By Ronron
May 25, 2005
The hostage drama that began before noon Wednesday in Misamis Occidental ended peacefully yesterday afternoon in Zamboanga del Sur, leaving no one from among the 12 hostages and the volunteer priest-negotiator severely injured or killed by the three suspects.
Sr. Supt. Eduardo Gallego, Deputy Provincial Police Director of Zamboanga del Sur, told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview yesterday that the crisis ended at around 3pm when the hostage-takers alighted from the Isuzu Fuego get-away vehicle at a remote area in Lakewood town, Zamboanga del Sur.
Gallego said the suspects were still holding up at that time three lady victims and Catholic Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, who volunteered to drive the vehicle for their escape.
The suspects initially brought 12 victims, including a 10-year-old boy, when they transferred from the air-conditioned Rural Transit passenger bus to Cabajar’s vehicle at around 12:30 pm yesterday in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The hostage-takers, who are suspected to be members of the communist New People’s Army, had demanded during the stand-off at said place that they be provided a get-away vehicle.
“We gave in to their demand because in this kind of situation, what is paramount to us is the safety of the hostages,” Region IX Police Director Chief Supt. Prospero Noble said in a television interview. And this, according to him, is the same reason why the crisis stretched beyond 24 hours.
Gallego narrated that as the pick-up vehicle drove off outside Labangan and reached Dumalinao town, four hostages, including a 10-year-old boy, managed to escape by jumping off from the back. They were recovered by authorities and turned over to the Provincial Hospital of Zamboanga del Sur for treatment. Zamboanga del Sur Social Welfare officer Chit Sandiego described the escapees to be under trauma.
And upon reaching Lakewood town, the suspects reportedly released five other hostages, leaving three in their hands, plus Cabajar.
“They just wanted to escape. That was their only demand. They did not even divest the hostages of their personal belongings,” Gallego said.
The three armed men held the passengers of the Dipolog City-bound bus after they were cornered at a checkpoint at 11 am Tuesday at the town proper of Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental.
According to Noble, the men were armed with three short firearms and four hand grenades, which they used to threaten to blow up the bus unless their demand was provided.
Noble and Gallego surmise that the suspects were NPA members since they allegedly claimed of being associated with the “leftist movement” and that they went down in a place believed to be influenced by the communist rebel group.
Noble said police and military operatives have immediately conducted pursuit operations against the three suspects in the mountain area of Lakewood./DMS
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
181 enlisted military personnel vows allegiance to gov’t
By Ronron
May 23, 2005
The 181 enlisted military personnel who took part in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny vowed their allegiance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Arroyo administration on Monday morning during the flag ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, marking the start of their return to the fold of the military service.
Reading a prepared copy, the soldiers, who come from the Philippine Army, Marines and Navy SWAG, swore in Filipino that they “will obey the law and the reasonable and humane mandate that are legally enforced by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines, without any reservation or intention to defy.”
“To our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, we would like to manifest our heartfelt support to her leadership and programs for peace and unity among all Filipinos,” Navy SWAG Chief Petty Officer Leonito Fernin said in Filipino in a short speech he delivered during the same rites on behalf of all 181 soldiers.
Fernin, who is the most senior in the group, thanked their families and the AFP leadership for their support to and understanding of the 181 EP’s.
“We would like to thank also all the Filipinos for giving us the second chance to be of service to you. I hope you will help us (181 soldiers) rise and move on, and forget what happened at Oakwood,” he said.
In their oath, the soldiers promised to religiously assume their responsibilities and perform their tasks as soldiers to the best of their abilities.
Likewise, they pledged to uphold and protect the Constitution, as well as abide by it.
Fresh from receiving their punishment for their participation in the Oakwood incident, the soldiers yesterday also expressed willingness to abide with the penalties for any wrongdoing under the rules and regulations of the AFP and the Philippine government.
The 181 soldiers have just been sentenced to a three-rank demotion and forfeiture of two-thirds of their salary after pleading guilty to the charge of violation of the certain Articles of War, except mutiny.
The soldiers were released last Friday after the court considered their detention for almost two years good enough to offset the one-year detention sentence. The Marines and Army soldiers were confined at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City while the Navy SWAG members were detained at the Naval Base in Sangley, Cavite.
After the oath-taking ceremony, the soldiers were immediately briefed about the two-week pre-deployment training that they need to undergo before they could be re-assigned to their respective mother units.
With the commencement yesterday of the two-week training, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual asked that the case on the 181 enlisted military personnel be closed and the focus be shifted on the on-going case against the 99 officers and 11 other EP’s who also participated in the same mutinous activity.
In an earlier interview, Atty. Ruel Pulido, defense counsel of the suspected mutineers, said 67 of the 99 officers are already contemplating on entering into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution similar to what the 181 EP’s did.
The 11 remaining EP’s, for their part, are still awaiting the decision of the General Court Martial on the motion they filed for the re-investigation of their case, as they assert they were not in Oakwood at the time of the accident.
More than 300 military officers and soldiers took over Oakwood Premier hotel and condominium in Makati City on July 27, 2003 to air their grievances against the alleged corruption in the military service and the Arroyo administration./DMS
May 23, 2005
The 181 enlisted military personnel who took part in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny vowed their allegiance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Arroyo administration on Monday morning during the flag ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, marking the start of their return to the fold of the military service.
Reading a prepared copy, the soldiers, who come from the Philippine Army, Marines and Navy SWAG, swore in Filipino that they “will obey the law and the reasonable and humane mandate that are legally enforced by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines, without any reservation or intention to defy.”
“To our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, we would like to manifest our heartfelt support to her leadership and programs for peace and unity among all Filipinos,” Navy SWAG Chief Petty Officer Leonito Fernin said in Filipino in a short speech he delivered during the same rites on behalf of all 181 soldiers.
Fernin, who is the most senior in the group, thanked their families and the AFP leadership for their support to and understanding of the 181 EP’s.
“We would like to thank also all the Filipinos for giving us the second chance to be of service to you. I hope you will help us (181 soldiers) rise and move on, and forget what happened at Oakwood,” he said.
In their oath, the soldiers promised to religiously assume their responsibilities and perform their tasks as soldiers to the best of their abilities.
Likewise, they pledged to uphold and protect the Constitution, as well as abide by it.
Fresh from receiving their punishment for their participation in the Oakwood incident, the soldiers yesterday also expressed willingness to abide with the penalties for any wrongdoing under the rules and regulations of the AFP and the Philippine government.
The 181 soldiers have just been sentenced to a three-rank demotion and forfeiture of two-thirds of their salary after pleading guilty to the charge of violation of the certain Articles of War, except mutiny.
The soldiers were released last Friday after the court considered their detention for almost two years good enough to offset the one-year detention sentence. The Marines and Army soldiers were confined at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City while the Navy SWAG members were detained at the Naval Base in Sangley, Cavite.
After the oath-taking ceremony, the soldiers were immediately briefed about the two-week pre-deployment training that they need to undergo before they could be re-assigned to their respective mother units.
With the commencement yesterday of the two-week training, AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual asked that the case on the 181 enlisted military personnel be closed and the focus be shifted on the on-going case against the 99 officers and 11 other EP’s who also participated in the same mutinous activity.
In an earlier interview, Atty. Ruel Pulido, defense counsel of the suspected mutineers, said 67 of the 99 officers are already contemplating on entering into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution similar to what the 181 EP’s did.
The 11 remaining EP’s, for their part, are still awaiting the decision of the General Court Martial on the motion they filed for the re-investigation of their case, as they assert they were not in Oakwood at the time of the accident.
More than 300 military officers and soldiers took over Oakwood Premier hotel and condominium in Makati City on July 27, 2003 to air their grievances against the alleged corruption in the military service and the Arroyo administration./DMS
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Robles told to SHUT UP by AFP
By Ronron
May 18, 2005
A military spokesman on Wednesday told Rex Robles, a member of the executive council of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, to keep silent if he has nothing good to say about the country.
The reaction came a day after Robles, a retired senior commander of the Philippine military who figured in a successful coup against the government of the later President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, hinted of a possibility of military intervention if the present government fails to address the prevailing economic and social problems.
