt.
Since July 10, 57 junior officers and soldiers were already killed, some of whom were mutilated, in separate incidents in Basilan and Sulu. Some of these incidents were ambush by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while the rest are actual clashes.
Dolorfino said that to avoid suffering more casualties on the government side and to ensure the safety of civilians, the intent now of the AFP is to conduct “surgical operations.”
At the same time, an internal probe on the July 10 incident in Al-Barka and on the August 18 incident in Ungkaya Pukan, both in Basilan, has been ordered by the higher military leadership.
Dolorfino said boards of inquiry for each of the two incidents were created by the PMC to look into possible operational lapses that may have contributed to the suffering of heavy casualties on the government side.
He said the inquiries will “look into the encounters with the objective of knowing the lessons learned.”
Dolorfino said he will go to Basilan tomorrow (Thursday) to visit the Marine troops, find out their condition, and give his guidance as new PMC chief.
“We will look into their morale as part of their administrative requirements because they were exposed to the situation where their fellow soldiers were beheaded, many died… If necessary, we will conduct stress debriefing among the personnel involved in the operation,” he said./DMS
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Chinese Defense Minister visits RP, gives 50 million RMB in grant
By Ronron
September 3, 2007
The Defense chief of the People’s Republic of China (RPOC) arrived in Manila late Sunday for a five-day visit and granted 50 million RMB (renminbi) to the Philippine Defense establishment during a meeting yesterday (Monday) with his Filipino counterpart.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan’s visit is “in accordance with the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between China” and the Philippines signed previously by his predecessor, Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr.
“We agreed to continue to dialogue, which is a mutual exchange of view regarding regional concerns,” Teodoro told reporters after around three hours of closed-door meeting with Cao, attended also by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“And the Chinese government has given today a 50 million RMB grant of items, which shall be discussed at a later time,” he added.
Aside from that, both officials also talked about the possibility of exchange of military students in the future.
Asked how these will benefit the Philippine military, Teodoro only said: “You know, closer ties regionally with all our neighbors is good for the military.”
But when sought of his view about possible reactions from the United States with the improving defense relations between Beijing and Manila, the Defense chief said: “We treat all nations equally. Under our Constitution, we have to treat and respect all nations as good neighbors in the spirit of amity and cooperation to all of them.”
A statement of the Defense department said Cao will also pay separate calls on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile representing Senate President Manuel Villar, and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
He and his delegation will also visit Cebu, in the company of Charges d’ Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Hon. Deng Xi Jun, the statement said.
“The visit comes at a time when Philippines and China relations are at a Golden Age of Partnership,” the statement said./DMS
September 3, 2007
The Defense chief of the People’s Republic of China (RPOC) arrived in Manila late Sunday for a five-day visit and granted 50 million RMB (renminbi) to the Philippine Defense establishment during a meeting yesterday (Monday) with his Filipino counterpart.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan’s visit is “in accordance with the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between China” and the Philippines signed previously by his predecessor, Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr.
“We agreed to continue to dialogue, which is a mutual exchange of view regarding regional concerns,” Teodoro told reporters after around three hours of closed-door meeting with Cao, attended also by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“And the Chinese government has given today a 50 million RMB grant of items, which shall be discussed at a later time,” he added.
Aside from that, both officials also talked about the possibility of exchange of military students in the future.
Asked how these will benefit the Philippine military, Teodoro only said: “You know, closer ties regionally with all our neighbors is good for the military.”
But when sought of his view about possible reactions from the United States with the improving defense relations between Beijing and Manila, the Defense chief said: “We treat all nations equally. Under our Constitution, we have to treat and respect all nations as good neighbors in the spirit of amity and cooperation to all of them.”
A statement of the Defense department said Cao will also pay separate calls on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile representing Senate President Manuel Villar, and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
He and his delegation will also visit Cebu, in the company of Charges d’ Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Hon. Deng Xi Jun, the statement said.
“The visit comes at a time when Philippines and China relations are at a Golden Age of Partnership,” the statement said./DMS
Defense chief disfavors revival of “Hello Garci” probe
By Ronron
September 3, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. is not in favor of the revival at this time of the “Hello Garci” investigation at the Senate as it distracts soldiers from its mission of neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group and its allies, and the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Anything which will distract the focus at this point in time of the Armed Forces naturally should not be taken favorably,” Teodoro told reporters Monday when asked about the move of the Senate to investigate the alleged wiretapping incident during the 2004 elections.
“There are lots of things to focus on – Basilan, Sulu, and of course, we continue to keep a close watch on things in Luzon,” he said, referring to the operations against Moslem extremists in the south and the insurgents elsewhere, especially in the northern part of the country.
