By Ronron
June 24, 2005
Three hundred Filipino soldiers are off to Haiti and Liberia in batches beginning Sunday to replace the Philippine contingents there on a peacekeeping mission.
Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Information Officer, said the new batch of Philippine contingent to Haiti will consist of 145 AFP personnel while those for Liberia will be 155 soldiers.
Though the first batch is yet to leave tomorrow (Sunday, June 26), a send-off ceremony for all 300 soldiers was already held yesterday (Friday) afternoon at the AFP General Headquarters flagpole in Camp Aguinaldo during the flag retreat.
The deployment is set to be completed on July 10 when the remaining troops from Haiti is expected to have arrived in the country already.
Pascual said the new contingent to Haiti will be headed by Lt. Col. Nestor Merginio while those for Liberia will be led by Col. Emmanuel Ochotorena.
The Philippine contingents at present in Haiti and Liberia were sent in November last year. Col. Daniel Lucero heads the team in Haiti while Col. Delfin Pomposo, in Liberia.
Last April 14, a member of the Philippine contingent in Haiti was killed when gang members attacked a group of United Nations peacekeepers who were conducting security operations in the capital of Haiti.
Army Staff Sergeant Antonio Batomalaque, 22, was the first Filipino peacekeeper killed in action while serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission. He died of a bullet wound in the head.#
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Nazareno, Morales respond to Doble's allegations
By Ronron
June 21, 2005
Lawyers of former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Joselin Nazareno and former Agrarian Reform Secretary Horacio "Boy" Morales also appeared Tuesday at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – National Capital Region (NCR) in Camp Crame in compliance with the subpoena issued to them in relation to the alleged detention of military intelligence agent T/Sgt. Vidal Doble.
Morales’ lawyer arrived at the CIDG-NCR office at around 1:30pm while Nazareno’s followed at around 3pm.
The two met separately for about an hour with CIDG NCR chief Sr. Supt. Asher Dolina at the latter’s office.
It could not be known however what exactly transpired during the meetings.
But as far as Nazareno’s counsel is concerned, reporters learned that the lawyer also sought to have a copy of Doble’s sworn statement, but to no avail.
"We are here to find out if he (Nazareno) is a respondent or a witness in a case," Nazareno’s lawyer said.
The police have yet to disclose why Nazareno and Morales are implicated in the investigation on Doble’s allegations. They were among seven persons summoned by the CIDG-NCR to shed light on their probe.
But despite the grayness, Nazareno’s lawyer assured that his client will cooperate in said investigation./DMS
June 21, 2005
Lawyers of former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Joselin Nazareno and former Agrarian Reform Secretary Horacio "Boy" Morales also appeared Tuesday at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – National Capital Region (NCR) in Camp Crame in compliance with the subpoena issued to them in relation to the alleged detention of military intelligence agent T/Sgt. Vidal Doble.
Morales’ lawyer arrived at the CIDG-NCR office at around 1:30pm while Nazareno’s followed at around 3pm.
The two met separately for about an hour with CIDG NCR chief Sr. Supt. Asher Dolina at the latter’s office.
It could not be known however what exactly transpired during the meetings.
But as far as Nazareno’s counsel is concerned, reporters learned that the lawyer also sought to have a copy of Doble’s sworn statement, but to no avail.
"We are here to find out if he (Nazareno) is a respondent or a witness in a case," Nazareno’s lawyer said.
The police have yet to disclose why Nazareno and Morales are implicated in the investigation on Doble’s allegations. They were among seven persons summoned by the CIDG-NCR to shed light on their probe.
But despite the grayness, Nazareno’s lawyer assured that his client will cooperate in said investigation./DMS
Friday, June 17, 2005
200 grams of shabu seized, 4 suspected pushers nabbed
By Ronron
June 16, 2005
Anti-illegal drug agents seized 200 grams of
methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and arrested
four persons involved in the sale of the said illegal
drug during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday in
Quezon City.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director
Anselmo Avenido Jr. said the operation, led by Police
Chief Inspector Primitivo Bayongan of the PDEA Special
Enforcement Service, took place in front of Mercury
Drugstore on P. Tuazon St., Barangay Tagumpay, Proj.
4, Quezon City at around 3:45 pm the other day.
A poseur-buyer had earlier arranged to buy 200 grams
of shabu for P300,000 at said place from the four
suspects, identified as Ali Sultan, 30; Alandag
Sultan, 28; Alimo Sultan, 22; and, Macmud Sultan, 26,
all residents of Baguio City.
When the transaction was completed and the arrest was
about to be carried out, Avenido said the suspects, on
board a black Toyota Rav 4 with plate number XTS-868,
tried to escape by bumping one of the arresting
officers.
This prompted a back-up cop to shoot the left rear
tire of the vehicle, preventing the suspects from
escaping.
PDEA agents are now preparing to file charges against
the four for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. All four
are now detained at the PDEA National Office in Quezon
City./DMS
June 16, 2005
Anti-illegal drug agents seized 200 grams of
methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and arrested
four persons involved in the sale of the said illegal
drug during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday in
Quezon City.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director
Anselmo Avenido Jr. said the operation, led by Police
Chief Inspector Primitivo Bayongan of the PDEA Special
Enforcement Service, took place in front of Mercury
Drugstore on P. Tuazon St., Barangay Tagumpay, Proj.
4, Quezon City at around 3:45 pm the other day.
A poseur-buyer had earlier arranged to buy 200 grams
of shabu for P300,000 at said place from the four
suspects, identified as Ali Sultan, 30; Alandag
Sultan, 28; Alimo Sultan, 22; and, Macmud Sultan, 26,
all residents of Baguio City.
When the transaction was completed and the arrest was
about to be carried out, Avenido said the suspects, on
board a black Toyota Rav 4 with plate number XTS-868,
tried to escape by bumping one of the arresting
officers.
This prompted a back-up cop to shoot the left rear
tire of the vehicle, preventing the suspects from
escaping.
PDEA agents are now preparing to file charges against
the four for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. All four
are now detained at the PDEA National Office in Quezon
City./DMS
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Three rebel soldiers sentenced after pleading guilty to AW 97
By Ronron
June 13, 2005
Three of the six rebel soldiers who exposed alleged politicking in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) early last year were sentenced Monday to reduction of their salary and holding of their promotion within a year after they pleaded guilty on the charge of violating Article of War 97.
Col. Virgilio Espeneli, military court President, said Army Captains Peter Navarro, Philip Esmeralda, and Rembert Baylosis pleaded guilty to AW 97 (disorder and neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) which carries a harsher penalty of removal from service.
"This court … sentences you to forfeit two-thirds of your pay for six months (and) to be suspended for promotion for one year," Espeneli said during the promulgation of the order yesterday morning at the Army Officers Club in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.
The three were among the six KAWAL PILIPINO members who called in January 2004 for the resignation of then Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita and criticized the alleged politicking in the AFP. The rebel soldiers showed in their background an inverted Philippine flag.
"The trio admitted having committed acts prejudicial to the service. The group wittingly allowed themselves to be used by some misguided elements in furthering their ulterior motives," Army Information Officer Maj. Bartolome Bacarro told a press briefing after the promulgation.
Bacarro disclosed the three entered into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution last June 10. The previous month, more than 180 enlisted military personnel who took part in the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 also entered into a plea bargaining agreement that resulted to their release from detention.
The two other Kawal members, Capts. Marcos Serafica and Muyusof Hasan, avoided prosecution after they turned themselves into state witness. The sixth member, Asadon Baltazar, was a civilian and could not be subjected to court martial.
Navarro, Baylosis and Esmeralda have been under solitary confinement in the last 16 months inside the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. Their release will follow after the necessary administrative processes are accomplished.
Bacarro clarified the penalty against the three will only be effective until Judge Advocate Col. Gilbert Jose Roa approves the recommendation of the court.
But while defense lawyer Franklin Sunga expressed gratitude to the General Court Martial for the speedy resolution of the case, he said might file a motion for clemency for the removal of the one-year suspension of the soldiers’ promotion.
Baylosis said he is satisfied with the verdict but he maintained that what they did was not military adventurism.
"This exercise once again affirms the firm stand and commitment of the Army leadership that it will not tolerate any infraction of laws, regulations and policies," Bacarro said./DMS
June 13, 2005
Three of the six rebel soldiers who exposed alleged politicking in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) early last year were sentenced Monday to reduction of their salary and holding of their promotion within a year after they pleaded guilty on the charge of violating Article of War 97.
Col. Virgilio Espeneli, military court President, said Army Captains Peter Navarro, Philip Esmeralda, and Rembert Baylosis pleaded guilty to AW 97 (disorder and neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline) in exchange for the dropping of Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) which carries a harsher penalty of removal from service.
"This court … sentences you to forfeit two-thirds of your pay for six months (and) to be suspended for promotion for one year," Espeneli said during the promulgation of the order yesterday morning at the Army Officers Club in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.
The three were among the six KAWAL PILIPINO members who called in January 2004 for the resignation of then Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita and criticized the alleged politicking in the AFP. The rebel soldiers showed in their background an inverted Philippine flag.
"The trio admitted having committed acts prejudicial to the service. The group wittingly allowed themselves to be used by some misguided elements in furthering their ulterior motives," Army Information Officer Maj. Bartolome Bacarro told a press briefing after the promulgation.
Bacarro disclosed the three entered into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution last June 10. The previous month, more than 180 enlisted military personnel who took part in the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 also entered into a plea bargaining agreement that resulted to their release from detention.
The two other Kawal members, Capts. Marcos Serafica and Muyusof Hasan, avoided prosecution after they turned themselves into state witness. The sixth member, Asadon Baltazar, was a civilian and could not be subjected to court martial.
Navarro, Baylosis and Esmeralda have been under solitary confinement in the last 16 months inside the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. Their release will follow after the necessary administrative processes are accomplished.
Bacarro clarified the penalty against the three will only be effective until Judge Advocate Col. Gilbert Jose Roa approves the recommendation of the court.
But while defense lawyer Franklin Sunga expressed gratitude to the General Court Martial for the speedy resolution of the case, he said might file a motion for clemency for the removal of the one-year suspension of the soldiers’ promotion.
Baylosis said he is satisfied with the verdict but he maintained that what they did was not military adventurism.
"This exercise once again affirms the firm stand and commitment of the Army leadership that it will not tolerate any infraction of laws, regulations and policies," Bacarro said./DMS
Monday, June 13, 2005
Search is on for next military chief
By Ronron
June 12, 2005
The search is on for the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as incumbent military chief Gen. Efren Abu begins to count his last few days in the service prior to his retirement on June 24.
