MANILA (AFP) - Philippine government and Muslim rebel negotiators will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday for the first time since a wave of bloody clashes erupted in the troubled south, a rebel official said.
The informal talks in the Malaysian capital will address an on-off peace process and the tensions that surged over two weeks of bloody fighting in October, which left as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians dead.
'The talks are more important now because there are many issues to discuss such as what happened (in October),' Ghadzali Jaafar, vice-chairman of the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said on Wednesday.
But he said the new talks were scheduled before the outbreak of fighting between government forces and MILF-linked gunmen last month, and dismissed the clashes as a 'minor issue'.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
News Update Cooperate or stand aside'
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front yesterday to “cooperate or stand aside” as the military conducted operations against criminal elements, including MILF commander Dan Laksaw Asnawi who has been declared a fugitive from justice.
MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, however, said they would not agree to the demand to surrender Asnawi unless the government follows the mechanisms agreed upon by the two peace panels.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reminded the MILF that providing protection to lawless elements and fugitives from justice was against the ceasefire agreement between the government and the Islamic rebel group.
“We have made it clear from the onset that this is not against the MILF as an entity but against lawless elements. Either they cooperate or stand aside and let our law enforcers do their job,” Valte said in a press briefing.
She said it would be up to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct select and targeted strikes against lawless elements in line with President Aquino’s directive for “all-out justice” for the 19 soldiers slain in Al-Barka, Basilan last Oct. 18.
Members of the Special Forces were out to serve arrest warrants on Asnawi, MILF leader Long Malat, and Abu Sayyaf group leader Furuji Indaman outside the MILF’s camp or “area of temporary stay (ATS)” in Sitio Baquisong, Cambug village, when they were met with gunfire by Abu Sayyaf bandits aided by MILF fighters.
As regard claims that the charges against Asnawi were trumped up, Valte said “there is no other recourse but to defend himself in the court.”
She said the peace process with the MILF would continue but amending the Constitution to accommodate the Muslim rebel group’s demand for a sub-state would be unlikely.
“We have always been of the position that this (Charter change) is not a priority of President Aquino under his administration. It will be up to the panels to discuss (issues about a possible peace agreement) during the informal talks,” she said.
My brother’s keeper
Jaafar told ABS-CBN News Channel that they are not harboring Asnawi and they cannot surrender him now “because although he is accused of something, that has to be proven.”
“For all you know, maybe he did not do that or he was not part of that. We are not harboring anybody. In the case of Ansawi, this should undergo process to determine if he is guilty or not,” he said.
When reminded by ABS-CBN anchor Twink Macaraig that surrendering Asnawi would allow him to undergo trial, Jaafar said: “But he can be tried according to the mechanisms of the peace process approved by the government and the MILF.”
“This is not an ordinary problem because we have peace talks and we are discussing how we can solve it peacefully,” he added.
In a separate phone patch interview with defense reporters, Jaafar stressed that Asnawi is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“There must be due process and before the conclusion of the due process, he must not be condemned as a criminal,” he said. “So why is the government, you know, forcing the issue that he must be surrendered when he is not yet proven guilty?”
Jaafar said the MILF leadership remains committed to follow the ceasefire mechanisms but is ready to defend themselves if attacked by government forces.
He said accusations of ceasefire violations would have to be validated by the ceasefire panels of the two sides. Once the allegations have been validated, the two sides would work for the surrender or arrest of the person.
MILF spokesman Von Al Haq said Sammy Almansur, chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF, ordered his men on the ground “to be in defensive position” as they brace for attacks that might be waged by government forces in its territory in Al-Barka, Basilan.
The military has threatened to pursue law enforcement operations in the area if they are not surrendered.
Al Haq said the MILF was not keen on surrendering its men to the government.
“That can’t be, that’s difficult under the process. You cannot surrender your friend, your brother to the enemy,” he said.
Al Haq said the AFP was not expected to surrender to the MILF soldiers who committed crimes.
Asnawi was described as the “second highest MILF military commander in the island province” and the MILF claimed he was a victim of an “unjust justice system.”
MILF leaders said Asnawi had nothing to do with the beheading of 10 of 14 Marines killed in fighting in July 2007, noting that the MILF fighters were responsible for the deaths, but the beheadings were done by Abu Sayyaf members.
AFP: Abdusalam camp under control
Meanwhile, the Army leadership said it would be highly improbable for Waning Abdusalam to return to his captured lair in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay province because the place is now under the control of the military and police.
Maj. Harold Cabunoc, Army spokesman, issued this assurance in response to several reports that Abdusalam and his group of about 300 to 400 have regrouped in the mountains for a planned counterattack to retake their highly fortified camp that has fallen into the hands of the military and police at Sitio Talaib, Barangay Labatan.
“It’s highly improbable. But just the same, we are continuously verifying the report and the source of that information,” Cabunoc said.
Combined military troops are now occupying Abdusalam’s enclave following almost four days of air and ground assault that left two soldiers and about 27 lawless elements killed.
The joint military assault was launched two weeks ago by the military leadership in response to the series of attacks staged by the lawless group in Zamboanga Sibugay on military and police targets, leaving four soldiers and four policemen dead.
There were intelligence reports that among those wounded in the air and ground military assaults was Abdusalam himself, who turned out to have escaped from the area before his followers were finally overwhelmed by the assaulting troops from the Army’s Scout Rangers (SR), Special Forces (SF) and Light Reaction Company (LRC).
On Monday evening, several residents as well as local officials in Payao, as reported by ABS-CBN News, claimed that Abdusalam and his fresh recruits have converged in the mountains of Zamboanga Sibugay and are planning a counterattack to retake their camp.
While most of the assault infantry soldiers have already returned to their camps, the Western Mindanao Command (Wescom) deployed a sizable force to thwart any plans by the lawless group to return and deny other lawless groups from Basilan to establish their presence in the area.
Cabunoc, citing ground reports, said more than half of the 100 followers of Abdusalam were neutralized in the combined military and police operations in Payao.
“Our troops have consolidated and are now holding the area. We are planning to establish a permanent patrol base at the said place,” Cabunoc said. – Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude, Roel Pareño - By Aurea Calica
MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, however, said they would not agree to the demand to surrender Asnawi unless the government follows the mechanisms agreed upon by the two peace panels.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reminded the MILF that providing protection to lawless elements and fugitives from justice was against the ceasefire agreement between the government and the Islamic rebel group.
“We have made it clear from the onset that this is not against the MILF as an entity but against lawless elements. Either they cooperate or stand aside and let our law enforcers do their job,” Valte said in a press briefing.
She said it would be up to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct select and targeted strikes against lawless elements in line with President Aquino’s directive for “all-out justice” for the 19 soldiers slain in Al-Barka, Basilan last Oct. 18.
Members of the Special Forces were out to serve arrest warrants on Asnawi, MILF leader Long Malat, and Abu Sayyaf group leader Furuji Indaman outside the MILF’s camp or “area of temporary stay (ATS)” in Sitio Baquisong, Cambug village, when they were met with gunfire by Abu Sayyaf bandits aided by MILF fighters.
As regard claims that the charges against Asnawi were trumped up, Valte said “there is no other recourse but to defend himself in the court.”
She said the peace process with the MILF would continue but amending the Constitution to accommodate the Muslim rebel group’s demand for a sub-state would be unlikely.
“We have always been of the position that this (Charter change) is not a priority of President Aquino under his administration. It will be up to the panels to discuss (issues about a possible peace agreement) during the informal talks,” she said.
My brother’s keeper
Jaafar told ABS-CBN News Channel that they are not harboring Asnawi and they cannot surrender him now “because although he is accused of something, that has to be proven.”
“For all you know, maybe he did not do that or he was not part of that. We are not harboring anybody. In the case of Ansawi, this should undergo process to determine if he is guilty or not,” he said.
When reminded by ABS-CBN anchor Twink Macaraig that surrendering Asnawi would allow him to undergo trial, Jaafar said: “But he can be tried according to the mechanisms of the peace process approved by the government and the MILF.”
“This is not an ordinary problem because we have peace talks and we are discussing how we can solve it peacefully,” he added.
In a separate phone patch interview with defense reporters, Jaafar stressed that Asnawi is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“There must be due process and before the conclusion of the due process, he must not be condemned as a criminal,” he said. “So why is the government, you know, forcing the issue that he must be surrendered when he is not yet proven guilty?”
Jaafar said the MILF leadership remains committed to follow the ceasefire mechanisms but is ready to defend themselves if attacked by government forces.
He said accusations of ceasefire violations would have to be validated by the ceasefire panels of the two sides. Once the allegations have been validated, the two sides would work for the surrender or arrest of the person.
MILF spokesman Von Al Haq said Sammy Almansur, chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF, ordered his men on the ground “to be in defensive position” as they brace for attacks that might be waged by government forces in its territory in Al-Barka, Basilan.
The military has threatened to pursue law enforcement operations in the area if they are not surrendered.
Al Haq said the MILF was not keen on surrendering its men to the government.
“That can’t be, that’s difficult under the process. You cannot surrender your friend, your brother to the enemy,” he said.
Al Haq said the AFP was not expected to surrender to the MILF soldiers who committed crimes.
Asnawi was described as the “second highest MILF military commander in the island province” and the MILF claimed he was a victim of an “unjust justice system.”
MILF leaders said Asnawi had nothing to do with the beheading of 10 of 14 Marines killed in fighting in July 2007, noting that the MILF fighters were responsible for the deaths, but the beheadings were done by Abu Sayyaf members.
AFP: Abdusalam camp under control
Meanwhile, the Army leadership said it would be highly improbable for Waning Abdusalam to return to his captured lair in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay province because the place is now under the control of the military and police.
Maj. Harold Cabunoc, Army spokesman, issued this assurance in response to several reports that Abdusalam and his group of about 300 to 400 have regrouped in the mountains for a planned counterattack to retake their highly fortified camp that has fallen into the hands of the military and police at Sitio Talaib, Barangay Labatan.
“It’s highly improbable. But just the same, we are continuously verifying the report and the source of that information,” Cabunoc said.
Combined military troops are now occupying Abdusalam’s enclave following almost four days of air and ground assault that left two soldiers and about 27 lawless elements killed.
The joint military assault was launched two weeks ago by the military leadership in response to the series of attacks staged by the lawless group in Zamboanga Sibugay on military and police targets, leaving four soldiers and four policemen dead.
There were intelligence reports that among those wounded in the air and ground military assaults was Abdusalam himself, who turned out to have escaped from the area before his followers were finally overwhelmed by the assaulting troops from the Army’s Scout Rangers (SR), Special Forces (SF) and Light Reaction Company (LRC).
On Monday evening, several residents as well as local officials in Payao, as reported by ABS-CBN News, claimed that Abdusalam and his fresh recruits have converged in the mountains of Zamboanga Sibugay and are planning a counterattack to retake their camp.
While most of the assault infantry soldiers have already returned to their camps, the Western Mindanao Command (Wescom) deployed a sizable force to thwart any plans by the lawless group to return and deny other lawless groups from Basilan to establish their presence in the area.
Cabunoc, citing ground reports, said more than half of the 100 followers of Abdusalam were neutralized in the combined military and police operations in Payao.
“Our troops have consolidated and are now holding the area. We are planning to establish a permanent patrol base at the said place,” Cabunoc said. – Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude, Roel Pareño - By Aurea Calica
News Update 100 soldiers to go after NPA raiders in Samar
MANILA, Philippines - A hundred Army soldiers have been tasked to run after suspected communist rebels who raided a provincial jail in Eastern Samar last Monday.
Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said the 100 soldiers would come from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz has directed Maj. Gen. Mario Chan, 8th ID commander, to hunt down the rebels in coordination with the police, Cabunoc said in a text message.
Cabunoc condemned the raid, saying such activities could hamper development in the countryside.
“These attacks on government facilities and business establishments show the true color of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” he said.
“Peace and prosperity would be elusive if the rebels’ armed group continues to terrorize our people in the name of a lost cause,” he added.
On Monday morning, 30 suspected NPA guerrillas raided the provincial jail in Oras, Eastern Samar and seized various firearms and belongings of jail guards. Only three jail personnel were on duty during the raid.
Eastern Samar is one of the provinces with a huge concentration of NPA rebels. Other areas heavily influenced by the insurgents are the Bicol provinces, Leyte and parts of the Davao region. - By Alexis Romero
Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said the 100 soldiers would come from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz has directed Maj. Gen. Mario Chan, 8th ID commander, to hunt down the rebels in coordination with the police, Cabunoc said in a text message.
Cabunoc condemned the raid, saying such activities could hamper development in the countryside.
“These attacks on government facilities and business establishments show the true color of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” he said.
“Peace and prosperity would be elusive if the rebels’ armed group continues to terrorize our people in the name of a lost cause,” he added.
