MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday admitted ordering the Manila Police District (MPD) to “handcuff” the brother of slain hostage taker Rolando Mendoza, but only to “restrain his movements.”
Lim denied ordering the MPD to arrest SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza on suspicion that he was agitating his brother, a dismissed senior inspector, during the hostage crisis.
“I ordered them to handcuff him, but there was no order to make an arrest,” Lim told a press conference at the Manila City Hall.
Lim, a former Manila police chief, insisted that there was a big difference between ordering to “handcuff” and ordering the arrest of Gregorio.
The mayor issued the clarification amid criticim that Gregorio’s arrest triggered Mendoza’s shooting spree, which ended in the deaths of eight hostages.
Gregorio had told the press that he feared for his safety and tried to flee when he was ordered arrested and brought to a van. The commotion was seen on TV by Mendoza.
The mayor said Gregorio was supposed to help them persuade the hostage taker to accept the offer of the Ombudsman to review the extortion case that led to Rolando Mendoza’s dismissal from the police service.
Lim said Gregorio failed to play the role, forcing him to order the MPD to restrain and exclude the police officer from the negotiations.
Lim said his intention was only to restrict Gregorio and prevent him from interfering further during the negotiations.
Lim said his order was to handcuff Gregorio, denying reports quoting MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay that Gregorio was being arrested on suspicions of being an accessory to the hostage taking.
“Yes, I ordered him to handcuff SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, but I didn’t order General Magtibay to arrest him,” he said.
Lim also pointed out that his orders to handcuff Gregorio were not carried out because “they (MPD) still have to look for handcuffs.”
Gregorio was struggling with his colleagues while being dragged to a waiting police car. Another policeman managed to secure a pair of handcuffs from the nearby precinct at the Rizal Park.
As the police were to about to handcuff Gregorio, Lim said he prevented them and ordered the lawmen to bring Gregorio to the MPD General Assignments Section for investigation.
Lim said his order to handcuff Gregorio was justified, taking into account the possibility that he might take matters into his own hands by grabbing the service firearms of one of the police officers.
Lim also clarified that being the mayor of Manila, he is a senior adviser of the crisis management committee handling the hostage situation.
But Lim said he could not directly interfere in the negotiations as a rule because it might diminish the credibility of the negotiators.
He said Superintendent Orlando Yebra and Chief Inspector Romeo Salvador had been tasked by the MPD to negotiate during the hostage crisis.
Rolando, armed with an M16 assault rifle and a pistol, seized a busload of 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipino guides to demand his reinstatement in the force.
The ordeal ended in bloodshed on live TV with police storming the bus and killing Mendoza after he had fired at the tourists, killing eight of them.
Observers said what might have triggered the killing of the hostages was when Mendoza saw his younger brother being arrested on television.
The Senate focused on this question during its investigation into the incident last Thursday, where Magtibay revealed that Lim had ordered Gregorio arrested.
Following the hostage fiasco, Magtibay went on leave to allow the unhampered investigation on the incident.
Lim, on the other hand, said Magtibay had apologized to him for his statements before the Senate.
“Sorry Mayor, nabigla ako sa pagsasalita (I got carried away),” Lim quoted Magtibay as saying in a brief telephone conversation.
Lim said Magtibay might have misconstrued his order to handcuff Gregorio as an arrest order. Lim said Magtibay had admitted getting confused during the Senate hearing.
When asked if he harbors any grudge towards Magtibay, Lim said he understands the situation of Magtibay.
“Whoever will be in that kind of situation – on the witness stand, bombarded with questions, all kinds of questions from different personalities, especially senators – will have butterflies in his stomach. That would really be the case,” said the former senator.
Lim also assured the public that he is willing to face his former colleagues at the Senate to clarify the issues regarding his supposed order.
Lim hailed Magtibay for taking a leave of absence during the investigation of the incident.
He said this was to ensure an impartial investigation and show good faith on the part of Magtibay that he has nothing to hide. “But this does not mean that an investigation is being made because all the policemen made mistakes. The purpose of the investigation is to determine who is at fault and who is innocent. We must wait for the results of the investigation,” he said.
Lim also asked the public not to criticize the police for their mistakes, saying that out of 25 hostages, only eight were killed.
“Who wants this to happen? Of course, no one. Everybody wants this to be peacefully settled,” he said.
Pinpointing responsibility
Sen. Gregorio Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, said he would invite Lim to explain the actions he had taken as chairman of the local crisis management committee.
Honasan said the Senate would also invite Gregorio and Yebra, along with the representatives of various media networks.?
Honasan said there is a need to pinpoint responsibility on why the negotiations failed, and what could have triggered Rolando to carry out his threat to kill the hostages.
“The Senate will be careful in scrutinizing the events that led to the bloody end, without having to tag only a scapegoat on the blunder,” he said.
Honasan stressed it would be premature to issue a judgment but he thinks the blame goes beyond Magtibay.
“The pinpointing of responsibility is sensitive. But if you look at it, command responsibility (goes) all the way to the top, it happens,” he said.
Honasan said the Senate wants to establish the particular role played by Lim during the hostage crisis, as well as the reasons why he supposedly ordered the arrest of Gregorio.
Honasan noted television footage of Gregorio being arrested caused a commotion that might have agitated his elder brother to carry out his threat.
At this point, Honasan stressed the need for the media to regulate the showing of police operations in real time that could compromise the lives of the police officers and the victims during critical moments such as a hostage situation.
He added the Senate probe would also focus on the ability of security forces to address life threatening situations, or the possible mistakes in the judgment call of the local officials and police officers involved in the negotiations.?“We want to see the structure of the people in charge. Maybe, the laws are enough and it just needs to be implemented. This does not mean that nobody will be held liable under the law, but we will look if the laws are sufficient enough,” Honasan said.
Honasan sees a possibility of a major revamp in the national police force following the incident. He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been repeating its mistakes and continues to be hampered by lack of training and equipment.?Honasan also said he had asked Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo to provide the Senate with updates on the police investigation of the incident.?Senators Vicente Sotto III and Francis Escudero, on the other hand, defended Lim over the decision to restrain the hostage-taker’s brother.
Amid the faultfinding, Sotto said it was the hostage-taker who should be blamed for the bloody incident.
Escudero, for his part, said Lim would not be held liable “unless it was an illegal order.” ?Honasan said the hostage incident, which caused the country a lot of shame abroad, should prompt the PNP to get its act together so that it won’t disgrace the entire country before the international community in the future. With Christina Mendez - By Sandy Araneta
Saturday, August 28, 2010
News Update Tougher penalties for telcos
Last month, the Government fined SingTel $50,000 for a pay TV service outage that affected six per cent or 10,000 households here. -- PHOTO: AFP
TELECOMMUNICATIONS firms that engage in anti-competitive behaviour or whose services fall short could face significantly tougher sanctions.
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica), in a consultation paper released on Friday, said that it is looking at tougher measures against telecommunications companies in light of the increasingly critical role their services, from mobile phones to Internet access, play in society.
Currently, companies that breach the Telecoms Act, which regulates the conduct of players providing telecommunications services like SingTel and StarHub, are liable for fines of up to $1 million.
This, said Mica, 'is low and may not be adequate to achieve its original policy objective of providing an effective deterrent to non-compliance with regulatory conditions.' It wants to change this to $1 million or 10 per cent of the offender's annual revenue, whichever is higher.
This means that SingTel, which pocketed nearly $4.6 billion for telecommunications services for its financial year ended Mar 31, could face a penalty of nearly $460 million if its services fail to meet standards, while M1, which reported sales of $782 million last year, would face a smaller penalty of just $78 million if it fell short.
Last month, the Government fined SingTel $50,000 for a pay TV service outage that affected six per cent or 10,000 households here.
'Such an approach would enable (tech sector regulator) Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to levy a proportionately higher penalty on bigger licensees while maintaining sufficient deterrent for smaller licensees,' said Mica.
And those who do not pay up - or pay up promptly - could be barred from doing business until they cough up the fine, it said.
'To increase the effectiveness of the financial penalty as a sanction, MICA proposes to empower IDA to be able to suspend or cancel the whole or part of a licence, or to reduce the period for which a licence is to be in force,' it said, especially since suing individual offenders in court 'is both inefficient and uneconomical, especially for small amounts.'
News Update DOLE advises employers of pay rules for Monday
As Filipinos prepare for a long weekend, the Department of Labor and Employment reminded employers Friday of the pay rules for Monday, National Heroes' Day.
DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said August 30 is a nationwide regular holiday, to honor heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.
"Based on Memorandum Circular No. 01 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and pursuant to the provisions of Labor Code, private sector employers must comply to appropriate core labor standards protecting workers during the observance of the regular holiday on August 30," Baldoz said on the DOLE website.
The pay rules are as follows:
If the holiday falls on an employee’s regular workday: If worked, the employee is entitled to 200% of his or her basic wage on the first eight hours and, for work in excess of the eight hours, to an additional 30% of his or her hourly rate on the said day.
If unworked, the employee is entitled to 100% of his or her regular daily rate, provided he or she was present, or was on leave with pay, on the workday immediately preceding the holiday. If the day is the employee’s rest day: If worked, the employee is entitled, on the first 8 hours, to 200% of his or her daily rate plus 30% and, for work in excess of 8 hours, plus 30% of his or her hourly rate on said day.
If unworked, the employee is entitled to 100% of his or her regular daily rate, provided he or she was present, or was on leave with pay, on the workday immediately preceding the holiday. In case the day immediately preceding the holiday is a non-work day in the establishment, or is the scheduled rest day of the employee: The employee shall not be deemed on leave of absence on that day, in which case he or she shall be entitled to the holiday pay. Earlier, Malacañang decreed the observance of the holiday this Monday — traditionally observed on the last Sunday of August — is already provided for under Republic Act 9492.
