By Ronron
November 23, 2007
An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was nabbed on Friday morning by joint police and military operatives in Basilan, a police official said.
Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao, director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police, identified the suspected bandit as Archie Dinnisa, alias Jimnar Indama.
Goltiao said Dinnisa was nabbed at around 10:30 am at the PNP/AFP Action Center in Barangay Sunrise, Isabela City.
Goltiao has yet to find out the basis for the apprehension of Dinnisa as of press time.
He said Dinnisa was brought to the 1st Marine Brigade headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan of said city for interrogation./DMS
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Four suspected carjackers killed in shootout with Manila police
By Ronron
November 23, 2007
Four suspected carjackers were killed in a shootout with policemen midnight of Thursday in Manila City.
According to a police report, the suspects first hijacked a 20-footer van with still unknown contents at around 11:45 pm Thursday at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tondo District.
The owner immediately reported the incident to police, prompting personnel from the Manila Police District to respond and catching up with the hijacked van at the Manila Harbor Center along Road 10 in Barangay Vitas, Tondo at around 1:40 am Friday.
The report said the suspects first fired at the approaching law enforcers, prompting policemen to fire back, until the four suspects were killed.
Recovered from the suspects after the shootout incident were two 9 mm handguns and a grenade.
There were no reported casualties on the side of the policemen, the report said./DMS
November 23, 2007
Four suspected carjackers were killed in a shootout with policemen midnight of Thursday in Manila City.
According to a police report, the suspects first hijacked a 20-footer van with still unknown contents at around 11:45 pm Thursday at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tondo District.
The owner immediately reported the incident to police, prompting personnel from the Manila Police District to respond and catching up with the hijacked van at the Manila Harbor Center along Road 10 in Barangay Vitas, Tondo at around 1:40 am Friday.
The report said the suspects first fired at the approaching law enforcers, prompting policemen to fire back, until the four suspects were killed.
Recovered from the suspects after the shootout incident were two 9 mm handguns and a grenade.
There were no reported casualties on the side of the policemen, the report said./DMS
RP Coast Guard launches search operations for missing 25 Filipino and nine Vietnamese fishermen in Palawan
By Ronron
November 23, 2007
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched Friday search and rescue operations for 25 Filipino and nine Vietnamese fishermen who were reported missing off Palawan.
PCG spokesman Lt. Sr. Grade Armand Balilo said the PCG received a report at around 9pm Thursday that two fishing vessels sunk separately in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island and Kalayaan Island in Palawan province.
He said that the incident in Pag-asa Island involved a fishing vessel with 55 Filipino crew members on board, while the one in Kalayaan Island involved a fishing vessel with nine Vietnamese fishermen.
There were no immediate details about the name of the vessels and where they came from.
Balilo said they are just speculating that the twin mishap happened anytime on Thursday, until they get the official statements of the survivors.
Balilo said the Pag-asa Island mishap was reported to the PCG by the China Maritime Coordinating Center after Chinese fishermen and Chinese maritime rescue units rescued 30 of the 55 Filipino fishermen. Initial reports said the vessel allegedly sunk due to unfavorable sea condition.
The rescued fishermen remain under the custody of the Chinese authorities as of yesterday afternoon, said Balilo.
The Kalayaan Island incident, on the other hand, was reported by the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines.
“As reported to the Vietnam Maritime Center, the fishing boat sunk because of the bad weather,” Balilo said.
PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Danilo Abinoja said yesterday afternoon that he received reports that two of the nine Vietnamese fishermen were rescued in the waters of Kalayaan Island yesterday, bringing to seven the number of missing victims.
He said another report that 10 fishermen were rescued in Palawan is being verified to ascertain if they are among the 25 missing Filipino fishermen.
Abinoja said a search and rescue vessel was sent to the site yesterday but failed to get any of the reported missing fishermen due to big waves.
He instructed Coast Guard District Palawan Commander Captain Danilo Corpuz to coordinate with the Chinese authorities for the deployment of search and rescue assets.
He also directed Capt. Corpuz to coordinate with the Navy and Air Force based in Palawan for possible joint rescue operation.
Palawan was among the areas hit by tropical storm “Lando” when the latter prevailed in the country in the last few days./DMS
November 23, 2007
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched Friday search and rescue operations for 25 Filipino and nine Vietnamese fishermen who were reported missing off Palawan.
PCG spokesman Lt. Sr. Grade Armand Balilo said the PCG received a report at around 9pm Thursday that two fishing vessels sunk separately in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island and Kalayaan Island in Palawan province.
He said that the incident in Pag-asa Island involved a fishing vessel with 55 Filipino crew members on board, while the one in Kalayaan Island involved a fishing vessel with nine Vietnamese fishermen.
There were no immediate details about the name of the vessels and where they came from.
Balilo said they are just speculating that the twin mishap happened anytime on Thursday, until they get the official statements of the survivors.
Balilo said the Pag-asa Island mishap was reported to the PCG by the China Maritime Coordinating Center after Chinese fishermen and Chinese maritime rescue units rescued 30 of the 55 Filipino fishermen. Initial reports said the vessel allegedly sunk due to unfavorable sea condition.
The rescued fishermen remain under the custody of the Chinese authorities as of yesterday afternoon, said Balilo.
The Kalayaan Island incident, on the other hand, was reported by the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines.
“As reported to the Vietnam Maritime Center, the fishing boat sunk because of the bad weather,” Balilo said.
PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Danilo Abinoja said yesterday afternoon that he received reports that two of the nine Vietnamese fishermen were rescued in the waters of Kalayaan Island yesterday, bringing to seven the number of missing victims.
He said another report that 10 fishermen were rescued in Palawan is being verified to ascertain if they are among the 25 missing Filipino fishermen.
Abinoja said a search and rescue vessel was sent to the site yesterday but failed to get any of the reported missing fishermen due to big waves.
He instructed Coast Guard District Palawan Commander Captain Danilo Corpuz to coordinate with the Chinese authorities for the deployment of search and rescue assets.
He also directed Capt. Corpuz to coordinate with the Navy and Air Force based in Palawan for possible joint rescue operation.
Palawan was among the areas hit by tropical storm “Lando” when the latter prevailed in the country in the last few days./DMS
Over 100,000 residents in Bicol region evacuated in preparation for typhoon “Mina”
By Ronron
November 23, 2007
Over 100,000 residents in the Bicol region have been brought to safer grounds as of Friday afternoon in preparation for the landfall of typhoon “Mina” by Saturday, disaster officials said yesterday.
Region 5 Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Bernardo Alejandro said the evacuees are mostly from Albay province, while the rest are from Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Sorsogon provinces.
Alejandro was not immediately prepared to say the target number of evacuees for the entire region but he said that for Albay alone, Governor Joey Salceda has identified 236,000 residents that need to be evacuated.
The evacuation started last Wednesday after local officials were warned of the possible strength of “Mina,” which, at 5pm yesterday already had maximum sustained winds near the center of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 210 kph.
“Mina” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility even as tropical storm “Lando” have yet to exit.
“We are hoping to meet our target of zero casualties,” Alejandro said.
As of 5pm, the Region 5 OCD has recorded 19,164 families or 91,377 persons evacuated in Albay; 7,562 families or 35,909 persons in Camarines Sur; 1,348 families or 6,456 persons in Sorsogon; 356 families in Catanduanes; 484 families in Camarines Norte; and, 100 families in Masbate.
There were also 971 persons stranded in the region because sea vessels were not allowed to sail off to Visayas. Along with these persons are 25 buses, 59 trucks and 19 small cars.
Among the provinces in the region, only Albay declared a State of Calamity, allowing the provincial government to avail of the calamity fund.
“Mina” was located some 220 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes at around 4pm yesterday, and with a speed of seven kph, it is expected to hit landfall in Catanduanes Saturday.
In its 5pm advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared public storm warning signal number 3 in Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Burias Island, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte.
It declared signal number 2 in southern Quezon, Polillo Island, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate and Northern Samar.
And signal number 1 was declared in Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, rest of Quezon, Aurora, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Calamian Group of Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran Island, Aklan, Capiz, and northern part of Leyte.
PAGASA warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under storm warning signals to be alerted for possible flashfloods, mudslides and landslides.
Those living in coastal areas are also advised to be on alert for big waves generated by the tropical cyclone.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo convened the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) early yesterday evening at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where she directed officials of concerned agencies and local government units to “do your work” as she wished them “good luck.”
The different governors of the Bicol provinces have reported to Arroyo via phone that so far, the weather in their respective areas was still favorable as of early last night. They were one in saying that it was just cloudy, and rain showers were just light and occasional. The wind was also still normal.
According to Dr. Graciano Yumul of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “Mina” is expected to hit landfall by Saturday morning./DMS
November 23, 2007
Over 100,000 residents in the Bicol region have been brought to safer grounds as of Friday afternoon in preparation for the landfall of typhoon “Mina” by Saturday, disaster officials said yesterday.
Region 5 Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Bernardo Alejandro said the evacuees are mostly from Albay province, while the rest are from Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Sorsogon provinces.
Alejandro was not immediately prepared to say the target number of evacuees for the entire region but he said that for Albay alone, Governor Joey Salceda has identified 236,000 residents that need to be evacuated.
The evacuation started last Wednesday after local officials were warned of the possible strength of “Mina,” which, at 5pm yesterday already had maximum sustained winds near the center of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 210 kph.
“Mina” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility even as tropical storm “Lando” have yet to exit.
“We are hoping to meet our target of zero casualties,” Alejandro said.
