Newly appointed Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday to build a strong case against all known jueteng lords in the country for their eventual prosecution.
In launching what he labeled as an all-out war against the illegal numbers game, Robredo said the PNP will not spare anyone, especially those policemen caught giving protection to jueteng operators.
"Of course, there will be an all- out war, a no-nonsense campaign against all forms of illegal activities, including jueteng and drugs. No one will be spared from protectors, maintainers down to their personnel," Robredo told reporters in his first day as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Robredo, however, said the PNP should come up with enough evidence to ensure that jueteng lords are put to jail.
"We have to prepare necessary evidence so we can charge them and put them behind bars," he said, referring to the likes of Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda, Charing Magbuhos and the Viceo brothers who operate in Pampanga, Laguna and Bulacan, respectively.
Robredo has yet to resign as mayor of Naga City. He was appointed by President Pascual as DILG chief the other day and he buckled down to work yesterday.
He gave assurance that concerns of local governments and the country in general will be addressed by his department.
Robredo noted that peace and order is his number one concern and he will ensure that this is properly addressed by the 114,000-strong PNP in curbing all forms of criminality.
"The concerns of local governance will also be advanced because the local governments will be the key to our national developments and survival," he said. "If the local government is properly mobilized and organized, it can spell the difference."
Robredo added that there will be no vindictiveness in his administration. "We will start the healing process," he said. - Cecille Suerte Felipe
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2001/01/24/105265/crackdown-jueteng-launched
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Atienza to Tsinoys: No cause for alarm
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza downplayed yesterday the concerns of some Chinese-Filipino businessmen on the possible rise of kidnapping incidents in the city during the election season.
"There is only one case of killing suspected to be related to kidnapping. But there is no cause for panic. I do not see any pattern (in crime incidents)," said Atienza.
Earlier, members of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club led by their president George Lee called on Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa, the director of the Manila Police District (MPD), and have voiced their apprehension on the possible surge of kidnapping.
Atienza gave assurances that the police would be vigilant but he acknowledged the possibility of a crime upsurge in the coming weeks.
"We have considered the possibility that while the people would be busy with politics, criminal elements would take advantage of the situation," he said.
Atienza called on the MPD to remain alert. "They should focus on crime fighting and not to get involved in politics or other preoccupation."
He added that there was no rash of kidnappings in Manila during the last elections.
Abarzosa had earlier assured the Chinese-Filipino community that his force would do all it can to provide protection.
Chinese-Filipino businessmen fear a possible resurgence of kidnappings perpetrated by unscrupulous politicians to raise election campaign funds following the recent killing of businessman Lester Mancillia.
Mancillia, 34, who owned a plastic factory, was shot repeatedly by an assassin while on his way to a basketball practice last Sunday. He died at the Metropolitan Hospital. Mancillia is an uncle of a kidnap victim, Kenshi Yu.
Police Officer 2 Jay Santos, the officer-on-case, said Mancillia had instructed his drivers to take alternate routes shortly before the ambush.
"This proves that he may already be receiving death threats. However, he did not even mention the reason for changing routes even to his wife," Santos told The STAR, adding that the victim’s family hasn’t been able to provide useful information. — With Adolph Manintim, Nestor Etolle
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381432/atienza-tsinoys-no-cause-alarm
"There is only one case of killing suspected to be related to kidnapping. But there is no cause for panic. I do not see any pattern (in crime incidents)," said Atienza.
Earlier, members of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club led by their president George Lee called on Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa, the director of the Manila Police District (MPD), and have voiced their apprehension on the possible surge of kidnapping.
Atienza gave assurances that the police would be vigilant but he acknowledged the possibility of a crime upsurge in the coming weeks.
"We have considered the possibility that while the people would be busy with politics, criminal elements would take advantage of the situation," he said.
Atienza called on the MPD to remain alert. "They should focus on crime fighting and not to get involved in politics or other preoccupation."
He added that there was no rash of kidnappings in Manila during the last elections.
