By Ronron
An FM radio host in the southern Philippine province of Surigao del Sur was shot dead by unidentified men last Monday morning inside a commercial establishment in Barobo town of said province, police said.
Godofredo Linao, Jr., said to be an anchorman of 94.5 FM Love Radio and host of "Pamukaw" program which airs on Radio Natin FM in the neighboring city of Bislig, was attacked at around 1:15 AM of July 27 while inside Bogac Lodge and Restaurant in Purok 1, Poblacion, Barobo.
Initial investigation revealed that Linao was seen talking to the establishment owner, Jocelyn de Monteverde, and the latter's two lady employees before the incident happened.
De Monteverde clarified though that Linao was just a new acquaintance and not a regular visitor of the establishment, police said.
"The Police Regional Office 13 Task Force USIG has taken cognizance of the case and is now working with Barobo Municipal Police Station and Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office... In particular, the Task Force is now checking the veracity of his being a media man," Chief Inspector Nelly Villagarcia, public information officer of the Region 13 Police, said in a statement.
Aside from job-related matters, police are not discounting personal grudges, love triangle, and other angles as possible motives behind the killing.
"It is too early to categorically state the motive..., according to the task force, as they vow to leave no stone unturned until the case is solved," Villagarcia said.
Recovered from the crime scene are one slug and four empty shells of a caliber 45 pistol./END
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
87 new soldiers and 97 soldier-trainees in northern Mindanao delisted from AFP
By Ronron
April 1, 2008
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) delisted 87 newly hired soldiers and 97 soldier-trainees in its unit in northern Mindanao in the light of the investigation conducted against the former military commander there.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told reporters Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo that the cancellation of the appointment orders of the 184 personnel at the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City took effect last March 25.
“The appointment orders of the candidate soldiers and Privates who were found to be not qualified were cancelled,” Torres said.
“Admission into the military without going through the prescribed process is considered fraudulent and may result to separation from the service,” he added.
The 184 personnel were investigated after former 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto and his staff, Staff Sergeant Roseller Echipare, were accused of having collected some fees from them in exchange of assured entry into the service despite non-compliance with some requirements.
The 87 newly hired soldiers belong to a batch of 133 new Privates, while the 97 candidate soldiers belong to a batch of 150 trainees.
Torres said their appointment was cancelled because some of them were found to be under-height, while some submitted fake birth certificates, among other reasons.
But he said the Army leadership has yet to ascertain if indeed, these personnel were willing victims of Barbieto’s alleged extortion activities.
“These (under-height, fake birth certificates) are the main grounds for their cancellation, and not necessarily because they paid. These things will probably be asked of them in due time,” said Torres.
“Definitely, it (cancellation of appointment orders) affected the ongoing training, which commenced last January 10, if I’m not mistaken, wherein 150 trainees reported for training,” he added.
But Torres said the Army leadership assured these affected personnel that they can still re-apply in the service, provided they meet the requirements.
At the moment, Torres said the 4th ID will “double time” in their recruitment of new soldiers to make up for those cancelled.
Barbieto and Echipare have already been restricted inside the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City starting March 18 as they face pre-trial investigation by the Army Judge Advocate General’s Office.
Barbieto and Echipare are being investigated for possible violations of Article of War 55 (Officer Making Unlawful Enlistment), Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and Gentleman), and Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).
The pre-trial investigation will determine whether or not Barbieto and Echipare will face court martial proceedings.
Asked if Barbieto has already denied the allegation, Torres said: “I’m not privy regarding those details, but definitely those things would be asked of Maj. Gen. Barbieto.”
Torres assured the even if Barbieto is a classmate of AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. in the Philippine Military Academy, there will be no whitewash in the investigation.
“We are doing the investigation based on the existing military laws… We are applying this equally,” he said.
But at the same time, Torres assured Barbieto, Echipare and their families that they will be given due process and a fair trial by the military tribunal, if ever./DMS
April 1, 2008
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) delisted 87 newly hired soldiers and 97 soldier-trainees in its unit in northern Mindanao in the light of the investigation conducted against the former military commander there.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told reporters Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo that the cancellation of the appointment orders of the 184 personnel at the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City took effect last March 25.
“The appointment orders of the candidate soldiers and Privates who were found to be not qualified were cancelled,” Torres said.
“Admission into the military without going through the prescribed process is considered fraudulent and may result to separation from the service,” he added.
The 184 personnel were investigated after former 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto and his staff, Staff Sergeant Roseller Echipare, were accused of having collected some fees from them in exchange of assured entry into the service despite non-compliance with some requirements.
The 87 newly hired soldiers belong to a batch of 133 new Privates, while the 97 candidate soldiers belong to a batch of 150 trainees.
Torres said their appointment was cancelled because some of them were found to be under-height, while some submitted fake birth certificates, among other reasons.
But he said the Army leadership has yet to ascertain if indeed, these personnel were willing victims of Barbieto’s alleged extortion activities.
“These (under-height, fake birth certificates) are the main grounds for their cancellation, and not necessarily because they paid. These things will probably be asked of them in due time,” said Torres.
“Definitely, it (cancellation of appointment orders) affected the ongoing training, which commenced last January 10, if I’m not mistaken, wherein 150 trainees reported for training,” he added.
But Torres said the Army leadership assured these affected personnel that they can still re-apply in the service, provided they meet the requirements.
At the moment, Torres said the 4th ID will “double time” in their recruitment of new soldiers to make up for those cancelled.
Barbieto and Echipare have already been restricted inside the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City starting March 18 as they face pre-trial investigation by the Army Judge Advocate General’s Office.
Barbieto and Echipare are being investigated for possible violations of Article of War 55 (Officer Making Unlawful Enlistment), Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and Gentleman), and Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).
The pre-trial investigation will determine whether or not Barbieto and Echipare will face court martial proceedings.
Asked if Barbieto has already denied the allegation, Torres said: “I’m not privy regarding those details, but definitely those things would be asked of Maj. Gen. Barbieto.”
Torres assured the even if Barbieto is a classmate of AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. in the Philippine Military Academy, there will be no whitewash in the investigation.
“We are doing the investigation based on the existing military laws… We are applying this equally,” he said.
But at the same time, Torres assured Barbieto, Echipare and their families that they will be given due process and a fair trial by the military tribunal, if ever./DMS
PNP entices young lawyers to join the service
By Ronron
April 1, 2008
Three days after a list of new lawyers in the country was bared by the Supreme Court, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday is enticing them and those who passed within the last few years to join the service “for love of country.”
PNP Legal Service Executive Officer Sr. Supt. Benjamin delos Santos told reporters in Camp Crame yesterday that the PNP currently needs about 80 lawyers so that every province in the country has a legal counsel each.
“If all the provinces have lawyers, even policemen in the municipal level will have proper legal advice. If we have sufficient lawyers in the service, our police stations can be guided like on the latest laws, issues on human rights, and criminal issues,” delos Santos said.
The PNP Legal Service is tasked to provide legal service to members of the organization facing suits that are service-related.
It has 101 lawyers only at present, said delos Santos. For this year, they are entertaining 32 applicants to fill up the 80 vacant positions.
Delos Santos admitted it is difficult to entice lawyers to join the service because the salary offer is smaller compared to those in private practice.
A newly-accepted lawyer in the PNP will only get a monthly salary of P23,000 equivalent to a cop with a rank of Senior Inspector. Lawyers in private sectors, however, get as much as P30,000 to P50,000 a month.
“We just call on your sense of patriotism, love of country, and sense of duty and adventure because police work is very exciting,” delos Santos said when asked how they can convince new lawyers to join the PNP in spite of the relatively meager salary.
On Sunday, the Supreme Court has announced that 1,289 out of the 5,626 bar takers passed last year./DMS
April 1, 2008
Three days after a list of new lawyers in the country was bared by the Supreme Court, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday is enticing them and those who passed within the last few years to join the service “for love of country.”
PNP Legal Service Executive Officer Sr. Supt. Benjamin delos Santos told reporters in Camp Crame yesterday that the PNP currently needs about 80 lawyers so that every province in the country has a legal counsel each.
“If all the provinces have lawyers, even policemen in the municipal level will have proper legal advice. If we have sufficient lawyers in the service, our police stations can be guided like on the latest laws, issues on human rights, and criminal issues,” delos Santos said.
The PNP Legal Service is tasked to provide legal service to members of the organization facing suits that are service-related.
It has 101 lawyers only at present, said delos Santos. For this year, they are entertaining 32 applicants to fill up the 80 vacant positions.
Delos Santos admitted it is difficult to entice lawyers to join the service because the salary offer is smaller compared to those in private practice.
A newly-accepted lawyer in the PNP will only get a monthly salary of P23,000 equivalent to a cop with a rank of Senior Inspector. Lawyers in private sectors, however, get as much as P30,000 to P50,000 a month.