On Monday morning, 30 suspected NPA guerrillas raided the provincial jail in Oras, Eastern Samar and seized various firearms and belongings of jail guards. Only three jail personnel were on duty during the raid.
Eastern Samar is one of the provinces with a huge concentration of NPA rebels. Other areas heavily influenced by the insurgents are the Bicol provinces, Leyte and parts of the Davao region. - By Alexis Romero
News Update DBS sees inflation at 5.2% in Oct
MANILA, Philippines - Singapore-based DBS Ltd. believes consumer prices kicked up to 5.2 percent last month due to supply disruptions resulting in higher food prices.
DBS said inflation likely averaged 5.2 percent in October but would end the year at 4.4 percent or within the target of three percent to five percent set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for 2011.
The investment bank said food prices are expected to escalate in the coming months due to the supply disruptions brought about by typhoons Pedring and Quiel last month.
“Food price pressures should start to materialize in the coming months following a strong typhoon in late September,” DBS said.
It pointed out that an estimated 760,000 tons of unhusked rice was damaged and that around 500,000 tons of rice are expected to be imported next year amid the ongoing flood devastation in Thailand is likely to push up international rice prices.
DBS expects a higher-than-trend pickup in headline inflation in the coming months averaging 0.4 percent month-on-month from October to March compared to 0.2 percent in the six months ending September.
Despite the uptick, the investment bank said inflation would still fall within the full-year target of three percent to five percent set by the BSP for this year and next year.
“For the whole of 2011, inflation is expected to average 4.9 percent before cooling off to 4.7 percent in 2012,” DBS said.
So far, inflation averaged 4.8 percent in the first nine months of the year as consumer prices inched up to 4.8 percent in September from 4.7 percent in August.
Last Oct. 20, the BSP retained the central bank’ inflation forecast of 4.46 percent for this year but lowered the forecasts for 2012 to 3.05 percent from 3.4 percent and for 2013 to three percent from 3.23 percent due to the expected slowdown in global economic growth and the lower forecasts for petroleum prices to $94.5 per barrel from $104.75 per barrel for 2012 and to $92.82 per barrel instead of $102 per barrel for 2013.
The BSP kept interest rates steady for the fourth consecutive policy rate-setting meeting since May amid the benign inflation outlook as well as the fragile global and domestic economic environment. The overnight borrowing rate is pegged at 4.50 percent while the overnight lending rate is at 6.50 percent.
The BSP raised interest rates by 25 basis points last March 24 and by another 25 basis points last May 5 as a preemptive move to keep inflation expectations well anchored amid the escalating price of oil in the world market.
The policy rate setting body, however, kept interest rates steady last June 16 and July 28 but raised the reserve requirement ratio for banks by a cumulative 200 basis points to 21 percent from 19 percent to siphon off P70 billion from the financial system and curb additional inflationary pressures arising from excess liquidity brought about by strong inflow of foreign capital. - By Lawrence Agcaoili
DBS said inflation likely averaged 5.2 percent in October but would end the year at 4.4 percent or within the target of three percent to five percent set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for 2011.
The investment bank said food prices are expected to escalate in the coming months due to the supply disruptions brought about by typhoons Pedring and Quiel last month.
“Food price pressures should start to materialize in the coming months following a strong typhoon in late September,” DBS said.
It pointed out that an estimated 760,000 tons of unhusked rice was damaged and that around 500,000 tons of rice are expected to be imported next year amid the ongoing flood devastation in Thailand is likely to push up international rice prices.
DBS expects a higher-than-trend pickup in headline inflation in the coming months averaging 0.4 percent month-on-month from October to March compared to 0.2 percent in the six months ending September.
Despite the uptick, the investment bank said inflation would still fall within the full-year target of three percent to five percent set by the BSP for this year and next year.
“For the whole of 2011, inflation is expected to average 4.9 percent before cooling off to 4.7 percent in 2012,” DBS said.
So far, inflation averaged 4.8 percent in the first nine months of the year as consumer prices inched up to 4.8 percent in September from 4.7 percent in August.
Last Oct. 20, the BSP retained the central bank’ inflation forecast of 4.46 percent for this year but lowered the forecasts for 2012 to 3.05 percent from 3.4 percent and for 2013 to three percent from 3.23 percent due to the expected slowdown in global economic growth and the lower forecasts for petroleum prices to $94.5 per barrel from $104.75 per barrel for 2012 and to $92.82 per barrel instead of $102 per barrel for 2013.
The BSP kept interest rates steady for the fourth consecutive policy rate-setting meeting since May amid the benign inflation outlook as well as the fragile global and domestic economic environment. The overnight borrowing rate is pegged at 4.50 percent while the overnight lending rate is at 6.50 percent.
The BSP raised interest rates by 25 basis points last March 24 and by another 25 basis points last May 5 as a preemptive move to keep inflation expectations well anchored amid the escalating price of oil in the world market.
The policy rate setting body, however, kept interest rates steady last June 16 and July 28 but raised the reserve requirement ratio for banks by a cumulative 200 basis points to 21 percent from 19 percent to siphon off P70 billion from the financial system and curb additional inflationary pressures arising from excess liquidity brought about by strong inflow of foreign capital. - By Lawrence Agcaoili
News Update Revilla siblings face murder raps for Ram Revilla's death
Two siblings of murdered aspiring actor-politician Ramgen "Ram" Revilla, along with five others, have been charged with murder and frustrated murder for the killing of their brother.
In a press conference on Tuesday, police said that they have filed murder and frustrated murder charges against Ram Revilla's siblings Ramona Bautista and Ramon Joseph "RJ" Bautista.
Also charged were Michael Altea and Roy Francis Tolisora, who were arrested by police. Ramona and the three other suspects remain at large.
The police, quoting "star witness" Ruel Puzon, said RJ masterminded Ram's murder and paid P200,000 for the crime.
“‘Yung pito ay nag-conspire sa isa’t isa, pinlano nila ‘yung pagpatay kay nasirang Ramgen. Nag-usap-usap sila at ito nga ay pinatunayan ng ating witness," said Chief Inspector Enrique Sy, who heads the task force looking into Revilla’s killing, in an interview aired on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast.
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Puzon was reportedly among those who planned the murder but that he did not actually take part in the crime. He supposedly surfaced after being bothered by his conscience.
Ramona also conspired with RJ, pretending to have been kidnapped by the suspects who killed their brother, the police said.
However, authorities are still not in the position to say who exactly shot and stabbed Ram other than noting that they are now sure the motive was a feud among the siblings.
The police called on Ramona and the three other suspects at-large to surrender and help in the investigation.
The Revilla family earlier expressed disbelief that RJ was involved in the murder of his brother.
Sen. Revilla is the half-brother of Ram Revilla and Ramon Joseph "RJ" Bautista.
Ram and RJ are the sons of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. with Genelyn Magsaysay while Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. is his father's son with Azucena Mortel.
Former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. is now in stable condition after having been rushed to the hospital earlier in the day.
He was brought to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City right after his son JR was questioned by the police in connection with the death of elder brother Ram.
The grandmother of RJ, the alleged mastermind, defended her grandson.
“Imposible, kasi kasama siya sa papuntang Baguio na pupuntahan nila ang recognition sa PMA sa isang kapatid. Kaya nagtataka kaming lahat. Pero siyempre wala tayong magagawa. Pulis iyan, inimbita ka, sumunod tayo sa batas," said RJ’s grandmother Laddielyn Madrigal in another interview aired on “24 Oras."
Madrigal said she does not see any motive for RJ to mastermind his own brother's killing.
“Noong maliliit sila, talagang close silang lahat. Noong lumalaki sila, may jealousy, siyempre. Pero not to the extent na gagawa naman itong bata ng gano’n," she said. — VS/PE/ELR
In a press conference on Tuesday, police said that they have filed murder and frustrated murder charges against Ram Revilla's siblings Ramona Bautista and Ramon Joseph "RJ" Bautista.
Also charged were Michael Altea and Roy Francis Tolisora, who were arrested by police. Ramona and the three other suspects remain at large.
The police, quoting "star witness" Ruel Puzon, said RJ masterminded Ram's murder and paid P200,000 for the crime.
“‘Yung pito ay nag-conspire sa isa’t isa, pinlano nila ‘yung pagpatay kay nasirang Ramgen. Nag-usap-usap sila at ito nga ay pinatunayan ng ating witness," said Chief Inspector Enrique Sy, who heads the task force looking into Revilla’s killing, in an interview aired on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast.
This page requires a higher version browser
Puzon was reportedly among those who planned the murder but that he did not actually take part in the crime. He supposedly surfaced after being bothered by his conscience.
Ramona also conspired with RJ, pretending to have been kidnapped by the suspects who killed their brother, the police said.
However, authorities are still not in the position to say who exactly shot and stabbed Ram other than noting that they are now sure the motive was a feud among the siblings.
The police called on Ramona and the three other suspects at-large to surrender and help in the investigation.
The Revilla family earlier expressed disbelief that RJ was involved in the murder of his brother.
Sen. Revilla is the half-brother of Ram Revilla and Ramon Joseph "RJ" Bautista.
Ram and RJ are the sons of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. with Genelyn Magsaysay while Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. is his father's son with Azucena Mortel.
Former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. is now in stable condition after having been rushed to the hospital earlier in the day.
He was brought to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City right after his son JR was questioned by the police in connection with the death of elder brother Ram.
The grandmother of RJ, the alleged mastermind, defended her grandson.
“Imposible, kasi kasama siya sa papuntang Baguio na pupuntahan nila ang recognition sa PMA sa isang kapatid. Kaya nagtataka kaming lahat. Pero siyempre wala tayong magagawa. Pulis iyan, inimbita ka, sumunod tayo sa batas," said RJ’s grandmother Laddielyn Madrigal in another interview aired on “24 Oras."
Madrigal said she does not see any motive for RJ to mastermind his own brother's killing.
“Noong maliliit sila, talagang close silang lahat. Noong lumalaki sila, may jealousy, siyempre. Pero not to the extent na gagawa naman itong bata ng gano’n," she said. — VS/PE/ELR
News Update BPI grows loan-to-deposit ratio
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has opted to grow its loan-to-deposit ratio with prudent domestic loans funded by low-cost deposits, the bank said Tuesday.
BPI said it now has an asset base of P789 billion and deposits of P625 billion, just slightly ahead of the figures in 2010, with the Philippines showing resilience from the global crisis and the prevailing low interest rate environment.
The bank added that despite minimal deposit growth, total intermediated funds of P1.3 trillion grew by 20 percent, coming primarily from a 44-percent growth in assets under management.
The bank also said loan growth was sustained at 22 percent over last year, and remained broad-based across market segments and geographically as well. Corporate sector loan growth meanwhile sustained its strength with the following growth rates: top tier corporations (24 percent), middle market (30 percent), SMEs (20 percent), while consumer loans growth was modest at 11 percent.
Loan-to-deposit ratio thus improved from 56 percent to 66 percent with the peso component now at 75 percent from 64 percent, BPI said.
Meanwhile, net 30 days non-performing loans (NPL) remained below the industry NPL ratio at 2.3 percent with reserve cover of 115 percent despite the growing loan portfolio, according to BPI. The bank’s Basel II capital adequacy ratio (CAR) was 15.8 percent while Tier 1 CAR was 14.4 percent.
“The bank’s strategy enabled it to maintain its net interest margin and, despite the market volatility in the third quarter of the year, to grow its net income by 6 percent to P9.6 billion for the first nine months of the year. Return on equity was 15.5 percent and return on assets was 1.6 percent," BPI explained.
Higher fees and commissions
The bank said total revenues were up by 7 percent as net interest income improved by 9 percent, fueled by a P67-billion growth in average asset base. Non-interest income was just slightly ahead of the previous year as securities trading gains fell short by P809 million from last year as expected. This was, however, more than compensated for by higher fees and commissions, income from insurance operations, and other operating income, according to BPI.
BPI said operating costs were higher by 13 percent with half of the increase arising from salary adjustments and CBA-related expenses. Increases were also seen in premises cost, regulatory costs, and other variable expenses.
With the bank’s relatively stable asset quality and sufficient loan-loss reserve coverage, the Bank booked lower year-to-date impairment losses of P1.5 billion, BPI said.
“Despite sustained growth, we are still cautious and monitoring external events and any possible transmission risks to BPI. We have therefore decided to focus on the safety of our assets and the maintenance of our yields at the expense of asset growth," BPI president and CEO Aurelio Montinola III said.
“Given a risk on, risk off environment, we are communicating more with our customers to provide better than foreign market investor returns and robust, diversified lending growth to help the economy," he added. — PE/V
BPI said it now has an asset base of P789 billion and deposits of P625 billion, just slightly ahead of the figures in 2010, with the Philippines showing resilience from the global crisis and the prevailing low interest rate environment.
