By Ronron
November 16, 2007
A government foot soldier was killed and a junior Army officer was hurt after figuring in a clash Thursday morning with suspected communist rebels in Kalinga province, an Army regional spokesman said Friday.
According to 1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, the one-hour encounter that started 6am happened at Sitio Butol, Barangay Apatan, Pinukpok town.
He said joint elements of the Army’s 21st and 77th Infantry Battalions were conducting combat operations when they encountered the more or less 50 members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Guillermo identified the slain soldier as Corporal Glenn Cadelina of the 77th IB and the hurt officer as 2Lt. Allan Sadio of the 21st IB.
“We believe there is undetermined number of casualty on the enemy side,” Guillermo said, noting the traces of heavy blood stains found along the withdrawal route of the rebels.
The 6,200-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the last 38 years in the countryside with the objective of overthrowing the democratic form of government.
The government hopes to neutralize the group by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
The communists backed out from talking peace with the government in August 2004 after they were tagged as terrorists by the US and European Union governments./DMS
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Salappudin denies any link with Batasan blast
By Ronron
November 16, 2007
One of the arrested persons in Thursday afternoon’s raid by authorities at a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) safehouse in Payatas, Quezon City had been identified as a former driver of former Basilan Congressman Gerry Salappudin.
Salappudin, who is currently appealing his loss in the gubernatorial race last May in Basilan against one of the wives of killed incumbent Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, admitted in a radio interview yesterday that Ikram Indama was his driver for three years during his last Congressional term from 2004 to 2007.
Indama was arrested last Thursday together with Kaidar Aunal and Adham Kusain in Payatas by joint operatives of the Army and the police. They were with the subject of the arrest warrant, Abu Jandal, an alleged ASG leader who is wanted for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in Basilan.
Andal was killed during the raid, as well as Redwan Indama and his wife, Saing, after a shootout ensued while the raiding team was serving the warrant at around 4:15 pm. Injured in the encounter was PO3 Roland Baucas of the police Special Action Force (SAF).
Police had said that the group was believed to be responsible for the blast in Batasan last November 13, where Akbar was killed and three other Congress staffers, because of items recovered from their safehouse that matched with the statements of some witnesses and pieces of evidence recovered from the blast site.
“Further investigation disclosed that the chassis number XRM 13-066-203339 of the motorcycle in the recovered Deed of Sale found in the safehouse matches with the bar code 066-203-339 found in the motorcycle parts recovered after the explosion in the House of Representatives, which is a strong indication that the group is responsible for the Batasan bombing,” Quezon City Police chief Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula said in a report.
Police also recovered an Identification Card of Ikram Indama with the House of Representatives, which states that he is a Legislative Staff Assistant III at the Office of the Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, referring to Salappudin. The validity of the ID is believed to have expired already.
“I do not deny that that he used to work for me as a driver… But there are some staff who do not dispose of their ID’s even if they are no longer connected with Congress… But one thing I can assure you is he stopped working for me when I ended my term,” Salappudin said in mixed English and Filipino.
Salappudin said he was not personally aware during the time Indama was still working for him that he is connected with the ASG. What he knows, he said, is that Indama’s relatives are hardcore members of the bandit group.
But the former solon hinted that Indama could not have been a member of the ASG because he had been in Metro Manila for long already. He said that prior to working for him, Indama claimed to be a taxi driver at first, and then as a driver of an Indian national who was an executive of the Asian Development Bank.
Indama is currently undergoing tactical interrogation, together with Aunal and Kusain, at the Philippine Army’s Intelligence Security Group (ISG) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Both the ISG and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are conducting the tactical interrogation.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Dir. Geary Barias said they have yet to find out if the three admitted to being ASG members really and if they have involvement in the Batasan bombing.
But Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Ikram Indama and Kusain have been identified by a security guard at the House of Representatives gate as among those who entered the complex on November 13.
Razon did not say, however, if the two were aboard a motorcycle, and what time they entered.
“The two were positively identified by the guard… The helmet (recovered at the safehouse) was identified by the Security Guard in Batasan as the one worn by Ikram Indama. He recalled the helmet and the face of Indama because they normally ask people to remove their helmets upon entering the Batasan Complex,” Razon told a news conference yesterday afternoon in Camp Crame.
Razon said they are currently studying what charges to file against the three in relation to the encounter in Payatas, and the blast in Congress.
With the information at hand, Razon said the direction of the investigation is getting more focused now towards the theory that Akbar was really the target of the blast last Tuesday.
But Razon would not immediately say if Salappudin or the Abu Sayyaf is the mastermind of the alleged assassination plot until the three arrested suspects complete their statement.
“That is not enough basis for us to conduct an investigation on the former Congressman Salappudin. We are at present gathering additional facts on the evidence,” Razon said, referring to the association of Ikram Indama and Salappudin.
In the radio interview, Salappudin denied any involvement in the blast, saying his “system was not brutality and violence” even as he acknowledged that he and Akbar have differences in principle and manner of governance.
In fact, he said he brought his electoral protest against the victory of Akbar’s wife over him in the gubernatorial race before the Commission on Elections.
“In the case of this investigation, I would like to assure the public and the national government and Congress in particulart that if my personal presence is necessary to help shed light on the matter, I will be very willing in order that the whole truth will be made known to the public, not only because properties and lives were damaged and lost, but because the truth must really be made known,” he said.
