By Ronron
January 4, 2008
The websites of three government agencies were discovered last Thursday to have been diverted to the website of a popular theme park, officials said Friday.
A check made that day on the websites of the Department of Justice (www.doj.gov.ph), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police (www.cidg.pnp.gov.ph), and the Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (www.itecc.gov.ph) all led to the website of Enchanted Kingdom.
The DOJ and ITECC websites, however, were restored on the same day, unlike that of the CIDG, which remains diverted to Enchanted Kingdom as of Friday.
According to DOJ spokesman State Prosecutor Geronimo Sy, the department found about the diversion of its website to Enchanted Kingdom at around 2pm Thursday.
But it was restored before 4pm after its staff worked on it.
Sy said the same thing happened to the ITECC website, although he has no specific details yet.
CIDG spokesman Felix Vargas said in a separate interview by phone that they also just learned about the diversion of its website last Thursday through the media.
But he said their website has long been inactive and they are no longer aware what happened to it.
Nevertheless, Vargas said the agency’s Anti-Transnational Crimes Division proceeded to investigate the matter.
He said the division will seek an explanation from the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) company, which was the server of their website.
On the part of the DOJ, Sy said Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales has tasked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to also look into the incident.
Initially though, the feedback from the NBI indicates that “it might not have been hacked,” said Sy.
“Initially, they are saying it could be a technical glitch. They call it cross-reference of the domain of the server or the host company. As to why, that is the conduct of further investigation,” Sy said.
With this, Sy sort of downplayed any security implications of the incident. “The diversion might not be malicious at all,” he said.
But he clarified that until the final investigation report comes in on Monday from the NBI, they are not discounting the possibility that the website was hacked.
Sought for comment, Enchanted Kingdom Public Relations Officer Lovely Ong-iko said in a phone interview that they were surprised with the incident when they learned about it from the news on Thursday night.
“We do not know why we are involved in that alleged hacking incident. We have conducted an internal investigation to find it out,” Ong-iko said./DMS
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Defense chief shrugs off reports dragging his name in 2010 Presidential polls
By Ronron
January 4, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. would rather not attend to talks about his possible candidacy for President in 2010, saying he has a job now to focus on as ordered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
While he admits that “once in a while, it passes your mind,” Teodoro said Friday the 2010 Presidential race issue should not overtake his “focus now on his job.”
“No, not at this point in time,” Teodoro said when reporters asked him if he is preparing for the 2010 Presidential polls.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol had earlier said that Teodoro, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando are among those being considered by the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party as potential Presidential bets in 2010.
“Of course, it is an honor being mentioned. And it is perhaps really hypocritical to say that you don’t consider it, you don’t think about it,” Teodoro said.
“But really, I sincerely feel, I believe that is still too early at this point in time to think about it. We have to focus on a lot of issues in the DND (Department of National Defense), in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), which need my full time and commitment,” he added.
The Secretary said he will just let time decide on his fate when 2010 comes. “Whatever the future holds for me, it will just happen.”
“Not at this time, but who knows in the future,” he added.
Teodoro said that for now, the President has entrusted her a mission in the department, which he intends to fulfill with “100 percent” of his time.
Should he pursue in 2010, however, his wife, Tarlac Congresswoman Monica Teodoro, said she will give him her full support.
“Of course, 100 percent. We’ve already come this far, so definitely,” she said when asked if she would support the Defense chief in a Presidential bid in 2010.
Teodoro was a three-termer Congressman of Tarlac before he was named Defense Secretary.
He holds a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University, Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines, and Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the Dela Salle University./DMS
January 4, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. would rather not attend to talks about his possible candidacy for President in 2010, saying he has a job now to focus on as ordered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
While he admits that “once in a while, it passes your mind,” Teodoro said Friday the 2010 Presidential race issue should not overtake his “focus now on his job.”
“No, not at this point in time,” Teodoro said when reporters asked him if he is preparing for the 2010 Presidential polls.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol had earlier said that Teodoro, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando are among those being considered by the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party as potential Presidential bets in 2010.
“Of course, it is an honor being mentioned. And it is perhaps really hypocritical to say that you don’t consider it, you don’t think about it,” Teodoro said.
“But really, I sincerely feel, I believe that is still too early at this point in time to think about it. We have to focus on a lot of issues in the DND (Department of National Defense), in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), which need my full time and commitment,” he added.
The Secretary said he will just let time decide on his fate when 2010 comes. “Whatever the future holds for me, it will just happen.”
“Not at this time, but who knows in the future,” he added.
Teodoro said that for now, the President has entrusted her a mission in the department, which he intends to fulfill with “100 percent” of his time.
