By Ronron
September 26, 2007
Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded in an encounter Tuesday in Basilan province between government forces and suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), officials said.
According to Army Special Forces chief Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, the clash started at around 7:45 am Barangay Silangkum in Tipo-tipo town and went on sporadically, ending at 6pm.
The involved troops were elements of the 9th Special Forces Company, Scout Rangers, Marines and the Air Force 710th Special Operations Wing, officials said, while the ASG numbered to no more than 80.
Armed Forces chief of Staff Gen. Oscar Calderon said they are investigating if Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members were with the suspected ASG in Tuesday’s clash.
Ortiz said the initial 7:45 am clash was followed at 1pm, and then at 2:40 pm that dragged on until 6pm.
“It was a fierce encounter in the same area of Silangkum, about more than a kilometer from the encounter site of August 18, where our Scout Ranger Test Mission operated this time,” told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
Esperon said the operation was intelligence driven where they really targeted an encapment of the ASG.
He said the group was believed to be headed by a certain Furuji Indama, who was earlier reported by AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro to have died during the August 18 encounter in Silangkum village.
Indama is one of those charged by the police for the beheading of 14 Marine soldiers in Al-Barka town last July 10.
Told about the inconsistency regarding Indama, Esperon said: “That has since then been put into validation since there were reports that he was sighted somewhere. This is a continuing validation.”
Esperon said that in Tuesday’s fighting, intelligence report indicated that at least 10 ASG rebels were killed. But the military has not recovered any bodies.
Ortiz said that of the government casualties, one of the two slain soldiers is from the Special Forces, while the other one, as well as the 10 wounded, were Scout Rangers.
Esperon said a student, whose age was not immediately known, was also hurt after being hit by a stray bullet.
The military chief disclosed that American forces helped in the air evacuation of the slain and wounded government soldiers from Basilan to Zamboanga City where they were given medical treatment.
The incident was the last to happen since August 26 where joint Marine and Army forces clashed with ASG rebels also in Barangay Silangkum. There were no casualties reported in that firefight.
Prior to that was the deadly August 18 incident where 15 Marines were killed and seven others were wounded.
The military has deployed thousands of government troops in the island province to hunt after those responsible for the July 10 incident and to carry out humanitarian projects alongside military operations./DMS
Thursday, September 27, 2007
PNP implements top-level reshuffle on Monday when new chief takes over
By Ronron
September 26, 2007
A top-level reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP) will take place on Monday when the organization welcomes its new chief in the person of Deputy Director General (DDG) Avelino Razon, Jr.
According to Razon, the position of Deputy Chief for Administration that he will leave behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the incumbent Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla who currently heads the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Razon said Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership he presently heads to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Razon will take over the top PNP post from General Oscar Calderon who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
September 26, 2007
A top-level reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP) will take place on Monday when the organization welcomes its new chief in the person of Deputy Director General (DDG) Avelino Razon, Jr.
According to Razon, the position of Deputy Chief for Administration that he will leave behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the incumbent Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla who currently heads the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Razon said Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership he presently heads to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Razon will take over the top PNP post from General Oscar Calderon who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
US donates 11.2 million pesos to PNP for renovation of training facility in Mindanao
By Ronron
September 26, 2007
Saying that it remains committed to help the Philippines in its fight against criminality and terrorism, particularly the illegal drugs trade, the United States formalized on Wednesday the grant of P11.2 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the renovation of a police training facility in General Santos City.
In simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney personally gave the donation to outgoing PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who will retire on October 1.
“We’re signing an important agreement that continues our collaboration on training and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking,” Kenney told reporters after the signing ceremony.
A statement from the US Embassy said that the project will include new sleeping quarters, a dining facility, classrooms and upgrades to small arms ranges and a tactical “shoot house” structure.
“It’s part of a series of training efforts that we’re undergoing so that the Philippine National Police, specifically on anti-trafficking of drugs, will have the right facilities to train, to share ideas, techniques, not just with Americans, but with each other and also with other nations,” Kenney said.
Aside from the facility in General Santos City, those in Zamboanga City, San Fernando in La Union, and Palawan will also under improvement works, Kenney said.
“The US assistance seeks to improve the capabilities and capacities of its partner nation’s forces. The US enjoys a strong partnership with Philippine law enforcement officials and this is just one example of US support in improving the infrastructure of police units in the Philippines,” Kenney said.
According to Kenney, aside from the illegal drugs problem, the country is also faced with other security issues like terrorism and human trafficking, both the PNP needs to continue addressing.
For this reason, she said the US will also contribute in the Armed Forces’ Coast Watch South project, which is expected to start before the year ends.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Coast Watch South and we’re collaborating to see what else we can do – radars, boats, how we can share information,” Kenney said.
Asked if Americans feel safer in the country during the 15-month stint of Calderon as PNP chief, the envoy said: “Americans feel increasingly safer here in the Philippines. The PNP has done a wonderful job of looking after the really many difficult issues that face every police force in the world today.”
She said even American business has remained bullish in the country, thanks to the quality of Filipino employees, whom she describe as “energetic and dedicated,” and the level of security.
