By Ronron
February 8, 2008
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is asking the public to be
vigilant of individuals and groups that may take advantage of the
expose made by Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada, Jr. over the aborted
National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said the possibility that
some groups will use the issue in attacking the government and calling
for its downfall is always there.
"Some groups, it can be anybody like terrorists, can take advantage of
the situation so we urge the public to be vigilant," Bacarro told
reporters in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon several hours after
Lozada started speaking at the Senate inquiry.
On Thursday, a text message circulated, warning of alleged bombings in Metro
Manila to divert the attention of the public from the testimony of Lozada on the NBN controversy.
The text message reads: "I'm CA (civilian agent) R. Diaz in ISAF(P). Please help
me two publish sa lahat na tao pupunta sa nabanggit kong lugar tomorrow, Philippine time, 11am. Plan A. LRT Baclaran Terminal. Plan B. Tutuban Mall. Plan C. Uniwide
Quiapo. Plan D. SM Manila. Plan E. Robinson's Malate. Paki-advise naman sa mga mamamayan ng Manila 'wag sila punta muna sa mga lugar na yan kasi sa intelligence report namin, pasasabugin yan bukas para maligaw ang isyu sa Senado tungkol kay Lozada. Thanks. Please pass ASAP."
Bacarro said the intelligence unit of the AFP has already received said text message and efforts were done to verify its source and truthfulness.
But since it did not materialize on Friday morning, Bacarro said it clearly shows the text message was a hoax, with the intention of causing undue alarm and panic among the public.
So far, the only visible effect of the expose of Lozada on the NBN controversy are the mass demonstrations made by some groups, particularly at the Senate grounds in Pasay City.
"There are small groups who are staging rallies and mass
demonstrations. As we have said, we will allow the holding of these
rallies as long as they are peaceful," national police chief Gen.
Avelino Razon, Jr. said yesterday morning.
Razon said he has not heard of any reports that there will be diversionary efforts from the NBN controversy.
Razon and Bacarro clarified that at the moment, there are no
monitored destabilization plots yet against the government as a result
of Lozada's expose.
Some Senators have already called for President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation after Lozada implied that First
Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo had knowledge on the alleged intention of
Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to get a $130 million kickback if the
NBN project is awarded to ZTE Corporation.
In return, some cabinet members said this only shows how Lozada is
being used in a supposed conspiracy to overthrow the Arroyo
government.
To this, Razon just said: "We still have to look for a basis for that
because it's just pure talk without any basis."
Bacarro said the AFP National Capital Region Command has maintained
its red alert status up to this day since it was effected about three
weeks ago.
"On the part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we do not involve
ourselves into matters which are political in nature but nonetheless,
there is always readiness on our part. We have units ready to respond
to any eventuality," he said./DMS
Friday, February 8, 2008
Two radio reporters cry foul over refusal to enter Camp Aguinaldo
By Ronron
February 8, 2008
Two radio reporters covering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
were barred from entering Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City yesterday
morning.
Benjie Liwanag, Jr. of DZBB (GMA-7 Network) and Noel Alamar of DZMM
(ABS-CBN Network) cried foul when they were not allowed to enter the
main AFP camp despite having military-accredited identification cards
and military stickers on their media-marked vehicles.
Liwanag said that while the incident may not be a direct assault on
press freedom, the failure of the military policemen to give a reason
for their prevention does not speak well of the professionalism of the
AFP.
Liwanag and Alamar, in their complaint letter to AFP Public
Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, said: "For your
information, we tried to enter EDSA Gate 3 of the camp en-route to the
press office for our normal day-to-day news-gathering, but the grounds
on duty refused us entry without letting us know the reason."
"They also refused to honor the AFP authorized decals in our
marked-media vehicles and individual AFP PIO accredited media
identification cards," they added.
Liwanag said the incident happened past 8:45 am.
In a news conference, Bacarro explained that the military policemen
assigned at the gate were actually implementing a sudden order to bar
media from entering the camp because of a tension involving a wife of
a detained officer.
Bacarro was referring to Mrs. Maria Flor Querubin, wife of Marine Col.
Ariel Querubin, who allegedly planned to put up streamers at the gates
of Camp Aguinaldo with markings against the AFP leadership. Mrs.
Querubin supposedly planned to invite media personalities to cover her
activities.
"Immediately, a standard operating procedure was implemented for the
military police. We made some arrangements to prevent the conduct of
interview by the media inside the camp because of course, it will
embarrass the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Of course, you don't
want other people to mess around your own territory," Bacarro told
reporters.
But Bacarro said the order was immediately lifted 30 minutes later.
"You have never been banned," Bacarro told Liwanag and Alamar at his office.
Liwanag said the order, nevertheless, already prevented him and Alamar
from covering the activity of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff
Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Liwanag said the military should be able to address this kind of
matter swiftly because it effectively stops the media from doing its
job.
The issue on press freedom was hot in the country in the last few
months following the apprehension of newsmen at the Manila Peninsula
Hotel last November 29, 2007 who were covering its takeover by the
Magdalo Group, led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Army Brig. Gen.
Danilo Lim./DMS
February 8, 2008
Two radio reporters covering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
were barred from entering Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City yesterday
morning.
Benjie Liwanag, Jr. of DZBB (GMA-7 Network) and Noel Alamar of DZMM
(ABS-CBN Network) cried foul when they were not allowed to enter the
main AFP camp despite having military-accredited identification cards
and military stickers on their media-marked vehicles.
Liwanag said that while the incident may not be a direct assault on
press freedom, the failure of the military policemen to give a reason
for their prevention does not speak well of the professionalism of the
AFP.
Liwanag and Alamar, in their complaint letter to AFP Public
Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, said: "For your
information, we tried to enter EDSA Gate 3 of the camp en-route to the
press office for our normal day-to-day news-gathering, but the grounds
on duty refused us entry without letting us know the reason."
"They also refused to honor the AFP authorized decals in our
marked-media vehicles and individual AFP PIO accredited media
identification cards," they added.
Liwanag said the incident happened past 8:45 am.
In a news conference, Bacarro explained that the military policemen
assigned at the gate were actually implementing a sudden order to bar
media from entering the camp because of a tension involving a wife of
a detained officer.
Bacarro was referring to Mrs. Maria Flor Querubin, wife of Marine Col.
Ariel Querubin, who allegedly planned to put up streamers at the gates
of Camp Aguinaldo with markings against the AFP leadership. Mrs.
Querubin supposedly planned to invite media personalities to cover her
activities.
"Immediately, a standard operating procedure was implemented for the
military police. We made some arrangements to prevent the conduct of
interview by the media inside the camp because of course, it will
embarrass the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Of course, you don't
want other people to mess around your own territory," Bacarro told
reporters.
But Bacarro said the order was immediately lifted 30 minutes later.
"You have never been banned," Bacarro told Liwanag and Alamar at his office.
Liwanag said the order, nevertheless, already prevented him and Alamar
from covering the activity of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff
Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Liwanag said the military should be able to address this kind of
matter swiftly because it effectively stops the media from doing its
job.
The issue on press freedom was hot in the country in the last few
months following the apprehension of newsmen at the Manila Peninsula
Hotel last November 29, 2007 who were covering its takeover by the
Magdalo Group, led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Army Brig. Gen.
Danilo Lim./DMS
PNP continues to belie Lozada's claim he was abducted
By Ronron
February 8, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. on
Friday stood by its story that Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada, Jr. was
never abducted by elements of the Police Security and Protection
Office (PSPO) when he arrived in the country last Tuesday afternoon.
Razon made the reiteration after Lozada insisted in his testimony
during yesterday's Senate hearing on the aborted National Broadband
Network (NBN) project that he never made a prior request for security
personnel from the PNP, and that he was taken by men who did not even
introduce themselves to him.
"We are not telling a lie. We have told the truth as to what happened
– that he requested for security detail as shown by the letter of his
letter and his own handwritten letter, which he prepared on his own
volition," Razon said in an interview at Camp Crame.
Razon said he is not also forced to lie about what happened to Lozada
as surmised by the latter at the Senate hearing.
"That is what we should look into - why the story is now different… We
will study why Mr. Lozada changed his statements that when he talked
to Secretary Atienza, he said he was apprehensive with the
Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, that when he talked to Secretary Mike
Defensor, he also said the same thing. Even when we talked over the
phone, he was thanking me and asking apology for supposedly disturbing
us. But I told him not to worry because we are just doing our job,"
Razon said in Filipino.
According to Razon, he ordered the provision of security personnel to
Lozada because Environment Secretary Lito Atienza conveyed to him the
supposed request of Lozada.
Razon said Atienza had confided with him the fears of Lozada when he
returns in the country, particularly his desire not to go to the
Senate and be subjected to the investigation on the NBN controversy.
And while under the protective custody of the PSPO, Lozada was also
free to move around and communicate with anybody, stressed Razon.
He said they could ask the De La Salle brothers to submit an affidavit
if necessary if only to prove that there no such thing as kidnapping
or abduction.
Told that Lozada claimed at the Senate that he was picked up at the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport by unknown men, and turned over
only later to policemen at a restaurant in Libis, Quezon City, Razon
said: "That is not true. From the start, we have designated the PSPO
to secure Mr. Lozada. He might just have been confused."
As regards the claim of Lozada that the letters he and his sister,
Carmen, made containing their request for security for him were
actually antedated, Razon just said: "The letter stands as a proof of
what we did to him."
The PNP distributed copies of the said letters on Thursday to the
media. The letters were dated February 5, but Lozada said those were
accomplished only on the night of that day hours after he was already
taken by policemen.
Asked if the PNP will file counter-charges against Lozada, Razon
replied: "Our plan is when the Senate invites us (for an
investigation over the matter), we will just show up there to explain
our side."
He said they will also find out if there are people or groups behind
Lozada in coming up with a different version of the story.
But Razon said the PNP is definitely not a part, if any, of any
conspiracy to prevent Lozada from speaking at the Senate of his
knowledge on the NBN issue.
"(Interior) Secretary (Ronaldo) Puno has stated very clearly that our
main purpose was to secure Mr. Lozada, not to prevent him from
testifying. If it was so, then we would not have turned him over to
the Sergeant-at-Arms at Greenhills, we would have done everything to
make sure that they could not get Mr. Jun Lozada," he said.
Lozada had said that former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos was
trying to secure a $130 million kickback from ZTE Corporation if the
Chinese telecommunication firm gets to do the NBN project.
He also implicated First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in the alleged
maneuvering of Abalos to get the project./DMS
February 8, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. on
Friday stood by its story that Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada, Jr. was
never abducted by elements of the Police Security and Protection
Office (PSPO) when he arrived in the country last Tuesday afternoon.
Razon made the reiteration after Lozada insisted in his testimony
during yesterday's Senate hearing on the aborted National Broadband
Network (NBN) project that he never made a prior request for security
personnel from the PNP, and that he was taken by men who did not even
introduce themselves to him.
"We are not telling a lie. We have told the truth as to what happened
– that he requested for security detail as shown by the letter of his
letter and his own handwritten letter, which he prepared on his own
volition," Razon said in an interview at Camp Crame.
Razon said he is not also forced to lie about what happened to Lozada
as surmised by the latter at the Senate hearing.
"That is what we should look into - why the story is now different… We
will study why Mr. Lozada changed his statements that when he talked
to Secretary Atienza, he said he was apprehensive with the
Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, that when he talked to Secretary Mike
Defensor, he also said the same thing. Even when we talked over the
phone, he was thanking me and asking apology for supposedly disturbing
us. But I told him not to worry because we are just doing our job,"
Razon said in Filipino.
According to Razon, he ordered the provision of security personnel to
Lozada because Environment Secretary Lito Atienza conveyed to him the
supposed request of Lozada.
Razon said Atienza had confided with him the fears of Lozada when he
returns in the country, particularly his desire not to go to the
Senate and be subjected to the investigation on the NBN controversy.
And while under the protective custody of the PSPO, Lozada was also
free to move around and communicate with anybody, stressed Razon.
He said they could ask the De La Salle brothers to submit an affidavit
if necessary if only to prove that there no such thing as kidnapping
or abduction.
Told that Lozada claimed at the Senate that he was picked up at the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport by unknown men, and turned over
only later to policemen at a restaurant in Libis, Quezon City, Razon
said: "That is not true. From the start, we have designated the PSPO
to secure Mr. Lozada. He might just have been confused."
As regards the claim of Lozada that the letters he and his sister,
Carmen, made containing their request for security for him were
actually antedated, Razon just said: "The letter stands as a proof of
what we did to him."
The PNP distributed copies of the said letters on Thursday to the
media. The letters were dated February 5, but Lozada said those were
accomplished only on the night of that day hours after he was already
taken by policemen.
Asked if the PNP will file counter-charges against Lozada, Razon
replied: "Our plan is when the Senate invites us (for an
investigation over the matter), we will just show up there to explain
our side."
He said they will also find out if there are people or groups behind
Lozada in coming up with a different version of the story.
