By Ronron
November 30, 2007
Five Marine soldiers and six rouge members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) died in an encounter early Friday morning in Sulu province, a military commander in the area said.
Col. Cesario Atienza, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, told Defense reporters in a phone interview that four Marine soldiers and two rouge MNLF fighters were also hurt during the series of clashes that happened in Kalingalan Caluang town.
Atienza said the first encounter happened at Sitio Kupong, Barangay Pangdan Pangdan at around 5:20 am.
He said joint elements of the 3rd and 11th Marine Battalion Landing Teams (MBLT) were on combat operations to hunt for Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members when they encountered 30 to 50 armed men.
The armed men are believed to be composed of ASG members and rouge MNLF fighters under the command of Ustadz Habier Malik, a renegade MNLF commander who has a bounty of P1 million for his arrest or neutralization.
Atienza said the firefight lasted for several minutes, leaving four Marines soldiers hurt and two rebels killed.
As the rebels were withdrawing, Atienza said a reinforcement team from the same Marine units encountered them at around 5:40 am at Barangay Kambing of the same town, or some two to three kilometers away from the first clash site.
Western Mindanao Command spokesman Army Captain Rommel Miguel said the ground troops were augmented by two MG-520 gun ships to conduct close air support, while Naval vessels sealed off the coastal lanes and surrounding waters.
Several minutes of firefight left five foot Marine soldiers and four bandits killed. Two other soldiers and several bandits were hurt.
Atienza said they have intelligence reports that among the wounded was Malik. Marines spokesman Lt. Col. Jonas Lumawag, meanwhile, identified the others as Commander Tayib, Commander Sis Bairulla, and Commander Rainjo.
Some of the killed bandits, meanwhile, were identified by Lumawag as Albada Bairula, alais Comander Tsadang; Hassim Ibba; and, Bamher Abdulhalik.
Lumawag said the Marine troopers recovered the following from the encounter site: 500 rounds for M14; 200 rounds for M60 long machine gun; 28 rounds for 50 caliber machine gun; three rounds of 60 mm mortar; four rounds for M203 grenade launcher; 400 rounds for Galil Rifle; one Galil rifle with scope; one M16 with M203, and two ICOM arial antenna.
Miguel said the wounded Marines were immediately evacuated to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City for medical treatment.
Malik was hunted early this year after making unprovoked attacks in Panamao town that left several casualties. Much earlier, in February, he hostaged Marine Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino and other government officials in the MNLF camp in Bitan-ag Complex in said town as he complained over the non-compliance allegedly of the government in its commitment under the 1996 GRP-MNLF peace agreement./DMS
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Five-hour curfew ends with close to 900 accosted
By Ronron
November 30, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) no longer re-imposed on Friday night until Saturday morning, and will no longer do so in the coming days the five-hour curfew it implemented the other night in Metro Manila, Region 3 and Region IV-A.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus said this is because the authorities no longer see any “serious threat” against the seat of government following the takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, the Magdalo Group and other civilian sympathizers.
“We believe this curfew will no longer be re-imposed. So we are back to normal,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a separate news conference Friday at Camp Crame.
The PNP, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, implemented the curfew from 12 midnight Thursday until 5am Friday to limit the movements of possible supporters of Trillanes and Lim.
During the five-hour implementation of the curfew, the PNP has accosted a total of 872 violators from the three regions.
The most number of violators (385) came from Region IV-A, with the following breakdown: Cavite – 92; Rizal – 195; Laguna – 94; and Quezon – 4;
It was followed by the National Capital Region, with 246. The breakdown is as follows: Quezon City – 93; Nothern Police area – 50; Manila City – 14; Eastern Police area – 45; and Southern Police area – 44.
Finally, 241 were accosted in Region III, with the following breakdown: Bataan – 236; and Zambales – 5.
Razon said none of those accosted were found to be sympathizers of Trillanes.
“They were not just aware of the curfew,” he said.
The accosted persons, he said, have all been sent home after 5 am yesterday.
“We had a very peaceful evening while there was a curfew. There was no untoward incident that happened,” Razon said.
With the normalization of the situation, the PNP downgraded its red alert status to the normal mode by 6pm yesterday, said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr.
“Since the situation has improved at the close of the National Hero’s Day, we are back to normal status,” Pagdilao said.
The PNP had raised its alert status at 11 am last Thursday when the incident at Makati City happened. It was followed with the same action by the military effective 12 noon.
But military spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said they are still maintaining its red alert status as of last night.
Pagdilao, on the other hand, said they will raise their alert again on Saturday morning because of the departure of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Spain.
“It’s SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to raise alert level when the President leaves for abroad,” he said./DMS
November 30, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) no longer re-imposed on Friday night until Saturday morning, and will no longer do so in the coming days the five-hour curfew it implemented the other night in Metro Manila, Region 3 and Region IV-A.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus said this is because the authorities no longer see any “serious threat” against the seat of government following the takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, the Magdalo Group and other civilian sympathizers.
“We believe this curfew will no longer be re-imposed. So we are back to normal,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a separate news conference Friday at Camp Crame.
The PNP, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, implemented the curfew from 12 midnight Thursday until 5am Friday to limit the movements of possible supporters of Trillanes and Lim.
During the five-hour implementation of the curfew, the PNP has accosted a total of 872 violators from the three regions.
The most number of violators (385) came from Region IV-A, with the following breakdown: Cavite – 92; Rizal – 195; Laguna – 94; and Quezon – 4;
It was followed by the National Capital Region, with 246. The breakdown is as follows: Quezon City – 93; Nothern Police area – 50; Manila City – 14; Eastern Police area – 45; and Southern Police area – 44.
Finally, 241 were accosted in Region III, with the following breakdown: Bataan – 236; and Zambales – 5.
Razon said none of those accosted were found to be sympathizers of Trillanes.
“They were not just aware of the curfew,” he said.
The accosted persons, he said, have all been sent home after 5 am yesterday.
“We had a very peaceful evening while there was a curfew. There was no untoward incident that happened,” Razon said.
With the normalization of the situation, the PNP downgraded its red alert status to the normal mode by 6pm yesterday, said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr.
“Since the situation has improved at the close of the National Hero’s Day, we are back to normal status,” Pagdilao said.
The PNP had raised its alert status at 11 am last Thursday when the incident at Makati City happened. It was followed with the same action by the military effective 12 noon.
But military spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said they are still maintaining its red alert status as of last night.
Pagdilao, on the other hand, said they will raise their alert again on Saturday morning because of the departure of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Spain.
“It’s SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to raise alert level when the President leaves for abroad,” he said./DMS
Razon apologizes to media members accosted but maintains it was necessary
By Ronron
November 30, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. apologized to the media who were accosted at the Manila Peninsula Hotel but maintained that it necessary as part of police operations.
Razon explained the operatives on the ground had to handcuff the 51 members of the media, one of whom was from the Daily Manila Shimbun, during the clearing operations because there were reports that some Magdalo members disguised themselves as mediamen.
“We are asking for apology if we hurt your sensibilities… But we hoped you understand our job as much as we understand yours,” Razon told a news conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City yesterday.
He said handcuffing the media men was necessary to ensure that those who are in disguise could not create violence like grabbing the guns of the police operatives.
The accosted media personalities were boarded buses and taken to the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City on Thursday evening. All 51 were released around 10:30 pm.
“They just showed their ID’s so when we confirmed that they are legitimate media members, they were set free,” Razon said.
Razon pointed out that the accosted media personalities were actually those who were inside the hotel and apparently preventing the policemen from effecting the arrest of the Magdalo soldiers, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and other civilian sympathizers.
Contrary to his assurance late Thursday night that the police will no longer file criminal cases against the media members for obstruction of justice, Razon threatened yesterday to doing such if they will be slapped with charges from the media.
“We don’t have an intention to file charges against the media. But if we will be charged as we have heard on the news, then we can also charge you for obstruction of justice,” he said.
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation admitted planning to sue the police for holding in its custody some of its newsmen.
“We understand that you were just doing your job. But why can’t you understand our purpose when we wanted the hotel to be cleared of media men,” Razon said.
Razon said he had already directed the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations Group and the chief Public Information Officer to coordinate a dialogue meeting between and among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, PNP and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas to avoid a repeat of the same problem./DMS
November 30, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. apologized to the media who were accosted at the Manila Peninsula Hotel but maintained that it necessary as part of police operations.
Razon explained the operatives on the ground had to handcuff the 51 members of the media, one of whom was from the Daily Manila Shimbun, during the clearing operations because there were reports that some Magdalo members disguised themselves as mediamen.
“We are asking for apology if we hurt your sensibilities… But we hoped you understand our job as much as we understand yours,” Razon told a news conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City yesterday.
He said handcuffing the media men was necessary to ensure that those who are in disguise could not create violence like grabbing the guns of the police operatives.
The accosted media personalities were boarded buses and taken to the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City on Thursday evening. All 51 were released around 10:30 pm.
“They just showed their ID’s so when we confirmed that they are legitimate media members, they were set free,” Razon said.
Razon pointed out that the accosted media personalities were actually those who were inside the hotel and apparently preventing the policemen from effecting the arrest of the Magdalo soldiers, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and other civilian sympathizers.
Contrary to his assurance late Thursday night that the police will no longer file criminal cases against the media members for obstruction of justice, Razon threatened yesterday to doing such if they will be slapped with charges from the media.
“We don’t have an intention to file charges against the media. But if we will be charged as we have heard on the news, then we can also charge you for obstruction of justice,” he said.
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation admitted planning to sue the police for holding in its custody some of its newsmen.
“We understand that you were just doing your job. But why can’t you understand our purpose when we wanted the hotel to be cleared of media men,” Razon said.
Razon said he had already directed the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations Group and the chief Public Information Officer to coordinate a dialogue meeting between and among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, PNP and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas to avoid a repeat of the same problem./DMS
Police, military say Peninsula Hotel takeover was “well-planned”
By Ronron
November 30, 2007
The police and military believe the takeover on Thursday by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and the Magdalo Group led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City was planned and not a spur-of-the-moment.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said late Thursday night that a document was seized from the hotel during clearing operations, which showed four teams were supposed to carry out the destabilization plot.
The document was a piece of bondpaper with handwritings on both sides.
"We got this document from the hotel and it shows that there are four teams that are part of the plan. So we are looking for three more teams now," Razon told reporters at Camp Crame.
Razon refused to say if the groups were from the civilian security or military, saying the names written were just codes, such as Gambit, Zorro, Regulasyon, Sniper, Abdul, and Alabat, among others.
But Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. was quick to say in a separate interview yesterday that the four teams are “military teams,” probably belonging to the Magdalo Group.
Esperon disclosed that they actually preempted a possible reinforcement from a unit composed of less than 100 officers and enlisted personnel who are sympathetic to Trillanes.
He refused, however, to say which unit are they from, or based, except that they are allegedly former companions of Trillanes. Esperon said they are still investigating if the group has connection with Col. Ariel Querubin, another accused coup plotter now detained at the Army camp in Tanay, Rizal.
“I must tell you that they are sticking to the chain of command… Some people who are being invited to join reported to their commanding officers,” Esperon said.
He said the group was actually planning to move in at Makati City early Thursday morning.
Esperon said they currently have in their custody some security personnel assigned to Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers. These are apart from those apprehended by the PNP.
“They are with us for debriefing. They were reported to sympathize with Trillanes but the reason why they were walking with Trillanes and Lim was that they have responsibility as custodians of the two, so they could not just get away from them,” Esperon said.