As of 5pm, the Region 5 OCD has recorded 19,164 families or 91,377 persons evacuated in Albay; 7,562 families or 35,909 persons in Camarines Sur; 1,348 families or 6,456 persons in Sorsogon; 356 families in Catanduanes; 484 families in Camarines Norte; and, 100 families in Masbate.
There were also 971 persons stranded in the region because sea vessels were not allowed to sail off to Visayas. Along with these persons are 25 buses, 59 trucks and 19 small cars.
Among the provinces in the region, only Albay declared a State of Calamity, allowing the provincial government to avail of the calamity fund.
“Mina” was located some 220 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes at around 4pm yesterday, and with a speed of seven kph, it is expected to hit landfall in Catanduanes Saturday.
In its 5pm advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared public storm warning signal number 3 in Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Burias Island, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte.
It declared signal number 2 in southern Quezon, Polillo Island, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate and Northern Samar.
And signal number 1 was declared in Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, rest of Quezon, Aurora, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Calamian Group of Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran Island, Aklan, Capiz, and northern part of Leyte.
PAGASA warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under storm warning signals to be alerted for possible flashfloods, mudslides and landslides.
Those living in coastal areas are also advised to be on alert for big waves generated by the tropical cyclone.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo convened the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) early yesterday evening at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where she directed officials of concerned agencies and local government units to “do your work” as she wished them “good luck.”
The different governors of the Bicol provinces have reported to Arroyo via phone that so far, the weather in their respective areas was still favorable as of early last night. They were one in saying that it was just cloudy, and rain showers were just light and occasional. The wind was also still normal.
According to Dr. Graciano Yumul of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “Mina” is expected to hit landfall by Saturday morning./DMS
Police charges two men for Kidapawan mall bombing
By Ronron
November 23, 2007
Police nabbed two men and subsequently charged them for the bombing at a mall in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last Thursday afternoon that killed a man and wounded seven others.
Chief Insp. Leo Ajero, chief of police of Kidapawan City, said in a phone interview yesterday that the two suspects were nabbed around 20 to 30 minutes after an improvised explosive device (IED) blew off past 5pm Thursday at the baggage counter of the KMCC Mall on Dayao Street.
Ajero said Hassan Mohaliden, 19, and Alex Sanduyugan, 20, were located at the vicinity of the mall after the blast, and recovered from them was a numbered claim stub for the baggage that allegeldy contained the IED.
Ajero said there were witnesses who positively identified Mohaliden and Sanduyugan as the two who deposited a carton at the baggage counter of KMCC Mall minutes before the explosion.
At around noontime Friday, the two were charged before the Kidapawan City Prosecutor’s Office for murder and multiple frustrated murder, Ajero said.
The lone fatality in the incident, Boyet Alcazar, was the male attendant at the baggage counter, while the wounded victims (four females and three males) include mall employees, shoppers and passersby.
The wounded, which included a 16-year-old female, were treated at the Malaluan Clinic and the Kidapawan City Doctor’s Hospital.
Ajero said that even if the suspects denied involvement in the blast, there were witnesses who identified them, thus the filing of charges against them. He admitted, though, that there is no other material evidence recovered from the suspects’ possession such as ingredients in making an IED.
Ajero said they are still investigating if the two are members of the Al-Khobar Group, which is being suspected as responsible for the incident because of a telephone call it made to the city mayor last November 21, demanding P500,000 as protection money.
Ajero said that since Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco does not appear to own the KMCC Mall, then they are taking the threat that went along with the extortion demand as being directed to the general area of the city.
Recovered from the blast site were parts of cellular phone (believed to be the triggering device), and concrete nails, bolt bearings, and small metallic parts (believed to be the shrapnel). The main charge or explosive component is still being determined.
Thursday’s bombing followed the blast in early October this year that killed a child, and wounded over 30 others./DMS
November 23, 2007
Police nabbed two men and subsequently charged them for the bombing at a mall in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last Thursday afternoon that killed a man and wounded seven others.
Chief Insp. Leo Ajero, chief of police of Kidapawan City, said in a phone interview yesterday that the two suspects were nabbed around 20 to 30 minutes after an improvised explosive device (IED) blew off past 5pm Thursday at the baggage counter of the KMCC Mall on Dayao Street.
Ajero said Hassan Mohaliden, 19, and Alex Sanduyugan, 20, were located at the vicinity of the mall after the blast, and recovered from them was a numbered claim stub for the baggage that allegeldy contained the IED.
Ajero said there were witnesses who positively identified Mohaliden and Sanduyugan as the two who deposited a carton at the baggage counter of KMCC Mall minutes before the explosion.
At around noontime Friday, the two were charged before the Kidapawan City Prosecutor’s Office for murder and multiple frustrated murder, Ajero said.
The lone fatality in the incident, Boyet Alcazar, was the male attendant at the baggage counter, while the wounded victims (four females and three males) include mall employees, shoppers and passersby.
The wounded, which included a 16-year-old female, were treated at the Malaluan Clinic and the Kidapawan City Doctor’s Hospital.
Ajero said that even if the suspects denied involvement in the blast, there were witnesses who identified them, thus the filing of charges against them. He admitted, though, that there is no other material evidence recovered from the suspects’ possession such as ingredients in making an IED.
Ajero said they are still investigating if the two are members of the Al-Khobar Group, which is being suspected as responsible for the incident because of a telephone call it made to the city mayor last November 21, demanding P500,000 as protection money.
Ajero said that since Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco does not appear to own the KMCC Mall, then they are taking the threat that went along with the extortion demand as being directed to the general area of the city.
Recovered from the blast site were parts of cellular phone (believed to be the triggering device), and concrete nails, bolt bearings, and small metallic parts (believed to be the shrapnel). The main charge or explosive component is still being determined.
Thursday’s bombing followed the blast in early October this year that killed a child, and wounded over 30 others./DMS
Friday, November 23, 2007
1 killed, 7 injured in Kidapawan City blast
By Ronron
November 22, 2007
Another explosion rocked Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province on Thursday afternoon, killing a man and hurting seven other people.
Initial reports reaching the Kidapawan City Police Station said the incident happened at around 5pm near at the baggage counter of the KMCC Mall along Dayao Street.
The improvised explosive device (IED) was allegedly among the items deposited at the baggage counter.
Police said among the casualties are two employees of KMCC Mall, while the rest are shoppers and passersby.
The injured victims were brought to the Malaluan Clinic and the Kidapawan City Doctor’s Hospital for medical treatment.
A man was taken into the city police custody for questioning about his knowledge on the incident.
Bomb experts are still investigating the type of bomb used, while investigators are trying to find out the group or individual behind the incident as well as the motive.
The last time Kidapawan City was bombed was in early October of this year, resulting in the death of a child and the wounding of over 30 others./DMS
November 22, 2007
Another explosion rocked Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province on Thursday afternoon, killing a man and hurting seven other people.
Initial reports reaching the Kidapawan City Police Station said the incident happened at around 5pm near at the baggage counter of the KMCC Mall along Dayao Street.
The improvised explosive device (IED) was allegedly among the items deposited at the baggage counter.
Police said among the casualties are two employees of KMCC Mall, while the rest are shoppers and passersby.
The injured victims were brought to the Malaluan Clinic and the Kidapawan City Doctor’s Hospital for medical treatment.
A man was taken into the city police custody for questioning about his knowledge on the incident.
Bomb experts are still investigating the type of bomb used, while investigators are trying to find out the group or individual behind the incident as well as the motive.
The last time Kidapawan City was bombed was in early October of this year, resulting in the death of a child and the wounding of over 30 others./DMS
P34 million worth of smuggled goods discovered at Customs depot in Laguna
By Ronron
November 22, 2007
Authorities discovered on Thursday morning some P34 million worth of smuggled goods kept inside 10 container vans at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) depot in Laguna province.
Sr. Supt. Mark Edison Belarma, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region IV-A, said the suspected smuggled items include cellular phones, branded watches, branded wallets, sugar and 240,000 pieces of pornographic DVD movies.
Belarma said the said items were initially declared as misdeclared goods when they arrived at the BOC main office in Manila City. Three companies reportedly owned the said items.
Thus, pending the investigation, the items were kept at the BOC depot in Barangay Mayapa, Canlubang.
Belarma said that with the permission of the court, officials from the BOC, lead by Commissioner Napoleon Morales, opened the vans past 9am yesterday.
Belarma said that now that the items are known, the case in court could progress as these may be used as evidence./DMS
November 22, 2007
Authorities discovered on Thursday morning some P34 million worth of smuggled goods kept inside 10 container vans at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) depot in Laguna province.
Sr. Supt. Mark Edison Belarma, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region IV-A, said the suspected smuggled items include cellular phones, branded watches, branded wallets, sugar and 240,000 pieces of pornographic DVD movies.
Belarma said the said items were initially declared as misdeclared goods when they arrived at the BOC main office in Manila City. Three companies reportedly owned the said items.
Thus, pending the investigation, the items were kept at the BOC depot in Barangay Mayapa, Canlubang.
Belarma said that with the permission of the court, officials from the BOC, lead by Commissioner Napoleon Morales, opened the vans past 9am yesterday.
Belarma said that now that the items are known, the case in court could progress as these may be used as evidence./DMS
Albay residents start evacuating ahead of “Mina” arrival
By Ronron
November 22, 2007
Thousands of residents in Albay province in the Bicol region have started to evacuate to schools in preparation for the arrival of tropical typhoon “Mina” this weekend, replacing tropical storm “Lando.”
Region 5 Office of Civil Defense (OCD) director Bernardo Alejandro told Defense reporters in a phone interview that as of 11 am yesterday, some 528 families or 2,195 persons from Albay have already left their homes near the Mayon Volcano and sought temporary shelters in safer grounds.