Should he pursue in 2010, however, his wife, Tarlac Congresswoman Monica Teodoro, said she will give him her full support.
“Of course, 100 percent. We’ve already come this far, so definitely,” she said when asked if she would support the Defense chief in a Presidential bid in 2010.
Teodoro was a three-termer Congressman of Tarlac before he was named Defense Secretary.
He holds a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University, Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines, and Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the Dela Salle University./DMS
Defense leadership still wary of political destabilizers this year
By Ronron
January 4, 2008
The Defense department is not letting down its guards against political destabilizers this year citing the lack of identification of those actually behind the November 29 alleged power grab plot in Makati City that was executed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Friday morning that there is always a possibility for political groups to sow destabilization this year that is why the military continues to watch out for it.
“I believe it’s an assessment of our intelligence services,” Teodoro said when asked for his basis about the alleged destabilization threats.
In his speech during the traditional New Year’s Call on him by police and other allied agencies at Camp Crame also Friday morning, DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno said: “The people who seek to divide the country, to destabilize the nation are not sleeping. They are meeting. They are talking. They are planning a new year full of fireworks beyond January 1.”
However, when asked in an interview to elaborate on this, Puno sort of retracted by saying: “You know, there is this habit of people of always trying to stoke rumors of destabilization and coups and whatever. And even now, you hear more rumors again.”
“So while we know that there are such talks that are going around, we are not intimidated by such rumors because trust me, we will deal with them properly,” he continued.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. echoed Puno’s statement, saying that they have no “firmed up information” on the alleged destabilization threats for this year.
“We have not verified anything but we are on the lookout for this. And if they should do it again, I must tell you that the resolution will even be quicker this time,” Esperon told reporters in a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon belittled any possible destabilization efforts by saying that destabilizers will not get any support from the military and the public in general, as what happened during the November 29 incident./DMS
January 4, 2008
The Defense department is not letting down its guards against political destabilizers this year citing the lack of identification of those actually behind the November 29 alleged power grab plot in Makati City that was executed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Friday morning that there is always a possibility for political groups to sow destabilization this year that is why the military continues to watch out for it.
“I believe it’s an assessment of our intelligence services,” Teodoro said when asked for his basis about the alleged destabilization threats.
In his speech during the traditional New Year’s Call on him by police and other allied agencies at Camp Crame also Friday morning, DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno said: “The people who seek to divide the country, to destabilize the nation are not sleeping. They are meeting. They are talking. They are planning a new year full of fireworks beyond January 1.”
However, when asked in an interview to elaborate on this, Puno sort of retracted by saying: “You know, there is this habit of people of always trying to stoke rumors of destabilization and coups and whatever. And even now, you hear more rumors again.”
“So while we know that there are such talks that are going around, we are not intimidated by such rumors because trust me, we will deal with them properly,” he continued.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. echoed Puno’s statement, saying that they have no “firmed up information” on the alleged destabilization threats for this year.
“We have not verified anything but we are on the lookout for this. And if they should do it again, I must tell you that the resolution will even be quicker this time,” Esperon told reporters in a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon belittled any possible destabilization efforts by saying that destabilizers will not get any support from the military and the public in general, as what happened during the November 29 incident./DMS
Wesmincom chief says US troops were not interfering in Sulu hospital operations
By Ronron
January 4, 2008
Armed Forces Western Mindanao commander Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga said Friday that US troops in Sulu never intervened in the operations of a local hospital early last month.
Allaga issued the statement Friday even as he admitted that the investigation, which is conducted by the Joint Task Force Comet, is yet to be completed.
“More or less, I now have an initial idea of what happened. It was really insignificant,” Allaga said.
“The (American) soldiers were passing by the hospital and they just asked that the generator (of the hospital) be shut down for their safety. That was on December 4. It was not done arrogantly,” he said.
Allaga said the American troops asked that the Panamao District Hospital switch off its lights that night because “there was a prior encounter in the area.”
“It is for the safety of the hospital staff so they could not be caught in a crossfire in case fighting ensues,” Allaga said.
Allaga pointed out that the hospital is prone to getting caught in the crossfire because it is located next to a military camp.
Besides, he said the American soldiers are known to the hospital staff since they were the ones who helped open it and continue to extend assistance.
“Even the Mayor denied that report,” Allaga said.
Allaga blamed a local reporter for blowing up the incident negatively, even as the reporter allegedly quoted the hospital chief.
On December 30, a meeting regarding the incident was conducted between TF Comet chief Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, staff of the hospital, and representatives from the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines at the Sulu Provincial Capitol.