Abarzosa had earlier assured the Chinese-Filipino community that his force would do all it can to provide protection.
Chinese-Filipino businessmen fear a possible resurgence of kidnappings perpetrated by unscrupulous politicians to raise election campaign funds following the recent killing of businessman Lester Mancillia.
Mancillia, 34, who owned a plastic factory, was shot repeatedly by an assassin while on his way to a basketball practice last Sunday. He died at the Metropolitan Hospital. Mancillia is an uncle of a kidnap victim, Kenshi Yu.
Police Officer 2 Jay Santos, the officer-on-case, said Mancillia had instructed his drivers to take alternate routes shortly before the ambush.
"This proves that he may already be receiving death threats. However, he did not even mention the reason for changing routes even to his wife," Santos told The STAR, adding that the victim’s family hasn’t been able to provide useful information. — With Adolph Manintim, Nestor Etolle
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381432/atienza-tsinoys-no-cause-alarm
15 more Bohol residents hospitalized
Fifteen more residents in Northern Bohol were hospitalized yesterday after they were found suffering from dysentery, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.
This developed as DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag clarified that the 57-year-old man who reportedly died of dysentery actually succumbed to a heart ailment.
This means that only 10-year-old Leah May Lampara of barangay Cogon Norte in Loon town has died of the illness.
Tayag said the 15 patients were hospitalized after complaining of "watery diarrhea." He could not immediately ascertain how many residents were affected by the dysentery epidemic, which the DOH declared Monday.
The DOH sent yesterday a team of three experts to Bohol to help contain the epidemic, which mostly affected the coastal villages of Moto Norte, Moto Sur, Cogon Norte, Basac and Napo.
Tayag urged residents in these communities to observe proper food handling and personal hygiene and drink safe water to avoid getting infected with dysentery.
The victims developed acute diarrhea with bloody stools — indicating that they suffered from dysentery, which is characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the large intestines that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea with feces containing mucus and blood.
Several types of microorganisms can cause dysentery but the most common are the shigella bacteria and amoeba.
Hospital officials observed that diarrhea cases began to pour in from Northern Bohol starting Dec. 16 last year. On Friday, however, they raised an alert after some 50 people were rushed to hospital for diarrhea, Tayag said.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381477/15-more-bohol-residents-hospitalized
This developed as DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag clarified that the 57-year-old man who reportedly died of dysentery actually succumbed to a heart ailment.
This means that only 10-year-old Leah May Lampara of barangay Cogon Norte in Loon town has died of the illness.
Tayag said the 15 patients were hospitalized after complaining of "watery diarrhea." He could not immediately ascertain how many residents were affected by the dysentery epidemic, which the DOH declared Monday.
The DOH sent yesterday a team of three experts to Bohol to help contain the epidemic, which mostly affected the coastal villages of Moto Norte, Moto Sur, Cogon Norte, Basac and Napo.
Tayag urged residents in these communities to observe proper food handling and personal hygiene and drink safe water to avoid getting infected with dysentery.
The victims developed acute diarrhea with bloody stools — indicating that they suffered from dysentery, which is characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the large intestines that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea with feces containing mucus and blood.
Several types of microorganisms can cause dysentery but the most common are the shigella bacteria and amoeba.
Hospital officials observed that diarrhea cases began to pour in from Northern Bohol starting Dec. 16 last year. On Friday, however, they raised an alert after some 50 people were rushed to hospital for diarrhea, Tayag said.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381477/15-more-bohol-residents-hospitalized
Paolo Paraiso found!
Paolo Paraiso is paradise in the flesh. Those eyebrows, that skin, that face! And I found him. Okay, so not really. Somebody else did, but we’re all happy that somebody did. Paolo seems to have everything that the young, the bold and the beautiful (sounds like a soap opera!) want to get which obviously includes power, fame and fortune.
I’ve known Paolo for quite a long time now and I can safely say that he’s paradise to a lot of giggly girls and some grown women. That’s his effect on them – I don’t know why! As if! Might be because he’s sporty and adventurous… Hard to tell, right?
