By Ronron
March 14, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Friday tagged as “unfair and not true” allegations of some international entities, like the US State Department, that Philippine authorities are remiss in addressing extrajudicial killing and other human rights violation cases.
Teodoro told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo that it is so convenient for others to accuse the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be behind some cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances only because they perceive the perpetrators as “military-looking.”
“We are dealing with the issue of extrajudicial killing structurally in the department. So it will be on our own pace, on our terms, in our own programs… We cannot allow the agenda, the policy, and the pace of the reforms with respect to extrajudicial killings and all other forms of lawlessness to be dictated by outside events or outside pressures,” Teodoro said.
In its 2007 country report on human rights in the Philippines, the US State Department said that despite intensified government efforts to investigate and prosecute extrajudicial killing cases, many went unresolved and unpunished.
Teodoro said that while that was the assessment of the US State Department, he feels otherwise.
“I’ll read it (US State Department report) first, then I’ll judge. But right now, really, I feel that the incidents of reported political killings has gone down drastically,” he said without citing figures.
He said that among the measures taken by the military to strengthen their adherence to human rights policies is the recent seminar on the writ of habeas data held last Wednesday by senior commanders.
“The purpose of that is to let the senior commanders factor in to their operational planning, their SOP’s (standard operating procedures), the observance of new dictates and new rules of law, and the awareness of the public as to the effect of these laws and regulations on military operations,” Teodoro said.
He said the defense establishment “will comply with all those laws and rules and regulations.”
“We have set the agenda, directed as a matter of fact the Armed Forces a thorough review of their procedures to find out whether or not the adequate observance of human rights standards are factored in. And they’re coming out with it soon,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro conceded that while there may be some officials who violate human rights in the country, allegations that the “institution condones or even perpetrates it as a matter of policy” is “very unfair.”
“It is not true,” he said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG has taken cognizance of over 100 cases of killings of political activists and journalists since 2001, but it noted that most of these were perpetrated by the communist movement.
Local human rights group “Karapatan,” however, say that the number of cases since 2001 has already gone up to close to 900. This is on top of the more than 100 alleged cases of enforced disappearances during the said period./DMS
Friday, March 14, 2008
PNP, AFP show force for anti-government rally in Manila City
By Ronron
March 14, 2008
Thousands of government forces were placed on standby on Friday in the main camps of the police and military as part of security measures for the anti-government rally in Manila City.
This even as Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome admitted that they have not received specific threat to the mass action at Liwasang Bonifacio by various groups that are against the current administration.
Bartolome said that about a thousand policemen from regional police offices arrived at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City starting Thursday night to augment the 3,000-strong Task Force Manila Shield of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Across the other side at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters, some 1,500 military men were placed on stand by at the grandstand of Camp Aguinaldo for their possible deployment if requested by the NCRPO.
While the NCRPO observed heightened alert status starting 6pm Thursday, the AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) raised its alert level to full status effective 8am yesterday (Friday), said NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa.
Augmenting the 1,500 military men also are 14 tanks, more than 30 military trucks, a military jeep, and a military communication van.
Bartolome said the police augmentation force from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A and the Cordilleras was sought as part of their preparatory plans.
“If you plan, it is a must that you are always ahead of the situation,” he explained when asked why a need to reinforce the 3,000 elements of NCRPO who were deployed near the rally venue.
But he said the 1,000-strong augmentation force are just confined at Camp Crame and their deployment outside will only be made when the need arises.
Mesa said the NCRCOM came up with such security preparations to ensure that they are “ready to repel any power grab plot.”
“What is important is we are ready. We know that some groups are sympathetic to those conducting the rally so we are always ready,” he told reporters in a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo.
No less than Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. inspected the fully-equipped military troops at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon, where he thanked them for “fulfilling their Constitutional mandate and following the chain of command always.”
For Teodoro, the threat to the stability of the Arroyo government has already waned, based on the failure of the attempt to unseat the President last November 29, 2007 by groups led by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and during the latest series of rallies in Makati City sparked by the NBN-ZTE deal scandal.
When asked if the trend is now leading to total disappearance of threats against the Arroyo government, Teodoro just said: “To me, you know, threats are dynamic. You cannot say that just because this day, there are none, there will be none in the future.”
“Our policy is whether or not these threats have waned, you prepare for any eventuality,” he added./DMS
March 14, 2008
Thousands of government forces were placed on standby on Friday in the main camps of the police and military as part of security measures for the anti-government rally in Manila City.
This even as Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome admitted that they have not received specific threat to the mass action at Liwasang Bonifacio by various groups that are against the current administration.
Bartolome said that about a thousand policemen from regional police offices arrived at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City starting Thursday night to augment the 3,000-strong Task Force Manila Shield of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Across the other side at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters, some 1,500 military men were placed on stand by at the grandstand of Camp Aguinaldo for their possible deployment if requested by the NCRPO.
While the NCRPO observed heightened alert status starting 6pm Thursday, the AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) raised its alert level to full status effective 8am yesterday (Friday), said NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa.
Augmenting the 1,500 military men also are 14 tanks, more than 30 military trucks, a military jeep, and a military communication van.
Bartolome said the police augmentation force from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A and the Cordilleras was sought as part of their preparatory plans.
“If you plan, it is a must that you are always ahead of the situation,” he explained when asked why a need to reinforce the 3,000 elements of NCRPO who were deployed near the rally venue.
But he said the 1,000-strong augmentation force are just confined at Camp Crame and their deployment outside will only be made when the need arises.
Mesa said the NCRCOM came up with such security preparations to ensure that they are “ready to repel any power grab plot.”
“What is important is we are ready. We know that some groups are sympathetic to those conducting the rally so we are always ready,” he told reporters in a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo.
No less than Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. inspected the fully-equipped military troops at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon, where he thanked them for “fulfilling their Constitutional mandate and following the chain of command always.”
For Teodoro, the threat to the stability of the Arroyo government has already waned, based on the failure of the attempt to unseat the President last November 29, 2007 by groups led by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and during the latest series of rallies in Makati City sparked by the NBN-ZTE deal scandal.
When asked if the trend is now leading to total disappearance of threats against the Arroyo government, Teodoro just said: “To me, you know, threats are dynamic. You cannot say that just because this day, there are none, there will be none in the future.”
“Our policy is whether or not these threats have waned, you prepare for any eventuality,” he added./DMS
Public Assistance Centers for travelers to be activated Tuesday next week, says PNP
By Ronron
March 14, 2008
As part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Oplan BANTAY LAKBAY this year, all public assistance centers in the different parts of the country will start to be put up this coming Tuesday.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said the public assistance centers will be seen in the Northern Luzon Expressway, Southern Luzon Expressway, airports, seaports, bus terminals, and other highways in the country “to ensure that all motorists and vacationers will be safe during their travel to their respective provinces.”
“This OPLAN Bantay Lakbay is not necessarily for the Holy Week only. We will also use this for the rest of the summer period, like the observance of festivals in May and the trip of students,” Bartolome said in a news conference at Camp Crame Friday.
He said the public assistance centers will be activated at the start of 5pm Tuesday, although they will already start to deploy policemen to some bus terminals, airports and seaports in Metro Manila this weekend if the passenger influx turn out to be more than the normal size.
Asked how many public assistance centers in all will be established, Bartolome said: “All police stations will each have their respective public assistance centers. They will be deployed on necessity to the streets.”
The said centers, Bartolome said, will be tasked to assist problems in traffic, of vehicles, and accidents, among others. As such, the centers will be comprised of elements not just from police, but also from local government units, non-governmental units, volunteer organizations, radio communication groups, and others.
Similar centers will also be put up in tourist destinations, said Bartolome, to ensure the security of local and foreign tourists.
When asked if this means all policemen will be on duty during the Lenten break, Bartolome said: “During the Holy Week, we will be on normal alert status unless there is a need to upgrade. This will give our policemen the chance to observe the Holy Week too.”
While he assured that policemen will also patrol at residential communities during the holiday, Bartolome appealed to the public to also take their own security measures when they leave their houses.