But while he denied involvement in the incident, Salappudin suggested the possible participation of the ASG because of the animosity of the latter against Akbar.
“They (ASG) have a very deep resentment against him. It was him who indoctrinated them in the name of the Koran, in the name of the tradition of the prophet to wage Holy War against the government… But later, he turned his back on them. When he was under pressure for his link with the Abu Sayyaf, he betrayed them by personally volunteering to inform the intelligence community who are members of the Abu Sayyaf, how and where they can be captured,” Salappudin said.
“So, he became very instrumental to cause the apprehension and even summary execution of many of these Abu Sayyaf which he organized. So, because of that, the resentment is really deep. Maybe, this motivated them to do it (assassination) if they are really behind it,” he added./DMS
November 16, 2007
One of the arrested persons in Thursday afternoon’s raid by authorities at a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) safehouse in Payatas, Quezon City had been identified as a former driver of former Basilan Congressman Gerry Salappudin.
Salappudin, who is currently appealing his loss in the gubernatorial race last May in Basilan against one of the wives of killed incumbent Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, admitted in a radio interview yesterday that Ikram Indama was his driver for three years during his last Congressional term from 2004 to 2007.
Indama was arrested last Thursday together with Kaidar Aunal and Adham Kusain in Payatas by joint operatives of the Army and the police. They were with the subject of the arrest warrant, Abu Jandal, an alleged ASG leader who is wanted for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in Basilan.
Andal was killed during the raid, as well as Redwan Indama and his wife, Saing, after a shootout ensued while the raiding team was serving the warrant at around 4:15 pm. Injured in the encounter was PO3 Roland Baucas of the police Special Action Force (SAF).
Police had said that the group was believed to be responsible for the blast in Batasan last November 13, where Akbar was killed and three other Congress staffers, because of items recovered from their safehouse that matched with the statements of some witnesses and pieces of evidence recovered from the blast site.
“Further investigation disclosed that the chassis number XRM 13-066-203339 of the motorcycle in the recovered Deed of Sale found in the safehouse matches with the bar code 066-203-339 found in the motorcycle parts recovered after the explosion in the House of Representatives, which is a strong indication that the group is responsible for the Batasan bombing,” Quezon City Police chief Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula said in a report.
Police also recovered an Identification Card of Ikram Indama with the House of Representatives, which states that he is a Legislative Staff Assistant III at the Office of the Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, referring to Salappudin. The validity of the ID is believed to have expired already.
“I do not deny that that he used to work for me as a driver… But there are some staff who do not dispose of their ID’s even if they are no longer connected with Congress… But one thing I can assure you is he stopped working for me when I ended my term,” Salappudin said in mixed English and Filipino.
Salappudin said he was not personally aware during the time Indama was still working for him that he is connected with the ASG. What he knows, he said, is that Indama’s relatives are hardcore members of the bandit group.
But the former solon hinted that Indama could not have been a member of the ASG because he had been in Metro Manila for long already. He said that prior to working for him, Indama claimed to be a taxi driver at first, and then as a driver of an Indian national who was an executive of the Asian Development Bank.
Indama is currently undergoing tactical interrogation, together with Aunal and Kusain, at the Philippine Army’s Intelligence Security Group (ISG) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Both the ISG and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are conducting the tactical interrogation.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Dir. Geary Barias said they have yet to find out if the three admitted to being ASG members really and if they have involvement in the Batasan bombing.
But Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Ikram Indama and Kusain have been identified by a security guard at the House of Representatives gate as among those who entered the complex on November 13.
Razon did not say, however, if the two were aboard a motorcycle, and what time they entered.
“The two were positively identified by the guard… The helmet (recovered at the safehouse) was identified by the Security Guard in Batasan as the one worn by Ikram Indama. He recalled the helmet and the face of Indama because they normally ask people to remove their helmets upon entering the Batasan Complex,” Razon told a news conference yesterday afternoon in Camp Crame.
Razon said they are currently studying what charges to file against the three in relation to the encounter in Payatas, and the blast in Congress.
With the information at hand, Razon said the direction of the investigation is getting more focused now towards the theory that Akbar was really the target of the blast last Tuesday.
But Razon would not immediately say if Salappudin or the Abu Sayyaf is the mastermind of the alleged assassination plot until the three arrested suspects complete their statement.
“That is not enough basis for us to conduct an investigation on the former Congressman Salappudin. We are at present gathering additional facts on the evidence,” Razon said, referring to the association of Ikram Indama and Salappudin.
In the radio interview, Salappudin denied any involvement in the blast, saying his “system was not brutality and violence” even as he acknowledged that he and Akbar have differences in principle and manner of governance.
In fact, he said he brought his electoral protest against the victory of Akbar’s wife over him in the gubernatorial race before the Commission on Elections.
“In the case of this investigation, I would like to assure the public and the national government and Congress in particulart that if my personal presence is necessary to help shed light on the matter, I will be very willing in order that the whole truth will be made known to the public, not only because properties and lives were damaged and lost, but because the truth must really be made known,” he said.
But while he denied involvement in the incident, Salappudin suggested the possible participation of the ASG because of the animosity of the latter against Akbar.
“They (ASG) have a very deep resentment against him. It was him who indoctrinated them in the name of the Koran, in the name of the tradition of the prophet to wage Holy War against the government… But later, he turned his back on them. When he was under pressure for his link with the Abu Sayyaf, he betrayed them by personally volunteering to inform the intelligence community who are members of the Abu Sayyaf, how and where they can be captured,” Salappudin said.
