By Ronron
October 2, 2007
The Philippine Army is planning to hire about 8,400 additional paramilitary personnel to help in the government’s fight against insurgency, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants completed by 2010 when she ends her term.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said in a television interview Tuesday that the military leadership has already asked Congress to allot budget for the hiring of the additional members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) this year and next year.
“We hope that would be granted not only this year, but next year too – the addition of 70 CAFGU companies or a total of about 8,400 personnel,” Yano said on ABS-CBN News Channel.
Yano said the requested budget allocation is for the subsistence allowance of CAFGU personnel, which, at present is P90 per day per personnel.
Yano admitted that the planned hiring of additional paramilitary personnel is related to the goal of the government to crush the insurgency movement by 2010 as ordered by Arroyo.
“We may have some difficulty as far as this (achieving said goal) is concerned if there will be some escalation of hostilities in Mindanao. Definitely, there will be realignment and redeployment of forces from Luzon and the Visayas and this would entail additional forces to maintain our presence especially against the communist insurgents in the Luzon and the Visayas area,” he said.
“But we are trying very hard with the resources available and we have requested in fact some CAFGU companies to augment the regular troops… We feel that with additional CAFGU personnel to augment our forces, this will very much supplement or augment the forces that we have,” he added.
At present, there are approximately 53,000 CAFGU personnel, according to Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., that support the 75,000-strong Philippine Army.
Yano said hiring CAFGU personnel is actually “quite economical” rather than enlisting regular troops to the service since what is given is just the subsistence allowance, and not a salary.
The military says there are about 7,000 armed communist rebels in the country now, much fewer compared to the 1970’s and 1980’s where they number to over 20,000.
Communist insurgency has prevailed in the country in the last 38 years./DMS
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Four soldiers, 11 bandits killed in separate clashes in Basilan and Sulu
By Ronron
October 2, 2007
Four government soldiers and 11 bandits were killed in separate clashes Tuesday in Basilan and Sulu, officials said.
Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan (Marines) said the first incident happened at around 12:35 am yesterday in the small island of Lanhil just off the main island province of Basilan where an unidentified armed group was reported to be hiding.
“The tandem of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Marines Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 7 was dispatched by Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, to conduct verification on an intelligence report about the presence of an armed group in the said island,” Caculitan said in a phone interview.
Caculitan said that as of Tuesday afternoon, there is still no confirmation whether or not the bandits are members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
He said that when the government forces arrived on the island, gunfire coming from more or less 20 armed bandits met them, ensuing a 20-minute firefight.
Four Navy personnel and 10 bandits were killed in the incident, while two others Navy personnel were slightly wounded.
All government casualties were immediately airlifted to the headquarters of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
But as for the slain 10 bandits, Caculitan said the government forces were not able to retrieve their bodies due to their lack in number. But he said there is an information that one of those killed was the leader of the group, identified as Abdulrajak Sadikal.
In Sulu, Army troopers and suspected ASG members and allied local bandits clashed at around 7:45 am, leaving one soldier wounded and a bandit killed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said.
Bacarro said the exchange of fire happened at Sitio Niug, Barangay Sangahan in Talipao town and lasted for about 20 minutes.
He said the elements of the Bravo Company of the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they encountered the rebels, numbering to about 50.
Bacarro said recovered from the slain bandit was an M16 rifle, a backpack and a military uniform.
Thousands of government troops have been deployed in Basilan and Sulu over the last two months to run after the ASG, rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and other lawless elements following the July 10 incident in Al-Barka, Basilan where 14 soldiers were killed, 10 of whom were mutilated./DMS
October 2, 2007
Four government soldiers and 11 bandits were killed in separate clashes Tuesday in Basilan and Sulu, officials said.
Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan (Marines) said the first incident happened at around 12:35 am yesterday in the small island of Lanhil just off the main island province of Basilan where an unidentified armed group was reported to be hiding.
“The tandem of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Marines Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 7 was dispatched by Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, to conduct verification on an intelligence report about the presence of an armed group in the said island,” Caculitan said in a phone interview.
Caculitan said that as of Tuesday afternoon, there is still no confirmation whether or not the bandits are members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
He said that when the government forces arrived on the island, gunfire coming from more or less 20 armed bandits met them, ensuing a 20-minute firefight.
Four Navy personnel and 10 bandits were killed in the incident, while two others Navy personnel were slightly wounded.
All government casualties were immediately airlifted to the headquarters of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
But as for the slain 10 bandits, Caculitan said the government forces were not able to retrieve their bodies due to their lack in number. But he said there is an information that one of those killed was the leader of the group, identified as Abdulrajak Sadikal.
In Sulu, Army troopers and suspected ASG members and allied local bandits clashed at around 7:45 am, leaving one soldier wounded and a bandit killed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said.
Bacarro said the exchange of fire happened at Sitio Niug, Barangay Sangahan in Talipao town and lasted for about 20 minutes.
He said the elements of the Bravo Company of the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they encountered the rebels, numbering to about 50.
Bacarro said recovered from the slain bandit was an M16 rifle, a backpack and a military uniform.
Thousands of government troops have been deployed in Basilan and Sulu over the last two months to run after the ASG, rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and other lawless elements following the July 10 incident in Al-Barka, Basilan where 14 soldiers were killed, 10 of whom were mutilated./DMS
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
“Hanna” leaves at least 10 dead in RP
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Tropical storm “Hanna” has left at least 10 persons killed, mostly in the northern province of Ifugao, when it was felt in the Philippines over the weekend.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), eight of the fatalities are from a landslide incident in Ifugao, another one is from a drowning incident in Abra, and the last one is due to flood in Quezon City.
The OCD in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) said the missing person in the landslide incident in Hingyon, Ifugao on Saturday night could not yet be ascertained as of Monday evening whether or not he was already recovered dead.
A nine-year-old boy was also wounded in said incident.
The CAR OCD, meanwhile, said that the fatality from Abra was identified as Dalipog Dayag, 70, of Bucloc, Abra, who died from drowning while crossing a river on Sunday afternoon after tilling a farmland.
Dayag’s dead body was found only yesterday (Monday) morning in the adjacent town of Sallapadan.
The fatality from Quezon City, on the other hand, was identified as Richard Añonuevo, 25, who died after getting submerged in a flood in Bagong Silang in Payatas, the OCD said in its report yesterday.
There was no mention about the date of the incident.
The OCD said a total of 2,532 families or 12,515 families were affected by “Hanna,” of whom 225 families or 1,037 families have been evacuated.
The affected persons come from Regions VI, X, XII, CAR and the National Capital Region, where “Hanna” brought in rains induced by the southwest monsoon.
A total of two houses, both from Hingyon, Ifugao, were totally destroyed due to lansdlide, while 32 others - three from Kalinga province and 29 from Sarangani province - were partially damaged due to landslide and big waves, respectively.
The OCD said an estimated P10.68 million worth of infrastructure was damaged by “Hanna,” which include the following: two communal irrigation systems (Tab-taba and Wa-it) in Lubuagan, Kalinga; farm-to-market road in Barangay Ginaang, Pasil, Kalinga; a chapel and barangay hall in Malapatan, Sarangani; a protection dike in Barangay Lingagao, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; and a drainage along the highway of Poblacion Catarman in Camiguin.
Just as “Hanna” has already left the country, the national weather station issued on Monday a tropical cyclone alert with the development of Tropical Depression “Ineng.”
Quoting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), the OCD said “Ineng” was located east of northeastern Luzon yesterday afternoon./DMS
October 1, 2007
Tropical storm “Hanna” has left at least 10 persons killed, mostly in the northern province of Ifugao, when it was felt in the Philippines over the weekend.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), eight of the fatalities are from a landslide incident in Ifugao, another one is from a drowning incident in Abra, and the last one is due to flood in Quezon City.
The OCD in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) said the missing person in the landslide incident in Hingyon, Ifugao on Saturday night could not yet be ascertained as of Monday evening whether or not he was already recovered dead.
A nine-year-old boy was also wounded in said incident.
The CAR OCD, meanwhile, said that the fatality from Abra was identified as Dalipog Dayag, 70, of Bucloc, Abra, who died from drowning while crossing a river on Sunday afternoon after tilling a farmland.
Dayag’s dead body was found only yesterday (Monday) morning in the adjacent town of Sallapadan.
The fatality from Quezon City, on the other hand, was identified as Richard Añonuevo, 25, who died after getting submerged in a flood in Bagong Silang in Payatas, the OCD said in its report yesterday.
There was no mention about the date of the incident.
The OCD said a total of 2,532 families or 12,515 families were affected by “Hanna,” of whom 225 families or 1,037 families have been evacuated.
The affected persons come from Regions VI, X, XII, CAR and the National Capital Region, where “Hanna” brought in rains induced by the southwest monsoon.
A total of two houses, both from Hingyon, Ifugao, were totally destroyed due to lansdlide, while 32 others - three from Kalinga province and 29 from Sarangani province - were partially damaged due to landslide and big waves, respectively.
The OCD said an estimated P10.68 million worth of infrastructure was damaged by “Hanna,” which include the following: two communal irrigation systems (Tab-taba and Wa-it) in Lubuagan, Kalinga; farm-to-market road in Barangay Ginaang, Pasil, Kalinga; a chapel and barangay hall in Malapatan, Sarangani; a protection dike in Barangay Lingagao, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; and a drainage along the highway of Poblacion Catarman in Camiguin.
Just as “Hanna” has already left the country, the national weather station issued on Monday a tropical cyclone alert with the development of Tropical Depression “Ineng.”
Quoting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), the OCD said “Ineng” was located east of northeastern Luzon yesterday afternoon./DMS
Esperon denies Miranda’s request for hospitalization
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Even before he can be informed by the military prosecution of the General Court Martial’s recommendation to allow Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda to visit a hospital for his ailment, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. already denied it.
In a chance interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City where he attended the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Esperon said a local hospital had already recommended that Miranda can be considered as “an outpatient” despite having problems to his ears and suffering from vertigo.
“When I learned that he has problems to his hearing, and vertigo, I sent him to the local hospital to be checked there and he was given medication and they say that he doesn’t have to be confined. So, it’s the doctor talking,” Esperon recounted, without citing the date.
“We had him checked up again on September 28 and the doctor said he can be administered to as an outpatient. But of course, we are not neglecting his needs,” he added.
During the hearing last Friday in Tanay, Rizal, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, a co-accused of Miranda along with 26 others in relation to the alleged February 2006 coup plot, informed the court that Miranda could not attend that day’s proceedings because he could not rise.
Lim said Miranda has problems with his sugar level and cholesterol count, his ears and vertigo, he even collapsed a week earlier inside the bathroom. Lim warned that Miranda could collapse again anytime soon or go into coma due to hypoglycemia because he is not allowed to go to a bigger hospital.
