ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 8, 2010) – The Philippine National Police denied Monday a published report linking Sulu governor Sakur Tan to a grenade explosion last year at a carnival in the province’s Luuk town.
The September grenade attack killed three 3 people and wounded several others.
Chief Inspector Amil Baanan, of the Sulu Provincial Police Office, said the attack was triggered by a business rivalry between two amusement game operators at the carnival.
“Doon sa peryahan ay mayroon mga magka-kumpetensya sa amusement games, siyempre malaki ang kita nuong nasa kabila, yun sa kabila mahina so pumunta yun sa kabila doon at hinulog nila, hinagis ang granada sa mga tao doon na nanunuod.”
“Yun pangyayari eh talagang sinadya, business rivalry ito. Mayroon na tayong isang suspek pero at-large, pero na-file na natin yun case. Pinaghahanap na rin natin ang suspek,” Baanan said.
A local newspaper, the Daily Zamboanga Times, on Monday published the report. It said at least 6 people filed the case against Tan, a known philanthropist and a religious man. The newspaper did not get either the side of Tan or the Philippine National Police about the incident.
Tan’s supporters branded the report as black propaganda and politically motivated. “Who else would do that but those people with evil motives, those who cannot speak about their accomplishments because they have done nothing to improve the lives of the Tausugs or bring peace and development to Sulu just as what Governor Sakur Tan brought us since winning by a landslide the 2007 elections,” one supporter, Hajji Usman, said.
He said Tan’s political foes have been pestering the governor with incredible accusations and various lies. (Mindanao Examiner)
Showing posts with label PNP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PNP. Show all posts
Monday, February 08, 2010
Sulu Guv Hit By Black Propaganda
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rights body accuses military as top abuser
Political activists led by different Moro human rights groups rally in Cotabato City in Mindanao on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. The rally was led by KAWAGIB Moro Human Rights and Suara Bangsamoro and participated also by different progressive organizations and civil society organizations namely, Liga ng Kabataang Moro, Suara Talyawid, Suara Bangsamoro Women, ANAKBAYAN Cotabato, Gabriela Cotabato and Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society.MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Human Rights Chairman Leila de Lima on Wednesday said the military ranks number one among perpetrators of political and extrajudicial killings in the the Philippines.
At Malacañang, President Gloria Arroyo issued an administrative order aimed at strengthening government policies and programs for the effective promotion of human rights.
“As to suspects or alleged perpetrators, political and extrajudicial killings are attributed to military, police and civilians alike. Significantly, the military ranks number one among identified perpetrators of such killings,” de Lima said.
The 24-page summary of the rights body’s yearend report that was read by de Lima during the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights showed that the military’s human rights abuses are “based on accounts of witnesses.”
However, she also said that rebel groups are also among the suspects and perpetrators of human rights violations.
The Commission on Human Rights has documented some 142 cases of politically motivated extrajudicial killings in the country from 2007 to the third quarter of 2008.
“From the total of 142 cases, 30 cases occurred in Region 12, followed by Region 11 with 29, Region 8 with 20, Region 6 with 15 and Region 5 with 12 cases. Almost all victims with a total of 180 were affiliated to certain activists’ group, labor organizations and other political associations,” de Lima said.
The report showed the rights body documented 37 cases of enforced disappearance, abduction or kidnapping during the same period.
De Lima also lauded Chief Justice Reynato Puno for being the “close ally of the Commission” for his critical efforts in addressing human rights issues in the country.
She also stressed that “it must be emphasized that the state of the human rights situation of the nation is a reflection, not just of the performance of the President [Gloria Arroyo], or of any other politician or government official for that matter, but of the performance of each of the 91 million individuals who call this country his or her home.”
For her part, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said that every Filipino can make a difference and become a champion of human rights by assuring that everyone’s rights are protected.
But Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said that the exercise of basic freedoms are not yet in reality in the country since the government lacks the political will to implement international norms they have willingly accepted.
“There are many mistakes and shortcomings . . . I feel sad and I feel bad because many are still doing it [human rights abuses],” he said.(Manila Times - Ira Karen Apanay With Angelo S. Samonte And Anthony Vargas)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Cop Kills Brother In South RP
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 29, 2008) - A police officer was arrested in the southern Philippines after he allegedly shot and killed his elder brother, officials said.
Officials said SPO3 Diomedes Ocapan was accused of killing Edgar Ocapan during an altercation over the weekend in the town of San Miguel.
The policeman confronted his brother whom he accused of stoning his house and a heated argument ensued and the young Ocapan pulled out a gun from his holster and shot his brother.
The cop was eventually arrested, but it was unknown whether the family would pursue criminal charges or not against him. (Erico Rosco)
Officials said SPO3 Diomedes Ocapan was accused of killing Edgar Ocapan during an altercation over the weekend in the town of San Miguel.
The policeman confronted his brother whom he accused of stoning his house and a heated argument ensued and the young Ocapan pulled out a gun from his holster and shot his brother.
The cop was eventually arrested, but it was unknown whether the family would pursue criminal charges or not against him. (Erico Rosco)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Police In The Muslim Autonomous Region Has New Commander
COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 25, 2008) – The Philippine National Police has named Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani as the news commander of the police force in the Muslim autonomous region.
Jabarani, a native of Sulu province, replaced Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, who recently retired. Jabarani also served as Basilan police commander before assuming various positions in the regional police office.
He pledged to continue reforms in the police force. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Cop In Trouble Over Shooting Incident In Zamboanga
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 12, 2008) – A police officer is being investigated after he shot a woman during a drinking session with friends in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.
The woman was shot in the face while the policeman, Abdulhan Indanan, was toying with his pistol on Thursday. The woman, Elizabeth Bacunawa, 27, was rushed to hospital after the shooting.
Policemen who responded to the scene arrested Indanan and seized his gun. Police said the shooting occurred while Indanan was having a drinking spree with friends at a store near a police camp. (Erico Rosco)
The woman was shot in the face while the policeman, Abdulhan Indanan, was toying with his pistol on Thursday. The woman, Elizabeth Bacunawa, 27, was rushed to hospital after the shooting.
Policemen who responded to the scene arrested Indanan and seized his gun. Police said the shooting occurred while Indanan was having a drinking spree with friends at a store near a police camp. (Erico Rosco)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Philippine Police Endorsing Vigilantism By Arming Civilians: AHRC
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is concerned by the reported pronouncement of the Deputy Director General, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Avelino Razon Jr., that they are shipping a thousand shotguns to arm "selected, screened and trained" police auxiliaries in southern Mindanao.
These police auxiliaries include village watchmen and civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs), who have supposedly undergone "rigid screening and training".
While there is an urgent need to increase security measure to protect civilian communities amidst the fresh rebel attacks, to arm civilians so that they can defend their villages, cannot be a justifiable means of action. Arming civilians and auxiliaries has already been proven historically to be a flawed notion. The notion justifying the arming of civilians to defend and protect themselves is unequivocally illegal and completely absurd.
There is only one police and law enforcement agency and it is the PNP. Law enforcement on matters involving protection of the lives and property of citizens is solely and unconditionally the responsibility of the PNP. It is a non-transferable obligation. By arming civilians, the PNP is abdicating its power to a band of armed men that have no legal authority to enforce the law.
It thus reveals the stark and frightening reality that the PNP can no longer perform even its most rudimentary duty; the maintenance of law and order. It is unthinkable that the country's police force is sliding back to a dark time in the past when the police and military funded, armed and ‘trained vigilante groups against the communist insurgency in the '70s and '80s.