“We just call on your sense of patriotism, love of country, and sense of duty and adventure because police work is very exciting,” delos Santos said when asked how they can convince new lawyers to join the PNP in spite of the relatively meager salary.
On Sunday, the Supreme Court has announced that 1,289 out of the 5,626 bar takers passed last year./DMS
Monday, March 31, 2008
Reds burn trucks in Iloilo province allegedly over extortion demand
By Ronron
March 31, 2008
Suspected communist rebels burned on Sunday night two cargo trucks in Iloilo province used in rice and palay delivery allegedly due to the owner's refusal to pay the so-called revolutionary tax, police said Monday.
The incident happened at around 10:30 pm at the warehouse owned by a certain Maximo Tamisen in Barangay Balicua, Tubungan town. Tamisen is said to be a known rice dealer/trader in said town.
Tubungan Police chief Insp. Edencio Gregorio told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the perpetrators, numbering about 15 including an amazon, first held hostage the village captain and two village watchmen who were posted near Tamisen's warehouse.
Gregorio said the suspects, who were armed with long firearms, introduced themselves to the village captain and watchmen as members of the New People's Army (NPA).
"They told the barangay captain and tanods to stay put because they are not their targets. They pointed guns at them and asked them to lie on the ground. The other rebels proceeded inside the warehouse and poured gasoline on the two trucks parked there," Gregorio narrated in Filipino.
He said the suspects used gasoline that they brought along to set fire the Elf and Fighter trucks at the warehouse.
In less than 15 minutes, the trucks were totally burned and the rebels escaped on foot towards the mountain area nearby, said Gregorio.
"There were no casualties because no one was inside the warehouse at that time," he said. There were also no other parts of the warehouse that caught fire because firemen immediately responded after the incident.
Quoting Tamisen, Gregorio said the estimated cost of damages to both trucks is P400,000.00.
Gregorio said the only time that the perpetrators pulled the trigger of their guns was when they were already on their way to escape to the mountains.
He said elements of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station, the 608 Police Mobile Group, and the 31st Recon Company of the Philippine Army conducted pursuit operations against the suspects.
Gregorio disclosed that in 2005, Tamisen received a letter from a local NPA leader, asking for an appointment for a meeting. Tamisen told him it could be that it was to seek for an arrangment on the so-called "revolutionary tax."
Tamisen, however, did pay much attention to it so the meeting never took place, said Gregorio. Thus, the businessman surmises that Sunday night's attack could already be the NPA's retaliation.
The ,5760-strong NPA has just celebrated its 39th anniversary last Saturday, although police it was an uneventful day.
The Arroyo government has vowed to defeat the insurgency problem by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks between the government and the communists bogged down in August 2004 after the latter was tagged as terrorists by the European Union and the United States./DMS
March 31, 2008
Suspected communist rebels burned on Sunday night two cargo trucks in Iloilo province used in rice and palay delivery allegedly due to the owner's refusal to pay the so-called revolutionary tax, police said Monday.
The incident happened at around 10:30 pm at the warehouse owned by a certain Maximo Tamisen in Barangay Balicua, Tubungan town. Tamisen is said to be a known rice dealer/trader in said town.
Tubungan Police chief Insp. Edencio Gregorio told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the perpetrators, numbering about 15 including an amazon, first held hostage the village captain and two village watchmen who were posted near Tamisen's warehouse.
Gregorio said the suspects, who were armed with long firearms, introduced themselves to the village captain and watchmen as members of the New People's Army (NPA).
"They told the barangay captain and tanods to stay put because they are not their targets. They pointed guns at them and asked them to lie on the ground. The other rebels proceeded inside the warehouse and poured gasoline on the two trucks parked there," Gregorio narrated in Filipino.
He said the suspects used gasoline that they brought along to set fire the Elf and Fighter trucks at the warehouse.
In less than 15 minutes, the trucks were totally burned and the rebels escaped on foot towards the mountain area nearby, said Gregorio.
"There were no casualties because no one was inside the warehouse at that time," he said. There were also no other parts of the warehouse that caught fire because firemen immediately responded after the incident.
Quoting Tamisen, Gregorio said the estimated cost of damages to both trucks is P400,000.00.
Gregorio said the only time that the perpetrators pulled the trigger of their guns was when they were already on their way to escape to the mountains.
He said elements of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station, the 608 Police Mobile Group, and the 31st Recon Company of the Philippine Army conducted pursuit operations against the suspects.
Gregorio disclosed that in 2005, Tamisen received a letter from a local NPA leader, asking for an appointment for a meeting. Tamisen told him it could be that it was to seek for an arrangment on the so-called "revolutionary tax."
Tamisen, however, did pay much attention to it so the meeting never took place, said Gregorio. Thus, the businessman surmises that Sunday night's attack could already be the NPA's retaliation.
The ,5760-strong NPA has just celebrated its 39th anniversary last Saturday, although police it was an uneventful day.
The Arroyo government has vowed to defeat the insurgency problem by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
Peace talks between the government and the communists bogged down in August 2004 after the latter was tagged as terrorists by the European Union and the United States./DMS
Defense chief urges business establishments to be vigilant against NPA
By Ronron
March 31, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Monday conceded that the New People’s Army (NPA) may indeed intensify its attacks against private firms in the country as they have recently threatened, thus he is urging them to be vigilant.
In an interview with reporters, Teodoro said the communist rebels have become “more desperate” now because they have been “weakened” by the persistent efforts of government forces against them in line with their self-imposed deadline of 2010 to make the NPA an “inconsequential force.”
“We have to guard against that. Desperation, you know, conjures up more violent or more vile forms of reactions sometimes,” Teodoro said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has claimed reducing the NPA strength to 5,760 by the end of 2007, the lowest in more than 20 years. They intend further to make the NPA just a concern of the Philippine National Police (PNP) by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
In their 39th anniversary statement last Saturday, the NPA said their fighters are targeting certain enterprises “because these are detrimental to the interest of the people.”
“It is of strategic importance to disseminate mining, plantation, logging and other operations of foreign and big comprador firms because the people do not want to be robbed of their natural resources and because they wish to use these in the future for the development of their own country,” it said.
Just last Sunday evening, two rice delivery trucks in Iloilo province were burned by suspected NPA rebels due to the owner’s alleged refusal to pay the so-called “revolutionary tax” of the movement.
“Given that kind of a statement by the NPA, we enjoin vigilance on the part of business establishments to be more security conscious and aware of their surroundings,” Teodoro said.
He said that “unfortunately,” it is “quite easy to do damage to any establishment,” and this, to him, “already borders on terrorism.”
“The statement that they will intensify attacks specifically on businesses, to me, is a function of their thinking and their mentality, which is really adverse to the national interest. And I condemn that kind of thinking,” Teodoro said.
Among the measures being taken by some business firms in the provinces is hiring para-military men as their guards. The security personnel belong to Special CAFGU companies being controlled by the Philippine Army.
But aside from urging the private firms to do their share in thwarting the NPA threat, Teodoro directed military commanders in the field to also “factor in to their preparations” the threat of the NPA against businesses “through adequate intelligence work.”
“The general plan to guard the specific communities is there,” he assured.
The most common targets of the NPA are the Globe Telecommunications facilities, heavy equipment of construction companies, and mining firms./DMS
March 31, 2008
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Monday conceded that the New People’s Army (NPA) may indeed intensify its attacks against private firms in the country as they have recently threatened, thus he is urging them to be vigilant.
In an interview with reporters, Teodoro said the communist rebels have become “more desperate” now because they have been “weakened” by the persistent efforts of government forces against them in line with their self-imposed deadline of 2010 to make the NPA an “inconsequential force.”
“We have to guard against that. Desperation, you know, conjures up more violent or more vile forms of reactions sometimes,” Teodoro said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has claimed reducing the NPA strength to 5,760 by the end of 2007, the lowest in more than 20 years. They intend further to make the NPA just a concern of the Philippine National Police (PNP) by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.
In their 39th anniversary statement last Saturday, the NPA said their fighters are targeting certain enterprises “because these are detrimental to the interest of the people.”
“It is of strategic importance to disseminate mining, plantation, logging and other operations of foreign and big comprador firms because the people do not want to be robbed of their natural resources and because they wish to use these in the future for the development of their own country,” it said.
Just last Sunday evening, two rice delivery trucks in Iloilo province were burned by suspected NPA rebels due to the owner’s alleged refusal to pay the so-called “revolutionary tax” of the movement.
“Given that kind of a statement by the NPA, we enjoin vigilance on the part of business establishments to be more security conscious and aware of their surroundings,” Teodoro said.
He said that “unfortunately,” it is “quite easy to do damage to any establishment,” and this, to him, “already borders on terrorism.”
“The statement that they will intensify attacks specifically on businesses, to me, is a function of their thinking and their mentality, which is really adverse to the national interest. And I condemn that kind of thinking,” Teodoro said.