“To Commodore Robles: Shut up. You are doing disservice to the Armed Forces and the people whom you once served,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Col. Buenaventura Pascual said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Robles had raised fresh warnings on Tuesday about the inevitableness for disgruntled military men to link up with political groups to change the present administration unless the present problems are solved.
His statements came over a week since another retired military and government official, Fortunato Abat, threatened to overthrow the Arroyo administration in exchange for his proposed revolutionary government.
Pascual stressed the AFP is “solidly behind President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo” and that “there is no such group that will go against the chain of command.”
He just branded Robles’ statements as “a pigment of his imagination.”
“If he has any political ambition, he must join the elections. He might win there,” Pascual said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), for its part, cleared speculations of a coup d etat following Robles’ pronouncements, saying that it has not received any reports to that effect.
“Those are only allegations and we are always prepared for it,” said PNP Acting Chief Dep. Dir. Gen. Ricardo de Leon./DMS
May 18, 2005
A military spokesman on Wednesday told Rex Robles, a member of the executive council of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, to keep silent if he has nothing good to say about the country.
The reaction came a day after Robles, a retired senior commander of the Philippine military who figured in a successful coup against the government of the later President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, hinted of a possibility of military intervention if the present government fails to address the prevailing economic and social problems.
“To Commodore Robles: Shut up. You are doing disservice to the Armed Forces and the people whom you once served,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Col. Buenaventura Pascual said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Robles had raised fresh warnings on Tuesday about the inevitableness for disgruntled military men to link up with political groups to change the present administration unless the present problems are solved.
His statements came over a week since another retired military and government official, Fortunato Abat, threatened to overthrow the Arroyo administration in exchange for his proposed revolutionary government.
Pascual stressed the AFP is “solidly behind President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo” and that “there is no such group that will go against the chain of command.”
He just branded Robles’ statements as “a pigment of his imagination.”
“If he has any political ambition, he must join the elections. He might win there,” Pascual said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), for its part, cleared speculations of a coup d etat following Robles’ pronouncements, saying that it has not received any reports to that effect.
“Those are only allegations and we are always prepared for it,” said PNP Acting Chief Dep. Dir. Gen. Ricardo de Leon./DMS
Tabloid columnist escapes ambush attempt in Valenzuela City
By Ronron
May 18, 2005
A columnist of Metro Manila-based tabloid Bulgar survived an ambush attempt against him Wednesday dawn by unidentified suspects, police said.
Pablo Hernandez III, 41, was on his way home with a companion and was cruising along Rosario St. in Valenzuela City on board a yellow car when he was fired upon at around 3:30 am by two motorcycle-riding men who were trailing them, said Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Col. Leopoldo Bataoil.
The car, a Toyota Corona with plate number NMS-287, was being driven by Hernandez’ driver, George Macalla, 32.
The suspects were on board an Enduro motorcycle, colored white and black with unspecified plate number, and were armed with an unknown handgun.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects, coming from the back of the victims, overtook the car and blocked the latter before shooting Hernandez several times but missed.
The car was hit four times on its hood and wind shield.
Hernandez told Bataoil he was able to fire back using his Ingram pistol, prompting the suspects to withdraw towards the direction of Gen. T. de Leon Road of said city. Hernandez is said to be an authorized gun-carrier.
Police later recovered from the crime scene a spent shell for 9 mm caliber pistol and a ball cap believed to be owned by one of the suspects.
On February 8 of this year, Hernandez also survived an attack by a hired killer, the first attempt against his life.
Police is not yet certain whether or not the attacks were related to Hernandez’ profession but the columnist claimed in a radio interview the attacks were most likely related to his job.
“The PNP assures him (Hernandez) that we will look into the incident… The Valenzuela City Police will be patrolling the vicinity of his residence in Quezon City to ensure the security of Mr. Hernandez,” PNP Acting Chief Dep. Dir. Gen. Ricardo de Leon said at a press conference later in the afternoon at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The attack on Hernandez came after a publisher-editor in Dingalan, Aurora was shot dead by assailants allegedly hired by the local chief executive there./DMS
May 18, 2005
A columnist of Metro Manila-based tabloid Bulgar survived an ambush attempt against him Wednesday dawn by unidentified suspects, police said.
Pablo Hernandez III, 41, was on his way home with a companion and was cruising along Rosario St. in Valenzuela City on board a yellow car when he was fired upon at around 3:30 am by two motorcycle-riding men who were trailing them, said Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Col. Leopoldo Bataoil.
The car, a Toyota Corona with plate number NMS-287, was being driven by Hernandez’ driver, George Macalla, 32.
The suspects were on board an Enduro motorcycle, colored white and black with unspecified plate number, and were armed with an unknown handgun.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects, coming from the back of the victims, overtook the car and blocked the latter before shooting Hernandez several times but missed.
The car was hit four times on its hood and wind shield.
Hernandez told Bataoil he was able to fire back using his Ingram pistol, prompting the suspects to withdraw towards the direction of Gen. T. de Leon Road of said city. Hernandez is said to be an authorized gun-carrier.
Police later recovered from the crime scene a spent shell for 9 mm caliber pistol and a ball cap believed to be owned by one of the suspects.
On February 8 of this year, Hernandez also survived an attack by a hired killer, the first attempt against his life.
Police is not yet certain whether or not the attacks were related to Hernandez’ profession but the columnist claimed in a radio interview the attacks were most likely related to his job.
“The PNP assures him (Hernandez) that we will look into the incident… The Valenzuela City Police will be patrolling the vicinity of his residence in Quezon City to ensure the security of Mr. Hernandez,” PNP Acting Chief Dep. Dir. Gen. Ricardo de Leon said at a press conference later in the afternoon at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The attack on Hernandez came after a publisher-editor in Dingalan, Aurora was shot dead by assailants allegedly hired by the local chief executive there./DMS
Fight vs. loose firearms now a priority by PNP
By Ronron
May 18, 2005
Citing statistics in previous years showing an overwhelming number of unlicensed firearms used in criminal cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Wednesday announced that the fight against loose firearms will already be considered "a priority matter."
PNP Acting Chief Deputy Director General Ricardo De Leon told a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City yesterday that the police has stepped up its campaign against loose firearms as it also thinks of ways to account all firearms.
"Out of last year's 1,731 firearms involved in criminal cases, only 12 are licensed while all the rest are unlicensed," de Leon disclosed.
Records showed that from 1993 until 2003, a total of 11,412 unlicensed firearms were used out of the 13,365 firearms used in different criminal cases. Only 1,953 were properly documented.
The PNP admitted that the sudden spate of killings, especially on high profile personalities, may be attributable to the continued proliferation of loose firearms.
In the first quarter of this year, a total of 1,477 reported crime incidents involved the use of 1,893 loose firearms, official police records show.
"We are looking into some options of the ballistics information management system. Since we have not started the program and we are now doing a manual, it has to be computerized," de Leon said.
Without giving an estimated timeframe, de Leon said the PNP will fast-track its schedule of implementing a computerized system for all licensed firearms, including the renewables, "so we'll have a computerized record of the ballistics."
He also encouraged carriers of loose firearms to avail of the government's amnesty until September.
To show the PNP's seriousness in this fight, de Leon reported that from January until May 15 of this year, a total of 817 loose firearms have already been confiscated, quite an "accomplishment" when compared to the 903 recovered in the entire year of 2004./DMS
May 18, 2005
Citing statistics in previous years showing an overwhelming number of unlicensed firearms used in criminal cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Wednesday announced that the fight against loose firearms will already be considered "a priority matter."
PNP Acting Chief Deputy Director General Ricardo De Leon told a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City yesterday that the police has stepped up its campaign against loose firearms as it also thinks of ways to account all firearms.
"Out of last year's 1,731 firearms involved in criminal cases, only 12 are licensed while all the rest are unlicensed," de Leon disclosed.
Records showed that from 1993 until 2003, a total of 11,412 unlicensed firearms were used out of the 13,365 firearms used in different criminal cases. Only 1,953 were properly documented.
The PNP admitted that the sudden spate of killings, especially on high profile personalities, may be attributable to the continued proliferation of loose firearms.
