Miami
October 31, 2008
Story: Vehicle fell in a ravine in Benguet, passenger dead but cannot be identified
A vehicle fall in a ravine in Benguet, its lone passenger died on the spot and cannot be recognized because he was burned as well.
The incident occurred at around 3:00 am of October 31, along Kilometer 13 of Halsema highway in Barangay Caponga, Tublay, Benguet.
According to Sr. Supt Danny Pelisco, provincial director of Benguet, no one witness on what really happened to the vehicle which is a Honda City (ZEN-841), the police said it could be self-accident like loosing its break and became uncontrollable of the situation.
The police said that the only passenger of the vehicle was identified as Roger Yu, he is also driving the said vehicle. He was only identified through the identification cards recovered from the vehicle. He is a resident of AIC Gold Tower in Pasig City.
Pelisco said the victim is beyond recognition because the vehicle and the victim is burned; showing an indication that the vehicle exploded when it fell at the 200 meter ravine.
The police also recovered receipts of North Luzon Expressway, showing that the victim might came all the way from Manila.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Catholic school in Manila, entered by heavily armed men
Miami
October 31, 2008
Story: Catholic school in Manila, entered by heavily armed men
A school in Manila has been entered by about 10 to 12 armed men Friday morning but were not able to break in inside school premises.
According to Sr. Supt. Ferdinand Quirante, Station Commander (station 9) of Malate Police Station in Manila, the armed men were riding in two Toyota Revo vehicles entered at the main gate of St. Scholastica’s College, a catholic private school, which is located in Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila.
Quirante said before the two vehicles were able to enter the school the vehicles repeatedly blow its horns prompted for the security guard on duty at the main gate to open the gate and check who are inside the vehicles. “He wants to verify who were inside the vehicle, so he went out of the campus, opened the gate to verify who are inside, but before he can do that, the gun was pointed to him and the vehicles entered inside,” he narrates.
The incident occurred between 1:00 to 1:20 am.
Because of the sounds of horns the residents leaving near the school reported the unusual incident at their area to the police. The police responded immediately and entered the main gate as well.
But when the police entered the school, the armed men escape immediately exiting the gate 4 of the school which is located in Estrada Street. Quirante said the gate four is near Osmena highway and they suspected that the suspects went their.
Quirante said when the police entered the school, the armed men immediately ride to their vehicle. And one of the security guard opened the gate 4 that is why they managed to escape.
Quirante said the motive of the group is probably to robbed the school but he quickly said that no one of the suspects were able to enter the premises of the school building.
While inside, the armed men were able to disarm the three out of seven duty security guards.
Quirante added that there is a CCTV at the main entrance of the school, but the faces of the armed men cannot be seen because they are wearing baseball cap. He also denied reports that the armed men claimed that they are police and wearing camouflaged uniforms, instead they are wearing ordinary civilian clothes and some were also wearing shorts.
October 31, 2008
Story: Catholic school in Manila, entered by heavily armed men
A school in Manila has been entered by about 10 to 12 armed men Friday morning but were not able to break in inside school premises.
According to Sr. Supt. Ferdinand Quirante, Station Commander (station 9) of Malate Police Station in Manila, the armed men were riding in two Toyota Revo vehicles entered at the main gate of St. Scholastica’s College, a catholic private school, which is located in Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila.
Quirante said before the two vehicles were able to enter the school the vehicles repeatedly blow its horns prompted for the security guard on duty at the main gate to open the gate and check who are inside the vehicles. “He wants to verify who were inside the vehicle, so he went out of the campus, opened the gate to verify who are inside, but before he can do that, the gun was pointed to him and the vehicles entered inside,” he narrates.
The incident occurred between 1:00 to 1:20 am.
Because of the sounds of horns the residents leaving near the school reported the unusual incident at their area to the police. The police responded immediately and entered the main gate as well.
But when the police entered the school, the armed men escape immediately exiting the gate 4 of the school which is located in Estrada Street. Quirante said the gate four is near Osmena highway and they suspected that the suspects went their.
Quirante said when the police entered the school, the armed men immediately ride to their vehicle. And one of the security guard opened the gate 4 that is why they managed to escape.
Quirante said the motive of the group is probably to robbed the school but he quickly said that no one of the suspects were able to enter the premises of the school building.
While inside, the armed men were able to disarm the three out of seven duty security guards.
Quirante added that there is a CCTV at the main entrance of the school, but the faces of the armed men cannot be seen because they are wearing baseball cap. He also denied reports that the armed men claimed that they are police and wearing camouflaged uniforms, instead they are wearing ordinary civilian clothes and some were also wearing shorts.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Chief PNP ordered to heighten police visibility in the provinces, full alert in NCRPO for all soul’s day
Miami
October 30, 2008
Story 2: Chief PNP ordered to heighten police visibility in the provinces, full alert in NCRPO for all soul’s day
In commemoration for the all saint’s day, Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has ordered all regional directors nationwide to heighten the police visibility especially to the crowded areas like cemeteries and terminals.
In Luzon, Verzosa alerted police units in the Ilocos-Pangasinan Regiona, Cagayan Valley Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol Region to establish similar PACs along the Mc Arthur Highway, Maharlika Highway, and Manila South Road to secure the travel route for motorists and commuters going home to the provinces.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that in National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the PNP is in full alert.
The Chief of PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad said he instructed his regional chiefs to be cautious of the vehicles that is entering their area, “I ordered them to be vigilant because this season maybe used by some criminals like carnappers to use carnapped vehicles, then bring in to nearby provinces.”
He added that 80% or 1,500 personnel of HPG should be visible all over the country, “More particularly in the entire stretch of major thoroughfares. Here in Metro Manila all our motorcycle personnel, mobile personnel and reserve personnel must be very visible in EDSA more particularly on our bus terminals, entrance and exits of SLEX and NLEX including SCTEX.”
In NCR, eight mobiles of HPG and 30 motorcycles will also be visible in the street adn will implement the Oplan Kaluluwa.
The PNP Spokesman said all PNP units were also alerted by the National Headquarters to prepare to respond to some extreme situations that perennially characterize the celebration of the Halloween Holiday or "undas". Like; Petty Crime; Lost children and belongings; Stampede, over-crowding, unruly crowd; Medical emergencies (exhaustion, heat-stroke, cuts, burns, sprain, fracture, food-poisoning, allergies, breathing discomfort); Pickpocket, theft, snatching, robbery, Salisi, Bukas-kotse; Estafa, illegal-vendors, swindling, impersonators (fake priests, fake long-lost relatives or colleagues of the deceased, etc); Vehicular collisions, parking violations, traffic obstruction; Gambling, alcohol, drugs; and Gang or Frat wars.
October 30, 2008
Story 2: Chief PNP ordered to heighten police visibility in the provinces, full alert in NCRPO for all soul’s day
In commemoration for the all saint’s day, Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has ordered all regional directors nationwide to heighten the police visibility especially to the crowded areas like cemeteries and terminals.
In Luzon, Verzosa alerted police units in the Ilocos-Pangasinan Regiona, Cagayan Valley Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol Region to establish similar PACs along the Mc Arthur Highway, Maharlika Highway, and Manila South Road to secure the travel route for motorists and commuters going home to the provinces.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that in National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the PNP is in full alert.
The Chief of PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad said he instructed his regional chiefs to be cautious of the vehicles that is entering their area, “I ordered them to be vigilant because this season maybe used by some criminals like carnappers to use carnapped vehicles, then bring in to nearby provinces.”
He added that 80% or 1,500 personnel of HPG should be visible all over the country, “More particularly in the entire stretch of major thoroughfares. Here in Metro Manila all our motorcycle personnel, mobile personnel and reserve personnel must be very visible in EDSA more particularly on our bus terminals, entrance and exits of SLEX and NLEX including SCTEX.”
In NCR, eight mobiles of HPG and 30 motorcycles will also be visible in the street adn will implement the Oplan Kaluluwa.
The PNP Spokesman said all PNP units were also alerted by the National Headquarters to prepare to respond to some extreme situations that perennially characterize the celebration of the Halloween Holiday or "undas". Like; Petty Crime; Lost children and belongings; Stampede, over-crowding, unruly crowd; Medical emergencies (exhaustion, heat-stroke, cuts, burns, sprain, fracture, food-poisoning, allergies, breathing discomfort); Pickpocket, theft, snatching, robbery, Salisi, Bukas-kotse; Estafa, illegal-vendors, swindling, impersonators (fake priests, fake long-lost relatives or colleagues of the deceased, etc); Vehicular collisions, parking violations, traffic obstruction; Gambling, alcohol, drugs; and Gang or Frat wars.
two hijackers arrested by the PNP
Miami
October 30, 2008
Story 3: two hijackers arrested by the PNP
Two out of six hijackers were arrested by the police authorities after they hijacked Php1.5 million worth of milk in Pasig City.
Based on the story of the driver and the helper, armed men on board a white Isuzu Crosswind hijacked their Isuzu Trailer Truck with a container van loaded with (1,100) boxes of Angel Brand Condensed Milk along C-5 Road, Ortigas Extn., Rosario, Pasig City at about 12:30 in the early morning of October 28, 2008.
It was supposed to be delivered to Snowmountain Dairy Corporation with office address at No. 45 A. Rodriguez Ave., Asphaltrade Compound, Manggahan, Pasig City but it never arrived there.
The driver identified as Hilario Blanco of Vitas Tondo, Manila and the helper as Larry Lambinicio of Herbosa St., Tondo, Manila, respectively and formally reported the matter. They went to the office of the HPG at around 5:30 pm of October 28, together with the Snow Mountain Security Manager, Sean Arriola.
The driver and the helper said that they were hogtied and blindfolded at gunpoint by three (3) armed men who blocked them with a white Isuzu crosswind and dumped them along Concepcion, Brgy. San Isidro, Cainta Rizal. The two were interrogated separately and noticed that they have conflicting statements on how they were blocked.
“According to the driver (Blanco) they tried to oppose what the hijackers wanted, but according to the helper (Lambinicio) they just follow the instructions of the hijackers,” HPG Spokesperson Supt. Edwin Butacan said.
Then when he was asked again, Blanco admitted that he was part of the group who planned to hijacked the truck that he is driving. He was offered by his neighbour identified only as Danilo Batan to sell the cargoes. And together with six (6) others, they agreed to plan the said “hijacking”.
At about 6:00AM of October 29, 2008, Batan was arrested at the compound of Maabilidad Inc. owned and managed by a certain Ronald Lim which he leased from EANCRA Corp located at Purok 1 East Bank Road, Floodway, Brgy Sta. Lucia, Pasig City. They also recovered the boxes of milk at the said place.
Both Batan and Blanco is now under the custody of HPG and facing highway robbery case.
October 30, 2008
Story 3: two hijackers arrested by the PNP
Two out of six hijackers were arrested by the police authorities after they hijacked Php1.5 million worth of milk in Pasig City.
Based on the story of the driver and the helper, armed men on board a white Isuzu Crosswind hijacked their Isuzu Trailer Truck with a container van loaded with (1,100) boxes of Angel Brand Condensed Milk along C-5 Road, Ortigas Extn., Rosario, Pasig City at about 12:30 in the early morning of October 28, 2008.
It was supposed to be delivered to Snowmountain Dairy Corporation with office address at No. 45 A. Rodriguez Ave., Asphaltrade Compound, Manggahan, Pasig City but it never arrived there.
The driver identified as Hilario Blanco of Vitas Tondo, Manila and the helper as Larry Lambinicio of Herbosa St., Tondo, Manila, respectively and formally reported the matter. They went to the office of the HPG at around 5:30 pm of October 28, together with the Snow Mountain Security Manager, Sean Arriola.
The driver and the helper said that they were hogtied and blindfolded at gunpoint by three (3) armed men who blocked them with a white Isuzu crosswind and dumped them along Concepcion, Brgy. San Isidro, Cainta Rizal. The two were interrogated separately and noticed that they have conflicting statements on how they were blocked.
“According to the driver (Blanco) they tried to oppose what the hijackers wanted, but according to the helper (Lambinicio) they just follow the instructions of the hijackers,” HPG Spokesperson Supt. Edwin Butacan said.
Then when he was asked again, Blanco admitted that he was part of the group who planned to hijacked the truck that he is driving. He was offered by his neighbour identified only as Danilo Batan to sell the cargoes. And together with six (6) others, they agreed to plan the said “hijacking”.
At about 6:00AM of October 29, 2008, Batan was arrested at the compound of Maabilidad Inc. owned and managed by a certain Ronald Lim which he leased from EANCRA Corp located at Purok 1 East Bank Road, Floodway, Brgy Sta. Lucia, Pasig City. They also recovered the boxes of milk at the said place.
Both Batan and Blanco is now under the custody of HPG and facing highway robbery case.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
PNP delegates to Russia to return the cash advance they used for
Miami
October 30, 2008
Story 1: PNP delegates to Russia to return the cash advance they used for
The eight-man delegation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) expresses their willingness to return the money that was given to them as their travel allowance.
In fact, two of them already gave the money, one in full and the other one in partial.
"Police Director Silverio Alarcio Jr, Director for Operations, returned the full amount of P274,070 while Police Director German Doria, Director for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) returned the partial amount of P100,000.00 with a promissory note to return the balance within 30 days," Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP Spokesperson, said.
This is in compliance to the order gave by PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa last Monday to return the travel allowance that was given to them totalling to Php274,070 for each of them or total of Php2.192 million all-in-all.
A breakdown for the expenses are the following: covering plane fares (P139,620), pre-departure allowance (P1,500), visa and insurance fees (P13,500), and a "per dime" of P128,892.
Doria said he only gave Php100,000 for now because that is the only cash that he has for now. But, promised that he will pay the remaining 174,000 within the 30 days starting Thursday.
He also expressed that he is hoping that his request for reimbursement will be considered, “I only retuned partial because somehow it may be considered that my request for reimbursement will be considered.”
He also said that the total cash of Php274,000 was not given to them, “What we received is our per dime and our allowance for the hotel bills and our food their in Russia because the PNP is the one who got our tickets and we already paid for our visas before leaving, of course .”
Doria said he returned the money to the special disbursing officer of the PNP Finance Service, Superintendent Samuel Rodriguez because he is the one who gave the money to them. Rodriguez will collect and save the money and it will be send to the PNP auditor for proper auditing.
It can be recalled that Rodriguez was one with Retired Police Director Eliseo Dela Paz, Chief Supt. Orlando Pestano, Chief of Finance Service, and Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, Chief, Budget Division who was recommended by Verzosa to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to be filed with appropriate charges for the unauthorized release of Php6.930 million.
Meanwhile, Bartolome said that the rest of the delegates will return their money on Monday, November 3. But if it is not yet known if it will be in full payment or like what Doria did who made a promissory note.
October 30, 2008
Story 1: PNP delegates to Russia to return the cash advance they used for
The eight-man delegation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) expresses their willingness to return the money that was given to them as their travel allowance.
In fact, two of them already gave the money, one in full and the other one in partial.
"Police Director Silverio Alarcio Jr, Director for Operations, returned the full amount of P274,070 while Police Director German Doria, Director for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) returned the partial amount of P100,000.00 with a promissory note to return the balance within 30 days," Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP Spokesperson, said.
This is in compliance to the order gave by PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa last Monday to return the travel allowance that was given to them totalling to Php274,070 for each of them or total of Php2.192 million all-in-all.
A breakdown for the expenses are the following: covering plane fares (P139,620), pre-departure allowance (P1,500), visa and insurance fees (P13,500), and a "per dime" of P128,892.
Doria said he only gave Php100,000 for now because that is the only cash that he has for now. But, promised that he will pay the remaining 174,000 within the 30 days starting Thursday.
He also expressed that he is hoping that his request for reimbursement will be considered, “I only retuned partial because somehow it may be considered that my request for reimbursement will be considered.”
He also said that the total cash of Php274,000 was not given to them, “What we received is our per dime and our allowance for the hotel bills and our food their in Russia because the PNP is the one who got our tickets and we already paid for our visas before leaving, of course .”
Doria said he returned the money to the special disbursing officer of the PNP Finance Service, Superintendent Samuel Rodriguez because he is the one who gave the money to them. Rodriguez will collect and save the money and it will be send to the PNP auditor for proper auditing.
It can be recalled that Rodriguez was one with Retired Police Director Eliseo Dela Paz, Chief Supt. Orlando Pestano, Chief of Finance Service, and Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, Chief, Budget Division who was recommended by Verzosa to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to be filed with appropriate charges for the unauthorized release of Php6.930 million.
Meanwhile, Bartolome said that the rest of the delegates will return their money on Monday, November 3. But if it is not yet known if it will be in full payment or like what Doria did who made a promissory note.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
CIDG creates Task Group to investigate Moscow incident
Miami
October 28, 2008
Story: CIDG creates Task Group to investigate Moscow incident
The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) creates a special investigation task groups that will dig deeper on to the investigation in relation to Moscow Incident.
Chief Superintendent Raul Castaneda, Director of CIDG, tasked CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) Chief Sr. Superintendent Isagani Nerez and to assist him is Sr. Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, Chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Division (CIDD). The two who will head the investigation are both lawyers.
Last Monday, October 27, PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa said that he is ordering the CIDG to file appropriate charges against Police Director Eliseo Dela Paz, Chief Supt. Orlando Pestano, Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, and Superintendent Samuel Rodriguez for the unauthorized release of P6.930 million from the PNP intelligence funds.
The said money was cash advance made by dela Paz as contingency fund for their trip in Moscow for the 77th Interpol General Assembly he attended together with seven other PNP officials last October 6 to 11, 2008.
Verzosa said dela Paz made his own transactions with Rentoy, and he did not see any documents with regards to this though in reality it should be his office that would approve of the said money. The cash advance was released October 3.
“The special task group will coordinate with DIDM (Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management) on what they got on their investigation, we will get what documents they already have,” Castaneda said.
He said that filing of charges will be based on the documentary evidences that they can gather. “We will do it expeditiously, explore all aspects,” Castaneda added.
Meanwhile, Nerez said in a phone interview that their investigation will focus on the disbursement of money. “As the Chief PNP announced, the money came from the PNP intelligence funds, now we will look for some other documents that would pertain on how they release the money and why,” Nerez said.
Once they gather all the evidences need and have final result on it, the CIDG will file appropriate charges against the four before the Ombudsman.
Verzosa also said that they are waiting for the result of the investigation of the Russian authorities to dela Paz when he was held in Moscow International Airport for questioning. The Chief PNP said they also need to evaluate the findings of the Russian authorities as well.
Legal counsel of dela Paz, Atty. Noel Malaya has filed to the Supreme Court the Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition Preliminary Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order, October 28, 2008, at around 1:00 pm.