“American business is very enthusiastic about what we do here. In fact, next week, I’m going to Cebu where we have an American showcase (where) … American companies are here looking for Philippine partners to do business in the country,” Kenney said.
Kenney said that even the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell in April of this year in Ifugao did not discourage other volunteers from continuing public service in the country.
But she said that while the number of volunteers, which is about 200 at this time, was not affected, American authorities have taken “the safety and security of our volunteers very seriously.”
Nonetheless, Kenney thanked Calderon for the efforts of the PNP to solve the murder case of Campbell.
“I’m actually looking forward to getting up to Banaue myself at some point because I want to thank the police up there, the local citizens who helped us look for Julia Campbell, have a chance to see for myself the extraordinary beauty, and to have a chance to see some of our other projects,” Kenney said./DMS
September 26, 2007
Saying that it remains committed to help the Philippines in its fight against criminality and terrorism, particularly the illegal drugs trade, the United States formalized on Wednesday the grant of P11.2 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the renovation of a police training facility in General Santos City.
In simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney personally gave the donation to outgoing PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who will retire on October 1.
“We’re signing an important agreement that continues our collaboration on training and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking,” Kenney told reporters after the signing ceremony.
A statement from the US Embassy said that the project will include new sleeping quarters, a dining facility, classrooms and upgrades to small arms ranges and a tactical “shoot house” structure.
“It’s part of a series of training efforts that we’re undergoing so that the Philippine National Police, specifically on anti-trafficking of drugs, will have the right facilities to train, to share ideas, techniques, not just with Americans, but with each other and also with other nations,” Kenney said.
Aside from the facility in General Santos City, those in Zamboanga City, San Fernando in La Union, and Palawan will also under improvement works, Kenney said.
“The US assistance seeks to improve the capabilities and capacities of its partner nation’s forces. The US enjoys a strong partnership with Philippine law enforcement officials and this is just one example of US support in improving the infrastructure of police units in the Philippines,” Kenney said.
According to Kenney, aside from the illegal drugs problem, the country is also faced with other security issues like terrorism and human trafficking, both the PNP needs to continue addressing.
For this reason, she said the US will also contribute in the Armed Forces’ Coast Watch South project, which is expected to start before the year ends.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Coast Watch South and we’re collaborating to see what else we can do – radars, boats, how we can share information,” Kenney said.
Asked if Americans feel safer in the country during the 15-month stint of Calderon as PNP chief, the envoy said: “Americans feel increasingly safer here in the Philippines. The PNP has done a wonderful job of looking after the really many difficult issues that face every police force in the world today.”
She said even American business has remained bullish in the country, thanks to the quality of Filipino employees, whom she describe as “energetic and dedicated,” and the level of security.
“American business is very enthusiastic about what we do here. In fact, next week, I’m going to Cebu where we have an American showcase (where) … American companies are here looking for Philippine partners to do business in the country,” Kenney said.
Kenney said that even the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell in April of this year in Ifugao did not discourage other volunteers from continuing public service in the country.
But she said that while the number of volunteers, which is about 200 at this time, was not affected, American authorities have taken “the safety and security of our volunteers very seriously.”
Nonetheless, Kenney thanked Calderon for the efforts of the PNP to solve the murder case of Campbell.
“I’m actually looking forward to getting up to Banaue myself at some point because I want to thank the police up there, the local citizens who helped us look for Julia Campbell, have a chance to see for myself the extraordinary beauty, and to have a chance to see some of our other projects,” Kenney said./DMS
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Navy to start Coast Watch project before yearend to battle transnational criminals and terrorists
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
The Philippine Navy will start later this year its Coast Watch project that will be implemented from Palawan to Davao in the hope of preventing sea-borne crimes, both local and transnational, and terrorism, officials said Tuesday.
In a phone interview with Defense reporters, Lt. Commander Jorge Ibarra, chief of the International Affairs of the Office of the Deputy Navy Chief for Plans, said they are just awaiting the Executive Order from Malacanang that will define the respective roles of the Navy and other maritime agencies like the Coast Guard, Maritime Police, the Customs and Immigration in the implementation of the project.
But even before an EO is released, Ibarra said the involved agencies will already begin holding workshops next week at the Navy headquarters in Manila City as to how the project will be carried out.
"The Coast Watch South stations would enhance the Philippine Navy's capability to conduct surveillance and interdiction against various threats that are taking advantage of our porous borders," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said in a recent speech.
“Our southern backdoor is especially prone to the incursion of terrorists, smugglers, pirates, and traffickers of firearms and explosives. It is also used as a transshipment point of illegal drugs,” he added.
According to Ibarra, 17 Coast Watch stations, all worth up to P17 billion, will bet set up under the project. He said N-Shore Patrol vessels, patrol gunboats and rigid-hull inflatable boats will be bought by the Navy for use in the 17 stations.
Navy spokesman Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the 17 stations would stretch from Mangsi Island off Palawan province to the coasts of Davao provinces in the eastern part of Mindanao, forming a U-shaped "barrier."
Ibarra said the N-Shore Patrol vessel and gunboats will be utilized in patrolling the waters within a 12-nautical mile radius, while the rigid-hull inflatable boats will be used near the coastlines.