The DOLE said inquiries and feedback on core labor standards may be made with the DOLE Call Center at Hotline 2917 from Globe or TM phones, 908-2917 from landline phones or text at 2910.
DOLE goes 'all out' vs. contractualization
Meanwhile, the DOLE reiterated its all-out effort against contractualization as Baldoz issued new administrative orders to the effect.
The new orders, AO Nos. 281-B, 281-C, 281-D, and 281-E all support the order that set into motion a reform program enforcing the DOLE’s core mandate of labor standards setting and visitorial powers on the protection of workers. http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1329
Under AO 281-B, the DOLE’s regional offices will look into the worst forms of contractualization, especially in the agriculture industry, as well as into the validity of alien employment permits (AEPs) and the related special visa for employment generation (SVEG). This is in addition to the priorities set forth under the earlier AO 281.
The order directs DOLE regional directors, as the chairs of their respective Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), to ensure the termination within 30 days of labor standards cases arising from inspection efforts of Project LEAP.
In the process, RCC member agencies are required to assist on the mandatory conciliation proceedings of contested cases.
The order also directs DOLE’s inspectors based in six regions, specifically Regions I, II, IV-B, V, VIII and CAR, to assist the regional offices (RO) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region III, and Region IV-A in the inspections.
Under AO No. 281-C, Baldoz authorized the direct augmentation of the inspection capabilities of DOLE-NCR, RO III, and RO IV-A with a total of 37 DOLE personnel.
Under AO No. 281-D, she directs 61 new inspectors who successfully hurdled training under the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) to proceed with the conduct of inspection activities covering Regions IVA, 4B, 7, 9 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).—JV
DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said August 30 is a nationwide regular holiday, to honor heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.
"Based on Memorandum Circular No. 01 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and pursuant to the provisions of Labor Code, private sector employers must comply to appropriate core labor standards protecting workers during the observance of the regular holiday on August 30," Baldoz said on the DOLE website.
The pay rules are as follows:
If the holiday falls on an employee’s regular workday: If worked, the employee is entitled to 200% of his or her basic wage on the first eight hours and, for work in excess of the eight hours, to an additional 30% of his or her hourly rate on the said day.
If unworked, the employee is entitled to 100% of his or her regular daily rate, provided he or she was present, or was on leave with pay, on the workday immediately preceding the holiday. If the day is the employee’s rest day: If worked, the employee is entitled, on the first 8 hours, to 200% of his or her daily rate plus 30% and, for work in excess of 8 hours, plus 30% of his or her hourly rate on said day.
If unworked, the employee is entitled to 100% of his or her regular daily rate, provided he or she was present, or was on leave with pay, on the workday immediately preceding the holiday. In case the day immediately preceding the holiday is a non-work day in the establishment, or is the scheduled rest day of the employee: The employee shall not be deemed on leave of absence on that day, in which case he or she shall be entitled to the holiday pay. Earlier, Malacañang decreed the observance of the holiday this Monday — traditionally observed on the last Sunday of August — is already provided for under Republic Act 9492.
The DOLE said inquiries and feedback on core labor standards may be made with the DOLE Call Center at Hotline 2917 from Globe or TM phones, 908-2917 from landline phones or text at 2910.
DOLE goes 'all out' vs. contractualization
Meanwhile, the DOLE reiterated its all-out effort against contractualization as Baldoz issued new administrative orders to the effect.
The new orders, AO Nos. 281-B, 281-C, 281-D, and 281-E all support the order that set into motion a reform program enforcing the DOLE’s core mandate of labor standards setting and visitorial powers on the protection of workers. http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1329
Under AO 281-B, the DOLE’s regional offices will look into the worst forms of contractualization, especially in the agriculture industry, as well as into the validity of alien employment permits (AEPs) and the related special visa for employment generation (SVEG). This is in addition to the priorities set forth under the earlier AO 281.
The order directs DOLE regional directors, as the chairs of their respective Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), to ensure the termination within 30 days of labor standards cases arising from inspection efforts of Project LEAP.
In the process, RCC member agencies are required to assist on the mandatory conciliation proceedings of contested cases.
The order also directs DOLE’s inspectors based in six regions, specifically Regions I, II, IV-B, V, VIII and CAR, to assist the regional offices (RO) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region III, and Region IV-A in the inspections.
Under AO No. 281-C, Baldoz authorized the direct augmentation of the inspection capabilities of DOLE-NCR, RO III, and RO IV-A with a total of 37 DOLE personnel.
Under AO No. 281-D, she directs 61 new inspectors who successfully hurdled training under the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) to proceed with the conduct of inspection activities covering Regions IVA, 4B, 7, 9 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).—JV
News Update DILG chief: Mayor Lim was on top and followed protocols
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo on Friday defended Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim from allegations that he ordered the arrest of the hostage-taker’s brother during Monday’s hostage crisis, which eventually led to the incident’s bloody outcome.
Robredo said Lim supervised the crisis management committee and “followed" all protocols in handling the hostage incident at the local level.
“Mayor Lim was on top of the situation as the head of the crisis management committee," Robredo said in a statement released to the media on Friday.
He added that the Manila mayor has sufficient knowledge on crisis situations like the hostage-taking incident four days ago, having served as a police officer and as a Cabinet member.
“He [Lim] possesses relevant experience as former chief of the Manila Police District, former National Bureau of Investigation director and even a former DILG Secretary," he said.
On August 23, dismissed Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza hijacked a bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. After an 11-hour hostage drama at the Quirino grandstand in Manila’s historic Rizal Park, nine people died — eight tourists and their armed captor. (See: Hostage crisis ends in bloody carnage; 8 hostages dead)
Former MPD head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, who was ground commander during the incident, told a Senate hearing on Thursday that it was the Manila mayor who ordered the arrest of SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of the hostage-taker.
The arrest reportedly agitated the hostage-taker and prompted him to start gunning down the victims. Lim has denied the allegation, saying he only ordered SPO2 Mendoza to be handcuffed, and not arrested.
This page requires a higher version browser “Ako nag-utos na posasan to restrain his movements. May mga pulis doon na may mga baril. Eh kung mang-agaw ng baril ‘yun [SPO2 Mendoza]?" he said in a television interview.
(I was the one who ordered that he be handcuffed, to restrain his movements. There were policemen there with their firearms. What if he grabbed a gun?)
It turned out the Mendoza brother could not handcuffed because the policemen with him reportedly did not have handcuffs, so he was merely ordered to stay put, according to a QTV news reporter who interviewed Lim.
“Ihahandcuff sana, pero sabi ko ‘wag na ihandcuff. Dalhin na lang ninyo sa headquarters for investigation," the mayor added emphatically.
(He was supposed to be handcuffed, but I said, don't handcuff him anymore. Just bring him to headquarters for investigation.)
Some live radio reports during the side incident had said the police at first did not intend to arrest SPO2 Mendoza but were merely “removing him from the scene" to avoid his interference in the negotiations with his brother.
Results of DILG-DOJ probe in 3 weeks In the same statement, Robredo said that the results of a joint investigation being conducted by his department and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday’s hostage tragedy will be released in three weeks. “We are working as fast and as judicious as we can to find out what really happened," he said in a statement released to the media on Friday. Robredo added that the results of the probe will trace who was really accountable for the lapses in handling and the final outcome of the bloody incident. He likewise said that the task force conducting the investigation, chaired by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, has already interviewed witnesses and survivors, and looked into the procedures conducted by assault team as part of the probe. The DILG chief however maintained that the bloody outcome of Monday’s hostage crisis demonstrated how local police lacks modern equipment and training. “The hostage incident showed the apparent lack of modern equipment and training of our police force, which the previous administration failed to address," he said. Because of this, Robredo directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to allocate more of its budget to intensify the training of police forces and to purchase protective gear for crisis situations. Police probe to take time PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa however admitted that the separate probe currently being conducted by the police may take some time to finish. “Since medyo mahaba-haba yung aaralin natin, medyo matatagalan siguro ito (the event we’re analyzing took some time, so the analysis will also probably take some time). Please bear with us," he told reporters in a separate interview on Friday. Verzosa, who inspected on Friday the ill-fated Hong Thai tourist bus that carried the Hong Kong tourists, said the police had just set up an examination room in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City where the trajectories of bullets that hit the vehicle will be examined. The police chief however assured that the probe will be conducted “technically and scientifically" to assure that all those involved in the bloody incident will be held accountable. The Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier said the Philippine government would have to finish its investigation on the hostage-taking before its officials can meet with representatives of the Chinese government. (See: RP to end hostage probe before meeting with China)—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV,
Robredo said Lim supervised the crisis management committee and “followed" all protocols in handling the hostage incident at the local level.
“Mayor Lim was on top of the situation as the head of the crisis management committee," Robredo said in a statement released to the media on Friday.
He added that the Manila mayor has sufficient knowledge on crisis situations like the hostage-taking incident four days ago, having served as a police officer and as a Cabinet member.
“He [Lim] possesses relevant experience as former chief of the Manila Police District, former National Bureau of Investigation director and even a former DILG Secretary," he said.
On August 23, dismissed Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza hijacked a bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. After an 11-hour hostage drama at the Quirino grandstand in Manila’s historic Rizal Park, nine people died — eight tourists and their armed captor. (See: Hostage crisis ends in bloody carnage; 8 hostages dead)
Former MPD head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, who was ground commander during the incident, told a Senate hearing on Thursday that it was the Manila mayor who ordered the arrest of SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of the hostage-taker.