But Razon said the PNP is definitely not a part, if any, of any
conspiracy to prevent Lozada from speaking at the Senate of his
knowledge on the NBN issue.
"(Interior) Secretary (Ronaldo) Puno has stated very clearly that our
main purpose was to secure Mr. Lozada, not to prevent him from
testifying. If it was so, then we would not have turned him over to
the Sergeant-at-Arms at Greenhills, we would have done everything to
make sure that they could not get Mr. Jun Lozada," he said.
Lozada had said that former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos was
trying to secure a $130 million kickback from ZTE Corporation if the
Chinese telecommunication firm gets to do the NBN project.
He also implicated First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in the alleged
maneuvering of Abalos to get the project./DMS
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Defense Secretary to fly to Sulu Saturday to probe killing of civilians in Monday’s encounter
By Ronron
February 7, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. will personally investigate the killing of civilians in last Monday’s clash between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province.
According to his spokesman, Nelson Victorino, the Defense chief will fly to Jolo, Sulu on Saturday to meet with military commanders and local government officials over the encounter that according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. killed at least four civilians.
“The Secretary would go to Sulu to show that he is not taking this sitting down, considering that we have a strong partnership with the people of Sulu, led by Governor Sakur Tan,” Victorino told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
The incident also left four ASG members and two soldiers killed, and injured five other soldiers. The operation was launched in search for an abducted businesswoman from Jolo.
Victorino said Teodoro will investigate the incident to show to the people of Sulu that their support for the AFP is not being taken for granted.
“We have good gains in our operations in Sulu, and we want to preserve that,” Victorino said, referring to the support of the locales to the military in the fight against terrorists.
Before Teodoro, Esperon and the Inspector General’s Office of the AFP Western Mindanao Command have already started looking into the incident, which took place dawn of Monday in Barangay Ipil, Maimbung town.
The engaged bandits then are believed to be under the command of Abu Pula, alias Dr. Abu, and Albader Parad, who have $100,000 and $15,000 bounties on their heads, respectively./DMS
February 7, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. will personally investigate the killing of civilians in last Monday’s clash between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province.
According to his spokesman, Nelson Victorino, the Defense chief will fly to Jolo, Sulu on Saturday to meet with military commanders and local government officials over the encounter that according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. killed at least four civilians.
“The Secretary would go to Sulu to show that he is not taking this sitting down, considering that we have a strong partnership with the people of Sulu, led by Governor Sakur Tan,” Victorino told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
The incident also left four ASG members and two soldiers killed, and injured five other soldiers. The operation was launched in search for an abducted businesswoman from Jolo.
Victorino said Teodoro will investigate the incident to show to the people of Sulu that their support for the AFP is not being taken for granted.
“We have good gains in our operations in Sulu, and we want to preserve that,” Victorino said, referring to the support of the locales to the military in the fight against terrorists.
Before Teodoro, Esperon and the Inspector General’s Office of the AFP Western Mindanao Command have already started looking into the incident, which took place dawn of Monday in Barangay Ipil, Maimbung town.
The engaged bandits then are believed to be under the command of Abu Pula, alias Dr. Abu, and Albader Parad, who have $100,000 and $15,000 bounties on their heads, respectively./DMS
24 alleged coup plotters from Tanay fail to appear in court despite transfer in Camp Aguinaldo
By Ronron
February 7, 2008
Twenty-four of the 28 officers implicated in the alleged February 2006 coup plot were not present during Thursday’s court martial hearing in Camp Aguinaldo despite their transfer on Wednesday night from Tanay, Rizal.
Maria Flor Querubin, wife of accused Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, said the failure of the military leadership to bring the accused to court yesterday runs counter to the supposed purpose of transferring the detention of the 24 accused at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) compound in Camp Aguinaldo.
Only present yesterday were Army Brig. Gen.. Danilo Lim and Capt. Dante Langkit, and Marines Col. Januario Caringal and Armando Bañez. Lim is detained at Camp Crame, Langkit is in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, and Caringal and Bañez at the Naval Hospital in Cavite.
The absence yesterday of the 24 accused, led by Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and Col. Ariel Querubin, prompted the defense lawyers to move for a suspension of the hearing, arguing again that every accused must be present for every stage of his/her case as provided by law.
The military prosecution opposed, saying that the arraignment of the accused, which was supposed to be the business in yesterday’s hearing, can be done in batches.
“That decision is within the prerogative of the court and there is nothing illegal in it due to the fact that the rights of an accused who is absent will not be prejudiced because no arraignment will be conducted as to him. All of them will be given their day in court,” Judge Advocate General Office (JAGO) spokesman Maj. Emilio Felicen explained.
But the defense lawyers say the arraignment cannot be done if any one of the accused is absent because the common crime they are charged with, which is violation of Article of War (67), was allegedly done in conspiracy with each other.
The unresolved matter prompted the General Court Martial led by Maj. Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas to grant the motion of the defense. The next hearing will be on February 13.
Outside the courtroom, some wives of the accused who were transferred to Camp Aguinaldo, were emotional after they failed to see their husbands since Wednesday night.
Milette Almodovar said she and her two children were expecting to see her husband, Army Captain Montano Almodovar, during yesterday’s hearing but were unsuccessful.
She and Josefina Sales, wife of Captain Frederick Sales, expressed exasperation after going back and forth the courtroom and the ISAFP compound, only to be told by the people they ask that they do not know where their husbands are.
“Any person would worry and be afraid if they don’t see their loved ones. That is the feeling of a mother, a wife, a child. I hope it should not be this hard (to see my husband) because they are not convicted criminals. They fought for this country too, they fought in Camp Abubakar (against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front), the NPA (New People’s Army),” Almodovar said.
Mrs. Querubin said the 24 accused are now detained one by one in a cell at ISAFP, according to her husband. She said there is no electric fan in every cell, and their food are just served on Styrofoam, without even a pair of spoon and fork.
She said the 24 arrived at the ISAFP compound at around 9pm Wednesday, and were told that their transfer is only temporary for a week.
She expressed fear, however, that while in Camp Aguinaldo, the Arroyo government might link the 24 officers to any destabilization effort.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. had earlier said that he approved the transfer of detention of the Tanay detainees so those who are sick will be easily brought to hospitals.
In a statement, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro admitted yesterday that a review is already being made “for a possible curtailment” of the privileges of the accused after they apparently misbehaved last February 1 when they were supposed to be transported to Camp Aguinaldo for the GCM hearing.
“The ungentlemanly, impolite and offensive behavior shown by Col. Ariel Querubin and Col. Orlando de Leon towards their military guards has manifested a worsening discipline among the ranks of officers,” Bacarro said.
Citing an incident report of Col. Arnulfo Marcos, the commander of the AFP Custodial and Detention Center, Bacarro said Miranda, Querubin and de Leon intentionally refused to attend the February 1 hearing by making alibis they were sick and it is their right not to attend the proceedings.
Bacarro said a medical check up immediately conducted on Querubin and De Leon showed they were actually “fit to travel” that day.
“The incident report also recounted how co-accused Lt. Col. Achilles Segumalian, Almodovar, and Sales prevented the senior officers from being brought out of the detention center,” he said.
Bacarro said the “misconduct” of the accused officers “manifested their desperate attempt to defy authorities and delay the ongoing proceedings” of the court martial.
“As a result of this incident, the AFP is looking at charging these officers for possible violation of the Articles of War and other related laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, the hearing also yesterday of the Magdalo Group over the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny did not prosper after the defense moved for the inhibition of Col. Pedro Herrera-Davila as Trial Judge Advocate because he also acts as legal adviser of Esperon.
Defense lawyer Argee Guevarra said Herrera-Davila might influence the decision later of Esperon should he decide over the ruling of the General Court Martial.
The next hearing was set for February 14./DMS
February 7, 2008
Twenty-four of the 28 officers implicated in the alleged February 2006 coup plot were not present during Thursday’s court martial hearing in Camp Aguinaldo despite their transfer on Wednesday night from Tanay, Rizal.
Maria Flor Querubin, wife of accused Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, said the failure of the military leadership to bring the accused to court yesterday runs counter to the supposed purpose of transferring the detention of the 24 accused at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) compound in Camp Aguinaldo.
Only present yesterday were Army Brig. Gen.. Danilo Lim and Capt. Dante Langkit, and Marines Col. Januario Caringal and Armando Bañez. Lim is detained at Camp Crame, Langkit is in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, and Caringal and Bañez at the Naval Hospital in Cavite.
The absence yesterday of the 24 accused, led by Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda and Col. Ariel Querubin, prompted the defense lawyers to move for a suspension of the hearing, arguing again that every accused must be present for every stage of his/her case as provided by law.
The military prosecution opposed, saying that the arraignment of the accused, which was supposed to be the business in yesterday’s hearing, can be done in batches.
“That decision is within the prerogative of the court and there is nothing illegal in it due to the fact that the rights of an accused who is absent will not be prejudiced because no arraignment will be conducted as to him. All of them will be given their day in court,” Judge Advocate General Office (JAGO) spokesman Maj. Emilio Felicen explained.
But the defense lawyers say the arraignment cannot be done if any one of the accused is absent because the common crime they are charged with, which is violation of Article of War (67), was allegedly done in conspiracy with each other.
The unresolved matter prompted the General Court Martial led by Maj. Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas to grant the motion of the defense. The next hearing will be on February 13.
Outside the courtroom, some wives of the accused who were transferred to Camp Aguinaldo, were emotional after they failed to see their husbands since Wednesday night.
Milette Almodovar said she and her two children were expecting to see her husband, Army Captain Montano Almodovar, during yesterday’s hearing but were unsuccessful.
She and Josefina Sales, wife of Captain Frederick Sales, expressed exasperation after going back and forth the courtroom and the ISAFP compound, only to be told by the people they ask that they do not know where their husbands are.
“Any person would worry and be afraid if they don’t see their loved ones. That is the feeling of a mother, a wife, a child. I hope it should not be this hard (to see my husband) because they are not convicted criminals. They fought for this country too, they fought in Camp Abubakar (against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front), the NPA (New People’s Army),” Almodovar said.
Mrs. Querubin said the 24 accused are now detained one by one in a cell at ISAFP, according to her husband. She said there is no electric fan in every cell, and their food are just served on Styrofoam, without even a pair of spoon and fork.
She said the 24 arrived at the ISAFP compound at around 9pm Wednesday, and were told that their transfer is only temporary for a week.
She expressed fear, however, that while in Camp Aguinaldo, the Arroyo government might link the 24 officers to any destabilization effort.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. had earlier said that he approved the transfer of detention of the Tanay detainees so those who are sick will be easily brought to hospitals.
In a statement, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro admitted yesterday that a review is already being made “for a possible curtailment” of the privileges of the accused after they apparently misbehaved last February 1 when they were supposed to be transported to Camp Aguinaldo for the GCM hearing.
“The ungentlemanly, impolite and offensive behavior shown by Col. Ariel Querubin and Col. Orlando de Leon towards their military guards has manifested a worsening discipline among the ranks of officers,” Bacarro said.
Citing an incident report of Col. Arnulfo Marcos, the commander of the AFP Custodial and Detention Center, Bacarro said Miranda, Querubin and de Leon intentionally refused to attend the February 1 hearing by making alibis they were sick and it is their right not to attend the proceedings.
Bacarro said a medical check up immediately conducted on Querubin and De Leon showed they were actually “fit to travel” that day.
“The incident report also recounted how co-accused Lt. Col. Achilles Segumalian, Almodovar, and Sales prevented the senior officers from being brought out of the detention center,” he said.
Bacarro said the “misconduct” of the accused officers “manifested their desperate attempt to defy authorities and delay the ongoing proceedings” of the court martial.
“As a result of this incident, the AFP is looking at charging these officers for possible violation of the Articles of War and other related laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, the hearing also yesterday of the Magdalo Group over the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny did not prosper after the defense moved for the inhibition of Col. Pedro Herrera-Davila as Trial Judge Advocate because he also acts as legal adviser of Esperon.
Defense lawyer Argee Guevarra said Herrera-Davila might influence the decision later of Esperon should he decide over the ruling of the General Court Martial.
The next hearing was set for February 14./DMS
Puno puts blame on La Salle brothers for not speaking about Lozada’s whereabouts as he insists Lozada was not abducted by PNP
By Ronron
February 7, 2008
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno rushed on Thursday to rescue the Philippine National Police (PNP) from what he calls as “unfair allegations” of abducting Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada, Jr. since the latter’s arrival on Tuesday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a news conference at Camp Crame, Puno reiterated PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.’s statement on Wednesday that Lozada, a key witness to the investigation on the alleged anomalous ZTE Corporation deal for a National Broadband Network project, was never secured by policemen against his will.
“We called this brief press conference to shed light on the work of the PNP to secure Jun Lozada. The PNP has been unfairly cast in the negative light,” an incensed Puno said.
The PNP is under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
According to Puno, it was Lozada himself and his family who requested for police security in the first place. And it was also Lozada who asked to be brought to the La Salle Greenhills campus in San Juan where he stayed until he surfaced dawn of Thursday in a news conference.