“So, he became very instrumental to cause the apprehension and even summary execution of many of these Abu Sayyaf which he organized. So, because of that, the resentment is really deep. Maybe, this motivated them to do it (assassination) if they are really behind it,” he added./DMS
Friday, November 16, 2007
3 ASG killed, 3 others nabbed in raid in Payatas, QC
By Ronron
November 15, 2007
Police raided late Thursday afternoon a suspected safehouse of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Quezon City who are believed to be responsible for the blast last November 13 at the House of Representatives that left four persons killed, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, and 15 others injured.
The operation conducted jointly by the Philippine Army, Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) resulted in the killing of three ASG members, the apprehension of three others and the wounding of one SAF personnel.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the raid at the suspected safehouse located in Payatas was conducted at around 4:20 pm, but a five-minute firefight ensued because the suspects resisted.
He identified the slain suspected rebels as Redwan Idaman, his wife who uses the alias Saing, and Abu Jandal alais Bong. Those captured, on the other hand, were Khaidar Awnal, Ikram Indama, and Adham Kusain.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias said the operatives were supposed to serve the arrest warrant against Jandal for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by a court in Isabela City, Basilan, but the suspects opened fire using caliber 45.
“The reason why the safehouse was raided is this was a product of continuous intelligence operation on some personalities in Metro Manila,” Torres said in a phone interview.
“The reason for the raid is somewhat related to the investigation on the blast,” he added.
Recovered from the suspects were two caliber 45 firearms, a shirt of the House of Representatives, a jacket of the House of Representatives, a House of Representatives employee’s identification card of Ikram Indama (which shows he allegedly works at the office of the Deputy Speaker for Mindanao), deed of sale of a motorcycle, plate number of a motorcycle (that matches with the deed of sale), and plate number 8 (believed to be tampered with),
Barias said the “deed of sale matches with the part of the Honda motorcycle that has a barcode which we recovered after the blast.”
“Based on these items, it looks like this (group) has a connection in the bombing on November 13,” Barias said.
As of 7 last night, the suspects are still undergoing tactical interrogation.
Initial information reaching police is that the suspects have just occupied the said safehouse in the last two weeks./DMS
November 15, 2007
Police raided late Thursday afternoon a suspected safehouse of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Quezon City who are believed to be responsible for the blast last November 13 at the House of Representatives that left four persons killed, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, and 15 others injured.
The operation conducted jointly by the Philippine Army, Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) resulted in the killing of three ASG members, the apprehension of three others and the wounding of one SAF personnel.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the raid at the suspected safehouse located in Payatas was conducted at around 4:20 pm, but a five-minute firefight ensued because the suspects resisted.
He identified the slain suspected rebels as Redwan Idaman, his wife who uses the alias Saing, and Abu Jandal alais Bong. Those captured, on the other hand, were Khaidar Awnal, Ikram Indama, and Adham Kusain.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias said the operatives were supposed to serve the arrest warrant against Jandal for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by a court in Isabela City, Basilan, but the suspects opened fire using caliber 45.
“The reason why the safehouse was raided is this was a product of continuous intelligence operation on some personalities in Metro Manila,” Torres said in a phone interview.
“The reason for the raid is somewhat related to the investigation on the blast,” he added.
Recovered from the suspects were two caliber 45 firearms, a shirt of the House of Representatives, a jacket of the House of Representatives, a House of Representatives employee’s identification card of Ikram Indama (which shows he allegedly works at the office of the Deputy Speaker for Mindanao), deed of sale of a motorcycle, plate number of a motorcycle (that matches with the deed of sale), and plate number 8 (believed to be tampered with),
Barias said the “deed of sale matches with the part of the Honda motorcycle that has a barcode which we recovered after the blast.”
“Based on these items, it looks like this (group) has a connection in the bombing on November 13,” Barias said.
As of 7 last night, the suspects are still undergoing tactical interrogation.
Initial information reaching police is that the suspects have just occupied the said safehouse in the last two weeks./DMS
Lanao Sur governor’s residence bombed, no one hurt
By Ronron
November 15, 2007
An explosion dawn of Thursday rocked the residence of Lanao del Sur governor Mamintal Adiong in Marawi City although no one was hurt, police said.
The explosion was allegedly caused by an M79 grenade launcher believed to have been fired from the southern portion of the city, particularly at the vicinity of the Banggolo Bridge several hundred meters away.
The incident happened at about 3:15 am.
Adiong’s residence is located at Barangay Panggao Saduc. Hit was the canopy at the back portion of his house.
Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Pañares Adap said only the wife and the children of Adiong were inside the house at the time of the incident.
Another house, owned by a certain Jun Mindalano, a municipal councilor of Butig town, and located at the Officer’s Line in Barangay Saduc proper, was also hit at its rooftop.
Adiong’s house and Mindalano’s house are some 300 meters away. Adap described the damages in both houses as “minor” only.
Adap said they are still investigating if Adiong and Mindalano are the main targets of the suspect.
But Adap said Adiong has no known nemesis in the province, being a good person.
“We are investigating if he is really the target and what could be the motive against him,” Adap said.
A propeller and parts of an unexploded rocket propelled grenade (RPG) were also recovered at the rooftop of the house a certain Talib Mangantal Campong at the Officer’s Line in Barangay Datu Saber, some 100 meters away from the house of Mindalano.
