By Ronron
April 12, 2007
Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded following an encounter last Wednesday against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, a military spokesman said yesterday.
Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Philippine Army Public Information Officer, said the fresh firefight happened at around 1pm the other day (Wednesday) at Sitio Marang, Barangay Buansa in Indanan town.
Torres said members of the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion were conducting pursuit operations against ASG members under the command of Radulan Sahiron and Dr. Abu when they caught up with the group, with a force of about 100 in size.
The fierce exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of two soldiers and the wounding of 10 others, whose identities are not yet immediately available.
Many terrorists were also believed to have been killed but their bodies were not recovered, said Torres.
“Upon learning about the incident, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, gave instructions to the troop commander to make sure that the casualties are taken cared of even while pursuit operations are being conducted,” Torres said.
He disclosed that the cadavers of the two slain soldiers were immediately claimed by their relatives for immediate burial, while the wounded were brought to a hospital in Sulu for medical treatment.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its fight against the ASG and other terrorist groups in Sulu since August 1, 2006 with the launching of Operation Plan (OPLAN) Ultimatum.
The operation has so far claimed the heads of the top two leaders of the ASG, Khadaffy Janjalani, and Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Soliaman./DMS
Friday, April 13, 2007
Terror threat in most parts of Mindanao remains high, says PNP
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
The threat of terrorism in most parts of Mindanao remains high for this month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) quoted the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) to have given said assessment.
In a statement Thursday, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the ATTF placed Regions 9, 10, 11, and 12, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under Terror Threat Level III or “High” because of the continuing threat from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiyah and other Al Qaeda terrorist groups.
A “high” terror level means a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a certain period of time.
The lowest level is LOW, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack; followed by MODERATE, which means that a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. Next to HIGH level is EXTREME, which is classified further into two: EXTREME SEVERE, which means a terrorist attack is highly likely, and EXTREME CRITICAL, which means that a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected.
“PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ordered all police personnel in Central Mindanao to remain vigilant after the Anti-Terrorism Task Force said terrorist threat in the said region remains high for the month of April,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said Calderon ordered the entire police force in Mindanao to “keep up their measures to ensure public safety by beefing up their intelligence operations and their day and night checkpoints in order to prevent” the ASG, the JI, as well as the New People’s Army from carrying out terrorist activities.
The only region in Mindanao that is safe from terrorist attack is Region XIII or the Caraga Region, which has been placed on Low Terror Threat Level, similar to regions from Ilocos to Southern Tagalog, and Regions V to VIII.
Terrorism threat in Metro Manila, however, remains at Moderate Level.
Hence, Pagdilao said Calderon directed the regional police directors in the National Capital Region and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) to “guard all government and other vital installations, such as communication facilities and power lines.”
“These facilities are commonly the subject of terrorist attacks and the PNP cannot afford to take chances and let the NPA in MIMAROPA carryout their vicious activities,” Calderon said in the statement./DMS
April 12, 2007
The threat of terrorism in most parts of Mindanao remains high for this month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) quoted the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) to have given said assessment.
In a statement Thursday, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the ATTF placed Regions 9, 10, 11, and 12, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under Terror Threat Level III or “High” because of the continuing threat from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiyah and other Al Qaeda terrorist groups.
A “high” terror level means a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a certain period of time.
The lowest level is LOW, which means there is no monitored intent and capability to attack; followed by MODERATE, which means that a terrorist attack is possible but not likely to happen. Next to HIGH level is EXTREME, which is classified further into two: EXTREME SEVERE, which means a terrorist attack is highly likely, and EXTREME CRITICAL, which means that a terrorist attack has occurred, or has just been preempted, and follow-on attacks are expected.
“PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ordered all police personnel in Central Mindanao to remain vigilant after the Anti-Terrorism Task Force said terrorist threat in the said region remains high for the month of April,” Pagdilao said.
Pagdilao said Calderon ordered the entire police force in Mindanao to “keep up their measures to ensure public safety by beefing up their intelligence operations and their day and night checkpoints in order to prevent” the ASG, the JI, as well as the New People’s Army from carrying out terrorist activities.
The only region in Mindanao that is safe from terrorist attack is Region XIII or the Caraga Region, which has been placed on Low Terror Threat Level, similar to regions from Ilocos to Southern Tagalog, and Regions V to VIII.
Terrorism threat in Metro Manila, however, remains at Moderate Level.
Hence, Pagdilao said Calderon directed the regional police directors in the National Capital Region and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) to “guard all government and other vital installations, such as communication facilities and power lines.”
“These facilities are commonly the subject of terrorist attacks and the PNP cannot afford to take chances and let the NPA in MIMAROPA carryout their vicious activities,” Calderon said in the statement./DMS
Smith is impatient inside the US Embassy, says Philippine official
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
Smith is impatient inside the US Embassy, says Philippine official
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
April 12, 2007
Convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting impatient at the US Embassy where he is temporarily detained pending the review of the lifetime imprisonment sentence he got from a Makati City court for sexually assaulting a Filipino woman in November 2005.
This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marius Corpus who is tasked, along with four other government officials, to make regular visits to Smith to assure he does not fly out of the country.
“I asked him how he is. He said he is quite bored because the case is taking time to be finally resolved,” Corpus recounted in Filipino his last conversation with Smith at the latter’s detention room at the US Embassy compound two weeks ago.
Smith was moved to the US Embassy located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City last December 29, 2006 after the DILG agreed that the US can take him under its custody pending his final conviction by the higher courts.
His transfer from the Makati City Jail was done even without a court order.
Makati City Judge Benjamin Pozon found Smith guilty of raping a Filipino woman, identified in public as “Nicole,” last November 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales province. The verdict was handed down last December 4, 2006.
Corpus said Smith kills the time while in detention by reading whatever reading materials is given to him.
But recently, Smith was in high spirits when his parents flew in from the United States middle of March and stayed with him for at least a week.
“It was the first time that his parents came because they have to save money for their fare,” Corpus said, adding that Smith’s father works only as a fireman in the US.
Corpus said he explained to Smith that the justice system in the country is really time-consuming so he really has to “wait for some time before the Court of Appeals resolves” the case with finality.
Except for the nicer room at the US Embassy compared to the prison cells in the country, Corpus said there is no special treatment given to Smith.
“The restriction to his actions, movements, his confinement are all the same (with other prisoners)… There is no special treatment,” Corpus said.
Corpus said they have to visit Smith at least twice a month at the US Embassy to “verify his continued presence” there./DMS
Fire at old Comelec building was an accident, says gov’t investigators
By Ronron
April 12, 2007
An inter-agency body that investigated the fire that gutted down the old Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila last March 11 declared on Thursday that the incident was a pure accident.
In a press conference at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Quezon City, DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus said the 12-man Inter-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force, headed by Fire Supt. Fennimore Jaudian, traced the origin of the fire to loose electrical wiring.
“After evaluating all the sworn statements and the investigation, the team found no significant information that would indicate that the incident was intentionally done,” Corpus said.
“Likewise, there were no telltale signs and incriminating evidence of arson at the scene of the fire,” he added.
Consistent with the testimony of a Comelec utility worker who was inside the building when the fire started, Corpus said fire investigators found out that the flame originated from the ceiling of the electrical/power room of the General Services Division (GSD).
“The team was of the opinion that the cause of the fire was probably due to loose energized electrical wiring connection that generated arcs/sparks that ignited combustible materials thereat,” Corpus said.
In the same press conference, Jaudian pointed out that “no general rewiring” was done at the said building since it was built in the 1960’s.
And the fire grew bigger due to the strong winds coming from Manila Bay and the combustible materials inside the building, apart from the fact that the structure itself is already very old, Corpus said.
The fire was only put out at 5:30 am, or almost five hours since it started at 12:51 am.
Corpus said firemen at the nearby Intramuros Fire Station had difficulty in penetrating the fire scene because of a huge wall that blocked the old Comelec building.
Aside from conducting ocular inspection and forensic examination on recovered burnt materials, Corpus said the task force gathered the statements of 17 witnesses who include residents in the area, Comelec employees, and policemen assigned in the area.
“Based on the interviews and investigation conducted by the team, we consider this fire incident solved or closed, with the cause of the fire accidental in nature,” Corpus said.
As such, no one will be prosecuted in relation to the incident, said Jaudian.
Corpus said the Comelec fire incident should now serve as warning to all local government offices, not just in Manila City, for them to strictly adhere to the required annual inspection and maintenance of all buildings.
The fire at the old Comelec building, which is located along Postigo corner Arzobispo Streets in Intramuros, damaged more or less P20 million worth of properties, according to the Comelec./DMS
April 12, 2007
An inter-agency body that investigated the fire that gutted down the old Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila last March 11 declared on Thursday that the incident was a pure accident.
In a press conference at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Quezon City, DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus said the 12-man Inter-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force, headed by Fire Supt. Fennimore Jaudian, traced the origin of the fire to loose electrical wiring.
“After evaluating all the sworn statements and the investigation, the team found no significant information that would indicate that the incident was intentionally done,” Corpus said.
“Likewise, there were no telltale signs and incriminating evidence of arson at the scene of the fire,” he added.
Consistent with the testimony of a Comelec utility worker who was inside the building when the fire started, Corpus said fire investigators found out that the flame originated from the ceiling of the electrical/power room of the General Services Division (GSD).
“The team was of the opinion that the cause of the fire was probably due to loose energized electrical wiring connection that generated arcs/sparks that ignited combustible materials thereat,” Corpus said.
In the same press conference, Jaudian pointed out that “no general rewiring” was done at the said building since it was built in the 1960’s.
And the fire grew bigger due to the strong winds coming from Manila Bay and the combustible materials inside the building, apart from the fact that the structure itself is already very old, Corpus said.
The fire was only put out at 5:30 am, or almost five hours since it started at 12:51 am.
Corpus said firemen at the nearby Intramuros Fire Station had difficulty in penetrating the fire scene because of a huge wall that blocked the old Comelec building.
Aside from conducting ocular inspection and forensic examination on recovered burnt materials, Corpus said the task force gathered the statements of 17 witnesses who include residents in the area, Comelec employees, and policemen assigned in the area.
“Based on the interviews and investigation conducted by the team, we consider this fire incident solved or closed, with the cause of the fire accidental in nature,” Corpus said.
As such, no one will be prosecuted in relation to the incident, said Jaudian.
Corpus said the Comelec fire incident should now serve as warning to all local government offices, not just in Manila City, for them to strictly adhere to the required annual inspection and maintenance of all buildings.
The fire at the old Comelec building, which is located along Postigo corner Arzobispo Streets in Intramuros, damaged more or less P20 million worth of properties, according to the Comelec./DMS
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Military court sentences 54 Magdalo junior officers to dishonorable discharge from the service, and continued detention until January 2008 for pleadin
By Ronron
April 11, 2007
A military court on Wednesday recommended 54 junior officers who took part in the Oakwood mutiny in 2003 to be removed from the service until they have completed their court-imposed terms of confinement on January 27, 2008.
This after they pleaded guilty to violating Articles of War 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, in exchange for the dropping of charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
“Wherefore, premises considered, this General Court Martial (GCM), after confidential deliberation in chamber and upon secret ballot, declares upon its unanimous votes that the accused are hereby adjudged to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the military offense for violation of AW 97,” court law member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan said in open court at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The penalty of continued detention until January 27, 2008 for the 54 officers, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, was arrived at after the court considered their detention since July 28, 2003, and three mitigating circumstances that their lawyers cited.
First is the voluntary surrender of the accused. Second is the voluntary change of plea. And third is the their long confinement in jail.
The court said the dishonorable discharge of the officers will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence to confinement.
“Furthermore, it should be noted that their discharge from the Armed Forces of the Philippines is effective only upon the approval by the President or the Commander-in-Chief,” Escarlan said.
If an AFP member is dishonorably discharged, he or she does not get any benefits other than his personal contributions to some pension agencies. He or she is also barred from being employed in any government office, said AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro.
Bacarro said the confinement penalty against the 54 will have to be approved by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., while the dishonorable discharge recommendation will need a Presidential action.
The 54 officers are comprised of eight from the Philippine Air Force, 19 from the Philippine Navy, 14 from the Philippine Marines and 13 from the Philippine Army.
Seven other officers opted not to avail of the said plea-bargaining agreement that the 54 entered into since they want the trial to proceed, said defense lawyer Trixie Angeles.
Two of the seven are actually still awaiting a resolution of the AFP Special Adjudication Board (SAB) to their application for a dropping of charges against them.
Earlier in the day, the court recognized and implemented an AFP SAB resolution dated February 22, 2007 that cleared five other junior officers from AW charges in relation also to the Oakwood incident.
But only four will be freed since the other one has gone absent without official leave and remains unaccounted for until yesterday.
The AFP SAB said all five were cleared of charges after the evidence against them were found to be weak.
On July 27, 2003, some 300 officers and enlisted personnel took over Oakwood Hotel in Makati City to protest the alleged massive corruption in government./DMS
April 11, 2007
A military court on Wednesday recommended 54 junior officers who took part in the Oakwood mutiny in 2003 to be removed from the service until they have completed their court-imposed terms of confinement on January 27, 2008.
This after they pleaded guilty to violating Articles of War 97 or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, in exchange for the dropping of charges for violation of AW 63 (Disrespect to the President, et. al.), 64 (Disrespect to Superior Officers), 67 (Mutiny), and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).
“Wherefore, premises considered, this General Court Martial (GCM), after confidential deliberation in chamber and upon secret ballot, declares upon its unanimous votes that the accused are hereby adjudged to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the military offense for violation of AW 97,” court law member Lt. Col. Ana Escarlan said in open court at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The penalty of continued detention until January 27, 2008 for the 54 officers, with ranks ranging from Captain to Second Lieutenant, was arrived at after the court considered their detention since July 28, 2003, and three mitigating circumstances that their lawyers cited.
First is the voluntary surrender of the accused. Second is the voluntary change of plea. And third is the their long confinement in jail.
The court said the dishonorable discharge of the officers will only be effective upon the completion of their full sentence to confinement.
“Furthermore, it should be noted that their discharge from the Armed Forces of the Philippines is effective only upon the approval by the President or the Commander-in-Chief,” Escarlan said.
If an AFP member is dishonorably discharged, he or she does not get any benefits other than his personal contributions to some pension agencies. He or she is also barred from being employed in any government office, said AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro.
Bacarro said the confinement penalty against the 54 will have to be approved by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., while the dishonorable discharge recommendation will need a Presidential action.
The 54 officers are comprised of eight from the Philippine Air Force, 19 from the Philippine Navy, 14 from the Philippine Marines and 13 from the Philippine Army.
Seven other officers opted not to avail of the said plea-bargaining agreement that the 54 entered into since they want the trial to proceed, said defense lawyer Trixie Angeles.
Two of the seven are actually still awaiting a resolution of the AFP Special Adjudication Board (SAB) to their application for a dropping of charges against them.
Earlier in the day, the court recognized and implemented an AFP SAB resolution dated February 22, 2007 that cleared five other junior officers from AW charges in relation also to the Oakwood incident.
But only four will be freed since the other one has gone absent without official leave and remains unaccounted for until yesterday.
The AFP SAB said all five were cleared of charges after the evidence against them were found to be weak.
On July 27, 2003, some 300 officers and enlisted personnel took over Oakwood Hotel in Makati City to protest the alleged massive corruption in government./DMS
Military deploys troops to Masbate, Abra to prevent escalation of violence
By Ronron
April 11, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed additional troops to the provinces of Masbate and Abra, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as election areas of concern.
In an interview Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said two companies from the Philippine Army were sent last week to Masbate, while a battalion was deployed to Abra.
With these fresh deployment, Masbate has now a battalion of Army troopers, while the new battalion to Abra augments the reconnaissance company there.
“We have already deployed additional troops to Masbate, we have deployed additional troops to Abra, as it is very clear that the New People’s Army in these areas have been perpetrating violent actions,” Esperon said.
The PNP has earlier identified Abra and Masbate as are areas of immediate concern for the upcoming election. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) then placed Abra under its control, while the case of Masbate is yet to be decided.
Additionally, the PNP said yesterday that parts of Nueva Ecija were also placed already under Comelec control due to intense political rivalry among local candidates.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said he instructed Chief Supt. Ismael Rafanan, chief of Region III PNP, to coordinate with the AFP Northern Luzon Command for the deployment of 350 peacekeeping soldiers in parts of Nueva Ecija.
Other provinces of immediate concern are Isabela and Cagayan.
“We hope that by continuing with our operations, we will be able to preempt any armed incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army,” Esperon said.
Together with the PNP, Esperon said military troops conduct checkpoints in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.
Its internal security operations are also ongoing to “prevent armed groups from carrying out plans in connection with the elections,” he said./DMS
April 11, 2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed additional troops to the provinces of Masbate and Abra, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as election areas of concern.
In an interview Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said two companies from the Philippine Army were sent last week to Masbate, while a battalion was deployed to Abra.
With these fresh deployment, Masbate has now a battalion of Army troopers, while the new battalion to Abra augments the reconnaissance company there.
“We have already deployed additional troops to Masbate, we have deployed additional troops to Abra, as it is very clear that the New People’s Army in these areas have been perpetrating violent actions,” Esperon said.
The PNP has earlier identified Abra and Masbate as are areas of immediate concern for the upcoming election. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) then placed Abra under its control, while the case of Masbate is yet to be decided.