“He was never deprived of the opportunity to communicate with everybody. He was free to leave his security if he wanted to… And from Tuesday evening, Mr. Lozada’s family were with him, so why did they file a writ for habeas corpus?” Puno said.
“I can’t understand why all these things are being said now… I am really disappointed in the way the people dealt with this, blaming the PNP, as if there was no way of letting people know where he was. He has his cellhpone. The nuns, the La Salle brothers were there… If he was being held, it is not certainly by the PNP,” he added.
Puno said the public could not blame the PNP for not speaking about the whereabouts of Lozada because that is certainly what it is supposed to do.
“The PNP has its duty to respect the privacy of those that request for protection, their whereabouts. That is why the PNP chose to say nothing until this morning,” he said.
After the press conference, copies of the letters of Lozada and his sister, Carmen, were distributed to the media to prove that they indeed sought for police security.
Lozada’s handwritten-letter was not dated but it says: “Dear Sonny (referring to Razon), kindly extend security detail for my arrival at NAIA III on 5 Feb. 08 FLT CX919 coming in from Hongkong. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.”
Lozada affixed his signature of his name, JUN LOZADA.
But the deputy director of the Police Security and Protection Office, Sr. Supt. Paul Mascariñas, admitted in the same press conference that the hand-written letter-request of Lozada was only made when the latter had already decided he wanted to be brought to La Salle Greenhills on Tuesday night hours after his arrival at the airport.
There was, however, another type-written letter-request of Lozada but this time it was dated February 5, 2006. The letter goes: “The undersigned is Mr. Rodolfo “Jhun” Noel Lozada, Jr., one of the crucial witness to the National Broadband Network (NBN) controversy now under Senate investigation. This NBN controversy caused my deep uncertainty to my safety and members of my family because of the many anomalous calls and threats we have received. In view thereof, may I request for a Protective Escort for me and my family’s safety and well-being.”
Carmen’s type-written and signed letter-request was also of the same date and carried the same content.
Mascariñas admitted that when he and six other PSPO personnel went to NAIA on Tuesday afternoon to fetch Lozada, what he had was only a verbal order to provide protective security to Lozada that he received around 12 noon that day.
Reading his affidavit, Mascariñas said: “When we arrived at LSGH compound, Jun Lozada was met by Brother Felipe, his wife and five kids, and sister Carmen. A little later, some of his brothers and sisters arrived and greeted him.”
Mascariñas said they arrived at La Salle Greenhills at around 10pm of Tuesday. He said Lozada was “free to move around, go where he wants to go, free to entertain visitors and free to call anyone he wishes.”
“Jun Lozada was never subjected to any form of restriction or his Constitutional rights were never curtailed… Since the time Jun Lozada arrived at LSGH up to the time we escorted him to the Senate, all we did was to provide perimeter and area security while he was in La Salle Greenhills compound,” Mascariñas said.
Mascariñas said they officially terminated their protection service for Lozada at past 4am yesterday after the latter was turned over to the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
Puno dared the La Salle brothers as well as the nuns who protected Lozada at La Salle Greenhills to clarify before the public the condition of Lozada while he was in their custody so as to clear the PNP from allegations it abducted Lozada.
“Why are they allowing the PNP to be put in bad light if we are all searching for the truth? That is not a good thing. They had two days to disclose this (whereabouts of Lozada),” Puno said.
He said if the Senate will conduct a probe on the incident, the Senators should also invite the La Salle brothers “because they were the ones in custody of him, housed and fed him.”
“Why should the explanation come from us when all the while, he was resting at La Salle Greenhills?” Puno said.
He said if everyone, including the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, was looking for Lozada since Tuesday night, why did not the La Salle brothers also volunteer the information to them right away.
Lozada has a standing arrest warrant from the Senate for his refusal to attend the hearings on the ZTE scandal.
In the same press conference, former Secretary Michael Defensor admitted that he met Lozada at La Salle Greenhills on Wednesday night and urged him to speak out, even to just one media personality, just to clear the PNP and Malacañang from the flak they are receiving over the custody of Lozada.
But Lozada reportedly told him that he needs time for that because he wanted to prepare his statement, if ever.
True enough, at dawn yesterday, Lozada came out in a press conference at La Salle Greenhills and told his story about his hiding, and what he knows of the negotiations for the NBN project.
Defensor said he knew Lozada because the latter was his appointee as President of the Philippine Forest Corporation during his term as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) a few years back.
Based on his interaction with Lozada, Defensor said he had the impression that Lozada was more afraid of being arrested by the Senate when he arrived last Tuesday in Manila.
“Consistently, he was asking me to protect him from the Senate and its Sergeant-at-Arms. That’s why I’m quite wondering why after the press conference, he went to the Senate immediately,” Defensor said.
Meanwhile, Razon said in the press conference that they welcome the decision of the Supreme Court granting a writ of amparo for Lozada.
“We will submit ourselves to that (ruling). We will comply with the requirements of the Supreme Court,” Razon said./DMS
February 7, 2008
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno rushed on Thursday to rescue the Philippine National Police (PNP) from what he calls as “unfair allegations” of abducting Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada, Jr. since the latter’s arrival on Tuesday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a news conference at Camp Crame, Puno reiterated PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.’s statement on Wednesday that Lozada, a key witness to the investigation on the alleged anomalous ZTE Corporation deal for a National Broadband Network project, was never secured by policemen against his will.
“We called this brief press conference to shed light on the work of the PNP to secure Jun Lozada. The PNP has been unfairly cast in the negative light,” an incensed Puno said.
The PNP is under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
According to Puno, it was Lozada himself and his family who requested for police security in the first place. And it was also Lozada who asked to be brought to the La Salle Greenhills campus in San Juan where he stayed until he surfaced dawn of Thursday in a news conference.
“He was never deprived of the opportunity to communicate with everybody. He was free to leave his security if he wanted to… And from Tuesday evening, Mr. Lozada’s family were with him, so why did they file a writ for habeas corpus?” Puno said.
“I can’t understand why all these things are being said now… I am really disappointed in the way the people dealt with this, blaming the PNP, as if there was no way of letting people know where he was. He has his cellhpone. The nuns, the La Salle brothers were there… If he was being held, it is not certainly by the PNP,” he added.
Puno said the public could not blame the PNP for not speaking about the whereabouts of Lozada because that is certainly what it is supposed to do.
“The PNP has its duty to respect the privacy of those that request for protection, their whereabouts. That is why the PNP chose to say nothing until this morning,” he said.
After the press conference, copies of the letters of Lozada and his sister, Carmen, were distributed to the media to prove that they indeed sought for police security.
Lozada’s handwritten-letter was not dated but it says: “Dear Sonny (referring to Razon), kindly extend security detail for my arrival at NAIA III on 5 Feb. 08 FLT CX919 coming in from Hongkong. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.”
Lozada affixed his signature of his name, JUN LOZADA.
But the deputy director of the Police Security and Protection Office, Sr. Supt. Paul Mascariñas, admitted in the same press conference that the hand-written letter-request of Lozada was only made when the latter had already decided he wanted to be brought to La Salle Greenhills on Tuesday night hours after his arrival at the airport.
There was, however, another type-written letter-request of Lozada but this time it was dated February 5, 2006. The letter goes: “The undersigned is Mr. Rodolfo “Jhun” Noel Lozada, Jr., one of the crucial witness to the National Broadband Network (NBN) controversy now under Senate investigation. This NBN controversy caused my deep uncertainty to my safety and members of my family because of the many anomalous calls and threats we have received. In view thereof, may I request for a Protective Escort for me and my family’s safety and well-being.”
Carmen’s type-written and signed letter-request was also of the same date and carried the same content.
Mascariñas admitted that when he and six other PSPO personnel went to NAIA on Tuesday afternoon to fetch Lozada, what he had was only a verbal order to provide protective security to Lozada that he received around 12 noon that day.
Reading his affidavit, Mascariñas said: “When we arrived at LSGH compound, Jun Lozada was met by Brother Felipe, his wife and five kids, and sister Carmen. A little later, some of his brothers and sisters arrived and greeted him.”
Mascariñas said they arrived at La Salle Greenhills at around 10pm of Tuesday. He said Lozada was “free to move around, go where he wants to go, free to entertain visitors and free to call anyone he wishes.”
“Jun Lozada was never subjected to any form of restriction or his Constitutional rights were never curtailed… Since the time Jun Lozada arrived at LSGH up to the time we escorted him to the Senate, all we did was to provide perimeter and area security while he was in La Salle Greenhills compound,” Mascariñas said.
Mascariñas said they officially terminated their protection service for Lozada at past 4am yesterday after the latter was turned over to the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
Puno dared the La Salle brothers as well as the nuns who protected Lozada at La Salle Greenhills to clarify before the public the condition of Lozada while he was in their custody so as to clear the PNP from allegations it abducted Lozada.
“Why are they allowing the PNP to be put in bad light if we are all searching for the truth? That is not a good thing. They had two days to disclose this (whereabouts of Lozada),” Puno said.
He said if the Senate will conduct a probe on the incident, the Senators should also invite the La Salle brothers “because they were the ones in custody of him, housed and fed him.”
“Why should the explanation come from us when all the while, he was resting at La Salle Greenhills?” Puno said.
He said if everyone, including the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, was looking for Lozada since Tuesday night, why did not the La Salle brothers also volunteer the information to them right away.
Lozada has a standing arrest warrant from the Senate for his refusal to attend the hearings on the ZTE scandal.
In the same press conference, former Secretary Michael Defensor admitted that he met Lozada at La Salle Greenhills on Wednesday night and urged him to speak out, even to just one media personality, just to clear the PNP and Malacañang from the flak they are receiving over the custody of Lozada.
But Lozada reportedly told him that he needs time for that because he wanted to prepare his statement, if ever.
True enough, at dawn yesterday, Lozada came out in a press conference at La Salle Greenhills and told his story about his hiding, and what he knows of the negotiations for the NBN project.
Defensor said he knew Lozada because the latter was his appointee as President of the Philippine Forest Corporation during his term as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) a few years back.
Based on his interaction with Lozada, Defensor said he had the impression that Lozada was more afraid of being arrested by the Senate when he arrived last Tuesday in Manila.
“Consistently, he was asking me to protect him from the Senate and its Sergeant-at-Arms. That’s why I’m quite wondering why after the press conference, he went to the Senate immediately,” Defensor said.
Meanwhile, Razon said in the press conference that they welcome the decision of the Supreme Court granting a writ of amparo for Lozada.
“We will submit ourselves to that (ruling). We will comply with the requirements of the Supreme Court,” Razon said./DMS
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Suspected NPA members attack mining office in Comval, kill two
By Ronron
February 6, 2008
Suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) attacked a mining
office in Compostela Valley on Wednesday morning, killing two persons.
Chief Insp. Querubin Manalang, Police Regional Office 11 spokesman,
said in a phone interview that the incident happened past 6am at the
JB Mining Corp. Compound in Purok 7, Barangay Olaycon, Monkayo town.
Manalang said the rebels were more or less 13, and rode a Mitsubishi
Strada pick-up (LDZ-182) in harassing the mining office owned by
Monkayo Mayor Joel Brillantes.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the rebels are
believed to be under the Front Committee 3 of the CPP-NPA's Southern
Mindanao Regional Committee.
Torres said firefight lasted for 10 minutes as at least one security
guard on duty reportedly fought it out with the rebels.
Unfortunately, security guard Dante Nonat, 30, and civilian Ewrin
Henares, 32, died in the incident. Manalang said Nonat works for
Goldfield Security Agency, owned also by Brillantes.
The police spokesman was not immediately aware, however, what was
Henares doing at the site. But he surmised that Henares could be an
employee there because "the place is not accessible to any ordinary
person."
Before leaving towards Montevista town, the rebels took Nonat's
armalite rifle and caliber 45, Manalang said.
At Barangay New Calape in Montevista town, police recovered the Strada
pick-up that was abandoned by the rebels, together with the driver,
identified as Richard Romero.
"We found out that Romero rented that pick up in Davao City but he was
commandeered by the rebels somewhere," Manalang said.
Pursuit operations were immediately conducted by Army troopers and
elements of the 1102nd Provincial Mobile Group, but the perpetrators
managed to escape, Manalang said.
Checkpoints conducted by police in the neighboring town of Nabunturan
was also futile, he added.
Asked for the motive of the incident, Manalang said: "We know that it
is again related to the NPA's extortion activities, what they call as
demand for revolutionary tax. It's public knowledge here that Mayor
Brillantes does not give in to their demand so that's why his company
was harassed."
Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. had disclosed
late last month that militiamen can be tapped as security for mining
firms, other private companies and local government units that are
prone to attacks by the communist guerillas.
The Arroyo government has vowed to crush the NPA by 2010. At present,
the NPA's strength is estimated by the military to be at 5,760, the
lowest in two decades./DMS
February 6, 2008
Suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) attacked a mining
office in Compostela Valley on Wednesday morning, killing two persons.
