Friday, May 30, 2008

robbery and multiple murder charged against three suspects on RCBC massacre while other still at large

Miami
May 30, 2008
Story: robbery and multiple murder charged against three suspects on RCBC massacre while other still at large

Task Force RCBC has already filed charges of robbery and multiple murder to the three out of five suspects that have been identified by the police through their true names while others were still at large.

The case was filed at the Provincial Prosecutors in Binan, Laguna and was received by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Frisco Martin and recommended no bail for the three suspects.

The three suspects were identified as Joel dela Cruz, Jesus Narvaez and Ricardo Gomolon and now under the custody of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Police regional office Region 4A (PRO4A).

The other two suspect that has been identified by their real name were Allan Bago and Danilo Letoquit, both were still at large.

Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said, “Joel dela Cruz is the security guard on duty of RCBC took a leave of absence for that day without any replacement. He was identified to be inside the bank by the witnesses who where in the vicinity of the said bank.”

Based on previous reports De la Cruz had a 24-hour straight duty from 6am Thursday to 6am Friday because he filed a leave of absence beginning Friday, May 16, when the incident took place.

Dela Cruz was one of the security guards that were under investigation and was said to have been giving different statements when he was asked about his daily activities.

Ricardo Gomolon is a former Army was arrested by the elements of Regional police Intelligence Operations Unit of NCRPO, Special Action Unit and Laguna Police Office . Gomolon was arrested last May 23, 2008 at around 9:45 am along Consular Street, Southside, Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.

Gomolon was arrested while riding in his bicycle and recovered from him one .38 caliber without license.

Gomolon was dishonorably discharge by Army on year 2003. He joined the army in year 1998.

Gomolon was brought to Laguna Provincial police office for possible identification. One of the witnesses, a 9 year old girl possibly identified the suspect as one who entered the bank at the back door. The nine year old girl was said to be in the vicinity of the bank.

NCRPO Chief Geary Barias said, “She saw the suspect enter the bank. She positively identified the suspect.” he also believed a 9 year old kid cannot come up with any story.

Jesus Narvaez, one of the suspect under the custody of PNP, has pending case of robbery in Sto. Thomas Batangas. Bartolome said, Narvaez was identified by the witnesses who was with Danilo Litoquet who abandoned the getaway vehicle at barangay Turbina, Calamba City. The get away vehicle was silver Mitsubishi Adventure.

Allan Bago who was still at-large, was a former security guard. Danilo Litoquit, has a pending case of robbery in General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) Cavite. They are both still at-large.

According to the witnesses, Joel dela Cruz, Allan Bago and Ricardo Gomolon where the three suspects who were sited inside the bank. The witnesses were in the vicinity of the bank when they saw the three men.

The PRO4A are still searching for the other suspects involved in the case and they are still determining the true identities of the four other suspects whom was only identified with their aliases.

public market in Calapan, Mindoro razed by fire

Miami
May 30, 2008
Story: public market in Calapan, Mindoro razed by fire

A public market in Barangay Central in Calapan City, Mindoro was razed by fire early Friday morning.

The fire started at around 2:20 am of May 30, 2008 and was declared as fire out at around 6:00 am.FO1 John Abak said almost 75% of the market area was destroyed by fire or about more than 100 stalls.

Initial investigation disclosed that a faulty electrical wiring caused the fire, but the arson investigation of Calapan City still determining the real cause and the origin of the fire.

As of the moment the fire investigators still conducting ocular inspection at the area to determine the estimated damages.

There were no reported casualty or hurt in the incident.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Hostage taker in Pampanga shot dead

Miami
May 29, 2008
Story: Hostage taker in Pampanga shot dead

A hostage taking incident occurred in a passenger bus which start at around 2:00 pm and ended at 6:20 pm after the hostage taker was killed by the policemen.

The Genesis bus (CVJ 284) with body number 81881, came from Pasay and boarded with 13 people including the driver and the conductor along EDSA Caloocan. The bus is bound to Balanga, Bataan.
The victim was identified by Pampanga Provincial director Sr. Supt Keith Singian as Rey Digo, upon reaching the national highway in Purok 2 barangay Lourdes. Lubao, Pampanga the suspect fired his gun twice hitting two male.

The driver of the bus who was able to escaped together with the conductor who managed to bring one of the wounded outside the bus and brought to the hospital.

While one of the wounded was left inside the bus after the suspect did not let the driver to bring down the wounded person.

Singian said the lone suspect was having problems with his family after his wife left him few days ago and starting to get mad at women. He is armed with .38 and a knife.

Left inside the bus are ten people including two children.

At around 4:00 pm, through the negotiation of Lubao Chief of police Supt. Edwin Mangaliman, the suspect released two children. Then at 4:30pm the wounded person who was left previously was also released by the hostage taker leaving seven more hostages. The seven hostages are all female.

At 5:30 pm, the hostage taker released three of his hostages, left inside the bus with him were four female. Then at around 5:55 pm, he released one female.

The hostage taker did not ask for any demands. But when the police asked him why he is hostaging people he answered them because his wife left him already and want to show to his wife what will happen to him after she left him.

The police did not know where the suspect got his gun.

At around 6:20pm three policemen led by Mangaliman, went inside the bus. Mangaliman and Digo fight for the gun after it was clear to them that Digo has no plans to surrender.

When Mangaliman still trying to grab the gun of Digo, the suspect tried to point the gun to Mangaliman this prompted the two policemen who went inside the bus with Mangaliman to shot him which lead to his instant death. They hit Digo on his left eye. The three women who are still inside the bus were unharmed.

The names of the victims and those who were shot were not yet been identified as of press time.

one killed by robbers in Makati City

Miami
May 29, 2006
Story: one killed by robbers in Makati City

An accounting staff working in Makati was gunned down after he refused to give the money he withdraw for the company he is working for.

The victim was identified as Jaime Armando Antonio, 55, single, was working as accounting staff in Eco laser located at Teka Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City.

The incident occurred at around 11:50 am.

Antonio withdrew money amounting to Php130,000 at Metrobank located in Kamagong Street, corner Sampaloc street of the same barangay. While walking along Kamagong Street to go back to work, he was approached by three unidentified armed men wearing bonnet and declared hold-up.

Three other male suspects wearing helmets and riding on three different motorcycles arrived at the area and parked along kamagong street near the incident and served as lookouts.

The victim refused to give the money. The suspects forcibly took the bag of Antonio with the money he withdrew and shot the victim and hit him on the upper left of his chest. The suspects were able to get the money and fled immediately.

The victim was rushed at Makati Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.

one dead, 2 other arrested in Laguna, Batangas raid

Miami
May 29, 2008
Story: one dead, 2 other arrested in Laguna, Batangas raid

The Laguna Police and the Batangas police has been doing series of anti-criminality operations that lead to the arrest of two men and death of one.

A search warrant was served in the different areas of Laguna and Batangas by the elements of Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG); Regional Mobile Group (RMG4A); and Provincial mobile Group of Laguna. The first one was at around 5:20 am at the house of Montano Tolentino at Barangay Putting Lupa, Calamba City.

According to the report of PRO4A, when the police was about to approach the house of Tolentino and about to serve the search warrant, Tolentino continuously fired his gun while trying to escape. The police fired their gun as well that lead to the death of Tolentino.

Laguna provincial Police Director Chief Supt. Felipe Rojas said they have a search warrant for the illegal possession of fire arms against Tolentino. He also said that Tolentino is part of a hold-up robbery gang in CALABARZON area.

After the encounter with Tolentino, the police continued their search warrant and they recovered three .45 pistol; one caliber 32 revolver one caliber 22 rifle and assorted ammunitions and magazines.

On the second search at around 6:00 am in Sitio Kapos, Barangay San Rafael, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the house of Garry Tumambing, Victorino Marasigan, brothers Ian Rey and Jason Marasigan, and Romeo Marasigan were also searched.

Recovered from the house of Tumambing are, one caliber 38, one caliber 30 M1 rifle, and 22 pieces of live ammunition for caliber 38 and one long magazine caliber 30 M1 rifle.

At the house of Victor Marasigan, the police recovered 22 pieces of live ammunitions for 12 gauge shotgun and two pieces of holster for short fire arms.

Both Victor Marasigan and Tumambing are now at the custody of PRO4A for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the house of brothers Ian Rey and Jason Marasigan was also searched and recovered from the house were one caliber .45, 12 live ammunition for 45 caliber one piece empty shell for 45 caliber one inside holster. But they wre not arrested because they are not at home when the search was happened.

The house of Romeo Marasigan was also searched but the police did not recovered anything from him.

The firearms recovered will be subjected to ballistics examination to determine if any use of these firearms match the pieces of evidences found at the RCBC massacre.

2 out of five identified suspects in RCBC are now at the custody of PNP CALABARZON

Miami
May 29, 2008
Story: 2 out of five identified suspects in RCBC are now at the custody of PNP CALABARZON

Philippine National Police Spokesperson Nicanor Bartolme said that the Task Force RCBC has arrested two out of five identified suspects in bloody massacre in Cabuyao, Laguna

The two are now at the custody of Police Regional office in Region 4A or CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon). The Task Force RCBC are now preparing for the charges that they will file with the suspects.

The charges that will file against them multiple murder and robbery.

“Five of the suspects which have been identified through their true nameswill be properly charged after all necessary requirements is completed like the testimonies evidences, scientific finding that would be enough in filing the case,” Bartolome said.

He also added that the Task Force RCBC still identifying the real names of four other suspects with aliases that might be also responsible for the RCBC massacre.

However, the PNP would not want to disclose the names of the suspects and how they were arrested until they are not yet been filed with formal charges.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

NCRPO sets guidelines on the coming school year 2008

miami
May 28, 2008
Story: NCRPO sets guidelines on the coming school year 2008

The National Capital Region Police office (NCRPO) already set guidelines on how students can avoid being victimized of street crimes and dubbed as Oplan: Balik Paaralan (Back-to-school).

NCRPO Regional Director Geary Barias ordered his units to conduct simultaneous operations against criminal groups victimizing students during the opening of classes, as well as raids on gambling and prostituruion dens to remove the most common complaints of teachers and parents.

Barias also said in Metro Manila alone they are expecting about 21 million students both from Elementary and high school that will troop to school for the opening of classes on June 10. The NCRPO has no statistics yet on the number of college students on its opening.

Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon ensures the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns including threats from criminal elements who may tae advantage of the situation.

For the NCRPO, Barias said he will deploy 4,000 policemen in Metro Manila day before the opening of classes.

Among the guidelines they set is the activation of the Police Security Containment Ring System to secure the immediate vicinities of schools, transport terminals, bus stations, MRT/LRT stations and others. They will also maximize the tasking of field groups and PNP beat patrollers for police visibility to deter the plans and activities of criminal elements near campuses and universities.

The PNP is also advising the students to avoid displaying their valuable items like cell phones, jewelries and other gadgets to avoid being victimized by snatchers. To avoid dark alleys and desolated areas as much as possible, and not to walk alone especially in night.

The PNP will always coordinate with school officials and the respective peace and order council to implement safety and security advisories to students, teachers and school officials against criminal activities within their vicinity.

NCRPO launches Salaam Police center for Muslim community in Metro Manila

Miami
May 28, 2008
Story: NCRPO launches Salaam Police center for Muslim community in Metro Manila

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has launched Wednesday, May 28,a Salaam Police Center on each district of Metro Manila to have a better coordination between Muslim Community and Policemen.

The word Salaam is an Arabic word which means Peace.

The Muslim community is willing to cooperate with the policemen in order to eliminate their image as troublemaker.

Sr. Supt. Ahirium Ajirim, Chief of Sallam police Center assigned in Camp Crame said with this project , they expect other people to know them very well as good people and willing to help others. “Not all our Muslim brothers and sisters are bad. Though we admit that some of them are being used by bad people to commit crimes,” Ajirim said.

Ajirim also said that with the Salaam Police center they are also hoping that with the arrest on their Muslim brothers, no violation of human rights will occur.

On each district of NCRPO, the Manila, Eastern, Southern, Quezon City and Northern will have at least 10 policemen on the Salaam Police center. But, Ajirim said as of this moment they are still lacking of policemen.

For the meantime, they will also accept any Muslim who wants to be volunteers on their police center. The volunteers will help the police understand the culture of the Muslims, at the same time the Muslim volunteers have to orient their community on the works of the police in order for them to understand that the Police is not targeting them as suspects all the time.

Each district also will have livelihood project for their Muslim Community wherein the Muslim community will attend seminars that can help them improve their lives. The seminars or training that will be available for them are dressmaking, cellphone or computer technician, welding and automotive service.

NCRPO Regional Director Geary Barias said, “organization like this can help many people. Not only our Muslim community but others as well, because these Muslim brothers and sisters who will be volunteering themselves can also help some Christian people. So, it will be a good environment for us.”

Barias also added with this project, it will help widen or broaden the understanding of each people whether they have different religion or beliefs.

Ajirim is hoping that this project will be successful and no problems within the Muslim volunteers and policemen. Also, he is hoping not only the districts will have Salaam police center but also down to the police stations of each districts.

As of this moment, they already have about 40 Muslim volunteers on all district office.

9 dead, 11 hurt in an accident involving jeepney in Surigao del Sur

Miami
May 28, 2008
Story: 9 dead, 11 hurt in an accident involving jeepney in Surigao del Sur

Nine passengers of a public utility jeepney died on the spot while 11 others were injured after the jeepney fall in a ravine about 8 ft in the province of Surigao del Sur.

The incident happened at around 3:30 pm of May 26 at Purok 2, barangay Baculin, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The jeepney has route from Barobo town to Hinatuan and vice-versa.

Upon reaching the said place of incident the jeepney experience mechanical trouble. Based on their initial investigation, PO3 George Carino said the jeep lost its brake that caused to fall in a ravine.

Seven of nine who died were already identified while the other two were already brought ome by their relatives. The identified casualties are Fausto Quezada, 77, Helinita Montilla; Mayline Montilla (Helinita's daughter), 10;• Bellaza Casagda, 52,Julieto Soriano, 52; Juamar Ronquillo, 4; and Juan Llamas 1 yr old.

The 11 injured was brought to DOP Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad Town in Agusan del Sur for medical treatment.

The jeepney is owned by Normanito Orillaneda resident of Barangay poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur. The driver was identified as Sulpicio Altamia, will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries. The driver is still at the hospital as of this moment.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Reporter attends Oakwood mutiny hearing saying that there was no force on that day

Miami
May 27, 2008
Story: Reporter attends Oakwood mutiny hearing saying that there was no force on that day

ABS-CBN reporter Alvin Elchico gave testimony at the witness stand at the sala of Judge Oscar Pimentel of Makati RTC Branch 148 with regards to the Oakwood mutiny happened last July 2003.

Elchico was able to go inside the Oakwood hotel to cover what is happening inside through the help of his former elementary classmate ex-Army Captain Milo Maestrecampo. The latter was already pardoned after pleaded guilty last April 2008.

Elchico said he just told the Court that he did not saw any force during the stay of the Magdalo soldiers inside the hotel. He also said that the hotel staff were not intimidated y anyone of the soldiers.

Atty. Ernesto Francisco, defense counsel, sees Elchico’s testimony as proof that what the Magdalo soldiers did is not a coup d’etat but simply giving out their grievances, “The soldiers are airing out what they want to say.”

In his interviews with the soldiers, Elchico said, “The soldiers are asking for the resignation of then Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, then Philippine National Police (PNP) Director Hermogenes Ebdane and former Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAF) Chief Victor Corpuz. And throughout his stay inside Oakwood I did not hear any of the soldiers say that they wanted to take over the government or the MalacaƱang.”

For the prosecution panel, the testimony of Elchico is not relevant on the case anymore, “As long as there are some Magdalo members who have their firearms with them and planted bomb in the vicinity of Oakwood that can be consider as coup d’etat already.”State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said.

The next hearing was set on June 26.

Police to teach students in insurgency affected areas in Luzon

Miami
May 27, 2008
Story: Police to teach students in insurgency affected areas in Luzon

Police assigned in insurgency affected areas will teach elementary students subjects like Filipino, English, Science , Makabayan (history) and mathematics.

Director of Police Community Relations Director General Leopoldo Bataoil dubbed the project as “Pulis ko Titser ko” (My Police, My teacher).

Bataoil said that those areas affected by encounter and/or insurgency between NPA and soldiers are not usually being reached by teachers in able to teach students on that areas.

“So what we did, it is the police now will teach the students at the area,” Bataoil said.

The project has been properly coordinated with the Department of Education (DepEd) to allow policemen to teach the elementary students at the area.

Bataoil also said that some policemen are not doing anything, “Instead of waiting for nothing, our policemen will teach at the area so that there will be no time will be wasted.”

He also said that with this set-up, their work as policemen will not be affected as long as proper coordination with the station commander and teaching policemen will be solve.

As of this moment, two policemen in each Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), all from Luzon, will be deploy this June and start the classes their. Bataoil is hoping that there were many policemen will follow suit in order to help more students. He also said that Visayas and Mindanao will follow soon.

He also said that the policemen who will teach the students are college graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education major in Elementary education. “they were teachers first before becoming policemen and now they will use their teaching skills in helping our people.”

Ofelia Estaquio, representative of DepEd, already gave a refresher course to the policemen to refresh their minds on teaching. “They just need to refresh their minds on methods of teaching and how to deal with students. But basically they know that already because they studied that when they were still students then,” Estaquio said.

If this will be successful, Bataoil hopes that this will also be practice in some provinces even if it is not affected by insurgency.

9 policemen including an officer were relieved from their post in relation to Tanauan incident

Miami
May 27, 2008
Story: 9 policemen including an officer were relieved from their post in relation to Tanauan incident

Nine policemen including an officer, all from Batangas Provincial police Office has been relieved from their post starting May 27, 2008.

Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson has confirmed that, “PNP Chief Avelino Razon ordered an administrative relieve to those who were involved in the encounter in Tanauan City Batangas” last May 21 and 22, 2008.

The incident lead to the killing of four suspected criminals. The Regional Police Provincial Office 4A still doing their cross-matching examination if the four are also responsible on the RCBC Cabuyao massacre.

Bartolome identified P/Supt. Gilbert Sauro as one of the policemen who will be relieved. Sauro is the Provincial Intelligence Branch and Special Operations Group of Batangas Police Provincial Office. The eight others were not yet been identified. The policemen will be staying in Region 4A Regional headquarters in Camp Vicenete Lim in Laguna as long as the investigation is not yet done.

Bartolome said this is their response to the call of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) who first ask for the preventive suspension of those who were involved in the incident.

Bartolome explained why they cannot suspend yet the 9 policemen who were relived from their post, “Once the investigation is initiated and charges will be filed appropriately that is the time for the preventive suspension will be in effect. Right now the investigation is not yet being concluded, no charges yet, still in the process of evaluating evidences and testimonies and other related matters pertaining to this investigation.”

Meanwhile, the PNP is also conducting their own probe on the Tanauan incident. Police Director Jefferson Soriano of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) was tasked to do its own investigation. He put up a special investigation team that will lead by Deputy Director of DIDM Chief Supt Rodolfo Mendoza and will be assisted by Director of Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) Chief Supt. Raul Castaneda, Human Rights affairs office (HRAO) , Crime Laboratory, and the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of CALABARZON.

Meanwhile, Bartolome said what happened in Tanauan, “is part of anti-criminality campaign of Region 4A. They are also determining whether the suspects accounted in Tanauan incident have something to do with RCBC robbery.”

Though the Region 4A SOCO still doing a cross-matching examination on the four suspected criminals if they are involved in RCBC, Bartolome said if involvement of other criminality, the four that were killed were indeed members of local criminal syndicate.

Monday, May 26, 2008

PNP said the survey of SWS should not be used as the bases for criminality rate

Miami
May 26, 2008
Story: PNP said the survey of SWS should not be used as the bases for criminality rate

The Philippine National Police said that the basis for criminality rate should not base on the SWS survey.

PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said, “All crime rate went down for this year compared to previous years, if you will take a closer look at it (SWS survey).”

Bartolome said that the reason why the crime rate went down is due to the police visibility of the policemen at the street and they can easily respond now than before.

Also because of the people who are now more alert whenever there are incident that is happening.

Bartolome also gave advice to the people that to be more alert and to secure their area to avoid being victimized of criminal acts and not to confront those who will victimized them, but to report it immediately to the policemen at the area.