Additionally, the PNP said yesterday that parts of Nueva Ecija were also placed already under Comelec control due to intense political rivalry among local candidates.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said he instructed Chief Supt. Ismael Rafanan, chief of Region III PNP, to coordinate with the AFP Northern Luzon Command for the deployment of 350 peacekeeping soldiers in parts of Nueva Ecija.
Other provinces of immediate concern are Isabela and Cagayan.
“We hope that by continuing with our operations, we will be able to preempt any armed incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army,” Esperon said.
Together with the PNP, Esperon said military troops conduct checkpoints in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.
Its internal security operations are also ongoing to “prevent armed groups from carrying out plans in connection with the elections,” he said./DMS
Korean government hands over second-hand trucks and equipment to AFP
By Ronron
April 11, 2007
The Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday handed over 134 trucks and construction equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is seen by the Philippine government as “an affirmation of continuing friendship” between the two countries.
The grant consists of 90 2.5-ton cargo trucks, nine 2.5-ton trucks with crane, six 5-ton cargo trucks, eight 5-ton dump trucks, 14 1.25-ton cargo trucks, and seven bulldozers.
“That will actually double the lift capability of the Armed Forces,” Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. said of the second-hand equipment in an interview after the formal hand-over rites yesterday morning at Camp Aguinaldo.
Present to turn over the equipment on behalf of the Korean Minister of Defense is ROK Ambassador to Manila Hong Jong Ki. Ebdane received the vehicles on behalf of the Philippines, and was witnessed by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
“The grant was a result of a Transfer Agreement signed last March 10 under the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation signed in May 1994 to enhance cooperation in logistics and promote defense cooperation in the defense industry between the two countries,” a Defense Department statement said.
Ebdane said the Philippines shouldered the shipment cost of the vehicles worth P23 million, as agreed upon.
In a separate interview, Esperon described the vehicles to be in good working condition even if they range from three to 10 years old already.
He said that of the 134 ground mobility vehicles, 43 will go to the Philippine Navy, mostly to the Philippine Marine Corps. The rest will be distributed among the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force, while a few will be retained at Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon said the places where the vehicles will be dispatched to will be decided by the major service commanders.
“The vehicles will go a long way in helping our Defense for Development Agenda to bring about more results in more areas in the near future. With the added mobility, we are in a better position to do more, for more communities,” Ebdane said./DMS
April 11, 2007
The Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday handed over 134 trucks and construction equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is seen by the Philippine government as “an affirmation of continuing friendship” between the two countries.
The grant consists of 90 2.5-ton cargo trucks, nine 2.5-ton trucks with crane, six 5-ton cargo trucks, eight 5-ton dump trucks, 14 1.25-ton cargo trucks, and seven bulldozers.
“That will actually double the lift capability of the Armed Forces,” Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. said of the second-hand equipment in an interview after the formal hand-over rites yesterday morning at Camp Aguinaldo.
Present to turn over the equipment on behalf of the Korean Minister of Defense is ROK Ambassador to Manila Hong Jong Ki. Ebdane received the vehicles on behalf of the Philippines, and was witnessed by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.
“The grant was a result of a Transfer Agreement signed last March 10 under the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation signed in May 1994 to enhance cooperation in logistics and promote defense cooperation in the defense industry between the two countries,” a Defense Department statement said.
Ebdane said the Philippines shouldered the shipment cost of the vehicles worth P23 million, as agreed upon.
In a separate interview, Esperon described the vehicles to be in good working condition even if they range from three to 10 years old already.
He said that of the 134 ground mobility vehicles, 43 will go to the Philippine Navy, mostly to the Philippine Marine Corps. The rest will be distributed among the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force, while a few will be retained at Camp Aguinaldo.
Esperon said the places where the vehicles will be dispatched to will be decided by the major service commanders.
“The vehicles will go a long way in helping our Defense for Development Agenda to bring about more results in more areas in the near future. With the added mobility, we are in a better position to do more, for more communities,” Ebdane said./DMS
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
5 killed, 35 injured in North Cotabato vehicular accident
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
Five persons, including two minors, died and 35 others were wounded after a vehicle they were riding crashed on Tuesday noon in North Cotabato province, police said.
Insp. Elias Colonia, chief of police of Matalam town, North Cotabato, told Manila Shiimbun in a phone interview that the victims were supposed to attend a wake of a relative when the misfortune struck them at around 12:30 pm yesterday (Tuesday).
Colonia said the victims were riding an Isuzu Elf cargo truck towards Barangay Tampid in Matalam when the vehicle’s brake malfunctioned while going downhill along the national highway in Purok Balabay, Barangay New Alimodian, same town.
Survivors of the accident told police that when the truck driver, Ronnie Cagud, lost control over the vehicle, he decided to bump it against a canal at the side of the road.
As a result, the truck (plate number TKN-223) turned turtle until about a meter away from the side of the road.
Almost all of its passengers, who were at the back of the truck, were then thrown towards the farther side of the road, which Colonia describe as filled with bamboo plants.
He said the five fatalities were pinned under the truck. They include two 45-year-old women, a 70-year-old man, and two two-year-old children.
Five of the 35 injured victims are also fighting for their lives as they are regarded to be in critical condition. They were brought to the Davao Medical Center.
The 30 other wounded victims, including possibly Cagud, meanwhile, are being treated at the Amas Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City, same province.
Colonia said the victims, who belong to the same clan, are all residents of Sitio Alimodian, Barangay Banayal, in Tulunan town, same province. They came from there prior to the accident and were heading for Sitio Imelda in Barangay Tampid to attend the wake of a relative who passed away earlier.
Colonia said Cagud could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries./DMS
April 10, 2007
Five persons, including two minors, died and 35 others were wounded after a vehicle they were riding crashed on Tuesday noon in North Cotabato province, police said.
Insp. Elias Colonia, chief of police of Matalam town, North Cotabato, told Manila Shiimbun in a phone interview that the victims were supposed to attend a wake of a relative when the misfortune struck them at around 12:30 pm yesterday (Tuesday).
Colonia said the victims were riding an Isuzu Elf cargo truck towards Barangay Tampid in Matalam when the vehicle’s brake malfunctioned while going downhill along the national highway in Purok Balabay, Barangay New Alimodian, same town.
Survivors of the accident told police that when the truck driver, Ronnie Cagud, lost control over the vehicle, he decided to bump it against a canal at the side of the road.
As a result, the truck (plate number TKN-223) turned turtle until about a meter away from the side of the road.
Almost all of its passengers, who were at the back of the truck, were then thrown towards the farther side of the road, which Colonia describe as filled with bamboo plants.
He said the five fatalities were pinned under the truck. They include two 45-year-old women, a 70-year-old man, and two two-year-old children.
Five of the 35 injured victims are also fighting for their lives as they are regarded to be in critical condition. They were brought to the Davao Medical Center.
The 30 other wounded victims, including possibly Cagud, meanwhile, are being treated at the Amas Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City, same province.
Colonia said the victims, who belong to the same clan, are all residents of Sitio Alimodian, Barangay Banayal, in Tulunan town, same province. They came from there prior to the accident and were heading for Sitio Imelda in Barangay Tampid to attend the wake of a relative who passed away earlier.
Colonia said Cagud could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries./DMS
Police identifies Diasen’s killer; reports 30 deaths so far since start of election period last January 14
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already identified the suspected killer of Kalinga gubernatorial candidate Rommel Diasen who was gunned down last Black Saturday in Tabuk town.
Joel Melod, 18, a local tribesman, was identified by local residents who witnessed the crime, said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., quoting PNP Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias.
“We received reports that the suspect was dared by a fellow tribesman and wood-gatherer to kill Vice Governor Diasen to avenge the killing of a local judge a few years ago. We also had information that the suspect is a relative of the wife of Diasen,” Pagdilao quoted Barias to have said in his report to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
The PNP had earlier declared that the killing of Diasen is a result of an unresolved tribal feud, and not in any way related to the forthcoming election where he is participating as the Lakas’ candidate for Governor.
Cordillera Region Police Director Raul Gonzales had said that Diasen’s killing is a revenge for the death of Judge Milnar Lammawin a few years back. Both belong to rival tribes, and Diasen was linked to the Lammawin killing although no case against him prospered in court.
Diasen was delivering a speech in public in Barangay Magnao last Saturday afternoon to explain why he should not be blamed for Lammawin’s death and at the same time ask for the people’s support for his candidacy when he was shot.
Pagdilao said Melod is a member of the mixed Magnao-Lubuagan tribe. Lammawin belongs to the Magnao tribe.
A case of murder was already filed against Melod, who is now a subject of police manhunt.
With the declaration of Barias that the incident is fueled by a tribal war, PNP National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director General Antonio Billones struck out the Diasen killing case from the PNP’s list of election-related violent incidents (ERVI).
So far, 30 people, mostly barangay chairmen, were killed out of the 51 reported ERVI’s that happened since the start of the election period last January 14th, Billones said. Three of those killed were political candidates.
Twenty other people were injured.
But Billones said the situation now is still better compared to the last elections in 2004 and 2001.
He disclosed that in the 2004 Presidential elections, there were a total of 249 ERVI’s, and 269 in 2001. The number of deaths for the said election periods were 148 (41 of whom are candidates) and 111 (21 of whom are killed), respectively.
Billones said peace covenants among local candidates are continuously being proposed by the PNP to prevent further violence./DMS
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already identified the suspected killer of Kalinga gubernatorial candidate Rommel Diasen who was gunned down last Black Saturday in Tabuk town.
Joel Melod, 18, a local tribesman, was identified by local residents who witnessed the crime, said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., quoting PNP Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias.
“We received reports that the suspect was dared by a fellow tribesman and wood-gatherer to kill Vice Governor Diasen to avenge the killing of a local judge a few years ago. We also had information that the suspect is a relative of the wife of Diasen,” Pagdilao quoted Barias to have said in his report to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon.
The PNP had earlier declared that the killing of Diasen is a result of an unresolved tribal feud, and not in any way related to the forthcoming election where he is participating as the Lakas’ candidate for Governor.
Cordillera Region Police Director Raul Gonzales had said that Diasen’s killing is a revenge for the death of Judge Milnar Lammawin a few years back. Both belong to rival tribes, and Diasen was linked to the Lammawin killing although no case against him prospered in court.
Diasen was delivering a speech in public in Barangay Magnao last Saturday afternoon to explain why he should not be blamed for Lammawin’s death and at the same time ask for the people’s support for his candidacy when he was shot.
Pagdilao said Melod is a member of the mixed Magnao-Lubuagan tribe. Lammawin belongs to the Magnao tribe.
A case of murder was already filed against Melod, who is now a subject of police manhunt.
With the declaration of Barias that the incident is fueled by a tribal war, PNP National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director General Antonio Billones struck out the Diasen killing case from the PNP’s list of election-related violent incidents (ERVI).
So far, 30 people, mostly barangay chairmen, were killed out of the 51 reported ERVI’s that happened since the start of the election period last January 14th, Billones said. Three of those killed were political candidates.
Twenty other people were injured.
But Billones said the situation now is still better compared to the last elections in 2004 and 2001.
He disclosed that in the 2004 Presidential elections, there were a total of 249 ERVI’s, and 269 in 2001. The number of deaths for the said election periods were 148 (41 of whom are candidates) and 111 (21 of whom are killed), respectively.
Billones said peace covenants among local candidates are continuously being proposed by the PNP to prevent further violence./DMS
Police note peaceful celebration of Lenten season, especially in Metro Manila
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) noted a peaceful celebration of the Lenten season in the country, especially in Metro Manila, citing fewer incidents of crime reported to authorities.
“The Lenten season was generally peaceful. There were no untoward incidents, except for two cases. The first happened last Black Saturday involving Army troopers in Sulu, and the attack of the NPA (New People’s Army) at the Davao Penal Colony on Sunday,” PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said during Tuesday’s regular media forum at Camp Crame.
He said Metro Manila, in particular, was very quiet and peaceful during the Holy Week celebration, traffic became even “exceptionally good.”
According to a report released by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, the period of April 2 – 8, 2007 only posted 345 crimes committed in Metro Manila.
It was fewer by nine incidents during the Holy Week in 2006.
Crimes against persons in particular decreased by 31.3 percent, from 83 in 2006 to 57 this year. Only six cases of murder were reported as against 10 last year; seven homicide cases compared to last year’s nine; and 39 cases of physical injuries compared to 61 last year. Only the crime of rape increased, from three last year to five this year.
Crimes against persons also dipped by 18.25 percent, as robbery cases decreased by 14.3 percent and theft by 21.5 percent.
“The decrease in crime incidents in Metro Manila is just but expected. Since a lot of Metro Manila residents leave fro the provinces to spend time with their families while on a vacation or to join religious rites or festivities, the economic activities in the metropolitan area are considerably lessened, thereby removing most opportunities for crime to be committed,” said the report.
It also credited the PNP security measures, such as the doubling-up of checkpoints, and the conduct of joint patrols by the local police, barangay tanods and other civilian volunteer organizations, and the local government units.
“The joint visibility patrols give assurance to Metro Manila residents that their houses are safe from akyat-bahay, looters, and other criminals. The round-the-clock checkpoint operation, on the other hand, is the primary deterrent against hold-uppers, robbery suspects on motorcycles, and other criminal elements that might be moving around the metropolis,” the report explained.
Razon said that with Holy Week already over, the PNP can now focus again all of its efforts to the upcoming mid-term election on May 14th./DMS
April 10, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) noted a peaceful celebration of the Lenten season in the country, especially in Metro Manila, citing fewer incidents of crime reported to authorities.
“The Lenten season was generally peaceful. There were no untoward incidents, except for two cases. The first happened last Black Saturday involving Army troopers in Sulu, and the attack of the NPA (New People’s Army) at the Davao Penal Colony on Sunday,” PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said during Tuesday’s regular media forum at Camp Crame.
He said Metro Manila, in particular, was very quiet and peaceful during the Holy Week celebration, traffic became even “exceptionally good.”
According to a report released by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, the period of April 2 – 8, 2007 only posted 345 crimes committed in Metro Manila.
It was fewer by nine incidents during the Holy Week in 2006.
Crimes against persons in particular decreased by 31.3 percent, from 83 in 2006 to 57 this year. Only six cases of murder were reported as against 10 last year; seven homicide cases compared to last year’s nine; and 39 cases of physical injuries compared to 61 last year. Only the crime of rape increased, from three last year to five this year.
Crimes against persons also dipped by 18.25 percent, as robbery cases decreased by 14.3 percent and theft by 21.5 percent.
“The decrease in crime incidents in Metro Manila is just but expected. Since a lot of Metro Manila residents leave fro the provinces to spend time with their families while on a vacation or to join religious rites or festivities, the economic activities in the metropolitan area are considerably lessened, thereby removing most opportunities for crime to be committed,” said the report.
It also credited the PNP security measures, such as the doubling-up of checkpoints, and the conduct of joint patrols by the local police, barangay tanods and other civilian volunteer organizations, and the local government units.
“The joint visibility patrols give assurance to Metro Manila residents that their houses are safe from akyat-bahay, looters, and other criminals. The round-the-clock checkpoint operation, on the other hand, is the primary deterrent against hold-uppers, robbery suspects on motorcycles, and other criminal elements that might be moving around the metropolis,” the report explained.
Razon said that with Holy Week already over, the PNP can now focus again all of its efforts to the upcoming mid-term election on May 14th./DMS
Three Manila police officers only get admonition over lapses in Manila hostage drama
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
They will not be relieved.
Instead, the three Manila City police officers who took charge in resolving the March 28 hostage drama will only be “admonished” based on the recommendation of an internal investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“No one was recommended to be relieved (from their posts). The officers will only be admonished,” said PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. in an interview Tuesday morning at Camp Crame.
This, after revealing that the internal probe of the PNP, headed by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region (NCR) director Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, already wrapped up.
Razon disclosed that the initial findings of the probe that he cited last week were later adopted in to the final report, as well as the recommendations, except for the filing of administrative charges against the erring officers.
Subject in the investigation mainly were Manila Police District (MPD) acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza, MPD Station 5 commander Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., and MPD Lawton Police Community Precinct commander Chief Insp. Bernardino Cubacub.
Razon had earlier cited the following lapses in the negotiation for the peaceful resolution of the hostage taking incident involving Armando Ducat, Jr. and his business associate, Caezar Augusto Carbonell: 1) Failure to Control the Crowd; 2) Improper Media Handling; and, 3) Breakdown of Communication between the Crisis Management Committee and the ground police commanders.
The investigation, he said, recommended that the three officers be admonished; that a hostage-taking crisis management seminar be held for all members of the NCR Police Office (NCRPO); and that the Police Operational Procedures on Hostage Negotiation be reviewd by the Directorate for Operations of the PNP.
Razon said the investigation report will be submitted to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno for final approval.
But already, the MPD started yesterday (Tuesday) a five-day refresher course on hostage crisis negotiation in compliance with the directive of NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla.
The activity is being participated by station commanders and precinct commanders.
Varilla said the seminar will be replicated in other district offices in Metro Manila in the succeeding weeks and months.
“What is important here is we can have additional knowledge, that we will learn new things,” he said of the seminar.
Told that apparently the punishment against the three MPD officials turned lighter during the conclusion of the internal probe, Razon said: “Well, an admonition is also a heavy penalty.”
A day after Ducat and Carbonell hostaged 26 pupils and three teachers from the Musmos Day Care Center that the former built in Parola Compound, Puno ordered the relief of Abarsoza, Rosales and Cubacub for alleged mishandling of the hostage situation.