In the first quarter of this year, a total of 1,477 reported crime incidents involved the use of 1,893 loose firearms, official police records show.
"We are looking into some options of the ballistics information management system. Since we have not started the program and we are now doing a manual, it has to be computerized," de Leon said.
Without giving an estimated timeframe, de Leon said the PNP will fast-track its schedule of implementing a computerized system for all licensed firearms, including the renewables, "so we'll have a computerized record of the ballistics."
He also encouraged carriers of loose firearms to avail of the government's amnesty until September.
To show the PNP's seriousness in this fight, de Leon reported that from January until May 15 of this year, a total of 817 loose firearms have already been confiscated, quite an "accomplishment" when compared to the 903 recovered in the entire year of 2004./DMS
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Plane crashes in Rizal, one killed
By Ronron
May 17, 2005
A Bonanza V35 aircraft carrying loads of fish from Palawan crashed Tuesday evening in a mountainous area in Morong, Rizal.
The pilot, Capt. Felimon Mendoza, was instantly killed while the plane was in total wreck, said Rizal Provincial Police Director S/Supt. Leocadio Santiago.
Mendoza's body was said to be crushed.
The eight-seater fixed wing aircraft, with tail number RP C639, showed signs of engine trouble or loss of fuel, said Santiago, based on accounts of local residents who heard the engine conked before plunging into the hilly area of Sitio Agas, Barangay San Guillermo, Morong at around 6:20 pm.
But Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Restituto Padilla theorized the plane could have crashed due to the severe weather disturbance prevailing at the place of accident.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Rizal, Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces yesterday evening after long weeks of extremely dry season.
Padilla said the rescue team of the Air Force were not even able to land at the crash site last night due to the weather.
The aircraft, owned and operated by Bonanza Air Services, came from Sandoval, Palawan and was bound for Manila.
Yesterday's crash came a day after a Cessna plane ditched into the waters of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, killing two people.
On May 8, four persons were also killed when another aircraft crashed in a hilly portion of Tanauan City, Batangas.
And two weeks earlier, a military chopper crashed in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija while conducting aerial survey. Nine people died in that accident, including the country's famous seismologist, Dr. Raymundo Punongbayan./DMS
May 17, 2005
A Bonanza V35 aircraft carrying loads of fish from Palawan crashed Tuesday evening in a mountainous area in Morong, Rizal.
The pilot, Capt. Felimon Mendoza, was instantly killed while the plane was in total wreck, said Rizal Provincial Police Director S/Supt. Leocadio Santiago.
Mendoza's body was said to be crushed.
The eight-seater fixed wing aircraft, with tail number RP C639, showed signs of engine trouble or loss of fuel, said Santiago, based on accounts of local residents who heard the engine conked before plunging into the hilly area of Sitio Agas, Barangay San Guillermo, Morong at around 6:20 pm.
But Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Restituto Padilla theorized the plane could have crashed due to the severe weather disturbance prevailing at the place of accident.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Rizal, Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces yesterday evening after long weeks of extremely dry season.
Padilla said the rescue team of the Air Force were not even able to land at the crash site last night due to the weather.
The aircraft, owned and operated by Bonanza Air Services, came from Sandoval, Palawan and was bound for Manila.
Yesterday's crash came a day after a Cessna plane ditched into the waters of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, killing two people.
On May 8, four persons were also killed when another aircraft crashed in a hilly portion of Tanauan City, Batangas.
And two weeks earlier, a military chopper crashed in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija while conducting aerial survey. Nine people died in that accident, including the country's famous seismologist, Dr. Raymundo Punongbayan./DMS
21 downed, one of whom died, in Silay City, Negros Occidental due to alleged food poisoning
By Ronron
May 17, 2005
Twenty-one people were downed, one of whom died, since last weekend in Silay City, Negros Occidental due to alleged food poisoning.
Seven of the victims were only reported yesterday, but no other details were made available to Manila Shimbun during several interview attempts at the city police and Integrated Provincial Hospital (IPH).
Five other victims were also reported last May 15. They were identified in a police report as: Jason Sonio, 11; Pinky Paran, 8; Andreta Paran, one year old and eight months; Faith Salavante, 12; and Ral John Salavante, 10.
The five were allegedly part of the same group that ate the previous day (May 14) two kinds of locally sold fish that were no longer fresh. Police identified the fish as galunggong and lambiyaw.
On that day (May 14), eight persons were sent to the hospital after eating the same set of fish. One of the victims, a nine-year-old boy, died upon arrival at IPH, said police.
IPH Chief Dr. Ma. Estrella Ledesma said the victims were all diagnosed to have suffered "acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration."
The fish was allegedly brought from an ambulant vendor in Sitio Patag Diutay, Barangay Patag, SilayCity, about 30 kilometers away from the city proper./DMS
May 17, 2005
Twenty-one people were downed, one of whom died, since last weekend in Silay City, Negros Occidental due to alleged food poisoning.
Seven of the victims were only reported yesterday, but no other details were made available to Manila Shimbun during several interview attempts at the city police and Integrated Provincial Hospital (IPH).
Five other victims were also reported last May 15. They were identified in a police report as: Jason Sonio, 11; Pinky Paran, 8; Andreta Paran, one year old and eight months; Faith Salavante, 12; and Ral John Salavante, 10.
The five were allegedly part of the same group that ate the previous day (May 14) two kinds of locally sold fish that were no longer fresh. Police identified the fish as galunggong and lambiyaw.
On that day (May 14), eight persons were sent to the hospital after eating the same set of fish. One of the victims, a nine-year-old boy, died upon arrival at IPH, said police.
IPH Chief Dr. Ma. Estrella Ledesma said the victims were all diagnosed to have suffered "acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration."
The fish was allegedly brought from an ambulant vendor in Sitio Patag Diutay, Barangay Patag, SilayCity, about 30 kilometers away from the city proper./DMS
Japanese killing suspect confesses
By Ronron
May 17, 2005
Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara confirmed in a phone interview Tuesday with Manila Shimbun the confession of suspect Rene Gabriel before him last Friday morning about his participation in the killing of Takemoto.
Meanwhile, Mary Jane Takemoto, the victim’s wife, was delighted about the positive development of her husband’s case, especially that it cleared her from being the prime suspect.
Mary Jane, in a phone interview also with Manila Shimbun yesterday, said the identification of the suspects and the arrest of one eased the pain she was carrying in her heart.
“At least, the death of my husband will be given justice already and the accusations against me will be cleared,” she said in Filipino.
But she stressed she is still lonely and sad because said development will not bring her husband back to life.
The suspects, according to Mary Jane, are not known to the Takemoto’s although she already heard their nicknames before.
Mary Jane said she met Gabriel last Monday at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office but they did not exchange words and come near to each other, as advised by the police.
“I was told not to approach him because I might say bad words against him, he might back out from testifying,” she said.
Mary Jane disclosed that Takemoto’s body was already autopsied Wednesday last week by the medico-legal team from the National Bureau of Investigation-Region 1.
His body will be buried tomorrow (Thursday) in the same locality./DMS
May 17, 2005
Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara confirmed in a phone interview Tuesday with Manila Shimbun the confession of suspect Rene Gabriel before him last Friday morning about his participation in the killing of Takemoto.
Meanwhile, Mary Jane Takemoto, the victim’s wife, was delighted about the positive development of her husband’s case, especially that it cleared her from being the prime suspect.
Mary Jane, in a phone interview also with Manila Shimbun yesterday, said the identification of the suspects and the arrest of one eased the pain she was carrying in her heart.
“At least, the death of my husband will be given justice already and the accusations against me will be cleared,” she said in Filipino.
But she stressed she is still lonely and sad because said development will not bring her husband back to life.
The suspects, according to Mary Jane, are not known to the Takemoto’s although she already heard their nicknames before.
Mary Jane said she met Gabriel last Monday at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office but they did not exchange words and come near to each other, as advised by the police.
“I was told not to approach him because I might say bad words against him, he might back out from testifying,” she said.
Mary Jane disclosed that Takemoto’s body was already autopsied Wednesday last week by the medico-legal team from the National Bureau of Investigation-Region 1.