Aside from ensuring that their vehicles are in good condition for their trip, Bartolome advised the public also to lock their houses tight, unplug their electrical gadgets, and if they can, ask their neighbors to look after their houses from time to time./DMS
March 14, 2008
As part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Oplan BANTAY LAKBAY this year, all public assistance centers in the different parts of the country will start to be put up this coming Tuesday.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said the public assistance centers will be seen in the Northern Luzon Expressway, Southern Luzon Expressway, airports, seaports, bus terminals, and other highways in the country “to ensure that all motorists and vacationers will be safe during their travel to their respective provinces.”
“This OPLAN Bantay Lakbay is not necessarily for the Holy Week only. We will also use this for the rest of the summer period, like the observance of festivals in May and the trip of students,” Bartolome said in a news conference at Camp Crame Friday.
He said the public assistance centers will be activated at the start of 5pm Tuesday, although they will already start to deploy policemen to some bus terminals, airports and seaports in Metro Manila this weekend if the passenger influx turn out to be more than the normal size.
Asked how many public assistance centers in all will be established, Bartolome said: “All police stations will each have their respective public assistance centers. They will be deployed on necessity to the streets.”
The said centers, Bartolome said, will be tasked to assist problems in traffic, of vehicles, and accidents, among others. As such, the centers will be comprised of elements not just from police, but also from local government units, non-governmental units, volunteer organizations, radio communication groups, and others.
Similar centers will also be put up in tourist destinations, said Bartolome, to ensure the security of local and foreign tourists.
When asked if this means all policemen will be on duty during the Lenten break, Bartolome said: “During the Holy Week, we will be on normal alert status unless there is a need to upgrade. This will give our policemen the chance to observe the Holy Week too.”
While he assured that policemen will also patrol at residential communities during the holiday, Bartolome appealed to the public to also take their own security measures when they leave their houses.
Aside from ensuring that their vehicles are in good condition for their trip, Bartolome advised the public also to lock their houses tight, unplug their electrical gadgets, and if they can, ask their neighbors to look after their houses from time to time./DMS
PNP expects zero-crime rate during Pacquiao fight tomorrow (Sunday)
By Ronron
March 14, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is expecting a zero-crime rate on Sunday when Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao fights against Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in the United States of America.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said in a news briefing at Camp Crame on Friday morning that based on history, crime incidents all over the country die down when Pacquiao enters the boxing ring because people, including criminals, are preoccupied watching the match.
“Just like the past fights of Manny Pacquiao, we expect again a tremendous decrease in crime volume this Sunday or even to the extent of anticipating a zero-crime rate during the period of the fight,” Bartolome said.
“This is because everyone wants to seek how good this Filipino is. Everyone is focused and very happy to see that another Filipino will shine in the international scene,” he added.
In the past encounters of Pacquiao, police has always reported an almost-zero crime rate in Metro Manila and elsewhere in the country supposedly because of the people’s preoccupation in front of their television sets to watch the boxing match.
While there are some criminal incidents that happen, Bartolome said these occur before or after the actual fight. Those that happen during the fight, he said, may not just have been reported to police.
In one fight of Pacquiao a few years back, a resident in Quezon City lost his motorcycle to thieves as he was too focused to watch the bout on TV inside his house.
Thus, Bartolome assured that “even during the boxing bouts of Pacquiao, the PNP is not relaxing.”
“This does not mean that the PNP is no longer working,” he said.
Bartolome said the PNP shares the anticipation of Filipinos to witness another good fight of Pacquiao on Sunday, as he did in the past, regardless of whether he won or not.
“This goes to show that we Filipinos are really in support of a countryman who will again show the true form of a Filipino boxer,” he said./DMS
March 14, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is expecting a zero-crime rate on Sunday when Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao fights against Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in the United States of America.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said in a news briefing at Camp Crame on Friday morning that based on history, crime incidents all over the country die down when Pacquiao enters the boxing ring because people, including criminals, are preoccupied watching the match.
“Just like the past fights of Manny Pacquiao, we expect again a tremendous decrease in crime volume this Sunday or even to the extent of anticipating a zero-crime rate during the period of the fight,” Bartolome said.
“This is because everyone wants to seek how good this Filipino is. Everyone is focused and very happy to see that another Filipino will shine in the international scene,” he added.
In the past encounters of Pacquiao, police has always reported an almost-zero crime rate in Metro Manila and elsewhere in the country supposedly because of the people’s preoccupation in front of their television sets to watch the boxing match.
While there are some criminal incidents that happen, Bartolome said these occur before or after the actual fight. Those that happen during the fight, he said, may not just have been reported to police.
In one fight of Pacquiao a few years back, a resident in Quezon City lost his motorcycle to thieves as he was too focused to watch the bout on TV inside his house.
Thus, Bartolome assured that “even during the boxing bouts of Pacquiao, the PNP is not relaxing.”
“This does not mean that the PNP is no longer working,” he said.
Bartolome said the PNP shares the anticipation of Filipinos to witness another good fight of Pacquiao on Sunday, as he did in the past, regardless of whether he won or not.
“This goes to show that we Filipinos are really in support of a countryman who will again show the true form of a Filipino boxer,” he said./DMS
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Four persons found dead in a burned Olongapo City apartment
By Ronron
March 13, 2008
Four persons – two men and two women - were found dead in a three-storey apartment that was burned dawn of Thursday in Olongapo City, Zambales, police said.
City police chief Sr. Supt. Abelardo Villacorta said in an interview on DZMM radio that the each of victims bore a gunshot wound when examined by scene of the crime operatives.
“We believe that prior to the burning (of the apartment), the four victims were first shot. (The arson was intended) to cover and destroy the evidence probably,” Villacorta said in mixed English and Filipino.
The victims were identified as George Castor, Scarlet Garcia, Rachel Estacio, and Van Mark Bandejas, all residents of Olongapo City.
Villacorta said Castor and Garcia rent the apartment at 52-A Acacia Street in Barangay Gordon Heights. They are live-in partners and have only occupied the second and third floors of said apartment for just a month. The groundfloor is a laundry shop.
Estacio, meanwhile, is Garcia’s cousin, and the girlfriend of Bandejas, said Villacorta. Estacio is supposed to be in Valenzuela City, said her mother, because she is a student at Fatima College.
Villacorta said the victims, who are believed to be in their 20’s, must have been killed between 2 and 3 am yesterday (Thursday) because the fire was discovered by a neighbor past 3am.
He said the neighbor who lives across the victims’ apartment saw flames coming out from the third floor level. This prompted him to seek assistance from the city’s fire department.
A check later after placing the fire under control led firemen to the dead bodies of the victims at the second floor of the apartment. Affected by the fire are the second and third floors, said Villacorta.
The fire department reported the discovery of the dead bodies to the police at 3:50 am.
Villacorta said the two male victims were found lying on the floor in the living room area, with their respective hands tied with an electrical cord.
The female victims, on the other hand, were at the shower area of the comfort room, slumped on the floor beside each other.
Villacorta said the two male victims sustained fire injuries in their head since they were near a sofa and piles of paper that caught fire.
Based on the recovered slug and shell, the perpetrators used a caliber 45 and a 9mm in shooting their victims.
Villacorta said some neighbors heard the victims singing on videoke at around 11pm of Wednesday.
Another neighbor then saw two men leave the apartment at around 3am. But before leaving, they were seen transferring some things from a car believed to be that of the victims to a second car. The two men left on the second car.
Villacorta said the neighbor did not find suspicion at first against the two men because they were perceived to be friends or relatives of the victims.
“After several minutes, a fire was then seen at the higher level,” Villacorta said.
Villacorta said they suspect that the perpetrators used butane in setting the place to fire because a punctured butane container and a lighter were recovered inside one of the two bedrooms on the third floor.
“We are looking at the angles of love triangle or robbery because at the third floor where there are two bedrooms, the things are in disarray, from the cabinets to the bags,” he said.
Police noted that missing inside the apartment, according to the families of the victims, are the following, among others: laptop, an Ipod, a PS3 (playstation), and other electronic gadgets.