Alejandro said they were targeting to immediately evacuate 10,076 families or some 50,000 persons from lahar-prone areas in Albay by sundown of Thursday or Friday morning.
Alejandro said a total of 236,000 persons from Albay are expected to be evacuated, based on the information provided by Governor Joey Salceda.
He said the rest to be evacuated are from the flood lanes in the northern part, which is near the Bicol river basin; from the eastern seaboard or coastline towns; and, residents of houses made of light materials.
Alejandro said the 10,076 families or 50,000 persons are prioritized because of their location, although he said there is still no lahar flow as of yesterday.
Aside from Albay, residents of Camarines Sur are also being alerted for possible evacuation. As of yesterday, there were already 2,275 residents affected by flooding in the province.
The government weather station said in its 5pm advisory yesterday that “Mina” has gained more strength and continues to threaten the Bicol Region.
Located at 400 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes at 4pm yesterday, “Mina” already has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
It is moving westwards at 15 kph and is forecast to be some 100 kilometers east of Virac by this afternoon (Friday), at the vicinity of Camarines Norte tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, and in the vicinity of northern Mindoro by Sunday afternoon.
But Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Glenn Rabonza said they were also informed of the possible diversion of “Mina” towards the Central and Northern Luzon area. He said they are alerting Aurora and Isabela provinces because the typhoon could possibly make a landfall there on Sunday morning.
Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 was already declared in Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Burias Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Southern Quezon, Pililio Island, and northern Samar.
Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1, meanwhile, was declared in Masbate, Romblon, Marinduque, Batangas, Laguna, the rest of Quezon, Aurora, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, western Samar, Eastern Samar and Biliran Island.
The advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes under Public Storm Warning signals of possible flashfloods and landslides.
Likewise, residents in coastal areas are also advised to be alert for big waves generated by this tropical cyclone.
Alejandro said they are preparing for the worst so as to avoid incurring the same damages during the onset of typhoon “Reming” late last year in the region.
He said the “preemptive evacuation” is being done in compliance with the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to achieve a zero-casualty incident.
Meanwhile, tropical storm “Lando” has intensified into a typhoon as it continues to move away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday afternoon.
According to the 5pm advisory of PAGASA, “Lando” was already some 235 kilometers west southwest of Pag-asa Island as of 4pm yesterday, gaining maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.
It is moving westwards at seven kph, and expected to be some 260 kilometers west southwest of PAGASA Island.
But when “Lando” exited the PAR, a total of 13 people so far died – five from Placer, Surigao del Norte; two from Surigao City; one from Cebu City; one from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; one from Leyte; and three from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Eleven people were also injured (eight from Cebu City, two from Surigao City, and one from Maasin City in Leyte), and six are missing (one from Negros Oriental and five from Kalibo, Aklan).
The OCD said a total of 5,045 families or 24,653 persons were affected by “Lando,” mostly due to flooding and landslides. Out of these, 1,302 families or 5,148 persons were displaced and sought temporary shelter in 15 evacuation centers.
The affected people are from Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao del Norte.
Cost of damages on agriculture was pegged at Php 13,330,043.98, on agriculture at Php 72,710,000.00, and on houses at P60,780,000.00.
But the cost of assistance released so far by the government and other non-governmental organizations was only P1,752,329.35./DMS
November 22, 2007
Thousands of residents in Albay province in the Bicol region have started to evacuate to schools in preparation for the arrival of tropical typhoon “Mina” this weekend, replacing tropical storm “Lando.”
Region 5 Office of Civil Defense (OCD) director Bernardo Alejandro told Defense reporters in a phone interview that as of 11 am yesterday, some 528 families or 2,195 persons from Albay have already left their homes near the Mayon Volcano and sought temporary shelters in safer grounds.
Alejandro said they were targeting to immediately evacuate 10,076 families or some 50,000 persons from lahar-prone areas in Albay by sundown of Thursday or Friday morning.
Alejandro said a total of 236,000 persons from Albay are expected to be evacuated, based on the information provided by Governor Joey Salceda.
He said the rest to be evacuated are from the flood lanes in the northern part, which is near the Bicol river basin; from the eastern seaboard or coastline towns; and, residents of houses made of light materials.
Alejandro said the 10,076 families or 50,000 persons are prioritized because of their location, although he said there is still no lahar flow as of yesterday.
Aside from Albay, residents of Camarines Sur are also being alerted for possible evacuation. As of yesterday, there were already 2,275 residents affected by flooding in the province.
The government weather station said in its 5pm advisory yesterday that “Mina” has gained more strength and continues to threaten the Bicol Region.
Located at 400 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes at 4pm yesterday, “Mina” already has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
It is moving westwards at 15 kph and is forecast to be some 100 kilometers east of Virac by this afternoon (Friday), at the vicinity of Camarines Norte tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, and in the vicinity of northern Mindoro by Sunday afternoon.
But Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Glenn Rabonza said they were also informed of the possible diversion of “Mina” towards the Central and Northern Luzon area. He said they are alerting Aurora and Isabela provinces because the typhoon could possibly make a landfall there on Sunday morning.
Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 was already declared in Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Burias Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Southern Quezon, Pililio Island, and northern Samar.
Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1, meanwhile, was declared in Masbate, Romblon, Marinduque, Batangas, Laguna, the rest of Quezon, Aurora, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, western Samar, Eastern Samar and Biliran Island.
The advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes under Public Storm Warning signals of possible flashfloods and landslides.
Likewise, residents in coastal areas are also advised to be alert for big waves generated by this tropical cyclone.
Alejandro said they are preparing for the worst so as to avoid incurring the same damages during the onset of typhoon “Reming” late last year in the region.
He said the “preemptive evacuation” is being done in compliance with the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to achieve a zero-casualty incident.
Meanwhile, tropical storm “Lando” has intensified into a typhoon as it continues to move away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday afternoon.
According to the 5pm advisory of PAGASA, “Lando” was already some 235 kilometers west southwest of Pag-asa Island as of 4pm yesterday, gaining maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.
It is moving westwards at seven kph, and expected to be some 260 kilometers west southwest of PAGASA Island.
But when “Lando” exited the PAR, a total of 13 people so far died – five from Placer, Surigao del Norte; two from Surigao City; one from Cebu City; one from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; one from Leyte; and three from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Eleven people were also injured (eight from Cebu City, two from Surigao City, and one from Maasin City in Leyte), and six are missing (one from Negros Oriental and five from Kalibo, Aklan).
The OCD said a total of 5,045 families or 24,653 persons were affected by “Lando,” mostly due to flooding and landslides. Out of these, 1,302 families or 5,148 persons were displaced and sought temporary shelter in 15 evacuation centers.
The affected people are from Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao del Norte.
Cost of damages on agriculture was pegged at Php 13,330,043.98, on agriculture at Php 72,710,000.00, and on houses at P60,780,000.00.
But the cost of assistance released so far by the government and other non-governmental organizations was only P1,752,329.35./DMS
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Troops recover another bomb allegedly to be used also for Akbar
By Ronron
November 21, 2007
Joint Army and police operatives recovered late Tuesday evening in Manila City a bomb that was to be used also to carry out an earlier alleged assassination plot against Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar.
Police said the bomb recovered from an apartment on No. 2065-D6 Leveriza Street in Malate past 9pm was allegedly going to be used to attack Akbar last October 23 in Sulo Hotel in Quezon City.
This was allegedly the claim of former Tuburan, Basilan Mayor Hajirun Jamiri, who was nabbed last Monday afternoon in Malate initially for illegal possession of firearm. Eventually, authorities learned he has participation in the November 13 bombing at the Batasan complex where Akbar and three others died.
“He (Jamiri) mentioned that there is another bomb to be used on Akbar at the Sulo Hotel on October 23. But Akbar did not show up so the assassination plot did not materialize… He said they have to hide the bomb because it was not used anyway,” Director Geary Barias, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said in a news conference yesterday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Barias did not mention the real motive for the plot against Akbar as cited by Jamiri except the latter’s admission that he was allegedly promised a 500,000-peso reward by Redwan Indama. It is known, however, that Jamiri and Akbar are political rivals in Basilan.
Redwan Indama was among the three suspects killed during a raid last November 15 in Payatas, Quezon City. The other two were his wife, Saing, and Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Jandal. It was during the same operations that three other suspects to the Batasan bombing – Ikram Indama, Kaidar Aunal and Adham Kusain – were nabbed.
Barias said Jamiri was successfully traced by investigators based on the information provided by the three nabbed suspects.
During the investigation, Jamiri allegedly provided the authorities information as to the exact location of the bomb.
The bomb was found by authorities kept in a hole below ground level, submerged in water, and covered by a steel cabinet. The bomb, contained in a tin can, was wrapped with plastic bag.
At around 11:30 pm, it was defused at the Quirino Grandstand, which led to the discovery of its make-up – some three kilos of suspected TNT (trinitrotoluene), nails (as sharpels), and booster charge.
“This was designed as an anti-personnel explosive device,” Manila Police District (MPD) Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) head Chief Insp. Ramon Pranada said in the same news conference.
Based on his initial assessment, the recovered bomb could leave a damaging effect similar to the Batasan incident.
MPD Criminal Investigation Unit head Supt. Joaquin Alva said the bomb was planned to be placed inside the motorcycle that was recovered last Tuesday evening at the Don Pepe’s Inn in San Andres Street, Malate.
The motorcycle, with plate number JM-9955, was seized from Halik Usman, a former security aide of Jamiri who was found inside the inn. Initial check on the vehicle showed it was positive for nitrates.
