By Ronron
October 5, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. disclosed on Friday the strategic placement of 56 cameras all over Metro Manila as part of measures to deter criminality and terrorism.
In a news conference at Camp Crame, Razon said the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been in place since the holding of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in the country last August.
Razon was not immediately aware as to how much is the cost of the 56 CCTV units but he said there are plans to acquire more, they are even asking the private sector and local government units to contribute some units.
“Even a private citizen can put one camera at the gate of his house,” the police chief said.
Razon disclosed that some of the CCTV units have been placed in Baclaran in Paranaque City, in Quiapo in Manila City, and in Makati City. The rest are in “crime prone” areas.
All the information then go to Camp Crame, he said.
The end goal of the project is to place CCTV units in all key cities nationwide, Razon said.
But he assured that the cameras will not be used to violate human rights, and purposes other than detecting criminality and terrorism.
Razon noted that when he was in London last year, he was told that the July 2005 bombings there was solved partly because of video clips taken of the suspects from CCTV units.
And in the country, some bank robbery cases were solved also because of the same equipment, he said.
“So the next time you walk by, smile because there could be a camera following you,” Razon said in jest./DMS
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Police arrests suspected kidnapper with 300,000-peso bounty
By Ronron
October 5, 2007
Joint operatives of the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested last Monday in Quezon City a suspected kidnapper with a P300,000-bounty on his head.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. presented the arrested suspect, identified as Rolando Pardito, 25, in a news conference Friday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Razon said Pardito was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 8 of Lucena City in Quezon for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Razon said Pardito was involved in the abduction of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese businesswoman and her driver in Laguna in August 2003. The suspect, aided by his father and brother, held their victims for two days and released them after the payment of an undisclosed amount.
Razon said Pardito is the 30th Most Wanted Person for Kidnapping-for-Ransom (KFR) arrested this year.
Razon disclosed that father and brother have since been accounted for but the former died while in jail, and the latter died in an operation to arrest him.
Sr. Supt. Edgar Iglesia, deputy chief of the PACER, said authorities continue to run after the remnants of 12 KFR groups that have since been neutralized, according to them, starting 2002./DMS
October 5, 2007
Joint operatives of the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested last Monday in Quezon City a suspected kidnapper with a P300,000-bounty on his head.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. presented the arrested suspect, identified as Rolando Pardito, 25, in a news conference Friday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Razon said Pardito was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 8 of Lucena City in Quezon for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Razon said Pardito was involved in the abduction of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese businesswoman and her driver in Laguna in August 2003. The suspect, aided by his father and brother, held their victims for two days and released them after the payment of an undisclosed amount.
Razon said Pardito is the 30th Most Wanted Person for Kidnapping-for-Ransom (KFR) arrested this year.
Razon disclosed that father and brother have since been accounted for but the former died while in jail, and the latter died in an operation to arrest him.
Sr. Supt. Edgar Iglesia, deputy chief of the PACER, said authorities continue to run after the remnants of 12 KFR groups that have since been neutralized, according to them, starting 2002./DMS
Esperon dared to tell “truth” about alleged May 2004 poll fraud
By Ronron
October 5, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. is being dared by officers accused of planning a coup d’ etat in February 2006 to speak “the truth” regarding the alleged fraud in the May 2004 elections.
In a statement given Friday to reporters, the 28 accused, led by Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, said Esperon could do this as a favor to the nation and his family before he retires from the service in February next year.
“We have not given up on you, Mr. Esperon. There might still be some good left in you. You will be leaving the service in a few months time. Please do the nation and your family a favor,” the group wrote in the one-page statement entitled, “Mr. Esperon.”
“Tell the truth. Just tell the truth. You might still earn our salute,” they added.
It can be recalled that Esperon’s name was mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” tape, which, some people has considered as a proof to the alleged rigging of votes in the 2004 polls to favor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against oppositionist rival Fernando Poe, Jr.
Esperon denied committing any irregularity when he served as deputy commander of the AFP Task Force HOPE in the May 2004 polls. Subsequently, he was cleared by a military fact-finding probe headed by then AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga.
“Never in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has one man and his criminal gang brought so much shame to our beloved organization. Allegations that this man and a few criminal elements among the ranks of the AFP have allowed themselves to be used to subvert the Constitution and destroy the very essence of democracy have become our collective shame,” the group said.
The group of accused officers lamented that Esperon has turned to calling them derogatory names even when the court has yet to convict them of any crimes.
“We have been repeatedly called by Mr. Esperon as political destabilizers in almost every forum that affords him opportunity. We pose these questioned on you, Mr. Esperon: … Who stands accused of cheating in the 2004 elections? … Who stands accused of stealing votes? Who was mentioned in the Garci tapes,” the group said.
“Who hides behind EO 464 when given the opportunity to let the truth out? Who vigorously opposed the Mayuga report from being published?” they added.
“Who invokes the words STATE SECRET like a criminal who invokes the Fifth Amendment when caught? And since when has a criminal act become a STATE SECRET?” the group continued, apparently referring to Esperon’s repeated response that former Intelligence chief Vice Admiral Tirso Danga cannot just disclose all his knowledge about the “Hello Garci” scandal in a Senate inquiry.
Highlighting Esperon’s perceived loyalty to Arroyo, the group said: “Who cried unabashedly in front of national viewers when his mentor announced that she will not covet the Presidency again?”
It was in December 2002 when Arroyo proclaimed she is not running in the May 2004 Presidential elections. Esperon was then the chief of the Presidential Security Group.
The accused 28 have been in jail since last year after they were accused of plotting the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in collusion allegedly with the communist movement and some from the civilian sector.
They are currently facing charges for violation of various Articles of War even if they maintained that they were just actually trying to stop a brewing uprising from some members of the military organization when they approached then AFP chief of Staff Gen. Generoso Senga in February last year about the matter.
Esperon has vowed to apply the full force of the law against the 28 even as he admitted that Miranda is a classmate and even a roommate at the Philippine Military Academy in their plebe days. Both belong to the PMA Class of 1974./DMS
October 5, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. is being dared by officers accused of planning a coup d’ etat in February 2006 to speak “the truth” regarding the alleged fraud in the May 2004 elections.
In a statement given Friday to reporters, the 28 accused, led by Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, said Esperon could do this as a favor to the nation and his family before he retires from the service in February next year.
“We have not given up on you, Mr. Esperon. There might still be some good left in you. You will be leaving the service in a few months time. Please do the nation and your family a favor,” the group wrote in the one-page statement entitled, “Mr. Esperon.”
“Tell the truth. Just tell the truth. You might still earn our salute,” they added.
It can be recalled that Esperon’s name was mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” tape, which, some people has considered as a proof to the alleged rigging of votes in the 2004 polls to favor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against oppositionist rival Fernando Poe, Jr.
Esperon denied committing any irregularity when he served as deputy commander of the AFP Task Force HOPE in the May 2004 polls. Subsequently, he was cleared by a military fact-finding probe headed by then AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga.
“Never in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has one man and his criminal gang brought so much shame to our beloved organization. Allegations that this man and a few criminal elements among the ranks of the AFP have allowed themselves to be used to subvert the Constitution and destroy the very essence of democracy have become our collective shame,” the group said.
The group of accused officers lamented that Esperon has turned to calling them derogatory names even when the court has yet to convict them of any crimes.
“We have been repeatedly called by Mr. Esperon as political destabilizers in almost every forum that affords him opportunity. We pose these questioned on you, Mr. Esperon: … Who stands accused of cheating in the 2004 elections? … Who stands accused of stealing votes? Who was mentioned in the Garci tapes,” the group said.
“Who hides behind EO 464 when given the opportunity to let the truth out? Who vigorously opposed the Mayuga report from being published?” they added.
“Who invokes the words STATE SECRET like a criminal who invokes the Fifth Amendment when caught? And since when has a criminal act become a STATE SECRET?” the group continued, apparently referring to Esperon’s repeated response that former Intelligence chief Vice Admiral Tirso Danga cannot just disclose all his knowledge about the “Hello Garci” scandal in a Senate inquiry.
Highlighting Esperon’s perceived loyalty to Arroyo, the group said: “Who cried unabashedly in front of national viewers when his mentor announced that she will not covet the Presidency again?”
It was in December 2002 when Arroyo proclaimed she is not running in the May 2004 Presidential elections. Esperon was then the chief of the Presidential Security Group.
The accused 28 have been in jail since last year after they were accused of plotting the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in collusion allegedly with the communist movement and some from the civilian sector.
They are currently facing charges for violation of various Articles of War even if they maintained that they were just actually trying to stop a brewing uprising from some members of the military organization when they approached then AFP chief of Staff Gen. Generoso Senga in February last year about the matter.
Esperon has vowed to apply the full force of the law against the 28 even as he admitted that Miranda is a classmate and even a roommate at the Philippine Military Academy in their plebe days. Both belong to the PMA Class of 1974./DMS
Friday, October 5, 2007
Esperon dared to tell “truth” about alleged May 2004 poll fraud
By Ronron
October 5, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. is being dared by officers accused of planning a coup d’ etat in February 2006 to speak “the truth” regarding the alleged fraud in the May 2004 elections.
In a statement given Friday to reporters, the 28 accused, led by Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, said Esperon could do this as a favor to the nation and his family before he retires from the service in February next year.
“We have not given up on you, Mr. Esperon. There might still be some good left in you. You will be leaving the service in a few months time. Please do the nation and your family a favor,” the group wrote in the one-page statement entitled, “Mr. Esperon.”
“Tell the truth. Just tell the truth. You might still earn our salute,” they added.
It can be recalled that Esperon’s name was mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” tape, which, some people has considered as a proof to the alleged rigging of votes in the 2004 polls to favor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against oppositionist rival Fernando Poe, Jr.
Esperon denied committing any irregularity when he served as deputy commander of the AFP Task Force HOPE in the May 2004 polls. Subsequently, he was cleared by a military fact-finding probe headed by then AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga.
“Never in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has one man and his criminal gang brought so much shame to our beloved organization. Allegations that this man and a few criminal elements among the ranks of the AFP have allowed themselves to be used to subvert the Constitution and destroy the very essence of democracy have become our collective shame,” the group said.
The group of accused officers lamented that Esperon has turned to calling them derogatory names even when the court has yet to convict them of any crimes.