The arming of civilian has left a devastating legacy of vigilantism that for decades, particularly the city of Davao, has not been able to recover from. It was in the urban village of Agdao in Davao City where the vicious vigilante group, Alsa Masa, first took root.
Twenty years later, despite the fact that there is no longer the threat of communism vigilante killings take place in Davao City daily on the pretext of the war against criminals. The psyche of the people living there has reached a point where they themselves give ready acquiescence to these death squads to decide on who deserves to die or not effectively leaving the policing, prosecution and the court meaningless. Thus, while Alsa Masa may have ceased to exist the notion and residue of its brutal past remains an insidious disease.
The AHRC is concerned that the arming of civilians is once against being used on pretext of village defense but is actually supporting the PNP in their fight against Muslim insurgents. There are also reports that even locals are supporting auxiliaries by collecting money to support their operations and for firearms.
Also, even before the PNP announced that it would ship shotguns for police auxiliaries, the renewed fighting in the municipalities of North Cotabato early this month was also aggravated by armed militias and auxiliaries engaging in encounters with rebel groups.
It is in Mindanao where some of the known brutal vigilante groups used by the security forces against the communist rebels first gained its root.
Apart from Alsa Masa, the feared Kuratong Baleleng and the 4Ks of Misamis Occidental, Ilaga (rats), Tadtad (chop chop) and Sagrado Corazon Senor of North Cotabato, amongst others, also emerged. As mentioned earlier, over two decades later, these groups may be gone but the legacy of vigilantism they left behind remains a real threat.
In fact, even before General Razon's pronounced of the arming of civilians, a vigilante group known for its violent past, Ilaga (rats), had already resurfaced showing off their firearms while its leaders announced that they would fight against the Muslim insurgents on the pretext of protecting civilians -- a reminder of the group's violent past in North Cotabato.
The emergence of this group also rekindles the violent past where countless civilians, including women and children, were shot dead and slaughtered with machetes; on the mere suspicion that they were communist sympathiser.
In fact, the subsequent reforms in the PNP have led to the dismantling of the Civilian Home Defence Force (CHDF), a group of civilian armed group which falls under their supervision, due to its abuse, is historical proof that the arming civilians is doomed due to the unwritten license to commit abuses.
The reasons why vigilante groups have continued to undermined law and order is the is the failure of the police's policies that remain uncorrected. In fact, the police civilian volunteer organization (CVOs) and the army's Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Units (CAFGU) continue to exist to this day, despite demands to dismantle them, is sufficient evidence of the government’s tolerance of vigilantism.
The obvious danger of maintaining these groups is that they would more likely cause harm than good. Furthermore, the PNP and the army have not defined either responsibility or accountability should there be violations, abuses or atrocities committed by "police auxiliaries".
They are not regular police officers governed by existing disciplinary machinery -- by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), Internal Affairs Service or the People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) -- thus, they cannot be held to account and are beyond the reach of the disciplinary agencies.
Although the criminal and civil provision would still apply in prosecuting those committing abuses, it effectively excuses the State from any illegal actions that armed civilians are committing. And because they are not covered or governed in the existing policies of the police force, should they commit unlawful acts it could not be attributed to the State but merely to an individual or the group. This scenario is effectively giving blanket immunity, not only to the police auxiliary forces, but to the PNP itself.
If regular and trained police officers, who is subject to stringent disciplinary rules and mechanisms still commit abuse, there is high expectation that auxiliaries will do the same.
Arming the civilians also is tantamount to dissolving the existing firearms regulations and control which it is already unlawful.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) therefore calls upon the government to recall any measure aimed at arming civilians and to dismantle groups performing police duties without delay.
These police auxiliaries include village watchmen and civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs), who have supposedly undergone "rigid screening and training".
While there is an urgent need to increase security measure to protect civilian communities amidst the fresh rebel attacks, to arm civilians so that they can defend their villages, cannot be a justifiable means of action. Arming civilians and auxiliaries has already been proven historically to be a flawed notion. The notion justifying the arming of civilians to defend and protect themselves is unequivocally illegal and completely absurd.
There is only one police and law enforcement agency and it is the PNP. Law enforcement on matters involving protection of the lives and property of citizens is solely and unconditionally the responsibility of the PNP. It is a non-transferable obligation. By arming civilians, the PNP is abdicating its power to a band of armed men that have no legal authority to enforce the law.
It thus reveals the stark and frightening reality that the PNP can no longer perform even its most rudimentary duty; the maintenance of law and order. It is unthinkable that the country's police force is sliding back to a dark time in the past when the police and military funded, armed and ‘trained vigilante groups against the communist insurgency in the '70s and '80s.
The arming of civilian has left a devastating legacy of vigilantism that for decades, particularly the city of Davao, has not been able to recover from. It was in the urban village of Agdao in Davao City where the vicious vigilante group, Alsa Masa, first took root.
Twenty years later, despite the fact that there is no longer the threat of communism vigilante killings take place in Davao City daily on the pretext of the war against criminals. The psyche of the people living there has reached a point where they themselves give ready acquiescence to these death squads to decide on who deserves to die or not effectively leaving the policing, prosecution and the court meaningless. Thus, while Alsa Masa may have ceased to exist the notion and residue of its brutal past remains an insidious disease.
The AHRC is concerned that the arming of civilians is once against being used on pretext of village defense but is actually supporting the PNP in their fight against Muslim insurgents. There are also reports that even locals are supporting auxiliaries by collecting money to support their operations and for firearms.
Also, even before the PNP announced that it would ship shotguns for police auxiliaries, the renewed fighting in the municipalities of North Cotabato early this month was also aggravated by armed militias and auxiliaries engaging in encounters with rebel groups.
It is in Mindanao where some of the known brutal vigilante groups used by the security forces against the communist rebels first gained its root.
Apart from Alsa Masa, the feared Kuratong Baleleng and the 4Ks of Misamis Occidental, Ilaga (rats), Tadtad (chop chop) and Sagrado Corazon Senor of North Cotabato, amongst others, also emerged. As mentioned earlier, over two decades later, these groups may be gone but the legacy of vigilantism they left behind remains a real threat.
In fact, even before General Razon's pronounced of the arming of civilians, a vigilante group known for its violent past, Ilaga (rats), had already resurfaced showing off their firearms while its leaders announced that they would fight against the Muslim insurgents on the pretext of protecting civilians -- a reminder of the group's violent past in North Cotabato.
The emergence of this group also rekindles the violent past where countless civilians, including women and children, were shot dead and slaughtered with machetes; on the mere suspicion that they were communist sympathiser.
In fact, the subsequent reforms in the PNP have led to the dismantling of the Civilian Home Defence Force (CHDF), a group of civilian armed group which falls under their supervision, due to its abuse, is historical proof that the arming civilians is doomed due to the unwritten license to commit abuses.
The reasons why vigilante groups have continued to undermined law and order is the is the failure of the police's policies that remain uncorrected. In fact, the police civilian volunteer organization (CVOs) and the army's Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Units (CAFGU) continue to exist to this day, despite demands to dismantle them, is sufficient evidence of the government’s tolerance of vigilantism.
The obvious danger of maintaining these groups is that they would more likely cause harm than good. Furthermore, the PNP and the army have not defined either responsibility or accountability should there be violations, abuses or atrocities committed by "police auxiliaries".