Malaya said this aims to stop the Senate in arresting dela Paz, according to him, there was no proper quorum when Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago decided to arrest dela Paz. He said majority of the members of the committee should approve the arrest.
October 28, 2008
Story: CIDG creates Task Group to investigate Moscow incident
The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) creates a special investigation task groups that will dig deeper on to the investigation in relation to Moscow Incident.
Chief Superintendent Raul Castaneda, Director of CIDG, tasked CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) Chief Sr. Superintendent Isagani Nerez and to assist him is Sr. Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, Chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Division (CIDD). The two who will head the investigation are both lawyers.
Last Monday, October 27, PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa said that he is ordering the CIDG to file appropriate charges against Police Director Eliseo Dela Paz, Chief Supt. Orlando Pestano, Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, and Superintendent Samuel Rodriguez for the unauthorized release of P6.930 million from the PNP intelligence funds.
The said money was cash advance made by dela Paz as contingency fund for their trip in Moscow for the 77th Interpol General Assembly he attended together with seven other PNP officials last October 6 to 11, 2008.
Verzosa said dela Paz made his own transactions with Rentoy, and he did not see any documents with regards to this though in reality it should be his office that would approve of the said money. The cash advance was released October 3.
“The special task group will coordinate with DIDM (Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management) on what they got on their investigation, we will get what documents they already have,” Castaneda said.
He said that filing of charges will be based on the documentary evidences that they can gather. “We will do it expeditiously, explore all aspects,” Castaneda added.
Meanwhile, Nerez said in a phone interview that their investigation will focus on the disbursement of money. “As the Chief PNP announced, the money came from the PNP intelligence funds, now we will look for some other documents that would pertain on how they release the money and why,” Nerez said.
Once they gather all the evidences need and have final result on it, the CIDG will file appropriate charges against the four before the Ombudsman.
Verzosa also said that they are waiting for the result of the investigation of the Russian authorities to dela Paz when he was held in Moscow International Airport for questioning. The Chief PNP said they also need to evaluate the findings of the Russian authorities as well.
Legal counsel of dela Paz, Atty. Noel Malaya has filed to the Supreme Court the Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition Preliminary Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order, October 28, 2008, at around 1:00 pm.
Malaya said this aims to stop the Senate in arresting dela Paz, according to him, there was no proper quorum when Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago decided to arrest dela Paz. He said majority of the members of the committee should approve the arrest.
number of passengers killed in Tagaytay jeep accident, rises to nine
Miami
October 28, 2008
Story: number of passengers killed in Tagaytay jeep accident, rises to nine
Death toll to the jeep accident in Tagaytay City last October 27, Monday, rises to nine, official said.
According to Superintendent William Segun, Chief of Police of Tagaytay City rescue operatives were able to recover the body of Florencia Dimilio, female, 46, between 6:00 am to 7:00 am of Tuesday. Dimilio’s body was not been able to recover Monday because she was beneath the jeep.
Also, the search and rescue operations last Monday was cancelled at around 6:00 pm because it is already getting dark and they cannot go to the ravine.
Initially, the police said six were dead on the spot and later identified as Fidel Arsiado, Christopher Nervaez, Margarita Tizon, Geraldo Dimayuga, Imelda Tizon, and Rosita Dimayuga.
Two others, identified as Eufrocina Malabanan and Joy de Jesus, died at Estrella hospital in Silang Cavite.
Segun also said that there were 15 who were injured but already declared out of danger.
The driver of the jeep is still at the hospital and already identified as Bonifacio Ortilla, 35. Reportedly to be in critical condition after his spine was hit when he fell at the ravine.
It can be recalled that Ortilla is driving a jeep and they are on their way to Talisay, Batangas to attend a funeral of another relative.
The jeep fell in ravine at around 3:30 pm, Monday, while traversing the Talisay-Tagaytay road in Barangay Sunga West in Tagaytay City. The said area was believed to be the boundary of Tagaytay City, Cavite and Talisay, Batangas.
October 28, 2008
Story: number of passengers killed in Tagaytay jeep accident, rises to nine
Death toll to the jeep accident in Tagaytay City last October 27, Monday, rises to nine, official said.
According to Superintendent William Segun, Chief of Police of Tagaytay City rescue operatives were able to recover the body of Florencia Dimilio, female, 46, between 6:00 am to 7:00 am of Tuesday. Dimilio’s body was not been able to recover Monday because she was beneath the jeep.
Also, the search and rescue operations last Monday was cancelled at around 6:00 pm because it is already getting dark and they cannot go to the ravine.
Initially, the police said six were dead on the spot and later identified as Fidel Arsiado, Christopher Nervaez, Margarita Tizon, Geraldo Dimayuga, Imelda Tizon, and Rosita Dimayuga.
Two others, identified as Eufrocina Malabanan and Joy de Jesus, died at Estrella hospital in Silang Cavite.
Segun also said that there were 15 who were injured but already declared out of danger.
The driver of the jeep is still at the hospital and already identified as Bonifacio Ortilla, 35. Reportedly to be in critical condition after his spine was hit when he fell at the ravine.
It can be recalled that Ortilla is driving a jeep and they are on their way to Talisay, Batangas to attend a funeral of another relative.
The jeep fell in ravine at around 3:30 pm, Monday, while traversing the Talisay-Tagaytay road in Barangay Sunga West in Tagaytay City. The said area was believed to be the boundary of Tagaytay City, Cavite and Talisay, Batangas.
Monday, October 27, 2008
PNP readies for All Saint’s Day
Miami
October 27, 2008
Story: PNP readies for All Saint’s Day
Despite the controversy that the Philippine National Police is currently facing, the PNP still doing its work in securing the country. In fact, they are already prepared for the upcoming All Saint’s Day as many people are going to cemeteries to visit their dead loved ones.
PNP Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa urging the police officers and personnel to remain focus on their job and not to allow brewing side issues to affect the performance of their mission.
"The issues that are somehow diverting our attention from our normal law enforcement and peace-keeping functions must be left for the concerned PNP officers to address," Verzosa said referring to the recent Senate investigation into an incident involving PNP officials in Moscow.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were already in full alert since October 22 after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leaves for Beijing to attend Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-7) summit and will continue to be on this status after the All Soul’s Day or November 2.
The NCRPO continuos to be in full alert status because of the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development hosted by the Philippines which being held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay, Manila while heightened alert in nearby regions are being implemented.
NCRPO Chief Police Director Jefferson Soriano said that about 3,500 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila especially on the 74 cemeteries were many people are expecting to come to visit the graves of their loved ones.
As early as October 30 and 31, millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to their hometowns to pay respects to dearly departed, a traditional Filipino custom that has been in practice for many years.
Aside from the cemeteries, police visibility will be seen in bus terminals, seaports, airports, and along travel routes to maintain order and security, and prevent criminal and terrorists elements from taking advantage of the situation.
Vendors, political streamers, bladed weapons, intoxicating beverages, loud speakers and playing cards will be banned at the gates and inside the cemeteries.
"The key element in this security operation is police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and the public opinion effects," PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said.
The PNP Spokesman said all PNP units were also alerted by the National Headquarters to prepare to respond to some extreme situations that perennially characterize the celebration of the Halloween Holiday or "undas". Like; Petty Crime; Lost children and belongings; Stampede, over-crowding, unruly crowd; Medical emergencies (exhaustion, heat-stroke, cuts, burns, sprain, fracture, food-poisoning, allergies, breathing discomfort); Pickpocket, theft, snatching, robbery, Salisi, Bukas-kotse; Estafa, illegal-vendors, swindling, impersonators (fake priests, fake long-lost relatives or colleagues of the deceased, etc); Vehicular collisions, parking violations, traffic obstruction; Gambling, alcohol, drugs; and Gang or Frat wars.
October 27, 2008
Story: PNP readies for All Saint’s Day
Despite the controversy that the Philippine National Police is currently facing, the PNP still doing its work in securing the country. In fact, they are already prepared for the upcoming All Saint’s Day as many people are going to cemeteries to visit their dead loved ones.
PNP Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa urging the police officers and personnel to remain focus on their job and not to allow brewing side issues to affect the performance of their mission.
"The issues that are somehow diverting our attention from our normal law enforcement and peace-keeping functions must be left for the concerned PNP officers to address," Verzosa said referring to the recent Senate investigation into an incident involving PNP officials in Moscow.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were already in full alert since October 22 after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leaves for Beijing to attend Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-7) summit and will continue to be on this status after the All Soul’s Day or November 2.
The NCRPO continuos to be in full alert status because of the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development hosted by the Philippines which being held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay, Manila while heightened alert in nearby regions are being implemented.
NCRPO Chief Police Director Jefferson Soriano said that about 3,500 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila especially on the 74 cemeteries were many people are expecting to come to visit the graves of their loved ones.
As early as October 30 and 31, millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to their hometowns to pay respects to dearly departed, a traditional Filipino custom that has been in practice for many years.
Aside from the cemeteries, police visibility will be seen in bus terminals, seaports, airports, and along travel routes to maintain order and security, and prevent criminal and terrorists elements from taking advantage of the situation.
Vendors, political streamers, bladed weapons, intoxicating beverages, loud speakers and playing cards will be banned at the gates and inside the cemeteries.
"The key element in this security operation is police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and the public opinion effects," PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said.
The PNP Spokesman said all PNP units were also alerted by the National Headquarters to prepare to respond to some extreme situations that perennially characterize the celebration of the Halloween Holiday or "undas". Like; Petty Crime; Lost children and belongings; Stampede, over-crowding, unruly crowd; Medical emergencies (exhaustion, heat-stroke, cuts, burns, sprain, fracture, food-poisoning, allergies, breathing discomfort); Pickpocket, theft, snatching, robbery, Salisi, Bukas-kotse; Estafa, illegal-vendors, swindling, impersonators (fake priests, fake long-lost relatives or colleagues of the deceased, etc); Vehicular collisions, parking violations, traffic obstruction; Gambling, alcohol, drugs; and Gang or Frat wars.
Passenger jeep falls in a ravine in Tagaytay city, six dead
Miami
October 27, 2008
Story: Passenger jeep falls in a ravine in Tagaytay city, six dead
A passenger jeep fell in a ravine while traversing the Talisay-Tagaytay road when the jeep accidentally fell.
According to Supt. William Segun, Chief of Police of Tagaytay City the incident occurred at around 3:30 pm after the driver of the jeep lost its break and was not able to control the jeep.
The jeep fall in a ravine about 1,000 feet deep which cause instant death to six of its passengers. The jeep was reportedly to have about 25 passengers and was bound to go to Talisay, Batangas which came from Tagaytay City.
Segun also said that they were able to recover 18 survivors, and was brought to Tagaytay Hospital in Tagaytay City and Estrella Hospital in SIlang, Cavite.
Passengers sustained injuries on their head and different parts of their body. As of this writing they are not yet determined how many are in critical condition.
Segun also said a one year old baby boy was also missing and subject for their search and rescue.
The identity of the driver is not yet disclosed since the driver is also confine in Tagaytay Hospital. Segun a possible charge of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple murders and multiple physical injuries will be file against the driver.
October 27, 2008
Story: Passenger jeep falls in a ravine in Tagaytay city, six dead
A passenger jeep fell in a ravine while traversing the Talisay-Tagaytay road when the jeep accidentally fell.
According to Supt. William Segun, Chief of Police of Tagaytay City the incident occurred at around 3:30 pm after the driver of the jeep lost its break and was not able to control the jeep.
The jeep fall in a ravine about 1,000 feet deep which cause instant death to six of its passengers. The jeep was reportedly to have about 25 passengers and was bound to go to Talisay, Batangas which came from Tagaytay City.
Segun also said that they were able to recover 18 survivors, and was brought to Tagaytay Hospital in Tagaytay City and Estrella Hospital in SIlang, Cavite.
Passengers sustained injuries on their head and different parts of their body. As of this writing they are not yet determined how many are in critical condition.
Segun also said a one year old baby boy was also missing and subject for their search and rescue.
The identity of the driver is not yet disclosed since the driver is also confine in Tagaytay Hospital. Segun a possible charge of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple murders and multiple physical injuries will be file against the driver.
Dela Paz and three others recommended by the Chief PNP to be file with administrative and criminal charges
Miami
October 27, 2008
Story: Dela Paz and three others recommended by the Chief PNP to be file with administrative and criminal charges
Philippine National Police Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has recommended that those who were involved in releasing the Php6.903 million pesos to be filed with administrative and criminal charges.
In a statement, Verzosa said based on the findings of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), who conducted the investigation, “There is reasonable basis to file criminal as well as administrative charges against concerned police officers, particularly those involved in the funding, release, and disbursement of funds used in the official mission of the PNP delegation to the 77th Interpol General Assembly held in Russia.”
Verzosa ordered the eight delegates to the 77th Interpol General Assembly to submit individual liquidation reports of the Php274,070 cash advance that each of them received or totalling Php2.192-million.
The delegates are: Retired Police Director General Eliseo dela Paz, PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
He also ordered them to return the entire cash advance for travel they received from the Finance Service, “Should anyone of them feel they are entitled to reimbursement of expenses, they may file the corresponding claims following the normal accounting and auditing procedures.”
He also said that he is ordering the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to file appropriate charges against Dela Paz, Chief Superintendent Orlando Pestano, Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, and Superintendent Samuel Rodriguez for the unauthorized release of money from the PNP confidential/intelligence funds.
On the letter that Verzosa sent to Senator Mar Roxas last Friday, October 24, 2008, he explained that, “the cash advance of Php6.930 million that P/Director Eliseo dela Paz obtained was derived from PNPs intelligence fund which he processed before my assumption of office as PNP Chief. The cash advance was secured by him from P/Supt Samuel Rodriguez, the Disbursing officer for the Directorate for Intelligence through P/SSupt Tomas RENTOY, Chief, Budget Division, Directorate for Comptrollership.”
Pestano, the Chief of Finance Service, is also included in the case because as chief of Finance service his role is to maintain and supervise the operations of the Modified Disbursement System (MDS) Account for units in the PNP; Coordinates with other office/units concerning the preparation and distribution of the pay and allowances of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the PNP; Processes and settles claims for pay allowances/salaries, travel expenses and commutation of leave of PNP personnel. Maintains financial records of the pay and allowances of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel and other PNP obligations; and, Implements plans, policies, rules and regulations governing disbursement and collection of funds for the PNP.
For this case, the Php6.903M, Pestano should have knowledge about the money that was released, also, Rentoy is under him. It can be recalled that during the senate investigation Verzosa said that the transaction as being made between dela Paz and Rentoy.
Verzosa also directed the CIDG to coordinate with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Customs authorities to file appropriate charges before the Ombudsman against Dela Paz for violation of Section 36 of RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act for failure to declare the 105,000 Euros he brought out of the country when he travelled to Russia.
He ordered the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to supervise the ongoing activities of a Technical Working Group that was tasked to review, update and consolidate all PNP rules and regulations pertaining to foreign travel to attend official functions, and the existing rules on release, payment and disbursement of PNP funds for official travel.
He even asked the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) to come up with Standard Operating Procedure for the pre-departure briefing that they are conducting for all the personnel who will have to travel abroad for official mission. The purpose for this is “To make them aware of the customs and immigration laws, rules and regulations of the Philippines and the country of destination, as well as the social and cultural practices in the country to be visited.”
He also asked the Directorate for Intelligence to continuously coordinate with the Russian authorities. Verzosa confirmed that the money has not been transferred to them as promised.
He is also asking the Directorate for Comptrollership to review its policy and make appropriate changes.
Meanwhile, Chief Supt Raul Bacalzo, director of DIDM said their investigation would be in support of the own investigation of the Senate, Ombudsman and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) that would help in filing appropriate charges, both criminal and administrative, to the people involved.
Bacalzo also said that it is determined that the money came from the PNP intelligence funds, but on what purpose is not clear. “There is no evidence that the money will use as to buy intelligence equipment, the only authority we can obtain was the verbal instructions to release the P6.9M,” he said.
He also clarify that they can still file case against dela Paz before the Ombudsman because the incident happened when he was still an official.
The cases that can be filed against dela Paz is malversation of public funds which is under anti graft and corruption law; and violation of Central Bank Act.
Meanwhile on the call that he should leave, Verzosa said, “It is not proper to take a leave their are different tasks to do.”
October 27, 2008
Story: Dela Paz and three others recommended by the Chief PNP to be file with administrative and criminal charges
Philippine National Police Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has recommended that those who were involved in releasing the Php6.903 million pesos to be filed with administrative and criminal charges.
In a statement, Verzosa said based on the findings of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), who conducted the investigation, “There is reasonable basis to file criminal as well as administrative charges against concerned police officers, particularly those involved in the funding, release, and disbursement of funds used in the official mission of the PNP delegation to the 77th Interpol General Assembly held in Russia.”
Verzosa ordered the eight delegates to the 77th Interpol General Assembly to submit individual liquidation reports of the Php274,070 cash advance that each of them received or totalling Php2.192-million.
The delegates are: Retired Police Director General Eliseo dela Paz, PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
He also ordered them to return the entire cash advance for travel they received from the Finance Service, “Should anyone of them feel they are entitled to reimbursement of expenses, they may file the corresponding claims following the normal accounting and auditing procedures.”
He also said that he is ordering the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to file appropriate charges against Dela Paz, Chief Superintendent Orlando Pestano, Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, and Superintendent Samuel Rodriguez for the unauthorized release of money from the PNP confidential/intelligence funds.
On the letter that Verzosa sent to Senator Mar Roxas last Friday, October 24, 2008, he explained that, “the cash advance of Php6.930 million that P/Director Eliseo dela Paz obtained was derived from PNPs intelligence fund which he processed before my assumption of office as PNP Chief. The cash advance was secured by him from P/Supt Samuel Rodriguez, the Disbursing officer for the Directorate for Intelligence through P/SSupt Tomas RENTOY, Chief, Budget Division, Directorate for Comptrollership.”
Pestano, the Chief of Finance Service, is also included in the case because as chief of Finance service his role is to maintain and supervise the operations of the Modified Disbursement System (MDS) Account for units in the PNP; Coordinates with other office/units concerning the preparation and distribution of the pay and allowances of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the PNP; Processes and settles claims for pay allowances/salaries, travel expenses and commutation of leave of PNP personnel. Maintains financial records of the pay and allowances of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel and other PNP obligations; and, Implements plans, policies, rules and regulations governing disbursement and collection of funds for the PNP.
For this case, the Php6.903M, Pestano should have knowledge about the money that was released, also, Rentoy is under him. It can be recalled that during the senate investigation Verzosa said that the transaction as being made between dela Paz and Rentoy.
