Sunday, August 31, 2008

One killed one, in critical condition after a gas leak in Petron Refinery in Bataan

Miami
September 1, 2008
Story 1: One killed one, in critical condition after a gas leak in Petron Refinery in Bataan

One killed and one in critical condition after being exposed in chemical substance used to refine crude oil in the refinery complex of Petron Corporation in Bataan or also known as Petron Bataan Refinery.

The two victims are employees of Petron Bataan Refinery and were identified as Anthony Jed Q. Reyes, the operation technician, 24, resident of Balanga, Bataan and Nicolo S. Balonzo, chemical engineer, 24, native of Magallanes, Sorsogon.

Reyes was declared dead on arival, while Balonzo is on critical condition and confined in St. Joseph Hospital in Balanga, Bataan.

Based on initial report from Bataan Provincial police office the incident occurred at around 4:30 am of September 1, when some employees saw the two lying on the floor, both unconscious, at the Sour Water Treating Facility inside the Petron Bataan Refinery Complex.

According to the Public Affairs office of Petron, the two technicians had been performing a maintenance task to address a high liquid level condition in a waste water collecting drum, and appear to have been inadvertently exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. But, this has yet to be confirmed according to Petron.

The Sour Water Treating Facility is an open area, there were no other victims because at that time the work is only limited to the two.

The two has to drain water from a drum after the hydrogen sulfide was separated from water. Petron explained that a crude oil contains this kind of chemical and have to be separated from the oil and water because this is considered as toxic chemicals. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is normally heavier than air, but when agitated, it can erupt from the confines of the pipe in levels of toxicity which can paralyze the lungs.
Petron also denied earlier reports that there has an explosion or gas leak at their Refinery when the incident happened.

Petron management also conducting their own investigation on what really happened that lead to the untimely death of their two employees.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Two others soldiers killed in the crashed C-130

Miami
August 29, 2008
Story: Two others soldiers killed in the crashed C-130

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed Friday morning, August 29, 2008 that there are two other soldiers onboard on the C-130 with tail number 4593 that crashed Monday night.

The two soldiers are both from Philippine Army were identified as Corporal Bernie Sabangan of First Ranger regiment and Master Sgt. Remegio Lebres of 3rd infantry Division.

The two soldiers boarded at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, together with the Scout Rangers that will be transported by the C-130 in Davao City. The two soldiers only escorted the portable radio equipment that the Scout Ranger will bring in Davao City, because they will be held accountable for any lost of it.

According to Col. Roy Deveraturda, Chief for Operations of PAF, this was only confirmed Thursday, after the 3rd Infantry Division called their attention.

“There were no manifesto or official list on those who boarded the aircraft in Davao, but they were included in the flight manifesto in Fort Magsaysay,” Deveraturda explained. He further said that the two were only added when the team of scout ranger from Fort Magsaysay is about to leave Monday afternoon. They were not included on the first list that was submitted to the Air Force.

It was only confirmed Wednesday, “Because the point of origin is the one analysing the passengers manifest and the point of origin of these two soldiers is the Fort Magsaysay,” Deveretaurda said.

He added that the two did not even disembark in Davao Airport and will not disembark to any point of destination of the C-130, they have to go back to Manila, then will go in Fort Magsaysay.

Chief of Air Staff Maj. Gen. Jovito Gammad also confirmed that they are not expecting any survivors anymore because of the impact of crashed of the C-130. He also said that the point of impact is about 800-feet in Davao Gulf.

“No one can survive on that kind of impact,” Gammad said.

Meanwhile, the investigation team is only considering two factors that lead to the crashed of C-130. These are the human factor and the material factor.

Gammad and Deveraturda explained that the human factor is not the pilot error alone, this also includes crew, supervisor on the ground, dispatcher of the aircraft, and the air traffic controller that is manning the tower.
On the material factor, these are the engines, controls at the cockpit, and some instruments that would determine the air speed and altitude that the C-130.

The US Navy Seacraft John McDonnel is expected to arrive on Saturday to help the Philippines in searching for the aircraft that crashed in Davao Gulf.

It can determine the location how depth is the aircraft is. It is also equipped with Sight Scan Sonar that can take pictures of the aircraft under the sea so that they can determine how does it looks like.

The C-130 crashed last Monday night, at around 8:53 pm after its take-off and killed its pilot, co-pilot, 7 crew members and 2 army soldiers.

The C-130 is about to go to Iloilo International Airport which is located in Iloilo City to fetched about 80 members of Presidential Security Guard (PSG) who are all bound to Manila.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

10 Koreans killed in a road accident in Pangasinan

Miami
August 28, 2008
Story: 10 Koreans killed in a road accident in Pangasinan

Ten Koreans, two of them were already living in the Philippines, met a tragic accident in the province of Pangasinan, Wednesday noon, August 27.

The incident occured at around 12:15 pm and the victims were about to go to STL Garden Resort in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The victims came from Baguio City where they stayed for a while.

Eight of the Koreans arrived in Baguio last August 25.

On ten Koreans that were killed 6 of them were male and 4 were female including a six year old child.

They were identified as Lee In Chul, 47, male; their driver and guide on that day Lee Su Gun, 53, male; Park Sung Don 48, male; Jung Jung He, 46, female: Park Bo Hua 6, female; Han Seung Ho, 52, female; Kwak Dyung Bae 33, male; Park Tae Sung, 38, male; Choi Mi Kyung, 36, female and Park Su Jin, 53, male.

Two of those mentioned are already residing in the in Baguio City for almost two years, they are Lee In Chul and Lee Su Gun. They are living in Barangay Camp 7 and Scout barrio respectively.

According to Sr. Supt. Isagani Neres, Pangasinan Provincial police Office Provincial Director, the Koreans are only here for a vacation and to visit some places in the Philippines.

The victims were riding in a Hyundai van (RBN-423) being driven by Lee Su Gun who know the way and even a regular visitor of STL Garden Resort. But upon reaching Barangay Sampaloc, Bolinao, Pangasinan they are speeding fast and lost control.

They even went on the opposite lane then bumped in to the concrete wall of RM Construction Supply which is approximately 15 meters away from the lane where the van came from.

Neres added that the vehicle was totally destroyed and it shows an indication that the van several times on the wall.

He added that they coordinated with the Korean Association living in Baguio City who positively identified the victims.

policeman killed in an encounter with NPA in Sorsogon

Miami
August 28, 2008
Story: policeman killed in an encounter with NPA in Sorsogon

A policeman was killed after they had an encounter with the members of New Peoples Army (NPA) in the province of Sorsogon, Wednesday afternoon.

The policeman was identified as PO1 Gilbert Arao, 30, assigned at Albay Police Provincial Office who sustained gunshot wounds on his body during the encounter.

According to Supt. Eliazar Bron, Chief of Public Information office in Police regional Office in Region 5, the 501 and 502 of Provincial Police mobile Group of Albay together with the 2nd Infantry battalion of the Philippine Army were patrolling at the area at the boundary of Jovellar, Albay and Donsol, Sorsogon when they encountered armed men believed to be members of NPA.

The fire fight started at around 3:30 pm which lasted at around 3:45 pm.

PO1 Arao was killed in the area of Barangay Pawala, Donsol, Sorsogon. There were no reported injured in the side of the government.

Bron said that the elements of NPA moved towards the remote area of Donsol to hide from the authorities.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Philippine Air Force starts their investigation but having a hard time

Miami
August 27, 2008
Story: Philippine Air Force starts their investigation but having a hard time

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has started their investigation on the real cause why their C-130 with tail number 4593 crashed in Davao Gulf, barely three minutes after take off from Davao International Airport.

However, PAF official said they are still having a hard time to gather evidences so that they can investigate continuously.

Major General Jovito Gammad, supervising the investigation on the crashed C-130 said that as of this moment they are only gathering testimonies from the local residents in Barangay Lapu-lapu, Agdao District of Davao City.

“We are checking on the reports that there are lightning while the plane is flying already and it hit it. We are also checking on the reports that it exploded on air before it crashed. There are many angles that we have to confirmed it first,” Gammad said in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun.

Gammad said that as of the moment they are still clueless on what really happened, “We are also waiting for what the search and rescue team can recover from the sea, like the parts of the plane that can help us determine what happened.”

Among the parts of the C-130 that Gammad wants to see and be studied for investigation are the controls at the cockpit, engines, and some instruments that would determine the air speed and altitude that the C-130 is flying before the incident.

Without those mentioned parts of the plane, the investigating team will have a hard time in determining the real reason of the accident.

Gammad added that they are still considering the four factors on why the crashed happened. These are the electrical failure, mechanical failure, human error or weather situation in the area.

He added that they are not setting any deadline for the investigation but hoping that they can have result as soon as possible.

Improvised bomb found in an elementary school in Davao City

Miami
August 27, 2008
Story: Improvised bomb found in an elementary school in Davao City

An improvised explosive device was found in the back of an elementary school in Davao City, Wednesday afternoon of August 27, 2008.

Chief Inspector Querubin Manalang, Spokesperson of Region 11, confirmed the report and said that it was found at the back side, outside of the fence of Hizon Elementary (public) School in Barangay Lanang, Sasa, Davao City at around 2:00 pm.

The bomb was found by retired enlisted personnel of Philippine Air Force identified as Mauricio Camarao who was walking on the area with his carabao. He was about to leave his carabao near the fence of the school to rest when he noticed the 81-mm mortar with blasting caps and wires on it.