“We have been repeatedly called by Mr. Esperon as political destabilizers in almost every forum that affords him opportunity. We pose these questioned on you, Mr. Esperon: … Who stands accused of cheating in the 2004 elections? … Who stands accused of stealing votes? Who was mentioned in the Garci tapes,” the group said.
“Who hides behind EO 464 when given the opportunity to let the truth out? Who vigorously opposed the Mayuga report from being published?” they added.
“Who invokes the words STATE SECRET like a criminal who invokes the Fifth Amendment when caught? And since when has a criminal act become a STATE SECRET?” the group continued, apparently referring to Esperon’s repeated response that former Intelligence chief Vice Admiral Tirso Danga cannot just disclose all his knowledge about the “Hello Garci” scandal in a Senate inquiry.
Highlighting Esperon’s perceived loyalty to Arroyo, the group said: “Who cried unabashedly in front of national viewers when his mentor announced that she will not covet the Presidency again?”
It was in December 2002 when Arroyo proclaimed she is not running in the May 2004 Presidential elections. Esperon was then the chief of the Presidential Security Group.
The accused 28 have been in jail since last year after they were accused of plotting the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in collusion allegedly with the communist movement and some from the civilian sector.
They are currently facing charges for violation of various Articles of War even if they maintained that they were just actually trying to stop a brewing uprising from some members of the military organization when they approached then AFP chief of Staff Gen. Generoso Senga in February last year about the matter.
Esperon has vowed to apply the full force of the law against the 28 even as he admitted that Miranda is a classmate and even a roommate at the Philippine Military Academy in their plebe days. Both belong to the PMA Class of 1974./DMS
October 5, 2007
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. is being dared by officers accused of planning a coup d’ etat in February 2006 to speak “the truth” regarding the alleged fraud in the May 2004 elections.
In a statement given Friday to reporters, the 28 accused, led by Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, said Esperon could do this as a favor to the nation and his family before he retires from the service in February next year.
“We have not given up on you, Mr. Esperon. There might still be some good left in you. You will be leaving the service in a few months time. Please do the nation and your family a favor,” the group wrote in the one-page statement entitled, “Mr. Esperon.”
“Tell the truth. Just tell the truth. You might still earn our salute,” they added.
It can be recalled that Esperon’s name was mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” tape, which, some people has considered as a proof to the alleged rigging of votes in the 2004 polls to favor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against oppositionist rival Fernando Poe, Jr.
Esperon denied committing any irregularity when he served as deputy commander of the AFP Task Force HOPE in the May 2004 polls. Subsequently, he was cleared by a military fact-finding probe headed by then AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga.
“Never in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has one man and his criminal gang brought so much shame to our beloved organization. Allegations that this man and a few criminal elements among the ranks of the AFP have allowed themselves to be used to subvert the Constitution and destroy the very essence of democracy have become our collective shame,” the group said.
The group of accused officers lamented that Esperon has turned to calling them derogatory names even when the court has yet to convict them of any crimes.
“We have been repeatedly called by Mr. Esperon as political destabilizers in almost every forum that affords him opportunity. We pose these questioned on you, Mr. Esperon: … Who stands accused of cheating in the 2004 elections? … Who stands accused of stealing votes? Who was mentioned in the Garci tapes,” the group said.
“Who hides behind EO 464 when given the opportunity to let the truth out? Who vigorously opposed the Mayuga report from being published?” they added.
“Who invokes the words STATE SECRET like a criminal who invokes the Fifth Amendment when caught? And since when has a criminal act become a STATE SECRET?” the group continued, apparently referring to Esperon’s repeated response that former Intelligence chief Vice Admiral Tirso Danga cannot just disclose all his knowledge about the “Hello Garci” scandal in a Senate inquiry.
Highlighting Esperon’s perceived loyalty to Arroyo, the group said: “Who cried unabashedly in front of national viewers when his mentor announced that she will not covet the Presidency again?”
It was in December 2002 when Arroyo proclaimed she is not running in the May 2004 Presidential elections. Esperon was then the chief of the Presidential Security Group.
The accused 28 have been in jail since last year after they were accused of plotting the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in collusion allegedly with the communist movement and some from the civilian sector.
They are currently facing charges for violation of various Articles of War even if they maintained that they were just actually trying to stop a brewing uprising from some members of the military organization when they approached then AFP chief of Staff Gen. Generoso Senga in February last year about the matter.
Esperon has vowed to apply the full force of the law against the 28 even as he admitted that Miranda is a classmate and even a roommate at the Philippine Military Academy in their plebe days. Both belong to the PMA Class of 1974./DMS
New Japanese envoy in Manila pays courtesy call to DILG Secretary
By Ronron
October 4, 2007
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Makoto Katsura on Thursday paid a courtesy call to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno at the latter’s office in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The visit is part of the envoy’s routine as being new to the country, having just arrived last September 20, replacing Ryuichiro Yamazaki.
“We discussed the joint efforts between Japan and the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, what the new Ambassador hopes to pursue in the near future. He has informed me that he intends to visit Mindanao shortly,” Puno told Camp Crame reporters after his one-hour talk with Katsura.
Noting the ongoing Japanese-assisted projects in Mindanao, Puno expressed confidence that Katsura will pursue all these.
“The projects of Japan in Mindanao are quick-result projects, short-timeframe projects. Immediate impact is actually the objective of the Japanese-assisted projects in Mindanao right now, and they are trying to help the capacity of local governments to implement projects in that sense,” Puno said.
The DILG Secretary said that in turn, he “promised and assured him of our continued support.”
“We, in general, agreed on a common effort to try to improve local government capabilities within the troubled areas in Mindanao. They have already been doing this of course for some time,” he said.
Aside from the assistance, Puno said he also discussed with Katsura the ongoing peace efforts of the government for Mindanao.
“We discussed the status of the peace negotiations. I informed him about the latest agreement that are in place and the issues that need to be resolved,” Puno said.
Puno said that when Katsura pushes through with his visit in Mindanao, he has offered “assistance and whatever help we can extend to them in terms of their familiarizing themselves with the situation” there.
Katsura did not issue any statement to the media after his visit./DMS
October 4, 2007
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Makoto Katsura on Thursday paid a courtesy call to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno at the latter’s office in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The visit is part of the envoy’s routine as being new to the country, having just arrived last September 20, replacing Ryuichiro Yamazaki.
“We discussed the joint efforts between Japan and the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, what the new Ambassador hopes to pursue in the near future. He has informed me that he intends to visit Mindanao shortly,” Puno told Camp Crame reporters after his one-hour talk with Katsura.
Noting the ongoing Japanese-assisted projects in Mindanao, Puno expressed confidence that Katsura will pursue all these.
“The projects of Japan in Mindanao are quick-result projects, short-timeframe projects. Immediate impact is actually the objective of the Japanese-assisted projects in Mindanao right now, and they are trying to help the capacity of local governments to implement projects in that sense,” Puno said.
The DILG Secretary said that in turn, he “promised and assured him of our continued support.”
“We, in general, agreed on a common effort to try to improve local government capabilities within the troubled areas in Mindanao. They have already been doing this of course for some time,” he said.
Aside from the assistance, Puno said he also discussed with Katsura the ongoing peace efforts of the government for Mindanao.
“We discussed the status of the peace negotiations. I informed him about the latest agreement that are in place and the issues that need to be resolved,” Puno said.
Puno said that when Katsura pushes through with his visit in Mindanao, he has offered “assistance and whatever help we can extend to them in terms of their familiarizing themselves with the situation” there.
Katsura did not issue any statement to the media after his visit./DMS
Police kill four suspected carnappers in Taguig City
By Ronron
October 4, 2007
Four suspected carnappers were killed in a shootout with police before dawn of Thursday in Taguig City.
Traffic Management Group (TMG) Director Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad said the incident happened past 2am near the Sampaguita Bridge on C-5 Road.
Palad said the four suspects were onboard a Mitsubishi Adventure, with plate number XRS-951, when they were first spotted by TMG personnel at the vicinity of Barangay Buting of said city.
When the TMG personnel found out that the vehicle had no sticker of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), they flagged it down.
But instead of stopping, the suspects sped off, prompting the TMG personnel to chase them.
Simultaneously, the TMG verified the plate XRS-951, which, they immediately found out to originally belong to a Toyota Revo, owned by Reyma Advincula of 50-A K 4th Kamuning, Quezon City. The Revo was reported as a stolen vehicle while parked in Antipolo City last April 9, 2006.
Upon reaching the underpass at the Commando Link Road, Palar area of same city, Palad said the suspects fired at the chasing TMG personnel.
Other TMG crew started to arrive and helped shooting at the suspects until their vehicle rammed at the concrete barricades at the Sampaguita Bridge.
Palad said the suspects continued to attempt to escape by scampering away from the Adventure as they also fire at the police personnel.
The brief exchange of gunfire resulted in the immediate death of the three suspects, while the remaining one was wounded. But while being transported to the Rizal Medical Center, the wounded suspect died.
Documents seized from the suspects revealed later the identities of the two as Isao Gona, 45, of Murphy, Quezon City, and Gerardo Moster, 32, of Barangay Pinagkauitan, Lipa City, Batangas. The two others have yet to be identified.
There was no casualty on the police side.
Palad said recovered from the suspects were three caliber 45 pistols, one fragmentary grenade, and three mobile phones.
“We will continue with our campaign to get rid of all criminals involved in vehicle thefts and robbery hold-up,” Palad said./DMS
October 4, 2007
Four suspected carnappers were killed in a shootout with police before dawn of Thursday in Taguig City.
Traffic Management Group (TMG) Director Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad said the incident happened past 2am near the Sampaguita Bridge on C-5 Road.
Palad said the four suspects were onboard a Mitsubishi Adventure, with plate number XRS-951, when they were first spotted by TMG personnel at the vicinity of Barangay Buting of said city.
When the TMG personnel found out that the vehicle had no sticker of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), they flagged it down.
But instead of stopping, the suspects sped off, prompting the TMG personnel to chase them.
Simultaneously, the TMG verified the plate XRS-951, which, they immediately found out to originally belong to a Toyota Revo, owned by Reyma Advincula of 50-A K 4th Kamuning, Quezon City. The Revo was reported as a stolen vehicle while parked in Antipolo City last April 9, 2006.
Upon reaching the underpass at the Commando Link Road, Palar area of same city, Palad said the suspects fired at the chasing TMG personnel.