“Once we monitor unusual movement, we can intercept them immediately,” Ibarra said of the project. “We will be monitoring all illegal activities.”
Ibarra said helicopters will also provide support to the sea patrols, in coordination with land-based stations. "There will be a triad, with a sea, land, and air component.”
The Coast Watch South project was introduced last year by then Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, after getting a briefing about the same project that is being implemented in Australia./DMS
September 25, 2007
The Philippine Navy will start later this year its Coast Watch project that will be implemented from Palawan to Davao in the hope of preventing sea-borne crimes, both local and transnational, and terrorism, officials said Tuesday.
In a phone interview with Defense reporters, Lt. Commander Jorge Ibarra, chief of the International Affairs of the Office of the Deputy Navy Chief for Plans, said they are just awaiting the Executive Order from Malacanang that will define the respective roles of the Navy and other maritime agencies like the Coast Guard, Maritime Police, the Customs and Immigration in the implementation of the project.
But even before an EO is released, Ibarra said the involved agencies will already begin holding workshops next week at the Navy headquarters in Manila City as to how the project will be carried out.
"The Coast Watch South stations would enhance the Philippine Navy's capability to conduct surveillance and interdiction against various threats that are taking advantage of our porous borders," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said in a recent speech.
“Our southern backdoor is especially prone to the incursion of terrorists, smugglers, pirates, and traffickers of firearms and explosives. It is also used as a transshipment point of illegal drugs,” he added.
According to Ibarra, 17 Coast Watch stations, all worth up to P17 billion, will bet set up under the project. He said N-Shore Patrol vessels, patrol gunboats and rigid-hull inflatable boats will be bought by the Navy for use in the 17 stations.
Navy spokesman Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the 17 stations would stretch from Mangsi Island off Palawan province to the coasts of Davao provinces in the eastern part of Mindanao, forming a U-shaped "barrier."
Ibarra said the N-Shore Patrol vessel and gunboats will be utilized in patrolling the waters within a 12-nautical mile radius, while the rigid-hull inflatable boats will be used near the coastlines.
“Once we monitor unusual movement, we can intercept them immediately,” Ibarra said of the project. “We will be monitoring all illegal activities.”
Ibarra said helicopters will also provide support to the sea patrols, in coordination with land-based stations. "There will be a triad, with a sea, land, and air component.”
The Coast Watch South project was introduced last year by then Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, after getting a briefing about the same project that is being implemented in Australia./DMS
Estrada to appeal guilty verdict before Sandiganbayan on Wednesday
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
Convicted former Philippine President Joseph Estrada will file today (Wednesday) a motion for reconsideration (MR) before the Sandiganbayan for the guilty verdict it handed against him last September 12, a government official said Tuesday.
According to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronald Puno, the move is was relayed to him personally by Estrada during their meeting yesterday noon at the former leader’s Tanay Resthouse in Rizal province.
“His welcome words for me were, Ronnie, we will file tomorrow an MR before the Sandiganbayan… I said, it’s okay because for us, we will just await until all the legal processes are completed and the legal remedies available for them are already looked into,” Puno told a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame after arriving from Tanay.
Puno said he met with Estrada to discuss possible granting of pardon on him by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo consistent with her policy for national reconciliation and policy.
Puno said that if he had his way, Estrada should not just have filed the MR so that the process for getting pardon will already start. “For me, that would have been quicker. But of course, they have their own issues and that is refusal to accept the verdict of guilty. He wants to specifically state the reasons why he believes that the decision was not correct and needs to be reconsidered,” Puno said.
Under the law, any convicted person can only avail of executive clemency if the decision against him is final and executory already. He or she must also apply for that to the President.
When asked if Estrada would personally submit a letter to Arroyo, Puno replied: “I doubt.”
But Puno said they will continue negotiating with Estrada even if the appeal reaches the Supreme Court because it is the intention of the President to foster national unity.
“I told him that the message of President Arroyo is we just want to find a solution to heal the wounds so that we can go past the difficult situation we are in now and we can unite the people,” Puno said.
Puno said he will discuss further the matter with the Department of Justice in the coming days, and then to Estrada’s lawyers before he submits a report to Arroyo.
Despite the uncertainties, Puno said he is confident that the issue will be ironed out, particularly in favor of the government’s wish, in the end./DMS
September 25, 2007
Convicted former Philippine President Joseph Estrada will file today (Wednesday) a motion for reconsideration (MR) before the Sandiganbayan for the guilty verdict it handed against him last September 12, a government official said Tuesday.
According to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronald Puno, the move is was relayed to him personally by Estrada during their meeting yesterday noon at the former leader’s Tanay Resthouse in Rizal province.
“His welcome words for me were, Ronnie, we will file tomorrow an MR before the Sandiganbayan… I said, it’s okay because for us, we will just await until all the legal processes are completed and the legal remedies available for them are already looked into,” Puno told a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame after arriving from Tanay.
Puno said he met with Estrada to discuss possible granting of pardon on him by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo consistent with her policy for national reconciliation and policy.