All items recovered were already turned over to the Explosives and Ordnance Division of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade for further examination to determine the perprators of the incident, Adap said./DMS
November 15, 2007
An explosion dawn of Thursday rocked the residence of Lanao del Sur governor Mamintal Adiong in Marawi City although no one was hurt, police said.
The explosion was allegedly caused by an M79 grenade launcher believed to have been fired from the southern portion of the city, particularly at the vicinity of the Banggolo Bridge several hundred meters away.
The incident happened at about 3:15 am.
Adiong’s residence is located at Barangay Panggao Saduc. Hit was the canopy at the back portion of his house.
Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Pañares Adap said only the wife and the children of Adiong were inside the house at the time of the incident.
Another house, owned by a certain Jun Mindalano, a municipal councilor of Butig town, and located at the Officer’s Line in Barangay Saduc proper, was also hit at its rooftop.
Adiong’s house and Mindalano’s house are some 300 meters away. Adap described the damages in both houses as “minor” only.
Adap said they are still investigating if Adiong and Mindalano are the main targets of the suspect.
But Adap said Adiong has no known nemesis in the province, being a good person.
“We are investigating if he is really the target and what could be the motive against him,” Adap said.
A propeller and parts of an unexploded rocket propelled grenade (RPG) were also recovered at the rooftop of the house a certain Talib Mangantal Campong at the Officer’s Line in Barangay Datu Saber, some 100 meters away from the house of Mindalano.
All items recovered were already turned over to the Explosives and Ordnance Division of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade for further examination to determine the perprators of the incident, Adap said./DMS
TNT found in bomb used to blow up Batasan complex
By Ronron
November 15, 2007
Authorities have found traces of TNT or trinitroluene at the blast site in Congress, which was blown up last Tuesday night, resulting in the death of four people, including Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar, and the wounding of 15 others.
“Our team from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) has established that the main charge that was used in the blast was a TNT. So, if that’s a TNT, it could have been dynamite sticks,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias told reporters in Camp Crame yesterday afternoon,
TNT, according to Barias, is a controlled chemical that needs the permit of the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) if purchased. He said it is used in quarrying, mining and illegal fishing activities.
“Because of that, the chief PNP has directed a review of the control mechanism, as well as the chain of possession of these controlled items,” Barias said.
Investigators earlier found PETN as a detonating cord, a cellular phone as command activator, and nails as shrapnel.
Asked on who could be the group that uses this type of bomb, Barias said: “We are looking at history like the bombings in Mindanao.”
He cited in particular the bombing in Malagutay, Zamboanga City in 2002, wherein the bomb used was also placed on a motorcycle.
But Barias refused to enumerate the groups that could be using the said type of bomb.
As to the motorcycle where the improvised explosive device (IED) in Tuesday’s blast was placed, Barias said they are still continuously checking its barcode so they will be able to determine the owner of that.
“It is from there that they’re working on right now… in order to determine the owners of the motorcycle, and then place a tracking of who has in possession of that motorcycle at the time of the blast,” he said.
Barias said the investigating team, headed by Quezon City Police chief Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, is also still finding out the threats against the life of Akbar, who was believed to be the target of the blast.
Barias said further that it would be wise if another investigating team will look into the possible lapses of the security personnel inside the Batasan Complex that resulted in the entry of the IED last Tuesday.
At the time of the blast, personnel from the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO), and a private security agency were securing the complex. The PSPO was immediately replaced on the following day with personnel from the Special Action Force.
Police said the Congress security, led by retired Gen. Bayani Fabic, has admitted to being quite lax in the entry of motorcycles at the Batasan complex because many employees use this mode of transportation./DMS
November 15, 2007
Authorities have found traces of TNT or trinitroluene at the blast site in Congress, which was blown up last Tuesday night, resulting in the death of four people, including Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar, and the wounding of 15 others.
“Our team from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) has established that the main charge that was used in the blast was a TNT. So, if that’s a TNT, it could have been dynamite sticks,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias told reporters in Camp Crame yesterday afternoon,
TNT, according to Barias, is a controlled chemical that needs the permit of the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) if purchased. He said it is used in quarrying, mining and illegal fishing activities.
“Because of that, the chief PNP has directed a review of the control mechanism, as well as the chain of possession of these controlled items,” Barias said.
Investigators earlier found PETN as a detonating cord, a cellular phone as command activator, and nails as shrapnel.
Asked on who could be the group that uses this type of bomb, Barias said: “We are looking at history like the bombings in Mindanao.”
He cited in particular the bombing in Malagutay, Zamboanga City in 2002, wherein the bomb used was also placed on a motorcycle.
But Barias refused to enumerate the groups that could be using the said type of bomb.
As to the motorcycle where the improvised explosive device (IED) in Tuesday’s blast was placed, Barias said they are still continuously checking its barcode so they will be able to determine the owner of that.
“It is from there that they’re working on right now… in order to determine the owners of the motorcycle, and then place a tracking of who has in possession of that motorcycle at the time of the blast,” he said.
Barias said the investigating team, headed by Quezon City Police chief Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, is also still finding out the threats against the life of Akbar, who was believed to be the target of the blast.
Barias said further that it would be wise if another investigating team will look into the possible lapses of the security personnel inside the Batasan Complex that resulted in the entry of the IED last Tuesday.