Chief Insp. Querubin Manalang, Police Regional Office 11 spokesman,
said in a phone interview that the incident happened past 6am at the
JB Mining Corp. Compound in Purok 7, Barangay Olaycon, Monkayo town.
Manalang said the rebels were more or less 13, and rode a Mitsubishi
Strada pick-up (LDZ-182) in harassing the mining office owned by
Monkayo Mayor Joel Brillantes.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the rebels are
believed to be under the Front Committee 3 of the CPP-NPA's Southern
Mindanao Regional Committee.
Torres said firefight lasted for 10 minutes as at least one security
guard on duty reportedly fought it out with the rebels.
Unfortunately, security guard Dante Nonat, 30, and civilian Ewrin
Henares, 32, died in the incident. Manalang said Nonat works for
Goldfield Security Agency, owned also by Brillantes.
The police spokesman was not immediately aware, however, what was
Henares doing at the site. But he surmised that Henares could be an
employee there because "the place is not accessible to any ordinary
person."
Before leaving towards Montevista town, the rebels took Nonat's
armalite rifle and caliber 45, Manalang said.
At Barangay New Calape in Montevista town, police recovered the Strada
pick-up that was abandoned by the rebels, together with the driver,
identified as Richard Romero.
"We found out that Romero rented that pick up in Davao City but he was
commandeered by the rebels somewhere," Manalang said.
Pursuit operations were immediately conducted by Army troopers and
elements of the 1102nd Provincial Mobile Group, but the perpetrators
managed to escape, Manalang said.
Checkpoints conducted by police in the neighboring town of Nabunturan
was also futile, he added.
Asked for the motive of the incident, Manalang said: "We know that it
is again related to the NPA's extortion activities, what they call as
demand for revolutionary tax. It's public knowledge here that Mayor
Brillantes does not give in to their demand so that's why his company
was harassed."
Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. had disclosed
late last month that militiamen can be tapped as security for mining
firms, other private companies and local government units that are
prone to attacks by the communist guerillas.
The Arroyo government has vowed to crush the NPA by 2010. At present,
the NPA's strength is estimated by the military to be at 5,760, the
lowest in two decades./DMS
Esperon approves transfer of Tanay detainees to Camp Aguinaldo
By Ronron
February 6, 2008
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff
Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. has approved the transfer
of the officers tagged in the alleged February 2006
coup plot from their detention in Tanay, Rizal to Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Esperon said Wednesday that it stemmed from a
recommendation of the custodial and detention
commander of the Army camp in Tanay, as well as an
earlier motion of some lawyers of the accused before
the General Court Martial (GCM) hearing their case.
“Yes, I have approved that (recommendation),” Esperon
said in an interview at the sidelines of the
celebration of the PNP’s 17th founding anniversary in
Camp Crame.
“The recommendations are primarily coming from the
commander of the Custodial and Detention Center, Col.
Arnulfo Marcos… It will also be good if they are here
in Manila… so that those who are sick can easily be
brought to hospitals,” he added.
As of 6pm yesterday, the transfer of the 24 accused
being detained in Tanay, led by Maj. Gen. Renato
Miranda and Col. Ariel Querubin, have already started,
said Querubin’s wife.
Esperon said the 24 will be detained at the
Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (ISAFP) compound in Camp Aguinaldo. Four
other accused are separately being detained already at
Camp Crame, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City at the Naval
Hospital in Cavite.
The transfer was made amidst the opposition of the
accused and their lawyers.
Querubin’s wife, Maria Flor, said the accused opposed
the transfer because they felt betrayed.
“At first, there was no mention of their transfer.
They were just told that it will be an overnight stay.
But they were told to pack up their things so they
know they will really be transferred for good in Camp
Aguinaldo,” Maria Flor said.
Defense lawyer Trixie Angeles said the transfer shows
the military’s disrespect to due process because the
matter should go through the GCM first.
She and Maria Flor express fear that if the Tanay
detainees stay in Camp Aguinaldo, they will be linked
to alleged destabilization plots.
But Esperon downplayed any destabilization rumor, even
one that could crop up because of the ouster from the
Speakership at the House of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de
Venecia, Jr.
“I don’t see any (destabilization effort) now. If
ever there are those who are planning, I think when
they execute it, they will not get any support or it
will materialize,” Esperon said.
Since last week, the GCM that is trying the Tanay
detainees have started to hold the hearing in Camp
Aguinaldo. The next hearing is set today (Thursday).
According to Maria Flor, yesterday’s transfer of the
accused did not go smoothly because some officers
objected, especially when they were being handcuffed.
She said some of the military personnel then bodily
carried some of the accused officers towards the
waiting military trucks.
The accused, who are facing mutiny and other articles
of war violations, have yet to arrive in Camp
Aguinaldo as of 7pm yesterday./DMS
February 6, 2008
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff
Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. has approved the transfer
of the officers tagged in the alleged February 2006
coup plot from their detention in Tanay, Rizal to Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Esperon said Wednesday that it stemmed from a
recommendation of the custodial and detention
commander of the Army camp in Tanay, as well as an
earlier motion of some lawyers of the accused before
the General Court Martial (GCM) hearing their case.
“Yes, I have approved that (recommendation),” Esperon
said in an interview at the sidelines of the
celebration of the PNP’s 17th founding anniversary in
Camp Crame.
“The recommendations are primarily coming from the
commander of the Custodial and Detention Center, Col.
Arnulfo Marcos… It will also be good if they are here
in Manila… so that those who are sick can easily be
brought to hospitals,” he added.
As of 6pm yesterday, the transfer of the 24 accused
being detained in Tanay, led by Maj. Gen. Renato
Miranda and Col. Ariel Querubin, have already started,
said Querubin’s wife.
Esperon said the 24 will be detained at the
Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (ISAFP) compound in Camp Aguinaldo. Four
other accused are separately being detained already at
Camp Crame, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City at the Naval
Hospital in Cavite.
The transfer was made amidst the opposition of the
accused and their lawyers.
Querubin’s wife, Maria Flor, said the accused opposed
the transfer because they felt betrayed.
“At first, there was no mention of their transfer.
They were just told that it will be an overnight stay.
But they were told to pack up their things so they
know they will really be transferred for good in Camp
Aguinaldo,” Maria Flor said.
Defense lawyer Trixie Angeles said the transfer shows
the military’s disrespect to due process because the
matter should go through the GCM first.
She and Maria Flor express fear that if the Tanay
detainees stay in Camp Aguinaldo, they will be linked
to alleged destabilization plots.
But Esperon downplayed any destabilization rumor, even
one that could crop up because of the ouster from the
Speakership at the House of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de
Venecia, Jr.
“I don’t see any (destabilization effort) now. If
ever there are those who are planning, I think when
they execute it, they will not get any support or it
will materialize,” Esperon said.
Since last week, the GCM that is trying the Tanay
detainees have started to hold the hearing in Camp
Aguinaldo. The next hearing is set today (Thursday).
According to Maria Flor, yesterday’s transfer of the
accused did not go smoothly because some officers
objected, especially when they were being handcuffed.
She said some of the military personnel then bodily
carried some of the accused officers towards the
waiting military trucks.
The accused, who are facing mutiny and other articles
of war violations, have yet to arrive in Camp
Aguinaldo as of 7pm yesterday./DMS
Arroyo says RP gaining success against political violence
By Ronron
February 6, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Wednesday that
the country is already succeeding in its efforts to
end the problem of political violence.
In her speech at the celebration of the Philippine
National Police (PNP) 17th founding anniversary in
Camp Crame, Quezon City, Arroyo commended the police
agency for its efforts in addressing the problem of
human rights violations.
Incidentally, the theme of the PNP anniversary goes:
“Mamang Pulis: Tagapagtaguyod ng Karapatang Pantao
Tungo sa Kapanatagan ng Mamamayan (Mr. Cop: Advocate
of Human Rights for a Worry-less Citizenry).”
It can be recalled that when Arroyo installed PNP
chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. last October 1, 2007,
she asked the officer to leave a legacy on human
rights protection, being the first commander of the
PNP Task Force USIG she created in mid-2006.
On Tuesday, Razon said he has complied with the
President’s instruction, citing, among others, the
drafting of a Citizen’s Handbook on the Operational
Guidelines on Observance of Human Rights, and the
activation of Human Rights Desk in all police stations
all over the country.
The tie up with the Commission on Human Rights and
other human rights advocate groups was also
strengthened by the PNP, he said.
“We have been meeting with success in the fight to put
an end to the legacy of political violence in the
Philippines. And with the priority we have given in
that legacy, we will continue to bring perpetrators to
justice, jail criminals and exhort the nation to leave
behind its terrible legacy of political violence,”
Arroyo said yesterday.
“Thanks to your investigation and the building up of
evidence, and arresting perpetrators, political
killings were down 83 percent last year.
Congratulations,” she added.
But Arroyo said the efforts “must not rest until we
reach zero.”
“I praise the efforts of the Human Rights Office of
the PNP, the seminars and proposal of the PNP to
strengthen your regulations and tradition to protect
the rights of every citizen,” she said.
A plan of Razon to present yesterday to Arroyo a
Citizen’s Handbook on the Operational Procedures for
the Observance of Human Rights, meanwhile, did not
push through because Arroyo lacked time to pass by the
PNP Human Rights Affairs Office inside Camp Crame.
Sr. Supt. Lina Sarmiento, head of said office, said
they will take advantage of that by polishing the
handbook by passing it to some experts from the
civilian sector.
She said copies of that should be ready already this
week of next week.
The Arroyo government has been receiving a flak in the
past from various bodies, both local and
international, for alleged violation of human
rights./DMS
February 6, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Wednesday that
the country is already succeeding in its efforts to
end the problem of political violence.
In her speech at the celebration of the Philippine
National Police (PNP) 17th founding anniversary in
Camp Crame, Quezon City, Arroyo commended the police
agency for its efforts in addressing the problem of
human rights violations.
Incidentally, the theme of the PNP anniversary goes:
“Mamang Pulis: Tagapagtaguyod ng Karapatang Pantao
Tungo sa Kapanatagan ng Mamamayan (Mr. Cop: Advocate
of Human Rights for a Worry-less Citizenry).”
It can be recalled that when Arroyo installed PNP
chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. last October 1, 2007,
she asked the officer to leave a legacy on human
rights protection, being the first commander of the
PNP Task Force USIG she created in mid-2006.
On Tuesday, Razon said he has complied with the
President’s instruction, citing, among others, the
drafting of a Citizen’s Handbook on the Operational
Guidelines on Observance of Human Rights, and the
activation of Human Rights Desk in all police stations
all over the country.
The tie up with the Commission on Human Rights and
other human rights advocate groups was also
strengthened by the PNP, he said.
“We have been meeting with success in the fight to put
an end to the legacy of political violence in the
Philippines. And with the priority we have given in
that legacy, we will continue to bring perpetrators to
justice, jail criminals and exhort the nation to leave
behind its terrible legacy of political violence,”
Arroyo said yesterday.
“Thanks to your investigation and the building up of
evidence, and arresting perpetrators, political
killings were down 83 percent last year.
Congratulations,” she added.
But Arroyo said the efforts “must not rest until we
reach zero.”
“I praise the efforts of the Human Rights Office of
the PNP, the seminars and proposal of the PNP to
strengthen your regulations and tradition to protect
the rights of every citizen,” she said.
A plan of Razon to present yesterday to Arroyo a
Citizen’s Handbook on the Operational Procedures for
the Observance of Human Rights, meanwhile, did not
push through because Arroyo lacked time to pass by the
PNP Human Rights Affairs Office inside Camp Crame.
Sr. Supt. Lina Sarmiento, head of said office, said
they will take advantage of that by polishing the
handbook by passing it to some experts from the
civilian sector.
She said copies of that should be ready already this
week of next week.
The Arroyo government has been receiving a flak in the
past from various bodies, both local and
international, for alleged violation of human
rights./DMS
Arroyo launches Women and Children Protection Center of PNP
By Ronron
February 6, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo launched on
Wednesday the Women and Children Protection Center
(WCPC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in
response to calls for the agency to be more gender
sensitive.
Arroyo opened the WCPC office in Camp Crame, Quezon
City, highlighting the celebration of the PNP’s 17th
founding anniversary.
“I am glad that after ordering the hiring of 2,000
policewomen in 2006, equivalent of four battalions,
now we can unveil the center as the country’s first
all-woman police outpost. And I was saying that this
should also serve as a prototype station women’s
desk,” Arroyo said in her speech during the
anniversary program.
The WCPC will be headed by Chief Supt. Yolanda
Tanigue, the first female PNP officers to be promoted
to star rank. It will be equipped with two police
patrol cars with a driver, a scene of the crime
operative, a social worker, and a medico-legal
officer.
The WCPC mobile units are particularly tasked to
respond to sex-related crime and violence committed
against women and children.
PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said the WCPC was
initially activated last October 15, 2007, but it was
under the Directorate for Investigation and Detective
Management then.
To date, Razon said there are already 1,809 WCPC units
all over the country, from the regional offices down
to the smallest police station.