According to Abu, there are 12 three-star generals who are qualified to take over his post but he refused to say which one has the bigger chance.
“If I mention two, the 10 might get angry with me,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the Defense Press Corps at Camp Aguinaldo Friday.
The contenders include, among others, Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga, Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jose Reyes, Philippine Navy Flag Officer Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio, Southern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ariston de los Reyes, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, and National Capital Region Commander Lt. Gen. Allan Cabalquinto.
An insider said the strong candidates are Senga and De Leon because of their record of achievements, their seniority as to the acquisition of their third star, and the longer time left for them to serve as AFP chief of staff before they reach their mandatory age of retirement.
Senga, a member of Philippine Military Class (PMA) class of 1972, is set to retire in July 2006 while De Leon, also of the same PMA class, is set to retire in September 2006.
Abu said he still has yet to submit a recommendation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who serves concurrently as the AFP’s commander-in-chief, as to his choice for his replacement.
“The President has a wide latitude as far as who could be the (next) Chief of Staff…but we have not talked about this yet,” he said.
The outgoing military chief, who rose to the top-most position in October 2004, is expected to brief Arroyo and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz about each of the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses which would be integral to the President’s decision.
Asked what if Arroyo extends his term, Abu hinted of refusing the offer by saying: “No. Anybody can take over my position. I’m very sure of that.”
AFP Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said Abu will be remembered for instituting reforms in the military, particularly on financial management and organizational structure, “to suit the call of the time.”
Pascual is confident a new chief of staff will be announced before Abu steps down on June 24. “Whoever will be the appointed chief of staff by the President, the Armed Forces will welcome him,” he said./DMS
June 12, 2005
The search is on for the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as incumbent military chief Gen. Efren Abu begins to count his last few days in the service prior to his retirement on June 24.
According to Abu, there are 12 three-star generals who are qualified to take over his post but he refused to say which one has the bigger chance.
“If I mention two, the 10 might get angry with me,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the Defense Press Corps at Camp Aguinaldo Friday.
The contenders include, among others, Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga, Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jose Reyes, Philippine Navy Flag Officer Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio, Southern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ariston de los Reyes, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, and National Capital Region Commander Lt. Gen. Allan Cabalquinto.
An insider said the strong candidates are Senga and De Leon because of their record of achievements, their seniority as to the acquisition of their third star, and the longer time left for them to serve as AFP chief of staff before they reach their mandatory age of retirement.
Senga, a member of Philippine Military Class (PMA) class of 1972, is set to retire in July 2006 while De Leon, also of the same PMA class, is set to retire in September 2006.
Abu said he still has yet to submit a recommendation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who serves concurrently as the AFP’s commander-in-chief, as to his choice for his replacement.
“The President has a wide latitude as far as who could be the (next) Chief of Staff…but we have not talked about this yet,” he said.
The outgoing military chief, who rose to the top-most position in October 2004, is expected to brief Arroyo and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz about each of the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses which would be integral to the President’s decision.
Asked what if Arroyo extends his term, Abu hinted of refusing the offer by saying: “No. Anybody can take over my position. I’m very sure of that.”
AFP Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said Abu will be remembered for instituting reforms in the military, particularly on financial management and organizational structure, “to suit the call of the time.”
Pascual is confident a new chief of staff will be announced before Abu steps down on June 24. “Whoever will be the appointed chief of staff by the President, the Armed Forces will welcome him,” he said./DMS
Arroyo calls on public to shun dirty politics on 107th Independence Day
By Ronron
June 12, 2005
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the public Sunday to do away with dirty politics so that the country would move forward and start benefiting economic gains as it starts another chapter after the 107th Independence Day, which was celebrated by the country yesterday.
In a speech during the Independence Day program at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City yesterday, Arroyo said only by doing so will the country be truly “free” from poverty and injustice which is what her administration is trying to achieve.
“My hope is for a unified Philippines. That is why, on this day, as we commemorate the lessons and memories of our national heroes, I am calling on everybody to do away with dirty politics and focus instead on pushing the economy,” said Arroyo, who is presently plagued with intrigues of cheating her way to the Presidency in the 2004 polls and that her family benefited from the illegal numbers game called jueteng.
The President, who earlier led the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Park and the laying of wreath to the monument of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, said she determined to bring the country forward, especially now that her administration is already in the second phase in the implementation of her economic reforms.
“Mark my word, I will use my power and determination so our democracy will remain firm and our countrymen is being led to the right direction. To honor the flag is my national duty. To serve the poor is my vow to the Lord. With this noble goal, I offer my dignity, my future, and even my own life,” she said in Filipino.
Arroyo disclosed that now that the government could raise additional fund in its coffer with the enactment of several revenue-generating laws, it could proceed with its projects, particularly on infrastructure, that will invite investors and eventually, provide jobs to the jobless.
“More importantly, during the second phase, we can extend the economic gains to the poor,” she said as she spoke before a crowd of about a thousand spectators, spread scantily all over the park.
The young, Arroyo said, will already be in schools at the end of her term in 2010, and most families by then shall have a child that is taking up a course that could provide them with their living, just as she promised in her campaign before the elections.
Corruption shall have been reduced by half in three years, and hopefully, totally gone when she steps down five years from now. Arroyo sought the cooperation of the private sector in this endeavor, citing and hoping to revive what the Bishop Businesses Conference did way back.
The President projects an eradication as well of various forms of illegal gambling within a year.
On energy, Arroyo vowed to work on the country’s self-reliance with regard to gasoline and crude oil.
“As we implement and achieve my 10-point agenda, just as we work on our Millenium Development Goal, we hope to cut by half the percentage of the poor in our society and ensure food on every table,” Arroyo said.
Paying respect to the Philippine flag, which she raised and described as symbol of the blood, sweat and labor of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberty, Arroyo expressed hope that just like the law of the land, it will serve as the “national sun that will bind all Filipinos together.”
“On this great national day my countrymen, my request from you is for you to help me become a good President,” Arroyo said.
The simultaneous celebration of the Independence Day all over the country turned out peacefully, according to the military and the police./DMS
June 12, 2005
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the public Sunday to do away with dirty politics so that the country would move forward and start benefiting economic gains as it starts another chapter after the 107th Independence Day, which was celebrated by the country yesterday.
In a speech during the Independence Day program at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City yesterday, Arroyo said only by doing so will the country be truly “free” from poverty and injustice which is what her administration is trying to achieve.
“My hope is for a unified Philippines. That is why, on this day, as we commemorate the lessons and memories of our national heroes, I am calling on everybody to do away with dirty politics and focus instead on pushing the economy,” said Arroyo, who is presently plagued with intrigues of cheating her way to the Presidency in the 2004 polls and that her family benefited from the illegal numbers game called jueteng.
The President, who earlier led the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Park and the laying of wreath to the monument of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, said she determined to bring the country forward, especially now that her administration is already in the second phase in the implementation of her economic reforms.
“Mark my word, I will use my power and determination so our democracy will remain firm and our countrymen is being led to the right direction. To honor the flag is my national duty. To serve the poor is my vow to the Lord. With this noble goal, I offer my dignity, my future, and even my own life,” she said in Filipino.
Arroyo disclosed that now that the government could raise additional fund in its coffer with the enactment of several revenue-generating laws, it could proceed with its projects, particularly on infrastructure, that will invite investors and eventually, provide jobs to the jobless.
“More importantly, during the second phase, we can extend the economic gains to the poor,” she said as she spoke before a crowd of about a thousand spectators, spread scantily all over the park.
The young, Arroyo said, will already be in schools at the end of her term in 2010, and most families by then shall have a child that is taking up a course that could provide them with their living, just as she promised in her campaign before the elections.
Corruption shall have been reduced by half in three years, and hopefully, totally gone when she steps down five years from now. Arroyo sought the cooperation of the private sector in this endeavor, citing and hoping to revive what the Bishop Businesses Conference did way back.
The President projects an eradication as well of various forms of illegal gambling within a year.
On energy, Arroyo vowed to work on the country’s self-reliance with regard to gasoline and crude oil.
“As we implement and achieve my 10-point agenda, just as we work on our Millenium Development Goal, we hope to cut by half the percentage of the poor in our society and ensure food on every table,” Arroyo said.
Paying respect to the Philippine flag, which she raised and described as symbol of the blood, sweat and labor of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberty, Arroyo expressed hope that just like the law of the land, it will serve as the “national sun that will bind all Filipinos together.”
“On this great national day my countrymen, my request from you is for you to help me become a good President,” Arroyo said.
The simultaneous celebration of the Independence Day all over the country turned out peacefully, according to the military and the police./DMS
Ong may be arrested on Tuesday, says official
By Ronron
June 12, 2005
The government is securing a warrant of arrest for former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official Atty. Samuel Ong when office opens on Tuesday on the ground that he is in possession of a material that contains an alleged wire-tapped conversation.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters after the 107th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Qurino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City Sunday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will serve as the complainant against Ong, who made headlines last Friday when he claimed to be holding the “mother of all tapes” that allegedly contains a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, plotting to manipulate the results of the 2004 Presidential elections to favor Arroyo.
“Our legal counsels said that Ong’s admission of having in his possession that tape which is allegedly based on wire-tapped conversation is, according to law, violative of the provision of Republic Act 4200 (Anti-Wire Tapping Law),” Ermita said in Filipino. The offense is punishable by imprisonment of up to six years.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales made a separate pronouncement that Ong could also be charged for inciting to sedition, a non-bailable offense.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Arturo Lomibao, in a radio interview yesterday, said the police will be prepared to serve peacefully the arrest warrant to Ong when it comes out, even if it is within the premises of the church.
Government offices will only be open on Tuesday since Malacañang declared today as special non-working holiday to allow Filipinos to spend more time with their families in post-celebrations of the Independence Day.
“I told (Manila Arcbhishop Gaudencio Rosales during our meeting Saturday) that as long as there is no warrant of arrest, we will not arrest (Ong). And if ever it comes out, we will talk to the (church authorities of San Carlos Seminary),” Lomibao said in Filipino.
Ong, a former Deputy Director for Intelligence of the NBI, has been seeking sanctuary at the San Carlos Seminary along EDSA in Guadalupe, Makati City since Friday after making his expose in a press conference.
During their meeting, Rosales accordingly explained to Lomibao that allowing Ong to stay within the premises of the religious establishment does not mean that the church is tolerating Ong’s acts. “What I understand is that just like any lay man who goes to facilities or establishment of the church, Ong could not just be driven away by the church,” Lomibao said, quoting Rosales.