Villacorta said he has already created a task force that will focus in the investigation of said case./DMS
March 13, 2008
Four persons – two men and two women - were found dead in a three-storey apartment that was burned dawn of Thursday in Olongapo City, Zambales, police said.
City police chief Sr. Supt. Abelardo Villacorta said in an interview on DZMM radio that the each of victims bore a gunshot wound when examined by scene of the crime operatives.
“We believe that prior to the burning (of the apartment), the four victims were first shot. (The arson was intended) to cover and destroy the evidence probably,” Villacorta said in mixed English and Filipino.
The victims were identified as George Castor, Scarlet Garcia, Rachel Estacio, and Van Mark Bandejas, all residents of Olongapo City.
Villacorta said Castor and Garcia rent the apartment at 52-A Acacia Street in Barangay Gordon Heights. They are live-in partners and have only occupied the second and third floors of said apartment for just a month. The groundfloor is a laundry shop.
Estacio, meanwhile, is Garcia’s cousin, and the girlfriend of Bandejas, said Villacorta. Estacio is supposed to be in Valenzuela City, said her mother, because she is a student at Fatima College.
Villacorta said the victims, who are believed to be in their 20’s, must have been killed between 2 and 3 am yesterday (Thursday) because the fire was discovered by a neighbor past 3am.
He said the neighbor who lives across the victims’ apartment saw flames coming out from the third floor level. This prompted him to seek assistance from the city’s fire department.
A check later after placing the fire under control led firemen to the dead bodies of the victims at the second floor of the apartment. Affected by the fire are the second and third floors, said Villacorta.
The fire department reported the discovery of the dead bodies to the police at 3:50 am.
Villacorta said the two male victims were found lying on the floor in the living room area, with their respective hands tied with an electrical cord.
The female victims, on the other hand, were at the shower area of the comfort room, slumped on the floor beside each other.
Villacorta said the two male victims sustained fire injuries in their head since they were near a sofa and piles of paper that caught fire.
Based on the recovered slug and shell, the perpetrators used a caliber 45 and a 9mm in shooting their victims.
Villacorta said some neighbors heard the victims singing on videoke at around 11pm of Wednesday.
Another neighbor then saw two men leave the apartment at around 3am. But before leaving, they were seen transferring some things from a car believed to be that of the victims to a second car. The two men left on the second car.
Villacorta said the neighbor did not find suspicion at first against the two men because they were perceived to be friends or relatives of the victims.
“After several minutes, a fire was then seen at the higher level,” Villacorta said.
Villacorta said they suspect that the perpetrators used butane in setting the place to fire because a punctured butane container and a lighter were recovered inside one of the two bedrooms on the third floor.
“We are looking at the angles of love triangle or robbery because at the third floor where there are two bedrooms, the things are in disarray, from the cabinets to the bags,” he said.
Police noted that missing inside the apartment, according to the families of the victims, are the following, among others: laptop, an Ipod, a PS3 (playstation), and other electronic gadgets.
Villacorta said he has already created a task force that will focus in the investigation of said case./DMS
Magdalo lawyers mull seeking separate judgment by Makati judge for other accused who already finished presenting case
By Ronron
March 13, 2008
Some of the Magdalo officers charged with coup d’ etat at the Makati City Regional Trial Court already want a resolution of their case ahead of the others, one of their lawyers said Thursday.
Atty. Trixie Angeles, who represents Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, said co-defense counsel Theodore Te suggested the possible issuance of a judgment for some of the 31 accused when they approached the chamber of Judge Oscar Pimentel during yesterday’s hearing.
Angeles said the move came after accused Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo and Air Force 1Lt. Ashley Acedillo manifested before the court their complaint against what they say as the dragging trial of their case, which stemmed from their participation the takeover of Oakwood Hotel in Makati City on July 27, 2003.
During yesterday’s hearing, Acedillo told the court he wants a speedy resolution of his case because he wanted to have “a second career” if he still has the chance and time, said Captain Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
Angeles said that should all lawyers agree unanimously on Te’s suggestion, they will formally move for it before Pimentel.
“We’re still exploring that possibility,” Angeles said.
Angeles said they will certainly consider the fact that all the accused are charged with “conspiracy to commit coup d’ etat” when they talk over Te’s suggestion.
Angeles said that as of now, only eight of the 31 accused remain unfinished in the presentation of their cases. The trial of the case started sometime in the second half of 2003.
The defense is trying to prove that there was no coup d’ etat that happened when some 300 soldiers took over the Oakwood Hotel. Rather, the soldiers were just out to air their grievances.
The next hearing will be on April 2, 10, and 24, when defense lawyer Atty. Ernesto Francisco will try to prove that the grievances of the Magdalo Group against the operations at the Buliok Complex in North Cotabato in February 2003 was valid.
In attendance at yesterday’s hearing were only 12 of the accused, as the rest, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, opted to waive their right.
The hearing began at 9:30 am and ended shortly past 11 am./DMS
March 13, 2008
Some of the Magdalo officers charged with coup d’ etat at the Makati City Regional Trial Court already want a resolution of their case ahead of the others, one of their lawyers said Thursday.
Atty. Trixie Angeles, who represents Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, said co-defense counsel Theodore Te suggested the possible issuance of a judgment for some of the 31 accused when they approached the chamber of Judge Oscar Pimentel during yesterday’s hearing.
Angeles said the move came after accused Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo and Air Force 1Lt. Ashley Acedillo manifested before the court their complaint against what they say as the dragging trial of their case, which stemmed from their participation the takeover of Oakwood Hotel in Makati City on July 27, 2003.
During yesterday’s hearing, Acedillo told the court he wants a speedy resolution of his case because he wanted to have “a second career” if he still has the chance and time, said Captain Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
Angeles said that should all lawyers agree unanimously on Te’s suggestion, they will formally move for it before Pimentel.
“We’re still exploring that possibility,” Angeles said.
Angeles said they will certainly consider the fact that all the accused are charged with “conspiracy to commit coup d’ etat” when they talk over Te’s suggestion.
Angeles said that as of now, only eight of the 31 accused remain unfinished in the presentation of their cases. The trial of the case started sometime in the second half of 2003.
The defense is trying to prove that there was no coup d’ etat that happened when some 300 soldiers took over the Oakwood Hotel. Rather, the soldiers were just out to air their grievances.
The next hearing will be on April 2, 10, and 24, when defense lawyer Atty. Ernesto Francisco will try to prove that the grievances of the Magdalo Group against the operations at the Buliok Complex in North Cotabato in February 2003 was valid.
In attendance at yesterday’s hearing were only 12 of the accused, as the rest, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, opted to waive their right.
The hearing began at 9:30 am and ended shortly past 11 am./DMS
NCRPO goes on heightened alert for Friday’s rally in Manila City
By Ronron
March 13, 2008
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raised its alert level to heightened level effective 6pm Thursday in preparation for the anti-government rally in Manila City today (Friday).
NCRPO chief Director Geary Barias said in an interview yesterday at Camp Crame that some 3,000 policemen will be tasked to secure the mass action, which starts at 3pm at the Liwasang Bonifacio.
But he clarified that only 25 cops will be physically present at the rally venue, while the rest will be deployed at the Mejan Garden, in Mendiola, and the vicinity of Malacanang Palace.
“Hopefully, because of the coordination made, tomorrow’s (Friday) rally will be peaceful,” Barias said.
A meeting was held on Thursday morning at the Manila City hall between the rally organizers, led by Atty. Adel Tamano and Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales.
The National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, is still on heightened alert status, which it maintained after the February 29 inter-faith rally in Makati City.
NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said in a phone interview that they might raise their alert level to full status if their assessment of the situation would call for it.
He said definitely, there will be civil disturbance management elements of the NCRCOM that will be placed on standby inside Camp Aguinaldo for their possible deployment if the NCRPO would request for it.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said authorities have not received threats so far targeting the participants of the rally.
“Regarding threats, we have not monitored any. But we are ready just in case there will be groups that will take advantage of the situation. We are ready. We have the security emplacement as before,” Bacarro said in an interview at Camp Aguinaldo./DMS
March 13, 2008
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raised its alert level to heightened level effective 6pm Thursday in preparation for the anti-government rally in Manila City today (Friday).