The bank added that despite minimal deposit growth, total intermediated funds of P1.3 trillion grew by 20 percent, coming primarily from a 44-percent growth in assets under management.
The bank also said loan growth was sustained at 22 percent over last year, and remained broad-based across market segments and geographically as well. Corporate sector loan growth meanwhile sustained its strength with the following growth rates: top tier corporations (24 percent), middle market (30 percent), SMEs (20 percent), while consumer loans growth was modest at 11 percent.
Loan-to-deposit ratio thus improved from 56 percent to 66 percent with the peso component now at 75 percent from 64 percent, BPI said.
Meanwhile, net 30 days non-performing loans (NPL) remained below the industry NPL ratio at 2.3 percent with reserve cover of 115 percent despite the growing loan portfolio, according to BPI. The bank’s Basel II capital adequacy ratio (CAR) was 15.8 percent while Tier 1 CAR was 14.4 percent.
“The bank’s strategy enabled it to maintain its net interest margin and, despite the market volatility in the third quarter of the year, to grow its net income by 6 percent to P9.6 billion for the first nine months of the year. Return on equity was 15.5 percent and return on assets was 1.6 percent," BPI explained.
Higher fees and commissions
The bank said total revenues were up by 7 percent as net interest income improved by 9 percent, fueled by a P67-billion growth in average asset base. Non-interest income was just slightly ahead of the previous year as securities trading gains fell short by P809 million from last year as expected. This was, however, more than compensated for by higher fees and commissions, income from insurance operations, and other operating income, according to BPI.
BPI said operating costs were higher by 13 percent with half of the increase arising from salary adjustments and CBA-related expenses. Increases were also seen in premises cost, regulatory costs, and other variable expenses.
With the bank’s relatively stable asset quality and sufficient loan-loss reserve coverage, the Bank booked lower year-to-date impairment losses of P1.5 billion, BPI said.
“Despite sustained growth, we are still cautious and monitoring external events and any possible transmission risks to BPI. We have therefore decided to focus on the safety of our assets and the maintenance of our yields at the expense of asset growth," BPI president and CEO Aurelio Montinola III said.
“Given a risk on, risk off environment, we are communicating more with our customers to provide better than foreign market investor returns and robust, diversified lending growth to help the economy," he added. — PE/V
Kopi Talk Pinoys vs. zombies By Joey Alarilla
From George Romero's cult classic "Night of the Living Dead", to the Resident Evil videogames and movies, to "Plants vs. Zombies", to the Philippines' own "Zombadings", zombies certainly have become part of pop culture.
In the spirit of Halloween, we posed this question to our readers on Yahoo! Philippines Answers: "What will you do to survive a zombie infestation in the Philippines?"
We asked; here's what you answered.
"The best place to start is to be in the mall. The mall has a large amount of supplies that can last for months if used properly and there are so many places to barricade yourself in. Some malls have outdoorsman stores where you can supply yourself with guns and ammo. Most gun stores at the mall are supplied from small caliber pistols to shotguns, and some even have their resupply area where you can make the ammo yourself. And the hardware store is the best place to keep the zombies at bay by making traps by using lawn mowers, saws and any sharp objects. A supermarket cant be gutted down in a jiffy so there is always a chance to have a good supply of food. Last but not least is a getaway vehicle packed with all the sharp objects you found on the hardware store and placed in vital areas of the car making it a 'vehicle of pain' where no zombie can touch you while on the move to the next mall. And friends, survivors etc. are supposed to be important; don't let the usual Philippine crab mentality spell the end of you. Prove yourselves worthy and work together for the survival of the human race.
"TL;DR think like Mc Gyver and stay in the mall," said Yahoo! Philippines Answers user M4rderIII.
"If ever that happens, I will immediately bring my family and close friends to the nearest mall. Break in and use the mall's facilities to survive until rescue comes. This is because the mall (for me) is the safest place to stay. The mall's security system will help me closely monitor the zombies that will enter the place; the food in the mall's grocery will help me, my family and my friends survive. Other shops inside the mall are also useful in fighting against zombies and a great chance of survival is surely attainable in this situation. Almost everything you need to survive can be found inside the mall that is why it's a good hiding place," said Dimple.
Here's what benjaminm had to say.
"As we all know, the Philippines has a very huge population, so, what I will do is I will try to gather those people who are not yet infected by the zombie virus and create a civilian army against the zombie population. Make a huge camp filled with lots and lots of ammunition, food, medicine and clothing and have everybody well trained on how to combat the zombies. Then, start the all-out-war against the zombies and save the country and start a brand new life....God speed everybody! Happy Halloween!"
For B.A.C., real-time information is key. "The first thing I will do is go to the net or to a news channel/station and wait for the authorities' instruction on what is the best thing to do to protect yourself. A laptop or cell phone or transistor radio is what I will also bring with me to be always in touch with what's happening outside. Don't forget the chargers."
"Join three badass people and fight our way out to a safe haven with bats, axes, chainsaws and mounted guns. Then make a game based on it and earn a couple billion dollars," said jectolentino.
Wiz Khalafati had a different strategy based on an Internet meme: "All I need is Chuck Norris. If the zombies saw Chuck Norris they will automatically die."
Here's lawrence_of_arabia's "political" solution: "I will lure them into Batasang Pambansa. They can't survive the big crocodiles in there."
This is what Bread had to say: "Hahaha. With almost all under poverty I don't think they will last long. They would be eaten. Hehehe."
Meanwhile, rel_aks_ln offered arguably the most interesting solution: "I will go with Gloria Arroyo. No one outsmarts her when it comes to being safe."
How about you, how will you survive the zombie apocalypse in the Philippines? Post your comments and have a Happy Halloween, everyone!
***
Joey Alarilla is the Southeast Asia Head of Social and Community of Yahoo! Southeast Asia. Visit his personal blog at JoeyAlarilla.com and follow him on Twitter: @joeyalarilla
In the spirit of Halloween, we posed this question to our readers on Yahoo! Philippines Answers: "What will you do to survive a zombie infestation in the Philippines?"
We asked; here's what you answered.
"The best place to start is to be in the mall. The mall has a large amount of supplies that can last for months if used properly and there are so many places to barricade yourself in. Some malls have outdoorsman stores where you can supply yourself with guns and ammo. Most gun stores at the mall are supplied from small caliber pistols to shotguns, and some even have their resupply area where you can make the ammo yourself. And the hardware store is the best place to keep the zombies at bay by making traps by using lawn mowers, saws and any sharp objects. A supermarket cant be gutted down in a jiffy so there is always a chance to have a good supply of food. Last but not least is a getaway vehicle packed with all the sharp objects you found on the hardware store and placed in vital areas of the car making it a 'vehicle of pain' where no zombie can touch you while on the move to the next mall. And friends, survivors etc. are supposed to be important; don't let the usual Philippine crab mentality spell the end of you. Prove yourselves worthy and work together for the survival of the human race.
"TL;DR think like Mc Gyver and stay in the mall," said Yahoo! Philippines Answers user M4rderIII.
"If ever that happens, I will immediately bring my family and close friends to the nearest mall. Break in and use the mall's facilities to survive until rescue comes. This is because the mall (for me) is the safest place to stay. The mall's security system will help me closely monitor the zombies that will enter the place; the food in the mall's grocery will help me, my family and my friends survive. Other shops inside the mall are also useful in fighting against zombies and a great chance of survival is surely attainable in this situation. Almost everything you need to survive can be found inside the mall that is why it's a good hiding place," said Dimple.
Here's what benjaminm had to say.
"As we all know, the Philippines has a very huge population, so, what I will do is I will try to gather those people who are not yet infected by the zombie virus and create a civilian army against the zombie population. Make a huge camp filled with lots and lots of ammunition, food, medicine and clothing and have everybody well trained on how to combat the zombies. Then, start the all-out-war against the zombies and save the country and start a brand new life....God speed everybody! Happy Halloween!"
For B.A.C., real-time information is key. "The first thing I will do is go to the net or to a news channel/station and wait for the authorities' instruction on what is the best thing to do to protect yourself. A laptop or cell phone or transistor radio is what I will also bring with me to be always in touch with what's happening outside. Don't forget the chargers."
"Join three badass people and fight our way out to a safe haven with bats, axes, chainsaws and mounted guns. Then make a game based on it and earn a couple billion dollars," said jectolentino.
Wiz Khalafati had a different strategy based on an Internet meme: "All I need is Chuck Norris. If the zombies saw Chuck Norris they will automatically die."
Here's lawrence_of_arabia's "political" solution: "I will lure them into Batasang Pambansa. They can't survive the big crocodiles in there."
This is what Bread had to say: "Hahaha. With almost all under poverty I don't think they will last long. They would be eaten. Hehehe."
Meanwhile, rel_aks_ln offered arguably the most interesting solution: "I will go with Gloria Arroyo. No one outsmarts her when it comes to being safe."
How about you, how will you survive the zombie apocalypse in the Philippines? Post your comments and have a Happy Halloween, everyone!
***
Joey Alarilla is the Southeast Asia Head of Social and Community of Yahoo! Southeast Asia. Visit his personal blog at JoeyAlarilla.com and follow him on Twitter: @joeyalarilla
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
News Update MILF won’t surrender members allegedly involved in Basilan clash
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday rejected calls from government to surrender MILF deputy commander Dan Laksaw Asnawi and his men who allegedly killed 19 soldiers in a clash in Basilan on Oct. 18.
“We cannot surrender him. Asnawi is accused of something criminal he did in the past. In the principle of justice, it means that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That means that there must be due process," MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar told reporters on Tuesday.
Asnawi is wanted for his alleged involvement in the beheading of Marine soldiers in 2007. The soldiers were out to serve a warrant against Asnawi and about 10 men, including some Abu Sayyaf members, when the fighting ensued in Al-Barka town.
Earlier in the day, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the MILF should “stand aside" if it does not intend to help the government track down the armed men involved in the clash.
Jaafar questioned government’s motive in “forcing the issue" despite the lack of a court decision on Asnawi’s case. He said the MILF will cooperate with the government once the guilt of Asnawi and his men has been established.
'The process'
“If its validated… that that person committed a crime, the validation is positive, the MILF and government will collaborate to effect the surrender or arrest of that person, that is the process," he said.
Jaafar said the Special Forces troops of the Army “did not coordinate with the MILF, they ignored the (ceasefire) mechanisms, ceasefire agreement… What we should do is investigate the incident to determine who are responsible (for the violation)… There is a provision in the mechanism that calls for the sanctioning of a violation, may that be from the government side. It is stated there who should impose the sanction," he said.
Meanwhile, AFP Western Mindanao Command spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the government will exhaust all means and will work with peace negotiators for the arrest of Asnawi and his men.
“It's actually out of the hands of the AFP already," Cabangbang said. He pointed out that “the MILF is not calling for war, the government is not calling for war. Why is it that the media is discussing an all-out war scenario?"
"We are still prioritizing (the peace process), our priority now is making the mechanism work…The (peace) mechanism is working, both panels are talking. This can be solved if the negotiations are continuous. It’s just a matter of agreeing how it will be carried out," Cabangbang explained. — With Andreo Calonzo/ELR/VS
“We cannot surrender him. Asnawi is accused of something criminal he did in the past. In the principle of justice, it means that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That means that there must be due process," MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar told reporters on Tuesday.
Asnawi is wanted for his alleged involvement in the beheading of Marine soldiers in 2007. The soldiers were out to serve a warrant against Asnawi and about 10 men, including some Abu Sayyaf members, when the fighting ensued in Al-Barka town.
Earlier in the day, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the MILF should “stand aside" if it does not intend to help the government track down the armed men involved in the clash.
Jaafar questioned government’s motive in “forcing the issue" despite the lack of a court decision on Asnawi’s case. He said the MILF will cooperate with the government once the guilt of Asnawi and his men has been established.
'The process'
“If its validated… that that person committed a crime, the validation is positive, the MILF and government will collaborate to effect the surrender or arrest of that person, that is the process," he said.
Jaafar said the Special Forces troops of the Army “did not coordinate with the MILF, they ignored the (ceasefire) mechanisms, ceasefire agreement… What we should do is investigate the incident to determine who are responsible (for the violation)… There is a provision in the mechanism that calls for the sanctioning of a violation, may that be from the government side. It is stated there who should impose the sanction," he said.
Meanwhile, AFP Western Mindanao Command spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the government will exhaust all means and will work with peace negotiators for the arrest of Asnawi and his men.
“It's actually out of the hands of the AFP already," Cabangbang said. He pointed out that “the MILF is not calling for war, the government is not calling for war. Why is it that the media is discussing an all-out war scenario?"