The top PNP official had called on Ong late Friday evening to surrender himself to authorities as this would imply a “lesser guilt of the violation” he committed. The effort of the PNP team, headed by PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, to negotiate for Ong to turn himself in that night went unsuccessful.
Ermita refused to admit that the Office of the President is “courting” the church for the release of Ong to authorities, but instead claimed that they are just talking to church officials to strengthen the relationship of the State and the Church, banking on the fact that “we are a very highly religious people” and that “we are all Catholics.”
As a sign of respect to the constitutionally mandated separation of the Church and the State, Ermita said the government is willing to await the arrest warrant for Ong and respect, for the meantime, the latter’s right to seek sanctuary in the church.
“We are both waiting for the legal procedures (to set in),” Ermita said of the church and the government, referring to the release of the search and arrest warrants.
As of yesterday, Lomibao said there is still no case or formal complaint against Ong.
Both Ermita and Lomibao believe Ong is still inside San Carlos Seminary as of yesterday as they have not yet received a report otherwise.
Yesterday, police took custody of a white Mitsubishi Lancer found inside the San Carlos Seminary compound, containing an M16 rifle. It was discovered Saturday, believed to be abandoned by around five men who were driven away on Friday night after refusing to identify themselves.
Lomibao said there are about 50 to 100 policemen stationed yesterday outside San Carlos Seminary to secure the place and watch out for the traffic./DMS
June 12, 2005
The government is securing a warrant of arrest for former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official Atty. Samuel Ong when office opens on Tuesday on the ground that he is in possession of a material that contains an alleged wire-tapped conversation.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters after the 107th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Qurino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City Sunday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will serve as the complainant against Ong, who made headlines last Friday when he claimed to be holding the “mother of all tapes” that allegedly contains a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, plotting to manipulate the results of the 2004 Presidential elections to favor Arroyo.
“Our legal counsels said that Ong’s admission of having in his possession that tape which is allegedly based on wire-tapped conversation is, according to law, violative of the provision of Republic Act 4200 (Anti-Wire Tapping Law),” Ermita said in Filipino. The offense is punishable by imprisonment of up to six years.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales made a separate pronouncement that Ong could also be charged for inciting to sedition, a non-bailable offense.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Arturo Lomibao, in a radio interview yesterday, said the police will be prepared to serve peacefully the arrest warrant to Ong when it comes out, even if it is within the premises of the church.
Government offices will only be open on Tuesday since Malacañang declared today as special non-working holiday to allow Filipinos to spend more time with their families in post-celebrations of the Independence Day.
“I told (Manila Arcbhishop Gaudencio Rosales during our meeting Saturday) that as long as there is no warrant of arrest, we will not arrest (Ong). And if ever it comes out, we will talk to the (church authorities of San Carlos Seminary),” Lomibao said in Filipino.
Ong, a former Deputy Director for Intelligence of the NBI, has been seeking sanctuary at the San Carlos Seminary along EDSA in Guadalupe, Makati City since Friday after making his expose in a press conference.
During their meeting, Rosales accordingly explained to Lomibao that allowing Ong to stay within the premises of the religious establishment does not mean that the church is tolerating Ong’s acts. “What I understand is that just like any lay man who goes to facilities or establishment of the church, Ong could not just be driven away by the church,” Lomibao said, quoting Rosales.
The top PNP official had called on Ong late Friday evening to surrender himself to authorities as this would imply a “lesser guilt of the violation” he committed. The effort of the PNP team, headed by PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, to negotiate for Ong to turn himself in that night went unsuccessful.
Ermita refused to admit that the Office of the President is “courting” the church for the release of Ong to authorities, but instead claimed that they are just talking to church officials to strengthen the relationship of the State and the Church, banking on the fact that “we are a very highly religious people” and that “we are all Catholics.”
As a sign of respect to the constitutionally mandated separation of the Church and the State, Ermita said the government is willing to await the arrest warrant for Ong and respect, for the meantime, the latter’s right to seek sanctuary in the church.
“We are both waiting for the legal procedures (to set in),” Ermita said of the church and the government, referring to the release of the search and arrest warrants.
As of yesterday, Lomibao said there is still no case or formal complaint against Ong.
Both Ermita and Lomibao believe Ong is still inside San Carlos Seminary as of yesterday as they have not yet received a report otherwise.
Yesterday, police took custody of a white Mitsubishi Lancer found inside the San Carlos Seminary compound, containing an M16 rifle. It was discovered Saturday, believed to be abandoned by around five men who were driven away on Friday night after refusing to identify themselves.
Lomibao said there are about 50 to 100 policemen stationed yesterday outside San Carlos Seminary to secure the place and watch out for the traffic./DMS
Saturday, June 11, 2005
ISAFP probes leak of taped conversation of Arroyo
By Ronron
June 10, 2005
An investigation is on-going in the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) following the leak of a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regarding the 2004 Presidential elections.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu said Friday the probe is being conducted internally because the ISAFP is always a suspect when it comes to wiretapping activities, even if there are other agencies capable of doing it as well.
“There is an investigation being done because these things are not only affecting the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is affecting even the Office of the President… This is a serious matter,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the press at Camp Aguinaldo as he is about to retire on June 24 when he reaches the mandatory age of retirement of 56.
The taped conversation was released early this week by Malacañang to preempt a similar move allegedly by a segment of the political opposition. The conversation shows Arroyo trying to manipulate the results of the 2004 polls to her favor. Arroyo won the polls over rival candidate Fernando Poe, Jr. by a margin of over one million votes.
Later in the afternoon yesterday, a former Intelligence official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claimed that he has in his possession the “mother of all tapes.” Atty. Samuel Ong said he got it from agents of the ISAFP whom he made friends with long before while he was still in the government.
Ong challenged officials to immediately go to the ISAFP quarters inside Camp Aguinaldo to check the missing tapes.
But the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence was quick to deny Ong’s claims. Rear Admiral Tirso Danga, in a hastily called and conducted press briefing, said: “There is no missing tape. And we are not keeping any tape because it is not our job to wire-tap.”
ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Marlu Quevedo, in a separate interview over the phone, assured that all of their tapes are safely in their hands. He said they do not need to conduct an inventory of the tapes because every thing is in tact.
“Every time tapes like that come out, the suspect is ISAFP. But we believe that it is not only ISAFP that has the capability to produce that kind of tape because anybody can have a recording,” Abu said.
“That is why we are investigating these reports … so that ISAFP can also be cleared if we found out that the report is not true,” he added.
The military chief said he has not personally asked Quevedo whether the tape was really from the ISAFP as he leaves everything to the investigation which is being headed by Danga.
Abu also denied relieving Quevedo or restricting men of the ISAFP within their compound pending the completion of said investigation.
“We have not given any orders to that effect,” Abu said.
He refused to say whether or not he has already identified a replacement for Quevedo, citing confidentiality, following a statement from Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita that Commodore Leonardo Calderon will take over Quevedo’s post sometime this month.
“I still have not made an official communication with Malacañang,” Abu said when asked if he has submitted his recommendations already for Quevedo’s possible replacement.
Reports of Quevedo’s relief surfaced after ISAFP was cited as initial suspect in the leakage of Arroyo’s taped conversation. /DMS
June 10, 2005
An investigation is on-going in the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) following the leak of a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regarding the 2004 Presidential elections.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu said Friday the probe is being conducted internally because the ISAFP is always a suspect when it comes to wiretapping activities, even if there are other agencies capable of doing it as well.
“There is an investigation being done because these things are not only affecting the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is affecting even the Office of the President… This is a serious matter,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the press at Camp Aguinaldo as he is about to retire on June 24 when he reaches the mandatory age of retirement of 56.
The taped conversation was released early this week by Malacañang to preempt a similar move allegedly by a segment of the political opposition. The conversation shows Arroyo trying to manipulate the results of the 2004 polls to her favor. Arroyo won the polls over rival candidate Fernando Poe, Jr. by a margin of over one million votes.
Later in the afternoon yesterday, a former Intelligence official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claimed that he has in his possession the “mother of all tapes.” Atty. Samuel Ong said he got it from agents of the ISAFP whom he made friends with long before while he was still in the government.
Ong challenged officials to immediately go to the ISAFP quarters inside Camp Aguinaldo to check the missing tapes.
But the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence was quick to deny Ong’s claims. Rear Admiral Tirso Danga, in a hastily called and conducted press briefing, said: “There is no missing tape. And we are not keeping any tape because it is not our job to wire-tap.”
ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Marlu Quevedo, in a separate interview over the phone, assured that all of their tapes are safely in their hands. He said they do not need to conduct an inventory of the tapes because every thing is in tact.
“Every time tapes like that come out, the suspect is ISAFP. But we believe that it is not only ISAFP that has the capability to produce that kind of tape because anybody can have a recording,” Abu said.
“That is why we are investigating these reports … so that ISAFP can also be cleared if we found out that the report is not true,” he added.
The military chief said he has not personally asked Quevedo whether the tape was really from the ISAFP as he leaves everything to the investigation which is being headed by Danga.
Abu also denied relieving Quevedo or restricting men of the ISAFP within their compound pending the completion of said investigation.
“We have not given any orders to that effect,” Abu said.
He refused to say whether or not he has already identified a replacement for Quevedo, citing confidentiality, following a statement from Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita that Commodore Leonardo Calderon will take over Quevedo’s post sometime this month.
“I still have not made an official communication with Malacañang,” Abu said when asked if he has submitted his recommendations already for Quevedo’s possible replacement.
Reports of Quevedo’s relief surfaced after ISAFP was cited as initial suspect in the leakage of Arroyo’s taped conversation. /DMS
Army officer sacked over “irresponsible statements” on the web
By Ronron
June 10, 2005
Army officer Col. Ricardo Morales was sacked from his post as commander of the 404th Infantry Brigade, based in Mindanao, for issuing “irresponsible statements” against a recreation project intended for the military and subsequently calling for a “coup” in protest of it.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu approved the relief of Morales after it was recommended by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga.
“Col. Morales published very critical article in the internet criticizing the policies and project of the (AFP)… As a responsible officer, he should have been aware that such message could reach the public, be misconstrued and subjected to a lot of misinterpretation,” Adan said.
In an e-mail message sent a few days ago to his fellow graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Morales lambasted the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay Island as he questioned the priorities of the higher-ups in the military in terms of addressing the needs of the ordinary soldiers.