Puno said that if he had his way, Estrada should not just have filed the MR so that the process for getting pardon will already start. “For me, that would have been quicker. But of course, they have their own issues and that is refusal to accept the verdict of guilty. He wants to specifically state the reasons why he believes that the decision was not correct and needs to be reconsidered,” Puno said.
Under the law, any convicted person can only avail of executive clemency if the decision against him is final and executory already. He or she must also apply for that to the President.
When asked if Estrada would personally submit a letter to Arroyo, Puno replied: “I doubt.”
But Puno said they will continue negotiating with Estrada even if the appeal reaches the Supreme Court because it is the intention of the President to foster national unity.
“I told him that the message of President Arroyo is we just want to find a solution to heal the wounds so that we can go past the difficult situation we are in now and we can unite the people,” Puno said.
Puno said he will discuss further the matter with the Department of Justice in the coming days, and then to Estrada’s lawyers before he submits a report to Arroyo.
Despite the uncertainties, Puno said he is confident that the issue will be ironed out, particularly in favor of the government’s wish, in the end./DMS
Incoming PNP chief warns cops who fail in gun-handling tests that they will lose their firearms
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will make sure when he assumes the top police post on October 1 that all policemen will have the capability to handle guns.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame yesterday, Razon said he will give emphasis on the conduct of proficiency training and tests of policemen on handling guns so those found non-proficient will not pose danger to the public.
“If they don’t pass the proficiency test over a period of time or a series of tests, we will disarm them because the non-proficient pose a danger to our community. They’re like people who can’t drive but are allowed to do it, so they might hit pedestrians. That’s bad for our community,” Razon said.
Razon said the proficiency training and tests on gun handling will be done all year round.
He said those who will be disarmed will be assigned instead to administrative tasks or other duties that will not require the use of firearms, while their firearms will be given to more qualified ones.
“This will be from the chief PNP down to the lowest PO1… We will not spare anyone here,” Razon said.
Razon will replace PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
September 25, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will make sure when he assumes the top police post on October 1 that all policemen will have the capability to handle guns.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame yesterday, Razon said he will give emphasis on the conduct of proficiency training and tests of policemen on handling guns so those found non-proficient will not pose danger to the public.
“If they don’t pass the proficiency test over a period of time or a series of tests, we will disarm them because the non-proficient pose a danger to our community. They’re like people who can’t drive but are allowed to do it, so they might hit pedestrians. That’s bad for our community,” Razon said.
Razon said the proficiency training and tests on gun handling will be done all year round.
He said those who will be disarmed will be assigned instead to administrative tasks or other duties that will not require the use of firearms, while their firearms will be given to more qualified ones.
“This will be from the chief PNP down to the lowest PO1… We will not spare anyone here,” Razon said.
Razon will replace PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
Calderon willing to accept government post after retirement
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon is open to continue working for the government even after his retirement from the service on October 1.
During the media forum Tuesday at Camp Crame, Calderon said he “cannot just leave behind President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo” with whom he “owes a debt of gratitude” for appointing him as PNP chief in July last year.
“I will make myself available… I will not totally disappear from the picture. I could still be of service even after my retirement,” Calderon said.
Asked if there had been offers for him from Malacanang, Calderon said there is nothing formal at the moment.
But one time recently, he said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno directed him in jest to apply for any of the two vacant Undersecretary positions in the department.
“Well, we are not refusing any offer because I really just want to help,” Calderon said.
If Calderon gets a government position under the Arroyo administration, he is not going to be the first PNP chief to get one. His predecessor, retired Gen. Arturo Lomibao, has been named recently as chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Lomibao’s predecessor, retired Gen. Edgardo Aglipay, was also assigned to head the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Calderon will be replaced by the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr./DMS
September 25, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon is open to continue working for the government even after his retirement from the service on October 1.
During the media forum Tuesday at Camp Crame, Calderon said he “cannot just leave behind President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo” with whom he “owes a debt of gratitude” for appointing him as PNP chief in July last year.
“I will make myself available… I will not totally disappear from the picture. I could still be of service even after my retirement,” Calderon said.
Asked if there had been offers for him from Malacanang, Calderon said there is nothing formal at the moment.
But one time recently, he said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno directed him in jest to apply for any of the two vacant Undersecretary positions in the department.
“Well, we are not refusing any offer because I really just want to help,” Calderon said.
If Calderon gets a government position under the Arroyo administration, he is not going to be the first PNP chief to get one. His predecessor, retired Gen. Arturo Lomibao, has been named recently as chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Lomibao’s predecessor, retired Gen. Edgardo Aglipay, was also assigned to head the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Calderon will be replaced by the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr./DMS
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Razon elated to be chosen as next PNP chief
By Ronron
September 24, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. expressed elation with the announcement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday that he is the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Razon, the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, will take over the post on October 1st when Gen. Oscar Calderon reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“I am happy and I thank so much President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for trusting me,” Razon said.
“I will take this as a challenge for the PNP to be of better service to our countrymen,” he added.