"We are still prioritizing (the peace process), our priority now is making the mechanism work…The (peace) mechanism is working, both panels are talking. This can be solved if the negotiations are continuous. It’s just a matter of agreeing how it will be carried out," Cabangbang explained. — With Andreo Calonzo/ELR/VS
News Update Philippine Muslim rebels ready 'to fight' if attacked
Muslim rebels in the Philippines are ready to "fight back" after the government warned it would go after them if they sheltered outlaws, a spokesman said Monday.
Fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are prepared for a possible assault, their spokesman Von al-Haq said, adding the group remains committed to peace talks with the government.
"We have already ordered our men on the ground to be in defensive positions. But that is over the apprehension that there may be an attack," he told reporters.
"If we are pushed to the wall, we have to fight back. That's very clear."
His warnings came after the military said the MILF could be targeted if it continues to shelter "lawless elements" -- despite a ceasefire to end a decades-old rebellion that has left 150,000 dead since the 1970s.
Over recent weeks, military and police pursuit of outlaws in the southern Philippines have turned into pitched battles with MILF-linked forces that left as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians dead.
While the MILF eventually disowned some of those being pursued, it has admitted responsibility for the killing of 19 soldiers in the southern island of Basilan, saying they intruded on rebel territory.
Military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos said that despite the MILF's fears, a ceasefire mechanism was still in place that would prevent violence between the two sides.
He also said upcoming informal talks between the MILF and the government in early-November would hopefully ease the tensions.
"We will wait for the feedback from what happens in the peace talks in November," Burgos said.
The 12,000-strong MILF are engaged in peace talks with the government and have a ceasefire in place. However the recent violent clashes have stoked popular anger against the rebel group, with growing calls for an "all-out war" against the rebels.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has said he remained committed to the peace process despite the recent violence.
Fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are prepared for a possible assault, their spokesman Von al-Haq said, adding the group remains committed to peace talks with the government.
"We have already ordered our men on the ground to be in defensive positions. But that is over the apprehension that there may be an attack," he told reporters.
"If we are pushed to the wall, we have to fight back. That's very clear."
His warnings came after the military said the MILF could be targeted if it continues to shelter "lawless elements" -- despite a ceasefire to end a decades-old rebellion that has left 150,000 dead since the 1970s.
Over recent weeks, military and police pursuit of outlaws in the southern Philippines have turned into pitched battles with MILF-linked forces that left as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians dead.
While the MILF eventually disowned some of those being pursued, it has admitted responsibility for the killing of 19 soldiers in the southern island of Basilan, saying they intruded on rebel territory.
Military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos said that despite the MILF's fears, a ceasefire mechanism was still in place that would prevent violence between the two sides.
He also said upcoming informal talks between the MILF and the government in early-November would hopefully ease the tensions.
"We will wait for the feedback from what happens in the peace talks in November," Burgos said.
The 12,000-strong MILF are engaged in peace talks with the government and have a ceasefire in place. However the recent violent clashes have stoked popular anger against the rebel group, with growing calls for an "all-out war" against the rebels.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has said he remained committed to the peace process despite the recent violence.
News Update Mining projects in N. Vizcaya safe from attacks, say police
AYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Mining projects in this mineral-rich landlocked province are safe from any threats from lawless elements.
Senior Superintendent Elmer Beltejar, provincial police director, said mining investors here need not worry as far as the security of their projects are concerned, as they have not been under threat from lawless groups, including communist rebels.
“As far as mining firms are concerned, they are (given assurance) of their security from attacks by communist rebels,” said Beltejar, allaying fears of possible raids by local insurgents as what their counterparts did against three mining firms in Surigao del Norte last Oct. 3.
The Surigao attacks resulted in the burning of millions of pesos worth of equipment of the three mining companies, including Taganito Mines which has a nickel venture in Claver town.
“So far, we have not monitored any (New People’s Army) movements in these areas, (indicating) any plans of similar attacks on mining projects here,” he said.
Nueva Vizcaya hosts several government-sanctioned mining ventures, including two multibillion-peso, foreign-operated mining projects both set for full commercial operations by 2013.
These two mining ventures are the Runruno gold-molybdenum project of the British-owned FCF Minerals Inc. in Quezon town’s remote Barangay Runruno, and the Didipio gold-copper project of the Australian firm OceanaGold Philippines Inc.
The Didipio project along the Nueva Vizcaya-Quirino mountain border was the first large-scale mining project approved under the revitalized Mining Act of 1995.
Earlier, the Army downplayed the possible beefing up of its forces in the province’s mining areas, saying their security is stable.
“We believe (the NPA) has no similar plans to raid mining firms here,” said Col. Miguel Puyao, spokesman of the Army’s Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division, citing the absence of intelligence reports on possible attacks. - By Charlie Lagasca
Senior Superintendent Elmer Beltejar, provincial police director, said mining investors here need not worry as far as the security of their projects are concerned, as they have not been under threat from lawless groups, including communist rebels.
“As far as mining firms are concerned, they are (given assurance) of their security from attacks by communist rebels,” said Beltejar, allaying fears of possible raids by local insurgents as what their counterparts did against three mining firms in Surigao del Norte last Oct. 3.
The Surigao attacks resulted in the burning of millions of pesos worth of equipment of the three mining companies, including Taganito Mines which has a nickel venture in Claver town.
“So far, we have not monitored any (New People’s Army) movements in these areas, (indicating) any plans of similar attacks on mining projects here,” he said.
Nueva Vizcaya hosts several government-sanctioned mining ventures, including two multibillion-peso, foreign-operated mining projects both set for full commercial operations by 2013.
These two mining ventures are the Runruno gold-molybdenum project of the British-owned FCF Minerals Inc. in Quezon town’s remote Barangay Runruno, and the Didipio gold-copper project of the Australian firm OceanaGold Philippines Inc.
The Didipio project along the Nueva Vizcaya-Quirino mountain border was the first large-scale mining project approved under the revitalized Mining Act of 1995.
Earlier, the Army downplayed the possible beefing up of its forces in the province’s mining areas, saying their security is stable.
“We believe (the NPA) has no similar plans to raid mining firms here,” said Col. Miguel Puyao, spokesman of the Army’s Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division, citing the absence of intelligence reports on possible attacks. - By Charlie Lagasca
News Update Phl has space to keep rates steady - BSP
MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said there is more room to keep interest rates steady until the end of the year on the back of benign inflation and slower-than-expected economic growth.
BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said in a text message to reporters that the current policy stance of the central bank remained appropriate as inflation remained manageable.
“Right now, policy settings are appropriate. Inflation outllook is manageable. Barring inflation surprises from supply disruptions due to regional natural disasters, we can keep rates steady for the near-term,” he stressed.
The next policy rate setting meeting of the BSP is scheduled on Dec. 1. This is also the last policy rate setting meeting of the central bank this year.
So far, inflation averaged 4.3 percent in the first nine months of the year from 4.1 percent in the same period last year despite rising to 4.6 percent in September from 4.3 percent in August.
The BSP believes inflation would average between 4.5 percent and 5.4 percent for October due to higher food prices brought about by the supply disruption caused by typhoon Pedring as well as the imposition of the 12-percent value added tax on toll rates.
Tetangco said monetary authorities would continue to monitor both global and domestic developments particularly the impact of supply disruptions caused by natural calamities.
“But we continue to monitor developments – the process and speed of the resolution of the debt crisis in Europe, policy responses in other advanced economies to deal with unemployment, growth and inflation prospects in China, supply disruptions from natural disasters,” he added.
According to him, the BSP would act swiftly to curb inflationary pressures by adjusting its policy stance.
“We watch the interplay of these factors to see how these would tip the balance of risks to inflation. We will adjust swiftly as necessary,” he said. - By Lawrence Agcaoili
BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said in a text message to reporters that the current policy stance of the central bank remained appropriate as inflation remained manageable.
“Right now, policy settings are appropriate. Inflation outllook is manageable. Barring inflation surprises from supply disruptions due to regional natural disasters, we can keep rates steady for the near-term,” he stressed.
The next policy rate setting meeting of the BSP is scheduled on Dec. 1. This is also the last policy rate setting meeting of the central bank this year.
So far, inflation averaged 4.3 percent in the first nine months of the year from 4.1 percent in the same period last year despite rising to 4.6 percent in September from 4.3 percent in August.
The BSP believes inflation would average between 4.5 percent and 5.4 percent for October due to higher food prices brought about by the supply disruption caused by typhoon Pedring as well as the imposition of the 12-percent value added tax on toll rates.
Tetangco said monetary authorities would continue to monitor both global and domestic developments particularly the impact of supply disruptions caused by natural calamities.
“But we continue to monitor developments – the process and speed of the resolution of the debt crisis in Europe, policy responses in other advanced economies to deal with unemployment, growth and inflation prospects in China, supply disruptions from natural disasters,” he added.
According to him, the BSP would act swiftly to curb inflationary pressures by adjusting its policy stance.
“We watch the interplay of these factors to see how these would tip the balance of risks to inflation. We will adjust swiftly as necessary,” he said. - By Lawrence Agcaoili
News Update 2 nabbed for Ram Revilla slay
MANILA, Philippines - The two men who allegedly killed 23-year-old actor Ram Revilla were arrested in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque yesterday morning.
Investigators are also set to file murder charges against Joseph Bautista, 18, a younger brother of Revilla (Ramgen Jose Bautista in real life) for allegedly masterminding the killing last Oct. 28, a source told The STAR.
The two suspects, Michael Jay Cruz Altea and Roy Francis “Kiko” Tolisora, were nabbed near their houses in Tramo, Barangay San Dionisio at past 2 a.m. yesterday. They will be charged with murder before the city prosecutor today.
Their arrest stemmed from the statement of Ruel Puzon, a self-confessed hired killer who identified the people allegedly behind the murder.
“What I know is that Michael and Kiko were paid P200,000. They said Ramgen was supposed to be killed because he was bad, he defied his parents and hurt his siblings,” Puzon said in his statement to the police.
Puzon claimed the two suspects are his long-time friends and he was supposed to join them in killing Revilla.
‘Second attempt’
Revilla was shot and stabbed to death in his house on President’s Avenue, Phase 6-A, BF Homes Parañaque about 10:30 p.m. last Friday.
That was the second attempt to his life, according to Puzon. The group was supposed to attack the actor on Oct. 12 but they chose to run away.
“Michael said he and Kiko knocked on Ramgen’s bedroom door on the second floor, when they heard the sound of a gun being cocked so they ran out and got into their car,” Puzon said.
The source said Altea and Tolisora “admitted that they were hired to kill Ramgen but denied doing it.” Puzon also named Joseph as the group’s “contact” in Bautista’s household. A source said police are looking for Revilla’s younger brother. - By Aie Balagtas See
Investigators are also set to file murder charges against Joseph Bautista, 18, a younger brother of Revilla (Ramgen Jose Bautista in real life) for allegedly masterminding the killing last Oct. 28, a source told The STAR.
The two suspects, Michael Jay Cruz Altea and Roy Francis “Kiko” Tolisora, were nabbed near their houses in Tramo, Barangay San Dionisio at past 2 a.m. yesterday. They will be charged with murder before the city prosecutor today.
Their arrest stemmed from the statement of Ruel Puzon, a self-confessed hired killer who identified the people allegedly behind the murder.
“What I know is that Michael and Kiko were paid P200,000. They said Ramgen was supposed to be killed because he was bad, he defied his parents and hurt his siblings,” Puzon said in his statement to the police.
Puzon claimed the two suspects are his long-time friends and he was supposed to join them in killing Revilla.
‘Second attempt’
Revilla was shot and stabbed to death in his house on President’s Avenue, Phase 6-A, BF Homes Parañaque about 10:30 p.m. last Friday.
That was the second attempt to his life, according to Puzon. The group was supposed to attack the actor on Oct. 12 but they chose to run away.
“Michael said he and Kiko knocked on Ramgen’s bedroom door on the second floor, when they heard the sound of a gun being cocked so they ran out and got into their car,” Puzon said.
The source said Altea and Tolisora “admitted that they were hired to kill Ramgen but denied doing it.” Puzon also named Joseph as the group’s “contact” in Bautista’s household. A source said police are looking for Revilla’s younger brother. - By Aie Balagtas See
News Update JI leader believed killed in air strike
ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines — The military is verifying reports that a Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist was among the five militants killed in an air strike launched by Philippine Air Force bombers last Sunday at an Abu Sayyaf camp in Indanan, Sulu.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, commander of the Sulu Island Command and the Joint Task Force Sulu, yesterday said five Abu Sayyaf members, including three sub-leaders, were confirmed killed during the bombing in Mt. Tukay, at the Kawaran complex in Indanan.
Tanalgo said Malaysian JI leader Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan, could also have been killed after his aide was found dead near the Abu Sayyaf camp after the air strike conducted by the 3rd Air Force Division’s two OV-10 Bronco planes.
Tanalgo identified those killed as Abu Sayyaf leaders Ben Wagas, Apo Mike and Abu Abad, whose bodies were recovered.