“I am happy to inform our women and children sector
that we are taking further steps to assure your safety
and protection from all kinds of abuses, including
human trafficking, domestic violence and crimes
against children,” Razon said.
Arroyo directed every WCPC unit to “showcase a woman’s
touch,” in “cool, pastel colors or feminist purple,”
with “victim-friendly reception rooms and “shelves
that will display help-literature on domestic
violence.”
“And it should have a clean comfort room,” she said.
Aside from inaugurating the WCPC, Arroyo also
inspected the female SWAT members, female Civil
Disturbance Management (CDM) members, and female
Special Action Force members who lined up in front of
the WCPC.
“They should be able to respond to extreme cases of
domestic violence when domestic violence is involved,”
Arroyo said.
“We want to show that police girl power is not limited
to sisterly counseling. It packs a mean firepower as
well,” she added.
The PNP currently has some 10,000 female personnel
nationwide.
In 2007, 7,669 cases of violence against women, and
4,705 cases of child abuse and exploitation were
reported to the PNP./DMS
February 6, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo launched on
Wednesday the Women and Children Protection Center
(WCPC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in
response to calls for the agency to be more gender
sensitive.
Arroyo opened the WCPC office in Camp Crame, Quezon
City, highlighting the celebration of the PNP’s 17th
founding anniversary.
“I am glad that after ordering the hiring of 2,000
policewomen in 2006, equivalent of four battalions,
now we can unveil the center as the country’s first
all-woman police outpost. And I was saying that this
should also serve as a prototype station women’s
desk,” Arroyo said in her speech during the
anniversary program.
The WCPC will be headed by Chief Supt. Yolanda
Tanigue, the first female PNP officers to be promoted
to star rank. It will be equipped with two police
patrol cars with a driver, a scene of the crime
operative, a social worker, and a medico-legal
officer.
The WCPC mobile units are particularly tasked to
respond to sex-related crime and violence committed
against women and children.
PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said the WCPC was
initially activated last October 15, 2007, but it was
under the Directorate for Investigation and Detective
Management then.
To date, Razon said there are already 1,809 WCPC units
all over the country, from the regional offices down
to the smallest police station.
“I am happy to inform our women and children sector
that we are taking further steps to assure your safety
and protection from all kinds of abuses, including
human trafficking, domestic violence and crimes
against children,” Razon said.
Arroyo directed every WCPC unit to “showcase a woman’s
touch,” in “cool, pastel colors or feminist purple,”
with “victim-friendly reception rooms and “shelves
that will display help-literature on domestic
violence.”
“And it should have a clean comfort room,” she said.
Aside from inaugurating the WCPC, Arroyo also
inspected the female SWAT members, female Civil
Disturbance Management (CDM) members, and female
Special Action Force members who lined up in front of
the WCPC.
“They should be able to respond to extreme cases of
domestic violence when domestic violence is involved,”
Arroyo said.
“We want to show that police girl power is not limited
to sisterly counseling. It packs a mean firepower as
well,” she added.
The PNP currently has some 10,000 female personnel
nationwide.
In 2007, 7,669 cases of violence against women, and
4,705 cases of child abuse and exploitation were
reported to the PNP./DMS
Lozada is under our protection – PNP
By Ronron
February 6, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Wednesday that Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr., a supposed witness to the investigation on the cancelled anomalous deal between the government and ZTE Corporation for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project. is being protected by policemen.
Razon said Lozada is being secured by elements of the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) at an undisclosed place in response to his request due to alleged threat to his life.
“What I know is Mr. Lozada requested for security so the PSPO gave him that, and now, he is with elements of the PSPO,” Razon told reporters yesterday morning at Camp Crame.
Lozada, who was hired as a consultant for the NBN project, arrived in the country on Monday afternoon from Hongkong. He is currently connected with the Philippine Forest Corporation, a government owned and controlled corporation.
The Senate ordered for his arrest and that of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri because of their non-appearance recently at a hearing on the ZTE scandal.
Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, son of the ousted House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., had implicated First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos in the alleged bribery by ZTE officials to get the NBN deal.
Lozada arrived in Manila around 5pm Tuesday but he was immediately brought to an undisclosed location, prompting some of his family members to seek help from some government officials and the media.
PSPO head Chief Supt. Romeo Hilomen said four personnel escorted and secured Lozada from the airport. He said they intentionally did not make it public because it might bring more harm and danger to Lozada.
Razon said he himself only learned that Lozada is being secured by PSPO personnel dawn of Wednesday.
“He (Lozada) made a request for security because he fears for his life, and he is afraid that he will be arrested and be brought to other places,” Razon said.
“He put his request in written form upon his arrival (at the airport). Although, before that, his sister already wrote the PSPO, requesting security for her brother,” he added.
Hilomen identified the sister of Lozada who made the request as Carmen. Carmen allegedly said that her brother has been receiving death threats.
According to Razon, Lozada was at a place of his choice, and not in a safehouse of the PSPO or the PNP. Hilomen also said that Lozada is not being restricted, rather he can move around, only that the PSPO personnel will closely guard him.
But both officials assured that should Lozada decide to terminate the services of the PSPO or appear before the Senate, the PNP can always remove his security personnel.
“We’re not cuddling Mr. Lozada. In fact, if we are directed to bring him, we will bring him to the Senate,” Hilomen said.
Razon stressed that they did not violate any law, much less disrespected the arrest warrant of the Senate against Lozada by keeping him in its custody because the Senate order anyway can only be implemented within the Senate premises.
“There is no obstruction of justice on our part… There is no irregularity here in what we did,” he said.
He said the PNP will be ready to face any legal challenge that will be raised against them for taking Lozada in its custody.
One thing that Razon assured though to the public is that Lozada is “safe” and “doing well.”
In fact, a member of Lozada’s family is already with him since yesterday morning, the PNP chief said.
The Black and White Movement (BWM), a civil society group, has raised the possibility that Lozada was taken by government agents so he cannot testify in the Senate inquiry on the ZTE scandal.
BWM Lead Convenor Vicente Romano III said Lozada had allegedly decided to spill the beans after he felt that Neri’s testimony at the Senate did not bring out all the truth behind the ZTE scandal.
The Senate had wanted to hear from Neri what President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo told him about the deal with ZTE after he reported to her that Abalos implied to him that he will receive a kickback if he approves the NBN project in favor of the Chinese telecommunication firm. Neri had invoked then the “executive privilege” of a Cabinet member with the President, preventing him from telling the public what transpired between his talk with Arroyo./DMS
February 6, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Wednesday that Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr., a supposed witness to the investigation on the cancelled anomalous deal between the government and ZTE Corporation for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project. is being protected by policemen.
Razon said Lozada is being secured by elements of the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) at an undisclosed place in response to his request due to alleged threat to his life.
“What I know is Mr. Lozada requested for security so the PSPO gave him that, and now, he is with elements of the PSPO,” Razon told reporters yesterday morning at Camp Crame.
Lozada, who was hired as a consultant for the NBN project, arrived in the country on Monday afternoon from Hongkong. He is currently connected with the Philippine Forest Corporation, a government owned and controlled corporation.
The Senate ordered for his arrest and that of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri because of their non-appearance recently at a hearing on the ZTE scandal.
Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, son of the ousted House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., had implicated First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos in the alleged bribery by ZTE officials to get the NBN deal.
Lozada arrived in Manila around 5pm Tuesday but he was immediately brought to an undisclosed location, prompting some of his family members to seek help from some government officials and the media.
PSPO head Chief Supt. Romeo Hilomen said four personnel escorted and secured Lozada from the airport. He said they intentionally did not make it public because it might bring more harm and danger to Lozada.
Razon said he himself only learned that Lozada is being secured by PSPO personnel dawn of Wednesday.
“He (Lozada) made a request for security because he fears for his life, and he is afraid that he will be arrested and be brought to other places,” Razon said.
“He put his request in written form upon his arrival (at the airport). Although, before that, his sister already wrote the PSPO, requesting security for her brother,” he added.
Hilomen identified the sister of Lozada who made the request as Carmen. Carmen allegedly said that her brother has been receiving death threats.
According to Razon, Lozada was at a place of his choice, and not in a safehouse of the PSPO or the PNP. Hilomen also said that Lozada is not being restricted, rather he can move around, only that the PSPO personnel will closely guard him.
But both officials assured that should Lozada decide to terminate the services of the PSPO or appear before the Senate, the PNP can always remove his security personnel.
“We’re not cuddling Mr. Lozada. In fact, if we are directed to bring him, we will bring him to the Senate,” Hilomen said.
Razon stressed that they did not violate any law, much less disrespected the arrest warrant of the Senate against Lozada by keeping him in its custody because the Senate order anyway can only be implemented within the Senate premises.
“There is no obstruction of justice on our part… There is no irregularity here in what we did,” he said.
He said the PNP will be ready to face any legal challenge that will be raised against them for taking Lozada in its custody.
One thing that Razon assured though to the public is that Lozada is “safe” and “doing well.”
In fact, a member of Lozada’s family is already with him since yesterday morning, the PNP chief said.
The Black and White Movement (BWM), a civil society group, has raised the possibility that Lozada was taken by government agents so he cannot testify in the Senate inquiry on the ZTE scandal.
BWM Lead Convenor Vicente Romano III said Lozada had allegedly decided to spill the beans after he felt that Neri’s testimony at the Senate did not bring out all the truth behind the ZTE scandal.
The Senate had wanted to hear from Neri what President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo told him about the deal with ZTE after he reported to her that Abalos implied to him that he will receive a kickback if he approves the NBN project in favor of the Chinese telecommunication firm. Neri had invoked then the “executive privilege” of a Cabinet member with the President, preventing him from telling the public what transpired between his talk with Arroyo./DMS
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Esperon confirms civilians caught in crossfire during Sulu clash between gov’t forces and suspected ASG members
By Ronron
February 5, 2008
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that at least four civilians were caught in the crossfire between government troops and alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members during Monday’s encounter in Sulu province.
Esperon said they will find out why there were civilians at the clash site when it happened at dawn at a mangrove area in Barangay Ipil, Maimbung town.
“Remember that the encounter happened at 2:30 in the morning near a mangrove area. So what were the civilians doing there? We would like to find that out and how it happened,” he told reporters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The clash, which lasted for about an hour, had killed four ASG bandits and two soldiers, and hurt five other soldiers, Esperon said.
The government troops also recovered two M16 rifles left behind by the rebels, he added.
But despite the reported deaths of civilians, Esperon commended the combined elements of the Navy Special Operations Group and the Army’s Light Reaction Company for engaging the bandit group that was armed with high-powered guns, including an M60 machine gun.
“I would commend the troops for going into such a risky operation if only to accomplish their operation,” he said.
The government troops were reportedly carrying out a rescue operation for an abducted businesswoman in Jolo town last January 28, but they failed to find any hostage victim during the clash.
Military spokesman Maj. Eugene Batara had earlier said that the bandits belong to the group of ASG sub-commanders Abu Pula, alias Dr. Abu, and Albader Parad, both carrying $100,000 and $15,000 bounty on their head, respectively./DMS
February 5, 2008
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that at least four civilians were caught in the crossfire between government troops and alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members during Monday’s encounter in Sulu province.
Esperon said they will find out why there were civilians at the clash site when it happened at dawn at a mangrove area in Barangay Ipil, Maimbung town.
“Remember that the encounter happened at 2:30 in the morning near a mangrove area. So what were the civilians doing there? We would like to find that out and how it happened,” he told reporters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The clash, which lasted for about an hour, had killed four ASG bandits and two soldiers, and hurt five other soldiers, Esperon said.
The government troops also recovered two M16 rifles left behind by the rebels, he added.
But despite the reported deaths of civilians, Esperon commended the combined elements of the Navy Special Operations Group and the Army’s Light Reaction Company for engaging the bandit group that was armed with high-powered guns, including an M60 machine gun.
“I would commend the troops for going into such a risky operation if only to accomplish their operation,” he said.
The government troops were reportedly carrying out a rescue operation for an abducted businesswoman in Jolo town last January 28, but they failed to find any hostage victim during the clash.
Military spokesman Maj. Eugene Batara had earlier said that the bandits belong to the group of ASG sub-commanders Abu Pula, alias Dr. Abu, and Albader Parad, both carrying $100,000 and $15,000 bounty on their head, respectively./DMS
Globe facility in Bohol attacked
By Ronron
February 5, 2008
Another facility of Globe Telecommunication was attacked in Bohol although officials are not blaming the communist rebels for the incident that happened over the weekend.
According to local police, the incident, which only damaged a cable wire of the facility that is connected to an antenna that provides cellphone signals, may have been perpetrated by former caretakers of the facility who were dismissed by the company.
SPO3 Dionisio Coscos of the Tubigon Municipal Police Station said Tuesday that the burning of the facility’s cable wire must have taken place at dawn of Sunday when the suspect or suspects could not be seen by nearby residents due to darkness.
The facility was located at a hilly portion in Barangay Guiwanon, Tubigon town, some 100 meters away from the highway, or one-and-a-half kilometers away from the town proper, said Coscos.