Meanwhile NCRPO Chief Gen. Barias said the reason why the crime rate in Metro Manila went down is because of the implementation of the discipline zone in critical areas. He attributed the success of lowering the crime rate to coordination they have kept to their districts up to barangay officials and residents.

Police killed by colleague in Calamba city

Miami
May 26, 2008
Story: Police killed by colleague in Calamba city

A police in Laguna got killed by his co-police after he try to shot other police in an operation.

The incident occurred at around 11:30 pm of May 24 at Purok 1, barangay Parian Calamba City between the Calamba Police and Regional Criminal Investigation unit of region 4A.(RCIDU4A)

The victim was identified as SPO1 Dalven Baja, assigned in RCIDU4A. He together with P Inspector Richard Gunboc also assigned in RCIDU4A accorded and disarmed SPO2 Melvin Llanes in front of Miss Eye Super Club and restaurant. Llanes is assigned in intelligence of Calamba Provincial police Station

According to PO3 Jay Carino of Laguna Police, Upon seeing that Llanes was being disarmed, mobile patrol number 1, 4, 5 and 7 of Calamba Police responded to the scene and talked to the RCIDU4A personnel to negotiate and asked what is happening.

During the conversation, Baja tried to flee then shot SPO2 Llanes but he missed prompting for the Calamba Police responding team to retaliate against SPO1 Baja, and he sustained gunshot wounds on different parts of his body that lead to his death.

Recovered from the scene I caliber of 9mm, magazine loaded with 13 live ammunition for caliber 30.

Laguna Provincial police office Provincial director Sr. Supt. Felipe Rojas said the argument occurred because of the misunderstanding and miscommunication on the operation that they will have on the area.

Rojas already ordered an investigation on the incident.

PNP insists the incident in Tanauan is shootout and not rubout

Miami
May 26, 2008
Story: PNP insists the incident in Tanauan is shootout and not rubout

The Philippine National Police insists that the shooting incident happened in Tanauan City is a shootout and not a rubout.

As Sr. Supt. Aaron Fidel, Deputy Regional Director for Operations in Police Regional Office of Region 4A CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) told the media last Friday in a conference that what happened is a shootout.

Fidel said that it is the suspects who first fired their gun to the policemen who went in the area. The reason why the police are there is because of the intensified campaign of the PNP in Region 4A against the criminality in the area that coincides in looking for the suspects in RCBC bank massacre in Cabuyao, Laguna last May 16.

He also insists that the police were in defensive position.

As of this moment, the four killed in Tanauan are not yet confirmed if they were part of the group who robbed RCBC. The SOCO will have to examined the firearms recovered at the area for cross matching and ballistic examination.

The Commission on Human Rights has expressed their desire that they will investigate the incident in Tanuan City. Based on their initial investigation the incident was a rubout.

“Pepit Magsino who was killed in the first encounter just attended a baptismal event and was shot to death by 40 to 50 PNP personnel who went on their area. There was no encounter really,” Marie Cruz said, CHR media officer said.

But she admitted that they still do not have formal or written affidavit because their witnesses are starting to be afraid on giving any statement. “We are encouraging the witnesses to give their full confidence on us,” Cruz added with regards to their witnesses.

Cruz also said that those they were interviewed are residents living at the barangay pagaspas and barangay 4 both in Tanauan City of Batangas.

The PNP on the other hand said they welcome the investigation that the CHR will do. Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP Spokesman said, “Over the weekend, PNP Chief Avelino Razon directed the Task Force RCBC and Region 4a to cooperate with the investigation that will be conducted by the commission on human rights. This to ensure that all personnel will be made available in connection with this investigation.”

The PNP believe that they are nothing to hide s far as the investigation is concern.

Batangas Provincial Director Sr. Supt. David Quimio also said that he welcome the investigation of the CHR, “That is part of their job, but if they will check the background of those who got killed in the shootout, they have many cases of robbery, hold-up and kidnapping in batangas.”

Quimio also appealed to the CHR to interview other people not only those at the barangay Pagaspas and 4 but also outside of it to really know the background of the suspected criminals.

The CHR has recommendation for the Chief PNP. The CHR want the PNP to give them the list of those who were involved on the operation in Tanauan City to know if the head of the Task Force RCBC (Sr. Supt. Aaron Fidel) were present or not.

The CHR also wants a copy of “after operation” report of the Task Force also the SOCO report if they were available already. Also the CHR wants a preventive suspension on those who were involved in the shooting incident.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Task Force RCBC identified four out of six suspects on RCBC masacre, two were uniformed men

Miami
May 23, 2008
Story: Task Force RCBC identified four out of six suspects on RCBC masacre, two were uniformed men

Sr. Supt. Aaron Fidel, Task Force Commander of Task Force RCBC said that four out of six suspects in the RCBC massacre last May 16 has been identified while the other two is yet to be determine.

Fidel said during the Friday media forum in Camp Crame that the four suspects has been identified by their witnesses, but he refused to disclose the names of the suspects.

“Two of which are really involved in bank robberies and the two are uniformed personnel,” Fidel said. Asked if the two uniformed men were from police or military, Fidel refused to answer because he do not want their operation to be jeopardize.

Fidel also said that they also has to checked if the said two uniformed personnel were still in service or not.

Fidel also said that they have two set of witnesses, both has three individuals. The first is the one who saw the getaway vehicle being drive and abandoned in Brgy. Turbina, Calamba, Laguna hours after the incident. The other three are the ones who saw who went out of the bank.

With regards to the encounter occurred last May 21 afternoon and May 22 predawn in Tanauan Batangas, Fidel cannot yet determine if the suspected criminals killed on that encounter are are also responsible to the RCBC massacre.

“We still have to wait for the ballistic and cross-matching examination of the SOCO in able to determine if they were involved or not. But it is confirmed that the four that were killed in Tanauan were involved in some bank robberies in CALABARZON,” Fidel said.

He clarified that the incident happened in Batangas is an anti-criminality operation of the police in tracking down the group of robbers in the province. It happened that the suspects fired their gun first that is why an encounter happened.

The Task Force RCBC are looking into three robbery/hold-up groups who maybe have involvement on the incident in the RCBC in Cabuyao, Laguna. They are thinking of this kind of scenario, “There is a bigger group behind this incident, and that bigger group made contact on their local group in the province so that they will become successful in doing the crime,” Fidel explained.

However, Fidel refused to identify what kind of group are involved on the incident. “We are still tracking on some of them, remember all of the suspects are still at large if we give details they might leave the area,” he said.

On the whereabouts of the suspects Fidel believed that they are still at the Southern Tagalog Region, and for the rest of the group there are already on the Southern Part of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the two security guards of RCBC are still in the custody of the CIDG, “They are the ones who request it because they already fear for their lives,” Fidel said. But the one of the guards, Fidel said, is not consistent on his statements.

“They had been under investigation, we already asked them questions like their daily routine and their background identification, but one of them is not consistent with the statement and with our own background check, so we are also looking at him closely,” Fidel continues.

Fidel said their operations and investigation on the Task Force RCBC is on-going, and from time to time they are having case conference with regards to the development of the case. As of the moment they are identifying who is the mastermind of the bank massacre and who is taking care of the money.

Yano no plans to open the Mayuga report

Miami
May 23, 2008
Story: Yano no plans to open the Mayuga report

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano have no plans to open the Mayuga report.

The Mayuga report is the report of retired Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, former AFP Inspector General and Philippine Navy chief on the alleged electoral fraud on 2004 Presidential elections.

Yano said he had not seen the report, “I have not seen that so its hard for me to answer in the positive or affirmative (on whether to act on the report).”

He also added that he do not know where is the report and what is the status of it. Yano said he thinks there is no need for him to look for the report because his predecessor already acted upon it. “As I've said this has been acted upon by the previous leadership so I don't think there's a need for it, to revive whatever is the content.”

Yano also reacted on the comment of February 2006 coup d etat accused that the Mayuga report should be released to give closure on the Hello garci scandal. Yano simply said, “That may be their own opinion, but that does not necessarily mean that we will follow their opinion.”

QC RTC to release resolution on the motion to exclude Salapuddin in the Batasan Blast incident

Miami
May 23, 2008
Story: QC RTC to release resolution on the motion to exclude Salapuddin in the Batasan Blast incident

The Quezon City judge has suspend its ruling for the motion to exclude former Basilan Representative Gerry Salapuddin. Since the issue must be resolved first by the Court.

Judge Ralph Lee of Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QCRTC) Branch 83 said that he will release the resolution within 30 days on whether Salapuddin will be excluded or not within 30 days.

The Department of Justice has Department of Justice ruled that Salapuddin must be excluded from the charges, saying there is no probable cause that he participated in the planning and execution of the Batasan bombing last November 2007.

Assistant Prosecutor Maryjane Sytat moved for Salapuddin's exclusion on the charges as directed by DOJ secretary Raul Gonzales. Sytat filed the said motion last April 30, 2008.

Atty. Jovertino Diamente, counsel of Salapuddin said that he is asking to reduced it for 15 days, “The Court can ruled on it already, it is the DOJ who already filed for the exclusion of my client because they did not see any evidence that will link him to the bombing.”

But Judge Lee said the maximum days for him is 30 days so why not used it.

With the pending resolution on Salapuddin’s motion Sytat has asked the judge if they can already proceed with the pre-trial which was set on July 11, 2008. The prosecution is expected to present their evidences for marking.
The suspects in jail now are Adham Kusain, Caidar Aural both detained in Camp Bagong Diwa and Ikraim Indama detained in Camp Crame under the custody of CIDG.

There are still others who are still at-large, they are Hajarum Jamiri, Benjamin Hataman and PO1 Bayan Judda.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Death toll on Cosme typhoon now reach 44

Miami
May 22, 2008
Story 5: Death toll on Cosme typhoon now reach 44

Recorded number of death due to typhoon Cosme already reached to 44 compared to the recorded number of deaths by the NDCC last May 21 which was 37. The additional death was in region 1.

Region 1 has 39, region 3 has four and one in CAR. While, last May 21, the Region 1 has 34 and two in Region 3.