NCRPO chief Director Geary Barias said in an interview yesterday at Camp Crame that some 3,000 policemen will be tasked to secure the mass action, which starts at 3pm at the Liwasang Bonifacio.
But he clarified that only 25 cops will be physically present at the rally venue, while the rest will be deployed at the Mejan Garden, in Mendiola, and the vicinity of Malacanang Palace.
“Hopefully, because of the coordination made, tomorrow’s (Friday) rally will be peaceful,” Barias said.
A meeting was held on Thursday morning at the Manila City hall between the rally organizers, led by Atty. Adel Tamano and Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales.
The National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, is still on heightened alert status, which it maintained after the February 29 inter-faith rally in Makati City.
NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said in a phone interview that they might raise their alert level to full status if their assessment of the situation would call for it.
He said definitely, there will be civil disturbance management elements of the NCRCOM that will be placed on standby inside Camp Aguinaldo for their possible deployment if the NCRPO would request for it.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said authorities have not received threats so far targeting the participants of the rally.
“Regarding threats, we have not monitored any. But we are ready just in case there will be groups that will take advantage of the situation. We are ready. We have the security emplacement as before,” Bacarro said in an interview at Camp Aguinaldo./DMS
PNP chief sees no new threats against Arroyo administration
By Ronron
March 12, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Wednesday that he sees no more threats against the Arroyo government except the communists and the Moslem extremists down south.
Razon said that with the arrest of suspected terrorists recently – details surrounding it he still refuses to divulge, the threat against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in particular was addressed “partially.”
“I think the assessment of the National Security Adviser is sound because first, on the incident Manila Peninsula incident (in Makati City last November 29, 2007), we have arrested the leaders and we have accounted for some of participants,” he said.
Razon was referring to former Army Scout Rangers chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and other Magdalo officers who took over Manila Peninsula Hotel to call for the ouster of Arroyo.
NSA Norberto Gonzales had said recently that the worst is over for the President after the recent rallies in Metro Manila sparked by the expose of alleged irregularities behind the aborted National Broadband Network project failed to overthrow the present administration.
“We have seen that these protest actions did not and are not drawing the crowd that they are anticipating,” Razon said, apparently referring to the last anti-government rallies on February 15th, 25th and the 29th.
He cited a Social Weather Station survey, which reportedly found that only 16 percent of Metro Manila residents “are willing to participate in this mass action or demonstration,” while the 84 percent do not like to as they “would like the country to continue on with their normal lives and benefit from the economic gains that we are enjoying.”
Asked if the PNP sees fresh threats against the Arroyo administration, Razon said: “We don’t see any new group. Of course, the threat of the CPP-NPA and the southern Philippines terrorists continue.”
But the threat specifically for the President remains under assessment by the PNP, he said.
Authorities reported in February an alleged assassination plot against Arroyo by alleged Moslem extremists. The report prompted the President to cancel her trip then to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City for its foundation day celebration.
Razon said it will be up to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to decide if the President should attend or not this year’s graduation at the PMA, which is set on March 18./DMS
March 12, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Wednesday that he sees no more threats against the Arroyo government except the communists and the Moslem extremists down south.
Razon said that with the arrest of suspected terrorists recently – details surrounding it he still refuses to divulge, the threat against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in particular was addressed “partially.”
“I think the assessment of the National Security Adviser is sound because first, on the incident Manila Peninsula incident (in Makati City last November 29, 2007), we have arrested the leaders and we have accounted for some of participants,” he said.
Razon was referring to former Army Scout Rangers chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and other Magdalo officers who took over Manila Peninsula Hotel to call for the ouster of Arroyo.
NSA Norberto Gonzales had said recently that the worst is over for the President after the recent rallies in Metro Manila sparked by the expose of alleged irregularities behind the aborted National Broadband Network project failed to overthrow the present administration.
“We have seen that these protest actions did not and are not drawing the crowd that they are anticipating,” Razon said, apparently referring to the last anti-government rallies on February 15th, 25th and the 29th.
He cited a Social Weather Station survey, which reportedly found that only 16 percent of Metro Manila residents “are willing to participate in this mass action or demonstration,” while the 84 percent do not like to as they “would like the country to continue on with their normal lives and benefit from the economic gains that we are enjoying.”
Asked if the PNP sees fresh threats against the Arroyo administration, Razon said: “We don’t see any new group. Of course, the threat of the CPP-NPA and the southern Philippines terrorists continue.”
But the threat specifically for the President remains under assessment by the PNP, he said.
Authorities reported in February an alleged assassination plot against Arroyo by alleged Moslem extremists. The report prompted the President to cancel her trip then to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City for its foundation day celebration.
Razon said it will be up to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to decide if the President should attend or not this year’s graduation at the PMA, which is set on March 18./DMS
PNP draws security plan for Holy Week
By Ronron
March 12, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already laid out its nationwide security plan for the Holy Week, its chief said Wednesday.
Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. told reporters that they anticipate again local and foreign travelers to troop to provinces, especially in tourist destinations, as they “take advantage” of the long holiday from work and the school break.
“We have preparations already and it has always been a yearly preparation as the Holy Week approaches, the summer vacation, because of the activities that will be brought on by this period,” Razon said.
“The PNP will put in measures to ensure the peace and order, not just here in Metro Manila but also in places where our countrymen will go to take their vacation,” he added.
Razon said these measures include “police visibility; guarding of vital installations, tourist destinations, seaports, airports, and bus terminals; setting up of public assistance booths along highways for vehicular problems, health problems of travelers, and information guide for tourists; and, police patrolling in residential areas to guard against robbers;” among others.
He said the PNP will just be on normal alert status, saying that there is no reported security threat during the Lenten season.
The Holy Week, which marks the passion and death of Jesus Christ, will be commemorated next week by Christians in the country./DMS
March 12, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already laid out its nationwide security plan for the Holy Week, its chief said Wednesday.
Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. told reporters that they anticipate again local and foreign travelers to troop to provinces, especially in tourist destinations, as they “take advantage” of the long holiday from work and the school break.
“We have preparations already and it has always been a yearly preparation as the Holy Week approaches, the summer vacation, because of the activities that will be brought on by this period,” Razon said.
“The PNP will put in measures to ensure the peace and order, not just here in Metro Manila but also in places where our countrymen will go to take their vacation,” he added.
Razon said these measures include “police visibility; guarding of vital installations, tourist destinations, seaports, airports, and bus terminals; setting up of public assistance booths along highways for vehicular problems, health problems of travelers, and information guide for tourists; and, police patrolling in residential areas to guard against robbers;” among others.
He said the PNP will just be on normal alert status, saying that there is no reported security threat during the Lenten season.
The Holy Week, which marks the passion and death of Jesus Christ, will be commemorated next week by Christians in the country./DMS
PNP chief belies reports that children are being abducted in areas outside Metro Manila for internal organs
By Ronron
March 12, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. on Wednesday belied reports that a group is out in areas surrounding Metro Manila to abduct children to get their internal organs.
Razon said the reports are circulating in text messages and these are reportedly happening in Batangas, Cavite, Zambales and Rizal, among others.
“These text messages are not true. Let us not believe those. There are no incidents wherein children are being abducted, their internal organs are taken, and the dead bodies of these children minus their internal organs are just being thrown away,” Razon said.
He said that in fact, they verified with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) the plate number ZMM-507, which is allegedly being used by the suspects in their abduction operations, and they got a negative feedback.
“It was proven that there was on such plate issued by the LTO and this plate has not been done yet,” Razon said.
Razon encouraged the public not to “dignify these malicious text messages” by sending them further to others so as not cause more panic among parents.
He assured that the PNP is investigating the matter to identify the sources of the reports, they are even willing to coordinate with telecommunication companies on this.
“We have given warning and order to our regional directors and provincial directors to be aware that there are incidents like these being reported in Batangas, Cavite, Zambales and Rizal. So they should watch out and do something to assure the public that this is not true and that the PNP is taking steps to identify who are circulating these text messages,” Razon said./DMS
March 12, 2008
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. on Wednesday belied reports that a group is out in areas surrounding Metro Manila to abduct children to get their internal organs.