They are not regular police officers governed by existing disciplinary machinery -- by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), Internal Affairs Service or the People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) -- thus, they cannot be held to account and are beyond the reach of the disciplinary agencies.
Although the criminal and civil provision would still apply in prosecuting those committing abuses, it effectively excuses the State from any illegal actions that armed civilians are committing. And because they are not covered or governed in the existing policies of the police force, should they commit unlawful acts it could not be attributed to the State but merely to an individual or the group. This scenario is effectively giving blanket immunity, not only to the police auxiliary forces, but to the PNP itself.
If regular and trained police officers, who is subject to stringent disciplinary rules and mechanisms still commit abuse, there is high expectation that auxiliaries will do the same.
Arming the civilians also is tantamount to dissolving the existing firearms regulations and control which it is already unlawful.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) therefore calls upon the government to recall any measure aimed at arming civilians and to dismantle groups performing police duties without delay.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Zamboanga Police Base Attacked
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 13, 2008) – An unidentified man lobbed a fragmentation grenade at a police base in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, but officials on Wednesday said there were no casualties in the attack.
The attack late Tuesday damaged a car parked near the police base, said Senior Superintendent Lurimer Detran, the city police chief. “A man tossed the grenade, an MK4 grenade, at the police (base), at around 10.15 p.m. We are still investigating the motive of the attack,” he told reporters.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but police said it was probably connected to the local anti-crime campaign.
“This (attack) maybe connected to our job,” said Inspector Ibrahim Jambiran, commander of a police task force.
Four policemen were also wounded in a similar attack blamed on Muslim rebels on June 20 in the town of Kabasalan in Zamboanga Sibugay province, about 120 kilometers from Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City has been previously attacked by Abu Sayyaf militants tied to al-Qaeda. It was not immediately known if the group was connected to the latest attack.
In May, three people were reported killed and more than a dozen injured in a bomb attack in Zamboanga City that damaged the building that houses a military pension fund and an office of the US Agency for International Development.
Authorities had blamed Akiddin Abdusallam, a leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as behind that bombing. He was killed weeks later by military agents in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
The attack late Tuesday damaged a car parked near the police base, said Senior Superintendent Lurimer Detran, the city police chief. “A man tossed the grenade, an MK4 grenade, at the police (base), at around 10.15 p.m. We are still investigating the motive of the attack,” he told reporters.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but police said it was probably connected to the local anti-crime campaign.
“This (attack) maybe connected to our job,” said Inspector Ibrahim Jambiran, commander of a police task force.
Four policemen were also wounded in a similar attack blamed on Muslim rebels on June 20 in the town of Kabasalan in Zamboanga Sibugay province, about 120 kilometers from Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City has been previously attacked by Abu Sayyaf militants tied to al-Qaeda. It was not immediately known if the group was connected to the latest attack.
In May, three people were reported killed and more than a dozen injured in a bomb attack in Zamboanga City that damaged the building that houses a military pension fund and an office of the US Agency for International Development.
Authorities had blamed Akiddin Abdusallam, a leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as behind that bombing. He was killed weeks later by military agents in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Sulu Cops Finish Basic Police Operations Course
A photo released by the US Embassy to the Mindanao Examiner shows members of the Philippine National Police in Sulu province during the Basic Police Operations course.SULU, Philippines – Philippine policemen on Friday finished a three-week course in Basic Police Operations in the southern province of Sulu.
Designed to be an initial step toward strengthening the basic peace and order maintenance capabilities of policemen throughout Sulu, the Basic Police Operations course included lessons in systematic approaches to policing, police ethics, enforcing the law while respecting human rights and dignity, community policing, communicating and listening, patrol procedures, and custody procedures and prisoner management.
The members of the first graduating class include 14 female officers.
Course instructors include two PNP officers who have gained experience as police instructors in other U.S.-sponsored law enforcement development programs in the Philippines, and one American technical adviser with an extensive police training background.
The U.S. provided logistical and administrative support as well as crime-scene investigation tools and supplies, and facilities to process and store crime-scene evidence.
“The United States is proud to support the efforts of the PNP to improve investigations of serious crimes and build strong cases for prosecution of those responsible,” U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney said in a statement.
“This will help reduce the incidence of unexplained and extrajudicial killings and will increase public trust in the integrity of the Philippine security forces,” she added.
The Basic Police Operations course will be repeated almost continuously through December 2008, providing training opportunities for up to 300 PNP personnel.
In addition, during a three-week course for investigators in November, students will deepen skills in criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, and interview and questioning techniques. The U.S. will also donate some P 3.3 million ($75,000) in police equipment, such as flashlights, handcuffs, and crime scene investigation supplies.
Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan praised the US government for its support to the local police force. “I am sure this course will boost the knowledge of our policemen in law enforcements which will greatly improve our peace and order in the province,” he said.
Tan also appealed to locals to support the police in maintaining peace and order in Sulu.
Designed to be an initial step toward strengthening the basic peace and order maintenance capabilities of policemen throughout Sulu, the Basic Police Operations course included lessons in systematic approaches to policing, police ethics, enforcing the law while respecting human rights and dignity, community policing, communicating and listening, patrol procedures, and custody procedures and prisoner management.
The members of the first graduating class include 14 female officers.
Course instructors include two PNP officers who have gained experience as police instructors in other U.S.-sponsored law enforcement development programs in the Philippines, and one American technical adviser with an extensive police training background.
The U.S. provided logistical and administrative support as well as crime-scene investigation tools and supplies, and facilities to process and store crime-scene evidence.
“The United States is proud to support the efforts of the PNP to improve investigations of serious crimes and build strong cases for prosecution of those responsible,” U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney said in a statement.
“This will help reduce the incidence of unexplained and extrajudicial killings and will increase public trust in the integrity of the Philippine security forces,” she added.
The Basic Police Operations course will be repeated almost continuously through December 2008, providing training opportunities for up to 300 PNP personnel.
In addition, during a three-week course for investigators in November, students will deepen skills in criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, and interview and questioning techniques. The U.S. will also donate some P 3.3 million ($75,000) in police equipment, such as flashlights, handcuffs, and crime scene investigation supplies.
Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan praised the US government for its support to the local police force. “I am sure this course will boost the knowledge of our policemen in law enforcements which will greatly improve our peace and order in the province,” he said.
Tan also appealed to locals to support the police in maintaining peace and order in Sulu.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Lawyers' Union Assails Gov't Tactics
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers condemns the Executive Department’s persistent efforts to subvert the Constitution and the laws it has sworn to uphold.
The refusal of the PNP to attend the Senate investigation, the belated Ombudsman investigation and the threats of harassment suits against witness Jun Lozada are nothing more than attempts to undermine the Senate investigation into the ZTE-NBN corruption scandal. These orchestrated acts by top government officials loyal to Pres. Gloria Arroyo, however, only adds more credence to the evidence which show that those responsible for acts of corruption in the ZTE transaction is not only limited to former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos but actually involve Pres. Gloria Arroyo and her husband Atty. Mike Arroyo.
PNP Officers criminally and administratively liable
The refusal of PNP officers to attend Senate hearings ostensibly because “the PNP cannot discuss the matter publicly in order not to interfere with due process” citing the complaint for obstruction of justice filed with the Ombudsman is not only an open defiance of congressional authority but also violates the PNP officers’ oath under Sec. 40 of the Administrative Code of 1987, requiring all public officials to “obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities”. The NUPL finds it incomprehensible how “publicly discussing the matter” before the Senate can violate due process rights considering that the Senate is an official investigation and not a symposium. Furthermore, the PNP can always ask for executive session if they feel that their statements may violate due process rights. Based on this theory, Gen. Razon and his subordinates, are henceforth, precluded from giving media interviews on the Lozada kidnapping.