But Calderon requested that the punishment be withheld until after an internal probe is completed.
Ducat held hostage the students of his pre-school to protest over the massive corruption in government. He demanded that the government assure the graduates of his school of a continuous education until college and free housing provision.
The incident ended peacefully after 10 hours./DMS
April 10, 2007
They will not be relieved.
Instead, the three Manila City police officers who took charge in resolving the March 28 hostage drama will only be “admonished” based on the recommendation of an internal investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“No one was recommended to be relieved (from their posts). The officers will only be admonished,” said PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. in an interview Tuesday morning at Camp Crame.
This, after revealing that the internal probe of the PNP, headed by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region (NCR) director Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, already wrapped up.
Razon disclosed that the initial findings of the probe that he cited last week were later adopted in to the final report, as well as the recommendations, except for the filing of administrative charges against the erring officers.
Subject in the investigation mainly were Manila Police District (MPD) acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza, MPD Station 5 commander Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., and MPD Lawton Police Community Precinct commander Chief Insp. Bernardino Cubacub.
Razon had earlier cited the following lapses in the negotiation for the peaceful resolution of the hostage taking incident involving Armando Ducat, Jr. and his business associate, Caezar Augusto Carbonell: 1) Failure to Control the Crowd; 2) Improper Media Handling; and, 3) Breakdown of Communication between the Crisis Management Committee and the ground police commanders.
The investigation, he said, recommended that the three officers be admonished; that a hostage-taking crisis management seminar be held for all members of the NCR Police Office (NCRPO); and that the Police Operational Procedures on Hostage Negotiation be reviewd by the Directorate for Operations of the PNP.
Razon said the investigation report will be submitted to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno for final approval.
But already, the MPD started yesterday (Tuesday) a five-day refresher course on hostage crisis negotiation in compliance with the directive of NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla.
The activity is being participated by station commanders and precinct commanders.
Varilla said the seminar will be replicated in other district offices in Metro Manila in the succeeding weeks and months.
“What is important here is we can have additional knowledge, that we will learn new things,” he said of the seminar.
Told that apparently the punishment against the three MPD officials turned lighter during the conclusion of the internal probe, Razon said: “Well, an admonition is also a heavy penalty.”
A day after Ducat and Carbonell hostaged 26 pupils and three teachers from the Musmos Day Care Center that the former built in Parola Compound, Puno ordered the relief of Abarsoza, Rosales and Cubacub for alleged mishandling of the hostage situation.
But Calderon requested that the punishment be withheld until after an internal probe is completed.
Ducat held hostage the students of his pre-school to protest over the massive corruption in government. He demanded that the government assure the graduates of his school of a continuous education until college and free housing provision.
The incident ended peacefully after 10 hours./DMS
Three cops, two civilians nabbed for alleged gunrunning
By Ronron
April 10, 2007
Three policemen and two civilians were arrested on Monday night by police operatives from Region IV-A at a city south of Metro Manila for alleged gunrunning.
In his report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Sr. Supt. Charles Calima, Jr., operations chief of Police Region IV-A Office, identified the suspects as: 1) PO1 Ricardo Espeleta, 37, of the Pasay City Police Station; 2) PO1 Leonilo Espeleta, 35, of the Traffic Management Group based in Camp Crame; 3) PO1 Michael Bañola, 27, of the Pasay City Police Station; 4) Danilo Caballes, 39; and, 5) Marcelino Lepiten, 39.
Calima said the five were arrested during an entrapment-turned-dragnet operation by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) IV-A and Regional Mobile Group (RMG) IV-A at the tollgate in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City at around 8:30 pm.
The five were supposed to meet up with policemen poseur gun-buyers at around 3pm Monday at the Tropical Hut restaurant in Bacoor, Cavite to strike a P1.5 million purchase deal for 20 pieces of caliber 45, machine pistol Beretta 9mm, AK 47, and M16 Bushmaster Armalite.
However, while they were on their way to Susana Heights aboard a Honda CRV (plate number MCC-988), they suspected that the meeting could be a police entrapment operation as they noticed the RSOG and RSM operatives’ tailing them.
Thus, they sped up, resulting in a car chase that ended at the tollgate.
Blocking forces immediately disarmed the five suspects and seized one submachine gun UZI pistol with five long magazines; one caliber 40 pistol Glock, with three magazines; three 9mm pistols with one magazine each; one Colt caliber 45 with magazine; 39 live ammunitions of caliber 40; and 20 live ammunitions of caliber 9mm.
Police said no shootout happened during the arrest.
The five were brought to the RSOG IV-A headquarters at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna for investigation.
Calima said charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294, (Illegal Possession of Firearms), and violation of Omnibus Election Code on Gun Ban are being prepared against the five.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla said he also ordered the filing of administrative charges against the two Pasay City policemen – Ricardo Espeleta and Bañola.
“We are not tolerating this kind of activity. So I immediately ordered the filing of administrative case against the two Pasay City policemen. If we have to dismiss them, we will do that. We have already done that before,” Varilla said.
Calima said further investigation is being conducted to find out where the five are sourcing the firearms./DMS
April 10, 2007
Three policemen and two civilians were arrested on Monday night by police operatives from Region IV-A at a city south of Metro Manila for alleged gunrunning.
In his report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Sr. Supt. Charles Calima, Jr., operations chief of Police Region IV-A Office, identified the suspects as: 1) PO1 Ricardo Espeleta, 37, of the Pasay City Police Station; 2) PO1 Leonilo Espeleta, 35, of the Traffic Management Group based in Camp Crame; 3) PO1 Michael Bañola, 27, of the Pasay City Police Station; 4) Danilo Caballes, 39; and, 5) Marcelino Lepiten, 39.
Calima said the five were arrested during an entrapment-turned-dragnet operation by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) IV-A and Regional Mobile Group (RMG) IV-A at the tollgate in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City at around 8:30 pm.
The five were supposed to meet up with policemen poseur gun-buyers at around 3pm Monday at the Tropical Hut restaurant in Bacoor, Cavite to strike a P1.5 million purchase deal for 20 pieces of caliber 45, machine pistol Beretta 9mm, AK 47, and M16 Bushmaster Armalite.
However, while they were on their way to Susana Heights aboard a Honda CRV (plate number MCC-988), they suspected that the meeting could be a police entrapment operation as they noticed the RSOG and RSM operatives’ tailing them.
Thus, they sped up, resulting in a car chase that ended at the tollgate.
Blocking forces immediately disarmed the five suspects and seized one submachine gun UZI pistol with five long magazines; one caliber 40 pistol Glock, with three magazines; three 9mm pistols with one magazine each; one Colt caliber 45 with magazine; 39 live ammunitions of caliber 40; and 20 live ammunitions of caliber 9mm.
Police said no shootout happened during the arrest.
The five were brought to the RSOG IV-A headquarters at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna for investigation.
Calima said charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294, (Illegal Possession of Firearms), and violation of Omnibus Election Code on Gun Ban are being prepared against the five.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla said he also ordered the filing of administrative charges against the two Pasay City policemen – Ricardo Espeleta and Bañola.
“We are not tolerating this kind of activity. So I immediately ordered the filing of administrative case against the two Pasay City policemen. If we have to dismiss them, we will do that. We have already done that before,” Varilla said.
Calima said further investigation is being conducted to find out where the five are sourcing the firearms./DMS
Monday, April 9, 2007
Chopper crash lands in Laguna; six persons hurt
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
A private chopper chartered by an opposition senatorial candidate to deliver campaign materials crashed on Saturday afternoon at a house in Laguna province due to mechanical problems.
Police said the twin-engine chopper (body number RP-C1495 / Agusta-109A) crash landed at around 3:15 pm the other day (Saturday) at a house on No. 6 P. Cabrera St., Barangay III-B, San Pablo City, owned by couple Nicanor and Aleli Chaylee.
The chopper, police said, was carrying campaign materials of Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda of the Genuine Opposition.
The six persons aboard it, including its pilot and flight mate/aircraft mechanic, sustained minor injuries only, the police said.
On the other hand, no one from the Chaylee’s residence was hurt.
Initial investigation disclosed that one of the engines of the chopper conked out as it was nearing its destination, the Platon Elementary School Landing Site in Barangay III-C, same city.
Police said the second engine failed to sustain the flight, resulting in the crashlanding.
Badly damaged were the two bedrooms and the porch of the Chaylee’s residence. The incident also resulted in power blackout in the immediate neighborhood.
Police said the chopper, registered under the Country Club Development Corporation, came from the Manila Domestic Airport.
Its pilot was identified as Isabelito Floro, 57, while the Aircraft mechanic was identified as Vincent Velasco, 30.
The four passengers were the following: 1) Gil Portugal, 39; 2) Adolfo de Ramos, 50; 3) Rey Salud, 38; and, 4) Cathy Palparan, 44.
All six were brought to a hospital in the city for medical treatment but were declared to be in stable condition./DMS
April 8, 2007
A private chopper chartered by an opposition senatorial candidate to deliver campaign materials crashed on Saturday afternoon at a house in Laguna province due to mechanical problems.
Police said the twin-engine chopper (body number RP-C1495 / Agusta-109A) crash landed at around 3:15 pm the other day (Saturday) at a house on No. 6 P. Cabrera St., Barangay III-B, San Pablo City, owned by couple Nicanor and Aleli Chaylee.
The chopper, police said, was carrying campaign materials of Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda of the Genuine Opposition.
The six persons aboard it, including its pilot and flight mate/aircraft mechanic, sustained minor injuries only, the police said.
On the other hand, no one from the Chaylee’s residence was hurt.
Initial investigation disclosed that one of the engines of the chopper conked out as it was nearing its destination, the Platon Elementary School Landing Site in Barangay III-C, same city.
Police said the second engine failed to sustain the flight, resulting in the crashlanding.
Badly damaged were the two bedrooms and the porch of the Chaylee’s residence. The incident also resulted in power blackout in the immediate neighborhood.
Police said the chopper, registered under the Country Club Development Corporation, came from the Manila Domestic Airport.
Its pilot was identified as Isabelito Floro, 57, while the Aircraft mechanic was identified as Vincent Velasco, 30.
The four passengers were the following: 1) Gil Portugal, 39; 2) Adolfo de Ramos, 50; 3) Rey Salud, 38; and, 4) Cathy Palparan, 44.
All six were brought to a hospital in the city for medical treatment but were declared to be in stable condition./DMS
Bulusan volcano spews ash anew
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
The Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province spewed ash anew dawn of Sunday after two months of silence.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum said the volcano exploded at around 5:45 am yesterday, emitting thick cloud of ash to as high as four to five kilometers from its tip.
“We have expected this (emission). In fact, yesterday, Black Saturday, the PHIVOLCS issued an advisory because of the frequency of volcanic earthquakes,” Solidum said Sunday in Filipino.
Casiguran town Mayor Edwin Hamor described yesterday’s emitted ash as similar to a shape of mushroom.
“Actually, it was a beautiful sight because it was four to five kilometers high, and there was no wind, so you’re like looking at a mushroom floating in the air,” Hamor said in Filipino.
He said that because of the absence of wind, the ash only fell on one barangay in Casiguran, while the rest went to three barangays in the neighboring town of Juban.
Solidum said yesterday’s emission was the fourth of Bulusan for this year, the first three having occurred in January.
Bulusan became active starting June of last year, which spewed ash about 10 times until the end of the year.
Solidum said Alert Level 1 remains around Bulusan Volcano, which means the four-kilometer permanent danger zone remains off limits to the people./DMS
April 8, 2007
The Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province spewed ash anew dawn of Sunday after two months of silence.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum said the volcano exploded at around 5:45 am yesterday, emitting thick cloud of ash to as high as four to five kilometers from its tip.
“We have expected this (emission). In fact, yesterday, Black Saturday, the PHIVOLCS issued an advisory because of the frequency of volcanic earthquakes,” Solidum said Sunday in Filipino.
Casiguran town Mayor Edwin Hamor described yesterday’s emitted ash as similar to a shape of mushroom.
“Actually, it was a beautiful sight because it was four to five kilometers high, and there was no wind, so you’re like looking at a mushroom floating in the air,” Hamor said in Filipino.
He said that because of the absence of wind, the ash only fell on one barangay in Casiguran, while the rest went to three barangays in the neighboring town of Juban.
Solidum said yesterday’s emission was the fourth of Bulusan for this year, the first three having occurred in January.
Bulusan became active starting June of last year, which spewed ash about 10 times until the end of the year.
Solidum said Alert Level 1 remains around Bulusan Volcano, which means the four-kilometer permanent danger zone remains off limits to the people./DMS
9 soldiers, one civilian killed in shooting incident in Sulu
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
Nine soldiers and a civilian were killed in a shooting incident before dawn of Saturday inside a military camp in Sulu, officials said yesterday.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 2am inside the command post of the 35th Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company located in Barangay Silangkan, Parang town.
“We have nine soldiers and one civilian killed. The incident is still being investigated,” Torres said.
Torres claimed he has no information as to the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the identities of the victims.
“There was no electricity at the place… When the reinforcement arrived led by the battalion commander, they were also fired upon. When the area was placed under control, 10 dead bodies were found,” he said.
Asked if it was an internal conflict among the soldiers, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Eugene Battara said: “I leave it to you how you will describe it.”
Like Torres, Batarra, who is based in Zamboanga City, said he has no further details about the incident since these were purposely withheld from him by higher authorities “until the investigation is over.”
Sulu Police Director Sr. Supt. Ahirun Ajirim could not also provide details when reached by phone, saying he was not furnished a copy of the report by the military.
When asked if police will also initiate an investigation considering that a civilian was among the victims, Ajirim replied in the affirmative.
“I have ordered the chief of police of Parang to conduct investigation on the incident. But of course, we have to wait for the investigation by the Army brigade so that we will not contradict each other,” Ajirim said.
Torres said the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade is now investigating the incident./DMS
April 8, 2007
Nine soldiers and a civilian were killed in a shooting incident before dawn of Saturday inside a military camp in Sulu, officials said yesterday.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 2am inside the command post of the 35th Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company located in Barangay Silangkan, Parang town.
“We have nine soldiers and one civilian killed. The incident is still being investigated,” Torres said.
Torres claimed he has no information as to the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the identities of the victims.
“There was no electricity at the place… When the reinforcement arrived led by the battalion commander, they were also fired upon. When the area was placed under control, 10 dead bodies were found,” he said.
Asked if it was an internal conflict among the soldiers, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Eugene Battara said: “I leave it to you how you will describe it.”
Like Torres, Batarra, who is based in Zamboanga City, said he has no further details about the incident since these were purposely withheld from him by higher authorities “until the investigation is over.”
Sulu Police Director Sr. Supt. Ahirun Ajirim could not also provide details when reached by phone, saying he was not furnished a copy of the report by the military.
When asked if police will also initiate an investigation considering that a civilian was among the victims, Ajirim replied in the affirmative.
“I have ordered the chief of police of Parang to conduct investigation on the incident. But of course, we have to wait for the investigation by the Army brigade so that we will not contradict each other,” Ajirim said.
Torres said the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade is now investigating the incident./DMS
Suspected Reds raid gov’t armory facility in Davao
By Ronron
April 8, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided an armory of a government facility before dawn of Sunday in Davao del Norte province, police officials said.
Region 11 Police Director Chief Supt. Andres Caro said a total of 99 “vintage and unserviceable firearms” were successfully carted away by the estimated 30 perpetrators from the armory of the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) in Dujali town following the bold raid at 1:30 am.
The DAPECOL is a facility of the Bureau of Corrections under the Department of Justice where criminals convicted by regional trial courts in the province are confined.
Caro said the suspects managed to gain entry into the compound after pretending to be military men belonging to Task Force DAVAO.
“They deceived the guard at the gate. They wore military uniforms, with patches of TF Davao. And then, they pretended that their vans are having some mechanical problem. So when the guard approached them, they immediately pointed a gun at him,” Caro said in Filipino.
Caro said the suspected rebels then proceeded to the armory where they got 45 carbines; three M16 rifles; five caliber 38 revolvers; 46 shotguns; five pairs of handcuff; and undetermined number of live ammunitions.
The guerillas escaped aboard two vans, said Region 11 Police spokesman Chief Insp. Querubin Manalang, Jr.
They are now being traced by elements of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion. Caro said the perpetrators are believed to be under the command of local rebel leader Commander Paragu.
The incident immediately prompted the entire Region 11 Police to be placed on full alert status yesterday morning, Caro said.
Caro admitted that they already had hints about the NPA raid after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels bought military uniforms.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years.
Peace talks with the government bogged down in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist group by foreign governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to crush the communist movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
April 8, 2007
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided an armory of a government facility before dawn of Sunday in Davao del Norte province, police officials said.
Region 11 Police Director Chief Supt. Andres Caro said a total of 99 “vintage and unserviceable firearms” were successfully carted away by the estimated 30 perpetrators from the armory of the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) in Dujali town following the bold raid at 1:30 am.
The DAPECOL is a facility of the Bureau of Corrections under the Department of Justice where criminals convicted by regional trial courts in the province are confined.
Caro said the suspects managed to gain entry into the compound after pretending to be military men belonging to Task Force DAVAO.
“They deceived the guard at the gate. They wore military uniforms, with patches of TF Davao. And then, they pretended that their vans are having some mechanical problem. So when the guard approached them, they immediately pointed a gun at him,” Caro said in Filipino.