Other TMG crew started to arrive and helped shooting at the suspects until their vehicle rammed at the concrete barricades at the Sampaguita Bridge.
Palad said the suspects continued to attempt to escape by scampering away from the Adventure as they also fire at the police personnel.
The brief exchange of gunfire resulted in the immediate death of the three suspects, while the remaining one was wounded. But while being transported to the Rizal Medical Center, the wounded suspect died.
Documents seized from the suspects revealed later the identities of the two as Isao Gona, 45, of Murphy, Quezon City, and Gerardo Moster, 32, of Barangay Pinagkauitan, Lipa City, Batangas. The two others have yet to be identified.
There was no casualty on the police side.
Palad said recovered from the suspects were three caliber 45 pistols, one fragmentary grenade, and three mobile phones.
“We will continue with our campaign to get rid of all criminals involved in vehicle thefts and robbery hold-up,” Palad said./DMS
Suspected Reds burn mining firm equipment in Camarines Norte
By Ronron
October 4, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided a mining firm in Camarines Norte province and burned several equipment last Wednesday, the police and military said yesterday.
According to a police report, more or less 100 armed rebels stormed the Eldore Mining Corporation at Barangay Domagmang in Labo town at around 3:30 pm and went on to burn four vehicles, drilling equipments, and a generator set.
They also took computer sets, cellular phones, company firearms, and other office equipment before fleeing towards the mountainous area of said barangay, the police and military said.
The incident lasted for no more than 30 minutes, said Armed Forces Southern Luzon command spokesman Maj. Randolph Cabangbang.
He said the rebels struck at a time when there were still employees inside the compound.
Cabangbang disclosed that Eldore is an Australian firm, although no foreign nationals were inside the compound at the time of the raid.
He said there was no firefight since the company guards were caught by surprise, and immediately overpowered.
Cabangbang said the damages left by the rebels could be worth “millions” of pesos.
There was no reported casualty in the incident, which, according to Cabangbang, is born out of the NPA’s plain extortion activities.
“We cannot even call it a revolutionary tax issue anymore because the NPA is not fighting for any cause anymore. It was a plain robbery and arson, because of extortion,” Cabangbang said.
“And whether or not the company will give in to the extortion demand, the NPA is bound to sabotage it because that is for development and they resent any developmental activities,” he added.
Last month, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the military and police to step up their operations and defenses against the NPA so as to ensure a conducive environment for business and investments.
The 7,100-strong NPA has threatened to intensify their attacks against private and government installations following the arrest of communist founding chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands last August 28.
The government has vowed to end the insurgency movement by 2010 when Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks with the communist movement bogged down in August 2004 after its groups and officials were tagged as terrorists by foreign governments./DMS
October 4, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided a mining firm in Camarines Norte province and burned several equipment last Wednesday, the police and military said yesterday.
According to a police report, more or less 100 armed rebels stormed the Eldore Mining Corporation at Barangay Domagmang in Labo town at around 3:30 pm and went on to burn four vehicles, drilling equipments, and a generator set.
They also took computer sets, cellular phones, company firearms, and other office equipment before fleeing towards the mountainous area of said barangay, the police and military said.
The incident lasted for no more than 30 minutes, said Armed Forces Southern Luzon command spokesman Maj. Randolph Cabangbang.
He said the rebels struck at a time when there were still employees inside the compound.
Cabangbang disclosed that Eldore is an Australian firm, although no foreign nationals were inside the compound at the time of the raid.
He said there was no firefight since the company guards were caught by surprise, and immediately overpowered.
Cabangbang said the damages left by the rebels could be worth “millions” of pesos.
There was no reported casualty in the incident, which, according to Cabangbang, is born out of the NPA’s plain extortion activities.
“We cannot even call it a revolutionary tax issue anymore because the NPA is not fighting for any cause anymore. It was a plain robbery and arson, because of extortion,” Cabangbang said.
“And whether or not the company will give in to the extortion demand, the NPA is bound to sabotage it because that is for development and they resent any developmental activities,” he added.
Last month, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the military and police to step up their operations and defenses against the NPA so as to ensure a conducive environment for business and investments.
The 7,100-strong NPA has threatened to intensify their attacks against private and government installations following the arrest of communist founding chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands last August 28.
The government has vowed to end the insurgency movement by 2010 when Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks with the communist movement bogged down in August 2004 after its groups and officials were tagged as terrorists by foreign governments./DMS
Razon gets four-star rank
By Ronron
October 4, 2007
As expected following his appointment last Monday as new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. got his fourth star yesterday, effectively promoting him to a Director General rank.
The promotion rite was officiated by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
In his speech, Razon said he considers his promotion as an added responsibility to ensuring security, peace and order in the country.
“This additional star on my shoulder just indicates an added responsibility not only to the organization – the officers and men of the Philippine National Police, but also to the citizens of this country who expect their police to really serve and protect them,” the 14th PNP chief said.
Like his statement during his assumption last Monday, Razon thanked the President for her “trust and confidence” on him that she chose him to head the 120,000-strong PNP.
He also expressed gratitude to Puno “for his guidance,” and the other officers and members of the PNP “for their effort and contribution and support.”
Puno only had nice words for Razon, whom he described as now a “symbol” of the police organization.
“I think that is, of course, as everyone knows, a very well-deserved appointment because of the fine record that Sonny has given to the service… I think that as a symbol of the PNP, Sonny, you will bring luster, you will bring prestige and honor to the service,” Puno said, referring to Razon by his nickname.
But the DILG Secretary said that as a symbol of the PNP, Razon faces a greater challenge of being a good example to ordinary policemen.
“Not everybody becomes chief PNP. But everybody can become like the chief PNP and I think that is something everybody must aspire and strive for. And Sonny, you are now not just an example of what a police officer can do, you must be a symbol of what every police officer should be,” Puno said.
On his first day as chief PNP, Razon has vowed to brink back the image of policemen in the past when they were being admired and looked up to by ordinary people./DMS
October 4, 2007
As expected following his appointment last Monday as new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. got his fourth star yesterday, effectively promoting him to a Director General rank.
The promotion rite was officiated by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
In his speech, Razon said he considers his promotion as an added responsibility to ensuring security, peace and order in the country.
“This additional star on my shoulder just indicates an added responsibility not only to the organization – the officers and men of the Philippine National Police, but also to the citizens of this country who expect their police to really serve and protect them,” the 14th PNP chief said.
Like his statement during his assumption last Monday, Razon thanked the President for her “trust and confidence” on him that she chose him to head the 120,000-strong PNP.
He also expressed gratitude to Puno “for his guidance,” and the other officers and members of the PNP “for their effort and contribution and support.”
Puno only had nice words for Razon, whom he described as now a “symbol” of the police organization.
“I think that is, of course, as everyone knows, a very well-deserved appointment because of the fine record that Sonny has given to the service… I think that as a symbol of the PNP, Sonny, you will bring luster, you will bring prestige and honor to the service,” Puno said, referring to Razon by his nickname.
But the DILG Secretary said that as a symbol of the PNP, Razon faces a greater challenge of being a good example to ordinary policemen.
“Not everybody becomes chief PNP. But everybody can become like the chief PNP and I think that is something everybody must aspire and strive for. And Sonny, you are now not just an example of what a police officer can do, you must be a symbol of what every police officer should be,” Puno said.
On his first day as chief PNP, Razon has vowed to brink back the image of policemen in the past when they were being admired and looked up to by ordinary people./DMS
Thursday, October 4, 2007
US envoy in Manila expresses confidence in RP health workers
By Ronron
October 3, 2007
US Ambassador in Manila Kristie Kenney on Wednesday expressed confidence to the Philippine health care system amid reports that an American television show depicted with skepticism the credibility of Philippine medical schools graduates.
In an interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Kenney said Americans actually trust Filipino health practitioners, contrary to what was shown in the popular TV series “Desperate Housewives” on ABC Network.
“I think we all have great respect for Philippine health care, and Philippine health care workers throughout the world are sought after,” Kenney said.
Reports said that in the TV series, a female patient character asked a health practitioner who was attending to her if he is not a product of a Philippine medical school, apparently making sure that she will be safe under his care.
Kenney said she has not seen such program, particularly that episode, saying she usually watches local programs instead of American programs.
Kenney went to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters yesterday to serve as guest of honor and speaker in the awarding ceremony for the completion of the PNP Model Police Stations and the PNP Transformation Program.
“I think I know more about the Philippine National Police than I do about the US police, so I can say I rate them very highly. These are incredibly very dedicated, hardworking people,” Kenney said.
“As public servants, police officers will never be the highest paid in any country and absolutely, they put themselves out very single day to make the rest of us safe, whether the people that make us go through traffic, whether the people that makes our ports safe,” she added.
Kenney’s last visit in Camp Crame prior to yesterday was just last week before Gen. Oscar Calderon retired./DMS
October 3, 2007
US Ambassador in Manila Kristie Kenney on Wednesday expressed confidence to the Philippine health care system amid reports that an American television show depicted with skepticism the credibility of Philippine medical schools graduates.
In an interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Kenney said Americans actually trust Filipino health practitioners, contrary to what was shown in the popular TV series “Desperate Housewives” on ABC Network.
“I think we all have great respect for Philippine health care, and Philippine health care workers throughout the world are sought after,” Kenney said.
Reports said that in the TV series, a female patient character asked a health practitioner who was attending to her if he is not a product of a Philippine medical school, apparently making sure that she will be safe under his care.
Kenney said she has not seen such program, particularly that episode, saying she usually watches local programs instead of American programs.
Kenney went to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters yesterday to serve as guest of honor and speaker in the awarding ceremony for the completion of the PNP Model Police Stations and the PNP Transformation Program.
“I think I know more about the Philippine National Police than I do about the US police, so I can say I rate them very highly. These are incredibly very dedicated, hardworking people,” Kenney said.
“As public servants, police officers will never be the highest paid in any country and absolutely, they put themselves out very single day to make the rest of us safe, whether the people that make us go through traffic, whether the people that makes our ports safe,” she added.
Kenney’s last visit in Camp Crame prior to yesterday was just last week before Gen. Oscar Calderon retired./DMS
Miranda, others need not be hospitalized, says Army doctor
By Ronron
October 3, 2007
Former Marines commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and a few of his fellow accused in the alleged February 2006 coup plot need not be hospitalized despite some complaints to their health, an Army doctor said Wednesday.