The filing of a petition asking the Supreme Court to legalize the non attendance of Gen. Avelino Razon and his subordinates has no legal or constitutional basis. Gen. Razon and his subordinates cannot claim the right to self incrimination as the basis for their non attendance because the Supreme Court expressly prohibited this insidious scheme to preempt congressional investigations in Sabio vs Gordon [GR 184340, October 2006], to wit:
Anent the right against self-incrimination, it must be emphasized that this right may be invoked x x x only when the incriminating question is being asked, since they have no way of knowing in advance the nature or effect of the questions to be asked of them.” That this right may possibly be violated or abused is no ground for denying respondent Senate Committees their power of inquiry.
Furthermore, Sec. 19 of the Senate rules expressly prohibit ‘preemptive’ claim to self-incrimination:
Sec. 19. Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
A witness can invoke his right against self-incrimination only when a question tends to elicit an answer that will incriminate him is propounded to him. x x x No person can refuse to testify or be placed under oath or affirmation or answer questions before an incriminatory question is asked. His invocation of such right does not by itself excuse him from his duty to give testimony.
In such a case, the Committee, by a majority vote of the members present there being a quorum, shall determine whether the right has been properly invoked. If the Committee decides otherwise, it shall resume its investigation and the question or questions previously refused to be answered shall be repeated to the witness. If the latter continues to refuse to answer the question, the Committee may punish him for contempt for contumacious conduct.
This blatant disregard of the Senate’s authority to conduct investigation is another attempt to preempt the investigation and subvert the search for the truth behind the ZTE scandal. This makes all the respondents subject to criminal and administrative charges that may be filed after Pres. Gloria Arroyo ceases to be President on or before 2010. Absent a TRO from the Supreme Court, Gen. Razon has no recourse but to attend the Senate hearing on February 26.
DOJ Fact Finding
The NUPL also condemns Pres. Arroyo’s continuing misuse of the Department of Justice through her Justice Secretary. The threats publicly aired by Sec. Raul Gonzalez of DOJ plans to investigate ZTE witness Jun Lozada’s finances and file criminal cases against his brothers and sisters for perjury not only smacks of harassment but also a not so veiled attempt to silence Mr. Lozada.
The arrogance implied by Sec. Gonzalez’ threats against a lowly public official in Mr. Lozada is matched by his cowardice to investigate the involvement of FG Mike Arroyo and Chairman Abalos in the ZTE deal and other anomalies. After Sec. Neri charged, under oath in an official congressional investigation, Chairman Abalos of bribery, the voluble Justice Secretary did not found the charges worth investigating. The DOJ cannot make investigations which would pre judge the exercise of its official function of conducting preliminary investigation if criminal complaints are filed against any party involved in the ZTE corruption scandal. Furthermore, the Justice Secretary has constantly expressed his loyalty and fealty to Pres. Arroyo and his biased views against Mr. Lozada and those that seek to reveal the truth behind the corruption charges against Pres. Arroyo disqualifying his department from conducting investigation.
Ombdusman Investigation a diversionary circus
The Ombudsman investigation is another such attempt to confuse the people and divert the attention from the Senate investigation. The Ombudsman is required under Sec. 15 (1) of RA 6670 to:
1) Investigate and prosecute on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public officer or employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient. It has primary jurisdiction over cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan x x x
The ZTE contract was cancelled or suspended by Pres. Gloria Arroyo because of the irregularities—a clear admission that corruption may have taken place. Under the law, the Ombudsman should have acted as early as last year, on its own, because the scrapped contract ‘appear’ illegal or at the very least, improper.
The Ombudsman has constantly refused to investigate such a blatant display of corruption and overpricing despite the admission by Pres. Arroyo of the irregularities involved. The Ombudsman has in fact, disregarded the statement of a Cabinet member, Sec. Romulo Neri, that he was bribed by Chairman Abalos, a clear sign of the biased exercise by Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierez of her functions as a supposed independent Ombudsman. Guttierez can be found guilty in an impeachment proceeding if only for this inefficiency. The attempt of the Ombudsman, which has not seriously acted on the Fertilizer Scam case and Jocjoc Bolante for years, to intervene only now when the ZTE issue is generating interest and after the tenth complaint was filed, shows its utter lack of respect to its own mandate and task under the law and the Constitution.
NUPL demands of Pres. Arroyo to desist from using her office and those of her subordinates in preempting serious investigations on the ZTE deal precisely because she and her family are the ones being charged with corruption in the said issue. This is not only required by the Anti graft and corrupt Practices Act but by the principle of delicadeza, the unwritten law governing ethical actions of public officials. Pres. Arroyo is not only accountable for her acts but is also accountable for all the violation of the Constitution and the laws committed by her subordinates to illegally protect her from congressional investigations.
Reference Person: Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares-Secretary General
http://nupl.wordpress.com
The refusal of the PNP to attend the Senate investigation, the belated Ombudsman investigation and the threats of harassment suits against witness Jun Lozada are nothing more than attempts to undermine the Senate investigation into the ZTE-NBN corruption scandal. These orchestrated acts by top government officials loyal to Pres. Gloria Arroyo, however, only adds more credence to the evidence which show that those responsible for acts of corruption in the ZTE transaction is not only limited to former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos but actually involve Pres. Gloria Arroyo and her husband Atty. Mike Arroyo.
PNP Officers criminally and administratively liable
The refusal of PNP officers to attend Senate hearings ostensibly because “the PNP cannot discuss the matter publicly in order not to interfere with due process” citing the complaint for obstruction of justice filed with the Ombudsman is not only an open defiance of congressional authority but also violates the PNP officers’ oath under Sec. 40 of the Administrative Code of 1987, requiring all public officials to “obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities”. The NUPL finds it incomprehensible how “publicly discussing the matter” before the Senate can violate due process rights considering that the Senate is an official investigation and not a symposium. Furthermore, the PNP can always ask for executive session if they feel that their statements may violate due process rights. Based on this theory, Gen. Razon and his subordinates, are henceforth, precluded from giving media interviews on the Lozada kidnapping.
The filing of a petition asking the Supreme Court to legalize the non attendance of Gen. Avelino Razon and his subordinates has no legal or constitutional basis. Gen. Razon and his subordinates cannot claim the right to self incrimination as the basis for their non attendance because the Supreme Court expressly prohibited this insidious scheme to preempt congressional investigations in Sabio vs Gordon [GR 184340, October 2006], to wit:
Anent the right against self-incrimination, it must be emphasized that this right may be invoked x x x only when the incriminating question is being asked, since they have no way of knowing in advance the nature or effect of the questions to be asked of them.” That this right may possibly be violated or abused is no ground for denying respondent Senate Committees their power of inquiry.
Furthermore, Sec. 19 of the Senate rules expressly prohibit ‘preemptive’ claim to self-incrimination:
Sec. 19. Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
A witness can invoke his right against self-incrimination only when a question tends to elicit an answer that will incriminate him is propounded to him. x x x No person can refuse to testify or be placed under oath or affirmation or answer questions before an incriminatory question is asked. His invocation of such right does not by itself excuse him from his duty to give testimony.