Total affected families now reach 205,165. In region 1, 155,760 families 30 of which are in evacuation center the rest went back to their respective places. 38, 657 in region 3, 10,607 in region 6 and 141 in CAR. Affected families in Regions 3, 6 and CAR are no longer in the evacuation center, NDCC report said.

They also released statistics of totally and partially damaged houses. For totally damages houses 23,230 houses on region 1, 3,001 in region 3, 39 in region 6, 15 in region 7 and 33 in CAR or a total of 26,318..

Partially damaged houses 53,795 in region 1, 7,181 in region 3, 73 in region 6, no record in region 7 and 41 in CAR or a total of 61,090.

The estimated damage to infrastructure and agriculture reached the total of Php3, 335,220,780. In break down it will be Php3,351,320,780 for agriculture; Php232,379,000 for roads and bridges and Php175,548,400 for school buildings.

Damaged to rice crops was assessed at Php122million; corn crops at around Php2.6 million, livestocks at Php4.06 million, fisheries at Php413.87 million.

The province of Pangasinan and La Union already received 600 sacks of rice while the province of Zambales received 200 sacks from the NDCC.

The TRANSCO are now doing their restoration for the damaged transmission lines. 925 of electricity was restored in la Union; 30% in pangasinan; 95.2% in Zambales. TRANSCO from other districts that were not affected are already helping the affected areas for the speed restoration of electricity at the area.

Also, the emergency assistance in the amount of Php3,000 per damaged house shall be provided for the 85,270 damaged houses. The money will be released by the NDCC through the DSWD and LGU of affected areas.

Councilor in Isabela town gunned and stabbed to death

Miami
May 22, 2008
Story 4: Councilor in Isabela town gunned and stabbed to death

A councilor was gunned and stabbed to death by still unidentified suspects in barangay 1, Jones Town of Isabela.

According to PO3 Jessie Borromeo, investigator on the case, the incident happened at around 2:40 am on the said place wherein he was saw by Jerry Pacion lying at the street. Pacion reported it to the police. The Jones Municipal Police responded at the area.
They saw that the victim has gunshot wounds on his head, right arm and lower back of his body. He also have two stabbed wounds on his chest.

Initial investigations disclosed that the victim was walking alone from Cento Poblacion. Upon reaching the place, the victim was blocked, shot and stabbed.

Recover at the crime scene were six empty shells of .45 caliber ad one slug bullet also from .45.

Borromeo said he thinks that the incident was done by three persons.

He also added that they recover the cellphone the victim with death threats from three different cellphone numbers saying that “he should fear for his life and his end is near.” The case is still under investigation.

four suspected criminals got killed in an encounter in Tanauan Batangas

Miami
May 22, 2008
Story 3: four suspected criminals got killed in an encounter in Tanauan Batangas

Four suspected robbers got killed in two different encounter in Tanauan City, Batangas, police official said.

The first encounter happened at around at 4:20 pm at Barangay 4, Tanauan City, Batangas. Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) Director David Quimio said that they received reports from intelligence about the presence of the suspected criminals at the said Barangay.

The Task Force RCBC together with other policemen of Batangas PPO conducted an operations where they had an encounter with the suspected criminals.

On the said first encounter, it lead to the killing of man named Pepito Magsino a suspected member of Landico-Javier-Galica gang and wounding SPO1 Reynaldo Salazar who is now in critical condition at St. Cabrini Medical Center in Sto. Tomas Batangas. “The Landico-Javier-Galica gang is a group in Batangas responsible on some cases of robbery, hold-up, kidnap for ransom and illegal drug trafficking,” Quimio said.

Recovered on the crime scene one spent shell for .38; 14 spent shells for caliber 5.56 and three spent shells for .45.

The second encounter happened at around 12:40 am of May 22. The second encounter was due to the pursuant operations and monitoring of the policemen at the suspected criminals.

The Task Force RCBC are also included in the operations. Quimio said the task force RCBC are included in the operations for the possibility of tracking down those who were responsible on RCBC Cabuyao massacre.


The second operation happened at barangay Pagspas, Tanuan City, Batangas.The Tanuan Police received reports that some members involved in the encounter of May 21 aftrenoon were seen at Barangay Pagaspas.

Again, the elements of police made follow-up operations and surveillance at the area. On the said surveillance policemen heard gunshot on the area, then the encounter happened resulted to the death of three others.

Those who were died were identified as former Pagaspas Barangay Chairman Vivencio Javier , 55, Angelito Malabanan, 30, Rolly Lachica, 50

Recovered from the crime scene one Glock 17; 9mm. Pistol; one magazine, seven live ammunition, one Winchester rifle, one hand grenade, nine fired cartridge case of 9mm caliber one live ammunition of 9mm caliber seven fired cartridge from cal 5.58.

Quimio said they can still not rule out that the four that were killed are not the ones responsible for the RCBC incident because they are well-known for robbery, hold-up and even kidnap for ransom.

However, Regional Director for Region 4a, Chief Supt. Ricardo Padilla said they will have to confirm if the killed alleged criminals were the responsible for RCBC Cabuyao Massacre.

Vice-Mayor in Iloilo town gunned down

Miami
May 22, 2008
Story 1: Vice-Mayor in Iloilo town gunned down

A vice-mayor in a town of Ajuy in Iloilo was gunned down Thursday morning, police official said.

The victim was identified as Ramon Rojas, 50, the current vice-mayor of Ajuy, Iloilo was gunned down at around 5:30 am at Sitio Casamata, Barangay Central, Ajuy, Iloilo.

According to Supt. Ruperto Floro, Chief of Regional Operations and Planning Divisions of Police Regional 6, the place of incident is a National Highway. “He was also with Poblacion barangay Captain Armando Nacional. It is their daily routine to jog every morning.”

The victim was shot by two unidentified male suspects, both riding in one motorcycle, a Honda XRM which stopped in front of Nacional and Rojas. Nacional was not hit.

Rojas sustained four gunshot wounds, two of which on his head and the other two were on his body, he was dead on the spot.

Three busses of Victory Liner in Cubao burned by 10 unidentified male

Miami
May 22, 2008
Story 2: Three busses of Victory Liner in Cubao burned by 10 unidentified male

Three busses of Victory Liner that were parked in Cubao terminal was burned by ten unidentified suspects last May 21 at around 11:15 pm.

According to Police Inspector Arnel Ramilo, investigator of the case, based on the initial investigations that he gather from the employees and security guard that were on duty when the incident happened, ten unidentified male persons went at the terminal.

The terminal is located at Denver Street corner Chicago Street and New York Street, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Kamuning, Quezon City. The lot area is about 400 sq. m. according to Ramilo.

“They were wearing caps and jackets, and asked the employees and the guard to go to the Acacia Tree which is located at the far left at the front side of the terminal,” Ramilo said. On this moment, two of the suspects get the service firearm (.38) of the on duty Security Guard Alexander Ranola at gunpoint. The guard told the police that the two men who cornered him have 9mm.

They even said, “Matagalna kaming galit sa Victory Liner dahil hindi binibigay ang gusto naming.” (We are mad at Victory Liner because they are not giving the demands that we are asking for.)

He also added that the ten men divided among themselves to go to different busses and pour a thinner placed in two different pales that they used to ignite fire on the busses.

The busses that were burned were parked in middle portion of the terminal. The bus with body number 1567 were totally burned. The other two busses with body numbers 2123 and 807 were slightly burned.

Ramilo said they are have different angles on who did the incident, “First, it can be insurgent group, second, it could be competitors; and third, it can be the former employees who were not satisfied with the management of the Victory Liner.”

After pouring thinner and firing the busses, the suspects immediately fled onboard Tamaraw XLT with no plate.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Lawyer of Mayor in lamp post scandal in Cebu gunned gown

Miami
May 21, 2008
Story: Lawyer of Mayor in lamp post scandal in Cebu gunned gown

At around 11:10 am of May 21, 2008 Atty. Ricahrd Sison was gunned down at the corner of MJ Cuenco St. and V. Sotto St. in Cebu City by three unidentified men riding in one motorcycle color blue with no plate number.

Based on the police report from Police Station 3 of Cebu that reached Camp Crame the victim is on board on his Toyota Hi-Lux pick-up with plate number (GKP-376). Sison is the one driving the vehicle. Sison stopped at the corner street of MJ. Cuneco and V. Sotto because the traffic lights turned to red, one of the men riding the motorcycle alighted and shoot the victim several times.

Sison was hit at the head and on different parts of his body was rushed to Chong Hua Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The elements of Cebu Police is still investigating the case, they are still clueless on the reason why the lawyer was ambushed.

The suspect immediately fled towards Mc Arthur Blvd. after the incident.

Sison is the lawyer of Lapu-lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza who were involved in a lamppost scandal last January 2007 during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in January 2007 that was held in Cebu.

death toll reached 37 due to typhoon Cosme, 16 others injured, one missing

Miami
May 21, 2008
Story: death toll reached 37 due to typhoon Cosme, 16 others injured, one missing

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has already recorded a total of 37 individuals that died because of the typhoon Cosme. They also recorded 16 others as injured and one missing.

34 of the dead individuals came from Pangasinan and La Union; 2 from Zambales and 1 in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Most of them were drowned because of the flood and were hit by the galvanized iron sheets (G.I. sheet) that flew from a house. G.I. sheet is being used as roof for a house.

On the 16 injured, seven from CAR, Five from Pangasinan and La Union, and four from Zambales.

The one reported missing was identified as Warlito Abat, 16 years old from Barangay Cabugnayan, San Juan, La Union. He was believed to be carried by strong current at the river on their area.

The NDCC report also said that the families affected already reached 38,958, all of these came from Regions 1 (28,855), 3 (653), 6 (9,440) and CAR (10).

22,816 houses from Region 1 (20,122), 3 (2,633), 6 (23), 7 (15) and CAR (23) were totally damaged due to typhoon.

Cosme caused damages to agriculture, infrastructure and school buildings. Grand Total of Php3,327,620,780 is to agriculture, Php149,666,000 to school buildings, and Php19,237,000 to infrastructure.

Among those were damaged in Region 1 are hospitals, crops of corn, rice and some fruit bearing trees, fish ponds or fish pen, Marcos Highway and Kennon road. The damage cost Php3,264,833.180 for agriculture, Php15,492,000 for Infrastructure and Php116,116,000 for school buildings.