Among the measures being taken by some business firms in the provinces is hiring para-military men as their guards. The security personnel belong to Special CAFGU companies being controlled by the Philippine Army.
But aside from urging the private firms to do their share in thwarting the NPA threat, Teodoro directed military commanders in the field to also “factor in to their preparations” the threat of the NPA against businesses “through adequate intelligence work.”
“The general plan to guard the specific communities is there,” he assured.
The most common targets of the NPA are the Globe Telecommunications facilities, heavy equipment of construction companies, and mining firms./DMS
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Three of 13 missing people in Davao Sur sea mishap recovered dead; six remain missing
By Ronron
March 30, 2008
Six of the 13 people who went missing since Wednesday last week at an island municipality in Davao del Sur province after a sea mishap are still nowhere to be found as of Sunday, local authorities said.
Edgar Salanio, information officer of the Region XI Disaster Coordinating Council, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had already rescued four survivors and recovered three fatalities last Saturday.
When the incident happened in the afternoon of March 26 in the waters of Sarangani town, only one of the 14 people aboard the ill-fated motorbanca “Judi Ann” immediately survived after it capsized.
Ranilo Ulivo, 26, one of the passengers, was able to swim his way back to shore after MB “Judi Ann” overturned due to big waves some two nautical miles off Barangay Camalig of said island municipality.
The 13 others, including the boat operator, were initially reported as missing. They include two infants, two toddlers, and three other minors, among others. The oldest is a 55-year-old woman.
“We received a report from the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao yesterday (Saturday) that they rescued four additional survivors and recovered three dead bodies. So six are still missing, “ Salanio said.
The PCG, however, was not able to immediately provide information on the identities of those recovered and rescued.
Salanio said “the big waves” at the accident site over the weekend is “hampering” the continuous search and rescue operations being conducted by the PCG, the 5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron of the Philippine Air Force, and local authorities.
He said the PCG and the Air Force will continue with their search and rescue operations Monday.
Local fishermen were also told to be on alert for possible sightings of the remaining missing victims, said Salanio./DMS
March 30, 2008
Six of the 13 people who went missing since Wednesday last week at an island municipality in Davao del Sur province after a sea mishap are still nowhere to be found as of Sunday, local authorities said.
Edgar Salanio, information officer of the Region XI Disaster Coordinating Council, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had already rescued four survivors and recovered three fatalities last Saturday.
When the incident happened in the afternoon of March 26 in the waters of Sarangani town, only one of the 14 people aboard the ill-fated motorbanca “Judi Ann” immediately survived after it capsized.
Ranilo Ulivo, 26, one of the passengers, was able to swim his way back to shore after MB “Judi Ann” overturned due to big waves some two nautical miles off Barangay Camalig of said island municipality.
The 13 others, including the boat operator, were initially reported as missing. They include two infants, two toddlers, and three other minors, among others. The oldest is a 55-year-old woman.
“We received a report from the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao yesterday (Saturday) that they rescued four additional survivors and recovered three dead bodies. So six are still missing, “ Salanio said.
The PCG, however, was not able to immediately provide information on the identities of those recovered and rescued.
Salanio said “the big waves” at the accident site over the weekend is “hampering” the continuous search and rescue operations being conducted by the PCG, the 5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron of the Philippine Air Force, and local authorities.
He said the PCG and the Air Force will continue with their search and rescue operations Monday.
Local fishermen were also told to be on alert for possible sightings of the remaining missing victims, said Salanio./DMS
RP leader leaves for Hongkong for investment conference
By Ronron
March 30, 2008
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for Hongkong on Sunday afternoon to speak at an investment conference and meet with Filipino workers there.
Arroyo left via Philippine Airlines flight PR 306 shortly past 3pm together with First Gentleman Jose Miguel-Arroyo, their son Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, and some Cabinet Secretaries.
“Our trip to Hongkong is dedicated to meeting with our strong OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) contingent in Hongkong and to meet with business leaders to encourage them to continue to make strong investments in the Philippines,” Arroyo said in her departure statement.
On her first night in China’s Special Administrative Region, Arroyo will be received by the Hongkong’s Filipino community at the Tiffin Lounge of the Grand Hyatt Hotel where the First Couple will be billeted.
According to a statement from the Presidential Palace on Saturday, the reception “will feature a presentation by the Development Bank of the Philippines about its Peso Hedging Program, and by the Land Bank of the Philippines about its I-Net Negosyo Program and OFW Cash Card.
“We are taking the opportunity to meet with our precious OFW’s and introduce a series of programs we are taking to mitigate the strengthening of the peso against the dollar,” Arroyo said.
Arroyo will then deliver a keynote speech during Monday’s 2008 Credit Suisse Asian Investment Conference, which runs until April 3 at the Island Shangri-la Hotel and the Conrad International Hotel.
“The fact that I have been asked to deliver the keynote address at the Asia Investment Conference in Hongkong to over a thousand investors and fund managers underscores the interest the outside world has in the growing stability and economic fortunes of the Philippines,” Arroyo said.
“I am proud to once again carry the banner of our nation and lead the charge for even more investments in our great nation,” she added.
The chief executive said her trip is consistent with her government’s efforts to strengthen the economy “through aggressive outreach to investors and to enhance our cooperation with governments in the region like Hongkong.”
“One central component of our economic plan has been steady and consistent investment by my government in strengthening our regional political and economic engagement,” she said.
This is on top of what she said as having diversified the domestic economy, “built up our foreign reserves, stimulated a surge of foreign investment and made heavy government investments in human and physical infrastructure.”
“Taken together, all of these efforts – our economic plan at home and our foreign engagement abroad – have helped prepare us for the global economic forces that are affecting the Philippines today,” Arroyo said, referring to the “major economic slowdown in North America, a historic spike in the price of oil and a near crippling spike in the price of rice,” among others.
The President will return to the country Tuesday./DMS
March 30, 2008
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for Hongkong on Sunday afternoon to speak at an investment conference and meet with Filipino workers there.
Arroyo left via Philippine Airlines flight PR 306 shortly past 3pm together with First Gentleman Jose Miguel-Arroyo, their son Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, and some Cabinet Secretaries.
“Our trip to Hongkong is dedicated to meeting with our strong OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) contingent in Hongkong and to meet with business leaders to encourage them to continue to make strong investments in the Philippines,” Arroyo said in her departure statement.
On her first night in China’s Special Administrative Region, Arroyo will be received by the Hongkong’s Filipino community at the Tiffin Lounge of the Grand Hyatt Hotel where the First Couple will be billeted.
According to a statement from the Presidential Palace on Saturday, the reception “will feature a presentation by the Development Bank of the Philippines about its Peso Hedging Program, and by the Land Bank of the Philippines about its I-Net Negosyo Program and OFW Cash Card.
“We are taking the opportunity to meet with our precious OFW’s and introduce a series of programs we are taking to mitigate the strengthening of the peso against the dollar,” Arroyo said.
Arroyo will then deliver a keynote speech during Monday’s 2008 Credit Suisse Asian Investment Conference, which runs until April 3 at the Island Shangri-la Hotel and the Conrad International Hotel.
“The fact that I have been asked to deliver the keynote address at the Asia Investment Conference in Hongkong to over a thousand investors and fund managers underscores the interest the outside world has in the growing stability and economic fortunes of the Philippines,” Arroyo said.
“I am proud to once again carry the banner of our nation and lead the charge for even more investments in our great nation,” she added.
The chief executive said her trip is consistent with her government’s efforts to strengthen the economy “through aggressive outreach to investors and to enhance our cooperation with governments in the region like Hongkong.”
“One central component of our economic plan has been steady and consistent investment by my government in strengthening our regional political and economic engagement,” she said.
This is on top of what she said as having diversified the domestic economy, “built up our foreign reserves, stimulated a surge of foreign investment and made heavy government investments in human and physical infrastructure.”
“Taken together, all of these efforts – our economic plan at home and our foreign engagement abroad – have helped prepare us for the global economic forces that are affecting the Philippines today,” Arroyo said, referring to the “major economic slowdown in North America, a historic spike in the price of oil and a near crippling spike in the price of rice,” among others.
The President will return to the country Tuesday./DMS
No untoward incident on NPA anniversary day, says police and military
By Ronron
March 30, 2008
The 39th anniversary of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Saturday lapsed without any reported untoward incident, the police and military declared on Sunday.
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, the incidents involving communist rebels actually happened days before their anniversary.
But more are expected in the coming days, or within two weeks starting last Saturday, warned Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief for Operations Brig. Gen. Roland Detabali.
“There was no untoward incident on their anniversary. Normally, they celebrate it two weeks before or after (their anniversary day itself),” Detabali told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
“There was nothing untoward during the period of March 29, during their anniversary. The situation was okay nationwide,” echoed Bartolome in a separate phone interview yesterday.