In a press conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Lt. Col. Edwin Leo Torrelavega, the chief of the Army Station Hospital of the 2nd Infantry Division, based in Tanay, Rizal, said Miranda is just in normal condition, while the rest who are complaining may just be treated as “outpatients.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro disclosed though in the same news conference that AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. last Monday approved for Miranda’s Annual Physical Examination (APE) at the AFP Medical Center on V. Luna Avenue, Quezon City.
Bacarro will not say, however, when will the actual examination be, although he said there are ongoing arrangements for his transfer to the AFP Medical Center.
Torrelavega said Miranda’s sugar and cholesterol level were fine the last time he was checked-up on September 19, contrary to the claim made by fellow accused, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, during the General Court Martial (GCM) proceedings last September 28 in Tanay.
The doctor-officer said Miranda may also have some ear infections but when he checked it last September 28, immediately after the GCM hearing, it “showed significant improvements.”
Torrelavega denied Lim’s claim that Miranda risks of going into comatose due to hypoglycemia.
“Unless he does not eat, we cannot do anything. Anyone of us here can go into comatose if we want to due to hypoglycemia by just taking medicines for diabetes even if you are not diabetic and by not eating,” Torrelavega said.
In general, Bacarro said Miranda’s condition is not actually life-threatening.
Meanwhile, as to the other reported ill accused, Torrelavega disclosed that Marine Col. Armando Bañez is actually suffering from colon cancer; Marine Col. Ariel Querubin has history of malaria; Marine Lt. Col. Januario Caringal has lymphoma; and Marine 1Lt. Belinda Ferrer has a particular illness he cannot disclose due to its sensitivity.
“Not all are life-threatening. They need not be hospitalized. They can be administered as outpatients,” Torrelavega said of the four.
But he assured that they are not neglecting them, even the rest of the 28 accused.
The 28 are facing charges for violation of various Articles of War in relation to the alleged February 2006 coup plot against the Arroyo administration./DMS
October 3, 2007
Former Marines commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and a few of his fellow accused in the alleged February 2006 coup plot need not be hospitalized despite some complaints to their health, an Army doctor said Wednesday.
In a press conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Lt. Col. Edwin Leo Torrelavega, the chief of the Army Station Hospital of the 2nd Infantry Division, based in Tanay, Rizal, said Miranda is just in normal condition, while the rest who are complaining may just be treated as “outpatients.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro disclosed though in the same news conference that AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. last Monday approved for Miranda’s Annual Physical Examination (APE) at the AFP Medical Center on V. Luna Avenue, Quezon City.
Bacarro will not say, however, when will the actual examination be, although he said there are ongoing arrangements for his transfer to the AFP Medical Center.
Torrelavega said Miranda’s sugar and cholesterol level were fine the last time he was checked-up on September 19, contrary to the claim made by fellow accused, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, during the General Court Martial (GCM) proceedings last September 28 in Tanay.
The doctor-officer said Miranda may also have some ear infections but when he checked it last September 28, immediately after the GCM hearing, it “showed significant improvements.”
Torrelavega denied Lim’s claim that Miranda risks of going into comatose due to hypoglycemia.
“Unless he does not eat, we cannot do anything. Anyone of us here can go into comatose if we want to due to hypoglycemia by just taking medicines for diabetes even if you are not diabetic and by not eating,” Torrelavega said.
In general, Bacarro said Miranda’s condition is not actually life-threatening.
Meanwhile, as to the other reported ill accused, Torrelavega disclosed that Marine Col. Armando Bañez is actually suffering from colon cancer; Marine Col. Ariel Querubin has history of malaria; Marine Lt. Col. Januario Caringal has lymphoma; and Marine 1Lt. Belinda Ferrer has a particular illness he cannot disclose due to its sensitivity.
“Not all are life-threatening. They need not be hospitalized. They can be administered as outpatients,” Torrelavega said of the four.
But he assured that they are not neglecting them, even the rest of the 28 accused.
The 28 are facing charges for violation of various Articles of War in relation to the alleged February 2006 coup plot against the Arroyo administration./DMS
Razon to effect firearms policy in his first 100 days as PNP chief
By Ronron
October 3, 2007
Newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. will be effecting some changes in the current firearms disposition in the organization during his first 100 days in the position.
This, as he acknowledged that there is a shortage of about 21,000 short firearms in the 120,000-strong PNP.
In his Commander’s Manual, which sets his goals and plans as PNP chief until September 27 of next year, Razon said there will be an accounting in the organization as to who among its personnel have double or multiple issuances, or ownership of firearms so that any extra firearm will be given to those who have none.
“As a general rule, a Police personnel shall have only one issued firearm, either long or short. In the event that a PNP personnel has an issued firearm and he also has a licensed firearm, the issued firearm shall be recalled and issued to those without firearm,” Razon said.
Razon said the cross-checking will be done by the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of the PNP.
“In the meantime that there is a firearms shortage, firearms of personnel assigned at the national headquarters (in Camp Crame, Quezon City), and in administrative National Support Units and regional headquarters shall be recalled and issued to personnel assigned in operating units,” he said.
Earlier, Razon announced that any police personnel who fails to pass the regular gun-handling proficiency tests in the PNP will be disarmed in favor of those who are qualified but unarmed. The directive is also meant to address the firearms shortage problem, aside from ensuring the safety of the community from policemen who are non-proficient in gun handling.
Moreover, Razon said high-powered firearms will also be given only to the special units of the PNP, particularly the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU), District Special Project Unit (DSPU), and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
He said all M14 and M16 rifles will be recalled from other units and regions, especially those in Metro Manila stations, in favor of the RSAU, DSPU, and SWAT. They will then be issued with shotguns in place of the recalled rifles.
Meanwhile, all unserviceable M14 and M16 rifles on stock at the Logistics Support Service and other PNP units will have to refurbished so they can be commissioned for use, Razon said./DMS
October 3, 2007
Newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. will be effecting some changes in the current firearms disposition in the organization during his first 100 days in the position.
This, as he acknowledged that there is a shortage of about 21,000 short firearms in the 120,000-strong PNP.
In his Commander’s Manual, which sets his goals and plans as PNP chief until September 27 of next year, Razon said there will be an accounting in the organization as to who among its personnel have double or multiple issuances, or ownership of firearms so that any extra firearm will be given to those who have none.
“As a general rule, a Police personnel shall have only one issued firearm, either long or short. In the event that a PNP personnel has an issued firearm and he also has a licensed firearm, the issued firearm shall be recalled and issued to those without firearm,” Razon said.
Razon said the cross-checking will be done by the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of the PNP.
“In the meantime that there is a firearms shortage, firearms of personnel assigned at the national headquarters (in Camp Crame, Quezon City), and in administrative National Support Units and regional headquarters shall be recalled and issued to personnel assigned in operating units,” he said.
Earlier, Razon announced that any police personnel who fails to pass the regular gun-handling proficiency tests in the PNP will be disarmed in favor of those who are qualified but unarmed. The directive is also meant to address the firearms shortage problem, aside from ensuring the safety of the community from policemen who are non-proficient in gun handling.
Moreover, Razon said high-powered firearms will also be given only to the special units of the PNP, particularly the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU), District Special Project Unit (DSPU), and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
He said all M14 and M16 rifles will be recalled from other units and regions, especially those in Metro Manila stations, in favor of the RSAU, DSPU, and SWAT. They will then be issued with shotguns in place of the recalled rifles.
Meanwhile, all unserviceable M14 and M16 rifles on stock at the Logistics Support Service and other PNP units will have to refurbished so they can be commissioned for use, Razon said./DMS
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Army mulls hiring of more than 8,000 additional paramilitary personnel
By Ronron
October 2, 2007
The Philippine Army is planning to hire about 8,400 additional paramilitary personnel to help in the government’s fight against insurgency, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants completed by 2010 when she ends her term.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said in a television interview Tuesday that the military leadership has already asked Congress to allot budget for the hiring of the additional members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) this year and next year.
“We hope that would be granted not only this year, but next year too – the addition of 70 CAFGU companies or a total of about 8,400 personnel,” Yano said on ABS-CBN News Channel.
Yano said the requested budget allocation is for the subsistence allowance of CAFGU personnel, which, at present is P90 per day per personnel.
Yano admitted that the planned hiring of additional paramilitary personnel is related to the goal of the government to crush the insurgency movement by 2010 as ordered by Arroyo.
“We may have some difficulty as far as this (achieving said goal) is concerned if there will be some escalation of hostilities in Mindanao. Definitely, there will be realignment and redeployment of forces from Luzon and the Visayas and this would entail additional forces to maintain our presence especially against the communist insurgents in the Luzon and the Visayas area,” he said.
“But we are trying very hard with the resources available and we have requested in fact some CAFGU companies to augment the regular troops… We feel that with additional CAFGU personnel to augment our forces, this will very much supplement or augment the forces that we have,” he added.
At present, there are approximately 53,000 CAFGU personnel, according to Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., that support the 75,000-strong Philippine Army.
Yano said hiring CAFGU personnel is actually “quite economical” rather than enlisting regular troops to the service since what is given is just the subsistence allowance, and not a salary.
The military says there are about 7,000 armed communist rebels in the country now, much fewer compared to the 1970’s and 1980’s where they number to over 20,000.
Communist insurgency has prevailed in the country in the last 38 years./DMS
October 2, 2007
The Philippine Army is planning to hire about 8,400 additional paramilitary personnel to help in the government’s fight against insurgency, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants completed by 2010 when she ends her term.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said in a television interview Tuesday that the military leadership has already asked Congress to allot budget for the hiring of the additional members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) this year and next year.
“We hope that would be granted not only this year, but next year too – the addition of 70 CAFGU companies or a total of about 8,400 personnel,” Yano said on ABS-CBN News Channel.
Yano said the requested budget allocation is for the subsistence allowance of CAFGU personnel, which, at present is P90 per day per personnel.
Yano admitted that the planned hiring of additional paramilitary personnel is related to the goal of the government to crush the insurgency movement by 2010 as ordered by Arroyo.
“We may have some difficulty as far as this (achieving said goal) is concerned if there will be some escalation of hostilities in Mindanao. Definitely, there will be realignment and redeployment of forces from Luzon and the Visayas and this would entail additional forces to maintain our presence especially against the communist insurgents in the Luzon and the Visayas area,” he said.