In region 3, Php54,152,600 worth of damages to agriculture and Php33,550,000 to school buildings.

In region 6 only agriculture was affected, worth of Php135,000.

In CAR Php8,500,000 worth of damages to agriculture and Php3,745,000 to infrastructure.

Some roads are still impassable because of the damaged caused by Cosme. These are the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road and Mt. province-Cagayan Road in CAR; Calasiao Old route and San Carlos Road in Pangasinan; Cabagan Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela (region 2) and Candoni-Sipalay road in Negros (Region 6).

There were also some power interruptions like in Agoo, Bagulin, Naguilian, Burgos, Sto. Tomas, Rosario, Aringay, Caba, Tubao, San Juan all in the province of La Union.

In Pangasinan, power interruptions are in the towns of Mangaldan, Labrador, Sual, Alaminos, Infanta, Dasol, Mabini, Burgos, Bani, Bolinao, Agno, Anda, Bugallon, Lingayen, Binmaley, San Carlos, Malasiqui, Aguilar, Managatarem, Basista and Urbitztondo.

In Zambales, only Sta, Cruz and Salaza towns were affected by power interruptions.

According to the NDCC the Department of Health (DOH), already send some medicines to be distributed to the affected families in the provinces of Pangasinan with total of Php462,755 and in Zambales DOH send worth of Php103,220 medicines.

DSWD, DENR, DPWH, Transco LGUs are doing ocular inspection to check on what they can do to restore energy, bridges and roads at those areas.

Owner of M-16 used in Calamba massacre to face charges

Miami
May 21, 2008
Story: Owner of M-16 used in Calamba massacre to face charges

The retired cop who owns the M-16 used in Calamba Massacre that killed eight individuals and wounded six persons last May 19 may face charges, police official said.

In a phone interview with Supt. Nestor dela Cueva, Chief of Police of Calamba Police Station to Manila Shimbun , he said that they are now preparing some documents that will be presented to the prosecutor in filing a case against retired SPO4 Florencio Peria.

Dela Cueva added that not later than Friday, May 23, they will file a case against Peria. He also said that up to this moment Peria is not submitting an affidavit. They were expecting that at the night of May 19, Peria will made the statement already but he later refused as he wants to consult the matter to his lawyer.

In a radio interview, PNP Chief Avelino Razon said, “Investigators were still establishing if Peria had any participation in the incident.” But he definitely said that Peria will be charged of illegal possession of firearms for owning an unlicensed M-16.

It could be remember that dela Cueva told Manila Shimbun last Monday that during his conversation with Peria he admitted that the gun is not registered. Peria also told him that the suspect Bernabe Fiesta borrowed the M-16 from him last Sunday at around 10:00 pm.

Fiesta showered four houses that lead to the instant death of 8 people and wounding 6 others in Barangay Hornalan, Calamba, Laguna between 11:45pm to 12:15 am of May 19.

Fiesta got killed last May 20 at around 4:00 pm by the Calamba policemen who secured the said barangay after the massacre. Fiesta got back at the area upon seeing the approaching policemen who will arrest him he fired the M-16 and the policemen fired at him on defense that cause to his death.

Dela Cueva said all of the wounded person are already out of danger but still confined in hospital in Laguna. He also added that the municipality of Calamba is extending financial help to the victims.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Php 180 million worth of damages on agriculture and infrastructure on Regions I, III and CAR

Miami
May 20, 2008
Story: Php 180 million worth of damages on agriculture and infrastructure on Regions I, III and CAR

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported that due to the typhoon Cosme, the damage to both agriculture and infrastructure already reached Php 180,943,775.00.

Worth of damages of infrastructures for Region 1 is about Php11.9-M; for Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is about Php3.180-M ad in in Region 3 Php 26.150-M for total of about Php 41.230M.

The worth of damages in agriculture for Region 1 is about Php 77-M; for CAR Php8.5-M and for Region 3 is about Php54.152-M for a total of about Php 139.713-M.

In Region 1, there were about 39,73 families were affected, in Region 3 28,895 families, Region 6 10,604 families and 141 families in CAR with a total of 79,377 families.

There were also houses that were damaged because of the typhoon with a total of 6,111 houses; 3,524 in region 1, 2,510 region 3, 39 in region 6, 15 in region 7 and 23 in CAR.

Region 1 and 3 is experiencing brownout or no electricity at some of their provinces. In Region 1 the area that still experiencing no electricity is the province of Pangasinan. And in region 3, some municipalities of Zambales has no electricity yet.

The NDCC together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) some local government unit and NGO already provided assistance to the affected provinces and families which estimated to about Php1,038,153.

Suspect on Calamba massacre killed by police

Miami
May 20, 2008
Story: Suspect on Calamba massacre killed by police

The suspect on Calamba massacre happened at barangay Hornalan last May 19, 2008 at Calamba, Laguna got killed by the policemen who were deploy to secure the area after the incident happened.

Calamba Police Station Chief Supt. Nestor dela Cueva said in an interview last May 19 that they will deploy policemen at the area to secure the safety of the people there and to ensure that they can protect the people if the suspect will go back at the place.

“He’s out on his mind that is why we are thinking that he can still have the guts to go back there,” dela Cueva said about the suspect Bernabe Fiesta.

At around 4:00 pm today (May 20) CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) Regional Director Ricardo Padilla confirm that the suspect got killed in an encounter at the barangay Hornalan, Calamba, Laguna.

“Our operatives there learned that he came back at the house of his employer and when he will be approach by some of our policemen to arrest him, he fired the M-16 then the policemen fired back on defense that resulted to his death,” Padilla said.

Dela Cueva confirm that the M-16 used in killing his victims was the same M-16 they recovered from Fiesta.

Padilla also said they will still investigate retired SPO4 Florencio Peria about the M-16 that he own. According to dela Cueva, “depending on the assessment of the fiscal Peria might be charged as accessory to the crime because he is the owner of the M-16.”

However, dela Cueva said that Peria is not yet submitting any statement to the police officials. Peria said he wants to consult his lawyer first.

During the conversation of dela Cueva to Peria, the former police told him that the M-16 on his possession is not registered. With this, he might also be charged with illegal possession of firearms.

The M-16 was borrowed by Fiesta from Peria last may 18 at around 10 pm. The firing incident happened at around 11:45pm to 12:15am where Fiesta fired the M-16 into four different and separate houses that resulted to the killing of eight victims and six injured.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Lone survivor in Cabuyao bank massacre died Sunday morning

Miami
May 18, 2008
Story: Lone survivor in Cabuyao bank massacre died Sunday morning


The only witness that the Philippine National Police expecting to shed light in the bank robbery and massacre incident in Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) in Cabuyao, Laguna died Sunday morning.


Cabuyao Police Station PO1 Anastacio Motas confirm that RCBC Cabuyao Branch Relations manager Isagani Pastor deaclared dead by attending physician Dr. Edwin Lipidario at around 10:50 am. He was confined at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of St. James Hospital in Laguna.


“When we arrived at the crime scene he was already unconscious then until we brought him to the hospital. He was also shot at the head,” Motas said explaining that the authority did not able to get any details from him with regards to the incident at the RCBC.


Motas also said that the two security guards that were allegedly missing when the incident happened already showed up to them on Friday. They are Regidor Sapon and Joel dela Cruz. Mota said that the two are under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Region 4A CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).


SPO4 Larry Gayatan, duty officer at the CIDG Region 4A, confirms in a phone interview that the two security guards are indeedn with them and will be under further investigation.


Meanwhile, PNP Chief Avelino Razon instructed all PNP Regional Directors to provide all available assistance to PRO CALABARZON in the manhunt operation for the suspects.


Also, the Chief of Police of Cabuyao Laguna Supt. Moises Pagaduan, was relived from his post, he was assigned in Regional Headquarters of Region 4A. He will be replaced by Chief Inspector Wenceslao Anore as officer-in-charge of Cabuyao Police Station.

Friday, May 16, 2008

10 hurt due to LPG explosion in Quezon City

Miami
May 16, 2008
Story: 10 hurt due to LPG explosion in Quezon City

Ten people were hurt and sustained minor burns when an LPG exploded in Barangay E. Rodriguez, Cubao, Quezon City.

The explosion happened at around 11:00 am at the house of Constancio and Rachelle Pranada. The houses on the said area were made of light materials but there were no fire occurred when the LPG exploded.

PO2 Fernando Balugay of Cubao Station Police said that no one were in critical condition.

Balugay said, Pranada was about too cook food for their lunch when their LPG suddenly exploded. Their house was in total disarray because of the incident.

Others were hurt because they were near the house and also because of the impact of the explosion.

The victims were rushed in Quirino Labor Hospital and East Avebue Hospital for medical treatment.

Police killed in Bulacan, wife injured

Miami
May 16, 2008
Story: Police killed in Bulacan, wife injured

A police was gunned down togother with his grandson in Baranga Tabing Ilog, Marilao, Bulacan at around 8:30 am, police said. His wife was left injured.

The victim was identified as SPO4 Benjamin Bautista, 56 and was assigned in Northern Police District. He was on board on his Toyota Revo together with his wife, Raquel Bautista, 55 and one year old grandson Anthony James Doloiras
when they were shot by three unidentified male suspects.

There were five suspects on the incident, the two acted as lookouts.

SPO4 Bautista and his grandson were died on the spot, Bautista sustained gunshot wounds on his legs, body and head, while his grandson who was being carried by Raquel sustained gunshot wound on the head. Raquel sustained gunshot wound on her right side and right shoulder.

The front and the two side of the vehicle were hit indicating that the suspects were positioned in the left and right side, and front of the car.

The suspects immediately fled using 2 tricycles towards the entry-exit point of the North Luzon Expressway. According to some witnesses account they did not noticed the suspects arrive at the place.

The Marilao Police still investigating what cause the suspects to kill the victim.

The wife of the policeman was rushed to St. Michael Hospital in Marilao, Bulacan but in stable condition.

Nine bank employees found dead one in critical condition inside the bank in Cabuyao, Laguna

Miami
May 16, 2008
Story: Nine bank employees found dead one in critical condition inside the bank in Cabuyao, Laguna

A bank robbery lead to the murder of nine bank employees and another one in critical condition occurred in Cabuyao, Laguna Friday morning.