At the time of the blast, personnel from the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO), and a private security agency were securing the complex. The PSPO was immediately replaced on the following day with personnel from the Special Action Force.
Police said the Congress security, led by retired Gen. Bayani Fabic, has admitted to being quite lax in the entry of motorcycles at the Batasan complex because many employees use this mode of transportation./DMS
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Government sets December 15 target to eradicate kotong and colorum operations
By Ronron
November 14, 2007
A government task force tasked by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week to address the problem of kotong (bribery) and colorum operations has set a December 15 deadline to come up with significant positive results.
In a news conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday during their first meeting, the members of the body, both from the government and the private sector, vowed to eradicate the problem to a large extent that soon so as to give the public a worry-free Christmas celebration.
“We are committed to see to it that before December 15, we will report that after one month, kotong and colorum operations to a large extent had been eradicated. I think that’s a reasonable objective,” said Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, the chairman of the steering committee that created the task force headed by retired Gen. Roy Kyamko.
Reyes said the task force will utilize the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, National Bureau of Investigation, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Transport Sector Association to achieve their goal.
Reyes explained that the intensified drive against kotong and colorum operations came about following a meeting of Arroyo with the transport sector with regard to the oil price hike problem.
He said that if the kotong and colorum operations are stopped, then the transport sector will no longer need to seek for a fare hike every time the oil price increases.
Reyes said that for every month, jeepney or taxi drivers lose about P4,000 every month to kotong cops and about P3,000 due to colorum operations.
“In sum, income of drivers will increase from P5,000 to P12,600 per month if kotong and colorum operations are stopped,” he said.
Aside from fielding apprehenders on the field of kotong and colorum operators, Reyes said they hope to achieve their goal by employing the cooperation of the public and by changing the character of law enforcers.
Reyes said the public will just have to report to authorities those engaged in kotong and colorum operations so proper authorities can take action.
“Let us get rid of kotong cops. The police and the government in general should be the one fighting against kotong,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in the same event.
“The police should take this opportunity to really shine and rise above its reputation of being a kotong cop,” Reyes added.
Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devinadera, who attended the meeting, vowed that the Department of Justice will do its part in prosecuting those caught involved in the kotong and colorum operations.
Aside from Devinadera, also in attendance in the meeting are Kyamko, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, MMDA General Manager Robert Nacancieno, Raul Concepcion of the Oil Price Watch, and other officials./DMS
November 14, 2007
A government task force tasked by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week to address the problem of kotong (bribery) and colorum operations has set a December 15 deadline to come up with significant positive results.
In a news conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday during their first meeting, the members of the body, both from the government and the private sector, vowed to eradicate the problem to a large extent that soon so as to give the public a worry-free Christmas celebration.
“We are committed to see to it that before December 15, we will report that after one month, kotong and colorum operations to a large extent had been eradicated. I think that’s a reasonable objective,” said Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, the chairman of the steering committee that created the task force headed by retired Gen. Roy Kyamko.
Reyes said the task force will utilize the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, National Bureau of Investigation, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Transport Sector Association to achieve their goal.
Reyes explained that the intensified drive against kotong and colorum operations came about following a meeting of Arroyo with the transport sector with regard to the oil price hike problem.
He said that if the kotong and colorum operations are stopped, then the transport sector will no longer need to seek for a fare hike every time the oil price increases.
Reyes said that for every month, jeepney or taxi drivers lose about P4,000 every month to kotong cops and about P3,000 due to colorum operations.
“In sum, income of drivers will increase from P5,000 to P12,600 per month if kotong and colorum operations are stopped,” he said.
Aside from fielding apprehenders on the field of kotong and colorum operators, Reyes said they hope to achieve their goal by employing the cooperation of the public and by changing the character of law enforcers.
Reyes said the public will just have to report to authorities those engaged in kotong and colorum operations so proper authorities can take action.
“Let us get rid of kotong cops. The police and the government in general should be the one fighting against kotong,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in the same event.
“The police should take this opportunity to really shine and rise above its reputation of being a kotong cop,” Reyes added.
Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devinadera, who attended the meeting, vowed that the Department of Justice will do its part in prosecuting those caught involved in the kotong and colorum operations.
Aside from Devinadera, also in attendance in the meeting are Kyamko, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, MMDA General Manager Robert Nacancieno, Raul Concepcion of the Oil Price Watch, and other officials./DMS
Police recover bomb parts at Batasan blast site
By Ronron
November 14, 2007
Police investigators have recovered broken parts of a cellular phone and burned nails believed to be parts of the improvised explosive device (IED) that was used in the blast Tuesday night at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
Police officials said Wednesday that the cellular phone and burned nails were found scattered within an almost 30-meter diameter range at the south wing lobby of the Lower House building where the blast happened past 8pm the other day (Tuesday).
“We now have evidence of a bomb – the cellphone and pieces of nails that were used as shrapnel of the bomb,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a news conference yesterday.
The main charge of the IED, however, has yet to be determined pending the results of the chemical analysis of the swabs made by members of the Philippine Bomb Data Center at the site.
National Capital Region Police chief Director Geary Barias had earlier said the IED could have been placed on a motorcycle and remotely detonated because burned and wrecked parts of a motorcycle were also scattered at the blast site.
“We believe that the attack is personality-oriented than institutional because of the type of the bomb used, which is remote-controlled detonation,” Barias told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday evening.