According to him, the IED is exposed or can be easily seen though it was laid in the grassy portion area.

The fence of the school is about 6 feet high. The IED is about 15-20 meters away from the school building.

Camarao reported it to the police then Explosives Ordnance Division of the PNP Region 11 immediately responded.

Since it is near the school, the policemen coordinates with school administrator to inform them that there is a bomb at the back of their school and to let the students go out of the school because they will have to detonate it there. The classes were suspended at around 2:30 pm.

Manalang said the IED can be detonated with the use of cellphone because of the blasting caps and wires on it. “But if has no any wires or blasting caps that can ignite the mortar, this will not explode easily,” he explained.

The IED detonated where it was found because of the high risk that if they transport it, the IED will explode.

Vice-Mayor in Batangas gunned down by lone suspect

Miami
August 27, 2008
Story: Vice-Mayor in Batangas gunned down by lone suspect

A Vice-Mayor from a province of Batangas was gunned down on his own building Tuesday night by only one suspect.

The incident transpired at around 8:40 pm of August 26, 2008 at the ground floor of RSIC Call center which is owned by the victim and located in Barangay Poblacion 3, Bauan, Batangas.

The victim was identified as Rowell Sandoval, 51, vice-mayor of Mabini town also in Batangas which is the town next to Bauan.

According to Supt. Antonio Malabanan, Chief of Police of Bauan Police Station, the building has two floors, the incident happened at the ground floor of the building, at the lobby particularly where Sandoval was sitting with his wife, when suddenly the lone suspect went inside the building and shot Sandoval several times.

After shooting Sandoval, the suspect went outside as if he did not do anything.

Sandoval sustained five gunshot wounds and all of these shots entered at the back of his body. Malabanan said that Sandoval was not facing the front portion of the building when he was shot that is why all of the shots came entered at his back. The fatal shot is the bullet that entered through his left chest.

Malabanan admitted that they do not have a lead yet on who is the suspect and why did this to the Vice- Mayor. He added that the Vice-Mayor has no death threats prior to this incident.

The RSCI Call center building has only two floors. At the time of the incident there are employees working at the second floor of the building. But no one hurt in the incident.

Sandoval was able to rush at Bauan General Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Recovered from the crime scene are eight empty shells of .45 caliber.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

C-130 reported missing, debris found in water shoreline in Davao City

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
August 26, 2008
Story: C-130 reported missing, debris found in water shoreline in Davao City

A C-130 of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with tail number 4593 was reportedly missing after its take off from Davao City International Airport last August 25, 2008, Monday at around 8:53 pm.

The debris of the said aircraft was found in the shoreline of Davao Gulf in the vicinity of Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Agdao District, Davao City was believed to be washed ashore. The first information was relayed by their Air Force Commander in Davao City to the Air Force office in Villamor Airbase in Taguig City at around 11:15 am of August 26, 2008, Tuesday.

The Davao Gulf is in between Davao City and Samal Island of Davao del Norte.

The debris that was found are military identification card of a crew member on board the plane, boots, pilot books as well as a wheel and the wheel strut of the plane. A wheel strut supports the wheels when it lands. Also seen, several body parts such as intestine, parts of a skull and portions of skin were also seen floating.

They also saw approach plates, a paper that has flight information of the route of the plane.

There were only nine passengers in the C-130 namely, Major Manuel Zambrano, Pilot; Captain Adrian de Dios, co-pilot; Technical Sgt. Constantino Enrique Lobrigas, flight engineer; Staff Sgt. John Areola, student flight engineer, Staff Sgt. Gary Dinoso, Crew Chief; Staff Sgt. Felix Pedro Patriarca, flight mechanic; Staff Sgt. Petronilo Fernandez, Load master; Staff Sgt. Patricio Claur, Jr., Load master and Staff Sgt. Aldrin Illustrismo, student load master.

The C-130 is about to go to Iloilo International Airport which is located in Iloilo City to fetched about 80 members of Presidential Security Guard (PSG) who are all bound to Manila.

The C-130 is belonged to 220th Airlift Wing. Theire headquarters is at Benito Ebuen Airbase, Mactan Island, Cebu.

The C-130 had its take off from Davao City International Airport at around 8:50 pm. After one minute of take off, the pilot asked the air traffic controller if he can make a left turn as part of their flight airway.

Col. Roy Deveraturda, Chief of Operations of PAF explained that it is a standard operating procedure for a pilot to ask the air traffic controller if he can turn left already to be sure that the plane will not collide with another plane or possible mountain in the area, or else the air traffic controller will reprimand the pilot for not asking. Then at around 8:53 pm, the air traffic controller already lost contact with the C-130.

The pilot has to asked if he can already turn left be cause he might bumped in Mt. Apo, also in Davao.

The C-130 is probably in 3,000 feet of climbing altitude already before it lost contact or communication with the Air Traffic Controller. It was believed that it fell not far from Davao City Airport or within the 20-mile radius.

The Air traffic controller did not received any distress report from the pilot. PAF Major General Pedrito Cadungog said if there are no distress report from the pilot it would mean that the plane still has no problems.

In fact, the plane has undergone maintenance check only last August 15, 2008. One of its four engine was restored and the auxiliary power unit. Cadungog explained that the C-130 can still fly even if it has one engine only.
Also, before heading towards Davao, the C-130 already fled from Manila to Laoag then back to Manila last August 25. The flight was only 2 hours and 15 minutes back and forth. According to Major Donald Madarang who used the same C-130 with tail number 4593 to Laoag, he did not see any problems with the C-130.

“My flight was normal, I never encountered problems when I used it before I turned it over to Maj. Zambrano,” Madarang said.

The C-130 first left Manila at around 10:30 am and was able to go back in Manila at around 1:00 pm of August 25.

Then on the same date, the C-130 fly again around 3:26 pm bound to Fort Magsaysay to fetched some members of Scout Ranger bound to Davao City. It arrived Fort Magsaysay at around 3:55 pm then left the Fort Magsaysay at 5:00 pm. Then arrived Davao City at 7:24 pm.

The said C-130 was acquired last 1983 from US Air Force, but it was manufactured on year 1971. “Though it (C-130) is 37 years old already, this is not a factor for us to say that the C-130 is already olf to fly. In fact it still very useful and reliable one,” Cadungog said.

Because of what happened, the PAF left with only one in full mission capable C-130, four others are under maintenance in Mactan Island.

The full mission capable C-130 is now grounded for flying, “It is an SOP for us to keep the other plane on ground to re-check its engine and other parts of the plane,” Cadungog added.

Four factors are now being considered by the PAF on what happened to their C-130. It could be electrical failure, mechanical failure, human error or weather situation in the area. Though they are not ruling it out that the C-130 could also exploded in the air before it crashed.

To those who are wondering if the C-130 can fly even in night, Cadungog said that the C-130 can fly any time of the day and night. There will be no problem on that.

The investigating team of the PAF, about 16 of them, to be headed by Major General Jovito Gammad already went to Davao City to investigate what happened in their plane. They left Manila at around 4:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the PAF recorded that there first accident was last December 13, 1993, when a C-130 bumped into the hill in Naga City in Bicol Region. The cause of the accident for that C-130 is the weather situation in Bicol. There was typhoon during that time.

The use of C-130 is to transport troops from one place to another and to deliver goods to the troops who are in mission and to deliver relief goods on affected areas of any kind of disasters.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Two injured after their truck was shot several times in Pasay City

Miami
August 25, 2008
Story: Two injured after their truck was shot several times in Pasay City

A couple was hurt after they were shot by still unidentified men who blocked their route on their way home.

The incident occurred at around 11:00 am, August 25, 2008, the couple was identified as Max Acosta and Zenaida Acosta, was riding on their Isuzu Elf truck (WNG 768), on their way to their home in Gathchalian, Las Pinas City.

The shooting incident happened along F.B. Harrison Street, about 10 meters away from Pasay City Hall. According to PO2 Marianito Agat, officer-on-case, the 4 suspects who are all riding in two separate motorcycles came from the behind of the victims’ truck.

The suspects overtake on them, went on the front of the truck, blocked their way and suddenly shot Max who sustained multiple gunshot wounds on his body including left chest. While his wife, Zenaida sustained gunshot wound on his left shoulder. After shooting them, the suspects immediately fled away.

Even if wounded, Max tried to drive the truck going to Pasay Police Station to report the incident, which is located at the back of the Pasay City Hall also in F.B. Harrison Street. Due to the gunshot on his left chest, he lost control while driving and slammed their vehicle in a lamppost in front of Pasay City Hall.

The victims came from Pasay Public Market where they are selling meat are now in San Juan De Dios Hospital.

Zenaida was already declared out of danger while her husband Max still in critical condition and undergoing operation.

Agat said the gun that was used to the victims is .45 caliber.

Two killed in a robbery hold-up in Zamboanga del Sur

Miami
August 25, 2008
Story: Two killed in a robbery hold-up in Zamboanga del Sur

A driver of a passenger van and a passerby who happens to be an official of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was shot to death by still unidentified armed men who set up their own checkpoint in a town in Zamboanga del Sur.

Based on the sketchy report from Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office, the incident happened at around 5:30 am in Purok Balono, Barangay Kalian, Margosatubig (town).

Around 10 armed men blocked the passenger van (GBH-103) and said to the driver that they are having series of checkpoints. The suspects are allegedly wearing camouflaged uniform. But what happened, instead of conducting a checkpoint, the armed men declared hold-up and robbed the personal belongings of the passengers which includes cellphones, some jewelries and money.