The arrest reportedly agitated the hostage-taker and prompted him to start gunning down the victims. Lim has denied the allegation, saying he only ordered SPO2 Mendoza to be handcuffed, and not arrested.
This page requires a higher version browser “Ako nag-utos na posasan to restrain his movements. May mga pulis doon na may mga baril. Eh kung mang-agaw ng baril ‘yun [SPO2 Mendoza]?" he said in a television interview.
(I was the one who ordered that he be handcuffed, to restrain his movements. There were policemen there with their firearms. What if he grabbed a gun?)
It turned out the Mendoza brother could not handcuffed because the policemen with him reportedly did not have handcuffs, so he was merely ordered to stay put, according to a QTV news reporter who interviewed Lim.
“Ihahandcuff sana, pero sabi ko ‘wag na ihandcuff. Dalhin na lang ninyo sa headquarters for investigation," the mayor added emphatically.
(He was supposed to be handcuffed, but I said, don't handcuff him anymore. Just bring him to headquarters for investigation.)
Some live radio reports during the side incident had said the police at first did not intend to arrest SPO2 Mendoza but were merely “removing him from the scene" to avoid his interference in the negotiations with his brother.
Results of DILG-DOJ probe in 3 weeks In the same statement, Robredo said that the results of a joint investigation being conducted by his department and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday’s hostage tragedy will be released in three weeks. “We are working as fast and as judicious as we can to find out what really happened," he said in a statement released to the media on Friday. Robredo added that the results of the probe will trace who was really accountable for the lapses in handling and the final outcome of the bloody incident. He likewise said that the task force conducting the investigation, chaired by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, has already interviewed witnesses and survivors, and looked into the procedures conducted by assault team as part of the probe. The DILG chief however maintained that the bloody outcome of Monday’s hostage crisis demonstrated how local police lacks modern equipment and training. “The hostage incident showed the apparent lack of modern equipment and training of our police force, which the previous administration failed to address," he said. Because of this, Robredo directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to allocate more of its budget to intensify the training of police forces and to purchase protective gear for crisis situations. Police probe to take time PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa however admitted that the separate probe currently being conducted by the police may take some time to finish. “Since medyo mahaba-haba yung aaralin natin, medyo matatagalan siguro ito (the event we’re analyzing took some time, so the analysis will also probably take some time). Please bear with us," he told reporters in a separate interview on Friday. Verzosa, who inspected on Friday the ill-fated Hong Thai tourist bus that carried the Hong Kong tourists, said the police had just set up an examination room in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City where the trajectories of bullets that hit the vehicle will be examined. The police chief however assured that the probe will be conducted “technically and scientifically" to assure that all those involved in the bloody incident will be held accountable. The Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier said the Philippine government would have to finish its investigation on the hostage-taking before its officials can meet with representatives of the Chinese government. (See: RP to end hostage probe before meeting with China)—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV,
News Update Palace officials, media to meet on crisis coverage protocols
Palace officials will meet separately with various media organizations starting next week to discuss protocols to follow when covering sensitive incidents in the future, a Malacañang official said Friday.
"Ako personally pupunta ako sa mga news organizations, makikipag-usap sa kanila (I will personally go to the news organizations and talk to them)," said Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning head Ricky Carandang, who was a broadcaster prior to his current government post.
"There will be no conditions. I want to listen, I want to hear," he added.
The meetings will be held in light of Monday's hostage tragedy in Manila’s Rizal Park, where eight tourists from Hong Kong and the hostage taker, former police inspector Rolando Mendoza, ended up dead. (See: Hostage crisis timeline)
Various broadcast outfits’ live coverage of the unfolding 11-hour hostage drama has been widely criticized locally and abroad. President Benigno Aquino III himself said, in a press conference hours after the incident, that because Mendoza was monitoring television and radio news inside the bus, the operations of troops on the ground were "severely hampered."
"There are two ways to do this: you can do it in a big meeting na parang townhall na nandun lahat (townhall-style with everyone attending), or you can do it in small groups," Carandang said, adding that he prefers talking with small groups as this is “more productive."
“So starting next week, we intend to meet with small groups of media just to level off kung ano bang pwede nating gawin (on things that we can do) to work together more carefully in the future," he said.
Major TV networks ABS-CBN and GMA Network have both issued statements after Monday’s hostage tragedy vowing to review their coverage guidelines and practices.
The Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) said it is also set to meet with Department of Interior and Local Government and police officials next week.
The meeting's goal is to "thoroughly review" media coverage of the hostage-taking incident "to come up with new measures" that would prevent the media from handling future incidents in the same manner, the KBP said.—Jam L. Sisante/JV
"Ako personally pupunta ako sa mga news organizations, makikipag-usap sa kanila (I will personally go to the news organizations and talk to them)," said Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning head Ricky Carandang, who was a broadcaster prior to his current government post.
"There will be no conditions. I want to listen, I want to hear," he added.
The meetings will be held in light of Monday's hostage tragedy in Manila’s Rizal Park, where eight tourists from Hong Kong and the hostage taker, former police inspector Rolando Mendoza, ended up dead. (See: Hostage crisis timeline)
Various broadcast outfits’ live coverage of the unfolding 11-hour hostage drama has been widely criticized locally and abroad. President Benigno Aquino III himself said, in a press conference hours after the incident, that because Mendoza was monitoring television and radio news inside the bus, the operations of troops on the ground were "severely hampered."
"There are two ways to do this: you can do it in a big meeting na parang townhall na nandun lahat (townhall-style with everyone attending), or you can do it in small groups," Carandang said, adding that he prefers talking with small groups as this is “more productive."
“So starting next week, we intend to meet with small groups of media just to level off kung ano bang pwede nating gawin (on things that we can do) to work together more carefully in the future," he said.
Major TV networks ABS-CBN and GMA Network have both issued statements after Monday’s hostage tragedy vowing to review their coverage guidelines and practices.
The Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) said it is also set to meet with Department of Interior and Local Government and police officials next week.
The meeting's goal is to "thoroughly review" media coverage of the hostage-taking incident "to come up with new measures" that would prevent the media from handling future incidents in the same manner, the KBP said.—Jam L. Sisante/JV
News Update Philippine fire leaves thousands homeless
MANILA, Philippines – Officials say a massive fire has left thousands homeless in two coastal villages north of the capital.
Fire Officer Domingo Gastilo says the fire broke out late Thursday, possibly when gasoline a man was pouring into a container near an open stove caught alight.
The fire lasted four hours, racing through some 350 shanties in two crowded villages in Navotas city, north of the capital Manila.
Gastilo said Friday two people died. An eight-year-old girl fell to her death from a makeshift bridge as people fled the fire, and another panicked resident jumped into Manila Bay and drowned.
Thousands were displaced by the fire, but it was not immediately clear exactly how many. They are being housed in a city gymnasium and two schools.
Fire Officer Domingo Gastilo says the fire broke out late Thursday, possibly when gasoline a man was pouring into a container near an open stove caught alight.
The fire lasted four hours, racing through some 350 shanties in two crowded villages in Navotas city, north of the capital Manila.
Gastilo said Friday two people died. An eight-year-old girl fell to her death from a makeshift bridge as people fled the fire, and another panicked resident jumped into Manila Bay and drowned.
Thousands were displaced by the fire, but it was not immediately clear exactly how many. They are being housed in a city gymnasium and two schools.
Friday, August 27, 2010
News Update Miriam wants Napolcom directly under President
Citing police blunders during Monday's hostage crisis, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed a bill that would call for the immediate reorganization of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) so that the President has direct control over it.
Under Senate Bill No. 1748 filed by Santiago, the Napolcom shall be subsumed under the Office of the President rather than under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“This way, the President will have a more direct hand in overseeing the police force, much like he handles the Armed Forces as its commander-in-chief. The Napolcom under the DILG at present only makes the chain of command longer," she said in a statement on Friday.
She explained that "a direct line" between the Napolcom and the President would guide the Philippine National Police (PNP) better in handling situations like the Rizal Park hostage tragedy last Monday.
The senator issued the statement after the PNP failed to resolve the hostage-taking crisis incited by dismissed police officer Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. The 11-hour hostage standoff resulted in the death of Mendoza and eight Hong Kong tourists and various injuries to seven others.
Santiago’s bill also aims to strengthen Napolcom's hold on the PNP and in the process improve police education, communication, equipment, criminal identification, and criminal statistics.
“The quality of our police force depends on the hands that guide it. As peace and order is crucial our country’s socio-economic development, Napolcom should be much more than glorified nannies of cops," she said.
“The PNP is national in scope and civilian in character. The Napolcom becomes the unifying element between the national and local as mandated by the Constitution," she added.
Under Santiago's bill, the Napolcom shall designate an Internal Affairs Bureau. At present, the PNP has a similar department called the Internal Affairs Service which investigates and adjudicates administrative cases of police anomalies and irregularities.
“Moving the jurisdiction of internal affairs to the Napolcom ensures the independence of investigation of graft and corruption within police ranks. This will help in weeding out the bad cops from the good ones," Santiago said.
Mendoza was dismissed from the service due to charges of extortion and illegal arrest. He was likewise facing charges of misconduct at the Office of the Ombudsman. During the Rizal Park standoff, he demanded that he be reinstated and his case reviewed.—Kimberly Jane T. Tan/JV
Under Senate Bill No. 1748 filed by Santiago, the Napolcom shall be subsumed under the Office of the President rather than under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“This way, the President will have a more direct hand in overseeing the police force, much like he handles the Armed Forces as its commander-in-chief. The Napolcom under the DILG at present only makes the chain of command longer," she said in a statement on Friday.