“How can the 60-room resort in Boracay improve the AFP’s capability to fight? Who determined this priority? We have hospitals without medicine,” Morales, a member of the PMA class 1977, wrote.
“That the top leaders in the AFP, especially the Marine officer who commands two Army Divisions allowed this to happen shows their insensitivity to the needs and sufferings of the men in the field,” he added.
The project in Boracay was a brainchild of AFP Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio. In earlier interviews, Teodosio and other AFP officials emphasized the project is not an initiative of the military, but of a non-governmental organization.
“Enough of the leaders who talk about reforms but do not understand what they are saying. Enough of this organization stupidity… The time for talking is over. The time for action is now… The next coup will be peaceful and open,” Morales had said.
Adan said it was wrong for Morales to air his opinion, even if it is personal, in the internet because a website is a public domain.
Although it can not be interpreted as instigating rising up of arms against the AFP leadership, Abu, for his part, said it is still improper for Morales to talk about “coup,” whether he wanted it to be “peaceful and open” or not, because he is an officer.
Abu noted though that no sympathetic comments followed that statement of Morales in the e-group, which can be accessed by more than 600 PMA alumni and friends.
“As far as the Armed Forces is concerned, I don’t see it has any effect on our soldiers. If any, it could only be on people close to him, maybe his driver or security staff. I doubt if people like you will be encouraged by his statements,” Abu told reporters.
Adan said Morales was given the chance to explain his motives for doing so. Morales sent his explanation letter dated June 7 to Senga. However, his superiors did not find it satisfactory.
“Col. Morales was admonished by (Senga)… The AFP has established mechanisms for grievances, for getting feedback for policies by the leadership. Col. Morales did not avail of them,” said Adan.
“He is being relieved for his lack of good judgement and indiscretion as a senior officer who should set a good example to his officers and men,” added Adan.
The relief of Morales, Adan said, is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges against him in the military court. At the moment, the military is still checking what charges could be filed against Morales.
Adan said Morales will be given an assignment appropriate to his rank by the Philippine Army.
Following what happened to Morales, Abu, however, said it is not necessary to check or monitor other e-mail groups of active military members since any similar report can readily be received by him.
Besides, he expressed confidence that the Armed Forces is intact even amidst fresh talks of destabilization against the government.
“We are not monitoring any active member of the AFP now. It is not necessary because there is no threat from those in the active service… We are confident that in any destabilization plots, we are prepared to protect our countrymen and our government offices and our country. So we have nothing to worry about,” Abu said./DMS
June 10, 2005
Army officer Col. Ricardo Morales was sacked from his post as commander of the 404th Infantry Brigade, based in Mindanao, for issuing “irresponsible statements” against a recreation project intended for the military and subsequently calling for a “coup” in protest of it.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu approved the relief of Morales after it was recommended by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga.
“Col. Morales published very critical article in the internet criticizing the policies and project of the (AFP)… As a responsible officer, he should have been aware that such message could reach the public, be misconstrued and subjected to a lot of misinterpretation,” Adan said.
In an e-mail message sent a few days ago to his fellow graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Morales lambasted the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay Island as he questioned the priorities of the higher-ups in the military in terms of addressing the needs of the ordinary soldiers.
“How can the 60-room resort in Boracay improve the AFP’s capability to fight? Who determined this priority? We have hospitals without medicine,” Morales, a member of the PMA class 1977, wrote.
“That the top leaders in the AFP, especially the Marine officer who commands two Army Divisions allowed this to happen shows their insensitivity to the needs and sufferings of the men in the field,” he added.
The project in Boracay was a brainchild of AFP Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio. In earlier interviews, Teodosio and other AFP officials emphasized the project is not an initiative of the military, but of a non-governmental organization.
“Enough of the leaders who talk about reforms but do not understand what they are saying. Enough of this organization stupidity… The time for talking is over. The time for action is now… The next coup will be peaceful and open,” Morales had said.
Adan said it was wrong for Morales to air his opinion, even if it is personal, in the internet because a website is a public domain.
Although it can not be interpreted as instigating rising up of arms against the AFP leadership, Abu, for his part, said it is still improper for Morales to talk about “coup,” whether he wanted it to be “peaceful and open” or not, because he is an officer.
Abu noted though that no sympathetic comments followed that statement of Morales in the e-group, which can be accessed by more than 600 PMA alumni and friends.
“As far as the Armed Forces is concerned, I don’t see it has any effect on our soldiers. If any, it could only be on people close to him, maybe his driver or security staff. I doubt if people like you will be encouraged by his statements,” Abu told reporters.
Adan said Morales was given the chance to explain his motives for doing so. Morales sent his explanation letter dated June 7 to Senga. However, his superiors did not find it satisfactory.
“Col. Morales was admonished by (Senga)… The AFP has established mechanisms for grievances, for getting feedback for policies by the leadership. Col. Morales did not avail of them,” said Adan.
“He is being relieved for his lack of good judgement and indiscretion as a senior officer who should set a good example to his officers and men,” added Adan.
The relief of Morales, Adan said, is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges against him in the military court. At the moment, the military is still checking what charges could be filed against Morales.
Adan said Morales will be given an assignment appropriate to his rank by the Philippine Army.
Following what happened to Morales, Abu, however, said it is not necessary to check or monitor other e-mail groups of active military members since any similar report can readily be received by him.
Besides, he expressed confidence that the Armed Forces is intact even amidst fresh talks of destabilization against the government.
“We are not monitoring any active member of the AFP now. It is not necessary because there is no threat from those in the active service… We are confident that in any destabilization plots, we are prepared to protect our countrymen and our government offices and our country. So we have nothing to worry about,” Abu said./DMS
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Military intelligence chief stays
By Ronron
June 8, 2005
The top military intelligence officer stays in his post.
This is what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said on Wednesday amidst reports that Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) Chief Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is already relieved.
“I would like to make it clear that Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is still the chief (of the) ISAFP. It came out in the print this morning that he is already relieved. There is no truth to it,” Pascual told reporters yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo.
The military spokesman said the reports on Quevedo’s relief, which is suspected to have something to do with the release of a taped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Comelec official, may just be part of a series of disinformation being circulated to ride with the uncertainties of the times brought about by rumors of destabilization plots against the government.
“He is performing very well,” Pascual said of Quevedo.
When sought for comment, Quevedo only said he has not received any order yet for his relief./DMS
June 8, 2005
The top military intelligence officer stays in his post.
This is what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said on Wednesday amidst reports that Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) Chief Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is already relieved.
“I would like to make it clear that Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is still the chief (of the) ISAFP. It came out in the print this morning that he is already relieved. There is no truth to it,” Pascual told reporters yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo.
The military spokesman said the reports on Quevedo’s relief, which is suspected to have something to do with the release of a taped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Comelec official, may just be part of a series of disinformation being circulated to ride with the uncertainties of the times brought about by rumors of destabilization plots against the government.
“He is performing very well,” Pascual said of Quevedo.
When sought for comment, Quevedo only said he has not received any order yet for his relief./DMS
Military and police reaffirm support and loyalty to Arroyo
By Ronron
June 8, 2005
Different Philippine military units and the national police reaffirmed on Wednesday their support and loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amidst fresh destabilization plots hounding her administration which was fueled lately with the release of an alleged taped conversation that implies Arroyo’s manipulation of the 2004 Presidential elections to her favor.
The Philippine Army, Air Force, Navy and National Police issued separate statements yesterday to express their commitment to the duly constituted government under Arroyo and their firm belief that any destabilization plot will not prosper. (See separate story on the Philippine Army’s statement.)
“Your airmen and women stand squarely behind this legitimate government and prepared to defend it against those who would usurp the rule of law,” the PAF public information office said.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, for his part, said: “The navy assures the citizens that all its officers, sailors, marines and special operations personnel are prepared to thwart any attempt to bring down the government or any bid that will undermine the country’s democratic institutions.”
De Leon, an aspirant for the top post in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once incumbent Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu steps down later this month when he reaches the mandatory age for retirement, assured that the Philippine Navy “remains solidly behind the national leadership of the Commander-in-Chief and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”
“In these trying times, the Navy is more persistent to prove to the people that it remains true to its oath and that its men and women are more emboldened to take on their task of averting vicious attempts that only do more harm and damage to the State we have sworn to defend,” said De Leon.
The AFP leadership has earlier acknowledged reports that retired generals are sowing disinformation at the lower level so as to discourage them from supporting the government.
But officials are quick to say that these plots will not prosper since they are countering it with information and education campaigns.
“At these times of uncertainty and heightened emotions, we call on our people to be discerning and not be deceived by plots to destabilize our government. We call on everyone to unite for the good and progress of our nation rather than for its disintegration,” the PAF said.
Trusting on the goodness and loyalty of his men, PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao wooed all policemen that they continue to join hands in assuming their responsibilities for peace and development.
“Let us all continue to serve our Almighty Father, our country, and our countrymen under leadership of our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo… My request from you is that we continue to work faithfully, serve truthfully,” Lomibao said in Filipino.
The statements of support came a day after Arroyo hosted in Malacañang a dinner meeting with police and military officials who belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) classes of 1973 up to 1978./DMS
June 8, 2005
Different Philippine military units and the national police reaffirmed on Wednesday their support and loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amidst fresh destabilization plots hounding her administration which was fueled lately with the release of an alleged taped conversation that implies Arroyo’s manipulation of the 2004 Presidential elections to her favor.
The Philippine Army, Air Force, Navy and National Police issued separate statements yesterday to express their commitment to the duly constituted government under Arroyo and their firm belief that any destabilization plot will not prosper. (See separate story on the Philippine Army’s statement.)
“Your airmen and women stand squarely behind this legitimate government and prepared to defend it against those who would usurp the rule of law,” the PAF public information office said.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, for his part, said: “The navy assures the citizens that all its officers, sailors, marines and special operations personnel are prepared to thwart any attempt to bring down the government or any bid that will undermine the country’s democratic institutions.”
De Leon, an aspirant for the top post in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once incumbent Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu steps down later this month when he reaches the mandatory age for retirement, assured that the Philippine Navy “remains solidly behind the national leadership of the Commander-in-Chief and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”
“In these trying times, the Navy is more persistent to prove to the people that it remains true to its oath and that its men and women are more emboldened to take on their task of averting vicious attempts that only do more harm and damage to the State we have sworn to defend,” said De Leon.
The AFP leadership has earlier acknowledged reports that retired generals are sowing disinformation at the lower level so as to discourage them from supporting the government.
But officials are quick to say that these plots will not prosper since they are countering it with information and education campaigns.