Caro said the suspected rebels then proceeded to the armory where they got 45 carbines; three M16 rifles; five caliber 38 revolvers; 46 shotguns; five pairs of handcuff; and undetermined number of live ammunitions.
The guerillas escaped aboard two vans, said Region 11 Police spokesman Chief Insp. Querubin Manalang, Jr.
They are now being traced by elements of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion. Caro said the perpetrators are believed to be under the command of local rebel leader Commander Paragu.
The incident immediately prompted the entire Region 11 Police to be placed on full alert status yesterday morning, Caro said.
Caro admitted that they already had hints about the NPA raid after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels bought military uniforms.
The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years.
Peace talks with the government bogged down in August 2004 after it was tagged as a terrorist group by foreign governments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to crush the communist movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Cop tagged in killing of assistant election officer in Palawan
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
A policeman was tagged in the killing last Tuesday night of an election officer in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province.
Chief Supt. Napoleon Cachuela, chief of the Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Police, identified PO1 Alfredo Carandang as the alleged killer of Puerto Princesa City Assistant Election Officer Petronilo Amorin, Jr.
In his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon, Cachuela said Carandang belongs to the 413rd Provincial Mobile Group (PMG), which is based at Barangay Culanga, Taytay, Palawan.
“With the identification of the gunman, we can consider this (case) as solved already,” said Supt. Reynaldo Jagmis, spokesman of the Special Investigation Task Group “Amorin.”
On Good Friday, a case of murder was filed against Carandang before the Puerto Princesa City Prosecutor’s Office.
Pending the preliminary investigation on the case, Carandang will be placed under the custody of the Palawan Police Provincial Office.
A separate administrative case, possible for grave misconduct, will be also conducted by the PNP against him, said Jagmis.
Cachuela and Jagmis said Carandang was positively identified by at least two witnesses, and corroborated by two others, when shown before them in a police line-up.
Carandang was considered a suspect after the cartographic sketch of the suspected gunman matched his profile.
Amorin was shot at close range, four times – two in the head, one in the stomach, and one on the leg – by his killer at around 7:15 pm last April 3 near the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Police said the motive could be work-related or personal in nature.
Asked yesterday what could be Carandang’s reason for killing Amorin, Jagmis said: “He was in complete denial.”
Thus, police could not yet say if the incident is election-related. Jagmis said the ongoing investigation will hopefully reveal the truth about the motive of the killing.
Jagmis said a personal caliber 45 handgun of Carandang is now subjected to ballistics at the National Bureau of Investigation in Palawan to determine if it was the one used in the crime.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn had offered P1 million as reward for any one who can point at the suspect/s in the killing. The recipient of this reward money will be chosen by the task group, said Jagmis.
Police has earlier regarded the case as “isolated,” being the first of its kind in the city./DMS
April 7, 2007
A policeman was tagged in the killing last Tuesday night of an election officer in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province.
Chief Supt. Napoleon Cachuela, chief of the Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Police, identified PO1 Alfredo Carandang as the alleged killer of Puerto Princesa City Assistant Election Officer Petronilo Amorin, Jr.
In his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon, Cachuela said Carandang belongs to the 413rd Provincial Mobile Group (PMG), which is based at Barangay Culanga, Taytay, Palawan.
“With the identification of the gunman, we can consider this (case) as solved already,” said Supt. Reynaldo Jagmis, spokesman of the Special Investigation Task Group “Amorin.”
On Good Friday, a case of murder was filed against Carandang before the Puerto Princesa City Prosecutor’s Office.
Pending the preliminary investigation on the case, Carandang will be placed under the custody of the Palawan Police Provincial Office.
A separate administrative case, possible for grave misconduct, will be also conducted by the PNP against him, said Jagmis.
Cachuela and Jagmis said Carandang was positively identified by at least two witnesses, and corroborated by two others, when shown before them in a police line-up.
Carandang was considered a suspect after the cartographic sketch of the suspected gunman matched his profile.
Amorin was shot at close range, four times – two in the head, one in the stomach, and one on the leg – by his killer at around 7:15 pm last April 3 near the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Police said the motive could be work-related or personal in nature.
Asked yesterday what could be Carandang’s reason for killing Amorin, Jagmis said: “He was in complete denial.”
Thus, police could not yet say if the incident is election-related. Jagmis said the ongoing investigation will hopefully reveal the truth about the motive of the killing.
Jagmis said a personal caliber 45 handgun of Carandang is now subjected to ballistics at the National Bureau of Investigation in Palawan to determine if it was the one used in the crime.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn had offered P1 million as reward for any one who can point at the suspect/s in the killing. The recipient of this reward money will be chosen by the task group, said Jagmis.
Police has earlier regarded the case as “isolated,” being the first of its kind in the city./DMS
Police says latest ambush in Masbate is election-related
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
Police in Bicol Region officially tagged Thursday ‘s ambush incident in Masbate province, wherein two persons died and one was wounded, as an election-related violent incident (EVRI).
Sr. Supt. Cecilio Calleja, Jr., deputy regional director for Operation of the Region V Police, said in a report that the victims were found to be supporters of an independent mayoralty candidate in Batuan town, and the suspect was a supporter of a rival candidate.
At around 4:30 pm last Thursday, Manuel Ramiso and Raymund Persia were shot dead by a certain Alfredo Yuson at Barangay Poblacion, Batuan town, while Carlo Aligada was wounded in the said incident.
Recovered from the crime scene were 22 empty shells of M16 rifle.
“Please be informed that follow up investigation conducted by Batuan Municipal Police Station disclosed that it was an EVRI,” Calleja said in his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Calleja said the victims were identified as supporters of mayoralty candidate Lily Villanueva Alforte in Batuan, while Yuson supports mayoralty candidate Charlie Deroma Yuson III of KAMPI, the party headed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The PNP’s National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) has earlier recommended for the placement of Masbate province under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the May 14 election.
This after NTF commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones, the Deputy Chief PNP for operations, flew to Masbate last Tuesday to personally supervise the conduct of dialogues between rival politicians for the forging of a peace covenant.
The PNP has already recorded 26 victims of election-related killings since January 14 until April 6./DMS
April 7, 2007
Police in Bicol Region officially tagged Thursday ‘s ambush incident in Masbate province, wherein two persons died and one was wounded, as an election-related violent incident (EVRI).
Sr. Supt. Cecilio Calleja, Jr., deputy regional director for Operation of the Region V Police, said in a report that the victims were found to be supporters of an independent mayoralty candidate in Batuan town, and the suspect was a supporter of a rival candidate.
At around 4:30 pm last Thursday, Manuel Ramiso and Raymund Persia were shot dead by a certain Alfredo Yuson at Barangay Poblacion, Batuan town, while Carlo Aligada was wounded in the said incident.
Recovered from the crime scene were 22 empty shells of M16 rifle.
“Please be informed that follow up investigation conducted by Batuan Municipal Police Station disclosed that it was an EVRI,” Calleja said in his report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Calleja said the victims were identified as supporters of mayoralty candidate Lily Villanueva Alforte in Batuan, while Yuson supports mayoralty candidate Charlie Deroma Yuson III of KAMPI, the party headed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The PNP’s National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) has earlier recommended for the placement of Masbate province under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the May 14 election.
This after NTF commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones, the Deputy Chief PNP for operations, flew to Masbate last Tuesday to personally supervise the conduct of dialogues between rival politicians for the forging of a peace covenant.
The PNP has already recorded 26 victims of election-related killings since January 14 until April 6./DMS
Kalinga gubernatorial bet shot dead
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
A candidate for governor in Kalinga province was shot dead on Saturday afternoon by an unidentified suspect in Tabuk town, police officials said.
Incumbent vice governor Rommel Diasen was shot by an unidentified male suspect past 1pm yesterday using a caliber 45 handgun while he was delivering a talk in public in Barangay Magnao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Police Director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales said.
Diasen, who is the Lakas’ candidate for Governor, sustained two gunshot wounds in the body.
He was rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but expired at around 2pm.
The suspect, meanwhile, managed to escape on foot.
Gonzales said the incident is most likely a result of a tribal conflict, more than being election-related.
“As of now, we cannot consider it as an election-related violent incident (ERVI) because we have not yet seen any evidence that directs to politics,” Gonzales told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
“We are leaning more on the tribal war angle. This could be related to the killing about two years ago of Judge (Minar) Lammawin,” he added.
Gonzales pointed out that Diasen was holding his talk yesterday at a place that local people describe as “Lammawin” territory.
“He (Diasen) was being accused by the tribemates of Judge Lammawin of not helping in the solution of the crime (killing of Lammawin). So he was explaining to the people yesterday his side, while he was also campaigning for the forthcoming election,” Gonzales said.
The police officer said the suspected gunman could be a member of Lammawin’s tribe.
“It could be revenge,” Gonzales said of the incident.
As to the possible political angle, Gonzales said it could be remote because there is no heated rivalry between Diasen and fellow gubernatorial candidate Laurence Wacnang.
Wacnang is currently the Representative of Kalinga at the Lower House of Congress. He belongs to the Liberal Party.
“There is no reason for them to have a rift because they belong to a coalition in support of the administration. In fact, they were seen together lately,” Gonzales said.
“We don’t really see this as politically-motivated,” he added.
So far, Diasen is the high-ranking victim of violence during the election season, as far as position is concerned.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already recorded 26 killed victims of election-related violent incidents since the start of the election period on January 14 until April 6th.
Most of the victims are either supporters of candidates or election officers.
PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones maintained that the recent figure of election-related violent incidents are lower compared to the previous elections.
He said any possible administrative action against local police commanders in Kalinga will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Gonzales has immediately created yesterday Task Force Diasen to focus on the case for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect.
The Task Force is composed of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and local members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“We are still looking at the actions of the provincial director, if he had taken preventive measures against these kinds of violent incidents. We are still assessing it,” Gonzales said when asked if the chief of Kalinga Police will be sacked.
He said the matter of recommending the province to be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be determined also after the investigation, especially if the incident is proven to be election related.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon already ordered the immediate dispatch of Special Action Force (SAF) troopers to the province “to help stabilize the situation and prevent the escalation of violence.”
More checkpoints were ordered established as well to prevent movement of firearms and partisan armed groups in the province, Pagdilao said.
The mid-term elections will be held in the country on May 14./DMS
April 7, 2007
A candidate for governor in Kalinga province was shot dead on Saturday afternoon by an unidentified suspect in Tabuk town, police officials said.
Incumbent vice governor Rommel Diasen was shot by an unidentified male suspect past 1pm yesterday using a caliber 45 handgun while he was delivering a talk in public in Barangay Magnao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Police Director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales said.
Diasen, who is the Lakas’ candidate for Governor, sustained two gunshot wounds in the body.
He was rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but expired at around 2pm.
The suspect, meanwhile, managed to escape on foot.
Gonzales said the incident is most likely a result of a tribal conflict, more than being election-related.
“As of now, we cannot consider it as an election-related violent incident (ERVI) because we have not yet seen any evidence that directs to politics,” Gonzales told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
“We are leaning more on the tribal war angle. This could be related to the killing about two years ago of Judge (Minar) Lammawin,” he added.
Gonzales pointed out that Diasen was holding his talk yesterday at a place that local people describe as “Lammawin” territory.
“He (Diasen) was being accused by the tribemates of Judge Lammawin of not helping in the solution of the crime (killing of Lammawin). So he was explaining to the people yesterday his side, while he was also campaigning for the forthcoming election,” Gonzales said.
The police officer said the suspected gunman could be a member of Lammawin’s tribe.
“It could be revenge,” Gonzales said of the incident.
As to the possible political angle, Gonzales said it could be remote because there is no heated rivalry between Diasen and fellow gubernatorial candidate Laurence Wacnang.
Wacnang is currently the Representative of Kalinga at the Lower House of Congress. He belongs to the Liberal Party.
“There is no reason for them to have a rift because they belong to a coalition in support of the administration. In fact, they were seen together lately,” Gonzales said.
“We don’t really see this as politically-motivated,” he added.
So far, Diasen is the high-ranking victim of violence during the election season, as far as position is concerned.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already recorded 26 killed victims of election-related violent incidents since the start of the election period on January 14 until April 6th.
Most of the victims are either supporters of candidates or election officers.
PNP Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) commander Deputy Director Gen. Antonio Billones maintained that the recent figure of election-related violent incidents are lower compared to the previous elections.
He said any possible administrative action against local police commanders in Kalinga will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Gonzales has immediately created yesterday Task Force Diasen to focus on the case for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect.
The Task Force is composed of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and local members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“We are still looking at the actions of the provincial director, if he had taken preventive measures against these kinds of violent incidents. We are still assessing it,” Gonzales said when asked if the chief of Kalinga Police will be sacked.
He said the matter of recommending the province to be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be determined also after the investigation, especially if the incident is proven to be election related.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon already ordered the immediate dispatch of Special Action Force (SAF) troopers to the province “to help stabilize the situation and prevent the escalation of violence.”
More checkpoints were ordered established as well to prevent movement of firearms and partisan armed groups in the province, Pagdilao said.
The mid-term elections will be held in the country on May 14./DMS
Over 1,200 families left homeless as fire engulfs squatters’ area in Mandaluyong City
By Ronron
April 7, 2007
More than 1,200 families were rendered homeless by a fire that struck dawn of Black Saturday at a slum area in Mandaluyong City, a fire official said.
SFO3 Avelino Caya, Arson Division chief of the Mandaluyong City Fire Department, said the blaze started at 3 am at Block 39, Welfare Ville Compound, Martinez corner Pavillo Streets in Barangay Addition Hills of said city.
“It took our firemen a while to put the fire under control because of the very narrow streets and the residents were blocking our way as they were busy saving their personal belongings,” Caya said in Filipino in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun yesterday.
Caya said the fire reached Task Force Echo, the highest of 10 alarm levels, and was put under control only at around 8:30 am. It was put out more than three hours later, or at 12:05 noon.
He said an estimated 400 shanties, mostly made of light materials, were burned down, resulting in estimated damage cost of more or less P6 million.
Two ladies, a 24-year-old and a 32-year-old, were slightly wounded in the incident and were brought to the Mandaluyong Medical Center for medical treatment.
Caya said initial investigation disclosed that the fire started from the house of a certain Aliw Vizmanos, located in the middle portion of the slum area.
“Allegedly, a candle was lighted at the second floor because it was dark. The owner did notice that the candled tipped over, causing the blaze,” he said.
The Vizmanos’ are now under investigation./DMS
April 7, 2007
More than 1,200 families were rendered homeless by a fire that struck dawn of Black Saturday at a slum area in Mandaluyong City, a fire official said.
SFO3 Avelino Caya, Arson Division chief of the Mandaluyong City Fire Department, said the blaze started at 3 am at Block 39, Welfare Ville Compound, Martinez corner Pavillo Streets in Barangay Addition Hills of said city.
“It took our firemen a while to put the fire under control because of the very narrow streets and the residents were blocking our way as they were busy saving their personal belongings,” Caya said in Filipino in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun yesterday.
Caya said the fire reached Task Force Echo, the highest of 10 alarm levels, and was put under control only at around 8:30 am. It was put out more than three hours later, or at 12:05 noon.
He said an estimated 400 shanties, mostly made of light materials, were burned down, resulting in estimated damage cost of more or less P6 million.
Two ladies, a 24-year-old and a 32-year-old, were slightly wounded in the incident and were brought to the Mandaluyong Medical Center for medical treatment.
Caya said initial investigation disclosed that the fire started from the house of a certain Aliw Vizmanos, located in the middle portion of the slum area.
“Allegedly, a candle was lighted at the second floor because it was dark. The owner did notice that the candled tipped over, causing the blaze,” he said.
The Vizmanos’ are now under investigation./DMS
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Two militants found dead in Cagayan
By Ronron
April 4, 2007
Two militant leaders in Cagayan province were found dead on Wednesday morning along a river in Lallo town.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) spokesman Carl Ala said Arthur Orpilla and Dionisio Battag, both 50 years old and officers of KMP and Anakpawis, were found with stab wounds and gunshot wounds, respectively, in their bodies at around 8 am yesterday.
Their bodies, Ala said, were discovered by vendors along the Cagayan River near the Magapit Bridge.
Ala said the two were allegedly abducted last March 27 by unidentified men believed to be members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Orpilla and Battag are residents of Barangay Bagunot in Baggao town of said province.
Contacted by phone, the Region II Police Office said it has yet to receive an official report about the incident from the Cagayan Police Provincial Office.
But already, Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias said yesterday that he has ordered the mobilization of “all resources and personnel of the Regional Task Force USIG in Cagayan Valley to lead the investigation into the deaths” of Orpilla and Battag.
Barias said the probe will be in coordination with the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Office, the Crime Laboratory, the Intelligence community and the local police units.
He said he will fly to Cagayan tomorrow “to confer with authorities of the Police Regional Office II under Chief Supt. Ameto Tolentino.”
“I will also take the opportunity to talk to the victims’ colleagues form the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas to possibly get more leads and information that will help us inn the investigation,” Barias said.
Barias surmised that is possible Orpilla and Battag were killed somewhere else, but their bodies were abandoned at the site were they were found yesterday.
“The PNP Task Force USIG condemns in the strongest terms the slaying of Arthur Orpilla and Dionisio Battad,” Barias said.
“Let me assure the victims’ families and their colleagues of swift police action to identify and prosecute those behind this dastardly murder,” he added.