“We will do something about them,” Esperon said of the supposed reinforcement personnel.
Razon refused to disclose the supposed plots as stated in the document, saying they are conducting follow up operations on the matter.
Razon said the document would indeed show "there is conspiracy" and that the incident was "planned." Among the possible conspirators they are looking at are the security details of the Magdalo Group and Lim.
"We are conducting a thorough investigation to find out as much as we can on the plot. This was planned and I think Trillanes himself admitted it in his statement (Thursday) morning... We are exploiting the leads," he said.
It is on this premise that they are planning to file rebellion charges against those who participated in the takeover.
Another basis for saying that it was a well-planned activity is the reports they received that some supporters of the Magdalo group have actually checked in at the hotel ahead of the takeover.
“We are trying to confirm this report,” Razon said.
Razon admitted, however, that they did not expect Trillanes, Lim and the other
Magdalo soldiers to walk out of the hearing at the Makati City Regional Trial Court earlier on Thursday, even as the police already had prior intelligence reports of a destabilization plot to be coincided with mass movements for the Bonifacio Day celebration Friday.
He said they are investigating too why there were no policemen who were able to stop the march of the group.
“I did not even receive an account of the police about that incident. I did not receive any report. I got the news from the media, and not the police,” Razon said.
He disclosed that Makati City Police chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz is currently in Bangkok, Thailand for a seminar.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, the 48th Infantry Battalion, which came from the Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac, arrived at Camp Aguinaldo to augment the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
Esperon said a Light Reaction Battalion of the Philippine Army may also be sent to Manila for contingency.
Asked how the President reacted to the resolution of the Peninsula Hotel takeover, Razon said she congratulated him and asked that he convey the same message to all policemen down the line.
"She was happy... She just said to conduct thorough investigation and get to the bottom of this. And we are gaining headway in our investigation," Razon said./DMS
November 30, 2007
The police and military believe the takeover on Thursday by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and the Magdalo Group led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City was planned and not a spur-of-the-moment.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said late Thursday night that a document was seized from the hotel during clearing operations, which showed four teams were supposed to carry out the destabilization plot.
The document was a piece of bondpaper with handwritings on both sides.
"We got this document from the hotel and it shows that there are four teams that are part of the plan. So we are looking for three more teams now," Razon told reporters at Camp Crame.
Razon refused to say if the groups were from the civilian security or military, saying the names written were just codes, such as Gambit, Zorro, Regulasyon, Sniper, Abdul, and Alabat, among others.
But Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. was quick to say in a separate interview yesterday that the four teams are “military teams,” probably belonging to the Magdalo Group.
Esperon disclosed that they actually preempted a possible reinforcement from a unit composed of less than 100 officers and enlisted personnel who are sympathetic to Trillanes.
He refused, however, to say which unit are they from, or based, except that they are allegedly former companions of Trillanes. Esperon said they are still investigating if the group has connection with Col. Ariel Querubin, another accused coup plotter now detained at the Army camp in Tanay, Rizal.
“I must tell you that they are sticking to the chain of command… Some people who are being invited to join reported to their commanding officers,” Esperon said.
He said the group was actually planning to move in at Makati City early Thursday morning.
Esperon said they currently have in their custody some security personnel assigned to Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers. These are apart from those apprehended by the PNP.
“They are with us for debriefing. They were reported to sympathize with Trillanes but the reason why they were walking with Trillanes and Lim was that they have responsibility as custodians of the two, so they could not just get away from them,” Esperon said.
“We will do something about them,” Esperon said of the supposed reinforcement personnel.
Razon refused to disclose the supposed plots as stated in the document, saying they are conducting follow up operations on the matter.
Razon said the document would indeed show "there is conspiracy" and that the incident was "planned." Among the possible conspirators they are looking at are the security details of the Magdalo Group and Lim.
"We are conducting a thorough investigation to find out as much as we can on the plot. This was planned and I think Trillanes himself admitted it in his statement (Thursday) morning... We are exploiting the leads," he said.
It is on this premise that they are planning to file rebellion charges against those who participated in the takeover.
Another basis for saying that it was a well-planned activity is the reports they received that some supporters of the Magdalo group have actually checked in at the hotel ahead of the takeover.
“We are trying to confirm this report,” Razon said.
Razon admitted, however, that they did not expect Trillanes, Lim and the other
Magdalo soldiers to walk out of the hearing at the Makati City Regional Trial Court earlier on Thursday, even as the police already had prior intelligence reports of a destabilization plot to be coincided with mass movements for the Bonifacio Day celebration Friday.
He said they are investigating too why there were no policemen who were able to stop the march of the group.
“I did not even receive an account of the police about that incident. I did not receive any report. I got the news from the media, and not the police,” Razon said.
He disclosed that Makati City Police chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz is currently in Bangkok, Thailand for a seminar.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, the 48th Infantry Battalion, which came from the Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac, arrived at Camp Aguinaldo to augment the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
Esperon said a Light Reaction Battalion of the Philippine Army may also be sent to Manila for contingency.
Asked how the President reacted to the resolution of the Peninsula Hotel takeover, Razon said she congratulated him and asked that he convey the same message to all policemen down the line.
"She was happy... She just said to conduct thorough investigation and get to the bottom of this. And we are gaining headway in our investigation," Razon said./DMS
Police readies rebellion, other charges against 50 participants in Peninsula Hotel takeover
By Ronron
November 30, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing charges of rebellion and other related, lesser charges against the 50 persons apprehended for taking over the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City last Thursday.
Sr. Supt. Rolando Añonuevo, deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), told a news conference yesterday that the 50, led by former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Bishop Julio Labayen, and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, were already transferred to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City past 5am yesterday from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Taguig City.
But past 1pm, Labayen was released from the highly-secured PNP Custodial Center where they were taken as they await the formal filing of charges against them before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus had said in the news conference that Labayen was to be turned over to the custody of another Catholic bishop in consideration of his old age and out of respect to his position in the church.
A list of the detainees released by Añonuevo bared the following names also:
* perceived from the civilian sector:
1) Fr. Robert Reyes,
2)Atty. JV Bautista,
3)Atty. Argee Guevarra,
4)Herman Laurel,
5)Leonido Toledo, Jr.,
6)Evangeline Mendoza,
7)Jose Albert,
8)Eduardo Castro,
9)Ferdinand Sandoval,
10)Myrna Buendia,
11)Julio Ancheta,
12)Estrella Guingona,
13)Dominador Ireneo Rull, Jr.,
14)Maamor Lanto,
15)Romeo Solis,
16)Romeo Dacles,
17)Roel Gaduin,
18)Rhonmel Rivero,
19)Franciso Nemenzo (former UP President),
20)Julian Advincula,
21)Leodor dela Cruz,
22)Sonny Madarang,
23)Elizabeth Orteza Siguion Reyna,
24)Francisco Penaflor,
25)Ryan Custodio,
26)Atty. Elsid Fajardo,
27)Antonio Trillanes III,
28)Edgardo Tulaylay, and,
29)Rey Linaac.
* accused at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148:
1)1Lt Billy Pascua,
2)Lt. SG Andy Torrato,
3)Lt. SG Manuel Cabuchan,
4)Lt. SG Eugene Gonzales,
5)Lt. SG James Layug,
6)Capt. Segundino Orfiano
7)1Lt. Jonnel Sanggalang
8)Capt. Gary Alejano
9)Lt. JG Arturo Pascua, Jr.
10)Ensign Armand Pontejos
11)Julius Mesa (discharged EP)
12)Cezari Yassir Gonzales (discharged EP)
* other members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
1)Sgt. Francisco Bosi (Marines)
2)Cpl. Clecarte Dahan
3)PFC Juanito Jilbury
4)PFC Emmanuel Tirador
5)PFC German Linde
Recovered from the apprehended persons and at the hotel were one caliber 45, three M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, one Galil rifle, and two grenades, Añonuevo said.
He said the said items are still being checked if these are issued to the soldiers, and if any of those were fired during the five-hour takeover.
Añonuevo said the inquest proceedings may be done either late Friday or morning of Saturday at Camp Crame, saying they were given the assurance that a DOJ special panel has been created for said incident.
“The charge will depend on their participation. We will find out their complicity so it could range from the gravest of rebellion to some other lesser offenses,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in the same news conference held at Camp Crame.
The case of rebellion is based on the calls made by Lim and Trillanes for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to step down as they also invited people to mass up in Makati City to effect regime change.
Earlier, Razon said it has taken in a total of 101 persons, including the 51 media personalities, for identification authentication process at the NCRPO headquarters immediately after the takeover ended.
Yesterday, he said four more are being accounted for, including Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, one of the accused at the Makati RTC, who was among those who walked out from the hearing of their case and marched towards Ayala Avenue.
Razon said the three others compose of one who is a suspected member of the military, and two who are not definitely known if civilians or members of the uniformed service.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told a separate interview in Camp Aguinaldo that the one who is a suspected member of the military was the person who wore a wig and an Army Scout Ranger black uniform while standing behind Lim during the latter’s press conference at the hotel at around noon.
“Our men know him. He is retired. We know his name,” Esperon said.
Faeldon, a core leader of the group, had earlier escaped from detention in December 2005 until January 2006.
Asked to describe Faeldon, Razon said: “We will assume he is armed and dangerous.”
To the same question, Esperon said: “He can do some foolish things so there will be no let up in the manhunt for him.”
Razon said a combined team from the CIDG, the intelligence community, and the AFP are now hunting Faeldon and the three others.
In a statement, Faeldon’s lawyer, Trixie Angeles, confirmed that Faeldon was among the 13 accused who walked out from the sala of Makati Judge Oscar Pimentel at around 10:30 am Thursday.
“However, after he had been interviewed en route to the hotel and at the hotel, he has not been heard of since… Nearly 24 hours later, however, he had not been seen nor heard from,” Angeles said.
“He had last informed his counsel that he was returning to the Marine Brig,” she added.
Angeles appealed to the AFP leadership to observe and respect Faeldon’s rights if the latter is currently in its custody.
Angeles is not discounting this possibility because when Faeldon returned to the custody of the AFP in January 2006, “he was isolated and maltreated.”
“He refused to disseminate information about the torture however, to prevent panic among his supporters,” she said.
Esperon said that aside from Faeldon, no other from the AFP is unaccounted for./DMS
November 30, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing charges of rebellion and other related, lesser charges against the 50 persons apprehended for taking over the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City last Thursday.
Sr. Supt. Rolando Añonuevo, deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), told a news conference yesterday that the 50, led by former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Bishop Julio Labayen, and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, were already transferred to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City past 5am yesterday from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Taguig City.
But past 1pm, Labayen was released from the highly-secured PNP Custodial Center where they were taken as they await the formal filing of charges against them before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus had said in the news conference that Labayen was to be turned over to the custody of another Catholic bishop in consideration of his old age and out of respect to his position in the church.
A list of the detainees released by Añonuevo bared the following names also:
* perceived from the civilian sector:
1) Fr. Robert Reyes,
2)Atty. JV Bautista,
3)Atty. Argee Guevarra,
4)Herman Laurel,
5)Leonido Toledo, Jr.,
6)Evangeline Mendoza,
7)Jose Albert,
8)Eduardo Castro,
9)Ferdinand Sandoval,
10)Myrna Buendia,
11)Julio Ancheta,
12)Estrella Guingona,
13)Dominador Ireneo Rull, Jr.,
14)Maamor Lanto,
15)Romeo Solis,
16)Romeo Dacles,
17)Roel Gaduin,
18)Rhonmel Rivero,
19)Franciso Nemenzo (former UP President),
20)Julian Advincula,
21)Leodor dela Cruz,
22)Sonny Madarang,
23)Elizabeth Orteza Siguion Reyna,
24)Francisco Penaflor,
25)Ryan Custodio,
26)Atty. Elsid Fajardo,
27)Antonio Trillanes III,
28)Edgardo Tulaylay, and,
29)Rey Linaac.