“At these times of uncertainty and heightened emotions, we call on our people to be discerning and not be deceived by plots to destabilize our government. We call on everyone to unite for the good and progress of our nation rather than for its disintegration,” the PAF said.
Trusting on the goodness and loyalty of his men, PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao wooed all policemen that they continue to join hands in assuming their responsibilities for peace and development.
“Let us all continue to serve our Almighty Father, our country, and our countrymen under leadership of our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo… My request from you is that we continue to work faithfully, serve truthfully,” Lomibao said in Filipino.
The statements of support came a day after Arroyo hosted in Malacañang a dinner meeting with police and military officials who belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) classes of 1973 up to 1978./DMS
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
AFP monitoring three retired military officials on alleged destabilization plots; recruitment within PNP also confirmed
By Ronron
June 7, 2005
The Philippine military identified three retired officers who allegedly have a role in the recent destabilization plots against the government based on their pronouncements to the public.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said military agents are already monitoring the activities of former Defense Secretary and Army chief Maj. Gen. Fortunato Abat, retired Commodore Ismael Aparri, and Brig. Gen. Angel Sadang.
"We’re cautious of their statements… Their activities are being monitoring," Pascual told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
Abat is one of the leaders of the Federation of Retired Commissioned and Enlisted Soldiers (FORCES) and one of the convenors of the Coalition for National Salvation, a group launched in April that seeks for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aparri is the spokesman of the Young Enlisted Soldiers with Active and Retired Military for Solidarity (YES-ARMS), while Sadang heads the Generals for Constitution.
Aparri and Sadang’s organizations are also critical of the Arroyo government.
"Their statement is a cause for concern for the Armed Forces because they are telling our soldiers to break the chain of command," Pascual said of the three, who are allegedly exploiting current issues within the military, such as the reported extravagant repair of the sidewalks inside Camp Aguinaldo and the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay.
The AFP leadership had already explained that the cost of the sidewalks repair is only P5 million, and not P19 million as initially reported, and that the military resort house in the famous Boracay Island is an initiative of a non-governmental organization, and not of the AFP.
In a brief phone interview, Abat denied the allegation against him, and pointed instead to the government as the one responsible for its destabilized state now.
When asked if his and his group’s call for Arroyo to step down could be read as a form of destabilizing the government, Abat replied: "We are calling for her ouster because she is destabilizing the government through malgovernance."
Aparri, in a separate interview, also belied the destabilizer tag imposed upon him by Pascual.
"I am the one being recruited by the agitated soldiers to speak for them. They (soldiers) are the ones asking me to speak for them because they are voiceless. I’ve never recruited anyone," Aparri told reporters at his office at the Association of Generals and Flag Officers inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Aparri expressed disappointment over the fact that "in this country, when you speak against the government, you are a destabilizer."
"Is it wrong to speak for the unattended?… They can call me anything but we are not destabilizing the government," Aparri said.
He disclosed that soldiers are particularly concerned on the failure of the government to settle the P36 billion unpaid pension differentials to war veterans, and the issues of the military resort house in Boracay, the repair of the pavement in Camp Aguinaldo, the lack of equipment and facilities for soldiers in the field, and many others.
"What is his (Pascual) basis for calling me a destabilizer? Just because we are speaking for the soldiers who are voiceless? If that makes me a destabilizer, then I accept it. We are reformist, nationalist who take care of the veterans and the soldiers. We have not much to advertise for ourselves," Aparri said.
Pascual issued a warning to the three that the military has a very active internal counter-intelligence capability that could monitor very well their activities.
The recruitment activities conducted by some sectors outside the military service was already admitted by the AFP in earlier pronouncements.
But, according to Pascual, the plot is still in its initial stage since it is only limited to mind-setting or mental planning activities.
He said the AFP is countering these moves by informing and educating well their troops about the real score on certain issues, thereby discouraging the soldiers from joining possible military adventurism.
"We have a very stable command structure. The chain of command is intact," Pascual described the AFP at the moment in light of the alleged destabilization plots.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday that recruitment within the police ranks is also on going in support for the alleged destabilization plot against the government.
However, Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil refused to identify the recruiting party.
"The seat of government power is besieged anew by a malicious effort to throw it off balance by way of a seemingly elaborate and grand design at destabilization," PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said in a separate statement issued yesterday.
Quoting "highly reliable intelligence reports," Lomibao said the "latest uncovered attempt at destabilization could be part of a larger scenario that was preceded by an earlier series of deliberate disinformation efforts, and possibly including some sensationalized scandals, unfounded rumors and other manipulative means of spreading false information."
The PNP chief said key police officials met over the weekend to assess the recent developments.
But amidst the destabilization rumors, Lomibao assured that the PNP will stand "squarely behind the rule of law and will stay focused" on its "mission to protect and serve the people."
"The (PNP) under my leadership will insure that any further step at destabilization that borders on the illegal and with willful criminal intent shall be addressed accordingly by uncompromising police action consistent with existing laws," Lomibao said.
He stressed that the PNP will not be swayed by any motive and will remain faithful to the Constitution and to its sworn duty./DMS
June 7, 2005
The Philippine military identified three retired officers who allegedly have a role in the recent destabilization plots against the government based on their pronouncements to the public.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said military agents are already monitoring the activities of former Defense Secretary and Army chief Maj. Gen. Fortunato Abat, retired Commodore Ismael Aparri, and Brig. Gen. Angel Sadang.
"We’re cautious of their statements… Their activities are being monitoring," Pascual told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
Abat is one of the leaders of the Federation of Retired Commissioned and Enlisted Soldiers (FORCES) and one of the convenors of the Coalition for National Salvation, a group launched in April that seeks for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aparri is the spokesman of the Young Enlisted Soldiers with Active and Retired Military for Solidarity (YES-ARMS), while Sadang heads the Generals for Constitution.
Aparri and Sadang’s organizations are also critical of the Arroyo government.
"Their statement is a cause for concern for the Armed Forces because they are telling our soldiers to break the chain of command," Pascual said of the three, who are allegedly exploiting current issues within the military, such as the reported extravagant repair of the sidewalks inside Camp Aguinaldo and the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay.
The AFP leadership had already explained that the cost of the sidewalks repair is only P5 million, and not P19 million as initially reported, and that the military resort house in the famous Boracay Island is an initiative of a non-governmental organization, and not of the AFP.
In a brief phone interview, Abat denied the allegation against him, and pointed instead to the government as the one responsible for its destabilized state now.
When asked if his and his group’s call for Arroyo to step down could be read as a form of destabilizing the government, Abat replied: "We are calling for her ouster because she is destabilizing the government through malgovernance."
Aparri, in a separate interview, also belied the destabilizer tag imposed upon him by Pascual.
"I am the one being recruited by the agitated soldiers to speak for them. They (soldiers) are the ones asking me to speak for them because they are voiceless. I’ve never recruited anyone," Aparri told reporters at his office at the Association of Generals and Flag Officers inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Aparri expressed disappointment over the fact that "in this country, when you speak against the government, you are a destabilizer."
"Is it wrong to speak for the unattended?… They can call me anything but we are not destabilizing the government," Aparri said.
He disclosed that soldiers are particularly concerned on the failure of the government to settle the P36 billion unpaid pension differentials to war veterans, and the issues of the military resort house in Boracay, the repair of the pavement in Camp Aguinaldo, the lack of equipment and facilities for soldiers in the field, and many others.
"What is his (Pascual) basis for calling me a destabilizer? Just because we are speaking for the soldiers who are voiceless? If that makes me a destabilizer, then I accept it. We are reformist, nationalist who take care of the veterans and the soldiers. We have not much to advertise for ourselves," Aparri said.
Pascual issued a warning to the three that the military has a very active internal counter-intelligence capability that could monitor very well their activities.
The recruitment activities conducted by some sectors outside the military service was already admitted by the AFP in earlier pronouncements.
But, according to Pascual, the plot is still in its initial stage since it is only limited to mind-setting or mental planning activities.
He said the AFP is countering these moves by informing and educating well their troops about the real score on certain issues, thereby discouraging the soldiers from joining possible military adventurism.
"We have a very stable command structure. The chain of command is intact," Pascual described the AFP at the moment in light of the alleged destabilization plots.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday that recruitment within the police ranks is also on going in support for the alleged destabilization plot against the government.
However, Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil refused to identify the recruiting party.
"The seat of government power is besieged anew by a malicious effort to throw it off balance by way of a seemingly elaborate and grand design at destabilization," PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said in a separate statement issued yesterday.
Quoting "highly reliable intelligence reports," Lomibao said the "latest uncovered attempt at destabilization could be part of a larger scenario that was preceded by an earlier series of deliberate disinformation efforts, and possibly including some sensationalized scandals, unfounded rumors and other manipulative means of spreading false information."
The PNP chief said key police officials met over the weekend to assess the recent developments.
But amidst the destabilization rumors, Lomibao assured that the PNP will stand "squarely behind the rule of law and will stay focused" on its "mission to protect and serve the people."
"The (PNP) under my leadership will insure that any further step at destabilization that borders on the illegal and with willful criminal intent shall be addressed accordingly by uncompromising police action consistent with existing laws," Lomibao said.
He stressed that the PNP will not be swayed by any motive and will remain faithful to the Constitution and to its sworn duty./DMS
Saturday, June 4, 2005
Gov’t forces top in human rights violations, says NDFP
By Ronron
June 3, 2005
Almost all complaints for violation of human rights and international humanitarian law that a joint committee of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) received from June 4 last year until today were allegedly done by government forces, the NDFP thus claimed.
NDFP Negotiating Panel chair Luis Jalandoni said in a statement that the Joint Secretariat (JS) of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP has received a total of 365 complaints for violation of human rights and international humanitarian law since the JS was opened exactly a year ago today.
The JS served as a physical base for the full operation of the (JMC), which completed the technical and administrative mechanism for the monitoring of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
“There was hope that CARHRIHL would help stem the tide of increasing human rights violations by the Arroyo government, if not, improve the overall human rights situation in the country which remains in an even worse state almost 20 years after the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship,” Jalandoni said.
But he expressed doubts on the government’s sincerity to abide with the CARHRIHL as he noted that 358 of the 365 complaints were filed against the Philippine government, while the remaining seven were with the NDFP.
Jalandoni enumerated the nature of the complaints to be ranging from disappearances to killings, to torture, illegal arrests and detention, to criminalization of political offenses. These also include abuses against women and children.