The incident, however, reached police only at around 4pm after Globe engineers and technicians discovered the damaged cable wire at around 2pm that day.
Coscos said complaints of the locales who are subscribers to Globe about the loss of signal prompted Globe management to check their facility in Barangay Guiwanon.
Coscos said Globe subscribers have been complaining since Sunday morning.
A check at the facility disclosed that the suspect/suspects gained entry through the perimeters of the gate by cutting off a portion of the cyclone fence.
The Globe staff also found out that the suspect/suspects used dried banana leaves to burn the cable wire.
“These show that the suspect or suspects were really familiar with the place and know which vital cable provides signal. If they were members of the New People’s Army, they would have just poured gasoline all over the place and set everything on fire,” Coscos said.
Besides, the nearby residents did not see any armed personalities in the vicinity of the facility since Saturday night, he said.
Coscos disclosed that the facility was not being guarded at the possible time of the attack because its caretaker does not have to be there 24 hours a day.
He speculates that the dismissed caretakers must have ill-feelings for the company, pushing them to attack the facility.
Globe management, according to him, has estimated the cost of damage at P300,000.
He said that since some residents still complain as of yesterday of poor Globe signal, then he surmises that the facility has not yet been totally repaired yet.
Coscos said investigators are now trying to focus on the former caretakers of the facility to shed light on the incident.
He said that the police will really solve the attack because the telecommunication facility is considered vital to local business and their daily living.
Several attacks dating a few years back against Globe facilities have been attributed by police and military to the NPA for alleged non-payment of the so-called “revolutionary tax.”/DMS
February 5, 2008
Another facility of Globe Telecommunication was attacked in Bohol although officials are not blaming the communist rebels for the incident that happened over the weekend.
According to local police, the incident, which only damaged a cable wire of the facility that is connected to an antenna that provides cellphone signals, may have been perpetrated by former caretakers of the facility who were dismissed by the company.
SPO3 Dionisio Coscos of the Tubigon Municipal Police Station said Tuesday that the burning of the facility’s cable wire must have taken place at dawn of Sunday when the suspect or suspects could not be seen by nearby residents due to darkness.
The facility was located at a hilly portion in Barangay Guiwanon, Tubigon town, some 100 meters away from the highway, or one-and-a-half kilometers away from the town proper, said Coscos.
The incident, however, reached police only at around 4pm after Globe engineers and technicians discovered the damaged cable wire at around 2pm that day.
Coscos said complaints of the locales who are subscribers to Globe about the loss of signal prompted Globe management to check their facility in Barangay Guiwanon.
Coscos said Globe subscribers have been complaining since Sunday morning.
A check at the facility disclosed that the suspect/suspects gained entry through the perimeters of the gate by cutting off a portion of the cyclone fence.
The Globe staff also found out that the suspect/suspects used dried banana leaves to burn the cable wire.
“These show that the suspect or suspects were really familiar with the place and know which vital cable provides signal. If they were members of the New People’s Army, they would have just poured gasoline all over the place and set everything on fire,” Coscos said.
Besides, the nearby residents did not see any armed personalities in the vicinity of the facility since Saturday night, he said.
Coscos disclosed that the facility was not being guarded at the possible time of the attack because its caretaker does not have to be there 24 hours a day.
He speculates that the dismissed caretakers must have ill-feelings for the company, pushing them to attack the facility.
Globe management, according to him, has estimated the cost of damage at P300,000.
He said that since some residents still complain as of yesterday of poor Globe signal, then he surmises that the facility has not yet been totally repaired yet.
Coscos said investigators are now trying to focus on the former caretakers of the facility to shed light on the incident.
He said that the police will really solve the attack because the telecommunication facility is considered vital to local business and their daily living.
Several attacks dating a few years back against Globe facilities have been attributed by police and military to the NPA for alleged non-payment of the so-called “revolutionary tax.”/DMS
PNP comes up with operational guidelines for personnel’s observance of human rights
By Ronron
February 5, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will submit today (Wednesday) to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo an operational guideline on how its personnel should behave to avoid violation of human rights, its chief said yesterday (Tuesday).
Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said this is part of the PNP’s compliance to the directive of Arroyo for him to hopefully leave a legacy on human rights protection before he retires in September this year. Arroyo issued the instruction during Razon’s assumption to the top PNP post on October 1 last year.
The presentation of the operational guidelines will be done on the occasion of the PNP’s 17th founding anniversary at Camp Crame, Quezon Cith which will be graced by Arroyo.
“We have complied with her instruction that human rights is a priority program that the PNP is undertaking. We will give her our operational procedures regarding the observance of human rights and this will be sort of a bible of our personnel in following the observance of human rights,” Razon told reporters in an interview.
PNP Human Rights Affairs Office chief Sr. Supt. Lina Sarmiento said the guidelines will be contained in a Citizen’s Handbook, which will actually cater also to the public.
“This actually guides the citizens on what to do during police operations like when they are arrested, when their properties are being searched, or when they are being investigated. It’s like a flip side of the Police Operational Procedures,” Sarmiento said in a separate interview.
The handbook also contains directory of pertinent PNP units or offices where the public can report if policemen violate their rights, she added.
At the same time, the PNP launched yesterday its tie up with the Commission on Human Rights and other agencies “to strengthen the PNP’s observance of human rights.”
Asked if this would mean that violent dispersals by police of mass demonstrators like what happened last week at the Manila Hotel will no longer happen, Razon said: “That’s it. We will really ingrain in our personnel the due observance of basic rights of the citizenry, the human rights of persons.”
Last year, the PNP resolved over 100 cases of perceived human rights violations committed by its personnel all over the country, disclosed Sarmiento.
This resulted to the dismissal of 70 personnel, she said.
But Sarmiento said the nature of the cases are actually based on the existing laws such as simple misconduct, grave misconduct and irregularity in the performance of duty, because there is no clear law yet on human rights.
“It’s part now of our program that we should be able to identify which of these categories are actual human rights violations because there is no Human Rights law yet in the Philippines, unlike in other countries. So our basis is just the Constitution, the Bill of Rights… So one of programs is to come up with a glossary of specific human rights violations,” she said.
The PNP’s theme for today’s celebration goes: “Mamang Pulis: Tagapagtaguyod ng Karapatang Pantao Tungo sa Kapanatagan ng Mamamayan (Mr. Cop: Advocate of Human Rights for a Worry-less Citizenry).”/DMS
February 5, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will submit today (Wednesday) to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo an operational guideline on how its personnel should behave to avoid violation of human rights, its chief said yesterday (Tuesday).
Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said this is part of the PNP’s compliance to the directive of Arroyo for him to hopefully leave a legacy on human rights protection before he retires in September this year. Arroyo issued the instruction during Razon’s assumption to the top PNP post on October 1 last year.
The presentation of the operational guidelines will be done on the occasion of the PNP’s 17th founding anniversary at Camp Crame, Quezon Cith which will be graced by Arroyo.
“We have complied with her instruction that human rights is a priority program that the PNP is undertaking. We will give her our operational procedures regarding the observance of human rights and this will be sort of a bible of our personnel in following the observance of human rights,” Razon told reporters in an interview.
PNP Human Rights Affairs Office chief Sr. Supt. Lina Sarmiento said the guidelines will be contained in a Citizen’s Handbook, which will actually cater also to the public.
“This actually guides the citizens on what to do during police operations like when they are arrested, when their properties are being searched, or when they are being investigated. It’s like a flip side of the Police Operational Procedures,” Sarmiento said in a separate interview.
The handbook also contains directory of pertinent PNP units or offices where the public can report if policemen violate their rights, she added.
At the same time, the PNP launched yesterday its tie up with the Commission on Human Rights and other agencies “to strengthen the PNP’s observance of human rights.”
Asked if this would mean that violent dispersals by police of mass demonstrators like what happened last week at the Manila Hotel will no longer happen, Razon said: “That’s it. We will really ingrain in our personnel the due observance of basic rights of the citizenry, the human rights of persons.”
Last year, the PNP resolved over 100 cases of perceived human rights violations committed by its personnel all over the country, disclosed Sarmiento.
This resulted to the dismissal of 70 personnel, she said.
But Sarmiento said the nature of the cases are actually based on the existing laws such as simple misconduct, grave misconduct and irregularity in the performance of duty, because there is no clear law yet on human rights.
“It’s part now of our program that we should be able to identify which of these categories are actual human rights violations because there is no Human Rights law yet in the Philippines, unlike in other countries. So our basis is just the Constitution, the Bill of Rights… So one of programs is to come up with a glossary of specific human rights violations,” she said.
The PNP’s theme for today’s celebration goes: “Mamang Pulis: Tagapagtaguyod ng Karapatang Pantao Tungo sa Kapanatagan ng Mamamayan (Mr. Cop: Advocate of Human Rights for a Worry-less Citizenry).”/DMS
PNP, AFP leaderships assure JDV ouster won’t translate security concern
By Ronron
February 5, 2008
The police and military leaderships on Tuesday assured that the ouster of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia, Jr. as House Speaker will not translate into a security concern even if the latter issued damaging statements against the Arroyo administration that could be taken advantage of by possible destabilizers.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said the police is not alarmed with the development as evidenced by the “orderly” debate at the Lower House on Monday night.
“This just shows that democracy is alive in the country so nobody should think about coup attempts or overthrowing the government. We don’t need that. This will further bring our country down,” Razon told reporters in Camp Crame yesterday.
“It’s too far-fetched. I don’t think that should be our worry, the Speakership of the House,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said for his part.
In a separate interview at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Esperon said “we are too busy minding our business here on our operations… how to dismantle the guerilla fronts of the NPA (New People’s Army), how to support our troops.”
While he thinks “that some people might take advantage” of the political squabble between the First Family and the De Venecia’s, he said it remains to be seen.
“We have not seen any as of now. We have not seen that on the ground. So there is no need for us to go on red alert, or blue alert for that matter. But I tell you that we have contingency forces for any eventuality and that always happens because that’s the job of the military,” Esperon said.
The military chief admitted that he also monitored the speech of De Venecia and heard for himself the allegations De Venecia against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration.
But he said De Venecia should provide specifics instead of blanket allegations so the military leadership can address those accordingly.
Nevertheless, in response to De Venecia’s claim that the military had plotted to assassinate a member of Congress using an Abu Sayyaf member who is in jail in Zamboanga City, Esperon dismissed it as something impossible.
“How could we be using the Abu Sayyaf against those supposed to be friendly forces? We are supposed to be decimating the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.
“I tell you, we do not assassinate people,” he added.
On De Venecia’s allegation that there is an assassination plot against him and his son, Jose III or “Joey” who implicated First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in the alleged bribery scandal over the deal of the government with ZTE Corporation for the National Broadband Project, Esperon said the military no longer acted upon it because the alleged source, retired Lt. Gen. Jaime delos Santos, had denied that he conveyed that message to the former Speaker.
“Where do I start? An information that was denied by the supposed source?” he said.
Nonetheless, Esperon expressed gratitude to De Venecia for the assistance of Congress under his term to the AFP, particularly on budget matters, and stopped short of telling De Venecia to move on with his life as “there is life after the Speakership.”
“We expect to continue to receive the support that we have been getting from the House, the Congressman that are supportive of us,” Esperon said.
De Venecia was voted out of the Speakership reportedly due to efforts of Arroyo’s sons and allies in the Lower House following Joey’s allegations last year against the First Gentleman in connection with the multi-million-peso NBN deal./DMS
February 5, 2008
The police and military leaderships on Tuesday assured that the ouster of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia, Jr. as House Speaker will not translate into a security concern even if the latter issued damaging statements against the Arroyo administration that could be taken advantage of by possible destabilizers.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said the police is not alarmed with the development as evidenced by the “orderly” debate at the Lower House on Monday night.
“This just shows that democracy is alive in the country so nobody should think about coup attempts or overthrowing the government. We don’t need that. This will further bring our country down,” Razon told reporters in Camp Crame yesterday.
“It’s too far-fetched. I don’t think that should be our worry, the Speakership of the House,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said for his part.
In a separate interview at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Esperon said “we are too busy minding our business here on our operations… how to dismantle the guerilla fronts of the NPA (New People’s Army), how to support our troops.”
While he thinks “that some people might take advantage” of the political squabble between the First Family and the De Venecia’s, he said it remains to be seen.
“We have not seen any as of now. We have not seen that on the ground. So there is no need for us to go on red alert, or blue alert for that matter. But I tell you that we have contingency forces for any eventuality and that always happens because that’s the job of the military,” Esperon said.
The military chief admitted that he also monitored the speech of De Venecia and heard for himself the allegations De Venecia against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration.
But he said De Venecia should provide specifics instead of blanket allegations so the military leadership can address those accordingly.
Nevertheless, in response to De Venecia’s claim that the military had plotted to assassinate a member of Congress using an Abu Sayyaf member who is in jail in Zamboanga City, Esperon dismissed it as something impossible.