For this shoot, Paolo arrives in comfortable jeans and shirt. His hair has that whole windblown look which adds to his "resident pretty boy" appeal. Paolo gamely welcomed the facial from the good people of Facial Care Centre for Men. He looked so relaxed after it. I love their facials, by the way. They have products and services specifically for men! (It’s about time!)
Anyway, transforming into other things while constantly changing direction is something Paolo Paraiso has made into his career.
After treading the catwalk, he found himself among a stable of TV stars and has done a wide variety of things for both television and theater – a soap opera, a teen show, a sitcom and even a fantaserye. Paolo notes the many different types of acting he’s tried have all been part of a deliberate effort. "I want to experience a career that gives me the opportunity to play different types of roles. From kontrabida to bida, lover to fighter, macho to parlor gay." Parlor gay? What’s that? I never knew there were different kinds.
For someone whose job banks on his looks, his clothes and his image, Paolo admits he never really puts much thought into what he wears. "I’ve never considered myself fashionable. Even before I started modeling, I’d wear comfortable clothes. I usually go to Bench. I like their clothes because they’re no-fuss. I also remember back when I’d be reprimanded on my modeling jobs for wearing flip-flops. But after a few years, it became uso."
Paolo does seem to be a contradiction of sorts. Comfortable and laidback on the one hand, he’s quick to add that he likes men’s suits. "A classic black suit is the best for me. It exudes style, confidence and sophistication."
All these opposing fashion statements seem to come from the way he picks his clothes. Surprisingly, he dresses up depending on the kind of music that he’s listening to. "I have different phases. I enjoy listening to different kinds of music. So my musical mood dictates what kind of style I will wear." Following his line of thinking, I have Akon’s song on repeat. So I guess I’ll be hitting the city in R&B fashion tonight!
So what does a guy like Paolo spend his money on? "I love to buy T-shirts. Although I have tons of shirts at home, I only wear six to nine pieces all the time. I am a sucker for a statement/graphic shirt." He’s not kidding: Paolo wears the same shirts all the time even if he has a million pesos to his name. Actually, his love of shirts gave him the idea to start his own graphic statement T-shirt business, which is currently in the works. I will most definitely look out for that!
With all these things going on for Paolo, at the risk of sounding like a voice out of Star Wars, this slice of paradise is really a force to reckon with.
Your name: Paolo Paraiso
Your chief characteristic: Diversity.
Your favorite qualities in a man: Confidence and honesty.
Your favorite qualities in a woman: Smoothness, wit, perfection…
Your favorite quality in friends: Loyalty.
Your biggest flaw: I don’t know. Someone has to tell me what it is.
Your favorite occupation: Modeling.
Your idea of happiness: Happiness is being content with what you have.
Your idea of misery: Wanting more and having more than what you need. Abundance precedes misery.
If not yourself, who would you be? Maybe a high-level executive in the corporate world.
Where would you like to live? By the beach.
Your favorite color: Green.
Your favorite heroes in fiction: Superman and Batman.
Your favorite composers: Mozart, Beethoven and Ogie Alcasid.
Your favorite painter: Robby Mananquil.
Your favorite heroes in real life: Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.
Your favorite name: Tomas.
Your pet peeve: Women with bright-red nail polish.
What gift from nature would you like to have? My own island.
How would you like to die? Without any pain.
What is your present state of mind? I wouldn’t know… I always change my mind.
For what fault have you the most tolerance? I can tolerate stupidity.
Your favorite motto: "Live and let live."
How do you make time for yourself? It’s just a matter of prioritizing yourself.
Where and when was your favorite trip? It’s not the place but who you are with.
Name the place and exact time when you felt happiest: Chicago, Illinois, the birth of Tomas, my son.
Your favorite time of the day: Sleeping time.
What do you think was the best time in your life so far? When I was in college, I thought high school was the best time I had. After college, I thought that college was the best.
The one thing I would rescue first in case of a calamity is: My survival kit.