“The big number of complaints filed with the JS in a short period of one year not only underscores the worsened state of human rights in the country and the urgent need to address these, but also indicates the broad support for the peace negotiations and the strong desire of the people for the ultimate resolution of the root causes of the armed conflict,” said Jalandoni.
Jalandoni lambasted the Philippine government for not abiding with the mandated meeting of the JMC every after three months since it initially convened in April last year as it would have served to be a proper venue to discuss and act on the complaints.
The government, according to him, is reportedly insisting that the formal peace negotiations should first resume before the JMC holds its regular meeting. It can be recalled that the peace process between the NDFP-Communist Party of the Philippines(CPP)-New People’s Army(NPA) and the government bogged down in August last year after the United States listed again the CPP and the NPA in its list of foreign terrorist organizations.
“The GRP and the NDFP signified their will to implement and abide by the Agreement and to carry out, separately through their respective Monitoring Committees or jointly in the JMC, fact-finding investigations of complaints of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” Jalandoni reminded the government. The CARHRIHL was signed in March 1998 by both parties.
Jalandoni stressed the NDFP’s commitment to the resolution of the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines, saying that it even translated the CARHRIHL into various dialects, and engaged in various activities to educate their members all over the country.
“But it (NDFP) will never be pressured or inveigled into capitulation by the GRP through such means as the murder of legal progressive activists, the terrorizing and wholesale killing of civilians and non-combatants, and the unjustified terrorist labeling of the CPP, the NPA and the NDFP chief political consultant Prof. Jose Ma. Sison,” said Jalandoni.
“The government of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is hardly in any position to impose preconditions on the NDFP in the peace negotiations,” he added.
Jalandoni, meanwhile, warned that Arroyo that her government “is vulnerable to being toppled by a popular uprising similar to those that brought down former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada since it has failed to alleviate the people’s socio-economic condition while callously increasing their tax burden.”
“Arroyo is no different from her corrupt predecessors in wanting to enrich her own family. The NDFP calls on the GRP to heed the people’s demands for social, economic, and political reforms in order to establish a just and lasting peace in the country,” Jalandoni said./DMS
June 3, 2005
Almost all complaints for violation of human rights and international humanitarian law that a joint committee of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) received from June 4 last year until today were allegedly done by government forces, the NDFP thus claimed.
NDFP Negotiating Panel chair Luis Jalandoni said in a statement that the Joint Secretariat (JS) of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP has received a total of 365 complaints for violation of human rights and international humanitarian law since the JS was opened exactly a year ago today.
The JS served as a physical base for the full operation of the (JMC), which completed the technical and administrative mechanism for the monitoring of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
“There was hope that CARHRIHL would help stem the tide of increasing human rights violations by the Arroyo government, if not, improve the overall human rights situation in the country which remains in an even worse state almost 20 years after the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship,” Jalandoni said.
But he expressed doubts on the government’s sincerity to abide with the CARHRIHL as he noted that 358 of the 365 complaints were filed against the Philippine government, while the remaining seven were with the NDFP.
Jalandoni enumerated the nature of the complaints to be ranging from disappearances to killings, to torture, illegal arrests and detention, to criminalization of political offenses. These also include abuses against women and children.
“The big number of complaints filed with the JS in a short period of one year not only underscores the worsened state of human rights in the country and the urgent need to address these, but also indicates the broad support for the peace negotiations and the strong desire of the people for the ultimate resolution of the root causes of the armed conflict,” said Jalandoni.
Jalandoni lambasted the Philippine government for not abiding with the mandated meeting of the JMC every after three months since it initially convened in April last year as it would have served to be a proper venue to discuss and act on the complaints.
The government, according to him, is reportedly insisting that the formal peace negotiations should first resume before the JMC holds its regular meeting. It can be recalled that the peace process between the NDFP-Communist Party of the Philippines(CPP)-New People’s Army(NPA) and the government bogged down in August last year after the United States listed again the CPP and the NPA in its list of foreign terrorist organizations.
“The GRP and the NDFP signified their will to implement and abide by the Agreement and to carry out, separately through their respective Monitoring Committees or jointly in the JMC, fact-finding investigations of complaints of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” Jalandoni reminded the government. The CARHRIHL was signed in March 1998 by both parties.
Jalandoni stressed the NDFP’s commitment to the resolution of the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines, saying that it even translated the CARHRIHL into various dialects, and engaged in various activities to educate their members all over the country.
“But it (NDFP) will never be pressured or inveigled into capitulation by the GRP through such means as the murder of legal progressive activists, the terrorizing and wholesale killing of civilians and non-combatants, and the unjustified terrorist labeling of the CPP, the NPA and the NDFP chief political consultant Prof. Jose Ma. Sison,” said Jalandoni.
“The government of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is hardly in any position to impose preconditions on the NDFP in the peace negotiations,” he added.
Jalandoni, meanwhile, warned that Arroyo that her government “is vulnerable to being toppled by a popular uprising similar to those that brought down former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada since it has failed to alleviate the people’s socio-economic condition while callously increasing their tax burden.”
“Arroyo is no different from her corrupt predecessors in wanting to enrich her own family. The NDFP calls on the GRP to heed the people’s demands for social, economic, and political reforms in order to establish a just and lasting peace in the country,” Jalandoni said./DMS
Military court tells Garcia lawyers to speed up
By Ronron
June 3, 2005
The military court trying retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia over his unexplained wealth and alleged possession of a “US green card” told the latter’s lawyers Friday to speed up the presentation of their defense as it postponed yesterday’s scheduled hearing to allow Garcia’s counsel to attend to his other cases at the Sandiganbayan.
“We advise the defense to be more direct in presenting their case so that next hearing, we will make headway in the proceedings,” General Court Martial presiding officer Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio said before adjourning the hearing held at Camp Aguinaldo.
The order came after Teodosio granted the motion of the defense to postpone the hearing yesterday afternoon on the grounds that Garcia’s lawyers have to attend to similar proceedings at the anti-graft court, also for Garcia.
But even as the court ordered the postponement, it reminded the defense that it should be able to reconcile their schedule at the military court with the Sandiganbayan hearings ahead of time, considering that there are more than one lawyer in Garcia’s defense.
“We view with concern the seemingly much delay in the proceedings. We’ve been here for so long, but we’re not substantially progressing,” Teodosio said.
But Col. Antonio Doronila, one of Garcia’s lawyers, insisted the defense is not intentionally creating any delaying tactics, saying they have been presenting witnesses and pieces of evidence every hearing period.
The defense has so far presented six witnesses, but, as Doronila admitted, they have not made any significant revelation or claims that support their defense.
“They’re not controverting what was said in the charge sheet. Like, did he (Garcia) file his (statements of assets and liabilities) honestly? That is what the court is waiting for. So far, they’re harping on technicalities and always far from the main issue,” Prosecutor Col. Al Perreras said of the defense.
Both sides, however, were of the same view that yesterday’s postponement was not a delaying tactic by the defense.
Doronila said his co-counsels attended yesterday’s hearing at the Sandiganbayan for Garcia’s cases of plunder and forfeiture of properties.
The military court set the next hearing for the cases of violation of Articles of War against Garcia on June 10, 15, and 24 of this year./DMS
June 3, 2005
The military court trying retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia over his unexplained wealth and alleged possession of a “US green card” told the latter’s lawyers Friday to speed up the presentation of their defense as it postponed yesterday’s scheduled hearing to allow Garcia’s counsel to attend to his other cases at the Sandiganbayan.
“We advise the defense to be more direct in presenting their case so that next hearing, we will make headway in the proceedings,” General Court Martial presiding officer Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio said before adjourning the hearing held at Camp Aguinaldo.
The order came after Teodosio granted the motion of the defense to postpone the hearing yesterday afternoon on the grounds that Garcia’s lawyers have to attend to similar proceedings at the anti-graft court, also for Garcia.
But even as the court ordered the postponement, it reminded the defense that it should be able to reconcile their schedule at the military court with the Sandiganbayan hearings ahead of time, considering that there are more than one lawyer in Garcia’s defense.
“We view with concern the seemingly much delay in the proceedings. We’ve been here for so long, but we’re not substantially progressing,” Teodosio said.
But Col. Antonio Doronila, one of Garcia’s lawyers, insisted the defense is not intentionally creating any delaying tactics, saying they have been presenting witnesses and pieces of evidence every hearing period.
The defense has so far presented six witnesses, but, as Doronila admitted, they have not made any significant revelation or claims that support their defense.
“They’re not controverting what was said in the charge sheet. Like, did he (Garcia) file his (statements of assets and liabilities) honestly? That is what the court is waiting for. So far, they’re harping on technicalities and always far from the main issue,” Prosecutor Col. Al Perreras said of the defense.
Both sides, however, were of the same view that yesterday’s postponement was not a delaying tactic by the defense.
Doronila said his co-counsels attended yesterday’s hearing at the Sandiganbayan for Garcia’s cases of plunder and forfeiture of properties.
The military court set the next hearing for the cases of violation of Articles of War against Garcia on June 10, 15, and 24 of this year./DMS
2 NPA’s killed in encounter in Isabela
By Ronron
June 3, 2005
Two communist rebels were killed in an encounter Friday morning between the New People’s Army (NPA) and government troops in the northern Philippine province of Isabela.
Initial reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City said the two slain rebels were among the undetermined number of communist guerillas whom elements of the 52nd Reconnaissance Company under the Philippine Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion exchanged fires with at 7:05 am yesterday in Barangay Ara, Benito Soliven, Isabela.
No one was hurt from the government side.
The government troops, led by 2Lt. Albert Batinga, were conducting combat patrol then in response to intelligence reports about the presence of NPA rebels at said area.
The rebel group reportedly belongs to Platoon 1, Central Front of the NPA’s Cagayan Valley Regional Party Committee, headed by a certain Melecio Casisola, alias Ka Milis or Ka Jose.
The military recovered from the clash site two M16 rifles of the rebels.
A platoon from the same company immediately proceeded at the encounter site to reinforce the engaged government troops, while troops of the Alpha company, also of the 45th IB, established blocking positions at the possible withdrawal routes of the rebels./DMS
June 3, 2005
Two communist rebels were killed in an encounter Friday morning between the New People’s Army (NPA) and government troops in the northern Philippine province of Isabela.
Initial reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City said the two slain rebels were among the undetermined number of communist guerillas whom elements of the 52nd Reconnaissance Company under the Philippine Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion exchanged fires with at 7:05 am yesterday in Barangay Ara, Benito Soliven, Isabela.
No one was hurt from the government side.
The government troops, led by 2Lt. Albert Batinga, were conducting combat patrol then in response to intelligence reports about the presence of NPA rebels at said area.