He said the two others killed were Sali Madarang, said to be the right hand of Marwan, and a certain Andag.
“Madarang was the known right-hand man of Marwan and the air strike was launched after the JI leader was monitored in the area,” Tanalgo said.
“Chances are Marwan is already dead,” Tanalgo added.
The military launched air strikes at Indanan last Sunday morning using Air Force OV-10 Bronco planes.
The air raid, which started at about 6:30 a.m., was aimed at the camp of Abu Sayyaf leader Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu.
About 30 to 40 bandits are said to be staying in the camp.
Jumdail has been implicated in numerous bombings and abductions, including the Sipadan kidnapping incident in 2000.
Tanalgo said they are validating reports that about 10 bandits died during the air raid.
“There are reports that Dr. Abu was wounded,” Tanalgo said.
He said the ground forces are continuing the mopping up operations to recover the bodies of other casualties, including the possible remains of Marwan.
Marwan, who has a $5-million reward for his capture, is one of the most wanted terrorists in Southeast Asia.
Marwan escaped from Malaysia and sought refuge in the Abu Sayyaf camps in Mindanao, where he trained militants on how to build improvised explosive devices.
Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. disclosed yesterday that the military and the police are closely coordinating efforts to prevent any retaliatory attack from the Abu Sayyaf.
“The security forces are proactive and are in constant coordination with other agencies to prevent retaliatory attacks. We did not receive such threat so far but good intelligence gathering is important,” he said.
The Armed Forces has claimed that the strength of the Abu Sayyaf has declined to 379 as of June due to the government’s armed operations and development programs. With Alexis Romero - By Roel Pareño
Brig. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, commander of the Sulu Island Command and the Joint Task Force Sulu, yesterday said five Abu Sayyaf members, including three sub-leaders, were confirmed killed during the bombing in Mt. Tukay, at the Kawaran complex in Indanan.
Tanalgo said Malaysian JI leader Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan, could also have been killed after his aide was found dead near the Abu Sayyaf camp after the air strike conducted by the 3rd Air Force Division’s two OV-10 Bronco planes.
Tanalgo identified those killed as Abu Sayyaf leaders Ben Wagas, Apo Mike and Abu Abad, whose bodies were recovered.
He said the two others killed were Sali Madarang, said to be the right hand of Marwan, and a certain Andag.
“Madarang was the known right-hand man of Marwan and the air strike was launched after the JI leader was monitored in the area,” Tanalgo said.
“Chances are Marwan is already dead,” Tanalgo added.
The military launched air strikes at Indanan last Sunday morning using Air Force OV-10 Bronco planes.
The air raid, which started at about 6:30 a.m., was aimed at the camp of Abu Sayyaf leader Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu.
About 30 to 40 bandits are said to be staying in the camp.
Jumdail has been implicated in numerous bombings and abductions, including the Sipadan kidnapping incident in 2000.
Tanalgo said they are validating reports that about 10 bandits died during the air raid.
“There are reports that Dr. Abu was wounded,” Tanalgo said.
He said the ground forces are continuing the mopping up operations to recover the bodies of other casualties, including the possible remains of Marwan.
Marwan, who has a $5-million reward for his capture, is one of the most wanted terrorists in Southeast Asia.
Marwan escaped from Malaysia and sought refuge in the Abu Sayyaf camps in Mindanao, where he trained militants on how to build improvised explosive devices.
Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. disclosed yesterday that the military and the police are closely coordinating efforts to prevent any retaliatory attack from the Abu Sayyaf.
“The security forces are proactive and are in constant coordination with other agencies to prevent retaliatory attacks. We did not receive such threat so far but good intelligence gathering is important,” he said.
The Armed Forces has claimed that the strength of the Abu Sayyaf has declined to 379 as of June due to the government’s armed operations and development programs. With Alexis Romero - By Roel Pareño
News Update NPAs raid Samar jail, seize firearms
MANILA, Philippines - Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided a provincial jail in Oras town in Eastern Samar yesterday morning.
Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Cubillo, Eastern Samar provincial police director said about 30 fully armed rebels carried out the raid at around 8:30 a.m. when only three jail guards were securing the jail facility.
The NPA rebels took a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, a shotgun, a Garand rifle, a laptop and the personal belongings of the jail guards.
Cubillo said the jail guards failed to put up a fight. He said some of the rebels also raided the home of Oras town policeman PO2 Vicente Pajanustan, just 50 meters from the jail, and took his M16 rifle.
Chief Inspector Apolonio Borata, Oras police chief, said the raid lasted about 10 to 20 minutes.
The raid occurred while government forces nationwide were on a high security alert in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day.
Cubillo said members of the Philippine National Police’s Provincial Public Safety Company and Philippine Army, who have an outpost near the jail, have been deployed to pursue the NPA rebels. - By Cecille Suerte Felipe and Jaime Laude (
Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Cubillo, Eastern Samar provincial police director said about 30 fully armed rebels carried out the raid at around 8:30 a.m. when only three jail guards were securing the jail facility.
The NPA rebels took a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, a shotgun, a Garand rifle, a laptop and the personal belongings of the jail guards.
Cubillo said the jail guards failed to put up a fight. He said some of the rebels also raided the home of Oras town policeman PO2 Vicente Pajanustan, just 50 meters from the jail, and took his M16 rifle.
Chief Inspector Apolonio Borata, Oras police chief, said the raid lasted about 10 to 20 minutes.
The raid occurred while government forces nationwide were on a high security alert in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day.
Cubillo said members of the Philippine National Police’s Provincial Public Safety Company and Philippine Army, who have an outpost near the jail, have been deployed to pursue the NPA rebels. - By Cecille Suerte Felipe and Jaime Laude (
Kopi Talk Enrile to Palace: Why not send Moro leaders to academies?
If the government wants to help develop Moro leaders, it could have sent them to existing academies instead of giving P5 million for a so-called Bangsamoro Management and Leadership Institute, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Sunday.
Citing his experience under the Ferdinand Marcos administration, Enrile said Marcos had given aid to rebels who surrendered in the form of jobs, but not cash to their organization.
“Mabuti pa ipadala ang heneral ng MILF at NPA sa (Philippine National) Police Academy at Philippine Military Academy, he said in an interview on dzBB.
(If the government wanted to help rebel groups train new leaders, it would have been better if they sent Moro Islamic Liberation Front and New People’s Army generals to the PNPA or the PMA.)
The Aquino administration has been criticized for giving P5 million to the MILF, supposedly intended for the Bangsamoro Leadership Institute.
Presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles has defended the “aid," saying the money was a commitment of the previous administration that the Aquino administration found worth pursuing.
“Ang masasabi ko lang... hindi namin ginawa yan kailanman. Ginawa lang ni Marcos noong nag-surrender ang mga leader ng MNLF, binigyan ng trabaho," Enrile said.
He said the Marcos administration similarly gave jobs to New People’s Army members who surrendered. — LBG
Citing his experience under the Ferdinand Marcos administration, Enrile said Marcos had given aid to rebels who surrendered in the form of jobs, but not cash to their organization.
“Mabuti pa ipadala ang heneral ng MILF at NPA sa (Philippine National) Police Academy at Philippine Military Academy, he said in an interview on dzBB.
(If the government wanted to help rebel groups train new leaders, it would have been better if they sent Moro Islamic Liberation Front and New People’s Army generals to the PNPA or the PMA.)
The Aquino administration has been criticized for giving P5 million to the MILF, supposedly intended for the Bangsamoro Leadership Institute.
Presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles has defended the “aid," saying the money was a commitment of the previous administration that the Aquino administration found worth pursuing.
“Ang masasabi ko lang... hindi namin ginawa yan kailanman. Ginawa lang ni Marcos noong nag-surrender ang mga leader ng MNLF, binigyan ng trabaho," Enrile said.
He said the Marcos administration similarly gave jobs to New People’s Army members who surrendered. — LBG
Kopi Talk Que horror!
MANILA, Philippines -- Aswang saved a town from the Huks.
Thus, a narrative in the history book reveals. While this account doesn't exactly prove the existence of the aswang, it somehow indicates part of Filipino psyche that believes in mythological creatures such as this.
In the book ''In the Midst of Wars: An American's Mission to Southeast Asia,'' Edward Geary Lansdale who served the US military in various roles from 1943 to 1968, talked about how the military played on this psyche to defeat the Hukbalahap insurgents and orchestrate free elections to bring Ramon Magsaysay to Malacañang.
During that time, Lansdale wrote, the local politicians opposed Magsaysay's plan to move more troops out of the defensive garrisons and form more aggressive battalion combat teams. They pointed out that the Huks were based on a hill, a few kilometers away from the town, and if the military troops were pulled out of the area, the insurgents would swoop down and the whole town would fall victims. And that was a scenario that they didn't want to happen.
The solution would be to chase off the Huks out of the town, but the military had not been successful in that matter. The military, with the help of Lansdale, thought of engaging in a psywar operation: to use the Filipino superstitions and beliefs to solve a difficult problem.
Lansdale wrote: ''To the superstitious, the Huk battleground was a haunted place filled with ghosts and eerie creatures... Even [Ramon] Magsaysay believed in the apparition called a kapre, a huge black man said to walk through tall grass at dusk to make it stir, or sit in a tree or astride a roof smoking a large cigar.''
A combat psywar squad was established. They planted stories among the townfolk about an aswang living on the hill where the Huks were based. After the stories had circulated and reached the Huk symphatizers, the squad fabricated a scenario: ''When the Huk patrol came along the trail, [they] silently snatched the last man... They punctured his neck with two holes, vampire-fashion, held the body up by the heels, drained it of blood and put the corpse back on the trail.''
When the Huks came looking for their comrade and found the bloodless body, they all believed that the aswang really did it. Thinking that they would be the next victim, the Huks moved out of the hill the following day.
So, why did that work? It could be because the ideas of creatures from the netherworld have been deeply ingrained in our psyche. It has been a part of the Filipino ethos to inject aswang or any other terrifying creatures in their child-raising practices. It serves as a form of social control. Parents and grandparents use them to scare children from committing mischief and keep them home at night.
''Naaalala ko dati, sasabihin sa akin na wag akong lalabas kasi kukunin 'yung dugo ko, ihahalo sa semento at ilagagay sa tulay na ginagawa. It is our way to control the children. We never outgrow that,'' says TV/film director Uro dela Cruz who directed GMA 7's ''Spooky Night Presents: Siyam.''
He adds: ''Most things that scare us were brought by the colonizers. Early historians who came with the colonizers went to barrios and rural areas and asked the people about their way of life, their culture, traditions and beliefs. And to put down the supposedly pagan society, they made use of these beliefs for their own advantage.''
The Spanish missionaries found out that the aswang and other lower mythological creatures are an integral part of our rich ancient religious beliefs, and they used it to make the Filipinos submit to them. Before modern medicine and science were introduced, aswangs and other creatures were used to explain miscarriages and other maladies as well as the inexplicable things that were happening around them.
Through the years, people have been puzzled with this phenomenon. Are they really real? Or perhaps they are just some figment of the imagination and are no more than Hollywood fantasy?
University of Central Florida physics professors Costas Efthimiou and Sohang Gandhi, a UCF graduate now studying at Cornell University, used the laws of physics and math to debunk popular myths about ghosts and vampires.
Their paper, entitled ''Cinema Fiction vs Physics Reality: Ghosts, Vampires and Zombies,'' published in 2006, examined certain features of popular myths regarding ghosts, vampires and zombies as they appear in film and folklore and illuminate inconsistencies associated with these myths to give practical explanation to certain aspects.
Using Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, Efthimiou and Gandhi demonstrated that ghosts would not be able to walk and pass through walls; and through geometric progression, they disproved the existence of vampires.
''Popular myth holds that ghosts are material-less. Ghosts are held to be able to walk about as they please, but they pass through walls and any attempt to pick up an object or affect their environment in any other way leads to material-less inefficacy,'' said Efthimiou who cited the movie Ghost which starred Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore where the main character tried desperately to save his former lover from a violent intruder, but his attempts were futile because with every lunge he made, he just passed through his perpetrator.
However, the authors noted an interesting fact: the ghost (Swayze) was able to walk up the stairs just prior to that scene. How could that be? For the ghosts to have the ability to walk like humans, they would need to put a force upon the floor, which would exert an equal and opposite force in return, concluded the physicists.
As for the vampires, the physicists used the presuppositions found in vampire movies where the vampires feed on human blood, and once the human has been bitten, he would turn into a vampire and start feeding on other humans.
In Efthimiou's premise: the first vampire arrived in January 1, 1600, and the population then was 536, 870, 911. Assuming that the vampire eats once a month, and the victim turned into a vampire, he assumed that there would be two vampires and one less human on February 1. On March 1, there would be four, and on April, there would be eight. Through the geometric progression, and the trend continued, the human population would turn into vampires within two and a half years.