* accused at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148:
1)1Lt Billy Pascua,
2)Lt. SG Andy Torrato,
3)Lt. SG Manuel Cabuchan,
4)Lt. SG Eugene Gonzales,
5)Lt. SG James Layug,
6)Capt. Segundino Orfiano
7)1Lt. Jonnel Sanggalang
8)Capt. Gary Alejano
9)Lt. JG Arturo Pascua, Jr.
10)Ensign Armand Pontejos
11)Julius Mesa (discharged EP)
12)Cezari Yassir Gonzales (discharged EP)
* other members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
1)Sgt. Francisco Bosi (Marines)
2)Cpl. Clecarte Dahan
3)PFC Juanito Jilbury
4)PFC Emmanuel Tirador
5)PFC German Linde
Recovered from the apprehended persons and at the hotel were one caliber 45, three M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, one Galil rifle, and two grenades, Añonuevo said.
He said the said items are still being checked if these are issued to the soldiers, and if any of those were fired during the five-hour takeover.
Añonuevo said the inquest proceedings may be done either late Friday or morning of Saturday at Camp Crame, saying they were given the assurance that a DOJ special panel has been created for said incident.
“The charge will depend on their participation. We will find out their complicity so it could range from the gravest of rebellion to some other lesser offenses,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in the same news conference held at Camp Crame.
The case of rebellion is based on the calls made by Lim and Trillanes for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to step down as they also invited people to mass up in Makati City to effect regime change.
Earlier, Razon said it has taken in a total of 101 persons, including the 51 media personalities, for identification authentication process at the NCRPO headquarters immediately after the takeover ended.
Yesterday, he said four more are being accounted for, including Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, one of the accused at the Makati RTC, who was among those who walked out from the hearing of their case and marched towards Ayala Avenue.
Razon said the three others compose of one who is a suspected member of the military, and two who are not definitely known if civilians or members of the uniformed service.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told a separate interview in Camp Aguinaldo that the one who is a suspected member of the military was the person who wore a wig and an Army Scout Ranger black uniform while standing behind Lim during the latter’s press conference at the hotel at around noon.
“Our men know him. He is retired. We know his name,” Esperon said.
Faeldon, a core leader of the group, had earlier escaped from detention in December 2005 until January 2006.
Asked to describe Faeldon, Razon said: “We will assume he is armed and dangerous.”
To the same question, Esperon said: “He can do some foolish things so there will be no let up in the manhunt for him.”
Razon said a combined team from the CIDG, the intelligence community, and the AFP are now hunting Faeldon and the three others.
In a statement, Faeldon’s lawyer, Trixie Angeles, confirmed that Faeldon was among the 13 accused who walked out from the sala of Makati Judge Oscar Pimentel at around 10:30 am Thursday.
“However, after he had been interviewed en route to the hotel and at the hotel, he has not been heard of since… Nearly 24 hours later, however, he had not been seen nor heard from,” Angeles said.
“He had last informed his counsel that he was returning to the Marine Brig,” she added.
Angeles appealed to the AFP leadership to observe and respect Faeldon’s rights if the latter is currently in its custody.
Angeles is not discounting this possibility because when Faeldon returned to the custody of the AFP in January 2006, “he was isolated and maltreated.”
“He refused to disseminate information about the torture however, to prevent panic among his supporters,” she said.
Esperon said that aside from Faeldon, no other from the AFP is unaccounted for./DMS
Friday, November 30, 2007
Newsmen covering Manila Peninsula Hotel takeover handcuffed and taken to police station
By Ronron
November 29, 2007
Police had taken into custody members of the media who covered Thursday’s takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and other Magdalo soldiers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
The members of the media were handcuffed, taken in batches, and boarded on buses that took them to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said they have to invite the media because they received reports that there were Magdalo members who pretended to be members of the media.
“It will be a chaotic process if we do the processing at the lobby of the hotel. So we decided to take them to Bicutan to establish who are legitimate members of the media and who are not,” Razon said in Filipino.
The PNP chief admitted they also confiscated some video cameras from newsmen as part of identification process. But he said they will return this if they find nothing irregular in it.
Razon explained the operatives on the ground had to handcuff the newsmen because they do not know which ones are legitimate and which ones are not.
Doing this will prevent any possible violence that could erupt from non-legitimate ones, like grabbing gun from the policemen, he said.
“I promise that once we have established who are legitimate members of the media, they will be freed,” Razon said./DMS
November 29, 2007
Police had taken into custody members of the media who covered Thursday’s takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and other Magdalo soldiers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
The members of the media were handcuffed, taken in batches, and boarded on buses that took them to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said they have to invite the media because they received reports that there were Magdalo members who pretended to be members of the media.
“It will be a chaotic process if we do the processing at the lobby of the hotel. So we decided to take them to Bicutan to establish who are legitimate members of the media and who are not,” Razon said in Filipino.
The PNP chief admitted they also confiscated some video cameras from newsmen as part of identification process. But he said they will return this if they find nothing irregular in it.
Razon explained the operatives on the ground had to handcuff the newsmen because they do not know which ones are legitimate and which ones are not.
Doing this will prevent any possible violence that could erupt from non-legitimate ones, like grabbing gun from the policemen, he said.
“I promise that once we have established who are legitimate members of the media, they will be freed,” Razon said./DMS
Lim-Trillanes takeover of Makati hotel is “irresponsible, reckless” act, defense and police officials say
By Ronron
November 29, 2007
The takeover of a high-end hotel in Makati City on Thursday morning by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV were described by officials from the defense and police establishments as “irresponsible and reckless.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City that Lim and Trillanes’ actions were illegal because they disregarded the judicial process, and the safety of civilians and tourists at a private hotel.
“On behalf of the Armed Forces establishment, we condemn the incident … as illegal, criminal and reckless act,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro said the “adventurism” of Lim and Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers could fall within the violative acts of “sedition, inciting to rebellion, rebellion, or obstruction of justice.”
“On our end, we reiterate that we shall not let this incident pass and we will deal with it decisively,” he said.
Aside from the criminal liabilities, Teodoro said Trillanes could also risk his seat at the Senate if he will be charged before the Senate Ethics Committee.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said it seems that Lim and Trillanes are already afraid that they will be found guilty of the charges they are currently facing, thus their attempt to grab power.
“This is a last minute desperate act on their part,” he said.
As part of the security preparations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was placed on full alert nationwide at 11 am. The AFP followed the same move at 12 noon.
Lim, Trillanes and the other participants at the takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel were already apprehended on Thursday night and taken to the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City./DMS
November 29, 2007
The takeover of a high-end hotel in Makati City on Thursday morning by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV were described by officials from the defense and police establishments as “irresponsible and reckless.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City that Lim and Trillanes’ actions were illegal because they disregarded the judicial process, and the safety of civilians and tourists at a private hotel.
“On behalf of the Armed Forces establishment, we condemn the incident … as illegal, criminal and reckless act,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro said the “adventurism” of Lim and Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers could fall within the violative acts of “sedition, inciting to rebellion, rebellion, or obstruction of justice.”
“On our end, we reiterate that we shall not let this incident pass and we will deal with it decisively,” he said.
Aside from the criminal liabilities, Teodoro said Trillanes could also risk his seat at the Senate if he will be charged before the Senate Ethics Committee.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said it seems that Lim and Trillanes are already afraid that they will be found guilty of the charges they are currently facing, thus their attempt to grab power.
“This is a last minute desperate act on their part,” he said.
As part of the security preparations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was placed on full alert nationwide at 11 am. The AFP followed the same move at 12 noon.
Lim, Trillanes and the other participants at the takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel were already apprehended on Thursday night and taken to the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City./DMS
Lim was giving significant account as witness at Makati court prior to march to Ayala - lawyer
By Ronron
November 29, 2007
Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim was providing the Makati City court a good account of the attempted Oakwood mutiny on July 27, 2003 on Thursday morning until he was taken by one of the accused that sparked the march to the Peninsula Manila Hotel, a lawyer who attended the trial said.
Atty. Trixie Angeles, lawyer of accused Magdalo officer Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview that Lim was testifying yesterday morning as a witness for the Magdalo officers being tried at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 for coup d’ etat.
She said Lim was already done with the direct examination by defense lawyers and was to be cross-examined by the prosecution when “somebody came in and took Gen. Lim.” This person was later identified as Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug and the incident happened at around 10:30 am.
“He (Lim) was saying significant things. He narrated events like conduct of talks… and the agreement that was arrived at that only the leaders will be incarcerated in exchange for their standing down when they were at Oakwood,” Angeles recalled.
“And he pointed out that it was Gen. Esperon who did not want that Oakwood agreement to be fulfilled,” she continued, referring to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. who was then the Deputy Chief for Operations or J3 of the military.
The agreement, Angeles quoted Lim as saying, was that only the five of the leaders will be prosecuted under the Articles of War, while the rest will only be reprimanded or admonition. Also, it was agreed that their grievances will be addressed.
Apparently, the agreement was not complied with after the close to 300 accused mutineers were subsequently charged before the military and civilian courts. The accused also continue to complain that their grievances were not addressed.
Angeles said that according to Lim, the agreement was arrived at after a negotiation with Ambassador Frank Cimatu, Senator Gregorio Honasan, and the Magdalo leaders. Lim said he was there during the negotiation because there were members of the Scout Rangers Regiment, which he headed.
About two days after the takeover, during a meeting at Malacanang, Esperon allegedly expressed his objection to observing the agreement, Angeles quoted as saying.
Although Angeles is saying that Lim’s claims about Esperon’s refusal to honor the agreement could not have been the primary cause the walk-out of the accused, she is of the belief that this stirred their emotions to follow Lim when he was taken out of the courtroom, which is located at the 14th floor of the new Makati City Hall along J. P. Rizal Street.
“This (allegation against Esperon) did not really trigger (the walkout) but they (accused) took Gen. Lim’s statement as very significant. They felt they’ve been pushed too far. They were actually reacting to whatever narration Gen. Lim gave,” Angeles said.
Angeles claimed that when the trial began at 9am, the lawyers had no clue about any walkout and march of the accused, including Lim. She said that on Wednesday evening, they were just busy preparing for Thursday’s scheduled hearing.
She said that after the defense lawyers took turn in examining Lim, Judge Oscar Pimentel ordered a five-minute recess so the witness can take a rest.
And when the hearing was about to resume, and in the presence of the judge, Layug approached Lim at the bench and said, “Halika na!” (Let’s go!).
“I would say that it was not in any way chaotic because they just stood up and left, and there was not much resistance from their guards. I think some of the accused were just accompanied by their guards for their security,” Angeles recounted the incident.
She said not all accused though went with the group, as she saw staying behind Army Captain Gerardo Gambala, Air Force 1Lt. Ashley Acedillo, and one or two others more.
There are a total of 29 officers and two enlisted personnel being tried at Pimentel’s sala. Angeles said that yesterday, two or three, however, were not around, one of them was Army Captain Milo Maestrecampo.
Angeles said Pimentel was obviously “upset” with what happened, saying this was the first in his 37-year-old career as Judge.
“He told us that he’s already an old man… So when we resumed, he issued an order citing everybody, both the accused and the custodians, in contempt, and ordered their detention for 10 days,” she said.