She explained that "a direct line" between the Napolcom and the President would guide the Philippine National Police (PNP) better in handling situations like the Rizal Park hostage tragedy last Monday.
The senator issued the statement after the PNP failed to resolve the hostage-taking crisis incited by dismissed police officer Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. The 11-hour hostage standoff resulted in the death of Mendoza and eight Hong Kong tourists and various injuries to seven others.
Santiago’s bill also aims to strengthen Napolcom's hold on the PNP and in the process improve police education, communication, equipment, criminal identification, and criminal statistics.
“The quality of our police force depends on the hands that guide it. As peace and order is crucial our country’s socio-economic development, Napolcom should be much more than glorified nannies of cops," she said.
“The PNP is national in scope and civilian in character. The Napolcom becomes the unifying element between the national and local as mandated by the Constitution," she added.
Under Santiago's bill, the Napolcom shall designate an Internal Affairs Bureau. At present, the PNP has a similar department called the Internal Affairs Service which investigates and adjudicates administrative cases of police anomalies and irregularities.
“Moving the jurisdiction of internal affairs to the Napolcom ensures the independence of investigation of graft and corruption within police ranks. This will help in weeding out the bad cops from the good ones," Santiago said.
Mendoza was dismissed from the service due to charges of extortion and illegal arrest. He was likewise facing charges of misconduct at the Office of the Ombudsman. During the Rizal Park standoff, he demanded that he be reinstated and his case reviewed.—Kimberly Jane T. Tan/JV
News Update Manila churches to include HK hostage victims in Sunday Mass
For two Sundays, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Manila will include the victims of last Monday's hostage crisis in their prayers at Mass.
The Archdiocese's Ministry for Liturgical Affairs directed priests, rectors and chaplains to include the victims in the "Prayers of the Faithful."
On August 23, Rolando Mendoza, a dismissed policeman, hijacked a bus with 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos.
After an 11-hour hostage drama, eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker were killed.
"For all who have died, especially those who lost their lives in the hostage-taking tragedy on August 23, that in death they may pass on to complete freedom, to the land where there is neither tear nor sorrow, nor anger and pain, let us pray to the Lord," read the first intention, the text of which was posted on the archdiocese's website on Friday.
The second intention will be for those grieving over the loss of their loved ones, and for all who witnessed the "violent and senseless taking of innocent lives."
Both intentions will be included in all masses on August 29 and September 5, 2010.
"For our brothers and sisters who are grieving and in pain at the tragic death of loved ones, countrymen, and fellowmen, at the August 23 hostage crisis, for all of us all who witnessed this violent and senseless taking of innocent lives, that we may not allow the power of hatred to blind us but that we may discover the creative power of forgiveness and understanding to stop the cycle of violence and hatred, let us pray to the Lord," it said.
Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission director Fr. Genaro Diwa said the hostage-taking incident "has deeply wounded our psyche and soul for its inexplicable violence and senseless brutality."
What magnified the tragic scenario was what he called the "glaring, and oftentimes, irresponsible coverage of the media."
"In this period of mourning and self-examination we turn to our loving God, the source of all consolation, wisdom and peace. While many already have prayed and are praying for those who suffered in this unfortunate incident, we propose that we lead the congregation in a communal prayer through our prayers of the faithful," he said.
"May our prayers reach up to heaven to God our Father, and through His Son Jesus give us peace and through the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts," he added. –VVP
The Archdiocese's Ministry for Liturgical Affairs directed priests, rectors and chaplains to include the victims in the "Prayers of the Faithful."
On August 23, Rolando Mendoza, a dismissed policeman, hijacked a bus with 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos.
After an 11-hour hostage drama, eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker were killed.
"For all who have died, especially those who lost their lives in the hostage-taking tragedy on August 23, that in death they may pass on to complete freedom, to the land where there is neither tear nor sorrow, nor anger and pain, let us pray to the Lord," read the first intention, the text of which was posted on the archdiocese's website on Friday.
The second intention will be for those grieving over the loss of their loved ones, and for all who witnessed the "violent and senseless taking of innocent lives."
Both intentions will be included in all masses on August 29 and September 5, 2010.
"For our brothers and sisters who are grieving and in pain at the tragic death of loved ones, countrymen, and fellowmen, at the August 23 hostage crisis, for all of us all who witnessed this violent and senseless taking of innocent lives, that we may not allow the power of hatred to blind us but that we may discover the creative power of forgiveness and understanding to stop the cycle of violence and hatred, let us pray to the Lord," it said.
Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission director Fr. Genaro Diwa said the hostage-taking incident "has deeply wounded our psyche and soul for its inexplicable violence and senseless brutality."
What magnified the tragic scenario was what he called the "glaring, and oftentimes, irresponsible coverage of the media."
"In this period of mourning and self-examination we turn to our loving God, the source of all consolation, wisdom and peace. While many already have prayed and are praying for those who suffered in this unfortunate incident, we propose that we lead the congregation in a communal prayer through our prayers of the faithful," he said.
"May our prayers reach up to heaven to God our Father, and through His Son Jesus give us peace and through the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts," he added. –VVP
News Update HK rallies around family torn by Manila hijacking
HONG KONG – Hong Kong on Friday rallied behind a family that lost three of its members in the bloody bus hijacking in the Philippines, as the sole surviving son underwent surgery for a serious head injury.
The Leung family, Hong Kong natives who hold Canadian passports, have become the emotional focal point of this southern Chinese territory following a 12-hour hostage-taking that played out at a Manila park and left eight Hong Kong tourists dead.
Just after the standoff ended late Monday with police shooting the hostage-taker, devastated mother Amy described to TV cameras at the scene how her husband had tried to subdue the hijacker, but was killed in gunfire.
Amy, who was unhurt, wondered about the fate of her three children who were also on the tour bus_ only to find out later that daughters Doris, 21, and Jessie, 14, were also fatally shot.
That left 18-year-old son Jason, who suffered a head injury that left him in a coma. The teenager, a graduate of Bronte College secondary school in the Canadian city of Mississauga, Ontario, was flown back to Hong Kong late Thursday for further treatment. A doctor removed part of his skull to ease the swelling of his brain and inserted a monitor on Friday.
Dr. Dawson Fong told reporters the procedure was successful, but Jason's fever had spiked since the surgery and was being treated with a heavy dose of antibiotics.
"His intracranial pressure has stayed at an acceptable level since the surgery. And we can see since we created an opening in his skull, it's been easier to control his vital signs, so he is relatively stable," Fong said.
The neurosurgeon, however, refused to give a prognosis, citing respect for the family.
Fong said he couldn't determine how the wound was inflicted because he is not the first doctor to treat him. A Filipino doctor who treated Jason said earlier he may have been struck by the butt of a gun.
Meanwhile, Hong Kongers have poured affection toward the teenager and his mother.
Newspapers ran messages of encouragement in front-page headlines on Friday. "Hang in there! Song-xue," Ta Kung Pao wrote, using the 18-year-old's Chinese name. "Jason, Keep at it!" Apple Daily said. Facebook users have set up support groups called "You have to live" and "Jason Leung: Get up soon. Your mother is waiting for you to go home."
Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang visited Jason and his mother on Friday.
"I hope Mrs. Leung will take care of herself too besides nursing Jason. She was very peaceful just now. She even told me not to worry," Tsang said afterward.
Tsang and his wife Selina also attended a mass for Jason's father, Ken Leung, late Thursday. The gathering at the secondary school that the 58-year-old businessman attended drew a turnout of 1,200 people, Ming Pao Daily News reported on Friday.
The Leung family, Hong Kong natives who hold Canadian passports, have become the emotional focal point of this southern Chinese territory following a 12-hour hostage-taking that played out at a Manila park and left eight Hong Kong tourists dead.
Just after the standoff ended late Monday with police shooting the hostage-taker, devastated mother Amy described to TV cameras at the scene how her husband had tried to subdue the hijacker, but was killed in gunfire.
Amy, who was unhurt, wondered about the fate of her three children who were also on the tour bus_ only to find out later that daughters Doris, 21, and Jessie, 14, were also fatally shot.
That left 18-year-old son Jason, who suffered a head injury that left him in a coma. The teenager, a graduate of Bronte College secondary school in the Canadian city of Mississauga, Ontario, was flown back to Hong Kong late Thursday for further treatment. A doctor removed part of his skull to ease the swelling of his brain and inserted a monitor on Friday.
Dr. Dawson Fong told reporters the procedure was successful, but Jason's fever had spiked since the surgery and was being treated with a heavy dose of antibiotics.
"His intracranial pressure has stayed at an acceptable level since the surgery. And we can see since we created an opening in his skull, it's been easier to control his vital signs, so he is relatively stable," Fong said.
The neurosurgeon, however, refused to give a prognosis, citing respect for the family.
Fong said he couldn't determine how the wound was inflicted because he is not the first doctor to treat him. A Filipino doctor who treated Jason said earlier he may have been struck by the butt of a gun.
Meanwhile, Hong Kongers have poured affection toward the teenager and his mother.
Newspapers ran messages of encouragement in front-page headlines on Friday. "Hang in there! Song-xue," Ta Kung Pao wrote, using the 18-year-old's Chinese name. "Jason, Keep at it!" Apple Daily said. Facebook users have set up support groups called "You have to live" and "Jason Leung: Get up soon. Your mother is waiting for you to go home."
Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang visited Jason and his mother on Friday.
"I hope Mrs. Leung will take care of herself too besides nursing Jason. She was very peaceful just now. She even told me not to worry," Tsang said afterward.