Lim went on to accuse Esperon of playing god even at the risk of the health condition of his co-accused officers.
But Esperon said he could not grant Miranda an “executive medical check-up” because “it is a privilege only for non-trouble makers.”
“For example, you yourselves. Since you are not doing anything bad, you can have an executive check-up. But if you are a destabilizer, you are in jail, why would you ask now for an executive check-up? It is not our fault why you are now in jail,” Esperon sarcastically said in Filipino.
Aside from Miranda, five other officers are reportedly ill also and need medical attention.
Favoring the request of Lim and their lawyers for medical check-up for the sick accused officers, the panel ordered the military prosecution panel during last Friday’s hearing to immediately coordinate with Esperon over said matter./DMS
October 1, 2007
Even before he can be informed by the military prosecution of the General Court Martial’s recommendation to allow Marine Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda to visit a hospital for his ailment, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. already denied it.
In a chance interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City where he attended the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Esperon said a local hospital had already recommended that Miranda can be considered as “an outpatient” despite having problems to his ears and suffering from vertigo.
“When I learned that he has problems to his hearing, and vertigo, I sent him to the local hospital to be checked there and he was given medication and they say that he doesn’t have to be confined. So, it’s the doctor talking,” Esperon recounted, without citing the date.
“We had him checked up again on September 28 and the doctor said he can be administered to as an outpatient. But of course, we are not neglecting his needs,” he added.
During the hearing last Friday in Tanay, Rizal, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, a co-accused of Miranda along with 26 others in relation to the alleged February 2006 coup plot, informed the court that Miranda could not attend that day’s proceedings because he could not rise.
Lim said Miranda has problems with his sugar level and cholesterol count, his ears and vertigo, he even collapsed a week earlier inside the bathroom. Lim warned that Miranda could collapse again anytime soon or go into coma due to hypoglycemia because he is not allowed to go to a bigger hospital.
Lim went on to accuse Esperon of playing god even at the risk of the health condition of his co-accused officers.
But Esperon said he could not grant Miranda an “executive medical check-up” because “it is a privilege only for non-trouble makers.”
“For example, you yourselves. Since you are not doing anything bad, you can have an executive check-up. But if you are a destabilizer, you are in jail, why would you ask now for an executive check-up? It is not our fault why you are now in jail,” Esperon sarcastically said in Filipino.
Aside from Miranda, five other officers are reportedly ill also and need medical attention.
Favoring the request of Lim and their lawyers for medical check-up for the sick accused officers, the panel ordered the military prosecution panel during last Friday’s hearing to immediately coordinate with Esperon over said matter./DMS
It’s final, Trillanes cannot convene a hearing at his detention cell – Esperon
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cannot hold a hearing at his detention cell inside the Philippine Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the military chief said Monday.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame during the turn over of command rites of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the order of the Makati City court trying Trillanes for coup d ‘etat in relation to the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny incident clearly states that the jailed legislator cannot use his detention cell as a political office.
“The ruling of Judge (Oscar) Pimentel is they cannot establish a political office inside camp. What more inside the Marine Brig? He has also ruled that they cannot conduct hearings inside the Marine Brig. That Marine Brig is a prison so why would you conduct a hearing there?” Esperon said.
Asked if there is therefore no chance for Trillanes to hold hearings inside his detention cell based on this, Esperon said: “He cannot hold a hearing there.”
Esperon said it is s not an act of harassment against Trillanes as claimed by the latter’s camp, rather it is just implementing the court order, and even the camp regulations.
“They are the ones that are trying to put in politics inside the camp,” Esperon lashed at Trillanes’ camp.
The camp of Trillanes complained last week of harassment after his visitors from the Senate and other agencies were not allowed to enter his detention cell to deliberate on proposed bills of the Senator.
Trillanes is in jail for allegedly leading the alleged coup plot in July 2003 at the then posh Oakwood Hotel and Apartments in Makati City in protest of alleged corruption in the government and the military establishment.
He is currently facing coup d’ etat charge before the Makati City court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial./DMS
October 1, 2007
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cannot hold a hearing at his detention cell inside the Philippine Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the military chief said Monday.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame during the turn over of command rites of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the order of the Makati City court trying Trillanes for coup d ‘etat in relation to the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny incident clearly states that the jailed legislator cannot use his detention cell as a political office.
“The ruling of Judge (Oscar) Pimentel is they cannot establish a political office inside camp. What more inside the Marine Brig? He has also ruled that they cannot conduct hearings inside the Marine Brig. That Marine Brig is a prison so why would you conduct a hearing there?” Esperon said.
Asked if there is therefore no chance for Trillanes to hold hearings inside his detention cell based on this, Esperon said: “He cannot hold a hearing there.”
Esperon said it is s not an act of harassment against Trillanes as claimed by the latter’s camp, rather it is just implementing the court order, and even the camp regulations.
“They are the ones that are trying to put in politics inside the camp,” Esperon lashed at Trillanes’ camp.
The camp of Trillanes complained last week of harassment after his visitors from the Senate and other agencies were not allowed to enter his detention cell to deliberate on proposed bills of the Senator.
Trillanes is in jail for allegedly leading the alleged coup plot in July 2003 at the then posh Oakwood Hotel and Apartments in Makati City in protest of alleged corruption in the government and the military establishment.
He is currently facing coup d’ etat charge before the Makati City court and violation of the Articles of War before the General Court Martial./DMS
DILG Secretary calls Abalos’ resignation an acct of patriotism
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos’ resignation on Monday is an act of patriotism.
Saying that the development came as a surprise to him, Puno said Abalos must have thought only about the welfare of the poll body, his family, as well as the upcoming elections for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials on October 29.
“I think he probably made his decision with the interest of the entire political situation in mind. We are having the barangay elections within the end of this month and I’m sure that because of his love for the institution, Chairman Abalos probably felt that it would be better if the elections were pursued without this cloud of controversy hanging over the Commission on Elections,” Puno told reporters at Camp Crame after the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
“So, I actually congratulate him for his patriotism, with his sacrifice through his resignation and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” he added.
But Puno was quick to assure that the local polls will definitely push through despite the development, saying the Comelec has long prepared for it. He said that the poll body will definitely come up with an Officer-in-Charge.
The DILG Secretary disputed observations of some that Abalos was a “sacrificial lamb” to save Malacanang from being dragged into the alleged bribery scandal hounding the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy.
Former Economic Planning Secretary and incumbent Commission on Higher Education acting chair Romulo Neri had accused Abalos of offering him a bribe for him to endorse the Chinese firm ZTE Corporation to get the NBN deal. Abalos had admitted having close personal relations with ZTE executives but denied the bribery allegation.
Puno said Arroyo was not aware yesterday noon that Abalos had already announced his resignation. “This is coming as a complete surprise to myself. I have been talking with the President since this morning, we have not heard anything about it. So this is purely the decision of Chairman Abalos,” he said.
Both Puno and Arroyo were present in yesterday’s turn over of command rites at Camp Crame.
Puno said that now that Abalos has resigned, the latter could already face his legal battles without dragging along the Comelec as an institution.
“I think that he probably will welcome the fact that any further inquiries will be raised in a judicial environment where proof and evidence is going to be the order of the day rather than allegations and unsubstantiated charges. So, that will probably also be a better way to resolve that issue,” Puno said when asked of his piece of advice for Abalos./DMS
October 1, 2007
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos’ resignation on Monday is an act of patriotism.
Saying that the development came as a surprise to him, Puno said Abalos must have thought only about the welfare of the poll body, his family, as well as the upcoming elections for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials on October 29.
“I think he probably made his decision with the interest of the entire political situation in mind. We are having the barangay elections within the end of this month and I’m sure that because of his love for the institution, Chairman Abalos probably felt that it would be better if the elections were pursued without this cloud of controversy hanging over the Commission on Elections,” Puno told reporters at Camp Crame after the turn over of command rites for the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
“So, I actually congratulate him for his patriotism, with his sacrifice through his resignation and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” he added.
But Puno was quick to assure that the local polls will definitely push through despite the development, saying the Comelec has long prepared for it. He said that the poll body will definitely come up with an Officer-in-Charge.
The DILG Secretary disputed observations of some that Abalos was a “sacrificial lamb” to save Malacanang from being dragged into the alleged bribery scandal hounding the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy.
Former Economic Planning Secretary and incumbent Commission on Higher Education acting chair Romulo Neri had accused Abalos of offering him a bribe for him to endorse the Chinese firm ZTE Corporation to get the NBN deal. Abalos had admitted having close personal relations with ZTE executives but denied the bribery allegation.
Puno said Arroyo was not aware yesterday noon that Abalos had already announced his resignation. “This is coming as a complete surprise to myself. I have been talking with the President since this morning, we have not heard anything about it. So this is purely the decision of Chairman Abalos,” he said.
Both Puno and Arroyo were present in yesterday’s turn over of command rites at Camp Crame.
Puno said that now that Abalos has resigned, the latter could already face his legal battles without dragging along the Comelec as an institution.
“I think that he probably will welcome the fact that any further inquiries will be raised in a judicial environment where proof and evidence is going to be the order of the day rather than allegations and unsubstantiated charges. So, that will probably also be a better way to resolve that issue,” Puno said when asked of his piece of advice for Abalos./DMS
Razon takes over as PNP chief, told by Arroyo to leave human rights protection as legacy
By Ronron
October 1, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. took over on Monday as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief with the retirement of Gen. Oscar Calderon.
In simple rites at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo installed Razon as the 14th PNP chief with a standing order to put an end to killings of political activists and journalists.
“If Oca Calderon’s legacy is housing, I am hoping that the legacy of Sonny Razon is on human rights,” Arroyo said in Filipino in her speech as guest of honor.
“Especially because Sonny was the head (previously) of Task Force USIG, I also instruct Gen. Razon to continue to be on top of Task Force USIG, except that now he is chief PNP, his perspective must be wider now. It must not only be on police action but the entire criminal justice system,” she added.
Razon was the first commander of Task Force USIG when it was created in June last year by Arroyo to address the so-called extrajudicial killings. It is now being headed by Director Jefferson Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).
Arryo said the first report she wants to see from Razon immediately after his assumption is “an update on the arrest, convictions, and imprisonment of those responsible for the killings of political activists and journalists.”
Based on the latest report of Task Force USIG, there have been 116 validated cases of slain militant members since 2001, of which 56 were filed in court and the remaining 60 are still under investigation.
For the 27 slain media practitioners, 21 cases were filed in court and the six others remain under investigation.
Razon told reporters after the ceremony that he will submit the report within two weeks.