The incident occurred inside the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporations (RCBC) bank at Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna. The bodies were found at around 9:20 am. According to Regional Director of Region 4A Regional Police Office C/Supt. Ricardo Padilla, “customers are waiting outside the bank when they wondered why their were no one approaching the door to open it at 9:00”

The customers take the initiative to call the attention of the Cabuyao Police. When the police arrived they found out that the main door at the front of the bank still close. The police forcibly open the main door in able for them to go inside.

Upon entering the bank, they saw the bodies of the victims, at that time, eight were dead already and two were still alive. The bodies were scattered on the floor. But the one that was brought to the hospital died at around 12:00 noon. Other still in critical condition.

All of the victims were shot at the head, Padilla said it seems that the suspects really made sure that all of them will be killed so that no one can testify.

The victims were identified as Roberto Castro, Branch manager; Ferdinand Antonino, teller; Benjamin Nicdao, teller; Juan Layva, janitor; Bernardo Lapaan, Commercial manager; Noel Miranda, Operation Assistant; Aguinaldo Baltazar, security guard; Teresita Umayao, and Olga Gonzales.

The injured was identified as Isagani Pastor, Relationship manager of the RCBC. He is now in critical condition at St. James Hospital. He also sustained gunshot wound on the head.


Padilla who also went at the crime scene said the incident might occurred between 6am to 8am because when they arrived at the bank the body and the blood of the victims were still fresh.

The suspects entered at the back door of the bank.

Padilla said they are looking for the two guards of the bank who are missing, “They can be involved on the incident or not. We are also looking for the possibility that the victims know the suspects that is why they were killed from the manager down to the janitor.”

Padilla added that the real motive of the incident is robbery. The money at the safety vault were missing but the amount still undetermined. The police will coordinate with bank authorities to know the exact amount.

The police recovered empty shells at the crime scene from .45 caliber, 9mm and .38 caliber.

Meanwhile, PNP Director General Avelino Razon ordered the Region 4A CALABARZON to organized a Task Force that will investigate the incident. The Region 4A organized Task Force RCBC will be composed of investigators from the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Regional Crime Laboratory, Traffic Management Group, Laguna Police Provincial Office and Civil Security Group.

Laguna Provincial Police Office Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Felipe Rojas reported that their personnel recovered an abandoned Mitsubishi Adventure color gray with pate number XHS-341 at barangay Turbina, Calamba City at around 11:00 am.

The case still under investigation. The members of the Task Force RCBC are currently in a conference.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Former Mayor of Moises Padilla Municipality in Negros Occidental commits suicide due to depression

Miami
May 15, 2008
Story: Former Mayor of Moises Padilla Municipality in Negros Occidental commits suicide due to depression

A former Mayor of Moses Padilla, a municipal town in Negros Occidental committed suicide last May 14, 5:10 pm, police official said.

Chief Inspector Santiago Rapiz, Chief of Police of Station 4 in Bacolod City said the incident occurred at their residence in Dahlia Makiling, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City.

The victim was identified as Jose Garcia, 59, who served as Mayor of Moises Padilla from 1998 to 2007.

Garcia committed suicide by shooting himself. “The entry point of the bullet was on his mouth then the exit point was at the back of his head,” Rapiz said. Garica was found dead inside the bathroom of their master’s bedroom.

Based on their investigation, Garcia committed suicide because of depression, upon learning his favorite son has cancer and supposed to undergo medical treatment.

“According to the family, their son is in Manila right now for a medical examination. The favorite son diagnosed to have colon cancer since year 2000, but was declared cancer-free on year 2005. And at present it seems that the cancer is coming back, this is what keeps him confused,” Rapiz said.

HRD Officer in Laguna shot, still in critical condition

Miami
May 15, 2008
Story: HRD Officer in Laguna shot, still in critical condition

A man working at Laguna Metts inside Laguna Techno park in Binan Laguna was shot by still unidentified suspect, Thursday morning.

According to the report of PO3 Allendelon Ignacio of Los Banos Police, the shooting incident occurred at around 6:50 am at Barangay Mayondon, Los Banos, Laguna, three blocks away from his house at Bernardo Village. The victim was identified as Celso Bathan, 44, HRD manager at Laguna Techno park.

Bathan was on board to his work riding his Honda vti car(WTL-741) when intercept by one unidentified male suspect riding in a motorcycle.

Upon intercepting the victim, the suspect shot Bathan several times hitting different parts of his body and thigh. According to Ignacio, they recovered 8 empty shells of .45 at the crime scene. After the shooting, the suspect boarded his motorcycle.

Bathan was able to survived and he is currently confined at the hospital.

The case is still under investigation for the possible motive of the incident.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

militant leader killed in Davao City

Miami
May 15, 2008
Story: militant leader killed in Davao City

An officer of a farmer militant group in Davao City was gunned down by still unidentified suspects Thursday morning around 6:00, police said.

The incident took place at Bugac, Barangay Ma-a, Davao City. The victim was identified as Celso Pojas, 45 known as Secretary General of Farmers Association of Davao City.

In the report of PO1 JimmyMolit of Davao City Police, Pojas was about to buy a cigarette at the front of Farmer Center Office where he stayed for overnight.

When Pojas was about to go back to Farmer Center office, two unidentified male persons appeared at the vicinity riding a motorcycle, then shot the victim three times.

According to the report, Pojas still managed to run for about 30 meters from the store back to the farmer Center. He managed to reach the front gate of the Farmer Center, but fell on the ground. He was declared dead on the spot.

The victim sustained gunshot wounds; one on his right ribs, one on his left ribs and one in his left forearm.

The incident still under investigation by the Davao City Police for the possible motive of the incident.

Flashfloods reported in different areas in region 12

Miami
May 14, 2008
Story: Flashfloods reported in different areas in region 12

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 12 has received flashfloods report in different areas of the region.

Anne Giang of OCD Region 12 said since last week some areas of the region were experiencing heavy down pour of rain which cause to some area. Giang added that the affected areas were in low-lying areas the reason why it was so easy to have floods.

The provinces were affected are Sarangani, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

In Sarangani, 117 families were affected all from both two Municipal town of the said province. The towns were identified as Kiamba with eight barangays affected and Maitum with four barangayas affected.

In Cotabato Province, six of its municipal town were affected by the flashflood. These are Alamada, Midsayap, Libungan, Pikit, Pigkawayan and Aleosan. Families affected were 5,162, but no one was evacuated.

The estimated worth of damages in Cotabato province are about P288 Million for agriculture and P3 Million for infrastructure. According to Giang, additional worth on damages might happen because the rain has not stopped yet.

In Sultan Kudarat, 2, 573 hectares of crops were damaged because of the rain and flashflood. There were about 2,658 families that were affected. But there were no evacuees in the area. Two Municipalities of Sultan Kudarat were affected, and these are Esperanza with two barangays affected by the floods and Lambayong Municiapl with seven barangays were affected.

Lastly in South Cotabato, nine barangays were affected from Banga and Lake Sebu municipalities.

In all reported areas with flashfloods no one was reported with casualties. The cause of the flashfloods is because of the heavy rain that is experiencing at the area because of the typhoon Butchoy. There were no evacuation site as well because according to Giang the rain is not continuous, once the rain stopped the water easily subside.

Meanwhile, a motor banca capsize in Lapu-lapu city at the sea between Caohagan Islet and Sta. Rosa Oloango island. Themotor banca capsizes at the sea because of strong currents and wind because of the typhoon Buthchoy.

According to PO1 Jonh Silimaro of Lapu-Lapu Provincial Police Office based on the report they received there were four passengers riding the motor banca. All of them were declared safe.

The four came from Buenavista, Bohol and about to go to Crodava Municipal of Mactan to bring some charcoal to be sold there. The four swam to save themselves going to Caohangan island when their motor banca capsized.

One million worth of handicrafts hit by fire in Quiapo

Miami
May 14, 2008
Story: One million worth of handicrafts hit by fire in Quiapo

Store selling handicrafts in Quiapo Manila was hit by fire Wednesday morning reached Fifth alarm. No one was reported injured.

According to the report of SFO2 Wilson Tana, fire investigator, the fire started at 9:25 am and reached its fifth alarm at around 10:10 am. But it was only delared fire out at 12:52 pm.

Among those were burned are furniture made of wood like hammock, cabinets and alike.

The origin of the fire was at the mezzanine of the store in #306 Carlos Palanca St. a store near under the bridge of Quezon boulevard. The cause of the fire still under investigation, but according to the information that they are gathering, many people were saying somebody threw a cigarette puff at the store.

The fire easily spread because most of the things there were made of wood and rattan and some other light materials. The estimated damages were about P1 million.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Task Force Tagovill still investigating another angle in the mess in Misamis Oriental despite dismissal on extortion case

Miami
May 18, 2008
Story 3: Task Force Tagovill still investigating another angle in the mess in Misamis Oriental despite dismissal on extortion case

Investigators on the chaos between Hanjin and Mayor of the town of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental were still investigating the case despite the dismissal of the extortion and bribery case because there are no complainants on both side.

Sr. Supt. Joel Coronel, lead investigator of Task Force Tagovill said, “We have no substantive evidence to indicate that there was an extortion actually made by local government officials with the Hanjin executives. However, we are reviewing the actions taken by the local government officials which we consider might be tantamount to abuse of authority in the issuance of a stoppage order in Hanjin to the local subcontractors.”

Though he clear that if there will be no complainants as well or strong evidence on it, they will close the investigation as well. If there will be evidence against local government officials the CIDG will file administrative charges against the local government officials for abuse of authority and not for extortion.

It can be recalled that Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano ordered stoppage of the Hanjin operations because of the alleged non-filing of proper documents. However, Emano lift the order immediately after talking to the President last April 30, 2008., “after realizing the economic importance of such project to the local government and the whole country, I was prompted to issue an executive order lifting the previous order of stoppage,” Emano said on his affidavit dated May 2, 2008.

Coronel said they are getting in touch with the local subcontractors for a possible irregularities that might occurred between them and the local government

Ex-Navy and his wife with Seven arrest warrants arrested by the CIDG

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
May 18, 2008
Story 2: Ex-Navy and his wife with Seven arrest warrants arrested by the CIDG

Former member of Philippine Navy together with his wife were arrested by the personnel of PNP- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, (CIDG) May 18, at around 5:30 am in front of his house.