Tsang and his wife Selina also attended a mass for Jason's father, Ken Leung, late Thursday. The gathering at the secondary school that the 58-year-old businessman attended drew a turnout of 1,200 people, Ming Pao Daily News reported on Friday.
News Update Aquino wants strike force vs hostage-taking, other crises
Malacañang said President Benigno Simeon Aquino III wants to set up an "elite strike force" to deal with future hostage-taking incidents and other similar crises.
Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma said Aquino wants the force to have members from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"Sabi ng pangulo magtatag ng elite force ng AFP at PNP, elite strike force na maging handa para sa ganyang krisis. Yan ang pagtutuunan ng pansin ngayon para mapabago at mapahusay ang kahandaan natin sa krisis tulad nito (The president wants an elite strike force composed of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines. This is one of the possible steps to improve our response to such crises)," he said in an interview on dwIZ radio.
On Monday, eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed along with their hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, after an 11-hour hostage crisis.
Coloma also hinted at the formation of a "crisis communications setup" to ensure immediate response during crises.
An ongoing investigation is focusing on the poor handling of the incident by the police authorities on the ground.
The Philippine National Police has elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Special Action Force (SAF) units to deal with crises.
However, the Manila police's SWAT was highly-criticized after their assault on the bus on Monday was aired on television.
Coloma said Monday's incident was a reflection of the capability of the nation's law enforcement sector.
"Naipakita doon ang kakulangan ng equipment, sa pagsasanay, sa pagkilos nang mahusay sa isang krisis. At yan ang estado na minana ng kasalukuyang administrasyon (Monday's incident showed the lack of equipment and training needed to deal with a crisis. That is the state of the law enforcement that we inherited from the past administration)," he said.
Coloma said another priority of the government is to improve the capabilities of state security forces, including the PNP.
However, he said the government is ready to give the PNP the funds it needs for equipment and training.
However, he said the PNP leadership will have to account for how it spends government resources.
"Kasama ang concept ng accountability... Tama na alamin paano paggamit ng resources na bibigay sa kanila (We have not forgotten the concept of accountability. It is but proper that the public knows how the resources the police gets are spent)," he said.
"Kami ay handa maging accountable at responsible sa estado ng kapulisan (We are also ready to become accountable and responsible for the state of our police force)," he added. –VVP
Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma said Aquino wants the force to have members from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"Sabi ng pangulo magtatag ng elite force ng AFP at PNP, elite strike force na maging handa para sa ganyang krisis. Yan ang pagtutuunan ng pansin ngayon para mapabago at mapahusay ang kahandaan natin sa krisis tulad nito (The president wants an elite strike force composed of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines. This is one of the possible steps to improve our response to such crises)," he said in an interview on dwIZ radio.
On Monday, eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed along with their hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, after an 11-hour hostage crisis.
Coloma also hinted at the formation of a "crisis communications setup" to ensure immediate response during crises.
An ongoing investigation is focusing on the poor handling of the incident by the police authorities on the ground.
The Philippine National Police has elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Special Action Force (SAF) units to deal with crises.
However, the Manila police's SWAT was highly-criticized after their assault on the bus on Monday was aired on television.
Coloma said Monday's incident was a reflection of the capability of the nation's law enforcement sector.
"Naipakita doon ang kakulangan ng equipment, sa pagsasanay, sa pagkilos nang mahusay sa isang krisis. At yan ang estado na minana ng kasalukuyang administrasyon (Monday's incident showed the lack of equipment and training needed to deal with a crisis. That is the state of the law enforcement that we inherited from the past administration)," he said.
Coloma said another priority of the government is to improve the capabilities of state security forces, including the PNP.
However, he said the government is ready to give the PNP the funds it needs for equipment and training.
However, he said the PNP leadership will have to account for how it spends government resources.
"Kasama ang concept ng accountability... Tama na alamin paano paggamit ng resources na bibigay sa kanila (We have not forgotten the concept of accountability. It is but proper that the public knows how the resources the police gets are spent)," he said.
"Kami ay handa maging accountable at responsible sa estado ng kapulisan (We are also ready to become accountable and responsible for the state of our police force)," he added. –VVP
News Update Manila police get new OIC again; personnel's morale wavers
After the bloody hostage tragedy in Manila last Monday, the Manila Police District has undergone two leadership changes in a matter of two days.
Metro Manila police chief Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. also hinted Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, the second OIC since Monday's incident, may not be the last.
"OIC pa lang ito, di pa ito ang final. Tulad ng pagkakatalaga ni Senior Superintendent Villaroman, OIC din siya. Ngayon ay hindi ibig sabihin ang OIC, siya na ang permanente (He's just an OIC. He will not necessarily be the permanent head of the MPD. Just like Senior Superintendent Villaroman, Rongavilla is just an OIC and will not necessarily be a permanent replacement)," he said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Rongavilla, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1979, heads a task force looking into the alleged torture of a suspected thief in an MPD precinct in Tondo.
He replaced Senior Superintendent Francisco Villaroman, who was named MPD OIC after MPD head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay went on leave Wednesday.
Magtibay was the ground commander in Monday's hostage crisis where at least eight tourists from Hong Kong died along with hostage taker dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.
Meanwhile, a report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo Friday said the leadership changes had left some MPD men demoralized.
The Manila's Finest Brotherhood Association urged the Philippine National Police leadership and the Manila city government to provide them with firearms, and support to the Special Weapons and Tactics unit. — LBG/RSJ
Metro Manila police chief Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. also hinted Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, the second OIC since Monday's incident, may not be the last.
"OIC pa lang ito, di pa ito ang final. Tulad ng pagkakatalaga ni Senior Superintendent Villaroman, OIC din siya. Ngayon ay hindi ibig sabihin ang OIC, siya na ang permanente (He's just an OIC. He will not necessarily be the permanent head of the MPD. Just like Senior Superintendent Villaroman, Rongavilla is just an OIC and will not necessarily be a permanent replacement)," he said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Rongavilla, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1979, heads a task force looking into the alleged torture of a suspected thief in an MPD precinct in Tondo.
He replaced Senior Superintendent Francisco Villaroman, who was named MPD OIC after MPD head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay went on leave Wednesday.
Magtibay was the ground commander in Monday's hostage crisis where at least eight tourists from Hong Kong died along with hostage taker dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.
Meanwhile, a report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo Friday said the leadership changes had left some MPD men demoralized.
The Manila's Finest Brotherhood Association urged the Philippine National Police leadership and the Manila city government to provide them with firearms, and support to the Special Weapons and Tactics unit. — LBG/RSJ
News Update Jackie Chan's tweets draw ire
Chan, Hong Kong's most famous celebrity, has taken a more diplomatic tack, suggesting in comments through his Twitter account that the Philippine police faced a tough dilemma. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
HONG KONG - JACKIE Chan's tweets about the Manila bus hijacking have drawn a barrage of Internet attacks in his native Hong Kong, which lost eight residents in the tragedy.
An armed former police officer seeking reinstatement commandeered a bus carrying a Hong Kong tour guide and 20 tourists in the Philippine capital on Monday. He released several children and elderly hostages early on, but later opened fire on the remaining hostages after a day long standoff with police, killing eight before being shot by a police sniper.
Outraged Hong Kongers have criticised the Philippine government for acting too slowly.
But Chan, Hong Kong's most famous celebrity, has taken a more diplomatic tack, suggesting in comments through his Twitter account that the Philippine police faced a tough dilemma.
'If they killed the guy sooner, they will say why not negotiate first? If they negotiate first, they ask why not kill the guy sooner? So sad,' the veteran action star wrote on Wednesday.
He also urged Hong Kongers not to direct their anger at Filipinos living in Hong Kong. Tens of thousands of Filipinos work as live-in domestic helpers for Hong Kong families. -- AP
Kopi Talk Of posters & wang-wang
The public saw them as revolting and many were nauseated when the President unraveled before a national audience ''those unconscionable'' excesses.
And now people are talking about the decisive presidential directives that put an end to all those abhorred concessions.
''Enough is enough. All this non-sense has to stop,'' these harsh words must have been uttered by the Chief Executive. And bring the bar down he did to those publicly detested frivolities.
The targets of the presidential ire are: Blaring mobile sirens of public officials that are installed in their vehicles while speeding along Metro Manila roads, the myriads of pestering posters hang by local and national officials announcing their projects (financed by taxpayers' money), and lately, the ''horror stories'' (as one senator jeered) about the sky-high salaries and allowances of executives of government owned or controlled corporations.
Just a few weeks after the directives were issued, have these excesses been halted?
Neutral observers are saying that from the looks of it, the concerned officials are succeeding in circumventing the presidential censure. Here's how:
In silence, the offensive ''wang-wang'' is still very much around. What is now being done is that the officials' two or three-car convoy has installed glaring and blinding lights in front and atop their vehicles that are bothersome to motorists even from a distance of 200 meters.
What else? They use bullhorns. Magnified a hundred times than what you and I normally hear during provincial sporting events, security personnel tell motorists and passersby to make way.
Kibitzers are calling these new intimidations as the ''hawi'' brigade of insensitive government functionaries.
Nothing beats this ingenious ''wang-wang'' substitute I encountered last Monday within the periphery of Quezon Memorial Circle.
Hiding in a security car plate, the public official recorded an annoying cellphone ringtone and played it over and over again via a megaphone!
Surely, the contraption emitted a sound that was just as offensive as the ''wang-wang'' scream!
I know this for a fact - the surreptitious car was behind me on East Avenue.
The biggest losers of the poster ban by President Noynoy are Quezon City officials, from the mayor down to ambitious barangay chairmen. These personages have become passionately addicted to using tarpaulin posters installed in all available public areas of the Capitol District.