Pranada demonstrated yesterday how the bomb was supposed to be placed under the seat of the motorcycle.
Alva said that it appears now that there were a total of three plots against Akbar – one at Sulo Hotel, another one at his residence in Valle Verde, Pasig City, and the last one at the Congress itself.
Quoting Jamiri, Alva disclosed that the recovered bomb was allegedly prepared by Redwan Indama and Abu Jandal, who were also responsible for the bomb that was used at Batasan.
Asked why would the suspects make another bomb for the Batasan operations when they could have just used the one intended for the October 23 plan, Alva said: “It appears that they just want to make sure because it is quite difficult to position the bomb at their respective targets. So, if example one bomb was discovered, then they have a reserve. That is why they used different colors of motorcycle also.”
Alva, however, was not immediately aware as to when the bombs were prepared and whether or not both were made at the same time.
Meanwhile, despite the admission of Jamiri, police could not immediately say what additional charges could be filed against Jamiri. Barias said it is even possible that Jamiri can turn into a state witness.
So far, Jamiri has reportedly not implicated former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salappudin and Anak Mindanao Party-list Rep. Mujiv. Hataman in the incident. The two had already denied participation in the incident.
On Monday, police has filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice against the three arrested suspects and other personalities, including a relative of Hataman, identified as Benjamin “Jang” Hataman, who was implicated by Ikram Indama./DMS
November 21, 2007
Joint Army and police operatives recovered late Tuesday evening in Manila City a bomb that was to be used also to carry out an earlier alleged assassination plot against Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar.
Police said the bomb recovered from an apartment on No. 2065-D6 Leveriza Street in Malate past 9pm was allegedly going to be used to attack Akbar last October 23 in Sulo Hotel in Quezon City.
This was allegedly the claim of former Tuburan, Basilan Mayor Hajirun Jamiri, who was nabbed last Monday afternoon in Malate initially for illegal possession of firearm. Eventually, authorities learned he has participation in the November 13 bombing at the Batasan complex where Akbar and three others died.
“He (Jamiri) mentioned that there is another bomb to be used on Akbar at the Sulo Hotel on October 23. But Akbar did not show up so the assassination plot did not materialize… He said they have to hide the bomb because it was not used anyway,” Director Geary Barias, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said in a news conference yesterday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Barias did not mention the real motive for the plot against Akbar as cited by Jamiri except the latter’s admission that he was allegedly promised a 500,000-peso reward by Redwan Indama. It is known, however, that Jamiri and Akbar are political rivals in Basilan.
Redwan Indama was among the three suspects killed during a raid last November 15 in Payatas, Quezon City. The other two were his wife, Saing, and Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Jandal. It was during the same operations that three other suspects to the Batasan bombing – Ikram Indama, Kaidar Aunal and Adham Kusain – were nabbed.
Barias said Jamiri was successfully traced by investigators based on the information provided by the three nabbed suspects.
During the investigation, Jamiri allegedly provided the authorities information as to the exact location of the bomb.
The bomb was found by authorities kept in a hole below ground level, submerged in water, and covered by a steel cabinet. The bomb, contained in a tin can, was wrapped with plastic bag.
At around 11:30 pm, it was defused at the Quirino Grandstand, which led to the discovery of its make-up – some three kilos of suspected TNT (trinitrotoluene), nails (as sharpels), and booster charge.
“This was designed as an anti-personnel explosive device,” Manila Police District (MPD) Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) head Chief Insp. Ramon Pranada said in the same news conference.
Based on his initial assessment, the recovered bomb could leave a damaging effect similar to the Batasan incident.
MPD Criminal Investigation Unit head Supt. Joaquin Alva said the bomb was planned to be placed inside the motorcycle that was recovered last Tuesday evening at the Don Pepe’s Inn in San Andres Street, Malate.
The motorcycle, with plate number JM-9955, was seized from Halik Usman, a former security aide of Jamiri who was found inside the inn. Initial check on the vehicle showed it was positive for nitrates.
Pranada demonstrated yesterday how the bomb was supposed to be placed under the seat of the motorcycle.
Alva said that it appears now that there were a total of three plots against Akbar – one at Sulo Hotel, another one at his residence in Valle Verde, Pasig City, and the last one at the Congress itself.
Quoting Jamiri, Alva disclosed that the recovered bomb was allegedly prepared by Redwan Indama and Abu Jandal, who were also responsible for the bomb that was used at Batasan.
Asked why would the suspects make another bomb for the Batasan operations when they could have just used the one intended for the October 23 plan, Alva said: “It appears that they just want to make sure because it is quite difficult to position the bomb at their respective targets. So, if example one bomb was discovered, then they have a reserve. That is why they used different colors of motorcycle also.”
Alva, however, was not immediately aware as to when the bombs were prepared and whether or not both were made at the same time.
Meanwhile, despite the admission of Jamiri, police could not immediately say what additional charges could be filed against Jamiri. Barias said it is even possible that Jamiri can turn into a state witness.
So far, Jamiri has reportedly not implicated former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salappudin and Anak Mindanao Party-list Rep. Mujiv. Hataman in the incident. The two had already denied participation in the incident.
On Monday, police has filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice against the three arrested suspects and other personalities, including a relative of Hataman, identified as Benjamin “Jang” Hataman, who was implicated by Ikram Indama./DMS
Light plane crash lands in Palawan
By Ronron
November 21, 2007
A small plane crash-landed last Tuesday in Palawan allegedly due to engine problem, a police official said yesterday.
Sr. Supt. Dennis Peña, Palawan Police chief, said the light cargo aircraft was taking off at the unpaved runway in Roxas town at around 10am Tuesday when its engine allegedly "conked out."
Peña said the twin-engine Islander was supposed to go to Manila to take live fish supplies that were cultured in Palawan.
The main pilot of the plane was identified as Anthony Cortes, and his co-pilot was Riemond Santos. Both were unhurt, Peña said.
Peña said the plane's wing and a portion of its cockpit were damaged after the incident.
Peña said they are not discounting the possibility that the bad weather in the province could have contributed also to the incident.
The Air Transportation Office (ATO) Air Accident Investigation Board has already sent investigators to the accident site to.
On Monday morning, two light planes used in spraying chemical at a banana plantation collided on air in Davao del Norte, resulting in the death of one pilot and the wounding of the other./DMS
November 21, 2007
A small plane crash-landed last Tuesday in Palawan allegedly due to engine problem, a police official said yesterday.
Sr. Supt. Dennis Peña, Palawan Police chief, said the light cargo aircraft was taking off at the unpaved runway in Roxas town at around 10am Tuesday when its engine allegedly "conked out."
Peña said the twin-engine Islander was supposed to go to Manila to take live fish supplies that were cultured in Palawan.
The main pilot of the plane was identified as Anthony Cortes, and his co-pilot was Riemond Santos. Both were unhurt, Peña said.
Peña said the plane's wing and a portion of its cockpit were damaged after the incident.
Peña said they are not discounting the possibility that the bad weather in the province could have contributed also to the incident.
The Air Transportation Office (ATO) Air Accident Investigation Board has already sent investigators to the accident site to.
On Monday morning, two light planes used in spraying chemical at a banana plantation collided on air in Davao del Norte, resulting in the death of one pilot and the wounding of the other./DMS
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Former Basilan Mayor nabbed for illegal possession of firearm, probed for possible involvement in Batasan bombing
By Ronron
November 20, 2007
Police has taken into custody a former Mayor of Tuburan, Basilan for illegal possession of firearm and his possible involvement in the November 13 Batasan bombing that killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three other Congress staffers.
Ex-Mayor Hajarun Jamiri was nabbed in Manila City at around 3pm Monday, said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., as joint Army and police operatives were conducting follow up operations to the Batasan bombing.
Torres said the government agents were supposed to locate an inn where the bomb used in the Batasan incident was prepared, based on the information provided by the three arrested and charged suspects.
But when the troops arrived at the vicinity of Don Pepe’s Inn along San Andres Street in Malate, they saw Jamiri loitering around, with an unlicensed caliber 45, Torres said.
The government troops accosted him and asked for papers supporting his gun but failed to show any, said Torres.
Subsequently, when the government agents proceeded to search the Don Pepe’s Inn at around 6pm, they saw Halik Usman, a former security agent of Jamiri, inside.
Torres said Jamiri and Usman were billeted in the same inn for three months already.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-National Capital Region (NCR) chief Sr. Supt. Asher Dolina said they invited Usman for questioning at Camp Crame because a check at his clothes, body, motorcycle, helmet and jacket yielded positive for nitrate.
“If you are positive with nitrate, more or less, you held chemicals that contain nitrate such as bombs or TNT (trinitrotoluene),” Dolina explained.
But Usman allegedly denied any involvement in the Batasan bombing and yielded no bomb or any of its components.
“We have no enough evidence to hold him so we also released him on the same night. But we just got his full name and other data for future reference,” Dolina said.
As for Jamiri, police charged him yesterday afternoon for illegal possession of firearm before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
Torres said Jamiri will remain under the custody of the CIDG since he may also be investigated for his possible involvement in the Batasan bombing. Jamiri is said to be a political rival also of Akbar in Basilan.
“He may be investigated too (in relation to the Batasan bombing) because why was he at the place, which the three arrested suspects tagged as the venue for the preparation of the bomb,” Torres said of Jamiri.
“But we cannot definitely say yet that he is a suspect to the Batasan bombing,” he added.
Torres said the three suspects, who have been charged before the Department of Justice for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder over the Batasan bombing incident, have disclosed that another bomb was allegedly prepared in that inn to be used in an attack at the house of Akbar in Valle Verde, Pasig City.