“Because this was activated by a cellphone, it means the suspect has the discretion as to when the bomb will go off and who he or she wanted hurt… Otherwise, he could have just used a timing device and then the blast will just be to-whom-it-may-concern,” he explained.
Razon also said that the basis for theorizing that Akbar was the target is his proximity to the blast and the prevailing reports that he has been receiving threats against his life.
Akbar died about two hours after the blast rocked the south wing lobby of the Lower House building past 8pm Tuesday. A driver of Gabriela Congresswoman Luzviminda Ilagan died on the spot during the blast.
Asked if the angle of terrorism is now ruled out, Barias said in a separate interview at Camp Crame earlier in the day: “It looks like that is the case. There is a target and the target could be (Cong.) Akbar. This could not be accident.”
Barias said there could be three possible motives against Akbar. First is his link with the Abu Sayyaf Group, which he reportedly co-founded but later left when the group engaged in terrorist activities.
Second is politics, knowing how hot it is in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
And third is possible personal issues.
Among the three, however, Barias said the first two have more weight, although investigators have yet to get a specific, concrete basis.
“We know there have been some threats against him even before,” Barias said.
ARMM Police Director Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao said the known political nemesis of Akbar are the Salappudin’s and the Hataman’s, but he clarified there are no concrete threats posed by them against the Congressman.
“I think it was really intended for Cong. Akbar and it was political. In ARMM, you only refer to politics when you talk about feud,” Goltiao said.
As to the ASG angle, Goltiao said what he only knows is that the ASG have ill-feelings against him, but he is not certain about any specific threat against his life by the ASG.
Barias said their investigators, led by Quezon City Police Director Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, are now gathering details about the threats against Akbar’s life that could have led to Tuesday night’s incident.
Akbar’s remains were immediately flown yesterday morning to Zamboanga City and sailed to Basilan where it was buried at around 1pm at his property in Isabela City. Under Moslem traditions, a dead body has to be buried within 12 hours after the time of death.
Meanwhile, as of 7:30 pm yesterday, the death toll in the blast already reached four with the expiration at St. Luke’s Hospital of Julasiri “Niki” Hayudini, a staff of Akbar, and at Capitol Medical Center of Maan Bustalino, a staff of Ilagan.
Records from the QCPD showed there are also 15 others that were hurt, although only seven remain at the two hospitals cited above, undergoing treatment.
The QCPD report also showed that a total of six vehicles were damaged by the incident./DMS
November 14, 2007
Police investigators have recovered broken parts of a cellular phone and burned nails believed to be parts of the improvised explosive device (IED) that was used in the blast Tuesday night at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
Police officials said Wednesday that the cellular phone and burned nails were found scattered within an almost 30-meter diameter range at the south wing lobby of the Lower House building where the blast happened past 8pm the other day (Tuesday).
“We now have evidence of a bomb – the cellphone and pieces of nails that were used as shrapnel of the bomb,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a news conference yesterday.
The main charge of the IED, however, has yet to be determined pending the results of the chemical analysis of the swabs made by members of the Philippine Bomb Data Center at the site.
National Capital Region Police chief Director Geary Barias had earlier said the IED could have been placed on a motorcycle and remotely detonated because burned and wrecked parts of a motorcycle were also scattered at the blast site.
“We believe that the attack is personality-oriented than institutional because of the type of the bomb used, which is remote-controlled detonation,” Barias told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday evening.
“Because this was activated by a cellphone, it means the suspect has the discretion as to when the bomb will go off and who he or she wanted hurt… Otherwise, he could have just used a timing device and then the blast will just be to-whom-it-may-concern,” he explained.
Razon also said that the basis for theorizing that Akbar was the target is his proximity to the blast and the prevailing reports that he has been receiving threats against his life.
Akbar died about two hours after the blast rocked the south wing lobby of the Lower House building past 8pm Tuesday. A driver of Gabriela Congresswoman Luzviminda Ilagan died on the spot during the blast.
Asked if the angle of terrorism is now ruled out, Barias said in a separate interview at Camp Crame earlier in the day: “It looks like that is the case. There is a target and the target could be (Cong.) Akbar. This could not be accident.”
Barias said there could be three possible motives against Akbar. First is his link with the Abu Sayyaf Group, which he reportedly co-founded but later left when the group engaged in terrorist activities.
Second is politics, knowing how hot it is in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
And third is possible personal issues.
Among the three, however, Barias said the first two have more weight, although investigators have yet to get a specific, concrete basis.
“We know there have been some threats against him even before,” Barias said.
ARMM Police Director Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao said the known political nemesis of Akbar are the Salappudin’s and the Hataman’s, but he clarified there are no concrete threats posed by them against the Congressman.
“I think it was really intended for Cong. Akbar and it was political. In ARMM, you only refer to politics when you talk about feud,” Goltiao said.
As to the ASG angle, Goltiao said what he only knows is that the ASG have ill-feelings against him, but he is not certain about any specific threat against his life by the ASG.
Barias said their investigators, led by Quezon City Police Director Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, are now gathering details about the threats against Akbar’s life that could have led to Tuesday night’s incident.
Akbar’s remains were immediately flown yesterday morning to Zamboanga City and sailed to Basilan where it was buried at around 1pm at his property in Isabela City. Under Moslem traditions, a dead body has to be buried within 12 hours after the time of death.
Meanwhile, as of 7:30 pm yesterday, the death toll in the blast already reached four with the expiration at St. Luke’s Hospital of Julasiri “Niki” Hayudini, a staff of Akbar, and at Capitol Medical Center of Maan Bustalino, a staff of Ilagan.
