By Ronron
September 21, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., for the first time, spoke on Thursday night about his views on the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) project of the government.
During the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City, Teodoro said if ever any contract is entered into by the government for the pushing of the NBN, the Defense department should be consulted for the security considerations in having such project.
The Secretary’s view about the issue was sought in the light that the company that supposedly got the government’s nod to do the project is a Chinese corporation, the ZTE Corporation.
Despite having good diplomatic relations between China, the Philippines also has some disputed issues with it like the territorial claims at the South China Sea.
“At this point in time, because the operation of the broadband network has not been submitted to the Armed Forces yet or the DND, we believe that it should be included in the implementation, if ever, of a contract of some security precautions and firewalls,” Teodoro suggested.
“We would assume that and we will review it when it comes to us – firewall security or software, whatever. Naturally, this is an issue which must be brought not merely to the department but to the National Security Council at the proper time,” he added.
The Senate is currently investigating the controversial deal of the government with ZTE Corporation following claims of Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia, that the project is overpriced to include bribe amount for Philippine government officials./DMS
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Military won’t say sorry for its Martial Law atrocities – Defense chief
By Ronron
September 21, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. does not see the need for the military to apologize for its atrocities during the implementation of the Martial Law since 1972 until 1981.
During the forum with the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) on Thursday night, the eve of the 35th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by former President Ferdinand Marcos, Teodoro said the “atrocities” committed then were not by “institutions,” rather, “by men.”
“There is nobody countenancing atrocities within and amongst the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines so definitely, the institution should not apologize for the wrongdoings, if ever, of any of its members,” Teodoro said.
Under the Martial Law rule, Marcos utilized the military in curtailing the basic rights like freedom of speech of the people, especially those who are criticizing government and the First Family. It was during said period that many human rights violations were allegedly committed by security forces.
Asked how could the military get rid of the Martial Law stigma attached to it, Teodoro said: “There’s no quick answer to that. The best thing that can happen is the behavior of the military, given a fixed period of time.”
Another is the attitude of the military leadership now towards alleged violations of human rights. “The best way to deal with the problem, number one, is to really perhaps provide an example, based on competent evidence, that we do not tolerate it. As (Armed Forces chief of staff) Gen. (Hermogenes) Esperon, Jr. said, there are some cases pending which I won’t comment on.”
According to Esperon, since the activation last June of five General Courts Martial (GCM) - two for the Army, one for the General Headquarters, one for the Navy and one for the Air Force - to deal with alleged human rights violations of soldiers, three cases are now at the pre-trial investigation stage.
The three cases involve 13 soldier-suspects tagged behind the murder of four people, Esperon said.
“While we want to be quick on this, due diligence and the rules of the procedures must be observed. We do not want to pin down anybody based on suspicions. We want to be very thorough about it. But I can tell you that the GCM will be working on this,” Esperon said in the same MOPC forum.
Aside from this, a better relationship of the military with the community through its good behavior while doing their job, and their accomplishments, basically, will also be good eventually for the military’s image with the public, Teodoro said.
“It will take time and only a confluence of several factors, particularly our behavior, which has been stated in Basilan and Sulu, has been no less than commendable, our relationship-building with the community, and our professionalism from the junior officers up will perhaps improve the image of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Teodoro said he is of the opinion that Martial Law is already over when the Marcoses were ousted in February 1986, through what is now called as People Power I Revolution./DMS
September 21, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. does not see the need for the military to apologize for its atrocities during the implementation of the Martial Law since 1972 until 1981.
During the forum with the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) on Thursday night, the eve of the 35th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by former President Ferdinand Marcos, Teodoro said the “atrocities” committed then were not by “institutions,” rather, “by men.”
“There is nobody countenancing atrocities within and amongst the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines so definitely, the institution should not apologize for the wrongdoings, if ever, of any of its members,” Teodoro said.
Under the Martial Law rule, Marcos utilized the military in curtailing the basic rights like freedom of speech of the people, especially those who are criticizing government and the First Family. It was during said period that many human rights violations were allegedly committed by security forces.
Asked how could the military get rid of the Martial Law stigma attached to it, Teodoro said: “There’s no quick answer to that. The best thing that can happen is the behavior of the military, given a fixed period of time.”
Another is the attitude of the military leadership now towards alleged violations of human rights. “The best way to deal with the problem, number one, is to really perhaps provide an example, based on competent evidence, that we do not tolerate it. As (Armed Forces chief of staff) Gen. (Hermogenes) Esperon, Jr. said, there are some cases pending which I won’t comment on.”
According to Esperon, since the activation last June of five General Courts Martial (GCM) - two for the Army, one for the General Headquarters, one for the Navy and one for the Air Force - to deal with alleged human rights violations of soldiers, three cases are now at the pre-trial investigation stage.
The three cases involve 13 soldier-suspects tagged behind the murder of four people, Esperon said.
“While we want to be quick on this, due diligence and the rules of the procedures must be observed. We do not want to pin down anybody based on suspicions. We want to be very thorough about it. But I can tell you that the GCM will be working on this,” Esperon said in the same MOPC forum.
Aside from this, a better relationship of the military with the community through its good behavior while doing their job, and their accomplishments, basically, will also be good eventually for the military’s image with the public, Teodoro said.
“It will take time and only a confluence of several factors, particularly our behavior, which has been stated in Basilan and Sulu, has been no less than commendable, our relationship-building with the community, and our professionalism from the junior officers up will perhaps improve the image of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Teodoro said he is of the opinion that Martial Law is already over when the Marcoses were ousted in February 1986, through what is now called as People Power I Revolution./DMS
NPA leader in Western Visayas captured
By Ronron
September 21, 2007
A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas was apprehended by the military last Wednesday, an Army commander said Friday.
Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, identified the captured rebel as Hernando Laurente, alias Ka Nikki/Intsik, who claimed to be the Logistics and Finance Officer of the Northern Negros Front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.
Narcise said Laurente, 26, is included in the military’s Order of Battle in the region.
Laurente was nabbed at around 9pm last Wednesdy by elements of the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Blumentrit, Murcia town, Negros Occidental, Narcise said.
“(Laurente) is a graduate of the Paglaum National High School in Bacolod City. He is already two years in the underground movement and due to his wit and talent, was already entrusted of sensitive positions in the movement. He was recruited by Bong Mata in 2005,” Narcise said.
As Logistics and Finance Officer, Laurente claimed he was in charge of procurement of supplies to support the needs of armed men operating in Silay, Cadiz and Sagay, all known areas of the Northern Negros Front, Narcise said.
He disclosed that the family of Laurente had earlier advised him to go back to the folds of the law “as they too believed that what they are fighting for is a lost cause.”
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years to push for a revolutionary form of government./DMS
September 21, 2007
A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas was apprehended by the military last Wednesday, an Army commander said Friday.
Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, identified the captured rebel as Hernando Laurente, alias Ka Nikki/Intsik, who claimed to be the Logistics and Finance Officer of the Northern Negros Front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.
Narcise said Laurente, 26, is included in the military’s Order of Battle in the region.
Laurente was nabbed at around 9pm last Wednesdy by elements of the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Blumentrit, Murcia town, Negros Occidental, Narcise said.
“(Laurente) is a graduate of the Paglaum National High School in Bacolod City. He is already two years in the underground movement and due to his wit and talent, was already entrusted of sensitive positions in the movement. He was recruited by Bong Mata in 2005,” Narcise said.
As Logistics and Finance Officer, Laurente claimed he was in charge of procurement of supplies to support the needs of armed men operating in Silay, Cadiz and Sagay, all known areas of the Northern Negros Front, Narcise said.
He disclosed that the family of Laurente had earlier advised him to go back to the folds of the law “as they too believed that what they are fighting for is a lost cause.”
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years to push for a revolutionary form of government./DMS
Esperon says at least six soldiers sanctioned for alleged recruitment for destabilization
By Ronron
September 21, 2007
At least six personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been sanctioned for allegedly getting involved in destabilization attempts against the Arroyo government, the top military commander said Friday.
According to Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, the said personnel, who are junior officers and enlisted personnel, were found to have recruited fellow soldiers into joining anti-government efforts.
“There are active members but it’s more of inactive or former members of the military approaching some active members of the military,” Esperon told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
“We have done some moves short of arresting them like reassigning them or putting them on hold, and continuing surveillance on them,” he added of the six.
Esperon said the sanctions were imposed “within the last week.” There are also other sanctions in mind, but not as harsh as possible charging before the court martial, he said.
But aside from them, the military leadership is also looking at civilians and politicians who are part of the destabilization efforts, Esperon said.
He said the alleged destabilizers have included in the issues they are raising against the government the recent controversial deal of the government with ZTE Corporation for the National Broadband Network (NBN) Project.
Fortunately, Esperon said, the attempts were not successful based on the fact that there were no unauthorized troops movements monitored.
During the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Forum at Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said the organization is “prepared to deal with those threats.”
He admitted though that even if “they are not succeeding,” the defense department is not taking them lightly.
On Friday afternoon, the AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) formally accepted in its organization two battalions that will undergo training in the capital for an unspecified period of time to make them prepared to respond for any contingency.
The augmentation troops are from the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion, based in Gamu, Isabela, and the Philippine Air Force 760 Combat Group, based in Clark, Pampanga.
“As we have said, there are (destabilization) attempts. We want to be on the safe side. We want to have the forces available here with us, just in case,” Esperon explained.
“This is also an exercise. We want to make sure that we can do what we want to do when there are contingencies that we have to address. So we want to know how fast they can come, we want to know how many people are ready,” he added.
The 443-strong 54th IB was flown in via C130 plane from Isabela, while the 220-strong Air Force troops moved by land early Friday morning.
Unexpectedly, the Air Force personnel had a brief problem in their entry to Manila because they were stopped by elements of the police Special Action Force (SAF) near Balintawak area in Quezon City.
“They held us to check and verify our mission here at the General Headquarters… Maybe we can attribute it to lack of coordination because we were just informed about this at 10 last night (Thursday),” said 760 Combat Group Deputy Commander Maj. Emmanuel Bello when asked of the incident that happened at around 6:30am.
When the SAF personnel were convinced of the mission order they presented, Bello said they were released after almost one hour and a half.
NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said that aside from the destabilization threats, the two augmentation forces will also be trained to respond to calamities and disasters./DMS
September 21, 2007
At least six personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been sanctioned for allegedly getting involved in destabilization attempts against the Arroyo government, the top military commander said Friday.
According to Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, the said personnel, who are junior officers and enlisted personnel, were found to have recruited fellow soldiers into joining anti-government efforts.
“There are active members but it’s more of inactive or former members of the military approaching some active members of the military,” Esperon told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
“We have done some moves short of arresting them like reassigning them or putting them on hold, and continuing surveillance on them,” he added of the six.
Esperon said the sanctions were imposed “within the last week.” There are also other sanctions in mind, but not as harsh as possible charging before the court martial, he said.
But aside from them, the military leadership is also looking at civilians and politicians who are part of the destabilization efforts, Esperon said.
He said the alleged destabilizers have included in the issues they are raising against the government the recent controversial deal of the government with ZTE Corporation for the National Broadband Network (NBN) Project.
Fortunately, Esperon said, the attempts were not successful based on the fact that there were no unauthorized troops movements monitored.
During the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Forum at Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said the organization is “prepared to deal with those threats.”
He admitted though that even if “they are not succeeding,” the defense department is not taking them lightly.
On Friday afternoon, the AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) formally accepted in its organization two battalions that will undergo training in the capital for an unspecified period of time to make them prepared to respond for any contingency.
The augmentation troops are from the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion, based in Gamu, Isabela, and the Philippine Air Force 760 Combat Group, based in Clark, Pampanga.
“As we have said, there are (destabilization) attempts. We want to be on the safe side. We want to have the forces available here with us, just in case,” Esperon explained.
“This is also an exercise. We want to make sure that we can do what we want to do when there are contingencies that we have to address. So we want to know how fast they can come, we want to know how many people are ready,” he added.
The 443-strong 54th IB was flown in via C130 plane from Isabela, while the 220-strong Air Force troops moved by land early Friday morning.
Unexpectedly, the Air Force personnel had a brief problem in their entry to Manila because they were stopped by elements of the police Special Action Force (SAF) near Balintawak area in Quezon City.
“They held us to check and verify our mission here at the General Headquarters… Maybe we can attribute it to lack of coordination because we were just informed about this at 10 last night (Thursday),” said 760 Combat Group Deputy Commander Maj. Emmanuel Bello when asked of the incident that happened at around 6:30am.
When the SAF personnel were convinced of the mission order they presented, Bello said they were released after almost one hour and a half.
NCRCOM chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said that aside from the destabilization threats, the two augmentation forces will also be trained to respond to calamities and disasters./DMS
Friday, September 21, 2007
Three missing due to typhoon “Goring,” says OCD
By Ronron
September 20, 2007
Three persons were reported missing by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) due to heavy flooding in the Western Visayas region when typhoon “Goring” prevailed in the country early this week.
Region VI OCD Officer-in-Charge Eligio Calaor said in a phone interview Thursday that the first two missing persons got swept by the sudden surge last September 17 at the Paliwan River in Bugasong, Antique.
They were identified as Edmar Jauod, 10, and Rizza Operiano, 9.
The third victim, Calaor said, is Analyn Laude, 28, who was also carried away by the current at the Macarena Creek in Patnongon town of the same province last Wednesday.
“As of this time, we have yet to receive a report from the provincial disaster councils regarding the condition of these three,” Calaor said yesterday afternoon.
There were no reports of deaths or injuries, he added.
Aside from the missing persons, Calaor reported also that 11 barangays in Iloilo City were affected by “Goring” due to flooding. A total of 1,242 families or 5,655 persons were affected, 985 of whom were brought to evacuation centers, he said.
The OCD main office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City said 28 villages in Negros Occidental province were also affected by floods due to the continuous rains. The breakdown is as follows: one in Bago City, six in Ilog, four in Pulupandan, 10 in San Enrique and seven in Valladolid.
A total of 6,286 families or 31,430 persons from said province were affected, the OCD report said.
On September 17, a tornado incident also occurred in Bacolod City, damaging 23 houses (four totally and 19 partially) and affecting 23 families or 115 persons, the report said further.
Quoting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the OCD said the continuous heavy rains in the western part of the country was due to the southwest monsoon that prevailed even if “Goring” already exited the Philippines on September 18./DMS
September 20, 2007
Three persons were reported missing by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) due to heavy flooding in the Western Visayas region when typhoon “Goring” prevailed in the country early this week.
Region VI OCD Officer-in-Charge Eligio Calaor said in a phone interview Thursday that the first two missing persons got swept by the sudden surge last September 17 at the Paliwan River in Bugasong, Antique.
They were identified as Edmar Jauod, 10, and Rizza Operiano, 9.
The third victim, Calaor said, is Analyn Laude, 28, who was also carried away by the current at the Macarena Creek in Patnongon town of the same province last Wednesday.
“As of this time, we have yet to receive a report from the provincial disaster councils regarding the condition of these three,” Calaor said yesterday afternoon.
There were no reports of deaths or injuries, he added.
Aside from the missing persons, Calaor reported also that 11 barangays in Iloilo City were affected by “Goring” due to flooding. A total of 1,242 families or 5,655 persons were affected, 985 of whom were brought to evacuation centers, he said.
The OCD main office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City said 28 villages in Negros Occidental province were also affected by floods due to the continuous rains. The breakdown is as follows: one in Bago City, six in Ilog, four in Pulupandan, 10 in San Enrique and seven in Valladolid.
A total of 6,286 families or 31,430 persons from said province were affected, the OCD report said.
On September 17, a tornado incident also occurred in Bacolod City, damaging 23 houses (four totally and 19 partially) and affecting 23 families or 115 persons, the report said further.
Quoting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the OCD said the continuous heavy rains in the western part of the country was due to the southwest monsoon that prevailed even if “Goring” already exited the Philippines on September 18./DMS
NPA attacks another Globe cellsite in Bicol
By Ronron
September 20, 2007
Suspected communist rebels attacked anew on Thursday another facility of Globe Telecommunications in the Bicol region even as the police and military have vowed to strengthen their defense against so-called enemies of the State on orders recently of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The latest incident happened at around 6:45 am yesterday at the Globe Relay Station in Barangay Tagpu, Mandaon town in Masbate province, the municipal police officer, Chief Inspector Brian Castillo, said in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun.
Castillo said around 20 men who are suspected to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) arrived at around 5:40 am at the Globe facility and first held the lone security guard at gunpoint.
The perpetrators, who were armed with M16 rifles with grenade launchers, M14, baby Armalite, and carbines, then proceeded to pour kerosene on the generator set of the facility and set it on fire.
When the flame was already huge, the suspects left on foot, heading towards the hinterlands. They were pursued later by joint elements of the Mandaon Policce, the neighboring Milagros Municipal Police Station, the Masbate Provincial Police Office, and the 506th Provincial Police Mobile Group.
“They spared the tower and other materials there,” Castillo said.
Castillo said the guard claimed the estimated cost of damage is almost P1 million.
Because of the burned generator set, the facility was shut down temporarily until the operator is assured that the electricity line is not affected, Castillo said.
“They (perpetrators) have no other intention there but for propaganda and destruction. They want to show to the public that they are still present and they are a force to reckon with,” Castillo said when asked of the motive.
As to the possibility of extortion being the motive, he said the police have yet to gather information from the local officials of Globe Telecoms regarding monetary demands by the communist group from them.
On September 17, suspected NPA rebels also attacked two Globe facilities in the towns of Pamplona and Libmanan in Camarines Sur province.