Razon will have a little over a year to head the 120,000-police force since he will meet the mandatory retirement age of 56 in late September of 2008./DMS
September 24, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. expressed elation with the announcement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday that he is the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Razon, the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, will take over the post on October 1st when Gen. Oscar Calderon reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“I am happy and I thank so much President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for trusting me,” Razon said.
“I will take this as a challenge for the PNP to be of better service to our countrymen,” he added.
Razon will have a little over a year to head the 120,000-police force since he will meet the mandatory retirement age of 56 in late September of 2008./DMS
Renegade MILF commander killed in shootout with Maguindanao cops
By Ronron
September 24, 2007
A suspected renegade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed in a shootout Sunday against Maguindanao policemen.
The incident, which happened at around 8am at Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao, also left the chief of police of said town slightly wounded, said Supt. Danilo Bacas, Operations and Plans Division chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police.
Bacas said the five-man party led by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Police chief SPO4 Adam Maliga was aboard a police car when they were ambushed by armed men led by a certain Commander Hadji Ali.
Bacas said Ali is a known commander of the MILF Lost Command who allegedly has a rift with the family of Maliga.
“It’s a personal motive. We heard there is a family feud between Maliga and Ali, so we can say that Maliga is really the target,” Bacas said in Filipino when reached by phone.
Bacas said the group of Ali first fired at the party of Maliga using an M79 grenade launcher. The group of Maliga fired back, resulting in the death of Ali and the withdrawal of his followers.
Family feud, locally called as “rido,” usually ends up in violent incidents in Moslem communities in the country./DMS
September 24, 2007
A suspected renegade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed in a shootout Sunday against Maguindanao policemen.
The incident, which happened at around 8am at Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao, also left the chief of police of said town slightly wounded, said Supt. Danilo Bacas, Operations and Plans Division chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police.
Bacas said the five-man party led by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Police chief SPO4 Adam Maliga was aboard a police car when they were ambushed by armed men led by a certain Commander Hadji Ali.
Bacas said Ali is a known commander of the MILF Lost Command who allegedly has a rift with the family of Maliga.
“It’s a personal motive. We heard there is a family feud between Maliga and Ali, so we can say that Maliga is really the target,” Bacas said in Filipino when reached by phone.
Bacas said the group of Ali first fired at the party of Maliga using an M79 grenade launcher. The group of Maliga fired back, resulting in the death of Ali and the withdrawal of his followers.
Family feud, locally called as “rido,” usually ends up in violent incidents in Moslem communities in the country./DMS
Robbers strike at Defense reporters’ office inside main military camp
By Ronron
September 24, 2007
Suspected robbers took three Central Processing Units (CPU’s) of computer sets inside the Defense Press Corps (DPC) office at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, members of the DPC discovered on Monday morning.
Pilipino Star Ngayon (tabloid) reporter Joy Cantos was the first to discover the missing computer parts when she arrived at the DPC office at around 10am. She said the door was closed but not locked, indicating no sign of forcible entry.
The last person to leave the office was this reporter, who left shortly past 9pm on Sunday. Upon leaving, this reporter made sure the door was locked.
Outgoing DPC President Verlin Ruiz, reporter of Remate (tabloid), said the three computer CPU’s belong to the sets being used by him, Victor Reyes of Malaya broadsheet, and Anthony Vargas of Manila Times broadsheet.
The three CPU’s were recently acquired by the DPC as Christmas gifts by donors. Ruiz estimates each of the CPU to cost around P30,000.00.
The computer users said the missing CPU’s contain only their stories and transcripts of several previous interviews. Ruiz said his also had personal profiles of DPC members.
“We strongly condemn in the strongest terms this incident of burglary, which happened right inside a military camp. We can not discount the possibility that it could be an inside job or this is a form of harassment against the DPC,” Ruiz said.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, whose office is located adjacent to the DPC office, said the incident is now being investigated both by the AFP Military Police battalion and the Philippine National Police./DMS
September 24, 2007
Suspected robbers took three Central Processing Units (CPU’s) of computer sets inside the Defense Press Corps (DPC) office at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, members of the DPC discovered on Monday morning.
Pilipino Star Ngayon (tabloid) reporter Joy Cantos was the first to discover the missing computer parts when she arrived at the DPC office at around 10am. She said the door was closed but not locked, indicating no sign of forcible entry.
The last person to leave the office was this reporter, who left shortly past 9pm on Sunday. Upon leaving, this reporter made sure the door was locked.
Outgoing DPC President Verlin Ruiz, reporter of Remate (tabloid), said the three computer CPU’s belong to the sets being used by him, Victor Reyes of Malaya broadsheet, and Anthony Vargas of Manila Times broadsheet.
The three CPU’s were recently acquired by the DPC as Christmas gifts by donors. Ruiz estimates each of the CPU to cost around P30,000.00.
The computer users said the missing CPU’s contain only their stories and transcripts of several previous interviews. Ruiz said his also had personal profiles of DPC members.