Angeles said that when the next hearing resumes on December 11th and 13th, they still intend to invite Lim so his testimony can be completed.
“The Judge said he will not just let it leave like that. He will push to get Lim wherever he will be brought,” she said.
She pointed out that Lim was not cited in contempt by Pimentel./DMS
November 29, 2007
Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim was providing the Makati City court a good account of the attempted Oakwood mutiny on July 27, 2003 on Thursday morning until he was taken by one of the accused that sparked the march to the Peninsula Manila Hotel, a lawyer who attended the trial said.
Atty. Trixie Angeles, lawyer of accused Magdalo officer Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview that Lim was testifying yesterday morning as a witness for the Magdalo officers being tried at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 for coup d’ etat.
She said Lim was already done with the direct examination by defense lawyers and was to be cross-examined by the prosecution when “somebody came in and took Gen. Lim.” This person was later identified as Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug and the incident happened at around 10:30 am.
“He (Lim) was saying significant things. He narrated events like conduct of talks… and the agreement that was arrived at that only the leaders will be incarcerated in exchange for their standing down when they were at Oakwood,” Angeles recalled.
“And he pointed out that it was Gen. Esperon who did not want that Oakwood agreement to be fulfilled,” she continued, referring to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. who was then the Deputy Chief for Operations or J3 of the military.
The agreement, Angeles quoted Lim as saying, was that only the five of the leaders will be prosecuted under the Articles of War, while the rest will only be reprimanded or admonition. Also, it was agreed that their grievances will be addressed.
Apparently, the agreement was not complied with after the close to 300 accused mutineers were subsequently charged before the military and civilian courts. The accused also continue to complain that their grievances were not addressed.
Angeles said that according to Lim, the agreement was arrived at after a negotiation with Ambassador Frank Cimatu, Senator Gregorio Honasan, and the Magdalo leaders. Lim said he was there during the negotiation because there were members of the Scout Rangers Regiment, which he headed.
About two days after the takeover, during a meeting at Malacanang, Esperon allegedly expressed his objection to observing the agreement, Angeles quoted as saying.
Although Angeles is saying that Lim’s claims about Esperon’s refusal to honor the agreement could not have been the primary cause the walk-out of the accused, she is of the belief that this stirred their emotions to follow Lim when he was taken out of the courtroom, which is located at the 14th floor of the new Makati City Hall along J. P. Rizal Street.
“This (allegation against Esperon) did not really trigger (the walkout) but they (accused) took Gen. Lim’s statement as very significant. They felt they’ve been pushed too far. They were actually reacting to whatever narration Gen. Lim gave,” Angeles said.
Angeles claimed that when the trial began at 9am, the lawyers had no clue about any walkout and march of the accused, including Lim. She said that on Wednesday evening, they were just busy preparing for Thursday’s scheduled hearing.
She said that after the defense lawyers took turn in examining Lim, Judge Oscar Pimentel ordered a five-minute recess so the witness can take a rest.
And when the hearing was about to resume, and in the presence of the judge, Layug approached Lim at the bench and said, “Halika na!” (Let’s go!).
“I would say that it was not in any way chaotic because they just stood up and left, and there was not much resistance from their guards. I think some of the accused were just accompanied by their guards for their security,” Angeles recounted the incident.
She said not all accused though went with the group, as she saw staying behind Army Captain Gerardo Gambala, Air Force 1Lt. Ashley Acedillo, and one or two others more.
There are a total of 29 officers and two enlisted personnel being tried at Pimentel’s sala. Angeles said that yesterday, two or three, however, were not around, one of them was Army Captain Milo Maestrecampo.
Angeles said Pimentel was obviously “upset” with what happened, saying this was the first in his 37-year-old career as Judge.
“He told us that he’s already an old man… So when we resumed, he issued an order citing everybody, both the accused and the custodians, in contempt, and ordered their detention for 10 days,” she said.
Angeles said that when the next hearing resumes on December 11th and 13th, they still intend to invite Lim so his testimony can be completed.
“The Judge said he will not just let it leave like that. He will push to get Lim wherever he will be brought,” she said.
She pointed out that Lim was not cited in contempt by Pimentel./DMS
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Philippine authorities search for 12 missing Chinese fishermen
By Ronron
November 28, 2007
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has extended its search for missing fishermen and Air Force pilots that figured in different mishaps in the remote waters of Palawan in western Philippines after receiving Wednesday morning a report that 12 Chinese fishermen are also unaccounted for.
PCG spokesman Lt. Senior Grade Armand Balilo said the report was conveyed to the PCG Action Center by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila.
Quoting Consul General Guo Shaochun’s report, Balilo said the missing Chinese fishermen made a last contact to the China Maritime Rescue Center wherein they reported that the two fishing boats they were in are being battered by big waves due to strong wind.
But Balilo was not immediately aware about the date for said last contact, where the vessel was particularly located at that time, and where the vessel came from.
It is suspected that the 12 fishermen got lost in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, Balilo said.
“The fishing boats were presumed to have sunk because of the bad weather,” he said. It can be recalled that Palawan was the immediate target area of then tropical depression “Lando” (international name: Hagibis) after re-entering the Philippines last Monday morning.
After receiving the report, Balilo said it was immediately conveyed to PCG Palawan District Commander Captain Danilo Corpuz.
Corpuz then instructed Captain Jorge Ursabla, the commanding officer of PCG Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel BRP Pampanga, to include the 12 in their search operations off Pag-asa Island for the close to 30 Filipino fishermen, the Vietnamese fishermen, and the two Philippine Air Force pilots who are believed to have gone missing in said area.
The BRP Pampanga has departed Puerto Princesa City at around 10 am Wednesday to proceed to the SAR operations site, and it will be followed this (Thursday) morning by the PCG Islander plane, which is scheduled to leave at 9am./DMS
November 28, 2007
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has extended its search for missing fishermen and Air Force pilots that figured in different mishaps in the remote waters of Palawan in western Philippines after receiving Wednesday morning a report that 12 Chinese fishermen are also unaccounted for.
PCG spokesman Lt. Senior Grade Armand Balilo said the report was conveyed to the PCG Action Center by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila.
Quoting Consul General Guo Shaochun’s report, Balilo said the missing Chinese fishermen made a last contact to the China Maritime Rescue Center wherein they reported that the two fishing boats they were in are being battered by big waves due to strong wind.
But Balilo was not immediately aware about the date for said last contact, where the vessel was particularly located at that time, and where the vessel came from.
It is suspected that the 12 fishermen got lost in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, Balilo said.
“The fishing boats were presumed to have sunk because of the bad weather,” he said. It can be recalled that Palawan was the immediate target area of then tropical depression “Lando” (international name: Hagibis) after re-entering the Philippines last Monday morning.
After receiving the report, Balilo said it was immediately conveyed to PCG Palawan District Commander Captain Danilo Corpuz.
Corpuz then instructed Captain Jorge Ursabla, the commanding officer of PCG Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel BRP Pampanga, to include the 12 in their search operations off Pag-asa Island for the close to 30 Filipino fishermen, the Vietnamese fishermen, and the two Philippine Air Force pilots who are believed to have gone missing in said area.
The BRP Pampanga has departed Puerto Princesa City at around 10 am Wednesday to proceed to the SAR operations site, and it will be followed this (Thursday) morning by the PCG Islander plane, which is scheduled to leave at 9am./DMS
AFP admits Alston’s findings affect its image
By Ronron
November 28, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) admitted Wednesday that the findings of United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston regarding the cases of extrajudicial killings in the country is affecting its image in the international community.
This, even as it continues to deny the findings of Alston that the AFP is behind the political killings because it allegedly targets leaders of leftist movements.
“We can say that indeed, in a way, the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is affected (by the Alston report),” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters yesterday in Camp Aguinaldo.
“But we would like to highlight and inform everybody that that is not our policy, we do not do such things as a deliberate strategy of systematically hunting down leaders of the leftist organizations… What we are doing is that we are hunting down the armed component,” he added.
Bacarro acknowledged that with the findings of Alston, it seems they lost to the Left-leaning organizations in the so-called “propaganda war.”
But he said he is not in a position to say what could have made Alston come up with such conclusion despite the facts submitted to him by the military and the government during his visit in the country in the early part of the year.
Asked how they could counter this, Bacarro said: “I think the best way to counter a propaganda is to tell the truth. And what we are saying is, the truth is it is not the policy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do such thing.”
Bacarro said they are not even tolerating their personnel who are accused of violating human rights.
He said that currently, the AFP has recorded 13 cases of alleged violation of human rights that involve 22 active members of the military, two militiamen and one military asset as suspects.
The cases start from 2001 and are mostly homicide and murder in nature, said Bacarro.
As to the disbelief of Alston on the “purge theory” of the AFP against the New People’s Army, Bacarro said no less than the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) admitted in 1992 to be doing that under its Grave Rectification activity.
“We respect the findings of Prof. Alston. It is his opinion. But it’s a different thing if this will withstand a judicial scrutiny – meaning to say, if they have evidence to really prove that it is really the Armed Forces of the Philippines who, according to its report, committed the extrajudicial killings,” Bacarro said.
Bacarro and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. are one in pointing out that Alston may have lacked time to complete its probe and appreciate the data from the government.
“We wished he had more time to stay here in the country to also look at other cases,” Bacarro said.
For his part, Razon said: “I would venture to say that I hoped Prof. Alston spent more time here looking into the facts and figures were presented him, that he would spend more time interviewing the families of victims of these atrocities so that he could properly make a proper conclusion.”
Razon was the first head of the Task Force USIG when it was created middle of last year by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to address extrajudicial killing cases./DMS
November 28, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) admitted Wednesday that the findings of United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston regarding the cases of extrajudicial killings in the country is affecting its image in the international community.
This, even as it continues to deny the findings of Alston that the AFP is behind the political killings because it allegedly targets leaders of leftist movements.
“We can say that indeed, in a way, the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is affected (by the Alston report),” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters yesterday in Camp Aguinaldo.
“But we would like to highlight and inform everybody that that is not our policy, we do not do such things as a deliberate strategy of systematically hunting down leaders of the leftist organizations… What we are doing is that we are hunting down the armed component,” he added.
Bacarro acknowledged that with the findings of Alston, it seems they lost to the Left-leaning organizations in the so-called “propaganda war.”
But he said he is not in a position to say what could have made Alston come up with such conclusion despite the facts submitted to him by the military and the government during his visit in the country in the early part of the year.
Asked how they could counter this, Bacarro said: “I think the best way to counter a propaganda is to tell the truth. And what we are saying is, the truth is it is not the policy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do such thing.”
Bacarro said they are not even tolerating their personnel who are accused of violating human rights.
He said that currently, the AFP has recorded 13 cases of alleged violation of human rights that involve 22 active members of the military, two militiamen and one military asset as suspects.
The cases start from 2001 and are mostly homicide and murder in nature, said Bacarro.
As to the disbelief of Alston on the “purge theory” of the AFP against the New People’s Army, Bacarro said no less than the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) admitted in 1992 to be doing that under its Grave Rectification activity.
“We respect the findings of Prof. Alston. It is his opinion. But it’s a different thing if this will withstand a judicial scrutiny – meaning to say, if they have evidence to really prove that it is really the Armed Forces of the Philippines who, according to its report, committed the extrajudicial killings,” Bacarro said.
Bacarro and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. are one in pointing out that Alston may have lacked time to complete its probe and appreciate the data from the government.
“We wished he had more time to stay here in the country to also look at other cases,” Bacarro said.