Verzosa also directed the CIDG to coordinate with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Customs authorities to file appropriate charges before the Ombudsman against Dela Paz for violation of Section 36 of RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act for failure to declare the 105,000 Euros he brought out of the country when he travelled to Russia.
He ordered the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to supervise the ongoing activities of a Technical Working Group that was tasked to review, update and consolidate all PNP rules and regulations pertaining to foreign travel to attend official functions, and the existing rules on release, payment and disbursement of PNP funds for official travel.
He even asked the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) to come up with Standard Operating Procedure for the pre-departure briefing that they are conducting for all the personnel who will have to travel abroad for official mission. The purpose for this is “To make them aware of the customs and immigration laws, rules and regulations of the Philippines and the country of destination, as well as the social and cultural practices in the country to be visited.”
He also asked the Directorate for Intelligence to continuously coordinate with the Russian authorities. Verzosa confirmed that the money has not been transferred to them as promised.
He is also asking the Directorate for Comptrollership to review its policy and make appropriate changes.
Meanwhile, Chief Supt Raul Bacalzo, director of DIDM said their investigation would be in support of the own investigation of the Senate, Ombudsman and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) that would help in filing appropriate charges, both criminal and administrative, to the people involved.
Bacalzo also said that it is determined that the money came from the PNP intelligence funds, but on what purpose is not clear. “There is no evidence that the money will use as to buy intelligence equipment, the only authority we can obtain was the verbal instructions to release the P6.9M,” he said.
He also clarify that they can still file case against dela Paz before the Ombudsman because the incident happened when he was still an official.
The cases that can be filed against dela Paz is malversation of public funds which is under anti graft and corruption law; and violation of Central Bank Act.
Meanwhile on the call that he should leave, Verzosa said, “It is not proper to take a leave their are different tasks to do.”
Friday, October 24, 2008
371 students hospitalized for eating contaminated lollipop
Miami
October 24, 2008
Story: 371 students hospitalized for eating contaminated lollipop
About 371 students were rushed to the hospital after eating a lollipop which happens to be expired.
Chief Supt. Luisito Palmera, Provincial Director of Region 4-B, Mindoro, Marinduqe, Romblon, Palawan (MIMAROPA) said the victims were all elementary students ages 7-10 years old are from two elementary schools; the Rio Tuba Nickel (RTN) Elementary School and RTN Annex elementary school.
The school is located at barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.
The incident took place at around 9:00 am of October 24, 2008 after the students suffered from vomiting, dizziness and stomach ache.
Palmera said 51 of 371 students were confined and still under observation at RTN hospital while the rest were already cleared by the doctors.
The students bought the lollipop from a street vendor only. The said street vendor is nowhere to find now but the Bataraza municipal police station is conducting hot pursuit operations.
The said candies are already expired last December 12, 2007 that is why the students were affected.
October 24, 2008
Story: 371 students hospitalized for eating contaminated lollipop
About 371 students were rushed to the hospital after eating a lollipop which happens to be expired.
Chief Supt. Luisito Palmera, Provincial Director of Region 4-B, Mindoro, Marinduqe, Romblon, Palawan (MIMAROPA) said the victims were all elementary students ages 7-10 years old are from two elementary schools; the Rio Tuba Nickel (RTN) Elementary School and RTN Annex elementary school.
The school is located at barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.
The incident took place at around 9:00 am of October 24, 2008 after the students suffered from vomiting, dizziness and stomach ache.
Palmera said 51 of 371 students were confined and still under observation at RTN hospital while the rest were already cleared by the doctors.
The students bought the lollipop from a street vendor only. The said street vendor is nowhere to find now but the Bataraza municipal police station is conducting hot pursuit operations.
The said candies are already expired last December 12, 2007 that is why the students were affected.
Budget division Chief of PNP not allowed to undertake disbursement
Miami
October 24, 2008
Story: Budget division Chief of PNP not allowed to undertake disbursement
The police officer who signed and gave the cash advance to ex-Comptroller Police Director Eliseo dela Paz has not been allowed to do his duty as disbursing officer while under investigation.
Philippine National Police Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa said Sr. Supt. Tomas Rentoy as the budget division chief of directorate for comptrollership of the PNP “is assigned from time to time as disbursing officer.”
“We advised him not to undertake first this disbursement,” Verzosa said. During the senate investigation on the Moscow incident Verzosa said that he did not authorized any cash advance wherein it is the office of the Chief PNP who will sign it. Verzosa said that it was Rentoy who gave the cash advance to dela Paz and the transaction was “made between them.”
The money that he as referring is the controversial Php6.903 million that was converted to 105,000 euro that dela Paz brought to Russia when he attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly in St. Petersburg in Russia.
Dela Paz was held in Moscow International airport after seeing on their luggage through the x-ray machine that he is carrying 105,000 euros exceeding the required limit.
Verzosa said he still do not know on whose authority the cash advance was released and said the power of the comptroller to release funds will be look into, “That is another thing that we have to see pertaining to the functions that are now being undertaken by the directorate for comptrollership.”
Though he admittedly said that it should be the Chief of the PNP who will sign any vouchers or advances that should be made but insist he did not see any of these.
Rentoy is being investigated by the PNP and not yet been subjected for suspension. The investigation is being conducted by Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) headed by Chief Supt. Raul Bacalso. “The penal actions against him or administrative actions against him will be put up and will be recommended upon the termination of the investigation,” Verzosa said.
The head of the PNP vowed that by Monday, October 27, they are hoping that they will be able to submit the complete investigation of the ongoing fact-finding investigation that the PNP are conducting pertaining to the Moscow incident. By that time, they are supposed to submit that report to Senator Manuel Roxas the vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Up to now, Verzosa said that the money was not been transferred from them by the Russian authorities. “There was no transfer yet but Director dela Paz, I was told by him, he requested the Russian govt to just transfer it from the Russian govt to the accounts of the PNP.”
The Chief PNP said they are expecting the Russian authorities to do so and they are already coordinating with the Russian authorities through the help of the Philippine Embassy there. The total amount of money that they are expecting is still 105,000 euros.
Verzosa said that the last time he talked to dela Paz was after the senate hearing by phone though he said that he do not know where is dela Paz right now, “I told him he should be open to the current investigation that we are conducting.”
If the Senate will file charges against Verzosa and those who will find liable for the release of Php6.9 million, he said that he will be open for any investigation.
October 24, 2008
Story: Budget division Chief of PNP not allowed to undertake disbursement
The police officer who signed and gave the cash advance to ex-Comptroller Police Director Eliseo dela Paz has not been allowed to do his duty as disbursing officer while under investigation.
Philippine National Police Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa said Sr. Supt. Tomas Rentoy as the budget division chief of directorate for comptrollership of the PNP “is assigned from time to time as disbursing officer.”
“We advised him not to undertake first this disbursement,” Verzosa said. During the senate investigation on the Moscow incident Verzosa said that he did not authorized any cash advance wherein it is the office of the Chief PNP who will sign it. Verzosa said that it was Rentoy who gave the cash advance to dela Paz and the transaction was “made between them.”
The money that he as referring is the controversial Php6.903 million that was converted to 105,000 euro that dela Paz brought to Russia when he attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly in St. Petersburg in Russia.
Dela Paz was held in Moscow International airport after seeing on their luggage through the x-ray machine that he is carrying 105,000 euros exceeding the required limit.
Verzosa said he still do not know on whose authority the cash advance was released and said the power of the comptroller to release funds will be look into, “That is another thing that we have to see pertaining to the functions that are now being undertaken by the directorate for comptrollership.”
Though he admittedly said that it should be the Chief of the PNP who will sign any vouchers or advances that should be made but insist he did not see any of these.
Rentoy is being investigated by the PNP and not yet been subjected for suspension. The investigation is being conducted by Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) headed by Chief Supt. Raul Bacalso. “The penal actions against him or administrative actions against him will be put up and will be recommended upon the termination of the investigation,” Verzosa said.
The head of the PNP vowed that by Monday, October 27, they are hoping that they will be able to submit the complete investigation of the ongoing fact-finding investigation that the PNP are conducting pertaining to the Moscow incident. By that time, they are supposed to submit that report to Senator Manuel Roxas the vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Up to now, Verzosa said that the money was not been transferred from them by the Russian authorities. “There was no transfer yet but Director dela Paz, I was told by him, he requested the Russian govt to just transfer it from the Russian govt to the accounts of the PNP.”
The Chief PNP said they are expecting the Russian authorities to do so and they are already coordinating with the Russian authorities through the help of the Philippine Embassy there. The total amount of money that they are expecting is still 105,000 euros.
Verzosa said that the last time he talked to dela Paz was after the senate hearing by phone though he said that he do not know where is dela Paz right now, “I told him he should be open to the current investigation that we are conducting.”
If the Senate will file charges against Verzosa and those who will find liable for the release of Php6.9 million, he said that he will be open for any investigation.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Senator Roxas said he is disappointed with Verzosa for not saying who authorized and signed for the cash advance that dela Paz withdraw, Verzosa said
Miami
October 23, 2008
Story: Senator Roxas said he is disappointed with Verzosa for not saying who authorized and signed for the cash advance that dela Paz withdraw, Verzosa said dela Paz did it on his own
A senator expressed his disappointment to the new head of the Philippine National Police after it said that he did not know how the Php 6.9 million was withdrawn.
“I am disappointed with Police Director General (Jesus) Verzosa for not saying who authorized and who signed the money for its release,” Senator Mar Roxas said, Vice Chair of Committee on Foreign Relations.
Verzosa was repeatedly asked by the members of the committee who attended the hearing, Majority Floor Leader Francis Pangilinan, Committee on Foreign Relations ChairSenator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Sen. Miguel Zubiri and Roxas on where does the money came from.
Asked for the procedure on the cash advances, Verzosa said that the authorization should came from him as the Chief of PNP but he said that he only learned about the cash advance made by Dela Paz from Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, budget division chief of directorate for comptrollership of the PNP. “It was relayed to me by Sr. Supt. Rentoy, also assigned at the comptroller division. I did not make any approval. The transaction was made between them,” he told the committee.
Roxas said how come that the transaction was made by the two and it did not pass through the office of Verzosa who is the Chief of the PNP.
The committee also cited that under the General Appropriation Act of 2008, that no officials should attend any assembly or conferences when they are due to retire within one year after the assembly that they attended to. The committee said that this indeed was violated by the PNP.
Santiago also questioned Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno for violating the Administrative Order 103 or not allowing any foreign travel if it will cost the government. But Puno said he is authorized to approve their travel because it will benefit the organization.
Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales who is also present at the hearing as resource panel, said that the travel is necessary because it is an International Police Assembly.
Also present at the senate hearing are the seven PNP delegates, they are P 6.9 millionNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
They were asked if they know about the cash advance, Ricardo said they know that they have the funds but did not know how much it is.
Even Puno is saying that he do not know about the Php 6.9 million cash advance that was done by dela Paz. He said that he only learned about the money when the incident on Moscow happened.
During the ambush interview, Roxas said that it seems that the PNP is covering up something that is why it is not clear where did they got the money and how.
Meanwhile, Verzosa said that the PNP is also investigating the matter and the result will be out on next Monday, October 27 and insist that there is no whitewash on their own probe.
October 23, 2008
Story: Senator Roxas said he is disappointed with Verzosa for not saying who authorized and signed for the cash advance that dela Paz withdraw, Verzosa said dela Paz did it on his own
A senator expressed his disappointment to the new head of the Philippine National Police after it said that he did not know how the Php 6.9 million was withdrawn.
“I am disappointed with Police Director General (Jesus) Verzosa for not saying who authorized and who signed the money for its release,” Senator Mar Roxas said, Vice Chair of Committee on Foreign Relations.
Verzosa was repeatedly asked by the members of the committee who attended the hearing, Majority Floor Leader Francis Pangilinan, Committee on Foreign Relations ChairSenator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Sen. Miguel Zubiri and Roxas on where does the money came from.
Asked for the procedure on the cash advances, Verzosa said that the authorization should came from him as the Chief of PNP but he said that he only learned about the cash advance made by Dela Paz from Senior Superintendent Tomas Rentoy, budget division chief of directorate for comptrollership of the PNP. “It was relayed to me by Sr. Supt. Rentoy, also assigned at the comptroller division. I did not make any approval. The transaction was made between them,” he told the committee.
Roxas said how come that the transaction was made by the two and it did not pass through the office of Verzosa who is the Chief of the PNP.
The committee also cited that under the General Appropriation Act of 2008, that no officials should attend any assembly or conferences when they are due to retire within one year after the assembly that they attended to. The committee said that this indeed was violated by the PNP.
Santiago also questioned Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno for violating the Administrative Order 103 or not allowing any foreign travel if it will cost the government. But Puno said he is authorized to approve their travel because it will benefit the organization.
Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales who is also present at the hearing as resource panel, said that the travel is necessary because it is an International Police Assembly.
Also present at the senate hearing are the seven PNP delegates, they are P 6.9 millionNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
They were asked if they know about the cash advance, Ricardo said they know that they have the funds but did not know how much it is.
Even Puno is saying that he do not know about the Php 6.9 million cash advance that was done by dela Paz. He said that he only learned about the money when the incident on Moscow happened.
During the ambush interview, Roxas said that it seems that the PNP is covering up something that is why it is not clear where did they got the money and how.
Meanwhile, Verzosa said that the PNP is also investigating the matter and the result will be out on next Monday, October 27 and insist that there is no whitewash on their own probe.
Senator Santiago orders arrest for dela Paz after he snob the Senate hearing
Miami
October 23, 2008
Story: Senator Santiago orders arrest for dela Paz after he snob the Senate hearing
The senate probe on the Moscow incident has started but the main personality who can answer the questions with regards to the “contingency funds” did not attend the hearing.
Retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz did not attend the senate hearing though he was subpoena by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Dela paz received the subpoena Wednesday afternoon when he went to the Ombudsman.
At the beginning of the hearing, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chair of Committee on Foreign Relations said that they receive “Challenge to Jurisdiction with Motion to Quash Subpoena” filed by Atty. Noel Malaya, counsel of dela Paz.
Santiago immediately dismissed the said motion and said to Atty. Malaya that in a senate inquiry, he, as a counsel, is not allowed to represent dela Paz.
“He (dela Paz) cannot invoke the right for self-incrimination as a blanket,he can only invoke it for question and we have to wait for the question to be ask then invoke it. But then he does not yet decide on that, it is the committee,” Santiago said.
Santiago reminded the counsel that he is not allowed to participate in the hearing, he’s duty only is to advise his client.
Malaya explained that after discussing the Challenge to Jurisdiction with Motion to Quash Subpoena to dela Paz, they decided not to let dela Paz attend the hearing because “We will wait for the decision on the motion that we filed.” This irked Santiago saying that even if they filed the said motion dela Paz should appear at the Senate emphasizing not because they filed the said motion it means it will be approved.
“The lawyer’s tactic is wrong, he should not advise his client not to attend the hearing just because they have a motion, they should wait for it to have a decision,” Santiago said.
Malaya said that they will file a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court to block the Senate investigation. Insist that dela Paz has no criminal liability on what he did only a lapse for not declaring the amount of money that he is carrying.
Meanwhile, the senate Sergeant-at-Arms cannot yet arrest dela Paz even if Santiago ordered for it because Senator Pia Cayetano, who acts as officer in-charge at the Senate in the absence of Senate President Manny Villar. Cayetano reasons out that she wil take orders from Villar first. Also, majority of the members was needed to vote on or either sign the order before this could be effected.
The Senate committee on foreign affairs has 14 members including its chairman, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.
Santiago did not order an arrest for the wife of dela Paz, Maria Fe, “It might affect the entire family, taht is why I did not include her, but with the father (Eliseo dela Paz) we cannot ignore his absence because this is the law.”
October 23, 2008
Story: Senator Santiago orders arrest for dela Paz after he snob the Senate hearing
The senate probe on the Moscow incident has started but the main personality who can answer the questions with regards to the “contingency funds” did not attend the hearing.
Retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz did not attend the senate hearing though he was subpoena by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Dela paz received the subpoena Wednesday afternoon when he went to the Ombudsman.
At the beginning of the hearing, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chair of Committee on Foreign Relations said that they receive “Challenge to Jurisdiction with Motion to Quash Subpoena” filed by Atty. Noel Malaya, counsel of dela Paz.
Santiago immediately dismissed the said motion and said to Atty. Malaya that in a senate inquiry, he, as a counsel, is not allowed to represent dela Paz.
“He (dela Paz) cannot invoke the right for self-incrimination as a blanket,he can only invoke it for question and we have to wait for the question to be ask then invoke it. But then he does not yet decide on that, it is the committee,” Santiago said.
Santiago reminded the counsel that he is not allowed to participate in the hearing, he’s duty only is to advise his client.
Malaya explained that after discussing the Challenge to Jurisdiction with Motion to Quash Subpoena to dela Paz, they decided not to let dela Paz attend the hearing because “We will wait for the decision on the motion that we filed.” This irked Santiago saying that even if they filed the said motion dela Paz should appear at the Senate emphasizing not because they filed the said motion it means it will be approved.
“The lawyer’s tactic is wrong, he should not advise his client not to attend the hearing just because they have a motion, they should wait for it to have a decision,” Santiago said.
Malaya said that they will file a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court to block the Senate investigation. Insist that dela Paz has no criminal liability on what he did only a lapse for not declaring the amount of money that he is carrying.
Meanwhile, the senate Sergeant-at-Arms cannot yet arrest dela Paz even if Santiago ordered for it because Senator Pia Cayetano, who acts as officer in-charge at the Senate in the absence of Senate President Manny Villar. Cayetano reasons out that she wil take orders from Villar first. Also, majority of the members was needed to vote on or either sign the order before this could be effected.
The Senate committee on foreign affairs has 14 members including its chairman, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.
Santiago did not order an arrest for the wife of dela Paz, Maria Fe, “It might affect the entire family, taht is why I did not include her, but with the father (Eliseo dela Paz) we cannot ignore his absence because this is the law.”
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
three suspected robbers killed in a shootout in Laguna
Miami
October 22, 2008
Story: three suspected robbers killed in a shootout in Laguna
Three suspected robbers were got killed in a shootout after they open fire to the police operatives who tried to stop them for questioning.
According to Sr. Supt. Manolito Labador, Laguna Provincial Director, at around 3:30 am of October 22, three suspects riding in a tricycle went to Flying V gas station along Pulong Sta. Cruz St. Barangay Balibago, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and forcibly took at gunpoint the money at the cashier then immediately escaped.