''We conclude that vampires cannot exist, since their existence contradicts the existence of human beings,'' said Efthimiou, who also demystified zombies in the study.
This is just one of the many studies disproving the existence of creatures that Halloween is built on. But with the introduction of modern medicine and science in the time of technology, why are horror films still a hit? Every year, there's a horror film in the film festival, and they are gross earners: maybe, not ranked number one, but they are earners.
''We love to be scared. Doing horror movies is like opening a new horror ride in the park. Imagine, people paying money just to be scared. Parang may psychological need for this exercise. Naiintindihan ko yung mga nagliligawan, para may reason sila to get close. Pero 'pag matanda ka na, and you want to scare yourself, then there's something there,'' shares Direk Uro.
Direk Uro believes that since Filipinos are not into psychiatrists or psychologists, they resort to horror films to flex their emotions.
''What really works for Filipinos are ghosts because they symbolize the unresolved issues between two persons where one of them has died and the other has survived. It personifies guilt. The one who survives feels guilt dahil nabuhay siya at namatay 'yung kapatid, asawa, or kaibigan niya; and the other person feels certain guilt because he left someone behind. When we think of horror, we see guilt. And we play with this emotion: You never said I love you to your brother or mother who died. Did you bring her to her favorite place before she passed away, or remember that she likes something and bring it to her? You didn't save me when I was drowning. And so on.''
He continues: ''Ipasok mo pa diyan 'yung religious beliefs. The church would save you from everything, multo and evil spirits. Religion is the answer, but some films test the idea. Like Exorcist, where the priest died, the spirits killed him. Controversial 'yun. Mahirap pasukin 'yung religion kasi confused ang Pinoy sa religious belief nila.''
Filipinos have certain ideas as to what horror creatures look like, which are rooted in our culture. The characteristics of the creatures from the netherworld are culture bound: the aswang transforms into cat, bird or dog and feeds on unborn fetuses. The manananggal takes the form of a beautiful woman, and on full moon, she would go to a secluded area to split herself into half and hunt for her victims. Multo is usually an ethereal-like creature.
But Direk Uro explains that there are certain elements they have to put into consideration when doing horror films. Economics plays an important role and determines what creatures work for what setting.
''Manananggal works in rural setting. Kailangan mo ng mga puno, effective 'yung puno ng saging. Double purpose 'yun. First, may bunga o puso ng saging, so hihintayin mong tumulo 'yung something para makakuha ng agimat. Second, you need it to support the lower half body ng manananggal. 'Yung upper half, lilipad, pupunta sa may kubo, bubuksan 'yung bubong, lalabas 'yung dila, at kakainin 'yung biktima niya. Di mo pwedeng gawin 'yung scene na 'yun sa mansion kasi tiles ang bubong and how could the manananggal do that?'' shares Direk Uro who also directs ''Bubble Gang'', the longest-running comedy show in the Philippines.
He explains further: ''Ang multo usually sa bahay na bato. Ang mga manifestation ng terror sa multo: kinakaladkad na kadena, lumalangitngit na malalaking pinto. And you can't do that with bahay kubo. Vampires and zombies are foreign influences. Wala naman talaga tayong mga ganun.''
Direk Uro also shares why certain creatures have to wear certain clothes: ''Ang manananggal laging naka-blouse and skirt 'yan. Hindi pwedeng dress or bestida. Imagine, kapag nakabestida siya, nahati 'yung katawan niya, at lumipad yung upper body. Madadala niya yung bestida at maiiwan 'yun lower half with nothing, but the underwear. 'Yung multo naman, they should be dressed kung ano'ng nakasuot sa kanila during their wake. Or kung hindi nalibing ng maayos yung body, kung ano'ng suot nila when they died.''
But in the long and short of it, the question remains: How can we protect ourselves from all these creatures, imagined or otherwise? Some people reach for a crucifix, a rosary, a prayer book, a bottle of holy water, a supposedly sanctified article of clothing, an amulet, a silver bullet, even a garland of garlic. Then, there are those who reach within their spirits, knowing full well that with Jesus in their hearts, they will not suffer the terror by night (Psalm 91:5). Because, as the Bible encourages those who love God, ''You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.'
Thus, a narrative in the history book reveals. While this account doesn't exactly prove the existence of the aswang, it somehow indicates part of Filipino psyche that believes in mythological creatures such as this.
In the book ''In the Midst of Wars: An American's Mission to Southeast Asia,'' Edward Geary Lansdale who served the US military in various roles from 1943 to 1968, talked about how the military played on this psyche to defeat the Hukbalahap insurgents and orchestrate free elections to bring Ramon Magsaysay to Malacañang.
During that time, Lansdale wrote, the local politicians opposed Magsaysay's plan to move more troops out of the defensive garrisons and form more aggressive battalion combat teams. They pointed out that the Huks were based on a hill, a few kilometers away from the town, and if the military troops were pulled out of the area, the insurgents would swoop down and the whole town would fall victims. And that was a scenario that they didn't want to happen.
The solution would be to chase off the Huks out of the town, but the military had not been successful in that matter. The military, with the help of Lansdale, thought of engaging in a psywar operation: to use the Filipino superstitions and beliefs to solve a difficult problem.
Lansdale wrote: ''To the superstitious, the Huk battleground was a haunted place filled with ghosts and eerie creatures... Even [Ramon] Magsaysay believed in the apparition called a kapre, a huge black man said to walk through tall grass at dusk to make it stir, or sit in a tree or astride a roof smoking a large cigar.''
A combat psywar squad was established. They planted stories among the townfolk about an aswang living on the hill where the Huks were based. After the stories had circulated and reached the Huk symphatizers, the squad fabricated a scenario: ''When the Huk patrol came along the trail, [they] silently snatched the last man... They punctured his neck with two holes, vampire-fashion, held the body up by the heels, drained it of blood and put the corpse back on the trail.''
When the Huks came looking for their comrade and found the bloodless body, they all believed that the aswang really did it. Thinking that they would be the next victim, the Huks moved out of the hill the following day.
So, why did that work? It could be because the ideas of creatures from the netherworld have been deeply ingrained in our psyche. It has been a part of the Filipino ethos to inject aswang or any other terrifying creatures in their child-raising practices. It serves as a form of social control. Parents and grandparents use them to scare children from committing mischief and keep them home at night.
''Naaalala ko dati, sasabihin sa akin na wag akong lalabas kasi kukunin 'yung dugo ko, ihahalo sa semento at ilagagay sa tulay na ginagawa. It is our way to control the children. We never outgrow that,'' says TV/film director Uro dela Cruz who directed GMA 7's ''Spooky Night Presents: Siyam.''
He adds: ''Most things that scare us were brought by the colonizers. Early historians who came with the colonizers went to barrios and rural areas and asked the people about their way of life, their culture, traditions and beliefs. And to put down the supposedly pagan society, they made use of these beliefs for their own advantage.''
The Spanish missionaries found out that the aswang and other lower mythological creatures are an integral part of our rich ancient religious beliefs, and they used it to make the Filipinos submit to them. Before modern medicine and science were introduced, aswangs and other creatures were used to explain miscarriages and other maladies as well as the inexplicable things that were happening around them.
Through the years, people have been puzzled with this phenomenon. Are they really real? Or perhaps they are just some figment of the imagination and are no more than Hollywood fantasy?
University of Central Florida physics professors Costas Efthimiou and Sohang Gandhi, a UCF graduate now studying at Cornell University, used the laws of physics and math to debunk popular myths about ghosts and vampires.
Their paper, entitled ''Cinema Fiction vs Physics Reality: Ghosts, Vampires and Zombies,'' published in 2006, examined certain features of popular myths regarding ghosts, vampires and zombies as they appear in film and folklore and illuminate inconsistencies associated with these myths to give practical explanation to certain aspects.
Using Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, Efthimiou and Gandhi demonstrated that ghosts would not be able to walk and pass through walls; and through geometric progression, they disproved the existence of vampires.
''Popular myth holds that ghosts are material-less. Ghosts are held to be able to walk about as they please, but they pass through walls and any attempt to pick up an object or affect their environment in any other way leads to material-less inefficacy,'' said Efthimiou who cited the movie Ghost which starred Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore where the main character tried desperately to save his former lover from a violent intruder, but his attempts were futile because with every lunge he made, he just passed through his perpetrator.
However, the authors noted an interesting fact: the ghost (Swayze) was able to walk up the stairs just prior to that scene. How could that be? For the ghosts to have the ability to walk like humans, they would need to put a force upon the floor, which would exert an equal and opposite force in return, concluded the physicists.
As for the vampires, the physicists used the presuppositions found in vampire movies where the vampires feed on human blood, and once the human has been bitten, he would turn into a vampire and start feeding on other humans.
In Efthimiou's premise: the first vampire arrived in January 1, 1600, and the population then was 536, 870, 911. Assuming that the vampire eats once a month, and the victim turned into a vampire, he assumed that there would be two vampires and one less human on February 1. On March 1, there would be four, and on April, there would be eight. Through the geometric progression, and the trend continued, the human population would turn into vampires within two and a half years.
''We conclude that vampires cannot exist, since their existence contradicts the existence of human beings,'' said Efthimiou, who also demystified zombies in the study.
This is just one of the many studies disproving the existence of creatures that Halloween is built on. But with the introduction of modern medicine and science in the time of technology, why are horror films still a hit? Every year, there's a horror film in the film festival, and they are gross earners: maybe, not ranked number one, but they are earners.
''We love to be scared. Doing horror movies is like opening a new horror ride in the park. Imagine, people paying money just to be scared. Parang may psychological need for this exercise. Naiintindihan ko yung mga nagliligawan, para may reason sila to get close. Pero 'pag matanda ka na, and you want to scare yourself, then there's something there,'' shares Direk Uro.
Direk Uro believes that since Filipinos are not into psychiatrists or psychologists, they resort to horror films to flex their emotions.
''What really works for Filipinos are ghosts because they symbolize the unresolved issues between two persons where one of them has died and the other has survived. It personifies guilt. The one who survives feels guilt dahil nabuhay siya at namatay 'yung kapatid, asawa, or kaibigan niya; and the other person feels certain guilt because he left someone behind. When we think of horror, we see guilt. And we play with this emotion: You never said I love you to your brother or mother who died. Did you bring her to her favorite place before she passed away, or remember that she likes something and bring it to her? You didn't save me when I was drowning. And so on.''
He continues: ''Ipasok mo pa diyan 'yung religious beliefs. The church would save you from everything, multo and evil spirits. Religion is the answer, but some films test the idea. Like Exorcist, where the priest died, the spirits killed him. Controversial 'yun. Mahirap pasukin 'yung religion kasi confused ang Pinoy sa religious belief nila.''
Filipinos have certain ideas as to what horror creatures look like, which are rooted in our culture. The characteristics of the creatures from the netherworld are culture bound: the aswang transforms into cat, bird or dog and feeds on unborn fetuses. The manananggal takes the form of a beautiful woman, and on full moon, she would go to a secluded area to split herself into half and hunt for her victims. Multo is usually an ethereal-like creature.
But Direk Uro explains that there are certain elements they have to put into consideration when doing horror films. Economics plays an important role and determines what creatures work for what setting.
''Manananggal works in rural setting. Kailangan mo ng mga puno, effective 'yung puno ng saging. Double purpose 'yun. First, may bunga o puso ng saging, so hihintayin mong tumulo 'yung something para makakuha ng agimat. Second, you need it to support the lower half body ng manananggal. 'Yung upper half, lilipad, pupunta sa may kubo, bubuksan 'yung bubong, lalabas 'yung dila, at kakainin 'yung biktima niya. Di mo pwedeng gawin 'yung scene na 'yun sa mansion kasi tiles ang bubong and how could the manananggal do that?'' shares Direk Uro who also directs ''Bubble Gang'', the longest-running comedy show in the Philippines.
He explains further: ''Ang multo usually sa bahay na bato. Ang mga manifestation ng terror sa multo: kinakaladkad na kadena, lumalangitngit na malalaking pinto. And you can't do that with bahay kubo. Vampires and zombies are foreign influences. Wala naman talaga tayong mga ganun.''
Direk Uro also shares why certain creatures have to wear certain clothes: ''Ang manananggal laging naka-blouse and skirt 'yan. Hindi pwedeng dress or bestida. Imagine, kapag nakabestida siya, nahati 'yung katawan niya, at lumipad yung upper body. Madadala niya yung bestida at maiiwan 'yun lower half with nothing, but the underwear. 'Yung multo naman, they should be dressed kung ano'ng nakasuot sa kanila during their wake. Or kung hindi nalibing ng maayos yung body, kung ano'ng suot nila when they died.''