For his part, Razon said: “I would venture to say that I hoped Prof. Alston spent more time here looking into the facts and figures were presented him, that he would spend more time interviewing the families of victims of these atrocities so that he could properly make a proper conclusion.”
Razon was the first head of the Task Force USIG when it was created middle of last year by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to address extrajudicial killing cases./DMS
Storm death toll rise to 19; 8 missing - NDCC
By Ronron
November 28, 2007
Tropical cyclone “Mina” dissipated Monday morning after it weakened and was eaten by tropical cyclone “Lando” in the northeastern part of the country.
But it has left at least 19 people killed, eight missing and one injured, based on the latest report of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) yesterday.
The death toll could even rise with the reported death of three people and the loss of six others whose boats capsized in Talisay, Batangas on Tuesday evening due to big waves brought by “Lando.” (See Jasmine’s story)
Those who died include one from Camarines Norte, seven from Camarines Sur, three from Palawan, two from Apayao, two from Kalinga, three from Cagayan, and one from Isabela. Most of them died due to drowning.
The missing victims, on the other hand, include one from Apayao, two from Palawan, and five from Cagayan.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Ludy Alviar, “Mina” had dissipated at around 10 am yesterday because it was overpowered by tropical depression “Lando.”
At that time, “Lando” was located 180 kilometers north northeast of Virac, Catanduanes and was packed with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near (kph) the center.
It was moving northeast direction at 19 kph.
Alviar said that “Lando” may dissipate later Wednesday because of the cold air in the northern part of the country. Alviar said weak tropical cyclones dissipate when there is intrusion of cold air.
And because of the northeast monsoon, Alviar said the tropical depression in the eastern part of the country (“Nonoy”) may not even be entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) anymore.
“It could just move northwards,” Alviar said.
PAGASA Director Prisco Nilo had earlier projected “Nonoy” to enter the PAR either yesterday (Wednesday) or today (Thursday), with a great possibility of merging with “Lando.”
Because “Lando” has crossed land already, PAGASA lifted all public storm warning signals all over the country.
But NDCC Executive Officer Glenn Rabonza reported that “Lando’s” wrath was felt on Tuesday night when it caused big waves in the different parts of the country, even in areas where it did not hit directly.
Rabonza said several coastal barangays in Jolo, Sulu; Pangasinan; La Union; Ilocos Norte; Negros Oriental; Siquijor; Misamis Oriental; Dipolog City; and, Zamboanga City were affected by big waves.
In Pangasinan, 233 families or 1,155 persons from Dagupan City and four towns were affected by the big waves that they need to go to seven evacuation centers. More than half of them, however, have since gone home.
In La Union, 264 families or 740 people from San Fernando City and three towns also stayed at 12 evacuation centers briefly.
In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, 725 families or 3,625 persons sought temporary shelter in five evacuation centers and have since returned home.
In Negros Oriental, 16 houses in Sitio Nagbagan, Barangay Poblacion in Sta. Catalina town were damaged by big waves, the affected residents had to be housed temporarily at the local chapel.
In Siquijor, only a big pile of garbage along the shorelines was caused by the big waves.
In Zamboanga City, 190 houses were damaged in five coastal barangays, displacing 350 families. Some of them are now in three evacuation centers.
Similar damages were left in Dipolog City.
Meanwhile, a seawall in Barangay Kawit, Zamboanga City collapsed due to the strong waves, while in Barangay karagatan, a half-lane of a road was closed due to accumulated garbage.
In Misamis Oriental, the coastal towns of Balingasag, Lugait and Initaio were also hit with big waves, damaging at least 50 houses and an undetermined number of fishing boats.
There were no casualties reported but 100 families in Lugait were evacuated to the town’s sports complex.
In Sulu, residents from the coastal barangays of Busbus, Tako-takot and Tulay were evacuated to Jolo Municipal Hall due to the big waves.
“What was relayed to me preliminarily was that this was not a storm surge. This was because it was also high tide at the time that we were experiencing a tropical cyclone in the country,” Defense Secretary and NDCC chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said of the big waves.
“I commend all our local officials for reacting right away and they used their own initiative and judgment to evacuate. What I want to ask them now is to continue monitoring the western coastlines, even the inland sea provinces like Siquijor, and use our own judgment to preemptively evacuate if they feel it’s necessary,” he added.
When “Lando” initially left the country over a week ago, it left 14 people killed and few others wounded. It reentered the PAR last Monday morning due to a change of course of “Mina,” a phenomenon scientists call as the Fujiwhara effect.
Meanwhile, the NDCC report showed that “Mina” has affected a total of 120,607 families or 552,344 persons from 1,282 villages in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 5, 8 and the Cordilleras.
But only 12,175 families or 56,420 persons remain in evacuation centers, mostly from Regions 3, 4-A, 5, 8 and the Cordilleras.
The NDCC said damages to infrastructure caused by “Mina” was worth over P162 million; for agriculture was over P109 million; and for school buildings was over P210 million./DMS
November 28, 2007
Tropical cyclone “Mina” dissipated Monday morning after it weakened and was eaten by tropical cyclone “Lando” in the northeastern part of the country.
But it has left at least 19 people killed, eight missing and one injured, based on the latest report of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) yesterday.
The death toll could even rise with the reported death of three people and the loss of six others whose boats capsized in Talisay, Batangas on Tuesday evening due to big waves brought by “Lando.” (See Jasmine’s story)
Those who died include one from Camarines Norte, seven from Camarines Sur, three from Palawan, two from Apayao, two from Kalinga, three from Cagayan, and one from Isabela. Most of them died due to drowning.
The missing victims, on the other hand, include one from Apayao, two from Palawan, and five from Cagayan.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Ludy Alviar, “Mina” had dissipated at around 10 am yesterday because it was overpowered by tropical depression “Lando.”
At that time, “Lando” was located 180 kilometers north northeast of Virac, Catanduanes and was packed with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near (kph) the center.
It was moving northeast direction at 19 kph.
Alviar said that “Lando” may dissipate later Wednesday because of the cold air in the northern part of the country. Alviar said weak tropical cyclones dissipate when there is intrusion of cold air.
And because of the northeast monsoon, Alviar said the tropical depression in the eastern part of the country (“Nonoy”) may not even be entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) anymore.
“It could just move northwards,” Alviar said.
PAGASA Director Prisco Nilo had earlier projected “Nonoy” to enter the PAR either yesterday (Wednesday) or today (Thursday), with a great possibility of merging with “Lando.”
Because “Lando” has crossed land already, PAGASA lifted all public storm warning signals all over the country.
But NDCC Executive Officer Glenn Rabonza reported that “Lando’s” wrath was felt on Tuesday night when it caused big waves in the different parts of the country, even in areas where it did not hit directly.
Rabonza said several coastal barangays in Jolo, Sulu; Pangasinan; La Union; Ilocos Norte; Negros Oriental; Siquijor; Misamis Oriental; Dipolog City; and, Zamboanga City were affected by big waves.
In Pangasinan, 233 families or 1,155 persons from Dagupan City and four towns were affected by the big waves that they need to go to seven evacuation centers. More than half of them, however, have since gone home.
In La Union, 264 families or 740 people from San Fernando City and three towns also stayed at 12 evacuation centers briefly.
In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, 725 families or 3,625 persons sought temporary shelter in five evacuation centers and have since returned home.
In Negros Oriental, 16 houses in Sitio Nagbagan, Barangay Poblacion in Sta. Catalina town were damaged by big waves, the affected residents had to be housed temporarily at the local chapel.
In Siquijor, only a big pile of garbage along the shorelines was caused by the big waves.
In Zamboanga City, 190 houses were damaged in five coastal barangays, displacing 350 families. Some of them are now in three evacuation centers.
Similar damages were left in Dipolog City.
Meanwhile, a seawall in Barangay Kawit, Zamboanga City collapsed due to the strong waves, while in Barangay karagatan, a half-lane of a road was closed due to accumulated garbage.
In Misamis Oriental, the coastal towns of Balingasag, Lugait and Initaio were also hit with big waves, damaging at least 50 houses and an undetermined number of fishing boats.
There were no casualties reported but 100 families in Lugait were evacuated to the town’s sports complex.
In Sulu, residents from the coastal barangays of Busbus, Tako-takot and Tulay were evacuated to Jolo Municipal Hall due to the big waves.
“What was relayed to me preliminarily was that this was not a storm surge. This was because it was also high tide at the time that we were experiencing a tropical cyclone in the country,” Defense Secretary and NDCC chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said of the big waves.
“I commend all our local officials for reacting right away and they used their own initiative and judgment to evacuate. What I want to ask them now is to continue monitoring the western coastlines, even the inland sea provinces like Siquijor, and use our own judgment to preemptively evacuate if they feel it’s necessary,” he added.
When “Lando” initially left the country over a week ago, it left 14 people killed and few others wounded. It reentered the PAR last Monday morning due to a change of course of “Mina,” a phenomenon scientists call as the Fujiwhara effect.
Meanwhile, the NDCC report showed that “Mina” has affected a total of 120,607 families or 552,344 persons from 1,282 villages in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 5, 8 and the Cordilleras.
But only 12,175 families or 56,420 persons remain in evacuation centers, mostly from Regions 3, 4-A, 5, 8 and the Cordilleras.
The NDCC said damages to infrastructure caused by “Mina” was worth over P162 million; for agriculture was over P109 million; and for school buildings was over P210 million./DMS
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
“Mina” death toll rise to 17; 4 still missing
By Ronron
November 27, 2007
Nine more people were added on Tuesday in the list of those who died due to typhoon “Mina,” bringing to 17 the death toll, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported Tuesday evening.
In its 6pm report yesterday, the NDCC said the number of missing people have also risen to four from two, while one is injured.
According to the report, those added to the list of dead people are 1) Felipe Abawag, 65; and, 2) Santos Sabedra, 78, both of Conner, Apayao who died of drowning; and, 3) Jimmy Soriano, 6; and, 4) Lawagan Baggay, 69, both of Pinukpuk, Kalinga who died due to landslide; 5) Tunan Ambajane, 8; 6) Astang Ipit, 5; and, 7) Efren Roluna, all of Palawan; 8) Juanito Bulseco, 65, of Cagayan who drowned; and, 9) Eduardo Lugo, 58, of Isabela province, who also drowned.
The missing persons, meanwhile, are the following: 1) Reiner Abawag, of Conner, Apayao who allegedly drowned; 2) Junj-jun Rebilledo, 20, of Baggao, Cagayan who also allegedly drowned; and the two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who went missing with their AS-211 jet last Monday in Palawan.
Mino Bautista, 20, of Binmaley, Pangasinan, who was hit by a fallen tree, is the lone injured victim, so far, the NDCC report showed. He is being treated at the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Medical Center for his lacerated upper lip and neck, and body pains.
So far, a total of 118,712 families or 540,305 persons have been affected by “Mina” from 1,169 villages of 129 towns and cities in 18 provinces from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 5, 8, and the Cordilleras.
Of these, 12,164 families or 56,354 persons are in 129 evacuation centers.
Most of the evacuees come from Region 5, with 9,865 families or 46,308 persons.
The second highest number of evacuees is from Region 8, involving 1,539 families or 6,195 persons.
The rest are from Regions 3, 4-A, and the Cordilleras.
There are no more evacuees in Regions 1 and 2, the NDCC report showed.
Also, 114 houses were damaged totally, while 2,533 were destroyed partially. These are from Regions 1, 2, 5 and the Cordilleras.
As of last night, “Mina” maintained its strength as it traverses the north Philippine sea.