Bartolome attributed the zero NPA atrocity rate last Saturday to the joint preparations of the PNP and the AFP.
It can be recalled that the PNP went on full alert, and the AFP on blue alert at 6pm last Friday in anticipation of offensives by the communist rebels as they celebrate their founding anniversary.
“The PNP was ready. In fact, even the AFP was also prepared to meet any eventuality. Both agencies were on their guard,” Bartolome said.
Hours before the NPA anniversary, two incidents of NPA atrocities happened separately in Camarines Sur and Compostela Valley provinces, belated reports reaching the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City showed yesterday.
The first incident happened at around 2:15 pm last Friday in Compostela Valley, resulting in the death of a barangay captain.
According to the police report, six armed rebels, led by Commanders Jinggoy and Jazzy, barged inside the residence of Barangay Captain Nelson Sam-o at Purok 9, Barangay San Jose in Monkayo town.
Sam-o and his wife were having lunch then when the guerillas, wearing camouflage military uniforms, arrived, the report said.
After forcibly dragging Sam-o, the rebels shot him at close range and went on to cart away one M16 rifle, one caliber 45 pistol, and one carbine rifle. It was learned that Samo-o is a para-military personnel.
The report said the six rebels who stormed Sam-o’s house were backed up with more than 20 others who were just stationed outside.
Four hours later, or at 6:15pm, another incident involving the NPA happened in Nabua town, Camarines Sur, resulting in the death of a suspected communist rebel, another police report said.
The report said that elements of the Philippine Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol at Barangay Franciso of said town when they encountered around eight fully armed rebels.
Firefight lasted for about 30 minutes, resulting in the death of an unidentified rebel and the recovery from said fatality of an M16 rifle, the report said.
The report said the cadaver of the slain rebel was brought to the Bula Municipal Police Station for proper documentation.
Bartolome, meanwhile, said the PNP will maintain its full alert status nationwide even after the NPA anniversary as a matter of standard operating procedure when the President of the country leaves.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for Hongkong on Sunday afternoon to speak at an investment conference there. She will be back on Tuesday./DMS
March 30, 2008
The 39th anniversary of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Saturday lapsed without any reported untoward incident, the police and military declared on Sunday.
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, the incidents involving communist rebels actually happened days before their anniversary.
But more are expected in the coming days, or within two weeks starting last Saturday, warned Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief for Operations Brig. Gen. Roland Detabali.
“There was no untoward incident on their anniversary. Normally, they celebrate it two weeks before or after (their anniversary day itself),” Detabali told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
“There was nothing untoward during the period of March 29, during their anniversary. The situation was okay nationwide,” echoed Bartolome in a separate phone interview yesterday.
Bartolome attributed the zero NPA atrocity rate last Saturday to the joint preparations of the PNP and the AFP.
It can be recalled that the PNP went on full alert, and the AFP on blue alert at 6pm last Friday in anticipation of offensives by the communist rebels as they celebrate their founding anniversary.
“The PNP was ready. In fact, even the AFP was also prepared to meet any eventuality. Both agencies were on their guard,” Bartolome said.
Hours before the NPA anniversary, two incidents of NPA atrocities happened separately in Camarines Sur and Compostela Valley provinces, belated reports reaching the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City showed yesterday.
The first incident happened at around 2:15 pm last Friday in Compostela Valley, resulting in the death of a barangay captain.
According to the police report, six armed rebels, led by Commanders Jinggoy and Jazzy, barged inside the residence of Barangay Captain Nelson Sam-o at Purok 9, Barangay San Jose in Monkayo town.
Sam-o and his wife were having lunch then when the guerillas, wearing camouflage military uniforms, arrived, the report said.
After forcibly dragging Sam-o, the rebels shot him at close range and went on to cart away one M16 rifle, one caliber 45 pistol, and one carbine rifle. It was learned that Samo-o is a para-military personnel.
The report said the six rebels who stormed Sam-o’s house were backed up with more than 20 others who were just stationed outside.
Four hours later, or at 6:15pm, another incident involving the NPA happened in Nabua town, Camarines Sur, resulting in the death of a suspected communist rebel, another police report said.
The report said that elements of the Philippine Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol at Barangay Franciso of said town when they encountered around eight fully armed rebels.
Firefight lasted for about 30 minutes, resulting in the death of an unidentified rebel and the recovery from said fatality of an M16 rifle, the report said.
The report said the cadaver of the slain rebel was brought to the Bula Municipal Police Station for proper documentation.
Bartolome, meanwhile, said the PNP will maintain its full alert status nationwide even after the NPA anniversary as a matter of standard operating procedure when the President of the country leaves.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for Hongkong on Sunday afternoon to speak at an investment conference there. She will be back on Tuesday./DMS
Defense department to train soldiers as para-legal personnel
By Ronron
March 30, 2008
The Defense Department is finalizing its plan to train soldiers as para-legal personnel as part of the newly released Revised Defense Planning Guidance.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters last Friday afternoon during the Philippine Army’s 111th anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City that they are eyeing next month as the start of the training activities.
“Crucial to our achievement of our goal in 2010 (to defeat insurgency) is the enhancement of the legal infrastructure and capability to conduct our operations in accordance with legal models,” Teodoro said in his speech at said affair.
“So we will have an introduction of a para-legal training program, particularly in the frontline battalions,” he added.
Teodoro said each battalion in the field should have one para-legal personnel who can “do the ground work” like “answer basic petitions” if any member of said unit is faced with legal predicament.
“At least, we can provide the proper legal advice to the units in the field… This should save us in our legal costs,” he said.
Those who can be tapped as para-legal counsels can be any of “active soldiers and the non-commissioned officers” in the battalions, said Teodoro.
Their training, particularly on “criminal and penal laws,” will last “for a few months,” to be held either at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, or in their respective unit assignments.
“Our personnel from the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) can actually go the field units for a pooled seminar,” Teodoro said.
The Defense chief, who is himself a lawyer, hopes that with this new program, each soldier will be conscious of any legal repercussions whenever they operate.
The military has been at the receiving end of accusations regarding extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, especially if the victims are perceived to be sympathetic with Leftist organizations or critical with the present government.
Aside from the para-legal program, the new Defense Planning Guidance, which was released the other week, also provides for “investing on our younger soldiers in terms of training and education,” reiteration on “our adherence to Defense Resource Management,” and the reiteration “on our support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Teodoro said./DMS
March 30, 2008
The Defense Department is finalizing its plan to train soldiers as para-legal personnel as part of the newly released Revised Defense Planning Guidance.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters last Friday afternoon during the Philippine Army’s 111th anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City that they are eyeing next month as the start of the training activities.
“Crucial to our achievement of our goal in 2010 (to defeat insurgency) is the enhancement of the legal infrastructure and capability to conduct our operations in accordance with legal models,” Teodoro said in his speech at said affair.
“So we will have an introduction of a para-legal training program, particularly in the frontline battalions,” he added.
Teodoro said each battalion in the field should have one para-legal personnel who can “do the ground work” like “answer basic petitions” if any member of said unit is faced with legal predicament.
“At least, we can provide the proper legal advice to the units in the field… This should save us in our legal costs,” he said.
Those who can be tapped as para-legal counsels can be any of “active soldiers and the non-commissioned officers” in the battalions, said Teodoro.
Their training, particularly on “criminal and penal laws,” will last “for a few months,” to be held either at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, or in their respective unit assignments.
“Our personnel from the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) can actually go the field units for a pooled seminar,” Teodoro said.
The Defense chief, who is himself a lawyer, hopes that with this new program, each soldier will be conscious of any legal repercussions whenever they operate.
The military has been at the receiving end of accusations regarding extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, especially if the victims are perceived to be sympathetic with Leftist organizations or critical with the present government.
Aside from the para-legal program, the new Defense Planning Guidance, which was released the other week, also provides for “investing on our younger soldiers in terms of training and education,” reiteration on “our adherence to Defense Resource Management,” and the reiteration “on our support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Teodoro said./DMS
Friday, March 28, 2008
13 missing as boat capsizes in Davao del Sur
By Ronron
March 28, 2008
Thirteen people, including two infants and two toddlers, went missing since Wednesday after the pump boat they were riding off Sarangani province in Davao del Sur province capsized due to rough seas.
According to a report of the Region XI Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), the sea mishap happened at around 3pm of March 26, involving motorized banca “Judi Ann.” The victims remain missing as of Friday evening.
The report said the vessel, loaded with 14 persons including the operator, was sailing from Barangay Camalig to Barangay Camual, both of Sarangani Municipality, located on Sarangani Island.
The passengers of the ill-fated vessel were supposedly going to attend a wedding at Barangay Camual.
Because of big waves allegedly caused by strong winds, the pump boat capsized at the vicinity of two nautical miles off Barangay Camalig.