“We strongly condemn in the strongest terms this incident of burglary, which happened right inside a military camp. We can not discount the possibility that it could be an inside job or this is a form of harassment against the DPC,” Ruiz said.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, whose office is located adjacent to the DPC office, said the incident is now being investigated both by the AFP Military Police battalion and the Philippine National Police./DMS
Monday, September 24, 2007
NPA attacks police station in Surigao Sur, two cops hurt
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked early Sunday afternoon the Cantilan Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Sur, the chief of the provincial police said.
According to Sr. Supt. Alex Ga, two policemen were hurt in the incident as they also lost several firearms to the perpetrators estimated to be around 200 in strength.
Ga said the incident happened around 1:30 pm when there were only four policemen present at the police station.
He said the rebels were on board three trucks, one pick up and two vans.
But only those aboard the pick-up and one of the vans attacked the police station since the rest posted as security forces all over the town’s poblacion.
Ga said the attack lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, since the policemen at the station fired back.
Since outnumbered, two of the policemen were wounded, and the rebels were able to take away 14 M16 rifles, one 9mm, one 38 caliber revolver, three homemade shotguns, and a radio set, Ga said.
Asked why there were only four policemen at the station during the attack, Ga said the rest were still having lunch outside, while there were also others posted in security details in the different parts of the town.
Ga said they will investigate the incident to find out if there were lapses on the part of the municipal police.
He said it was a surprise that the NPA attacked the Cantilan Municipal Police Station because when the communist movement announced their plan for future offensives in Caraga Region following the arrest of Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands, the authorities thought it would take place in the southern or central part of the province.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years to topple the government for the revolutionary objectives.
The government has vowed to make the group significantly incapable by 2010./DMS
September 23, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked early Sunday afternoon the Cantilan Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Sur, the chief of the provincial police said.
According to Sr. Supt. Alex Ga, two policemen were hurt in the incident as they also lost several firearms to the perpetrators estimated to be around 200 in strength.
Ga said the incident happened around 1:30 pm when there were only four policemen present at the police station.
He said the rebels were on board three trucks, one pick up and two vans.
But only those aboard the pick-up and one of the vans attacked the police station since the rest posted as security forces all over the town’s poblacion.
Ga said the attack lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, since the policemen at the station fired back.
Since outnumbered, two of the policemen were wounded, and the rebels were able to take away 14 M16 rifles, one 9mm, one 38 caliber revolver, three homemade shotguns, and a radio set, Ga said.
Asked why there were only four policemen at the station during the attack, Ga said the rest were still having lunch outside, while there were also others posted in security details in the different parts of the town.
Ga said they will investigate the incident to find out if there were lapses on the part of the municipal police.
He said it was a surprise that the NPA attacked the Cantilan Municipal Police Station because when the communist movement announced their plan for future offensives in Caraga Region following the arrest of Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands, the authorities thought it would take place in the southern or central part of the province.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years to topple the government for the revolutionary objectives.
The government has vowed to make the group significantly incapable by 2010./DMS
Pardon talks for Erap is premature – Ramos
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
The Arroyo government is “prematurely” discussing proposals for pardon on former President Joseph Estrada who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder since the case is not yet even over as far as the judicial process is concerned.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos told reporters Sunday that an executive clemency can only be granted when there is already finality to the verdict against any accused like Estrada.
“Didn’t former President Erap appeal before the Supreme Court for a reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan decision against him, convicting him of plunder and sentencing him of life (imprisonment?)… I think even low level officials who are not lawyers know that pardon, which is a form of an executive clemency and other forms include commutation of a severe sentence into something less severe, cannot be carried out by the Chief Executive unless the judicial process is finished, and the person is finally adjudged as guilty and is sentenced,” Ramos said.
A self-confessed Law school dropout but Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree holder, Ramos said the person must even “spend at least one day in the penitentiary before pardon or any kind of executive clemency can be extended.”
“The judicial process (on Estrada) is still ongoing that is why I am surprised sometimes why even the spokesman of Malacanang is talking about the pardon… That is still premature because the executive clemency cannot be given by the Executive while the judicial process is still going on,” Ramos said.
The Arroyo government has offered possible pardon for Estrada, who was convicted last September 12, in the hope of easing political tension, especially that the latter still commands a huge support from the masses./DMS
September 23, 2007
The Arroyo government is “prematurely” discussing proposals for pardon on former President Joseph Estrada who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder since the case is not yet even over as far as the judicial process is concerned.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos told reporters Sunday that an executive clemency can only be granted when there is already finality to the verdict against any accused like Estrada.
“Didn’t former President Erap appeal before the Supreme Court for a reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan decision against him, convicting him of plunder and sentencing him of life (imprisonment?)… I think even low level officials who are not lawyers know that pardon, which is a form of an executive clemency and other forms include commutation of a severe sentence into something less severe, cannot be carried out by the Chief Executive unless the judicial process is finished, and the person is finally adjudged as guilty and is sentenced,” Ramos said.
A self-confessed Law school dropout but Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree holder, Ramos said the person must even “spend at least one day in the penitentiary before pardon or any kind of executive clemency can be extended.”
“The judicial process (on Estrada) is still ongoing that is why I am surprised sometimes why even the spokesman of Malacanang is talking about the pardon… That is still premature because the executive clemency cannot be given by the Executive while the judicial process is still going on,” Ramos said.