Ala was quick to blame the killing to the military, he even identified the Philippine Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion headed by a certain 2Lt. Johnny Calob as the culprit behind the shooting to death of Battad.
“The AFP cannot really stop attacking our ranks, even at this time of the Lenten season. They don’t care even a bit. This looks like the birthday gift of the death squad to Gloria,” Ala said, referring to the President.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who will celebrate her 60th birthday today (Thursday), has been accused by militant groups to have sanctioned the spate of killings of militants and journalists in the country so she could hold on to power.
She has denied the allegation. In May last year, she created the TF USIG to investigate said killings./DMS
April 4, 2007
Two militant leaders in Cagayan province were found dead on Wednesday morning along a river in Lallo town.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) spokesman Carl Ala said Arthur Orpilla and Dionisio Battag, both 50 years old and officers of KMP and Anakpawis, were found with stab wounds and gunshot wounds, respectively, in their bodies at around 8 am yesterday.
Their bodies, Ala said, were discovered by vendors along the Cagayan River near the Magapit Bridge.
Ala said the two were allegedly abducted last March 27 by unidentified men believed to be members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Orpilla and Battag are residents of Barangay Bagunot in Baggao town of said province.
Contacted by phone, the Region II Police Office said it has yet to receive an official report about the incident from the Cagayan Police Provincial Office.
But already, Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias said yesterday that he has ordered the mobilization of “all resources and personnel of the Regional Task Force USIG in Cagayan Valley to lead the investigation into the deaths” of Orpilla and Battag.
Barias said the probe will be in coordination with the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Office, the Crime Laboratory, the Intelligence community and the local police units.
He said he will fly to Cagayan tomorrow “to confer with authorities of the Police Regional Office II under Chief Supt. Ameto Tolentino.”
“I will also take the opportunity to talk to the victims’ colleagues form the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas to possibly get more leads and information that will help us inn the investigation,” Barias said.
Barias surmised that is possible Orpilla and Battag were killed somewhere else, but their bodies were abandoned at the site were they were found yesterday.
“The PNP Task Force USIG condemns in the strongest terms the slaying of Arthur Orpilla and Dionisio Battad,” Barias said.
“Let me assure the victims’ families and their colleagues of swift police action to identify and prosecute those behind this dastardly murder,” he added.
Ala was quick to blame the killing to the military, he even identified the Philippine Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion headed by a certain 2Lt. Johnny Calob as the culprit behind the shooting to death of Battad.
“The AFP cannot really stop attacking our ranks, even at this time of the Lenten season. They don’t care even a bit. This looks like the birthday gift of the death squad to Gloria,” Ala said, referring to the President.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who will celebrate her 60th birthday today (Thursday), has been accused by militant groups to have sanctioned the spate of killings of militants and journalists in the country so she could hold on to power.
She has denied the allegation. In May last year, she created the TF USIG to investigate said killings./DMS
Comelec officer in Palawan killed; Another election officer in Marawi City threatened
By Ronron
April 4, 2007
A Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer in Palawan province was killed on Tuesday night in Puerto Princesa City by unidentified suspects, police said.
Reports reaching Camp Crame identified the victim as Petronilo Amorin, Jr., 40, resident of Narra town, same province, an assistant city election officer of Puerto Princesa City.
Amorin was shot dead along the national highway in front of the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Barangay San Pedro at around 7:15 pm by two male suspects.
The gunman allegedly approached him first before opening fire at close range. Amorin at that time had just taken dinner after finishing his work at the Comelec office which is located only a few meters away.
Amorin sustained four gunshot wounds – two in the head, one in the stomach, and one on the leg, caused by a caliber 45 pistol.
The gunman immediately escaped together with his accomplice who was waiting aboard a yellow Honda motorcycle.
A witness to the crime described the suspected gunman to be at least 40 years old, 5’4” to 5’6” tall, slim built, with curly hair, wearing maong pants and light blue t-shirt with collar.
Police is still investigating the motive of the incident, which could be work-related or personal in nature.
“Right now, we have formed a special investigating task group comprised by different agencies to speed up the resolution of the case… We are pursuing two leads, which are, maybe political or personal,” Palawan Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Dennis Peña said in a phone interview.
He said a witness has given a statement that indeed, there was a threat against Amorin prior to the incident, which is personal in nature.
The possible political motive, said Peña, stemmed from the fact that he works for the Comelec.
Peña said he heads the task group, which has representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, the City Prosecutor’s Office, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Crime Laboratory, and the Traffic Management Group.
“This is an isolated case, not enough to declare the city as an area of immediate concern this coming elections. And there is no historical basis for that. We don’t even know yet if this is election-related,” Peña said.
In Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province, an election officer was threatened by an unknown suspect by bombing her residence before dawn of Tuesday.
According to a police report, a hand grenade was lobbed outside the compound of election officer Diana Titiban, 52, at around 12:25 am the other day (Tuesday) at Barangay Panggao, Saduc District, Marawi City.
No one was hurt in the incident.
“Initial investigation disclosed that the election officer was busy preparing the election data at her room when she heard the explosion,” the police report said.
Responding policemen found later at the site another hand grenade that did not explode. It was safely detonated.
Police security was immediately provided to Titiban.
The motive for the blast is also still being investigated./DMS
April 4, 2007
A Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer in Palawan province was killed on Tuesday night in Puerto Princesa City by unidentified suspects, police said.
Reports reaching Camp Crame identified the victim as Petronilo Amorin, Jr., 40, resident of Narra town, same province, an assistant city election officer of Puerto Princesa City.
Amorin was shot dead along the national highway in front of the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Barangay San Pedro at around 7:15 pm by two male suspects.
The gunman allegedly approached him first before opening fire at close range. Amorin at that time had just taken dinner after finishing his work at the Comelec office which is located only a few meters away.
Amorin sustained four gunshot wounds – two in the head, one in the stomach, and one on the leg, caused by a caliber 45 pistol.
The gunman immediately escaped together with his accomplice who was waiting aboard a yellow Honda motorcycle.
A witness to the crime described the suspected gunman to be at least 40 years old, 5’4” to 5’6” tall, slim built, with curly hair, wearing maong pants and light blue t-shirt with collar.
Police is still investigating the motive of the incident, which could be work-related or personal in nature.
“Right now, we have formed a special investigating task group comprised by different agencies to speed up the resolution of the case… We are pursuing two leads, which are, maybe political or personal,” Palawan Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Dennis Peña said in a phone interview.
He said a witness has given a statement that indeed, there was a threat against Amorin prior to the incident, which is personal in nature.
The possible political motive, said Peña, stemmed from the fact that he works for the Comelec.
Peña said he heads the task group, which has representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, the City Prosecutor’s Office, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Crime Laboratory, and the Traffic Management Group.
“This is an isolated case, not enough to declare the city as an area of immediate concern this coming elections. And there is no historical basis for that. We don’t even know yet if this is election-related,” Peña said.
In Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province, an election officer was threatened by an unknown suspect by bombing her residence before dawn of Tuesday.
According to a police report, a hand grenade was lobbed outside the compound of election officer Diana Titiban, 52, at around 12:25 am the other day (Tuesday) at Barangay Panggao, Saduc District, Marawi City.
No one was hurt in the incident.
“Initial investigation disclosed that the election officer was busy preparing the election data at her room when she heard the explosion,” the police report said.
Responding policemen found later at the site another hand grenade that did not explode. It was safely detonated.
Police security was immediately provided to Titiban.
The motive for the blast is also still being investigated./DMS
One killed, 14 injured after bus falls in Quezon province
By Ronron
April 4, 2007
A woman died and 14 other persons were injured after the bus they were riding fell onto a ravine in Quezon province dawn of Wednesday.
The Executive Carrier bus (Body Number 8098, Plate Number PPT-204) was heading for Manila from Daraga, Albay when it allegedly lost brakes at the New Diversion Road in Sitio Amaw, Barangay Silangang Malikbuy, Pagbilao town at around 3am yesterday (Wednesday), causing it to plunge into a 20-meter deep ravine at the side of the road.
SPO4 Eladio Merle of the Pagbilao Municipal Police Station said the bus was descending when the mechanical failure occurred, causing it to turn-turtle, hitting trees along the way and finally landing in upside down position.
Passenger Aileen Siba, 23, of Iriga City, died on the spot.
Fourteen others, including five minors, were injured and are now being treated at the Jane County Hospital in the same town. All sustained minor injuries only, said Merle.
The bus driver, Francisco Jaques, of Project 8, Quezon City, escaped after the accident, but his companion, Roderick Juan, 36, remained to attend to the wounded passengers.
Merle said charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and multiple physical injuries are being prepared against Jaques.
Merle admitted the site is really an accident-prone area because of the road’s slope and zigzag route./DMS
April 4, 2007
A woman died and 14 other persons were injured after the bus they were riding fell onto a ravine in Quezon province dawn of Wednesday.
The Executive Carrier bus (Body Number 8098, Plate Number PPT-204) was heading for Manila from Daraga, Albay when it allegedly lost brakes at the New Diversion Road in Sitio Amaw, Barangay Silangang Malikbuy, Pagbilao town at around 3am yesterday (Wednesday), causing it to plunge into a 20-meter deep ravine at the side of the road.
SPO4 Eladio Merle of the Pagbilao Municipal Police Station said the bus was descending when the mechanical failure occurred, causing it to turn-turtle, hitting trees along the way and finally landing in upside down position.
Passenger Aileen Siba, 23, of Iriga City, died on the spot.
Fourteen others, including five minors, were injured and are now being treated at the Jane County Hospital in the same town. All sustained minor injuries only, said Merle.
The bus driver, Francisco Jaques, of Project 8, Quezon City, escaped after the accident, but his companion, Roderick Juan, 36, remained to attend to the wounded passengers.
Merle said charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and multiple physical injuries are being prepared against Jaques.
Merle admitted the site is really an accident-prone area because of the road’s slope and zigzag route./DMS
Police lacks evidence against Ducat, Carbonell
By Ronron
April 4, 2007
The Manila Police District (MPD) failed to present necessary pieces of evidence against accused hostage takers Armando Ducat, Jr. and Caezar Augusto Carbonell during Wednesday’s preliminary investigation at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
During the proceedings that was presided over by Assistant City Prosecutor Danilo Suarez, the MPD personnel failed to furnish the panel of prosecutors copies of the Certification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on whether or not Ducat and Carbonell are exempted from the Comelec gunban, and Certification on whether or not the recovered grenades were capable of exploding.
Ducat and Carbonell’s lawyers insisted that the MPD should submit those documents since their client will base their counter-affidavits on the available evidence brought before them.
Ducat and Carbonell are facing charges of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms and explosives, in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.
A separate charge for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law was filed against them last Monday by the social welfare office, but the lawyers of the two opposed its consolidation to the two original charges, saying it will further delay the resolution of the first two cases, thereby prolonging the detention of the accused.
Suarez then ordered the MPD to submit the required documents before 5pm yesterday (Wednesday), otherwise, they will no longer have any other chance to do it. Carbonell's lawyer, William delos Santos, confirmed to Manila Shimbun later in the evening that the MPD complied with Suarez' directive.
Suarez set the next hearing on April 10 at 10am, during which Ducat and Carbonell will have to submit their counter-affidavits.
After that, the panel of prosecutors is expected to come out with a resolution whether to file the cases in court or dismiss them by April 13 at the earliest.
Ducat and Carbonell arrived at the Prosecutor’s Office located at the third level of the Manila City Hall at around 10 am, handcuffed to each other’s right hands.
They wore white shirts, bearing the prints “STOP CORRUPTION, FREE EDUCATION.”
Their families and supporters were around during the one-and-a-half hours proceedings to provide moral support.
In an interview after the hearing, Ducat told Manila Shimbun that he is fine even if he just underwent angioplasty about two weeks before he and Carbonell held hostage last March 28 the 26 pupils and three teachers from the Musmos Day Care Center that he built in Parola Compound in Manila City.
“I’m just wondering why (Manila City) Mayor (Lito) Atienza is very mad at me that he wanted me in jail. Why can’t he put behind bars his son-in-law (Miles Roces) who failed to accomplish anything within three years?” Ducat said in Filipino.
Roces is the incumbent Representative of the 3rd District of Manila City at the House of Representatives. He is married to Atienza’s daughter, Arlene Maile.
When Ducat and Carbonell held hostage his victims inside a tourist bus right in front of the Manila City Hall, he had aired his grievance against corruption in government and demanded the government’s assurance that the graduates of his pre-school will make it through college.
He also demanded that the families of his students get free housing from the government.
After speaking to the public, Ducat and Carbonell eventually released their victims and surrendered to the police.
The two are now detained at the MPD headquarters./DMS
April 4, 2007
The Manila Police District (MPD) failed to present necessary pieces of evidence against accused hostage takers Armando Ducat, Jr. and Caezar Augusto Carbonell during Wednesday’s preliminary investigation at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
During the proceedings that was presided over by Assistant City Prosecutor Danilo Suarez, the MPD personnel failed to furnish the panel of prosecutors copies of the Certification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on whether or not Ducat and Carbonell are exempted from the Comelec gunban, and Certification on whether or not the recovered grenades were capable of exploding.
Ducat and Carbonell’s lawyers insisted that the MPD should submit those documents since their client will base their counter-affidavits on the available evidence brought before them.
Ducat and Carbonell are facing charges of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms and explosives, in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.
A separate charge for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law was filed against them last Monday by the social welfare office, but the lawyers of the two opposed its consolidation to the two original charges, saying it will further delay the resolution of the first two cases, thereby prolonging the detention of the accused.
Suarez then ordered the MPD to submit the required documents before 5pm yesterday (Wednesday), otherwise, they will no longer have any other chance to do it. Carbonell's lawyer, William delos Santos, confirmed to Manila Shimbun later in the evening that the MPD complied with Suarez' directive.
Suarez set the next hearing on April 10 at 10am, during which Ducat and Carbonell will have to submit their counter-affidavits.
After that, the panel of prosecutors is expected to come out with a resolution whether to file the cases in court or dismiss them by April 13 at the earliest.
Ducat and Carbonell arrived at the Prosecutor’s Office located at the third level of the Manila City Hall at around 10 am, handcuffed to each other’s right hands.
They wore white shirts, bearing the prints “STOP CORRUPTION, FREE EDUCATION.”
Their families and supporters were around during the one-and-a-half hours proceedings to provide moral support.
In an interview after the hearing, Ducat told Manila Shimbun that he is fine even if he just underwent angioplasty about two weeks before he and Carbonell held hostage last March 28 the 26 pupils and three teachers from the Musmos Day Care Center that he built in Parola Compound in Manila City.
“I’m just wondering why (Manila City) Mayor (Lito) Atienza is very mad at me that he wanted me in jail. Why can’t he put behind bars his son-in-law (Miles Roces) who failed to accomplish anything within three years?” Ducat said in Filipino.
Roces is the incumbent Representative of the 3rd District of Manila City at the House of Representatives. He is married to Atienza’s daughter, Arlene Maile.
When Ducat and Carbonell held hostage his victims inside a tourist bus right in front of the Manila City Hall, he had aired his grievance against corruption in government and demanded the government’s assurance that the graduates of his pre-school will make it through college.
He also demanded that the families of his students get free housing from the government.
After speaking to the public, Ducat and Carbonell eventually released their victims and surrendered to the police.
The two are now detained at the MPD headquarters./DMS
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Defense chief “hurt” by SC ruling to grant Ocampo’s petition for bail; PNP won’t apologize to Ocampo
By Ronron
April 3, 2007
Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. admitted that he was “hurt” with the Supreme Court decision to grant the petition for bail of Bayan Muna party-list group Representative Satur Ocampo on Tuesday.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Ebdane said he just hopes that Ocampo, who was charged of multiple murder for the death of at least 15 former communist rebels in the mid-1980’s in Leyte province, would not flee abroad.
“I hope he will stay in the country,” Ebdane said of Ocampo.
The Defense Secretary confessed that indeed there was a lapse in the procedure in the filing of case against Ocampo, which merited the SC’s decision to grant his plea for temporary liberty.
“It will be a lesson learned. We have to comply with the rules of court so this will not be repeated,” Ebdane said.
Ocampo had argued before the SC that he was denied due process when the case against him was being heard at the prosecutor’s level. Ocampo was arrested last March 16, a few days after Judge Ephrem Abando in Hilongos, Leyte issued the warrant against him.
The case against the solon stemmed from allegations he ordered the purge of NPA members in Leyte in the mid-1980’s, whose remains were discovered in August last year in Inopacan town.
Although hurting, Ebdane said they just have “to abide by the law” and “comply with the orders of the court now.”
On the part of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the organization’s spokesman, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., said they do not have to apologize to Ocampo for causing him so much inconvenience.
It can be recalled that the PNP hastily brought Ocampo to the airport from the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters last March 19 so he could be flown to Leyte for presentation to Abando.
Ocampo also said yesterday that the SC decision on his petition showed a weakness on the case the PNP built against him.
“What we did was well within the judicial process and there is nothing to apologize for us sticking to what the rules of criminal procedures tell every law enforcement agent to do,” Pagdilao said.
“I don’t think the (PNP) should apologize,” he added.
Pagdilao explained that the planned and aborted transfer of Ocampo to Leyte was in accordance with the rules of court.
But he said the even if the PNP submits to the “orders of the judicial authorities,” he warned Ocampo that the case against him stands.