A day after, Arroyo ordered the military to strengthen further its defenses against the NPA and other security threat groups so as to create an environment conducive to business and investment./DMS
September 20, 2007
Suspected communist rebels attacked anew on Thursday another facility of Globe Telecommunications in the Bicol region even as the police and military have vowed to strengthen their defense against so-called enemies of the State on orders recently of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The latest incident happened at around 6:45 am yesterday at the Globe Relay Station in Barangay Tagpu, Mandaon town in Masbate province, the municipal police officer, Chief Inspector Brian Castillo, said in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun.
Castillo said around 20 men who are suspected to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) arrived at around 5:40 am at the Globe facility and first held the lone security guard at gunpoint.
The perpetrators, who were armed with M16 rifles with grenade launchers, M14, baby Armalite, and carbines, then proceeded to pour kerosene on the generator set of the facility and set it on fire.
When the flame was already huge, the suspects left on foot, heading towards the hinterlands. They were pursued later by joint elements of the Mandaon Policce, the neighboring Milagros Municipal Police Station, the Masbate Provincial Police Office, and the 506th Provincial Police Mobile Group.
“They spared the tower and other materials there,” Castillo said.
Castillo said the guard claimed the estimated cost of damage is almost P1 million.
Because of the burned generator set, the facility was shut down temporarily until the operator is assured that the electricity line is not affected, Castillo said.
“They (perpetrators) have no other intention there but for propaganda and destruction. They want to show to the public that they are still present and they are a force to reckon with,” Castillo said when asked of the motive.
As to the possibility of extortion being the motive, he said the police have yet to gather information from the local officials of Globe Telecoms regarding monetary demands by the communist group from them.
On September 17, suspected NPA rebels also attacked two Globe facilities in the towns of Pamplona and Libmanan in Camarines Sur province.
A day after, Arroyo ordered the military to strengthen further its defenses against the NPA and other security threat groups so as to create an environment conducive to business and investment./DMS
PNP implements reshuffle among Metro Manila commanders
By Ronron
September 20, 2007
The Philippine National Police is implementing starting today (Friday) a reshuffle of some of its commanders in Metro Manila.
Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza of the Manila Police District (MPD) said he will head the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, and will turn over the MPD to Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales of the Southern Police District (SPD).
Rosales will then be replaced at the SPD by Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman.
Ticman, meanwhile, will pass on the EPD to Sr. Supt. Leon Nilo dela Cruz, who comes from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Abarsoza said.
Abarsoza said the simultaneous turn over of commands will be done today at the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig City.
Asked how he felt with his new assignment, Abarsoza said: “It’s okay with me. It’s a natural process, administrative process in the PNP to have a reshuffle.”
“When the right time comes, I will announce my programs at the PNPA that will contribute to the improvement of the organization,” he added.
Abarsoza had earlier expressed his preference to stay on at the MPD instead of getting into the academic affairs of the police./DMS
September 20, 2007
The Philippine National Police is implementing starting today (Friday) a reshuffle of some of its commanders in Metro Manila.
Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza of the Manila Police District (MPD) said he will head the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, and will turn over the MPD to Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales of the Southern Police District (SPD).
Rosales will then be replaced at the SPD by Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman.
Ticman, meanwhile, will pass on the EPD to Sr. Supt. Leon Nilo dela Cruz, who comes from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Abarsoza said.
Abarsoza said the simultaneous turn over of commands will be done today at the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig City.
Asked how he felt with his new assignment, Abarsoza said: “It’s okay with me. It’s a natural process, administrative process in the PNP to have a reshuffle.”
“When the right time comes, I will announce my programs at the PNPA that will contribute to the improvement of the organization,” he added.
Abarsoza had earlier expressed his preference to stay on at the MPD instead of getting into the academic affairs of the police./DMS
Magdalo trial at Makati RTC expected to end by yearend
By Ronron
September 20, 2007
The Makati City judge handling the coup d’ etat case of the 29 junior officers and two former enlisted personnel allegedly involved in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny wants to end the trial by the end of this year.
Judge Oscar Pimentel of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 promised even during Thursday’s hearing of the case that he will not be late or absent in the upcoming hearings, contrary to what usually happens in previous hearings.
To realize said goal, Pimentel sought the agreement of both the prosecution and defense in coming up with fixed schedule of the upcoming hearings for the defense’ presentation of its evidence.
With the consent of both panels, the first hearing is set on October 10, while the last will be on November 22.
Pimentel then required the defense that seven days before the hearing date, they should provide a list of the witnesses they intend to present and the synopsis of their testimony.
“Failure to submit to the court and to the panel of State prosecutors the list of the witnesses and the documents in advance of the hearing will make the court disallow the presentation of the witnesses,” Pimentel said in open court.
“The court, likewise, seeks the commitment of the defense counsels not to seek the postponement of the trial so as to expedite the proceedings,” he added.
Pimentel acknowledged that the accused have been in detention since 2003 that is why the target goal of wrapping up the trial by yearend will also be good for them, he said.
“Naturally, they want an expeditious resolution of the case. If one party (from the defense) will not be able to present evidence, then they should make arrangement with the other parties (from the defense) for them to present their evidence,” the judge said.
Defense counsel Trixie Angeles, who represents accused Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, said if the schedule is strictly followed, then by December, they will have the summation of the case already.
And by January or February, Pimentel may already come out with a ruling, she said.
Angeles and fellow defense lawyer Reynaldo Robles, who represents former Navy Lt. Senior Grade and now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, disclosed that aside from the testimony of the accused, they also intend to present evidence that would support their claim that there is no case because the crime of coup d’ etat, based on the definition under the law, is supposed to be committed at a government or military facility or installation./DMS
September 20, 2007
The Makati City judge handling the coup d’ etat case of the 29 junior officers and two former enlisted personnel allegedly involved in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny wants to end the trial by the end of this year.
Judge Oscar Pimentel of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 promised even during Thursday’s hearing of the case that he will not be late or absent in the upcoming hearings, contrary to what usually happens in previous hearings.
To realize said goal, Pimentel sought the agreement of both the prosecution and defense in coming up with fixed schedule of the upcoming hearings for the defense’ presentation of its evidence.
With the consent of both panels, the first hearing is set on October 10, while the last will be on November 22.
Pimentel then required the defense that seven days before the hearing date, they should provide a list of the witnesses they intend to present and the synopsis of their testimony.
“Failure to submit to the court and to the panel of State prosecutors the list of the witnesses and the documents in advance of the hearing will make the court disallow the presentation of the witnesses,” Pimentel said in open court.
“The court, likewise, seeks the commitment of the defense counsels not to seek the postponement of the trial so as to expedite the proceedings,” he added.
Pimentel acknowledged that the accused have been in detention since 2003 that is why the target goal of wrapping up the trial by yearend will also be good for them, he said.
“Naturally, they want an expeditious resolution of the case. If one party (from the defense) will not be able to present evidence, then they should make arrangement with the other parties (from the defense) for them to present their evidence,” the judge said.
Defense counsel Trixie Angeles, who represents accused Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, said if the schedule is strictly followed, then by December, they will have the summation of the case already.
And by January or February, Pimentel may already come out with a ruling, she said.
Angeles and fellow defense lawyer Reynaldo Robles, who represents former Navy Lt. Senior Grade and now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, disclosed that aside from the testimony of the accused, they also intend to present evidence that would support their claim that there is no case because the crime of coup d’ etat, based on the definition under the law, is supposed to be committed at a government or military facility or installation./DMS
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Army boosts ties with PNP in fight against insurgents
By Ronron
September 19, 2007
The Philippine Army is strengthening further its ties with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the fight against insurgency following the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the military to intensify its “defenses against destruction and killings by enemies of the State.”
“We will further strengthen our security arrangements with the PNP and other security forces in order to guarantee the protection of vital installations, businesses and their government offices and personalities against the wicked plans of the NPA (New People’s Army),” Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Wednesday.
The PNP already has an agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as regards its role in internal security operations following the signing in June last year by Arroyo of Executive Order 546, allowing the PNP to take active role in fighting the NPA.
On Tuesday, Arroyo said government security forces should intensify its operations against the NPA and other lawless elements to help create an environment conducive for business and investments.
Yano said the directive of the President should not be viewed to mean that the government is under serious attack by communist terrorists, but rather, to ensure that peace prevails.
“The Army has been constantly on the offensive in defeating the NPA’s. We continuously conduct combat operations and information gathering so as not to give the terrorists a chance to harm the Filipino people,” he said.
The Army chief said the military has not been remiss in securiting vital installations and facilities all over the country, with proper coordination with the PNP in different localities.
“Actually, there is a close coordination and partnership between the military, the police and the potential (victims), the businessmen themselves. So, it’s a team effort,” Yano said.
Just last Monday, two cellular sites of Globe Telecommunications were burned by suspected NPA rebels in Camarines Sur province.
According to a police report, the first incident happened at the cellsite located in Barangay Batang, Pamplona town at around 9pm. The cost of damages is pegged at P150,000.00.
Less then an hour later, or at 9:50 pm, the cellsite at Delfin’s Compound in Barangay Tinangguihan, Libmanan town was also set on fire by the same group of rebels. Cost of damages is estimated at P1.6 million.
The NPA has been attacking Globe facilities over the last few years due to the company’s alleged refusal to give in to the movement’s extortion demand./DMS
September 19, 2007
The Philippine Army is strengthening further its ties with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the fight against insurgency following the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the military to intensify its “defenses against destruction and killings by enemies of the State.”
“We will further strengthen our security arrangements with the PNP and other security forces in order to guarantee the protection of vital installations, businesses and their government offices and personalities against the wicked plans of the NPA (New People’s Army),” Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Wednesday.
The PNP already has an agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as regards its role in internal security operations following the signing in June last year by Arroyo of Executive Order 546, allowing the PNP to take active role in fighting the NPA.
On Tuesday, Arroyo said government security forces should intensify its operations against the NPA and other lawless elements to help create an environment conducive for business and investments.
Yano said the directive of the President should not be viewed to mean that the government is under serious attack by communist terrorists, but rather, to ensure that peace prevails.
“The Army has been constantly on the offensive in defeating the NPA’s. We continuously conduct combat operations and information gathering so as not to give the terrorists a chance to harm the Filipino people,” he said.
The Army chief said the military has not been remiss in securiting vital installations and facilities all over the country, with proper coordination with the PNP in different localities.
“Actually, there is a close coordination and partnership between the military, the police and the potential (victims), the businessmen themselves. So, it’s a team effort,” Yano said.
Just last Monday, two cellular sites of Globe Telecommunications were burned by suspected NPA rebels in Camarines Sur province.
According to a police report, the first incident happened at the cellsite located in Barangay Batang, Pamplona town at around 9pm. The cost of damages is pegged at P150,000.00.
Less then an hour later, or at 9:50 pm, the cellsite at Delfin’s Compound in Barangay Tinangguihan, Libmanan town was also set on fire by the same group of rebels. Cost of damages is estimated at P1.6 million.
The NPA has been attacking Globe facilities over the last few years due to the company’s alleged refusal to give in to the movement’s extortion demand./DMS
Cop killed, three others hurt in Batangas shooting
By Ronron
September 19, 2007
A policeman was killed while three of his friends were wounded in a pre-dawn shooting incident Wednesday in Batangas province, police said.
The slain victim was identified as PO2 Efren Ong of the San Jose Municipal Police Station, while his wounded friends were Crisanto Godoy, 52; Jonel Delgado, 24; and Dr. Raul Mendoza, all residents of Barangay Alangilan, Batangas City.
Police said the incident happened at the residence of Ong’s friend, Florito Cena, at Saint Peter Subdivision in Barangay Alangilan at around 1:30 am.
Ong and his friends were reportedly talking to each other at the garage of Cena’s house when three men, armed with short firearms, suddenly showed up and opened fire at them.
Ong died instantly due to multiple gunshot wounds while his three friends survived despite sustaining gunshot wounds. The three were brought to Batangas City Regional Hospital for medical treatment.
Recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells for caliber 45, and four deformed slugs of caliber 38.
Police are still investigating the motive of the incident, especially since they have yet to identify the perpetrators./DMS
September 19, 2007
A policeman was killed while three of his friends were wounded in a pre-dawn shooting incident Wednesday in Batangas province, police said.
The slain victim was identified as PO2 Efren Ong of the San Jose Municipal Police Station, while his wounded friends were Crisanto Godoy, 52; Jonel Delgado, 24; and Dr. Raul Mendoza, all residents of Barangay Alangilan, Batangas City.
Police said the incident happened at the residence of Ong’s friend, Florito Cena, at Saint Peter Subdivision in Barangay Alangilan at around 1:30 am.
Ong and his friends were reportedly talking to each other at the garage of Cena’s house when three men, armed with short firearms, suddenly showed up and opened fire at them.
Ong died instantly due to multiple gunshot wounds while his three friends survived despite sustaining gunshot wounds. The three were brought to Batangas City Regional Hospital for medical treatment.
Recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells for caliber 45, and four deformed slugs of caliber 38.
Police are still investigating the motive of the incident, especially since they have yet to identify the perpetrators./DMS
10 killed, three hurt in North Cotabato shootout
By Ronron
September 19, 2007
Ten people were killed and three others were hurt in a shootout Wednesday morning in North Cotabato province, police and military said.
Officials said the incident involved the rival parties of Nuruddin Matalam, former vice-mayor of Pagulangan, Maguindanao, and Mokamad Andoy, a barangay captain of still unknown place.
According to Col. Pedro Soria, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen town of said province, the shootout happened at around 9:45 am right at the national bridge in Barangay Lamyong, Kabacan town.
He said Matalam, his wife, and other companions were aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser, and were being tailed by escorts aboard a back-up pick-up, while the party of Andoy were aboard two owner-type jeeps.
Both parties were heading towards Pagulangan town, said Soria, and when they arrived near the bridge, they began to race against each other.
Soria said the two owner-type jeeps were running ahead of Matalam’s convoy at first, but Matalam’s Land Cruiser was able to overtake.
“Maybe, when the party of the barangay captain realized that it was Matalam’s vehicle that overtook them, they started shooting at the Land Cruiser because the bullets pierced through the rear portion of that vehicle,” Soria said in Filipino when interviewed by phone yesterday afternoon.
According to police, Matalam is a political rival of the father and son tandem of Macabangen and Utto Montawal, the incumbent vice mayor and mayor of Pagulangan, respectively. Andoy is reportedly a known staunch supporter of the Montawals.
Police said Matalam ran against but lost to Utto Montawal in the mayoralty race in Pagulangan last May 14, 2007 elections.
In April of this year, supporters of Matalam and the Montawals already figured in a firefight, police recounted.
Soria said Wednesday’s shootout lasted no more than 15 minutes, leaving seven members of Andoy’s group dead, as well as the driver/bodyguard of Matalam, and two civilians who were caught in the crossfire.
Soria said it was unfortunate that a passenger jeepney bound for Kabacan town proper passed by the encounter site from the opposite direction, that was why aside from two of its passengers getting killed, a male toddler was also slightly hurt.
Aside from the young boy, Matalam and his wife were also injured, said Soria. The Matalams were rushed to a hospital in Davao City for medical treatment.
Soria said recovered from the place of the firefight were empty shells for M14, M16 and Garand rifles.
The fighters from both parties were also wearing military uniforms, preventing five CAFGU personnel stationed nearby from responding at the height of the firefight.
When the exchange of gunfires subsided, all but the Land Cruiser sped off to different directions, Soria said.
Soria said responding elements from the 602nd Brigade, and the 7th, 57th, and 38th Infantry Battalions only caught up with Matalam and his Land Cruiser, and all the dead bodies when they arrived at the scene of the shootout.
Police is now investigating the incident for the filing of possible charges against those responsible for the death of the 10, especially the civilians./DMS
September 19, 2007
Ten people were killed and three others were hurt in a shootout Wednesday morning in North Cotabato province, police and military said.
Officials said the incident involved the rival parties of Nuruddin Matalam, former vice-mayor of Pagulangan, Maguindanao, and Mokamad Andoy, a barangay captain of still unknown place.
According to Col. Pedro Soria, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen town of said province, the shootout happened at around 9:45 am right at the national bridge in Barangay Lamyong, Kabacan town.
He said Matalam, his wife, and other companions were aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser, and were being tailed by escorts aboard a back-up pick-up, while the party of Andoy were aboard two owner-type jeeps.
Both parties were heading towards Pagulangan town, said Soria, and when they arrived near the bridge, they began to race against each other.
Soria said the two owner-type jeeps were running ahead of Matalam’s convoy at first, but Matalam’s Land Cruiser was able to overtake.
“Maybe, when the party of the barangay captain realized that it was Matalam’s vehicle that overtook them, they started shooting at the Land Cruiser because the bullets pierced through the rear portion of that vehicle,” Soria said in Filipino when interviewed by phone yesterday afternoon.
According to police, Matalam is a political rival of the father and son tandem of Macabangen and Utto Montawal, the incumbent vice mayor and mayor of Pagulangan, respectively. Andoy is reportedly a known staunch supporter of the Montawals.
Police said Matalam ran against but lost to Utto Montawal in the mayoralty race in Pagulangan last May 14, 2007 elections.
In April of this year, supporters of Matalam and the Montawals already figured in a firefight, police recounted.
Soria said Wednesday’s shootout lasted no more than 15 minutes, leaving seven members of Andoy’s group dead, as well as the driver/bodyguard of Matalam, and two civilians who were caught in the crossfire.
Soria said it was unfortunate that a passenger jeepney bound for Kabacan town proper passed by the encounter site from the opposite direction, that was why aside from two of its passengers getting killed, a male toddler was also slightly hurt.
Aside from the young boy, Matalam and his wife were also injured, said Soria. The Matalams were rushed to a hospital in Davao City for medical treatment.
Soria said recovered from the place of the firefight were empty shells for M14, M16 and Garand rifles.