But one councilor was able to run around in circles on the prohibition of poster display. She built a giant steel-concrete post in the center island - with her name in huge letters - at the inter-section of Batasan Road and San Mateo Road.
What am I a councilor for!
And what about those fantastic salaries and allowances?
Those personalities, literally at the receiving end of the presidential censure, are asking for exemptions.
They reasoned that theirs are man-size jobs that require brains and brawn in running the affairs of those corporations. And besides they have diplomas from American Ivy League schools to bruit about!
What arrogance!
Two of those in the limelight of public derision said their ballooning remuneration was due to representation, travelling, and advertising expenditures. These allocations did not go to their own pocket, they claimed.
Can you beat that!
And now people are talking about the decisive presidential directives that put an end to all those abhorred concessions.
''Enough is enough. All this non-sense has to stop,'' these harsh words must have been uttered by the Chief Executive. And bring the bar down he did to those publicly detested frivolities.
The targets of the presidential ire are: Blaring mobile sirens of public officials that are installed in their vehicles while speeding along Metro Manila roads, the myriads of pestering posters hang by local and national officials announcing their projects (financed by taxpayers' money), and lately, the ''horror stories'' (as one senator jeered) about the sky-high salaries and allowances of executives of government owned or controlled corporations.
Just a few weeks after the directives were issued, have these excesses been halted?
Neutral observers are saying that from the looks of it, the concerned officials are succeeding in circumventing the presidential censure. Here's how:
In silence, the offensive ''wang-wang'' is still very much around. What is now being done is that the officials' two or three-car convoy has installed glaring and blinding lights in front and atop their vehicles that are bothersome to motorists even from a distance of 200 meters.
What else? They use bullhorns. Magnified a hundred times than what you and I normally hear during provincial sporting events, security personnel tell motorists and passersby to make way.
Kibitzers are calling these new intimidations as the ''hawi'' brigade of insensitive government functionaries.
Nothing beats this ingenious ''wang-wang'' substitute I encountered last Monday within the periphery of Quezon Memorial Circle.
Hiding in a security car plate, the public official recorded an annoying cellphone ringtone and played it over and over again via a megaphone!
Surely, the contraption emitted a sound that was just as offensive as the ''wang-wang'' scream!
I know this for a fact - the surreptitious car was behind me on East Avenue.
The biggest losers of the poster ban by President Noynoy are Quezon City officials, from the mayor down to ambitious barangay chairmen. These personages have become passionately addicted to using tarpaulin posters installed in all available public areas of the Capitol District.
But one councilor was able to run around in circles on the prohibition of poster display. She built a giant steel-concrete post in the center island - with her name in huge letters - at the inter-section of Batasan Road and San Mateo Road.
What am I a councilor for!
And what about those fantastic salaries and allowances?
Those personalities, literally at the receiving end of the presidential censure, are asking for exemptions.
They reasoned that theirs are man-size jobs that require brains and brawn in running the affairs of those corporations. And besides they have diplomas from American Ivy League schools to bruit about!
What arrogance!
Two of those in the limelight of public derision said their ballooning remuneration was due to representation, travelling, and advertising expenditures. These allocations did not go to their own pocket, they claimed.
Can you beat that!
News Update PNP braces for 'hacktivist' attacks on its websites
MANILA, Philippines – The Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management (DICTM) of the Philippine National Police has placed itself on high alert for a possible series of cyber attacks on its websites by hackers or “hacktivists” in the wake of the recent hostage-taking tragedy in Manila.
Chief Inspector Felizardo Eubra of the Web Services and Cyber Technology Division, the anti-hacking unit of the DICTM, has expressed concern that the attack on the PNP’s websites is now ongoing after the agency’s main website www.pnp.gov.ph was shut down and could not be accessed as of this morning.
Eubra said a team from his unit is now tracing where the attack could have originated.
Eubra told The STAR that just minutes after the bloody end to the hostage taking, a barrage of hate e-mails were received by the PNP through its e-mail address feedback@pnp.gov.ph. The hate-emails were followed by another e-mail threatening to deface and then shut down all of the PNP’s websites.
Eubra would not say for the meantime where the threatening e-mail had originated, saying that their anti-hacking team is now tracing it.
“We are now taking the warning very seriously. We have sent a memo to all our other offices to take safeguards and secure all of the PNP’s websites from these hactivists,” Eubra told The STAR.
Most of the e-mails sent to the PNP were sent from Hong Kong, an official detailed with DICTM earlier told The STAR.
One e-mail sent by a certain Diu Kau Lee said the Philippine police force is “rubbish” and branded the country as a “nation of slaves.”
Another e-mail, also sent from Hong Kong, chided the Manila Police for taking 30 minutes to break into the bus with a 10-pound hammer
Another e-mail, meanwhile, questioned the way the Manila Police handled the brother of the hostage-taker. The e-mail also asked President Aquino to relieve officials of the Manila Police over the incident. - By Mike Frialde
Chief Inspector Felizardo Eubra of the Web Services and Cyber Technology Division, the anti-hacking unit of the DICTM, has expressed concern that the attack on the PNP’s websites is now ongoing after the agency’s main website www.pnp.gov.ph was shut down and could not be accessed as of this morning.
Eubra said a team from his unit is now tracing where the attack could have originated.
Eubra told The STAR that just minutes after the bloody end to the hostage taking, a barrage of hate e-mails were received by the PNP through its e-mail address feedback@pnp.gov.ph. The hate-emails were followed by another e-mail threatening to deface and then shut down all of the PNP’s websites.
Eubra would not say for the meantime where the threatening e-mail had originated, saying that their anti-hacking team is now tracing it.
“We are now taking the warning very seriously. We have sent a memo to all our other offices to take safeguards and secure all of the PNP’s websites from these hactivists,” Eubra told The STAR.
Most of the e-mails sent to the PNP were sent from Hong Kong, an official detailed with DICTM earlier told The STAR.
One e-mail sent by a certain Diu Kau Lee said the Philippine police force is “rubbish” and branded the country as a “nation of slaves.”
Another e-mail, also sent from Hong Kong, chided the Manila Police for taking 30 minutes to break into the bus with a 10-pound hammer
Another e-mail, meanwhile, questioned the way the Manila Police handled the brother of the hostage-taker. The e-mail also asked President Aquino to relieve officials of the Manila Police over the incident. - By Mike Frialde
Kopi Talk Dismissed, armed and dangerous
MANILA, Philippines - The tourist bus and the area around it were littered with spent shells from rifles and handguns. From hostage taker Rolando Mendoza, police recovered an M-16 assault rifle with three magazines, a .45-caliber Colt pistol with three magazines, two police handcuffs, a dagger, gun licenses, a Philippine National Police mission order as well as his PNP ID card.
How did a man dismissed from the police force seven months ago have in his possession all those weapons and a lot of ammunition? Where did Mendoza get so much ammunition when the PNP issues bullets so sparingly to its members?
In other countries, mere suspension requires a cop to turn over to his unit not just his service firearm but also his badge. In this country, a cop dismissed from the service for extortion can continue wearing his uniform and keep two weapons, one of them an assault rifle. Little wonder then that many dismissed cops have been implicated in carjacking, kidnapping and bank robbery, sometimes serving as gang leaders themselves.
In Mendoza’s case, his Manila Police District uniform and rifle helped him persuade the driver of the ill-fated tourist bus that he needed to hitch a ride to the Quirino Grandstand. Even if Mendoza’s case was on appeal, he should have been immediately disarmed after the order for his dismissal was issued by the Office of the Ombudsman. A dismissed officer can be allowed to wield guns again only if the order is reversed. If the appeal is rejected and the order becomes final, an officer dismissed for dishonorable causes must never be authorized to own a gun again.
Where did Mendoza obtain his guns and ammunition? Can police handcuffs be obtained in the sidewalks of Manila? Tracing the source of the weapons should be included in the investigation of the handling of the hostage situation staged by Mendoza last Monday. Guns give some people the illusion of power. Two days ago, Mendoza played out the illusion, with lethal results.
How did a man dismissed from the police force seven months ago have in his possession all those weapons and a lot of ammunition? Where did Mendoza get so much ammunition when the PNP issues bullets so sparingly to its members?
In other countries, mere suspension requires a cop to turn over to his unit not just his service firearm but also his badge. In this country, a cop dismissed from the service for extortion can continue wearing his uniform and keep two weapons, one of them an assault rifle. Little wonder then that many dismissed cops have been implicated in carjacking, kidnapping and bank robbery, sometimes serving as gang leaders themselves.
In Mendoza’s case, his Manila Police District uniform and rifle helped him persuade the driver of the ill-fated tourist bus that he needed to hitch a ride to the Quirino Grandstand. Even if Mendoza’s case was on appeal, he should have been immediately disarmed after the order for his dismissal was issued by the Office of the Ombudsman. A dismissed officer can be allowed to wield guns again only if the order is reversed. If the appeal is rejected and the order becomes final, an officer dismissed for dishonorable causes must never be authorized to own a gun again.
Where did Mendoza obtain his guns and ammunition? Can police handcuffs be obtained in the sidewalks of Manila? Tracing the source of the weapons should be included in the investigation of the handling of the hostage situation staged by Mendoza last Monday. Guns give some people the illusion of power. Two days ago, Mendoza played out the illusion, with lethal results.
Kopi Talk 100 million Filipinos
PHilippine population is now l00 million. We are now the fourth most populous country on earth.
And we have no intelligent population policy like China has. Disaster coming.
***
Legality of Truth Commission being questioned in the Supreme Court by leaders of the previous administration.