His body will be buried tomorrow (Thursday) in the same locality./DMS
Four newly-repaired Navy vessels to be deployed starting today (Wednesday)
By Ronron
May 17, 2005
The Philippine Navy will deploy starting today (Wednesday) four newly-repaired vessels at its different Naval Forces around the country as part of the agency’s 107th anniversary celebration this week.
In a statement released yesterday, Navy Public Information Officer Capt. Geronimo Malabanan said BRP Quezon (Patrol Ship 70) will be sent to Naval Forces West based in Zamboanga City.
BRP Cebu (PS28) and BRP Simeon Castro (Patrol Gunboat 374) will go to the Naval Forces in Southern Luzon, located in Legaspi City, Albay.
And the fourth surface asset, BRP Bagong Lakas (PG 102), will be deployed to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Davao City.
Malabanan said the deployment of the four vessels is aimed as sustaining the conduct of the naval and maritime operations of the respective Naval Forces.
The Philippine Navy has a little over a hundred patrol ships and gunboats, according to Malabanan.
A send-off ceremony for the four vessels will be held at 10:30 am today at the Philippine Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City./DMS
May 17, 2005
The Philippine Navy will deploy starting today (Wednesday) four newly-repaired vessels at its different Naval Forces around the country as part of the agency’s 107th anniversary celebration this week.
In a statement released yesterday, Navy Public Information Officer Capt. Geronimo Malabanan said BRP Quezon (Patrol Ship 70) will be sent to Naval Forces West based in Zamboanga City.
BRP Cebu (PS28) and BRP Simeon Castro (Patrol Gunboat 374) will go to the Naval Forces in Southern Luzon, located in Legaspi City, Albay.
And the fourth surface asset, BRP Bagong Lakas (PG 102), will be deployed to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Davao City.
Malabanan said the deployment of the four vessels is aimed as sustaining the conduct of the naval and maritime operations of the respective Naval Forces.
The Philippine Navy has a little over a hundred patrol ships and gunboats, according to Malabanan.
A send-off ceremony for the four vessels will be held at 10:30 am today at the Philippine Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila City./DMS
Official says verdict on mutineers not assurance of non-recurrence of military uprisings in the future
By Ronron
May 17, 2005
Any verdict on the more than 300 government soldiers who attempted to grab power from the Arroyo administration on July 27, 2003 does not ensure that the country will be free from future military uprisings.
Thus said UP Professor Carolina Hernandez, a member of the Feliciano Commission that investigated the so-called failed Oakwood Mutiny two years ago and who now serves as Presidential Adviser on the Implementation of the Recommendation of the Feliciano Commission.
“I can not say it will stop because a coup d etat or a coup attempt is a result of many factors… The enforcement of the law to discipline those erring soldiers is only one component of the many factors,” Hernandez told reporters on Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The military court last week has sentenced the 184 enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who took part in the Oakwood Mutiny to a demotion in their respective ranks, forfeiture of a percentage of their salary and a detention for a year with hard labor as penalty after pleading guilty to three lesser charges.
On the other hand, majority of the officers, excluding the core group headed by Lt. (SG) Antonio Trillanes IV and Capt. Milo Maestrocampo, have sent feelers for a plea bargain, wherein they are expected also to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for the dropping of the mutiny charge against them.
Hernandez, in an earlier interview with Manila Shimbun, had welcomed the decision of the AFP tribunal as regards the cases of the EP’s.
“In this case, there are legal processes that are going on both the civilian and the military courts. And you know, the judicial process allows plea bargaining. So, you have to support that kind of approach,” Hernandez said yesterday.
She said that what is important is that the law in this particular case was enforced, “consistent with the recommendation, with the sense of the (Feliciano) Commission that the law has to be enforced.”
But Hernandez is hopeful that with the enforcement of the law on the EP’s, the July 2003 incident will no longer be replicated.
“It (handing down the verdict) is probably one of the important components for deterring future coup attempts but it is not the only one,” she said.
Asked what she thinks is the appropriate punishment for the mutiny leaders, Hernandez replied: “There is a coup d etat law, there is a law prohibiting mutiny. So they (courts) will know what to do. In the case of the Articles of War, there is also a range of penalties for certain violations of certain articles. And I think the General Court Martial will know what to do. So it’s not a good idea if I would be answering that question.”/DMS
May 17, 2005
Any verdict on the more than 300 government soldiers who attempted to grab power from the Arroyo administration on July 27, 2003 does not ensure that the country will be free from future military uprisings.
Thus said UP Professor Carolina Hernandez, a member of the Feliciano Commission that investigated the so-called failed Oakwood Mutiny two years ago and who now serves as Presidential Adviser on the Implementation of the Recommendation of the Feliciano Commission.
“I can not say it will stop because a coup d etat or a coup attempt is a result of many factors… The enforcement of the law to discipline those erring soldiers is only one component of the many factors,” Hernandez told reporters on Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The military court last week has sentenced the 184 enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who took part in the Oakwood Mutiny to a demotion in their respective ranks, forfeiture of a percentage of their salary and a detention for a year with hard labor as penalty after pleading guilty to three lesser charges.
On the other hand, majority of the officers, excluding the core group headed by Lt. (SG) Antonio Trillanes IV and Capt. Milo Maestrocampo, have sent feelers for a plea bargain, wherein they are expected also to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for the dropping of the mutiny charge against them.
Hernandez, in an earlier interview with Manila Shimbun, had welcomed the decision of the AFP tribunal as regards the cases of the EP’s.
“In this case, there are legal processes that are going on both the civilian and the military courts. And you know, the judicial process allows plea bargaining. So, you have to support that kind of approach,” Hernandez said yesterday.
She said that what is important is that the law in this particular case was enforced, “consistent with the recommendation, with the sense of the (Feliciano) Commission that the law has to be enforced.”
But Hernandez is hopeful that with the enforcement of the law on the EP’s, the July 2003 incident will no longer be replicated.
“It (handing down the verdict) is probably one of the important components for deterring future coup attempts but it is not the only one,” she said.
Asked what she thinks is the appropriate punishment for the mutiny leaders, Hernandez replied: “There is a coup d etat law, there is a law prohibiting mutiny. So they (courts) will know what to do. In the case of the Articles of War, there is also a range of penalties for certain violations of certain articles. And I think the General Court Martial will know what to do. So it’s not a good idea if I would be answering that question.”/DMS
Four killed in robbery-slay in Lipa City, Batangas
By Ronron
May 17, 2005
Four persons were killed in a robbery-slay incident early Tuesday morning in Lipa City, Batangas, police said.
According to the Lipa City Police Station, the incident happened at around 4 am when an unidentified male robber barged into the residence of the three slain victims located in Levitown Subdivision, Barangay Marauoy, Lipa City.
The robber was killed later when police responded to the alarm.
The dead victims were identified as Rodoflo Lunar, 62; his alleged live-in partner, Editha Tapalla, 39; and the household helper, Sophia Encernado, 21. They sustained multiple stab wounds, according to police.
It was not yet known if the suspect was able to get anything from the victims’ house but what was certain was that the suspect stabbed the victims to death before fleeing.
The mobile patrol of the Lipa City Police was able to respond promptly because of the alarm raised by the children of Tapalla who escaped the attack. They were identified as Judith, 10, and Dantes, 17.
Police said the suspect was shot dead by the authorities near the victims’ residence when he tried to escape and refused to surrender.
Investigation on the case is still going on as of this writing./DMS
May 17, 2005
Four persons were killed in a robbery-slay incident early Tuesday morning in Lipa City, Batangas, police said.
According to the Lipa City Police Station, the incident happened at around 4 am when an unidentified male robber barged into the residence of the three slain victims located in Levitown Subdivision, Barangay Marauoy, Lipa City.
The robber was killed later when police responded to the alarm.
The dead victims were identified as Rodoflo Lunar, 62; his alleged live-in partner, Editha Tapalla, 39; and the household helper, Sophia Encernado, 21. They sustained multiple stab wounds, according to police.
It was not yet known if the suspect was able to get anything from the victims’ house but what was certain was that the suspect stabbed the victims to death before fleeing.
The mobile patrol of the Lipa City Police was able to respond promptly because of the alarm raised by the children of Tapalla who escaped the attack. They were identified as Judith, 10, and Dantes, 17.