The three on duty personnel of the said gas station whom the police did not identify said were attentive to report the incident immediately to Sta. Rosa Police Station.
The St. Rosa Police Station together with the mobile group of the Police Regional Office in Region 4 conducted dragnet operation until one of them at around 4:30 pm sighted a the tricycle used by the suspects as described by the employees of the gas station.
The tricycle (XB3058) was sighted at Sta. Rosa Homes, Barangay Dita, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. The police operatives tried to stop them for checkpoint and inspection, but the suspects immediately fired at them so the police retaliate which lead to the killing of the suspects.
The suspects were identified as Roman Dutosme of Tondo, Manila; Leodegario Permejo of Area gate 3, Parola, Tondo, Manila and the third suspect remain unidentified.
Police recovered from the crime scene were three calibre .38, the loot money amounting to Php1,310 and one red Yamaha Tricycle.
Labador explained that the suspects only got Php 1,310 amount of money because the gas station is immediately depositing the money they earned if it reaches Php 2,000.
October 22, 2008
Story: three suspected robbers killed in a shootout in Laguna
Three suspected robbers were got killed in a shootout after they open fire to the police operatives who tried to stop them for questioning.
According to Sr. Supt. Manolito Labador, Laguna Provincial Director, at around 3:30 am of October 22, three suspects riding in a tricycle went to Flying V gas station along Pulong Sta. Cruz St. Barangay Balibago, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and forcibly took at gunpoint the money at the cashier then immediately escaped.
The three on duty personnel of the said gas station whom the police did not identify said were attentive to report the incident immediately to Sta. Rosa Police Station.
The St. Rosa Police Station together with the mobile group of the Police Regional Office in Region 4 conducted dragnet operation until one of them at around 4:30 pm sighted a the tricycle used by the suspects as described by the employees of the gas station.
The tricycle (XB3058) was sighted at Sta. Rosa Homes, Barangay Dita, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. The police operatives tried to stop them for checkpoint and inspection, but the suspects immediately fired at them so the police retaliate which lead to the killing of the suspects.
The suspects were identified as Roman Dutosme of Tondo, Manila; Leodegario Permejo of Area gate 3, Parola, Tondo, Manila and the third suspect remain unidentified.
Police recovered from the crime scene were three calibre .38, the loot money amounting to Php1,310 and one red Yamaha Tricycle.
Labador explained that the suspects only got Php 1,310 amount of money because the gas station is immediately depositing the money they earned if it reaches Php 2,000.
NAPOLCOM requires all delegates for Interpol Assembly to submit report on their activities within five working days
Miami
October 22, 2008
Story: NAPOLCOM requires all delegates for Interpol Assembly to submit report on their activities within five working days
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) vowed that they will investigate the incident that transpired to the retired Philippine National Police Comptroller after being held by the Russian authorities for bringing exceeding money limit.
“We decided this morning that will require the participants of the conference to submit to the NAPOLCOM a full report on their activities on the said event within five working days, together with the liquidation of all cash advances. This will start the administrative implications that will be undertaken by the NAPOLCOM with respect to this activity,” Ronaldo Puno said, Chairman of NAPOLCOM also the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
However, Puno said that he is aware that the normal period for liquidation is within 30 days but he is wants that within five days all reports; liquidation and activities will be submitted to the NAPOLCOM for their own investigation.
He added that the liquidation report that retired PNP Directorate for Comptrollership Eliseo dela Paz will submit to the Commission on Audit should submit it to them.
Puno said that the decision of the NAPOLCOM will be an en banc decision, “The decision that the NAPOLCOM will make is will be an en banc decision. The supervision and control of the PNP is not personal authority given to anyone.”
“Our investigation is more of the administrative culpability for the part of the gentleman that is under us. It's a different kind of investigation because we want to give everybody a presumption of innocence,” he added.
Puno also explained that the bond money is a normal financial procedure. “All secretaries are bonded, all undersecretaries are bonded all bureaus directors, all regional directors are bonded. Anybody that signs the check in behalf of the government or accepts any kind of cash advance in behalf of the organization is bonded.”
Dela Paz said on his statement Tuesday that he got the money “from my authorized Php 10 million cash advance bonded authority the amount of php6.93 million, which I converted into 105,000 euros as the standby revolving fund for our official travel.”
Puno said that the bond money depends on the rank or different levels of authorities. “Since dela Paz is a comptroller, he is bonded officer authorized to receive cash advances for the organization.”
Asked if the cash advance needs approval from the DILG, Puno said, “He just needs to liquidate it.”
Meanwhile, Puno said that he is willing to face the investigation at the Senate. It can be recalled that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Senator Mirriam Defensor-Santiago scheduled an investigation with regards to what happened to dela Paz who was held at the airport for bringing large amount of money exceeding $10,000 limit.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that PNP Police Director General Jesus Verzosa and the seven others who attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly already received the subpoena send by Senate in line for the investigation.
The seven others are PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
Bartolome also added that every police officer that has to leave the country for training, meetings or any police related activity will have to submit report in able to share it with their respective division. It is just so happened that they have to submit it as well to the NAPOLCOM.
He added that what dela Paz has shown when he arrived here is a “sign of professional officer” for saying that he is accountable for everything.
October 22, 2008
Story: NAPOLCOM requires all delegates for Interpol Assembly to submit report on their activities within five working days
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) vowed that they will investigate the incident that transpired to the retired Philippine National Police Comptroller after being held by the Russian authorities for bringing exceeding money limit.
“We decided this morning that will require the participants of the conference to submit to the NAPOLCOM a full report on their activities on the said event within five working days, together with the liquidation of all cash advances. This will start the administrative implications that will be undertaken by the NAPOLCOM with respect to this activity,” Ronaldo Puno said, Chairman of NAPOLCOM also the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
However, Puno said that he is aware that the normal period for liquidation is within 30 days but he is wants that within five days all reports; liquidation and activities will be submitted to the NAPOLCOM for their own investigation.
He added that the liquidation report that retired PNP Directorate for Comptrollership Eliseo dela Paz will submit to the Commission on Audit should submit it to them.
Puno said that the decision of the NAPOLCOM will be an en banc decision, “The decision that the NAPOLCOM will make is will be an en banc decision. The supervision and control of the PNP is not personal authority given to anyone.”
“Our investigation is more of the administrative culpability for the part of the gentleman that is under us. It's a different kind of investigation because we want to give everybody a presumption of innocence,” he added.
Puno also explained that the bond money is a normal financial procedure. “All secretaries are bonded, all undersecretaries are bonded all bureaus directors, all regional directors are bonded. Anybody that signs the check in behalf of the government or accepts any kind of cash advance in behalf of the organization is bonded.”
Dela Paz said on his statement Tuesday that he got the money “from my authorized Php 10 million cash advance bonded authority the amount of php6.93 million, which I converted into 105,000 euros as the standby revolving fund for our official travel.”
Puno said that the bond money depends on the rank or different levels of authorities. “Since dela Paz is a comptroller, he is bonded officer authorized to receive cash advances for the organization.”
Asked if the cash advance needs approval from the DILG, Puno said, “He just needs to liquidate it.”
Meanwhile, Puno said that he is willing to face the investigation at the Senate. It can be recalled that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Senator Mirriam Defensor-Santiago scheduled an investigation with regards to what happened to dela Paz who was held at the airport for bringing large amount of money exceeding $10,000 limit.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that PNP Police Director General Jesus Verzosa and the seven others who attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly already received the subpoena send by Senate in line for the investigation.
The seven others are PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
Bartolome also added that every police officer that has to leave the country for training, meetings or any police related activity will have to submit report in able to share it with their respective division. It is just so happened that they have to submit it as well to the NAPOLCOM.
He added that what dela Paz has shown when he arrived here is a “sign of professional officer” for saying that he is accountable for everything.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
2 divers were hurt while doing salvage operations in sunken MV Ocean Papa in Antique
Miami
October 21, 2008
Story: 2 divers were hurt while doing salvage operations in sunken MV Ocean Papa in Antique
Two divers were reportedly hurt after they were injured due to the explosion occurred under water while doing salvage operations for the MV Ocean Papa which was sunken by typhoon Frank last June 2008 in Antique.
The incident occurred at around 8:45 am of October 20, 2008. The two that were hurt were identified as Primitivo Morales, 65 of Navotas and Rodulfo Lazaro, 27 of Caloocan City.
Based on the report of the Philippine Coast Guard in Antique, the two victims were part of the 12-man diving team working as divers of CV Gaspar Salvor Corp.
Both Morales and Lazaro were about to cut the part of engine room or doing underwater cutting operation of the sunken MV Ocean Papa when the explosion occurred. The two did not notice the presence of the compressed gas on the electrical equipment that they are using that cause for it to explode.
The MV Ocean Papa which is bound from Manila to Iloilo then to Bacolod sank off about 60 feet in barangay Maralison Island, Culasi, Antique last June 21 due to typhoon Frank that as capsized the MV Princess of the Stars in Romblon.
On that incident two were reportedly dead, the captain and the chief mate, then 24 were save. The salvage operation for the MV Ocean Papa starts last July 17, and the Coast Guard is saying that they are already on the 83.5% on the salvage operations.
The MV Ocean Papa is not a passenger vessel, but a cargo vessel containing 143 containers but only 62 containers were recovered.
October 21, 2008
Story: 2 divers were hurt while doing salvage operations in sunken MV Ocean Papa in Antique
Two divers were reportedly hurt after they were injured due to the explosion occurred under water while doing salvage operations for the MV Ocean Papa which was sunken by typhoon Frank last June 2008 in Antique.
The incident occurred at around 8:45 am of October 20, 2008. The two that were hurt were identified as Primitivo Morales, 65 of Navotas and Rodulfo Lazaro, 27 of Caloocan City.
Based on the report of the Philippine Coast Guard in Antique, the two victims were part of the 12-man diving team working as divers of CV Gaspar Salvor Corp.
Both Morales and Lazaro were about to cut the part of engine room or doing underwater cutting operation of the sunken MV Ocean Papa when the explosion occurred. The two did not notice the presence of the compressed gas on the electrical equipment that they are using that cause for it to explode.
The MV Ocean Papa which is bound from Manila to Iloilo then to Bacolod sank off about 60 feet in barangay Maralison Island, Culasi, Antique last June 21 due to typhoon Frank that as capsized the MV Princess of the Stars in Romblon.
On that incident two were reportedly dead, the captain and the chief mate, then 24 were save. The salvage operation for the MV Ocean Papa starts last July 17, and the Coast Guard is saying that they are already on the 83.5% on the salvage operations.
The MV Ocean Papa is not a passenger vessel, but a cargo vessel containing 143 containers but only 62 containers were recovered.
Retired PNP Police Director dela Paz arrives, apologized for his lapses
Miami
October 21, 2008
Story: Retired PNP Police Director dela Paz arrives, apologized for his lapses
The police officer that was not allowed to go home in the Philippines by the Russian authorities a week ago for bringing cash that exceeds the limit finally arrives at the country and apologizes for what happened.
Retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, the former PNP Comptroller said that what happened to him is something that one would not wish as it end once career. He retired from service last October 9 while attending the Interpol Assembly.
Dela Paz is one of the eight PNP delegates who attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly held at St. Petersburg in Russia last October 6 to 11.
“I apologize deeply to our people and to our government for untoward incident at the Moscow International Airport that last week touched off an international embarrassment for our country,” he said.
It can be recalled that dela Paz is about to go home with her wife Maria Fe dela Paz and Regional Director for Region 9 Police Director Jaime Caringal when dela Paz was questioned by the Russian authorities because it was seen on their luggage bundles of money.
Dela Paz said that the money is a cash advance that could be used for emergency purposes while they were in Russia and it is subject for liquidation. "As police comptroller and special disbursing officer of the top-level Philippine delegation that attended the international gathering, I took out from my authorized P10-million cash advance bonded authority the amount of P6.93 million, which I converted into 105,000 euros as the standby revolving fund for our official travel," dela Paz said.
He also said that he will not give any excuse on that lapse and have “regret” remising his obligation as a departing visitor in Russia, “inadvertently failing to report to airport police authorities the amount of cash in my possession.”
He said being accosted in a foreign airport upsetting for him. He also emphasize that he should be the one setting an example in abiding rules and regulations whether in the Philippines or abroad.
“I take full responsibility for this lapse that has undeservedly led to a negative public perception of the institution that I hold so dearly,” he added.
Dela Paz insisted that there is nothing illegal and he did not abuse his position. He also said that he has documents to prove that the money was acquired legally and for legitimate purposes.
Dela Paz also clarify the reports that he was detained at Moscow, “We (with Caringal) were treated as officers and they did not treat us adversely.”
With the controversy that he is currently facing, he said that he is willing to face all the investigation that will be conducted to prove that he did not do anything wrong. He is about to submit his liquidation at the PNP accounting and auditing department for proper documentation.
October 21, 2008
Story: Retired PNP Police Director dela Paz arrives, apologized for his lapses
The police officer that was not allowed to go home in the Philippines by the Russian authorities a week ago for bringing cash that exceeds the limit finally arrives at the country and apologizes for what happened.
Retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, the former PNP Comptroller said that what happened to him is something that one would not wish as it end once career. He retired from service last October 9 while attending the Interpol Assembly.
Dela Paz is one of the eight PNP delegates who attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly held at St. Petersburg in Russia last October 6 to 11.
“I apologize deeply to our people and to our government for untoward incident at the Moscow International Airport that last week touched off an international embarrassment for our country,” he said.
It can be recalled that dela Paz is about to go home with her wife Maria Fe dela Paz and Regional Director for Region 9 Police Director Jaime Caringal when dela Paz was questioned by the Russian authorities because it was seen on their luggage bundles of money.
Dela Paz said that the money is a cash advance that could be used for emergency purposes while they were in Russia and it is subject for liquidation. "As police comptroller and special disbursing officer of the top-level Philippine delegation that attended the international gathering, I took out from my authorized P10-million cash advance bonded authority the amount of P6.93 million, which I converted into 105,000 euros as the standby revolving fund for our official travel," dela Paz said.
He also said that he will not give any excuse on that lapse and have “regret” remising his obligation as a departing visitor in Russia, “inadvertently failing to report to airport police authorities the amount of cash in my possession.”
He said being accosted in a foreign airport upsetting for him. He also emphasize that he should be the one setting an example in abiding rules and regulations whether in the Philippines or abroad.
“I take full responsibility for this lapse that has undeservedly led to a negative public perception of the institution that I hold so dearly,” he added.
Dela Paz insisted that there is nothing illegal and he did not abuse his position. He also said that he has documents to prove that the money was acquired legally and for legitimate purposes.
Dela Paz also clarify the reports that he was detained at Moscow, “We (with Caringal) were treated as officers and they did not treat us adversely.”
With the controversy that he is currently facing, he said that he is willing to face all the investigation that will be conducted to prove that he did not do anything wrong. He is about to submit his liquidation at the PNP accounting and auditing department for proper documentation.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Teves clarify the U$ 10 billion fund from World Bank
Miami
October 20, 2008
Story: Teves clarify the U$ 10 billion fund from World Bank
Department of Finance Secretary Margarito Teves finally clarifies the issue on U$ 10 billion fund that the World bank will give to the country as mentioned by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo on her speech last week.
Teves said that there will be a ready U$10 billion from World Bank in response to the global financial crisis, but this could have been submitted to a more formal discussions then approval.
“The U$ 10 billon is not for ASEAN region alone, but whoever who will need it or for worldwide support. Please do remember that this is an initial discussion,” Teves said.
Teves added that the World Bank supports the plan of the ASEAN to have its own regional standby facility funds to help the countries under ASEAN but the World Bank has no plan yet to fund this.
“Our region (ASEAN) has not been subjected yet, not in comparison to what is happening to the US,” Teves said. The World Bank indicated that they are ready to assist in drawing up the mechanism to implement this initiative.
The plan is bilateral one, meaning countries will have bilateral swap arrangements, and in the case of need they can draw on this bilateral swap. The other component is the ASEAN swap, in which all ASEAN members contribute to a fund and it can draw on the same fund, resources which are critical that will require to draw from that facility.
“This is an ASEAN initiative that is being propose, there are bilateral assistance taking place and that bilateral assistance will continue, however, we like the ASEAN members to consider setting up this kind of initiative,” Teves explained.
Its aim is addressing the balance payment requirements but Teves is not yet sure about the figure that will be released.
“The proposed regional standby facility funds should be fairly sizeable, quick disbursing, and with minimum conditionalities,” Teves said everything will still be subject for formal meeting and approval.
Teves added that announcement of the President was consistent after all, “She announced a facility to assist ASEAN countries and other regions as well.”
October 20, 2008
Story: Teves clarify the U$ 10 billion fund from World Bank
Department of Finance Secretary Margarito Teves finally clarifies the issue on U$ 10 billion fund that the World bank will give to the country as mentioned by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo on her speech last week.
Teves said that there will be a ready U$10 billion from World Bank in response to the global financial crisis, but this could have been submitted to a more formal discussions then approval.
“The U$ 10 billon is not for ASEAN region alone, but whoever who will need it or for worldwide support. Please do remember that this is an initial discussion,” Teves said.
Teves added that the World Bank supports the plan of the ASEAN to have its own regional standby facility funds to help the countries under ASEAN but the World Bank has no plan yet to fund this.
“Our region (ASEAN) has not been subjected yet, not in comparison to what is happening to the US,” Teves said. The World Bank indicated that they are ready to assist in drawing up the mechanism to implement this initiative.
The plan is bilateral one, meaning countries will have bilateral swap arrangements, and in the case of need they can draw on this bilateral swap. The other component is the ASEAN swap, in which all ASEAN members contribute to a fund and it can draw on the same fund, resources which are critical that will require to draw from that facility.
“This is an ASEAN initiative that is being propose, there are bilateral assistance taking place and that bilateral assistance will continue, however, we like the ASEAN members to consider setting up this kind of initiative,” Teves explained.
Its aim is addressing the balance payment requirements but Teves is not yet sure about the figure that will be released.
“The proposed regional standby facility funds should be fairly sizeable, quick disbursing, and with minimum conditionalities,” Teves said everything will still be subject for formal meeting and approval.
Teves added that announcement of the President was consistent after all, “She announced a facility to assist ASEAN countries and other regions as well.”
Fiscal deficit in September at Php 21.6 billion
Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
October 20, 2008
Story: Fiscal deficit in September at Php 21.6 billion
The Department of Finance has reported a budget deficit of about Php 21.6 billion for the month of September due to “higher spending.”