Razon said the reports are circulating in text messages and these are reportedly happening in Batangas, Cavite, Zambales and Rizal, among others.
“These text messages are not true. Let us not believe those. There are no incidents wherein children are being abducted, their internal organs are taken, and the dead bodies of these children minus their internal organs are just being thrown away,” Razon said.
He said that in fact, they verified with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) the plate number ZMM-507, which is allegedly being used by the suspects in their abduction operations, and they got a negative feedback.
“It was proven that there was on such plate issued by the LTO and this plate has not been done yet,” Razon said.
Razon encouraged the public not to “dignify these malicious text messages” by sending them further to others so as not cause more panic among parents.
He assured that the PNP is investigating the matter to identify the sources of the reports, they are even willing to coordinate with telecommunication companies on this.
“We have given warning and order to our regional directors and provincial directors to be aware that there are incidents like these being reported in Batangas, Cavite, Zambales and Rizal. So they should watch out and do something to assure the public that this is not true and that the PNP is taking steps to identify who are circulating these text messages,” Razon said./DMS
Army general now undergoing pre-trial stage for alleged extortion in Mindanao
By Ronron
March 12, 2008
Army Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto is now subject of a pre-trial investigation (PTI) at the Philippine Army headquarters for his alleged extortion activities back at the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City where he last served.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said Wednesday that a fact-finding probe of the Army Inspector General found merit in the complaint against Barbieto, prompting the elevation of the case to the PTI level to be conducted by the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO).
“We are now in the stage of pre-trial investigation. It is being conducted this week. Here, we will determine if it warrants the conduct of court martial proceedings… If it warrants the conduct of court martial, then we will do that,” Yano said.
He said it is a “pre-trial investigation on possible charges of conduct unbecoming and other offenses that may be found.”
Yano said that as part of due process, Barbieto will be given the chance to submit his counter-affidavit.
But Yano clarified that Barbieto is not yet restricted or in detention because the regulations do not call for it yet.
Barbieto was already suspended by the Philippine Army leadership upon the recommendation of the Ombudsman, which conducted a parallel probe on the same allegations.
Barbieto is being accused of collecting fees from soldier applicants in Mindanao when he was 4th ID commander./DMS
March 12, 2008
Army Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto is now subject of a pre-trial investigation (PTI) at the Philippine Army headquarters for his alleged extortion activities back at the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City where he last served.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said Wednesday that a fact-finding probe of the Army Inspector General found merit in the complaint against Barbieto, prompting the elevation of the case to the PTI level to be conducted by the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO).
“We are now in the stage of pre-trial investigation. It is being conducted this week. Here, we will determine if it warrants the conduct of court martial proceedings… If it warrants the conduct of court martial, then we will do that,” Yano said.
He said it is a “pre-trial investigation on possible charges of conduct unbecoming and other offenses that may be found.”
Yano said that as part of due process, Barbieto will be given the chance to submit his counter-affidavit.
But Yano clarified that Barbieto is not yet restricted or in detention because the regulations do not call for it yet.
Barbieto was already suspended by the Philippine Army leadership upon the recommendation of the Ombudsman, which conducted a parallel probe on the same allegations.
Barbieto is being accused of collecting fees from soldier applicants in Mindanao when he was 4th ID commander./DMS
One killed, several others hurt in vehicular accident in Mindoro Occidental
By Ronron
March 12, 2008
One person died while several others were hurt after a passenger jeepney fell into a shallow ravine in Occidental Mindoro on Wednesday morning, police said.
The accident happened at around 10am at Sitio Burirawa in Barangay San Nicolas, Magsaysay town, said provincial police director Sr. Supt. Audie Arroyo.
Arroyo said in a phone interview that the jeepney (plate number VBE-624), driven by Hermogenes Escalante, was negotiating downwards a steep part of the national highway in said area when it allegedly experienced mechanical problem, causing it to bump on the right side of the road.
PO2 Leopoldo Quiloy of the Magsaysay Police Station told DZMM radio that the jeepney, which was carrying approximately 25 passengers, eventually lost one of its wheels in front, causing it to fall into the ravine beside the road.
Arroyo said passenger Danny Mauricio of Nueva Ecija died on the spot, while an undetermined number of other passengers were injured and brought to Magsaysay Clinic and Zapanta Hospital in San Jose town also in Occidental Mindoro for medical treatment.
Arroyo said Escalante escaped and is now subject of manhunt operations. But a talk by Quiloy with the owner of the jeepney, Juan Gregorio, resulted in an assurance that Escalante will later give himself up to authoritites. Quiloy said Escalante is a relative of Gregorio.
Quiloy said it is probable that overloading was a factor to the accident as he noted that the jeepney can only accommodate up to 20 people, including the driver. Quiloy said aside from the several passengers, the jeepney was also loaded with cargoes.
Arroyo said the jeepney came from Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro and was heading to Magsaysay proper as its final destination./DMS
March 12, 2008
One person died while several others were hurt after a passenger jeepney fell into a shallow ravine in Occidental Mindoro on Wednesday morning, police said.
The accident happened at around 10am at Sitio Burirawa in Barangay San Nicolas, Magsaysay town, said provincial police director Sr. Supt. Audie Arroyo.
Arroyo said in a phone interview that the jeepney (plate number VBE-624), driven by Hermogenes Escalante, was negotiating downwards a steep part of the national highway in said area when it allegedly experienced mechanical problem, causing it to bump on the right side of the road.
PO2 Leopoldo Quiloy of the Magsaysay Police Station told DZMM radio that the jeepney, which was carrying approximately 25 passengers, eventually lost one of its wheels in front, causing it to fall into the ravine beside the road.
Arroyo said passenger Danny Mauricio of Nueva Ecija died on the spot, while an undetermined number of other passengers were injured and brought to Magsaysay Clinic and Zapanta Hospital in San Jose town also in Occidental Mindoro for medical treatment.
Arroyo said Escalante escaped and is now subject of manhunt operations. But a talk by Quiloy with the owner of the jeepney, Juan Gregorio, resulted in an assurance that Escalante will later give himself up to authoritites. Quiloy said Escalante is a relative of Gregorio.
Quiloy said it is probable that overloading was a factor to the accident as he noted that the jeepney can only accommodate up to 20 people, including the driver. Quiloy said aside from the several passengers, the jeepney was also loaded with cargoes.
Arroyo said the jeepney came from Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro and was heading to Magsaysay proper as its final destination./DMS
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
RP military admits it's not capable to fight against forces of other nations claiming ownership in Spratly's
By Ronron
March 11, 2008
Aside from the fact that a peaceful resolution to any problem is always the best option, a diplomatic approach to the proposed exploration of resources in the Spratly's off Palawan in eastern Philippines is being pushed by a Philippine military official as he acknowledged that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) might not be able to win or at least, sustain a war against forces of other claimant countries should this happen.
"We can't beat their military forces… That's the reality… That's why, with that reality, we are still suggesting a diplomacy," Philippine Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Amable Tolentino told reporters in Filipino Tuesday.
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.
It is currently a hot issue with the disclosure of a Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking there (JMSU) between commercial firms of the Philippines, Vietnam and China, which some say as violative of the Philippine Constitution.
Tolentino said that currently, there are a total of 60 Philippine soldiers deployed in some islets there that are being claimed by the Philippines, half of which are on Pag-asa Island.
Tolentino said that while the JMSU may be good for the country as it leads "to our purpose of how to make use of the economic potential" of the area, doing so will always entail "a possibility of war."
"From a student of regional security, for us, diplomacy is still the best. We want to avoid war as much as possible… This is a political decision of those in the higher leadership. We in the military will only implement what is given us," he said./DMS
March 11, 2008
Aside from the fact that a peaceful resolution to any problem is always the best option, a diplomatic approach to the proposed exploration of resources in the Spratly's off Palawan in eastern Philippines is being pushed by a Philippine military official as he acknowledged that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) might not be able to win or at least, sustain a war against forces of other claimant countries should this happen.