“It (SC ruling) doesn’t mean that the trial against Mr. Satur Ocampo will no longer proceed,” Pagdilao said./DMS
April 3, 2007
Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. admitted that he was “hurt” with the Supreme Court decision to grant the petition for bail of Bayan Muna party-list group Representative Satur Ocampo on Tuesday.
In a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Ebdane said he just hopes that Ocampo, who was charged of multiple murder for the death of at least 15 former communist rebels in the mid-1980’s in Leyte province, would not flee abroad.
“I hope he will stay in the country,” Ebdane said of Ocampo.
The Defense Secretary confessed that indeed there was a lapse in the procedure in the filing of case against Ocampo, which merited the SC’s decision to grant his plea for temporary liberty.
“It will be a lesson learned. We have to comply with the rules of court so this will not be repeated,” Ebdane said.
Ocampo had argued before the SC that he was denied due process when the case against him was being heard at the prosecutor’s level. Ocampo was arrested last March 16, a few days after Judge Ephrem Abando in Hilongos, Leyte issued the warrant against him.
The case against the solon stemmed from allegations he ordered the purge of NPA members in Leyte in the mid-1980’s, whose remains were discovered in August last year in Inopacan town.
Although hurting, Ebdane said they just have “to abide by the law” and “comply with the orders of the court now.”
On the part of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the organization’s spokesman, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., said they do not have to apologize to Ocampo for causing him so much inconvenience.
It can be recalled that the PNP hastily brought Ocampo to the airport from the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters last March 19 so he could be flown to Leyte for presentation to Abando.
Ocampo also said yesterday that the SC decision on his petition showed a weakness on the case the PNP built against him.
“What we did was well within the judicial process and there is nothing to apologize for us sticking to what the rules of criminal procedures tell every law enforcement agent to do,” Pagdilao said.
“I don’t think the (PNP) should apologize,” he added.
Pagdilao explained that the planned and aborted transfer of Ocampo to Leyte was in accordance with the rules of court.
But he said the even if the PNP submits to the “orders of the judicial authorities,” he warned Ocampo that the case against him stands.
“It (SC ruling) doesn’t mean that the trial against Mr. Satur Ocampo will no longer proceed,” Pagdilao said./DMS
Siphoning in Guimaras ends
By Ronron
April 3, 2007
The siphoning operations in Guimaras province where an oil tanker sank in August 2006 ended over the weekend, recovering a volume of bunker fuel way below the expected.
Officials said only around 9,000 liters of bunker fuel were recovered from two of the eight compartments initially suspected to contain the remaining 1.3 to 1.6 million liters of said oil from the ill-fated M/T Solar 1.
“Twenty-one days after its arrival, the oil recovery ship Allied Shield contracted by Sonsub completed its mission to ensure that no oil was left on Solar 1… This brings the last phase of the clean-up to a close,” said a statement released by Presidential Adviser for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela.
Reached by phone, Coscolluela told Manila Shimbun that the siphoning operations formally ended last Saturday. The Allied Shield arrived in Bacolod City last March 10 from Singapore where its Italian company is based.
“We had a very successful operation since we were able to complete the oil retrieval without any problem. More importantly, we can be assured that there is no more oil left on Solar 1,” Sonsub’s Director for Special Operations Mark Phibbs said in the same statement.
Coscolluela described the entire operations as “incident-free,” with “absolutely no accident,” therefore, “no cause for anxiety” among the people of Guimaras.
Coscolluela said that the retrieval of only 9,000 liters of bunker fuel only shows that indeed, most of the oil contents spilled into the water, contrary to initial estimates that only 300,000 liters of the 2.1 million Petron product were released into the sea when M/T Solar 1 sunk on August 11, 2006.
The ill-fated ship has sank 640 meters deep some nine miles southwest of Guimaras Island after it was batted by big waves while enroute to Mindanao from Bataan.
Coscolluela said the retrieved oil has been turned over to Petron for proper disposition upon the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is being stored at Petron’s depot in Bacolod City.
He said the total cost of the operations, as relayed by Phibbs, could not be more than $6 million. Solar 1’s insurer, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), will pay the expenses.
“By and large, it gave a sense of relief to the people of Guimaras because the threat is already gone,” Coscolluela said of the effect of the completion of the siphoning operations to the locals of the province.
He said the Allied Shield already sailed to Singapore last Sunday evening.
With the completion of the siphoning operations, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Executive Officer retired Gen. Glenn Rabonza said the government can now “focus more on the rehabilitation efforts for Guimaras.”
“Part of the plan is a 50-million-peso science plan being organized by the Department of Science and Technology and UP (University of the Philippines) Visayas, led by Chancellor Glen Aguilar,” Rabonza said.
He disclosed that some P200 million from the P867 million supplemental budget intended for the rehabilitation of Guimaras had already been released to several agencies and the local government units.
“So, the work to rehabilitate Guimaras, particularly to the damaged environment is ongoing,” Rabonza said.
Petron Health, Safety and Environment Manager Caloy Tan also revealed that about P110 million has already been released as compensation to the affected fishermen of Guimaras.
“For the fishermen alone for the province of Guimaras, a little over 11,000 has been paid. Only 250 have yet to receive their check… For the province of Iloilo, 11,200 are due to be paid also after the Holy Week,” Tan said.
Resorts and pond owners in Guimaras and Iloilo will also be paid depending on their claims.
Tan said the payment will be sourced from the $330 million that is provided by the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund.
The oil spill in Guimaras has been regarded as the worst in Philippine history./DMS
April 3, 2007
The siphoning operations in Guimaras province where an oil tanker sank in August 2006 ended over the weekend, recovering a volume of bunker fuel way below the expected.
Officials said only around 9,000 liters of bunker fuel were recovered from two of the eight compartments initially suspected to contain the remaining 1.3 to 1.6 million liters of said oil from the ill-fated M/T Solar 1.
“Twenty-one days after its arrival, the oil recovery ship Allied Shield contracted by Sonsub completed its mission to ensure that no oil was left on Solar 1… This brings the last phase of the clean-up to a close,” said a statement released by Presidential Adviser for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela.
Reached by phone, Coscolluela told Manila Shimbun that the siphoning operations formally ended last Saturday. The Allied Shield arrived in Bacolod City last March 10 from Singapore where its Italian company is based.
“We had a very successful operation since we were able to complete the oil retrieval without any problem. More importantly, we can be assured that there is no more oil left on Solar 1,” Sonsub’s Director for Special Operations Mark Phibbs said in the same statement.
Coscolluela described the entire operations as “incident-free,” with “absolutely no accident,” therefore, “no cause for anxiety” among the people of Guimaras.
Coscolluela said that the retrieval of only 9,000 liters of bunker fuel only shows that indeed, most of the oil contents spilled into the water, contrary to initial estimates that only 300,000 liters of the 2.1 million Petron product were released into the sea when M/T Solar 1 sunk on August 11, 2006.
The ill-fated ship has sank 640 meters deep some nine miles southwest of Guimaras Island after it was batted by big waves while enroute to Mindanao from Bataan.
Coscolluela said the retrieved oil has been turned over to Petron for proper disposition upon the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is being stored at Petron’s depot in Bacolod City.
He said the total cost of the operations, as relayed by Phibbs, could not be more than $6 million. Solar 1’s insurer, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), will pay the expenses.
“By and large, it gave a sense of relief to the people of Guimaras because the threat is already gone,” Coscolluela said of the effect of the completion of the siphoning operations to the locals of the province.
He said the Allied Shield already sailed to Singapore last Sunday evening.
With the completion of the siphoning operations, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Executive Officer retired Gen. Glenn Rabonza said the government can now “focus more on the rehabilitation efforts for Guimaras.”
“Part of the plan is a 50-million-peso science plan being organized by the Department of Science and Technology and UP (University of the Philippines) Visayas, led by Chancellor Glen Aguilar,” Rabonza said.
He disclosed that some P200 million from the P867 million supplemental budget intended for the rehabilitation of Guimaras had already been released to several agencies and the local government units.
“So, the work to rehabilitate Guimaras, particularly to the damaged environment is ongoing,” Rabonza said.
Petron Health, Safety and Environment Manager Caloy Tan also revealed that about P110 million has already been released as compensation to the affected fishermen of Guimaras.
“For the fishermen alone for the province of Guimaras, a little over 11,000 has been paid. Only 250 have yet to receive their check… For the province of Iloilo, 11,200 are due to be paid also after the Holy Week,” Tan said.
Resorts and pond owners in Guimaras and Iloilo will also be paid depending on their claims.
Tan said the payment will be sourced from the $330 million that is provided by the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund.
The oil spill in Guimaras has been regarded as the worst in Philippine history./DMS
Masbate police commander asked to be relieved due to series of violence in the province
By Ronron
April 3, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to relieve Supt. Teodoro Caparroso as commander of the Masbate Police Provincial Office due to a series of violent incidents in the province.
In a statement, Calderon said he has recommended that Sr. Supt. Edgar Layon take over the position of Caparroso.
“I have already warned my commanders in Police Regional Office 5 that I will hold them responsible should violent incidents continue in their respective area of responsibility. I have directed them to establish effective counter measures to put an end to this escalating violence or face administrative sanctions or relief,” Calderon said.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said what sparked the relief of Caparroso is the ambush last Sunday of two supporters of a mayoralty candidate in the province. The victims, who were shot in Placer town, died in the incident.
Prior to that, Pagdilao said there was also an ambush incident against two supporters of San Jacinto town Mayor Leny Arcenas. The two victims also died.
“Despite the warning, violence continued in Masbate, thus leaving (me) no other recourse but to recommend the replacement of the provincial director with a more experienced and competent commander,” Calderon said.
Pagdilao said a company-size troops of the police Special Action Force (SAF) was already deployed in the province “to carry out aggressive action to crack down partisan armed groups (PAGS) suspected to be responsible for the election related violence.”
“The SAF company was given order to immediately fan out to the 21 towns of Masbate to hunt down PAGS and to ensure that the presence of the PNP will be felt seriously,” Pagdilao said.
Yesterday morning, elements of the SAF encountered suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members at 6am in Barangay Lahong, Baleno town, the Philippine Army reported.
A platoon of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion (IB) reinforced the SAF team and found two wounded SAF members and another one killed, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command spokesman Lt. Col. Rhoderick Parayno.
But police recovered three M16 rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, several ammunition and subversive document abandoned by the suspected rebels.
The NPA also attacked the Filmenera Company, a construction firm, in Barangay Puro, Aroroy town at around 7:10 am yesterday.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said around 60 suspected communist guerillas burned five buildings and two heavy equipments (a backhoe and a grader) of the private firm.
Members of the 2nd IB who also responded to the site found improvised landmines, grenades without pins, and 12 molotov bombs on the way to the company.
Parayno said that while one of the grenade was being disposed of, it exploded, slightly grazing the neck of one soldier.
At Camp Crame, PNP Deputy chief for Administration Dep. Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. called the NPA as the biggest partisan armed group for its extortion activities like permit-to-campaign, and permit-to-win fees.
“Gen. Calderon directed Deputy Director General Antonio Billones (National Task Force HOPE Commander) to initiate and supervise several dialogues between and among political rivals for the purpose of forging peace covenants in coordination with the church and the Commission on Elections and to adopt effective measures to ensure that rival politicians will honor the peace accord,” Pagdilao said.
The PNP is under the Comelec control for the entire election period from January 14 until June 13, 2007./DMS
April 3, 2007
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to relieve Supt. Teodoro Caparroso as commander of the Masbate Police Provincial Office due to a series of violent incidents in the province.
In a statement, Calderon said he has recommended that Sr. Supt. Edgar Layon take over the position of Caparroso.
“I have already warned my commanders in Police Regional Office 5 that I will hold them responsible should violent incidents continue in their respective area of responsibility. I have directed them to establish effective counter measures to put an end to this escalating violence or face administrative sanctions or relief,” Calderon said.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said what sparked the relief of Caparroso is the ambush last Sunday of two supporters of a mayoralty candidate in the province. The victims, who were shot in Placer town, died in the incident.
Prior to that, Pagdilao said there was also an ambush incident against two supporters of San Jacinto town Mayor Leny Arcenas. The two victims also died.
“Despite the warning, violence continued in Masbate, thus leaving (me) no other recourse but to recommend the replacement of the provincial director with a more experienced and competent commander,” Calderon said.
Pagdilao said a company-size troops of the police Special Action Force (SAF) was already deployed in the province “to carry out aggressive action to crack down partisan armed groups (PAGS) suspected to be responsible for the election related violence.”
“The SAF company was given order to immediately fan out to the 21 towns of Masbate to hunt down PAGS and to ensure that the presence of the PNP will be felt seriously,” Pagdilao said.
Yesterday morning, elements of the SAF encountered suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members at 6am in Barangay Lahong, Baleno town, the Philippine Army reported.
A platoon of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion (IB) reinforced the SAF team and found two wounded SAF members and another one killed, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command spokesman Lt. Col. Rhoderick Parayno.
But police recovered three M16 rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, several ammunition and subversive document abandoned by the suspected rebels.
The NPA also attacked the Filmenera Company, a construction firm, in Barangay Puro, Aroroy town at around 7:10 am yesterday.
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said around 60 suspected communist guerillas burned five buildings and two heavy equipments (a backhoe and a grader) of the private firm.
Members of the 2nd IB who also responded to the site found improvised landmines, grenades without pins, and 12 molotov bombs on the way to the company.
Parayno said that while one of the grenade was being disposed of, it exploded, slightly grazing the neck of one soldier.
At Camp Crame, PNP Deputy chief for Administration Dep. Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. called the NPA as the biggest partisan armed group for its extortion activities like permit-to-campaign, and permit-to-win fees.
“Gen. Calderon directed Deputy Director General Antonio Billones (National Task Force HOPE Commander) to initiate and supervise several dialogues between and among political rivals for the purpose of forging peace covenants in coordination with the church and the Commission on Elections and to adopt effective measures to ensure that rival politicians will honor the peace accord,” Pagdilao said.
The PNP is under the Comelec control for the entire election period from January 14 until June 13, 2007./DMS
Police finds three lapses in MPD response to March 28 hostage drama
By Ronron
April 3, 2007
An internal investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) has initially found three lapses in the handling by the Manila Police District (MPD) of the March 28 hostage-taking incident in Manila City.
In the weekly press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said the National Capital Region – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (NCR-CIDG) initially found the following lapses: 1) Failure to control the crowd; 2) Improper Media Handling; and, 3) Breakdown of Communication among members of the Crisis Management Committee.
Razon said the investigation, which is still ongoing, is spearheaded by NCR-CIDG Director Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, and conducted jointly by the Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management (DIDM).
“The investigation is not yet finished. But the initial findings of the investigator… is that indeed, there were lapses,” Razon said.
He said the failure of the police officers at the hostage site to control the movement of the public and the media covering the event was vividly captured in the media.
As to the communication breakdown, wherein the orders of the crisis management committee down to the ground commander and subordinate units were not properly relayed, Razon said it will be elaborated to the media when the investigation wraps up.
A day after the 10-hour long incident, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno recommended the administrative relief of MPD acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza and his subordinates for allegedly not following the orders of Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza, the crisis manager.
But PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon withheld the relief until the internal probe is completed.
A separate interview with the chief negotiator of the incident, Supt. Orlando Yebra, revealed that they were all actually taking orders from Atienza. Yebra said Puno must have not been briefed well about what really happened.
Asked if the investigation body was already enlightened on whether or not Atienza acted as crisis manager, Razon said: “Well, the investigation of the PNP is limited to the police operational procedures. So the implementation of that by the police is the main point of this probe, and not the entire Crisis Management Committee.”
Razon said they expect to finish the investigation before Good Friday.
“We are looking closely at what really happened, what were the participation of these officers, their decisions, and the actions of the key players… And from there, we will find out what actions to be taken against these personnel,” Razon said.
Initially, the investigators came up with three recommendations: 1) filing of administrative charges against police officers who violated the Police Operational Procedures for Hostage Negotiations; 2) submission of the entire National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), starting with the MPD, to a Hostage-Taking Crisis Management Seminar; and, 3) a review by the Directorate for Operations of the current Police Operational Procedures on Hostage Negotiations for further improvement.
But even without these recommendations, Razon said Calderon already ordered all regional offices, especially city police offices, to conduct Hostage Negotiation Seminars or Trainings to avoid the above-mentioned lapses should a situation happen there.
“Even with the media, the chief PNP said that if possible, we could sit down with our media friends and discuss with them how could they best help in situations like that,” Razon said.
Armando Ducat, Jr., together with his associate, Cezar Carbonell, held hostage 26 pupils and three teachers inside a bus last March 28 from 9am to 7pm as he complained against corruption in the government.
Parking the bus near the Manila City Hall, Ducat asked the government to assure that the graduates of the Musmos Day Care Center in Parola Compound, Binondo, Manila City go through college and their families get housing units.
Ducat and Carbonell were armed at that time with a sub-machine gun, a caliber 45 pistol, and two hand grenades.
The incident ended peacefully after the two suspects released their victims, and then voluntarily surrendered./DMS
April 3, 2007
An internal investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) has initially found three lapses in the handling by the Manila Police District (MPD) of the March 28 hostage-taking incident in Manila City.
In the weekly press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said the National Capital Region – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (NCR-CIDG) initially found the following lapses: 1) Failure to control the crowd; 2) Improper Media Handling; and, 3) Breakdown of Communication among members of the Crisis Management Committee.