The rebel group reportedly belongs to Platoon 1, Central Front of the NPA’s Cagayan Valley Regional Party Committee, headed by a certain Melecio Casisola, alias Ka Milis or Ka Jose.
The military recovered from the clash site two M16 rifles of the rebels.
A platoon from the same company immediately proceeded at the encounter site to reinforce the engaged government troops, while troops of the Alpha company, also of the 45th IB, established blocking positions at the possible withdrawal routes of the rebels./DMS
P5.6 million worth of shabu recovered from Chinese
By Ronron
June 3, 2005
Police operatives recovered on Thursday afternoon four kilos of shabu, worth P5.6 million, from an undocumented Chinese national during an entrapment operation at the parking lot of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Chief Supt. Ricardo Dapat identified the suspect as Chi Hong Wong, 23, who was being tracked down initially for alleged gunrunning.
Dapat said CIDG operatives were about to approach Wong at the parking area of said mall past 5 pm the other day when the latter ran towards his Honda car, grabbed his Desert Eagle pistol caliber 99 mm, and tried to shoot it out with the law enforcers.
But the policemen responded quickly and subdued him, leading to his capture.
The CIDG operatives later found a bag inside Wong’s car that contained white crystalline substance, examined later to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
Wong was not able to present any document or passport when asked for any.
He was charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1866 (Illegal Possession of Firearms) and of the Dangerous Drugs Act at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office, and was not granted bail by Prosecutor Elenita Dumaguile for his temporary freedom./DMS
June 3, 2005
Police operatives recovered on Thursday afternoon four kilos of shabu, worth P5.6 million, from an undocumented Chinese national during an entrapment operation at the parking lot of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Chief Supt. Ricardo Dapat identified the suspect as Chi Hong Wong, 23, who was being tracked down initially for alleged gunrunning.
Dapat said CIDG operatives were about to approach Wong at the parking area of said mall past 5 pm the other day when the latter ran towards his Honda car, grabbed his Desert Eagle pistol caliber 99 mm, and tried to shoot it out with the law enforcers.
But the policemen responded quickly and subdued him, leading to his capture.
The CIDG operatives later found a bag inside Wong’s car that contained white crystalline substance, examined later to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
Wong was not able to present any document or passport when asked for any.
He was charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1866 (Illegal Possession of Firearms) and of the Dangerous Drugs Act at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office, and was not granted bail by Prosecutor Elenita Dumaguile for his temporary freedom./DMS
Friday, June 3, 2005
Garcia rushed to hospital for chest pains, turns out he’s OK
By Ronron
June 2, 2005
Retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, the embattled former comptroller of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was rushed Thursday morning to the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) in Camp Crame, Quezon City after complaining of chest pains but turned out he is just fine, police officials said.
According to PNP Headquarters Support Services Director Chief Supt. Geary Barias, Garcia was taken to the PNPGH at around 9 am, 15 hours since he arrived at the PNP Custodial Center in preparation for the trial of the plunder charge leveled against him and his family at the Second Division of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court for allegedly amassing more than P300 million from military funds.
Garcia, 56, underwent some medical check-up and tests at the hospital, and was back to his two-meter-by-three-meter detention cell about an hour later.
His hypertension was declared to be under control, based on his blood pressure, the results of his blood tests, and physical examination.
Barias assured that Garcia, just like the other 67 detainees at the PNP Custodial Center, can always avail of medical services of the PNPGH when necessary. “We had to take care also of the health of the detainees,” he said.
Barias stressed Garcia is not given special treatment at the detention facility which is housing suspects in high-profile cases, like former congressman Dennis Roldan and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Martin Soriano.
He said Garcia will be covered of the same rules and regulations imposed in the facility, specifically on visitation, food ration, and detention cell amenities.
Barias said Garcia’s lawyers could visit their client anytime they want to, but his relatives and friends will have to abide with the allowed visitation time.
The beleaguered retired official will not also be given access to the use of cellular phones, television, and air-conditioned units, and instead bear with his wooden bed and an electric fan.
And just like his co-detainees, Garcia will be eating the food served by the facility three times a day, which is all worth P30.00. “But it is not prohibited that (his relatives and friends) would bring food there, provided those are all inspected,” said Barias.
Garcia is staying alone in the detention cell that is good for four persons.
“He seems alright. In fact, he was surprised when he was brought here. He did not bring anything. He was wearing his barong, and I asked him about his other things. He told me, he left everything at the (Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines). So, I advised him to get his things because we could not give him anything,” Barias said of Garcia.
Garcia had already been detained since late last year at the ISAFP inside Camp Aguinaldo upon the commencement of his trial at the military’s General Court Martial for the charges of violation of Articles of War leveled against him./DMS
June 2, 2005
Retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, the embattled former comptroller of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was rushed Thursday morning to the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) in Camp Crame, Quezon City after complaining of chest pains but turned out he is just fine, police officials said.
According to PNP Headquarters Support Services Director Chief Supt. Geary Barias, Garcia was taken to the PNPGH at around 9 am, 15 hours since he arrived at the PNP Custodial Center in preparation for the trial of the plunder charge leveled against him and his family at the Second Division of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court for allegedly amassing more than P300 million from military funds.
Garcia, 56, underwent some medical check-up and tests at the hospital, and was back to his two-meter-by-three-meter detention cell about an hour later.
His hypertension was declared to be under control, based on his blood pressure, the results of his blood tests, and physical examination.
Barias assured that Garcia, just like the other 67 detainees at the PNP Custodial Center, can always avail of medical services of the PNPGH when necessary. “We had to take care also of the health of the detainees,” he said.
Barias stressed Garcia is not given special treatment at the detention facility which is housing suspects in high-profile cases, like former congressman Dennis Roldan and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Martin Soriano.
He said Garcia will be covered of the same rules and regulations imposed in the facility, specifically on visitation, food ration, and detention cell amenities.
Barias said Garcia’s lawyers could visit their client anytime they want to, but his relatives and friends will have to abide with the allowed visitation time.
The beleaguered retired official will not also be given access to the use of cellular phones, television, and air-conditioned units, and instead bear with his wooden bed and an electric fan.
And just like his co-detainees, Garcia will be eating the food served by the facility three times a day, which is all worth P30.00. “But it is not prohibited that (his relatives and friends) would bring food there, provided those are all inspected,” said Barias.
Garcia is staying alone in the detention cell that is good for four persons.
“He seems alright. In fact, he was surprised when he was brought here. He did not bring anything. He was wearing his barong, and I asked him about his other things. He told me, he left everything at the (Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines). So, I advised him to get his things because we could not give him anything,” Barias said of Garcia.
Garcia had already been detained since late last year at the ISAFP inside Camp Aguinaldo upon the commencement of his trial at the military’s General Court Martial for the charges of violation of Articles of War leveled against him./DMS
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Japanese gov't orders recall of embassy staff from General Santos City amid security threats and unsuccessful mission to confirm presence of straggler
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Monday, May 30, 2005
Mediator willing to meet Tokyo-based official regarding alleged Japanese stragglers in Mindanao
By Ronron
May 29, 2005
General Santos City - The contact of the Japanese Embassy in Manila for the turn over of the two alleged Japanese war soldiers holed up in the mountains of this city expressed willingess to meet the Japanese official from Tokyo who is supposed to have arrived here already on Sunday.
In an interview with Manila Shimbun early last night, the go-between said he was waiting for a word from embassy personnel yesterday afternoon regarding the supposed meeting but to no avail.
Suminori Arima, from Japan's Ministry of Welfare, was expected to have arrived in this southern Philippine city yesterday morning but journalists who went to the airport here to meet the official returned to their bases empty-handed.
Arima, according to Japanese Embassy spokesman Shuhei Ogawa, was sent here "to help in their operation" to confirm the report about the two Japanese stragglers who, allegedly after failing to go home to Japan after the second World War in 1945, has since lived in the mountains here.
The report drew so much interest from the Japanese community, especially from Japanese newsmen who flew in here from Japan, because of its precedent that happened in 1974 involving Japanese soldier, Hiroo Onoda, who was found in Lubang Island, Mindoro Occidental.
"I am willing to meet him (Arima) anytime but up to late this afternoon, there was no contact made to me from the Japanese government side," the self-proclaimed mediator told Manila Shimbun yesterday in Japanese.
At the time he was being interviewed, the mediator claimed he just came from the mountain to meet supposedly the two alleged Japanese soldiers. However, he failed to do so because, according to him, when he had already reached some 800 meters high, he was stopped by some guerillas, and that rain was pouring very hard.
Ogawa, in an interview earlier in the day, refused to divulge when the last contact was made by the embassy with the go-between, who is described to be a Japanese businessmen in Mindanao, as well as the content of their recent conversations.
He also did not respond to queries as to whether or not Arima had already arrived here and where would he be staying.
Even as the third day in waiting ended yesterday, the Japanese Embassy still has yet to make proper coordination with the local authorities here for the verification about the existence of the stragglers.
Ogawa said seeking the participation of the authorities would only "complicate" their mission.
"If they come to us and seek for our help (in verifying the existence of the Japanese stragglers), we will do so. I am hopeful they will come to us," said Police Superintendent Alfredo Toroctocon, chief of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO).
Both the police and army units here have maintained that they have no knowledge as to the sightings of the alleged two Japanese war soldiers.
So far, the coordination was only limited to the security of the embassy people and the hordes of Japanese mediamen. The Japanese Embassy, quoting an advisory from the regional police here, warned last Saturday the newsmen not to go to the mountains due to security risks brought about by the presence of elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the New People's Army (NPA).
Asked what if media defy their advisory, Ogawa replied: "Well, we can't control that situation anymore."
Army Maj. Gen. Raul Relano, 6th Infantry Division Commander, expressed worries that newsmen, especially Japanese nationals, might risk their selves to communist guerrillas if they go up to areas where the stragglers are reported to have been sighted, such as Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, located just north of this city.
"I am worried about their (reporters) security if they go there because that is an NPA-infested area. They could be kidnapped," Relano told Manila Shimbun in Filipino.
Toroctocon, for his part, disclosed that their intelligence men continue to receive "tidbits of information" regarding terroristic threats on the city coming from the Jeemah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group, which, even if based in Western Mindanao, have their own sympathizers from here.
The most recent terroristic attack in this city happened last February 14 of this year, simultaneous with the bombings in Makati City in Luzon, and in neighboring Davao City. At least three people were killed and 16 others were injured when a bomb blast hit the Gaisano Mall here last Valentine's day.
