Duterte snob grave threats probe

By Nidz Godin

“Two counsels of ex-president Duterte were there…they alleged that ex-president Duterte has yet to receive  subpoena and my complaint so they formally received my complaint affidavit and supplemental complaint affidavit, including their submission of entry of appearance,” ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said former president Rodrigo Duterte  failed to submit his counter-affidavit in connection with first criminal complaint filed against him by  Castro, saying he did not receive subpoena issued by  Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

In  chance interview, Castro said Duterte was represented by two lawyers from law firm of former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Duterte was represented by lawyers Penrose Ann Valles and Kristia Caringal.

“This means we will wait as it was postponed to Dec. 15,  same time as they need to answer…according to my lawyers, upon receipt of complaint, they have maximum of 10 days to answer,” Castro said.

Rico Domingo, one of Castro’s lead counsels, said they are giving Duterte benefit of the doubt when asked if postponement of the preliminary investigation was part of  delaying tactic on the part of former president.

“We assumed good faith when they said they did not receive subpoena and complaint affidavit of Congresswoman Castro, that is why the fiscal gave them another copy of subpoena and complaint affidavit…under Rule 112 of Revised Penal Code and Manual of Prosecutors, they have 10 days to respond to criminal complaint and  supplemental complaint so we start the 10 days today Monday… unfortunately, the fiscal is on vacation on 14th, so preliminary investigation was moved to Dec. 15, same time,” Domingo added.

Duterte’s camp will no longer be given another extension after Dec. 15 deadline, according to Domingo.

“This is still part of due process…we do not object as we wanted to see their defense… fiscal will resolve the case on the basis of his appreciation, whether there is probable cause to file case in court against former president,” Domingo said.

Castro said supplemental complaint would further prove her case of grave threat against Duterte.

“Supplemental affidavit included that threats of the former president persisted on Nov. 16 during his program with Pastor  Quiboloy,” Castro said.

In her supplemental affidavit, the lawmaker said during Duterte’s television program titled “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” on Sonshine Media Network International and aired on Nov. 16, the former president said in broken English and Filipino, “Do not think, France, that you have already … an armor because you are congresswoman, member of Congress… that you are no longer … vulnerable to anger of … a lot of soldiers and policemen there died because of you.”

Castro has filed case of grave threats against Duterte, in connection with Article 282 of  Revised Penal Code relating to Section 6 of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, after the former president allegedly threatened her.

“First one to target with  intel funds is you France and other communists whom I’d like to kill,” complaint affidavit of Castro stated.

It was clear that Duterte was referring to her, according to Castro.

Lawmaker  said Duterte’s attacks against her came after she scrutinized confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The former president could face  maximum of six years of imprisonment and fine of P100,000 in case  court finds him guilty of grave threats.

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HEADLINES

IS hand in MSU bomb attack probe

By  J.Lo

AFP has already initiated its investigation in coordination with  PNP for  bomb signature that would help identify terrorist group behind  bombing,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said AFP in coordination with  Philippine National Police (PNP)  is validating claims by  Middle East-based Islamic State (IS) that it was behind  explosion that killed four people and injured 45 others attending mass  in gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, Lanao del Norte.

Regional police  have identified two persons of interest, but did not divulge  identities as investigation continues.

 “ AFP is validating  claims made by ISIS in  recent news reports as well as involvement of DI ,Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group in this heinous act of terror,” Trinidad added.

Trinidad said only seven of those reported injured remained in hospital. Classes resumed in Marawi but with tighter security.

AFP is on heightened alert and has sent more troops to the province.

Trinidad assured  public  military remains committed to its mandate of protecting  people and state from both foreign and local threats.

“As we speak, there’s an ongoing massive operation to hunt these terrorist groups or suspected perpetrators of  bombing,” Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command, told reporters after  security meeting in Marawi City.

“We have persons of interest, but investigation is still ongoing. In order not to preempt investigation, we will not divulge  names,” Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional police chief Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza told media,adding  one of the suspects was linked to local militant group.

Military spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. flew to Marawi “to make sure  he has personal appreciation of what happened there at the same time give guidance to soldiers and commanders in the field on how to conduct investigation.”

On insinuations that failure of intelligence may have led to the bombing, Aguilar said  while AFP is doing its job, untoward incidents like latest terror attack happen.

“What we can say is this, if there is  plan and they’re decided, things like this happen sometimes. ..our intelligence community had not been remiss in its duty… still gathering information…too bad, maybe this time they didn’t see it coming,” he said.

He also revealed information that some students had received text messages warning of terror attack.