The meeting came after Allaga’s directive to Rafael to investigate the incident, which “had an impact on the ongoing joint humanitarian efforts of the US Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Sulu.”
But Allaga assured that the AFP “shall uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the Filipinos and shall bring the mater to proper US authorities if warranted.”
The US military continues to maintain forces in the southern Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty of the two countries. Authorities say they are conducting humanitarian assistance activities and holding training with their Filipino counterparts./DMS
January 4, 2008
Armed Forces Western Mindanao commander Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga said Friday that US troops in Sulu never intervened in the operations of a local hospital early last month.
Allaga issued the statement Friday even as he admitted that the investigation, which is conducted by the Joint Task Force Comet, is yet to be completed.
“More or less, I now have an initial idea of what happened. It was really insignificant,” Allaga said.
“The (American) soldiers were passing by the hospital and they just asked that the generator (of the hospital) be shut down for their safety. That was on December 4. It was not done arrogantly,” he said.
Allaga said the American troops asked that the Panamao District Hospital switch off its lights that night because “there was a prior encounter in the area.”
“It is for the safety of the hospital staff so they could not be caught in a crossfire in case fighting ensues,” Allaga said.
Allaga pointed out that the hospital is prone to getting caught in the crossfire because it is located next to a military camp.
Besides, he said the American soldiers are known to the hospital staff since they were the ones who helped open it and continue to extend assistance.
“Even the Mayor denied that report,” Allaga said.
Allaga blamed a local reporter for blowing up the incident negatively, even as the reporter allegedly quoted the hospital chief.
On December 30, a meeting regarding the incident was conducted between TF Comet chief Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, staff of the hospital, and representatives from the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines at the Sulu Provincial Capitol.
The meeting came after Allaga’s directive to Rafael to investigate the incident, which “had an impact on the ongoing joint humanitarian efforts of the US Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Sulu.”
But Allaga assured that the AFP “shall uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the Filipinos and shall bring the mater to proper US authorities if warranted.”
The US military continues to maintain forces in the southern Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty of the two countries. Authorities say they are conducting humanitarian assistance activities and holding training with their Filipino counterparts./DMS
Two ASG sub-leaders nabbed in Zamboanga del Sur
By Ronron
January 4, 2008
Two alleged sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were nabbed last Thursday by military troops in Zamboanga del Sur province, the local military commander said Friday.
Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo that the first to fall, identified as Tuatin Anahalun, actually has a P2 million bounty on his head for his alleged participation in the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident in Palawan in May 2001, and the Lamitan siege in Basilan a month later.
Allaga said Anahalun, who uses the alias Abu Basilan, was caught in a raid at around 3:30 pm in Margosatubig town. Recovered from him was a caliber 45.
And then, based on initial questioning on him, another ASG sub-leader was traced by military troops in the same town and nabbed later in the day.
Allaga refused to identify the second apprehended person, saying he is vital in leading troops to other terrorists in the region.
But he was described as a personnel of ASG leader Hamsiraji Sali who was involved in the attack in Ipil town in 1995, in the Lamitan siege, and in the Tumahubong kidnapping incident also in Basilan in March 2000.
Alllaga reported that for the entire 2007, the WESMINCOM was able to neutralize, arrest, apprehend or surrender 100 ASG elements, and several others from its allied groups.
He said eight rouge members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) suffered the same fate, 39 from the Misuary Breakaway Group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and one from the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
Some 97 communist rebels were also neutralized by the command.
“We are actually gaining ground if we base it in last year’s accomplishment for the Wesmincom area,” Allaga said.
“What does the data show is that we are well on the road to accomplishing the marching orders of the President to make these enemies of the state insignificant by 2010,” he added.
Before the yearend, Allaga said the estimated strength of the ASG in Jolo, Sulu was at 400; 50 in Basilan; and 50 in the Zamboanga peninsula.
The JI is also estimated to be no less than 10, he said.
To achieve their goal, Allaga said they will “increase their operational tempo” this year.
“We are very optimistic on this,” he said./DMS
January 4, 2008
Two alleged sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were nabbed last Thursday by military troops in Zamboanga del Sur province, the local military commander said Friday.
Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo that the first to fall, identified as Tuatin Anahalun, actually has a P2 million bounty on his head for his alleged participation in the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident in Palawan in May 2001, and the Lamitan siege in Basilan a month later.
Allaga said Anahalun, who uses the alias Abu Basilan, was caught in a raid at around 3:30 pm in Margosatubig town. Recovered from him was a caliber 45.
And then, based on initial questioning on him, another ASG sub-leader was traced by military troops in the same town and nabbed later in the day.
Allaga refused to identify the second apprehended person, saying he is vital in leading troops to other terrorists in the region.