Records from the QCPD showed there are also 15 others that were hurt, although only seven remain at the two hospitals cited above, undergoing treatment.
The QCPD report also showed that a total of six vehicles were damaged by the incident./DMS
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Japanese businessman shot dead in Cebu
By Ronron
November 13, 2007
A Japanese businessman was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Cebu by two unidentified suspects while on his way to the airport.
Police said Hiroshi Kusaka, 49, a resident in Nivel Hills, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, was shot at around 6:30 am at a traffic intersection in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City by the motorcycle-riding suspects.
Kusaka was aboard a green L300 van driven by a Filipino associate at the time of the incident. The suspects fled immediately after.
Kusaka was declared dead on arrival at the Mandaue City Hospital due to the four gunshot wounds he sustained. His companion was not hurt.
Police have recovered from the crime scene three empty shells and a slug of caliber 45.
Police are still investigating the motive of the crime./DMS
November 13, 2007
A Japanese businessman was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Cebu by two unidentified suspects while on his way to the airport.
Police said Hiroshi Kusaka, 49, a resident in Nivel Hills, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, was shot at around 6:30 am at a traffic intersection in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City by the motorcycle-riding suspects.
Kusaka was aboard a green L300 van driven by a Filipino associate at the time of the incident. The suspects fled immediately after.
Kusaka was declared dead on arrival at the Mandaue City Hospital due to the four gunshot wounds he sustained. His companion was not hurt.
Police have recovered from the crime scene three empty shells and a slug of caliber 45.
Police are still investigating the motive of the crime./DMS
ASEAN more stable in 10 years – Esperon
By Ronron
November 13, 2007
The different military leaders in the Asia Pacific region is seeing a more progressive and stable situation in Southeast Asia 10 years from now.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said this was the general assessment of the different military chiefs that attended the 10th Annual Chief of Defense Meeting in Hawaii last week.
“For one, we think that 10 years from now, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region would be one that is very progressive and very stable, despite some problems like in terrorism,” Esperon told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon disclosed that some 30 military chiefs from the Asia Pacific Region attended the meeting.
“The chief of defense meeting is an informal congregation of the chiefs of defense in the Asia Pacific region. So that means about 30 of us are getting together to discuss the current security situation, as well as how we look at things 10 years from now,” he said.
Esperon said the basis for their projection of the situation 10 years from now is the current activities of all countries, including the Philippines, which, he said, spearheaded a lot in the war on terror.
“There are still threats but I think, we are better organized. We have better coordination with neighboring countries, as well as with our allies,” he said.
The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Burma, Laos, and Indonesia./DMS
November 13, 2007
The different military leaders in the Asia Pacific region is seeing a more progressive and stable situation in Southeast Asia 10 years from now.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said this was the general assessment of the different military chiefs that attended the 10th Annual Chief of Defense Meeting in Hawaii last week.
“For one, we think that 10 years from now, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region would be one that is very progressive and very stable, despite some problems like in terrorism,” Esperon told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon disclosed that some 30 military chiefs from the Asia Pacific Region attended the meeting.
“The chief of defense meeting is an informal congregation of the chiefs of defense in the Asia Pacific region. So that means about 30 of us are getting together to discuss the current security situation, as well as how we look at things 10 years from now,” he said.
Esperon said the basis for their projection of the situation 10 years from now is the current activities of all countries, including the Philippines, which, he said, spearheaded a lot in the war on terror.
“There are still threats but I think, we are better organized. We have better coordination with neighboring countries, as well as with our allies,” he said.
The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Burma, Laos, and Indonesia./DMS
PNP chief assures security provision for other Comelec officials
By Ronron
November 13, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Tuesday that they are prepared to provide security to other officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) who are fearing for their lives.
Razon issued the assurance in the light of the possibility that the killing over the weekend of Comelec Law Department head Atty. Alioden Dalaig is related to his job.
“I have directed the Director for PSPO (Police Security and Protection Office) to make available security personnel upon request of the Commissioners and officers of Comelec,” Razon told reporters at Camp Crame yesterday morning.
“There is a sufficient number to provide security for the members of Comelec if there is a need to secure them,” he went on.
So far, though, the PNP has yet to receive any request for security from the poll body.
“Our personnel from the Directorate for Investigation and Intelligence are looking now at possible threats to the security of members of the Comelec, especially to the Commissioners,” Razon said.
Dalaig was shot dead last Saturday evening in Manila City by an unidentified suspect. Initial investigation ruled out the robbery angle because the 300,000-peso cash and cellular phone of Dalaig was not taken.
Razon said police investigators are pursuing the death threats received by Dalaig prior to the incident, as disclosed by his wife.
They are also looking into the possible connection of the incident to the order of the Comelec to arrest former Maguindanao Supervisor Lintang Bedol for indirect contempt charges. Razon clarified, however, that this theory needs to be substantiated.
“This could be connected to his job at the Comelec,” Razon said of the incident.
“We have tasked the MPD (Manila Police District) to investigate this case thoroughly. We are looking at all angles and we are giving it attention,” he added.
On Tuesday, the PNP wrapped up its security operations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections as the 45-day election period officially ended.
In a statement, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the organization is pursuing criminal cases against 542 persons arrested for violating the Omnibus Election Code and the gunban, which was to be suspected midnight of Tuesday.