Police said the suspect was shot dead by the authorities near the victims’ residence when he tried to escape and refused to surrender.
Investigation on the case is still going on as of this writing./DMS
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Police almost zeroing in on killer of Aurora publisher-editor
By Ronron
May 13, 2005
Police investigators are already closing in on the alleged killer of Aurora local daily publisher-editor Philip Agustin three days past the commission of the crime.
“Before night time today (Friday) until tomorrow, the investigation report might already by completed,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Arturo Lomibao told reporters yesterday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
While Lomibao refused to identify the suspects, a separate police report from the Region III Police revealed the names of the suspected assailants who are now being traced.
They were identified as Boyet Morete, a known gun-for-hire, and Anuel Alday, an alleged municipal employee of Dingalan, Aurora.
“The suspects were seen using two motorcycles at their staging point at PONGS Videoke in Dingalan prior to their approach on the target (Agustin), wherein they pre-positioned themselves as early as 9pm (of May 10),” Region III Police Chief Investigator Supt. Pierre Bucsit said in his report yesterday.
Agustin, who is connected with Starline Times Recorder, was shot dead at around 11:45 pm last Wednesday at the house of his daughter in Barangay Paltik, Dingalan, Aurora.
Some neighbors “accounted the identity and action of the suspects,” Bucsit noted.
Morete is said to be responsible for the killing of a certain PO3 Pelaez in 1993 but the case was amicably settled. He was also the primary suspect in the killing of Private First Class Edwin Baldana at Dingalan on November 12, 2003.
Police investigators are eyeing two possible motives in the murder of Agustin. First is retaliation because of his hard-hitting criticisms against the local government of Dingalan. The other one is on his alleged involvement in the sale of parcels of land that does not belong to him./DMS
May 13, 2005
Police investigators are already closing in on the alleged killer of Aurora local daily publisher-editor Philip Agustin three days past the commission of the crime.
“Before night time today (Friday) until tomorrow, the investigation report might already by completed,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Arturo Lomibao told reporters yesterday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
While Lomibao refused to identify the suspects, a separate police report from the Region III Police revealed the names of the suspected assailants who are now being traced.
They were identified as Boyet Morete, a known gun-for-hire, and Anuel Alday, an alleged municipal employee of Dingalan, Aurora.
“The suspects were seen using two motorcycles at their staging point at PONGS Videoke in Dingalan prior to their approach on the target (Agustin), wherein they pre-positioned themselves as early as 9pm (of May 10),” Region III Police Chief Investigator Supt. Pierre Bucsit said in his report yesterday.
Agustin, who is connected with Starline Times Recorder, was shot dead at around 11:45 pm last Wednesday at the house of his daughter in Barangay Paltik, Dingalan, Aurora.
Some neighbors “accounted the identity and action of the suspects,” Bucsit noted.
Morete is said to be responsible for the killing of a certain PO3 Pelaez in 1993 but the case was amicably settled. He was also the primary suspect in the killing of Private First Class Edwin Baldana at Dingalan on November 12, 2003.
Police investigators are eyeing two possible motives in the murder of Agustin. First is retaliation because of his hard-hitting criticisms against the local government of Dingalan. The other one is on his alleged involvement in the sale of parcels of land that does not belong to him./DMS
Robbery-murder of Filipino-Chinese couple declared solved with arrest of 4 suspects
By Ronron
May 13, 2005
The robbery and murder of a Filipino-Chinese couple last week in Quezon City was declared solved on Friday by the Philippine National Police (PNP) after the arrest this week of four suspects involved in the crime who are believed to be members of the Waray-waray gang.
PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao presented to the media yesterday in Camp Crame, Quezon City the arrested suspects, identified as Gerson Garcia, Gener Castro, Danilo Milante, and Erlinda Lachica.
The group was positively identified by three witnesses as the ones who robbed and shot to death Ephraim and Wendalyn Young last May 5 after the couple came out from China Bank on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.
“The families of the two victims are very happy that the police is doing its best on this case and have been able to do a speedy investigation on the matter,” said Frederick Young, elder brother of Ephraim.
The Young couple left a two-year-old daughter.
The suspects were arrested on separate occasions by elements of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) and Central Police District (CPD), beginning with Garcia last Tuesday.
Castro and the rest were nabbed on the following day.
“The arrest of the suspects is based on the information of a concerned citizen, and the positive identification by our witnesses (vendors stationed at the crime scene),” TMG Director Chief Superintendent Ricardo Quinto told reporters during the presentation of the suspects.
Quinto bared that when Garcia was arrested, he was in possession of a caliber .45 pistol, which is believed to be the same weapon he used to shot the Young couple, and three sachets of suspected methamphetamine hyrdrochloride (shabu). Police recovered also from him a motorcycle that he used as a getaway vehicle after the crime. Police learned later that said motorcycle, a black Yamaha 125, was carnapped on February 5 of this year.
The TMG chief also disclosed that Castro served as driver of the other getaway vehicle, an owner-type jeepney; Milante as the look-out; and Lachica as the suspected financier of the gang.
According to Quinto, Garcia and Castro have records of being arrested a few years back by the CPD because of a robbery case (akyat-bahay).
The two also claimed of getting for each other a P150,000 share of the total amount they got from the Young couple, believed to be over P300,000. But police no longer found any money from the two.
Quinto said four other cohorts of the arrested persons, including their leader identified as Noli Casuela, remain at large as of yesterday. One of the four is a woman, identified only as Alma, who served as tipster at the time of commission of the crime.
“The modus operandi of the gang is they use a woman tipster who is tasked to go to the bank to pinpoint a target. Then, if she finds a target, she calls their players who will execute the hold-up, which is what happened to the Young couple,” Quinto said.
The informant will receive the P100,000 cash reward that the Filipino-Chinese business community put up and offered following the arrest of the four suspects.
The same group will also donate to the PNP 10 motorcycles as a sign of gratitude for the speedy solution of the Young case./DMS
May 13, 2005
The robbery and murder of a Filipino-Chinese couple last week in Quezon City was declared solved on Friday by the Philippine National Police (PNP) after the arrest this week of four suspects involved in the crime who are believed to be members of the Waray-waray gang.
PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao presented to the media yesterday in Camp Crame, Quezon City the arrested suspects, identified as Gerson Garcia, Gener Castro, Danilo Milante, and Erlinda Lachica.
The group was positively identified by three witnesses as the ones who robbed and shot to death Ephraim and Wendalyn Young last May 5 after the couple came out from China Bank on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.
“The families of the two victims are very happy that the police is doing its best on this case and have been able to do a speedy investigation on the matter,” said Frederick Young, elder brother of Ephraim.
The Young couple left a two-year-old daughter.
The suspects were arrested on separate occasions by elements of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) and Central Police District (CPD), beginning with Garcia last Tuesday.
Castro and the rest were nabbed on the following day.
“The arrest of the suspects is based on the information of a concerned citizen, and the positive identification by our witnesses (vendors stationed at the crime scene),” TMG Director Chief Superintendent Ricardo Quinto told reporters during the presentation of the suspects.
Quinto bared that when Garcia was arrested, he was in possession of a caliber .45 pistol, which is believed to be the same weapon he used to shot the Young couple, and three sachets of suspected methamphetamine hyrdrochloride (shabu). Police recovered also from him a motorcycle that he used as a getaway vehicle after the crime. Police learned later that said motorcycle, a black Yamaha 125, was carnapped on February 5 of this year.
The TMG chief also disclosed that Castro served as driver of the other getaway vehicle, an owner-type jeepney; Milante as the look-out; and Lachica as the suspected financier of the gang.
According to Quinto, Garcia and Castro have records of being arrested a few years back by the CPD because of a robbery case (akyat-bahay).
The two also claimed of getting for each other a P150,000 share of the total amount they got from the Young couple, believed to be over P300,000. But police no longer found any money from the two.
Quinto said four other cohorts of the arrested persons, including their leader identified as Noli Casuela, remain at large as of yesterday. One of the four is a woman, identified only as Alma, who served as tipster at the time of commission of the crime.