“Total revenues for last 9 months was shorten by Php 14.1 billion as against the collection goal of Php894 billion for the period,” Finance secretary Margarito Teves said during the press briefing for the Fiscal performance at the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
There was a shortfall because of the increase in spending for social services and infrastructures as explained by Teves. “With the global economic slowdown, we need to spend for social services and infrastructures to help our people,” he said.
Revenue collections in September reached php89.6 billion or 10% higher compared to the same month last year. Bureau Internal Revenue (BIR) collections grew by 14% to Php55.8 billion while Bureau of Customs (BOC) revenues increased by35.1 or Php25.8 billion.
Of total revenues, BIR collected Php 587.9 billion, lower than its collection goal by Php 18.9 billion. The BOC posted Php 193.2 billion in revenues, Php 7.3 billion more than its target because of higher rice importation by National Food Authority.
“Biggest contributor to the shortfall is the effect of the additional exceptions on income tax, as for the BIR concern, this was effective last July 2008 but the implementing rules and regulations only came out last September,” Teves explained.
During the press briefing, Teves introduced the new BIR commissioner as Atty. Sixto Esquivias. According to him, he already worked at the BIR for about 23 years since 1977 until he reached the position as deputy commissioner.
In 2000, Esquivias resigned and went into private sector put up his own law firm that focuses on taxation. He will assume the post this November. So far, Esquivias said he still have to meet with the economic team on what to do with the BIR, but he vowed that he will work on collecting taxes, especially to those who are not paying their taxes.
October 20, 2008
Story: Fiscal deficit in September at Php 21.6 billion
The Department of Finance has reported a budget deficit of about Php 21.6 billion for the month of September due to “higher spending.”
“Total revenues for last 9 months was shorten by Php 14.1 billion as against the collection goal of Php894 billion for the period,” Finance secretary Margarito Teves said during the press briefing for the Fiscal performance at the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
There was a shortfall because of the increase in spending for social services and infrastructures as explained by Teves. “With the global economic slowdown, we need to spend for social services and infrastructures to help our people,” he said.
Revenue collections in September reached php89.6 billion or 10% higher compared to the same month last year. Bureau Internal Revenue (BIR) collections grew by 14% to Php55.8 billion while Bureau of Customs (BOC) revenues increased by35.1 or Php25.8 billion.
Of total revenues, BIR collected Php 587.9 billion, lower than its collection goal by Php 18.9 billion. The BOC posted Php 193.2 billion in revenues, Php 7.3 billion more than its target because of higher rice importation by National Food Authority.
“Biggest contributor to the shortfall is the effect of the additional exceptions on income tax, as for the BIR concern, this was effective last July 2008 but the implementing rules and regulations only came out last September,” Teves explained.
During the press briefing, Teves introduced the new BIR commissioner as Atty. Sixto Esquivias. According to him, he already worked at the BIR for about 23 years since 1977 until he reached the position as deputy commissioner.
In 2000, Esquivias resigned and went into private sector put up his own law firm that focuses on taxation. He will assume the post this November. So far, Esquivias said he still have to meet with the economic team on what to do with the BIR, but he vowed that he will work on collecting taxes, especially to those who are not paying their taxes.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Despite of Foreign Travel ban by the Chief of PNP, 29 PNP personnel will still leave for Los Angeles
Miami
October 17, 2008
Story: Despite of Foreign Travel ban by the Chief of PNP, 29 PNP personnel will still leave for Los Angeles
Day after the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared its ban on foreign travel, 29 of its personnel will leave for Los Angeles, California to attend training.
But before letting them go, the PNP conducted pre-departure orientation to remind the police personnel on what to do upon entering and exiting another country. Police Director German Doria, Director for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) conducted the orientation.
Doria is part of the eight police officers who attended the 77th Interpol Assembly in Saint Petersburg in Russia last October 6 to 11.
The pre-departure orientation was held Friday morning, hours before they will leave the country. The group is about to leave at around 10:00 pm of Friday. Doria reminded the group to read and follow instructions carefully once they enter another country. He also reminded them of bringing money not exceeding to U$10,000, “if doing so declare it to the customs immediately and coordinate well with Customs authorities.”
The group was allowed to travel abroad despite the foreign travel ban order by PNP Chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa. The order on foreign travel ban was released Thursday, October 16 after Director Eliseo dela Paz was held in Moscow airport last October 11, for bringing huge amount of money exceeding the U$ 10,000 limit.
Doria explained that the travel to Los Angeles of the 29 PNP personnel is necessary because it is part of their course requirement in the Officers Senior Executive Course (OSEC) that they are taking under Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC). The OSEC is the last course for any PNP personnel to take up for their promotion.
Originally, there should be 45 PNP personnel that will go to FBI in Los Angeles, but 16 of them were denied in US Embassy while applying for visa application.
The said training is considered as their on-the-job-training or OJT and also called as educational tour. The training will be held at the office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and it will only last for one month. If they will not be able to finish it, they will not graduate. Their graduation might be on the 3rd week of November.
Those who will leave have a rank of Superintendent who are already qualified to be promoted as Senior Superintendent.
The 29 police officers are among 37 members of the PSOSEC Class 2008-69 who are attending the FBI seminar to complete the course. Other members of the class are from the Philippine Coast Guard with three students, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with two students, Bureau of Fire Protection with one student, and two staff of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC).
Doria said they cannot manage to hold the said travel of the PNP personnel because it is a requirement for the course that they are taking up and also, it is the students who shouldered all the expenses for this trip. “No PNP money is involved here, not all the travels of PNP personnel are being shouldered by the PNP,” he clarified.
Verzosa also ordered a creation of special review committee that will study the policies of the PNP when it comes to police related foreign travel.
Doria said, Versoza ordered him to take a look at this and vowed that they will come up with the resolution immediately so that all approved foreign travel can still be accomplished. Doria said there are other foreign travels in line that will be affected by the travel ban, most of it are training related that they think should be attended by PNP personnel.
Meanwhile, PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that the documents that the Russian authorities are requesting are already submitted to them after it was being translated into Russian language.
Bartolome said they are now waiting for the Russian authorities to let dela Paz back in the Philippines.
Once dela Paz is back in the Philippines, he will liquidate the Php 6.903 million “contingency funds” that was given to him when he asked for cash advance.
October 17, 2008
Story: Despite of Foreign Travel ban by the Chief of PNP, 29 PNP personnel will still leave for Los Angeles
Day after the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared its ban on foreign travel, 29 of its personnel will leave for Los Angeles, California to attend training.
But before letting them go, the PNP conducted pre-departure orientation to remind the police personnel on what to do upon entering and exiting another country. Police Director German Doria, Director for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) conducted the orientation.
Doria is part of the eight police officers who attended the 77th Interpol Assembly in Saint Petersburg in Russia last October 6 to 11.
The pre-departure orientation was held Friday morning, hours before they will leave the country. The group is about to leave at around 10:00 pm of Friday. Doria reminded the group to read and follow instructions carefully once they enter another country. He also reminded them of bringing money not exceeding to U$10,000, “if doing so declare it to the customs immediately and coordinate well with Customs authorities.”
The group was allowed to travel abroad despite the foreign travel ban order by PNP Chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa. The order on foreign travel ban was released Thursday, October 16 after Director Eliseo dela Paz was held in Moscow airport last October 11, for bringing huge amount of money exceeding the U$ 10,000 limit.
Doria explained that the travel to Los Angeles of the 29 PNP personnel is necessary because it is part of their course requirement in the Officers Senior Executive Course (OSEC) that they are taking under Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC). The OSEC is the last course for any PNP personnel to take up for their promotion.
Originally, there should be 45 PNP personnel that will go to FBI in Los Angeles, but 16 of them were denied in US Embassy while applying for visa application.
The said training is considered as their on-the-job-training or OJT and also called as educational tour. The training will be held at the office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and it will only last for one month. If they will not be able to finish it, they will not graduate. Their graduation might be on the 3rd week of November.
Those who will leave have a rank of Superintendent who are already qualified to be promoted as Senior Superintendent.
The 29 police officers are among 37 members of the PSOSEC Class 2008-69 who are attending the FBI seminar to complete the course. Other members of the class are from the Philippine Coast Guard with three students, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with two students, Bureau of Fire Protection with one student, and two staff of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC).
Doria said they cannot manage to hold the said travel of the PNP personnel because it is a requirement for the course that they are taking up and also, it is the students who shouldered all the expenses for this trip. “No PNP money is involved here, not all the travels of PNP personnel are being shouldered by the PNP,” he clarified.
Verzosa also ordered a creation of special review committee that will study the policies of the PNP when it comes to police related foreign travel.
Doria said, Versoza ordered him to take a look at this and vowed that they will come up with the resolution immediately so that all approved foreign travel can still be accomplished. Doria said there are other foreign travels in line that will be affected by the travel ban, most of it are training related that they think should be attended by PNP personnel.
Meanwhile, PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that the documents that the Russian authorities are requesting are already submitted to them after it was being translated into Russian language.
Bartolome said they are now waiting for the Russian authorities to let dela Paz back in the Philippines.
Once dela Paz is back in the Philippines, he will liquidate the Php 6.903 million “contingency funds” that was given to him when he asked for cash advance.
barangay chairman in Laoag city injured after being shot on his office
Miami
October 17, 2008
Story: barangay chairman in Laoag city injured after being shot in front of her office
A barangay chairman was injured after being shot by still unidentified suspect in Barangay 50 Buttong, Laoag City.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 am of October 17, 2008 in front of the barangay hall itself.
The victim was identified as Maureen Bonoan, 52, the barangay chairman of barangay 50 Buttong. She was walking in front of the barangay hall together with four other barangay officers when she was shot.
They were about to attend the evaluation process for most outstanding barangay in Laoag.
Based on the report of SPO4 Arturo Matio, two suspects were riding in one motorcycle without plate number. The suspect that was riding at the back of the driver, alighted the said motorcycle and shot Bonoan twice then immediately escaped by riding again at the motorcycle.
Investigators still investigating the motive behind the incident.
Recovered from the crime scene, two empty shells of 9mm. Bonoan sustained gunshot wounds on his neck that exited through the right back shoulder and on her right thigh.
The victim was rushed at Mariano Marcos hospital and will undergo operation.
October 17, 2008
Story: barangay chairman in Laoag city injured after being shot in front of her office
A barangay chairman was injured after being shot by still unidentified suspect in Barangay 50 Buttong, Laoag City.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 am of October 17, 2008 in front of the barangay hall itself.
The victim was identified as Maureen Bonoan, 52, the barangay chairman of barangay 50 Buttong. She was walking in front of the barangay hall together with four other barangay officers when she was shot.
They were about to attend the evaluation process for most outstanding barangay in Laoag.
Based on the report of SPO4 Arturo Matio, two suspects were riding in one motorcycle without plate number. The suspect that was riding at the back of the driver, alighted the said motorcycle and shot Bonoan twice then immediately escaped by riding again at the motorcycle.
Investigators still investigating the motive behind the incident.
Recovered from the crime scene, two empty shells of 9mm. Bonoan sustained gunshot wounds on his neck that exited through the right back shoulder and on her right thigh.
The victim was rushed at Mariano Marcos hospital and will undergo operation.
Budget officer of a university in Marawi City abducted by suspected MILF rebels
Miami
October 17, 2008
Story: Budget officer of a university in Marawi City abducted by suspected MILF rebels
Suspected members of the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have abducted a budget officer of the Marawi State University in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, police reported Friday.
According to Supt. Danilo Bacas, Spokesperson of ARMM police Office an unidentified number of suspects forcibly took Hipolito Minoza around 3:40 p.m. Thursday, October 16, along the National Highway in Brgy. Bubong, Saguiaran.
The victim was driving his Volkswagen (LAH-350) when he was blocked by the armed men on the said place. The victim is about to go to Iligan City who came from Marawi State University.
Upon blocking him, the armed men ride with him at gunpoint until they reach the boundary of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur and Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte, where they left the vehicle of Minoza which they used as getaway vehicle as well.
Based on their intial investigation, the victim was brought by the suspects to the camp of MILF commander Bravo which is located at the boundary of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur and Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte.
Commander Bravo, who leads the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces 102nd Base Command, is being pursued by government troops for launching attacks in several Lanao del Norte towns in mid-August.
Bacas said, the 1501st Police mobile group and the Saguiaran police station is now conducting hot pursuit operations.
October 17, 2008
Story: Budget officer of a university in Marawi City abducted by suspected MILF rebels
Suspected members of the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have abducted a budget officer of the Marawi State University in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, police reported Friday.
According to Supt. Danilo Bacas, Spokesperson of ARMM police Office an unidentified number of suspects forcibly took Hipolito Minoza around 3:40 p.m. Thursday, October 16, along the National Highway in Brgy. Bubong, Saguiaran.
The victim was driving his Volkswagen (LAH-350) when he was blocked by the armed men on the said place. The victim is about to go to Iligan City who came from Marawi State University.
Upon blocking him, the armed men ride with him at gunpoint until they reach the boundary of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur and Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte, where they left the vehicle of Minoza which they used as getaway vehicle as well.
Based on their intial investigation, the victim was brought by the suspects to the camp of MILF commander Bravo which is located at the boundary of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur and Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte.
Commander Bravo, who leads the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces 102nd Base Command, is being pursued by government troops for launching attacks in several Lanao del Norte towns in mid-August.
Bacas said, the 1501st Police mobile group and the Saguiaran police station is now conducting hot pursuit operations.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
container van hijackers arrested by CIDG
Miami
October 16, 2008
Story: container van hijackers arrested by CIDG
Two alleged container van hijackers were arrested by the operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police, Wednesday morning.
The two were arrested because of the Oplan Cleansweep of the CIDG on which it is an intensified campaign against syndicated or organized crime groups who victimized innocent people.
The two suspects were identified as Virgilio Estrella, 42 and Abelardo Palma, 36, were arrested last October 15, at around 4:00 am along Terona Highway in Bacoor, Cavite.
The container van (HVF 708) just left the Mareck Subdivision, Cainta, Rizal where it stayed for an overnight before the van will travel to Calbayog, Samar. The contents of the container van are Php500,000 worth of biscuits and noodles were intended for delivery in Shining Sun Distributors.
SPO2 Hanni Salih of Criminal Investigation and Detection Division (CIDD) under CIDG was doing his surveillance work along Cainta junction when he noticed Estrella and Palma who was on the side street flagged down a 40-foot container van. Salih became curious with the actions of Estrella and Palma upon boarding the container van.
Salih who was then boarded on his motorcycle, followed where the van will go to. This was at around 11:00 to 11:30 pm of October 14.
While following the container van, Salih was able to inform the CIDD headquarters about the suspicious act of Estrella and Palma.
CIDD operatives accosted the van, both Estrella and Palma intended to escape, but the police were able to arrest them immediately. Recovered from the suspect one .45 caliber pistol.
The two victims were identified as Oscar Molina, the legitimate driver of the van and his helper Andome Eliseo.
Molina told the police that the reason why he allowed Estrella and his companion Palma to ride on the container van because he knew Estrella.
Estrella was the former co-worker of Molina.
CIDD Chief Supt. Noli Romana, said that maybe there is a personal motive on part of Estrella why he tried to hijacked and hostaged Molina and Eliseo because it shows on their investigation that Estrella was removed from the job.
Molina also told the police that upon riding their van, Estrella point the gun to him.
Both Estrella and Palma will face highway robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
October 16, 2008
Story: container van hijackers arrested by CIDG
Two alleged container van hijackers were arrested by the operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police, Wednesday morning.
The two were arrested because of the Oplan Cleansweep of the CIDG on which it is an intensified campaign against syndicated or organized crime groups who victimized innocent people.
The two suspects were identified as Virgilio Estrella, 42 and Abelardo Palma, 36, were arrested last October 15, at around 4:00 am along Terona Highway in Bacoor, Cavite.
The container van (HVF 708) just left the Mareck Subdivision, Cainta, Rizal where it stayed for an overnight before the van will travel to Calbayog, Samar. The contents of the container van are Php500,000 worth of biscuits and noodles were intended for delivery in Shining Sun Distributors.
SPO2 Hanni Salih of Criminal Investigation and Detection Division (CIDD) under CIDG was doing his surveillance work along Cainta junction when he noticed Estrella and Palma who was on the side street flagged down a 40-foot container van. Salih became curious with the actions of Estrella and Palma upon boarding the container van.
Salih who was then boarded on his motorcycle, followed where the van will go to. This was at around 11:00 to 11:30 pm of October 14.
While following the container van, Salih was able to inform the CIDD headquarters about the suspicious act of Estrella and Palma.
CIDD operatives accosted the van, both Estrella and Palma intended to escape, but the police were able to arrest them immediately. Recovered from the suspect one .45 caliber pistol.
The two victims were identified as Oscar Molina, the legitimate driver of the van and his helper Andome Eliseo.
Molina told the police that the reason why he allowed Estrella and his companion Palma to ride on the container van because he knew Estrella.
Estrella was the former co-worker of Molina.
CIDD Chief Supt. Noli Romana, said that maybe there is a personal motive on part of Estrella why he tried to hijacked and hostaged Molina and Eliseo because it shows on their investigation that Estrella was removed from the job.
Molina also told the police that upon riding their van, Estrella point the gun to him.
Both Estrella and Palma will face highway robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
Verzosa orders suspension of all foreign travel and ordered to create review committee
Miami
October 16, 2008
Story: Verzosa orders suspension of all foreign travel and ordered to create review committee
The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the suspension of all foreign travels of all PNP personnel including those that were already approved.
The order was made after the incident involving a police officer that was questioned and held at Moscow airport in Russia for carrying huge amount of money exceeding to U$10,000 limit.
In line with this, PNP Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa also ordered the creation of a “special review committee” that will conduct a study on the procedures involved when PNP personnel are sent on official mission abroad to attend police-related functions, study tours, foreign training, and other activities.
“Effective today, all foreign travel, including those already approved are hereby suspended pending the review of all existing policies and guidelines,” PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said in a pres briefing.
He added that the special review committee will help improve the system that all PNP personnel are used to in terms of travelling abroad to attend police related functions.
With the suspension of foreign travel, Bartolome stressed that this is not an admission that there was indeed something irregular in the case of retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, emphasizing that it is just a measure to improve the organization’s policy regarding foreign travel.
It can be recalled that eight PNP officials left the country to attend the 77th Interpol General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia last October 6 to 10. Those who attend the said assembly were PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello and ex-director for comptrollership Dir. Eliseo dela Paz.
Dela Paz who was about to leave Russia together with Caringal on October 11 when he was held after the Russian customs find out that he is carrying huge amount of money. Caringal did not left dela Paz in Moscow.