The Senate has decided again to probe the alleged wiretapping in 2004 to find ways to avoid similar incidents from happening again. The 2004 incident, which revealed the alleged electoral fraud in that year’s Presidential elections, marred the military establishment since it was allegedly done by elements of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
Caught on tape talking then were a woman, purportedly President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and man, believed to be then Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The discussion suggested electoral fraud since the woman was heard asking the man about her number of votes.
Asked if he would allow military officials this time to appear before the Senate if summoned, Teodoro said: “I’ll wait for the summons if there is one, and I’ll react at that time.”
“I will react properly if and when such an item comes to my desk for consideration,” he added.
Malacanang has earlier hinted that it will invoke Executive Order 464 when the Senate summons members of the executive branch for the wiretapping probe. The EO requires Presidential consent for those summoned to appear before Congressional hearings.
Teodoro yesterday did not say if he would abide by said policy.
“We are faced with so much problem now and with good gains on our part, probably, we should not destroy that momentum,” he said, referring to the military offensives in the south and against the communist rebels.
The Defense chief even shrugged off calls of religious leaders to halt the operations in Mindanao for the sake of peace and the welfare of civilians.
“We understand the feelings of the good bishops… Now, given the gains of the military in the area, the fusion between developmental projects and military operations and the sacrifices of the soldiers already made, to give unilateral stop to operations would be a dereliction of duty on our part,” Teodoro said.
It would even perhaps be “treasonous in the sense that it would be giving aid and comfort to the enemy,” he went on./DMS
September 3, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. is not in favor of the revival at this time of the “Hello Garci” investigation at the Senate as it distracts soldiers from its mission of neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group and its allies, and the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Anything which will distract the focus at this point in time of the Armed Forces naturally should not be taken favorably,” Teodoro told reporters Monday when asked about the move of the Senate to investigate the alleged wiretapping incident during the 2004 elections.
“There are lots of things to focus on – Basilan, Sulu, and of course, we continue to keep a close watch on things in Luzon,” he said, referring to the operations against Moslem extremists in the south and the insurgents elsewhere, especially in the northern part of the country.
The Senate has decided again to probe the alleged wiretapping in 2004 to find ways to avoid similar incidents from happening again. The 2004 incident, which revealed the alleged electoral fraud in that year’s Presidential elections, marred the military establishment since it was allegedly done by elements of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
Caught on tape talking then were a woman, purportedly President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and man, believed to be then Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The discussion suggested electoral fraud since the woman was heard asking the man about her number of votes.
Asked if he would allow military officials this time to appear before the Senate if summoned, Teodoro said: “I’ll wait for the summons if there is one, and I’ll react at that time.”
“I will react properly if and when such an item comes to my desk for consideration,” he added.
Malacanang has earlier hinted that it will invoke Executive Order 464 when the Senate summons members of the executive branch for the wiretapping probe. The EO requires Presidential consent for those summoned to appear before Congressional hearings.
Teodoro yesterday did not say if he would abide by said policy.
“We are faced with so much problem now and with good gains on our part, probably, we should not destroy that momentum,” he said, referring to the military offensives in the south and against the communist rebels.
The Defense chief even shrugged off calls of religious leaders to halt the operations in Mindanao for the sake of peace and the welfare of civilians.
“We understand the feelings of the good bishops… Now, given the gains of the military in the area, the fusion between developmental projects and military operations and the sacrifices of the soldiers already made, to give unilateral stop to operations would be a dereliction of duty on our part,” Teodoro said.
It would even perhaps be “treasonous in the sense that it would be giving aid and comfort to the enemy,” he went on./DMS
Monday, September 3, 2007
Defense department will abide by proposed SC measures against extrajudicial killings
By Ronron
September 2, 2007
The Defense department will adhere to the rules of court that will be drafted and later adopted by the High Tribunal as part of measures to address extrajudicial killing and forced disappearance cases.
Even as he regard the proposed “writ of Amparo” and “writ of habeas data” at the Supreme Court as “very powerful,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) last Friday that they have no other recourse but to follow it if there will be future cases against members of the military.
“Given the fact that the Supreme Court has plenary authority to draft and enact its own rules of procedures regarding judicial proceedings with a writ of habeas data, writ of Amparo and other writs and processes, we will have no choice but to comply,” Teodoro said.
A lawyer by profession, Teodoro refused to comment further about the proposed measures, which, he said, are within the province of the Supreme Court.
Teodoro is a graduate of Law from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Harvard Univeristy in the US.
In July, the Supreme Court held a summit on extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to find ways for the judiciary to help address the problem that has marred the present government.
Among the measures that cropped up are the use of the writ of Amparo and the writ of habeas data, which would make it not enough for government agencies to just deny the allegations they are behind the killing or abduction of some personalities.