The suspects even asked the passengers to get off from the vehicle. But, the driver identified as Eduardo Miral ran trying to escape. When the armed men saw him escaping he was shot to death. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The passenger van is bound to Pagadian City, also in Zamboanga del Sur, came from Margosatubig town proper and has eight passengers including the driver.

Meanwhile, an official from DILG identified as Martin Sequino, Jr., operations officer of the DILG-Zamboanga Sibugay was also shot by the same armed men.

Sequino is riding his motorcycle and on his way to his office, DILG in Imelda (town), Zamboanga Sibugay and has to pass by on Barangay Kalian, Margosatubig where the robbery is happening.

When the driver of the van started to run and shot by the suspects, Sequino was already approaching the area to pass there. He was also asked to stop but refused that lead for the suspects to shot him as well. He also sustained several gunshot wounds on his body.

The police are still investigating the incident.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Not all civilian volunteer organization (CVO) will be deputized as Police auxiliary

Miami
August 22, 2008
Story: Not all civilian volunteer organization (CVO) will be deputized as Police auxiliary

The Philippine National Police are planning to hire people as police auxiliaries that would help them maintain peace and order and to secure the villages in the provinces of Mindanao especially the affected areas of the current incidents there.

The civilian volunteer organization (CVO) who will be deputized as police auxiliaries we will be defining their areas of responsibilities and do the task that they have to do. These CVOs will help the PNP to secure barangays of their town.

However, not all CVO will be considered as police auxiliaries as they have to undergo screening, background investigation and training.

Department of Interior and local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno explained that CVOs are not authorized to carry firearms unless they are already deputized as police auxiliaries.

As explained by the Secretary a CVO is not necessarily a police auxiliary. “In the province of North Cotabato there are about 2,500 to 3,000 CVO, in Sultan Kudarat, about 3,000 CVO, in Maguindanao I would say between 10,000 to 12,000 CVO. These CVO are not authorized to carry arms. Before they can utilize to assist in security concerns, they have to be deputized as police auxiliaries. That is the process that we are undergoing now. Only cvos who are deputized as police auxiliaries can assist the PNP in the exercise of its police functions,” Puno said.

It will be the PNP, the provincial directors and chiefs of police of municplal police stations who will command and control the police auxiliaries in their areas. If they will pass the screeneing, background checking and training they will already be considered as police auxiliaries and be armed with a shotgun for them to be able to carry out their functions as village defense.

PNP Director General Avelino Razon also said that the work of the police auxiliaries will be limited on their own barangay. “They will not be used as manuever forces or elements. Also, if they are residents of Kolambugan, they should stay there only and not act as police auxiliary in the barangay of the other town like Kauswagan (Lanao del Norte).”

Meanwhile, Puno appealed to the CVO who wants to apply as police auxiliaries to let the AFP and PNP do the work in operations and not to take part in fighting with the MILF.

Puno challenges the central committee of MILF to surrender Kato and Bravo to show their sincerity in peace process

Miami
August 22, 2008
Story: Puno challenges the central committee of MILF to surrender Kato and Bravo to show their sincerity in peace process

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno is now challenging the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders to surrender Ameril Umbra Kato alias Commander Kato and Abdulrahman Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo to the government and show that they are serious with the peace process.

“If they are truly committed to peace, if they really want the peace process to continue then we expect them fully to cooperate with our system of justice. If they will not do anything, it is tantamount to approval of the criminal actions of these lawless MILF elements and it will reflect insincerity,” Puno said.

The secretary also said that if the MILF Central Committee does not know anything on what happened or on the actions of Bravo and Kato, they should make their way on surrendering them and give justice to the Christians and Muslims who died during the atrocities of the MILF.

“The MILF Central Committee should be the one giving assurance to the people in Mindanao that they are also important for them as persons, but unfortunately the residents there were being killed by these lawless MILF elements,” Puno said in a press briefing at Cam Crame.

“To prove that they are true in their words that they are also after the peace in Mindanao and they want these talk to prosper we are requesting them (MILF Central Committee) to surrender to us Commanders Bravo and Kato even Pangalian,” he continued.

He even tagged Commander Bravo as “liar” after hearing reports that Bravo is denying his involvements in the attacked happened in Lanao del Norte. He even called Commanders Kato and Bravo as “mamatay tao” (murderer) after they killed, burned the houses and robbed the residents there. “Shame on them, after what they did to the people their, they will deny it. Kato and Bravo can be considered as mamamatay tao it is very clear that they are the ones who killed those people who are quietly leaving in their respective areas.”

Meanwhile, Puno even warned MILF negotiator Mohager Iqbal on be careful also on what he is saying after Iqbal said in other radio interviews that reached them that MILF has internal process on reprimanding their people who violate their rules. “With those kinds of remarks he is already violating the constitution, I hope he was only misquoted.”

He added that if the MILF will not be able to cooperate with them and will not surrender Kato and Bravo it will only prove that the MILF Central Committee has no right with the MILF group. “It will show that they cannot control their members. So maybe our government will have to look for other officers that would help us talk to them about peace, because we might be talking to wrong people after all, “Puno said.

However, Puno said that there are already cases filed against Commander Bravo and its followers who attacked Lanao del Norte last August 18.

The cases were files last August 20 in Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte versus Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, Abu Sawaf, Abu Subair, Alim Pangalian alias Commander Pangalian, Lunday Dayaan alias Commander Topsider, Commander Luksa Datu, Commander Macaslang, Commander Mercury, Commander Santiago, Commander Minsupala and 80 John Does.

Those 31 MILF who surrendered last Wednesday were included in the charge sheets that were filed before the Prosecutor’s Office. If these 31, are willing to be state witness it will be up to the Prosecutor if they will approve of it or not, Puno said.

The cases that were filed against them are one count of murder, three counts of frustrated murders and one arson. Other cases are still to follow.

On Monday and Tuesday, August 25 and 26, Puno said that he will be having dialogues with local officials, Bishops, Ulamas and different people in the areas affected to take a closer look at the situation and try to see what is the best way to restore normalcy to the lives of everyone there.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Seven injured as grenade exploded in Zamboanga City

Miami
August 21, 2008
Story: Seven injured as grenade exploded in Zamboanga City

A grenade exploded in Zamboanga city last August 20, 2008 at around 6:30 pm leaving seven bystanders injured, but no one is in critical condition.

The incident occurred in front of Marcian Business Suit (Hotel), Climaco Avenue, Zamboanga City, wherein two man riding in one motorcycle suddenly thrown a fragmentation grenade or MK2.

The glass windows of the said hotel were damaged because of the impact of the grenade blast. The hotel is a four-storey building.

Those who are injured were identified as Bernardo Bago, 34, of Brgy Tetuan; Halima Jumaani, 20, of Lower Calarian; Omni Ancheta, 26, of Brgy Pasonanca; Christian Imperial, 20, of Brgy Lunzuran; Roy Bornales, 27, of Brgy Tugbungan; Jonelyn Partas, 20, of Gov. Alvarez Street were rushed to Zamboang City Medical Center; while Winalyn Jumdain, 23, married, of Brgy Sta. Maria was brought to Ciudad Medical.

The police believed that the incident is not related to the encounters happening in other parts of Mindanao. According to Zamboaga City Chief Sr. Supt. Jose Gucela based on the investigation, personal motive is the reason behind the throwing of hand grenade.

The police are now studying if the hotel is receiving threats on the past few days.

Meanwhile the victims did not identify the suspects because both are wearing helmet.

PNP files cases against Commander Bravo, et al

Miami
August 21, 2008
Story: PNP files cases against Commander Bravo, et al

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already filed several cases against the commanders of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and several other John Does.

According to inspector Elmer Rubas, Chief of Police of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, they already filed the case last August 20 at Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte versus Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, Abu Sawaf, Abu Subair, Alim Pangalian alias Commander Pangalian, Lunday Dayaan alias Commander Topsider, Commander Luksa Datu, Commander Macaslang, Commander Mercury, Commander Santiago, Commander Minsupala and 80 John Does.

The cases that were filed against them are one count of murder, three counts of frustrated murders and one arson.

Rubas said other cases will still follow as other complainants are not yet filing their own charges against the MILF rebels.

“Many are already expressing their desire to follow in filing cases but some are becoming afraid. But we are optimistic that they will file case because this is for them as well,” Rubas said.

Rubas also added that in following days, they will also file robbery cases because as of the moment they are still gathering some evidences and testimonies from the people being victimized by the rebels.

Last August 18, the MILF lead by Commander Pangalian and Commander Bravo attacked the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan in lanao del Norte, they even used the civilians living at the area as human shield while withdrawing from the area.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Barias meet with Muslim leaders in Metro Manila, deny reports that NCRPO doubling its security in Muslim areas

Miami
August 20, 2008
Story: Barias meet with Muslim leaders in Metro Manila, deny reports that NCRPO doubling its security in Muslim areas

Philippine National Police National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO) Regional Director Geary Barias meet with Muslim leaders for their regular Salaam meeting at his office in camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Last May 28, 2008, NCRPO launches the Salaam Police Center on each district of Metro Manila to have a better coordination between Muslim Community and Policemen. They are conducting regular meetings every third week of the month.

During the press conference, Barias said the meeting also clears some concern of the Muslims, “that because of the conflict in Mindanao discrimination among our Muslim brothers and sisters will not happen.”