I wish I had more time to: Sit back and relax at the beach.
If I’m not too busy, I always spend time with: Tomas
The last place you want to be if you run out of time: In the toilet doing my business.
Given the chance to travel through time, where would you want to end up? The past. I want to change history and rule the world.
What do you like to spend your money on? Things that make me happy.
Your biggest extravagance: Myself.
– Based on The Marcel Proust Questionnaire
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2007/01/24/381503/paolo-paraiso-found
I’ve known Paolo for quite a long time now and I can safely say that he’s paradise to a lot of giggly girls and some grown women. That’s his effect on them – I don’t know why! As if! Might be because he’s sporty and adventurous… Hard to tell, right?
For this shoot, Paolo arrives in comfortable jeans and shirt. His hair has that whole windblown look which adds to his "resident pretty boy" appeal. Paolo gamely welcomed the facial from the good people of Facial Care Centre for Men. He looked so relaxed after it. I love their facials, by the way. They have products and services specifically for men! (It’s about time!)
Anyway, transforming into other things while constantly changing direction is something Paolo Paraiso has made into his career.
After treading the catwalk, he found himself among a stable of TV stars and has done a wide variety of things for both television and theater – a soap opera, a teen show, a sitcom and even a fantaserye. Paolo notes the many different types of acting he’s tried have all been part of a deliberate effort. "I want to experience a career that gives me the opportunity to play different types of roles. From kontrabida to bida, lover to fighter, macho to parlor gay." Parlor gay? What’s that? I never knew there were different kinds.
For someone whose job banks on his looks, his clothes and his image, Paolo admits he never really puts much thought into what he wears. "I’ve never considered myself fashionable. Even before I started modeling, I’d wear comfortable clothes. I usually go to Bench. I like their clothes because they’re no-fuss. I also remember back when I’d be reprimanded on my modeling jobs for wearing flip-flops. But after a few years, it became uso."
Paolo does seem to be a contradiction of sorts. Comfortable and laidback on the one hand, he’s quick to add that he likes men’s suits. "A classic black suit is the best for me. It exudes style, confidence and sophistication."
All these opposing fashion statements seem to come from the way he picks his clothes. Surprisingly, he dresses up depending on the kind of music that he’s listening to. "I have different phases. I enjoy listening to different kinds of music. So my musical mood dictates what kind of style I will wear." Following his line of thinking, I have Akon’s song on repeat. So I guess I’ll be hitting the city in R&B fashion tonight!
So what does a guy like Paolo spend his money on? "I love to buy T-shirts. Although I have tons of shirts at home, I only wear six to nine pieces all the time. I am a sucker for a statement/graphic shirt." He’s not kidding: Paolo wears the same shirts all the time even if he has a million pesos to his name. Actually, his love of shirts gave him the idea to start his own graphic statement T-shirt business, which is currently in the works. I will most definitely look out for that!
With all these things going on for Paolo, at the risk of sounding like a voice out of Star Wars, this slice of paradise is really a force to reckon with.
Your name: Paolo Paraiso
Your chief characteristic: Diversity.
Your favorite qualities in a man: Confidence and honesty.
Your favorite qualities in a woman: Smoothness, wit, perfection…
Your favorite quality in friends: Loyalty.
Your biggest flaw: I don’t know. Someone has to tell me what it is.
Your favorite occupation: Modeling.
Your idea of happiness: Happiness is being content with what you have.
Your idea of misery: Wanting more and having more than what you need. Abundance precedes misery.
If not yourself, who would you be? Maybe a high-level executive in the corporate world.
Where would you like to live? By the beach.
Your favorite color: Green.
Your favorite heroes in fiction: Superman and Batman.
Your favorite composers: Mozart, Beethoven and Ogie Alcasid.
Your favorite painter: Robby Mananquil.
Your favorite heroes in real life: Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.
Your favorite name: Tomas.
Your pet peeve: Women with bright-red nail polish.
What gift from nature would you like to have? My own island.