In an earlier interview, Chief Justice Reynato Puno explained that a writ of Amparo will compel government agencies accused of being responsible for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to do something to produce the victim.
Military personnel are usual suspects in cases of abductions and forced disappearances because according to militant groups, only they have the motive to do so, particularly with its anti-insurgency campaign.
The military, however, consistently denies the allegation, and blame instead the communist movement’s alleged purging activities due to infighting for said cases./DMS
September 2, 2007
The Defense department will adhere to the rules of court that will be drafted and later adopted by the High Tribunal as part of measures to address extrajudicial killing and forced disappearance cases.
Even as he regard the proposed “writ of Amparo” and “writ of habeas data” at the Supreme Court as “very powerful,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) last Friday that they have no other recourse but to follow it if there will be future cases against members of the military.
“Given the fact that the Supreme Court has plenary authority to draft and enact its own rules of procedures regarding judicial proceedings with a writ of habeas data, writ of Amparo and other writs and processes, we will have no choice but to comply,” Teodoro said.
A lawyer by profession, Teodoro refused to comment further about the proposed measures, which, he said, are within the province of the Supreme Court.
Teodoro is a graduate of Law from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Harvard Univeristy in the US.
In July, the Supreme Court held a summit on extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to find ways for the judiciary to help address the problem that has marred the present government.
Among the measures that cropped up are the use of the writ of Amparo and the writ of habeas data, which would make it not enough for government agencies to just deny the allegations they are behind the killing or abduction of some personalities.
In an earlier interview, Chief Justice Reynato Puno explained that a writ of Amparo will compel government agencies accused of being responsible for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to do something to produce the victim.
Military personnel are usual suspects in cases of abductions and forced disappearances because according to militant groups, only they have the motive to do so, particularly with its anti-insurgency campaign.
The military, however, consistently denies the allegation, and blame instead the communist movement’s alleged purging activities due to infighting for said cases./DMS
Communists vow Dutch nationals won’t be hurt in RP
By Ronron
September 2, 2007
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday called the Dutch travel advisory for its citizens who wish to travel to the Philippines as “overreaction” and assured that its armed elements with the New People’s Army (NPA) will not hurt any Dutch national following the apprehension of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands last week.
CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in a statement that the CPP-NPA clearly makes a distinction between the government and the people of the Netherlands, some of which are even “one with the Filipino people in their outrage and protest” over the arrest of Sison.
“Dutch nationals are definitely not targets of the New People’s Army, nor of mass protest actions in the Philippines… We regard Dutch nationals as friends and not as enemies. In fact, the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) is working with the Dutch people in the struggle for Ka Joma’s vindication and freedom,” Rosal said.
“We extend our invitation for the Dutch people to visit the country, see the oppression and suffering of the Filipino people, and unite with them in their resistance,” he added.
Sison was apprehended last August 28 by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the murder of two former rebel leaders, Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City. The arrest was made after the wives of Kintanar and Tabara filed a criminal case in the Netherlands, where Sison has been on exile since 1987.
For fear that the armed rebels will retaliate through their nationals, the Dutch government ordered the travel advisory against the Philippines.
But Rosal assured that this will not happen, they even welcome Dutch nationals “to the revolutionary areas where their safety will be fully guaranteed.”
The Philippine military and police have raised their alerts to the highest level immediately after the arrest of Sison in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by the NPA./DMS
September 2, 2007
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday called the Dutch travel advisory for its citizens who wish to travel to the Philippines as “overreaction” and assured that its armed elements with the New People’s Army (NPA) will not hurt any Dutch national following the apprehension of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands last week.
CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in a statement that the CPP-NPA clearly makes a distinction between the government and the people of the Netherlands, some of which are even “one with the Filipino people in their outrage and protest” over the arrest of Sison.
“Dutch nationals are definitely not targets of the New People’s Army, nor of mass protest actions in the Philippines… We regard Dutch nationals as friends and not as enemies. In fact, the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) is working with the Dutch people in the struggle for Ka Joma’s vindication and freedom,” Rosal said.
“We extend our invitation for the Dutch people to visit the country, see the oppression and suffering of the Filipino people, and unite with them in their resistance,” he added.
Sison was apprehended last August 28 by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the murder of two former rebel leaders, Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City. The arrest was made after the wives of Kintanar and Tabara filed a criminal case in the Netherlands, where Sison has been on exile since 1987.
For fear that the armed rebels will retaliate through their nationals, the Dutch government ordered the travel advisory against the Philippines.
But Rosal assured that this will not happen, they even welcome Dutch nationals “to the revolutionary areas where their safety will be fully guaranteed.”