The fighters from both parties were also wearing military uniforms, preventing five CAFGU personnel stationed nearby from responding at the height of the firefight.
When the exchange of gunfires subsided, all but the Land Cruiser sped off to different directions, Soria said.
Soria said responding elements from the 602nd Brigade, and the 7th, 57th, and 38th Infantry Battalions only caught up with Matalam and his Land Cruiser, and all the dead bodies when they arrived at the scene of the shootout.
Police is now investigating the incident for the filing of possible charges against those responsible for the death of the 10, especially the civilians./DMS
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Crime rate from January to July consistently went down since 2005 to this year, says PNP
By Ronron
September 18, 2007
The volume of crimes from January to July in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, has consistently gone down due to efficient police measures, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Tuesday.
Based on the data presented by Director Jefferson Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), total crime volume for the first seven months of 2005, 2006 and 2007 exhibited a downward trend, at an annual rate of 7.58 percent.
Soriano said that for 2005, there were 45,964 crimes reported; for 2006, there were 42,141; and for 2007, there were only 39,261.
In particular, he said that index crimes (murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, and theft) went down from 26,115 in 2005, to 25,134 in 2006, and to 22,280 in 2007.
Street crimes also posted a decline over the three-year period, from 8,609 in 2005, to 6,769 in 2006, and to 6,150 in 2007.
“This (downtrend) is because of our pro-active programs like increased police visibility, deployment of motorcycle cops, walking the beat program, implementation of containment rings like checkpoints and chokepoints, non-stop manhunt operations, deployment of secret marshals, night-watch program, and our community linkages,” Soriano explained.
But while there is a downtrend in the volume of crimes, the PNP conceded that there is also a drop in its crime solution efficiency, from 88.57 percent in 2005, to 88.28 percent in 2006, and to 88.15 percent in 2007. This means that not much crime incidents were solved by the PNP this year compared to the previous years.
Soriano failed to explain this slight reduction.
Meanwhile, the PNP announced that effective 12 noon yesterday (Tuesday), the alert status all over the country, except for Metro Manila and the Special Action Force, is already back to normal level.
The alert in Metro Manila and the SAF, at the same time, is down from full to heightened level.
“We do not see a big threat anymore and the issues involving pro-Erap groups have already subsided so we recommended for the downgrade of the alert,” said Director Wilfredo Garcia, chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations.
The PNP raised its alert to full status last week in preparation for any outburst by supporters of former President Joseph Estrada due to his conviction for plunder at the Sandiganbayan.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, for its part, has yet to fully bring to normal status its alert in Metro Manila as it is yet to finish its assessment of the prevailing situation./DMS
September 18, 2007
The volume of crimes from January to July in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, has consistently gone down due to efficient police measures, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Tuesday.
Based on the data presented by Director Jefferson Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), total crime volume for the first seven months of 2005, 2006 and 2007 exhibited a downward trend, at an annual rate of 7.58 percent.
Soriano said that for 2005, there were 45,964 crimes reported; for 2006, there were 42,141; and for 2007, there were only 39,261.
In particular, he said that index crimes (murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, and theft) went down from 26,115 in 2005, to 25,134 in 2006, and to 22,280 in 2007.
Street crimes also posted a decline over the three-year period, from 8,609 in 2005, to 6,769 in 2006, and to 6,150 in 2007.
“This (downtrend) is because of our pro-active programs like increased police visibility, deployment of motorcycle cops, walking the beat program, implementation of containment rings like checkpoints and chokepoints, non-stop manhunt operations, deployment of secret marshals, night-watch program, and our community linkages,” Soriano explained.
But while there is a downtrend in the volume of crimes, the PNP conceded that there is also a drop in its crime solution efficiency, from 88.57 percent in 2005, to 88.28 percent in 2006, and to 88.15 percent in 2007. This means that not much crime incidents were solved by the PNP this year compared to the previous years.
Soriano failed to explain this slight reduction.
Meanwhile, the PNP announced that effective 12 noon yesterday (Tuesday), the alert status all over the country, except for Metro Manila and the Special Action Force, is already back to normal level.
The alert in Metro Manila and the SAF, at the same time, is down from full to heightened level.
“We do not see a big threat anymore and the issues involving pro-Erap groups have already subsided so we recommended for the downgrade of the alert,” said Director Wilfredo Garcia, chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations.
The PNP raised its alert to full status last week in preparation for any outburst by supporters of former President Joseph Estrada due to his conviction for plunder at the Sandiganbayan.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, for its part, has yet to fully bring to normal status its alert in Metro Manila as it is yet to finish its assessment of the prevailing situation./DMS
Another bus blown up in South Cotabato
By Ronron
September 18, 2007
Another unit of the Yellow Bus Line was blown up Tuesday morning in Koronadal City, South Cotabato by suspected extortionists, police said.
But there were no reported casualties, nor any major damages on the bus as “it is safe to say that it was not meant to harm,” said city police director Supt. Florendo Quidilla, Jr.
Quidilla said the explosion happened inside Yellow Bus Line Unit A-106, an air-conditioned bus, while it was parked at the Yellow Bus Terminal along General Santos Drive in Koronadal City.
The incident occurred at around 10:47 am, minutes after the air-conditioned bus arrived from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and while a few more passengers are alighting.
The suspect/s allegedly used a “cellphone-operated explosive device,” placed at seat row 18 of the bus, which is near the rear portion.
Quidilla said only a small hole was left at the seat after the blast.
“We don’t know yet if it was triggered by a call or it was already timed,” he said.
The police chief said they are linking the incident to the extortion try of the Al-Khobar Group since a person, who claimed to be a member of said group, immediately called the bus line management at 2pm.
Police are now investigating who could have left the device, noting that it was a non-stop bus from Tacurong City to Koronadal City.
Yellow bus line units have been bombed since July of this year, hurting only a few people./DMS
September 18, 2007
Another unit of the Yellow Bus Line was blown up Tuesday morning in Koronadal City, South Cotabato by suspected extortionists, police said.
But there were no reported casualties, nor any major damages on the bus as “it is safe to say that it was not meant to harm,” said city police director Supt. Florendo Quidilla, Jr.
Quidilla said the explosion happened inside Yellow Bus Line Unit A-106, an air-conditioned bus, while it was parked at the Yellow Bus Terminal along General Santos Drive in Koronadal City.
The incident occurred at around 10:47 am, minutes after the air-conditioned bus arrived from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and while a few more passengers are alighting.
The suspect/s allegedly used a “cellphone-operated explosive device,” placed at seat row 18 of the bus, which is near the rear portion.
Quidilla said only a small hole was left at the seat after the blast.
“We don’t know yet if it was triggered by a call or it was already timed,” he said.
The police chief said they are linking the incident to the extortion try of the Al-Khobar Group since a person, who claimed to be a member of said group, immediately called the bus line management at 2pm.
Police are now investigating who could have left the device, noting that it was a non-stop bus from Tacurong City to Koronadal City.
Yellow bus line units have been bombed since July of this year, hurting only a few people./DMS
Four suspected car thieves of the van of MMDA exec’s daughter nabbed in San Juan
By Ronron
September 18, 2007
Police have apprehended four men who were said to be responsible for the carjacking Monday of the van of the daughter of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Traffic Operations Center Director Angelito Vergel de Dios.
The four were nabbed at around 9pm Monday in San Juan, Metro Manila, less than 12 hours since they forcibly took the black Hyundai Starex van of Czarina Rose de Dios, 26, at a carwash shop along Visayas Avenue in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City.
Traffic Management Group (TMG) Director Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad presented the four yesterday before the media at Camp Crame, along with the firearms seized from them and the recovered van, and another vehicle they also purportedly stole.
The four were identified as Dennis Ignacio, alias Daga; Eduardo Bonifacio; Edmond Bonifacio; and Ronald Berber. Recovered from them were three unlincensed Colt Mark IV caliber 45 pistols, two hand grenades, and six magazines for caliber 45 loaded with ammunitions.
Paul Anthony Calimag, the driver of the van, positively identified three of the four suspects as those who held him at gunpoint from the Boom Carwash and took the vehicle heading towards the north direction.
Palad said that immediately after learning the incident, a flash alarm was given to all police units to check out black Starex vans, particularly that which has plate number ZGZ-711.
Police initially thought that the suspects would take the van to Region III after they dropped Calimag in Novaliches, Quezon City, near Valenzuela City.
Palad said that tt around 9pm, a TMG mobile crew spotted a black-colored Starex van with plate number ZDX-923 cruising along Greenhills Avenue in San Juan, driven by a man later identified as Ignacio.
A few minutes later, a Mitsubishi Adventure bearing plate number ZFC-690, with three men and a woman aboard it, drive side by side the said Starex van, and instructed the latter’s driver to stop. The woman was later found out to be a 17-year-old niece of Eduardo Bonifacio.
Palad said the TMG mobile crew then noticed that Ignacio, while transferring to the Adventure, was sporting a gun on his waistline. The Adventure then sped off, giving the TMG personnel the opportunity to check the Starex van.
Meanwhile, other TMG operatives tailed the Adventure until Connecticut Street, near EDSA where they flagged it down. The people aboard it peacefully complied and surrendered without firing a shot. They were then taken to the TMG headquarters in Camp Crame for further investigation, Palad said.
Palad explained that Ignacio purposely left the Starex van because it was supposed to be picked up by its buyer. He said that it is part of the modus operandi of carnappers to find a buyer before taking a vehicle. The Starex van of de Dios was reportedly sold already for P100,000 to a buyer that is still being investigated by the police.
Palad said that a check made with the plate ZDX-923 showed that it was registered to a 2006 Model Toyota Fortuner that was included in the list of wanted/stolen motor vehicles of the TMG. It is owned by a certain Juliana Adora of Commonwealth, Quezon City and was stolen last January 30, 2007 along Mayon Street in Quezon City.
The Starex van’s chassis and engine numbers also showed that it is the same make and type of motor vehicle that was taken from Calimag. Its original plate, ZGZ-711, was found inside the van.
A check made with the Adventure also revealed that it is owned by a certain Herminia Isail of Caloocan City, and was believed to have been carjacked also. Police are still awaiting Isail to appear before them to shed light on the involvement of her vehicle.
Palad disclosed, meanwhile, that the four suspects allegedly have links with the Abuyog Criminal Gang. They allegedly claimed to have forcibly taken also two Fortuner, three other Starex vans, and one Honda CRV, all now subject of follow up operations by the TMG.
Palad said the four suspects will be charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and violation of the Anti-Carnapping Law.
The female minor, on the other hand, may be used as witness against the four, since she claims she only accompanied her uncle in search for money, without knowing that they were already in an illegal operation./DMS
September 18, 2007
Police have apprehended four men who were said to be responsible for the carjacking Monday of the van of the daughter of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Traffic Operations Center Director Angelito Vergel de Dios.
The four were nabbed at around 9pm Monday in San Juan, Metro Manila, less than 12 hours since they forcibly took the black Hyundai Starex van of Czarina Rose de Dios, 26, at a carwash shop along Visayas Avenue in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City.
Traffic Management Group (TMG) Director Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad presented the four yesterday before the media at Camp Crame, along with the firearms seized from them and the recovered van, and another vehicle they also purportedly stole.
The four were identified as Dennis Ignacio, alias Daga; Eduardo Bonifacio; Edmond Bonifacio; and Ronald Berber. Recovered from them were three unlincensed Colt Mark IV caliber 45 pistols, two hand grenades, and six magazines for caliber 45 loaded with ammunitions.
Paul Anthony Calimag, the driver of the van, positively identified three of the four suspects as those who held him at gunpoint from the Boom Carwash and took the vehicle heading towards the north direction.
Palad said that immediately after learning the incident, a flash alarm was given to all police units to check out black Starex vans, particularly that which has plate number ZGZ-711.
Police initially thought that the suspects would take the van to Region III after they dropped Calimag in Novaliches, Quezon City, near Valenzuela City.
Palad said that tt around 9pm, a TMG mobile crew spotted a black-colored Starex van with plate number ZDX-923 cruising along Greenhills Avenue in San Juan, driven by a man later identified as Ignacio.
A few minutes later, a Mitsubishi Adventure bearing plate number ZFC-690, with three men and a woman aboard it, drive side by side the said Starex van, and instructed the latter’s driver to stop. The woman was later found out to be a 17-year-old niece of Eduardo Bonifacio.
Palad said the TMG mobile crew then noticed that Ignacio, while transferring to the Adventure, was sporting a gun on his waistline. The Adventure then sped off, giving the TMG personnel the opportunity to check the Starex van.
Meanwhile, other TMG operatives tailed the Adventure until Connecticut Street, near EDSA where they flagged it down. The people aboard it peacefully complied and surrendered without firing a shot. They were then taken to the TMG headquarters in Camp Crame for further investigation, Palad said.
Palad explained that Ignacio purposely left the Starex van because it was supposed to be picked up by its buyer. He said that it is part of the modus operandi of carnappers to find a buyer before taking a vehicle. The Starex van of de Dios was reportedly sold already for P100,000 to a buyer that is still being investigated by the police.
Palad said that a check made with the plate ZDX-923 showed that it was registered to a 2006 Model Toyota Fortuner that was included in the list of wanted/stolen motor vehicles of the TMG. It is owned by a certain Juliana Adora of Commonwealth, Quezon City and was stolen last January 30, 2007 along Mayon Street in Quezon City.
The Starex van’s chassis and engine numbers also showed that it is the same make and type of motor vehicle that was taken from Calimag. Its original plate, ZGZ-711, was found inside the van.
A check made with the Adventure also revealed that it is owned by a certain Herminia Isail of Caloocan City, and was believed to have been carjacked also. Police are still awaiting Isail to appear before them to shed light on the involvement of her vehicle.
Palad disclosed, meanwhile, that the four suspects allegedly have links with the Abuyog Criminal Gang. They allegedly claimed to have forcibly taken also two Fortuner, three other Starex vans, and one Honda CRV, all now subject of follow up operations by the TMG.
Palad said the four suspects will be charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and violation of the Anti-Carnapping Law.
The female minor, on the other hand, may be used as witness against the four, since she claims she only accompanied her uncle in search for money, without knowing that they were already in an illegal operation./DMS
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Car of MMDA official’s daughter taken by armed men in QC
By Ronron
September 17, 2007
The car of the daughter of an official of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was the latest target of carjackers in Metro Manila after it was successfully seized by four suspects on Monday morning.
Police said the Starex van (plate number ZGZ-711) of Csarina Rose de Dios, daughter of MMDA Traffic Operations Center Director Angelito Vergel de Dios, was being washed at the Boom Carwash along Visayas Avenue in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City when forcibly taken by four armed men.
The incident happened at around 10:15 am yesterday, said PO3 Ted Bacolod of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Anti-Carnapping Unit.
At the time, Bacolod said only Paul Anthony Calimag, 35, an MMDA driver, was in charge of the vehicle as the younger de Dios was not around.
Bacolold said two of the four suspects first came up to Calimag. When the driver resisted, the remaining two suspects arrived, forcing him to give in to the pressure. Calimag claimed to police that each suspect was armed with a short firearm.
The four then drove off towards the north direction, bringing along Calimag. Calimag said he was released unharmed somewhere in Valenzuela City, as the suspects headed most probably to Region III area.
A follow up operation is now ongoing, said Bacolod.
“We would like to remind the public to take extra caution because carjacking incidents are now happening during daytime. They should always be aware of their surroundings, watch out for suspicious people or vehicles nearby,” Bacolod said.
Quezon City was once tagged as the carnapping capital of the Philippines due to several cases reported./DMS
September 17, 2007
The car of the daughter of an official of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was the latest target of carjackers in Metro Manila after it was successfully seized by four suspects on Monday morning.
Police said the Starex van (plate number ZGZ-711) of Csarina Rose de Dios, daughter of MMDA Traffic Operations Center Director Angelito Vergel de Dios, was being washed at the Boom Carwash along Visayas Avenue in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City when forcibly taken by four armed men.
The incident happened at around 10:15 am yesterday, said PO3 Ted Bacolod of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Anti-Carnapping Unit.
At the time, Bacolod said only Paul Anthony Calimag, 35, an MMDA driver, was in charge of the vehicle as the younger de Dios was not around.
Bacolold said two of the four suspects first came up to Calimag. When the driver resisted, the remaining two suspects arrived, forcing him to give in to the pressure. Calimag claimed to police that each suspect was armed with a short firearm.
The four then drove off towards the north direction, bringing along Calimag. Calimag said he was released unharmed somewhere in Valenzuela City, as the suspects headed most probably to Region III area.
A follow up operation is now ongoing, said Bacolod.
“We would like to remind the public to take extra caution because carjacking incidents are now happening during daytime. They should always be aware of their surroundings, watch out for suspicious people or vehicles nearby,” Bacolod said.
Quezon City was once tagged as the carnapping capital of the Philippines due to several cases reported./DMS
Military lowers alert level as situation normalizes
By Ronron
September 17, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has lowered its alert level over the weekend as it saw the situation to have normalized following the promulgation last week of the Sandiganbayan’s decision on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada.
AFP Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Monday that the alert, except for the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM), has been lowered nationwide from red to blue effective 6am last Saturday after assessing that no more untoward incident could happen.
“We do not see any violence that could happen… We could see that everything is quite calm now,” Bacarro told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
NCRCOM PIO 1Lt. Garysande Mamaludin, in a separate interview, said the alert in Metro Manila may be brought down to blue level later on Monday.
But Bacarro said the military will continue monitoring the situation, especially that text messages regarding destabilization efforts continue to circulate among the ranks of the AFP.
Bacarro disclosed that the text messages that supposedly come from AFP personnel obviously intend to cause divisiveness within the military.