Of the 14 people aboard it, only one survived, identified as Ranilo Ulivo, 26, who swam his way to the shore and reported the incident to authorities.
The 13 others missing were identified as Alandro de Arce, Sr., 37, the boat operator; Judith de Arce, 37; Alandro de Arce, 18; Dianne de Arce, 16; Nene Kiawan, 55; Edna Kiawan, 39; Jeffrey Kiawan, 13; Remart Kiawan 4; Dennis Kiawan, 1; Ambert Kiawan, 11; Jennifer Galas, 21; Morjone Galas, 3; and, Jayjay Galas, eight-months-old.
The RDCC report said search and rescue attempts in the area by Coast Guard elements and local fishing boasts are occasionally hampered by big waves due to prevailing bad weather.
The RDCC said the Philippine Air Force had already been tapped to join the search and rescue operations./DMS
March 28, 2008
Thirteen people, including two infants and two toddlers, went missing since Wednesday after the pump boat they were riding off Sarangani province in Davao del Sur province capsized due to rough seas.
According to a report of the Region XI Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), the sea mishap happened at around 3pm of March 26, involving motorized banca “Judi Ann.” The victims remain missing as of Friday evening.
The report said the vessel, loaded with 14 persons including the operator, was sailing from Barangay Camalig to Barangay Camual, both of Sarangani Municipality, located on Sarangani Island.
The passengers of the ill-fated vessel were supposedly going to attend a wedding at Barangay Camual.
Because of big waves allegedly caused by strong winds, the pump boat capsized at the vicinity of two nautical miles off Barangay Camalig.
Of the 14 people aboard it, only one survived, identified as Ranilo Ulivo, 26, who swam his way to the shore and reported the incident to authorities.
The 13 others missing were identified as Alandro de Arce, Sr., 37, the boat operator; Judith de Arce, 37; Alandro de Arce, 18; Dianne de Arce, 16; Nene Kiawan, 55; Edna Kiawan, 39; Jeffrey Kiawan, 13; Remart Kiawan 4; Dennis Kiawan, 1; Ambert Kiawan, 11; Jennifer Galas, 21; Morjone Galas, 3; and, Jayjay Galas, eight-months-old.
The RDCC report said search and rescue attempts in the area by Coast Guard elements and local fishing boasts are occasionally hampered by big waves due to prevailing bad weather.
The RDCC said the Philippine Air Force had already been tapped to join the search and rescue operations./DMS
Air Force continues search for two missing pilots off Palawan
By Ronron
March 28, 2008
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has not given up in its search operations for its two pilots who remain missing after their AS-211 jet failed to be located in November 2007 while conducting maritime patrol mission over the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) off Palawan province.
PAF commander Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog told reporters Friday at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City that they remain hopeful Captains Gabino Mercado, Jr. and Bonifacio Soriano III will be found.
“Every day, we conduct search missions in the area. Unfortunately, we still haven’t found them,” Cadungog said.
Cadungog said they do not make presumptions whether or not the two are already dead, citing the seven-year legal prescription for presuming missing people as dead.
“We don’t even think of presumptions. We don’t presume them to be dead, until we reach the seventh year. That’s the legal prescription,” he explained.
Mercado and Soriano were flying an AS-211 last November 26, 2007 over the Spratly’s to assist in the search operations for possible survivors of a sunken fishing vessel in the area.
But unlike their buddy AS-211, they failed to return to Puerto Princesa City in mainland Palawan.
Cadungog assured that they continue to attend to the needs of the families of Mercado and Soriano “in these trying times.”
“The commanders of those particular pilots are regularly attending to the needs and requirements of their families,” he said./DMS
March 28, 2008
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has not given up in its search operations for its two pilots who remain missing after their AS-211 jet failed to be located in November 2007 while conducting maritime patrol mission over the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) off Palawan province.
PAF commander Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog told reporters Friday at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City that they remain hopeful Captains Gabino Mercado, Jr. and Bonifacio Soriano III will be found.
“Every day, we conduct search missions in the area. Unfortunately, we still haven’t found them,” Cadungog said.
Cadungog said they do not make presumptions whether or not the two are already dead, citing the seven-year legal prescription for presuming missing people as dead.
“We don’t even think of presumptions. We don’t presume them to be dead, until we reach the seventh year. That’s the legal prescription,” he explained.
Mercado and Soriano were flying an AS-211 last November 26, 2007 over the Spratly’s to assist in the search operations for possible survivors of a sunken fishing vessel in the area.
But unlike their buddy AS-211, they failed to return to Puerto Princesa City in mainland Palawan.
Cadungog assured that they continue to attend to the needs of the families of Mercado and Soriano “in these trying times.”
“The commanders of those particular pilots are regularly attending to the needs and requirements of their families,” he said./DMS
Air Force chief echoes Esperon and Vice Navy chief’s admission of weak military power to protect Spratly’s
By Ronron
March 28, 2008
Another ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday admitted that its force may not be as strong as of other countries that are claiming ownership in part or in whole over the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) or the Spratly’s in the South China Sea off Palawan province.
Like AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and Philippine Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Amable Tolentino, Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said yesterday that the Philippine military can only boast of its human resources, particularly their determination to fight, in terms of defending Philippine territory.
“Warm bodies. If we die, we die. That’s how simple our mission is,” Cadungog said when asked by reporters at Villamor Airbase, the PAF headquarters, in Pasay City on how they can defend Spratly’s.
The AFP has effectively lost its capability to address external threats when it decommissioned its F5 fighter planes in October 2005.
At present, the organization only banks on its AS-211 as alternative to the F5.
The capability to defend Spratly’s was revived recently after the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) over said area between the Philippines, Vietnam and China was exposed.
The oil-rich and marine life-abundant KIG is a subject of contention by Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.
“While it has already been pronounced by the chief of staff that it is really difficult to defend (the Spratly’s), it’s very near impossible that we can claim sovereignty. But as far as we are concerned, being truly Filipino and understanding what is sovereignty, we offer our service and our lives over that part of our country,” Cadungog said.
“Whether we like it or not, if they are saying that we have a problem there against another country – probably getting into our territory or intruding to our own occupied lands, then of course, we have to defend. That’s just how it is, no matter how lacking we are in our defense capabilities,” he added.
But Cadungog disclosed that the PAF is not stopping in its effort to improve its fleet for internal defense.
He said that in July of this year, 15 units of T41 trainer aircraft from South Korea will arrive in the country.
“This will be a big help to our training capabilities,” Cadungog said of the donation.
In the first quarter next year, 18 units of SF-260 (Marquetti) will also be acquired by PAF, worth P622 million, from Italy.
Cadungog said this will be used in their pilots’ “advance training.”/DMS
March 28, 2008
Another ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday admitted that its force may not be as strong as of other countries that are claiming ownership in part or in whole over the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) or the Spratly’s in the South China Sea off Palawan province.
Like AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and Philippine Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Amable Tolentino, Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said yesterday that the Philippine military can only boast of its human resources, particularly their determination to fight, in terms of defending Philippine territory.
“Warm bodies. If we die, we die. That’s how simple our mission is,” Cadungog said when asked by reporters at Villamor Airbase, the PAF headquarters, in Pasay City on how they can defend Spratly’s.
The AFP has effectively lost its capability to address external threats when it decommissioned its F5 fighter planes in October 2005.
At present, the organization only banks on its AS-211 as alternative to the F5.
The capability to defend Spratly’s was revived recently after the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) over said area between the Philippines, Vietnam and China was exposed.
The oil-rich and marine life-abundant KIG is a subject of contention by Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.
“While it has already been pronounced by the chief of staff that it is really difficult to defend (the Spratly’s), it’s very near impossible that we can claim sovereignty. But as far as we are concerned, being truly Filipino and understanding what is sovereignty, we offer our service and our lives over that part of our country,” Cadungog said.
“Whether we like it or not, if they are saying that we have a problem there against another country – probably getting into our territory or intruding to our own occupied lands, then of course, we have to defend. That’s just how it is, no matter how lacking we are in our defense capabilities,” he added.
But Cadungog disclosed that the PAF is not stopping in its effort to improve its fleet for internal defense.
He said that in July of this year, 15 units of T41 trainer aircraft from South Korea will arrive in the country.
“This will be a big help to our training capabilities,” Cadungog said of the donation.
In the first quarter next year, 18 units of SF-260 (Marquetti) will also be acquired by PAF, worth P622 million, from Italy.
Cadungog said this will be used in their pilots’ “advance training.”/DMS
PNP goes on full alert, AFP on heightened alert for NPA anniversary
By Ronron
March 28, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) goes on full alert while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on heightened alert Friday night in preparation for the 39th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Saturday.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said the highest alert level of all police forces nationwide takes effect 6pm. The same goes for the alert level of the AFP nationwide, said Brig. Gen. Roland Detabali, the military’s Deputy Chief for Operations.
“We are on alert because normally, they (NPA) conduct intensified operations on their anniversary,” Detabali said in a phone interview yesterday afternoon.