As of Tuesday morning, the PNP has recorded 99 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) that happened since September 29 , resulting in the death of 55 persons and the wounding of 45 others.
In the 2002 local elections, 159 ERVI’s were recorded, resulting in the death of 75 people and the wounding of 69 others.
“The generally peaceful situation before, during and after the polls is largely due to the efforts of the Commission on Elections in instituting reforms in the electoral system with the assistance of the police, military, local government units, NGO volunteers and the cooperation of the citizens,” Razon said in the statement./DMS
November 13, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Tuesday that they are prepared to provide security to other officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) who are fearing for their lives.
Razon issued the assurance in the light of the possibility that the killing over the weekend of Comelec Law Department head Atty. Alioden Dalaig is related to his job.
“I have directed the Director for PSPO (Police Security and Protection Office) to make available security personnel upon request of the Commissioners and officers of Comelec,” Razon told reporters at Camp Crame yesterday morning.
“There is a sufficient number to provide security for the members of Comelec if there is a need to secure them,” he went on.
So far, though, the PNP has yet to receive any request for security from the poll body.
“Our personnel from the Directorate for Investigation and Intelligence are looking now at possible threats to the security of members of the Comelec, especially to the Commissioners,” Razon said.
Dalaig was shot dead last Saturday evening in Manila City by an unidentified suspect. Initial investigation ruled out the robbery angle because the 300,000-peso cash and cellular phone of Dalaig was not taken.
Razon said police investigators are pursuing the death threats received by Dalaig prior to the incident, as disclosed by his wife.
They are also looking into the possible connection of the incident to the order of the Comelec to arrest former Maguindanao Supervisor Lintang Bedol for indirect contempt charges. Razon clarified, however, that this theory needs to be substantiated.
“This could be connected to his job at the Comelec,” Razon said of the incident.
“We have tasked the MPD (Manila Police District) to investigate this case thoroughly. We are looking at all angles and we are giving it attention,” he added.
On Tuesday, the PNP wrapped up its security operations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections as the 45-day election period officially ended.
In a statement, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the organization is pursuing criminal cases against 542 persons arrested for violating the Omnibus Election Code and the gunban, which was to be suspected midnight of Tuesday.
As of Tuesday morning, the PNP has recorded 99 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) that happened since September 29 , resulting in the death of 55 persons and the wounding of 45 others.
In the 2002 local elections, 159 ERVI’s were recorded, resulting in the death of 75 people and the wounding of 69 others.
“The generally peaceful situation before, during and after the polls is largely due to the efforts of the Commission on Elections in instituting reforms in the electoral system with the assistance of the police, military, local government units, NGO volunteers and the cooperation of the citizens,” Razon said in the statement./DMS
Razon denies Lacson allegation PNP funds were source of Malacanang cash gifts to solons and governors
By Ronron
November 13, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. on Tuesday denied the allegation of Senator Panfilo Lacson that funds of the police were used by Malacañang in giving cash gifts to congressmen and governors last October.
Razon said he is surprised by the allegation of Lacson since he expects the Senator to be aware of the “strict supervision” by the Commission on Audit over the disbursement of PNP funds, being a former PNP chief.
On Monday, Lacson said he has sources who claimed that P100 million from the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) and P60 million from the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) were among the sources of the cash gifts distributed in Malacanang last month.
“We are surprised by the assertion of Sen. Lacson. Whatever funds the PNP has, this is intended for the payment of allowances of personnel, for capital outlay and movement of our troops,” Razon told reporters at Camp Crame.
“We cannot disburse PNP funds to any other purpose than that of which it was intended for… Our funds that are intended to support the PNP are released, appropriated and spent for the purposed they were intended for,” he added.
He said he could not just order a release and utilization of the funds whatever way he wants since this is governed by strict accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
Razon challenged Lacson to disclose the identity of his source so the organization and the public in general will be convinced of his assertions.
“We hope he would come out and say his basis… We expect the good Senator to have basis when he says something,” Razon said.
Lacson was chief of the PNP from November 1999 until January 2001. Razon, on the other hand, assumed the same post last October 1./DMS
November 13, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. on Tuesday denied the allegation of Senator Panfilo Lacson that funds of the police were used by Malacañang in giving cash gifts to congressmen and governors last October.
Razon said he is surprised by the allegation of Lacson since he expects the Senator to be aware of the “strict supervision” by the Commission on Audit over the disbursement of PNP funds, being a former PNP chief.
On Monday, Lacson said he has sources who claimed that P100 million from the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) and P60 million from the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) were among the sources of the cash gifts distributed in Malacanang last month.
“We are surprised by the assertion of Sen. Lacson. Whatever funds the PNP has, this is intended for the payment of allowances of personnel, for capital outlay and movement of our troops,” Razon told reporters at Camp Crame.
“We cannot disburse PNP funds to any other purpose than that of which it was intended for… Our funds that are intended to support the PNP are released, appropriated and spent for the purposed they were intended for,” he added.
He said he could not just order a release and utilization of the funds whatever way he wants since this is governed by strict accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
Razon challenged Lacson to disclose the identity of his source so the organization and the public in general will be convinced of his assertions.
“We hope he would come out and say his basis… We expect the good Senator to have basis when he says something,” Razon said.
Lacson was chief of the PNP from November 1999 until January 2001. Razon, on the other hand, assumed the same post last October 1./DMS
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