Barias assures the Muslim who attended the meeting, that whenever there will be police operations that will be directly affect a Muslim, policemen assigned in a Salaam Police Station on a district will be also part of the operations to assure that their rights will not be violated.

In return, Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) Regional Director for NCR Hassam Dalimbang said that they will do their very best in order to maintain peace and order in Manila. He also said that they are confident that what is happening in Mindanao will not also happen in Manila.

“Whatever is happening in Mindanao, we will not let it happen here in Manila. If problem start to occur, I want the Salaam Police Center to take action and to enforce the law,” Dalimbang said.

Aside from policemen assigned in Salaam Police Center there are also some Muslim civilian volunteers who will be stationed on the said Center. The volunteers will help the police understand the culture of the Muslims, at the same time the Muslim volunteers have to orient their community on the works of the police in order for them to understand that the Police are not targeting them as suspects all the time.

As of this moment, they already have about 50 Muslim volunteers on all district office; Manila, Quezon City, Southern, Northern and Eastern.

Meanwhile, Barias also said that they are not doubling their security measures in Muslim areas in Metro Manila, “We will leave that to our Salaam Police Center they can handle that, it is not true that we are doubling our security their.”

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Three killed in road accident in Quezon province

Miami
August 19, 2008
Story: Three killed in road accident in Quezon province

Three people got killed in a road accident in Atimonan, Quezon last August 18 at around 10:00 pm.

The vehicles involved in the accident are a ten-wheeler truck (WBA-118) and a provincial bus called Barney (DXB-778). The two said vehicles collided along Maharlika Highway, barangay Malinao Ilaya, Atimonan, Quezon.

The truck contained La Tondena products mostly gin came from Manila and about to go to Bicol. The bus came from Gumaca, Quezon and about to go to Lucena also in Quezon.

The bus has 20passengers but only its driver identified as Rogidor Aguilar, 27, were killed due to head injuries he sustained.

The driver of the truck and one of its passengers also died in the road accident also because of head injuries. They were identified as Ronaldo Ramirez, 30 and Lourdes del Ayre, 52, mother of one of the three truck helper who is also onboard of the said truck.

According to Sr. Supt. Antonio Harapa, Spokesman of Quezon PPO, the truck has two other trucks in front of it also carrying products of La Tondena. The driver of the truck overtook the two trucks in front of him unknowingly that there is a bus approaching on the opposite lane.

The passengers of the bus were only sustained minor bruises was brought to Donya Martha Hospital also in Atimonan, Quezon.

62 hostages of MILF released, but 8 were still remained to be hostage

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Commander Kato now faces illegal detention, other charges to follow

Miami
August 19, 2008
Story: Commander Kato now faces illegal detention, other charges to follow

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had already filed illegal detention case against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander Umbra Kato, Commander of 105th Base Command last Friday and its members last August 15 at North Cotabato Prosecutor’s Office.

This was confirmed by PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, “we already filed illegal detention charge against Umbra Kato and other individuals and other charges will follow.”

Illegal detention charged was the first to be filed as the police already gathered evidence on it. MILF members under Kato taken hostage three family members in Pikit, North Cotabato at the height of clashes between MILF and government troops.

The victims were identified as Lucio, 76 and Isidra Fano, 72 and their son DUlce, 43; were taken hostage and killed by MILF forces under Umbra Kato at the height of clashes in Barangay Tinutulan in Pikit town on last August 11.

Bartolome said they are hoping that within this week they could already finish the gathering of evidences and be able to file the charges against Kato and other individuals involved in criminality in North Cotabato.

Among the charges that they will file are robbery, arson and multiple murder.

NCRPO now under full alert, NCRCOM on red alert

Miami
August 19, 2008
Story: NCRPO now under full alert, NCRCOM on red alert

The Philippine National Police (PNP) National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) are now in full alert and red alert respectively to prevent unnecessary incidents in Metro Manila.

Capt. Carlo Ferrer, Spokesperson of NCRCOM said they are in red alert “to prevent diversionary tactics” because of the incidents occurred in Lanao del Norte.

The NCRCOM put their alert level in red since Monday, August 18, at around 6:00 pm. The NCRPO was under full alert at around 8:00 am of August 19, 2008.

Meanwhile, the NCRPO are also now in full alert also because of what is happening in Mindanao. PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said, “Situation in Southern Philippines should not affect other urban places including Metro Manila. That is why we are preparing our contingencies to ensure all our personnel are available.”

Bartolome explained declaring full alert in Metro Manila is only for preventive measures and to secure all vital installations in Metro Manila.

Source from office of NRPO Operations said that they are also securing the Muslim communities like Bgy. Culiat in Quezon City; Maharlika Village in Taguig City and Quiapo in Manila. But the source said they do not see any threats from these Muslim people in Manila.

“We just want be ready and to prevent anything that might happen that is why we are in full alert,” the source from NCRPO said.

Monday, August 18, 2008

23 civilians killed in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao on full alert

Miami
August 18, 2008
Story: 23 civilians killed in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao on full alert

The provincial regional offices in Mindanao are now in full alert because of the atrocities occurred in Lanao del Norte.

Based on the initial report by Brigadier General Hilario Atendido, chief of the counter-terrorism unit Task Force Tabak there were already 23 civilians killed because of the attack of the Moro Islamic liberation front (MILF).

But, based on police report they are only reporting 13 casualties because they do not have confirmed and concrete details on 10 others.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said on those 13 casualties, one of them is a policeman named PO1 Dexter Salvacion, who was riding in a motorcycle while patrolling in Barangay Kulasihan, Kolambugan at around 4:30 am, August 18, 2008. The same time as the MILF shot the Bachelor Bus which killed two persons who are still unidentified as of this moment, according to Chief Inspector Jhomairah Estrada, Spokesperson of Region 10 Police regional Office.

The Bachelor Bus came from Zamboanga City and about to go to Cagayan de Oro. The travel time is about 12 hours.

Another motorcycle rider identified as Ricky Sulicar of Guillamacs Marketing also passing through Barangay Kulasihan, Kolambugan at around 4:30 am also was shot dead by MILF.

Meanwhile, in the town of Kauswagan also in Lanao del Norte, there are also reported casualties. According to Bartolome, at around 5:30 am, August 18, 2008 seven farmers were executed and instantly died while 3 others were left wounded.

The MILF attackers also ambushed a multi-cab utility vehicle (KCP-986) also in Kauswaga wherein two occupants of the vehicle, Ricardo Gil and an unidentified woman were killed.

According to Estrada, they are having difficulties in getting the tally and details on the death of other casualties because of the situation now in Lanao del Norte.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

grenade exploded in Zamboanga Police Station, no casualties were reported

Miami
August 13, 2008
Story 4: grenade exploded in Zamboanga Police Station, no casualties were reported

A grenade was thrown and exploded in the police station of Zamboanga City last August 12 at around 10:10 pm.

Zamboanga City police chief Sr. Supt. Lurimer Detran said the incident is a personal motive agaist o one of his subordinates whom he refuses to name. “We think this is a personal motive in one of my policemen because they are investigating a case, they might want revenge,” Detran said.

He added that they already identified the suspects but he do not want to disclosed information yet because there were manhunt operation going on.

He said that the grenade was thrown at the parking lot of their police station which is located in Gov. Lim Ave., Brgy. Zone IV. One suspect was only walking the thrown the grenade then the other person was riding in a motorcycle waited for the suspect to ride with him and left the area immediately.

Damaged on the incident is one Toyota Revo parked inside the police station compound.

three dead in a road mishap in Cebu province

Miami
August 13, 2008
Story 3: three dead in a road mishap in Cebu province

Three people were instantly killed after the jeep that they are riding fell into a ravine about 50-feet high.

The incident occurred at barangay Upper Bayran, Naga City, Cebu province last August 12, at around 1:00 pm. The said jeepney (GLV-114) was about to attend a funeral in San Fernando City, Cebu province.

The jeepney were overloaded that cause for it to fall in a ravine. The driver of the jeepney was identified as Mansuete Bidiot, 56 years old.

The driver told the police that they are already at the upper part of the road and he has to accelerate his gas but he did not able to control it then they fell in the ravine. When they fall three were instantly died because of the injuries they suffered while 12 others were injured.

The road were also slippery that time.

Those casualties were identified as Ricarda Haying and Abundia Repeso, 50, and Genia Jimenez
who were dead on arrival at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

The jeep has 30 passengers wherein it could only accommodate 16 passengers. The driver is now detained in Naga Police Station in the province of Cebu and will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide.

Three policemen in ARMM under investigation because of ballot snatching, augmentation in ARMM already pulled-out

Miami
August 13, 2008
Story 2: Three policemen in ARMM under investigation because of ballot snatching, augmentation in ARMM already pulled-out

Three policemen were under the custody now of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Philippine National Police Regional Investigation and Detection Management (PNP-RIDM) after being caught of snatching three ballot boxes in Shariff Kabunsuan.

The policemen were identified as SPO1 Cairodin Tomawis, PO1 Alfatta Tomawis and PO3 Ibrahim Macariwang, all were police escort and supporter of assemblyman candidate Bonggarsa Tomawis.

In reality, there are four police escort, the other one is identified as PO1 Suawib Dagalangit. But the three mentioned above are the ones being confirmed by the PNP as the one being under their custody because they were intercepted by the PNP at the PNP detachment located at Crossing Barira, Poblacion 2, Parang, Shariff Kabunsuan and able to retrieved the three ballot boxes.