“Historically, the NPA has been known to launch armed hostilities and tactical offensives against soft targets and other targets of opportunity as their way of commemorating their anniversary,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a separate statement.
While there is no direct threat of an attack by the NPA, PNP Director for Operations Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr., in a memorandum circulated among all regional offices and national support units, said: “There is a possibility that the NPA might launch terrorist acts against less secure police and military outposts, and vulnerable government installations including some business establishments and other soft targets.”
Putting the entire police force on the highest alert goes along with instructions for them to “implement counter-measures and precautionary plans, intensify intelligence operations to preempt and anticipate terrorist actions, establish listening posts, and mobilize Barangay Information Networks.”
Under a full alert status, all policemen are expected to be on duty, while under a heightened alert level, only 50 percent are expected to be in camps.
The NPA’s political arm, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said yesterday in a statement that it will mark its 39th anniversary with a celebration for their various successful operations in the last year.
“Even before the current NPA anniversary, we were already able to launch more than 500 major and minor tactical offensives against government forces,” the CPP said.
“It has been able to increase the number of NPA units as a result of the seizure of weapons from the enemy and the progress of mass work. It has been able to maintain 120-130 guerilla fronts and to expand and upgrade most of them,” it added.
The CPP said “it is now in a position to increase the number of guerilla fronts.”
“We can reap victories by continuing to seize the initiative and launching far more tactical offensives against the enemy last year,” it said./DMS
March 28, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) goes on full alert while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on heightened alert Friday night in preparation for the 39th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Saturday.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said the highest alert level of all police forces nationwide takes effect 6pm. The same goes for the alert level of the AFP nationwide, said Brig. Gen. Roland Detabali, the military’s Deputy Chief for Operations.
“We are on alert because normally, they (NPA) conduct intensified operations on their anniversary,” Detabali said in a phone interview yesterday afternoon.
“Historically, the NPA has been known to launch armed hostilities and tactical offensives against soft targets and other targets of opportunity as their way of commemorating their anniversary,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in a separate statement.
While there is no direct threat of an attack by the NPA, PNP Director for Operations Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr., in a memorandum circulated among all regional offices and national support units, said: “There is a possibility that the NPA might launch terrorist acts against less secure police and military outposts, and vulnerable government installations including some business establishments and other soft targets.”
Putting the entire police force on the highest alert goes along with instructions for them to “implement counter-measures and precautionary plans, intensify intelligence operations to preempt and anticipate terrorist actions, establish listening posts, and mobilize Barangay Information Networks.”
Under a full alert status, all policemen are expected to be on duty, while under a heightened alert level, only 50 percent are expected to be in camps.
The NPA’s political arm, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said yesterday in a statement that it will mark its 39th anniversary with a celebration for their various successful operations in the last year.
“Even before the current NPA anniversary, we were already able to launch more than 500 major and minor tactical offensives against government forces,” the CPP said.
“It has been able to increase the number of NPA units as a result of the seizure of weapons from the enemy and the progress of mass work. It has been able to maintain 120-130 guerilla fronts and to expand and upgrade most of them,” it added.
The CPP said “it is now in a position to increase the number of guerilla fronts.”
“We can reap victories by continuing to seize the initiative and launching far more tactical offensives against the enemy last year,” it said./DMS
AFP bares plan to improve runway at Pag-asa Island
By Ronron
March 28, 2008
An Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official bared on Friday a plan to improve the runway of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) in Palawan province.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog told reporters at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City that the plan would have started last February had the private contractor not backed out.
Cadungog said the project to “harden the surface” of the runway of the Rancudo Airfield, which is worth P31 million, was awarded to a private firm, which he refuses to identify.
“Unfortunately, even before the contractor – who already signed the contract – they can perform the work, they backed out and claim that they cannot do it unless the amount to 100-something-million-pesos. So, that’s unfair to us,” Cadungog said.
Cadungog said the Filipino firm actually paid already a P3.1-million performance bond for the project, but was forfeited because of its backing out.
Because of the setback, Cadungog said the hauling of the materials will have to start only next month from Palawan mainland, courtesy of Philippine Navy ships, “if weather permits.”
He said that the original plan is to complete the project in six months.
Cadungog said the repair will be carried out by soldiers from the Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and those stationed at Pag-asa Island.
Asked what benefit will this repair give to the AFP, Cadungog said: “We can avoid unsafe landing condition for our C130.”
Pressed if this is strengthening the Philippine’s position in the Spratly’s, he said: “Not necessarily strengthening, but providing our presence.”
The Air Force chief denied that the project is in violation of the existing Code of Conduct among claimant countries, saying that “we are the legitimate claimant.”
“They (other claimant territories) can’t complain about it,” he said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. echoed the same statement.
“It’s just an improvement of facilities and infrastructure that are existing already so we don’t see it as an aggravating factor,” Teodoro told reporters in a separate interview at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City later in the day.
Meanwhile, Cadungog said the Air Force leadership is now thinking of possible penalties to the private firm that backed out from the project, such as blacklisting it in future projects.
Aside from the runway, Cadungog said they also plan to refurbish the billeting barracks of their troops at Pag-asa Island.
Teodoro said these improvements are “essential for those who inhibit the island.”
There are about 30 military elements on the island, coming from the Air Force, Navy and Army.
“Definitely, we will improve their quarters. I was informed that the Air Force billeting there is already dilapidated so I immediately ordered for an estimate of the building materials… This is one thing that I cannot afford to neglect,” Cadungog said.
Barangay Pag-asa is part of the oil-rich and marine life-abundant KIG that is a subject of contention by Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. But Kalayaan has since been a municipality of Palawan in1978 when then President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree 1956.
The issue on the Spratly’s was revived recently after the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) in the area between the Philippines, Vietnam and China was exposed./DMS
March 28, 2008
An Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official bared on Friday a plan to improve the runway of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) in Palawan province.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog told reporters at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City that the plan would have started last February had the private contractor not backed out.
Cadungog said the project to “harden the surface” of the runway of the Rancudo Airfield, which is worth P31 million, was awarded to a private firm, which he refuses to identify.
“Unfortunately, even before the contractor – who already signed the contract – they can perform the work, they backed out and claim that they cannot do it unless the amount to 100-something-million-pesos. So, that’s unfair to us,” Cadungog said.
Cadungog said the Filipino firm actually paid already a P3.1-million performance bond for the project, but was forfeited because of its backing out.
Because of the setback, Cadungog said the hauling of the materials will have to start only next month from Palawan mainland, courtesy of Philippine Navy ships, “if weather permits.”
He said that the original plan is to complete the project in six months.
Cadungog said the repair will be carried out by soldiers from the Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and those stationed at Pag-asa Island.
Asked what benefit will this repair give to the AFP, Cadungog said: “We can avoid unsafe landing condition for our C130.”
Pressed if this is strengthening the Philippine’s position in the Spratly’s, he said: “Not necessarily strengthening, but providing our presence.”
The Air Force chief denied that the project is in violation of the existing Code of Conduct among claimant countries, saying that “we are the legitimate claimant.”
“They (other claimant territories) can’t complain about it,” he said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. echoed the same statement.
“It’s just an improvement of facilities and infrastructure that are existing already so we don’t see it as an aggravating factor,” Teodoro told reporters in a separate interview at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City later in the day.
Meanwhile, Cadungog said the Air Force leadership is now thinking of possible penalties to the private firm that backed out from the project, such as blacklisting it in future projects.
Aside from the runway, Cadungog said they also plan to refurbish the billeting barracks of their troops at Pag-asa Island.
Teodoro said these improvements are “essential for those who inhibit the island.”
There are about 30 military elements on the island, coming from the Air Force, Navy and Army.
“Definitely, we will improve their quarters. I was informed that the Air Force billeting there is already dilapidated so I immediately ordered for an estimate of the building materials… This is one thing that I cannot afford to neglect,” Cadungog said.
Barangay Pag-asa is part of the oil-rich and marine life-abundant KIG that is a subject of contention by Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. But Kalayaan has since been a municipality of Palawan in1978 when then President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree 1956.
The issue on the Spratly’s was revived recently after the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) in the area between the Philippines, Vietnam and China was exposed./DMS
RP to rely on US FBI test on alleged remains of Dulmatin
By Ronron
March 26, 2008
Philippine authorities are not yet losing hope that they could confirm the death of Indonesian bomber through the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on tissue samples from a cadaver recovered in Tawi-tawi last February.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. told reporters Wednesday that while the PNP Crime Laboratory failed to generate DNA profile from the same tissue samples due to their not-so-modern machine, the US has yet to release the result of the same analysis they made.
“That is just as far as the testing of the PNP Crime Laboratory. But let us bear in mind that the FBI has taken samples and brought them to their facilities for DNA testing,” Razon said.