The Arroyo government has offered possible pardon for Estrada, who was convicted last September 12, in the hope of easing political tension, especially that the latter still commands a huge support from the masses./DMS
Ramos suggests review of NBN contract now that deal is suspended
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos on Sunday suggested that the government should take advantage of the suspension of the deal with ZTE Corporation as regards the implementation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project by reviewing the contract.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center on V. Luna Avenue, Quezon City, Ramos said Philippines and even China can revisit the terms of the contract to polish any perceived loopholes or anomaly.
“The suspension implies many other future actions… (like) a revisiting of the terms so that if indeed there is any overprice in relation to the real cost of the infrastructure, and/or services to be delivered, then that must be recomputed,” Ramos said.
“Also, if there are any further legal issues or claims even to be settled, then this must also be reviewed because there are other parties down the line that are in interest. It is not just the two governments concerned. There are private sector companies that are involved,” he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday has ordered the suspension of her government’s contract with ZTE Corporation, as well as the Cyber-Education Project in the hope that it would tone down the controversy the former has brought.
The NBN project is worth US$329 million, while the Cyber-Education project costs about US$455.47 million.
The indefinite suspension order came after the Senate investigated the alleged bribe offers by ZTE officials to Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to get the deal, as claimed by Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia whose company lost to ZTE.
As former President, Ramos said he is delighted by the move of the Arroyo administration to speak about the issue during the Senate probe since there is really a need to clarify the matter before the public.
“To me, that was a very good move,” Ramos said.
With the suspension giving an opportunity now for both countries to review the contract, Ramos said he is hopeful that everything will come out well with regard to the matter.
“The earlier this is redone or renegotiated, the better for all sides,” he said./DMS
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos on Sunday suggested that the government should take advantage of the suspension of the deal with ZTE Corporation as regards the implementation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project by reviewing the contract.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center on V. Luna Avenue, Quezon City, Ramos said Philippines and even China can revisit the terms of the contract to polish any perceived loopholes or anomaly.
“The suspension implies many other future actions… (like) a revisiting of the terms so that if indeed there is any overprice in relation to the real cost of the infrastructure, and/or services to be delivered, then that must be recomputed,” Ramos said.
“Also, if there are any further legal issues or claims even to be settled, then this must also be reviewed because there are other parties down the line that are in interest. It is not just the two governments concerned. There are private sector companies that are involved,” he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday has ordered the suspension of her government’s contract with ZTE Corporation, as well as the Cyber-Education Project in the hope that it would tone down the controversy the former has brought.
The NBN project is worth US$329 million, while the Cyber-Education project costs about US$455.47 million.
The indefinite suspension order came after the Senate investigated the alleged bribe offers by ZTE officials to Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to get the deal, as claimed by Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia whose company lost to ZTE.
As former President, Ramos said he is delighted by the move of the Arroyo administration to speak about the issue during the Senate probe since there is really a need to clarify the matter before the public.
“To me, that was a very good move,” Ramos said.
With the suspension giving an opportunity now for both countries to review the contract, Ramos said he is hopeful that everything will come out well with regard to the matter.
“The earlier this is redone or renegotiated, the better for all sides,” he said./DMS
Ramos says “destabilizers” now have no capability to succeed
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos on Sunday belittled talks about alleged destabilization plots against the Arroyo administration, saying they have no capability to succeed.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, the former President said the destabilization exposed recently by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. merely indicates “intention and indications” and does not reflect any hint of success.
“As far as I’m concerned, there may be some intentions and some indications but there is no capability by anyone because you must be able to mount big forces behind you,” Ramos, a former military chief, said.
He said the indication is that the alleged military personnel have tried to go against the chain of command, which, according to him, “does not mean that there is already a destabilization plot or conspiracy.”
In an interview last Friday, Esperon disclosed that at least six military personnel from the junior officer and enlisted personnel levels were caught actively recruiting fellow soldiers to join destabilization efforts against the government. Thus, within the last week, they were either reassigned or put on hold from any assignment.
But Ramos has questions about the capability of the involved personnel: “Can they move big forces without being detected? Do they have the support of a civilian component that is sizeable? Do they have finances and logistics to carry on beyond one or two days?”
The former leader said that previous coup attempts during his time as military chief under President Corazon Aquino’s incumbency failed because “they equated capability, which is the ability to make it succeed, through indications and intentions.”
Asked if he knows of any civilian component to the current destabilization talks, Ramos replied in the negative. “Now, where others are concerned, I don’t know,” he said.
Three Luzon-based commanders on Sunday maintained that their officers and men remain loyal to the present government, and vow to distance themselves from and quell any destabilization efforts coming from the military.
Northern Luzon command chief Maj. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang said he has visited his troops from Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordilleras and got the assurance that they will “reject any recruitment, just like in the past, by destabilizers who are only interested in pursuing their selfish political agenda.”
“Our troops remain cohesive and focused on their mandated mission. They have already grown tired of any overtures or attempts that would drive a wedge within their ranks,” Maclang said.
“All of these have been clearly confirmed in my personal visits and dialogues with all the officers and men, both in the field and in the garrisons,” he added.