But in the long and short of it, the question remains: How can we protect ourselves from all these creatures, imagined or otherwise? Some people reach for a crucifix, a rosary, a prayer book, a bottle of holy water, a supposedly sanctified article of clothing, an amulet, a silver bullet, even a garland of garlic. Then, there are those who reach within their spirits, knowing full well that with Jesus in their hearts, they will not suffer the terror by night (Psalm 91:5). Because, as the Bible encourages those who love God, ''You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.'
News Update Mandaue City, Cebu officials want curfew imposed
EBU CITY -- Mandaue City officials ordered the strict implementation of the city's curfew ordinance starting today, Saturday, after 18 youngsters were caught in pot session.
The 18 youngsters, six of whom are underage, were arrested after the police caught them smoking marijuana inside an abandoned house in Mandaue City last Thursday night.
Most of the suspects caught were allegedly members of the Crips Gang.
Operatives of the Opao Police Station led by Inspector Wilson Abot found half a kilo of dried marijuana leaves, which has a street value of P10,000.
Abot, in a press conference Friday, told reporters that at 5:45 p.m., they received a tip from an anonymous informant that a group of teenagers were having a pot session in an abandoned house in Purok Limonsito, Barangay Umapad.
Abot sent his men to verify the report. That resulted in the arrest of the 18, including six girls, believed to be minors.
Arrested in the operation were Ryan Vergara, 18; Ryan Gullamac, 24; James Etorma, 21; Aldie Amaya, 23; Noel Geraldi, 20; Andy Chris dela Cruz, 23; Alex Bryan Pertulfo, 21; Sonny Navacilla, 21; Roel Ranili, 18; Raymund Germin, 19; Jovalyn Alonzo, 22, and Juliet Mendoza, 20.
Six of the 18 suspects are only 17, 16, 15 and 14 years old.
Most of the suspects, except for Amaya, Alonzo, and Geraldi, are from different barangays in Mandaue City.
Aside from the half-kilo marijuana leaves, the police recovered two partially burned sticks containing dried marijuana.
Abot said Amaya and Alonzo had brought the drugs from southern Cebu.
Amaya is a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Oslob, while Alonzo, his reported girlfriend, is from Mantalongon, Dalaguete.
Abot said they are still determining whether Amaya and Alonzo sold the drugs inside Barangay Umapad.
He said most of the suspects came from poor families and that some of them, including the minors, were believed to have not returned home for some time.
Abot plans to file complaints against the suspects, including the minors, for violating Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law.
Some of the suspects may be charged with drug possession, while others will be charged with drug use.
Abot said they included the minors in their case so that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can determine if they acted with discernment when they committed the crime.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes told Sun.Star Cebu it's the right time to strictly implement the curfew, but there are legal issues that have to be considered.
Umapad barangay captain Nelson Rubio said that minors caught violating the curfew will be detained in the barangay center until their parents claim them. Aside from community service, parents will be forced to pay a fine for their son or daughter.
Rubio said that while the incident is an isolated case, he would still strictly implement the curfew ordinance.
Mandaue City's social welfare office will invite the parents of the minors caught to assess if any intervention will be needed.
Violeta Cavada, City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) chief, said they are monitoring the condition of the six minors and have summoned their parents.
Cavada, in a separate interview, said that during her initial interview with the suspects, she found that most of them are high school dropouts.
The suspects, particularly the six minors, denied they participated in the pot session, saying they were only there to be with their boyfriends.
The suspects are now detained in the Opao Police Station, pending the filing of charges against them. (JKV/Sun.Star Cebu)
The 18 youngsters, six of whom are underage, were arrested after the police caught them smoking marijuana inside an abandoned house in Mandaue City last Thursday night.
Most of the suspects caught were allegedly members of the Crips Gang.
Operatives of the Opao Police Station led by Inspector Wilson Abot found half a kilo of dried marijuana leaves, which has a street value of P10,000.
Abot, in a press conference Friday, told reporters that at 5:45 p.m., they received a tip from an anonymous informant that a group of teenagers were having a pot session in an abandoned house in Purok Limonsito, Barangay Umapad.
Abot sent his men to verify the report. That resulted in the arrest of the 18, including six girls, believed to be minors.
Arrested in the operation were Ryan Vergara, 18; Ryan Gullamac, 24; James Etorma, 21; Aldie Amaya, 23; Noel Geraldi, 20; Andy Chris dela Cruz, 23; Alex Bryan Pertulfo, 21; Sonny Navacilla, 21; Roel Ranili, 18; Raymund Germin, 19; Jovalyn Alonzo, 22, and Juliet Mendoza, 20.
Six of the 18 suspects are only 17, 16, 15 and 14 years old.
Most of the suspects, except for Amaya, Alonzo, and Geraldi, are from different barangays in Mandaue City.
Aside from the half-kilo marijuana leaves, the police recovered two partially burned sticks containing dried marijuana.
Abot said Amaya and Alonzo had brought the drugs from southern Cebu.
Amaya is a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Oslob, while Alonzo, his reported girlfriend, is from Mantalongon, Dalaguete.
Abot said they are still determining whether Amaya and Alonzo sold the drugs inside Barangay Umapad.
He said most of the suspects came from poor families and that some of them, including the minors, were believed to have not returned home for some time.
Abot plans to file complaints against the suspects, including the minors, for violating Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law.
Some of the suspects may be charged with drug possession, while others will be charged with drug use.
Abot said they included the minors in their case so that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can determine if they acted with discernment when they committed the crime.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes told Sun.Star Cebu it's the right time to strictly implement the curfew, but there are legal issues that have to be considered.
Umapad barangay captain Nelson Rubio said that minors caught violating the curfew will be detained in the barangay center until their parents claim them. Aside from community service, parents will be forced to pay a fine for their son or daughter.
Rubio said that while the incident is an isolated case, he would still strictly implement the curfew ordinance.
Mandaue City's social welfare office will invite the parents of the minors caught to assess if any intervention will be needed.
Violeta Cavada, City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) chief, said they are monitoring the condition of the six minors and have summoned their parents.
Cavada, in a separate interview, said that during her initial interview with the suspects, she found that most of them are high school dropouts.
The suspects, particularly the six minors, denied they participated in the pot session, saying they were only there to be with their boyfriends.
The suspects are now detained in the Opao Police Station, pending the filing of charges against them. (JKV/Sun.Star Cebu)
News Update Fire destroys 2-storey house, left P50T in damaged properties
CEBU CITY -- The loss of a two-storey house during a fire in Barangay Poblacion Pardo, Cebu City felt like the death of a loved one, the fire victims said.
“Mura gyud mi ug namatyan (It’s as if we have lost a loved one),” 31-year-old Junior Lapitan said.
His family failed to save their belongings when the fire razed their house yesterday morning.
Two other nearby houses were also damaged by the flames.
In the spirit of “Bayanihan,” residents in the area helped in the firefighting.
The house, which was made of light materials, however, was quickly devoured by the flames.
No one was reported hurt or killed, except for a man who fainted after he fell from a house while helping put out the fire.
Wake
Nearby, the wake of a five-month-old baby had to be secured for fear that the flames could reach them.
The baby’s coffin was brought to a safer place, where family members kept a close
watch.
Poblacion Pardo Barangay Captain Fermin Dasmariñas said they will ask assistance from the Cebu City Government for the fire victims.
In an interview, he said, he feared many residents may have been affected because the area was densely-populated.
SFO2 Jimmy Layao of the Cebu City Fire Department pegged the damaged properties at P50,000.
He said they received the alarm at 8:44 a.m., but was declared under control after three minutes.
Several volunteer fire brigades aided in the firefighting, which was raised to a second alarm.
Layao identified the narrow roads as the major stumbling block in the firefighting.
As to what caused the blaze, Layao said it is still under investigation.
Some residents told Sun.Star Cebu that the family may have left a lighted mosquito repellant unattended.
Junior, however, dismissed this speculation and claimed that the fire was caused by an electric wire that exploded atop their rooftop.
“Dili lang ‘ta mi i-blame kay aksidente mani (We should not be blamed because it was an accident),” Junior said.
“Mura gyud mi ug namatyan (It’s as if we have lost a loved one),” 31-year-old Junior Lapitan said.
His family failed to save their belongings when the fire razed their house yesterday morning.
Two other nearby houses were also damaged by the flames.
In the spirit of “Bayanihan,” residents in the area helped in the firefighting.
The house, which was made of light materials, however, was quickly devoured by the flames.
No one was reported hurt or killed, except for a man who fainted after he fell from a house while helping put out the fire.
Wake
Nearby, the wake of a five-month-old baby had to be secured for fear that the flames could reach them.
The baby’s coffin was brought to a safer place, where family members kept a close
watch.
Poblacion Pardo Barangay Captain Fermin Dasmariñas said they will ask assistance from the Cebu City Government for the fire victims.
In an interview, he said, he feared many residents may have been affected because the area was densely-populated.
SFO2 Jimmy Layao of the Cebu City Fire Department pegged the damaged properties at P50,000.
He said they received the alarm at 8:44 a.m., but was declared under control after three minutes.
Several volunteer fire brigades aided in the firefighting, which was raised to a second alarm.
Layao identified the narrow roads as the major stumbling block in the firefighting.
As to what caused the blaze, Layao said it is still under investigation.
Some residents told Sun.Star Cebu that the family may have left a lighted mosquito repellant unattended.
Junior, however, dismissed this speculation and claimed that the fire was caused by an electric wire that exploded atop their rooftop.
“Dili lang ‘ta mi i-blame kay aksidente mani (We should not be blamed because it was an accident),” Junior said.
News Update Sometimes death covers cost of living
CEBU CITY -- Bienvenido Opendo of Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City has been a mananabtan since he was 15 years old.
At 79, Opendo remains a sought-after mananabtan, and his services are requested by families from as far as Daanbantayan, Cebu.
He said a priest from Mandaue City taught him, along with two other boys and three girls in Canduman, how to pray for the dead. The priest made them memorize prayers.
Opendo, whose father was also a mananabtan, said he doesn’t ask for payment when he prays for the dead, which usually lasts an hour.
Most of the families that ask for his service are poor. Instead of giving him money, they send him food. Well-off families give him money, however. He said the biggest amount he has ever received was P1,000.
Personal faith
But it’s not just the money that keeps Opendo doing what he does. Part of it stems from his belief that a person has a soul.
“Motuo ko ug kalag. Dili na lang ko mag-mananabtan kung di ko mutuo (I believe in the soul. I would not choose to be a mananabtan if I didn’t believe in it),” he said.
For another mananabtan like 67-year-old Lucia Pepito of Liloan, Cebu, prayers should be offered to the dead as a form as respect to the Catholic tradition.
“Mao man ni ang naandan (It’s a tradition),” said Pepito, who also has a small sari-sari store just outside the Liloan Public Cemetery.
“Kung dili rosaryohan, mura ra ug iro nga ilubong ang tawo (Unless we pray for the dead, they would be buried just like dogs),” she added.
Pepito said she earns P50 to P100 from each client in the Liloan Public Cemetery. She gets as many as five clients a day.
Pepito, who has been a mananabtan since she was in her 40s, said it was her mother-in-law who taught her how to pray for the dead.
Offering
Opendo said he has not noticed a change in the way the mananabtan prays nowadays. But he said there liturgical masses were not common before.
“The church does not ban the practice, but it is not encouraged,” a church official said about hiring a mananabtan.
After all, the best offerings for departed loved ones are prayers, and the practice of praying for the dead, whether during a wake or All Souls’ Day, should focus on helping the souls in purgatory, said Msgr. Jose Dosado.
The episcopal vicar for Metro Cebu North said if there is no priest to say the liturgy novena or mass for the dead, a lay minister may do the liturgy of the word or do the readings for the day.
The Archdiocese of Cebu has conducted an awareness seminar or review of the basic teaching for a group of mananabtan.
Monsignor Dosado pointed out that the mananabtan recite some prayers in Latin but not all of them understand the meaning of the phrases.
Dosado said praying for the dead is a practice taught as part of basic Catholic catechism that the Catholic Church is divided into three “churches.”
There’s the Church Triumphant or the souls and saints in heaven who we do not need to pray for, but we can ask for their prayers.
Bells
The Church Militant is made up of the living and is so-called because people at every moment are engaged in “spiritual war against the world, the flesh, and the devil.”
The Church Suffering refers to the souls in purgatory who cannot pray for themselves, but they can pray for the souls in this life.
Dosado said the prayers for the dead are for these souls, that they may be released into heaven.
He said that Archdiocesan Commission on Worship chairman Msgr. Cristobal Garcia gave the seminar so that the mananabtan would understand their purpose in the church.
“There was an attempt to catechize the mananabtan. The church does not encourage the practice but, at least, they should know or understand what they are doing,” said Dosado.
He explained that it is part of tradition, probably dating back to the Spanish era, to ring church bells at 8 p.m. every day.