“The modus operandi of the gang is they use a woman tipster who is tasked to go to the bank to pinpoint a target. Then, if she finds a target, she calls their players who will execute the hold-up, which is what happened to the Young couple,” Quinto said.
The informant will receive the P100,000 cash reward that the Filipino-Chinese business community put up and offered following the arrest of the four suspects.
The same group will also donate to the PNP 10 motorcycles as a sign of gratitude for the speedy solution of the Young case./DMS
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Police monitors activities of three local men for possible involvement in murder of Japanese in Ilocos Norte
By Ronron
May 10, 2005
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte - The local police of Solsona town in Ilocos Norte is monitoring the movements of three local men who were among the six they invited earlier for questioning for possible involvement in the murder last weekend of a Japanese national there.
Solsona Chief of Police Chief Inspector Joven Aldos told Manila Shimbun in an interview Tuesday that the three were being monitored because of their claim that they left for another place on Friday night after having a drinking session with two other companions.
The three, however, are still not being considered suspects in the murder of Shinya Takemoto, 59, who was discovered by his wife dead already before dawn of May 7. Takemoto was found with multiple hacked and incise wounds inside his bedroom at their residence in Sitio Cabaruan, Barangay Mariquet, Solsona, Ilocos Norte.
“They were just being invited for questioning on the basis that the timing of their departure from the barangay is quite suspicious since it was on the same day that the incident happened,” Aldos said of the six jobless locals.
Aldos finished questioning the six, aged 22 – 24, last Monday.
According to him, five of the six men had a drinking session at the residence of one of the five in Barangay Mariquet from the afternoon until late evening of May 6, Friday.
When they called off at 11 pm, the three who are now being monitored left for another place, but still in the same village, where they decided to sleep. One of the three resides in that place where they slept, together with his mother.
Then, in the afternoon of the following day, May 7, the five, and another colleague, left for this city, located some 37 kilometers westward, to apply for work. (Aldos yesterday corrected the information he shared with Manila Shimbun during Monday’s interview. He earlier said the six immediately left for Laoag City on Friday afternoon after five of the six had a drinking session.)
Aldos said the six men boarded a Manila-bound bus at around 5:30 pm of Saturday.
Quoting the six, Aldos said they took the said bus at that time to avail of the free ride. Upon arrival at Laoag City forty minutes later, the six slept at the house of a relative of one of the six.
Then, on Sunday morning, four of the six went to a hardware shop in this city to apply as laborers, while the two others went to another shop.
After lunchtime of the same day, three of the six decided to go home to Solsona. The remaining three, who were the same persons who left for another place after their drinking session on May 6, followed on Monday morning.
“It’s hard to believe what they have said that’s why we will continue monitoring them, especially the last three who came home only yesterday (Monday) because they were the same group that slept together after their drinking session last Friday,” Aldos said.
According to him, the five who drunk last Friday were very intoxicated that night. One of the three who transferred to another place later that night is also rumored to have “tasted” illegal drugs.
But even if the six were familiar about the presence of Takemoto in their village, they claimed to have no reason to be hostile to the Japanese or to the latter’s family, said Aldos.
A check on Monday at the house where the three men slept yielded negative for possession of blood-stained weapon and clothes. It can be recalled that no weapon was found at the crime scene by responding policemen.
The mother of one of the three also confirmed that the three men arrived at said place at past 11 pm of Friday, slept there, and never left the house until morning of Saturday.
“The information we got from them is not sufficient to link them to the case. So we will continue to monitor their activities and to gather information from other people in the vicinity,” Aldos said.
He admitted that despite their questioning of the six, the police is still facing a blank wall in its investigation because of the absence of any idea as to the motive of the crime, and of any lead that would track down the suspects.
Aldos will await the result of the comparison test on the fingerprints of the six and the fingerprints lifted from the crime scene. The fingerprints of the six were submitted yesterday morning to the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Crime Laboratory located in this city./DMS
May 10, 2005
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte - The local police of Solsona town in Ilocos Norte is monitoring the movements of three local men who were among the six they invited earlier for questioning for possible involvement in the murder last weekend of a Japanese national there.
Solsona Chief of Police Chief Inspector Joven Aldos told Manila Shimbun in an interview Tuesday that the three were being monitored because of their claim that they left for another place on Friday night after having a drinking session with two other companions.
The three, however, are still not being considered suspects in the murder of Shinya Takemoto, 59, who was discovered by his wife dead already before dawn of May 7. Takemoto was found with multiple hacked and incise wounds inside his bedroom at their residence in Sitio Cabaruan, Barangay Mariquet, Solsona, Ilocos Norte.
“They were just being invited for questioning on the basis that the timing of their departure from the barangay is quite suspicious since it was on the same day that the incident happened,” Aldos said of the six jobless locals.
Aldos finished questioning the six, aged 22 – 24, last Monday.
According to him, five of the six men had a drinking session at the residence of one of the five in Barangay Mariquet from the afternoon until late evening of May 6, Friday.
When they called off at 11 pm, the three who are now being monitored left for another place, but still in the same village, where they decided to sleep. One of the three resides in that place where they slept, together with his mother.
Then, in the afternoon of the following day, May 7, the five, and another colleague, left for this city, located some 37 kilometers westward, to apply for work. (Aldos yesterday corrected the information he shared with Manila Shimbun during Monday’s interview. He earlier said the six immediately left for Laoag City on Friday afternoon after five of the six had a drinking session.)
Aldos said the six men boarded a Manila-bound bus at around 5:30 pm of Saturday.
Quoting the six, Aldos said they took the said bus at that time to avail of the free ride. Upon arrival at Laoag City forty minutes later, the six slept at the house of a relative of one of the six.
Then, on Sunday morning, four of the six went to a hardware shop in this city to apply as laborers, while the two others went to another shop.
After lunchtime of the same day, three of the six decided to go home to Solsona. The remaining three, who were the same persons who left for another place after their drinking session on May 6, followed on Monday morning.
“It’s hard to believe what they have said that’s why we will continue monitoring them, especially the last three who came home only yesterday (Monday) because they were the same group that slept together after their drinking session last Friday,” Aldos said.
According to him, the five who drunk last Friday were very intoxicated that night. One of the three who transferred to another place later that night is also rumored to have “tasted” illegal drugs.
But even if the six were familiar about the presence of Takemoto in their village, they claimed to have no reason to be hostile to the Japanese or to the latter’s family, said Aldos.
A check on Monday at the house where the three men slept yielded negative for possession of blood-stained weapon and clothes. It can be recalled that no weapon was found at the crime scene by responding policemen.
The mother of one of the three also confirmed that the three men arrived at said place at past 11 pm of Friday, slept there, and never left the house until morning of Saturday.
“The information we got from them is not sufficient to link them to the case. So we will continue to monitor their activities and to gather information from other people in the vicinity,” Aldos said.
He admitted that despite their questioning of the six, the police is still facing a blank wall in its investigation because of the absence of any idea as to the motive of the crime, and of any lead that would track down the suspects.
Aldos will await the result of the comparison test on the fingerprints of the six and the fingerprints lifted from the crime scene. The fingerprints of the six were submitted yesterday morning to the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Crime Laboratory located in this city./DMS
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Suspect/s and motive in murder of Japanese in Ilocos Norte still unknown
By Ronron
May 9, 2005
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – Police is facing a blank wall in its investigation on the murder last weekend of a Japanese national in Solsona town, located some 37 kilometers east of this city, as probers still could not ascertain the motive of the crime and the identities of the attackers.
This even as the Solsona Municipal Station invited yesterday six men for questioning on their possible involvement in the crime because of their suspicious timely disappearance from the town a day before Shinya Takemoto was found dead by his Filipina wife at the couple’s residence.
Takemoto, 59, was discovered dawn of Saturday by his wife, Mary Jane, lying lifeless on the floor of their bedroom located at the adjacent unit of their residence in Sitio Cabaruan, Barangay Mariquet in Solsona.
He sustained 11 hacked and incise wounds and two fracture wounds all over his body, according to Solsona Municipal Health Officer Dr. Ruth de Lara.
“We’re like in search for a piece of needle in a hill of rice stalk. That is the situation now,” Solsona Chief of Police Joven Aldos described to Manila Shimbun the state of their investigation on Takemoto’s case.