"We can't beat their military forces… That's the reality… That's why, with that reality, we are still suggesting a diplomacy," Philippine Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Amable Tolentino told reporters in Filipino Tuesday.
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.
It is currently a hot issue with the disclosure of a Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking there (JMSU) between commercial firms of the Philippines, Vietnam and China, which some say as violative of the Philippine Constitution.
Tolentino said that currently, there are a total of 60 Philippine soldiers deployed in some islets there that are being claimed by the Philippines, half of which are on Pag-asa Island.
Tolentino said that while the JMSU may be good for the country as it leads "to our purpose of how to make use of the economic potential" of the area, doing so will always entail "a possibility of war."
"From a student of regional security, for us, diplomacy is still the best. We want to avoid war as much as possible… This is a political decision of those in the higher leadership. We in the military will only implement what is given us," he said./DMS
Two soldiers killed in ambush by suspected Reds
By Ronron
March 11, 2008
Two soldiers were killed in an ambush Monday afternoon by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Camarines Sur province, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command, identified the victims as Privates First Class Alvin Nario and John Dave Tanay, both of the Bravo Company, 31st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division.
Cabangbang said the two were aboard a motorcycle, unarmed and in civilian clothes when fired upon by undetermined number of guerillas at around 4:30 pm the other day (Monday) at Barangay Cawayan in Ragay town.
They died on the spot.
Cabangbang said the two were on their way back to their patrol base in Barangay Casay, Lupi town of said province after conducting a community work when the incident happened.
He said the two had just finished talking to local residents to listen to their problems in the community.
"The soldiers were conducting community work and unarmed at that time. The NPA's are that coward, not giving our soldiers some fighting chance," Cabangbang quoted 9th ID commander Maj. Gen. Jeoffrey Sodusta to have said.
Asked for the motive of the attack against the two, Cabangbang said: "It's an order from their Central Committee to liquidate soldiers involved in community work. Our operations in the communities are effective and they cannot counter it."
The 5,760-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 39 years although the government vows to crush them by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks between the government and the communist movement bogged down in August 2004 after the latter backed out from the negotiating table in protest to their inclusion in the terror list of some foreign governments./DMS
March 11, 2008
Two soldiers were killed in an ambush Monday afternoon by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Camarines Sur province, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command, identified the victims as Privates First Class Alvin Nario and John Dave Tanay, both of the Bravo Company, 31st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division.
Cabangbang said the two were aboard a motorcycle, unarmed and in civilian clothes when fired upon by undetermined number of guerillas at around 4:30 pm the other day (Monday) at Barangay Cawayan in Ragay town.
They died on the spot.
Cabangbang said the two were on their way back to their patrol base in Barangay Casay, Lupi town of said province after conducting a community work when the incident happened.
He said the two had just finished talking to local residents to listen to their problems in the community.
"The soldiers were conducting community work and unarmed at that time. The NPA's are that coward, not giving our soldiers some fighting chance," Cabangbang quoted 9th ID commander Maj. Gen. Jeoffrey Sodusta to have said.
Asked for the motive of the attack against the two, Cabangbang said: "It's an order from their Central Committee to liquidate soldiers involved in community work. Our operations in the communities are effective and they cannot counter it."
The 5,760-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 39 years although the government vows to crush them by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks between the government and the communist movement bogged down in August 2004 after the latter backed out from the negotiating table in protest to their inclusion in the terror list of some foreign governments./DMS
Bureau of Fire notes slight increase in fire incidents in 2007 than in 2006
By Ronron
March 11, 2008
The Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) reported Tuesday a slight increase in the number of fire incidents last year compared to 2006.
Sr. Supt. Carlito Romero, BFP Deputy for Operations, told a news forum at Camp Crame that there were a total of 9,042 fire incidents nationwide in 2007, posting a slight increase from the 8,823 incidents the previous year.
Romero said about a third of the incidents happened in Metro Manila, which, he said, is due to the fact that the bulk of the national population and the establishments are located in said region.
Romero said the number one cause of fire is electrical ignition, about 20 percent of which account for overheated electric fan. The second most common cause is open flame such as from candles and kitchen materials.
"Since this is Fire Prevention Month, we have launched fire prevention campaign through photo contests, essay-writing contests, and drawing contests to remind the public how to avoid fire. We started these activities last March 1," Romero said.
For this year, Romero said close to 500 fire incidents have so far been reported all over the country.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that despite the slight increase in the number of fire incidents last year, the damages were milder.
Romero said the cost of damages went down to P2.2 billion from P3.2 billion in 2006, and the number of injured and killed victims was fewer.
Romero said this was due to the "cooperation of the public in our fire prevention campaign," and the media's help in disseminating our "fire prevention tips and programs."
As of this time, Romero said the BFP only has 1,272 firetrucks nationwide, short of 1,891 to meet the ideal number of 3,163 firetrucks.
It also needs 16,406 firemen and personnel to add up to the existing 12,814-strong BFP to meet the ideal strength of 29,200 nationwide./DMS
March 11, 2008
The Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) reported Tuesday a slight increase in the number of fire incidents last year compared to 2006.
Sr. Supt. Carlito Romero, BFP Deputy for Operations, told a news forum at Camp Crame that there were a total of 9,042 fire incidents nationwide in 2007, posting a slight increase from the 8,823 incidents the previous year.
Romero said about a third of the incidents happened in Metro Manila, which, he said, is due to the fact that the bulk of the national population and the establishments are located in said region.
Romero said the number one cause of fire is electrical ignition, about 20 percent of which account for overheated electric fan. The second most common cause is open flame such as from candles and kitchen materials.
"Since this is Fire Prevention Month, we have launched fire prevention campaign through photo contests, essay-writing contests, and drawing contests to remind the public how to avoid fire. We started these activities last March 1," Romero said.
For this year, Romero said close to 500 fire incidents have so far been reported all over the country.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that despite the slight increase in the number of fire incidents last year, the damages were milder.
Romero said the cost of damages went down to P2.2 billion from P3.2 billion in 2006, and the number of injured and killed victims was fewer.
Romero said this was due to the "cooperation of the public in our fire prevention campaign," and the media's help in disseminating our "fire prevention tips and programs."
As of this time, Romero said the BFP only has 1,272 firetrucks nationwide, short of 1,891 to meet the ideal number of 3,163 firetrucks.
It also needs 16,406 firemen and personnel to add up to the existing 12,814-strong BFP to meet the ideal strength of 29,200 nationwide./DMS
PNP, AFP note peaceful transport strike in MM and nearby provinces
By Ronron
March 11, 2008
Police and military units in Metro Manila noted a "generally peaceful" conduct of Tuesday's transport strike by various groups that protested the different traffic ticketing policies of local government units, among others.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said there were no reported untoward incidents like violent coercions by strikers of their fellow drivers and operators who opted to ply their daily routes.
The strike ended before noon yesterday after Malacañang issued Executive Order 172 that ordered the implementation of a single traffic ticketing policy in Metro Manila for erring public transport drivers.
The transport holiday began 12 midnight of Monday, although Bartolome said the worst time it was felt by commuters was between 9 and 10 am yesterday. Bartolome said among the badly affected areas are Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Quiapo District in Manila City and some areas in Pasay City.
Bartolome said traffic normalized at 10:45 am yesterday.
"It's generally peaceful. The strikers were able to make their point, while the government fulfilled its mandate and obligation to ease the burden of the people," Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said in a phone interview.
At 4pm, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) downgraded its alert level from full to normal status as traffic normalized, said its chief, Director Geary Barias.
Mesa said the NCRCOM followed the same move at 6pm, but only at heightened level.
Both units went on full alert at 6pm Monday in anticipation of the strike.
But PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said all policemen were ordered to remain on the streets for as long as there are stranded passengers.
The PNP and NCRCOM have deployed 33 and 68 vehicles, respectively, to ferry stranded passengers yesterdays, the officials said./DMS
March 11, 2008
Police and military units in Metro Manila noted a "generally peaceful" conduct of Tuesday's transport strike by various groups that protested the different traffic ticketing policies of local government units, among others.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said there were no reported untoward incidents like violent coercions by strikers of their fellow drivers and operators who opted to ply their daily routes.