“There is supposed to be an alternate plan… So we are validating all of these information that come in that’s why we conducted the operation last night (Monday),” he said.
Torres said the information suggests that in case the assassination plot in Batasan fails, the bombing will be carried out at Akbar’s residence in Valle Verde.
The police had earlier said that the suspects initially planned to carry out the plot against Akbar last November 12, but their subject was not around. Thus, it happened on the following day.
Quoting the statements of the suspects, the police said the plan was made as early as October 20 at a grocery store owned by former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salappudin in Quezon City.
But police are not yet disclosing the mastermind and the motive for the attack pending the conduct of follow up operations.
They are not also implicating yet Salappudin and Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman, both perceived to be political rivals of Akbar, due to lack of evidence. The two already denied participation in the crime.
On Tuesday afternoon, a relative of Hataman who was among those charged before the DOJ went to the CIDG-NCR office in Camp Crame and denied the allegation that he is involved in the Batasan bombing.
“I came here voluntarily to the CIDG, with my lawyer, to tell them that I have nothing to do with the accusation against me. I just want to help the police, the CIDG in their investigation of the case,” Benjamin Hataman told reporters after giving his statement to the CIDG.
He said he showed up because he is afraid he will be picked up by police.
Benjamin Hataman was named by the three arrested suspects in their statements, suggesting that he had personal knowledge of the assassination plot against Akbar./DMS
November 20, 2007
Police has taken into custody a former Mayor of Tuburan, Basilan for illegal possession of firearm and his possible involvement in the November 13 Batasan bombing that killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three other Congress staffers.
Ex-Mayor Hajarun Jamiri was nabbed in Manila City at around 3pm Monday, said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., as joint Army and police operatives were conducting follow up operations to the Batasan bombing.
Torres said the government agents were supposed to locate an inn where the bomb used in the Batasan incident was prepared, based on the information provided by the three arrested and charged suspects.
But when the troops arrived at the vicinity of Don Pepe’s Inn along San Andres Street in Malate, they saw Jamiri loitering around, with an unlicensed caliber 45, Torres said.
The government troops accosted him and asked for papers supporting his gun but failed to show any, said Torres.
Subsequently, when the government agents proceeded to search the Don Pepe’s Inn at around 6pm, they saw Halik Usman, a former security agent of Jamiri, inside.
Torres said Jamiri and Usman were billeted in the same inn for three months already.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-National Capital Region (NCR) chief Sr. Supt. Asher Dolina said they invited Usman for questioning at Camp Crame because a check at his clothes, body, motorcycle, helmet and jacket yielded positive for nitrate.
“If you are positive with nitrate, more or less, you held chemicals that contain nitrate such as bombs or TNT (trinitrotoluene),” Dolina explained.
But Usman allegedly denied any involvement in the Batasan bombing and yielded no bomb or any of its components.
“We have no enough evidence to hold him so we also released him on the same night. But we just got his full name and other data for future reference,” Dolina said.
As for Jamiri, police charged him yesterday afternoon for illegal possession of firearm before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
Torres said Jamiri will remain under the custody of the CIDG since he may also be investigated for his possible involvement in the Batasan bombing. Jamiri is said to be a political rival also of Akbar in Basilan.
“He may be investigated too (in relation to the Batasan bombing) because why was he at the place, which the three arrested suspects tagged as the venue for the preparation of the bomb,” Torres said of Jamiri.
“But we cannot definitely say yet that he is a suspect to the Batasan bombing,” he added.
Torres said the three suspects, who have been charged before the Department of Justice for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder over the Batasan bombing incident, have disclosed that another bomb was allegedly prepared in that inn to be used in an attack at the house of Akbar in Valle Verde, Pasig City.
“There is supposed to be an alternate plan… So we are validating all of these information that come in that’s why we conducted the operation last night (Monday),” he said.
Torres said the information suggests that in case the assassination plot in Batasan fails, the bombing will be carried out at Akbar’s residence in Valle Verde.
The police had earlier said that the suspects initially planned to carry out the plot against Akbar last November 12, but their subject was not around. Thus, it happened on the following day.
Quoting the statements of the suspects, the police said the plan was made as early as October 20 at a grocery store owned by former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salappudin in Quezon City.
But police are not yet disclosing the mastermind and the motive for the attack pending the conduct of follow up operations.
They are not also implicating yet Salappudin and Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman, both perceived to be political rivals of Akbar, due to lack of evidence. The two already denied participation in the crime.
On Tuesday afternoon, a relative of Hataman who was among those charged before the DOJ went to the CIDG-NCR office in Camp Crame and denied the allegation that he is involved in the Batasan bombing.
“I came here voluntarily to the CIDG, with my lawyer, to tell them that I have nothing to do with the accusation against me. I just want to help the police, the CIDG in their investigation of the case,” Benjamin Hataman told reporters after giving his statement to the CIDG.
He said he showed up because he is afraid he will be picked up by police.
Benjamin Hataman was named by the three arrested suspects in their statements, suggesting that he had personal knowledge of the assassination plot against Akbar./DMS
Storm “LANDO” leaves nine killed, five injured and two missing in affected regions; new storm expected
By Ronron
November 20, 2007
Nine people died, five were hurt and two remain missing as tropical storm “Lando” brought heavy rains in some parts of the country the past few days, causing landslides and heavy flooding, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)) reported Tuesday.
According to the NDCC report, five of those killed were from the landslide incident in Placer, Surigao del Norte last Monday; two were from another landslide incident in Barangay Cagniog, Surigao City; one is from a flashflood in Barangay To-ong, Cebu City; and one is from Iligan City in Lanao del Norte.
Those injured, meanwhile, include three from a landslide incident in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, and two from the landslide incident in Barangay Cagniog, Surigao City.
The two missing are among the miners affected by the landslide in Placer, Surigao del Norte, the NDCC said.
The flooding and landslides caused by “Lando” have affected a total of 3,276 families or 16,463 persons from Regions V, VI, X and Caraga, the NDCC said.
In Region V, particularly in Albay province, 121 families or 703 persons were affected, all of whom were evacuated.
In Region VI, particularly in Negros Occidental province, 93 families or 465 people were affected but need not be evacuated.
In Region X, the affected families were 2,997, consisting of 14,990 individuals, most of whom – 2,349 families or 11,750 persons – have been evacuated. The affected people are from Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces.
Local authorities in Iligan City have already declared a State of Calamity due to the severe damages left by the storm, such as the damage of four houses, and the collapse of four transmission towers.
Lastly, in Caraga Region, 65 families or 305 persons from Surigao del Norte province were affected.
In Cebu City, four houses were partially damaged, four electric posts were destroyed, and electricity and water supply were temporarily stopped.
Prisco Nilo, Deputy Director for Operations and Services of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said “Lando” is already expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) around noontime today (Wednesday), through the South China Sea.
But he warned that another tropical depression is expected to replace “Lando” later Wednesday.
Nilo said “Mina” is projected to enter the PAR late Wednesday and to hit landfall in four or five days.
He said it will affect the Bicol Region, the Visayas and northeastern Mindanao again.
PAGASA, Nilo said, is expecting no more than three severe weather disturbances by the end of the year after “Mina.”/DMS
November 20, 2007
Nine people died, five were hurt and two remain missing as tropical storm “Lando” brought heavy rains in some parts of the country the past few days, causing landslides and heavy flooding, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)) reported Tuesday.
According to the NDCC report, five of those killed were from the landslide incident in Placer, Surigao del Norte last Monday; two were from another landslide incident in Barangay Cagniog, Surigao City; one is from a flashflood in Barangay To-ong, Cebu City; and one is from Iligan City in Lanao del Norte.
Those injured, meanwhile, include three from a landslide incident in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, and two from the landslide incident in Barangay Cagniog, Surigao City.
The two missing are among the miners affected by the landslide in Placer, Surigao del Norte, the NDCC said.
The flooding and landslides caused by “Lando” have affected a total of 3,276 families or 16,463 persons from Regions V, VI, X and Caraga, the NDCC said.
In Region V, particularly in Albay province, 121 families or 703 persons were affected, all of whom were evacuated.
In Region VI, particularly in Negros Occidental province, 93 families or 465 people were affected but need not be evacuated.
In Region X, the affected families were 2,997, consisting of 14,990 individuals, most of whom – 2,349 families or 11,750 persons – have been evacuated. The affected people are from Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces.
Local authorities in Iligan City have already declared a State of Calamity due to the severe damages left by the storm, such as the damage of four houses, and the collapse of four transmission towers.
Lastly, in Caraga Region, 65 families or 305 persons from Surigao del Norte province were affected.
In Cebu City, four houses were partially damaged, four electric posts were destroyed, and electricity and water supply were temporarily stopped.
Prisco Nilo, Deputy Director for Operations and Services of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said “Lando” is already expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) around noontime today (Wednesday), through the South China Sea.
But he warned that another tropical depression is expected to replace “Lando” later Wednesday.
Nilo said “Mina” is projected to enter the PAR late Wednesday and to hit landfall in four or five days.
He said it will affect the Bicol Region, the Visayas and northeastern Mindanao again.
PAGASA, Nilo said, is expecting no more than three severe weather disturbances by the end of the year after “Mina.”/DMS
Four NPA fighters killed in Isabela encounter with government troops
By Ronron
November 20, 2007
Four suspected communist guerillas were killed in an encounter Tuesday morning against government troops in the northern Philippine province of Isabela, a regional military spokesman said.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the clash happened at around 9:40 am in Barangay Mabayad in Echague town, involving an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) members and elements of the Philippine Army’s 52nd Reconnaissance Company.