On alleged involvement of foreign terrorists, he said such information would be included in their investigation. He added that while there was hardly any proof of involvement of foreign fighters in earlier terror incidents, some may have managed to sneak in and link up with local contacts.

“I’m sure something like this terror plot would have reached intel… but it’s really  modus operandi of IS to claim responsibility for incidents like this,” Aguilar said.

They  have yet to establish if Middle East terror group really has local contacts.

He maintained  last time IS militants linked up with  homegrown terror group led to months-long siege of Marawi City in May 2017, where he said terror leader was killed. He was apparently referring to Isnilon Hapilon who was killed by sniper.

“So we do not know if they really have contact…but our investigation continues to determine who was really involved,”  military spokesman said.

Brawner suspected bombing could be retaliatory attack for operations against local extremist groups in Mindanao, particularly Dawlah Islamiyah and Maute.

“That could be one of the strong possibilities why this occurred,” Brawner said. “Your security forces… are working doubly hard to make sure  perpetrators of this terrorist attack will be brought to justice.”

Military  recently said it had killed  senior operative from Abu Sayyaf, group notorious for kidnapping and piracy that has aligned itself with  IS.

Abu Sayyaf’s late leader Hapilon was IS’s anointed “emir” in Southeast Asia and mastermind of 2017 occupation of Marawi, which led to deaths of more than 1,000 people during five-month military campaign to retake Islamic city.

“We recommended to our chief of staff to harden our operation activities here, because as I have said we have to address this as soon as possible. .. first and foremost aim here is to get  perpetrators, dismantle and crush local terrorist group and prevent these terrorists from resurging in this place,” Westmincom’s Gonzales told reporters.

Two more companies from military and police units were deployed within  sprawling MSU campus.

“We augmented  company of military infantry just to secure the area so that we can say it is really clear and those who were left are secured,” he said.

Meanwhile, PNP has placed its units in Metro Manila on high alert. “Safety and well-being of community is our top priority,” PNP said in a statement.

Police regional units in Mindanao are on “full alert status.”

 PNP  has to maintain  state of readiness to ensure swift response to security threats.

“In our commitment to proactive crime prevention, we are intensifying efforts through deployment of patrols and checkpoints in strategic locations,” PNP said, adding increased police presence around metropolis “serves as  deterrent and reinforces security measures.”

“We solemnly assure public justice will prevail for victims and those accountable will face  consequences of their actions,” PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

At press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there is no indication suicide bomber was involved in the attack.

“There is no indication that it was suicide bombing… I spoke with the provincial director because victims are Christians, mass was ongoing when it happened,” she said.

Victims  one male and three females, were all Christians, Fajardo said.

She added police are examining closed-circuit television footage in the area to determine vehicles used by two persons of interest. Fragments of 60mm mortar were recovered at the scene and are being examined.

She added they were trying to determine triggering device used by attacker, whether it was cellphone or battery. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

John 10:7

⁷ Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.

John 10:9-10

⁹ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.^[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Footnotes

1. John 10:9 Or kept safe

135 Ch vessels ‘swarming’ Julian Felipe Reef

By J.Lo

Philippine Coast Guard

“No response was made to radio challenges issued by  PCG to  CMM vessels,” Philippine Coast Guard, after deploying two boats to conduct patrols in vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef said more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels were monitored in  vicinity of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef in  West Philippine Sea. 

PCG  initially observed on November 13, 111 Chinese vessels swarming  Julian Felipe Reef, which is part of  Kalayaan Island Group in contested waterway.

Number  of Chinese militia vessels rose to 125 based on  military’s monitoring, and over the weekend, over 135 boats were “dispersed and scattered” in the area, according to Coast Guard. 

PCG described growing presence of Chinese vessels in the reef as  “alarming development.”

Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles, or around 320 kilometers, west of Bataraza town in Palawan.  Reef  is more than 1,000 kilometers from  nearest major Chinese landmass of Hainan island.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of  PCG, said  Coast Guard will consistently patrol  West Philippine Sea in collaboration with components of  National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea. 

China asserts sovereignty over almost  entire South China Sea, despite  international court ruling in 2016  deemed its stance to have no legal basis. 