Asked how he will comply with Arroyo’s directive for him to continue addressing the political and journalist killings in the country, Razon only said: “We have scheduled a command conference immediately after this so we can outline our actions to address the concern raised by the President.”
On whether or not Arroyo’s order is achievable, he said: “The Philippine National Police can accomplish that. We should accomplish that.”
Coming from the United States where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Arroyo reiterated in her speech yesterday that her government “deplores any and all killings of political activists and journalists.”
She said her government has even complied with some recommendations of the Melo Commission, including the establishment of separate courts to try extrajudicial killing cases.
The President took a swipe at the communist movement for fostering the culture of human rights violation as part of its activities.
“The communist rebels have spent years as a low level threat. It’s time for their disruption and violation of human rights to be put to rest so that the nation can move ahead. They impede the progress and development of a number of rural areas… If we are to become a First World country, we have to put to a stop to their ideological non-sense and their criminal acts once and for all,” Arroyo said.
She reiterated that her government, aside from taking the hard way, is opening the doors for amnesty to the communists through Proclamation 1377.
But aside from the human rights violation problem, Arroyo directed Razon to also continue addressing the problem of terrorism and criminality.
“The world looks upon the Philippines to continue to reinforce our economic gains with a solid foundation of law and order. And so, Sonny Razon should see to it that the war against criminality and terrorism is sustained at the grassroots level and that evil is kept at bay in the streets and in the country,” Arroyo said.
In his assumption speech, Razon vowed to deploy more uniformed policemen to the streets compared to those stationed at the offices and desk to live the PNP motto of “serving and protecting the community.”
“Let us bring back the old glory of the police force, when the mere sight of the an in uniform evoked respect and a feeling of safety and security among the citizenry. I want every man, woman and child on the street to feel safe because “Mamang Pulis2 is just around the corner. And I want the criminal element in the street to think twice before striking because “Mamang Pulis” is also just around the corner,” Razon said.
Meanwhile, Arroyo congratulated Calderon “for a job well done” in the 15 months he led the 120,000-strong PNP.
Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who was among the guests in yesterday’s affair, said he has suggested to the President to consider Calderon for a position in her administration as Presidential Adviser or DILG Undersecretary.
“We are discussing this ways of continued service because I think he has started a lot of things which we really feel should be continued… I’m think that maybe because of the importance of the work that he has done and he continues to do, maybe it would be better if instead of an Undersecretary in the department, he could even be Presidential Adviser on several aspects that are important to the President,” Puno said in an interview after the turn over rites.
“I discussed it with the President before already and I already told her about my belief and my recommendation that Gen. Calderon be invited to continue assisting all of the things that we’re doing so that there will be continuity. And she is of course very open to the idea because she also believes that Gen. Calderon has done a good job and is still in a position to help us,” he added.
In an earlier interview, Calderon had said he is willing to continue working for the government to help Arroyo, with whom he said he is indebted for his appointment as 13th PNP chief.
With Razon’s assumption, a top-level reshuffle at the PNP also took effect Monday.
The position of Deputy Chief for Administration that Razon left behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the former Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief in lieu of Varilla, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Further, the new Directorate for Operations chief will be Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr.; the Directorate for Research and Development chief will be Chief Supt. Ray Roderos; and the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development chief will be Chief Supt. German Doria.
“The first order for the day is for every policeman to implement our motto, which is, we serve and protect… We should not be the oppressor, we should not be human rights violators,” Razon said./DMS
October 1, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. took over on Monday as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief with the retirement of Gen. Oscar Calderon.
In simple rites at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo installed Razon as the 14th PNP chief with a standing order to put an end to killings of political activists and journalists.
“If Oca Calderon’s legacy is housing, I am hoping that the legacy of Sonny Razon is on human rights,” Arroyo said in Filipino in her speech as guest of honor.
“Especially because Sonny was the head (previously) of Task Force USIG, I also instruct Gen. Razon to continue to be on top of Task Force USIG, except that now he is chief PNP, his perspective must be wider now. It must not only be on police action but the entire criminal justice system,” she added.
Razon was the first commander of Task Force USIG when it was created in June last year by Arroyo to address the so-called extrajudicial killings. It is now being headed by Director Jefferson Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).
Arryo said the first report she wants to see from Razon immediately after his assumption is “an update on the arrest, convictions, and imprisonment of those responsible for the killings of political activists and journalists.”
Based on the latest report of Task Force USIG, there have been 116 validated cases of slain militant members since 2001, of which 56 were filed in court and the remaining 60 are still under investigation.
For the 27 slain media practitioners, 21 cases were filed in court and the six others remain under investigation.
Razon told reporters after the ceremony that he will submit the report within two weeks.
Asked how he will comply with Arroyo’s directive for him to continue addressing the political and journalist killings in the country, Razon only said: “We have scheduled a command conference immediately after this so we can outline our actions to address the concern raised by the President.”
On whether or not Arroyo’s order is achievable, he said: “The Philippine National Police can accomplish that. We should accomplish that.”
Coming from the United States where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Arroyo reiterated in her speech yesterday that her government “deplores any and all killings of political activists and journalists.”
She said her government has even complied with some recommendations of the Melo Commission, including the establishment of separate courts to try extrajudicial killing cases.
The President took a swipe at the communist movement for fostering the culture of human rights violation as part of its activities.
“The communist rebels have spent years as a low level threat. It’s time for their disruption and violation of human rights to be put to rest so that the nation can move ahead. They impede the progress and development of a number of rural areas… If we are to become a First World country, we have to put to a stop to their ideological non-sense and their criminal acts once and for all,” Arroyo said.
She reiterated that her government, aside from taking the hard way, is opening the doors for amnesty to the communists through Proclamation 1377.
But aside from the human rights violation problem, Arroyo directed Razon to also continue addressing the problem of terrorism and criminality.
“The world looks upon the Philippines to continue to reinforce our economic gains with a solid foundation of law and order. And so, Sonny Razon should see to it that the war against criminality and terrorism is sustained at the grassroots level and that evil is kept at bay in the streets and in the country,” Arroyo said.
In his assumption speech, Razon vowed to deploy more uniformed policemen to the streets compared to those stationed at the offices and desk to live the PNP motto of “serving and protecting the community.”
“Let us bring back the old glory of the police force, when the mere sight of the an in uniform evoked respect and a feeling of safety and security among the citizenry. I want every man, woman and child on the street to feel safe because “Mamang Pulis2 is just around the corner. And I want the criminal element in the street to think twice before striking because “Mamang Pulis” is also just around the corner,” Razon said.
Meanwhile, Arroyo congratulated Calderon “for a job well done” in the 15 months he led the 120,000-strong PNP.
Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who was among the guests in yesterday’s affair, said he has suggested to the President to consider Calderon for a position in her administration as Presidential Adviser or DILG Undersecretary.
“We are discussing this ways of continued service because I think he has started a lot of things which we really feel should be continued… I’m think that maybe because of the importance of the work that he has done and he continues to do, maybe it would be better if instead of an Undersecretary in the department, he could even be Presidential Adviser on several aspects that are important to the President,” Puno said in an interview after the turn over rites.
“I discussed it with the President before already and I already told her about my belief and my recommendation that Gen. Calderon be invited to continue assisting all of the things that we’re doing so that there will be continuity. And she is of course very open to the idea because she also believes that Gen. Calderon has done a good job and is still in a position to help us,” he added.
In an earlier interview, Calderon had said he is willing to continue working for the government to help Arroyo, with whom he said he is indebted for his appointment as 13th PNP chief.
With Razon’s assumption, a top-level reshuffle at the PNP also took effect Monday.
The position of Deputy Chief for Administration that Razon left behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the former Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief in lieu of Varilla, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Further, the new Directorate for Operations chief will be Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr.; the Directorate for Research and Development chief will be Chief Supt. Ray Roderos; and the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development chief will be Chief Supt. German Doria.
“The first order for the day is for every policeman to implement our motto, which is, we serve and protect… We should not be the oppressor, we should not be human rights violators,” Razon said./DMS
Monday, October 1, 2007
Arroyo back in Manila
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived late Saturday night in Manila from New York City where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative Forum and the Third Meeting of the Women Leaders Working Group.
Arroyo was welcomed upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City by Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
The President did not give an arrival speech.
She left the country last Tuesday evening./DMS
September 30, 2007
Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived late Saturday night in Manila from New York City where she attended the 62nd United Nations General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative Forum and the Third Meeting of the Women Leaders Working Group.
Arroyo was welcomed upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City by Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
The President did not give an arrival speech.
She left the country last Tuesday evening./DMS
Quezon City policeman fatally shot outside his residence
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
An official of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) was found with a fatal gunshot wound near his chest at his residence late Saturday night, police said yesterday.
QCPD Criminal Investigation Unit head Supt. Franklin Mabanag said Station 8 commander Supt. Jose Garcia, 51, was declared dead on arrival at the Dr. Miguel Malvar Medical Foundation due to a lone gunshot wound he sustained at around 11pm outside his house in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
Mabanag said Garcia was found with a gunshot wound on his left chest near his shoulder after he went to the back of his house on No. 49 Nawasa Road, Area 5, Veterans Village supposedly to meet someone.
“We are not yet ruling out suicide or an involvement of another person. We are still investigating the case,” Mabanag said in a phone interview.
Mabanag said the basis for considering the possibility of self-infliction is the fact that Garcia’s caliber 45 service firearm was found with him at the crime scene, and the bullet that pierced through him is of a caliber 45’s.
But they are not ruling out the possible involvement of another person because the smudges (gunpowder burns) were located about a foot away from Garcia’s body and there was presence of suspected footprints of another person.
Mabanag noted that the rear of Garcia’s residence was also accessible to outsiders because it also has a gate.
If the suicide angle is unproven by scene of the crime operatives, Mabanag said it is highly likely that the incident “is in line with his (Garcia) work,” noting that prior to leaving he house, Garcia was scanning some case folders.
Mabanag said Garcia lives only at said house with his sister and his 15-year-old son.
He said Garcia was wearing a pair of short pants and polo shirt at the time./DMS
September 30, 2007
An official of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) was found with a fatal gunshot wound near his chest at his residence late Saturday night, police said yesterday.
QCPD Criminal Investigation Unit head Supt. Franklin Mabanag said Station 8 commander Supt. Jose Garcia, 51, was declared dead on arrival at the Dr. Miguel Malvar Medical Foundation due to a lone gunshot wound he sustained at around 11pm outside his house in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
Mabanag said Garcia was found with a gunshot wound on his left chest near his shoulder after he went to the back of his house on No. 49 Nawasa Road, Area 5, Veterans Village supposedly to meet someone.