The truth will not set you free - it will send you to prison.
***
Bureau of Immigration stops 302 undocumented Filipino workers from leaving the country through NAIA. The bureau is doing a good job.
***
The Supreme Court is asking Malacañang to defer the President's order to revoke midnight appointments of about a thousand officials.
Mr. Aquino should thank his predecessor for giving him a first-class headache.
***
Kuratong Baleleng crime syndicate in the south is alive and kicking, says congressman. The gang is famous for kidnapping, brazen bank robberies, and rubout of men in uniform.
***
Bill legalizing divorce is facing rough sailing in Congress.
We're not ready for it. That's what it means.
***
Malacañang says it can sack midnight appointees unless the Supreme Court says no.
Do it while nobody is looking.
***
The May election was the costliest with the bulk of expense going to advertising. Nothing wrong, it's normal.
***
The military says the MILF is getting more weapons and training more men while talks for peace are stalled.
They will talk peace from a position of strength, what's wrong with that?
***
Project billboards with the names and pictures of politicians are being removed.
We are setting a new trend that has solid public approval.
***
Oil companies are racing with each other in raising pump prices.
The consumers are alarmed and bewildered.
***
Administration will extend the current 10-year public education cycle to 12 years.
We will be producing better Filipinos.
We're all for it.
***
Congress is investigating the excessive salaries and perks that board members and officials of government corporations are giving to themselves.
The fat cats in our midst. We support the probe.
***
Overseas workers are protesting the compulsory 6-month contribution of OFWs to Pag-Ibig Fund.
It's for their own good in the end. They should not protest too much.
***
Infested NFA rice will be fed to children in 48,000 daycare centers.
Just be sure they don't get sick.
And we have no intelligent population policy like China has. Disaster coming.
***
Legality of Truth Commission being questioned in the Supreme Court by leaders of the previous administration.
The truth will not set you free - it will send you to prison.
***
Bureau of Immigration stops 302 undocumented Filipino workers from leaving the country through NAIA. The bureau is doing a good job.
***
The Supreme Court is asking Malacañang to defer the President's order to revoke midnight appointments of about a thousand officials.
Mr. Aquino should thank his predecessor for giving him a first-class headache.
***
Kuratong Baleleng crime syndicate in the south is alive and kicking, says congressman. The gang is famous for kidnapping, brazen bank robberies, and rubout of men in uniform.
***
Bill legalizing divorce is facing rough sailing in Congress.
We're not ready for it. That's what it means.
***
Malacañang says it can sack midnight appointees unless the Supreme Court says no.
Do it while nobody is looking.
***
The May election was the costliest with the bulk of expense going to advertising. Nothing wrong, it's normal.
***
The military says the MILF is getting more weapons and training more men while talks for peace are stalled.
They will talk peace from a position of strength, what's wrong with that?
***
Project billboards with the names and pictures of politicians are being removed.
We are setting a new trend that has solid public approval.
***
Oil companies are racing with each other in raising pump prices.
The consumers are alarmed and bewildered.
***
Administration will extend the current 10-year public education cycle to 12 years.
We will be producing better Filipinos.
We're all for it.
***
Congress is investigating the excessive salaries and perks that board members and officials of government corporations are giving to themselves.
The fat cats in our midst. We support the probe.
***
Overseas workers are protesting the compulsory 6-month contribution of OFWs to Pag-Ibig Fund.
It's for their own good in the end. They should not protest too much.
***
Infested NFA rice will be fed to children in 48,000 daycare centers.
Just be sure they don't get sick.
News Update Job orders for OFWs in HK remain – recruiters
Hong Kong recruitment agencies have not canceled job orders and contracts for Filipino domestic workers, according to an association of Philippine recruiters. In a statement, Society of Hong Kong-Accredited Recruiters of the Philippines (SHARP), an association of government-accredited agencies sending Filipino domestic workers to Hong Kong, said the demand for Filipino workers in the Chinese special administrative region remains. The group issued the statement to assuage fears of a backlash against Filipinos after eight Hong Kong tourists were killed in a hostage-taking incident in Manila on August 23. The group, through its president, Alfredo Palmiery, said given the history of services rendered by Filipino household workers to Hong Kong employers, the recent incident is not expected to diminish the preference to hiring Filipino household workers.
No notice Palmiery likewise said their counterpart associations in Hong Kong have not received notice from prospective employers withdrawing or canceling contracts for domestic workers. There have also not received any report of a Filipino household worker terminated because of his/her nationality in light of Monday’s hostage-taking incident. Palmiery also added that so far, there has been no report coming from his member agencies that any of their deployed household workers was terminated due to the hostage-taking incident. Records from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) show Hong Kong was the third top destination for land-based overseas Filipino workers, with over 100,000 OFWs in 2009. Over 24,000 domestic workers were likewise deployed in Hong Kong in 2009, which is almost a third of the total number of Filipino domestic workers worldwide for the same year. According to SHARP, there are about 135,000 Filipino household workers in Hong Kong receiving a monthly salary of HK$3,580 (P22,000), with one rest day per week and a monthly food allowance of Hk$750 (P4,500). Palmiery meanwhile clarified that the freeze in the salary hike for foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong was declared long before the hostage-taking incident and is therefore not in retaliation to the deaths of Hong Kong tourists.
Dismissal, physical attacks In a related development, a Filipino migrants’ rights group in Hong Kong said it is verifying reports of alleged discriminatory acts against Filipino workers there in relation to Monday’s hostage drama. Eman Villanueva, vice chairperson of the Filipino Migrant Workers Union, said in an interview that there are text messages circulating among Filipinos in Hong Kong alleging mass dismissal of and physical attacks against Filipinos. Villanueva said while the reports are “sketchy and unverifiable," they will nevertheless forward whatever information they receive to the Hong Kong police for investigation. “We are especially wary about these text messages reaching the locals, because they might be antagonized," he told. - KBK
No notice Palmiery likewise said their counterpart associations in Hong Kong have not received notice from prospective employers withdrawing or canceling contracts for domestic workers. There have also not received any report of a Filipino household worker terminated because of his/her nationality in light of Monday’s hostage-taking incident. Palmiery also added that so far, there has been no report coming from his member agencies that any of their deployed household workers was terminated due to the hostage-taking incident. Records from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) show Hong Kong was the third top destination for land-based overseas Filipino workers, with over 100,000 OFWs in 2009. Over 24,000 domestic workers were likewise deployed in Hong Kong in 2009, which is almost a third of the total number of Filipino domestic workers worldwide for the same year. According to SHARP, there are about 135,000 Filipino household workers in Hong Kong receiving a monthly salary of HK$3,580 (P22,000), with one rest day per week and a monthly food allowance of Hk$750 (P4,500). Palmiery meanwhile clarified that the freeze in the salary hike for foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong was declared long before the hostage-taking incident and is therefore not in retaliation to the deaths of Hong Kong tourists.
Dismissal, physical attacks In a related development, a Filipino migrants’ rights group in Hong Kong said it is verifying reports of alleged discriminatory acts against Filipino workers there in relation to Monday’s hostage drama. Eman Villanueva, vice chairperson of the Filipino Migrant Workers Union, said in an interview that there are text messages circulating among Filipinos in Hong Kong alleging mass dismissal of and physical attacks against Filipinos. Villanueva said while the reports are “sketchy and unverifiable," they will nevertheless forward whatever information they receive to the Hong Kong police for investigation. “We are especially wary about these text messages reaching the locals, because they might be antagonized," he told. - KBK
News Update 8 die of dengue in Rizal this year, 387 cases recorded
RIZAL PNP - At least 8 people died of dengue cases in Rizal this year. This number is lower than the cases recorded in the same period last year. This was bared Wednesday by Rizal Governor Junjun Ynares III as he appealed to the public to keep maintaining their surroundings clean to avoid this kind of disease. Governor Ynares said that for the period of January to August 2010, seven of the eight people who reportedly died of dengue came from Antipolo City while one died in Cainta. A total of 387 cases of dengue was reported in Rizal province this year. This number is lower compared to the 841 cases recorded in the same period last year. The highest number of cases came from Antipolo, 98, followed by Rodriguez with 96 cases.
News Update Fires hit 2,310 hectares of Benguet forests
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - At least 2,310 hectares of forests in different parts of this vegetable-producing province turned to black and gold due to numerous forest fires caused by the prolonged drought in the first half of the year.
Based on the report released this week by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, forest fires dealt a major blow to efforts of the Regional development Council (RDC) in the Cordillera to rehabilitate and manage the region's remaining forest cover.
The report showed that in January forest fires occurred in Nawal, Bokod town, affecting an area of 31.4 hectares; lower Saclalan in Buguias and Km. 44 Bocao, Atok, affecting 6.7 hectares; and Tuba with 14.56 hectares.
In February, fire incidents were recorded in Kabayan town, affecting 539.97 hectares; Buguias, Mankayan, and Bakun, affecting 50.38 hectares; and Tuba, accounting for 10.19 hectares. In March this year, the fires were again recorded in Kabayan - 1,352.29 hectares; Tuba and Tublay - 79.2 hectares and Buguias - 132.7 hectares.
In April, it was in Tuba and Kapangan, covering an area of 67 hectares while in May, fires raged in Nawal, Bokod affecting 26.38 hectares.
Local officials claimed that what makes the fire incidents painful to them, especially those advocating for environmental preservation and protection, is that no effort was done by concerned sectors to put out the fire the soonest to prevent it from ravaging the fully grown and young trees planted for the purpose of reforestation.
Earlier, Gov. Nestor B. Fongwan encouraged all provincial, municipal and barangay officials to include climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures in their respective disaster management programs so that people will be empowered to help the protection of the trees for the benefit of the future generation of Filipinos.