In such a case, the Committee, by a majority vote of the members present there being a quorum, shall determine whether the right has been properly invoked. If the Committee decides otherwise, it shall resume its investigation and the question or questions previously refused to be answered shall be repeated to the witness. If the latter continues to refuse to answer the question, the Committee may punish him for contempt for contumacious conduct.
This blatant disregard of the Senate’s authority to conduct investigation is another attempt to preempt the investigation and subvert the search for the truth behind the ZTE scandal. This makes all the respondents subject to criminal and administrative charges that may be filed after Pres. Gloria Arroyo ceases to be President on or before 2010. Absent a TRO from the Supreme Court, Gen. Razon has no recourse but to attend the Senate hearing on February 26.
DOJ Fact Finding
The NUPL also condemns Pres. Arroyo’s continuing misuse of the Department of Justice through her Justice Secretary. The threats publicly aired by Sec. Raul Gonzalez of DOJ plans to investigate ZTE witness Jun Lozada’s finances and file criminal cases against his brothers and sisters for perjury not only smacks of harassment but also a not so veiled attempt to silence Mr. Lozada.
The arrogance implied by Sec. Gonzalez’ threats against a lowly public official in Mr. Lozada is matched by his cowardice to investigate the involvement of FG Mike Arroyo and Chairman Abalos in the ZTE deal and other anomalies. After Sec. Neri charged, under oath in an official congressional investigation, Chairman Abalos of bribery, the voluble Justice Secretary did not found the charges worth investigating. The DOJ cannot make investigations which would pre judge the exercise of its official function of conducting preliminary investigation if criminal complaints are filed against any party involved in the ZTE corruption scandal. Furthermore, the Justice Secretary has constantly expressed his loyalty and fealty to Pres. Arroyo and his biased views against Mr. Lozada and those that seek to reveal the truth behind the corruption charges against Pres. Arroyo disqualifying his department from conducting investigation.
Ombdusman Investigation a diversionary circus
The Ombudsman investigation is another such attempt to confuse the people and divert the attention from the Senate investigation. The Ombudsman is required under Sec. 15 (1) of RA 6670 to:
1) Investigate and prosecute on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public officer or employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient. It has primary jurisdiction over cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan x x x
The ZTE contract was cancelled or suspended by Pres. Gloria Arroyo because of the irregularities—a clear admission that corruption may have taken place. Under the law, the Ombudsman should have acted as early as last year, on its own, because the scrapped contract ‘appear’ illegal or at the very least, improper.
The Ombudsman has constantly refused to investigate such a blatant display of corruption and overpricing despite the admission by Pres. Arroyo of the irregularities involved. The Ombudsman has in fact, disregarded the statement of a Cabinet member, Sec. Romulo Neri, that he was bribed by Chairman Abalos, a clear sign of the biased exercise by Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierez of her functions as a supposed independent Ombudsman. Guttierez can be found guilty in an impeachment proceeding if only for this inefficiency. The attempt of the Ombudsman, which has not seriously acted on the Fertilizer Scam case and Jocjoc Bolante for years, to intervene only now when the ZTE issue is generating interest and after the tenth complaint was filed, shows its utter lack of respect to its own mandate and task under the law and the Constitution.
NUPL demands of Pres. Arroyo to desist from using her office and those of her subordinates in preempting serious investigations on the ZTE deal precisely because she and her family are the ones being charged with corruption in the said issue. This is not only required by the Anti graft and corrupt Practices Act but by the principle of delicadeza, the unwritten law governing ethical actions of public officials. Pres. Arroyo is not only accountable for her acts but is also accountable for all the violation of the Constitution and the laws committed by her subordinates to illegally protect her from congressional investigations.
Reference Person: Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares-Secretary General
http://nupl.wordpress.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
Foreign Terror Suspect Falls In Manila
MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 29, 2008) – Philippine police on Friday said it has arrested a foreigner suspected of plotting terror attacks in the Manila.
Police chief Avelino Razon made the announcement the same day as huge anti-Arroyo protesters gathered in the capital to demand for the resignation of the Filipino leader over corruption allegations.
“We have arrested a foreigner suspected of plotting terror attacks,” Razon said.
He did not say how or when the foreigner was arrested, but claimed the man has links with international and local terror groups.
The Philippine military on Thursday said Jemaah Islamiya and the local Abu Sayyaf group are plotting to bomb civilian targets in Manila. The military also made the same warning last week days before anti-Arroyo protesters held a huge rally in Manila.
Opposition and civil society groups demanded Arroyo’s resignation after the president and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo were both linked to alleged scandals involving the flawed and overpriced national broadband network deal with China’s ZTE Corporation.
The president admitted the deal was flawed and cancelled the contract five months later after the scandal broke out. She and husband denied any wrongdoings.
In southern Philippines, the Inter-religious Solidarity Movement for Peace has joined calls for truth and clean, corruption-free society.
“Our country has constantly scored high on the scales of corruption in Asia and the world. As a people, we have seemingly become habituated to the culture of sleaze and dishonesty in the way that many of our leaders carry out their supposed duties to the people.”
“In these days we have again become flooded with these exact same stories of corrupt transactions happening in high places. Information on the blatant manipulation and obstruction of the truth on the NBN-ZTE Project has implicated very important government officials, including the President of this Republic and her family,” it said in a statement.
It added: “This is now leading us to a crisis point that is prompting us to even question the integrity of the highest official of the land. It is utterly immoral to impose this obligation upon our people without consideration for their poverty and struggle to live in dignity and peace.”
“We add our collective voice to the many who call for an end to corruption, falsehood and dishonesty. We are not a society of cheats. With a sense of urgency, we exhort everyone to consider the consequences of the culture of corruption that plagues our society from top to bottom. These practices must end in united, honest and serious work for truth and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Confident in our legal system, let us get to the bottom of these anomalies and prosecute those who are found liable – regardless of their high or powerful positions, including the President of the country– and replace corrupt leaders with those who are more transformational and moral. Let us rebuild our country on the building blocks of participative working democracy, reflective of the will of our people. A clean, peaceful and corruption-free society, where people are empowered as they live in security and dignity, is our best legacy to our children.”
But the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns has criticized Arroyo and said it would join calls for her to step down.
“The anomalies and scandals on the secret deals of the Arroyo government emit unbearable stench, no matter how the government tries to cover it up. The whole nation can smell the horrible stench and even the children can smell it too,” Alphonse Rivera, the group’s spokesman, said.
“We have witnessed how the government deprived our children of basic services while fattening their own pockets. Now is the time to speak out and defend our children’s future. We want to put across the message that, whichever way, Mrs. Arroyo has to go away now. She has never considered the children’s interests in her 7 years in power and we have lost trust that she will do so in the next two years. We can no longer bear the disgusting stench of her government,” Rivera said.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
New Bombing Foiled In Southern RP
PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / 22 Aug) – Philippine police found an improvised explosive device inside a commuter bus during an inspection Tuesday in the southern city Pagadian, about 210 kilometers from Zamboanga City where a bomb attack injured at least 14 people.
The IED was recovered before it was to explode midnight Tuesday inside the bus which came from Zamboanga City, a police report said.
The report said the device was attached to a timer hidden in a luggage. No passengers claimed ownership of the luggage and police have made no arrest.
The bus was on its way to Cagayan de Oro City in northern Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Nehemias Pajarito, commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, said he sent a team of explosive experts to disarm the bomb.