“We are not yet ruling out suicide or an involvement of another person. We are still investigating the case,” Mabanag said in a phone interview.
Mabanag said the basis for considering the possibility of self-infliction is the fact that Garcia’s caliber 45 service firearm was found with him at the crime scene, and the bullet that pierced through him is of a caliber 45’s.
But they are not ruling out the possible involvement of another person because the smudges (gunpowder burns) were located about a foot away from Garcia’s body and there was presence of suspected footprints of another person.
Mabanag noted that the rear of Garcia’s residence was also accessible to outsiders because it also has a gate.
If the suicide angle is unproven by scene of the crime operatives, Mabanag said it is highly likely that the incident “is in line with his (Garcia) work,” noting that prior to leaving he house, Garcia was scanning some case folders.
Mabanag said Garcia lives only at said house with his sister and his 15-year-old son.
He said Garcia was wearing a pair of short pants and polo shirt at the time./DMS
Eight killed in Ifugao landslide
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
Eight people, including children, were buried dead while one went missing following a landslide that hit the northern Philippine province of Ifugao on Saturday evening due to rains brought by tropical depression “Hanna.”
According to the report of the Cordillera Region Office of Civil Defense (OCD), one person was also wounded in the same incident that happened at around 10 pm in Barangay Upper Pitawan, Hingyon town.
OCD Regional Director Elvira Calina identified the fatalities in its 2pm report yesterday as Erma Hiadan, 50; Ruby Manwong, 6; Megan Manwong, 4; Johani Manwong, 2; Julia Linglingon, 52; Hiadan Cupilyo, 80; Joel Linglingon, 27; and, Rommel Linglingon, 30; while the missing victim is Henry Linglingon, 55.
Calina said the wounded victim is Denver Bogbog, 9, who was immediately brought to the Ifugao Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Calina said the victims were inside two houses when the heavy rains caused the nearby hill to collapse, bringing mixed soil and rocks over it.
“The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Ifugao is conducting the search and rescue or retrieval operation for the one missing person… Immediate financial assistance for the victims will be recommended to the Ifugao Provincial Council,” Calina said.
The landslide caused the closure of traffic along the Hingyon-Banaue Road, Calina said.
Calina disclosed that earlier on Saturday afternoon, a landslide was also reported in Barangay Ginaang in Pasil, Kalinga, affecting 350 families or 2,100 persons. Fortunately, there were no casualties or evacuees reported after the incident despite the partial wreckage of three houses.
What were severely damaged, however, were farm-to-market roads, pathways, and roads in different parts of Pasil, totaling to about P10 million.
Calina said two irrigation systems in the province, particularly in Lubuagan town, were also destroyed – the Wa-it Communal Irrigation, which was totally damaged worth about P100,000, and the Tab-taba Communal Irrigation, which was partially damaged with estimated cost of P80,000.
Authorities are also closely monitoring the water levels at the Binga, Ambuklao and San Roque dams to prevent an overspill that may cause further damage in low-lying areas. As of 1pm yesterday, one gate each was opened at the Binga and Ambuklao Dams since water level was already approaching critical levels.
“Hanna” entered the Philippine area of responsibility before the weekend and was already reported to have crossed over to Vietnam by Sunday. But it continues to cause rains in parts of Luzon and the Visayas because of the enhanced southwest monsoon./DMS
September 30, 2007
Eight people, including children, were buried dead while one went missing following a landslide that hit the northern Philippine province of Ifugao on Saturday evening due to rains brought by tropical depression “Hanna.”
According to the report of the Cordillera Region Office of Civil Defense (OCD), one person was also wounded in the same incident that happened at around 10 pm in Barangay Upper Pitawan, Hingyon town.
OCD Regional Director Elvira Calina identified the fatalities in its 2pm report yesterday as Erma Hiadan, 50; Ruby Manwong, 6; Megan Manwong, 4; Johani Manwong, 2; Julia Linglingon, 52; Hiadan Cupilyo, 80; Joel Linglingon, 27; and, Rommel Linglingon, 30; while the missing victim is Henry Linglingon, 55.
Calina said the wounded victim is Denver Bogbog, 9, who was immediately brought to the Ifugao Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Calina said the victims were inside two houses when the heavy rains caused the nearby hill to collapse, bringing mixed soil and rocks over it.
“The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Ifugao is conducting the search and rescue or retrieval operation for the one missing person… Immediate financial assistance for the victims will be recommended to the Ifugao Provincial Council,” Calina said.
The landslide caused the closure of traffic along the Hingyon-Banaue Road, Calina said.
Calina disclosed that earlier on Saturday afternoon, a landslide was also reported in Barangay Ginaang in Pasil, Kalinga, affecting 350 families or 2,100 persons. Fortunately, there were no casualties or evacuees reported after the incident despite the partial wreckage of three houses.
What were severely damaged, however, were farm-to-market roads, pathways, and roads in different parts of Pasil, totaling to about P10 million.
Calina said two irrigation systems in the province, particularly in Lubuagan town, were also destroyed – the Wa-it Communal Irrigation, which was totally damaged worth about P100,000, and the Tab-taba Communal Irrigation, which was partially damaged with estimated cost of P80,000.
Authorities are also closely monitoring the water levels at the Binga, Ambuklao and San Roque dams to prevent an overspill that may cause further damage in low-lying areas. As of 1pm yesterday, one gate each was opened at the Binga and Ambuklao Dams since water level was already approaching critical levels.
“Hanna” entered the Philippine area of responsibility before the weekend and was already reported to have crossed over to Vietnam by Sunday. But it continues to cause rains in parts of Luzon and the Visayas because of the enhanced southwest monsoon./DMS
Filipino nursing students protest JPEPA ratification
By Ronron
September 30, 2007
Nursing students from a Quezon City-based college staged on Sunday a protest rally against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) for fear that Filipino nurses will only end up as nursing aide or attendants in Japan.
At least 21 students of the Colegio de San Lorenzo said during their 30-minute rally in front of the Philippine Heart Center along East Avenue in Quezon City that Filipino nurses must be treated under the JPEPA as “professionals and not as commodities for sale.”
“Junk JPEPA! Junk! Junk! Junk!” the third-year nursing students, who were in their uniform, repeatedly shouted.
Noemelyn Pe, one of the demonstrators, said she will not consider working for Japan after graduation unless there is an assurance in the JPEPA that Filipino nurses will be treated fairly with Japanese nurses.
She said that as far as she knows, Filipino nurses who wish to work in Japan must undergo and complete a six-month training of the Japanese language, and will receive a much lower salary compared with Japanese nurses. “Isn’t that unfair?” she uttered.
Her classmate, Tudor Miguel Enriquez, said he would rather work in European countries than waste time and effort in Japan.
“It’s really a waste of time because you already know what to do yet you have to re-think in Japanese to apply all your knowledge before you can get the regular benefits of a registered nurse there,” Enriquez said.
Under the proposed pact, Filipino nurses and caregivers who wish to work in Japan after the effectivity of the JPEPA are required to undergo a six-month training to master the Japanese language. They are also required to take and pass the nursing licensure exam there in Nippongo before they can practice as regular nurses.
In the initial years of implementing the JPEPA, 400 Filipino nurses and 600 caregivers can enter the Japanese health care system.
Elsie de Veyra, a retired nurse associated with the Philippine Nurses Association and the anti-JPEPA group EcoWaste Coalition, viewed the conditions above as “relegation of our professional nurses into nursing aides under the trainee system, depriving our nurses of their labor rights and making them predisposed to abuse and exploitation in a foreign land.”
Asked what will make the JPEPA acceptable to them, de Veyra, who was also in yesterday’s rally, said: “It should state that upon entry of a Filipino nurse there, he or she is no longer a trainee but a regular nurse.”
De Veyra said they have already made coordination with Senators Loren Legarda and Jamby Madrigal to help them address their concern in the ongoing scrutiny by the Senate of the proposed agreement.
She said that when the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will meet on October 4 to discuss the provision on the movement of natural persons, including caregivers and nurses, the group will also hold a rally at the Senate grounds./DMS
September 30, 2007
Nursing students from a Quezon City-based college staged on Sunday a protest rally against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) for fear that Filipino nurses will only end up as nursing aide or attendants in Japan.
At least 21 students of the Colegio de San Lorenzo said during their 30-minute rally in front of the Philippine Heart Center along East Avenue in Quezon City that Filipino nurses must be treated under the JPEPA as “professionals and not as commodities for sale.”
“Junk JPEPA! Junk! Junk! Junk!” the third-year nursing students, who were in their uniform, repeatedly shouted.
Noemelyn Pe, one of the demonstrators, said she will not consider working for Japan after graduation unless there is an assurance in the JPEPA that Filipino nurses will be treated fairly with Japanese nurses.
She said that as far as she knows, Filipino nurses who wish to work in Japan must undergo and complete a six-month training of the Japanese language, and will receive a much lower salary compared with Japanese nurses. “Isn’t that unfair?” she uttered.
Her classmate, Tudor Miguel Enriquez, said he would rather work in European countries than waste time and effort in Japan.
“It’s really a waste of time because you already know what to do yet you have to re-think in Japanese to apply all your knowledge before you can get the regular benefits of a registered nurse there,” Enriquez said.
Under the proposed pact, Filipino nurses and caregivers who wish to work in Japan after the effectivity of the JPEPA are required to undergo a six-month training to master the Japanese language. They are also required to take and pass the nursing licensure exam there in Nippongo before they can practice as regular nurses.
In the initial years of implementing the JPEPA, 400 Filipino nurses and 600 caregivers can enter the Japanese health care system.
Elsie de Veyra, a retired nurse associated with the Philippine Nurses Association and the anti-JPEPA group EcoWaste Coalition, viewed the conditions above as “relegation of our professional nurses into nursing aides under the trainee system, depriving our nurses of their labor rights and making them predisposed to abuse and exploitation in a foreign land.”
Asked what will make the JPEPA acceptable to them, de Veyra, who was also in yesterday’s rally, said: “It should state that upon entry of a Filipino nurse there, he or she is no longer a trainee but a regular nurse.”
De Veyra said they have already made coordination with Senators Loren Legarda and Jamby Madrigal to help them address their concern in the ongoing scrutiny by the Senate of the proposed agreement.
She said that when the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will meet on October 4 to discuss the provision on the movement of natural persons, including caregivers and nurses, the group will also hold a rally at the Senate grounds./DMS
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Two soldiers killed, 10 wounded in Basilan encounter with suspected ASG rebels
By Ronron
September 26, 2007
Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded in an encounter Tuesday in Basilan province between government forces and suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), officials said.
According to Army Special Forces chief Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, the clash started at around 7:45 am Barangay Silangkum in Tipo-tipo town and went on sporadically, ending at 6pm.