The said ballot boxes came from barangay Tugaig, Barira, Shariff Kabunsuan and were snatched at around 8:20 am of August 11, Monday.

The three policemen said that they will bring the ballot boxes at the COMELEC office in Cotabato because there are suspicions on it. The policemen said they will question why the ballot boxes were first seen at the residence of Zenaida Malabilang, DepEd District Supervisor also in Barira, but the police did not brought it to the Comelec office.

The three policemen are now detained in Camp Pendatun in Shariff Kabunsuan and will be facing charges for violation of Omnibus Election Code of the Comelec and they will also be charged administratively for grave misconduct. If proven, they would be dismissed.

Meanwhile, the augmentation forces of PNP to ARMM from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and CARAGA were already pulled-out and go back to their respective regions since Tuesday afternoon.

Police in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental investigating the real cause of death of 8 year old child who allegedly commit suicide

Miami
August 13, 2008
Story 1: Police in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental investigating the real cause of death of 8 year old child who allegedly commit suicide

Police investigators in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental are not contended that the cause of death of an 8-year old boy was due to suicide.

According to Chief Inspector Jefferson Descallar, Chief of Police of CadizCity in Negros Occidental they will invite the father of the victim after hearing from media reports that the father is doubtful on the real reason of his son’s death.

Descallar even said that they would request the father to allow them to have their son be autopsy to know the real cause of his death.

The alleged suicide of the 8-year old boy happened last August 11, 2008 Monday at the kitchen of their residence in Sitio Sta. Cruz, barangay Banquerohan, Cadiz City. The victim was identified as Joey Valencia, grade 1 student from Pedro E. Ramos elementary school.

The incident occurred at around 4:30 pm. Descallar said, the mother, Emee, told them the child came home from school before 4:00 pm and asked permission from her that he will join his friends to play volleyball and the mother did not allow the child and asked him to study instead. “She also told us that she spanked his son because the child is insisting that he wants to play, after she spank him she left the house.”

But, Desacallar also added there were inconsistencies already from the mother, “When the mother was interviewed by the local media in their province, Emme told them that her son wanted to play bird trap and she did not allow him. We can see here that the mother has different statements and inconsistencies are already coming in.”

The mother left their house at around 4:00 pm to go to their neighbours’ house. Then upon returning to the house at around 5:00 pm she saw that his son already hanging on their kitchen.

Descallar said they were not able to see the real situation of the crime scene because the crime scene already contaminated.

Based on their initial investigation, the mother told the police that the child hanged himself with the use of a leather belt. “But on the opinion of the doctor from Don Bernardo Hospital also in Cadiz City, the markings on the neck of the child is not from a belt but from a rope, because the markings is so thin and would not match the width of the belt which the width is 1 1/2 inch,” Descallar said.

He added that they would invite the father to ask some questions on why he is doubtful of the alleged suicide of his son. The police said they would want to know if there is a foul play. “The mother is the last person who saw her son and first person who saw her child hanging, that is why the police also said that the investigation will really start with the mother.

The father was in San Carlos City, Negros occidental when the incident happened, about two hours away from Cadiz and working as a construction worker.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Fire in Pasay still ongoing, loading and unloading at Baclaran station still not operational

Miami
August 12, 2008
Story: Fire in Pasay still ongoing, loading and unloading at Baclaran station still not operational

The fire in Megaplex building along Taft Avenue extension, Pasay City had not yet been under control or still under task Force Foxtrot because of this the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Operation in Baclaran station has not yet been normalized.

The LRT stopped its operation for Baclaran to EDSA stations and vice-versa since August 11, Monday because of the said fire.

According to Felix Leyson, head of LRT operations they have to stop the operation in Baclaran because of the thick smoke that coming in to the station and to avoid suffocation for the passengers. The rest of the stations, EDSA to Monumento and vice-versa are normal.

In August 11, Leyson said that their estimated affected passengers were on around 30,000 then on August 12, were about 27,800.

Their revenue lost for August 11 were about Php415,000 and for August 12 were Php398,000—these only because they cannot accommodate passengers in Baclaran station.

Leyson said that they will have some negotiations with the Department of Interior and local Government (DILG), Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) and Local Government Unit (LGU) to check on the structures or buildings near the LRT stations if the buildings are fire hazard or not.

“We would want to request for strict compliance and monitoring of the building to prevent more damages in the future,” Leyson said.

This is the fourth time, for this year alone, that the LRT has been disrupted because of the fire incident near their stations. But, this is the first time that in two consecutive days the LRT cannot operate on all stations.

PNP to file charges against MILF commander in Basilan after clearing operations

Miami
August 12, 2008
Story: PNP to file charges against MILF commander in Basilan after clearing operations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they will file charges against Ameril Umbra Kato, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander in Basilan.

Kato, according to the police were involved in terrorist activities such as burning of houses, rustling of cattle, looting, burning of farm lands and harassment of residents in the towns of Aleosan and Midsayap.

The filing of charges will happen after the clearing operations, “We also have to clear the barangays that have been affected, after all of these, the PNP may now concentrate on the other law enforcement tasks which is to investigate what really transpired, to get some statements, to get evidences,” PNP Spokesman Chief Supt Nicanor Bartolome said.

Bartolome added that aside from augmentation from Mindanao regions, they added another augmentation from Police Regional Office 6, 7, and 8 or about 360 policemen to the nearby municipalities in North Cotabato to help in preventing further incursions and deny access to renegade forces led by Kato. They were deployed last August 11.

The PNP added troops in the area because the MILF who will reposition themselves or leave the area they forcibly occupied are crisscrossing on other municipalities.

“The MILF usually crisscross boundaries in North Cotabato and there are municipalities now that are also considering that they may be included in the collateral damage later on and we also note that in the process of transferring from one occupied barangay to another in another municipalities in particular they may use other routes and in the process other barangays of other municipalities may get involved,” Bartolome added.

After the clearing operations the PNP will have to stay at the areas to assure security at North Cotabato and nearby areas.

Timor Leste president said dialogue is necessary to obtain peace

Miami
August 12, 2008
Story: Timor Leste president said dialogue is necessary to obtain peace

Timor Leste (formerly known as East Timor) President Jose Ramos-Horta was invited for the 20th Anniversary of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) to give talk with regards to solidarity.

The theme of his talk is called; “South-to-South People’s Solidarity: The East Timor Experience”

On his talk the President said he does not believe in enforcing violence just to obtain what people wants.

“Essential elements in nation building and having peace are patience, prudence and humility must be observed to obtain peace,” Horta said.

He added that if a nation will not talk to settle their indifferences, the more problems will occur. “When we believe in force, we will often lead to temptation in doing something wrong.”

“If you do not talk to settle things, you will see war that will last 100 years. Do not waste time do not waste people’s lives do not destroy your country, by having force. Start it with dialogue,” Horta told the people who attended his speech at Malcolm Hall or Law building in university of the Philippines-Diliman last August 11, Monday.

Those who attended the speech of Horta were students and faculty members of the College of Law of the said school.

He also emphasize, “In a speech I made in Columbia University before, I told them I don’t believe in an ideology, if part of the plan is to kill people especially the innocent ones.”

He also said that it is a huge task for their country, people and government to build their country and he said that they deal the worst including creating jobs to reduce poverty and to strengthen their institution.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Fire interrupted the LRT operations again

Miami
August 11, 2008
Story: Fire interrupted the LRT operations again

Another fire incident occurred in Pasay City near Light Rail Transit (LRT) Baclaran Station that disrupts its operations. The LRT has to stop their operations from EDSA to Baclaran station and vice-versa, but the operation for EDSA to Monumento and vice-versa continous.

According to Pasay fire department the fire started at around 7:35 pm of August 10, Sunday at Megaplex building along Taft Avenue extension, Pasay City.

The fire fighters having difficulty in putting the fire under control because of the thick smoke that is blazing the said building.

The fire reached Task Force Foxtrot at around 11:40 pm of Sunday but until Monday afternoon it has not been put under control. Task Force Foxtrot means that all fire stations in Metro Manila should respond on the said fire.

The origin of the fire is at the ground floor of the Megaplex building while the cause of fire still undetermined. Estimated damages already reached Php20 Million because the building has clothings, shoes, sandals, and other kinds of garments.

This is not the first time that the LRT operations were affected because of the fire near its station. The first one was last January 4, 2008 when the Galleria Baclaran Shopping mall was razed by fire. The said mall was located near Baclaran station.

The second incident was last July 17, 2008 when the Puregold Shopping Center along Taft Avenue, Libertad, Pasay City was also burned. The mall is located in front of Libertad LRT station along Taft Avenue. Route from Libertad to Baclaran and vice-versa of the LRT was stopped.

The third incident was last August 4, when the Good Earth Building located along Avenida Avenue near Carriedo Station was gutted by fire. Affected stations are Carriedo, Doroteo Jose, Bambang, Tayuman, Blumentritt, Jose Abad Santos, R. Papa, 5th Avenue and Monumento.

Police Chief in Pankulan, Quezon relieved after NPA attacked their station

Miami
August 11, 2008
Story: Police Chief in Pankulan, Quezon relieved after NPA attacked their station

A Chief of Police in a municipal police station in Pankulan, Quezon province was relieved after their station was attacked by New People’s Army (NPA) Monday morning.

Initial reports disclosed that the incident occurred at around 8:00 am, August 11, when about 50 heavily armed men believed to be members of NPA raided the Panukulan Municipal Police Station.