“They’re using issues of useless death of soldiers due to lack of logistical support, so on and so forth. That’s the basic thing. They ride on issues within the Armed Forces of the Philippines and they take advantage of this, creating an atmosphere of divisiveness within the organization,” Bacarro said.
One of the text message that Bacarro received reads: “Dear countrymen, a crisis of horrific proportion has hit our nation. No less than our Senate has called for an investigation. You, as citizens, are called upon to make a choice to decide the fate of our beleaguered nation. Make the patriotic choice now for our people, country and God. Now is the time to remove the cancer in our society. It’s time now to remove GMA and all her evil minions that cause irreparable in our country. We at AFP and PNP need you now more than ever.”
He said there are efforts now being done to identify the source of the text messages since the phone numbers come from anonymous source.
Bacarro, nevertheless, assured that no soldier will be lured into joining any anti-government movement, citing “how professional the AFP is now.”
“The soldiers are fed up with this already. Many of those I talk to who have received this kind of text message do not even waste their time reading it, more so, send it to others,” Bacarro said./DMS
September 17, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has lowered its alert level over the weekend as it saw the situation to have normalized following the promulgation last week of the Sandiganbayan’s decision on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada.
AFP Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said Monday that the alert, except for the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM), has been lowered nationwide from red to blue effective 6am last Saturday after assessing that no more untoward incident could happen.
“We do not see any violence that could happen… We could see that everything is quite calm now,” Bacarro told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
NCRCOM PIO 1Lt. Garysande Mamaludin, in a separate interview, said the alert in Metro Manila may be brought down to blue level later on Monday.
But Bacarro said the military will continue monitoring the situation, especially that text messages regarding destabilization efforts continue to circulate among the ranks of the AFP.
Bacarro disclosed that the text messages that supposedly come from AFP personnel obviously intend to cause divisiveness within the military.
“They’re using issues of useless death of soldiers due to lack of logistical support, so on and so forth. That’s the basic thing. They ride on issues within the Armed Forces of the Philippines and they take advantage of this, creating an atmosphere of divisiveness within the organization,” Bacarro said.
One of the text message that Bacarro received reads: “Dear countrymen, a crisis of horrific proportion has hit our nation. No less than our Senate has called for an investigation. You, as citizens, are called upon to make a choice to decide the fate of our beleaguered nation. Make the patriotic choice now for our people, country and God. Now is the time to remove the cancer in our society. It’s time now to remove GMA and all her evil minions that cause irreparable in our country. We at AFP and PNP need you now more than ever.”
He said there are efforts now being done to identify the source of the text messages since the phone numbers come from anonymous source.
Bacarro, nevertheless, assured that no soldier will be lured into joining any anti-government movement, citing “how professional the AFP is now.”
“The soldiers are fed up with this already. Many of those I talk to who have received this kind of text message do not even waste their time reading it, more so, send it to others,” Bacarro said./DMS
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Joma Sison could order anew the NPA to attack government posts and private installations – PNP
By Ronron
September 14, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has alerted its men for possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) now that communist leader Jose Maria Sison is again capable of allegedly ordering for it.
PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia told reporters in Camp Crame Friday that it is possible Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), could issue again an order to its armed fighters in the country to carry out more offensives.
“The probable impact (of his release) is Joma Sison could order for a widespread offensive against the police and armed forces, and that is what we are preparing for,” Garcia said.
“We are making necessary preparations for our police stations, as well as cellsites, towers, plants, which they also attack,” he added.
Sison was released last Thursday by the Dutch police after the judge hearing his case found insufficient evidence that he ordered the killings of former communist rebel leader Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City.
The case filed by the widows of Kintanar and Tabara prompted the arrest of Sison last August 28.
Garcia said the office of the National Security Adviser is now addressing the security requirements for these widows, as well as other witnesses.
Asked if the PNP will raise again its alert level to full status because of Sison’s release, Garcia said: “We will not raise it anymore because we have not received a confirmed information that there will actually be a massive offensive of the NPA.”
After going on full alert status a few days ago due to several upcoming events, particularly the handing down of the verdict against former President Joseph Estrada, the PNP downgraded on Thursday afternoon its alert to heightened level, except for Metro Manila and the Special Action Force, sensing the normalcy of the prevailing situation.
As to the case of Sison, Garcia said the PNP respects the decision of the Dutch government to release him even as he maintained that the evidence the PNP shared with the Dutch police and prosecutors are strong enough to pin Sison down.
“We are confident in so far as our evidence against Joma is concerned. Only, it could be that the standard of the Dutch government’s appreciation of our evidence is different from the standard we are using in the Philippines,” Garcia said.
“But on the part of the Philippine government, if they need additional evidence to further strengthen the case, then we will try to help,” he added.
The Dutch authorities began investigating the case against Sison in November of 2005, and it was immediately followed by frequent visits to and communication with the PNP starting January 2006 until July of this year for evidence gathering./DMS
September 14, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has alerted its men for possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) now that communist leader Jose Maria Sison is again capable of allegedly ordering for it.
PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia told reporters in Camp Crame Friday that it is possible Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), could issue again an order to its armed fighters in the country to carry out more offensives.
“The probable impact (of his release) is Joma Sison could order for a widespread offensive against the police and armed forces, and that is what we are preparing for,” Garcia said.
“We are making necessary preparations for our police stations, as well as cellsites, towers, plants, which they also attack,” he added.
Sison was released last Thursday by the Dutch police after the judge hearing his case found insufficient evidence that he ordered the killings of former communist rebel leader Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City.
The case filed by the widows of Kintanar and Tabara prompted the arrest of Sison last August 28.
Garcia said the office of the National Security Adviser is now addressing the security requirements for these widows, as well as other witnesses.
Asked if the PNP will raise again its alert level to full status because of Sison’s release, Garcia said: “We will not raise it anymore because we have not received a confirmed information that there will actually be a massive offensive of the NPA.”
After going on full alert status a few days ago due to several upcoming events, particularly the handing down of the verdict against former President Joseph Estrada, the PNP downgraded on Thursday afternoon its alert to heightened level, except for Metro Manila and the Special Action Force, sensing the normalcy of the prevailing situation.
As to the case of Sison, Garcia said the PNP respects the decision of the Dutch government to release him even as he maintained that the evidence the PNP shared with the Dutch police and prosecutors are strong enough to pin Sison down.
“We are confident in so far as our evidence against Joma is concerned. Only, it could be that the standard of the Dutch government’s appreciation of our evidence is different from the standard we are using in the Philippines,” Garcia said.
“But on the part of the Philippine government, if they need additional evidence to further strengthen the case, then we will try to help,” he added.
The Dutch authorities began investigating the case against Sison in November of 2005, and it was immediately followed by frequent visits to and communication with the PNP starting January 2006 until July of this year for evidence gathering./DMS
Four MILF members yield in Manila
By Ronron
September 14, 2007
Four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) surrendered last Thursday to Army troopers in Tondo, Manila City in time for the start of the holy Islam month of Ramadan, officials said yesterday.
Philippine Army Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion commander Col. Ricardo Visaya said the four, who used to belong to the 2nd Battalion, 201st Infantry Brigade of the MILF, gave up “in time with Ramadan, to observe peace.”
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. identified them as Camisa Baguilan, alias jaron, 38, the battalion commander; Bombay Dagandal, 27; Abolia Tagay, 25; and, Rodin Pagabangan, 25.
They surrendered to the joint personnel of the 1st Community Development Company under Maj. Nelson dela Cruz at Baseco Compound, Visaya said.
Torres said the four also surrendered one M16 rifle with one long magazine; a shotgun with two live ammunition; one Thompson with one magazine; and, two caliber 45 pistols with two magazines and 14 rounds of ammunition.
Visaya said the four had been in Manila since 2002, hoping to rest from violence after being involved in several fighting in Maguindanao.
He said the four claimed to have other companions in Metro Manila and there are efforts now to convince them to surrender as well.
Visaya said the four initially claimed to have no links with the Jemaah Islamiyah or the Rajah Solaiman Movement, but authorities are validating it. The same thing is being done if they have existing cases in court.
The four also claimed to have no plans of launching violence in the metropolis.
“After their fighting in Maguindanao, they wanted to rest so they hid anywhere, like Baseco, Cavite and Quezon City… They said their source of living here is from being pedicab drivers,” Visaya said.
Visaya said the four will be paid for the firearms they surrendered, under the “Balik-Baril Program.”
He said the surrender of the four is one of the tangible positive results of the deployment of soldiers in Metro Manila, which started in November last year. “You could see here their trust for our men,” said Visaya.
The four are currently under the custody of the CMO battalion for custodial debriefing.
A few months ago, nine Moslem rebels also surrendered to the CMO troops in Tondo./DMS
September 14, 2007
Four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) surrendered last Thursday to Army troopers in Tondo, Manila City in time for the start of the holy Islam month of Ramadan, officials said yesterday.
Philippine Army Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion commander Col. Ricardo Visaya said the four, who used to belong to the 2nd Battalion, 201st Infantry Brigade of the MILF, gave up “in time with Ramadan, to observe peace.”
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. identified them as Camisa Baguilan, alias jaron, 38, the battalion commander; Bombay Dagandal, 27; Abolia Tagay, 25; and, Rodin Pagabangan, 25.
They surrendered to the joint personnel of the 1st Community Development Company under Maj. Nelson dela Cruz at Baseco Compound, Visaya said.
Torres said the four also surrendered one M16 rifle with one long magazine; a shotgun with two live ammunition; one Thompson with one magazine; and, two caliber 45 pistols with two magazines and 14 rounds of ammunition.
Visaya said the four had been in Manila since 2002, hoping to rest from violence after being involved in several fighting in Maguindanao.
He said the four claimed to have other companions in Metro Manila and there are efforts now to convince them to surrender as well.
Visaya said the four initially claimed to have no links with the Jemaah Islamiyah or the Rajah Solaiman Movement, but authorities are validating it. The same thing is being done if they have existing cases in court.
The four also claimed to have no plans of launching violence in the metropolis.
“After their fighting in Maguindanao, they wanted to rest so they hid anywhere, like Baseco, Cavite and Quezon City… They said their source of living here is from being pedicab drivers,” Visaya said.
Visaya said the four will be paid for the firearms they surrendered, under the “Balik-Baril Program.”
He said the surrender of the four is one of the tangible positive results of the deployment of soldiers in Metro Manila, which started in November last year. “You could see here their trust for our men,” said Visaya.
The four are currently under the custody of the CMO battalion for custodial debriefing.
A few months ago, nine Moslem rebels also surrendered to the CMO troops in Tondo./DMS
Friday, September 14, 2007
PNP lowers alert level after Erap verdict day
Ronron
September 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) lowered effective Thursday afternoon its alert to the second of three-levels after observing a return to normalcy of the situation following the conviction the other day of former President Joseph Estrada for plunder.
The downgrading of the full alert to heightened alert status, however, does not include the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Special Action Force (SAF), said PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia.
“With the situation going normal after the promulgation of judgment on the plunder case against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, the alert status of the (PNP) is hereby downgraded from alert to heightened alert status effective 2pm today, September 13, 2007, except for NCRPO and SAF, (which) will remain at full alert status,” said Garcia in a memorandum he issued yesterday afternoon.
But despite the lowering of the alert level, Garcia said all regional directors “are directed to continue providing security to all vital installations, economic key points, places of convergence, and other probably and vulnerable targets.”
He said they should also continue to “intensify information and intelligence gathering to address security threats in their respective AOR’s (Areas of Responsibility).”
Should the situation calls for a raising of the alert level, Garcia said the regional commanders have the “discretion” to do so.
As for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the alert level remains on full alert as of Thursday. The AFP had earlier said that its alert will depend on the action of the PNP.
The police and military went on full alert a few days ago in preparation for the handing down of the Sandiganbayan’s verdict against Estrada, the 9/11 terrorist attack anniversary, possible attacks by terrorists due to the offensives in Basilan and Sulu, and possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) due to the apprehension of Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands./DMS
September 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) lowered effective Thursday afternoon its alert to the second of three-levels after observing a return to normalcy of the situation following the conviction the other day of former President Joseph Estrada for plunder.
The downgrading of the full alert to heightened alert status, however, does not include the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Special Action Force (SAF), said PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia.
“With the situation going normal after the promulgation of judgment on the plunder case against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, the alert status of the (PNP) is hereby downgraded from alert to heightened alert status effective 2pm today, September 13, 2007, except for NCRPO and SAF, (which) will remain at full alert status,” said Garcia in a memorandum he issued yesterday afternoon.
But despite the lowering of the alert level, Garcia said all regional directors “are directed to continue providing security to all vital installations, economic key points, places of convergence, and other probably and vulnerable targets.”
He said they should also continue to “intensify information and intelligence gathering to address security threats in their respective AOR’s (Areas of Responsibility).”
Should the situation calls for a raising of the alert level, Garcia said the regional commanders have the “discretion” to do so.
As for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the alert level remains on full alert as of Thursday. The AFP had earlier said that its alert will depend on the action of the PNP.
The police and military went on full alert a few days ago in preparation for the handing down of the Sandiganbayan’s verdict against Estrada, the 9/11 terrorist attack anniversary, possible attacks by terrorists due to the offensives in Basilan and Sulu, and possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) due to the apprehension of Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands./DMS
Comelec gunban starts September 29
By Ronron
September 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will start implementing on September 29 the nationwide gunban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the October 29 polls for village and youth officials.
PNP Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) head Chief Supt. Florencio Caccam, Jr. said Thursday that this is in compliance with Comelec Resolution No. 8301, which states that the gunban takes effect from September 29 until November 13 of this year.
Within the said period, Caccam said all types of firearms like air guns, side arms, long firearms, and grenades, are not allowed to be brought outside of the holder’s homes or offices.
“All permit-to-carry (PTC) firearms are suspended for the duration of the gunban, unless they have a written permission from the Comelec,” Caccam said a phone interview.
Members of the PNP, for their part, will only be authorized to bring their service firearms while they are in the performance of their duty, including while they are on their way to office or back home. They must also be in uniform.
Caccam said anybody caught violating the gunban will be slapped with charges for violation of the Omnibus Election Code, which carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 17 years./DMS
September 13, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will start implementing on September 29 the nationwide gunban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the October 29 polls for village and youth officials.
PNP Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) head Chief Supt. Florencio Caccam, Jr. said Thursday that this is in compliance with Comelec Resolution No. 8301, which states that the gunban takes effect from September 29 until November 13 of this year.
Within the said period, Caccam said all types of firearms like air guns, side arms, long firearms, and grenades, are not allowed to be brought outside of the holder’s homes or offices.
“All permit-to-carry (PTC) firearms are suspended for the duration of the gunban, unless they have a written permission from the Comelec,” Caccam said a phone interview.
Members of the PNP, for their part, will only be authorized to bring their service firearms while they are in the performance of their duty, including while they are on their way to office or back home. They must also be in uniform.
Caccam said anybody caught violating the gunban will be slapped with charges for violation of the Omnibus Election Code, which carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 17 years./DMS
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Three US Navy ships in RP for “goodwill visit”
By Ronron
September 12, 2007
Three US Navy ships are in Philippine waters to pay “goodwill visit,” official said Wednesday.
The three ships were identified as USS Milius (DDG-69), which is based in San Diego, California; USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93), based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and USS Chosin (CG-65), also based in Pearl Harbor.
A US Embassy statement said USS Milius and USS Chung-Hoon arrived in Manila yesterday, while USS Chosin is set to arrive in Cebu today (Thursday). The three will be in the country until the 16th.
“These visits reflect the longstanding military, historical and personal ties between our two countries as well as our continued commitment to work together to assist people in need of humanitarian outreach,” the US embassy statement reads.
It said that during the visit, the commanding officers of the ships will turn over “a variety of items donated by the American people, including toys, library books, and medical supplies to the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development for distribution to those less fortunate.”
Sailors from the vessels will also be participating in Gawad Kalinga projects of building homes for local citizens.
Lt. Col. Doug Smith, Public Affairs Officer of the US Joint Special Operations Task Force, said there are no military exercises during this visit, as it is purely a “routine port visit.”
But Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO), said there could be “goodwill games” with their Filipino counterparts, like the Passage Exercise wherein the foreign vessel will pass through with local Navy vessels as its escort.
He said the Philippine Naval Reserve Officers Training Course students will also be given the opportunity to have a guided tour inside the vessels, as well as some local schools in Metro Manila.
Bacarro said he cannot disclose the number of personnel aboard each ship for security reasons.
He assured there are no nuclear weapons aboard the ships when asked about it.
“The American people are committed to working with our friends and partners in the Philippines,” US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney said in the same statement.
“These ships that are visiting the Philippines demonstrate the strength of our partnership, and I know that the dedicated men and women on board are looking forward to seeing this beautiful country,” she continued.
The US Embassy statement said the ships belong to the US 7th Fleet, but did not specify if they came from their respective bases prior to their arrival in the Philippines./DMS
September 12, 2007
Three US Navy ships are in Philippine waters to pay “goodwill visit,” official said Wednesday.
The three ships were identified as USS Milius (DDG-69), which is based in San Diego, California; USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93), based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and USS Chosin (CG-65), also based in Pearl Harbor.
A US Embassy statement said USS Milius and USS Chung-Hoon arrived in Manila yesterday, while USS Chosin is set to arrive in Cebu today (Thursday). The three will be in the country until the 16th.
“These visits reflect the longstanding military, historical and personal ties between our two countries as well as our continued commitment to work together to assist people in need of humanitarian outreach,” the US embassy statement reads.
It said that during the visit, the commanding officers of the ships will turn over “a variety of items donated by the American people, including toys, library books, and medical supplies to the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development for distribution to those less fortunate.”
Sailors from the vessels will also be participating in Gawad Kalinga projects of building homes for local citizens.