Razon said the US FBI took tissue samples at the same time that the PNP Crime Laboratory did after the body was exhumed on February 18 in Barangay Balimbing, Panglima Sugala town.
The body was said to belong to a rebel who died in an encounter against Marine troopers last January 31 in the said town. The bandits were believed to be Abu Sayyaf elements who were responsible for the abduction attempt and murder of Fr. Rey Roda, head of the Notre Dame School in said province.
Razon said he is hopeful that there will be results from the US FBI because the latter uses mitochondrial machine.
He said there is no longer a similar test done at the Australian Federal Police as “due respect to the FBI study.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said in a separate interview that he hopes to get a feedback on the study from United States Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney who is now in the United States and from officials of the US Pacific Command.
Esperon said that if the test turns negative, “I’m happy to say that it’s one terrorist less that we are hunting and fighting.”
“If it’s not Dulmatin, then we will go on looking for Dulmatin,” he said.
Dulmatin is wanted for his alleged involvement in the bombings in Bali, Indonesia a few years back, killing more than a hundred persons.
The US has offered a $10-million reward to those who could provide information that would lead to Dulmatin’s neutralization.
Dulmatin, along with fellow Indonesian bomber Umar Pater, reportedly entered the Philippines in 2003./DMS
March 26, 2008
Philippine authorities are not yet losing hope that they could confirm the death of Indonesian bomber through the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on tissue samples from a cadaver recovered in Tawi-tawi last February.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. told reporters Wednesday that while the PNP Crime Laboratory failed to generate DNA profile from the same tissue samples due to their not-so-modern machine, the US has yet to release the result of the same analysis they made.
“That is just as far as the testing of the PNP Crime Laboratory. But let us bear in mind that the FBI has taken samples and brought them to their facilities for DNA testing,” Razon said.
Razon said the US FBI took tissue samples at the same time that the PNP Crime Laboratory did after the body was exhumed on February 18 in Barangay Balimbing, Panglima Sugala town.
The body was said to belong to a rebel who died in an encounter against Marine troopers last January 31 in the said town. The bandits were believed to be Abu Sayyaf elements who were responsible for the abduction attempt and murder of Fr. Rey Roda, head of the Notre Dame School in said province.
Razon said he is hopeful that there will be results from the US FBI because the latter uses mitochondrial machine.
He said there is no longer a similar test done at the Australian Federal Police as “due respect to the FBI study.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said in a separate interview that he hopes to get a feedback on the study from United States Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney who is now in the United States and from officials of the US Pacific Command.
Esperon said that if the test turns negative, “I’m happy to say that it’s one terrorist less that we are hunting and fighting.”
“If it’s not Dulmatin, then we will go on looking for Dulmatin,” he said.
Dulmatin is wanted for his alleged involvement in the bombings in Bali, Indonesia a few years back, killing more than a hundred persons.
The US has offered a $10-million reward to those who could provide information that would lead to Dulmatin’s neutralization.
Dulmatin, along with fellow Indonesian bomber Umar Pater, reportedly entered the Philippines in 2003./DMS
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Active and ex-cops killed, another one hurt in Cavite shootout
By Ronron
March 27, 2008
An active and a former cop were killed while another one was hurt in a shootout incident Wednesday afternoon in Cavite province, an official said Thursday.
Sr. Supt. Fidel Posadas, provincial police chief, said the incident happened starting 4:30 pm of March 26 in Sitio Lingat, Barangay Litlit, Silang town.
Posadas said elements of the Silang Municipal Police Station, backed by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF), were responding to a shooting incident earlier that afternoon when they came under fire.
According to Posadas, a shooting incident first happened at said barangay before 4:30 pm, involving brothers Julian and Nick Lauriles as suspects.
The brothers allegedly shot dead a certain Avelino Ruiz, who is a caretaker of a land that is being claimed by the Lauriles family.
Posadas said Julian is a former police officer, with a rank of PO3, who was dismissed from the service due to a grave offense.
When police received a report about the killing of Ruiz, personnel from Silang PNP and the SAF rushed to the scene to respond.
“But the troops were ambushed by the Lauriles brothers as they were approaching their houses. So our troops fired back,” Posadas said.
He said the Lauriles brothers were armed with long firearms like M16 and carbines.
The firefight left Julian and PO2 Jimmy Tobias of the SAF killed, and PO1 Abelardo Maala of the Silang PNP wounded.
Nick, unfortunately, managed to escape, said Posadas. But manhunt operation against him is ongoing./DMS
March 27, 2008
An active and a former cop were killed while another one was hurt in a shootout incident Wednesday afternoon in Cavite province, an official said Thursday.
Sr. Supt. Fidel Posadas, provincial police chief, said the incident happened starting 4:30 pm of March 26 in Sitio Lingat, Barangay Litlit, Silang town.
Posadas said elements of the Silang Municipal Police Station, backed by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF), were responding to a shooting incident earlier that afternoon when they came under fire.
According to Posadas, a shooting incident first happened at said barangay before 4:30 pm, involving brothers Julian and Nick Lauriles as suspects.
The brothers allegedly shot dead a certain Avelino Ruiz, who is a caretaker of a land that is being claimed by the Lauriles family.
Posadas said Julian is a former police officer, with a rank of PO3, who was dismissed from the service due to a grave offense.
When police received a report about the killing of Ruiz, personnel from Silang PNP and the SAF rushed to the scene to respond.
“But the troops were ambushed by the Lauriles brothers as they were approaching their houses. So our troops fired back,” Posadas said.
He said the Lauriles brothers were armed with long firearms like M16 and carbines.
The firefight left Julian and PO2 Jimmy Tobias of the SAF killed, and PO1 Abelardo Maala of the Silang PNP wounded.
Nick, unfortunately, managed to escape, said Posadas. But manhunt operation against him is ongoing./DMS
Arroyo assured of non-revival of “Hello Garcia” scandal by incoming AFP chief
By Ronron
March 27, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can continue sleeping soundly even after her perceived most loyal officer, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. finally bows down from the service on May 9.
This as Esperon’s successor as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, vowed not to release to the public the controversial Mayuga Report on the alleged involvement of some officers, including Esperon, in the alleged electoral fraud in 2004.
“If it’s not released now, then what’s the reason for me to do it,” Yano told Camp Aguinaldo reporters in a recent interview.
Only portions of the Mayuga Report were revealed in public, which mainly stated that there was lack in evidence to prove that any of the four senior military officers implicated in the alleged electoral fraud are liable.
The investigation was led by former AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, starting July 2005, on orders of then AFP chief of staff Gen. Efren Abu.
Those accused of taking part in the alleged electoral fraud to ensure the victory of Arroyo over her closest rival, the late Fernando Poe, Jr., are Esperon, retired Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko, retired Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani, and retired Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon.
Their names cropped up after those were heard in the so-called “Hello Garci tapes,” which bore alleged wiretapped conversations of Arroyo and former Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
The Mayuga Report was submitted to then Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. Cruz has resigned from the Arroyo cabinet in November 2006.
Yano said the alleged illegitimacy of Arroyo as President due to the “Hello Garci” scandal is just a perception, and not a matter of fact.
“When you say legitimacy of the President, there are processes. She was declared (as President by Congress), so what other process do you think would strengthen or reinforce that legitimacy?” he said.
He said the matter of even releasing or not in public the Mayuga Report is “irrelevant” because “there are processes” to determine the legitimacy of the Arroyo leadership.
“That (releasing the Mayuga Report) is not part of the process,” said Yano.
Yano will have about 13 months to serve as AFP chief of staff, starting May 9 this year until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 in June next year.
The alleged 2004 electoral fraud issue has been one of the many causes of attempted coups against the Arroyo government in the last few years./DMS
March 27, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can continue sleeping soundly even after her perceived most loyal officer, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. finally bows down from the service on May 9.
This as Esperon’s successor as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, vowed not to release to the public the controversial Mayuga Report on the alleged involvement of some officers, including Esperon, in the alleged electoral fraud in 2004.
“If it’s not released now, then what’s the reason for me to do it,” Yano told Camp Aguinaldo reporters in a recent interview.
Only portions of the Mayuga Report were revealed in public, which mainly stated that there was lack in evidence to prove that any of the four senior military officers implicated in the alleged electoral fraud are liable.
The investigation was led by former AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, starting July 2005, on orders of then AFP chief of staff Gen. Efren Abu.
Those accused of taking part in the alleged electoral fraud to ensure the victory of Arroyo over her closest rival, the late Fernando Poe, Jr., are Esperon, retired Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko, retired Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani, and retired Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon.
Their names cropped up after those were heard in the so-called “Hello Garci tapes,” which bore alleged wiretapped conversations of Arroyo and former Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
The Mayuga Report was submitted to then Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. Cruz has resigned from the Arroyo cabinet in November 2006.
Yano said the alleged illegitimacy of Arroyo as President due to the “Hello Garci” scandal is just a perception, and not a matter of fact.