Maclang said he has directed his men “to be vigilant against any threat to our national security” as his “stand against any destabilization activity is firm and absolute.”
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, chief of the First Scout Rangers Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, echoed Maclang’s statement, adding that they have not monitored any recruitment activities within his command.
“We continue to talk to our men and have dialogue with them. On our part, we remain focused on our mission and the enhancement of our operational capabilities. We are united under the chain of command and we won’t be distracted with the developments,” Mapagu said.
It can be recalled that members of the Scout Rangers have been usual targets of recruitment activities for any destabilization plots, like the February 2006 incident.
The Special Forces, for their part, through its commander, Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, also pledges anew to stick to the chain of command.
“We have not monitored any recruitment here and I don’t think they will make an attempt here because they know that recruiting the Special Forces is a waste of time. It is a fact that the Special Forces as a unit was never involved in any destabilization. We have remain professional,” Ortiz said.
Asked if he thinks Esperon disclosed the alleged destabilization plot just to divert the public’s attention from the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy hounding the Arroyo administration, Ramos replied: “I think he is just saying it sincerely because he is there.”
As a former military commander, Ramos said he thinks it is futile to manufacture alleged destabilization reports to divert the public’s attention from a controversial government issue because the media and the Senate will always dig into the alleged anomalous deal.
The Senate has started investigating last week in aid of legislation the controversial NBN project of the government. The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia has accused Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos of accepting bribe money from ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm, in exchange for getting to implement the NBN project. Abalos and ZTE have both denied the allegation. De Venecia’s son founded a company that hoped to get the NBN project but allegedly lost to ZTE./DMS
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos on Sunday belittled talks about alleged destabilization plots against the Arroyo administration, saying they have no capability to succeed.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, the former President said the destabilization exposed recently by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. merely indicates “intention and indications” and does not reflect any hint of success.
“As far as I’m concerned, there may be some intentions and some indications but there is no capability by anyone because you must be able to mount big forces behind you,” Ramos, a former military chief, said.
He said the indication is that the alleged military personnel have tried to go against the chain of command, which, according to him, “does not mean that there is already a destabilization plot or conspiracy.”
In an interview last Friday, Esperon disclosed that at least six military personnel from the junior officer and enlisted personnel levels were caught actively recruiting fellow soldiers to join destabilization efforts against the government. Thus, within the last week, they were either reassigned or put on hold from any assignment.
But Ramos has questions about the capability of the involved personnel: “Can they move big forces without being detected? Do they have the support of a civilian component that is sizeable? Do they have finances and logistics to carry on beyond one or two days?”
The former leader said that previous coup attempts during his time as military chief under President Corazon Aquino’s incumbency failed because “they equated capability, which is the ability to make it succeed, through indications and intentions.”
Asked if he knows of any civilian component to the current destabilization talks, Ramos replied in the negative. “Now, where others are concerned, I don’t know,” he said.
Three Luzon-based commanders on Sunday maintained that their officers and men remain loyal to the present government, and vow to distance themselves from and quell any destabilization efforts coming from the military.
Northern Luzon command chief Maj. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang said he has visited his troops from Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordilleras and got the assurance that they will “reject any recruitment, just like in the past, by destabilizers who are only interested in pursuing their selfish political agenda.”
“Our troops remain cohesive and focused on their mandated mission. They have already grown tired of any overtures or attempts that would drive a wedge within their ranks,” Maclang said.
“All of these have been clearly confirmed in my personal visits and dialogues with all the officers and men, both in the field and in the garrisons,” he added.
Maclang said he has directed his men “to be vigilant against any threat to our national security” as his “stand against any destabilization activity is firm and absolute.”
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, chief of the First Scout Rangers Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, echoed Maclang’s statement, adding that they have not monitored any recruitment activities within his command.
“We continue to talk to our men and have dialogue with them. On our part, we remain focused on our mission and the enhancement of our operational capabilities. We are united under the chain of command and we won’t be distracted with the developments,” Mapagu said.
It can be recalled that members of the Scout Rangers have been usual targets of recruitment activities for any destabilization plots, like the February 2006 incident.
The Special Forces, for their part, through its commander, Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, also pledges anew to stick to the chain of command.
“We have not monitored any recruitment here and I don’t think they will make an attempt here because they know that recruiting the Special Forces is a waste of time. It is a fact that the Special Forces as a unit was never involved in any destabilization. We have remain professional,” Ortiz said.
Asked if he thinks Esperon disclosed the alleged destabilization plot just to divert the public’s attention from the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy hounding the Arroyo administration, Ramos replied: “I think he is just saying it sincerely because he is there.”
As a former military commander, Ramos said he thinks it is futile to manufacture alleged destabilization reports to divert the public’s attention from a controversial government issue because the media and the Senate will always dig into the alleged anomalous deal.
The Senate has started investigating last week in aid of legislation the controversial NBN project of the government. The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia has accused Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos of accepting bribe money from ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm, in exchange for getting to implement the NBN project. Abalos and ZTE have both denied the allegation. De Venecia’s son founded a company that hoped to get the NBN project but allegedly lost to ZTE./DMS
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