The police officers who were having their flag ceremony were ordered at gunpoint to drop on the ground and surrender their firearms and personal belongings which includes cell phones.

“There after, the NPA ransacked their police station and bombed Globe cell site in Panukulan, Quezon before fleeing towards Baler, Quezon aboard boat,” the report from Police Regional Office of Region 4A said.

During the time of the incident, PInsp. Arnold Valenzuela, chief of police of Panukalan Police Station was out of the station. The station has 21 police officers that time, all of their service firearms were confiscated by the NPA together with their two issued long firearms.

PNP Chief Avelino Razon already ordered for the investigation on what happened in Panukulan Police Station, he also asked to relive the chief of Panukalan to give way on the investigation. Valenzuela is now at the Regional Office of PRO-4A.

Meanwhile in the text message sent by Capt. Leah Santiago, spokesperson of Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command (AFP SOLCOM) she said, “Four helicopterswith elements of 2nd Infantry Division under Maj. Gen. Roland Detabali in particular the 16th IB are now conducting pursuit operation to prevent the escape of the NPA rebels.”

Joint PNP and AFP elements are now on pursuit operations, this was confirmed by Quezon Provincial Director Sr. Supt Fidel Posadas who is at the field as of this moment.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Bishop was robbed in Ozamis City, four suspects arrested

Miami
August 8, 2008
Story: Bishop was robbed in Ozamis City, four suspects arrested

Even a Catholic Bishop is not excused after being robbed by a hold-upper in Ozamis City.

The victim was identified as Archbishop Jose A. Dosado, CM, 68, Archbishop of Ozamis City. He was robbed at around 5:30 am.

The bishop was walking from the Archbishop’s Residence at Barangay Banadero, Ozamis City to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral about two kilometres away when the incident happened.

A man riding in a motorcycle suddenly stopped and pretended to be checking something with his bike, three others approached also pretended to help the said man and suddenly announced a hold-up when the bishop pass through them. The suspects took the bishop’s wallet with Php3,200 and his cell phone.

Upon hearing what happened to the bishop, Ozamis police conducted pursuit operations to arrest the suspects, according to Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP Spokesperson.

The Ozamis Police arrested Crip Bardillas, who positively identified by Bishop Dosado as the one who git his wallet, then Ibo Lahaylahay, Rolando Alimpos, at Reynante Perez who acted who will help Bardillas on his motorcycle.

The police were able to recovered the wallet from the suspects but the money was not there anymore.

PNP will do assessment on the illegally occupied areas in North Cotabato if MILF compiled with 24-hour ultimatum

Miami
August 8, 2008
Story: PNP will do assessment on the illegally occupied areas in North Cotabato if MILF compiled with 24-hour ultimatum

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will conduct an assessment in North Cotabato especially in the towns that were allegedly illegally occupied by the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF)

On their first press briefing, August 7, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno announced that there are three towns with nine barangays on it that were already occupied by the MILF.

But on the latest record of the PNP there are 14 barangays from five towns that were forcibly occupied by the MILF. These are the barangays of Bago-Libas, Dunggawan, Dualing, and Pagangan of Aleosan. Barangays Cabpangi, Gumaga of Libungan. Barangays Central labas, Patindeguen, Upper labas, Lagumbingan, Rangaban and Baliki of Midsayap. Barangay Cabpangi in Pagkawyan. Barangay Gayonga of Northern Kabuntalan.

On all of the mentioned 14 barangays, only six barangays that were not yet cleared according to Director Silverio Alarcio Jr., chief PNP Directorate for Operations. The six barangays are Dualing, Dunggawan, Gumaga, Central labas, Rangaban and Baliki.

Alarcio said that they are not pampering the MILF because after the 24-hour ultimatum which ended 10:00 am of August 8, after he admitted that their troops deployed in the area have no control yet of the place.

“As of now our troops according to our regional director are within the vicinity then our negotiators are in Aleosan,” Alarcio said.

He also added the reason why they are not yet taking more actions is because of the negotiations, “It's a process of law enforcement there’s a negotiations right now and we do not want that to be interrupted. Final option as far as the use of force is after everything as been done, if there is no hope anymore then we have to use force to enforce the law.”

The negotiation is for the members of MILF who do not want to leave the places they occupied. The PNP believed that everything will be in order within the day. The PNP also is not seeing any reason for the negotiation to be down.

After all the MILF leave the forcibly occupied places, the PNP will conduct assessment on those areas to be lead by Region 12 Police Regional Director Felizardo Serapio, Jr. The PNP will come in the areas after the MILF leave the places to escort the real occupants of the lands.

"I have asked the PNP to escort villagers back to their homes in areas where MILF forces on the ground had already left the occupied communities," Puno said. "In other villages, the PNP will first determine if it is safe for the residents to return and clear these areas if they find out that there are still armed MILF forces occupying them," he added.
Meanwhile, the PNP has been under full alert since August 7, around 7:00 pm as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for China for the opening of Beijing Olympics and in the anticipation of spill over of violence of the conflict in Mindanao to other parts of the country like Metro Manila.
“It is our SOP (Standard Operations Procedure) whenever the President left the country we go on full alert,” Alarcio said.

He added, “We have alerted our regional directors even outside metro manila, outside Mindanao to target harden possible targets of terroristic activities. We are anticipating possible violence on the urban centers, because these are usually their targets.”

barangays in ARMM under immediate of concern and areas of concern

There are probable ARMM’s election watchlist of areas based on parameters set by the comelec and in congruence with the record on the previous elections in the area of responsibility as categorized by province.

Tawi-tawi -1-32 (areas of immediate concern-areas of concern)
Basilan 7-60
Suslu 3-177
Maguindanao 10-271
Lanao del sur 18-145
Sheriff kabunsuan 10-202

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Another RMN reporter shot dead in Roxas City

Miami
August 7, 2008
Story 3: Another RMN reporter shot dead in Roxas City

Another Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) reporter was shot and unfortunately did not survived in Roxas City.

The incident occurred at around 1:25 pm along Bayot Drive, Barangay 9, Roxas City. The victim was identified as Martin Roxas, 37, working as production director and anchorman of a noontime radio program in RMN Roxas branch.

The victim was about to go home already, riding in his motorcycle when he was shot. The suspects who shot him were also riding in a motorcycle and hit him from behind.

The suspects were intercepted by the policemen when they pass trough Ibisan town where the police authorities already put up a checkpoint. The suspects were identified as Jonel Lastimoso at Christian Tan and will be charged of murder. .

The victim was shot from his back but it hit his heart that cause his instant death.

Government gives 24 hour ultimatum to MILF to vacate the “occupied” lands in North Cotabato

Miami
August 7, 2008
Story 1: Government gives 24 hour ultimatum to MILF to vacate the “occupied” lands in North Cotabato

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno has announced in the joint pres conference of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), DILG, Department of National Defense (DND) and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (PAPP) that they are giving the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF) 24-hour ultimatum to vacate the places that they already occupied.

The joint press conference was held at around 9:30 am at the Main Conference room of PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame. Aside from Puno, those who attended the press conference were PAPP Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and PNP Chief General Avelino Razon.

The 24-hour ultimatum will end at 10:00 am of August 8.

“We are giving those individuals that have forcibly occupied theses areas 24 hours to vacate. Otherwise, they shall be forcibly separated from the area. We cannot allow these things to happen, I know that everyone involved in the peace process does not want this to happen,” Puno said.

They come up with this decision after the National Security meeting they had on Wednesday night.

Puno added that based on the report that they gathered, there are a number of municipalities in Mindanao particularly in North Cotabato that in the recent past, couple of days, have been forcibly occupied allegedly by element of ht MILF.

The affected municipalities are the town of of Aleosan, the barangays of Bagolibas with population of 1,048, Dualing with 2,611 residents and Pagangan with 2,806 residents. In the municipality of Libungan, the barangays of Cabpangi with 2,171 residents; Gumaga with 4,132 residents. The town of Midsayap in Central Labas with 1,267 residents; Upper Labas with 1,564 residents; Rangeban with 1,877 residents; and Baliki with 1,464 residents.

Puno said that some 1,500 families or more than 6,500 individuals have been displaced in the towns of Midsayap and Aleosan alone as a result of atrocities committed by forces illegally occupying the said areas.

They also estimated that there are about 800 MILF individuals in North Cotabato mostly from the 105th Base Command under Commander Umbrakato initiating atrocities “like burning houses, destruction of plantations, looting of properties and cattle rustling, among others which force the civilians to leave the area,” Puno said.

Puno also cleared that there are only three barangays from North Cotabato that will be under Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), “I would like to point out that in the barangays that I mentioned only the barangays of Bagangan, Central Labas, Upper Labas and Rangaban are part of the intended to be expanded BJE. The others that are occupied are not even part of the areas of the areas under consideration.”

With the 24-hour ultimatum, they said they are not declaring war against the MILF. “That does not mean to say that after the 24-hour period something will be immediately happen. We exhaust all possible means to prevent conflict. However, the rule of law must be enforced in the area,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro even added that the main objective of the 24-hour deadline and exercise is to return those dispossessed of their lands to go back to their homes, to be allowed live normal lives back where they were forcibly ejected from. “And after that is done, there's nothing more to talk about anymore. So it is very far from a declaration of war or anything like,” he said.

They said that the operations will stabilize the situation in North Cotabato.