“How could we be using the Abu Sayyaf against those supposed to be friendly forces? We are supposed to be decimating the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.
“I tell you, we do not assassinate people,” he added.
On De Venecia’s allegation that there is an assassination plot against him and his son, Jose III or “Joey” who implicated First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in the alleged bribery scandal over the deal of the government with ZTE Corporation for the National Broadband Project, Esperon said the military no longer acted upon it because the alleged source, retired Lt. Gen. Jaime delos Santos, had denied that he conveyed that message to the former Speaker.
“Where do I start? An information that was denied by the supposed source?” he said.
Nonetheless, Esperon expressed gratitude to De Venecia for the assistance of Congress under his term to the AFP, particularly on budget matters, and stopped short of telling De Venecia to move on with his life as “there is life after the Speakership.”
“We expect to continue to receive the support that we have been getting from the House, the Congressman that are supportive of us,” Esperon said.
De Venecia was voted out of the Speakership reportedly due to efforts of Arroyo’s sons and allies in the Lower House following Joey’s allegations last year against the First Gentleman in connection with the multi-million-peso NBN deal./DMS
Monday, February 4, 2008
De-stressing at Ganban
On the night of Feb. 3, 2008, I finally went to The Ganban Wellness and Relaxation Center on Jupiter Street in Makati City. I had long wanted to try its facilities after my girlfriend and I saw the center being featured on Q-TV's "Living It Up!" show sometime late last year. Since being assigned in Cebu in 2003 until 2005, my body had been addicted to massage and other forms of removing stress. Imagine my surprise when I saw a notice posted on our office' bulletin board early last January that the center's owner, Victor Toru Shiroma, is offering discount to Manila Shimbun employees. With an urge to try out their bedrock bath and massage chair, I called the center to make a booking for the night of Feb. 3. Then off I went to the center.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a very pleasant attendant, and she immediately led me to the Men's Section on the second floor of the center. The very clean and spacious receiving area, by the way, deserves to be mentioned.
My session started with a shower, then the 15-minute use of the Black Silica Bedrock. According to the center, this improves the general condition of the vital organs, rejuvenates metabolism, and detoxifies the body as it stimulates perspiration all over the body. It particularly improves blood circulation, and relieves stiff shoulders, stress, backaches, rheumatism, atrophy, respiratory infections, slip disc, and diabetes, the center said. The attendant directed me to lie face down first for five minutes, and then go the opposite direction for 10 minutes.
From the bedrock, I crossed over to the relaxation room where I used the hi-tech computerized massage chair for 15 minutes. You have the option to go for hard up to soft pressure. While sitting on the chair, you could either close your eyes or watch a show on TV. The attendant then offered me a cup of oxygenated water.
Then, I went back again to the bedrock for another 15-minute session.
This was followed by the use of the Aroma Oxygen Inhaler for about 10 minutes at the relaxation room.
And then, I had another 15-minutes of bedrock bath.
My final stop was the massage chair again for another round of 15-minute-pressure on the arms, feet and legs, back of the upper body, and back of the head. As I write this, I still could not forget the soothing effect of what felt like a rolling ball on my back from my waist up to my shoulders, as if crushing and flushing out of my system what some masseurs/masseuses call as "lamig-lamig." It really felt sooooooo good, I did not hesitate to moan (hehehe).
As I stood up the massage chair, I felt totally de-stressed, feeling like I was ready to accept new tasks at work (although I really hope for otherwise). I realized it was worth more than what I paid for... By the way, did I say I paid P350 only?
Anyway, one proof of how good that experience was my very sound sleep last night. Having said that, I am sure I will return to Ganban in the coming weeks to de-stress myself and feel like a human being again. :)
Surigao Sur Solon's Stand on House Speakership Row
Surigao del Sur Rep. Florencio Garay (2nd District, UNO) voted on Monday night for a change in leadership at the House of Representatives.
During the nominal voting at the plenary, Garay said "Yes" to the motion of Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra for the House Speaker post to be vacant.
Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., who had held the post for 12 years already, had earlier admitted that the plan to oust him was being pushed by the lawmaker sons of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after he failed to stop his son, Jose "Joey" III, from accusing First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of being involved in the controversial ZTE Corp. deal of the government for the multi-million-peso National Broadband Network project.
Garay, however, did not explain his vote, even as most of the minority in the Lower House, according to Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez, have agreed to abstain from making a stand over the issue.
Garay is a first-term Congressman, who rose from being the mayor of Bislig City./END
Note: The writer is a native of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
During the nominal voting at the plenary, Garay said "Yes" to the motion of Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra for the House Speaker post to be vacant.
Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., who had held the post for 12 years already, had earlier admitted that the plan to oust him was being pushed by the lawmaker sons of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after he failed to stop his son, Jose "Joey" III, from accusing First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of being involved in the controversial ZTE Corp. deal of the government for the multi-million-peso National Broadband Network project.
Garay, however, did not explain his vote, even as most of the minority in the Lower House, according to Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez, have agreed to abstain from making a stand over the issue.
Garay is a first-term Congressman, who rose from being the mayor of Bislig City./END
Note: The writer is a native of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
RP to intensify surveillance over Spratly's after Taiwan leader's visit
By Ronron
February 4, 2008
The Philippines will intensify its monitoring of the disputed islands
in the South China Sea following the visit there of Taiwanese leader
Chen Shui-Bian a few days ago, an official said Monday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes
Esperon, Jr. told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo that this would be its
response to the country's lack of capability to "external defense or
to defend our territories."
The Taiwanese leader went to Ligao Island in the Spratly's in what
Philippine officials say as an apparent disregard for the Declaration
on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC).
The Spratly's, believed to be rich in mineral and oil resources aside
from marine resources, is being claimed wholly or partially by the
Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, China and Malaysia.
But Taiwan, which is regarded by the international community as a
renegade province of China, is not a signatory to the DoC.
Esperon described Ligao Island as the biggest island in Spratly's
which hosts an airstrip built by the Taiwanese.
"They built their airstrip and so we agree that there is a need for
more surveillance," Esperon said.
This would not mean, however, a deployment of troops in Ligao or an
augmentation of the existing 60-man military team in Pag-asa Island
because this action might further cause tension among the claimant
countries.
"The unnecessary deployment or constructions could disturb the code of
conduct. It's just unfortunate that there is a lot of political
posturing nowadays coming from the side of Taiwan. So that is
something that we would like to address together with the
international community," Esperon said.
"We in the Armed Forces would like to take the position of the
Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs
so our troops would be the last to be deployed for the meantime. We
have other ways of engaging the international community and that is
through diplomatic means," he went on.
Over the weekend, DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo expressed concern over
the visit of the Taiwanese leader and urged all claimant parties "to
exercise prudence and self-restraint" over the disputed islands.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., echoing Romulo's statements,
said yesterday that Shui-Bian's "publicized" visit somehow agitates
other claimant parties because he also "publicized his intension to
fortify his claim in the area."
"The Code of Conduct between the claimants of Spartly's says that
there should be no action done which will increase tension or increase
agitation in the area," Teodoro said.
He said that even if Taiwan is not a signatory to the DoC, any State,
under international law, must respect the "status quo" to "promote
amity and cooperation within an area."
"I believe if there is adherence to the Code of Conduct, and at least
majority of the claimants do adhere to the Code of Conduct, there
won't be any tension," Teodoro said./DMS
February 4, 2008
The Philippines will intensify its monitoring of the disputed islands
in the South China Sea following the visit there of Taiwanese leader
Chen Shui-Bian a few days ago, an official said Monday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes
Esperon, Jr. told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo that this would be its
response to the country's lack of capability to "external defense or
to defend our territories."
The Taiwanese leader went to Ligao Island in the Spratly's in what
Philippine officials say as an apparent disregard for the Declaration
on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC).
The Spratly's, believed to be rich in mineral and oil resources aside
from marine resources, is being claimed wholly or partially by the
Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, China and Malaysia.
But Taiwan, which is regarded by the international community as a
renegade province of China, is not a signatory to the DoC.
Esperon described Ligao Island as the biggest island in Spratly's
which hosts an airstrip built by the Taiwanese.
"They built their airstrip and so we agree that there is a need for
more surveillance," Esperon said.
This would not mean, however, a deployment of troops in Ligao or an
augmentation of the existing 60-man military team in Pag-asa Island
because this action might further cause tension among the claimant
countries.
"The unnecessary deployment or constructions could disturb the code of
conduct. It's just unfortunate that there is a lot of political
posturing nowadays coming from the side of Taiwan. So that is
something that we would like to address together with the
international community," Esperon said.
"We in the Armed Forces would like to take the position of the
Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs
so our troops would be the last to be deployed for the meantime. We
have other ways of engaging the international community and that is
through diplomatic means," he went on.
Over the weekend, DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo expressed concern over
the visit of the Taiwanese leader and urged all claimant parties "to
exercise prudence and self-restraint" over the disputed islands.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., echoing Romulo's statements,
said yesterday that Shui-Bian's "publicized" visit somehow agitates
other claimant parties because he also "publicized his intension to
fortify his claim in the area."
"The Code of Conduct between the claimants of Spartly's says that
there should be no action done which will increase tension or increase
agitation in the area," Teodoro said.
He said that even if Taiwan is not a signatory to the DoC, any State,
under international law, must respect the "status quo" to "promote
amity and cooperation within an area."
"I believe if there is adherence to the Code of Conduct, and at least
majority of the claimants do adhere to the Code of Conduct, there
won't be any tension," Teodoro said./DMS
Three alleged Abus, two soldiers killed in Sulu encounter
By Ronron
Feb. 4, 2008
Three alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and two government
soldiers died in an encounter before dawn Monday in Sulu province, a
military spokesman said.
Maj. Eugene Batara, Public Information Officer of the Armed Forces
Western Mindanao Command, said the clash happened at around 3am at
Barangay Ipil in Maimbung town, and lasted for about an hour.
Batara said in a phone interview that the incident was a result of an
operation against the abductors of a Filipino-Chinese businesswoman
last week in Jolo town.
"This is part of it," he told Defense reporters when asked if the
incident was a rescue operation to get Rosalie Lao.
Batara said the government troops come from the Naval Special
Operations Group and the Army's 3rd Light Reaction Company, while the
undetermined number of armed men are believed to be under the command
of Abu Pula alias Dr. Abu, and Albader Parad.
Pula and Parad have $100,000 and $15,000 bounty, respectively, for
their neutralization.
Aside from the slain two soldiers, five others were also wounded in
the clash, Batara said. On the part of the bandits, he said they
believe they also suffered some casualties.
"We have reports from the civilians that they enemy dragged two
wounded on their way to retreat," Batara said.
He said government soldiers recovered an M16 rifle from one of the
dead bandits.
Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., meanwhile,
said in a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon
that the injured soldiers were immediately attended to by the military
trauma hospital in Jolo town.
Esperon said that while the troops thought they could rescue a kidnap
victim, they actually did not find one.
Batara said pursuit operations are ongoing against the rebels upon the
order of area commander Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga./DMS
Feb. 4, 2008
Three alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and two government
soldiers died in an encounter before dawn Monday in Sulu province, a
military spokesman said.
Maj. Eugene Batara, Public Information Officer of the Armed Forces
Western Mindanao Command, said the clash happened at around 3am at
Barangay Ipil in Maimbung town, and lasted for about an hour.
Batara said in a phone interview that the incident was a result of an
operation against the abductors of a Filipino-Chinese businesswoman
last week in Jolo town.
"This is part of it," he told Defense reporters when asked if the
incident was a rescue operation to get Rosalie Lao.
Batara said the government troops come from the Naval Special
Operations Group and the Army's 3rd Light Reaction Company, while the
undetermined number of armed men are believed to be under the command
of Abu Pula alias Dr. Abu, and Albader Parad.
Pula and Parad have $100,000 and $15,000 bounty, respectively, for
their neutralization.
Aside from the slain two soldiers, five others were also wounded in
the clash, Batara said. On the part of the bandits, he said they
believe they also suffered some casualties.
"We have reports from the civilians that they enemy dragged two
wounded on their way to retreat," Batara said.
He said government soldiers recovered an M16 rifle from one of the
dead bandits.
Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., meanwhile,
said in a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon
that the injured soldiers were immediately attended to by the military
trauma hospital in Jolo town.
Esperon said that while the troops thought they could rescue a kidnap
victim, they actually did not find one.
Batara said pursuit operations are ongoing against the rebels upon the
order of area commander Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga./DMS
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Senate opposition not solid behind JPEPA - Pimentel
By Ronron
February 3, 2008
The opposition bloc in the Philippine Senate, which is tasked to act on a treaty with foreign governments, will not be voting unanimously against or for the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said in a statement Sunday that he will be evaluating the draft report on the JPEPA by the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and on Trade and Commerce by himself, without being influenced by his fellow opposition lawmakers.
“The eight-opposition group in the Senate will not vote as a bloc on the (JPEPA)… (My) vote on the bilateral treaty will be based on how the government addresses and resolves three main concerns,” Pimentel said.