Dela Paz was assigned as the disbursing officer of the PNP delegation that attended the Interpol Assembly. Bartolome explained that the contingency fund will be used for unplanned activities during the assembly that the delegation would be needing money.
Dela Paz applied for a cash advance that will be used as their contingency fund. What was given to him is amounting to Php6.903 million and was converted into Euro or €105,000.
But Bartolome said it is not clear if dela Paz still have the same amount of money when he was questioned in Moscow airport. “Probably they used some of it, because when you are attending such activity, there is a trade exhibition where in you might purchase some gadgets that you think that our PNP will be needed. The money that will use for purchase will becoming from the contingency fund,” he explained.
Once dela Paz comeback to the country, even if he is retired already, he still be the one who will liquidate the money. The liquidation is within 30 days after the event that he attended to. Dela Paz retired at the PNP service last October 9, while attending the Interpol Assembly.
As of the moment, Bartolome said that the translation of documents into Russian language that the Russian authorities are asking from them are already finished and it will be submit to the Russian authorities with the help pf the Philippine embassy in Russia. After this, Dela Paz will be allowed to go home.
Bartolome added that Verzosa is also considering a mandatory pre-departure briefing for all PNP personnel who will go on official mission abroad to familiarize them of international immigration, customs and travel procedures, as well as policies and procedures that are peculiar to the country of destination.
October 16, 2008
Story: Verzosa orders suspension of all foreign travel and ordered to create review committee
The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the suspension of all foreign travels of all PNP personnel including those that were already approved.
The order was made after the incident involving a police officer that was questioned and held at Moscow airport in Russia for carrying huge amount of money exceeding to U$10,000 limit.
In line with this, PNP Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa also ordered the creation of a “special review committee” that will conduct a study on the procedures involved when PNP personnel are sent on official mission abroad to attend police-related functions, study tours, foreign training, and other activities.
“Effective today, all foreign travel, including those already approved are hereby suspended pending the review of all existing policies and guidelines,” PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said in a pres briefing.
He added that the special review committee will help improve the system that all PNP personnel are used to in terms of travelling abroad to attend police related functions.
With the suspension of foreign travel, Bartolome stressed that this is not an admission that there was indeed something irregular in the case of retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, emphasizing that it is just a measure to improve the organization’s policy regarding foreign travel.
It can be recalled that eight PNP officials left the country to attend the 77th Interpol General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia last October 6 to 10. Those who attend the said assembly were PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Dir. Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello and ex-director for comptrollership Dir. Eliseo dela Paz.
Dela Paz who was about to leave Russia together with Caringal on October 11 when he was held after the Russian customs find out that he is carrying huge amount of money. Caringal did not left dela Paz in Moscow.
Dela Paz was assigned as the disbursing officer of the PNP delegation that attended the Interpol Assembly. Bartolome explained that the contingency fund will be used for unplanned activities during the assembly that the delegation would be needing money.
Dela Paz applied for a cash advance that will be used as their contingency fund. What was given to him is amounting to Php6.903 million and was converted into Euro or €105,000.
But Bartolome said it is not clear if dela Paz still have the same amount of money when he was questioned in Moscow airport. “Probably they used some of it, because when you are attending such activity, there is a trade exhibition where in you might purchase some gadgets that you think that our PNP will be needed. The money that will use for purchase will becoming from the contingency fund,” he explained.
Once dela Paz comeback to the country, even if he is retired already, he still be the one who will liquidate the money. The liquidation is within 30 days after the event that he attended to. Dela Paz retired at the PNP service last October 9, while attending the Interpol Assembly.
As of the moment, Bartolome said that the translation of documents into Russian language that the Russian authorities are asking from them are already finished and it will be submit to the Russian authorities with the help pf the Philippine embassy in Russia. After this, Dela Paz will be allowed to go home.
Bartolome added that Verzosa is also considering a mandatory pre-departure briefing for all PNP personnel who will go on official mission abroad to familiarize them of international immigration, customs and travel procedures, as well as policies and procedures that are peculiar to the country of destination.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
PNP denies that one of their personnel is detained in Russia but admit that it was being questioned by Russian authorities because of Php6.9M sum of m
Miami
October 15, 2008
Story: PNP denies that one of their personnel is detained in Russia but admit that it was being questioned by Russian authorities because of Php6.9M sum of money
The Philippine National Police denies reports that one of their officials was detained in Russia for bringing money exceeding the limit that is allowed to be brought by any traveller.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, the former Director for Comptrollership, was only questioned by the authorities of Russia at the airport for bringing about € 105,000 or 6.930 million in pesos.
Bartolome said dela Paz has to explain everything as he return in the Philippines. However, there is no schedule yet on when dela Paz will be coming back to the Philippines as the Russian authorities are still waiting for the documents to show that the money came from the Philippines.
"Let me make it clear that no member of the PNP delegation has been arrested or detained. Director dela Paz is now staying in a hotel in Moscow near the Philippine Embassy and is awaiting the official documents that will be translated into Russian language and forwarded to the customs authorities," Bartolome said.
Dela Paz was with seven other police officials that went to Russia to attend the 77th General Assembly of the International of the International Crime Police Organization (Interpol). He was with PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
The Interpol Assembly was held last October 6-11 at Saint Petersburg in Russia. Dela Paz was held on October 11 together with Caringal only because other police officials have their own schedule and Bartolome said, “Probably they went into other countries for vacation or other appointments.”
Both dela Paz and Caringal was bound for Manila. Caringal was not being investigated, he just accompanying dela Paz because of what happened.
Bartolome explained, dela Paz was the designated as the disbursing officer of the PNP delegation to Russia. He added the said money is used as “contingency fund” which is intended to support other activities and incidental expenses of the group during their stay in Russia and dela Paz requested for it as cash advance which was given to him before they left the country.
Bartolome said the contingency fund is subject for liquidation within 30 days after the event that they attended to.
Dela Paz has retired last October 9, while attending the Interpol Assembly, but Bartolome said dela Paz still liable for what happened even if he retired already.
Bartolome also said that probably there is a lapse on part of dela Paz for not declaring the amount of money that he is bringing. As a process, dela Paz should declare the amount of money that he is bringing in Russia. A traveller has a limit of U$ 10,000 money that they should be bringing. “But as you can see he was only held when he was about to leave Russia,” Bartolome said adding that the situation can only be explained by dela Paz himself upon his return to the Philippines.
The PNP is now coordinating with the Philippine embassy in Russia so that dela Paz and Caringal can go back of the country immediately. According to Bartolome, the Russian authorities are asking for the documents that will prove that the money originated from the Philippines, and this has to be written in Russian language as well.
Bartolome also confirms that the visa of Caringal and dela Paz has already lapse, because their visa is good only for the conference. But they do not see any problem with this anymore because the Philippine Embassy in Russia is already assisting the two.
October 15, 2008
Story: PNP denies that one of their personnel is detained in Russia but admit that it was being questioned by Russian authorities because of Php6.9M sum of money
The Philippine National Police denies reports that one of their officials was detained in Russia for bringing money exceeding the limit that is allowed to be brought by any traveller.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said that Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, the former Director for Comptrollership, was only questioned by the authorities of Russia at the airport for bringing about € 105,000 or 6.930 million in pesos.
Bartolome said dela Paz has to explain everything as he return in the Philippines. However, there is no schedule yet on when dela Paz will be coming back to the Philippines as the Russian authorities are still waiting for the documents to show that the money came from the Philippines.
"Let me make it clear that no member of the PNP delegation has been arrested or detained. Director dela Paz is now staying in a hotel in Moscow near the Philippine Embassy and is awaiting the official documents that will be translated into Russian language and forwarded to the customs authorities," Bartolome said.
Dela Paz was with seven other police officials that went to Russia to attend the 77th General Assembly of the International of the International Crime Police Organization (Interpol). He was with PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Dir. Gen. Emmanuel Carta, deputy chief for operations Deputy Dir. Gen. Ismael Rafanan, Police Regional Office 9 director Jaime Caringal, director for operations Dir. Silverio Alarcio, director for human resource and development Dir. German Doria, director for plans Dir. Romeo Ricardo, and his budget and fiscal section chief Supt. Elmer Pellobello.
The Interpol Assembly was held last October 6-11 at Saint Petersburg in Russia. Dela Paz was held on October 11 together with Caringal only because other police officials have their own schedule and Bartolome said, “Probably they went into other countries for vacation or other appointments.”
Both dela Paz and Caringal was bound for Manila. Caringal was not being investigated, he just accompanying dela Paz because of what happened.
Bartolome explained, dela Paz was the designated as the disbursing officer of the PNP delegation to Russia. He added the said money is used as “contingency fund” which is intended to support other activities and incidental expenses of the group during their stay in Russia and dela Paz requested for it as cash advance which was given to him before they left the country.
Bartolome said the contingency fund is subject for liquidation within 30 days after the event that they attended to.
Dela Paz has retired last October 9, while attending the Interpol Assembly, but Bartolome said dela Paz still liable for what happened even if he retired already.
Bartolome also said that probably there is a lapse on part of dela Paz for not declaring the amount of money that he is bringing. As a process, dela Paz should declare the amount of money that he is bringing in Russia. A traveller has a limit of U$ 10,000 money that they should be bringing. “But as you can see he was only held when he was about to leave Russia,” Bartolome said adding that the situation can only be explained by dela Paz himself upon his return to the Philippines.
The PNP is now coordinating with the Philippine embassy in Russia so that dela Paz and Caringal can go back of the country immediately. According to Bartolome, the Russian authorities are asking for the documents that will prove that the money originated from the Philippines, and this has to be written in Russian language as well.
Bartolome also confirms that the visa of Caringal and dela Paz has already lapse, because their visa is good only for the conference. But they do not see any problem with this anymore because the Philippine Embassy in Russia is already assisting the two.
Due to global crisis many Filipinos will be illegal migrants to other countries, says DFA
Miami
October 15, 2008
Story: Due to global crisis many Filipinos will be illegal migrants to other countries, says DFA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that due to the global financial crisis that the world is currently experiencing right now, the department assumed that many Filipinos would become irregular migrants to other countries.
DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos cited three types of effects that the country will might experience due to global crisis and these are, “reduction on remittances; loss of job of the migrants and irregular migration.”
But he immediately cleared that the three types that he mentioned has no effect yet at the present time.
Irregular migrants as the DFA defines it are the people who are working in other countries with no proper documents like working visas, carrying fake passport or victims of human trafficking.
Conejos said that the DFA will focus more now on how to eradicate the human trafficking that victimized most Filipinos in going to other countries to work.
He also added that the three most in demand work abroad are the construction, health sectors and domestic helpers. Of all these three, Conejos said that the domestic helpers are the vulnerable one.
“There is no effect yet with the construction especially in Middle East, many of our countrymen still be needing at the Middle East for construction purposes, same with our nurses where their skills will still much be required. But we think, the domestic helpers are the most vulnerable one, they are the ones that have the probability to loose a job,” Conejos said during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) forum at Mandarin Hotel, Wednesday morning.
Presently, the DFA has an estimate of eight million Filipinos working in different parts of the world. “About half of the eight million is already permanent resident in the United States and in Canada. The other half are mostly in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Middle East,” Conejos said.
The DFA still believed that remittances will not be affected by the global crisis. “Everytime there is a crisis, remittances increases, because our OFW in other countries would want to compensate the needs of their families here in the Philippines,” Conejos explained.
October 15, 2008
Story: Due to global crisis many Filipinos will be illegal migrants to other countries, says DFA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that due to the global financial crisis that the world is currently experiencing right now, the department assumed that many Filipinos would become irregular migrants to other countries.
DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos cited three types of effects that the country will might experience due to global crisis and these are, “reduction on remittances; loss of job of the migrants and irregular migration.”
But he immediately cleared that the three types that he mentioned has no effect yet at the present time.
Irregular migrants as the DFA defines it are the people who are working in other countries with no proper documents like working visas, carrying fake passport or victims of human trafficking.
Conejos said that the DFA will focus more now on how to eradicate the human trafficking that victimized most Filipinos in going to other countries to work.
He also added that the three most in demand work abroad are the construction, health sectors and domestic helpers. Of all these three, Conejos said that the domestic helpers are the vulnerable one.
“There is no effect yet with the construction especially in Middle East, many of our countrymen still be needing at the Middle East for construction purposes, same with our nurses where their skills will still much be required. But we think, the domestic helpers are the most vulnerable one, they are the ones that have the probability to loose a job,” Conejos said during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) forum at Mandarin Hotel, Wednesday morning.
Presently, the DFA has an estimate of eight million Filipinos working in different parts of the world. “About half of the eight million is already permanent resident in the United States and in Canada. The other half are mostly in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Middle East,” Conejos said.
The DFA still believed that remittances will not be affected by the global crisis. “Everytime there is a crisis, remittances increases, because our OFW in other countries would want to compensate the needs of their families here in the Philippines,” Conejos explained.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Civilian volunteer killed after MILF attacked North Cotabato
Miami
October 14, 2008
Story: Civilian volunteer killed after MILF attacked North Cotabato
A member of civilian volunteer organization (CVO) was killed after the Moro Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked North Cotabato once again.
The attack occurred at around 7:00 am of October 14, 2008, which also lasted for about 30 minutes at Barangay Balogo, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
Sr. Supt. Lester Camba, Provincial Director of North Cotabato has identified the victim that died as Renato Regundo, a civilian volunteer, while he is applying pest control on the farm that he is working. He sustained gun shot wounds on different parts of his body.
Camba said, undetermined number of armed men attacked at the area that lead to the death of Regundo.
Pigcawayan police, barangay officials and CVO immediately responded the reason for the MILF rebels to back-out.
Meanwhile, Camba added that around 9:15 am, the same date, the 40th Infantry Battalion had an encounter with the MILF in Midsayap, particularly in the barangays of Damatulan, Macasendeg, and Kadigasan.
Camba also said that before the Supreme Court decides on the ruling stating that the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain as unconstitutional, they are receiving intelligence reports that the MILF will really attack North Cotabato the reason for them to be on full alert in the said province.
October 14, 2008
Story: Civilian volunteer killed after MILF attacked North Cotabato
A member of civilian volunteer organization (CVO) was killed after the Moro Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked North Cotabato once again.
The attack occurred at around 7:00 am of October 14, 2008, which also lasted for about 30 minutes at Barangay Balogo, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
Sr. Supt. Lester Camba, Provincial Director of North Cotabato has identified the victim that died as Renato Regundo, a civilian volunteer, while he is applying pest control on the farm that he is working. He sustained gun shot wounds on different parts of his body.
Camba said, undetermined number of armed men attacked at the area that lead to the death of Regundo.
Pigcawayan police, barangay officials and CVO immediately responded the reason for the MILF rebels to back-out.
Meanwhile, Camba added that around 9:15 am, the same date, the 40th Infantry Battalion had an encounter with the MILF in Midsayap, particularly in the barangays of Damatulan, Macasendeg, and Kadigasan.
Camba also said that before the Supreme Court decides on the ruling stating that the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain as unconstitutional, they are receiving intelligence reports that the MILF will really attack North Cotabato the reason for them to be on full alert in the said province.
Insurance company stable despite global financial crisis
Miami
October 14, 2008
Story: Insurance company stable despite global financial crisis
The group of insurance company is assuring the public that it is still safe to invest money to them despite of the global financial crisis that the world is experiencing right now.
In fact, they are hoping that “people will priority life insurance for their own future.”
They said this during their pres conference at Asian Institute Management (AIM) as the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA) celebrates 13th year of life insurance consciousness week.
Mr. Victor Quisumbing, Vice-President of PLIA, also President and Chief Executive Officer of Grepalife, said life insurance is a major contributor to the socio-economic of the country. “The life insurance is not in crisis”, he stressed.
Quisumbing also noted that that a lot of people are not insured because people are unaware of the benefits.
According to the PLIA, the recent global crisis can actually be a blessing in disguise for them, and it gives them the chance to show that they are successful and that the stability of the company does not solely rely on having a big amount of capital.
Asked if they are affected with what happened in United States, Quisumbing said “If you take a look at the insurance agency, in terms of business generated it is business as usual.” Adding that they were been able to answer the worries of their people or clients.
“We have varied products that address the concerns of individuals, we have guaranteed products, premiums and benefits are guaranteed. We have products that give upside in terms of dividends, we also have products for some other people who will offer all the upside potentials to the clients,” said Henry Herrera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life.
With the recent crisis the group believe that this is the opportune time for them, “Life insurance agency is always at its peak during the times of uncertainty. But still depends on the sales force out there making sure that the people understand the need for a life insurance today,” Quisumbing said.
Herrera even cited that life insurance has three basic universal needs. One, “dying too soon” wherein a product achieved its maximum value when something happened to the insured person. Second one is, “living too long” by introducing products that will provide the insured person for some payments and give the person a dividends over a long period of time, or sharing in the benefit of the economic activity. Third one, “health insurance cost” when a family needs funds to cover hospitalization, the insurance is there to help.
“In good times and bad times, we are there, the more in difficult times you would need more protection for the risks that we are facing,” Herrera said.
During the press conference, they chose not to talk about the present situation of the Philam Life, they chose to talk about how the insurance work in terms of crisis.
October 14, 2008
Story: Insurance company stable despite global financial crisis
The group of insurance company is assuring the public that it is still safe to invest money to them despite of the global financial crisis that the world is experiencing right now.
In fact, they are hoping that “people will priority life insurance for their own future.”
They said this during their pres conference at Asian Institute Management (AIM) as the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA) celebrates 13th year of life insurance consciousness week.
Mr. Victor Quisumbing, Vice-President of PLIA, also President and Chief Executive Officer of Grepalife, said life insurance is a major contributor to the socio-economic of the country. “The life insurance is not in crisis”, he stressed.
Quisumbing also noted that that a lot of people are not insured because people are unaware of the benefits.
According to the PLIA, the recent global crisis can actually be a blessing in disguise for them, and it gives them the chance to show that they are successful and that the stability of the company does not solely rely on having a big amount of capital.
Asked if they are affected with what happened in United States, Quisumbing said “If you take a look at the insurance agency, in terms of business generated it is business as usual.” Adding that they were been able to answer the worries of their people or clients.
“We have varied products that address the concerns of individuals, we have guaranteed products, premiums and benefits are guaranteed. We have products that give upside in terms of dividends, we also have products for some other people who will offer all the upside potentials to the clients,” said Henry Herrera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life.
With the recent crisis the group believe that this is the opportune time for them, “Life insurance agency is always at its peak during the times of uncertainty. But still depends on the sales force out there making sure that the people understand the need for a life insurance today,” Quisumbing said.