The involved troops were elements of the 9th Special Forces Company, Scout Rangers, Marines and the Air Force 710th Special Operations Wing, officials said, while the ASG numbered to no more than 80.
Armed Forces chief of Staff Gen. Oscar Calderon said they are investigating if Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members were with the suspected ASG in Tuesday’s clash.
Ortiz said the initial 7:45 am clash was followed at 1pm, and then at 2:40 pm that dragged on until 6pm.
“It was a fierce encounter in the same area of Silangkum, about more than a kilometer from the encounter site of August 18, where our Scout Ranger Test Mission operated this time,” told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
Esperon said the operation was intelligence driven where they really targeted an encapment of the ASG.
He said the group was believed to be headed by a certain Furuji Indama, who was earlier reported by AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro to have died during the August 18 encounter in Silangkum village.
Indama is one of those charged by the police for the beheading of 14 Marine soldiers in Al-Barka town last July 10.
Told about the inconsistency regarding Indama, Esperon said: “That has since then been put into validation since there were reports that he was sighted somewhere. This is a continuing validation.”
Esperon said that in Tuesday’s fighting, intelligence report indicated that at least 10 ASG rebels were killed. But the military has not recovered any bodies.
Ortiz said that of the government casualties, one of the two slain soldiers is from the Special Forces, while the other one, as well as the 10 wounded, were Scout Rangers.
Esperon said a student, whose age was not immediately known, was also hurt after being hit by a stray bullet.
The military chief disclosed that American forces helped in the air evacuation of the slain and wounded government soldiers from Basilan to Zamboanga City where they were given medical treatment.
The incident was the last to happen since August 26 where joint Marine and Army forces clashed with ASG rebels also in Barangay Silangkum. There were no casualties reported in that firefight.
Prior to that was the deadly August 18 incident where 15 Marines were killed and seven others were wounded.
The military has deployed thousands of government troops in the island province to hunt after those responsible for the July 10 incident and to carry out humanitarian projects alongside military operations./DMS
September 26, 2007
Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded in an encounter Tuesday in Basilan province between government forces and suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), officials said.
According to Army Special Forces chief Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, the clash started at around 7:45 am Barangay Silangkum in Tipo-tipo town and went on sporadically, ending at 6pm.
The involved troops were elements of the 9th Special Forces Company, Scout Rangers, Marines and the Air Force 710th Special Operations Wing, officials said, while the ASG numbered to no more than 80.
Armed Forces chief of Staff Gen. Oscar Calderon said they are investigating if Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members were with the suspected ASG in Tuesday’s clash.
Ortiz said the initial 7:45 am clash was followed at 1pm, and then at 2:40 pm that dragged on until 6pm.
“It was a fierce encounter in the same area of Silangkum, about more than a kilometer from the encounter site of August 18, where our Scout Ranger Test Mission operated this time,” told Camp Aguinaldo reporters yesterday.
Esperon said the operation was intelligence driven where they really targeted an encapment of the ASG.
He said the group was believed to be headed by a certain Furuji Indama, who was earlier reported by AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro to have died during the August 18 encounter in Silangkum village.
Indama is one of those charged by the police for the beheading of 14 Marine soldiers in Al-Barka town last July 10.
Told about the inconsistency regarding Indama, Esperon said: “That has since then been put into validation since there were reports that he was sighted somewhere. This is a continuing validation.”
Esperon said that in Tuesday’s fighting, intelligence report indicated that at least 10 ASG rebels were killed. But the military has not recovered any bodies.
Ortiz said that of the government casualties, one of the two slain soldiers is from the Special Forces, while the other one, as well as the 10 wounded, were Scout Rangers.
Esperon said a student, whose age was not immediately known, was also hurt after being hit by a stray bullet.
The military chief disclosed that American forces helped in the air evacuation of the slain and wounded government soldiers from Basilan to Zamboanga City where they were given medical treatment.
The incident was the last to happen since August 26 where joint Marine and Army forces clashed with ASG rebels also in Barangay Silangkum. There were no casualties reported in that firefight.
Prior to that was the deadly August 18 incident where 15 Marines were killed and seven others were wounded.
The military has deployed thousands of government troops in the island province to hunt after those responsible for the July 10 incident and to carry out humanitarian projects alongside military operations./DMS
PNP implements top-level reshuffle on Monday when new chief takes over
By Ronron
September 26, 2007
A top-level reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP) will take place on Monday when the organization welcomes its new chief in the person of Deputy Director General (DDG) Avelino Razon, Jr.
According to Razon, the position of Deputy Chief for Administration that he will leave behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the incumbent Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla who currently heads the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Razon said Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership he presently heads to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Razon will take over the top PNP post from General Oscar Calderon who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
September 26, 2007
A top-level reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP) will take place on Monday when the organization welcomes its new chief in the person of Deputy Director General (DDG) Avelino Razon, Jr.
According to Razon, the position of Deputy Chief for Administration that he will leave behind will be taken over by DDG Jesus Verzosa, the incumbent Deputy Chief for Operations.
The new Deputy Chief for Operations, meanwhile, will be DDG Reynaldo Varilla who currently heads the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Razon said Director Geary Barias will become the new NCRPO chief, as he turns over the Director for Comptrollership he presently heads to Chief Supt. Eliseo de la Paz.
Razon will take over the top PNP post from General Oscar Calderon who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
US donates 11.2 million pesos to PNP for renovation of training facility in Mindanao
By Ronron
September 26, 2007
Saying that it remains committed to help the Philippines in its fight against criminality and terrorism, particularly the illegal drugs trade, the United States formalized on Wednesday the grant of P11.2 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the renovation of a police training facility in General Santos City.
In simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney personally gave the donation to outgoing PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who will retire on October 1.
“We’re signing an important agreement that continues our collaboration on training and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking,” Kenney told reporters after the signing ceremony.
A statement from the US Embassy said that the project will include new sleeping quarters, a dining facility, classrooms and upgrades to small arms ranges and a tactical “shoot house” structure.
“It’s part of a series of training efforts that we’re undergoing so that the Philippine National Police, specifically on anti-trafficking of drugs, will have the right facilities to train, to share ideas, techniques, not just with Americans, but with each other and also with other nations,” Kenney said.
Aside from the facility in General Santos City, those in Zamboanga City, San Fernando in La Union, and Palawan will also under improvement works, Kenney said.
“The US assistance seeks to improve the capabilities and capacities of its partner nation’s forces. The US enjoys a strong partnership with Philippine law enforcement officials and this is just one example of US support in improving the infrastructure of police units in the Philippines,” Kenney said.
According to Kenney, aside from the illegal drugs problem, the country is also faced with other security issues like terrorism and human trafficking, both the PNP needs to continue addressing.
For this reason, she said the US will also contribute in the Armed Forces’ Coast Watch South project, which is expected to start before the year ends.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Coast Watch South and we’re collaborating to see what else we can do – radars, boats, how we can share information,” Kenney said.
Asked if Americans feel safer in the country during the 15-month stint of Calderon as PNP chief, the envoy said: “Americans feel increasingly safer here in the Philippines. The PNP has done a wonderful job of looking after the really many difficult issues that face every police force in the world today.”
She said even American business has remained bullish in the country, thanks to the quality of Filipino employees, whom she describe as “energetic and dedicated,” and the level of security.
“American business is very enthusiastic about what we do here. In fact, next week, I’m going to Cebu where we have an American showcase (where) … American companies are here looking for Philippine partners to do business in the country,” Kenney said.
Kenney said that even the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell in April of this year in Ifugao did not discourage other volunteers from continuing public service in the country.
But she said that while the number of volunteers, which is about 200 at this time, was not affected, American authorities have taken “the safety and security of our volunteers very seriously.”
Nonetheless, Kenney thanked Calderon for the efforts of the PNP to solve the murder case of Campbell.
“I’m actually looking forward to getting up to Banaue myself at some point because I want to thank the police up there, the local citizens who helped us look for Julia Campbell, have a chance to see for myself the extraordinary beauty, and to have a chance to see some of our other projects,” Kenney said./DMS
September 26, 2007
Saying that it remains committed to help the Philippines in its fight against criminality and terrorism, particularly the illegal drugs trade, the United States formalized on Wednesday the grant of P11.2 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the renovation of a police training facility in General Santos City.
In simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney personally gave the donation to outgoing PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who will retire on October 1.
“We’re signing an important agreement that continues our collaboration on training and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking,” Kenney told reporters after the signing ceremony.
A statement from the US Embassy said that the project will include new sleeping quarters, a dining facility, classrooms and upgrades to small arms ranges and a tactical “shoot house” structure.
“It’s part of a series of training efforts that we’re undergoing so that the Philippine National Police, specifically on anti-trafficking of drugs, will have the right facilities to train, to share ideas, techniques, not just with Americans, but with each other and also with other nations,” Kenney said.
Aside from the facility in General Santos City, those in Zamboanga City, San Fernando in La Union, and Palawan will also under improvement works, Kenney said.
“The US assistance seeks to improve the capabilities and capacities of its partner nation’s forces. The US enjoys a strong partnership with Philippine law enforcement officials and this is just one example of US support in improving the infrastructure of police units in the Philippines,” Kenney said.
According to Kenney, aside from the illegal drugs problem, the country is also faced with other security issues like terrorism and human trafficking, both the PNP needs to continue addressing.
For this reason, she said the US will also contribute in the Armed Forces’ Coast Watch South project, which is expected to start before the year ends.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Coast Watch South and we’re collaborating to see what else we can do – radars, boats, how we can share information,” Kenney said.
Asked if Americans feel safer in the country during the 15-month stint of Calderon as PNP chief, the envoy said: “Americans feel increasingly safer here in the Philippines. The PNP has done a wonderful job of looking after the really many difficult issues that face every police force in the world today.”
She said even American business has remained bullish in the country, thanks to the quality of Filipino employees, whom she describe as “energetic and dedicated,” and the level of security.
“American business is very enthusiastic about what we do here. In fact, next week, I’m going to Cebu where we have an American showcase (where) … American companies are here looking for Philippine partners to do business in the country,” Kenney said.
Kenney said that even the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell in April of this year in Ifugao did not discourage other volunteers from continuing public service in the country.
But she said that while the number of volunteers, which is about 200 at this time, was not affected, American authorities have taken “the safety and security of our volunteers very seriously.”
Nonetheless, Kenney thanked Calderon for the efforts of the PNP to solve the murder case of Campbell.