"We are investigating who were behind this attempt to blow up the bus and the military is closely working with police authorities to prevent terrorism and protect the public," he told the Mindanao Examiner.
A powerful bomb explosion late Tuesday in downtown Zamboanga City has been blamed by intelligence officials to the Abu Sayyaf, implicated in the spate of terrorism and kidnappings of foreigners in the southern Philippines.
Police and military have tightened security in the restive region following Tuesday's blast. Security forces were battling Abu Sayyaf militants and insurgents in Basilan and Jolo islands off Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Pulisya, Humingi Ng Paumanhin Sa Dinakip Na Pastor!
QUEZON CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 01 June) - Humingi ngayon ng paumnahin si Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Calderon para sa anumang naging kapalpakan ng mga tauhan nitong nagsagawa ng pag-aresto kay Pastor Berlin Guererro ng United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
Kasunod ito ng pakikipagpulong ni Calderon at mga opisyal ng pambansang pulisya sa pamunuan ng UCCP upang malinawan ang insidente ng pagdakip sa miyembro nitong nakatalaga sa Binan, Laguna.
Tiniyak pa ni Calderon na hindi nito palalampasin at sasampahan ng kaso sakaling matukoy na umabuso ang pulisya o ang tauhan ng Naval Intelligence Security Forces na dumampot sa pari.
"I apologize for whatever lapses our people in the field might have committed. This matter is being looked into and we will file cases against those who will be found guilty," ani Calderon.
Nilinaw ni Calderon na ang Philippine Navy ang umaresto kay Guererro noong Linggo at dinala sa Cavite Provincial Police Office kinabukasan.
Sa alegasyong pambubugbog, sinabi ni Calderon na sumailalim na sa medical examination si Pastor Berlin at nasa ligtas rin ang kalusugan nito.
Siniguro pa ng PNP Chief sa UCCP ang mahigpit na pakikipag-ugnayan sa grupo sa sandaling magkaroon ng pag-arestong muli sa sinumang miyembro nito.
Nahaharap umano sa bintang na pagpatay ang pastor na sinasabing may koneksyon sa New People’s Army. Mariing itinanggi naman ito ng pastor at ng kanyang pamilya. (Juley Reyes)
Kasunod ito ng pakikipagpulong ni Calderon at mga opisyal ng pambansang pulisya sa pamunuan ng UCCP upang malinawan ang insidente ng pagdakip sa miyembro nitong nakatalaga sa Binan, Laguna.
Tiniyak pa ni Calderon na hindi nito palalampasin at sasampahan ng kaso sakaling matukoy na umabuso ang pulisya o ang tauhan ng Naval Intelligence Security Forces na dumampot sa pari.
"I apologize for whatever lapses our people in the field might have committed. This matter is being looked into and we will file cases against those who will be found guilty," ani Calderon.
Nilinaw ni Calderon na ang Philippine Navy ang umaresto kay Guererro noong Linggo at dinala sa Cavite Provincial Police Office kinabukasan.
Sa alegasyong pambubugbog, sinabi ni Calderon na sumailalim na sa medical examination si Pastor Berlin at nasa ligtas rin ang kalusugan nito.
Siniguro pa ng PNP Chief sa UCCP ang mahigpit na pakikipag-ugnayan sa grupo sa sandaling magkaroon ng pag-arestong muli sa sinumang miyembro nito.
Nahaharap umano sa bintang na pagpatay ang pastor na sinasabing may koneksyon sa New People’s Army. Mariing itinanggi naman ito ng pastor at ng kanyang pamilya. (Juley Reyes)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Parak, Pulitiko Sinisipat Sa Panununog Ng Eskwelahan Sa Batangas!
QUEZON CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 22 May) - Wala pa rin matibay na ebidensya ang Philippine National Police (PNP) upang iugnay at idiin ang sinumang pulitiko sa insidente ng panununog sa Pinagbayanan Elementary School sa bayan ng Taysan sa lalawigan ng Batangas.
Sinabi kanina ni PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) head Chief Superintendent Geary Barias na bagamat may mga lumulutang na indikasyon na posibleng dawit ang ilang mga pulitiko sa panununog.
Naniniwala si Barias na pulitika ang motibo ng panununog kung saan ay isang guro at isang poll watcher ang nasawi kamakailan.
Kasabay nito, kinasuhan na ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group si Inspector Robert Marinda ng Calabarzon Regional Special Action Group matapos na positibong ituro ng testigo na sangkot sa panununog.
Kabilang sa ikinaso sa Batangas prosecutor's office ay ang arson resulting to multiple murder at multiple serious physical injuries.
Ayaw ring agad paniwalaan ng PNP ang depensa ni Marinda na inosente ito at nagturo pa ng ibang politiko na sangkot sa krimen.
Katwiran ni Barias, maaaring depensa lamang din ni Marinda ang maghanap ng damay ngunit tuloy ang pag-iimbestiga at prosekusyon.
"We believe we have a very strong case, because positive identification during the line up and the circumstances surrounding all those things," ani Barias.
Samantala, wala pang maikaso ang PNP sa isa pang pulis na idinadawit sa insidente na si SPO1 William Relos, Jr., bunsod ng kawalan ng testigo at ebidensya laban dito.
Unang ibinintang ng PNP sa rebeldeng New People’s Army ang panununog hanggang sa lumabas ang pangalan ng mga pulitiko at ang mga parak. (Juley Reyes)
Sinabi kanina ni PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) head Chief Superintendent Geary Barias na bagamat may mga lumulutang na indikasyon na posibleng dawit ang ilang mga pulitiko sa panununog.
Naniniwala si Barias na pulitika ang motibo ng panununog kung saan ay isang guro at isang poll watcher ang nasawi kamakailan.
Kasabay nito, kinasuhan na ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group si Inspector Robert Marinda ng Calabarzon Regional Special Action Group matapos na positibong ituro ng testigo na sangkot sa panununog.
Kabilang sa ikinaso sa Batangas prosecutor's office ay ang arson resulting to multiple murder at multiple serious physical injuries.
Ayaw ring agad paniwalaan ng PNP ang depensa ni Marinda na inosente ito at nagturo pa ng ibang politiko na sangkot sa krimen.
Katwiran ni Barias, maaaring depensa lamang din ni Marinda ang maghanap ng damay ngunit tuloy ang pag-iimbestiga at prosekusyon.
"We believe we have a very strong case, because positive identification during the line up and the circumstances surrounding all those things," ani Barias.
Samantala, wala pang maikaso ang PNP sa isa pang pulis na idinadawit sa insidente na si SPO1 William Relos, Jr., bunsod ng kawalan ng testigo at ebidensya laban dito.
Unang ibinintang ng PNP sa rebeldeng New People’s Army ang panununog hanggang sa lumabas ang pangalan ng mga pulitiko at ang mga parak. (Juley Reyes)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Pulisya, Handa Na Sa Halalan
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (Mindanao Examiner / 08 May) – Tinatayang aabot sa mahigit 7,000 mga parak ang ikakalat ng pulisya upang pangalagaan ang kasiguruhan ng halalan sa Bisayas sa susunod na Lunes.
Halos 4,000 ang bilang ng mga presinto na gagamitin sa eleksyon ang dapat bantayan ng pulisya sa naturang rehiyon.
Inaasahang magiging maiinit at magulo ang halalan dahil sa mga private armies at hired assassins ng mga pulitiko.
Malamang rin na tumulong ang militar pagbabantay sa halalan dahil sa banta ng New People’s Army at gulo sa sa bispiras at araw ng botohan.