“But we are trying very hard with the resources available and we have requested in fact some CAFGU companies to augment the regular troops… We feel that with additional CAFGU personnel to augment our forces, this will very much supplement or augment the forces that we have,” he added.
At present, there are approximately 53,000 CAFGU personnel, according to Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., that support the 75,000-strong Philippine Army.
Yano said hiring CAFGU personnel is actually “quite economical” rather than enlisting regular troops to the service since what is given is just the subsistence allowance, and not a salary.
The military says there are about 7,000 armed communist rebels in the country now, much fewer compared to the 1970’s and 1980’s where they number to over 20,000.
Communist insurgency has prevailed in the country in the last 38 years./DMS
Four soldiers, 11 bandits killed in separate clashes in Basilan and Sulu
By Ronron
October 2, 2007
Four government soldiers and 11 bandits were killed in separate clashes Tuesday in Basilan and Sulu, officials said.
Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan (Marines) said the first incident happened at around 12:35 am yesterday in the small island of Lanhil just off the main island province of Basilan where an unidentified armed group was reported to be hiding.
“The tandem of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Marines Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 7 was dispatched by Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, to conduct verification on an intelligence report about the presence of an armed group in the said island,” Caculitan said in a phone interview.
Caculitan said that as of Tuesday afternoon, there is still no confirmation whether or not the bandits are members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
He said that when the government forces arrived on the island, gunfire coming from more or less 20 armed bandits met them, ensuing a 20-minute firefight.
Four Navy personnel and 10 bandits were killed in the incident, while two others Navy personnel were slightly wounded.
All government casualties were immediately airlifted to the headquarters of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
But as for the slain 10 bandits, Caculitan said the government forces were not able to retrieve their bodies due to their lack in number. But he said there is an information that one of those killed was the leader of the group, identified as Abdulrajak Sadikal.
In Sulu, Army troopers and suspected ASG members and allied local bandits clashed at around 7:45 am, leaving one soldier wounded and a bandit killed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said.
Bacarro said the exchange of fire happened at Sitio Niug, Barangay Sangahan in Talipao town and lasted for about 20 minutes.
He said the elements of the Bravo Company of the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they encountered the rebels, numbering to about 50.
Bacarro said recovered from the slain bandit was an M16 rifle, a backpack and a military uniform.
Thousands of government troops have been deployed in Basilan and Sulu over the last two months to run after the ASG, rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and other lawless elements following the July 10 incident in Al-Barka, Basilan where 14 soldiers were killed, 10 of whom were mutilated./DMS
October 2, 2007
Four government soldiers and 11 bandits were killed in separate clashes Tuesday in Basilan and Sulu, officials said.
Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan (Marines) said the first incident happened at around 12:35 am yesterday in the small island of Lanhil just off the main island province of Basilan where an unidentified armed group was reported to be hiding.
“The tandem of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Marines Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 7 was dispatched by Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, to conduct verification on an intelligence report about the presence of an armed group in the said island,” Caculitan said in a phone interview.
Caculitan said that as of Tuesday afternoon, there is still no confirmation whether or not the bandits are members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
He said that when the government forces arrived on the island, gunfire coming from more or less 20 armed bandits met them, ensuing a 20-minute firefight.
Four Navy personnel and 10 bandits were killed in the incident, while two others Navy personnel were slightly wounded.
All government casualties were immediately airlifted to the headquarters of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
But as for the slain 10 bandits, Caculitan said the government forces were not able to retrieve their bodies due to their lack in number. But he said there is an information that one of those killed was the leader of the group, identified as Abdulrajak Sadikal.
In Sulu, Army troopers and suspected ASG members and allied local bandits clashed at around 7:45 am, leaving one soldier wounded and a bandit killed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said.
Bacarro said the exchange of fire happened at Sitio Niug, Barangay Sangahan in Talipao town and lasted for about 20 minutes.
He said the elements of the Bravo Company of the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they encountered the rebels, numbering to about 50.
Bacarro said recovered from the slain bandit was an M16 rifle, a backpack and a military uniform.
Thousands of government troops have been deployed in Basilan and Sulu over the last two months to run after the ASG, rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and other lawless elements following the July 10 incident in Al-Barka, Basilan where 14 soldiers were killed, 10 of whom were mutilated./DMS
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
“Hanna” leaves at least 10 dead in RP
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Tropical storm “Hanna” has left at least 10 persons killed, mostly in the northern province of Ifugao, when it was felt in the Philippines over the weekend.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), eight of the fatalities are from a landslide incident in Ifugao, another one is from a drowning incident in Abra, and the last one is due to flood in Quezon City.
The OCD in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) said the missing person in the landslide incident in Hingyon, Ifugao on Saturday night could not yet be ascertained as of Monday evening whether or not he was already recovered dead.
A nine-year-old boy was also wounded in said incident.
The CAR OCD, meanwhile, said that the fatality from Abra was identified as Dalipog Dayag, 70, of Bucloc, Abra, who died from drowning while crossing a river on Sunday afternoon after tilling a farmland.
Dayag’s dead body was found only yesterday (Monday) morning in the adjacent town of Sallapadan.
The fatality from Quezon City, on the other hand, was identified as Richard Añonuevo, 25, who died after getting submerged in a flood in Bagong Silang in Payatas, the OCD said in its report yesterday.
There was no mention about the date of the incident.
The OCD said a total of 2,532 families or 12,515 families were affected by “Hanna,” of whom 225 families or 1,037 families have been evacuated.
The affected persons come from Regions VI, X, XII, CAR and the National Capital Region, where “Hanna” brought in rains induced by the southwest monsoon.
A total of two houses, both from Hingyon, Ifugao, were totally destroyed due to lansdlide, while 32 others - three from Kalinga province and 29 from Sarangani province - were partially damaged due to landslide and big waves, respectively.
The OCD said an estimated P10.68 million worth of infrastructure was damaged by “Hanna,” which include the following: two communal irrigation systems (Tab-taba and Wa-it) in Lubuagan, Kalinga; farm-to-market road in Barangay Ginaang, Pasil, Kalinga; a chapel and barangay hall in Malapatan, Sarangani; a protection dike in Barangay Lingagao, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; and a drainage along the highway of Poblacion Catarman in Camiguin.
Just as “Hanna” has already left the country, the national weather station issued on Monday a tropical cyclone alert with the development of Tropical Depression “Ineng.”
Quoting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), the OCD said “Ineng” was located east of northeastern Luzon yesterday afternoon./DMS
October 1, 2007
Tropical storm “Hanna” has left at least 10 persons killed, mostly in the northern province of Ifugao, when it was felt in the Philippines over the weekend.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), eight of the fatalities are from a landslide incident in Ifugao, another one is from a drowning incident in Abra, and the last one is due to flood in Quezon City.
The OCD in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) said the missing person in the landslide incident in Hingyon, Ifugao on Saturday night could not yet be ascertained as of Monday evening whether or not he was already recovered dead.
A nine-year-old boy was also wounded in said incident.
The CAR OCD, meanwhile, said that the fatality from Abra was identified as Dalipog Dayag, 70, of Bucloc, Abra, who died from drowning while crossing a river on Sunday afternoon after tilling a farmland.
Dayag’s dead body was found only yesterday (Monday) morning in the adjacent town of Sallapadan.
The fatality from Quezon City, on the other hand, was identified as Richard Añonuevo, 25, who died after getting submerged in a flood in Bagong Silang in Payatas, the OCD said in its report yesterday.
There was no mention about the date of the incident.
The OCD said a total of 2,532 families or 12,515 families were affected by “Hanna,” of whom 225 families or 1,037 families have been evacuated.
The affected persons come from Regions VI, X, XII, CAR and the National Capital Region, where “Hanna” brought in rains induced by the southwest monsoon.
A total of two houses, both from Hingyon, Ifugao, were totally destroyed due to lansdlide, while 32 others - three from Kalinga province and 29 from Sarangani province - were partially damaged due to landslide and big waves, respectively.
The OCD said an estimated P10.68 million worth of infrastructure was damaged by “Hanna,” which include the following: two communal irrigation systems (Tab-taba and Wa-it) in Lubuagan, Kalinga; farm-to-market road in Barangay Ginaang, Pasil, Kalinga; a chapel and barangay hall in Malapatan, Sarangani; a protection dike in Barangay Lingagao, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; and a drainage along the highway of Poblacion Catarman in Camiguin.
Just as “Hanna” has already left the country, the national weather station issued on Monday a tropical cyclone alert with the development of Tropical Depression “Ineng.”
Quoting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), the OCD said “Ineng” was located east of northeastern Luzon yesterday afternoon./DMS
Esperon denies Miranda’s request for hospitalization
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Even before he can be informed by the military prosecution of the General Court Martial’s recommendation to allow Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda to visit a hospital for his ailment, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. already denied it.
In a chance interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City where he attended the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Esperon said a local hospital had already recommended that Miranda can be considered as “an outpatient” despite having problems to his ears and suffering from vertigo.
“When I learned that he has problems to his hearing, and vertigo, I sent him to the local hospital to be checked there and he was given medication and they say that he doesn’t have to be confined. So, it’s the doctor talking,” Esperon recounted, without citing the date.
“We had him checked up again on September 28 and the doctor said he can be administered to as an outpatient. But of course, we are not neglecting his needs,” he added.
During the hearing last Friday in Tanay, Rizal, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, a co-accused of Miranda along with 26 others in relation to the alleged February 2006 coup plot, informed the court that Miranda could not attend that day’s proceedings because he could not rise.
Lim said Miranda has problems with his sugar level and cholesterol count, his ears and vertigo, he even collapsed a week earlier inside the bathroom. Lim warned that Miranda could collapse again anytime soon or go into coma due to hypoglycemia because he is not allowed to go to a bigger hospital.
Lim went on to accuse Esperon of playing god even at the risk of the health condition of his co-accused officers.
But Esperon said he could not grant Miranda an “executive medical check-up” because “it is a privilege only for non-trouble makers.”
“For example, you yourselves. Since you are not doing anything bad, you can have an executive check-up. But if you are a destabilizer, you are in jail, why would you ask now for an executive check-up? It is not our fault why you are now in jail,” Esperon sarcastically said in Filipino.