“A platoon from the 52nd RC led by 2Lt. Michael Victoria was immediately dispatched after Col. Victor Felix, commander of the 502nd Infantry Brigade, received reports from the residents about the alarming presence of fully armed communist terrorists in the area,” Guillermo said.
Guillermo said the clash lasted for two hours, resulting in the death of four rebels, the bodies of whom were recovered by the engaged troops, and the recovery of three M16 and two M14 assault rifles, an ICOM radio, improvised explosive devices, and four back packs allegedly containing subversive documents.
“Not a single government troop was hurt during the encounter,” Guillermo said.
5th ID commander, Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo said the cooperation of the people in the government’s fight against insurgency had just been manifested again during Tuesday’s encounter, and as usual, it yielded positive results.
“Our soldiers are always ready to move anytime, anywhere. But the series of success and operational tempo that the 5th ID is gaining this year are credited mainly to the cooperation and serious concern of the civilian populace to put a stop to the coercion and harassment carried out by the communist terrorists in their communities,” Dilodilo said in a statement.
The administration has vowed to crush the 38-year-old insurgency movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks with the communists bogged down in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist by foreign governments./DMS
November 20, 2007
Four suspected communist guerillas were killed in an encounter Tuesday morning against government troops in the northern Philippine province of Isabela, a regional military spokesman said.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the clash happened at around 9:40 am in Barangay Mabayad in Echague town, involving an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) members and elements of the Philippine Army’s 52nd Reconnaissance Company.
“A platoon from the 52nd RC led by 2Lt. Michael Victoria was immediately dispatched after Col. Victor Felix, commander of the 502nd Infantry Brigade, received reports from the residents about the alarming presence of fully armed communist terrorists in the area,” Guillermo said.
Guillermo said the clash lasted for two hours, resulting in the death of four rebels, the bodies of whom were recovered by the engaged troops, and the recovery of three M16 and two M14 assault rifles, an ICOM radio, improvised explosive devices, and four back packs allegedly containing subversive documents.
“Not a single government troop was hurt during the encounter,” Guillermo said.
5th ID commander, Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo said the cooperation of the people in the government’s fight against insurgency had just been manifested again during Tuesday’s encounter, and as usual, it yielded positive results.
“Our soldiers are always ready to move anytime, anywhere. But the series of success and operational tempo that the 5th ID is gaining this year are credited mainly to the cooperation and serious concern of the civilian populace to put a stop to the coercion and harassment carried out by the communist terrorists in their communities,” Dilodilo said in a statement.
The administration has vowed to crush the 38-year-old insurgency movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks with the communists bogged down in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist by foreign governments./DMS
Six former MILF members surrender to authorities in Metro Manila
By Ronron
November 20, 2007
Six former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Special Operations Group (MILF-SOG) have surrendered to authorities separately in June and last November 18, officials of the military unit in Metro Manila said Tuesday.
Army 1Lt. Garysande Mamaludin, information officer of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM), said Salik Kusain alias Aguila, Ams Kamin, Ibrahim Malacao, and Amed Mayang surrendered last June, while Nurodin Naga and Suwaib Reposumonsang turned themselves in last November 18.
All six were presented to the media yesterday morning at Camp Karingal, Quezon City, together with the firearms they surrendered.
NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said he was not immediately aware when the group came to Metro Manila from Maguindanao but he said authorities first had contact with them in April of this year.
The former rebels were residing in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila City.
“They were monitoring possible targets for terrorism,” Mamaludin said when asked of the activity of the six prior to their surrender.
“When they arrived here, they surely have a task. But when they arrived, we had coordinated with them. And through that dialogue, we had a good exchange of views. And finally, they realized that it is much better to return to the fold of the law,” Mesa added.
The group surrendered the following when they gave up: Two M16 rifles, one Thompson gun, two caliber 38 revolver, one homemade shotgun with six ammunitions, two long and one short magazines for M16 with 55 rounds of ammunitions, and three magazines for Thompson.
Mesa said they did not immediately disclose the surrender of the six before the media because follow up operations were conducted to verify if they still have other companions.
“The surrender of these former rebels greatly contributed to the reduction of potential threats to the security of the entire National Capital Region,” Mesa said.
The government is currently talking with the MILF, the largest secessionist group in the country./DMS
November 20, 2007
Six former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Special Operations Group (MILF-SOG) have surrendered to authorities separately in June and last November 18, officials of the military unit in Metro Manila said Tuesday.
Army 1Lt. Garysande Mamaludin, information officer of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM), said Salik Kusain alias Aguila, Ams Kamin, Ibrahim Malacao, and Amed Mayang surrendered last June, while Nurodin Naga and Suwaib Reposumonsang turned themselves in last November 18.
All six were presented to the media yesterday morning at Camp Karingal, Quezon City, together with the firearms they surrendered.
NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said he was not immediately aware when the group came to Metro Manila from Maguindanao but he said authorities first had contact with them in April of this year.
The former rebels were residing in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila City.
“They were monitoring possible targets for terrorism,” Mamaludin said when asked of the activity of the six prior to their surrender.
“When they arrived here, they surely have a task. But when they arrived, we had coordinated with them. And through that dialogue, we had a good exchange of views. And finally, they realized that it is much better to return to the fold of the law,” Mesa added.
The group surrendered the following when they gave up: Two M16 rifles, one Thompson gun, two caliber 38 revolver, one homemade shotgun with six ammunitions, two long and one short magazines for M16 with 55 rounds of ammunitions, and three magazines for Thompson.
Mesa said they did not immediately disclose the surrender of the six before the media because follow up operations were conducted to verify if they still have other companions.
“The surrender of these former rebels greatly contributed to the reduction of potential threats to the security of the entire National Capital Region,” Mesa said.
The government is currently talking with the MILF, the largest secessionist group in the country./DMS
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Two light planes clash mid-air in Davao del Norte; one killed, one hurt
By Ronron
November 19, 2007
Two single-seater planes clashed in mid-air on Monday morning in Davao del Norte province in Mindanao while on crop-dusting operations, resulting in the death of one pilot and the wounding of the other.
Police and Air Transportation Office (ATO) officials said the incident happened at around 8:25 am at the banana plantation of the Andres M. Soriano (AMS) Farm in Purok Lower Mabini, Barangay Maniki, Kapalong town.
Kapalong Municipal Police commander Chief Insp. Michael Tulen said in a phone interview that involved in the crash were light planes with body numbers RP-R-1308 and RP-R-5860, owned by Mactan Aviation and Air Works Aviation, respectively.
ATO Air Accident Investigation Board Chairman Jose Saplan said the two are technically called AGCAT planes, manufactured by Grunnan company.
Tulen said the RP-R-1308, piloted by Quirico Cajucom, 57, was on a take off mode, while RP-R-5860, piloted by Limbert Alaguda, was on a touch down mode when the incident happened, according to residents.
He said the two were apparently commissioned by the management of AMS Farm to spray chemicals on its plantation.
“Apparently, there was miscommunication that resulted to miscalculation. We leave it now to the ATO to investigate the incident,” Tulen said in Filipino.
Saplan said two investigators from his office immediately flew yesterday to the crash site to conduct investigation.
Tulen said the planes did not really smash each other in the front, rather it was more on the wings.
But still, the plane of Cajucom was burned while that of Alaguda was badly wrecked. Both fell on the banana plantation.
Tulen said Cajucom died on the spot while Alaguda is seriously injured and was immediately taken by residents to a hospital in Tagum City./DMS
November 19, 2007
Two single-seater planes clashed in mid-air on Monday morning in Davao del Norte province in Mindanao while on crop-dusting operations, resulting in the death of one pilot and the wounding of the other.
Police and Air Transportation Office (ATO) officials said the incident happened at around 8:25 am at the banana plantation of the Andres M. Soriano (AMS) Farm in Purok Lower Mabini, Barangay Maniki, Kapalong town.
Kapalong Municipal Police commander Chief Insp. Michael Tulen said in a phone interview that involved in the crash were light planes with body numbers RP-R-1308 and RP-R-5860, owned by Mactan Aviation and Air Works Aviation, respectively.
ATO Air Accident Investigation Board Chairman Jose Saplan said the two are technically called AGCAT planes, manufactured by Grunnan company.
Tulen said the RP-R-1308, piloted by Quirico Cajucom, 57, was on a take off mode, while RP-R-5860, piloted by Limbert Alaguda, was on a touch down mode when the incident happened, according to residents.
He said the two were apparently commissioned by the management of AMS Farm to spray chemicals on its plantation.
“Apparently, there was miscommunication that resulted to miscalculation. We leave it now to the ATO to investigate the incident,” Tulen said in Filipino.
Saplan said two investigators from his office immediately flew yesterday to the crash site to conduct investigation.
Tulen said the planes did not really smash each other in the front, rather it was more on the wings.
But still, the plane of Cajucom was burned while that of Alaguda was badly wrecked. Both fell on the banana plantation.
Tulen said Cajucom died on the spot while Alaguda is seriously injured and was immediately taken by residents to a hospital in Tagum City./DMS
Police files “strong case” against Batasan suspects
By Ronron
November 19, 2007
Police on Monday have formally charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) the three suspects in the Batasan blast last November 13 that killed Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar and three other Congress staffers.
Charged with multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and obstruction of justice were Kaidar Aunal, 41; Ikram Indama, 35; and Adham Kusain, 21; all of Basilan province. Other John Does were also implicated in the first two charges.
The three were brought to the DOJ building in Manila City past 9am yesterday by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the inquest proceedings, and were told that the preliminary investigation of their case will be on November 29th.