How would you like to die? Without any pain.
What is your present state of mind? I wouldn’t know… I always change my mind.
For what fault have you the most tolerance? I can tolerate stupidity.
Your favorite motto: "Live and let live."
How do you make time for yourself? It’s just a matter of prioritizing yourself.
Where and when was your favorite trip? It’s not the place but who you are with.
Name the place and exact time when you felt happiest: Chicago, Illinois, the birth of Tomas, my son.
Your favorite time of the day: Sleeping time.
What do you think was the best time in your life so far? When I was in college, I thought high school was the best time I had. After college, I thought that college was the best.
The one thing I would rescue first in case of a calamity is: My survival kit.
I wish I had more time to: Sit back and relax at the beach.
If I’m not too busy, I always spend time with: Tomas
The last place you want to be if you run out of time: In the toilet doing my business.
Given the chance to travel through time, where would you want to end up? The past. I want to change history and rule the world.
What do you like to spend your money on? Things that make me happy.
Your biggest extravagance: Myself.
– Based on The Marcel Proust Questionnaire
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2007/01/24/381503/paolo-paraiso-found
Atong Ang trial resumes today
After a long break, the trial for plunder of former presidential adviser Charlie "Atong" Ang resumes today at the Special Division of the Sandiganbayan.
Ang was arraigned last Nov. 15 and refused to enter a plea. The anti-graft court then entered a plea of "not guilty" for him and set his hearing for Dec. 6. But the court later decided to hold his first hearing today after agreeing to give both the defense and prosecution panels enough time to prepare.
Ang is expected to arrive at the courtroom of the Sandiganbayan Special Division at 9 a.m. under tight escort by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Sandiganbayan Sheriff’s Office from his detention facility at the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) in Bicutan, Taguig.
Ang’s custodial arrangement turned controversial after the BJMP transferred him from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ without the court’s permission.
As such, the three magistrates of the Special Division led by presiding justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro have threatened to cite Quezon City Jail Warden Superintendent Ignacio Panti, BJMP-National Capital Region director Senior Superintendent Serafin Barreto and Interior Undersecretary Marius Corpus for contempt.
The court has yet to issue its decision on the contempt case.
According to the BJMP, they decided to move Ang from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ after receiving "raw" intelligence reports that a jail guard at the Quezon City Jail was paid to have Ang killed by inmates while in detention. The Special Division magistrates, however, dismissed the BJMP’s intelligence report as hearsay.
The court is expected to resolve the pending request of Ang’s lawyers to suspend the hearings to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct a re-investigation of his plunder case.
Government lawyers have asked the Sandiganbayan to junk the request as it is no longer valid because he was already arraigned as a co-accused of former President Joseph Estrada on the charge of plunder.
Ang’s lawyers have argued that their client was denied due process when the Office of the Ombudsman did not serve him notice after it filed a criminal complaint against him in 2001.
Ang was a consultant for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) during the Estrada administration. He was accused by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson of funneling P130 million in tobacco tax kickbacks and illegal gambling payoffs to Estrada.
Ang, however, maintains that he is innocent of any involvement in jueteng or in the diversion of tobacco excise tax funds.
The prosecution, for its part, argued that a copy of the plunder complaint was served to Ang at his listed address, No. 18 Manansala Street, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon City on Jan. 18, 2001 by the Ombudsman’s Evaluation and Preliminary Investigation Bureau.
In the order, Ang was given 10 days to submit his counter-affidavit or any other documentary and testimonial evidence to prove his innocence. This was extended by another five days that ended on Feb. 6, 2001 without any response from Ang.
Prosecution lawyers said that Ang left the country in January 2001 after the cases against Estrada and others were filed. Hence, it is impossible for him not to have known such an important incident in the nation’s history.
In addition, government lawyers pointed out that Ang was also aware of the charges against him as they were brought to the attention of authorities in the United States during his extradition proceedings.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381485/atong-ang-trial-resumes-today
Ang was arraigned last Nov. 15 and refused to enter a plea. The anti-graft court then entered a plea of "not guilty" for him and set his hearing for Dec. 6. But the court later decided to hold his first hearing today after agreeing to give both the defense and prosecution panels enough time to prepare.