Aside from Miranda, five other officers are reportedly ill also and need medical attention.
Favoring the request of Lim and their lawyers for medical check-up for the sick accused officers, the panel ordered the military prosecution panel during last Friday’s hearing to immediately coordinate with Esperon over said matter./DMS
October 1, 2007
Even before he can be informed by the military prosecution of the General Court Martial’s recommendation to allow Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda to visit a hospital for his ailment, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. already denied it.
In a chance interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City where he attended the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Esperon said a local hospital had already recommended that Miranda can be considered as “an outpatient” despite having problems to his ears and suffering from vertigo.
“When I learned that he has problems to his hearing, and vertigo, I sent him to the local hospital to be checked there and he was given medication and they say that he doesn’t have to be confined. So, it’s the doctor talking,” Esperon recounted, without citing the date.
“We had him checked up again on September 28 and the doctor said he can be administered to as an outpatient. But of course, we are not neglecting his needs,” he added.
During the hearing last Friday in Tanay, Rizal, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, a co-accused of Miranda along with 26 others in relation to the alleged February 2006 coup plot, informed the court that Miranda could not attend that day’s proceedings because he could not rise.
Lim said Miranda has problems with his sugar level and cholesterol count, his ears and vertigo, he even collapsed a week earlier inside the bathroom. Lim warned that Miranda could collapse again anytime soon or go into coma due to hypoglycemia because he is not allowed to go to a bigger hospital.
Lim went on to accuse Esperon of playing god even at the risk of the health condition of his co-accused officers.
But Esperon said he could not grant Miranda an “executive medical check-up” because “it is a privilege only for non-trouble makers.”
“For example, you yourselves. Since you are not doing anything bad, you can have an executive check-up. But if you are a destabilizer, you are in jail, why would you ask now for an executive check-up? It is not our fault why you are now in jail,” Esperon sarcastically said in Filipino.
Aside from Miranda, five other officers are reportedly ill also and need medical attention.
Favoring the request of Lim and their lawyers for medical check-up for the sick accused officers, the panel ordered the military prosecution panel during last Friday’s hearing to immediately coordinate with Esperon over said matter./DMS
It’s final, Trillanes cannot convene a hearing at his detention cell – Esperon
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cannot hold a hearing at his detention cell inside the Philippine Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the military chief said Monday.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame during the turn over of command rites of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the order of the Makati City court trying Trillanes for coup d ‘etat in relation to the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny incident clearly states that the jailed legislator cannot use his detention cell as a political office.
“The ruling of Judge (Oscar) Pimentel is they cannot establish a political office inside camp. What more inside the Marine Brig? He has also ruled that they cannot conduct hearings inside the Marine Brig. That Marine Brig is a prison so why would you conduct a hearing there?” Esperon said.
Asked if there is therefore no chance for Trillanes to hold hearings inside his detention cell based on this, Esperon said: “He cannot hold a hearing there.”
Esperon said it is s not an act of harassment against Trillanes as claimed by the latter’s camp, rather it is just implementing the court order, and even the camp regulations.
“They are the ones that are trying to put in politics inside the camp,” Esperon lashed at Trillanes’ camp.
The camp of Trillanes complained last week of harassment after his visitors from the Senate and other agencies were not allowed to enter his detention cell to deliberate on proposed bills of the Senator.
Trillanes is in jail for allegedly leading the alleged coup plot in July 2003 at the then posh Oakwood Hotel and Apartments in Makati City in protest of alleged corruption in the government and the military establishment.
He is currently facing coup d’ etat charge before the Makati City court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial./DMS
October 1, 2007
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cannot hold a hearing at his detention cell inside the Philippine Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the military chief said Monday.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame during the turn over of command rites of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the order of the Makati City court trying Trillanes for coup d ‘etat in relation to the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny incident clearly states that the jailed legislator cannot use his detention cell as a political office.
“The ruling of Judge (Oscar) Pimentel is they cannot establish a political office inside camp. What more inside the Marine Brig? He has also ruled that they cannot conduct hearings inside the Marine Brig. That Marine Brig is a prison so why would you conduct a hearing there?” Esperon said.
Asked if there is therefore no chance for Trillanes to hold hearings inside his detention cell based on this, Esperon said: “He cannot hold a hearing there.”
Esperon said it is s not an act of harassment against Trillanes as claimed by the latter’s camp, rather it is just implementing the court order, and even the camp regulations.
“They are the ones that are trying to put in politics inside the camp,” Esperon lashed at Trillanes’ camp.
The camp of Trillanes complained last week of harassment after his visitors from the Senate and other agencies were not allowed to enter his detention cell to deliberate on proposed bills of the Senator.
Trillanes is in jail for allegedly leading the alleged coup plot in July 2003 at the then posh Oakwood Hotel and Apartments in Makati City in protest of alleged corruption in the government and the military establishment.
He is currently facing coup d’ etat charge before the Makati City court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial./DMS
DILG Secretary calls Abalos’ resignation an acct of patriotism
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos’ resignation on Monday is an act of patriotism.
Saying that the development came as a surprise to him, Puno said Abalos must have thought only about the welfare of the poll body, his family, as well as the upcoming elections for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials on October 29.
“I think he probably made his decision with the interest of the entire political situation in mind. We are having the barangay elections within the end of this month and I’m sure that because of his love for the institution, Chairman Abalos probably felt that it would be better if the elections were pursued without this cloud of controversy hanging over the Commission on Elections,” Puno told reporters at Camp Crame after the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
“So, I actually congratulate him for his patriotism, with his sacrifice through his resignation and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” he added.
But Puno was quick to assure that the local polls will definitely push through despite the development, saying the Comelec has long prepared for it. He said that the poll body will definitely come up with an Officer-in-Charge.
The DILG Secretary disputed observations of some that Abalos was a “sacrificial lamb” to save Malacanang from being dragged into the alleged bribery scandal hounding the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy.
Former Economic Planning Secretary and incumbent Commission on Higher Education acting chair Romulo Neri had accused Abalos of offering him a bribe for him to endorse the Chinese firm ZTE Corporation to get the NBN deal. Abalos had admitted having close personal relations with ZTE executives but denied the bribery allegation.
Puno said Arroyo was not aware yesterday noon that Abalos had already announced his resignation. “This is coming as a complete surprise to myself. I have been talking with the President since this morning, we have not heard anything about it. So this is purely the decision of Chairman Abalos,” he said.
Both Puno and Arroyo were present in yesterday’s turn over of command rites at Camp Crame.
Puno said that now that Abalos has resigned, the latter could already face his legal battles without dragging along the Comelec as an institution.
“I think that he probably will welcome the fact that any further inquiries will be raised in a judicial environment where proof and evidence is going to be the order of the day rather than allegations and unsubstantiated charges. So, that will probably also be a better way to resolve that issue,” Puno said when asked of his piece of advice for Abalos./DMS
October 1, 2007
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos’ resignation on Monday is an act of patriotism.
Saying that the development came as a surprise to him, Puno said Abalos must have thought only about the welfare of the poll body, his family, as well as the upcoming elections for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials on October 29.
“I think he probably made his decision with the interest of the entire political situation in mind. We are having the barangay elections within the end of this month and I’m sure that because of his love for the institution, Chairman Abalos probably felt that it would be better if the elections were pursued without this cloud of controversy hanging over the Commission on Elections,” Puno told reporters at Camp Crame after the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
“So, I actually congratulate him for his patriotism, with his sacrifice through his resignation and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” he added.
But Puno was quick to assure that the local polls will definitely push through despite the development, saying the Comelec has long prepared for it. He said that the poll body will definitely come up with an Officer-in-Charge.
The DILG Secretary disputed observations of some that Abalos was a “sacrificial lamb” to save Malacanang from being dragged into the alleged bribery scandal hounding the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy.
Former Economic Planning Secretary and incumbent Commission on Higher Education acting chair Romulo Neri had accused Abalos of offering him a bribe for him to endorse the Chinese firm ZTE Corporation to get the NBN deal. Abalos had admitted having close personal relations with ZTE executives but denied the bribery allegation.
Puno said Arroyo was not aware yesterday noon that Abalos had already announced his resignation. “This is coming as a complete surprise to myself. I have been talking with the President since this morning, we have not heard anything about it. So this is purely the decision of Chairman Abalos,” he said.
Both Puno and Arroyo were present in yesterday’s turn over of command rites at Camp Crame.
Puno said that now that Abalos has resigned, the latter could already face his legal battles without dragging along the Comelec as an institution.
“I think that he probably will welcome the fact that any further inquiries will be raised in a judicial environment where proof and evidence is going to be the order of the day rather than allegations and unsubstantiated charges. So, that will probably also be a better way to resolve that issue,” Puno said when asked of his piece of advice for Abalos./DMS
Razon takes over as PNP chief, told by Arroyo to leave human rights protection as legacy
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. took over on Monday as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief with the retirement of Gen. Oscar Calderon.
In simple rites at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo installed Razon as the 14th PNP chief with a standing order to put an end to killings of political activists and journalists.
“If Oca Calderon’s legacy is housing, I am hoping that the legacy of Sonny Razon is on human rights,” Arroyo said in Filipino in her speech as guest of honor.
“Especially because Sonny was the head (previously) of Task Force USIG, I also instruct Gen. Razon to continue to be on top of Task Force USIG, except that now he is chief PNP, his perspective must be wider now. It must not only be on police action but the entire criminal justice system,” she added.
Razon was the first commander of Task Force USIG when it was created in June last year by Arroyo to address the so-called extrajudicial killings. It is now being headed by Director Jefferson Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).
Arryo said the first report she wants to see from Razon immediately after his assumption is “an update on the arrest, convictions, and imprisonment of those responsible for the killings of political activists and journalists.”
Based on the latest report of Task Force USIG, there have been 116 validated cases of slain militant members since 2001, of which 56 were filed in court and the remaining 60 are still under investigation.
For the 27 slain media practitioners, 21 cases were filed in court and the six others remain under investigation.
Razon told reporters after the ceremony that he will submit the report within two weeks.
Asked how he will comply with Arroyo’s directive for him to continue addressing the political and journalist killings in the country, Razon only said: “We have scheduled a command conference immediately after this so we can outline our actions to address the concern raised by the President.”
On whether or not Arroyo’s order is achievable, he said: “The Philippine National Police can accomplish that. We should accomplish that.”