Lt. Col. Doug Smith, Public Affairs Officer of the US Joint Special Operations Task Force, said there are no military exercises during this visit, as it is purely a “routine port visit.”
But Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO), said there could be “goodwill games” with their Filipino counterparts, like the Passage Exercise wherein the foreign vessel will pass through with local Navy vessels as its escort.
He said the Philippine Naval Reserve Officers Training Course students will also be given the opportunity to have a guided tour inside the vessels, as well as some local schools in Metro Manila.
Bacarro said he cannot disclose the number of personnel aboard each ship for security reasons.
He assured there are no nuclear weapons aboard the ships when asked about it.
“The American people are committed to working with our friends and partners in the Philippines,” US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney said in the same statement.
“These ships that are visiting the Philippines demonstrate the strength of our partnership, and I know that the dedicated men and women on board are looking forward to seeing this beautiful country,” she continued.
The US Embassy statement said the ships belong to the US 7th Fleet, but did not specify if they came from their respective bases prior to their arrival in the Philippines./DMS
Erap supporters behaved during verdict promulgation – PNP
By Ronron
September 12, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) declared the mass demonstration of former President Joseph Estrada’s supporters yesterday as “generally peaceful,” noting the absence of any untoward incident.
But even as it thanked them “for abiding with the agreement” of staying where they are and not provoking the anti-riot cops, the police will continue to monitor them especially that one of its leaders, Ver Eustaquio of the Union for the Masses of Democracy and Justice (UMDJ), announced that the group will plan about its future actions to protest the guilty verdict against Estrada for plunder.
“Generally, I would say that what happened was peaceful… and I would like to thank the followers of the former President for abiding with the agreement that we have prior to this verdict,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon told a news conference at Camp Crame more than an hour after the Sandiganbayan convicted Estrada for plunder.
About 700 supporters of Estrada gathered along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City yesterday morning to monitor the Sandiganbayan ruling. Calderon said they dispersed voluntarily before lunchtime.
The PNP had said that it will deploy 4,000 cops, while the Armed Forces will place on standby 2,000 of its personnel, during the promulgation of the decision of the anti-graft court on Estrada’s case.
Immediately after the decision was known, Eustaquio said the supporters of Estrada from the masses will plan what they will do in the coming days to show their indignation against the ruling.
“We will continue our coordination with their group for them to remain calm and peaceful so there will be no chaos in their activities. We allow them anyway. But so far, my general guideline is if anybody will violate the law, we will arrest them,” Calderon said.
The police chief said the organization is “ready” to respond to any violent incidents.
He said the rally yesterday was peaceful probably also because the public has recognized that due process was given to the former leader, and that the decision was crafted and issued by “respected members of the court.”
Asked if the lean crowd indicates that anti-government effort is already subsiding, Calderon said: “I don’t want to comment on that. What I can say is the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces and the government are prepared for any violence that may happen, and we will really observe the rule of law.”
He said the PNP will still maintain its red alert status until the local commanders think there is no more threat to security that may warrant for a lowering of the level. The same thing with the military, said AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro.
“In this case, we will be guided by the need of the PNP for our assistance because the PNP is in the lead role while we are in the support role,” Bacarro said in a separate news briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked, meanwhile, if the conviction of Estrada would now make the military organization safe from any adventurism acts, Bacarro said: “We would say that military adventurism – I’m referring to those people in the organization who will be participating in any form of adventurism – will consider that as a thing of the past. And this is manifested by what we can see now as the level of professionalism of our soldiers, that they are no longer easily lured into participating in any type of organization.”
Bacarro refused to comment when asked if the conviction of Estrada justifies the military’s withdrawal of support from him in 2001, saying: “That’s a political question, I would not be in a position to answer that.”
The allegations against Estrada, which was the basis for his conviction, were the same reason he was ousted in January 2001 by a bloodless people power revolt. He was replaced by his vice president then, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The guilty verdict against him carries a penalty of 20 to 40 years of imprisonment./DMS
September 12, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) declared the mass demonstration of former President Joseph Estrada’s supporters yesterday as “generally peaceful,” noting the absence of any untoward incident.
But even as it thanked them “for abiding with the agreement” of staying where they are and not provoking the anti-riot cops, the police will continue to monitor them especially that one of its leaders, Ver Eustaquio of the Union for the Masses of Democracy and Justice (UMDJ), announced that the group will plan about its future actions to protest the guilty verdict against Estrada for plunder.
“Generally, I would say that what happened was peaceful… and I would like to thank the followers of the former President for abiding with the agreement that we have prior to this verdict,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon told a news conference at Camp Crame more than an hour after the Sandiganbayan convicted Estrada for plunder.
About 700 supporters of Estrada gathered along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City yesterday morning to monitor the Sandiganbayan ruling. Calderon said they dispersed voluntarily before lunchtime.
The PNP had said that it will deploy 4,000 cops, while the Armed Forces will place on standby 2,000 of its personnel, during the promulgation of the decision of the anti-graft court on Estrada’s case.
Immediately after the decision was known, Eustaquio said the supporters of Estrada from the masses will plan what they will do in the coming days to show their indignation against the ruling.
“We will continue our coordination with their group for them to remain calm and peaceful so there will be no chaos in their activities. We allow them anyway. But so far, my general guideline is if anybody will violate the law, we will arrest them,” Calderon said.
The police chief said the organization is “ready” to respond to any violent incidents.
He said the rally yesterday was peaceful probably also because the public has recognized that due process was given to the former leader, and that the decision was crafted and issued by “respected members of the court.”
Asked if the lean crowd indicates that anti-government effort is already subsiding, Calderon said: “I don’t want to comment on that. What I can say is the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces and the government are prepared for any violence that may happen, and we will really observe the rule of law.”
He said the PNP will still maintain its red alert status until the local commanders think there is no more threat to security that may warrant for a lowering of the level. The same thing with the military, said AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro.
“In this case, we will be guided by the need of the PNP for our assistance because the PNP is in the lead role while we are in the support role,” Bacarro said in a separate news briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked, meanwhile, if the conviction of Estrada would now make the military organization safe from any adventurism acts, Bacarro said: “We would say that military adventurism – I’m referring to those people in the organization who will be participating in any form of adventurism – will consider that as a thing of the past. And this is manifested by what we can see now as the level of professionalism of our soldiers, that they are no longer easily lured into participating in any type of organization.”
Bacarro refused to comment when asked if the conviction of Estrada justifies the military’s withdrawal of support from him in 2001, saying: “That’s a political question, I would not be in a position to answer that.”
The allegations against Estrada, which was the basis for his conviction, were the same reason he was ousted in January 2001 by a bloodless people power revolt. He was replaced by his vice president then, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The guilty verdict against him carries a penalty of 20 to 40 years of imprisonment./DMS
Saturday, September 8, 2007
PNP to secure Estrada on promulgation of verdict
By Ronron
September 7, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured on Friday that it will ensure the security of former President Joseph Estrada this coming Wednesday when the Sandiganbayan promulgates its ruling on his plunder case.
“We will implement what we have prepared for to ensure that the promulgation will be peaceful and Erap will be secured,” Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., public information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said yesterday after learning of the promulgation schedule.
The PNP had earlier announced that it will be fielding 4,000 personnel on the day of the promulgation of the Sandiganbayan’s decision on Estrada’s case. They will be augmented by some 2,000 personnel from the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director Gen. Reynaldo Varilla had said that the police force in the region could be placed on red alert status one or two days before the promulgation day just to make sure no untoward incident will happen.
As of yesterday, Pagdilao said there is still no advise to raise the alert from the present heightened level.
Officials have said that they are expecting supporters of Estrada to mass up near the Sandiganbayan in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on promulgation day, and they are wary that communist rebels will infiltrate the demonstrators.
But, in a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines, said the fear of the PNP is “baseless” as it is surely from the police ranks that violence will start.
“Gloria Arroyo morbidly fears the renews build up of massive protests demanding her ouster, especially in the face of the revival of the Hello Garci investigations with even more damning evidence and witnesses, and the mounting opposition to the corrupt-ridden broadband deal and other cases of corruption in her government,” CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in the statement.
Rosal called the deployment of a total of 6,000 forces as “exhibiting extreme paranoia” on the part of the government./DMS
September 7, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured on Friday that it will ensure the security of former President Joseph Estrada this coming Wednesday when the Sandiganbayan promulgates its ruling on his plunder case.
“We will implement what we have prepared for to ensure that the promulgation will be peaceful and Erap will be secured,” Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., public information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said yesterday after learning of the promulgation schedule.
The PNP had earlier announced that it will be fielding 4,000 personnel on the day of the promulgation of the Sandiganbayan’s decision on Estrada’s case. They will be augmented by some 2,000 personnel from the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director Gen. Reynaldo Varilla had said that the police force in the region could be placed on red alert status one or two days before the promulgation day just to make sure no untoward incident will happen.
As of yesterday, Pagdilao said there is still no advise to raise the alert from the present heightened level.
Officials have said that they are expecting supporters of Estrada to mass up near the Sandiganbayan in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on promulgation day, and they are wary that communist rebels will infiltrate the demonstrators.
But, in a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines, said the fear of the PNP is “baseless” as it is surely from the police ranks that violence will start.
“Gloria Arroyo morbidly fears the renews build up of massive protests demanding her ouster, especially in the face of the revival of the Hello Garci investigations with even more damning evidence and witnesses, and the mounting opposition to the corrupt-ridden broadband deal and other cases of corruption in her government,” CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in the statement.
Rosal called the deployment of a total of 6,000 forces as “exhibiting extreme paranoia” on the part of the government./DMS
Doble may be held liable for disclosing intel works details – Esperon
By Ronron
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking into the possibility of taking legal action against former intelligence agent Vidal Doble for spilling out information about the activities of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said “some security concerns are unnecessarily prejudiced” with Doble’s appearance yesterday before the Senate wherein he recounted their alleged wiretapping activities during the 2004 elections.
“We are looking at that… Even as a former soldier, he certainly should have some concern for the national security. It’s unimaginable that a former soldier would be indeed crossing lines just to get whatever has motivated him,” Esperon said.
Doble has been removed from the AFP rolls since February of this year because he did not seek for a re-enlistment. He claimed that he started with the organization in 1989.
Doble was the witness in yesterday’s Senate inquiry on the alleged wiretapping incident in 2004.
Asked to comment on Doble’s statements at the Senate, Esperon said: “Let that be proven because as far as I know, the capability is not there.”
But because of his no longer being a member of the AFP, Doble, according to Esperon, cannot be tried in a military tribunal./DMS
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking into the possibility of taking legal action against former intelligence agent Vidal Doble for spilling out information about the activities of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said “some security concerns are unnecessarily prejudiced” with Doble’s appearance yesterday before the Senate wherein he recounted their alleged wiretapping activities during the 2004 elections.
“We are looking at that… Even as a former soldier, he certainly should have some concern for the national security. It’s unimaginable that a former soldier would be indeed crossing lines just to get whatever has motivated him,” Esperon said.
Doble has been removed from the AFP rolls since February of this year because he did not seek for a re-enlistment. He claimed that he started with the organization in 1989.
Doble was the witness in yesterday’s Senate inquiry on the alleged wiretapping incident in 2004.
Asked to comment on Doble’s statements at the Senate, Esperon said: “Let that be proven because as far as I know, the capability is not there.”
But because of his no longer being a member of the AFP, Doble, according to Esperon, cannot be tried in a military tribunal./DMS
AFP to comply with CA order on disclosure of Burgos investigation report
By Ronron
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will comply with the order of the Court of Appeals (CA) for the release of the report of the military’s internal investigation regarding the license plate that was used in the abduction of Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 in Quezon City.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Friday that they will submit a copy of the report to the CA as a sign of respect and recognition to the court order.
“It’s a legal court order so by all means, we have to follow the court order and the laws of the land,” Esperon said.
But the military chief hinted that the family of Burgos may only get frustrated if they find out the content of the report because it only centered on the license plate (TAB-194) that was used in the abduction, and not the actual abduction and disappearance of Burgos.
“The investigation on Jonas Burgos is with the Philippine National Police. Ours was only on the plate number. So our actions will be seen there (in the report) why somebody was relieved,” Esperon said.
“It (AFP investigation) was our way of ascertaining who could have been responsible for the missing plate number. It’s not for the use of the plate number (or) where it was alleged to have been used. That’s completely different. That’s the domain of the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Mrs. Edith Burgos, mother of Jonas, expressed elation upon learning about Esperon’s statement.
“I’m very, very happy that finally, he has seen the light,” Mrs. Burgos said.
But Mrs. Burgos said she will definitely be not disappointed with whatever is the content of the report because she was already aware of the scope of the AFP probe from the start.
“It’s one step forward. It’s an additional link to whatever we have. Remember that only the license plate is our link to the abductors. If we find out the names of those who were investigated, then we will take note of that lead,” she said in a phone interview.
Asked if they will pursue those identified as handlers of the license plates for possible involvement in the abduction of Jonas, Mrs. Esperon said: “I’m sure the court will find something there… Every little thing is important to us.”
The AFP has earlier reprimanded and relieved from their respective posts the following officials for alleged negligence in their job at the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Norzagaray, Bulacan where the license plate was traced after the abduction of Burgos: Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Lt. Col. Noel Clement, Lt. Col. Edison Caga, Cpl. Castro Bugalon and Private First Class Jose Villena.
During a probe by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the five denied any involvement in the abduction of Burgos.
Authorities earlier found out that the license plates belong to an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) that was intercepted on June 24, 2006 in Norzagaray for allegedly transporting illegally-cut forest products. The AUV was impounded at the 56th IB’s camp since then.
It is suspected that the license plates was stolen when the camp was abandoned for a while when the battalion went on field training maneuvers.
Police had earlier presented witnesses claiming that Burgos was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and was snatched by fellow rebels for allegedly pilfering organization funds and slowly turning against the movement.
Mrs. Burgos has belied this and maintained that her son was just providing training on agriculture technology to farmers in Central Luzon./DMS
September 7, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will comply with the order of the Court of Appeals (CA) for the release of the report of the military’s internal investigation regarding the license plate that was used in the abduction of Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 in Quezon City.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Friday that they will submit a copy of the report to the CA as a sign of respect and recognition to the court order.
“It’s a legal court order so by all means, we have to follow the court order and the laws of the land,” Esperon said.
But the military chief hinted that the family of Burgos may only get frustrated if they find out the content of the report because it only centered on the license plate (TAB-194) that was used in the abduction, and not the actual abduction and disappearance of Burgos.
“The investigation on Jonas Burgos is with the Philippine National Police. Ours was only on the plate number. So our actions will be seen there (in the report) why somebody was relieved,” Esperon said.
“It (AFP investigation) was our way of ascertaining who could have been responsible for the missing plate number. It’s not for the use of the plate number (or) where it was alleged to have been used. That’s completely different. That’s the domain of the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Mrs. Edith Burgos, mother of Jonas, expressed elation upon learning about Esperon’s statement.
“I’m very, very happy that finally, he has seen the light,” Mrs. Burgos said.
But Mrs. Burgos said she will definitely be not disappointed with whatever is the content of the report because she was already aware of the scope of the AFP probe from the start.
“It’s one step forward. It’s an additional link to whatever we have. Remember that only the license plate is our link to the abductors. If we find out the names of those who were investigated, then we will take note of that lead,” she said in a phone interview.
Asked if they will pursue those identified as handlers of the license plates for possible involvement in the abduction of Jonas, Mrs. Esperon said: “I’m sure the court will find something there… Every little thing is important to us.”
The AFP has earlier reprimanded and relieved from their respective posts the following officials for alleged negligence in their job at the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Norzagaray, Bulacan where the license plate was traced after the abduction of Burgos: Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Lt. Col. Noel Clement, Lt. Col. Edison Caga, Cpl. Castro Bugalon and Private First Class Jose Villena.
During a probe by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the five denied any involvement in the abduction of Burgos.
Authorities earlier found out that the license plates belong to an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) that was intercepted on June 24, 2006 in Norzagaray for allegedly transporting illegally-cut forest products. The AUV was impounded at the 56th IB’s camp since then.
It is suspected that the license plates was stolen when the camp was abandoned for a while when the battalion went on field training maneuvers.
Police had earlier presented witnesses claiming that Burgos was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and was snatched by fellow rebels for allegedly pilfering organization funds and slowly turning against the movement.
Mrs. Burgos has belied this and maintained that her son was just providing training on agriculture technology to farmers in Central Luzon./DMS
Friday, September 7, 2007
PNP will not order pull out of its peacekeeping force in East Timor
By Ronron
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not order a pull out of its contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, defying a demand of a political group there, which stemmed from an alleged making of a political statement by the contingent head.
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, told Camp Crame reporters Thursday that there will be no recall order unless the United Nations issues one.
“No. That will be based on the decision of the United Nations, and not because of a (demand of a) particular party in East Timor,” Razon said when asked if Supt. Joel Doria or other contingent members will be ordered to return to Manila.
The Department of Foreign Affairs had said that Jose Teixeira, Parliamentarian of Fretilin, one of East Timor’s major political groups, has asked for the recall of Doria for allegedly accusing Fretilin to be involved in organizing violence in East Timor.
Doria’s statement was supposedly found in a Time Magazine article on August 6, 2007.
The DFA said Teixeira went on to call the PNP as “notoriously corrupt” and “with a reputation for brutality.”
“We have asked the contingent to submit a report to our Directorate for Plans with regard to the complaint of Fretilin,” Razon said, adding that an investigation is already being conducted.
Asked about the policy of the PNP as regards political statements, Razon said: “It is an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that the policemen should not get involved in political disputes, whether here in our country or in other countries.”
The DFA had earlier explained that the Philippines is only answerable to the UN and not to the East Timor government with regard to the issue.