Toroctocon said personnel of the police precinct nearest to Phela Grande Hotel, located on Magsaysay Avenue here where embassy officials and most of the media are billeted, have been alerted to secure the vicinity.
They are supported by members of the military's Joint Task Force General Santos.
The stay here of the embassy people remains open until they could confirm the report regarding the stragglers, which, until yesterday, remains unaccomplished, said Ogawa.
He said what has so far transpired until the third day in waiting was only their continuing arrangement for the planned meeting.
The spokesman said no cash demand, either for ransom or other purposes, have been received by the Japanese government from anyone or the mediator in particular in exchange for the turn over of the alleged stragglers./DMS
May 29, 2005
General Santos City - The contact of the Japanese Embassy in Manila for the turn over of the two alleged Japanese war soldiers holed up in the mountains of this city expressed willingess to meet the Japanese official from Tokyo who is supposed to have arrived here already on Sunday.
In an interview with Manila Shimbun early last night, the go-between said he was waiting for a word from embassy personnel yesterday afternoon regarding the supposed meeting but to no avail.
Suminori Arima, from Japan's Ministry of Welfare, was expected to have arrived in this southern Philippine city yesterday morning but journalists who went to the airport here to meet the official returned to their bases empty-handed.
Arima, according to Japanese Embassy spokesman Shuhei Ogawa, was sent here "to help in their operation" to confirm the report about the two Japanese stragglers who, allegedly after failing to go home to Japan after the second World War in 1945, has since lived in the mountains here.
The report drew so much interest from the Japanese community, especially from Japanese newsmen who flew in here from Japan, because of its precedent that happened in 1974 involving Japanese soldier, Hiroo Onoda, who was found in Lubang Island, Mindoro Occidental.
"I am willing to meet him (Arima) anytime but up to late this afternoon, there was no contact made to me from the Japanese government side," the self-proclaimed mediator told Manila Shimbun yesterday in Japanese.
At the time he was being interviewed, the mediator claimed he just came from the mountain to meet supposedly the two alleged Japanese soldiers. However, he failed to do so because, according to him, when he had already reached some 800 meters high, he was stopped by some guerillas, and that rain was pouring very hard.
Ogawa, in an interview earlier in the day, refused to divulge when the last contact was made by the embassy with the go-between, who is described to be a Japanese businessmen in Mindanao, as well as the content of their recent conversations.
He also did not respond to queries as to whether or not Arima had already arrived here and where would he be staying.
Even as the third day in waiting ended yesterday, the Japanese Embassy still has yet to make proper coordination with the local authorities here for the verification about the existence of the stragglers.
Ogawa said seeking the participation of the authorities would only "complicate" their mission.
"If they come to us and seek for our help (in verifying the existence of the Japanese stragglers), we will do so. I am hopeful they will come to us," said Police Superintendent Alfredo Toroctocon, chief of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO).
Both the police and army units here have maintained that they have no knowledge as to the sightings of the alleged two Japanese war soldiers.
So far, the coordination was only limited to the security of the embassy people and the hordes of Japanese mediamen. The Japanese Embassy, quoting an advisory from the regional police here, warned last Saturday the newsmen not to go to the mountains due to security risks brought about by the presence of elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the New People's Army (NPA).
Asked what if media defy their advisory, Ogawa replied: "Well, we can't control that situation anymore."
Army Maj. Gen. Raul Relano, 6th Infantry Division Commander, expressed worries that newsmen, especially Japanese nationals, might risk their selves to communist guerrillas if they go up to areas where the stragglers are reported to have been sighted, such as Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, located just north of this city.
"I am worried about their (reporters) security if they go there because that is an NPA-infested area. They could be kidnapped," Relano told Manila Shimbun in Filipino.
Toroctocon, for his part, disclosed that their intelligence men continue to receive "tidbits of information" regarding terroristic threats on the city coming from the Jeemah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group, which, even if based in Western Mindanao, have their own sympathizers from here.
The most recent terroristic attack in this city happened last February 14 of this year, simultaneous with the bombings in Makati City in Luzon, and in neighboring Davao City. At least three people were killed and 16 others were injured when a bomb blast hit the Gaisano Mall here last Valentine's day.
Toroctocon said personnel of the police precinct nearest to Phela Grande Hotel, located on Magsaysay Avenue here where embassy officials and most of the media are billeted, have been alerted to secure the vicinity.
They are supported by members of the military's Joint Task Force General Santos.
The stay here of the embassy people remains open until they could confirm the report regarding the stragglers, which, until yesterday, remains unaccomplished, said Ogawa.
He said what has so far transpired until the third day in waiting was only their continuing arrangement for the planned meeting.
The spokesman said no cash demand, either for ransom or other purposes, have been received by the Japanese government from anyone or the mediator in particular in exchange for the turn over of the alleged stragglers./DMS
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Scores of Japanese mediamen await development of stagglers report
By Ronron
May 28, 2005
General Santos City - Almost a hundred newsmen and crew, some of whom coming from Japan, are still awaiting here on Saturday the supposed turn over of two Japanese soldiers who have been in hiding and living in the mountains of this city for 60 years since the end of the second World War in 1945.
Despite several contacts made with a Japanese mediator since Thursday until yesterday, officials of the Japanese Embassy in Manila who were deployed here remains clueless as to when the turn-over of the two will take place.
Embassy spokesperson, Shuhei Ogawa, cited, among many things, the overwhelming presence of media practitioners here as a concern of the Mindanao-based mediator who is supposed to facilitate the turn over of the two war soldiers.
"We don't know the reason why they have not come out yet. But we hope to resolve this as soon as possible," Ogawa told reporters in an interview yesterday morning here at the East Asia Royale Hotel where the turn-over was supposed to take place.
Asked if they doubt the report, Ogawa replied: "It's too soon to judge. But we (embassy officials) were told to stay put here."
Four embassy officials arrived here last Friday morning to meet supposedly the mediator and the Japanese war soldiers, who are described to be in their 80's. But while some returned to the Japanese Consular office in Japan yesterday, officials from Japan's Ministry of Welfare are expected to arrive today.
"They will be coming here to help us in our operation here," Ogawa said of the Tokyo-based officials.
Ogawa said the purpose of their coming here is to verify the claim of the mediator who first called the Japanese Embassy in Manila last Thursday . According to the mediator, the two Japanese war veterans are seeking help to be able to go back to Japan.
"We are not asking for evidence from the mediator to support his claim. It's enough that he brings the two to us," said Ogawa. The mediator reportedly has not yet seen for himself the two stragglers.
The spokesman said he learned that the Ministry of Welfare of Japan has received letters from someone regarding the Japanese stragglers.
Until yesterday, Ogawa said they were still working out ways to bring out the alleged stragglers, even without the help of Philippine authorities.
"We will ask help (from the Philippine government) only when it is necessary," he said.
In separate interviews, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) District office here, the Army division in control of the area, and the city government admitted they still have to receive an official communication from the Japanese Embassy about its current undertaking. These agencies claimed of having no knowledge about the presence of Japanese stragglers here.
"The Philippine Army's sixth infantry division has been operating in the area of Mt. Matutum once in a while. We did not hear those names there, nor do we know the existence of Japanese war veterans," Army 6th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Raul Relano told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
The police, on the other hand, took the initiative of verifying the report through intelligence gathering.
It also warned the mediamen, especially those who came from Japan, not to proceed to the mountains because of the prevailig security threat brought about by the presence there of the Islamic secessionist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the communist New People's Army (NPA), said Ogawa.
The arrival of several mediamen here has stirred excitement among local people, especially those who happen to pass by the hotels where reporters are on stand by. It also sent all hotels and lodging establishments here to full occupancy level./DMS
May 28, 2005
General Santos City - Almost a hundred newsmen and crew, some of whom coming from Japan, are still awaiting here on Saturday the supposed turn over of two Japanese soldiers who have been in hiding and living in the mountains of this city for 60 years since the end of the second World War in 1945.
Despite several contacts made with a Japanese mediator since Thursday until yesterday, officials of the Japanese Embassy in Manila who were deployed here remains clueless as to when the turn-over of the two will take place.
Embassy spokesperson, Shuhei Ogawa, cited, among many things, the overwhelming presence of media practitioners here as a concern of the Mindanao-based mediator who is supposed to facilitate the turn over of the two war soldiers.
"We don't know the reason why they have not come out yet. But we hope to resolve this as soon as possible," Ogawa told reporters in an interview yesterday morning here at the East Asia Royale Hotel where the turn-over was supposed to take place.
Asked if they doubt the report, Ogawa replied: "It's too soon to judge. But we (embassy officials) were told to stay put here."
Four embassy officials arrived here last Friday morning to meet supposedly the mediator and the Japanese war soldiers, who are described to be in their 80's. But while some returned to the Japanese Consular office in Japan yesterday, officials from Japan's Ministry of Welfare are expected to arrive today.
"They will be coming here to help us in our operation here," Ogawa said of the Tokyo-based officials.
Ogawa said the purpose of their coming here is to verify the claim of the mediator who first called the Japanese Embassy in Manila last Thursday . According to the mediator, the two Japanese war veterans are seeking help to be able to go back to Japan.
"We are not asking for evidence from the mediator to support his claim. It's enough that he brings the two to us," said Ogawa. The mediator reportedly has not yet seen for himself the two stragglers.
The spokesman said he learned that the Ministry of Welfare of Japan has received letters from someone regarding the Japanese stragglers.
Until yesterday, Ogawa said they were still working out ways to bring out the alleged stragglers, even without the help of Philippine authorities.
"We will ask help (from the Philippine government) only when it is necessary," he said.
In separate interviews, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) District office here, the Army division in control of the area, and the city government admitted they still have to receive an official communication from the Japanese Embassy about its current undertaking. These agencies claimed of having no knowledge about the presence of Japanese stragglers here.
"The Philippine Army's sixth infantry division has been operating in the area of Mt. Matutum once in a while. We did not hear those names there, nor do we know the existence of Japanese war veterans," Army 6th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Raul Relano told Manila Shimbun in a phone interview.
The police, on the other hand, took the initiative of verifying the report through intelligence gathering.
It also warned the mediamen, especially those who came from Japan, not to proceed to the mountains because of the prevailig security threat brought about by the presence there of the Islamic secessionist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the communist New People's Army (NPA), said Ogawa.
The arrival of several mediamen here has stirred excitement among local people, especially those who happen to pass by the hotels where reporters are on stand by. It also sent all hotels and lodging establishments here to full occupancy level./DMS
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