CIDG-National Capital Region (NCR) chief Sr. Supt. Asher Dolina told reporters in Camp Crame, Quezon City after the filing of the case that “there have been some admission in the participation of the case” by some of the suspects, and that their target was Akbar.
But he refused to say who admitted the crime, more so on who ordered them and what is the motive, pending the conduct of follow up operations by investigators.
“There is an ongoing investigation because we want to get a clearer picture,” Dolina said.
But in an earlier news conference also at Camp Crame, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Dir. Geary Barias said Kusain could not deny his involvement because his name was stated in the Deed of Sale of a motorcycle that was recovered from their alleged safehouse in Payatas, Quezon City last November 15.
Also, Indama stated in his affidavit that “he was the one who parked the motorcycle at the lobby (of the House of Representatives),” Barias said.
“The arrested suspects made the revelation on the accounts of their preparations up to the execution of the bombing, with respect to their participation,” Barias said.
Last Friday, no less than Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. disclosed that Indama and Kusain were positively identified by a Security Guard at the Batasan Complex as having entered the complex on November 13.
The three were arrested after the violent raid at their alleged safehouse in Payatas that resulted in the death of their three other colleagues, namely, Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Jandal, Redwan Indama, and the latter’s wife, known only as Saing.
Police have said that Jandal was the subject of the raid since he has several arrest warrants for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
Because they resisted arrest by firing at the members of the raiding team, Dolina said they included the charge of obstruction of justice against Aunal, Ikram Indama, and Kusain.
The multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder cases, on the other hand, are for the death of four persons, including Akbar, and the wounding of 12 others, said Dolina.
Barias said they have a strong case against the suspects because of the evidence they got from the suspects’ safehouse, such as the Deed of Sale of the motorcycle which matched with the bar code on a motorcycle part recovered from the blast scene, the House of Representative ID of Ikram Indama, and the helmet of the latter.
“If we planted evidence, nobody should have been left alive there. It would be very hard to plant evidence when there are three who survived the attack, or this raid… Besides, how can we fabricate all those evidence like the Deed of Sale and the ORCR (Official Registration and Certificate of Registration)? That is the beyond the imagination I think of the Philippine National Police,” Barias said.
Barias declared that they “have a strong case, otherwise, we will not be able to file these cases before the DOJ.”
In a related development, Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list Representative Mujiv Hataman formally submitted his sworn statement before the CIDG yesterday afternoon, denying any hand in the November 13 bombing.
His action came two days after former Basilan Congressman Gerry Salappudin, a known political rival of Akbar, did the same.
In an interview after giving his statement to CIDG personnel, Hataman told reporters that he has no motive against Akbar as they could not even be called political rivals.
“In the first place, mine is a party-list. And my scope during the campaign was the entire Mindanao, not just Basilan,” Hataman said.
He said that even when Akbar was still alive, they talked in Congress, like the recent budget hearing. “We are cordial… We have a common intention for Basilan.”
Hataman said he had to voluntarily clear his name before the CIDG because he was implicated by Lantawan, Basilan Mayor Taheia Ismael, who alleged that Ikram Indama was allegedly Hataman’s staffer.
“I categorically deny it. In the first place, I don’t know personally Ikram Indama… I have no involvement here. My conscience is clear,” Hataman said.
He admitted that of the six at the alleged safehouse, he was familiar only with Redwan Indama, being a distant relative. But he said the last time he had a personal encounter with Redwan Indama was already several years back.
“Maybe, they are suspecting that there is political rivalry between me and Akbar. But we are not because it was my brother, Jim, who ran against him during the last elections,” Hataman said.
As of yesterday, Razon, Barias and Dolina were one in saying that police could not consider yet Salappudin and Hataman as suspects, although they are really not yet off the hook.
“He’s not necessarily off the hook but I can say that he is not a suspect because of our evidence on hand,” Barias said of Salappudin.
Pressed if Salappudin and Hataman can later on be tagged as suspects, Barias replied: “That would be speculative, highly speculative. Let’s just go by the evidence we have on hand.”
In the meantime that the DOJ prosecutors, led by State Prosecutor Peter Ong, will resolve the case only on November 29, the three will be under the custody of the CIDG-NCR in Camp Crame./DMS
November 19, 2007
Police on Monday have formally charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) the three suspects in the Batasan blast last November 13 that killed Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar and three other Congress staffers.
Charged with multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and obstruction of justice were Kaidar Aunal, 41; Ikram Indama, 35; and Adham Kusain, 21; all of Basilan province. Other John Does were also implicated in the first two charges.
The three were brought to the DOJ building in Manila City past 9am yesterday by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the inquest proceedings, and were told that the preliminary investigation of their case will be on November 29th.
CIDG-National Capital Region (NCR) chief Sr. Supt. Asher Dolina told reporters in Camp Crame, Quezon City after the filing of the case that “there have been some admission in the participation of the case” by some of the suspects, and that their target was Akbar.
But he refused to say who admitted the crime, more so on who ordered them and what is the motive, pending the conduct of follow up operations by investigators.
“There is an ongoing investigation because we want to get a clearer picture,” Dolina said.
But in an earlier news conference also at Camp Crame, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Dir. Geary Barias said Kusain could not deny his involvement because his name was stated in the Deed of Sale of a motorcycle that was recovered from their alleged safehouse in Payatas, Quezon City last November 15.
Also, Indama stated in his affidavit that “he was the one who parked the motorcycle at the lobby (of the House of Representatives),” Barias said.
“The arrested suspects made the revelation on the accounts of their preparations up to the execution of the bombing, with respect to their participation,” Barias said.
Last Friday, no less than Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. disclosed that Indama and Kusain were positively identified by a Security Guard at the Batasan Complex as having entered the complex on November 13.
The three were arrested after the violent raid at their alleged safehouse in Payatas that resulted in the death of their three other colleagues, namely, Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Jandal, Redwan Indama, and the latter’s wife, known only as Saing.
Police have said that Jandal was the subject of the raid since he has several arrest warrants for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
Because they resisted arrest by firing at the members of the raiding team, Dolina said they included the charge of obstruction of justice against Aunal, Ikram Indama, and Kusain.
The multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder cases, on the other hand, are for the death of four persons, including Akbar, and the wounding of 12 others, said Dolina.
Barias said they have a strong case against the suspects because of the evidence they got from the suspects’ safehouse, such as the Deed of Sale of the motorcycle which matched with the bar code on a motorcycle part recovered from the blast scene, the House of Representative ID of Ikram Indama, and the helmet of the latter.
“If we planted evidence, nobody should have been left alive there. It would be very hard to plant evidence when there are three who survived the attack, or this raid… Besides, how can we fabricate all those evidence like the Deed of Sale and the ORCR (Official Registration and Certificate of Registration)? That is the beyond the imagination I think of the Philippine National Police,” Barias said.
Barias declared that they “have a strong case, otherwise, we will not be able to file these cases before the DOJ.”
In a related development, Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list Representative Mujiv Hataman formally submitted his sworn statement before the CIDG yesterday afternoon, denying any hand in the November 13 bombing.
His action came two days after former Basilan Congressman Gerry Salappudin, a known political rival of Akbar, did the same.
In an interview after giving his statement to CIDG personnel, Hataman told reporters that he has no motive against Akbar as they could not even be called political rivals.
“In the first place, mine is a party-list. And my scope during the campaign was the entire Mindanao, not just Basilan,” Hataman said.
He said that even when Akbar was still alive, they talked in Congress, like the recent budget hearing. “We are cordial… We have a common intention for Basilan.”
Hataman said he had to voluntarily clear his name before the CIDG because he was implicated by Lantawan, Basilan Mayor Taheia Ismael, who alleged that Ikram Indama was allegedly Hataman’s staffer.
“I categorically deny it. In the first place, I don’t know personally Ikram Indama… I have no involvement here. My conscience is clear,” Hataman said.
He admitted that of the six at the alleged safehouse, he was familiar only with Redwan Indama, being a distant relative. But he said the last time he had a personal encounter with Redwan Indama was already several years back.
“Maybe, they are suspecting that there is political rivalry between me and Akbar. But we are not because it was my brother, Jim, who ran against him during the last elections,” Hataman said.
As of yesterday, Razon, Barias and Dolina were one in saying that police could not consider yet Salappudin and Hataman as suspects, although they are really not yet off the hook.
“He’s not necessarily off the hook but I can say that he is not a suspect because of our evidence on hand,” Barias said of Salappudin.
Pressed if Salappudin and Hataman can later on be tagged as suspects, Barias replied: “That would be speculative, highly speculative. Let’s just go by the evidence we have on hand.”
In the meantime that the DOJ prosecutors, led by State Prosecutor Peter Ong, will resolve the case only on November 29, the three will be under the custody of the CIDG-NCR in Camp Crame./DMS
Monday, November 19, 2007
One month after Glorietta 2 blast, police has yet to wrap up its probe
By Ronron
November 18, 2007
The Multi-Agency Investigation Task Force (MAITF) of the government, led by the Philippine National Police (PNP), has yet to complete its investigation on the Glorietta 2 blast one month after the incident.
MAITF spokesman, Director Geary Barias, the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said Sunday that the task force is still in the process of making a final determination as to the type of gas and the source of spark that caused the explosion at the basement of Glorietta 2 last October 19.
“Hopefully, this week, we can give additional information or development on our investigation on the Glorietta 2 incident,” Barias said in Filipino in a radio interview.
“As of now, we are not yet finished… Our only problem now is the finalization of the report, the gases, the cause of the spark. Basically, the cause of the spark will determine the criminal liability I think. So it will depend there if there was really negligence or accident as others say,” he added.