It was packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of 80 kph, government weather bureau chief forecaster Nathaniel Cruz said.
In its 5pm advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Mina” was located 150 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes, and was moving east northeast direction.
As for tropical depression “Lando,” which has reentered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) last Monday morning, Cruz said it has maintained its strength as it hit landfall late afternoon yesterday in Mindoro.
“Lando” had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph, and was expected to cross over to Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
“Lando” was moving east northeast at 26 kph, and was expected to be 140 kilometers east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes this (Wednesday) afternoon. Based on its projected track, “Lando” will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday afternoon.
Cruz said it is unlikely that “Lando” will strengthen because it will already sustain its contact over land until it exits in the Bicol region.
Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 is declared over Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Romblon, Marinduque, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bataan, Bulacan, Quezon, Polillo Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Burias Island, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Ticao Island, Metro Manila, northern Palawan, the Calamian Group of Islands, Cuyo Island, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo and northern Samar due to “Lando.”
The weather bureau is also monitoring the movement of a low-pressure area in the eastern part of the country, particularly over the Pacific Ocean, which will be named as “Nonoy” once it enters the PAR. /DMS
November 27, 2007
Nine more people were added on Tuesday in the list of those who died due to typhoon “Mina,” bringing to 17 the death toll, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported Tuesday evening.
In its 6pm report yesterday, the NDCC said the number of missing people have also risen to four from two, while one is injured.
According to the report, those added to the list of dead people are 1) Felipe Abawag, 65; and, 2) Santos Sabedra, 78, both of Conner, Apayao who died of drowning; and, 3) Jimmy Soriano, 6; and, 4) Lawagan Baggay, 69, both of Pinukpuk, Kalinga who died due to landslide; 5) Tunan Ambajane, 8; 6) Astang Ipit, 5; and, 7) Efren Roluna, all of Palawan; 8) Juanito Bulseco, 65, of Cagayan who drowned; and, 9) Eduardo Lugo, 58, of Isabela province, who also drowned.
The missing persons, meanwhile, are the following: 1) Reiner Abawag, of Conner, Apayao who allegedly drowned; 2) Junj-jun Rebilledo, 20, of Baggao, Cagayan who also allegedly drowned; and the two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who went missing with their AS-211 jet last Monday in Palawan.
Mino Bautista, 20, of Binmaley, Pangasinan, who was hit by a fallen tree, is the lone injured victim, so far, the NDCC report showed. He is being treated at the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Medical Center for his lacerated upper lip and neck, and body pains.
So far, a total of 118,712 families or 540,305 persons have been affected by “Mina” from 1,169 villages of 129 towns and cities in 18 provinces from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 5, 8, and the Cordilleras.
Of these, 12,164 families or 56,354 persons are in 129 evacuation centers.
Most of the evacuees come from Region 5, with 9,865 families or 46,308 persons.
The second highest number of evacuees is from Region 8, involving 1,539 families or 6,195 persons.
The rest are from Regions 3, 4-A, and the Cordilleras.
There are no more evacuees in Regions 1 and 2, the NDCC report showed.
Also, 114 houses were damaged totally, while 2,533 were destroyed partially. These are from Regions 1, 2, 5 and the Cordilleras.
As of last night, “Mina” maintained its strength as it traverses the north Philippine sea.
It was packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of 80 kph, government weather bureau chief forecaster Nathaniel Cruz said.
In its 5pm advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Mina” was located 150 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes, and was moving east northeast direction.
As for tropical depression “Lando,” which has reentered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) last Monday morning, Cruz said it has maintained its strength as it hit landfall late afternoon yesterday in Mindoro.
“Lando” had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph, and was expected to cross over to Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
“Lando” was moving east northeast at 26 kph, and was expected to be 140 kilometers east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes this (Wednesday) afternoon. Based on its projected track, “Lando” will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday afternoon.
Cruz said it is unlikely that “Lando” will strengthen because it will already sustain its contact over land until it exits in the Bicol region.
Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 is declared over Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Romblon, Marinduque, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bataan, Bulacan, Quezon, Polillo Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Burias Island, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Ticao Island, Metro Manila, northern Palawan, the Calamian Group of Islands, Cuyo Island, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo and northern Samar due to “Lando.”
The weather bureau is also monitoring the movement of a low-pressure area in the eastern part of the country, particularly over the Pacific Ocean, which will be named as “Nonoy” once it enters the PAR. /DMS
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
8 killed, 4 missing due to typhoon “Mina” – NDCC
By Ronron
November 26, 2007
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported Monday that eight people have died and four are missing due to unfavorable weather caused by typhoon “Mina.”
According to an NDCC report, seven died in Camarines Sur, one in Camarines Norte, while two are missing from Apayao and two others from a missing aircraft in Palawan (see separate Story 1).
The report identified the fatalities as: 1) Arjay Mago, 7, of Paracale, Camarines Norte; 2) Roger Madrelejos, 26, of Buhi, Camarines Sur; 3) Estela Ceres, 70, of Sangay, Camarines Sur; 4) Bernardo Agpoon, 75, of Pamplona, Camarines Sur; 5) Eustaquio Borosa, 88, of Naga City, Camarines Sur; 6) Joseph Brocante of Baao, Camarines Sur; 7) Leticia Tecson of Caramoan, Camarines Sur; and, 8) Roberto Pabilando, Sr., of Naga City, Camarines Sur.
Most of them died due to drowning, while the rest died due to hypothermia.
Dr. Carmencita Banatin, chief of the Health Emergency Management Staff of the Department of Health, told a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City that the deaths happened from November 22 until the 23rd.
“Mina” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) last November 21, bringing in rains in the Bicol region and some parts of Visayas. But it only made landfall before midnight of Sunday, particularly in Palanan, Isabela.
The two missing from Apayao, meanwhile, are Felipe and Reiner Abawag of Conner town, the NDCC report said.
According to the 5pm advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Mina” weakened into a tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) only and gustiness of up to 140 kph.
As of 4pm, it was located some 100 kilometers north of Laoag City.
PAGASA said “Mina” is moving north northeast at 11 kph, and is expected to be 330 kilometers northeast of Ilocos Norte or at 80 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes this (Tuesday) afternoon.
Because of “Mina,” public storm warning signal number 3 is in effect over Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Babuyan Group of Islands, and the Batanes Group of Islands.
Public storm warning signal number 2 is also declared over Isabela, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Sur. The same signal is in effect over northern Palawan and Calamian Group of Islands because of tropical storm “Lando,” which has re-entered the PAR yesterday morning after being dragged by “Mina,” a natural phenomenon that scientists call as the “Fujiwhara effect.”
Public storm warning signal number 1, meanwhile, is declared in Aurora, Qurino, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac and Pangasinan due to “Mina,” and in Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Romblon, the rest of Palawan and in Cuyo Island due to “Lando.”
In the same PAGASA advisory, “Lando” was located at 4pm yesterday 300 kilometers west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, after coming from southern Vietnam.
It also weakened, having maximum sustained winds of 75 kph only and gustiness of up to 90 kph, PAGASA said.
Moving east northeast at 15 kph, “Lando” is expected to be 140 kms west northwest of Coron, Palawan this (Tuesday) afternoon, PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, the third weather disturbance, tropical depression “Nonoy,” is expected to enter the PAR the earliest on Wednesday, said PAGASA.
Earlier, PAGASA officials predicted that “Nonoy” and “Lando” could merge on Thursday over the Philippine sea because of their current track, and could move then northwards to the direction of Japan because of “Mina.”
So far, “Mina” has already affected 88,317 families or 399,033 persons from 827 villages of 829 municipalities, covering 11 provinces from Regions 2, 3, 4-A and 5, the NDCC said in its report at 6pm yesterday.
Out of these, 50,586 families or 231,437 people were evacuated to 642 evacuation centers.
Most of the evacuees are from Region 5, with 49,562 families or 227,277 persons temporarily sheltered at 567 evacuation centers. NDCC spokesman Dr. Anthony Golez said this is because of the possibility that “Lando” will also hit the Bicol Region if it follows its current projected track.
In Region 2, which was directly hit by “Mina,” only 859 families or 3,361 people were evacuated, all staying in 52 evacuation centers.
The least of the evacuees are from Region 3, with 150 families or 750 persons.
So far, 26 houses were totally damaged and 151 others were partially destroyed in the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao and Ilocos Norte because of “Mina,” the NDCC report said.
Its rains and winds have also damaged some 6,075 hectares of agricultural crops, worth P109,648,281.00, Golez said, quoting the Department of Agriculture.
Power outages were reported yesterday in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Isabela because some power lines tripped. TRANSCO are already attending to the affected power lines, Golez said.
Expectedly, some roads and bridges were rendered impassable due to flooding, particularly the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela province, the Cordon-Aurora Boundary Road in Quirino province, the Disimungal-Aurora Section also in Quirino, and a few others in Aurora province.
Golez said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continued until yesterday making personal calls to the governors of the affected provinces to check on the situation on the ground.
Golez said that because of the preemptive actions ordered by the government such as the evacuation of residents in risky areas, only a few casualties were incurred so far.
“Because we were prepared, we have surely mitigated and somehow buffered the impact that will hurt, especially our poor,” Defense Secretary and NDCC chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said last night./DMS
November 26, 2007
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported Monday that eight people have died and four are missing due to unfavorable weather caused by typhoon “Mina.”
According to an NDCC report, seven died in Camarines Sur, one in Camarines Norte, while two are missing from Apayao and two others from a missing aircraft in Palawan (see separate Story 1).
The report identified the fatalities as: 1) Arjay Mago, 7, of Paracale, Camarines Norte; 2) Roger Madrelejos, 26, of Buhi, Camarines Sur; 3) Estela Ceres, 70, of Sangay, Camarines Sur; 4) Bernardo Agpoon, 75, of Pamplona, Camarines Sur; 5) Eustaquio Borosa, 88, of Naga City, Camarines Sur; 6) Joseph Brocante of Baao, Camarines Sur; 7) Leticia Tecson of Caramoan, Camarines Sur; and, 8) Roberto Pabilando, Sr., of Naga City, Camarines Sur.
Most of them died due to drowning, while the rest died due to hypothermia.
Dr. Carmencita Banatin, chief of the Health Emergency Management Staff of the Department of Health, told a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City that the deaths happened from November 22 until the 23rd.
“Mina” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) last November 21, bringing in rains in the Bicol region and some parts of Visayas. But it only made landfall before midnight of Sunday, particularly in Palanan, Isabela.
The two missing from Apayao, meanwhile, are Felipe and Reiner Abawag of Conner town, the NDCC report said.
According to the 5pm advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Mina” weakened into a tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) only and gustiness of up to 140 kph.
As of 4pm, it was located some 100 kilometers north of Laoag City.
PAGASA said “Mina” is moving north northeast at 11 kph, and is expected to be 330 kilometers northeast of Ilocos Norte or at 80 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes this (Tuesday) afternoon.
Because of “Mina,” public storm warning signal number 3 is in effect over Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Babuyan Group of Islands, and the Batanes Group of Islands.
Public storm warning signal number 2 is also declared over Isabela, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Sur. The same signal is in effect over northern Palawan and Calamian Group of Islands because of tropical storm “Lando,” which has re-entered the PAR yesterday morning after being dragged by “Mina,” a natural phenomenon that scientists call as the “Fujiwhara effect.”
Public storm warning signal number 1, meanwhile, is declared in Aurora, Qurino, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac and Pangasinan due to “Mina,” and in Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Romblon, the rest of Palawan and in Cuyo Island due to “Lando.”