The Philippine military and police have raised their alerts to the highest level immediately after the arrest of Sison in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by the NPA./DMS
NPA rebel killed, two alleged rebel camps discovered in separate government operations in Luzon
By Ronron
September 2, 2007
A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while two alleged abandoned camps of the insurgents were discovered by government troops in separate operations over the weekend in Luzon.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the unidentified slain rebel was among nine suspected guerillas who fought against elements of the 21st Infantry Battalion last Saturday morning in Sto. Niño, Cagayan.
In a statement, Guillermo said the government troops, led by 2Lt. Aries Apduhan, were on combat operations when they encountered the suspected NPA members at around 6:30 am in Barangay Lipatan.
The 10-minute firefight that ensued resulted in the death of the unidentified rebel, and the recovery of two M16 assault rifles with magazines, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, a 12-guage shotgun, an 81-mm mortar shell and a bag containing subversive document, said Guillermo.
Guillermo said the “successful operations” was a result of 5th ID chief Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo’s order to step up the military’s internal security operations in his area of responsibility following the apprehension in the Netherlands of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison last August 28.
Guillermo said they are not discounting the possibility that the NPA will conduct a series of atrocities and begin to run wild after losing their leader.
Meanwhile, an abandoned NPA camp was discovered by government troops last Friday in Sitio Kulitob, Barangay Balug in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, said Capt. Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.
Ferrer said elements of the reconnaissance platoon of the Army’s 4th Infantry Battalion, led by a certain Lt. Arreola, discovered the camp that can accommodate more or less 100 persons.
“There are indications that it has recently been abandoned,” Ferrer said.
At around 7:30 am the following day, Ferrer said members of the Army’s Scout Ranger Class 166-07, under a certain Lt. Bermudo, found another abandoned NPA camp in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar in Quezon.
Ferrer said the camp can accommodate about a hundred rebels also, with 10 huts of different sizes, six electric posts, a 25-meter firing range, a basketball court that can be converted into a lecture area, a water supply/source and a strong cellphone signal.
“These developments were assessed to be connected with the arrest of Joma Sison in the Netherlands, wherein demoralization have forced these abandonment of their camps,” he said of the discovery of the two camps.
Aside from the loss of their leader, the communist movement, Ferrer said, is also suffering from the “dwindling support of the people, surrender of many of their comrades, and the relentless pursuit by government forces against them.”
Sison was taken into police custody by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the killings of former rebel leaders Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City./DMS
September 2, 2007
A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while two alleged abandoned camps of the insurgents were discovered by government troops in separate operations over the weekend in Luzon.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the unidentified slain rebel was among nine suspected guerillas who fought against elements of the 21st Infantry Battalion last Saturday morning in Sto. Niño, Cagayan.
In a statement, Guillermo said the government troops, led by 2Lt. Aries Apduhan, were on combat operations when they encountered the suspected NPA members at around 6:30 am in Barangay Lipatan.
The 10-minute firefight that ensued resulted in the death of the unidentified rebel, and the recovery of two M16 assault rifles with magazines, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, a 12-guage shotgun, an 81-mm mortar shell and a bag containing subversive document, said Guillermo.
Guillermo said the “successful operations” was a result of 5th ID chief Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo’s order to step up the military’s internal security operations in his area of responsibility following the apprehension in the Netherlands of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison last August 28.
Guillermo said they are not discounting the possibility that the NPA will conduct a series of atrocities and begin to run wild after losing their leader.
Meanwhile, an abandoned NPA camp was discovered by government troops last Friday in Sitio Kulitob, Barangay Balug in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, said Capt. Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.
Ferrer said elements of the reconnaissance platoon of the Army’s 4th Infantry Battalion, led by a certain Lt. Arreola, discovered the camp that can accommodate more or less 100 persons.
“There are indications that it has recently been abandoned,” Ferrer said.
At around 7:30 am the following day, Ferrer said members of the Army’s Scout Ranger Class 166-07, under a certain Lt. Bermudo, found another abandoned NPA camp in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar in Quezon.
Ferrer said the camp can accommodate about a hundred rebels also, with 10 huts of different sizes, six electric posts, a 25-meter firing range, a basketball court that can be converted into a lecture area, a water supply/source and a strong cellphone signal.
“These developments were assessed to be connected with the arrest of Joma Sison in the Netherlands, wherein demoralization have forced these abandonment of their camps,” he said of the discovery of the two camps.
Aside from the loss of their leader, the communist movement, Ferrer said, is also suffering from the “dwindling support of the people, surrender of many of their comrades, and the relentless pursuit by government forces against them.”
Sison was taken into police custody by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the killings of former rebel leaders Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City./DMS
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