Nanawagan naman ang mga election watchdogs sa publiko na pangalagaan ang eleksyon at isumbong agad sa media – radyo, telebisyon at reporters sa kanilang lugar.
Samantala, sinabi naman kanina sa Maynila ni PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Director Wilfredo Garcia na kasado na umano ang buong puwersa ng pulisya sa buong bansa sa darating na Sabado, dalawang araw bago ang halalan.
Nabatid rin kay Garcia na dalawang pulis ang itatalagang magbantay sa bawat polling precinct sa bansa.
Sa mga lugar naman na may presensya NPA ay sinabi ni Garcia na makakatuwang rin sa seguridad sa mga presinto ang militar ngunit 50 metro ang layo sa voting center.
"We would like to assure our people that the PNP, AFP and the Comelec have worked hard for this election and instituted pro-active measures to make this election orderly and peaceful," ani Garcia.
Samantala, nananatiling positibo ang PNP na maidaraos nanng mapayapa at maayos ang nalalapit na halalan. (May ulat ni Juley Reyes)
Halos 4,000 ang bilang ng mga presinto na gagamitin sa eleksyon ang dapat bantayan ng pulisya sa naturang rehiyon.
Inaasahang magiging maiinit at magulo ang halalan dahil sa mga private armies at hired assassins ng mga pulitiko.
Malamang rin na tumulong ang militar pagbabantay sa halalan dahil sa banta ng New People’s Army at gulo sa sa bispiras at araw ng botohan.
Nanawagan naman ang mga election watchdogs sa publiko na pangalagaan ang eleksyon at isumbong agad sa media – radyo, telebisyon at reporters sa kanilang lugar.
Samantala, sinabi naman kanina sa Maynila ni PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Director Wilfredo Garcia na kasado na umano ang buong puwersa ng pulisya sa buong bansa sa darating na Sabado, dalawang araw bago ang halalan.
Nabatid rin kay Garcia na dalawang pulis ang itatalagang magbantay sa bawat polling precinct sa bansa.
Sa mga lugar naman na may presensya NPA ay sinabi ni Garcia na makakatuwang rin sa seguridad sa mga presinto ang militar ngunit 50 metro ang layo sa voting center.
"We would like to assure our people that the PNP, AFP and the Comelec have worked hard for this election and instituted pro-active measures to make this election orderly and peaceful," ani Garcia.
Samantala, nananatiling positibo ang PNP na maidaraos nanng mapayapa at maayos ang nalalapit na halalan. (May ulat ni Juley Reyes)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Anti-Terror Seminar, Inilunsad Ng Pulisya
QUEZON CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Apr) – Iniutos kanina ni Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ang pagsasailalim sa lahat ng pulis sa orientation seminar hinggil sa implementasyon ng Anti-Terrorism Law.
Inatasan ni Calderon ang PNP Legal Service upang makipag-ugnayan sa University of the Philippines Law center para sa paglulunsad ng seminar na haharapin ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) at Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
Layunin ng hakbang na ito na maiwasan ang anumang pag-abuso sa pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa terorismo o ang Human Security Act of 2007 na magiging epektibo na sa Hulyo ng kasalukuyang taon.
Mas maingat ngayon ang pambansang pulisya lalo pa't may probisyong nagtatakda ng malaking multa sa malaking pagdakip ng mga suspek sa terorismo.
Ayon naman kay PNP Legal Service head Sr. Supt. Mario San Diego, tututukan ng seminar ang paghimay sa nilalaman ng Anti-Terrorism Law at kung paano ito maayos na maipatutupad.
Samantala, inihayag ni PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao na wala silang namomonitor na ispesipikong banta ng terorismo sa seguridad ng bansa.
Gayunman, patuloy pa rin ang pag-alerto sa posibleng pagsalakay ng mga bandido sa gitna ng pinakahuling pamumugot ng ulo ng Abu SAyyaf Group (ASG) sa Sulu. (Juley Reyes)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Insurgents Kill Cops In South RP Raid
BUTUAN (Mindanao Examiner / 03 Apr) – Suspected communist insurgents raided a construction company Tuesday in central Philippines and torched several equipment and killed three policemen before escaping to the hinterlands, army officials said.
Officials said the insurgents raided the firm called Filmenera in the village of Puro in Masbate’s Aroroy town.
“The attack occurred at around 7.10 a.m.,” Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said troops sent to intercept the gunmen recovered landmines and grenades left behind by the raiders inside the company compound.
But three policemen who tried to stop the insurgents were killed in the ambush. Security forces were pursuing about 40 members of the New People’s Army.
Torres said soldiers also recovered three M16 automatic rifles and an M79 grenade launcher left behind gunmen.
Just recently, gunmen also killed two aides of Placer town mayoralty candidate Freddie Quiadato.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would replace the provincial police chief because of the violence in Masbate. PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon said Senior Superintendent Teodoro Caparroso would be replaced by Senior Superintendent Edgar Layon.
"I have directed the police commanders in region 5 to establish effective counter measures to put an end to this escalating violence or face administrative sanctions or relief. But despite the warning, violence continued in Masbate, thus leaving (me) no other recourse but to recommend the replacement of the provincial director with a more experienced and competent commander," Calderon said.
Calderon also ordered additional police forces in Masbate. (With a report from Juley Reyes)
Officials said the insurgents raided the firm called Filmenera in the village of Puro in Masbate’s Aroroy town.
“The attack occurred at around 7.10 a.m.,” Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said troops sent to intercept the gunmen recovered landmines and grenades left behind by the raiders inside the company compound.
But three policemen who tried to stop the insurgents were killed in the ambush. Security forces were pursuing about 40 members of the New People’s Army.
Torres said soldiers also recovered three M16 automatic rifles and an M79 grenade launcher left behind gunmen.
Just recently, gunmen also killed two aides of Placer town mayoralty candidate Freddie Quiadato.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would replace the provincial police chief because of the violence in Masbate. PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon said Senior Superintendent Teodoro Caparroso would be replaced by Senior Superintendent Edgar Layon.
"I have directed the police commanders in region 5 to establish effective counter measures to put an end to this escalating violence or face administrative sanctions or relief. But despite the warning, violence continued in Masbate, thus leaving (me) no other recourse but to recommend the replacement of the provincial director with a more experienced and competent commander," Calderon said.
Calderon also ordered additional police forces in Masbate. (With a report from Juley Reyes)
Bacolod Police, Humirit Ng Malaking Pondo
BACOLOD (Mindanao Examiner / 03 Apr) – Kinukuwesyon ngayon ng mga militanteng party list groups ang biglang paghingi ng halos P13-milyong budget ng lokal na pulisya para sa umano’y implementasyon ng programa para sa siguridad nitong lungsod.
Sinabi mismo ni Felipe Gelle, ang pinuno ng Bayan, ang na may gumagalaw na sa City Council upang maipasa ang isang resolusyon ukol sa kahilingan ng pulisya.
Posible umanong magamit ang salapi sa halalan at sa pagsupil ng karapatan ng mga mamamayan na ipahayag ang kanilang damdamin ukol sa pamahalaang Arroyo.
Gagamitin umano ang budget sa implementasyon ng internal security operations na kahintulad sa deployment ng mga sundalo sa Metro Manila at sa ibang bahagi ng Mindanao.
Ang ISO ay bahagi naman ng anti-terrorism and anti-criminality programs ng pulisya.