Herrera even cited that life insurance has three basic universal needs. One, “dying too soon” wherein a product achieved its maximum value when something happened to the insured person. Second one is, “living too long” by introducing products that will provide the insured person for some payments and give the person a dividends over a long period of time, or sharing in the benefit of the economic activity. Third one, “health insurance cost” when a family needs funds to cover hospitalization, the insurance is there to help.
“In good times and bad times, we are there, the more in difficult times you would need more protection for the risks that we are facing,” Herrera said.
During the press conference, they chose not to talk about the present situation of the Philam Life, they chose to talk about how the insurance work in terms of crisis.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Police encouraging people in Davao City to take mitigation measures for areas susceptible to landslides
Miami
October 13, 2008
Story: Police encouraging people in Davao City to take mitigation measures for areas susceptible to landslides
Residents in Davao City has been warned by authorities to take mitigation measures to prevent loss of lives and damage to their own property due to possible landslides.
Based on the memo submitted by Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau XI (MGB XI) to Chief Supt. Andres Caro, Chairman of Regional (Region 11) Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) and Police Regional Director of Region 11, 23 barangays in Davao City are considered as ‘’extremely high’’ and ‘’very high’’ when it comes to landslide susceptibility.
“A total of three hundred twenty (320) barangays in the Davao Region have been identified as moderate, high, very high or extremely highly susceptible to landslides. The MGB’s list showed that 23 areas in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley are in the very high or extremely high category,” Chief Inspector Querubin Manalang, Region 11 police regional office spokesperson, said.
Manalang also said that in two weeks time now, they are experiencing heavy rains from time to time, that is why they are now informing the residents to take good care.
Manalang added, Caro stressed that mitigation measures like settlement relocation for “highly” and “very highly” susceptible areas; monitoring of soil movements for all susceptible areas and integration of geo-hazard assessment in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) should be undertaken by the concerned Disaster Coordinating Council and LGUs to address the problem.
Areas in Davao Oriental that are identified to be of great risk are Barangays San Pedro and Sobrecarey in Caraga (town); Tubaon in Tarragona (town); Mayo, Danao, Dawan, Mamali and Macambol in the City of Mati; Bitaugan in San Isidro (town); Calapagan in Lupon (town); and Punta Linao in Banaybanay (town).
In Compostela Valley Province, the barangays that are in “very high” risk are Libaylibay, New Leyte, Panaraon, New Barili, Masara, Tagbaros, Elizalde, and Panangan in Maco town; Tuburan in Mawab; Mt. Diwata in Monkayo; and Canidkid and New Cebulan in Montevista.
The only one that was identified to be “extremely high” in landslide susceptibility is Barangay Mamali in the City of Mati.
October 13, 2008
Story: Police encouraging people in Davao City to take mitigation measures for areas susceptible to landslides
Residents in Davao City has been warned by authorities to take mitigation measures to prevent loss of lives and damage to their own property due to possible landslides.
Based on the memo submitted by Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau XI (MGB XI) to Chief Supt. Andres Caro, Chairman of Regional (Region 11) Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) and Police Regional Director of Region 11, 23 barangays in Davao City are considered as ‘’extremely high’’ and ‘’very high’’ when it comes to landslide susceptibility.
“A total of three hundred twenty (320) barangays in the Davao Region have been identified as moderate, high, very high or extremely highly susceptible to landslides. The MGB’s list showed that 23 areas in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley are in the very high or extremely high category,” Chief Inspector Querubin Manalang, Region 11 police regional office spokesperson, said.
Manalang also said that in two weeks time now, they are experiencing heavy rains from time to time, that is why they are now informing the residents to take good care.
Manalang added, Caro stressed that mitigation measures like settlement relocation for “highly” and “very highly” susceptible areas; monitoring of soil movements for all susceptible areas and integration of geo-hazard assessment in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) should be undertaken by the concerned Disaster Coordinating Council and LGUs to address the problem.
Areas in Davao Oriental that are identified to be of great risk are Barangays San Pedro and Sobrecarey in Caraga (town); Tubaon in Tarragona (town); Mayo, Danao, Dawan, Mamali and Macambol in the City of Mati; Bitaugan in San Isidro (town); Calapagan in Lupon (town); and Punta Linao in Banaybanay (town).
In Compostela Valley Province, the barangays that are in “very high” risk are Libaylibay, New Leyte, Panaraon, New Barili, Masara, Tagbaros, Elizalde, and Panangan in Maco town; Tuburan in Mawab; Mt. Diwata in Monkayo; and Canidkid and New Cebulan in Montevista.
The only one that was identified to be “extremely high” in landslide susceptibility is Barangay Mamali in the City of Mati.
Militant groups asked Supreme Court to stop the implementation of JPEPA
Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
October 13, 2008
Story: Militant groups asked Supreme Court to stop the implementation of JPEPA
The Junk JPEPA (Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement) Coalition has filed their petition to the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of JPEPA.
The group composed of Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc. (IDEALS, Inc.), Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL), Ecological Coalition of the Philippines, Mother Earth Foundation, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution, NGOs for Fisheries Reform, Kilusan Para sa Pagpaunlad ng Industriya ng Pangisdaan, Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party and Philippine Metal Workers Alliance (PMA) filed the petition, Monday, 10:30 am.
The group said that they are seeking the wisdom and justice of the Supreme Court to rule whether JPEPA is constitutional or not.
“When the Senators ratify the JPEPA, it is very clear that there is a grave abuse of discretion in approving the JPEPA. This is unconstitutional.” Atty. Golda Benjamin, legal counsel of Junk JPEPA coalition, said.
The group is hoping that the Supreme Court will issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and study the JPEPA first, before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could sign the JPEPA into law.
Before filing the petition, the group assembled in Liwasang Bonifacio ata round 9:30 am then marched going to the Supreme Court. The march, as the group described it, is a funeral because the 16 senators have signed the JPEPA.
Those who voted in favour of JPEPA were Senate President Manuel Villar, Francis Pangilinan, Gregorio Honasan, Edgardo Angara, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Jinggoy Estrada, Panfilo Lacson, Juan Ponce Enrile, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ramon Revilla Jr, Manuel Lapid, Mar Roxas, Rodolfo Biazon and Alan Peter Cayetano.Only four Senators who voted against the treaty; they are Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr, Ma. Consuelo Madrigal, Francis Joseph Escudero and Benigno Aquino III.
On their petition, the petitioners said, “The JPEPA is a social, economic, and political tragedy with serious and prejudicial implications to the direction of this country’s future. They also said that the Supreme Court is their last option in able to stop the JPEPA.
“Petitioners assert that the JPEPA is unconstitutional and consequently, the Senate’s act of concurrence must be annulled. This case is anchored, among others, on rights thus violated but the same rights should not have been violated; including the Filipino people’s right to land, enjoyment and utilization of marine resources, right to a balanced and healthful ecology, and the right to be ensured that the constitutional provisions mandating certain powers to each branch of government be respected and not usurped,” their petition stated.
Benjamin also added that the JPEPA has violated many constitutions like the rules on private land ownership or even agricultural land.
On their explanation, it stated, “It is submitted that based on the rules of interpretation set out in JPEPA’s Annex 7,it must be concluded that if the investment is made in the manufacturing sector, the
Philippines shall apply, and Japan is bound by the rule set out in Article 12, sections 2 and 3 of the Constitution and thus allow corporations, associations or partnerships with maximum 40 percent foreign equity to own private lands in the country. The rules of interpretation also leads to the conclusion that if the investment is not made in the manufacturing sector, the same constitutional rule thus reserved shall no longer apply. As a result, corporations, partnerships or associations with more than 40 percent and up to 100 percent foreign equity will then be allowed to own private lands in the country. This situation may arise if the investment is made in relation to agribusiness ventures, real estate development, and similar areas other than manufacturing.”
The group also insist that they know that with JPEPA the Constitution of the Philippines will still remain, but they said JPEPA will prevail over Constitution, “JPEPA will supersede or supplant it.”
They also took notice of the fisheries, “The catch of our fishermen on fish had decline, so why let others, a foreigner, fish on our own seas. Why not have projects for our own people,” Benjamin said.
The lawyer also said that when the Japanese enter the Philippines, many Filipinos might work for them where in fact they can work on their own lands.
She also emphasize on the violation of right to health, “With JPEPA, the Japanese can dump their toxic wastes here in our country, we will be the on risk.”
If the Supreme Court will decide unfavourably on their petition, the group vowed that they will continue to monitor that all the safeguards to be set-up in the JPEPA are fully carried out and that the promised benefits and the feared ill effects will be objectively monitored and assessed.
October 13, 2008
Story: Militant groups asked Supreme Court to stop the implementation of JPEPA
The Junk JPEPA (Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement) Coalition has filed their petition to the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of JPEPA.
The group composed of Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc. (IDEALS, Inc.), Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL), Ecological Coalition of the Philippines, Mother Earth Foundation, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution, NGOs for Fisheries Reform, Kilusan Para sa Pagpaunlad ng Industriya ng Pangisdaan, Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party and Philippine Metal Workers Alliance (PMA) filed the petition, Monday, 10:30 am.
The group said that they are seeking the wisdom and justice of the Supreme Court to rule whether JPEPA is constitutional or not.
“When the Senators ratify the JPEPA, it is very clear that there is a grave abuse of discretion in approving the JPEPA. This is unconstitutional.” Atty. Golda Benjamin, legal counsel of Junk JPEPA coalition, said.
The group is hoping that the Supreme Court will issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and study the JPEPA first, before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could sign the JPEPA into law.
Before filing the petition, the group assembled in Liwasang Bonifacio ata round 9:30 am then marched going to the Supreme Court. The march, as the group described it, is a funeral because the 16 senators have signed the JPEPA.
Those who voted in favour of JPEPA were Senate President Manuel Villar, Francis Pangilinan, Gregorio Honasan, Edgardo Angara, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Jinggoy Estrada, Panfilo Lacson, Juan Ponce Enrile, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ramon Revilla Jr, Manuel Lapid, Mar Roxas, Rodolfo Biazon and Alan Peter Cayetano.Only four Senators who voted against the treaty; they are Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr, Ma. Consuelo Madrigal, Francis Joseph Escudero and Benigno Aquino III.
On their petition, the petitioners said, “The JPEPA is a social, economic, and political tragedy with serious and prejudicial implications to the direction of this country’s future. They also said that the Supreme Court is their last option in able to stop the JPEPA.
“Petitioners assert that the JPEPA is unconstitutional and consequently, the Senate’s act of concurrence must be annulled. This case is anchored, among others, on rights thus violated but the same rights should not have been violated; including the Filipino people’s right to land, enjoyment and utilization of marine resources, right to a balanced and healthful ecology, and the right to be ensured that the constitutional provisions mandating certain powers to each branch of government be respected and not usurped,” their petition stated.
Benjamin also added that the JPEPA has violated many constitutions like the rules on private land ownership or even agricultural land.
On their explanation, it stated, “It is submitted that based on the rules of interpretation set out in JPEPA’s Annex 7,it must be concluded that if the investment is made in the manufacturing sector, the
Philippines shall apply, and Japan is bound by the rule set out in Article 12, sections 2 and 3 of the Constitution and thus allow corporations, associations or partnerships with maximum 40 percent foreign equity to own private lands in the country. The rules of interpretation also leads to the conclusion that if the investment is not made in the manufacturing sector, the same constitutional rule thus reserved shall no longer apply. As a result, corporations, partnerships or associations with more than 40 percent and up to 100 percent foreign equity will then be allowed to own private lands in the country. This situation may arise if the investment is made in relation to agribusiness ventures, real estate development, and similar areas other than manufacturing.”
The group also insist that they know that with JPEPA the Constitution of the Philippines will still remain, but they said JPEPA will prevail over Constitution, “JPEPA will supersede or supplant it.”
They also took notice of the fisheries, “The catch of our fishermen on fish had decline, so why let others, a foreigner, fish on our own seas. Why not have projects for our own people,” Benjamin said.
The lawyer also said that when the Japanese enter the Philippines, many Filipinos might work for them where in fact they can work on their own lands.
She also emphasize on the violation of right to health, “With JPEPA, the Japanese can dump their toxic wastes here in our country, we will be the on risk.”
If the Supreme Court will decide unfavourably on their petition, the group vowed that they will continue to monitor that all the safeguards to be set-up in the JPEPA are fully carried out and that the promised benefits and the feared ill effects will be objectively monitored and assessed.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Procter & Gamble office in Makati City receive bomb threat
Miami
October 10, 2008
Story: Procter & Gamble office in Makati City receive bomb threat
The office of Procter & Gamble Philippines in Makati City received bomb threat, Friday morning.
The office was located at the 19th floor of Petron Mega Plaza at 358 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Based on the report that received by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of Makati Police, the office received call at around 10:15 am, Friday, October 10 saying, “The 19th floor will explode any minute from now.”
Alarmed on the call; the employees of the Procter & Gamble asked help from the Makati Police. The Procter and Gamble is the lone tenant of the 19th floor. The SWAT together with Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) went to the building which is 45-storey high to search if there is a bomb at the building. The police also usher the employees to go out of the building safely.
According to SPO4 Edwin Quilala, no one panicked from the employees as they explained to them on what they should do.
The surveillance of the building finished at around 2:30 pm. Operations on the building were back to normal after the police declared that the area is safe and there is no bomb found.
October 10, 2008
Story: Procter & Gamble office in Makati City receive bomb threat
The office of Procter & Gamble Philippines in Makati City received bomb threat, Friday morning.
The office was located at the 19th floor of Petron Mega Plaza at 358 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Based on the report that received by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of Makati Police, the office received call at around 10:15 am, Friday, October 10 saying, “The 19th floor will explode any minute from now.”
Alarmed on the call; the employees of the Procter & Gamble asked help from the Makati Police. The Procter and Gamble is the lone tenant of the 19th floor. The SWAT together with Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) went to the building which is 45-storey high to search if there is a bomb at the building. The police also usher the employees to go out of the building safely.
According to SPO4 Edwin Quilala, no one panicked from the employees as they explained to them on what they should do.
The surveillance of the building finished at around 2:30 pm. Operations on the building were back to normal after the police declared that the area is safe and there is no bomb found.
Re-investigation on the case against Japanese national on illegal drugs, reset
Miami
October 10, 2008
Story: Re-investigation on the case against Japanese national on illegal drugs, reset
The re-investigation on the Japanese national in Pasay Prosecutor’s Office in relation to illegal drugs was reset because the suspect’s lawyer did not show up.
Assistant Prosecutor Johnny Umpong was scheduled to re-investigate the case filed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against Hitomi Hasegawa.
Hasegawa was arrested by the PDEA at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for bringing almost half a kilo of shabu. She was bound for Fukuka, Japan.
Umpong also wondered why the lawyer of Hasegawa did not show-up on the scheduled re-investigation wherein it was them who asked the court for re-investigation.
Even Hasegawa do not know where is her lawyer, she is not even aware that she has a re-investigation for the day.
The lawyer was identified as Atty. Antonio Villena. He filed last September 29, at Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 110. The Court ordered to re-investigate the case on what should be the charge against Hasegawa on the same date.
The re-investigation that filed by the lawyer of Hasegawa is to prove that she is innocent on the charge that filed against her by the PDEA. The PDEA filed violation of Section 5 of RA 9165 or transportation of illegal drugs. But the prosecutor who held the first investigation filed only violation of section 11 or possession of illegal drugs to Pasay RTC Branch 110.
Meanwhile, the PDEA still insisting that the case should be elevated back to violation of Section 5 of RA 9165 or transportation of illegal drugs because Hasegawa was bound for Japan when she was arrested.
October 10, 2008
Story: Re-investigation on the case against Japanese national on illegal drugs, reset
The re-investigation on the Japanese national in Pasay Prosecutor’s Office in relation to illegal drugs was reset because the suspect’s lawyer did not show up.
Assistant Prosecutor Johnny Umpong was scheduled to re-investigate the case filed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against Hitomi Hasegawa.
Hasegawa was arrested by the PDEA at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for bringing almost half a kilo of shabu. She was bound for Fukuka, Japan.
Umpong also wondered why the lawyer of Hasegawa did not show-up on the scheduled re-investigation wherein it was them who asked the court for re-investigation.
Even Hasegawa do not know where is her lawyer, she is not even aware that she has a re-investigation for the day.
The lawyer was identified as Atty. Antonio Villena. He filed last September 29, at Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 110. The Court ordered to re-investigate the case on what should be the charge against Hasegawa on the same date.
The re-investigation that filed by the lawyer of Hasegawa is to prove that she is innocent on the charge that filed against her by the PDEA. The PDEA filed violation of Section 5 of RA 9165 or transportation of illegal drugs. But the prosecutor who held the first investigation filed only violation of section 11 or possession of illegal drugs to Pasay RTC Branch 110.
Meanwhile, the PDEA still insisting that the case should be elevated back to violation of Section 5 of RA 9165 or transportation of illegal drugs because Hasegawa was bound for Japan when she was arrested.
School Principal killed by expelled student
Miami
October 10, 2008
Story: School Principal killed by expelled student
A school principal was gunned down by the student that they expelled a month ago.
Sr. Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato Provincial Police Office director, identified the victim as Ricardo dela Cruz school principal of Surallah National Agricultural School (SUNAS).
The incident occurred at around 7:20 am October 10, in the front gate of the said school which is located in Barangay Dajay, Surallah, South Cotabato.
According to Kiunisala, dela Cruz was walking towards the front gate of the school when suddenly Leonar Vargas, the expelled student, approached and shot the school principal.
Vargas, a third year high school student, was riding on his bicycle when he shot dela Cruz. After he shot the principal, he immediately escaped still riding on his bicycle.
Dela Cruz sustained two gunshot wounds on his chest and left hand. Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells of .45 caliber.
Based on initial investigation, Vargas took revenge on the principal after he was expelled at the school last August 29 for not following the proper hair cut and also for breaking the window at the school.
Police are now searching for the possible whereabouts of Vargas.
October 10, 2008
Story: School Principal killed by expelled student
A school principal was gunned down by the student that they expelled a month ago.
Sr. Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato Provincial Police Office director, identified the victim as Ricardo dela Cruz school principal of Surallah National Agricultural School (SUNAS).
The incident occurred at around 7:20 am October 10, in the front gate of the said school which is located in Barangay Dajay, Surallah, South Cotabato.
According to Kiunisala, dela Cruz was walking towards the front gate of the school when suddenly Leonar Vargas, the expelled student, approached and shot the school principal.