The one who were in-charge of the operation for their arrest was the CIDG-Detection and Special Operations Division (DSOD).

The couple was identified as Bernardo Mabbagu, 52, a former enlisted personnel of Philippine Navy and his wife Rachel Mabbagu, 48. They were arrested in Comets Loop St., Blue Ridge, Quezon City.

The CIDG received a copy of arrest warrant last May 7 and learned that the suspects has other six arrest warrants issued by San Mateo, Rizal Trial Court since year 2006 or about two years ago for cases of grave coercion and malicious mischief.

According to C/Insp. Noel Villegas of the CIDG-DSOD, the couple sells house and lot properties wherein it has original owners and in reality they are not for sale.

“He was selling some private house and lots in Grand View Park Subdivision in San Mateo, Rizal wherein the owners find about it because there are some people claiming ownership on their lot saying that they bought the lot from Mabbagu,” Villegas said.

The complainants were Leonora Sebastian, Armando Barbosa and Belinda Santos who are the owners of the said properties. They said the couple are claiming ownership and also invading the building structures.

The two also has modus operandi appearing that they have legitimate office in 10th Avenue in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City but there are other occupants there. Also, they are also advertising some houses in newspapers.

Bernardo Mabbagu stayed in Philippine Navy for five years he was dismissed year 2000 for lack of training and formal schooling.

Villegas also said that their participation on the case is only to arrest the suspects. they already turned over the suspects at San Mateo Rizal Trial Court to face the charges against them and probably to be transferred to San Mateo jail.

“We learned that they victimized many clients, and they will also file complaints against the two,” Villegas said.

2 dead 27 injured in a vehicular accident in Laguna

Miami
May 18, 2008
Story 1: 2 dead 27 injured in a vehicular accident in Laguna

Two passengers died and 27 others were injured after the bus that they are rinding fell off the ravine at South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Barangay San Vicente, San Pedro Laguna at around 12:00 midnight of May 18.

PO3 Bernard Navarro, officer-on-case said, the two involved vehicles in the vehicular accident were a 10-wheeler truck (WTE-458) and a passenger bus of Jac Liner transit (PWN-559) with route of Lucena to Manila and vice-versa.

The two vehicles were bound to Manila.

Navarro said it seems that the truck is speeding against the bus, “While it was speeding it hit the left side of the bus then the bus retaliate. Then the truck lost its control hit the bus again, then the bus fell off already.”

The bus fell in a 15 feet ravine. Two were declared dead on the spot were Asuncion Clemente and Wilson Tanigue due to the fractures they sustained. Those who were injured were brought in Public Care Hospital, and in Evangelista Medical Specialty Hospital for medical treatment and observation.

Among those who were injured are the two drivers Florencio Oliveros of the bus and Avelino Maralit of the truck. The two drivers will be charged of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and multiple physical injuries.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Two police, one civilian gunned down; two others in critical condition in shooting incident in Manila

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
May 12, 2008
Story: Two police, one civilian gunned down; two others in critical condition in shooting incident in Manila

A robbery hold-up transpired in Malate, Manila at around 10:00 am Monday, May 12 which lead to the death of two policemen who responded on the crime scene and one civilian who was the subject of the robbers.

Two were reported in critical condition was confined in Ospital ng Maynila and still under observation. They were identified as Arturo Ferrer and Pauleen dela Osa, sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight.

Based on the report of SPO4 Norberto Lozada, the victim, Alfredo Dy Ang, 36, withdrew money at the Banco de Oro bank in Pedro Gil corner Merced Street. He withdrew amounting to P 1 million pesos.

Upon leaving the bank, he placed his bag with money at the back of his Honda-CRV, the robbers blocked his way and forced to get the bag.

According to some witnesses accounts gathered by Lozada, the victim refused to give the money, the suspects who were on board a motorcycle shot him several times which lead to his instant death. There were about 6 suspects on board two motorcycle. Three persons on each motorcycle.

The two policemen who died were identified as PO2 Francisco Neri and PO3 Jose Ysmael Santos were from Paco Police Station. They were on their way to their station when they heard several gun shots. As a police officer, they responded on the area.

When the suspects saw them, they successively shot the policemen which lead to the instant death of PO2 Neri. PO2 Santos was brought to Ospital ng maynila but was declared dead on arrival.

The suspects fled immediately at the area despite of the heavy traffic, because they used their motorcycle to escape. Then upon reaching Quirino Avenue near Linao St. the suspects left their motorcycles and ride on their get away vehicle which is a color blue Sedan.

The police recovered several spent shells of .45 caliber at the crime scene.

2 Policemen arrested through an entrapment operation for kidnapping a Filipino-Chinese businessman

Miami
May 12, 2008
Story: 2 Policemen arrested through an entrapment operation for kidnapping a Filipino-Chinese businessman

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has nabbed two policemen and three others who allegedly kidnapped a Filipino-Chinese businessman.

The two policemen were identified as PO1 Freddie Dumaguing and PO1 Samuel Derijie, Jr. both assidned in PNP Headquarters Support Service in Camp Crame. The three others were Junjun Amar, Augusto Tabuno and Armando Mariano.

Based on the report, the victim, identified as Johnny Sy, reported to the CIDG that he was kidnapped last April 8 by several men in front of his house at around 5:00 pm. in University Hill Subdivision in Caloocan City. The men are riding in a scooter, dragged him into the waiting L300 van near the victim’s house. According to Sy, he was blindfolded and brought to an undisclosed place.

During the press conference, CIDG Director Raul Castaneda said, “Mr. Sy was forcibly taken in front of his house, demanded for P10 million pesos and negotiated down to P1 million.”

Because he do not have the cash on hand yet, Sy offered the P300,000 he have, “They released me then because the money was in our house kept in a vault and I am the only person knows the security number of that vault, then I gave them the P300,000 and said to me that the remaining balance should be paid the next day.”

On the following day, Sy was able to withdrew P100,000 through his ATM and gave the amount to the suspects.

Then on May 7, 2008 Sy reported to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Division (CIDD) that the suspects called him again and asked for the remaining balance of the P1 million. Sr. Supt. Joel Coronel, CIDG Chief tasked P/Insp. Rommel Macatlang and P/Insp. Wilfredo Sy to make an entrapment operation.

Macatlang and Sy were able to arrest Junjun Amar was arrested . Amar was the one who will get the money from their victim. The entrapment happened May 8 at SM San Lazaro in Manila at around 2:00 pm.

Upon his arrest, Amar gave all the information about their hide out and who were involved on kidnapping. Then on May 9, the police were able to arrest PO1 Freddie Dumaguing, PO1 Samuel Derijie, Jr.Augusto Tabuno and Armando Mariano at their hide out along Bonifacio Drive in Pasong Tamo Quezon City.

Coronel said, “the group might also be involved in other robbery hold-up in CAMANAVA area, victimizing mostly businessman.”

Coronel also confirms that there are other two policemen in the group, they already identified them but they did not disclose their names because they still not been arrested and follow-up investigation still on-going, “ Eight suspects were still at large, it includes 2 more policemen. Based on our investigation, they are assigned here in Camp Crame.”

Recovered at their hideout were one .45 caliber , .22 caliber and two caliber .38. Also One Honda Motorcycle, L-300 van, Toyota Tamaraw Revo and Honda XRM.

Sy said the suspects did not hurt him they only demanded for the money and the threats continuous, “They always texting me, everyday and saying that if I would not be able to give the remaining balance, they will kidnap my daughter as well.”

He also said that he was not afraid of reporting the crime to the CIDG because he believes not all policemen are all bad.

Strike did not felt in Metro Manila, Barias said

Miami
May 12, 2008
Story: Strike did not felt in Metro Manila, Barias said

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief General Geary Barias said they did not monitor any untoward incident during the transport strike by Piston, May 12, 2008.

“There have been some isolated cases of metal spikes which were reported in Caloocan City and some harassment also in Navotas but on the whole these are all minor incidents and as I said earlier, these are isolated cases,” Barias said.

He even said that they did not able to arrest those who scattered the metal spikes. He added that they received reports of some harassment like forcing some drivers not to ply their routes.

“But when I talked to George San Mateo (Secretary General of Piston) last Friday, he told me that they will not going to use intimidation. Seemingly some drivers felt that there was some intimidation but these are also isolated cases,” Barias said.

Despite the claim of Piston that 80% of their members joined in the transport strike, Barias said the strike did not felt in the entire Metro Manila, “On the effect of the strike on the whole it has not been generally felt. Our libreng sakay of the PNP and other government agencies are just on standby up to this time. they have not moved because we have not received any reports of stranded passengers from the time that piston has declared the strike.”

Barias said he could not say if there are paralysis on the transportation, “I could not even say because there has been no report of any stranded passenger “

Meanwhile, PNP Chief of Public Information Office (PIO) C/Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said the situation all over the country is normal. According to him, there were only four regions reported transport interruptions, these are Region 4-A, 6, 5 and 11.

“In Camarines Sur for example, 30 % of the transport operation was paralyzed and in Albay 80% was paralyzed, in Davao only 50% percent of its transport operations was paralyzed. In other regions, such as regions 4a and 6 as well as 13 in CARAGA there were some reports of transport strike but the incidents have been very peaceful and orderly,” Bartolome said.

Bartolome added that despite of the reported paralysis, it does not mean that the public were affected because some transport groups continued on their operation.

Meanwhile, some drivers who have routes going to Pasay; Makati; and Alabang from Taguig City have joined in the transport strike, others did not.

Edwin Day-ag, 40, said, they are having strike because of the continuous increase in oil prices. “With the continuous price increase in crude oil, the more our income decreases.” His route is Pasay to Alabang.

He explained that in one day most of them only have P200 income, “This is not enough even for our food alone, because food is already expensive.” He also added that they are also renting a house so the income that they are getting is not really enough.

Jerry Ricafuente, 40, Pasay-FTI route added that sometimes they only eating sardines and noodles just to save enough money, “Just like other people we are also paying for electric bills, water, and house rentals, so the P200-300 income that we are getting is not enough for our family.”

Though these drivers are complaining about increases in the price of crude oil, they do not want to ask for an increase on their fare, but to have a rollback instead.