Ang is expected to arrive at the courtroom of the Sandiganbayan Special Division at 9 a.m. under tight escort by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Sandiganbayan Sheriff’s Office from his detention facility at the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) in Bicutan, Taguig.
Ang’s custodial arrangement turned controversial after the BJMP transferred him from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ without the court’s permission.
As such, the three magistrates of the Special Division led by presiding justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro have threatened to cite Quezon City Jail Warden Superintendent Ignacio Panti, BJMP-National Capital Region director Senior Superintendent Serafin Barreto and Interior Undersecretary Marius Corpus for contempt.
The court has yet to issue its decision on the contempt case.
According to the BJMP, they decided to move Ang from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ after receiving "raw" intelligence reports that a jail guard at the Quezon City Jail was paid to have Ang killed by inmates while in detention. The Special Division magistrates, however, dismissed the BJMP’s intelligence report as hearsay.
The court is expected to resolve the pending request of Ang’s lawyers to suspend the hearings to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct a re-investigation of his plunder case.
Government lawyers have asked the Sandiganbayan to junk the request as it is no longer valid because he was already arraigned as a co-accused of former President Joseph Estrada on the charge of plunder.
Ang’s lawyers have argued that their client was denied due process when the Office of the Ombudsman did not serve him notice after it filed a criminal complaint against him in 2001.
Ang was a consultant for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) during the Estrada administration. He was accused by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson of funneling P130 million in tobacco tax kickbacks and illegal gambling payoffs to Estrada.
Ang, however, maintains that he is innocent of any involvement in jueteng or in the diversion of tobacco excise tax funds.
The prosecution, for its part, argued that a copy of the plunder complaint was served to Ang at his listed address, No. 18 Manansala Street, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon City on Jan. 18, 2001 by the Ombudsman’s Evaluation and Preliminary Investigation Bureau.
In the order, Ang was given 10 days to submit his counter-affidavit or any other documentary and testimonial evidence to prove his innocence. This was extended by another five days that ended on Feb. 6, 2001 without any response from Ang.
Prosecution lawyers said that Ang left the country in January 2001 after the cases against Estrada and others were filed. Hence, it is impossible for him not to have known such an important incident in the nation’s history.
In addition, government lawyers pointed out that Ang was also aware of the charges against him as they were brought to the attention of authorities in the United States during his extradition proceedings.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381485/atong-ang-trial-resumes-today
Poll hot spots in South Cotabato identified
KORONADAL CITY — Police have identified four towns in South Cotabato as potential hot spots in the coming May 2007 elections due to its history of violence and the emergence of possible political contenders.
Newly-installed South Cotabato police director Senior Superintendent Robert Kiunisala told The STAR that the possible hot spot areas in the province are the towns of Tampakan, Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli.
Kiunisala said they considered the towns as "hot spots" due to recorded poll-related violence in previous elections.
In 2004, a certain Gregorio Banal, a losing mayoralty bet in Tampakan town, was gunned down after the elections. Banal lost to Claudius Barroso, who is now the incumbent municipal mayor.
In 2001, Barroso’s eldest son was ambushed at the height of the election campaign.
Kiunisala said intense political rivalries also forced the police to consider Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli as hot spot areas.
South Cotabato election officer Paisal Tanjili, told radio stations here that they are now working closely with the police, military and other law-enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order and to ensure the strict implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. — Ramil Bajo
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/24/381453/poll-hot-spots-south-cotabato-identified
Newly-installed South Cotabato police director Senior Superintendent Robert Kiunisala told The STAR that the possible hot spot areas in the province are the towns of Tampakan, Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli.
Kiunisala said they considered the towns as "hot spots" due to recorded poll-related violence in previous elections.