“I’m actually looking forward to getting up to Banaue myself at some point because I want to thank the police up there, the local citizens who helped us look for Julia Campbell, have a chance to see for myself the extraordinary beauty, and to have a chance to see some of our other projects,” Kenney said./DMS
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Navy to start Coast Watch project before yearend to battle transnational criminals and terrorists
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
The Philippine Navy will start later this year its Coast Watch project that will be implemented from Palawan to Davao in the hope of preventing sea-borne crimes, both local and transnational, and terrorism, officials said Tuesday.
In a phone interview with Defense reporters, Lt. Commander Jorge Ibarra, chief of the International Affairs of the Office of the Deputy Navy Chief for Plans, said they are just awaiting the Executive Order from Malacanang that will define the respective roles of the Navy and other maritime agencies like the Coast Guard, Maritime Police, the Customs and Immigration in the implementation of the project.
But even before an EO is released, Ibarra said the involved agencies will already begin holding workshops next week at the Navy headquarters in Manila City as to how the project will be carried out.
"The Coast Watch South stations would enhance the Philippine Navy's capability to conduct surveillance and interdiction against various threats that are taking advantage of our porous borders," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said in a recent speech.
“Our southern backdoor is especially prone to the incursion of terrorists, smugglers, pirates, and traffickers of firearms and explosives. It is also used as a transshipment point of illegal drugs,” he added.
According to Ibarra, 17 Coast Watch stations, all worth up to P17 billion, will bet set up under the project. He said N-Shore Patrol vessels, patrol gunboats and rigid-hull inflatable boats will be bought by the Navy for use in the 17 stations.
Navy spokesman Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the 17 stations would stretch from Mangsi Island off Palawan province to the coasts of Davao provinces in the eastern part of Mindanao, forming a U-shaped "barrier."
Ibarra said the N-Shore Patrol vessel and gunboats will be utilized in patrolling the waters within a 12-nautical mile radius, while the rigid-hull inflatable boats will be used near the coastlines.
“Once we monitor unusual movement, we can intercept them immediately,” Ibarra said of the project. “We will be monitoring all illegal activities.”
Ibarra said helicopters will also provide support to the sea patrols, in coordination with land-based stations. "There will be a triad, with a sea, land, and air component.”
The Coast Watch South project was introduced last year by then Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, after getting a briefing about the same project that is being implemented in Australia./DMS
September 25, 2007
The Philippine Navy will start later this year its Coast Watch project that will be implemented from Palawan to Davao in the hope of preventing sea-borne crimes, both local and transnational, and terrorism, officials said Tuesday.
In a phone interview with Defense reporters, Lt. Commander Jorge Ibarra, chief of the International Affairs of the Office of the Deputy Navy Chief for Plans, said they are just awaiting the Executive Order from Malacanang that will define the respective roles of the Navy and other maritime agencies like the Coast Guard, Maritime Police, the Customs and Immigration in the implementation of the project.
But even before an EO is released, Ibarra said the involved agencies will already begin holding workshops next week at the Navy headquarters in Manila City as to how the project will be carried out.
"The Coast Watch South stations would enhance the Philippine Navy's capability to conduct surveillance and interdiction against various threats that are taking advantage of our porous borders," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said in a recent speech.
“Our southern backdoor is especially prone to the incursion of terrorists, smugglers, pirates, and traffickers of firearms and explosives. It is also used as a transshipment point of illegal drugs,” he added.
According to Ibarra, 17 Coast Watch stations, all worth up to P17 billion, will bet set up under the project. He said N-Shore Patrol vessels, patrol gunboats and rigid-hull inflatable boats will be bought by the Navy for use in the 17 stations.
Navy spokesman Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the 17 stations would stretch from Mangsi Island off Palawan province to the coasts of Davao provinces in the eastern part of Mindanao, forming a U-shaped "barrier."
Ibarra said the N-Shore Patrol vessel and gunboats will be utilized in patrolling the waters within a 12-nautical mile radius, while the rigid-hull inflatable boats will be used near the coastlines.
“Once we monitor unusual movement, we can intercept them immediately,” Ibarra said of the project. “We will be monitoring all illegal activities.”
Ibarra said helicopters will also provide support to the sea patrols, in coordination with land-based stations. "There will be a triad, with a sea, land, and air component.”
The Coast Watch South project was introduced last year by then Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, after getting a briefing about the same project that is being implemented in Australia./DMS
Estrada to appeal guilty verdict before Sandiganbayan on Wednesday
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
Convicted former Philippine President Joseph Estrada will file today (Wednesday) a motion for reconsideration (MR) before the Sandiganbayan for the guilty verdict it handed against him last September 12, a government official said Tuesday.
According to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronald Puno, the move is was relayed to him personally by Estrada during their meeting yesterday noon at the former leader’s Tanay Resthouse in Rizal province.
“His welcome words for me were, Ronnie, we will file tomorrow an MR before the Sandiganbayan… I said, it’s okay because for us, we will just await until all the legal processes are completed and the legal remedies available for them are already looked into,” Puno told a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame after arriving from Tanay.
Puno said he met with Estrada to discuss possible granting of pardon on him by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo consistent with her policy for national reconciliation and policy.
Puno said that if he had his way, Estrada should not just have filed the MR so that the process for getting pardon will already start. “For me, that would have been quicker. But of course, they have their own issues and that is refusal to accept the verdict of guilty. He wants to specifically state the reasons why he believes that the decision was not correct and needs to be reconsidered,” Puno said.
Under the law, any convicted person can only avail of executive clemency if the decision against him is final and executory already. He or she must also apply for that to the President.
When asked if Estrada would personally submit a letter to Arroyo, Puno replied: “I doubt.”
But Puno said they will continue negotiating with Estrada even if the appeal reaches the Supreme Court because it is the intention of the President to foster national unity.
“I told him that the message of President Arroyo is we just want to find a solution to heal the wounds so that we can go past the difficult situation we are in now and we can unite the people,” Puno said.
Puno said he will discuss further the matter with the Department of Justice in the coming days, and then to Estrada’s lawyers before he submits a report to Arroyo.
Despite the uncertainties, Puno said he is confident that the issue will be ironed out, particularly in favor of the government’s wish, in the end./DMS
September 25, 2007
Convicted former Philippine President Joseph Estrada will file today (Wednesday) a motion for reconsideration (MR) before the Sandiganbayan for the guilty verdict it handed against him last September 12, a government official said Tuesday.
According to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronald Puno, the move is was relayed to him personally by Estrada during their meeting yesterday noon at the former leader’s Tanay Resthouse in Rizal province.
“His welcome words for me were, Ronnie, we will file tomorrow an MR before the Sandiganbayan… I said, it’s okay because for us, we will just await until all the legal processes are completed and the legal remedies available for them are already looked into,” Puno told a news conference yesterday afternoon at Camp Crame after arriving from Tanay.
Puno said he met with Estrada to discuss possible granting of pardon on him by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo consistent with her policy for national reconciliation and policy.
Puno said that if he had his way, Estrada should not just have filed the MR so that the process for getting pardon will already start. “For me, that would have been quicker. But of course, they have their own issues and that is refusal to accept the verdict of guilty. He wants to specifically state the reasons why he believes that the decision was not correct and needs to be reconsidered,” Puno said.
Under the law, any convicted person can only avail of executive clemency if the decision against him is final and executory already. He or she must also apply for that to the President.
When asked if Estrada would personally submit a letter to Arroyo, Puno replied: “I doubt.”
But Puno said they will continue negotiating with Estrada even if the appeal reaches the Supreme Court because it is the intention of the President to foster national unity.
“I told him that the message of President Arroyo is we just want to find a solution to heal the wounds so that we can go past the difficult situation we are in now and we can unite the people,” Puno said.
Puno said he will discuss further the matter with the Department of Justice in the coming days, and then to Estrada’s lawyers before he submits a report to Arroyo.
Despite the uncertainties, Puno said he is confident that the issue will be ironed out, particularly in favor of the government’s wish, in the end./DMS
Incoming PNP chief warns cops who fail in gun-handling tests that they will lose their firearms
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will make sure when he assumes the top police post on October 1 that all policemen will have the capability to handle guns.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame yesterday, Razon said he will give emphasis on the conduct of proficiency training and tests of policemen on handling guns so those found non-proficient will not pose danger to the public.
“If they don’t pass the proficiency test over a period of time or a series of tests, we will disarm them because the non-proficient pose a danger to our community. They’re like people who can’t drive but are allowed to do it, so they might hit pedestrians. That’s bad for our community,” Razon said.
Razon said the proficiency training and tests on gun handling will be done all year round.
He said those who will be disarmed will be assigned instead to administrative tasks or other duties that will not require the use of firearms, while their firearms will be given to more qualified ones.
“This will be from the chief PNP down to the lowest PO1… We will not spare anyone here,” Razon said.
Razon will replace PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
September 25, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will make sure when he assumes the top police post on October 1 that all policemen will have the capability to handle guns.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame yesterday, Razon said he will give emphasis on the conduct of proficiency training and tests of policemen on handling guns so those found non-proficient will not pose danger to the public.
“If they don’t pass the proficiency test over a period of time or a series of tests, we will disarm them because the non-proficient pose a danger to our community. They’re like people who can’t drive but are allowed to do it, so they might hit pedestrians. That’s bad for our community,” Razon said.
Razon said the proficiency training and tests on gun handling will be done all year round.
He said those who will be disarmed will be assigned instead to administrative tasks or other duties that will not require the use of firearms, while their firearms will be given to more qualified ones.
“This will be from the chief PNP down to the lowest PO1… We will not spare anyone here,” Razon said.
Razon will replace PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS
Calderon willing to accept government post after retirement
By Ronron
September 25, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon is open to continue working for the government even after his retirement from the service on October 1.
During the media forum Tuesday at Camp Crame, Calderon said he “cannot just leave behind President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo” with whom he “owes a debt of gratitude” for appointing him as PNP chief in July last year.
“I will make myself available… I will not totally disappear from the picture. I could still be of service even after my retirement,” Calderon said.
Asked if there had been offers for him from Malacanang, Calderon said there is nothing formal at the moment.
But one time recently, he said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno directed him in jest to apply for any of the two vacant Undersecretary positions in the department.
“Well, we are not refusing any offer because I really just want to help,” Calderon said.
If Calderon gets a government position under the Arroyo administration, he is not going to be the first PNP chief to get one. His predecessor, retired Gen. Arturo Lomibao, has been named recently as chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Lomibao’s predecessor, retired Gen. Edgardo Aglipay, was also assigned to head the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Calderon will be replaced by the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr./DMS
September 25, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon is open to continue working for the government even after his retirement from the service on October 1.
During the media forum Tuesday at Camp Crame, Calderon said he “cannot just leave behind President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo” with whom he “owes a debt of gratitude” for appointing him as PNP chief in July last year.
“I will make myself available… I will not totally disappear from the picture. I could still be of service even after my retirement,” Calderon said.