But he was described as a personnel of ASG leader Hamsiraji Sali who was involved in the attack in Ipil town in 1995, in the Lamitan siege, and in the Tumahubong kidnapping incident also in Basilan in March 2000.
Alllaga reported that for the entire 2007, the WESMINCOM was able to neutralize, arrest, apprehend or surrender 100 ASG elements, and several others from its allied groups.
He said eight rouge members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) suffered the same fate, 39 from the Misuary Breakaway Group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and one from the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
Some 97 communist rebels were also neutralized by the command.
“We are actually gaining ground if we base it in last year’s accomplishment for the Wesmincom area,” Allaga said.
“What does the data show is that we are well on the road to accomplishing the marching orders of the President to make these enemies of the state insignificant by 2010,” he added.
Before the yearend, Allaga said the estimated strength of the ASG in Jolo, Sulu was at 400; 50 in Basilan; and 50 in the Zamboanga peninsula.
The JI is also estimated to be no less than 10, he said.
To achieve their goal, Allaga said they will “increase their operational tempo” this year.
“We are very optimistic on this,” he said./DMS
Friday, January 4, 2008
Air Force has new chief
By Ronron
January 3, 2008
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will have a new chief starting Friday in the person of Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog, the incumbent Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Cadungog, 54, will assume the top PAF post in simple rites at 3pm today at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City following the decision of outgoing PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino to avail of early retirement.
He will be the 30th PAF commanding general.
Tolentino will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on February 7 but has opted to retire early “to give the President time to choose my successor.”
“The Chief of Staff gave me the information that Gen. Pedrito Cadungog… will be taking over the helm of the Philippine Air Force tomorrow at 3pm vice Gen. Tolentino,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
“Gen. Cadungog is of course a credible officer. And he has served the Air Force well, so I think, he is very much qualified just like the rest (of the contenders),” Bacarro added.
Cadungog belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1975. He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on January 11, 2009.
Tolentino, on the other hand, is a member of PMA Class of 1974, where AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. also belongs.
In a phone interview, Tolentino told Manila Shimbun that he just intends to rest after his retirement and spend time with his family at home.
“I will just stay a while at home with my family because for a long time, we have not been together always,” Tolentino said.
For his part, Cadungog said he will just “continue the projects that are in the pipeline” such as “doctrines development, increasing the proficiency of pilots, acquisition of more equipment, and maintenance of existing equipment.”
Among the items to be purchased that he mentioned are six night-capable choppers, six light utility helicopters, and 10 refurbished Hueys.
“You really can’t do much in a year’s time except to continue the program,” Cadungog told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
At the same time, he warned all airmen to be good examples to ordinary people.
“I will not be forgiving to those who will abuse their authority. I will not tolerate (any form of) immorality like womanizing, gambling especially in Casinos and cockfighting arenas,” Cadungog said.
To preside over the change of command and retirement ceremonies today will be Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr./DMS
January 3, 2008
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will have a new chief starting Friday in the person of Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog, the incumbent Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Cadungog, 54, will assume the top PAF post in simple rites at 3pm today at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City following the decision of outgoing PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino to avail of early retirement.
He will be the 30th PAF commanding general.
Tolentino will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on February 7 but has opted to retire early “to give the President time to choose my successor.”
“The Chief of Staff gave me the information that Gen. Pedrito Cadungog… will be taking over the helm of the Philippine Air Force tomorrow at 3pm vice Gen. Tolentino,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
“Gen. Cadungog is of course a credible officer. And he has served the Air Force well, so I think, he is very much qualified just like the rest (of the contenders),” Bacarro added.
Cadungog belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1975. He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on January 11, 2009.
Tolentino, on the other hand, is a member of PMA Class of 1974, where AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. also belongs.
In a phone interview, Tolentino told Manila Shimbun that he just intends to rest after his retirement and spend time with his family at home.
“I will just stay a while at home with my family because for a long time, we have not been together always,” Tolentino said.
For his part, Cadungog said he will just “continue the projects that are in the pipeline” such as “doctrines development, increasing the proficiency of pilots, acquisition of more equipment, and maintenance of existing equipment.”
Among the items to be purchased that he mentioned are six night-capable choppers, six light utility helicopters, and 10 refurbished Hueys.
“You really can’t do much in a year’s time except to continue the program,” Cadungog told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
At the same time, he warned all airmen to be good examples to ordinary people.
“I will not be forgiving to those who will abuse their authority. I will not tolerate (any form of) immorality like womanizing, gambling especially in Casinos and cockfighting arenas,” Cadungog said.