It also defended the credibility of the 145 Filipino peacekeepers there, citing even the UN Service Medal award given to them.
The DFA said the Filipino peacekeepers in East Timor will end their tour of duty on October 16, 2007./DMS
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not order a pull out of its contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, defying a demand of a political group there, which stemmed from an alleged making of a political statement by the contingent head.
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, told Camp Crame reporters Thursday that there will be no recall order unless the United Nations issues one.
“No. That will be based on the decision of the United Nations, and not because of a (demand of a) particular party in East Timor,” Razon said when asked if Supt. Joel Doria or other contingent members will be ordered to return to Manila.
The Department of Foreign Affairs had said that Jose Teixeira, Parliamentarian of Fretilin, one of East Timor’s major political groups, has asked for the recall of Doria for allegedly accusing Fretilin to be involved in organizing violence in East Timor.
Doria’s statement was supposedly found in a Time Magazine article on August 6, 2007.
The DFA said Teixeira went on to call the PNP as “notoriously corrupt” and “with a reputation for brutality.”
“We have asked the contingent to submit a report to our Directorate for Plans with regard to the complaint of Fretilin,” Razon said, adding that an investigation is already being conducted.
Asked about the policy of the PNP as regards political statements, Razon said: “It is an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that the policemen should not get involved in political disputes, whether here in our country or in other countries.”
The DFA had earlier explained that the Philippines is only answerable to the UN and not to the East Timor government with regard to the issue.
It also defended the credibility of the 145 Filipino peacekeepers there, citing even the UN Service Medal award given to them.
The DFA said the Filipino peacekeepers in East Timor will end their tour of duty on October 16, 2007./DMS
Police intensifying security preparations also because of upcoming 9/11 attack anniversary
By Ronron
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is including in its security preparations these days the possible attacks of terrorists in the light of the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States that claimed around 3,000 lives.
Deputy Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr., Deputy Chief for Administration of the PNP, said the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is among the “confluence of events” that the PNP is preparing for, considering that the Al Qaeda network that was behind it is believed to have links with the local terror group, the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“We are talking with different intelligence agencies of the government, including our foreign counterparts, our allies in the fight against terrorism,” Razon told Camp Crame reporters yesterday.
He said the PNP is now on heightened alert, meaning each unit has to have 50 percent of its personnel present so it is ready to respond for any eventualities.
Aside from the 9/11 anniversary, Razon said the PNP is also preparing for the upcoming promulgation of the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada, the possible retaliatory attacks of the ASG due to the military offensives in Basilan and Sulu, the possible attacks of the New People’s Army in response to the arrest of its leader, Jose Maria Sison, in the Netherlands, and the investigations of the Congress on controversial issues like the politically-charged “Hello Garci” wiretapping incident in 2004.
“All of these the PNP is preparing for to maintain our peace and order situation,” Razon said.
With this, he said the public should therefore not consider the PNP preparations, as announced, as overkill.
“The police force we are preparing is not only for the Sandiganbayan verdict but also on the daily anti-crime situation,” Razon said, referring to the 4,000 policemen that will be deployed during the Estrada verdict day.
He said they are not discounting the possibility that communist rebels may take advantage of the 9/11 anniversary, or the handing down of the Estrada case decision.
“The NPA is our highest threat because they have arms and they have been waging a long campaign,” he said./DMS
September 6, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is including in its security preparations these days the possible attacks of terrorists in the light of the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States that claimed around 3,000 lives.
Deputy Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr., Deputy Chief for Administration of the PNP, said the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is among the “confluence of events” that the PNP is preparing for, considering that the Al Qaeda network that was behind it is believed to have links with the local terror group, the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“We are talking with different intelligence agencies of the government, including our foreign counterparts, our allies in the fight against terrorism,” Razon told Camp Crame reporters yesterday.
He said the PNP is now on heightened alert, meaning each unit has to have 50 percent of its personnel present so it is ready to respond for any eventualities.
Aside from the 9/11 anniversary, Razon said the PNP is also preparing for the upcoming promulgation of the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada, the possible retaliatory attacks of the ASG due to the military offensives in Basilan and Sulu, the possible attacks of the New People’s Army in response to the arrest of its leader, Jose Maria Sison, in the Netherlands, and the investigations of the Congress on controversial issues like the politically-charged “Hello Garci” wiretapping incident in 2004.
“All of these the PNP is preparing for to maintain our peace and order situation,” Razon said.
With this, he said the public should therefore not consider the PNP preparations, as announced, as overkill.
“The police force we are preparing is not only for the Sandiganbayan verdict but also on the daily anti-crime situation,” Razon said, referring to the 4,000 policemen that will be deployed during the Estrada verdict day.
He said they are not discounting the possibility that communist rebels may take advantage of the 9/11 anniversary, or the handing down of the Estrada case decision.
“The NPA is our highest threat because they have arms and they have been waging a long campaign,” he said./DMS
Four suspected thieves killed in shootout with police in QC
By Ronron
September 6, 2007
Four suspected car thieves were killed in a shootout with policemen Thursday morning in Quezon City.
Supt. Edwin Butacan, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Traffic Management Group (TMG), said a policeman and a civilian were also wounded in the incident that happened past 8am along Batasan Road.
Butacan said elements of the TMG-National Capital Region and the Quezon City Anti-Carnapping Unit first spotted the black Toyota Altis (with plate number XEJ-943) that the suspects were riding at around 6am.
The said vehicle was subject of suspicion because its plate number was found out to belong supposedly to a Toyota Rev-o.
“Last September 4, operatives of the TMG-NCR intelligence saw the black Toyota Altis without an LTO (Land Transportation Office) sticker for 2007 while it was parked along Batasan Road… So when they saw it again this morning, they conducted the operation,” Butacan said.
Butacan said that when a police mobile car tried to approach the subject vehicle for questioning, the suspects drove off, sparking a brief chase for about two to three minutes.
But the car bumped a parked PLDT multicab beside the road, leaving the four men aboard it with no choice but to exchange gun fire with the tailing policemen.
Two of the suspects died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at the Gen. Marval Hospital.
The driver of the PLDT multicab was also hurt due to shrapnel, while TMG personnel SPO4 Leonardo Tecson sustained a gunshot wound to his left wrist. The latter was brought to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame for medical treatment.
Butacan said police is still investigating if the four suspects have existing criminal records.
“They are suspected car thieves because one, the plate number of their car belongs to another vehicle; they are armed; and they resisted arrest, they even fought it out with authorities,” Butacan said.
A subsequent check of the TMG revealed that the Altis was reported to have been forcibly taken last February 22, 2004 along Mios Drive in Mendez East, Tagaytay City by two armed men. It’s original plate number is XMJ-622./DMS
September 6, 2007
Four suspected car thieves were killed in a shootout with policemen Thursday morning in Quezon City.
Supt. Edwin Butacan, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Traffic Management Group (TMG), said a policeman and a civilian were also wounded in the incident that happened past 8am along Batasan Road.
Butacan said elements of the TMG-National Capital Region and the Quezon City Anti-Carnapping Unit first spotted the black Toyota Altis (with plate number XEJ-943) that the suspects were riding at around 6am.
The said vehicle was subject of suspicion because its plate number was found out to belong supposedly to a Toyota Rev-o.
“Last September 4, operatives of the TMG-NCR intelligence saw the black Toyota Altis without an LTO (Land Transportation Office) sticker for 2007 while it was parked along Batasan Road… So when they saw it again this morning, they conducted the operation,” Butacan said.
Butacan said that when a police mobile car tried to approach the subject vehicle for questioning, the suspects drove off, sparking a brief chase for about two to three minutes.
But the car bumped a parked PLDT multicab beside the road, leaving the four men aboard it with no choice but to exchange gun fire with the tailing policemen.
Two of the suspects died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at the Gen. Marval Hospital.
The driver of the PLDT multicab was also hurt due to shrapnel, while TMG personnel SPO4 Leonardo Tecson sustained a gunshot wound to his left wrist. The latter was brought to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame for medical treatment.
Butacan said police is still investigating if the four suspects have existing criminal records.
“They are suspected car thieves because one, the plate number of their car belongs to another vehicle; they are armed; and they resisted arrest, they even fought it out with authorities,” Butacan said.
A subsequent check of the TMG revealed that the Altis was reported to have been forcibly taken last February 22, 2004 along Mios Drive in Mendez East, Tagaytay City by two armed men. It’s original plate number is XMJ-622./DMS
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Barangay Captain in Cebu shot dead
By Ronron
September 5, 2007
Two unidentified suspects shot dead another barangay captain on Tuesday, this time in Cebu province, police said yesterday.
The killing of Cayang village captain Bienvenido Cañete, 43, in Bogo City happened as elections for barangay and youth officials nationwide on October 29 is nearing.
SPO1 Rolando Torquido, desk officer of the Bogo City Police Station, said in a phone interview yesterday that Cañete was in front of the Cayang Barangay Hall when the motorcycle-riding suspects fired at him using a caliber 45 pistol.
The suspects escaped after the incident, while Cañete died on the spot due multiple gunshot wounds in his body.
Torquido said recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells and two slugs of a caliber 45. Another slug was recovered from Cañete’s body at the Bogo District Hospital.
Asked if the shooting is related to the upcoming elections, Torquido answered in the negative, saying that Cañete is a last-termer and will no longer participate in the October 29 polls.
“It could be personal in nature,” Torquido theorized.
He said the case is still being investigated as of press time to determine the exact motive and the identities of the perpetrators./DMS
September 5, 2007
Two unidentified suspects shot dead another barangay captain on Tuesday, this time in Cebu province, police said yesterday.
The killing of Cayang village captain Bienvenido Cañete, 43, in Bogo City happened as elections for barangay and youth officials nationwide on October 29 is nearing.
SPO1 Rolando Torquido, desk officer of the Bogo City Police Station, said in a phone interview yesterday that Cañete was in front of the Cayang Barangay Hall when the motorcycle-riding suspects fired at him using a caliber 45 pistol.
The suspects escaped after the incident, while Cañete died on the spot due multiple gunshot wounds in his body.
Torquido said recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells and two slugs of a caliber 45. Another slug was recovered from Cañete’s body at the Bogo District Hospital.
Asked if the shooting is related to the upcoming elections, Torquido answered in the negative, saying that Cañete is a last-termer and will no longer participate in the October 29 polls.
“It could be personal in nature,” Torquido theorized.
He said the case is still being investigated as of press time to determine the exact motive and the identities of the perpetrators./DMS
Oil leak detected in Romblon
By Ronron
September 5, 2007
A little over a year since the country experienced the worst oil spill in Philippine history, an oil leak was detected Tuesday in Romblon province, prompting local residents to rally against a salvage operation that caused the incident.
Romblon Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Mario Velando said the leak of diesel oil was detected around 12:15 pm the other day (Tuesday) off the island town of Concepcion.
“There was an ongoing salvage operations for M/V Mactan, a vessel that sunk in the area many years ago, and they were trying to blast it. The fuel compartment was probably hit that’s why there was an oil leak,” Velando said in a phone interview yesterday.
There was no immediate information regarding the depth of the vessel and the volume of oil that went out from it, Velando said.
Velando said the residents of Barangay Masadya in Concepcion detected the leak after an “offensive odor” spread immediately after the blasting operation. He described the smell as “threatening to health and safety.”
Because of this, the local government issued right away a memorandum for the immediate stoppage of the salvaging operations until the leak is contained or cleaned up, and until an Environmental Compliance Certificate is secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said Velando.
The salvage operations, being carried out by Eduardo Calixto Enterprises, immediately complied with the order. Velando said the salvage operations began on August 31st, the reason for which he has yet to ask.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said an aerial survey at the affected area at around 6am yesterday by its helicopter revealed that the sheen of diesel oil was some 600 meters away from the shoreline of Concepcion, and was about 115 meters in length.
With this information, the PCG said the incident is therefore “minimal” only that it “can be dispersed naturally through wave action and evaporation.”
The PCG did not say if further action will be undertaken like placement of spill booms, or spraying of chemical dispersants.
Asked about the matter, Velando just said: “As of this time, (there are) no reports (I have) obtained regarding action taken.”
Last year’s oil spill in Guimaras Island occurred after the oil tanker M/V Solar 1, which was sailing from Bataan to Mindanao to transport bunker fuel product of Petron, was battered with big waves, causing it to submerge./DMS
September 5, 2007
A little over a year since the country experienced the worst oil spill in Philippine history, an oil leak was detected Tuesday in Romblon province, prompting local residents to rally against a salvage operation that caused the incident.
Romblon Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Mario Velando said the leak of diesel oil was detected around 12:15 pm the other day (Tuesday) off the island town of Concepcion.
“There was an ongoing salvage operations for M/V Mactan, a vessel that sunk in the area many years ago, and they were trying to blast it. The fuel compartment was probably hit that’s why there was an oil leak,” Velando said in a phone interview yesterday.
There was no immediate information regarding the depth of the vessel and the volume of oil that went out from it, Velando said.
Velando said the residents of Barangay Masadya in Concepcion detected the leak after an “offensive odor” spread immediately after the blasting operation. He described the smell as “threatening to health and safety.”
Because of this, the local government issued right away a memorandum for the immediate stoppage of the salvaging operations until the leak is contained or cleaned up, and until an Environmental Compliance Certificate is secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said Velando.
The salvage operations, being carried out by Eduardo Calixto Enterprises, immediately complied with the order. Velando said the salvage operations began on August 31st, the reason for which he has yet to ask.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said an aerial survey at the affected area at around 6am yesterday by its helicopter revealed that the sheen of diesel oil was some 600 meters away from the shoreline of Concepcion, and was about 115 meters in length.
With this information, the PCG said the incident is therefore “minimal” only that it “can be dispersed naturally through wave action and evaporation.”
The PCG did not say if further action will be undertaken like placement of spill booms, or spraying of chemical dispersants.
Asked about the matter, Velando just said: “As of this time, (there are) no reports (I have) obtained regarding action taken.”
Last year’s oil spill in Guimaras Island occurred after the oil tanker M/V Solar 1, which was sailing from Bataan to Mindanao to transport bunker fuel product of Petron, was battered with big waves, causing it to submerge./DMS
Combat engineers leave for Basilan
By Ronron
September 5, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. sent off on Wednesday combat engineers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Basilan to take part in humanitarian projects as part of the government’s efforts in combating terrorism.
The send off ceremony for the 1st Navy Mobile Construction Battalion and the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing was also attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, Navy Flag-Offcer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, and Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are going to Basilan … to help and assist the Department of Public Works and Highways build the circumferential road,” Teodoro said in his speech before the combat engineers sailed from the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City yesterday morning.
Comprising the combat engineers are 170 personnel from the Air Force and 92 from the Navy, the spokesmen of both units said.
Teodoro said the combat engineers will stay in Basilan until the circumferential road project in the island province is completed, as well as other infrastructure projects like raising new school buildings, building potable water systems, and the like.
The length of their stay there will likewise depend on the request of the DPWH.
“Given the situation, security wise, in the island affected, you are there to help build the road and to fight to build the road if necessary,” Teodoro told the combat engineers.
Teodoro said the soldiers can always fight back if attacked while doing their projects “for their own personal security and protection, as a matter of self defense.”
Esperon expressed gladness that the AFP will not just engage in combat operations but also contribute to developmental undertakings.
“It will make a lot of difference because economic activities, with the construction of the circumferential road, will be enhanced. Delivery of basic services as well will be a lot easier for all the people in Basilan. And probably, this would entice some people to go back to daily lives rather than either join lawless elements, or the Abu Sayyaf Group, or the evacuees, if ever,” Teodoro said.
The combat engineers brought along with them some heavy equipment, diggers and earth movers aboard the Navy ship BRP Bacolod City that would take them to Basilan.
Navy spokesman Commander Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the combat engineers are expected to arrive in Basilan on Friday.
Another engineering battalion is already in Sulu to carry out similar projects, although an augmentation may be done, Teodoro said./DMS
September 5, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. sent off on Wednesday combat engineers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Basilan to take part in humanitarian projects as part of the government’s efforts in combating terrorism.
The send off ceremony for the 1st Navy Mobile Construction Battalion and the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing was also attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, Navy Flag-Offcer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, and Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are going to Basilan … to help and assist the Department of Public Works and Highways build the circumferential road,” Teodoro said in his speech before the combat engineers sailed from the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City yesterday morning.
Comprising the combat engineers are 170 personnel from the Air Force and 92 from the Navy, the spokesmen of both units said.
Teodoro said the combat engineers will stay in Basilan until the circumferential road project in the island province is completed, as well as other infrastructure projects like raising new school buildings, building potable water systems, and the like.
The length of their stay there will likewise depend on the request of the DPWH.
“Given the situation, security wise, in the island affected, you are there to help build the road and to fight to build the road if necessary,” Teodoro told the combat engineers.
Teodoro said the soldiers can always fight back if attacked while doing their projects “for their own personal security and protection, as a matter of self defense.”
Esperon expressed gladness that the AFP will not just engage in combat operations but also contribute to developmental undertakings.
“It will make a lot of difference because economic activities, with the construction of the circumferential road, will be enhanced. Delivery of basic services as well will be a lot easier for all the people in Basilan. And probably, this would entice some people to go back to daily lives rather than either join lawless elements, or the Abu Sayyaf Group, or the evacuees, if ever,” Teodoro said.
The combat engineers brought along with them some heavy equipment, diggers and earth movers aboard the Navy ship BRP Bacolod City that would take them to Basilan.
Navy spokesman Commander Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the combat engineers are expected to arrive in Basilan on Friday.
Another engineering battalion is already in Sulu to carry out similar projects, although an augmentation may be done, Teodoro said./DMS
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Blasts rock Zamboanga City anew; no casualty and damage reported
By Ronron
September 4, 2007
Two successive bombings rocked Zamboanga City before dawn of Tuesday perpetrated supposedly by vendors and stall owners of the city’s public market, police said.