Asked if there had been offers for him from Malacanang, Calderon said there is nothing formal at the moment.
But one time recently, he said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno directed him in jest to apply for any of the two vacant Undersecretary positions in the department.
“Well, we are not refusing any offer because I really just want to help,” Calderon said.
If Calderon gets a government position under the Arroyo administration, he is not going to be the first PNP chief to get one. His predecessor, retired Gen. Arturo Lomibao, has been named recently as chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Lomibao’s predecessor, retired Gen. Edgardo Aglipay, was also assigned to head the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Calderon will be replaced by the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr./DMS
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Razon elated to be chosen as next PNP chief
By Ronron
September 24, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. expressed elation with the announcement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday that he is the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Razon, the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, will take over the post on October 1st when Gen. Oscar Calderon reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“I am happy and I thank so much President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for trusting me,” Razon said.
“I will take this as a challenge for the PNP to be of better service to our countrymen,” he added.
Razon will have a little over a year to head the 120,000-police force since he will meet the mandatory retirement age of 56 in late September of 2008./DMS
September 24, 2007
Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. expressed elation with the announcement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday that he is the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Razon, the incumbent PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, will take over the post on October 1st when Gen. Oscar Calderon reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“I am happy and I thank so much President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for trusting me,” Razon said.
“I will take this as a challenge for the PNP to be of better service to our countrymen,” he added.
Razon will have a little over a year to head the 120,000-police force since he will meet the mandatory retirement age of 56 in late September of 2008./DMS
Renegade MILF commander killed in shootout with Maguindanao cops
By Ronron
September 24, 2007
A suspected renegade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed in a shootout Sunday against Maguindanao policemen.
The incident, which happened at around 8am at Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao, also left the chief of police of said town slightly wounded, said Supt. Danilo Bacas, Operations and Plans Division chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police.
Bacas said the five-man party led by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Police chief SPO4 Adam Maliga was aboard a police car when they were ambushed by armed men led by a certain Commander Hadji Ali.
Bacas said Ali is a known commander of the MILF Lost Command who allegedly has a rift with the family of Maliga.
“It’s a personal motive. We heard there is a family feud between Maliga and Ali, so we can say that Maliga is really the target,” Bacas said in Filipino when reached by phone.
Bacas said the group of Ali first fired at the party of Maliga using an M79 grenade launcher. The group of Maliga fired back, resulting in the death of Ali and the withdrawal of his followers.
Family feud, locally called as “rido,” usually ends up in violent incidents in Moslem communities in the country./DMS
September 24, 2007
A suspected renegade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed in a shootout Sunday against Maguindanao policemen.
The incident, which happened at around 8am at Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao, also left the chief of police of said town slightly wounded, said Supt. Danilo Bacas, Operations and Plans Division chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police.
Bacas said the five-man party led by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Police chief SPO4 Adam Maliga was aboard a police car when they were ambushed by armed men led by a certain Commander Hadji Ali.
Bacas said Ali is a known commander of the MILF Lost Command who allegedly has a rift with the family of Maliga.
“It’s a personal motive. We heard there is a family feud between Maliga and Ali, so we can say that Maliga is really the target,” Bacas said in Filipino when reached by phone.
Bacas said the group of Ali first fired at the party of Maliga using an M79 grenade launcher. The group of Maliga fired back, resulting in the death of Ali and the withdrawal of his followers.
Family feud, locally called as “rido,” usually ends up in violent incidents in Moslem communities in the country./DMS
Robbers strike at Defense reporters’ office inside main military camp
By Ronron
September 24, 2007
Suspected robbers took three Central Processing Units (CPU’s) of computer sets inside the Defense Press Corps (DPC) office at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, members of the DPC discovered on Monday morning.
Pilipino Star Ngayon (tabloid) reporter Joy Cantos was the first to discover the missing computer parts when she arrived at the DPC office at around 10am. She said the door was closed but not locked, indicating no sign of forcible entry.
The last person to leave the office was this reporter, who left shortly past 9pm on Sunday. Upon leaving, this reporter made sure the door was locked.
Outgoing DPC President Verlin Ruiz, reporter of Remate (tabloid), said the three computer CPU’s belong to the sets being used by him, Victor Reyes of Malaya broadsheet, and Anthony Vargas of Manila Times broadsheet.
The three CPU’s were recently acquired by the DPC as Christmas gifts by donors. Ruiz estimates each of the CPU to cost around P30,000.00.
The computer users said the missing CPU’s contain only their stories and transcripts of several previous interviews. Ruiz said his also had personal profiles of DPC members.
“We strongly condemn in the strongest terms this incident of burglary, which happened right inside a military camp. We can not discount the possibility that it could be an inside job or this is a form of harassment against the DPC,” Ruiz said.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, whose office is located adjacent to the DPC office, said the incident is now being investigated both by the AFP Military Police battalion and the Philippine National Police./DMS
September 24, 2007
Suspected robbers took three Central Processing Units (CPU’s) of computer sets inside the Defense Press Corps (DPC) office at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, members of the DPC discovered on Monday morning.
Pilipino Star Ngayon (tabloid) reporter Joy Cantos was the first to discover the missing computer parts when she arrived at the DPC office at around 10am. She said the door was closed but not locked, indicating no sign of forcible entry.
The last person to leave the office was this reporter, who left shortly past 9pm on Sunday. Upon leaving, this reporter made sure the door was locked.
Outgoing DPC President Verlin Ruiz, reporter of Remate (tabloid), said the three computer CPU’s belong to the sets being used by him, Victor Reyes of Malaya broadsheet, and Anthony Vargas of Manila Times broadsheet.
The three CPU’s were recently acquired by the DPC as Christmas gifts by donors. Ruiz estimates each of the CPU to cost around P30,000.00.
The computer users said the missing CPU’s contain only their stories and transcripts of several previous interviews. Ruiz said his also had personal profiles of DPC members.
“We strongly condemn in the strongest terms this incident of burglary, which happened right inside a military camp. We can not discount the possibility that it could be an inside job or this is a form of harassment against the DPC,” Ruiz said.
AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, whose office is located adjacent to the DPC office, said the incident is now being investigated both by the AFP Military Police battalion and the Philippine National Police./DMS
Monday, September 24, 2007
NPA attacks police station in Surigao Sur, two cops hurt
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked early Sunday afternoon the Cantilan Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Sur, the chief of the provincial police said.
According to Sr. Supt. Alex Ga, two policemen were hurt in the incident as they also lost several firearms to the perpetrators estimated to be around 200 in strength.
Ga said the incident happened around 1:30 pm when there were only four policemen present at the police station.
He said the rebels were on board three trucks, one pick up and two vans.
But only those aboard the pick-up and one of the vans attacked the police station since the rest posted as security forces all over the town’s poblacion.
Ga said the attack lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, since the policemen at the station fired back.
Since outnumbered, two of the policemen were wounded, and the rebels were able to take away 14 M16 rifles, one 9mm, one 38 caliber revolver, three homemade shotguns, and a radio set, Ga said.
Asked why there were only four policemen at the station during the attack, Ga said the rest were still having lunch outside, while there were also others posted in security details in the different parts of the town.
Ga said they will investigate the incident to find out if there were lapses on the part of the municipal police.
He said it was a surprise that the NPA attacked the Cantilan Municipal Police Station because when the communist movement announced their plan for future offensives in Caraga Region following the arrest of Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands, the authorities thought it would take place in the southern or central part of the province.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years to topple the government for the revolutionary objectives.
The government has vowed to make the group significantly incapable by 2010./DMS
September 23, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked early Sunday afternoon the Cantilan Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Sur, the chief of the provincial police said.
According to Sr. Supt. Alex Ga, two policemen were hurt in the incident as they also lost several firearms to the perpetrators estimated to be around 200 in strength.
Ga said the incident happened around 1:30 pm when there were only four policemen present at the police station.
He said the rebels were on board three trucks, one pick up and two vans.
But only those aboard the pick-up and one of the vans attacked the police station since the rest posted as security forces all over the town’s poblacion.
Ga said the attack lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, since the policemen at the station fired back.
Since outnumbered, two of the policemen were wounded, and the rebels were able to take away 14 M16 rifles, one 9mm, one 38 caliber revolver, three homemade shotguns, and a radio set, Ga said.
Asked why there were only four policemen at the station during the attack, Ga said the rest were still having lunch outside, while there were also others posted in security details in the different parts of the town.
Ga said they will investigate the incident to find out if there were lapses on the part of the municipal police.
He said it was a surprise that the NPA attacked the Cantilan Municipal Police Station because when the communist movement announced their plan for future offensives in Caraga Region following the arrest of Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands, the authorities thought it would take place in the southern or central part of the province.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years to topple the government for the revolutionary objectives.
The government has vowed to make the group significantly incapable by 2010./DMS
Pardon talks for Erap is premature – Ramos
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
The Arroyo government is “prematurely” discussing proposals for pardon on former President Joseph Estrada who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder since the case is not yet even over as far as the judicial process is concerned.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos told reporters Sunday that an executive clemency can only be granted when there is already finality to the verdict against any accused like Estrada.
“Didn’t former President Erap appeal before the Supreme Court for a reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan decision against him, convicting him of plunder and sentencing him of life (imprisonment?)… I think even low level officials who are not lawyers know that pardon, which is a form of an executive clemency and other forms include commutation of a severe sentence into something less severe, cannot be carried out by the Chief Executive unless the judicial process is finished, and the person is finally adjudged as guilty and is sentenced,” Ramos said.
A self-confessed Law school dropout but Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree holder, Ramos said the person must even “spend at least one day in the penitentiary before pardon or any kind of executive clemency can be extended.”
“The judicial process (on Estrada) is still ongoing that is why I am surprised sometimes why even the spokesman of Malacanang is talking about the pardon… That is still premature because the executive clemency cannot be given by the Executive while the judicial process is still going on,” Ramos said.
The Arroyo government has offered possible pardon for Estrada, who was convicted last September 12, in the hope of easing political tension, especially that the latter still commands a huge support from the masses./DMS
September 23, 2007
The Arroyo government is “prematurely” discussing proposals for pardon on former President Joseph Estrada who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder since the case is not yet even over as far as the judicial process is concerned.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos told reporters Sunday that an executive clemency can only be granted when there is already finality to the verdict against any accused like Estrada.
“Didn’t former President Erap appeal before the Supreme Court for a reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan decision against him, convicting him of plunder and sentencing him of life (imprisonment?)… I think even low level officials who are not lawyers know that pardon, which is a form of an executive clemency and other forms include commutation of a severe sentence into something less severe, cannot be carried out by the Chief Executive unless the judicial process is finished, and the person is finally adjudged as guilty and is sentenced,” Ramos said.