In the same PAGASA advisory, “Lando” was located at 4pm yesterday 300 kilometers west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, after coming from southern Vietnam.
It also weakened, having maximum sustained winds of 75 kph only and gustiness of up to 90 kph, PAGASA said.
Moving east northeast at 15 kph, “Lando” is expected to be 140 kms west northwest of Coron, Palawan this (Tuesday) afternoon, PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, the third weather disturbance, tropical depression “Nonoy,” is expected to enter the PAR the earliest on Wednesday, said PAGASA.
Earlier, PAGASA officials predicted that “Nonoy” and “Lando” could merge on Thursday over the Philippine sea because of their current track, and could move then northwards to the direction of Japan because of “Mina.”
So far, “Mina” has already affected 88,317 families or 399,033 persons from 827 villages of 829 municipalities, covering 11 provinces from Regions 2, 3, 4-A and 5, the NDCC said in its report at 6pm yesterday.
Out of these, 50,586 families or 231,437 people were evacuated to 642 evacuation centers.
Most of the evacuees are from Region 5, with 49,562 families or 227,277 persons temporarily sheltered at 567 evacuation centers. NDCC spokesman Dr. Anthony Golez said this is because of the possibility that “Lando” will also hit the Bicol Region if it follows its current projected track.
In Region 2, which was directly hit by “Mina,” only 859 families or 3,361 people were evacuated, all staying in 52 evacuation centers.
The least of the evacuees are from Region 3, with 150 families or 750 persons.
So far, 26 houses were totally damaged and 151 others were partially destroyed in the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao and Ilocos Norte because of “Mina,” the NDCC report said.
Its rains and winds have also damaged some 6,075 hectares of agricultural crops, worth P109,648,281.00, Golez said, quoting the Department of Agriculture.
Power outages were reported yesterday in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Isabela because some power lines tripped. TRANSCO are already attending to the affected power lines, Golez said.
Expectedly, some roads and bridges were rendered impassable due to flooding, particularly the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela province, the Cordon-Aurora Boundary Road in Quirino province, the Disimungal-Aurora Section also in Quirino, and a few others in Aurora province.
Golez said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continued until yesterday making personal calls to the governors of the affected provinces to check on the situation on the ground.
Golez said that because of the preemptive actions ordered by the government such as the evacuation of residents in risky areas, only a few casualties were incurred so far.
“Because we were prepared, we have surely mitigated and somehow buffered the impact that will hurt, especially our poor,” Defense Secretary and NDCC chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said last night./DMS
PAF plane with two pilots went missing off Palawan
By Ronron
November 26, 2007
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) jet with two pilots went missing off Palawan on Monday morning while on a maritime patrol mission over the Kalayaan Group of Islands to search for possible survivors of a sunken fishing vessel, PAF officials said.
PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr. said a pair of AS-211 jet took off from the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at around 8:45 am but one failed to return at around lunchtime and remains unaccounted for as of press time for a still unknown reason.
PAF commander Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino identified the missing pilots as Captain Gabino Mercado, Jr,, the pilot in command, and Captain Bonifacio Soriano III, the co-pilot.
“The last contact of the lead aircraft with the missing aircraft was around 10:30 am, when the former directed that they go up together to get out of a cloud. When the lead aircraft surfaced from the cloud they were in, it no longer saw the missing aircraft, and it did not respond anymore,” Tolentino said in a phone interview.
“It could mean that the missing aircraft was not able to follow the lead aircraft,” he added.
Tolentino said the last contact was made while the two aircrafts were approximately 15 nautical miles south east of Pag-asa Island.
The lead aircraft was able to go back at the Antonio Bautista Air Base at around 11:37 am, said Panzo. At around 12:45 pm, the other aircraft was officially declared as missing since it failed to return to the airport.
Tolentino and Panzo refused to speculate on what could have happened to the missing aircraft, although the former assured that the weather was quite favorable for a flight at the time the two aircrafts took off.
“The weather was good. It was just cloudy. But it was good that’s why they took off,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino said the mission of the aircrafts was to help in the search for possible survivors of fishing vessel Viranna, which sunk last November 22 off Kalayaan Group of Islands or 275 nautical miles west of Palawan mainland, , leaving close to 30 fishermen missing as of yesterday.
According to Tolentino, an AS-211 can fly to a maximum of four hours if its external fuel tank is filled. Otherwise, it can only fly for two hours.
“The aircraft is feared to have run out of fuel since the fuel capacity of the aircraft is good for only four hours,” Panzo said.
Panzo said the Philippine Navy immediately helped in the conduct of search operations for the missing jet and pilots, aside from other elements of the Air Force in the area.
Later in the day, a P-3 Orion of the US Forces from Clark Air Base in Pampanga helped in the search operations to pinpoint the location of the missing AS-211, said Tolentino.
The PAF has four AS-211 units in its inventory, including the missing one, while two more are in the process of recovery or refurbishment, Tolentino said./END
November 26, 2007
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) jet with two pilots went missing off Palawan on Monday morning while on a maritime patrol mission over the Kalayaan Group of Islands to search for possible survivors of a sunken fishing vessel, PAF officials said.
PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Epifanio Panzo, Jr. said a pair of AS-211 jet took off from the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at around 8:45 am but one failed to return at around lunchtime and remains unaccounted for as of press time for a still unknown reason.
PAF commander Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino identified the missing pilots as Captain Gabino Mercado, Jr,, the pilot in command, and Captain Bonifacio Soriano III, the co-pilot.
“The last contact of the lead aircraft with the missing aircraft was around 10:30 am, when the former directed that they go up together to get out of a cloud. When the lead aircraft surfaced from the cloud they were in, it no longer saw the missing aircraft, and it did not respond anymore,” Tolentino said in a phone interview.
“It could mean that the missing aircraft was not able to follow the lead aircraft,” he added.
Tolentino said the last contact was made while the two aircrafts were approximately 15 nautical miles south east of Pag-asa Island.
The lead aircraft was able to go back at the Antonio Bautista Air Base at around 11:37 am, said Panzo. At around 12:45 pm, the other aircraft was officially declared as missing since it failed to return to the airport.
Tolentino and Panzo refused to speculate on what could have happened to the missing aircraft, although the former assured that the weather was quite favorable for a flight at the time the two aircrafts took off.
“The weather was good. It was just cloudy. But it was good that’s why they took off,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino said the mission of the aircrafts was to help in the search for possible survivors of fishing vessel Viranna, which sunk last November 22 off Kalayaan Group of Islands or 275 nautical miles west of Palawan mainland, , leaving close to 30 fishermen missing as of yesterday.
According to Tolentino, an AS-211 can fly to a maximum of four hours if its external fuel tank is filled. Otherwise, it can only fly for two hours.
“The aircraft is feared to have run out of fuel since the fuel capacity of the aircraft is good for only four hours,” Panzo said.
Panzo said the Philippine Navy immediately helped in the conduct of search operations for the missing jet and pilots, aside from other elements of the Air Force in the area.
Later in the day, a P-3 Orion of the US Forces from Clark Air Base in Pampanga helped in the search operations to pinpoint the location of the missing AS-211, said Tolentino.
The PAF has four AS-211 units in its inventory, including the missing one, while two more are in the process of recovery or refurbishment, Tolentino said./END
Monday, November 26, 2007
NPA fighter killed in clash with government troops in Mindoro Occidental
By Ronron
November 25, 2007
A suspected platoon leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter Sunday afternoon against government troops in Mindoro Occidental province.
The incident happened even as the military has declared a suspension of military offensives (SOMO) in the entire Luzon, including the Mindoro provinces, due to the onset of typhoon “Mina.”
According to Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command, the encounter happened at around 2pm at Sitio Tikian, Barangay Monte Claro in San Jose town.
Cabangbang said government troops clashed with some 30 suspected rebels for 15 minutes, resulting in the death of Nonito Panado, believed to be a platoon leader of the NPA.
“Several communist terrorists were also wounded as evidenced by bloodstain along their route of withdrawal,” Cabangbang said.
There was no casualty on the government side, he said.
Recovered from Panado was an M16 rifle, one landmine, personal belongings and documents with intelligence value, Cabangbang said.
Both the military and the NPA have announced the declaration of a SOMO since Saturday so their respective troops can help in the disaster relief and rescue operations during the onset of “Mina.”
The 6,200-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years and has backed out from the peace negotiations with the government in August 2004 after it was tagged as terrorist by foreign governments.
The Arroyo government has vowed to crush the movement by 2010./DMS
November 25, 2007
A suspected platoon leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter Sunday afternoon against government troops in Mindoro Occidental province.
The incident happened even as the military has declared a suspension of military offensives (SOMO) in the entire Luzon, including the Mindoro provinces, due to the onset of typhoon “Mina.”
According to Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command, the encounter happened at around 2pm at Sitio Tikian, Barangay Monte Claro in San Jose town.
Cabangbang said government troops clashed with some 30 suspected rebels for 15 minutes, resulting in the death of Nonito Panado, believed to be a platoon leader of the NPA.
“Several communist terrorists were also wounded as evidenced by bloodstain along their route of withdrawal,” Cabangbang said.
There was no casualty on the government side, he said.
Recovered from Panado was an M16 rifle, one landmine, personal belongings and documents with intelligence value, Cabangbang said.
Both the military and the NPA have announced the declaration of a SOMO since Saturday so their respective troops can help in the disaster relief and rescue operations during the onset of “Mina.”
The 6,200-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years and has backed out from the peace negotiations with the government in August 2004 after it was tagged as terrorist by foreign governments.
The Arroyo government has vowed to crush the movement by 2010./DMS
Three weather disturbance could hit RP early this week – PAGASA
By Ronron
November 25, 2007
The government weather station warned on Sunday of a possible occurrence of three weather disturbances in the Philippines early this week.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon, Prisco Nilo of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it is possible that tropical storm Lando, typhoon Mina, and tropical depression Nonoy will be felt in the country all at the same time.
At present, only Mina is inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which, as of noon yesterday, maintained its strength and continues to threaten northern and central Luzon.
Lando, on the other hand, is already hovering southern Vietnam after leaving the PAR a few days ago, while Nonoy is located off the Pacific Ocean.
Nilo said Lando could re-enter the PAR this morning (Monday) while Nonoy could do the same in two to three days from today (Monday).
Nilo explained that Lando may come back to the Philippines because of the new direction of Mina, which is northwards.
“There is an interaction between the two weather disturbances Mina and Lando, which is called in science as the Fujiwhara effect. What happens is, if one storm moves northward, the other moves southward… If the dominant system changes track, the other follows. And typhoon Mina is expected, upon crossing northern Luzon, is expected to make a u-turn so Lando will follow,” Nilo told reporters in Filipino.
On Saturday morning, PAGASA announced that Mina was taking a new track to the northern Luzon provinces, instead of over Bicol because of the weakening of a high-pressure area near Hongkong and Vietnam.
Nilo said Mina is expected to make a landfall early today (between 2 and 3 am) in Isabela, cross over northern Luzon and exit on Tuesday morning from Ilocos Norte. It is projected to be out into the South China Sea by Wednesday morning.
Mina will affect the northern Luzon provinces of isabela, Cagayan, Apayao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Quirino, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilcoos Sr, and La Union, among others, as well as the Bicol provinces of Catanduanes and Camarines Norte, said Nilo.
It will also bring rains in Metro Manila until Tuesday.