To preside over the change of command and retirement ceremonies today will be Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr./DMS
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Marine soldier faces dismissal over New Year’s eve indiscriminate firing
By Ronron
January 2, 2008
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) chief said Wednesday that the Marine soldier caught firing indiscriminately during the New Year’s eve celebration in Pasay City will be slapped with charges under military law that could cause his discharge from the service.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said Private First Class Angelito Tabula, 26, may be charged with violation of the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline) that carries a penalty of dismissal from the services.
“We are conducting an investigation as per guidance of the higher headquarters,” Dolorfino told Camp Aguinaldo reporters in a phone interview yesterday.
He said the investigation against Tabula, who fired a caliber 45 on New Year’s eve on Lopez Street, Barangay Velez, Pasay City leaving two persons injured, will proceed within the military organization even as he allegedly settled already the case with the families of his victims.
Hurt in the shooting incident were James Manarang, 32, and Emmelene Dayto, 16.
“PFC Tabula was allegedly under the influence of liquor at that time,” said Lt. Col. Jonas Lumawag, PMC spokesman, when asked what triggered the suspect to fire his gun.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. had earlier warned that members of the uniformed service will face dismissal if they use their firearms during the revelry on Christmas and New Year’s eve.
Lumawag said it is assumed that the caliber 45 used by Tabula in the incident is a personal firearm. But he said this does not exempt the said soldier from the policy.
Tabula was immediately apprehended by elements of the Pasay City Police Station and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit after the incident. Recovered from him was the caliber 45 he used.
Later on New Year’s Day, the Pasay City Police filed before the prosecutor’s office charges of alarm and scandal, indiscriminate firing, physical injuries, and physical injuries in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Child Abuse Law) against Tabula despite his reported settlement with his victims’ families.
Lumawag said Tabula belongs to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, which is currently on retraining in Metro Manila.
Cases of indiscriminate firing during the end of 2007 until early January 1, 2008 had left a total of 10 persons injured (five in Northern Mindanao, four in Metro Manila, and one in the Ilocos Region), the PNP reported.
It was relatively fewer compared to the number of victims (one killed and 39 wounded) in the previous year, and far better than in 2005 wherein 31 people were killed after being hit with stray bullets.
“Overall, the celebration of the Christmas and New Year season all over the country was generally peaceful, with a marked improvement in the number of accidents,” PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome had said, citing also fewer firecracker-related incidents this year compared to the previous years./DMS
January 2, 2008
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) chief said Wednesday that the Marine soldier caught firing indiscriminately during the New Year’s eve celebration in Pasay City will be slapped with charges under military law that could cause his discharge from the service.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said Private First Class Angelito Tabula, 26, may be charged with violation of the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline) that carries a penalty of dismissal from the services.
“We are conducting an investigation as per guidance of the higher headquarters,” Dolorfino told Camp Aguinaldo reporters in a phone interview yesterday.
He said the investigation against Tabula, who fired a caliber 45 on New Year’s eve on Lopez Street, Barangay Velez, Pasay City leaving two persons injured, will proceed within the military organization even as he allegedly settled already the case with the families of his victims.
Hurt in the shooting incident were James Manarang, 32, and Emmelene Dayto, 16.
“PFC Tabula was allegedly under the influence of liquor at that time,” said Lt. Col. Jonas Lumawag, PMC spokesman, when asked what triggered the suspect to fire his gun.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. had earlier warned that members of the uniformed service will face dismissal if they use their firearms during the revelry on Christmas and New Year’s eve.
Lumawag said it is assumed that the caliber 45 used by Tabula in the incident is a personal firearm. But he said this does not exempt the said soldier from the policy.
Tabula was immediately apprehended by elements of the Pasay City Police Station and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit after the incident. Recovered from him was the caliber 45 he used.
Later on New Year’s Day, the Pasay City Police filed before the prosecutor’s office charges of alarm and scandal, indiscriminate firing, physical injuries, and physical injuries in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Child Abuse Law) against Tabula despite his reported settlement with his victims’ families.
Lumawag said Tabula belongs to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, which is currently on retraining in Metro Manila.
Cases of indiscriminate firing during the end of 2007 until early January 1, 2008 had left a total of 10 persons injured (five in Northern Mindanao, four in Metro Manila, and one in the Ilocos Region), the PNP reported.
It was relatively fewer compared to the number of victims (one killed and 39 wounded) in the previous year, and far better than in 2005 wherein 31 people were killed after being hit with stray bullets.
“Overall, the celebration of the Christmas and New Year season all over the country was generally peaceful, with a marked improvement in the number of accidents,” PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome had said, citing also fewer firecracker-related incidents this year compared to the previous years./DMS
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