Vargas, a third year high school student, was riding on his bicycle when he shot dela Cruz. After he shot the principal, he immediately escaped still riding on his bicycle.
Dela Cruz sustained two gunshot wounds on his chest and left hand. Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells of .45 caliber.
Based on initial investigation, Vargas took revenge on the principal after he was expelled at the school last August 29 for not following the proper hair cut and also for breaking the window at the school.
Police are now searching for the possible whereabouts of Vargas.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
PNP to put up command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila
Miami
October 10, 2008
Story: PNP to put up command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila
The Philippine National Police will put up six command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila to have more effective management on the operations of the police.
The command centers will be called Integrated Police Operations Directorates. According to Police Director Edgardo Acuna, executive director of Program Management Office (PMO), the organization for the Integrated Police Operations Directorates is being discussed already at the House of Representatives and Senate for approval.
“According to RA 8551, our organization would have to seek the approval of the legislative agenda of the PNP from both Houses,” Acuna explained adding that they are expecting that the House will approve it soon.
The Integrated Police Operations Directorates has resemblance to that of the military, “This will have the semblance of the military's area command, so when our PNP director and AFP commanders talk, there is a one-to-one correspondence,” he said.
Not later than November 15, the PNP will set-up two Integrated Police Operations Directorates in Mindanao; the Eastern and Western Mindanao. The Eastern Mindanao command center will cover regions 9, 10, and 11, and will have its office in Davao City; while the Western Mindanao command center will cover regions 12, 13, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and will be based in Lanao del Norte.
They will first launch the Mindanao command centers for more peacekeeping and community building for the residents at the area. Acuna also clarified that they will not join the military in offensive.
The Integrated Police Operations Directorates will be headed with a rank of Police Director and the deputy would be a Chief Superintendent.
The Luzon will have two Integrated Police Operations Directorates also, one in Northern Luzon and the other in Southern Luzon; one in Metro Manila and one in Visayas.
October 10, 2008
Story: PNP to put up command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila
The Philippine National Police will put up six command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila to have more effective management on the operations of the police.
The command centers will be called Integrated Police Operations Directorates. According to Police Director Edgardo Acuna, executive director of Program Management Office (PMO), the organization for the Integrated Police Operations Directorates is being discussed already at the House of Representatives and Senate for approval.
“According to RA 8551, our organization would have to seek the approval of the legislative agenda of the PNP from both Houses,” Acuna explained adding that they are expecting that the House will approve it soon.
The Integrated Police Operations Directorates has resemblance to that of the military, “This will have the semblance of the military's area command, so when our PNP director and AFP commanders talk, there is a one-to-one correspondence,” he said.
Not later than November 15, the PNP will set-up two Integrated Police Operations Directorates in Mindanao; the Eastern and Western Mindanao. The Eastern Mindanao command center will cover regions 9, 10, and 11, and will have its office in Davao City; while the Western Mindanao command center will cover regions 12, 13, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and will be based in Lanao del Norte.
They will first launch the Mindanao command centers for more peacekeeping and community building for the residents at the area. Acuna also clarified that they will not join the military in offensive.
The Integrated Police Operations Directorates will be headed with a rank of Police Director and the deputy would be a Chief Superintendent.
The Luzon will have two Integrated Police Operations Directorates also, one in Northern Luzon and the other in Southern Luzon; one in Metro Manila and one in Visayas.
PDEA files Motion for Reconsideration in relation to the case filed against two Japanese national for “transporting” illegal drugs
Miami
October 9, 2008
Story: PDEA files Motion for Reconsideration in relation to the case filed against two Japanese national for “transporting” illegal drugs
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was dismayed after the Pasay Prosecutors Office downgraded the case of the two Japanese nationals in Pasay Regional Trial Court.
According to the PDEA the two Japanese nationals should face violation of Section 5 of Article II of RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act) or transportation of illegal drugs. “What the prosecutor filed was violation of Section 11 or possession of illegal drugs, where it is very clear that they will transport the illegal drugs, they are bound for Japan” said SPO1 Reynaldo Arojado, Chief Investigation Division of Metro Manila Region Office (MMRO) of PDEA.
The Japanese nationals are Hitomi Hasegawa, 50, female and Reiichiro Hayashi, 42, male. Both of them were arrested in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
HASEGAWA CASE
Last October 3, the court ordered PDEA to commit Hasegawa at Pasay City Jail to be detained there. They were able to transfer Hasegawa to the custody of Pasay City Jail from PDEA.
The court also ordered for a re-investigation of the case because their counsel has requested for it. Arojado said, they think the reason why the lawyers of Hasegawa asked for re-investigation is because the really want to downgrade the case.
“If the prosecutors will insist that the case should be filed against Hasegawa is illegal possession of illegal drugs, (violation of Section 11 or RA 9165) the case will be lighter, and she can post bail,” Arojado said.
“On the minute of resolution from the prosecutor’s Office they said that there is a lack of evidence against Hasegawa the reason why they downgrade the charge,” Atty. Luisa Rabang said, Legal officer of PDEA.
Arojado added that the scheduled re-investigation was set on October 10 at Room 108 in Pasay Prosecutors Office in Pasay City at around 10:00 am. “We will use this chance to elevate the case back to violation of Section 5 (transportation) from violation of section 11 (possession),” he said.
The motion for reconsideration for Hasegwa was filed September 25, 2008.
Hasegawa was arrested on September 14, after she was manually search or frisk by security officers doing the search at Final Security Checkpoint 2. Recovered from her 473.8 grams of shabu, and she was bound for Fukuka, Japan. The shabu was in a plastic with packaging tape, and it is being tape on her lower abdomen skin.
HAYASHI CASE
There is supposed to be an arraignment scheduled for his case on October 9, 2008, but Arojado said they were able to defer the arraignment.
“The arraignment will also be for violation of Section 11 (possession) but what we filed was violation for Section 5 or the transportation,” Arojado said.
He explained that for Hayashi case, they are the ones who file for motion for re-investigation, “Unlike with Hasegawa case, we are the one who file for re-investigation because we want him to be charged for illegal transportation of illegal drugs. Because he is already bound for Narita.”
Base on the minute resolution of the prosecutor, the case was downgraded to illegal possession of illegal drugs, “because he had not yet boarded the plane.”
Arojado said, “He is already at the airport, bound for Narita. We have checkpoint and was arrested their, so why wait for him to be boarded on plane.”
As of the moment there is no resolution yet whether they will have re-investigation.
Hayashi was arrested last September 18, after his bag was scanned in the x-ray machine at airport’s security 1, aside from the shabu they also recovered 13 bullets from calibre .25. The shabu was found in an ashtray, inserted on the improvised holes where nine sachets of shabu were placed with total of 3.9275 grams.
If proven guilty, sentence for illegal transportation reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, while for illegal possession is imprisonment for six to 12 years.
October 9, 2008
Story: PDEA files Motion for Reconsideration in relation to the case filed against two Japanese national for “transporting” illegal drugs
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was dismayed after the Pasay Prosecutors Office downgraded the case of the two Japanese nationals in Pasay Regional Trial Court.
According to the PDEA the two Japanese nationals should face violation of Section 5 of Article II of RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act) or transportation of illegal drugs. “What the prosecutor filed was violation of Section 11 or possession of illegal drugs, where it is very clear that they will transport the illegal drugs, they are bound for Japan” said SPO1 Reynaldo Arojado, Chief Investigation Division of Metro Manila Region Office (MMRO) of PDEA.
The Japanese nationals are Hitomi Hasegawa, 50, female and Reiichiro Hayashi, 42, male. Both of them were arrested in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
HASEGAWA CASE
Last October 3, the court ordered PDEA to commit Hasegawa at Pasay City Jail to be detained there. They were able to transfer Hasegawa to the custody of Pasay City Jail from PDEA.
The court also ordered for a re-investigation of the case because their counsel has requested for it. Arojado said, they think the reason why the lawyers of Hasegawa asked for re-investigation is because the really want to downgrade the case.
“If the prosecutors will insist that the case should be filed against Hasegawa is illegal possession of illegal drugs, (violation of Section 11 or RA 9165) the case will be lighter, and she can post bail,” Arojado said.
“On the minute of resolution from the prosecutor’s Office they said that there is a lack of evidence against Hasegawa the reason why they downgrade the charge,” Atty. Luisa Rabang said, Legal officer of PDEA.
Arojado added that the scheduled re-investigation was set on October 10 at Room 108 in Pasay Prosecutors Office in Pasay City at around 10:00 am. “We will use this chance to elevate the case back to violation of Section 5 (transportation) from violation of section 11 (possession),” he said.
The motion for reconsideration for Hasegwa was filed September 25, 2008.
Hasegawa was arrested on September 14, after she was manually search or frisk by security officers doing the search at Final Security Checkpoint 2. Recovered from her 473.8 grams of shabu, and she was bound for Fukuka, Japan. The shabu was in a plastic with packaging tape, and it is being tape on her lower abdomen skin.
HAYASHI CASE
There is supposed to be an arraignment scheduled for his case on October 9, 2008, but Arojado said they were able to defer the arraignment.
“The arraignment will also be for violation of Section 11 (possession) but what we filed was violation for Section 5 or the transportation,” Arojado said.
He explained that for Hayashi case, they are the ones who file for motion for re-investigation, “Unlike with Hasegawa case, we are the one who file for re-investigation because we want him to be charged for illegal transportation of illegal drugs. Because he is already bound for Narita.”
Base on the minute resolution of the prosecutor, the case was downgraded to illegal possession of illegal drugs, “because he had not yet boarded the plane.”
Arojado said, “He is already at the airport, bound for Narita. We have checkpoint and was arrested their, so why wait for him to be boarded on plane.”
As of the moment there is no resolution yet whether they will have re-investigation.
Hayashi was arrested last September 18, after his bag was scanned in the x-ray machine at airport’s security 1, aside from the shabu they also recovered 13 bullets from calibre .25. The shabu was found in an ashtray, inserted on the improvised holes where nine sachets of shabu were placed with total of 3.9275 grams.
If proven guilty, sentence for illegal transportation reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, while for illegal possession is imprisonment for six to 12 years.
One cop killed, three others hurt in an ambush in Shariff Kabunsuan
Miami
October 9, 2008
Story: One cop killed, three others hurt in an ambush in Shariff Kabunsuan
A police was killed and three others were seriously hurt after they were ambushed by armed men in the province of Shariff Kabunsuan, Wednesday night.
The incident occurred at around 7:15 pm of October 8 at Barangay Cabayuan, Buldon municipality.
Supt. Esmael Pua Ali, Provincial Director of Shariff Kabunsuan said that the ambushed could stemmed from the raid that the police made in different municipalities that resulted to the confiscation of five video karera.
PO3 Salonga Tomawis was dead on the spot, while PO2 Alfata Tomawis, PO2 Alimuddin Sinangan, and PO1 Pilaem Macabanding are wounded and currently confined at Cotabato Regional Medical Center. Ali said Sinangan is the most seriously injured and the doctors said that his left foot might be amputated.
The police that were ambushed belongs to 1560th Provincial Mobile group.
Ali said that they conducted an anti-gambling operation in Barangay Edcor also in Buldon where in they confiscated three video karera.
“They are about to go back to the police station when their way was blocked by 10 armed men. We also received reports that there are snipers at the area which is near at the residential houses, so our policemen cannot retaliate on the snipers because they might hit innocent civilians,” Ali explained.
Aside from the raid that occurred in Buldon municipality, they also raided the barangay Poblacion in Parang municipality and barangay Poblacion in Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality wherein they confiscated one each video karera.
Ali said that they are receiving information that there are operators of video karera in those areas. Based on the reports, the students are the usual players who instead of going to school they are playing and betting at the video karera.
October 9, 2008
Story: One cop killed, three others hurt in an ambush in Shariff Kabunsuan
A police was killed and three others were seriously hurt after they were ambushed by armed men in the province of Shariff Kabunsuan, Wednesday night.
The incident occurred at around 7:15 pm of October 8 at Barangay Cabayuan, Buldon municipality.
Supt. Esmael Pua Ali, Provincial Director of Shariff Kabunsuan said that the ambushed could stemmed from the raid that the police made in different municipalities that resulted to the confiscation of five video karera.
PO3 Salonga Tomawis was dead on the spot, while PO2 Alfata Tomawis, PO2 Alimuddin Sinangan, and PO1 Pilaem Macabanding are wounded and currently confined at Cotabato Regional Medical Center. Ali said Sinangan is the most seriously injured and the doctors said that his left foot might be amputated.
The police that were ambushed belongs to 1560th Provincial Mobile group.
Ali said that they conducted an anti-gambling operation in Barangay Edcor also in Buldon where in they confiscated three video karera.
“They are about to go back to the police station when their way was blocked by 10 armed men. We also received reports that there are snipers at the area which is near at the residential houses, so our policemen cannot retaliate on the snipers because they might hit innocent civilians,” Ali explained.
Aside from the raid that occurred in Buldon municipality, they also raided the barangay Poblacion in Parang municipality and barangay Poblacion in Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality wherein they confiscated one each video karera.
Ali said that they are receiving information that there are operators of video karera in those areas. Based on the reports, the students are the usual players who instead of going to school they are playing and betting at the video karera.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Suspect in killing Japanese national in Cebu faces homicide case
Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
Story: Suspect in killing Japanese national in Cebu faces homicide case
The Compostela, Cebu police has filed the case against the suspect who killed a Japanese national last October 5.
The homicide case was filed against Christopher Tariman, at Provincial Prosecutor’s Office at the Cebu Provincial Capitol at around 9:00 am. The criminal case number is DU-16-546.
PO2 Erwin Valverde said that Tariman told them that he has no intention to shot the victim identified as Yasuaki Matsuura.
“His allegation is the gun belongs to the Japanese that is what we are trying to investigate as well on who really owns the gun. Tariman said there is a commotion between the two of them because the Japanese started to say bad words against him. He is claiming that he is on the defense,” Valverde said.
Tariman has killed Matsuura on the height of their argument with regards to the commissioned that Tariman should be getting for selling a taxi cab. Based on investigation, the taxi was sold to about Php310,000 and Tariman was about to get Php10,000.
The incident occurred at the kitchen of the house of the suspect in Little Marikina, Sitio Lutao, Barangay Estaca, Compostela, Cebu.
Story: Suspect in killing Japanese national in Cebu faces homicide case
The Compostela, Cebu police has filed the case against the suspect who killed a Japanese national last October 5.
The homicide case was filed against Christopher Tariman, at Provincial Prosecutor’s Office at the Cebu Provincial Capitol at around 9:00 am. The criminal case number is DU-16-546.
PO2 Erwin Valverde said that Tariman told them that he has no intention to shot the victim identified as Yasuaki Matsuura.
“His allegation is the gun belongs to the Japanese that is what we are trying to investigate as well on who really owns the gun. Tariman said there is a commotion between the two of them because the Japanese started to say bad words against him. He is claiming that he is on the defense,” Valverde said.
Tariman has killed Matsuura on the height of their argument with regards to the commissioned that Tariman should be getting for selling a taxi cab. Based on investigation, the taxi was sold to about Php310,000 and Tariman was about to get Php10,000.
The incident occurred at the kitchen of the house of the suspect in Little Marikina, Sitio Lutao, Barangay Estaca, Compostela, Cebu.
Suspect in killing Japanese national in Cebu will face homicide
Miami
October 7, 2008
Story: Suspect in killing Japanese national in Cebu will face homicide
Suspect on killing a Japanese national in Cebu over the weekend has surrendered to the police day after the incident and will now face a homicide case.
The police will file a homicide case against the suspect. As explained by PO2 Erwin Valverde, officer on-case, they will file homicide instead of murder, “Because there is an altercation or heated argument between the two before the incident happened.”
The case will be filed at the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Cebu City.
Christopher Cortez-Tariman killed Yasuaki Matsuura, the live-in partner of his sister, last October 5, 2008 at around 8:30 pm surrendered to the police with the help of his relatives. The police met with him in Danao City, Cebu, Monday, October 6, at around 4:00 pm.
Tariman is now detained at the Compostela Police Station, also in Cebu.
The police did not interrogate Tariman yet because he has no lawyer as of the moment.
Tariman has killed Matsuura on the height of their argument with regards to the commissioned that Tariman should be getting for selling a taxi cab. Based on investigation, the taxi was sold to about Php310,000 and Tariman was about to get Php10,000.
The said taxicab is owned by Jinky Tariman, the live-in partner of Matsuura and sister of the suspect. The couple only asked the suspect to help them sell the taxi cab. Jinky is presently working in Japan.
The incident occurred in the house of the suspect in Little Marikina, Sitio Lutao, Barangay Estaca, Compostela, Cebu.
Matsuura is a resident of Casal Village, Mabolo, Cebu City, sustained gunshot wound on his forehead. Recovered from the crime scene one .45 pistol which is the firearm used in the crime. The gun was loaded with one magazine with four live ammunitions. The gun was recovered after the suspect gave it to his wife Sheryl, before leaving their house.
October 7, 2008
Story: Suspect in killing Japanese national in Cebu will face homicide
Suspect on killing a Japanese national in Cebu over the weekend has surrendered to the police day after the incident and will now face a homicide case.
The police will file a homicide case against the suspect. As explained by PO2 Erwin Valverde, officer on-case, they will file homicide instead of murder, “Because there is an altercation or heated argument between the two before the incident happened.”
The case will be filed at the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Cebu City.
Christopher Cortez-Tariman killed Yasuaki Matsuura, the live-in partner of his sister, last October 5, 2008 at around 8:30 pm surrendered to the police with the help of his relatives. The police met with him in Danao City, Cebu, Monday, October 6, at around 4:00 pm.
Tariman is now detained at the Compostela Police Station, also in Cebu.
The police did not interrogate Tariman yet because he has no lawyer as of the moment.
Tariman has killed Matsuura on the height of their argument with regards to the commissioned that Tariman should be getting for selling a taxi cab. Based on investigation, the taxi was sold to about Php310,000 and Tariman was about to get Php10,000.
The said taxicab is owned by Jinky Tariman, the live-in partner of Matsuura and sister of the suspect. The couple only asked the suspect to help them sell the taxi cab. Jinky is presently working in Japan.
The incident occurred in the house of the suspect in Little Marikina, Sitio Lutao, Barangay Estaca, Compostela, Cebu.
Matsuura is a resident of Casal Village, Mabolo, Cebu City, sustained gunshot wound on his forehead. Recovered from the crime scene one .45 pistol which is the firearm used in the crime. The gun was loaded with one magazine with four live ammunitions. The gun was recovered after the suspect gave it to his wife Sheryl, before leaving their house.
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