Razon said the investigation, which is still ongoing, is spearheaded by NCR-CIDG Director Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, and conducted jointly by the Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management (DIDM).
“The investigation is not yet finished. But the initial findings of the investigator… is that indeed, there were lapses,” Razon said.
He said the failure of the police officers at the hostage site to control the movement of the public and the media covering the event was vividly captured in the media.
As to the communication breakdown, wherein the orders of the crisis management committee down to the ground commander and subordinate units were not properly relayed, Razon said it will be elaborated to the media when the investigation wraps up.
A day after the 10-hour long incident, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno recommended the administrative relief of MPD acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza and his subordinates for allegedly not following the orders of Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza, the crisis manager.
But PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon withheld the relief until the internal probe is completed.
A separate interview with the chief negotiator of the incident, Supt. Orlando Yebra, revealed that they were all actually taking orders from Atienza. Yebra said Puno must have not been briefed well about what really happened.
Asked if the investigation body was already enlightened on whether or not Atienza acted as crisis manager, Razon said: “Well, the investigation of the PNP is limited to the police operational procedures. So the implementation of that by the police is the main point of this probe, and not the entire Crisis Management Committee.”
Razon said they expect to finish the investigation before Good Friday.
“We are looking closely at what really happened, what were the participation of these officers, their decisions, and the actions of the key players… And from there, we will find out what actions to be taken against these personnel,” Razon said.
Initially, the investigators came up with three recommendations: 1) filing of administrative charges against police officers who violated the Police Operational Procedures for Hostage Negotiations; 2) submission of the entire National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), starting with the MPD, to a Hostage-Taking Crisis Management Seminar; and, 3) a review by the Directorate for Operations of the current Police Operational Procedures on Hostage Negotiations for further improvement.
But even without these recommendations, Razon said Calderon already ordered all regional offices, especially city police offices, to conduct Hostage Negotiation Seminars or Trainings to avoid the above-mentioned lapses should a situation happen there.
“Even with the media, the chief PNP said that if possible, we could sit down with our media friends and discuss with them how could they best help in situations like that,” Razon said.
Armando Ducat, Jr., together with his associate, Cezar Carbonell, held hostage 26 pupils and three teachers inside a bus last March 28 from 9am to 7pm as he complained against corruption in the government.
Parking the bus near the Manila City Hall, Ducat asked the government to assure that the graduates of the Musmos Day Care Center in Parola Compound, Binondo, Manila City go through college and their families get housing units.
Ducat and Carbonell were armed at that time with a sub-machine gun, a caliber 45 pistol, and two hand grenades.
The incident ended peacefully after the two suspects released their victims, and then voluntarily surrendered./DMS
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
No pull out, no addition, just improved security measures for troops deployed in MM following death of soldier last Saturday
By Ronron
April 2, 2007
There will no pull out of troops, or addition of the same to those deployed in slum areas in Metro Manila following the killing last Saturday of a soldier in Tondo District, Manila City.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said Monday the security measures for the 26 teams of nine to 10 soldiers each deployed in 19 barangays all over the capital will just be enhanced in response to the incident.
“On our part, we issued additional security guidelines. They don’t necessarily have to bring long firearms. But, in terms of being security conscious, (just) for them to be with somebody else if they go to a delicate place,” Dolorfino said.
“Then, also (for them) to be vigilant always because of the intelligence report that the New People’s Army is planning to reactivate their sparrow units,” he added.
Staff Sergeant Rowell Papa-an was shot dead by suspected criminals last Saturday afternoon after responding to a reported hold-up incident in Parola Compound in Tondo.
The suspects managed to escape after the incident.
Dolorfino said Papa-an at that time was not armed because he was carrying some materials to his jeep. He said the soldier was also confident he could physically subdue any criminal since he is a martial arts expert.
He hailed Papa-an’s courageous act as that of a hero since it showed the AFP’s “sincere commitment to serve and protect our countrymen in the depressed communities.”
“He did not act only as a soldier but more than that. As a responsible citizen of this country, he effected what is called Citizen’s Arrest. That is the heroism he showed the entire nation,” Dolorfino said of Papa-an.
Dolorfino said the killing of Papa-an in fact boosted the morale of other soldiers.
Asked if the incident should be cause for the pull-out of the troops or their augmentation, Dolorfino said: “I don’t think so. We will continue on having the same number of personnel in these areas.”
But he said come election day on May 14, the AFP leadership might consider recalling the soldiers temporarily.
“Our plan is if we will pull them out, we will conduct refresher training. We will have a critique of what they have been doing so we can further improve our operations,” said Dolorfino.
The government soldiers, who are under the Philippine Army’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) battalion, have been deployed in 19 slum areas in Caloocan, Taguig, Quezon and Manila cities since November of last year.
Their deployment was criticized by some sectors as it allegedly violates civil liberties of the people.
But barangay chairmen in the areas were the soldiers are deployed, as well as some residents, have sought for their continued stay, saying it is doing good for the communities./DMS
April 2, 2007
There will no pull out of troops, or addition of the same to those deployed in slum areas in Metro Manila following the killing last Saturday of a soldier in Tondo District, Manila City.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said Monday the security measures for the 26 teams of nine to 10 soldiers each deployed in 19 barangays all over the capital will just be enhanced in response to the incident.
“On our part, we issued additional security guidelines. They don’t necessarily have to bring long firearms. But, in terms of being security conscious, (just) for them to be with somebody else if they go to a delicate place,” Dolorfino said.
“Then, also (for them) to be vigilant always because of the intelligence report that the New People’s Army is planning to reactivate their sparrow units,” he added.
Staff Sergeant Rowell Papa-an was shot dead by suspected criminals last Saturday afternoon after responding to a reported hold-up incident in Parola Compound in Tondo.
The suspects managed to escape after the incident.
Dolorfino said Papa-an at that time was not armed because he was carrying some materials to his jeep. He said the soldier was also confident he could physically subdue any criminal since he is a martial arts expert.
He hailed Papa-an’s courageous act as that of a hero since it showed the AFP’s “sincere commitment to serve and protect our countrymen in the depressed communities.”
“He did not act only as a soldier but more than that. As a responsible citizen of this country, he effected what is called Citizen’s Arrest. That is the heroism he showed the entire nation,” Dolorfino said of Papa-an.
Dolorfino said the killing of Papa-an in fact boosted the morale of other soldiers.
Asked if the incident should be cause for the pull-out of the troops or their augmentation, Dolorfino said: “I don’t think so. We will continue on having the same number of personnel in these areas.”
But he said come election day on May 14, the AFP leadership might consider recalling the soldiers temporarily.
“Our plan is if we will pull them out, we will conduct refresher training. We will have a critique of what they have been doing so we can further improve our operations,” said Dolorfino.
The government soldiers, who are under the Philippine Army’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) battalion, have been deployed in 19 slum areas in Caloocan, Taguig, Quezon and Manila cities since November of last year.
Their deployment was criticized by some sectors as it allegedly violates civil liberties of the people.
But barangay chairmen in the areas were the soldiers are deployed, as well as some residents, have sought for their continued stay, saying it is doing good for the communities./DMS
PNP goes on heightened alert for Holy Week celebration
By Ronron
April 2, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) went on heightened alert on Monday noon for the Holy Week celebration.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said PNP chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon said the second of three alert levels took effect at 12 noon “to ensure the availability of personnel and resources for police security and public safety operations during the traditional observance of the Holy Week.”
“Our job is to make sure that the people will be safe and secure while enjoying the Lenten holiday,” Calderon said in a statement.
“The upgrading of the alert level is aimed at maximizing effectiveness of security measures in airports, seaports, land transport terminals, major thoroughfares, and traditional retreat destinations and resort zones,” he added.
If necessary, Calderon said the different regional directors can further upgrade the alert status in their areas of responsibility to the highest level.
The PNP has launched Operation Plan (OPLAN) Lakbay Tulong “to ensure a safe and uneventful observance of the Holy Week when most people go home to the provinces or vacation destinations for the long holidays.”
In a separate news conference at Camp Crame, PNP Traffic Management Group (TMG) Director Chief Supt. Errol Pan said that the entire force under him will be on 24-hour duty nationwide starting Monday.
Pan said the more than 1,000 TMG personnel will not be allowed to go on leave from work so they could provide “traffic assistance” and perform “anti-criminality, anti-hijacking and anti-carnapping” functions to the public.
He said the TMG’s Oplan SUMVAC (Summer Vacation) takes effect Monday until Easter Sunday.
“This is in preparation for the movement of vacationers, those who will go home to the provinces or the cities, which happens yearly, in coordination with civic groups, (and) gasoline corporations that set up assistance centers along the national highways,” Pan said.
For monitoring purposes in Metro Manila, he said the TMG will use 16 motorcycles that were used by the PNP during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit last January in Cebu, as well as their eight mobile cars.
Pan said the TMG personnel will be visible along EDSA, at the Southern Luzon Expressway, and Northern Luzon Expressway.
“We also provided additional services along the national highways. In fact, the TMG nationwide is being mobilized for this purpose, in all regions, throughout the archipelago,” he said.
This Catholic-dominated country celebrates the culmination of the Lenten Season starting Holy Wednesday until Easter Sunday, in observance of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The religious activity has been traditionally marked with long holidays. But for this year, the vacation extends until Monday next week as the country celebrates the Araw ng Kagitingan./DMS
April 2, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) went on heightened alert on Monday noon for the Holy Week celebration.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said PNP chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon said the second of three alert levels took effect at 12 noon “to ensure the availability of personnel and resources for police security and public safety operations during the traditional observance of the Holy Week.”
“Our job is to make sure that the people will be safe and secure while enjoying the Lenten holiday,” Calderon said in a statement.
“The upgrading of the alert level is aimed at maximizing effectiveness of security measures in airports, seaports, land transport terminals, major thoroughfares, and traditional retreat destinations and resort zones,” he added.
If necessary, Calderon said the different regional directors can further upgrade the alert status in their areas of responsibility to the highest level.
The PNP has launched Operation Plan (OPLAN) Lakbay Tulong “to ensure a safe and uneventful observance of the Holy Week when most people go home to the provinces or vacation destinations for the long holidays.”
In a separate news conference at Camp Crame, PNP Traffic Management Group (TMG) Director Chief Supt. Errol Pan said that the entire force under him will be on 24-hour duty nationwide starting Monday.
Pan said the more than 1,000 TMG personnel will not be allowed to go on leave from work so they could provide “traffic assistance” and perform “anti-criminality, anti-hijacking and anti-carnapping” functions to the public.
He said the TMG’s Oplan SUMVAC (Summer Vacation) takes effect Monday until Easter Sunday.
“This is in preparation for the movement of vacationers, those who will go home to the provinces or the cities, which happens yearly, in coordination with civic groups, (and) gasoline corporations that set up assistance centers along the national highways,” Pan said.
For monitoring purposes in Metro Manila, he said the TMG will use 16 motorcycles that were used by the PNP during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit last January in Cebu, as well as their eight mobile cars.
Pan said the TMG personnel will be visible along EDSA, at the Southern Luzon Expressway, and Northern Luzon Expressway.
“We also provided additional services along the national highways. In fact, the TMG nationwide is being mobilized for this purpose, in all regions, throughout the archipelago,” he said.
This Catholic-dominated country celebrates the culmination of the Lenten Season starting Holy Wednesday until Easter Sunday, in observance of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The religious activity has been traditionally marked with long holidays. But for this year, the vacation extends until Monday next week as the country celebrates the Araw ng Kagitingan./DMS
Military exhumes 13 skeletal remains in Southern Leyte believed to be victims of NPA purging
By Ronron
April 2, 2007
Police and military forces unearthed over the weekend another batch of remains of suspected purging victims of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Leyte province.
Lt. Col. Mario Lacurom, commander of the Philippine Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion which is based in said province, said in a phone interview Monday that 13 skeletal remains have so far been exhumed since Friday last week from a suspected mass grave site in Sitio Mahangin, Barangay San Antonio in Hilongos town.
The search and exhumation was still going on yesterday, with the presence of Maj. Gen. Armando Cunanan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division; Chief Supt. Eliseo dela Paz, chief of the Region VIII Police; and Brig. Gen. Allan Ragpala, chief of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from the Region VIII police were also at the site to conduct forensic investigation.
Lacurom said they estimate a total of 26 to 28 bodies at the site as testified by former NPA members, residents in the area, and relatives of alleged purge victims.
He described the site to be as big as half the size of a basketball court.
The victims buried there were believed to be villagers of San Antonio who were abducted by communist rebels on June 12, 1985, a day before Hilongos celebrated its annual town fiesta.
“They were suspected military informants and were sentenced to death by the NPA kangaroo court,” said Lacurom.
He said the skeletal remains recovered were found with blindfolds still, while some had their skull at the feet portion. Some of them were found alone, while others were found in groups of two or three.
Asked how far is the site, Lacurom said it takes eight hours by foot to reach it from the foot of the mountain. Relative to the mass grave site in Inopacan town that was discovered last year, Lacurom said the new site can be reached by foot within one to two days.
“This means it would be impossible for the skeletons to be planted by us,” said Lacurom when told that the militant groups sympathetic to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) could accuse the military again of manufacturing evidence against former and present communist leaders and personalities, including Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo.
Ocampo is under arrest for the Inopacan grave site, called The Garden, after he was implicated by witnesses of the military and police. As a member then of the CPP’s Central Committee, Ocampo allegedly ordered the killing of NPA members suspected of spying for the government in the mid-1980’s.
Asked if the militant congressman has any hand in the new grave site, Lacurom said: “As of now, that’s speculation.”
Lacurom said the search and digging at the new grave site will continue until they are satisfied to have recovered already all the suspected purge victims buried there./DMS
April 2, 2007
Police and military forces unearthed over the weekend another batch of remains of suspected purging victims of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Leyte province.
Lt. Col. Mario Lacurom, commander of the Philippine Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion which is based in said province, said in a phone interview Monday that 13 skeletal remains have so far been exhumed since Friday last week from a suspected mass grave site in Sitio Mahangin, Barangay San Antonio in Hilongos town.
The search and exhumation was still going on yesterday, with the presence of Maj. Gen. Armando Cunanan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division; Chief Supt. Eliseo dela Paz, chief of the Region VIII Police; and Brig. Gen. Allan Ragpala, chief of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from the Region VIII police were also at the site to conduct forensic investigation.
Lacurom said they estimate a total of 26 to 28 bodies at the site as testified by former NPA members, residents in the area, and relatives of alleged purge victims.
He described the site to be as big as half the size of a basketball court.
The victims buried there were believed to be villagers of San Antonio who were abducted by communist rebels on June 12, 1985, a day before Hilongos celebrated its annual town fiesta.
“They were suspected military informants and were sentenced to death by the NPA kangaroo court,” said Lacurom.
He said the skeletal remains recovered were found with blindfolds still, while some had their skull at the feet portion. Some of them were found alone, while others were found in groups of two or three.
Asked how far is the site, Lacurom said it takes eight hours by foot to reach it from the foot of the mountain. Relative to the mass grave site in Inopacan town that was discovered last year, Lacurom said the new site can be reached by foot within one to two days.
“This means it would be impossible for the skeletons to be planted by us,” said Lacurom when told that the militant groups sympathetic to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) could accuse the military again of manufacturing evidence against former and present communist leaders and personalities, including Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo.
Ocampo is under arrest for the Inopacan grave site, called The Garden, after he was implicated by witnesses of the military and police. As a member then of the CPP’s Central Committee, Ocampo allegedly ordered the killing of NPA members suspected of spying for the government in the mid-1980’s.
Asked if the militant congressman has any hand in the new grave site, Lacurom said: “As of now, that’s speculation.”
Lacurom said the search and digging at the new grave site will continue until they are satisfied to have recovered already all the suspected purge victims buried there./DMS
Indonesian Catholic priest shot dead in Kalinga province
By Ronron
April 2, 2007
An Indonesian Catholic priest was shot dead on Sunday afternoon in Kalinga province in the northern Philippines by a locale for a still unknown reason.
Police identified the victim as Fr. Franciscos Madhu, 31, native of Flores, Indonesia, and assistant parish priest of St. Paul and St. Peter Parishes in Kalinga.
According to a police report, Madhu was first seen having a heated argument with suspected gunman Nestor Wailan before he was shot at around 5:30 pm last Sunday at the Mabungtot Primary School in Lubuagan town.
Police though has yet to ascertain what the argument was all about.
Wailan, a resident of Sitio Dugnac, Barangay Antonio Canao in Lubuagan, used an M16 rifle in shooting Madhu at close range.
Madhu sustained five gunshot wounds in the stomach, causing his instantaneous death.
Wailan then escaped with three companions, two of whom were identified as Joel Awingan and Acmor Bonggawon.
“It was later learned that the suspects were under the influence of liquor,” a police report said.
Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene six empty shells of caliber 5.56.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG Commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias said the TF USIG in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was immediately alerted “to possibly intercept the suspects.”
“They are now the subjects of a region-wide manhunt operation being carried out by tracker teams from the regional intelligence community of Police Regional Office Cordillera,” Barias said.
“We are considering the option to widen the dragnet operations to Regions I and II to get the suspects,” he added.
Barias said the investigation on the incident is headed by the Regional TF USIG, supported by the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, the Cordillera Criminal Investigation and Detection Office, the Crime Laboratory, and the Regional Intelligence Office.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, thru the local diocese in Cordillera, as well as the Indonesian Embassy in Manila were already informed of the incident, said Barias.