The strike ended before noon yesterday after Malacañang issued Executive Order 172 that ordered the implementation of a single traffic ticketing policy in Metro Manila for erring public transport drivers.
The transport holiday began 12 midnight of Monday, although Bartolome said the worst time it was felt by commuters was between 9 and 10 am yesterday. Bartolome said among the badly affected areas are Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Quiapo District in Manila City and some areas in Pasay City.
Bartolome said traffic normalized at 10:45 am yesterday.
"It's generally peaceful. The strikers were able to make their point, while the government fulfilled its mandate and obligation to ease the burden of the people," Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said in a phone interview.
At 4pm, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) downgraded its alert level from full to normal status as traffic normalized, said its chief, Director Geary Barias.
Mesa said the NCRCOM followed the same move at 6pm, but only at heightened level.
Both units went on full alert at 6pm Monday in anticipation of the strike.
But PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said all policemen were ordered to remain on the streets for as long as there are stranded passengers.
The PNP and NCRCOM have deployed 33 and 68 vehicles, respectively, to ferry stranded passengers yesterdays, the officials said./DMS
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Air Force personnel could face court martial proceedings over illegal drugs operation
By Ronron
March 10, 2008
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel could face court martial proceedings after he was caught on Sunday morning participating in an illegal drugs operation in Batangas province, the PAF commander said on Monday.
Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said Sgt. Joel Bua-o, a resident of Barangay Banay-banay, Lipa City, will be slapped with appropriate charges under the military justice system after he was caught "repacking shabu" in Barangay San Carlos of said city.
The apprehension was made at around 6am the other day (Sunday) by local policemen.
Cadungog said Bua-o, 29, who is assigned with the Air Education and Training Command based in Fernando Airbase in Lipa City, was caught doing the alleged illegal act with three civilians inside a room in Meadow Lodge in Barangay San Carlos.
Authorities recovered from them 13 pieces of rolled aluminum foil used for sniffing, four pieces of disposable lighter, a bundle of plastic sachet, a glass pipe, a roll of aluminum foil, a pair of scissors, and five pieces of rectangular transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
"He (Bua-o) will be harshly punished according to our Articles of War and military justice system. If there are others positively found as implicated, they will also equally face the harsh application of our penal system," Cadungog told reporters.
Cadungog said Bua-o remains under the custody of the Lipa City police pending the filing of charge against him and his three civilian cohorts for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The recovered pieces of evidence were already submitted to the PNP Crime Laboratory for examination.
"How I wish I could impose the punishment but we have to follow the law also. Rest assured, he can't get away from his wrong doing," Cadungog said of Bua-o./DMS
March 10, 2008
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel could face court martial proceedings after he was caught on Sunday morning participating in an illegal drugs operation in Batangas province, the PAF commander said on Monday.
Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said Sgt. Joel Bua-o, a resident of Barangay Banay-banay, Lipa City, will be slapped with appropriate charges under the military justice system after he was caught "repacking shabu" in Barangay San Carlos of said city.
The apprehension was made at around 6am the other day (Sunday) by local policemen.
Cadungog said Bua-o, 29, who is assigned with the Air Education and Training Command based in Fernando Airbase in Lipa City, was caught doing the alleged illegal act with three civilians inside a room in Meadow Lodge in Barangay San Carlos.
Authorities recovered from them 13 pieces of rolled aluminum foil used for sniffing, four pieces of disposable lighter, a bundle of plastic sachet, a glass pipe, a roll of aluminum foil, a pair of scissors, and five pieces of rectangular transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
"He (Bua-o) will be harshly punished according to our Articles of War and military justice system. If there are others positively found as implicated, they will also equally face the harsh application of our penal system," Cadungog told reporters.
Cadungog said Bua-o remains under the custody of the Lipa City police pending the filing of charge against him and his three civilian cohorts for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The recovered pieces of evidence were already submitted to the PNP Crime Laboratory for examination.
"How I wish I could impose the punishment but we have to follow the law also. Rest assured, he can't get away from his wrong doing," Cadungog said of Bua-o./DMS
Confirmation of Dulmatin's death out in a few days, says Razon
By Ronron
March 10, 2008
The confirmation or otherwise of the death of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomber Dulmatin will be known "hopefully in a few days," Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Monday.
In a news conference at Camp Crame, Razon said they hope "to come up with a report already" based on the DNA test conducted by the PNP Crime Laboratory, the United States government, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP)."
A body of a slain Moslem extremist was exhumed early last month in Tawi-tawi after a local informant tipped off Marine officials that that could be Dulmatin's. The unidentified rebel was killed in an encounter last January 31 in said island province.
Dulmatin, an Indonesian, has a $10-million bounty on his head for his alleged participation in the bombings in Bali, Indonesia a few years back.
Razon said the DNA test was conducted at the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) laboratory, similar to the case of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Khadaffy Janjalani.
The tissues samples collected from the unidentified rebel's cadaver were to be compared with tissue samples taken from Dulmatin's children who earlier fell into the hands of Philippine authorities.
Razon said no more parallel DNA test is being conducted at the PNP Crime Laboratory.
"It's the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel (who is leading the test), assisted by the US and the Australian governments," he said./DMS
March 10, 2008
The confirmation or otherwise of the death of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomber Dulmatin will be known "hopefully in a few days," Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Monday.
In a news conference at Camp Crame, Razon said they hope "to come up with a report already" based on the DNA test conducted by the PNP Crime Laboratory, the United States government, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP)."
A body of a slain Moslem extremist was exhumed early last month in Tawi-tawi after a local informant tipped off Marine officials that that could be Dulmatin's. The unidentified rebel was killed in an encounter last January 31 in said island province.
Dulmatin, an Indonesian, has a $10-million bounty on his head for his alleged participation in the bombings in Bali, Indonesia a few years back.
Razon said the DNA test was conducted at the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) laboratory, similar to the case of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Khadaffy Janjalani.
The tissues samples collected from the unidentified rebel's cadaver were to be compared with tissue samples taken from Dulmatin's children who earlier fell into the hands of Philippine authorities.
Razon said no more parallel DNA test is being conducted at the PNP Crime Laboratory.
"It's the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel (who is leading the test), assisted by the US and the Australian governments," he said./DMS
NCRPO and NCRCOM go on full alert for Tuesday's transport strike
By Ronron
March 10, 2008
Police and military forces in Metro Manila go on full alert Monday night ahead of the scheduled transport strike in the capital and some areas in nearby provinces by various groups in protest to ticketing policies of local government units (LGU's).
The highest alert level takes effect 6pm and is expected to last only until Tuesday evening, officials said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said they will go on full alert to ensure that their personnel are inside camp and ready to augment the police when required.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesman Sr. Supt. Rhodel Sermonia said different police units will be fielding vehicles to assist commuters who might be stranded due to lack of public transport vehicles.
The NCRPO will field 12 trucks; the five police districts with one truck each; the Quezon City Police District with another 192 multicabs; and, the Manila Police District with another 28 multicabs, said Sermonia.
The military, particularly from the NCRCOM, the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, will also commit their own transportation assets, said Mesa.
"We also seek the assistance of the private sector (in providing vehicles for stranded commuters)," Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a separate interview.
Razon and Mesa assured that these vehicles "are for free" to stranded commuters.
The "transport holiday" participants, led by the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) and PASANG MASDA, among others, expect to have a hundred percent paralysis in the public transportation in the capital on Tuesday as they urged all jeepney, bus, FX, tricycle and pedicab drivers and operators not to ply their routes.
The strike begins at 12:01 am and ends midnight of Tuesday, FEJODAP National President Zenaida Maranan had said.
The groups complained that the traffic citation tickets of the LGU's, the collection of exorbitant fines, the proliferation of transport terminals particularly in the provinces, and the continuous issuance of new tricycle and pedicab franchises "breed widespread corruption on the road," to the detriment of their members.
In a meeting last week with said transport groups, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marius Corpuz said he will recommend that the Department of Transportation and Communication review the LGU ticketing policies and come up with recommended "uniform and equitable fees."