Coming from the United States where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Arroyo reiterated in her speech yesterday that her government “deplores any and all killings of political activists and journalists.”
She said her government has even complied with some recommendations of the Melo Commission, including the establishment of separate courts to try extrajudicial killing cases.
The President took a swipe at the communist movement for fostering the culture of human rights violation as part of its activities.
“The communist rebels have spent years as a low level threat. It’s time for their disruption and violation of human rights to be put to rest so that the nation can move ahead. They impede the progress and development of a number of rural areas… If we are to become a First World country, we have to put to a stop to their ideological non-sense and their criminal acts once and for all,” Arroyo said.
She reiterated that her government, aside from taking the hard way, is opening the doors for amnesty to the communists through Proclamation 1377.
But aside from the human rights violation problem, Arroyo directed Razon to also continue addressing the problem of terrorism and criminality.
“The world looks upon the Philippines to continue to reinforce our economic gains with a solid foundation of law and order. And so, Sonny Razon should see to it that the war against criminality and terrorism is sustained at the grassroots level and that evil is kept at bay in the streets and in the country,” Arroyo said.
In his assumption speech, Razon vowed to deploy more uniformed policemen to the streets compared to those stationed at the offices and desk to live the PNP motto of “serving and protecting the community.”
“Let us bring back the old glory of the police force, when the mere sight of the an in uniform evoked respect and a feeling of safety and security among the citizenry. I want every man, woman and child on the street to feel safe because “Mamang Pulis2 is just around the corner. And I want the criminal element in the street to think twice before striking because “Mamang Pulis” is also just around the corner,” Razon said.
Meanwhile, Arroyo congratulated Calderon “for a job well done” in the 15 months he led the 120,000-strong PNP.
Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who was among the guests in yesterday’s affair, said he has suggested to the President to consider Calderon for a position in her administration as Presidential Adviser or DILG Undersecretary.
“We are discussing this ways of continued service because I think he has started a lot of things which we really feel should be continued… I’m think that maybe because of the importance of the work that he has done and he continues to do, maybe it would be better if instead of an Undersecretary in the department, he could even be Presidential Adviser on several aspects that are important to the President,” Puno said in an interview after the turn over rites.
“I discussed it with the President before already and I already told her about my belief and my recommendation that Gen. Calderon be invited to continue assisting all of the things that we’re doing so that there will be continuity. And she is of course very open to the idea because she also believes that Gen. Calderon has done a good job and is still in a position to help us,” he added.
In an earlier interview, Calderon had said he is willing to continue working for the government to help Arroyo, with whom he said he is indebted for his appointment as 13th PNP chief.
With Razon’s assumption, a top-level reshuffle at the PNP also took effect Monday.
The position of Deputy Chief for Administration that Razon left behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the former Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief in lieu of Varilla, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Further, the new Directorate for Operations chief will be Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr.; the Directorate for Research and Development chief will be Chief Supt. Ray Roderos; and the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development chief will be Chief Supt. German Doria.
“The first order for the day is for every policeman to implement our motto, which is, we serve and protect… We should not be the oppressor, we should not be human rights violators,” Razon said./DMS
October 1, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. took over on Monday as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief with the retirement of Gen. Oscar Calderon.
In simple rites at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo installed Razon as the 14th PNP chief with a standing order to put an end to killings of political activists and journalists.
“If Oca Calderon’s legacy is housing, I am hoping that the legacy of Sonny Razon is on human rights,” Arroyo said in Filipino in her speech as guest of honor.
“Especially because Sonny was the head (previously) of Task Force USIG, I also instruct Gen. Razon to continue to be on top of Task Force USIG, except that now he is chief PNP, his perspective must be wider now. It must not only be on police action but the entire criminal justice system,” she added.
Razon was the first commander of Task Force USIG when it was created in June last year by Arroyo to address the so-called extrajudicial killings. It is now being headed by Director Jefferson Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).
Arryo said the first report she wants to see from Razon immediately after his assumption is “an update on the arrest, convictions, and imprisonment of those responsible for the killings of political activists and journalists.”
Based on the latest report of Task Force USIG, there have been 116 validated cases of slain militant members since 2001, of which 56 were filed in court and the remaining 60 are still under investigation.
For the 27 slain media practitioners, 21 cases were filed in court and the six others remain under investigation.
Razon told reporters after the ceremony that he will submit the report within two weeks.
Asked how he will comply with Arroyo’s directive for him to continue addressing the political and journalist killings in the country, Razon only said: “We have scheduled a command conference immediately after this so we can outline our actions to address the concern raised by the President.”
On whether or not Arroyo’s order is achievable, he said: “The Philippine National Police can accomplish that. We should accomplish that.”
Coming from the United States where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Arroyo reiterated in her speech yesterday that her government “deplores any and all killings of political activists and journalists.”
She said her government has even complied with some recommendations of the Melo Commission, including the establishment of separate courts to try extrajudicial killing cases.
The President took a swipe at the communist movement for fostering the culture of human rights violation as part of its activities.
“The communist rebels have spent years as a low level threat. It’s time for their disruption and violation of human rights to be put to rest so that the nation can move ahead. They impede the progress and development of a number of rural areas… If we are to become a First World country, we have to put to a stop to their ideological non-sense and their criminal acts once and for all,” Arroyo said.
She reiterated that her government, aside from taking the hard way, is opening the doors for amnesty to the communists through Proclamation 1377.
But aside from the human rights violation problem, Arroyo directed Razon to also continue addressing the problem of terrorism and criminality.
“The world looks upon the Philippines to continue to reinforce our economic gains with a solid foundation of law and order. And so, Sonny Razon should see to it that the war against criminality and terrorism is sustained at the grassroots level and that evil is kept at bay in the streets and in the country,” Arroyo said.
In his assumption speech, Razon vowed to deploy more uniformed policemen to the streets compared to those stationed at the offices and desk to live the PNP motto of “serving and protecting the community.”
“Let us bring back the old glory of the police force, when the mere sight of the an in uniform evoked respect and a feeling of safety and security among the citizenry. I want every man, woman and child on the street to feel safe because “Mamang Pulis2 is just around the corner. And I want the criminal element in the street to think twice before striking because “Mamang Pulis” is also just around the corner,” Razon said.
Meanwhile, Arroyo congratulated Calderon “for a job well done” in the 15 months he led the 120,000-strong PNP.
Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who was among the guests in yesterday’s affair, said he has suggested to the President to consider Calderon for a position in her administration as Presidential Adviser or DILG Undersecretary.
“We are discussing this ways of continued service because I think he has started a lot of things which we really feel should be continued… I’m think that maybe because of the importance of the work that he has done and he continues to do, maybe it would be better if instead of an Undersecretary in the department, he could even be Presidential Adviser on several aspects that are important to the President,” Puno said in an interview after the turn over rites.
“I discussed it with the President before already and I already told her about my belief and my recommendation that Gen. Calderon be invited to continue assisting all of the things that we’re doing so that there will be continuity. And she is of course very open to the idea because she also believes that Gen. Calderon has done a good job and is still in a position to help us,” he added.
In an earlier interview, Calderon had said he is willing to continue working for the government to help Arroyo, with whom he said he is indebted for his appointment as 13th PNP chief.
With Razon’s assumption, a top-level reshuffle at the PNP also took effect Monday.
The position of Deputy Chief for Administration that Razon left behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the former Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief in lieu of Varilla, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Further, the new Directorate for Operations chief will be Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr.; the Directorate for Research and Development chief will be Chief Supt. Ray Roderos; and the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development chief will be Chief Supt. German Doria.
“The first order for the day is for every policeman to implement our motto, which is, we serve and protect… We should not be the oppressor, we should not be human rights violators,” Razon said./DMS
Monday, October 1, 2007
Arroyo back in Manila
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived late Saturday night in Manila from New York City where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative Forum and the Third Meeting of the Women Leaders Working Group.
Arroyo was welcomed upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City by Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
The President did not give an arrival speech.
She left the country last Tuesday evening./DMS
September 30, 2007
Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived late Saturday night in Manila from New York City where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative Forum and the Third Meeting of the Women Leaders Working Group.
Arroyo was welcomed upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City by Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
The President did not give an arrival speech.
She left the country last Tuesday evening./DMS
Quezon City policeman fatally shot outside his residence
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
An official of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) was found with a fatal gunshot wound near his chest at his residence late Saturday night, police said yesterday.
QCPD Criminal Investigation Unit head Supt. Franklin Mabanag said Station 8 commander Supt. Jose Garcia, 51, was declared dead on arrival at the Dr. Miguel Malvar Medical Foundation due to a lone gunshot wound he sustained at around 11pm outside his house in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
Mabanag said Garcia was found with a gunshot wound on his left chest near his shoulder after he went to the back of his house on No. 49 Nawasa Road, Area 5, Veterans Village supposedly to meet someone.
“We are not yet ruling out suicide or an involvement of another person. We are still investigating the case,” Mabanag said in a phone interview.
Mabanag said the basis for considering the possibility of self-infliction is the fact that Garcia’s caliber 45 service firearm was found with him at the crime scene, and the bullet that pierced through him is of a caliber 45’s.
But they are not ruling out the possible involvement of another person because the smudges (gunpowder burns) were located about a foot away from Garcia’s body and there was presence of suspected footprints of another person.
Mabanag noted that the rear of Garcia’s residence was also accessible to outsiders because it also has a gate.
If the suicide angle is unproven by scene of the crime operatives, Mabanag said it is highly likely that the incident “is in line with his (Garcia) work,” noting that prior to leaving he house, Garcia was scanning some case folders.
Mabanag said Garcia lives only at said house with his sister and his 15-year-old son.
He said Garcia was wearing a pair of short pants and polo shirt at the time./DMS
September 30, 2007
An official of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) was found with a fatal gunshot wound near his chest at his residence late Saturday night, police said yesterday.
QCPD Criminal Investigation Unit head Supt. Franklin Mabanag said Station 8 commander Supt. Jose Garcia, 51, was declared dead on arrival at the Dr. Miguel Malvar Medical Foundation due to a lone gunshot wound he sustained at around 11pm outside his house in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
Mabanag said Garcia was found with a gunshot wound on his left chest near his shoulder after he went to the back of his house on No. 49 Nawasa Road, Area 5, Veterans Village supposedly to meet someone.