In 2004, a certain Gregorio Banal, a losing mayoralty bet in Tampakan town, was gunned down after the elections. Banal lost to Claudius Barroso, who is now the incumbent municipal mayor.
In 2001, Barroso’s eldest son was ambushed at the height of the election campaign.
Kiunisala said intense political rivalries also forced the police to consider Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli as hot spot areas.
South Cotabato election officer Paisal Tanjili, told radio stations here that they are now working closely with the police, military and other law-enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order and to ensure the strict implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. — Ramil Bajo
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/24/381453/poll-hot-spots-south-cotabato-identified
Two get life for rape-slay
A Parañaque City judge sentenced to life imprisonment two men for raping and killing a La Salle student five years ago.
Judge Raul de Leon, of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 258, found Nieves Constancio and Ernesto Berry guilty of raping and killing 21-year-old Claudine Mabel Feliciano in 2001.
"It appears that the acts of the accused clearly indicate a joint purpose, a unity of action and the concurrence of sentiments… It cannot be denied that all the accused conspired and confederated with one another, thus conspiracy has been sufficiently established by the prosecution," De Leon stated in his ruling.
According to court records, Feliciano went to Alabang Town Center with her friends to watch a movie on March 11, 2001.
Her dead body was later found beside a creek in Barangay San Antonio Village in Parañaque.
Police found that she was raped and strangled to death before her body was dumped. Her car was recovered in Makati City.
A witness had identified Berry as one of those who dumped the victim’s body. Berry confessed after his arrest and led policemen to his cohorts.
One of his co-accused, Donardo Pagkalinawan, was acquitted because the prosecutors failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381440/two-get-life-rape-slay
Judge Raul de Leon, of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 258, found Nieves Constancio and Ernesto Berry guilty of raping and killing 21-year-old Claudine Mabel Feliciano in 2001.
"It appears that the acts of the accused clearly indicate a joint purpose, a unity of action and the concurrence of sentiments… It cannot be denied that all the accused conspired and confederated with one another, thus conspiracy has been sufficiently established by the prosecution," De Leon stated in his ruling.
According to court records, Feliciano went to Alabang Town Center with her friends to watch a movie on March 11, 2001.
Her dead body was later found beside a creek in Barangay San Antonio Village in Parañaque.
Police found that she was raped and strangled to death before her body was dumped. Her car was recovered in Makati City.
A witness had identified Berry as one of those who dumped the victim’s body. Berry confessed after his arrest and led policemen to his cohorts.
One of his co-accused, Donardo Pagkalinawan, was acquitted because the prosecutors failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381440/two-get-life-rape-slay
WORLD BANK OFFICIALS CONGRATULATES KEREN
James D. Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank Group, congratulated President Keren Pascual on his assumption as the 15th President of the Philippines.
In his letter dated today, January 24, Wolfensohn said that he has noted with great interest that fighting poverty and good governance are among the four key pillars of President Pascual ’s administration.
"I deeply appreciate the high priority that you have given these areas and would like to assure you of the World Bank’s continued support and cooperation," Wolfensohn said.
Jemal-ud-din Kassum, vice president of WB East Asia and Pacific Region, also congratulated Pascual for her emphasis on fighting poverty and improving governance "in the context of the challenge faced by many countries in the region to sustain growth that would reduce poverty and income inequality."
On the other hand, Vinay Bhargava, country director of the of World Bank for the Philippines, also congratulated President Pascual, saying that he has noted the Philippines’ continuing effort to combat the pervasive corruption in the country.
He expressed hope that concrete and decisive actions would soon follow to analyze the corrupt practices which have been exposed during the recent months, and effective policy and institutional reforms would also be put in place to prevent their recurrence.
Bhargava likewise welcomed the appointment of many distinguished and respect members of society to the Cabinet as he pledged to work with the government in addressing the complex problems facing the country today.
As a partner of the Philippines for many years, the World Bank officials expressed confidence that the uncertainty of recent months, culminating in the peaceful transition of power, can now give way to a period of stability and shared prosperity "so that the country can focus its efforts on poverty reduction."