A self-confessed Law school dropout but Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree holder, Ramos said the person must even “spend at least one day in the penitentiary before pardon or any kind of executive clemency can be extended.”
“The judicial process (on Estrada) is still ongoing that is why I am surprised sometimes why even the spokesman of Malacanang is talking about the pardon… That is still premature because the executive clemency cannot be given by the Executive while the judicial process is still going on,” Ramos said.
The Arroyo government has offered possible pardon for Estrada, who was convicted last September 12, in the hope of easing political tension, especially that the latter still commands a huge support from the masses./DMS
Ramos suggests review of NBN contract now that deal is suspended
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos on Sunday suggested that the government should take advantage of the suspension of the deal with ZTE Corporation as regards the implementation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project by reviewing the contract.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center on V. Luna Avenue, Quezon City, Ramos said Philippines and even China can revisit the terms of the contract to polish any perceived loopholes or anomaly.
“The suspension implies many other future actions… (like) a revisiting of the terms so that if indeed there is any overprice in relation to the real cost of the infrastructure, and/or services to be delivered, then that must be recomputed,” Ramos said.
“Also, if there are any further legal issues or claims even to be settled, then this must also be reviewed because there are other parties down the line that are in interest. It is not just the two governments concerned. There are private sector companies that are involved,” he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday has ordered the suspension of her government’s contract with ZTE Corporation, as well as the Cyber-Education Project in the hope that it would tone down the controversy the former has brought.
The NBN project is worth US$329 million, while the Cyber-Education project costs about US$455.47 million.
The indefinite suspension order came after the Senate investigated the alleged bribe offers by ZTE officials to Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to get the deal, as claimed by Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia whose company lost to ZTE.
As former President, Ramos said he is delighted by the move of the Arroyo administration to speak about the issue during the Senate probe since there is really a need to clarify the matter before the public.
“To me, that was a very good move,” Ramos said.
With the suspension giving an opportunity now for both countries to review the contract, Ramos said he is hopeful that everything will come out well with regard to the matter.
“The earlier this is redone or renegotiated, the better for all sides,” he said./DMS
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos on Sunday suggested that the government should take advantage of the suspension of the deal with ZTE Corporation as regards the implementation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project by reviewing the contract.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center on V. Luna Avenue, Quezon City, Ramos said Philippines and even China can revisit the terms of the contract to polish any perceived loopholes or anomaly.
“The suspension implies many other future actions… (like) a revisiting of the terms so that if indeed there is any overprice in relation to the real cost of the infrastructure, and/or services to be delivered, then that must be recomputed,” Ramos said.
“Also, if there are any further legal issues or claims even to be settled, then this must also be reviewed because there are other parties down the line that are in interest. It is not just the two governments concerned. There are private sector companies that are involved,” he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday has ordered the suspension of her government’s contract with ZTE Corporation, as well as the Cyber-Education Project in the hope that it would tone down the controversy the former has brought.
The NBN project is worth US$329 million, while the Cyber-Education project costs about US$455.47 million.
The indefinite suspension order came after the Senate investigated the alleged bribe offers by ZTE officials to Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to get the deal, as claimed by Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia whose company lost to ZTE.
As former President, Ramos said he is delighted by the move of the Arroyo administration to speak about the issue during the Senate probe since there is really a need to clarify the matter before the public.
“To me, that was a very good move,” Ramos said.
With the suspension giving an opportunity now for both countries to review the contract, Ramos said he is hopeful that everything will come out well with regard to the matter.
“The earlier this is redone or renegotiated, the better for all sides,” he said./DMS
Ramos says “destabilizers” now have no capability to succeed
By Ronron
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos on Sunday belittled talks about alleged destabilization plots against the Arroyo administration, saying they have no capability to succeed.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, the former President said the destabilization exposed recently by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. merely indicates “intention and indications” and does not reflect any hint of success.
“As far as I’m concerned, there may be some intentions and some indications but there is no capability by anyone because you must be able to mount big forces behind you,” Ramos, a former military chief, said.
He said the indication is that the alleged military personnel have tried to go against the chain of command, which, according to him, “does not mean that there is already a destabilization plot or conspiracy.”
In an interview last Friday, Esperon disclosed that at least six military personnel from the junior officer and enlisted personnel levels were caught actively recruiting fellow soldiers to join destabilization efforts against the government. Thus, within the last week, they were either reassigned or put on hold from any assignment.
But Ramos has questions about the capability of the involved personnel: “Can they move big forces without being detected? Do they have the support of a civilian component that is sizeable? Do they have finances and logistics to carry on beyond one or two days?”
The former leader said that previous coup attempts during his time as military chief under President Corazon Aquino’s incumbency failed because “they equated capability, which is the ability to make it succeed, through indications and intentions.”
Asked if he knows of any civilian component to the current destabilization talks, Ramos replied in the negative. “Now, where others are concerned, I don’t know,” he said.
Three Luzon-based commanders on Sunday maintained that their officers and men remain loyal to the present government, and vow to distance themselves from and quell any destabilization efforts coming from the military.
Northern Luzon command chief Maj. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang said he has visited his troops from Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordilleras and got the assurance that they will “reject any recruitment, just like in the past, by destabilizers who are only interested in pursuing their selfish political agenda.”
“Our troops remain cohesive and focused on their mandated mission. They have already grown tired of any overtures or attempts that would drive a wedge within their ranks,” Maclang said.
“All of these have been clearly confirmed in my personal visits and dialogues with all the officers and men, both in the field and in the garrisons,” he added.
Maclang said he has directed his men “to be vigilant against any threat to our national security” as his “stand against any destabilization activity is firm and absolute.”
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, chief of the First Scout Rangers Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, echoed Maclang’s statement, adding that they have not monitored any recruitment activities within his command.
“We continue to talk to our men and have dialogue with them. On our part, we remain focused on our mission and the enhancement of our operational capabilities. We are united under the chain of command and we won’t be distracted with the developments,” Mapagu said.
It can be recalled that members of the Scout Rangers have been usual targets of recruitment activities for any destabilization plots, like the February 2006 incident.
The Special Forces, for their part, through its commander, Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, also pledges anew to stick to the chain of command.
“We have not monitored any recruitment here and I don’t think they will make an attempt here because they know that recruiting the Special Forces is a waste of time. It is a fact that the Special Forces as a unit was never involved in any destabilization. We have remain professional,” Ortiz said.
Asked if he thinks Esperon disclosed the alleged destabilization plot just to divert the public’s attention from the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy hounding the Arroyo administration, Ramos replied: “I think he is just saying it sincerely because he is there.”
As a former military commander, Ramos said he thinks it is futile to manufacture alleged destabilization reports to divert the public’s attention from a controversial government issue because the media and the Senate will always dig into the alleged anomalous deal.
The Senate has started investigating last week in aid of legislation the controversial NBN project of the government. The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia has accused Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos of accepting bribe money from ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm, in exchange for getting to implement the NBN project. Abalos and ZTE have both denied the allegation. De Venecia’s son founded a company that hoped to get the NBN project but allegedly lost to ZTE./DMS
September 23, 2007
Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos on Sunday belittled talks about alleged destabilization plots against the Arroyo administration, saying they have no capability to succeed.
In a news conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, the former President said the destabilization exposed recently by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. merely indicates “intention and indications” and does not reflect any hint of success.
“As far as I’m concerned, there may be some intentions and some indications but there is no capability by anyone because you must be able to mount big forces behind you,” Ramos, a former military chief, said.
He said the indication is that the alleged military personnel have tried to go against the chain of command, which, according to him, “does not mean that there is already a destabilization plot or conspiracy.”
In an interview last Friday, Esperon disclosed that at least six military personnel from the junior officer and enlisted personnel levels were caught actively recruiting fellow soldiers to join destabilization efforts against the government. Thus, within the last week, they were either reassigned or put on hold from any assignment.
But Ramos has questions about the capability of the involved personnel: “Can they move big forces without being detected? Do they have the support of a civilian component that is sizeable? Do they have finances and logistics to carry on beyond one or two days?”
The former leader said that previous coup attempts during his time as military chief under President Corazon Aquino’s incumbency failed because “they equated capability, which is the ability to make it succeed, through indications and intentions.”
Asked if he knows of any civilian component to the current destabilization talks, Ramos replied in the negative. “Now, where others are concerned, I don’t know,” he said.
Three Luzon-based commanders on Sunday maintained that their officers and men remain loyal to the present government, and vow to distance themselves from and quell any destabilization efforts coming from the military.
Northern Luzon command chief Maj. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang said he has visited his troops from Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordilleras and got the assurance that they will “reject any recruitment, just like in the past, by destabilizers who are only interested in pursuing their selfish political agenda.”
“Our troops remain cohesive and focused on their mandated mission. They have already grown tired of any overtures or attempts that would drive a wedge within their ranks,” Maclang said.
“All of these have been clearly confirmed in my personal visits and dialogues with all the officers and men, both in the field and in the garrisons,” he added.
Maclang said he has directed his men “to be vigilant against any threat to our national security” as his “stand against any destabilization activity is firm and absolute.”
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, chief of the First Scout Rangers Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, echoed Maclang’s statement, adding that they have not monitored any recruitment activities within his command.
“We continue to talk to our men and have dialogue with them. On our part, we remain focused on our mission and the enhancement of our operational capabilities. We are united under the chain of command and we won’t be distracted with the developments,” Mapagu said.
It can be recalled that members of the Scout Rangers have been usual targets of recruitment activities for any destabilization plots, like the February 2006 incident.
The Special Forces, for their part, through its commander, Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, also pledges anew to stick to the chain of command.
“We have not monitored any recruitment here and I don’t think they will make an attempt here because they know that recruiting the Special Forces is a waste of time. It is a fact that the Special Forces as a unit was never involved in any destabilization. We have remain professional,” Ortiz said.
Asked if he thinks Esperon disclosed the alleged destabilization plot just to divert the public’s attention from the National Broadband Network (NBN) project controversy hounding the Arroyo administration, Ramos replied: “I think he is just saying it sincerely because he is there.”
As a former military commander, Ramos said he thinks it is futile to manufacture alleged destabilization reports to divert the public’s attention from a controversial government issue because the media and the Senate will always dig into the alleged anomalous deal.
The Senate has started investigating last week in aid of legislation the controversial NBN project of the government. The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia has accused Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos of accepting bribe money from ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm, in exchange for getting to implement the NBN project. Abalos and ZTE have both denied the allegation. De Venecia’s son founded a company that hoped to get the NBN project but allegedly lost to ZTE./DMS
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Defense chief says DND should be consulted regarding NBN project for security implications
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
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
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
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