“We are not yet ruling out suicide or an involvement of another person. We are still investigating the case,” Mabanag said in a phone interview.
Mabanag said the basis for considering the possibility of self-infliction is the fact that Garcia’s caliber 45 service firearm was found with him at the crime scene, and the bullet that pierced through him is of a caliber 45’s.
But they are not ruling out the possible involvement of another person because the smudges (gunpowder burns) were located about a foot away from Garcia’s body and there was presence of suspected footprints of another person.
Mabanag noted that the rear of Garcia’s residence was also accessible to outsiders because it also has a gate.
If the suicide angle is unproven by scene of the crime operatives, Mabanag said it is highly likely that the incident “is in line with his (Garcia) work,” noting that prior to leaving he house, Garcia was scanning some case folders.
Mabanag said Garcia lives only at said house with his sister and his 15-year-old son.
He said Garcia was wearing a pair of short pants and polo shirt at the time./DMS
Eight killed in Ifugao landslide
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
Eight people, including children, were buried dead while one went missing following a landslide that hit the northern Philippine province of Ifugao on Saturday evening due to rains brought by tropical depression “Hanna.”
According to the report of the Cordillera Region Office of Civil Defense (OCD), one person was also wounded in the same incident that happened at around 10 pm in Barangay Upper Pitawan, Hingyon town.
OCD Regional Director Elvira Calina identified the fatalities in its 2pm report yesterday as Erma Hiadan, 50; Ruby Manwong, 6; Megan Manwong, 4; Johani Manwong, 2; Julia Linglingon, 52; Hiadan Cupilyo, 80; Joel Linglingon, 27; and, Rommel Linglingon, 30; while the missing victim is Henry Linglingon, 55.
Calina said the wounded victim is Denver Bogbog, 9, who was immediately brought to the Ifugao Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Calina said the victims were inside two houses when the heavy rains caused the nearby hill to collapse, bringing mixed soil and rocks over it.
“The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Ifugao is conducting the search and rescue or retrieval operation for the one missing person… Immediate financial assistance for the victims will be recommended to the Ifugao Provincial Council,” Calina said.
The landslide caused the closure of traffic along the Hingyon-Banaue Road, Calina said.
Calina disclosed that earlier on Saturday afternoon, a landslide was also reported in Barangay Ginaang in Pasil, Kalinga, affecting 350 families or 2,100 persons. Fortunately, there were no casualties or evacuees reported after the incident despite the partial wreckage of three houses.
What were severely damaged, however, were farm-to-market roads, pathways, and roads in different parts of Pasil, totaling to about P10 million.
Calina said two irrigation systems in the province, particularly in Lubuagan town, were also destroyed – the Wa-it Communal Irrigation, which was totally damaged worth about P100,000, and the Tab-taba Communal Irrigation, which was partially damaged with estimated cost of P80,000.
Authorities are also closely monitoring the water levels at the Binga, Ambuklao and San Roque dams to prevent an overspill that may cause further damage in low-lying areas. As of 1pm yesterday, one gate each was opened at the Binga and Ambuklao Dams since water level was already approaching critical levels.
“Hanna” entered the Philippine area of responsibility before the weekend and was already reported to have crossed over to Vietnam by Sunday. But it continues to cause rains in parts of Luzon and the Visayas because of the enhanced southwest monsoon./DMS
September 30, 2007
Eight people, including children, were buried dead while one went missing following a landslide that hit the northern Philippine province of Ifugao on Saturday evening due to rains brought by tropical depression “Hanna.”
According to the report of the Cordillera Region Office of Civil Defense (OCD), one person was also wounded in the same incident that happened at around 10 pm in Barangay Upper Pitawan, Hingyon town.
OCD Regional Director Elvira Calina identified the fatalities in its 2pm report yesterday as Erma Hiadan, 50; Ruby Manwong, 6; Megan Manwong, 4; Johani Manwong, 2; Julia Linglingon, 52; Hiadan Cupilyo, 80; Joel Linglingon, 27; and, Rommel Linglingon, 30; while the missing victim is Henry Linglingon, 55.
Calina said the wounded victim is Denver Bogbog, 9, who was immediately brought to the Ifugao Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Calina said the victims were inside two houses when the heavy rains caused the nearby hill to collapse, bringing mixed soil and rocks over it.
“The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Ifugao is conducting the search and rescue or retrieval operation for the one missing person… Immediate financial assistance for the victims will be recommended to the Ifugao Provincial Council,” Calina said.
The landslide caused the closure of traffic along the Hingyon-Banaue Road, Calina said.
Calina disclosed that earlier on Saturday afternoon, a landslide was also reported in Barangay Ginaang in Pasil, Kalinga, affecting 350 families or 2,100 persons. Fortunately, there were no casualties or evacuees reported after the incident despite the partial wreckage of three houses.
What were severely damaged, however, were farm-to-market roads, pathways, and roads in different parts of Pasil, totaling to about P10 million.
Calina said two irrigation systems in the province, particularly in Lubuagan town, were also destroyed – the Wa-it Communal Irrigation, which was totally damaged worth about P100,000, and the Tab-taba Communal Irrigation, which was partially damaged with estimated cost of P80,000.
Authorities are also closely monitoring the water levels at the Binga, Ambuklao and San Roque dams to prevent an overspill that may cause further damage in low-lying areas. As of 1pm yesterday, one gate each was opened at the Binga and Ambuklao Dams since water level was already approaching critical levels.
“Hanna” entered the Philippine area of responsibility before the weekend and was already reported to have crossed over to Vietnam by Sunday. But it continues to cause rains in parts of Luzon and the Visayas because of the enhanced southwest monsoon./DMS
Filipino nursing students protest JPEPA ratification
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
Nursing students from a Quezon City-based college staged on Sunday a protest rally against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) for fear that Filipino nurses will only end up as nursing aide or attendants in Japan.
At least 21 students of the Colegio de San Lorenzo said during their 30-minute rally in front of the Philippine Heart Center along East Avenue in Quezon City that Filipino nurses must be treated under the JPEPA as “professionals and not as commodities for sale.”
“Junk JPEPA! Junk! Junk! Junk!” the third-year nursing students, who were in their uniform, repeatedly shouted.
Noemelyn Pe, one of the demonstrators, said she will not consider working for Japan after graduation unless there is an assurance in the JPEPA that Filipino nurses will be treated fairly with Japanese nurses.
She said that as far as she knows, Filipino nurses who wish to work in Japan must undergo and complete a six-month training of the Japanese language, and will receive a much lower salary compared with Japanese nurses. “Isn’t that unfair?” she uttered.
Her classmate, Tudor Miguel Enriquez, said he would rather work in European countries than waste time and effort in Japan.
“It’s really a waste of time because you already know what to do yet you have to re-think in Japanese to apply all your knowledge before you can get the regular benefits of a registered nurse there,” Enriquez said.
Under the proposed pact, Filipino nurses and caregivers who wish to work in Japan after the effectivity of the JPEPA are required to undergo a six-month training to master the Japanese language. They are also required to take and pass the nursing licensure exam there in Nippongo before they can practice as regular nurses.
In the initial years of implementing the JPEPA, 400 Filipino nurses and 600 caregivers can enter the Japanese health care system.
Elsie de Veyra, a retired nurse associated with the Philippine Nurses Association and the anti-JPEPA group EcoWaste Coalition, viewed the conditions above as “relegation of our professional nurses into nursing aides under the trainee system, depriving our nurses of their labor rights and making them predisposed to abuse and exploitation in a foreign land.”
Asked what will make the JPEPA acceptable to them, de Veyra, who was also in yesterday’s rally, said: “It should state that upon entry of a Filipino nurse there, he or she is no longer a trainee but a regular nurse.”
De Veyra said they have already made coordination with Senators Loren Legarda and Jamby Madrigal to help them address their concern in the ongoing scrutiny by the Senate of the proposed agreement.
She said that when the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will meet on October 4 to discuss the provision on the movement of natural persons, including caregivers and nurses, the group will also hold a rally at the Senate grounds./DMS
September 30, 2007
Nursing students from a Quezon City-based college staged on Sunday a protest rally against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) for fear that Filipino nurses will only end up as nursing aide or attendants in Japan.
At least 21 students of the Colegio de San Lorenzo said during their 30-minute rally in front of the Philippine Heart Center along East Avenue in Quezon City that Filipino nurses must be treated under the JPEPA as “professionals and not as commodities for sale.”
“Junk JPEPA! Junk! Junk! Junk!” the third-year nursing students, who were in their uniform, repeatedly shouted.
Noemelyn Pe, one of the demonstrators, said she will not consider working for Japan after graduation unless there is an assurance in the JPEPA that Filipino nurses will be treated fairly with Japanese nurses.
She said that as far as she knows, Filipino nurses who wish to work in Japan must undergo and complete a six-month training of the Japanese language, and will receive a much lower salary compared with Japanese nurses. “Isn’t that unfair?” she uttered.
Her classmate, Tudor Miguel Enriquez, said he would rather work in European countries than waste time and effort in Japan.
“It’s really a waste of time because you already know what to do yet you have to re-think in Japanese to apply all your knowledge before you can get the regular benefits of a registered nurse there,” Enriquez said.
Under the proposed pact, Filipino nurses and caregivers who wish to work in Japan after the effectivity of the JPEPA are required to undergo a six-month training to master the Japanese language. They are also required to take and pass the nursing licensure exam there in Nippongo before they can practice as regular nurses.
In the initial years of implementing the JPEPA, 400 Filipino nurses and 600 caregivers can enter the Japanese health care system.
Elsie de Veyra, a retired nurse associated with the Philippine Nurses Association and the anti-JPEPA group EcoWaste Coalition, viewed the conditions above as “relegation of our professional nurses into nursing aides under the trainee system, depriving our nurses of their labor rights and making them predisposed to abuse and exploitation in a foreign land.”
Asked what will make the JPEPA acceptable to them, de Veyra, who was also in yesterday’s rally, said: “It should state that upon entry of a Filipino nurse there, he or she is no longer a trainee but a regular nurse.”
De Veyra said they have already made coordination with Senators Loren Legarda and Jamby Madrigal to help them address their concern in the ongoing scrutiny by the Senate of the proposed agreement.
She said that when the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will meet on October 4 to discuss the provision on the movement of natural persons, including caregivers and nurses, the group will also hold a rally at the Senate grounds./DMS
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