Police said the first improvised bomb went off at around 4:40 am near Stall No. 16 of the city market along Venancio Saavedra Street, while the second one followed five minutes later more than 100 meters away, at the meat section of the market, fronting J. S. Alano Street.
The market is located just behind the city police station.
“Investigation conducted by the responding elements of bomb squad disclosed that the explosives were ammonium nitrate used for blast fishing, contained in two bottles of one-liter softdrinks, improvised blasting caps (non-electrict), and mosquito coil used as initiator,” a police report said.
The two bombs were separately placed in boxes.
Police said there was no reported casualty and damage to property following the explosions.
“Investigation is still being conducted to determine the identities of the suspect/s,” the police report said.
In a text message, Region 9 Police Director Chief Supt. Jaime Caringal said it is possible that vendors or stall owners at the market are behind the twin blasts since they are protesting the ongoing clearing operations at the market.
He said the explosion could be directed against the city government.
“(The blasts are) related to the dismantling of the stalls because the market is currently being cleared,” Caringal responded when asked of the motive.
Discounting the involvement of terrorists, Caringal described the bombs as “very crude” that “it could not really hurt anyone.”
In the latter part of August, a bomb went off at the Pershing Plaza of the city, hurting 14 people. Police said the incident was part of retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies following the intensified military operations against them in Basilan and Sulu./DMS
September 4, 2007
Two successive bombings rocked Zamboanga City before dawn of Tuesday perpetrated supposedly by vendors and stall owners of the city’s public market, police said.
Police said the first improvised bomb went off at around 4:40 am near Stall No. 16 of the city market along Venancio Saavedra Street, while the second one followed five minutes later more than 100 meters away, at the meat section of the market, fronting J. S. Alano Street.
The market is located just behind the city police station.
“Investigation conducted by the responding elements of bomb squad disclosed that the explosives were ammonium nitrate used for blast fishing, contained in two bottles of one-liter softdrinks, improvised blasting caps (non-electrict), and mosquito coil used as initiator,” a police report said.
The two bombs were separately placed in boxes.
Police said there was no reported casualty and damage to property following the explosions.
“Investigation is still being conducted to determine the identities of the suspect/s,” the police report said.
In a text message, Region 9 Police Director Chief Supt. Jaime Caringal said it is possible that vendors or stall owners at the market are behind the twin blasts since they are protesting the ongoing clearing operations at the market.
He said the explosion could be directed against the city government.
“(The blasts are) related to the dismantling of the stalls because the market is currently being cleared,” Caringal responded when asked of the motive.
Discounting the involvement of terrorists, Caringal described the bombs as “very crude” that “it could not really hurt anyone.”
In the latter part of August, a bomb went off at the Pershing Plaza of the city, hurting 14 people. Police said the incident was part of retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies following the intensified military operations against them in Basilan and Sulu./DMS
Human Security Act not fully suspended during election period – DOJ prosecutor
By Ronron
September 4, 2007
A state prosecutor clarified Tuesday that the Human Security Act (HAS) of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, is not fully suspended during election period, as stated in the law itself.
According to Atty. Geronimo Sy, only a certain provision of the law will have “limited application” two months before the election day and one month after it.
“There are two classes of surveillance – one on bank transactions and the other is what we call as electronic surveillance like on mobile phones and computers. That is the aspect (under the law) where there is limited application of the law during the said period,” Sy told reporters at Camp Crame during the weekly media forum of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he is a guest.
He said the controversial law, which took effect on July 15, cannot be suspended during election period because terrorists could take advantage of it.
“Imagine when an entire voting precinct is bombed on election day?” Sy said.
The country will hold on October 29 barangay elections. Prior to that, the country also held a nationwide, mid-term polls last May 14.
“Certain provisions will be suspended but it does not mean that if you committed a crime under the law, you are exempted… If you committed the crime, you should be punished both under either the Revised Penal Code or the Human Security Act,” Sy said./DMS
September 4, 2007
A state prosecutor clarified Tuesday that the Human Security Act (HAS) of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, is not fully suspended during election period, as stated in the law itself.
According to Atty. Geronimo Sy, only a certain provision of the law will have “limited application” two months before the election day and one month after it.
“There are two classes of surveillance – one on bank transactions and the other is what we call as electronic surveillance like on mobile phones and computers. That is the aspect (under the law) where there is limited application of the law during the said period,” Sy told reporters at Camp Crame during the weekly media forum of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he is a guest.
He said the controversial law, which took effect on July 15, cannot be suspended during election period because terrorists could take advantage of it.
“Imagine when an entire voting precinct is bombed on election day?” Sy said.
The country will hold on October 29 barangay elections. Prior to that, the country also held a nationwide, mid-term polls last May 14.
“Certain provisions will be suspended but it does not mean that if you committed a crime under the law, you are exempted… If you committed the crime, you should be punished both under either the Revised Penal Code or the Human Security Act,” Sy said./DMS
Severe government losses in Basilan, Sulu prompts more careful conduct of operations – Marine commandant
By Ronron
September 4, 2007
The death of many soldiers in operations in Basilan and Sulu since July this year has prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be careful in its future offensives against Moslem rebels in the south, the newly-installed commandant of the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) said Tuesday.
This explains the lull these days in armed confrontations between the government forces and their targets in Basilan and Sulu, said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are still on intelligence build up so that if you are armed with intelligence information, of course, the operations would be more focused and we can avoid affecting civilians,” Dolorfino told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
The last reported engagement in the south was on August 26 in Tipo-tipo, Basilan, where two soldiers were slightly hurt.
Since July 10, 57 junior officers and soldiers were already killed, some of whom were mutilated, in separate incidents in Basilan and Sulu. Some of these incidents were ambush by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while the rest are actual clashes.
Dolorfino said that to avoid suffering more casualties on the government side and to ensure the safety of civilians, the intent now of the AFP is to conduct “surgical operations.”
At the same time, an internal probe on the July 10 incident in Al-Barka and on the August 18 incident in Ungkaya Pukan, both in Basilan, has been ordered by the higher military leadership.
Dolorfino said boards of inquiry for each of the two incidents were created by the PMC to look into possible operational lapses that may have contributed to the suffering of heavy casualties on the government side.
He said the inquiries will “look into the encounters with the objective of knowing the lessons learned.”
Dolorfino said he will go to Basilan tomorrow (Thursday) to visit the Marine troops, find out their condition, and give his guidance as new PMC chief.
“We will look into their morale as part of their administrative requirements because they were exposed to the situation where their fellow soldiers were beheaded, many died… If necessary, we will conduct stress debriefing among the personnel involved in the operation,” he said./DMS
September 4, 2007
The death of many soldiers in operations in Basilan and Sulu since July this year has prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be careful in its future offensives against Moslem rebels in the south, the newly-installed commandant of the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) said Tuesday.
This explains the lull these days in armed confrontations between the government forces and their targets in Basilan and Sulu, said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino.
“We are still on intelligence build up so that if you are armed with intelligence information, of course, the operations would be more focused and we can avoid affecting civilians,” Dolorfino told Defense reporters in a phone interview.
The last reported engagement in the south was on August 26 in Tipo-tipo, Basilan, where two soldiers were slightly hurt.
Since July 10, 57 junior officers and soldiers were already killed, some of whom were mutilated, in separate incidents in Basilan and Sulu. Some of these incidents were ambush by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while the rest are actual clashes.
Dolorfino said that to avoid suffering more casualties on the government side and to ensure the safety of civilians, the intent now of the AFP is to conduct “surgical operations.”
At the same time, an internal probe on the July 10 incident in Al-Barka and on the August 18 incident in Ungkaya Pukan, both in Basilan, has been ordered by the higher military leadership.
Dolorfino said boards of inquiry for each of the two incidents were created by the PMC to look into possible operational lapses that may have contributed to the suffering of heavy casualties on the government side.
He said the inquiries will “look into the encounters with the objective of knowing the lessons learned.”
Dolorfino said he will go to Basilan tomorrow (Thursday) to visit the Marine troops, find out their condition, and give his guidance as new PMC chief.
“We will look into their morale as part of their administrative requirements because they were exposed to the situation where their fellow soldiers were beheaded, many died… If necessary, we will conduct stress debriefing among the personnel involved in the operation,” he said./DMS
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Chinese Defense Minister visits RP, gives 50 million RMB in grant
By Ronron
September 3, 2007
The Defense chief of the People’s Republic of China (RPOC) arrived in Manila late Sunday for a five-day visit and granted 50 million RMB (renminbi) to the Philippine Defense establishment during a meeting yesterday (Monday) with his Filipino counterpart.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan’s visit is “in accordance with the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between China” and the Philippines signed previously by his predecessor, Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr.
“We agreed to continue to dialogue, which is a mutual exchange of view regarding regional concerns,” Teodoro told reporters after around three hours of closed-door meeting with Cao, attended also by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“And the Chinese government has given today a 50 million RMB grant of items, which shall be discussed at a later time,” he added.
Aside from that, both officials also talked about the possibility of exchange of military students in the future.
Asked how these will benefit the Philippine military, Teodoro only said: “You know, closer ties regionally with all our neighbors is good for the military.”
But when sought of his view about possible reactions from the United States with the improving defense relations between Beijing and Manila, the Defense chief said: “We treat all nations equally. Under our Constitution, we have to treat and respect all nations as good neighbors in the spirit of amity and cooperation to all of them.”
A statement of the Defense department said Cao will also pay separate calls on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile representing Senate President Manuel Villar, and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
He and his delegation will also visit Cebu, in the company of Charges d’ Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Hon. Deng Xi Jun, the statement said.
“The visit comes at a time when Philippines and China relations are at a Golden Age of Partnership,” the statement said./DMS
September 3, 2007
The Defense chief of the People’s Republic of China (RPOC) arrived in Manila late Sunday for a five-day visit and granted 50 million RMB (renminbi) to the Philippine Defense establishment during a meeting yesterday (Monday) with his Filipino counterpart.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan’s visit is “in accordance with the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between China” and the Philippines signed previously by his predecessor, Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr.
“We agreed to continue to dialogue, which is a mutual exchange of view regarding regional concerns,” Teodoro told reporters after around three hours of closed-door meeting with Cao, attended also by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“And the Chinese government has given today a 50 million RMB grant of items, which shall be discussed at a later time,” he added.
Aside from that, both officials also talked about the possibility of exchange of military students in the future.
Asked how these will benefit the Philippine military, Teodoro only said: “You know, closer ties regionally with all our neighbors is good for the military.”
But when sought of his view about possible reactions from the United States with the improving defense relations between Beijing and Manila, the Defense chief said: “We treat all nations equally. Under our Constitution, we have to treat and respect all nations as good neighbors in the spirit of amity and cooperation to all of them.”
A statement of the Defense department said Cao will also pay separate calls on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile representing Senate President Manuel Villar, and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
He and his delegation will also visit Cebu, in the company of Charges d’ Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Hon. Deng Xi Jun, the statement said.
“The visit comes at a time when Philippines and China relations are at a Golden Age of Partnership,” the statement said./DMS
Defense chief disfavors revival of “Hello Garci” probe
By Ronron
September 3, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. is not in favor of the revival at this time of the “Hello Garci” investigation at the Senate as it distracts soldiers from its mission of neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group and its allies, and the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Anything which will distract the focus at this point in time of the Armed Forces naturally should not be taken favorably,” Teodoro told reporters Monday when asked about the move of the Senate to investigate the alleged wiretapping incident during the 2004 elections.
“There are lots of things to focus on – Basilan, Sulu, and of course, we continue to keep a close watch on things in Luzon,” he said, referring to the operations against Moslem extremists in the south and the insurgents elsewhere, especially in the northern part of the country.
The Senate has decided again to probe the alleged wiretapping in 2004 to find ways to avoid similar incidents from happening again. The 2004 incident, which revealed the alleged electoral fraud in that year’s Presidential elections, marred the military establishment since it was allegedly done by elements of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
Caught on tape talking then were a woman, purportedly President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and man, believed to be then Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The discussion suggested electoral fraud since the woman was heard asking the man about her number of votes.
Asked if he would allow military officials this time to appear before the Senate if summoned, Teodoro said: “I’ll wait for the summons if there is one, and I’ll react at that time.”
“I will react properly if and when such an item comes to my desk for consideration,” he added.
Malacanang has earlier hinted that it will invoke Executive Order 464 when the Senate summons members of the executive branch for the wiretapping probe. The EO requires Presidential consent for those summoned to appear before Congressional hearings.
Teodoro yesterday did not say if he would abide by said policy.
“We are faced with so much problem now and with good gains on our part, probably, we should not destroy that momentum,” he said, referring to the military offensives in the south and against the communist rebels.
The Defense chief even shrugged off calls of religious leaders to halt the operations in Mindanao for the sake of peace and the welfare of civilians.
“We understand the feelings of the good bishops… Now, given the gains of the military in the area, the fusion between developmental projects and military operations and the sacrifices of the soldiers already made, to give unilateral stop to operations would be a dereliction of duty on our part,” Teodoro said.
It would even perhaps be “treasonous in the sense that it would be giving aid and comfort to the enemy,” he went on./DMS
September 3, 2007
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. is not in favor of the revival at this time of the “Hello Garci” investigation at the Senate as it distracts soldiers from its mission of neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group and its allies, and the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Anything which will distract the focus at this point in time of the Armed Forces naturally should not be taken favorably,” Teodoro told reporters Monday when asked about the move of the Senate to investigate the alleged wiretapping incident during the 2004 elections.
“There are lots of things to focus on – Basilan, Sulu, and of course, we continue to keep a close watch on things in Luzon,” he said, referring to the operations against Moslem extremists in the south and the insurgents elsewhere, especially in the northern part of the country.
The Senate has decided again to probe the alleged wiretapping in 2004 to find ways to avoid similar incidents from happening again. The 2004 incident, which revealed the alleged electoral fraud in that year’s Presidential elections, marred the military establishment since it was allegedly done by elements of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
Caught on tape talking then were a woman, purportedly President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and man, believed to be then Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The discussion suggested electoral fraud since the woman was heard asking the man about her number of votes.
Asked if he would allow military officials this time to appear before the Senate if summoned, Teodoro said: “I’ll wait for the summons if there is one, and I’ll react at that time.”
“I will react properly if and when such an item comes to my desk for consideration,” he added.
Malacanang has earlier hinted that it will invoke Executive Order 464 when the Senate summons members of the executive branch for the wiretapping probe. The EO requires Presidential consent for those summoned to appear before Congressional hearings.
Teodoro yesterday did not say if he would abide by said policy.
“We are faced with so much problem now and with good gains on our part, probably, we should not destroy that momentum,” he said, referring to the military offensives in the south and against the communist rebels.
The Defense chief even shrugged off calls of religious leaders to halt the operations in Mindanao for the sake of peace and the welfare of civilians.
“We understand the feelings of the good bishops… Now, given the gains of the military in the area, the fusion between developmental projects and military operations and the sacrifices of the soldiers already made, to give unilateral stop to operations would be a dereliction of duty on our part,” Teodoro said.
It would even perhaps be “treasonous in the sense that it would be giving aid and comfort to the enemy,” he went on./DMS
Monday, September 3, 2007
Defense department will abide by proposed SC measures against extrajudicial killings
By Ronron
September 2, 2007
The Defense department will adhere to the rules of court that will be drafted and later adopted by the High Tribunal as part of measures to address extrajudicial killing and forced disappearance cases.
Even as he regard the proposed “writ of Amparo” and “writ of habeas data” at the Supreme Court as “very powerful,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) last Friday that they have no other recourse but to follow it if there will be future cases against members of the military.
“Given the fact that the Supreme Court has plenary authority to draft and enact its own rules of procedures regarding judicial proceedings with a writ of habeas data, writ of Amparo and other writs and processes, we will have no choice but to comply,” Teodoro said.
A lawyer by profession, Teodoro refused to comment further about the proposed measures, which, he said, are within the province of the Supreme Court.
Teodoro is a graduate of Law from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Harvard Univeristy in the US.
In July, the Supreme Court held a summit on extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to find ways for the judiciary to help address the problem that has marred the present government.
Among the measures that cropped up are the use of the writ of Amparo and the writ of habeas data, which would make it not enough for government agencies to just deny the allegations they are behind the killing or abduction of some personalities.
In an earlier interview, Chief Justice Reynato Puno explained that a writ of Amparo will compel government agencies accused of being responsible for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to do something to produce the victim.
Military personnel are usual suspects in cases of abductions and forced disappearances because according to militant groups, only they have the motive to do so, particularly with its anti-insurgency campaign.
The military, however, consistently denies the allegation, and blame instead the communist movement’s alleged purging activities due to infighting for said cases./DMS
September 2, 2007
The Defense department will adhere to the rules of court that will be drafted and later adopted by the High Tribunal as part of measures to address extrajudicial killing and forced disappearance cases.
Even as he regard the proposed “writ of Amparo” and “writ of habeas data” at the Supreme Court as “very powerful,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) last Friday that they have no other recourse but to follow it if there will be future cases against members of the military.
“Given the fact that the Supreme Court has plenary authority to draft and enact its own rules of procedures regarding judicial proceedings with a writ of habeas data, writ of Amparo and other writs and processes, we will have no choice but to comply,” Teodoro said.
A lawyer by profession, Teodoro refused to comment further about the proposed measures, which, he said, are within the province of the Supreme Court.
Teodoro is a graduate of Law from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Harvard Univeristy in the US.
In July, the Supreme Court held a summit on extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to find ways for the judiciary to help address the problem that has marred the present government.