The track of Lando, on the other hand, is as follows: by today, it could be over Western Visayas, particularly in Palawan, affecting the western section of southern Luzon by Wednesday. From Palawan, it could proceed to southern Panay, northern Negros, northern Cebu, and central Leyte before exiting to the Philippine sea; or, to Mindoro, Aklan, Romblon, Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes.
As for Nonoy, Nilo said it is unlikely that it will make a landfall, although it could bring in rains in the western part of the country.
Nilo said the movement of Mina farther northwards by Wednesday could eventually cause the possible merging of Lando and Nonoy on Thursday over the Philippine sea.
From there, Lando and Nonoy could head northwards to southern Japan without making landfall in the Philippines, he added.
“Because of this new information provided by PAGASA, the President has ordered a massive preparation, especially in the areas to be affected by the weather disturbances, especially Central Philippines,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Glenn Rabonza told reporters in the same news conference.
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) spokesman Dr. Anthony Golez said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was briefed by PAGASA about the same development at around noon time yesterday.
“We are prepared for this development. No less than the President gave instructions to the governors of the areas to be affected like Palawan and Mindoro,” Rabonza said.
He said among the preemptive and proactive measures taken are evacuation of residents in coastal areas, and areas that are at risk due to flooding, flashfloods and storm surge.
The OCD was not immediately aware yesterday as to the number of people to be evacuated and who were actually evacuated already because the activity was ongoing.
“The preventive evacuation is ongoing. It will continue until before the storm hits,” Golez said.
In the Bicol region, about half of the close to 300,000 evacuees because of Mina remain in temporary shelters as of yesterday morning due to the prevailing weather disturbance in some areas.
Data from the Region 5 OCD show that a total of 63,820 families or 298,314 persons from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon have been brought to evacuation centers.
But starting Saturday, several have been allowed to go home already upon learning that Mina was taking a new course.
Among those who continue to stay in the evacuation centers are 74,356 people in Camarines Sur; 21,686 in Camarines Norte; 28,355 persons in Catanduanes; and some 65,000 people in Albay.
The rest, including the 24,766 evacuees in Sorsogon, will slowly start decamping unless public storm warning signals 2 and 3 are in effect over their respective areas.
“This calibrated decamping means that people in areas where there is no more danger will be evacuated first. This means the people along the coastlines, followed by those in flood-prone and lahar-prone areas,” said Golez.
In its 5pm advisory, PAGASA said that the following areas are under public storm warning signal No. 3: Isabela, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora and Polillo Island.
Public storm warning signal No. 2, on the other hand, is in effect over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, northern Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, and Babuyan Group of Islands.
Lastly, public storm warning signal No. 1 is declared for Albay, Camarines Sur, the rest of Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Pangasinan and the Batanes Group of Islands.
As of 4pm yesterday, typhoon Mina had maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph.
It was located some 180 kilometers north northwest of Virac, Catanduanes or 180 kilometers east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora, and was moving northwest at 15 kph.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque reported in the same news conference that six people from Camarines Sur reportedly died due to the effects of Mina.
Duque said five died due to drowning, while one died after getting electrocuted. The figure is fewer compared to the 14 deaths incurred during the onset of Lano.
With the possible occurrence of the three weather disturbances in the country this week, Duque said all hospitals of the Department of Health were placed on Code White Alert. This means they will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so they are ready to extend medical services to victims of the calamity.
Agriculture Undersecretary Doy Salacup, for his part, said that Lando has damaged some Php 73 million worth of palay (P40 M), corn (P20 M), and fruits and vegetables (P13 M) in the Bicol region.
But he said this is just a small portion of the total national production, representing only 0.04 percent for the palay, 0.06 percent for the corn, and 0.04 percent for the fruits and vegetables.
As for Mina, Salacup said they are projecting some loss of about two percent of the total national production for rice, 0.68 percent for corn, and 0.70 percent for fruits and vegetables, all from northern Luzon.
Education Undersecretary for Operations Ramon Bacani said classes at all levels are automatically suspended in areas declared to be under public storm warning signals 2 and 3, while those under signal No. 1 are subject to the assessment of local school and government officials.
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it has also declared effective noon of Saturday a unilateral suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) against the communist movement and other domestic threat groups in five regions in Luzon that are threatened by Mina.
“The SOPO will ensure the availability of all PNP personnel and resources for evacuation, rescue and relief operations in affected areas,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a statement.
Razon noted that the regional police directors serve as chairmen of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils (RDCC), thus the activity of the PNP is integral in disaster response operations of the country.
But he said that even if the SOPO is in effect, “police units will continue performing normal police functions of law enforcement, and peace and order maintenance.”
During yesterday’s news conference, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero said that the military units in Luzon and the Visayas are already prepared to help those that will be affected by the weather disturbances.
He said that because of the new development regarding the three weather disturbances, a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) were also declared effective yesterday by the AFP Western Command (which covers Palawan) and the Central Command (which covers the Visayas).
In a separate statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced yesterday that the NPA is also declaring a similar SOMO, as a matter of policy during disasters./DMS
November 25, 2007
The government weather station warned on Sunday of a possible occurrence of three weather disturbances in the Philippines early this week.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon, Prisco Nilo of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it is possible that tropical storm Lando, typhoon Mina, and tropical depression Nonoy will be felt in the country all at the same time.
At present, only Mina is inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which, as of noon yesterday, maintained its strength and continues to threaten northern and central Luzon.
Lando, on the other hand, is already hovering southern Vietnam after leaving the PAR a few days ago, while Nonoy is located off the Pacific Ocean.
Nilo said Lando could re-enter the PAR this morning (Monday) while Nonoy could do the same in two to three days from today (Monday).
Nilo explained that Lando may come back to the Philippines because of the new direction of Mina, which is northwards.
“There is an interaction between the two weather disturbances Mina and Lando, which is called in science as the Fujiwhara effect. What happens is, if one storm moves northward, the other moves southward… If the dominant system changes track, the other follows. And typhoon Mina is expected, upon crossing northern Luzon, is expected to make a u-turn so Lando will follow,” Nilo told reporters in Filipino.
On Saturday morning, PAGASA announced that Mina was taking a new track to the northern Luzon provinces, instead of over Bicol because of the weakening of a high-pressure area near Hongkong and Vietnam.
Nilo said Mina is expected to make a landfall early today (between 2 and 3 am) in Isabela, cross over northern Luzon and exit on Tuesday morning from Ilocos Norte. It is projected to be out into the South China Sea by Wednesday morning.
Mina will affect the northern Luzon provinces of isabela, Cagayan, Apayao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Quirino, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilcoos Sr, and La Union, among others, as well as the Bicol provinces of Catanduanes and Camarines Norte, said Nilo.
It will also bring rains in Metro Manila until Tuesday.
The track of Lando, on the other hand, is as follows: by today, it could be over Western Visayas, particularly in Palawan, affecting the western section of southern Luzon by Wednesday. From Palawan, it could proceed to southern Panay, northern Negros, northern Cebu, and central Leyte before exiting to the Philippine sea; or, to Mindoro, Aklan, Romblon, Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes.
As for Nonoy, Nilo said it is unlikely that it will make a landfall, although it could bring in rains in the western part of the country.
Nilo said the movement of Mina farther northwards by Wednesday could eventually cause the possible merging of Lando and Nonoy on Thursday over the Philippine sea.
From there, Lando and Nonoy could head northwards to southern Japan without making landfall in the Philippines, he added.
“Because of this new information provided by PAGASA, the President has ordered a massive preparation, especially in the areas to be affected by the weather disturbances, especially Central Philippines,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Glenn Rabonza told reporters in the same news conference.
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) spokesman Dr. Anthony Golez said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was briefed by PAGASA about the same development at around noon time yesterday.
“We are prepared for this development. No less than the President gave instructions to the governors of the areas to be affected like Palawan and Mindoro,” Rabonza said.
He said among the preemptive and proactive measures taken are evacuation of residents in coastal areas, and areas that are at risk due to flooding, flashfloods and storm surge.
The OCD was not immediately aware yesterday as to the number of people to be evacuated and who were actually evacuated already because the activity was ongoing.
“The preventive evacuation is ongoing. It will continue until before the storm hits,” Golez said.
In the Bicol region, about half of the close to 300,000 evacuees because of Mina remain in temporary shelters as of yesterday morning due to the prevailing weather disturbance in some areas.
Data from the Region 5 OCD show that a total of 63,820 families or 298,314 persons from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon have been brought to evacuation centers.
But starting Saturday, several have been allowed to go home already upon learning that Mina was taking a new course.
Among those who continue to stay in the evacuation centers are 74,356 people in Camarines Sur; 21,686 in Camarines Norte; 28,355 persons in Catanduanes; and some 65,000 people in Albay.
The rest, including the 24,766 evacuees in Sorsogon, will slowly start decamping unless public storm warning signals 2 and 3 are in effect over their respective areas.
“This calibrated decamping means that people in areas where there is no more danger will be evacuated first. This means the people along the coastlines, followed by those in flood-prone and lahar-prone areas,” said Golez.
In its 5pm advisory, PAGASA said that the following areas are under public storm warning signal No. 3: Isabela, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora and Polillo Island.
Public storm warning signal No. 2, on the other hand, is in effect over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, northern Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, and Babuyan Group of Islands.
Lastly, public storm warning signal No. 1 is declared for Albay, Camarines Sur, the rest of Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Pangasinan and the Batanes Group of Islands.
As of 4pm yesterday, typhoon Mina had maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph.
It was located some 180 kilometers north northwest of Virac, Catanduanes or 180 kilometers east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora, and was moving northwest at 15 kph.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque reported in the same news conference that six people from Camarines Sur reportedly died due to the effects of Mina.
Duque said five died due to drowning, while one died after getting electrocuted. The figure is fewer compared to the 14 deaths incurred during the onset of Lano.
With the possible occurrence of the three weather disturbances in the country this week, Duque said all hospitals of the Department of Health were placed on Code White Alert. This means they will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so they are ready to extend medical services to victims of the calamity.
Agriculture Undersecretary Doy Salacup, for his part, said that Lando has damaged some Php 73 million worth of palay (P40 M), corn (P20 M), and fruits and vegetables (P13 M) in the Bicol region.
But he said this is just a small portion of the total national production, representing only 0.04 percent for the palay, 0.06 percent for the corn, and 0.04 percent for the fruits and vegetables.
As for Mina, Salacup said they are projecting some loss of about two percent of the total national production for rice, 0.68 percent for corn, and 0.70 percent for fruits and vegetables, all from northern Luzon.
Education Undersecretary for Operations Ramon Bacani said classes at all levels are automatically suspended in areas declared to be under public storm warning signals 2 and 3, while those under signal No. 1 are subject to the assessment of local school and government officials.
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it has also declared effective noon of Saturday a unilateral suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) against the communist movement and other domestic threat groups in five regions in Luzon that are threatened by Mina.
“The SOPO will ensure the availability of all PNP personnel and resources for evacuation, rescue and relief operations in affected areas,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a statement.
Razon noted that the regional police directors serve as chairmen of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils (RDCC), thus the activity of the PNP is integral in disaster response operations of the country.
But he said that even if the SOPO is in effect, “police units will continue performing normal police functions of law enforcement, and peace and order maintenance.”
During yesterday’s news conference, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero said that the military units in Luzon and the Visayas are already prepared to help those that will be affected by the weather disturbances.
He said that because of the new development regarding the three weather disturbances, a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) were also declared effective yesterday by the AFP Western Command (which covers Palawan) and the Central Command (which covers the Visayas).
In a separate statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced yesterday that the NPA is also declaring a similar SOMO, as a matter of policy during disasters./DMS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)