The only ray of hope seen by the family of the victim is that police is initiating a move towards the identification of the suspect/s through the questioning starting yesterday of six jobless male neighbors of the Takemoto’s.
“We invited six persons for questioning because that afternoon prior to the incident, they suddenly left the town all together. We will interview them one by one to find out if they will disclose similar accounts (about their activity that afternoon of May 6),” Aldos said.
The six, Aldos clarified, are not considered suspect as of this time.
According to him, the six guys, age ranging from 22 – 24, are residents of Barangay Mariquet and separately live about a kilometer away from Takemoto’s house.
Although there is no information that they were hostile to the Japanese and to the latter’s family, police are not discounting the possibility that it could be their “trip” to kill the foreigner borne out of alcohol-influence.
Police learned that five of the six who were invited by police had a drinking session that afternoon. Then, at about 5:30 pm, they, and the sixth person, left together for Laoag City by boarding a bus.
Two of the six reportedly came home only last Sunday, while the rest arrived in the town only yesterday.
Initial questioning revealed that the six just wanted to apply for a job vacancy as laborers in Laoag City.
“They all denied involvement in the killing of Takemoto when we asked them categorically,” Aldos bared, adding that the six have no criminal records at the police station.
Nonetheless, their fingerprints were taken yesterday for comparison to the set of 20 fingerprints lifted at the crime scene.
Aldos said the results of the comparative tests of fingerprints will surely lighten up their job, but as to when it will come out, he still does not know.
The fingerprints were taken to the Provincial Police crime laboratory in Laoag City, together with the blood samples.
Meanwhile, according to de Lara, Takemoto was already dead six hours or more from the time she examined his body at 10 am last Saturday because it was already stiff. Mary Jane saw his husband’s dead body at 3:55 am.
Neighbors, the closest of them were some 50 meters away from the Takemoto’s, insisted they have not heard any sound of commotion on the eve of May 7. Mary Jane issued the same claim.
They also could not identify any person/s hostile to the victim, or to his family, because the Takemoto’s rarely go out or invite visitors to their residence.
The Takemoto couple started to live permanently in Solsona in May 2004, after staying in Japan for two years since they were married in Las Pinas City on January 2002.
Takemoto, who used to work as manager at a paper manufacturing company in Chiba prefecture, decided to stay for good in the Philippines because “he liked it here, especially the weather,” said Mary Jane.
Mary Jane is all praises for her husband, whom she described to be a rare Japanese man for being so kind and respectful to women and responsible to his children.
She said Takemoto was just confined to their residence when he was still alive, and was already happy drinking his J&B scotch whisky alone.
The couple survived even without having any business through the savings of Takemoto from working in Japan.
Takemoto is divorced and has three kids in his previous marriage.
His remains will be buried in Solsona./DMS
Friday, May 6, 2005
Fishing vessel intercepted in Malampaya
By Ronron
May 5, 2005
A fishing vessel which accidentally intruded into the restricted area of Malampaya waters in Palawan was intercepted last Tuesday by the Philippine Navy.
In a statement, the Philippine Navy said MBCA Queen Mathet was spotted by Navy patrol gunboat BRP Heracleo Alano floating at 400 yards northwest off the Malampaya Natural Gas Power Project (MNGPP) platform which is considered an exclusion zone.
BRP Heracleo Alano is one of the Navy’s floating assets deployed in the waters of Palawan. The Navy has stepped up its security operations in said area which is believed to be vulnerable to terror attacks.
“(The owner’s) papers were found to be valid but (he) and the boat’s six-member crew were not aware of Malampaya’s exclusion zone. They were advised not to go fishing in the area again,” the Navy’s statement said.
MBCA Queen Mathet was escorted by the Navy gunboat to El Nido pier in Palawan.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon had directed Navy intelligence units to sustain the conduct of intelligence operations to negate sea-bed attacks of terror and threat groups in the country, particularly at Malampaya.
The Malampaya natural gas project is the largest infrastructure project in the country and is currently supplying some 30 percent of the over-all power requirement in Luzon./DMS
May 5, 2005
A fishing vessel which accidentally intruded into the restricted area of Malampaya waters in Palawan was intercepted last Tuesday by the Philippine Navy.
In a statement, the Philippine Navy said MBCA Queen Mathet was spotted by Navy patrol gunboat BRP Heracleo Alano floating at 400 yards northwest off the Malampaya Natural Gas Power Project (MNGPP) platform which is considered an exclusion zone.
BRP Heracleo Alano is one of the Navy’s floating assets deployed in the waters of Palawan. The Navy has stepped up its security operations in said area which is believed to be vulnerable to terror attacks.
“(The owner’s) papers were found to be valid but (he) and the boat’s six-member crew were not aware of Malampaya’s exclusion zone. They were advised not to go fishing in the area again,” the Navy’s statement said.
MBCA Queen Mathet was escorted by the Navy gunboat to El Nido pier in Palawan.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon had directed Navy intelligence units to sustain the conduct of intelligence operations to negate sea-bed attacks of terror and threat groups in the country, particularly at Malampaya.
The Malampaya natural gas project is the largest infrastructure project in the country and is currently supplying some 30 percent of the over-all power requirement in Luzon./DMS
AFP counters US official’s assessment on Mindanao
By Ronron
May 5, 2005
The Philippine military countered on Thursday the statement of a visiting official of the United States that Mindanao remains to be a dangerous place.
“The situation in Mindanao, particularly in Central Mindanao and Sulu province, is generally peaceful,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Pascual said the AFP is continuing its operations against the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces to ensure that the region is terror-free.
He said the military is also working with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership when it conducts combat operations in MILF-known lairs in Central Mindanao.
“The government is pushing the peace negotiations with the MILF because we believe that it is the ultimate solution for a lasting peace in Central Mindanao,” Pascual said.
The military spokesman belied reports that MILF members have joined forces with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction under former MNLF leader Nur Misuari.
“Brig. Gen. Ramon Santos (co-chairman of the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities) said that he clarified this matter to the MILF,” said Pascual, adding that the MILF leadership even offered assistance for mediation to resolve the conflict the Misuari Breakaway Group (MBG) in Sulu.
Pascual also expressed appreciation on the support being given by the US government for the development of Sulu.
“The AFP welcomes the US support in terms of training and humanitarian assistance to the people of Mindanao. We all know that these US engineering projects and medical-civic action groups complements the government and AFP’s program to alleviate the condition of our people in the area,” Pascual said.
A 25-man US contingent is now in Sulu, conducting humanitarian assistance assessment mission./DMS
May 5, 2005
The Philippine military countered on Thursday the statement of a visiting official of the United States that Mindanao remains to be a dangerous place.
“The situation in Mindanao, particularly in Central Mindanao and Sulu province, is generally peaceful,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Pascual said the AFP is continuing its operations against the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces to ensure that the region is terror-free.
He said the military is also working with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership when it conducts combat operations in MILF-known lairs in Central Mindanao.
“The government is pushing the peace negotiations with the MILF because we believe that it is the ultimate solution for a lasting peace in Central Mindanao,” Pascual said.
The military spokesman belied reports that MILF members have joined forces with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction under former MNLF leader Nur Misuari.
“Brig. Gen. Ramon Santos (co-chairman of the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities) said that he clarified this matter to the MILF,” said Pascual, adding that the MILF leadership even offered assistance for mediation to resolve the conflict the Misuari Breakaway Group (MBG) in Sulu.
Pascual also expressed appreciation on the support being given by the US government for the development of Sulu.
“The AFP welcomes the US support in terms of training and humanitarian assistance to the people of Mindanao. We all know that these US engineering projects and medical-civic action groups complements the government and AFP’s program to alleviate the condition of our people in the area,” Pascual said.
A 25-man US contingent is now in Sulu, conducting humanitarian assistance assessment mission./DMS
43 civilians held for questioning after AFP-NPA clash in Bulacan
By Ronron
May 5, 2005
Forty-three men were held by the military on Thursday for questioning after government troops clashed earlier in the day with communist terrorists in San Miguel town, Bulacan.