Based on the report released this week by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, forest fires dealt a major blow to efforts of the Regional development Council (RDC) in the Cordillera to rehabilitate and manage the region's remaining forest cover.
The report showed that in January forest fires occurred in Nawal, Bokod town, affecting an area of 31.4 hectares; lower Saclalan in Buguias and Km. 44 Bocao, Atok, affecting 6.7 hectares; and Tuba with 14.56 hectares.
In February, fire incidents were recorded in Kabayan town, affecting 539.97 hectares; Buguias, Mankayan, and Bakun, affecting 50.38 hectares; and Tuba, accounting for 10.19 hectares. In March this year, the fires were again recorded in Kabayan - 1,352.29 hectares; Tuba and Tublay - 79.2 hectares and Buguias - 132.7 hectares.
In April, it was in Tuba and Kapangan, covering an area of 67 hectares while in May, fires raged in Nawal, Bokod affecting 26.38 hectares.
Local officials claimed that what makes the fire incidents painful to them, especially those advocating for environmental preservation and protection, is that no effort was done by concerned sectors to put out the fire the soonest to prevent it from ravaging the fully grown and young trees planted for the purpose of reforestation.
Earlier, Gov. Nestor B. Fongwan encouraged all provincial, municipal and barangay officials to include climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures in their respective disaster management programs so that people will be empowered to help the protection of the trees for the benefit of the future generation of Filipinos.
News Update CA upholds suspension order vs 5 Comelec officials
MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals Special 15th Division has affirmed an Ombudsman order placing 6 poll officials under preventive suspension pending an ongoing preliminary investigation of a complaint against them for the botched P690-million ballot secrecy folder deal supposedly for the May 10 elections.
In a 2-page resolution penned by Justice Magdangal de Leon, the appellate court's special division found no compelling reason for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or a writ of preliminary injunction prayed for by petitioners Ma. Leah Alarkon, Francis Abaya, Norina Tangaro-Casingal, Martin Niedo and Antonio Santella , former members of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).
The court said "there is no clear showing of a right claimed which necessitates their entitlement to an injunctive relief."
The requisites for preliminary injunctive relief are:
a) the invasion of right sought to be protected is material and substantial; b) the right of the complainant is clear and unmistakable; and, b) there is an urgent and paramount necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage.
The resolution also said that there is emphasis that an application for injunctive relief is construed strictly against the pleader.
The court has asked Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, the Comelec and the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman to file comments within 10 days from notice of the resolution.
The petitioners, meanwhile, were given 5 days to reply upon receipt of the respondents' comment.
The Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension last July 29 against the 5 BAC officials and Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino AJr for favoring OTC Paper Supply for the botched ballot secrecy folders project.
The Comelec En Banc junked the project after discovering that folders were overpriced by P380 each.
In a 2-page resolution penned by Justice Magdangal de Leon, the appellate court's special division found no compelling reason for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or a writ of preliminary injunction prayed for by petitioners Ma. Leah Alarkon, Francis Abaya, Norina Tangaro-Casingal, Martin Niedo and Antonio Santella , former members of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).
The court said "there is no clear showing of a right claimed which necessitates their entitlement to an injunctive relief."
The requisites for preliminary injunctive relief are:
a) the invasion of right sought to be protected is material and substantial; b) the right of the complainant is clear and unmistakable; and, b) there is an urgent and paramount necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage.
The resolution also said that there is emphasis that an application for injunctive relief is construed strictly against the pleader.
The court has asked Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, the Comelec and the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman to file comments within 10 days from notice of the resolution.
The petitioners, meanwhile, were given 5 days to reply upon receipt of the respondents' comment.
The Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension last July 29 against the 5 BAC officials and Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino AJr for favoring OTC Paper Supply for the botched ballot secrecy folders project.
The Comelec En Banc junked the project after discovering that folders were overpriced by P380 each.
News Update Robredo: Arroyo gov't also to blame for poor state of PNP
MANILA, Philippines - Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Jesse Robredo said the Arroyo administration cannot escape responsibility for the poor state of skills and equipment of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In an interview with DZMM on Thursday, Robredo said the Aquino administration inherited the poor state of the PNP from the previous government.
“Without defending the president, without defending the administration, ang difference po, hindi pa nakaka-60 days [ang gobyerno]. Ibig sabihin yung gamit, yung training ng pulis is a carry over from the previous administration,” he said.
He said the new administration, through the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), is still assessing the capabilities of the police force.
Robredo added that if Aquino has been in office as long as former President Gloria Arroyo, and there are still defeciencies and apparent lack of training, he would have understood critics’ call for his [Robredo] resignation.
“Ako po, titignan ko lang yung humihingi ng mag ulo namin. Kung ang motibo nila ay para sa kabutihan ng bansa, sa palagay ko we should go, pero kung ang motibo po nila ay gamitin ang pagkakataon na ito para siraan ang administrasyon na ito, palagay po hindi kami makikinig,” he added.
On Wednesday, allies of former President Gloria Arroyo in the House of Representatives called for the resignation of 3 Cabinet officials, including Robredo, for the failed rescue mission.
Robredo pointed out that the DILG leadership essentially deals with policy-making, and does not give commands to the police. Following protocol
Robredo also explained they also follow protocol, which states that criminal matters be initially handled at the lowest level.
In the August 23 hostage crisis, it was handled by the Manila Police District and a crisis management committee.
“Ang policy of po kasi dito, these matters should be handled at the lowest level as much as possible. The public might disagree,” Robredo said.
“Ang pananaw ko [simula noong na-report and hostage-taking] hanggang ala-sais [ng gabi], [everything was] going on as planned. Ang most important thing then was asikasuhin ‘yung biktima (hostages),” he said.
Then MPD Chief Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay was the one in charge of the team, said Robredo.
He also added that although he was not at the scene of the crime, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Magtibay, and some generals were in Emerald restaurant in Manila and constantly communicated with the negotiating team in Rizal Park.
“We were communitcating with each other. Talagang sinadya na walang mag-picture. Ang presence is not only physical presence, but overseeing what was happening. Low-key, low-level... Ang tingin ko po, ginagawa nila yung dapat nilang gawin,” Robredo said.
Investigation continues
Investigations into the bus hostage-taking crisis will continue, he said.
The DILG formed an agreement with the justice department to create a committee composed of Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and 3 members who are not from government.
Anti-crime advocate Tessie Ang See and Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) President Herman Besbaño have reportedly agreed to be part of the committee.
The committee is waiting for the PNP forensic reports. He said the committee will validate and verify the results of the investigation.
“May implikasyon sa paniwala sa pamahalaan [and results] kaya kailangan siguraduhin na kung ano ang lalalabas sa report na ito ay yun ang katotohanan,” Robredo said. “Kapag may duda, ivavalidate namin.” - with Radyo DZMM
In an interview with DZMM on Thursday, Robredo said the Aquino administration inherited the poor state of the PNP from the previous government.
“Without defending the president, without defending the administration, ang difference po, hindi pa nakaka-60 days [ang gobyerno]. Ibig sabihin yung gamit, yung training ng pulis is a carry over from the previous administration,” he said.
He said the new administration, through the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), is still assessing the capabilities of the police force.
Robredo added that if Aquino has been in office as long as former President Gloria Arroyo, and there are still defeciencies and apparent lack of training, he would have understood critics’ call for his [Robredo] resignation.
“Ako po, titignan ko lang yung humihingi ng mag ulo namin. Kung ang motibo nila ay para sa kabutihan ng bansa, sa palagay ko we should go, pero kung ang motibo po nila ay gamitin ang pagkakataon na ito para siraan ang administrasyon na ito, palagay po hindi kami makikinig,” he added.
On Wednesday, allies of former President Gloria Arroyo in the House of Representatives called for the resignation of 3 Cabinet officials, including Robredo, for the failed rescue mission.
Robredo pointed out that the DILG leadership essentially deals with policy-making, and does not give commands to the police. Following protocol
Robredo also explained they also follow protocol, which states that criminal matters be initially handled at the lowest level.
In the August 23 hostage crisis, it was handled by the Manila Police District and a crisis management committee.
“Ang policy of po kasi dito, these matters should be handled at the lowest level as much as possible. The public might disagree,” Robredo said.
“Ang pananaw ko [simula noong na-report and hostage-taking] hanggang ala-sais [ng gabi], [everything was] going on as planned. Ang most important thing then was asikasuhin ‘yung biktima (hostages),” he said.
Then MPD Chief Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay was the one in charge of the team, said Robredo.
He also added that although he was not at the scene of the crime, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Magtibay, and some generals were in Emerald restaurant in Manila and constantly communicated with the negotiating team in Rizal Park.
“We were communitcating with each other. Talagang sinadya na walang mag-picture. Ang presence is not only physical presence, but overseeing what was happening. Low-key, low-level... Ang tingin ko po, ginagawa nila yung dapat nilang gawin,” Robredo said.
Investigation continues
Investigations into the bus hostage-taking crisis will continue, he said.
The DILG formed an agreement with the justice department to create a committee composed of Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and 3 members who are not from government.
Anti-crime advocate Tessie Ang See and Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) President Herman Besbaño have reportedly agreed to be part of the committee.
The committee is waiting for the PNP forensic reports. He said the committee will validate and verify the results of the investigation.
“May implikasyon sa paniwala sa pamahalaan [and results] kaya kailangan siguraduhin na kung ano ang lalalabas sa report na ito ay yun ang katotohanan,” Robredo said. “Kapag may duda, ivavalidate namin.” - with Radyo DZMM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)