“This was done to remind people to pray for the dead. But we do not practice that anymore,” he said
At 79, Opendo remains a sought-after mananabtan, and his services are requested by families from as far as Daanbantayan, Cebu.
He said a priest from Mandaue City taught him, along with two other boys and three girls in Canduman, how to pray for the dead. The priest made them memorize prayers.
Opendo, whose father was also a mananabtan, said he doesn’t ask for payment when he prays for the dead, which usually lasts an hour.
Most of the families that ask for his service are poor. Instead of giving him money, they send him food. Well-off families give him money, however. He said the biggest amount he has ever received was P1,000.
Personal faith
But it’s not just the money that keeps Opendo doing what he does. Part of it stems from his belief that a person has a soul.
“Motuo ko ug kalag. Dili na lang ko mag-mananabtan kung di ko mutuo (I believe in the soul. I would not choose to be a mananabtan if I didn’t believe in it),” he said.
For another mananabtan like 67-year-old Lucia Pepito of Liloan, Cebu, prayers should be offered to the dead as a form as respect to the Catholic tradition.
“Mao man ni ang naandan (It’s a tradition),” said Pepito, who also has a small sari-sari store just outside the Liloan Public Cemetery.
“Kung dili rosaryohan, mura ra ug iro nga ilubong ang tawo (Unless we pray for the dead, they would be buried just like dogs),” she added.
Pepito said she earns P50 to P100 from each client in the Liloan Public Cemetery. She gets as many as five clients a day.
Pepito, who has been a mananabtan since she was in her 40s, said it was her mother-in-law who taught her how to pray for the dead.
Offering
Opendo said he has not noticed a change in the way the mananabtan prays nowadays. But he said there liturgical masses were not common before.
“The church does not ban the practice, but it is not encouraged,” a church official said about hiring a mananabtan.
After all, the best offerings for departed loved ones are prayers, and the practice of praying for the dead, whether during a wake or All Souls’ Day, should focus on helping the souls in purgatory, said Msgr. Jose Dosado.
The episcopal vicar for Metro Cebu North said if there is no priest to say the liturgy novena or mass for the dead, a lay minister may do the liturgy of the word or do the readings for the day.
The Archdiocese of Cebu has conducted an awareness seminar or review of the basic teaching for a group of mananabtan.
Monsignor Dosado pointed out that the mananabtan recite some prayers in Latin but not all of them understand the meaning of the phrases.
Dosado said praying for the dead is a practice taught as part of basic Catholic catechism that the Catholic Church is divided into three “churches.”
There’s the Church Triumphant or the souls and saints in heaven who we do not need to pray for, but we can ask for their prayers.
Bells
The Church Militant is made up of the living and is so-called because people at every moment are engaged in “spiritual war against the world, the flesh, and the devil.”
The Church Suffering refers to the souls in purgatory who cannot pray for themselves, but they can pray for the souls in this life.
Dosado said the prayers for the dead are for these souls, that they may be released into heaven.
He said that Archdiocesan Commission on Worship chairman Msgr. Cristobal Garcia gave the seminar so that the mananabtan would understand their purpose in the church.
“There was an attempt to catechize the mananabtan. The church does not encourage the practice but, at least, they should know or understand what they are doing,” said Dosado.
He explained that it is part of tradition, probably dating back to the Spanish era, to ring church bells at 8 p.m. every day.
“This was done to remind people to pray for the dead. But we do not practice that anymore,” he said
News Update Flyover accident shows dangers of flawed design: Citom
CEBU CITY -- A vehicular accident on the Banilad-Talamban flyover last Saturday night where three people were injured highlighted flaws of its design, an official said.
Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said it supported the position that the safety of motorists and pedestrians is compromised because of ill-designed flyovers.
His reaction came after an SUV smashed head-on into a wall of the flyover in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The victims were identified as Mary Ann Mendoza, 34, Jesus Montellano, 62, and Honorio Cumbre, 62.
“They didn’t see the reflectors,” said Jakosalem, adding that the victims came from Montebello Hotel when the accident happened.
Personnel from Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) immediately attended to the victims, who were transferred to the North General Hospital and declared safe.
“This only goes to show that flyovers are accident-prone,” Jakosalem said.
He added, however, that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu City Director Nicomedes Leonor will order reflectors placed there as soon as possible, after the accident was brought to his attention.
“He said the reflectors could have faded since these were only stickers. But what we want is that it will be monitored and replaced regularly, or they could choose the plastic ones para dili gyud matangtang (so these won’t be easily removed),” Jakosalem said.
Some accidents on flyovers aren’t reported because these happen late at night or early in the morning, the Citom chief said.
At the height of the proposed construction of two flyovers in Cebu City, the Citom Board released a resolution stating that they are not against flyovers, as a whole, but only against projects that are not well-rationalized.
According to the two-page resolution, the traffic study concerning the proposed M.J Cuenco-General Maxilom Ave. flyover and Archbishop Reyes-Gorordo Ave. flyover failed to consider the traffic impact on adjacent intersections.
The projects will not ease traffic congestion in those areas, the resolution said.
“The proposed flyovers will not only be extremely inefficient compared to their cost but will also be the wrong solution to the wrong problem,” the paper stated.
The DPWH recently suspended the two flyover projects, until objections from Citom and other stakeholders are resolved.
“Whether we like it or not, some residents do not want these flyovers,” Jakosalem
said.
Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said it supported the position that the safety of motorists and pedestrians is compromised because of ill-designed flyovers.
His reaction came after an SUV smashed head-on into a wall of the flyover in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The victims were identified as Mary Ann Mendoza, 34, Jesus Montellano, 62, and Honorio Cumbre, 62.
“They didn’t see the reflectors,” said Jakosalem, adding that the victims came from Montebello Hotel when the accident happened.
Personnel from Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) immediately attended to the victims, who were transferred to the North General Hospital and declared safe.
“This only goes to show that flyovers are accident-prone,” Jakosalem said.
He added, however, that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu City Director Nicomedes Leonor will order reflectors placed there as soon as possible, after the accident was brought to his attention.
“He said the reflectors could have faded since these were only stickers. But what we want is that it will be monitored and replaced regularly, or they could choose the plastic ones para dili gyud matangtang (so these won’t be easily removed),” Jakosalem said.
Some accidents on flyovers aren’t reported because these happen late at night or early in the morning, the Citom chief said.
At the height of the proposed construction of two flyovers in Cebu City, the Citom Board released a resolution stating that they are not against flyovers, as a whole, but only against projects that are not well-rationalized.
According to the two-page resolution, the traffic study concerning the proposed M.J Cuenco-General Maxilom Ave. flyover and Archbishop Reyes-Gorordo Ave. flyover failed to consider the traffic impact on adjacent intersections.
The projects will not ease traffic congestion in those areas, the resolution said.
“The proposed flyovers will not only be extremely inefficient compared to their cost but will also be the wrong solution to the wrong problem,” the paper stated.
The DPWH recently suspended the two flyover projects, until objections from Citom and other stakeholders are resolved.
“Whether we like it or not, some residents do not want these flyovers,” Jakosalem
said.
News Update Palace: Raps await coddlers of Ligots
MANILA, Philippines - Coddlers of former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and his wife Erlinda will face charges, Malacañang warned yesterday.
“Certainly, (possible coddlers) will have a liability under the law. I’m not quite clear if it would be aiding and abetting a fugitive or the offense under the special penal law of obstruction of justice,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio station dzRB.
The Ligots are being hunted down by the police after the couple reportedly went missing following the issuance of an arrest order by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) for tax evasion.
Valte said the Palace was not disappointed that the couple could not be found since they were free to travel before the warrant was issued for their arrest.
This time, she said the Department of Justice can issue a hold-departure order for the fugitive couple.
“That is the normal procedure to be done,” she said.
Valte said they would look into the case of the Ligots and determine why they managed to evade arrest.
“From what I understand, there was a case filed against them, but there was no warrant of arrest prior to that. Even from the Senate, there were no restrictions on their movement and on their travel. But we will have to see,” she said.
Valte called on the Ligots to come out and face the charges against them in court.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said that based on records from the Bureau of Immigration, the couple is still in the country.
CIDG joins manhunt
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have joined the hunt for the couple.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the police force is mandated to arrest individuals wanted by the law.
“Part of the PNP mandate is to go after persons with warrants of arrest… CIDG has trackers teams for the purpose,” said Cruz of the manhunt against the Ligots.
The Department of Justice had ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to lead the manhunt and effect the warrant of arrest issued by the court against them.
De Lima said the Ligots are now considered fugitives from justice since they have not posted bail.
They are facing charges for violation of Articles 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for attempting to evade payment of tax from 2002 to 2004.
In a resolution issued by the CTA, the Ligots were accused of failing to report a total income of P165.4 million and as a result incurred a total tax deficiency of P153.2 million, exclusive of interest and penalty charges.
The resolution was promulgated on Sept. 28 but was made public only last Friday.
The court decision covers only the taxable year 2003. Four other tax evasion charges filed against the Ligot couple remained pending at the CTA.
Last March, the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed tax evasion raps against the couple for failing to declare their income of about P459.6 million from 2002 to 2004. The Ligots allegedly used the money to acquire several properties here and abroad.
The BIR said the couple also owed the government 428 million from 2003 to 2004.
Of the P428 million, the retired general has a tax deficiency of P290.2 million while his wife owes the government P137 million.
‘Surface to ferret out truth’
The military yesterday said it would be best if the Ligot couple surface to help ferret out the truth about their case.
“We cannot tell them what to do since they are not under our jurisdiction but this (surfacing) would help shed light on the issue,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a telephone phone interview.
“It (surfacing of the Ligots) would be beneficial since it could ferret out the truth,” he added.
Burgos also said that measures have been undertaken to stop corruption in the military.
“(AFP chief) Gen. (Eduardo) Oban (Jr.) is serious about combating corruption. We are implementing reforms in our procurement and financial systems,” he said.
“We have been working with agencies like the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) to ensure that the funds would be handled properly,” the AFP spokesman said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Alexis Romero - By Aurea Calica
“Certainly, (possible coddlers) will have a liability under the law. I’m not quite clear if it would be aiding and abetting a fugitive or the offense under the special penal law of obstruction of justice,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio station dzRB.
The Ligots are being hunted down by the police after the couple reportedly went missing following the issuance of an arrest order by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) for tax evasion.
Valte said the Palace was not disappointed that the couple could not be found since they were free to travel before the warrant was issued for their arrest.
This time, she said the Department of Justice can issue a hold-departure order for the fugitive couple.
“That is the normal procedure to be done,” she said.
Valte said they would look into the case of the Ligots and determine why they managed to evade arrest.
“From what I understand, there was a case filed against them, but there was no warrant of arrest prior to that. Even from the Senate, there were no restrictions on their movement and on their travel. But we will have to see,” she said.
Valte called on the Ligots to come out and face the charges against them in court.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said that based on records from the Bureau of Immigration, the couple is still in the country.
CIDG joins manhunt
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have joined the hunt for the couple.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the police force is mandated to arrest individuals wanted by the law.
“Part of the PNP mandate is to go after persons with warrants of arrest… CIDG has trackers teams for the purpose,” said Cruz of the manhunt against the Ligots.
The Department of Justice had ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to lead the manhunt and effect the warrant of arrest issued by the court against them.
De Lima said the Ligots are now considered fugitives from justice since they have not posted bail.
They are facing charges for violation of Articles 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for attempting to evade payment of tax from 2002 to 2004.
In a resolution issued by the CTA, the Ligots were accused of failing to report a total income of P165.4 million and as a result incurred a total tax deficiency of P153.2 million, exclusive of interest and penalty charges.
The resolution was promulgated on Sept. 28 but was made public only last Friday.
The court decision covers only the taxable year 2003. Four other tax evasion charges filed against the Ligot couple remained pending at the CTA.
Last March, the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed tax evasion raps against the couple for failing to declare their income of about P459.6 million from 2002 to 2004. The Ligots allegedly used the money to acquire several properties here and abroad.
The BIR said the couple also owed the government 428 million from 2003 to 2004.
Of the P428 million, the retired general has a tax deficiency of P290.2 million while his wife owes the government P137 million.
‘Surface to ferret out truth’
The military yesterday said it would be best if the Ligot couple surface to help ferret out the truth about their case.
“We cannot tell them what to do since they are not under our jurisdiction but this (surfacing) would help shed light on the issue,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a telephone phone interview.
“It (surfacing of the Ligots) would be beneficial since it could ferret out the truth,” he added.
Burgos also said that measures have been undertaken to stop corruption in the military.
“(AFP chief) Gen. (Eduardo) Oban (Jr.) is serious about combating corruption. We are implementing reforms in our procurement and financial systems,” he said.
“We have been working with agencies like the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) to ensure that the funds would be handled properly,” the AFP spokesman said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Alexis Romero - By Aurea Calica
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