After the 24-hour ultimatum and the MILF will be still on the alleged illegal occupied areas, Puno said, “After this 24-hour period we shall consider ourselves in compliance with all of the obligations with and the ceasefire agreement in placed and the peace process that is ongoing, therefore, entitled and authorized to undertake whatever action is necessary.”

Puno also sstated that another alarming fact in the area is that there are about 400 civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs), particularly in the municipality of Aleosan, moving around with firearms. Puno tasked the PNP to enforce ban on firearms being carried by the CVOs.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff Alexander Yano is already in North Cotabato to see the situations and to coordinate with the operational commanders.

Also, the PNP already deploy three battalions at the area that will implement and enforce the law. In three battalions, one battalion came from Special Action Force, two battalions from augmentation from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and ARMM.

reporter arrested for firing gun in Muntinlupa

Miami
August 7, 2008
Story 2: reporter arrested for firing gun in Muntinlupa

A Filipino reporter from a foreign press was arrested and now facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and alarm and scandal after firing gun along the national highway in Muntinlupa City.

The suspect was identified as John Gilbuena, 42, working as a reporter for Tokyo Shimbun is a resident of Poblacion, San Pedro, Laguna fired his gun after he noticed that his wallet was missing from his pocket, right back portion of his pants.

The incident occurred in front of Shell gasoline Station along the National Highway road in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City.

Gilbuena admitted that he is disoriented when he did that because his focus is on the wallet that was missing. His gun was placed inside a beltbag which he is carrying on his waist. He did not know either where his wallet was got from him or who get it because he was sleeping on his entire trip.

Before the incident, Gilbuena came from a get together with some of his colleagues and have some drinking spree. Before 12 midnight he decided to go home and ride a bus in Sucat going to Alabang, because he is tipsy he immediately slept on the bus. Upon reaching Alabnag, it ws the conductor who wake him up there he noticed that his wallet already missing.

PO3 Buenaventura dela Cuesta, investigator at Muntinlupa Police Station said that Gilbuena was arrested because the roving policemen personnel are on the vicinity and actually see what happened.

The roving policemen identified as PO1 Dan Rianzares and SPO1 Dominick Termil eventually arrested Gilbuena who at that time trying to keep his gun back to his beltbag.

Gilbuena was also found to be drunk when he was arrested. He said that he only did it because of the wallet that was missing on his pocket. His wallet has Php5,000 cash and seven credit cards.

The police charged him of illegal possession of firearms because Gilbuena cannot present documents to show that the gun is licensed and has a permit to carry. Gilbuena claims that he has licensed but was also gone missing when his wallet was robbed from him.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

CHR ruled that the Tanauan incident is rubout and not shootout

Miami
August 6, 2006
Story: CHR ruled that the Tanauan incident is rubout and not shootout


The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ruled, August 6, 2008, that the series of police operations in Tanauan, Batangas last May 21 was rubout and there was no shootout in the death of four individuals, whom the police earlier implicated to the robbery and massacre inside the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) in Cabuyao, Laguna last May. 16.

In a 21-page resolution, CHR Chairperson Laila de Lima said the CHR composite team found strong indications of a rub-out rather than a shootout in the death of the victims –Pepito Magsino, 39, former barangay captain Vivencio Javier, 55, Carlito Malabanan, 39, and Rolando Lachica.

“The CHR composite team noted that there are strong indications of a rub-out rather than a shootout. The After Operation Reports submitted by the PNP itself presented conflicting information on the supposed shootout with the victims. These differing claims were quashed not only by narrations from witnesses but by other evidence as well,” stated the CHR resolution.

Aside from de Lima, CHR commissioners Cecilia Rachel Quisumbing and Ma. Victoria Cardona signed the CHR resolution dated July 24, 2008 but was released to the media yesterday.

“ First, based on the accounts of eyewitnesses, no shootout could have transpired as Pepito Magsino was alone walking and unarmed during the alleged shoot-out,” the resolution read. “Likewise, the incident could not have happened in Marivic Roque's yard during the drinking spree or towards Sto. Tomas as claimed by the PNP as this fact was negated by the testimonies of witnesses that Pepito Magsino was gunned down while on his way home after he excused himself from his drinking buddies to check on who was looking for him. His body was in fact found a few meters from his house.”

The CHR said the same testimonies contradicted the PNP's claim that he was sighted with a criminal gang prior to the shooting incident.

The commission pointed out that the PNP report, that Magsino was riding on a vehicle from the site/place where he was having a drinking spree allegedly towards the direction of his house when he was chanced upon by operatives, was also contradicted by the accounts of witnesses.

“As narrated by the witnesses, Pepito Magsino was not riding a vehicle prior to the incident nor did he possess any kind of vehicle while he was still alive. An analysis of the distance of the place of the drinking session from the location of his house would give credence to the explanation that it is too impractical to take a vehicle to go back to his house since the distance is approximately 80-100 meters,” the resolution added.

The CHR also said that based on the information gathered from the witnesses, the ownership of the black Honda CRV used by the perpetrators was traced back to the Provincial Director of Batangas. The said vehicle was even reported by the PNP as the getaway vehicle of Magsino's companions.

The despositive portion of the Resolution states that “wherefore, the Commission, noting the above findings of the CHR Composite Team, and finding the need for additional evidence as to the actual number and identities of the PNP personnel involved, to clarify inconsistencies in the submitted PNP documents, and so that all parties are afforded due process, resolves to adopt the above-stated recommendations with modifications.”

The CHR recommended the conduct of a joint public hearing with the House of Representatives, Committee on Human Rights, per CHR’s letter-request to the House of Representatives, Committee on Human Rights, dated 29 May 2008 regarding the conduct of such. The public hearing will be conducted at the CHR Central Office but no definite date has been set.

“On its own but with advice to Congress, to proceed with the conduct of public hearing, giving particular focus on the accountabilities of officers within the provincial and/or regional PNP hierarchy under the Philippine command responsibility,” the CHR said.

The CHR would also request the PNP Chief Gen. Avelino I. Razon, Jr. to seriously consider placing the officers and personnel/operatives involved in the Tanauan incident under preventive suspension or any appropriate relief.

The commission would also subpoena the witnesses for the victims who refused to execute sworn statements for fear of reprisals from the men involved in the incident and to require them to either execute sworn statements or testify under oath in the course of public hearing.

De Lima also said the CHR would refer to the Commission’s Assistance and Visitorial Office (AVO), for evaluation, the matter of possible financial assistance to the surviving kin of Magsino, Malabanan, Lachica and Javier, and for AVO to submit to the Commission en banc appropriate recommendations thereof.

The CHR also recommended to assist the families of the victims in acquiring free legal assistance from appropriate government agencies if it has been determined that there is a need to file appropriate charges against those involved in the Tanauan incidents in the courts.

De Lima said Razon and all concerned officers and personnel/operatives involved in the Tanauan incident will be given copies of the resolution.

The action of the Commission is within its Constitutional mandate, hence, it has the duty to look into whether the law enforcement team involved in the incident observed the principles of human rights vis-à-vis the rule of law, including its own PNP Rules of Engagement applicable to the situation.

“It is worth emphasizing that in the implementation of legitimate operations, the rule of law and human rights must at all times be recognized and upheld. Hence, `summary execution’ has no place in a civilized and democratic society such as ours,” the CHR head said.

2 killed, 2 injured due to landslide in Davao City

Miami
August 6, 2008
Story: 2 killed, 2 injured due to landslide in Davao City

Two people got killed while two others were injured including a two year old boy after the part of quarrying site were the three victims are working eroded on them.

The incident occurred at around 12:00 noon of August 4, 2008.

Victims that were died were identified as Edgar Balolot Selana, 49; and Nelson Collera Tagalog, 20, labourer in DIMS Quarry in Barangay Langub, Tamolon, Davao City.

The two that were injured are John Abude Adoracion, 17, are Johnlord Granada Uy, 2, both brought to Davao Medical Center and was already declared as out of danger.

Investigation disclosed that Selena, Collera and Adoracion were loading sand on the mini dump truck then the upper portion of their quarrying site eroded on them causing to landslide and burying the four victims.

Uy, the two year old boy, was playing near the area that is why he was included in the accident.

Former rebel, killed in Bataan

Miami
August 6, 2008
Story: Former rebel, killed in Bataan

A man believed to be a former rebel was gunned down at Bataan last August 5, 2008 at around 11:10 pm.

The victim was identified as Jesie Ortega, 39 residing at Barangay Sapa, Samal Bataan was shot by three unidentified men in front of Samal National High School located in Barangay Ibaba, Samal, Bataan.

According to PO1 Christopher Pangilinan, the victim was to be believed a former rebel that already turned his back from the group were he belonged which is the Reblusyunaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB).

Pangilinan said that Ortega sustained five gunshot wounds; three on his head, and two on both sides of his body.

“One of the angle that we are looking was his previous involvement in RHB, then he left the group to go back to the government, maybe this is the reason why he was killed. But we are also looking for other reasons,” Pangilinan said.

The victim was walking going home, when he was shot by the suspects.

Recovered from the crime scene, 2 spent shells from calibre .4 and 2 spent of shells of 9mm.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

PNP optimistic that ARMM elections will be peaceful and orderly

Miami
August 6, 2008
Story: PNP optimistic that ARMM elections will be peaceful and orderly

All systems go now for the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the upcoming elections at Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on August 11, 2008, Monday.

PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said, “All systems go. We have prepared for this and our initial preparations are already in place for the elections.” Adding that they anticipate that there will be no problems that will occur until the completion of the election.

For the “finishing touches” of the security measures in the election, the PNP is closely coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Bartolome also added that they are optimistic that the holding of RMM elections will be peaceful and in order.

The PNP is also assuring that the human rights of the people in the provinces of ARMM will be protected. “All rights of every citizen will be properly safeguarded, during the conduct of election. And in every activity where the PNP will participate, the rights of every individual will be given priority,” Bartolome said.

There will be about 6, 800 policemen will be deployed for the ARMM election. From each Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and Caraga they will augment 120 policemen to ARMM or for a total of 600 police personnel. They will arrive in ARMM three days before the election.

One dead after motorboat capsized in Tawi-tawi

Miami
August 5, 2008
Story 3: One dead after motorboat capsized in Tawi-tawi

A motorboat capsized in Tawi-tawi last August 4 at around 10:00 am after it was hit by big current at the sea one-nautical mile away from Brgy. Pahut in Bongao.

The victim was identified as SPO1 Sadjan Jal Palahuddin, of Sitangkai police. He was with Sibuto (town) Mayor Kuyoh Pajili and Sitangkai (town) Mayor Haji Serbin Ahaja with two other police escorts of the two Mayors identified as PO2 Espin Gulam, PO1 Zansibar Muallila.
They are about to go to Bongao town, also in Tawi-tawi to attend an event when they were hit by strong current which cause for their motorboat to capsized.
According to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Police (ARMM) Spokesperson Chief Supt. Danilo Bacas, Palahuddin was already fell unconscious after they fell on the waters.

They were save 30 minutes after the incident by the fishermen who happens to pass by at the area. They even brought Palahuddin at Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Bongao, but was declared dead on arrival.

Hall of Justice in Sultan Kudarat razed by fire

Miami
August 5, 2008
Story 2: Hall of Justice in Sultan Kudarat razed by fire

The whole building of the Hall of Justice inIsulan, Sultan Kudarat was razed by fire last August 4, at around 7:30 pm.

The fire which lasted for two hours, was caused by explosions that were heard inside the Hall of Justice said by Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Teng Tocao. According to him, they are not sure if those were exploded are the ammunitions being kept as evidences on some cases being heard there, but this is one of the possibilities that they are looking at.

Tocao also added that aside from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) he already tasked the Isulan Municipal Police Station to investigate the incident including the cause and the origin of fire.

"We have instructed our chief of police in Isulan to conduct an investigation, apart from the investigation being conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which is the lead agency,” Tocao said.

The Isulan Hall of Justice which is located in Barangay Kalawag 2, Old Capitol Compound, Capitol Site, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat is only one storey building.

The fire lasted for almost two hours because of the strong winds that they are experiencing while the fire fighters trying to put out the fire.

reporter shot in General Santos, in critical condition

Miami
August 5, 2008
Story 1: reporter shot in General Santos, in critical condition

A radio reporter is now in critical condition after being shot by three unidentified men riding in one motorcycle.

The victim was identified as Dennis Cuesta, 35, a radio commentator of DxMD-Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) was shot along National Highway fronting the Novitiate Square adjacent to DxCP Radio Station, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City.

The incident took place at around 4:30 pm, August 4.

Sr. Supt Robert Po, Chief of Police of General Santos Police Station said that they already have cartographic sketch of the suspects.

Initial investigation disclosed that the suspects approached the victim from behind and shot him five times at close range using caliber .45. Cuesta was rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital for medical treatment and is presently being secured by General Santos City Police.

Po said that the victim sustained three gunshot wounds on his forehead, lower back portion of his body and in hand. But the police recovered five empty shells of calibre .45 at the crime scene.

Po added that the victim is now undergoing operation because of the blood clot and a damaged in his skull and there is a fear that he might not recover 100%.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), already created Task Force Cuesta to be composed of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and Public Information Office to ensure a coordinated effort in the investigation and prioritize the immediate resolution of the case.

Po said on the initial investigation that they gathered, prior to the incident, the victim received death threats through text messages and even reported it through the CIDG in Region 12. The police are considering several angles regarding the motive of the shooting, among them work-related for his being very hard-hitting radio commentator and possibly for his being witness to an illegal detention case.

Monday, August 4, 2008

500 PNP-SAF personnel to be deploy in Region 11

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LRT operations from Carriedo to Monumento stations stopped for 7 hours due to fire near Carriedo Station

Miami
August 4, 2008
Story: LRT operations from Carriedo to Monumento stations stopped for 7 hours due to fire near Carriedo Station

The operations of Light Rail Transit or LRT Line 1 in Manila were affected due to fire in Carriedo, Manila.

The stations from Carriedo to Monumento were stopped around 9:00 am after the smoke gets through to Carriedo station. Affected stations are Carriedo, Doroteo Jose, Bambang, Tayuman, Blumentritt, Jose Abad Santos, R. Papa, 5th Avenue and Monumento.

The Good Earth Building which is a 6-storey building, located along Avenida Avenue near Carriedo Station was gutted by fire at around 5:40 am, August 4. The fire easily spread and reached fifth alarm at around 8:30 am.

According to the staff of Public Relations Office (PRO) of LRT-1 the operations stopped at around 9:30 am. But the operations from Central Terminal to Baclaran were not affected.

But before totally stopping its operation from Carriedo to Monumento and vice-versa, at around 7:00 am the trains are not stopping at Carriedo station to load and unload passengers. The trains are just passing by in Carriedo and will load and unload passengers on the next station which is Dorote Jose for North Bound and Central Terminal for South bound.

The operations of LRT from Baclaran to Monumento and vice-versa resumed at around 4:30 pm, but the trains will not stopped in Carriedo station to avoid suffocation for passengers.

As of this writing the fire in Good Earth not yet declared as fire out.

6,800 policemen to be deploy in ARMM for elections, full alert starting August 6

Miami
August 4, 2008
Story: 6,800 policemen to be deploy in ARMM for elections, full alert starting August 6

About 6,800 policemen will be deployed for the upcoming elections on August 11 in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

ARMM Spokesperson Supt. Danilo Bacas said that in 6,800, augmentation from other regions in Mindanao is also included.

From each Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and Caraga they will augment 120 policemen to ARMM or for a total of 600 police personnel. The augmentation forces will be arriving in ARMM on August 6.

Meanwhile, Bacas clarified that from original 278 barangays from different provinces of ARMM that are considered as area of immediate concern, it is now down to 49 barangays.

Then, about 800 barangays also from different provinces in ARMM are considered as area of concern.

The area considered as area of immediate concern if the following criteria are present; election related violence since 2001, there are armed group in the area and intense political rivalry in the area.

If one or two of those criteria mentioned are not present, the area will only be considered as area of concern.

Bacas added that on August 6, at around 6:00 am the ARMM will be in full alert status already until there will be declared winners on the elections.

Sangguniang Bayan Secretary shot Quezon

Miami
August 4, 2008
Story: Sangguniang Bayan Secretary shot Quezon

A Sangguniang Bayan secretary was shot by still unidentified person in front of his house at around 7:40 am, August 4, 2008 in the province of Quezon.

The victim was identified as Michael Quejano, 35, working as a Sangguniang Bayan Secretary at the Municipal office in Sariaya, Quezon was shot by unidentified man in front of his house.

Quejano was about to go to his office for work when he was shot. According to Sariaya Chief of Police Chief Insp. Lodimer Leneta, when the victim went out of his house in Barangay 5, Sariaya, Quezon he saw a man outside who is about to get his gun and pointed to the victim.

Upon seeing it, the victim attemted to go back inside but he was sho already by the suspect, four times. Quejano sustained gunshot wounds on his right chest, right arm and feet.

After the shooting the gunman walk in east direction and boarded in a motorcycle.

Recovered from the crime scene are two empty shells and two slugs of .45. The police still clueless on who shot the victim, because according to the victim’s family, he does not have any death threats prior to the incident.

The victim was rushed to Doctor’s Hospital in Lucena City but later transferred to San Pablo Hospital in San Pablo City also in Quezon province for medical treatment. The victim is in critical condition.

Friday, August 1, 2008

PNP still prepared for ARMM elections despite plans for postponement

Miami
August 1, 2008
Story 2: PNP still prepared for ARMM elections despite plans for postponement

The Philippine National Police (PNP) are now prepared for the upcoming elections in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on August 11.

Despite of the plans to postpone the elections, PNP Chief Avelino Razon said that there will be no changes on their plans for the preparation on ARMM elections. It can be recalled that the Congress are approved on its postponement.

“There will be no changes whether they postpone it or not, we will still be ready and prepared for the security measures in ARMM. We are still assuming that the ARMM elections will push through,” Razon said.

There will be about 4,000 policemen that will be deployed in ARMM, and this will be augmented by Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Razon added that they already identified hotspots on the area and these hotspots are being closely monitored.

ARMM PIO Supt. Danilo Bacas said that there are about 200 barangays in ARMM that are considered as area of immediate concern and about 700 barangays are considered as area of concern.

The area is considered as area of immediate concern if the following criteria are present; election related violence since 2001, there are armed group in the area and intense political rivalry in the area.

If one or two of those criteria mentioned are not present, the area will only be considered as area of concern.

The PNP Chief also said that security for media who will cover the elections are included in their preparations. Razon said there are no limits for the media who will cover the election but reminded the media to coordinate properly with the authorities in able to provide them security escorts.