Quoting the MAITF, Barias had earlier said that what happened in Glorietta 2 was a gas explosion, and not a bombing incident. This after investigators failed to find any bomb residue, and discovered instead that the basement houses a sump pit and diesel tank.
But Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), which owns Glorietta 2, had refuted the MAITF initial findings, citing an analysis made by experts they hired.
The incident left 11 people killed and over a hundred others injured.
Asked if the probe will last until December, Barias said: “I don’t think so because we are rushing this already so we can also concentrate on other things, like the security preparations for the Christmas season.”
Told about the delay in the completion of the MAITF probe, ALI spokesman Alfonso Reyes told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday afternoon: “We understand that it’s been very difficult working on the condition in the basement due to the rubbles and safety considerations. But hopefully, a report will be issued as soon as possible and that they have explored all possibilities.”
Reyes maintained that gas explosion is an unlikely theory because as far as they are concerned, there was no methane and diesel fumes to talk about.
“They have to substantiate their findings. We hope they will clearly show their facts and science,” Reyes said, referring to the MAITF.
“We are prepared to discuss our own findings,” he added.
ALI had announced earlier that their experts found it impossible for biogas, particularly methane, to be generated at the basement because the sump pits are emptied two to three times a day, and there is an opening to the ground level that allows air circulation.
ALI claims that Makati Supermart has direct control over the basement although ALI supervises it.
Barias said he cannot say yet as to the possible criminal liabilities that could stem from the incident pending the wrapping up of the investigation. He said this aspect is being studied by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is a member of the MAITF.
As to the business side, Reyes said they have already attended to the merchants at Glorietta 2 that were affected by the incident, especially since the entire mall was closed indefinitely for investigation purposes.
“We have been helping them by accommodating them at our temporary selling spaces at the aisles of other Glorietta malls (1, 3 and 4) and at Market Market because we understand that this is a critical period for them considering the Christmas season,” Reyes said.
When asked, however, as to an estimate of their losses since the incident, he said they have no determination of that yet.
But what he is glad to report is that visitors of their malls “is steadily recovering.”
“In fact, this weekend and last weekend, we were quite strong. I can say we are back to recovery,” Reyes said./DMS
November 18, 2007
The Multi-Agency Investigation Task Force (MAITF) of the government, led by the Philippine National Police (PNP), has yet to complete its investigation on the Glorietta 2 blast one month after the incident.
MAITF spokesman, Director Geary Barias, the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said Sunday that the task force is still in the process of making a final determination as to the type of gas and the source of spark that caused the explosion at the basement of Glorietta 2 last October 19.
“Hopefully, this week, we can give additional information or development on our investigation on the Glorietta 2 incident,” Barias said in Filipino in a radio interview.
“As of now, we are not yet finished… Our only problem now is the finalization of the report, the gases, the cause of the spark. Basically, the cause of the spark will determine the criminal liability I think. So it will depend there if there was really negligence or accident as others say,” he added.
Quoting the MAITF, Barias had earlier said that what happened in Glorietta 2 was a gas explosion, and not a bombing incident. This after investigators failed to find any bomb residue, and discovered instead that the basement houses a sump pit and diesel tank.
But Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), which owns Glorietta 2, had refuted the MAITF initial findings, citing an analysis made by experts they hired.
The incident left 11 people killed and over a hundred others injured.
Asked if the probe will last until December, Barias said: “I don’t think so because we are rushing this already so we can also concentrate on other things, like the security preparations for the Christmas season.”
Told about the delay in the completion of the MAITF probe, ALI spokesman Alfonso Reyes told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday afternoon: “We understand that it’s been very difficult working on the condition in the basement due to the rubbles and safety considerations. But hopefully, a report will be issued as soon as possible and that they have explored all possibilities.”
Reyes maintained that gas explosion is an unlikely theory because as far as they are concerned, there was no methane and diesel fumes to talk about.
“They have to substantiate their findings. We hope they will clearly show their facts and science,” Reyes said, referring to the MAITF.
“We are prepared to discuss our own findings,” he added.
ALI had announced earlier that their experts found it impossible for biogas, particularly methane, to be generated at the basement because the sump pits are emptied two to three times a day, and there is an opening to the ground level that allows air circulation.
ALI claims that Makati Supermart has direct control over the basement although ALI supervises it.
Barias said he cannot say yet as to the possible criminal liabilities that could stem from the incident pending the wrapping up of the investigation. He said this aspect is being studied by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is a member of the MAITF.
As to the business side, Reyes said they have already attended to the merchants at Glorietta 2 that were affected by the incident, especially since the entire mall was closed indefinitely for investigation purposes.
“We have been helping them by accommodating them at our temporary selling spaces at the aisles of other Glorietta malls (1, 3 and 4) and at Market Market because we understand that this is a critical period for them considering the Christmas season,” Reyes said.
When asked, however, as to an estimate of their losses since the incident, he said they have no determination of that yet.
But what he is glad to report is that visitors of their malls “is steadily recovering.”
“In fact, this weekend and last weekend, we were quite strong. I can say we are back to recovery,” Reyes said./DMS
Batasan bombing suspects to be charged today (Monday)
By Ronron
November 18, 2007
The police will file today (Monday) criminal charges against the three suspects behind the Batasan bombing last November 13 that killed Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar and three Congress staffers.
A source from the Philippine National Police (PNP) who is privy to the investigation said Sunday that Ikram Indama, Kaidar Aunal and Adham Kusain will be charged with multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder before the Department of Justice (DOJ) this morning (Monday).
Indama, Aunal and Kusain were nabbed last Thursday afternoon after police and Army operatives raided a suspected hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Jandal in Barangay Payatas-B, Quezon City. Jandal has standing arrest warrants for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
The three were found to be staying with Jandal and a couple in the same house. Jandal and the couple died during the raid.
“One of the suspects admitted that Cong. Akbar was really their target,” the police source told Manila Shimbun in Filipino in a phone interview yesterday afternoon.
But the source refused to disclose further the alleged motive and mastermind since police investigators are still verifying the claims of the suspects.
“We have those information already but we cannot make it public yet because we are still conducting follow up operation,” he said.
The source said the three denied being members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) but he said police are not immediately believing them.
“They said only Redwan Indama and Jandal are ASG members. They were just together because they are relatives. But we were still looking at it because it could just be an alibi,” he said.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias said in a radio interview yesterday that the case against the three suspects stems from the death of Akbar and three others, and the wounding of at least 13 other people, including Congressmen Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Party-list and Henry Teves of Negros Oriental.
Police had earlier linked the three to the Batasan bombing after some materials that were recovered from their safehouse proved to have connection with the November 13 incident.
One of those is the matching of the chassis number reflected in the Deed of Sale of a motorcycle recovered during the raid, and the bar code on a motorcycle part recovered after the explosion in Batasan.
Another evidence is the alleged statement of a Batasan Security Guard that he saw Indama and Kusain enter the complex last November 13.
Police had recovered a House of Representative ID of Indama during the raid but they said this was not enough to drag former Basilan Cong. Gerry Salappudin into the case.
Salappudin admitted that Indama was his driver during his term, but he denied ordering the assassination of Akbar even as he acknowledged that they are political rivals.
Asked if any of the three suspects could turn into a state witness, Barias said: “That will depend on the development of the case because the investigation will still continue. But it is possible that at least one can be a state witness so that we will not have a difficulty as we proceed on this case.”/DMS
November 18, 2007
The police will file today (Monday) criminal charges against the three suspects behind the Batasan bombing last November 13 that killed Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar and three Congress staffers.
A source from the Philippine National Police (PNP) who is privy to the investigation said Sunday that Ikram Indama, Kaidar Aunal and Adham Kusain will be charged with multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder before the Department of Justice (DOJ) this morning (Monday).
Indama, Aunal and Kusain were nabbed last Thursday afternoon after police and Army operatives raided a suspected hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Jandal in Barangay Payatas-B, Quezon City. Jandal has standing arrest warrants for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
The three were found to be staying with Jandal and a couple in the same house. Jandal and the couple died during the raid.
“One of the suspects admitted that Cong. Akbar was really their target,” the police source told Manila Shimbun in Filipino in a phone interview yesterday afternoon.
But the source refused to disclose further the alleged motive and mastermind since police investigators are still verifying the claims of the suspects.
“We have those information already but we cannot make it public yet because we are still conducting follow up operation,” he said.
The source said the three denied being members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) but he said police are not immediately believing them.
“They said only Redwan Indama and Jandal are ASG members. They were just together because they are relatives. But we were still looking at it because it could just be an alibi,” he said.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias said in a radio interview yesterday that the case against the three suspects stems from the death of Akbar and three others, and the wounding of at least 13 other people, including Congressmen Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Party-list and Henry Teves of Negros Oriental.
Police had earlier linked the three to the Batasan bombing after some materials that were recovered from their safehouse proved to have connection with the November 13 incident.
One of those is the matching of the chassis number reflected in the Deed of Sale of a motorcycle recovered during the raid, and the bar code on a motorcycle part recovered after the explosion in Batasan.
Another evidence is the alleged statement of a Batasan Security Guard that he saw Indama and Kusain enter the complex last November 13.
Police had recovered a House of Representative ID of Indama during the raid but they said this was not enough to drag former Basilan Cong. Gerry Salappudin into the case.
Salappudin admitted that Indama was his driver during his term, but he denied ordering the assassination of Akbar even as he acknowledged that they are political rivals.
Asked if any of the three suspects could turn into a state witness, Barias said: “That will depend on the development of the case because the investigation will still continue. But it is possible that at least one can be a state witness so that we will not have a difficulty as we proceed on this case.”/DMS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)