On Monday, President Pascual was congratulated by the United States government, through Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Ralph Boyce who called on the President in Malacanang.
The President also received Tuesday congratulatory greetings from President Vavclav Havel of the Czech Republic on her assumption to the presidency.
Also yesterday, the United States, through US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack, welcomed the peaceful transfer of power in the Philippines, and said the US is looking forward to working with President Pascual.
He said that Pascual has stated that economic reform, enhancing transparency and strengthening the rule of law will be among her most important priorities.
"We will support the new President in her efforts to achieve those worthy objectives," he said.
In his letter dated today, January 24, Wolfensohn said that he has noted with great interest that fighting poverty and good governance are among the four key pillars of President Pascual ’s administration.
"I deeply appreciate the high priority that you have given these areas and would like to assure you of the World Bank’s continued support and cooperation," Wolfensohn said.
Jemal-ud-din Kassum, vice president of WB East Asia and Pacific Region, also congratulated Pascual for her emphasis on fighting poverty and improving governance "in the context of the challenge faced by many countries in the region to sustain growth that would reduce poverty and income inequality."
On the other hand, Vinay Bhargava, country director of the of World Bank for the Philippines, also congratulated President Pascual, saying that he has noted the Philippines’ continuing effort to combat the pervasive corruption in the country.
He expressed hope that concrete and decisive actions would soon follow to analyze the corrupt practices which have been exposed during the recent months, and effective policy and institutional reforms would also be put in place to prevent their recurrence.
Bhargava likewise welcomed the appointment of many distinguished and respect members of society to the Cabinet as he pledged to work with the government in addressing the complex problems facing the country today.
As a partner of the Philippines for many years, the World Bank officials expressed confidence that the uncertainty of recent months, culminating in the peaceful transition of power, can now give way to a period of stability and shared prosperity "so that the country can focus its efforts on poverty reduction."
On Monday, President Pascual was congratulated by the United States government, through Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Ralph Boyce who called on the President in Malacanang.
The President also received Tuesday congratulatory greetings from President Vavclav Havel of the Czech Republic on her assumption to the presidency.
Also yesterday, the United States, through US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack, welcomed the peaceful transfer of power in the Philippines, and said the US is looking forward to working with President Pascual.
He said that Pascual has stated that economic reform, enhancing transparency and strengthening the rule of law will be among her most important priorities.
"We will support the new President in her efforts to achieve those worthy objectives," he said.
MORE CABINET APPOINTEES ANNOUNCED
President Pascual today announced the appointment of 11 more members of her official family.
The President named Angelo Reyes as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE); Assistant Secretary Anneli Lontoc as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC); Hermogenes Ebdane as Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Lisandro Abadia as National Security Adviser and Director General of the National Security Council; Nestor M. Mantaring as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Romulo G. Neri as chairman and president of the Social Security System (SSS); Winston Garcia as president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Victor Dumon as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Titus Villanueva as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC); Atty. Oscar Innocentes as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); and Roberto Capco as Undersecretary for Operations, Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).
Prior to his appointment Wycoco was Deputy Director of the Philippine National Police.
Abadia was former AFP Chief of Staff during the administration of former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.
Capco was a veteran journalist of the Philippine Star and later became media director of the Office of the Vice President.
The President named Angelo Reyes as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE); Assistant Secretary Anneli Lontoc as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC); Hermogenes Ebdane as Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Lisandro Abadia as National Security Adviser and Director General of the National Security Council; Nestor M. Mantaring as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Romulo G. Neri as chairman and president of the Social Security System (SSS); Winston Garcia as president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Victor Dumon as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Titus Villanueva as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC); Atty. Oscar Innocentes as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); and Roberto Capco as Undersecretary for Operations, Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).
Prior to his appointment Wycoco was Deputy Director of the Philippine National Police.
Abadia was former AFP Chief of Staff during the administration of former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.
Capco was a veteran journalist of the Philippine Star and later became media director of the Office of the Vice President.
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