The two Senate committees are still finalizing the draft report on the JPEPA for signing by committee members, and later, for plenary deliberations and voting.
Under the Constitution, two-thirds of the 23-member Philippine Senate should concur with a treaty before it is ratified and becomes effective.
Aside from Pimentel, the other members of the so-called Solid Minority Bloc in the Upper House are Senators Rodolfo Biazon, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Mar Roxas, Benigno Aquino III, and Antonio Trillanes.
Pimentel said his particular interests on the JPEPA are the issues over the alleged export and dumping of toxic wastes in the country; if Japanese investors will be given preferential treatment in doing business in the country to the disadvantage of Filipinos, including the right of Japanese fishing vessels and factory ships to operate within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone; and, if Filipino nurses and caregivers will be treated as health professionals and not as trainees.
But on the first issue, Pimentel already saw comfort in the fact that a protocol had earlier been signed by the Japanese and Philippine governments, prohibiting the export or transfer of toxic waste from one country.
“It will assuage our concerns that there may be all kinds of toxic wastes entering the Philippines,” he said./DMS
February 3, 2008
The opposition bloc in the Philippine Senate, which is tasked to act on a treaty with foreign governments, will not be voting unanimously against or for the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said in a statement Sunday that he will be evaluating the draft report on the JPEPA by the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and on Trade and Commerce by himself, without being influenced by his fellow opposition lawmakers.
“The eight-opposition group in the Senate will not vote as a bloc on the (JPEPA)… (My) vote on the bilateral treaty will be based on how the government addresses and resolves three main concerns,” Pimentel said.
The two Senate committees are still finalizing the draft report on the JPEPA for signing by committee members, and later, for plenary deliberations and voting.
Under the Constitution, two-thirds of the 23-member Philippine Senate should concur with a treaty before it is ratified and becomes effective.
Aside from Pimentel, the other members of the so-called Solid Minority Bloc in the Upper House are Senators Rodolfo Biazon, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Mar Roxas, Benigno Aquino III, and Antonio Trillanes.
Pimentel said his particular interests on the JPEPA are the issues over the alleged export and dumping of toxic wastes in the country; if Japanese investors will be given preferential treatment in doing business in the country to the disadvantage of Filipinos, including the right of Japanese fishing vessels and factory ships to operate within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone; and, if Filipino nurses and caregivers will be treated as health professionals and not as trainees.
But on the first issue, Pimentel already saw comfort in the fact that a protocol had earlier been signed by the Japanese and Philippine governments, prohibiting the export or transfer of toxic waste from one country.
“It will assuage our concerns that there may be all kinds of toxic wastes entering the Philippines,” he said./DMS
Arroyo to head caucus of admin coalition parties today to settle House Speakership row
By Ronron
February 3, 2008
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will preside over a caucus she called for today (Monday) in Malacañang for leaders of administration coalition parties as a means to settle the House Speakership row.
After a lunch meeting yesterday with Lakas stalwarts at Malacañang, Arroyo agreed with the proposal of Majority Floor Leader Arthur Defensor and Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong to have a caucus at 10 am today before the House of Representatives starts its session at 4pm.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. fears of being dislodged from the post that he held for more than 10 years already since some members of the House, particularly from Arroyo’s Kampi, have reportedly started to push for Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles in his stead.
Observers opine that this could be related to the effort of de Venecia’s son, Joey, to pin the administration and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to the anomalous deal of the government with ZTE Corporation for the multi-million-peso National Broadband Network project.
“It was agreed that the matter can be best settled through a caucus of leaders of administration coalition parties – the Lakas, Kampi, NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition), LP (Liberal Party), NP (Nacionalista Party), LDP (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino), PDSP (Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas), and Party list,” Arroyo’s spokesman, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, said in a statement yesterday.
Bunye said one of the modes that could possibly be discussed in the caucus, which will be held at the Malacanang Golf Club, is “straw voting.”
Kampi’s Luis Villafuerte, Representative of Camarines Sur, had earlier claimed that 134 congressmen have already signed a manifesto that calls for a change in the House leadership. He said it was way beyond the required 121 votes.
De Venecia, however, quickly downplayed this by saying late last week that Arroyo had his support.
Asked yesterday about Arroyo’s position on the issue, Presidential deputy spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo told a radio interview: “The President has given her statement that she continues to support Speaker Jose de Venecia. So, the President’s position over the matter is still for a status quo on Speaker de Venecia’s speakership. That was her last statement.”
Fajardo said this is to maintain “political stability.”
However, she said that out of respect to a co-equal branch of government, Arroyo, as head executive, deemed it better to leave it to members of Congress “to decide for themselves” who they want to elect as Speaker.
Thus, the scheduled caucus today.
Attending yesterday’s lunch meeting from 12:15 until 3 pm are Arroyo, de Venecia, former President Fidel Ramos, Defensor, Datumanong, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Senator Miguel Zubiri, Rep. Ed Zialcita, League of Cities President Benhur Abalos (Mayor of Mandaluyong City), ULAP (Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines) President Ramon Guico, Cabinet Secretaries Peter Favila and Gary Teves, and party adviser Gabriel Claudio, said Bunye.
Bunye said Arroyo was seated in between de Venecia and Ramos, and pointed out that Arroyo had some interactions of course with de Venecia.
The meeting was preceded by a nine-hole game at Malacanang led by Ramos and de Venecia, which was scheduled after de Venecia’s meeting with Arroyo late last week.
The game kicked off past 7:30 am, and had Ramos, de Venecia, Favila, Teves, Presidential Management Staff head Cerge Remonde, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., among others, as participants.
Remonde said Arroyo did not join the game because she had a scheduled mass to attend at 10am.
Aside from the Speakership issue, the meeting also discussed the forthcoming Lakas directorate meeting on February 7, said Bunye./DMS
February 3, 2008
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will preside over a caucus she called for today (Monday) in Malacañang for leaders of administration coalition parties as a means to settle the House Speakership row.
After a lunch meeting yesterday with Lakas stalwarts at Malacañang, Arroyo agreed with the proposal of Majority Floor Leader Arthur Defensor and Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong to have a caucus at 10 am today before the House of Representatives starts its session at 4pm.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. fears of being dislodged from the post that he held for more than 10 years already since some members of the House, particularly from Arroyo’s Kampi, have reportedly started to push for Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles in his stead.
Observers opine that this could be related to the effort of de Venecia’s son, Joey, to pin the administration and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to the anomalous deal of the government with ZTE Corporation for the multi-million-peso National Broadband Network project.
“It was agreed that the matter can be best settled through a caucus of leaders of administration coalition parties – the Lakas, Kampi, NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition), LP (Liberal Party), NP (Nacionalista Party), LDP (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino), PDSP (Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas), and Party list,” Arroyo’s spokesman, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, said in a statement yesterday.
Bunye said one of the modes that could possibly be discussed in the caucus, which will be held at the Malacanang Golf Club, is “straw voting.”
Kampi’s Luis Villafuerte, Representative of Camarines Sur, had earlier claimed that 134 congressmen have already signed a manifesto that calls for a change in the House leadership. He said it was way beyond the required 121 votes.
De Venecia, however, quickly downplayed this by saying late last week that Arroyo had his support.
Asked yesterday about Arroyo’s position on the issue, Presidential deputy spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo told a radio interview: “The President has given her statement that she continues to support Speaker Jose de Venecia. So, the President’s position over the matter is still for a status quo on Speaker de Venecia’s speakership. That was her last statement.”
Fajardo said this is to maintain “political stability.”
However, she said that out of respect to a co-equal branch of government, Arroyo, as head executive, deemed it better to leave it to members of Congress “to decide for themselves” who they want to elect as Speaker.
Thus, the scheduled caucus today.
Attending yesterday’s lunch meeting from 12:15 until 3 pm are Arroyo, de Venecia, former President Fidel Ramos, Defensor, Datumanong, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Senator Miguel Zubiri, Rep. Ed Zialcita, League of Cities President Benhur Abalos (Mayor of Mandaluyong City), ULAP (Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines) President Ramon Guico, Cabinet Secretaries Peter Favila and Gary Teves, and party adviser Gabriel Claudio, said Bunye.
Bunye said Arroyo was seated in between de Venecia and Ramos, and pointed out that Arroyo had some interactions of course with de Venecia.
The meeting was preceded by a nine-hole game at Malacanang led by Ramos and de Venecia, which was scheduled after de Venecia’s meeting with Arroyo late last week.
The game kicked off past 7:30 am, and had Ramos, de Venecia, Favila, Teves, Presidential Management Staff head Cerge Remonde, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., among others, as participants.
Remonde said Arroyo did not join the game because she had a scheduled mass to attend at 10am.
Aside from the Speakership issue, the meeting also discussed the forthcoming Lakas directorate meeting on February 7, said Bunye./DMS
RP military assures MILF has nothing to worry for conduct of Balikatan in parts of Mindanao
By Ronron
February 3, 2008
The Philippine military assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Sunday that it has nothing to worry when civil military operations (CMO) under the 24th RP-US Balikatan Exercises will be conducted in some parts in Mindanao.
Army Maj. Ramon Zagala III, Public Affairs Officer for this year’s Balikatan, said in a radio interview that there will be no war exercises in Mindanao when the large-scale annual exercises begin on February 18 and end on March 3.
“They (MILF) should not worry. There will be no war exercises there. What will be held there are purely medical and engineering capability projects like repairs of school houses and roads that will be beneficial to every Filipino,” Zagala said in Filipino.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. disclosed that among the venues for the Balikatan include Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, Midsayap in North Cotabato, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi.
The MILF, which is currently talking peace with the government, has control over some areas in central and southwestern Mindanao.
Zagala said yesterday that the actual military exercises, particularly the field training exercises and staff exercises, will just be held in Luzon, including Palawan.
He mentioned Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Subic Bay in Zambales, Basa Airbase in Pampanga, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Clark Airfield in Pampanga, and Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite.
In Palawan, the table-top exercise on a coast watch scenario will particularly be held, said Zagala.
“Of course, we will not violate the ongoing peace talks with them (MILF)… So, we will just go to areas that are recommended by the AFP out of respect also to the MILF,” Zagala said.
In fact, he said only 600 American soldiers out of its close to 6,000-strong contingent will be participating in the CMO activities in Mindanao under Balikatan ’08.
“Our objective there in Mindanao is for the good of everyone,” Zagala said.
Sought for comment, MILF Civil-Military Operations chief Eid Kabalu said that while they are not in a position to oppose the conduct of the Balikatan in some parts of Mindanao, they expect the authorities to make proper coordination if some MILF territories will be covered by the Balikatan CMO activities.
“As a policy, we don’t interfere since we look at the matter as internal to the GRP (government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the USA. So long as they will respect us, then no problem,” Kabalu said.
He said that if the Philippine and US military want to conduct CMO activities in MILF areas, they must coordinate with the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).
Peace talks between the government and the MILF hit an impasse in December last year after the two parties failed to agree on the ancestral domain issue./DMS
February 3, 2008
The Philippine military assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Sunday that it has nothing to worry when civil military operations (CMO) under the 24th RP-US Balikatan Exercises will be conducted in some parts in Mindanao.
Army Maj. Ramon Zagala III, Public Affairs Officer for this year’s Balikatan, said in a radio interview that there will be no war exercises in Mindanao when the large-scale annual exercises begin on February 18 and end on March 3.
“They (MILF) should not worry. There will be no war exercises there. What will be held there are purely medical and engineering capability projects like repairs of school houses and roads that will be beneficial to every Filipino,” Zagala said in Filipino.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. disclosed that among the venues for the Balikatan include Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, Midsayap in North Cotabato, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi.
The MILF, which is currently talking peace with the government, has control over some areas in central and southwestern Mindanao.
Zagala said yesterday that the actual military exercises, particularly the field training exercises and staff exercises, will just be held in Luzon, including Palawan.
He mentioned Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Subic Bay in Zambales, Basa Airbase in Pampanga, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Clark Airfield in Pampanga, and Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite.
In Palawan, the table-top exercise on a coast watch scenario will particularly be held, said Zagala.
“Of course, we will not violate the ongoing peace talks with them (MILF)… So, we will just go to areas that are recommended by the AFP out of respect also to the MILF,” Zagala said.
In fact, he said only 600 American soldiers out of its close to 6,000-strong contingent will be participating in the CMO activities in Mindanao under Balikatan ’08.
“Our objective there in Mindanao is for the good of everyone,” Zagala said.
Sought for comment, MILF Civil-Military Operations chief Eid Kabalu said that while they are not in a position to oppose the conduct of the Balikatan in some parts of Mindanao, they expect the authorities to make proper coordination if some MILF territories will be covered by the Balikatan CMO activities.
“As a policy, we don’t interfere since we look at the matter as internal to the GRP (government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the USA. So long as they will respect us, then no problem,” Kabalu said.
He said that if the Philippine and US military want to conduct CMO activities in MILF areas, they must coordinate with the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).
Peace talks between the government and the MILF hit an impasse in December last year after the two parties failed to agree on the ancestral domain issue./DMS
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