The 11 residents of Masalipit village and 32 others from barangay Sta. Ines, both in the municipality of San Miguel, were brought to Camp Tecson, headquarters of the Army Scout Ranger in San Miguel, to find out if among them were the suspected seven communist rebels that the military chanced upon and exchanged fires with at around 5:30 am yesterday in Barangay Masalipit.
“There were 43 men that were interviewed and held for a while by the Army for questioning and identification by local barangay officials whether they are members of the New People’s Army (NPA) or just civilians,” Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual, Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said.
They were later released to their respective barangay captains and escorted back to their homes.
Pascual clarified that the death of a certain Patricio Deloroso, 70, resident of barangay Sta. Ines, was not related to the military operation.
Quoting Sta. Ines barangay captain Benjamin Aquino, Pascual said Deloroso died of old age and was not among the 43 males invited.
The military spokesman said the rounding up was coordinated with barangay officials, stressing the military’s awareness on their rules of engagement.
With the permission and presence of barangay officials, elements of the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) entered barangay Sta. Ines and checked some houses for the possible presence of NPA rebels.
The military suspected that the rebels with whom government troops clashed with earlier in the day in Barangay Masalipit sought refuge in neighboring Barangay Sta. Ines.
According to Pascual, operating troops from Alpha Company, 48th IB of the Philippine Army engaged in a five-minute firefight around seven fully armed rebels in Barangay Masalipit at 5:30 am yesterday.
It is believed to be the same NPA group that elements of the Army’s 56th IB encountered with last April 24, 2005 in the same town. Six rebels were killed and one soldier was wounded in that encounter.
Then at 6:10 am yesterday, reinforcing troops from the 1st Platoon of the 71st IB encountered around seven armed rebels in Barangay Sta. Ines, believed to be the same group from barangay Masalipit. Firefight lasted for 10 minutes, until the enemy scampered towards different directions.
The government troops recovered one fragmentation grenade, two caliber .38 revolver, personal belongings, assorted ammunitions and subversive document at the encounter site./DMS
May 5, 2005
Forty-three men were held by the military on Thursday for questioning after government troops clashed earlier in the day with communist terrorists in San Miguel town, Bulacan.
The 11 residents of Masalipit village and 32 others from barangay Sta. Ines, both in the municipality of San Miguel, were brought to Camp Tecson, headquarters of the Army Scout Ranger in San Miguel, to find out if among them were the suspected seven communist rebels that the military chanced upon and exchanged fires with at around 5:30 am yesterday in Barangay Masalipit.
“There were 43 men that were interviewed and held for a while by the Army for questioning and identification by local barangay officials whether they are members of the New People’s Army (NPA) or just civilians,” Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual, Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said.
They were later released to their respective barangay captains and escorted back to their homes.
Pascual clarified that the death of a certain Patricio Deloroso, 70, resident of barangay Sta. Ines, was not related to the military operation.
Quoting Sta. Ines barangay captain Benjamin Aquino, Pascual said Deloroso died of old age and was not among the 43 males invited.
The military spokesman said the rounding up was coordinated with barangay officials, stressing the military’s awareness on their rules of engagement.
With the permission and presence of barangay officials, elements of the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) entered barangay Sta. Ines and checked some houses for the possible presence of NPA rebels.
The military suspected that the rebels with whom government troops clashed with earlier in the day in Barangay Masalipit sought refuge in neighboring Barangay Sta. Ines.
According to Pascual, operating troops from Alpha Company, 48th IB of the Philippine Army engaged in a five-minute firefight around seven fully armed rebels in Barangay Masalipit at 5:30 am yesterday.
It is believed to be the same NPA group that elements of the Army’s 56th IB encountered with last April 24, 2005 in the same town. Six rebels were killed and one soldier was wounded in that encounter.
Then at 6:10 am yesterday, reinforcing troops from the 1st Platoon of the 71st IB encountered around seven armed rebels in Barangay Sta. Ines, believed to be the same group from barangay Masalipit. Firefight lasted for 10 minutes, until the enemy scampered towards different directions.
The government troops recovered one fragmentation grenade, two caliber .38 revolver, personal belongings, assorted ammunitions and subversive document at the encounter site./DMS
Dipolog journalist expires at hospital, police pursues work-related and personal grudge angle on shooting
By Ronron
May 5, 2005
Radio commentator Klein Cantoneros expired Wednesday night at the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Hospital in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte hours after he was shot by three unidentified gunmen.
Dipolog City Police chief Supt. Tomas Hizon said the 34-year-old broadcaster died at around 10:30 pm due to the six gunshot wounds he sustained from his attackers.
Cantoneros was hit three times at the back, twice on his thigh and once on his leg by the motorcycle-riding assailants while he was plying the national highway in barangay Sta. Filomena, Dipolog City.
He is the 67th journalist slain since 1986 when democracy was restored in the country, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
Hizon said investigators are now focusing on a work-related motive, compounded with a personal grudge, on their probe on the murder of Cantoneros.
“We are now concentrating on a specific personality,” said Hizon without elaborating.
Cantoneros is said to be a hard-hitting commentator on radio station DXAA.
Task Force Cantoneros, created by Region IX Police Director Vidal Querol, was not given a deadline to wrap up its investigation./DMS
May 5, 2005
Radio commentator Klein Cantoneros expired Wednesday night at the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Hospital in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte hours after he was shot by three unidentified gunmen.
Dipolog City Police chief Supt. Tomas Hizon said the 34-year-old broadcaster died at around 10:30 pm due to the six gunshot wounds he sustained from his attackers.
Cantoneros was hit three times at the back, twice on his thigh and once on his leg by the motorcycle-riding assailants while he was plying the national highway in barangay Sta. Filomena, Dipolog City.
He is the 67th journalist slain since 1986 when democracy was restored in the country, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
Hizon said investigators are now focusing on a work-related motive, compounded with a personal grudge, on their probe on the murder of Cantoneros.
“We are now concentrating on a specific personality,” said Hizon without elaborating.
Cantoneros is said to be a hard-hitting commentator on radio station DXAA.
Task Force Cantoneros, created by Region IX Police Director Vidal Querol, was not given a deadline to wrap up its investigation./DMS
Sunday, May 1, 2005
US soldiers off to Sulu for assessment mission
By Ronron
April 30, 2005
A 25-man US military contingent is off to Sulu province in the next 24 hours for an assessment mission that will seek to determine areas where US humanitarian assistance is most needed.
Lt. Col. Greg Wilson, Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) under the US Pacific Command, said in a phone interview Saturday that the mission is expected to last for two weeks in the towns of Panamao, Jolo, and Patikul.
"We will be going to Sulu for a civic monitoring operation assessment at the invitation of the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and in partner with our Philippine counterparts," Wilson said.
The team is expected to interact directly with local officials from the provincial government up to the barangay level, and even residents, to determine the needs of the people in those conflict-affected places.
"This is strictly a humanitarian activity. We want to find out in which areas can we help the people there, like in the medical aspect and small-scale engineering projects," Wilson said.
He added that as a standard operating procedure, his troops will be carrying their own weapons for forced protection. And should the need to defend their selves from rebels arise, they can always use their firearm.
The team will take off from the AFP Southern Command in Zamboanga City./DMS
April 30, 2005
A 25-man US military contingent is off to Sulu province in the next 24 hours for an assessment mission that will seek to determine areas where US humanitarian assistance is most needed.
Lt. Col. Greg Wilson, Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) under the US Pacific Command, said in a phone interview Saturday that the mission is expected to last for two weeks in the towns of Panamao, Jolo, and Patikul.
"We will be going to Sulu for a civic monitoring operation assessment at the invitation of the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and in partner with our Philippine counterparts," Wilson said.
The team is expected to interact directly with local officials from the provincial government up to the barangay level, and even residents, to determine the needs of the people in those conflict-affected places.
"This is strictly a humanitarian activity. We want to find out in which areas can we help the people there, like in the medical aspect and small-scale engineering projects," Wilson said.
He added that as a standard operating procedure, his troops will be carrying their own weapons for forced protection. And should the need to defend their selves from rebels arise, they can always use their firearm.
The team will take off from the AFP Southern Command in Zamboanga City./DMS
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