While the groups assured the PNP and the public that they will not turn violent as they hold their strike, Razon said "plain clothes policemen will be sent out to monitor areas of convergence of those participating in the strike."
"We will impose the No Permit, No Rally policy, but we will observe maximum tolerance," Razon said.
Asked how the police will deal with strikers who try to stop their fellow drivers from going about their daily routes, the PNP chief said: "We will enforce the law. It is unlawful to coerce others who do not want to participate in the strike."/DMS
March 10, 2008
Police and military forces in Metro Manila go on full alert Monday night ahead of the scheduled transport strike in the capital and some areas in nearby provinces by various groups in protest to ticketing policies of local government units (LGU's).
The highest alert level takes effect 6pm and is expected to last only until Tuesday evening, officials said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said they will go on full alert to ensure that their personnel are inside camp and ready to augment the police when required.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesman Sr. Supt. Rhodel Sermonia said different police units will be fielding vehicles to assist commuters who might be stranded due to lack of public transport vehicles.
The NCRPO will field 12 trucks; the five police districts with one truck each; the Quezon City Police District with another 192 multicabs; and, the Manila Police District with another 28 multicabs, said Sermonia.
The military, particularly from the NCRCOM, the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, will also commit their own transportation assets, said Mesa.
"We also seek the assistance of the private sector (in providing vehicles for stranded commuters)," Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a separate interview.
Razon and Mesa assured that these vehicles "are for free" to stranded commuters.
The "transport holiday" participants, led by the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) and PASANG MASDA, among others, expect to have a hundred percent paralysis in the public transportation in the capital on Tuesday as they urged all jeepney, bus, FX, tricycle and pedicab drivers and operators not to ply their routes.
The strike begins at 12:01 am and ends midnight of Tuesday, FEJODAP National President Zenaida Maranan had said.
The groups complained that the traffic citation tickets of the LGU's, the collection of exorbitant fines, the proliferation of transport terminals particularly in the provinces, and the continuous issuance of new tricycle and pedicab franchises "breed widespread corruption on the road," to the detriment of their members.
In a meeting last week with said transport groups, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marius Corpuz said he will recommend that the Department of Transportation and Communication review the LGU ticketing policies and come up with recommended "uniform and equitable fees."
While the groups assured the PNP and the public that they will not turn violent as they hold their strike, Razon said "plain clothes policemen will be sent out to monitor areas of convergence of those participating in the strike."
"We will impose the No Permit, No Rally policy, but we will observe maximum tolerance," Razon said.
Asked how the police will deal with strikers who try to stop their fellow drivers from going about their daily routes, the PNP chief said: "We will enforce the law. It is unlawful to coerce others who do not want to participate in the strike."/DMS
Monday, March 10, 2008
Pro-government group marches to Mendiola and holds mass for "peace and unity"
By Ronron
March 9, 2008
The pro-government Kongreso ng Mamamayan (Congress of the People) group marched on Sunday afternoon to the historic Mendiola site in Manila City from Liwasang Bonifacio to reiterate their appeal for "peace and unity" in the country.
Mae Lachica-Fuentes, media liaison officer of the group, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview that the highlight of their activity was a holy mass near the monument of Don Chino Roces, which carried their "call for peace, unity and sobriety" amidst the current political crisis hounding the Arroyo government.
Fuentes said the activity was participated in by an estimate of 4,000 people, and the mass was officiated by Fr. Jimmy Giron.
"In the past few weeks, there is a clamor for students and the youth to go the streets and join the calls for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We're against that because they need to go to school and their work, instead of contributing to the downfall of our economy and their lives," Fuentes said in Filipino.
"Our position is let all these issues be brought to court and let the court decide on these," she added.
Fuentes said the group started leaving Liwasang Bonifacio at 1:30 pm, and formed a human chain as they marched to Mendiola. They arrived Mendiola at around 3pm.
The group dispersed around 4:30 pm after the holding of the mass.
Earlier in the day, another "Mass for Truth" was held at the De La Salle University along Taft Avenue in Manila City in support for Rodolfo Lozada, Jr., who had testified on the alleged irregularities behind the now-cancelled $329-million national broadband network project.
Former President Corazon Aquino was in attendance again, where she reiterated that there is still hope in her call for Arroyo to resign, citing the successful ouster of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Lozada, for his part, urged the public, especially the students and the youth, not to get tired in their current struggle, saying that they should instill in their minds that public officials must always be held accountable for their acts, and that there is always a better alternative to the current leadership./DMS
March 9, 2008
The pro-government Kongreso ng Mamamayan (Congress of the People) group marched on Sunday afternoon to the historic Mendiola site in Manila City from Liwasang Bonifacio to reiterate their appeal for "peace and unity" in the country.
Mae Lachica-Fuentes, media liaison officer of the group, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview that the highlight of their activity was a holy mass near the monument of Don Chino Roces, which carried their "call for peace, unity and sobriety" amidst the current political crisis hounding the Arroyo government.
Fuentes said the activity was participated in by an estimate of 4,000 people, and the mass was officiated by Fr. Jimmy Giron.
"In the past few weeks, there is a clamor for students and the youth to go the streets and join the calls for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We're against that because they need to go to school and their work, instead of contributing to the downfall of our economy and their lives," Fuentes said in Filipino.
"Our position is let all these issues be brought to court and let the court decide on these," she added.
Fuentes said the group started leaving Liwasang Bonifacio at 1:30 pm, and formed a human chain as they marched to Mendiola. They arrived Mendiola at around 3pm.
The group dispersed around 4:30 pm after the holding of the mass.
Earlier in the day, another "Mass for Truth" was held at the De La Salle University along Taft Avenue in Manila City in support for Rodolfo Lozada, Jr., who had testified on the alleged irregularities behind the now-cancelled $329-million national broadband network project.
Former President Corazon Aquino was in attendance again, where she reiterated that there is still hope in her call for Arroyo to resign, citing the successful ouster of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Lozada, for his part, urged the public, especially the students and the youth, not to get tired in their current struggle, saying that they should instill in their minds that public officials must always be held accountable for their acts, and that there is always a better alternative to the current leadership./DMS
NPA killed in Sorsogon clash against gov't forces
By Ronron
March 9, 2008
A suspected communist guerilla was killed in a brief clash with government forces before dawn of Sunday in Sorsogon province, a military spokesman said.
Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command spokesman Maj. Randolph Cabangbang said the unidentified rebel died after a five-minute firefight ensued between Philippine Army elements and more or less five suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) at 3am yesterday at the vicinity of Kilometer 7, Barangay Abuyog in Sorsogon City.
Cabangbang said the elements of the Philippine Army's 22nd and 9th Infantry Battalions conducted strike operations in said area after "disgruntled civilian residents" reported the presence of the armed rebels.
Aside from killing one rebel, the government forces also recovered two M16 rifles, two bandoleer containing 11 short magazines, three long magazines loaded with ammunition, and a backpack containing personal belongings, said Cabangbang.
There was no casualty on the government side, Cabangbang said.
The 5,760-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now, and the government aims to neutralize them by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks between the government and the communists bogged down in August 2004 after the latter were tagged as terrorists by some foreign governments./DMS
March 9, 2008
A suspected communist guerilla was killed in a brief clash with government forces before dawn of Sunday in Sorsogon province, a military spokesman said.
Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command spokesman Maj. Randolph Cabangbang said the unidentified rebel died after a five-minute firefight ensued between Philippine Army elements and more or less five suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) at 3am yesterday at the vicinity of Kilometer 7, Barangay Abuyog in Sorsogon City.
Cabangbang said the elements of the Philippine Army's 22nd and 9th Infantry Battalions conducted strike operations in said area after "disgruntled civilian residents" reported the presence of the armed rebels.
Aside from killing one rebel, the government forces also recovered two M16 rifles, two bandoleer containing 11 short magazines, three long magazines loaded with ammunition, and a backpack containing personal belongings, said Cabangbang.
There was no casualty on the government side, Cabangbang said.
The 5,760-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now, and the government aims to neutralize them by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks between the government and the communists bogged down in August 2004 after the latter were tagged as terrorists by some foreign governments./DMS
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