“When you say legitimacy of the President, there are processes. She was declared (as President by Congress), so what other process do you think would strengthen or reinforce that legitimacy?” he said.
He said the matter of even releasing or not in public the Mayuga Report is “irrelevant” because “there are processes” to determine the legitimacy of the Arroyo leadership.
“That (releasing the Mayuga Report) is not part of the process,” said Yano.
Yano will have about 13 months to serve as AFP chief of staff, starting May 9 this year until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 in June next year.
The alleged 2004 electoral fraud issue has been one of the many causes of attempted coups against the Arroyo government in the last few years./DMS
154 cadets graduate from PNPA
By Ronron
March 27, 2008
The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) produced another batch of graduates on Thursday with 154 cadets expected to join the PNP, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor of the graduation rites held at the PNPA compound in Silang, Cavite. The event started 10am.
In her speech, Arroyo told the new junior officers of the PNP, BJMP and BFP to veer away from politics.
“There are certain civil rights that you have to give up and that is the right to speak politically. That is part of your discipline,” Arroyo told the graduates.
In response, class valedictorian Clent Ven Inciso said: “To my classmates, let us show them that we are worthy to be called public servants and defenders of democracy. The best way to edify our group is to live by example.”
Inciso, 21, of Southern Leyte province, is one of the 127 graduates who opted to join the PNP. The other 20 will join the BJMP and the remaining seven will be with the BFP.
As Valedictorian of the class, Inciso received the Presidential Kampilan Award from Arroyo.
In an interview on Wednesday at Camp Crame, Inciso had appealed to the public to support Arroyo until she finishes her term, instead of asking her to step down.
In attendance at the graduation rites are Vice President Noli de Castro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and Philippine Public Safety College President Margarita Cojuangco./DMS
March 27, 2008
The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) produced another batch of graduates on Thursday with 154 cadets expected to join the PNP, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor of the graduation rites held at the PNPA compound in Silang, Cavite. The event started 10am.
In her speech, Arroyo told the new junior officers of the PNP, BJMP and BFP to veer away from politics.
“There are certain civil rights that you have to give up and that is the right to speak politically. That is part of your discipline,” Arroyo told the graduates.
In response, class valedictorian Clent Ven Inciso said: “To my classmates, let us show them that we are worthy to be called public servants and defenders of democracy. The best way to edify our group is to live by example.”
Inciso, 21, of Southern Leyte province, is one of the 127 graduates who opted to join the PNP. The other 20 will join the BJMP and the remaining seven will be with the BFP.
As Valedictorian of the class, Inciso received the Presidential Kampilan Award from Arroyo.
In an interview on Wednesday at Camp Crame, Inciso had appealed to the public to support Arroyo until she finishes her term, instead of asking her to step down.
In attendance at the graduation rites are Vice President Noli de Castro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and Philippine Public Safety College President Margarita Cojuangco./DMS
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
PNP takes in 127 new graduates of PNPA
By Ronron
March 26, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Wednesday the 127 out of the 154 graduates of the PNP Academy (PNPA) this year.
The 127, consisting of 27 females and 100 males, have decided to join the PNP organization while the rest are with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. hosted yesterday the traditional service lunch at Camp Crame for the PNPA graduates who opted to enter the service, a day before their graduation at the PNPA compound in Silang, Cavite.
Razon said the new members of the PNP officers’ corps will be assigned to the Regional Mobile Groups (RMG) in the mountains so they can be oriented to the actual problem of insurgency and terrorism.
Razon said they can start to be deployed in early June after enjoying a 30-day break and 30-day training at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
Upon graduation, Razon said the 127 members of the “Oman-Silang” Class of 2008 (New Breed of Warriors) will have the rank of Inspector. Each of them will also be entitled to the monthly salary of P21,876.38.
Razon urged the graduates to always remain professional by adhering to their Constitutional mandate.
“We expect them to be professional officers, respect the law, uphold the law, especially the Constitution,” he said.
“You may now consider yourselves the younger brothers and sisters of Mamang Pulis and Aleng Pulis who will help the PNP family bring back the old glory of the police force,” he added./DMS
March 26, 2008
The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Wednesday the 127 out of the 154 graduates of the PNP Academy (PNPA) this year.
The 127, consisting of 27 females and 100 males, have decided to join the PNP organization while the rest are with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. hosted yesterday the traditional service lunch at Camp Crame for the PNPA graduates who opted to enter the service, a day before their graduation at the PNPA compound in Silang, Cavite.
Razon said the new members of the PNP officers’ corps will be assigned to the Regional Mobile Groups (RMG) in the mountains so they can be oriented to the actual problem of insurgency and terrorism.
Razon said they can start to be deployed in early June after enjoying a 30-day break and 30-day training at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
Upon graduation, Razon said the 127 members of the “Oman-Silang” Class of 2008 (New Breed of Warriors) will have the rank of Inspector. Each of them will also be entitled to the monthly salary of P21,876.38.
Razon urged the graduates to always remain professional by adhering to their Constitutional mandate.
“We expect them to be professional officers, respect the law, uphold the law, especially the Constitution,” he said.
“You may now consider yourselves the younger brothers and sisters of Mamang Pulis and Aleng Pulis who will help the PNP family bring back the old glory of the police force,” he added./DMS
RP to rely on US FBI test on alleged remains of Dulmatin
By Ronron
March 26, 2008
Philippine authorities are not yet losing hope that they could confirm the death of Indonesian bomber through the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on tissue samples from a cadaver recovered in Tawi-tawi last February.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. told reporters Wednesday that while the PNP Crime Laboratory failed to generate DNA profile from the same tissue samples due to their not-so-modern machine, the US has yet to release the result of the same analysis they made.
“That is just as far as the testing of the PNP Crime Laboratory. But let us bear in mind that the FBI has taken samples and brought them to their facilities for DNA testing,” Razon said.
Razon said the US FBI took tissue samples at the same time that the PNP Crime Laboratory did after the body was exhumed on February 18 in Barangay Balimbing, Panglima Sugala town.
The body was said to belong to a rebel who died in an encounter against Marine troopers last January 31 in the said town. The bandits were believed to be Abu Sayyaf elements who were responsible for the abduction attempt and murder of Fr. Rey Roda, head of the Notre Dame School in said province.
Razon said he is hopeful that there will be results from the US FBI because the latter uses mitochondrial machine.
He said there is no longer a similar test done at the Australian Federal Police as “due respect to the FBI study.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said in a separate interview that he hopes to get a feedback on the study from United States Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney who is now in the United States and from officials of the US Pacific Command.
Esperon said that if the test turns negative, “I’m happy to say that it’s one terrorist less that we are hunting and fighting.”
“If it’s not Dulmatin, then we will go on looking for Dulmatin,” he said.
Dulmatin is wanted for his alleged involvement in the bombings in Bali, Indonesia a few years back, killing more than a hundred persons.
The US has offered a $10-million reward to those who could provide information that would lead to Dulmatin’s neutralization.
Dulmatin, along with fellow Indonesian bomber Umar Pater, reportedly entered the Philippines in 2003./DMS
March 26, 2008
Philippine authorities are not yet losing hope that they could confirm the death of Indonesian bomber through the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on tissue samples from a cadaver recovered in Tawi-tawi last February.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. told reporters Wednesday that while the PNP Crime Laboratory failed to generate DNA profile from the same tissue samples due to their not-so-modern machine, the US has yet to release the result of the same analysis they made.
“That is just as far as the testing of the PNP Crime Laboratory. But let us bear in mind that the FBI has taken samples and brought them to their facilities for DNA testing,” Razon said.
Razon said the US FBI took tissue samples at the same time that the PNP Crime Laboratory did after the body was exhumed on February 18 in Barangay Balimbing, Panglima Sugala town.
The body was said to belong to a rebel who died in an encounter against Marine troopers last January 31 in the said town. The bandits were believed to be Abu Sayyaf elements who were responsible for the abduction attempt and murder of Fr. Rey Roda, head of the Notre Dame School in said province.
Razon said he is hopeful that there will be results from the US FBI because the latter uses mitochondrial machine.
He said there is no longer a similar test done at the Australian Federal Police as “due respect to the FBI study.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said in a separate interview that he hopes to get a feedback on the study from United States Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney who is now in the United States and from officials of the US Pacific Command.
Esperon said that if the test turns negative, “I’m happy to say that it’s one terrorist less that we are hunting and fighting.”
“If it’s not Dulmatin, then we will go on looking for Dulmatin,” he said.
Dulmatin is wanted for his alleged involvement in the bombings in Bali, Indonesia a few years back, killing more than a hundred persons.
The US has offered a $10-million reward to those who could provide information that would lead to Dulmatin’s neutralization.
Dulmatin, along with fellow Indonesian bomber Umar Pater, reportedly entered the Philippines in 2003./DMS
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