Gagamitin naman umano ng pulisya ang salapi sa pagsasanay ng mga parak at barangay tanods at sa pagpapatupad ng katahimikan sa Bacolod.
Matindi ang impluwensya ng New People’s Army sa Bacolod at sa lalawigan ng Negros. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sinabi mismo ni Felipe Gelle, ang pinuno ng Bayan, ang na may gumagalaw na sa City Council upang maipasa ang isang resolusyon ukol sa kahilingan ng pulisya.
Posible umanong magamit ang salapi sa halalan at sa pagsupil ng karapatan ng mga mamamayan na ipahayag ang kanilang damdamin ukol sa pamahalaang Arroyo.
Gagamitin umano ang budget sa implementasyon ng internal security operations na kahintulad sa deployment ng mga sundalo sa Metro Manila at sa ibang bahagi ng Mindanao.
Ang ISO ay bahagi naman ng anti-terrorism and anti-criminality programs ng pulisya.
Gagamitin naman umano ng pulisya ang salapi sa pagsasanay ng mga parak at barangay tanods at sa pagpapatupad ng katahimikan sa Bacolod.
Matindi ang impluwensya ng New People’s Army sa Bacolod at sa lalawigan ng Negros. (Mindanao Examiner)
PNP Nagtaas Ng Siguridad Sa Buong Bansa
QUEZON CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 03 Apr) – Isinailalim na ng Philippine National Police sa heightened alert ang puwersa nito sa buong bansa dahil sa paggunita sa Semana Santa.
Ito'y upang makasiguro ang kapulisan na magiging alertado ang mga awtoridad para mapanatili ang matahimik at ligtas na paggunita ng mga Kristiyano ngayong panahon ng Semana Santa.
Labas naman ang mga Muslim provcinces sa orden.Kasabay nito, nagtalaga si PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ng mga miyembro ng Command Group at Directorial Staff na tututok sa implementasyon ng pambansang pulisya sa kanilang security at public safety plan.
"Our job is to make sure that the people will be safe and secure while enjoying the Lenten holiday," ani Calderon sa pahayagang Mindanao Examiner.
Partikular na pinatututukan sa PNP ay ang seguridad ng mga paliparan, daungan, terminal, pangunahing lansangan at mga tradisyunal na destinasyon ng mga bakasyunista at turista.
Ipinauubaya na rin ni Calderon sa mga regional director nito ang pagtataas pa ng alerto sa kanilang nasasakupan, depende sa sitwasyon. (Juley Reyes)
Ito'y upang makasiguro ang kapulisan na magiging alertado ang mga awtoridad para mapanatili ang matahimik at ligtas na paggunita ng mga Kristiyano ngayong panahon ng Semana Santa.
Labas naman ang mga Muslim provcinces sa orden.Kasabay nito, nagtalaga si PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon ng mga miyembro ng Command Group at Directorial Staff na tututok sa implementasyon ng pambansang pulisya sa kanilang security at public safety plan.
"Our job is to make sure that the people will be safe and secure while enjoying the Lenten holiday," ani Calderon sa pahayagang Mindanao Examiner.
Partikular na pinatututukan sa PNP ay ang seguridad ng mga paliparan, daungan, terminal, pangunahing lansangan at mga tradisyunal na destinasyon ng mga bakasyunista at turista.
Ipinauubaya na rin ni Calderon sa mga regional director nito ang pagtataas pa ng alerto sa kanilang nasasakupan, depende sa sitwasyon. (Juley Reyes)
Friday, March 23, 2007
PNP Humirit Ng Malaking Pondo Para Sa Halalan
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 23 Mar) – Humihiling ngayon ang Philippine National Police (PNP) ng tinatayang P644.37 milyon buhat sa Commission on Elections (Comelec) sa pagganap nito ng tungkulin sa halalan sa Mayo.
Ayon kay PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia na bagamat hindi pa naaaprubahan ng Comelec ang kanilang hirit ay maaaring mapagbigyan na ito sa Lunes kung kailan magpupulong ang pulisya at election officials hinggil sa aspeto ng seguridad at paghahanda.
"That is our request based on the requirements submitted. But this is not necessarily the exact figure. This is only for purposes of request," ani Garcia.
Gayunman, hindi pa maipaliwanag ni Garcia ang breakdown ng naturang gastusin.
Nauna na ring inalerto ni PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon ang buong kapulisan sa bansa hinggil sa posibleng paglala nng election-related violence habang lumalapit ang panahon ng pangangampanya sa lokal na posisyon.
"Based on historical data, we anticipate political rivalry to heat up in perennial election areas of concern," ani Calderon. (Juley Reyes)
Ayon kay PNP Directorate for Operations chief Director Wilfredo Garcia na bagamat hindi pa naaaprubahan ng Comelec ang kanilang hirit ay maaaring mapagbigyan na ito sa Lunes kung kailan magpupulong ang pulisya at election officials hinggil sa aspeto ng seguridad at paghahanda.
"That is our request based on the requirements submitted. But this is not necessarily the exact figure. This is only for purposes of request," ani Garcia.
Gayunman, hindi pa maipaliwanag ni Garcia ang breakdown ng naturang gastusin.
Nauna na ring inalerto ni PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon ang buong kapulisan sa bansa hinggil sa posibleng paglala nng election-related violence habang lumalapit ang panahon ng pangangampanya sa lokal na posisyon.
"Based on historical data, we anticipate political rivalry to heat up in perennial election areas of concern," ani Calderon. (Juley Reyes)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Hitman Ng Ex-NPA, Kinasuhan; Satur Ililipad Na Muli Sa Leyte
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 22 Mar) – Ipinagharap na ng pulisya ng kasong murder ang isang suspek sa pagpapatumba sa dating rebelde sa Bataan.
Natukoy ang suspek na si Juanito Carabeo alyas Toktok na sinampahan ng kaso sa Bataan Provincial Prosecutor's Office kasunod ng pagpaslang kay Felisa Timog Ocampo, local coordinator ng Bayan Muna at rebel returnee, noong Marso 2 ng kasalukuyang taon.
Si Carabeo ay aktibong miyembro ng NPA unit na nag-o-operate sa Morong, Bataan.
Naniniwala ang pulisya na ang pagbabalik-loob ni Ocampo ang dahilan ng paglikida rito ng mga dating kapwa komunista.
Protektado na ng pulisya ang isang key witness sa nasabing pagpaslang.
Samantala, tuluyan nang dadalhin at mananatili sa Leyte si Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo na ihahatid sa Sabado.
Nilinaw ngayon ni Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Calderon na hindi totoong haharangan ng pulisya si Ocampo na makadalo sa oral arguments ng kanyang petition for certiorari sa Korte Suprema bukas.
Sa sandaling matapos na aniya ang oral argument ay ililipad na ito sa Leyte maliban na lamang kung may direktiba ang hukuman na pipigil sa nasabing hakbang.
Magugunitang inihatid si Ocampo sa Leyte subalit agad ring ibinalik ng Maynila.
"On Saturday, Satur Ocampo will be brought to Leyte, after his oral argument" unless the courts issue another order preventing the solon's transfer," ani Calderon.
Nauna nang naaresto si Ocampo noong nakaraang Biyernes bunsod ng warrant of arrest na ipinalabas ng Hilongos court dahil sa kasong 15 counts ng murder sa pakikisangkot umano sa purging activities ng komunistang grupo sa Leyte. (Juley Reyes)
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