“It is not fair for other people because they are also spending on other things. If we will have rollback many people will benefit from it,” Richard Tabor said, his route is FTI-Makati.

Story on Japanese-Filipino kids

Ma. Lourdes “ Miami ” Ebilane
May 12, 2008
Story on Japanese-Filipino kids

There are brother and sister, both half Japanese half Filipino kids that were left behind by their parents in Rodriguez, Rizal. They arrived in the Philippines April 2003 with their parents; Filipina Mom name Marissa Perez, Japanese Dad Koji Miura and their eldest sister, Mariko.

The kids that were left behind were Eikichi Miura, 11 and Arisa Miura 8. They were 7 and 3 years old respectively, when they arrived here.

The two do not know how to speak Tagalog when they arrived here, now they cannot speak their Japanese language. “We forgot already because we have to learn Tagalog,” Eikichi said.

At first, they rented an apartment in Barangay Rosario Rodriguez, Rizal and planned to put up a business but they lost. According to Elma Cayetano, cousin in-law of Marissa, and the one who took care of the two kids, when the business did not prosper the family planned to go back to Japan, “but the two kids were left behind because they do not have enough money anymore.”

At January 2004, Marissa already left the Philippines to go to Japan together with their eldest daughter Mariko. Months after Koji followed them again not bringing Eikichi and Arisa.
Eikichi and Arisa were left in Eastwood Pasig under the care of their friend Mr. Yoshiaki Tokuda and his live-in partner Sherill Lagusan. Tokuda is the one who commit suicide last April 24, 2008 due to financial problems. On his last will testament, he mentioned his desire for Eikichi and Arisa to go back in Japan to be with their parents.

In year 2005, the two kids transfer again in Barangay Geronimo also in Rodriguez, Rizal, under the care of Elma Cayetano and her live-in partner Victor Perez, the cousin of Marissa. They transfer again because the surplus business of Tokuda was loosing already.

According to Elma they really take care of Eikichi and Arisa as their own son and daughter. “The only thing that we cannot do is to buy them things that they want because we are also poor. But in terms of foods, we see to it that they always eat on time,” Elma said. The kids stayed with them till October 2006, until they decided to transfer the two kids in Nueva Ecija at the parents of Victor Perez, Auntie of Marissa.

From October 2006 to December 2007, the kids stayed with their Lola Tina and Lolo Cico in Malayantok, Nueva Ecija. Eikichi said they enjoyed their stay their, “We enjoyed their, and we studied their.” The two kids were enrolled in Grade One in a public school at Malayantok. But they have to stopped because they transfer back in Manila but to the house of their Tito Amang, the brother of their mother in Barangay Kasiglahan, also in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Eikichi and Arisa are staying there at present time.

Elma said, since their parents left in 2004, they did not call on the conditions of their children. They did not even send money to support them. “What we know is that they do not have enough money to finance their kids here. But we do not know why they cannot make a call.”

Until March 31, 2008, Elma received letter from Marissa asking the situation of their kids, and saying their desire to get their kids but they cannot because they do not have money. Marissa even left telephone number so that Elma can contact them.

On the first week of April, Elma called Marissa and inform her that the kids no longer stayed with them. According to Elma, Marissa is asking Elma to get the kids from Amang.

Elma informed Amang and asked the kids if they will come with her. But the kids refused and said they will stay with Amang.

Asked the kids why they want to stay with Amang, Arisa said because they have many playmates their unlike at the house of their Tita Elma.

But Eikichi have different story to tell which at first he do not want to disclose. (This reporter tried several times to ask him about his reason on why he do not want to stay with their Tita Elma who took care of them in the past). Until he said, “The father of Tita Elma, Lolo Banjo, is always drunk and I am scared of him whenever he is drunk.”

Asked if they were being hurt by Tita Elma or Tito Amang both kids said no and in fact they are enjoying their stay their.

Other reason for Eikichi why he does not want to transfer to Elma’s house is because, “I am already tried of transferring from one place to another.”

Their relatives here in Philippines hope that the two kids will be finally bring to Japan to be with their parents finally. As far as they know, their Dad Koji put up a junkshop in Japan but the business is not doing good and the mother already find a work in a Karaoke bar.

The passport of the two kids are already expired since 2006, “It is better for them to go back in Japan because they are not registered here, they have no birth certificates and they are already considered as illegal alien because their passports were already expired,” Amang said.

For the kids, they are very eager to go back in Japan, “Because our parents are there and we miss them so much,” Eikichi and Arisa said.

At age 11 (Eikichi) and 8 (Arisa), both of them are studying but they are only in Grade One in Geronimo Elementary School. Both of them are good in school, Eikichi in To 2 and Arisa in Top 6.

Friday, May 9, 2008

NCR on full alert starting Sunday night for transport Strike

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
May 9, 2008
Story: NCR on full alert starting Sunday night for transport Strike

National Capital Region Chief Geary Barias will put the entire Metro Manila into full alert on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at around 8:00 pm in preparation for the transport strike on Monday by PISTON.

The PISTON will have their transport strike on Monday to address the continuous oil price hike which affecting their income.

The NCRPO chief said there will be 2,000 police personnel will focus on the rally itself and around 10,000 policemen “will manning our post.”

Barias also added that based on his dialogue with PISON’s Secretary General George San Mateo, the group assured him of a peaceful strike. “They gave an assurance that they will make it peaceful and based on their last transport strike it was also peaceful,” Barias said.

Though he foresee that the strike will only affect 40% of Metro Manila, “If you will compare it to transport strike done last December by PISTON, 40% were only affected. Based on that record, I think that will be the same average on Monday.”

The NCRPO together with NCRCOM, MMDA and local government will start at 5:00 am as well for their libreng sakay for the passengers who will be stranded on that day.

San Mateo explained in a phone interview with Manila Shimbun their purpose for the transport strike. He said they want to remove the 12% (Value added tax) VAT on oil prices. “If they will remove that we can save at around P4.70 per liter, and this will be a big help for us.”

He further explained that in one day they can be able to save at about P127 per day. “This savings will be an additional to the income of our drivers. They will buy food, those food that they will buy is vatable as well, so the government can still earn from that.”

Other reason that they are fighting for is to remove the oil deregulation law. The group believes that oil prices should be controlled.

“We will not push through with fare hike, because it will only be an added burden to the people. They too are already spending too much, it is the government who should adjust its prices,” San Mateo said.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

two men killed in shooting incident in Bocaue, Bulacan possible suspects on Pagdanganan case

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
May 8, 2008
Story: two men killed in shooting incident in Bocaue, Bulacan possible suspects on Pagdanganan case

Two suspected robbers killed in Bocaue, Bulacan Wednesday at around 9:00 pm in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan were possible suspects on the killing of former Calumpit, Bulacan mayor Ramon “Monching” Pagdanganan.

Pagdangan was gunned down last Sunday evening in Calumpit while having drinking spree with his friends.

“What happened was, last night there was a report to the Bocaue Police Station about the presence of suspicious persons. The Police personnel on Bocaue responded, but when they are about to question or accost the suspicious persons, they started firing the police also fired back,” PNP-Public Information Office (PIO) Chief, Nicanor Bartolome said.

The two were identified as Jerry Gagal and one alias Jocel. Upon learning the incident, Senior Supt. Allen Bantolo, Bulacan Provincial police Chief, send his witnesses at Bocaue to check if they are the same people who killed Pagdanganan.

Bartolome said, that according to Bantolo, the suspects are the same to the cartographic sketch.
The witnesses who provided the sketch identified these two supposedly robbers in Bocaue as the same persons.

On the incident in Bocaue, the police recovered one caliber of .357 and one caliber of .22 plus three live ammunitions and one magazine for caliber .22. The guns will be subjected for laboratory examination to know if it will match on the slugs recovered at the crime scene when Pagdanganan was killed.

However, Bartolome said the Bulacan police still not stopping their investigation or not closing the case yet, as there are many other angle they can look into. “They are still gathering information and looking for more possible witnesses,” Bartolome added.

The killing on Pagdanganan has no motive yet. Bartolome said when the investigation team in Bulacan has submitted their final report, there they can identify the motive of the case.

Extortion and bribery case in Misamis Oreintal, case close

Ma. Lourdes “Miami” Ebilane
May 8, 2008
Story: Extortion and bribery case in Misamis Oreintal, case close

The extortion and bribery case being investigated in Misamis Oriental is already closed.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has created task force Tagovill to investigate the extortion case on its Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano and bribery on part of Hanjin Industries and Construction Co.

“As for the alleged bribery and extortion cases, the investigators cannot anymore proceed with its investigation considering that the alleged complainants, Hanjin, for alleged extortion, and mayor Emano of Tagoloan for bribery said that there was no case to file at all because they deny what was reported previously in the papers and so the investigators cannot do otherwise but to close the case because there is no case to start in the first place,” PNP-Public Information Office (PIO) Chief, Nicanor Bartolome said in a pres conference in Camp Crame.

He also added in his explanation that in an investigation, the investigators need to find out who are the complainants. If there are no complainants in the case, there is no case at all. The alleged complainants said there is no such thing that transpired.

But members of the task force Tagovill are still in Tagoloan to investigate the mauling incident that transpired last April 26, 2008. “They are the once who will investigate the mauling incident because they thought it is also related to the extortion and bribery,” Bartolome said.

The driver of Hanjin was allegedly assaulted by the personnel of Tagoloan Mayor. The motive still being investigated.

On the statement of DP/Dir. Jefferson Soriano, Director for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) head of Task Force Tagovill, he said their team in Tagoloan found out that a certain Arturo Baz of Hanjin was physically assaulted by persons identified with the Tagoloan Mayor.

According to Baz, he was instructed by the project engineer, Mr. Jong Song Lee, to assist in the conduct of ocular inspection in the training area when he was accosted by several men whom he learned to be associated with mayor Emano and one of them punched him twice on the head.

The suspects was identified as Mr. Amando Pomar, an elected municipal kagawad of the town of Tagoloan and a certain Roger Achas, a former barangay captain of said town were present in the vicinity purposely to serve the work stoppage order issued by the municipal mayor when the said confrontation took place.

However last April 30, Mayor Emano lifted the stoppage order after he met President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other local and national officials at the VIP Lounge at the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, “after realizing the economic importance of such project to the local government and the whole country,” Emano said in his affidavit.