Among the measures that cropped up are the use of the writ of Amparo and the writ of habeas data, which would make it not enough for government agencies to just deny the allegations they are behind the killing or abduction of some personalities.
In an earlier interview, Chief Justice Reynato Puno explained that a writ of Amparo will compel government agencies accused of being responsible for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances to do something to produce the victim.
Military personnel are usual suspects in cases of abductions and forced disappearances because according to militant groups, only they have the motive to do so, particularly with its anti-insurgency campaign.
The military, however, consistently denies the allegation, and blame instead the communist movement’s alleged purging activities due to infighting for said cases./DMS
Communists vow Dutch nationals won’t be hurt in RP
By Ronron
September 2, 2007
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday called the Dutch travel advisory for its citizens who wish to travel to the Philippines as “overreaction” and assured that its armed elements with the New People’s Army (NPA) will not hurt any Dutch national following the apprehension of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands last week.
CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in a statement that the CPP-NPA clearly makes a distinction between the government and the people of the Netherlands, some of which are even “one with the Filipino people in their outrage and protest” over the arrest of Sison.
“Dutch nationals are definitely not targets of the New People’s Army, nor of mass protest actions in the Philippines… We regard Dutch nationals as friends and not as enemies. In fact, the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) is working with the Dutch people in the struggle for Ka Joma’s vindication and freedom,” Rosal said.
“We extend our invitation for the Dutch people to visit the country, see the oppression and suffering of the Filipino people, and unite with them in their resistance,” he added.
Sison was apprehended last August 28 by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the murder of two former rebel leaders, Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City. The arrest was made after the wives of Kintanar and Tabara filed a criminal case in the Netherlands, where Sison has been on exile since 1987.
For fear that the armed rebels will retaliate through their nationals, the Dutch government ordered the travel advisory against the Philippines.
But Rosal assured that this will not happen, they even welcome Dutch nationals “to the revolutionary areas where their safety will be fully guaranteed.”
The Philippine military and police have raised their alerts to the highest level immediately after the arrest of Sison in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by the NPA./DMS
September 2, 2007
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday called the Dutch travel advisory for its citizens who wish to travel to the Philippines as “overreaction” and assured that its armed elements with the New People’s Army (NPA) will not hurt any Dutch national following the apprehension of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands last week.
CPP spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal said in a statement that the CPP-NPA clearly makes a distinction between the government and the people of the Netherlands, some of which are even “one with the Filipino people in their outrage and protest” over the arrest of Sison.
“Dutch nationals are definitely not targets of the New People’s Army, nor of mass protest actions in the Philippines… We regard Dutch nationals as friends and not as enemies. In fact, the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) is working with the Dutch people in the struggle for Ka Joma’s vindication and freedom,” Rosal said.
“We extend our invitation for the Dutch people to visit the country, see the oppression and suffering of the Filipino people, and unite with them in their resistance,” he added.
Sison was apprehended last August 28 by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the murder of two former rebel leaders, Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City. The arrest was made after the wives of Kintanar and Tabara filed a criminal case in the Netherlands, where Sison has been on exile since 1987.
For fear that the armed rebels will retaliate through their nationals, the Dutch government ordered the travel advisory against the Philippines.
But Rosal assured that this will not happen, they even welcome Dutch nationals “to the revolutionary areas where their safety will be fully guaranteed.”
The Philippine military and police have raised their alerts to the highest level immediately after the arrest of Sison in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by the NPA./DMS
NPA rebel killed, two alleged rebel camps discovered in separate government operations in Luzon
By Ronron
September 2, 2007
A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while two alleged abandoned camps of the insurgents were discovered by government troops in separate operations over the weekend in Luzon.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the unidentified slain rebel was among nine suspected guerillas who fought against elements of the 21st Infantry Battalion last Saturday morning in Sto. Niño, Cagayan.
In a statement, Guillermo said the government troops, led by 2Lt. Aries Apduhan, were on combat operations when they encountered the suspected NPA members at around 6:30 am in Barangay Lipatan.
The 10-minute firefight that ensued resulted in the death of the unidentified rebel, and the recovery of two M16 assault rifles with magazines, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, a 12-guage shotgun, an 81-mm mortar shell and a bag containing subversive document, said Guillermo.
Guillermo said the “successful operations” was a result of 5th ID chief Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo’s order to step up the military’s internal security operations in his area of responsibility following the apprehension in the Netherlands of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison last August 28.
Guillermo said they are not discounting the possibility that the NPA will conduct a series of atrocities and begin to run wild after losing their leader.
Meanwhile, an abandoned NPA camp was discovered by government troops last Friday in Sitio Kulitob, Barangay Balug in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, said Capt. Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.
Ferrer said elements of the reconnaissance platoon of the Army’s 4th Infantry Battalion, led by a certain Lt. Arreola, discovered the camp that can accommodate more or less 100 persons.
“There are indications that it has recently been abandoned,” Ferrer said.
At around 7:30 am the following day, Ferrer said members of the Army’s Scout Ranger Class 166-07, under a certain Lt. Bermudo, found another abandoned NPA camp in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar in Quezon.
Ferrer said the camp can accommodate about a hundred rebels also, with 10 huts of different sizes, six electric posts, a 25-meter firing range, a basketball court that can be converted into a lecture area, a water supply/source and a strong cellphone signal.
“These developments were assessed to be connected with the arrest of Joma Sison in the Netherlands, wherein demoralization have forced these abandonment of their camps,” he said of the discovery of the two camps.
Aside from the loss of their leader, the communist movement, Ferrer said, is also suffering from the “dwindling support of the people, surrender of many of their comrades, and the relentless pursuit by government forces against them.”
Sison was taken into police custody by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the killings of former rebel leaders Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City./DMS
September 2, 2007
A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while two alleged abandoned camps of the insurgents were discovered by government troops in separate operations over the weekend in Luzon.
1Lt. Dennis Guillermo, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the unidentified slain rebel was among nine suspected guerillas who fought against elements of the 21st Infantry Battalion last Saturday morning in Sto. Niño, Cagayan.
In a statement, Guillermo said the government troops, led by 2Lt. Aries Apduhan, were on combat operations when they encountered the suspected NPA members at around 6:30 am in Barangay Lipatan.
The 10-minute firefight that ensued resulted in the death of the unidentified rebel, and the recovery of two M16 assault rifles with magazines, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, a 12-guage shotgun, an 81-mm mortar shell and a bag containing subversive document, said Guillermo.
Guillermo said the “successful operations” was a result of 5th ID chief Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo’s order to step up the military’s internal security operations in his area of responsibility following the apprehension in the Netherlands of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison last August 28.
Guillermo said they are not discounting the possibility that the NPA will conduct a series of atrocities and begin to run wild after losing their leader.
Meanwhile, an abandoned NPA camp was discovered by government troops last Friday in Sitio Kulitob, Barangay Balug in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, said Capt. Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.
Ferrer said elements of the reconnaissance platoon of the Army’s 4th Infantry Battalion, led by a certain Lt. Arreola, discovered the camp that can accommodate more or less 100 persons.
“There are indications that it has recently been abandoned,” Ferrer said.
At around 7:30 am the following day, Ferrer said members of the Army’s Scout Ranger Class 166-07, under a certain Lt. Bermudo, found another abandoned NPA camp in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar in Quezon.
Ferrer said the camp can accommodate about a hundred rebels also, with 10 huts of different sizes, six electric posts, a 25-meter firing range, a basketball court that can be converted into a lecture area, a water supply/source and a strong cellphone signal.
“These developments were assessed to be connected with the arrest of Joma Sison in the Netherlands, wherein demoralization have forced these abandonment of their camps,” he said of the discovery of the two camps.
Aside from the loss of their leader, the communist movement, Ferrer said, is also suffering from the “dwindling support of the people, surrender of many of their comrades, and the relentless pursuit by government forces against them.”
Sison was taken into police custody by Dutch authorities for allegedly inciting the killings of former rebel leaders Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in Quezon City./DMS
Saturday, September 1, 2007
RP government will provide legal assistance to Joma – DND chief
By Ronron
August 31, 2007
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), will provide legal assistance to Jose Maria Sison, the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) who was apprehended by Dutch police last Tuesday for inciting the killings of former rebel leaders a few years back.
“I was informed that the Department of Foreign Affairs… (will) offer assistance for counsel, as with any other Filipinos,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters Friday at Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked if it was alright with the Defense department considering Sison’s terrorist tag, Teodoro said: “That’s the DFA position. I mean, the position of other people may be that he is (a terrorist), but he has rights. He has the right probably to due process under Dutch law, and to be presumed innocent, I suppose.”
A day after Sison’s arrest, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said they are studying how they will respond if ever the CPP leader asks for assistance from the Philippine government.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) had admitted that it helped Dutch authorities in their building up of case against Sison since last year until this year following a complaint filed by the wives of slain former rebel leaders Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara./DMS
August 31, 2007
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), will provide legal assistance to Jose Maria Sison, the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) who was apprehended by Dutch police last Tuesday for inciting the killings of former rebel leaders a few years back.
“I was informed that the Department of Foreign Affairs… (will) offer assistance for counsel, as with any other Filipinos,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters Friday at Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked if it was alright with the Defense department considering Sison’s terrorist tag, Teodoro said: “That’s the DFA position. I mean, the position of other people may be that he is (a terrorist), but he has rights. He has the right probably to due process under Dutch law, and to be presumed innocent, I suppose.”
A day after Sison’s arrest, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said they are studying how they will respond if ever the CPP leader asks for assistance from the Philippine government.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) had admitted that it helped Dutch authorities in their building up of case against Sison since last year until this year following a complaint filed by the wives of slain former rebel leaders Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara./DMS
Delfin de Guzman arrested by military in May 2006 is different from one mentioned by recent Burgos case witness – AFP
By Ronron
August 31, 2007
The Philippine military claimed Friday that the “Delfin de Guzman” they arrested last May 2006 is different from the one mentioned by a recent witness to the Burgos case.
Armed Forces Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo that it has been a practice of the communist movement to use pseudonyms repeatedly so as to retain the fear roused by the mention of the name.
“The name Delfin de Guzman was used as early as 1980’s and until now, that name still comes up as a Front Secretary in Bulacan,” Bacarro said.
Based on this, Bacarro said the “Delfin de Guzman” presented last year by then Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Generoso Senga and Police Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., and the “Delfin de Guzman” mentioned in the Burgos case investigation “are two different persons.”
On Tuesday, Emerito Lipio, an alleged witness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Burgos case, claimed that he and a fellow communist rebel were ordered in early April of this year by their leader in Bulacan, Delfin de Guzman, to monitor the movements of Jonas Joseph Burgos, son the late Philippine press freedom icon Jose Burgos.
Lipio said Burgos is their comrade in the Bulacan committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), carrying the alias “Ka Ramon.”
Burgos allegedly pilfered funds from the movement and has been meeting without authority from their leadership some rebel-returnees and a government soldier, causing de Guzman to doubt his sincerity, said Lipio.
Pointing out the arrest of “Delfin de Guzman” last year by the police and military, the mother of Jonas, Edith Burgos, questioned the credibility of Lipio, saying: “How could Delfin de Guzman have ordered him to monitor Jonas when the former was already in military custody?”
The “Delfin de Guzman” presented last year by the police and military was also introduced as the leader of the NPA in Bulacan.
Despite having an arrest warrant issued by a Bulacan court for the crime of murder, the military sought to place de Guzman under its custody for continued interrogation that time.
Asked yesterday where is the arrested de Guzman now, Bacarro said: “I will have to check on that.”
Bacarro, however, issued the claim that the two “Delfin de Guzman” are different persons even if he has yet to find out if the one arrested by authorities last year is just using the said name as an alias or as his real name.
He explained nonetheless that the communist practice of using one alias for every position, despite having different persons holding that, is to maintain the fear factor of the name.
“They do it purposely for extortion. Example, in Bulacan, when they hear “Ka Baste” (the alias of Delfin de Guzman), it connotes fear because it has a history of violence,” Bacarro said.
Therefore, people will heed to the extortion demand, he said.
With his claim, Bacarro said it is therefore not true that the police and military are colluding to cover up the belief of the Burgos family that Army elements were responsible for the abduction and continued disappearance of Jonas./DMS
August 31, 2007
The Philippine military claimed Friday that the “Delfin de Guzman” they arrested last May 2006 is different from the one mentioned by a recent witness to the Burgos case.
Armed Forces Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo that it has been a practice of the communist movement to use pseudonyms repeatedly so as to retain the fear roused by the mention of the name.
“The name Delfin de Guzman was used as early as 1980’s and until now, that name still comes up as a Front Secretary in Bulacan,” Bacarro said.
Based on this, Bacarro said the “Delfin de Guzman” presented last year by then Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Generoso Senga and Police Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., and the “Delfin de Guzman” mentioned in the Burgos case investigation “are two different persons.”
On Tuesday, Emerito Lipio, an alleged witness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Burgos case, claimed that he and a fellow communist rebel were ordered in early April of this year by their leader in Bulacan, Delfin de Guzman, to monitor the movements of Jonas Joseph Burgos, son the late Philippine press freedom icon Jose Burgos.
Lipio said Burgos is their comrade in the Bulacan committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), carrying the alias “Ka Ramon.”
Burgos allegedly pilfered funds from the movement and has been meeting without authority from their leadership some rebel-returnees and a government soldier, causing de Guzman to doubt his sincerity, said Lipio.
Pointing out the arrest of “Delfin de Guzman” last year by the police and military, the mother of Jonas, Edith Burgos, questioned the credibility of Lipio, saying: “How could Delfin de Guzman have ordered him to monitor Jonas when the former was already in military custody?”
The “Delfin de Guzman” presented last year by the police and military was also introduced as the leader of the NPA in Bulacan.
Despite having an arrest warrant issued by a Bulacan court for the crime of murder, the military sought to place de Guzman under its custody for continued interrogation that time.
Asked yesterday where is the arrested de Guzman now, Bacarro said: “I will have to check on that.”
Bacarro, however, issued the claim that the two “Delfin de Guzman” are different persons even if he has yet to find out if the one arrested by authorities last year is just using the said name as an alias or as his real name.
He explained nonetheless that the communist practice of using one alias for every position, despite having different persons holding that, is to maintain the fear factor of the name.
“They do it purposely for extortion. Example, in Bulacan, when they hear “Ka Baste” (the alias of Delfin de Guzman), it connotes fear because it has a history of violence,” Bacarro said.
Therefore, people will heed to the extortion demand, he said.
With his claim, Bacarro said it is therefore not true that the police and military are colluding to cover up the belief of the Burgos family that Army elements were responsible for the abduction and continued disappearance of Jonas./DMS
Offensives in Basilan, Sulu will proceed even on Ramadan – DND chief
By Ronron
August 31, 2007
The military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies in Basilan and Sulu will continue even during the Holy Islam month of Ramadan starting September 13th.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said he is confident, however, that the commanders and forces on the ground will be sensitive in their operations in the light of the Muslim tradition celebration.
“No, the operations cannot be stopped… I’m not going to even suggest a stop in operations or to go above the judgment of the Chief of Staff and the commanders,” Teodoro told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Friday.
The Muslim community, which include those in Basilan and Sulu, will celebrate the Ramadan from September 13 until October 11 this year.
Military offensives in the south have stepped up in July following the July 10 incident at Al-Barka, Basilan where Marine elements looking for abducted Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi were ambushed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) elements, and those killed were later mutilated allegedly by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) rebels.
Since the fighting erupted, spreading even to Sulu, 57 soldiers already died and over 20 others were injured. Around 80 bandits were also reportedly killed although only a few of them were recovered, according to the military.
Consistent with the order of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be extra-careful in conducting the military offensives to avoid collateral damage, Teodoro said the troops on the ground will surely exercise caution especially during the Ramadan.
“I’m sure the commanders are sensitive enough to know the sensitivities in the area, pursuant to their rules of engagement. I’m sure that will take that into consideration,” Teodoro said.
Asked about the matter, Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero said that traditionally, the military slows down during the Ramadan by just conducting “preventive patrols.”
“But if they engage our men on patrol, then we cannot just allow ourselves not to fight back,” Romero said.
But Romero said that as of Friday, he has not heard of a ceasefire order in Basilan and Sulu from the end of the Philippine military./DMS
August 31, 2007
The military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies in Basilan and Sulu will continue even during the Holy Islam month of Ramadan starting September 13th.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said he is confident, however, that the commanders and forces on the ground will be sensitive in their operations in the light of the Muslim tradition celebration.
“No, the operations cannot be stopped… I’m not going to even suggest a stop in operations or to go above the judgment of the Chief of Staff and the commanders,” Teodoro told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Friday.
The Muslim community, which include those in Basilan and Sulu, will celebrate the Ramadan from September 13 until October 11 this year.
Military offensives in the south have stepped up in July following the July 10 incident at Al-Barka, Basilan where Marine elements looking for abducted Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi were ambushed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) elements, and those killed were later mutilated allegedly by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) rebels.
Since the fighting erupted, spreading even to Sulu, 57 soldiers already died and over 20 others were injured. Around 80 bandits were also reportedly killed although only a few of them were recovered, according to the military.
Consistent with the order of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be extra-careful in conducting the military offensives to avoid collateral damage, Teodoro said the troops on the ground will surely exercise caution especially during the Ramadan.
“I’m sure the commanders are sensitive enough to know the sensitivities in the area, pursuant to their rules of engagement. I’m sure that will take that into consideration,” Teodoro said.
Asked about the matter, Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero said that traditionally, the military slows down during the Ramadan by just conducting “preventive patrols.”
“But if they engage our men on patrol, then we cannot just allow ourselves not to fight back,” Romero said.
But Romero said that as of Friday, he has not heard of a ceasefire order in Basilan and Sulu from the end of the Philippine military./DMS
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