“I assure both the CBCP and the Indonesia Embassy of swift police action to solve the case, arrest the perpetrators, and serve the ends of justice to the late Fr. Madhu,” said Barias, who also heads the PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management.
TF USIG was created in May last year to investigate killings of activists, journalists, and government employees./DMS
April 2, 2007
An Indonesian Catholic priest was shot dead on Sunday afternoon in Kalinga province in the northern Philippines by a locale for a still unknown reason.
Police identified the victim as Fr. Franciscos Madhu, 31, native of Flores, Indonesia, and assistant parish priest of St. Paul and St. Peter Parishes in Kalinga.
According to a police report, Madhu was first seen having a heated argument with suspected gunman Nestor Wailan before he was shot at around 5:30 pm last Sunday at the Mabungtot Primary School in Lubuagan town.
Police though has yet to ascertain what the argument was all about.
Wailan, a resident of Sitio Dugnac, Barangay Antonio Canao in Lubuagan, used an M16 rifle in shooting Madhu at close range.
Madhu sustained five gunshot wounds in the stomach, causing his instantaneous death.
Wailan then escaped with three companions, two of whom were identified as Joel Awingan and Acmor Bonggawon.
“It was later learned that the suspects were under the influence of liquor,” a police report said.
Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene six empty shells of caliber 5.56.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG Commander Chief Supt. Geary Barias said the TF USIG in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was immediately alerted “to possibly intercept the suspects.”
“They are now the subjects of a region-wide manhunt operation being carried out by tracker teams from the regional intelligence community of Police Regional Office Cordillera,” Barias said.
“We are considering the option to widen the dragnet operations to Regions I and II to get the suspects,” he added.
Barias said the investigation on the incident is headed by the Regional TF USIG, supported by the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, the Cordillera Criminal Investigation and Detection Office, the Crime Laboratory, and the Regional Intelligence Office.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, thru the local diocese in Cordillera, as well as the Indonesian Embassy in Manila were already informed of the incident, said Barias.
“I assure both the CBCP and the Indonesia Embassy of swift police action to solve the case, arrest the perpetrators, and serve the ends of justice to the late Fr. Madhu,” said Barias, who also heads the PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management.
TF USIG was created in May last year to investigate killings of activists, journalists, and government employees./DMS
4 killed, 33 injured as passenger jeepney falls from bridge in Agusan del Norte province
By Ronron
April 2, 2007
Four persons were killed, while 33 others were injured after the jeepney they were riding fell from a bridge they were passing along in Agusan del Norte province in Mindanao early Monday morning.
Police said the Cuesta Express passenger jeepney, with plate number GRF-270, was heading for Butuan City proper from Las Nieves town of the same province when it fell to the Bukla River in Purok 10, Sitio Bukla, Barangay Maguinda, Butuan City at around 5:30 am yesterday.
The jeepney, driven by a certain Mario Cuesta, was going uphill but encountered mechanical problem, causing it to roll back and go past the bridge guard, falling down to the Bukla River.
Police in Butuan City do not know yet the height of the bridge from the jeepney’s landing point.
Killed on the spot were four passengers, including a three-year-old girl, and seriously injured were eight others and Cuesta. Twenty-four other passengers sustained minor injuries.
Police said the injured victims were brought to three different hospitals in Butuan City for medical treatment.
The place of accident is estimated to be around 15 kilometers away from the Butuan City proper./DMS
April 2, 2007
Four persons were killed, while 33 others were injured after the jeepney they were riding fell from a bridge they were passing along in Agusan del Norte province in Mindanao early Monday morning.
Police said the Cuesta Express passenger jeepney, with plate number GRF-270, was heading for Butuan City proper from Las Nieves town of the same province when it fell to the Bukla River in Purok 10, Sitio Bukla, Barangay Maguinda, Butuan City at around 5:30 am yesterday.
The jeepney, driven by a certain Mario Cuesta, was going uphill but encountered mechanical problem, causing it to roll back and go past the bridge guard, falling down to the Bukla River.
Police in Butuan City do not know yet the height of the bridge from the jeepney’s landing point.
Killed on the spot were four passengers, including a three-year-old girl, and seriously injured were eight others and Cuesta. Twenty-four other passengers sustained minor injuries.
Police said the injured victims were brought to three different hospitals in Butuan City for medical treatment.
The place of accident is estimated to be around 15 kilometers away from the Butuan City proper./DMS
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Revilla, Singson did not have hostage negotiator’s permission to go up Bus 914
By Ronron
March 31, 2007
The crisis committee that handled the March 28 hostage drama in Manila City did not permit Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson to go up the bus to personally negotiate for the release of all hostage victims.
This was revealed Saturday by the chief negotiator of the incident, Supt. Orlando Yebra of the Manila Police District (MPD), in an interview on DZMM.
“I wasn’t able to stop them. That I will admit,” Yebra said in Filipino.
Yebra said that in accordance with police operating procedures in handling hostage-taking incidents, any outsider is not allowed to communicate with the suspect unless permitted by the crisis committee, which is headed by the local chief executive. In the latest case, it was Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza.
Revilla was only allowed to communicate through cellular phone with hostage taker Armando Ducat, Jr. starting in the morning because he was requested by Ducat, Yebra said.
Ducat is a godfather to one of Revilla’s children.
But he was not allowed by the crisis committee to go up the bus where Ducat held hostage the 26 pupils and three teachers of the Day Care Center he built in Parola Compound, Binondo District, Manila City.
The same is true with Singson, who arrived at the site in late afternoon without prior knowledge by the police.
“Before they boarded (the bus), I reminded them again that that was not our agreement when we were at the command post. Nobody is boarding the bus. But they really wanted to… So, we had no other choice. We just hoped for the best, that nothing bad will happen,” Yebra recalled.
Revilla boarded the bus past 11 am, while Singson did the same at around 5:30 pm. Singson only alighted at around 7pm, together with Ducat and his fellow hostage-taker, Cezar Carbonell.
All victims were first released before the surrender of the two suspect.
Yebra said Singson was insistent to board the bus when they went near supposedly only to talk to Ducat.
“From the start, he wanted to board the bus. But I did not allow him. So, when we were near the bus already, I reminded him that our agreement is he will not board it. But he said, he was going inside, that it’s ok, and that nothing bad will happen to him,” Yebra said.
In an earlier interview, Singson, who is running under the administration’s Team Unity ticket, said he went to the site after receiving information that Carbonell looked for him. Carbonell used to take Singson’s photographs when the former was still working as a member of the press, said Singson.
Upon arrival at the site, Singson said he volunteered to go up the bus, confident that he will handle the situation well being a former policeman, to help secure the release of the children.
He maintained that his intention was to help, and not to promote his self for the upcoming election. If he wanted fame and credit, Singson said he should have raised the firearms and explosives he got from Ducat for photo opportunities, and then granted media interviews after the incident. But those things he did not do.
Asked if he saw any political color in Singson’s participation, Yebra said: “I can’t answer that because I am not a politician. I don’t know how politics go about.”
Aside from the lapse in failing to stop Revilla and Singson from boarding the bus, Yebra admitted to have also failed in containing the crowd, including the media.
But he belied the allegation of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno that they were not acting outside of the orders of Atienza.
“He (Atienza) was the one who approved all our concessions with Ducat, like food, water, as well as the people who could talk to Ducat on the phone,” Yebra said.
He surmised that Puno must not have been properly briefed about the incident, especially that Atienza was not very visible in the media coverage since the media was focused on the bus and Revilla.
Yebra said he hopes that the higher ups in the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be enlightened about what really happened with the investigation on the incident will start this coming week.
Puno last Thursday has ordered the relief of Manila Police District (MPD) acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza and two other police officers for allegedly mishandling the crisis by not taking orders from Atienza.
Abarsoza, at that time, was the ground commander.
But PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon prevailed upon his request not to push thru with the administrative sanction against Abarsoza, saying they have yet to hear their explanation.
The 10-hour hostage drama ended peacefully after Ducat got his request to air to the public his grievance against corruption in the government, his demand for an assurance from the government that the graduates of his pre-school will make it through college, and for the public to light candles in front of the bus to symbolize oneness in the fight against corruption.
He and Carbonell were already charged of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office./DMS
March 31, 2007
The crisis committee that handled the March 28 hostage drama in Manila City did not permit Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson to go up the bus to personally negotiate for the release of all hostage victims.
This was revealed Saturday by the chief negotiator of the incident, Supt. Orlando Yebra of the Manila Police District (MPD), in an interview on DZMM.
“I wasn’t able to stop them. That I will admit,” Yebra said in Filipino.
Yebra said that in accordance with police operating procedures in handling hostage-taking incidents, any outsider is not allowed to communicate with the suspect unless permitted by the crisis committee, which is headed by the local chief executive. In the latest case, it was Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza.
Revilla was only allowed to communicate through cellular phone with hostage taker Armando Ducat, Jr. starting in the morning because he was requested by Ducat, Yebra said.
Ducat is a godfather to one of Revilla’s children.
But he was not allowed by the crisis committee to go up the bus where Ducat held hostage the 26 pupils and three teachers of the Day Care Center he built in Parola Compound, Binondo District, Manila City.
The same is true with Singson, who arrived at the site in late afternoon without prior knowledge by the police.
“Before they boarded (the bus), I reminded them again that that was not our agreement when we were at the command post. Nobody is boarding the bus. But they really wanted to… So, we had no other choice. We just hoped for the best, that nothing bad will happen,” Yebra recalled.
Revilla boarded the bus past 11 am, while Singson did the same at around 5:30 pm. Singson only alighted at around 7pm, together with Ducat and his fellow hostage-taker, Cezar Carbonell.
All victims were first released before the surrender of the two suspect.
Yebra said Singson was insistent to board the bus when they went near supposedly only to talk to Ducat.
“From the start, he wanted to board the bus. But I did not allow him. So, when we were near the bus already, I reminded him that our agreement is he will not board it. But he said, he was going inside, that it’s ok, and that nothing bad will happen to him,” Yebra said.
In an earlier interview, Singson, who is running under the administration’s Team Unity ticket, said he went to the site after receiving information that Carbonell looked for him. Carbonell used to take Singson’s photographs when the former was still working as a member of the press, said Singson.
Upon arrival at the site, Singson said he volunteered to go up the bus, confident that he will handle the situation well being a former policeman, to help secure the release of the children.
He maintained that his intention was to help, and not to promote his self for the upcoming election. If he wanted fame and credit, Singson said he should have raised the firearms and explosives he got from Ducat for photo opportunities, and then granted media interviews after the incident. But those things he did not do.
Asked if he saw any political color in Singson’s participation, Yebra said: “I can’t answer that because I am not a politician. I don’t know how politics go about.”
Aside from the lapse in failing to stop Revilla and Singson from boarding the bus, Yebra admitted to have also failed in containing the crowd, including the media.
But he belied the allegation of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno that they were not acting outside of the orders of Atienza.
“He (Atienza) was the one who approved all our concessions with Ducat, like food, water, as well as the people who could talk to Ducat on the phone,” Yebra said.
He surmised that Puno must not have been properly briefed about the incident, especially that Atienza was not very visible in the media coverage since the media was focused on the bus and Revilla.
Yebra said he hopes that the higher ups in the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be enlightened about what really happened with the investigation on the incident will start this coming week.
Puno last Thursday has ordered the relief of Manila Police District (MPD) acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza and two other police officers for allegedly mishandling the crisis by not taking orders from Atienza.
Abarsoza, at that time, was the ground commander.
But PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon prevailed upon his request not to push thru with the administrative sanction against Abarsoza, saying they have yet to hear their explanation.
The 10-hour hostage drama ended peacefully after Ducat got his request to air to the public his grievance against corruption in the government, his demand for an assurance from the government that the graduates of his pre-school will make it through college, and for the public to light candles in front of the bus to symbolize oneness in the fight against corruption.
He and Carbonell were already charged of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office./DMS
Arroyo hints of continued stay of military in MM
By Ronron
March 31, 2007
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hinted on Saturday of the continued stay of military troops in Metro Manila following her visit at a slum area in Tondo District where the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was conducting civil military operations (CMO).
AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said yesterday that this was the impression he got when Arroyo told him: “Congratulations, keep up the good work!”
Dolorfino, who has supervisory and operational control over the deployed troops in Metro Manila, met with Arroyo when the latter checked on the medical and dental missions of the AFP in Barangay 649, Zone 68, District 5, Barangay Bagong Lupa in Tondo yesterday morning.
Barangay 649 is among the villages in the capital where members of the Philippine Army’s CMO battalion are deployed, under the military’s Community Development Program.
The program, however, was met with a lot of criticism and opposition from various sectors, including the Commission on Human Rights, as it supposedly smacks of Martial Law.
Asked if Arroyo directed him yesterday for the pull out of the troops, Dolorfino said: “There was none.”
Just last Wednesday, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed that Malacañang ordered the AFP to prepare an exit plan for the soldiers “because it is causing disruptions.”
Dolorfino surmised that with Arroyo’s reaction yesterday, Ermita must have been misquoted about the exit plan.
“She said we were doing okay, especially that she saw for herself that we are a big help to the people,” Dolorfino said.
Aside from Barangay 649, the AFP also held medical and dental missions yesterday at the nearby Area 17 in Parola Compound, also in Tondo. They also held a dialogue (Talakayan sa Barangay) among local leaders and residents to make known their community programs.
“Your soldiers now are offering a better alternative for you… We are lighting the symbolic candle in your community… And we expect more to be lit,” Dolorfino said in the dialogue.
He said the deployment of troops is really supportive of the AFP’s Oplan Bantay Laya II (Operation Plan Freedom Watch II), which seeks to free the community from insurgents.
“The communist terrorists are capitalizing on the problems of the people – poverty, education, injustice and diseases… With this, we hope to make the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army) irrelevant,” Dolorfino said.
Some residents pointed out, however, that there are no communist rebels in their neighborhood, contrary to what is perceived by the people.
Nevertheless, they are thankful to the presence of the military because they said it has curbed the occurrence of ordinary crimes.
“As for me, their (military) deployment is acceptable to me because they help bring order to our community. Those jobless, bystanders, and snatchers have since behaved for fear that they will be apprehended by the soldiers,” said Lydia Bulleser, 51.
“Their projects are also beneficial to us like the building of day care centers, the medical and dental missions, and the free cutting of hair of young boys in the community,” added Josie Gaspar, 42.
Both Bulleser and Gaspar are residents of Area 17 in Parola Compound.
Dolorfino disclosed that four more barangays from Paco, Manila City have made the same request as that of the 19 barangays for the presence of military troops in their communities.
The request is now under study, he said.
The military has deployed 26 teams of nine to 10 members each to the 19 barangays since November of last year./DMS
March 31, 2007
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hinted on Saturday of the continued stay of military troops in Metro Manila following her visit at a slum area in Tondo District where the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was conducting civil military operations (CMO).
AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said yesterday that this was the impression he got when Arroyo told him: “Congratulations, keep up the good work!”
Dolorfino, who has supervisory and operational control over the deployed troops in Metro Manila, met with Arroyo when the latter checked on the medical and dental missions of the AFP in Barangay 649, Zone 68, District 5, Barangay Bagong Lupa in Tondo yesterday morning.
Barangay 649 is among the villages in the capital where members of the Philippine Army’s CMO battalion are deployed, under the military’s Community Development Program.
The program, however, was met with a lot of criticism and opposition from various sectors, including the Commission on Human Rights, as it supposedly smacks of Martial Law.
Asked if Arroyo directed him yesterday for the pull out of the troops, Dolorfino said: “There was none.”
Just last Wednesday, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed that Malacañang ordered the AFP to prepare an exit plan for the soldiers “because it is causing disruptions.”
Dolorfino surmised that with Arroyo’s reaction yesterday, Ermita must have been misquoted about the exit plan.
“She said we were doing okay, especially that she saw for herself that we are a big help to the people,” Dolorfino said.
Aside from Barangay 649, the AFP also held medical and dental missions yesterday at the nearby Area 17 in Parola Compound, also in Tondo. They also held a dialogue (Talakayan sa Barangay) among local leaders and residents to make known their community programs.
“Your soldiers now are offering a better alternative for you… We are lighting the symbolic candle in your community… And we expect more to be lit,” Dolorfino said in the dialogue.
He said the deployment of troops is really supportive of the AFP’s Oplan Bantay Laya II (Operation Plan Freedom Watch II), which seeks to free the community from insurgents.
“The communist terrorists are capitalizing on the problems of the people – poverty, education, injustice and diseases… With this, we hope to make the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army) irrelevant,” Dolorfino said.
Some residents pointed out, however, that there are no communist rebels in their neighborhood, contrary to what is perceived by the people.
Nevertheless, they are thankful to the presence of the military because they said it has curbed the occurrence of ordinary crimes.
“As for me, their (military) deployment is acceptable to me because they help bring order to our community. Those jobless, bystanders, and snatchers have since behaved for fear that they will be apprehended by the soldiers,” said Lydia Bulleser, 51.
“Their projects are also beneficial to us like the building of day care centers, the medical and dental missions, and the free cutting of hair of young boys in the community,” added Josie Gaspar, 42.
Both Bulleser and Gaspar are residents of Area 17 in Parola Compound.
Dolorfino disclosed that four more barangays from Paco, Manila City have made the same request as that of the 19 barangays for the presence of military troops in their communities.
The request is now under study, he said.
The military has deployed 26 teams of nine to 10 members each to the 19 barangays since November of last year./DMS
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