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedya kongreso

KOMEDYANTE rin itong ating mga mambabatas, kongresista’t senador, kapwa namumulitika, nagsisilipan, naggigirian. Shout out muna kina Barangay Binang First, Bocaue, Bulacan Secretary Michelle Santos, treasurer Eunice Adato, staff Jeycel Salgado, Mayline Cataylo. Wala raw kasi Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal sa panahon ang pagtalakay ni Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa sa anito’y pangaakit ng mga rebeldeng komunista sa mga estudyanteng umanib sa kani lang pangkat gayong prayoridad ang panunumbalik ng Pilipinas sa International Criminal Court. Pinaniniwalaan ho kasing makakaliwa ang kilusang kababaihang Gabriela ni Rep. Arlene Brosas na nag-iisip na sinisikap ibaling ni Bato ang pansin ng publiko mula ICC dahil sangkot din siya sa drug war probe kung sakali. Maikokonsidera daw kasing renegade ang bansa kung ito na lamang ang hindi myembro ng ICC sa daigdig. Para naman daw sa mga bansang walang justice system ang pakikialam ng ICC, dahil mayroon naman nito ang Pinas. Kiwal mahalaga rin at seryosong bagay na ang anak ninuman ay inaakit ng kaliwang maging rebelled. Panatag ka sanang nag-aaral ang anak mo, kanda kuba kang nagtatrabaho tapos, mamumundok lang. Bato, sige lang, tuloy. Paparating na ang dokumento ng lupang nasa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, para ho sa pabahay sa mga Badjao. Panahon nang baguhin ang opisyong pamamalimos ng mga katutubo, umpisahan natin sa pabahay.

Shout out din muna kay Bea Caalim. Maligayang bati Ginoo at Gng. Aristides Valdez, mabuhay ang bagong kasal.  Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problema ba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

‘foreign element’ in Marawi bomb attack – DND

By J.Lo

“Mere fact that she is unidentified does not lead us to conclude anything before she is properly identified…we have to identify her first and backtrack,” Philippine authorities said  there were strong indications pointing to  involvement of “foreign element” in  deadly bombing at Mindanao State University in  Muslim-majority city of Marawi. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned  “senseless and most heinous” bombing attack during  Catholic Mass at MSU’s Dimaparo gymnasium, attributing it to “foreign terrorists.”  Blast  killed at least four people and wounded 50 others.

In briefing, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said there was “strong” evidence of  “foreign element” being involved in  attack. 

Teodoro refrained from disclosing information about  potential perpetrator to avoid hampering ongoing investigations by  Philippine National Police and  Armed Forces of the Philippines.

When asked about whether  unidentified fatality was the “foreign element,” defense chief  “ cannot say so.”

Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia said too early to make conclusions or assign blame to any individual or group at this time. 

“We also call for calm and reflection amid attempts to polarize situation and sow seeds of  Muslim-Christian conflict,” group said, noting “alarming” rise in calls for revenge and hate speech on ground and on social media. 

Police Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, chief of PNP directorial staff, said improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack. 

“Our explosives and ordnance units from PNP and AFP conducting post-blast investigation gathered fragments of  60-millimeter mortar coming from IED…we’re undergoing investigations on who the possible suspects are,” Peralta said. 

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said  authorities are investigating whether  blast in Marawi may have been  revenge attack for recent military operations against Islamist militant groups Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines, Abu Sayyaf and Maute. 

“We believe that  leads we have gathered so far, large percentage points to  Maute-ISIS…but we want to make sure who perpetrator really is so we can run after them,” he said. 

Blast  occurred six years after hundreds of pro-Islamic State foreign and local gunmen seized Marawi.  Philippine military reclaimed  city after  five-month battle  resulted in loss of over  thousand lives.

MSU has suspended classes until further notice and deployed additional security personnel to safeguard  campus. 

“We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and all those affected by this tragedy,” it said. 

Bangsamoro government Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim condemned “atrocious and cowardly acts” and called on public to “reject violence and all forms of extremism.”

 “As reports come in throughout the day, I enjoin all of us to remain calm, circumspect, and conscientious in our collective efforts to ensure that the horrific events of this morning are not further compounded by inaccurate, unvetted, and unofficial information, rest assured we will bring  perpetrators of this ruthless act to justice,” Marcos said. 

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, on the other hand, urged Filipinos, especially those from Mindanao to remain calm as authorities conduct an investigation. But she also called for viligance to prevent possible further attack on civilians. 

“We should stand strong in the face of challenges and the ongoing threat of terrorism,” Duterte said.

Ebrahim said  MSU is academic institution that has always welcomed people of different faiths. 

“We must see to it that this tradition will endure these times of tribulations,” he said. 

In a separate statement, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education stressed  it stands firmly against violence in educational institutions,  supposed to be safe spaces for learning and growth. 

“We shall continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of all students, faculty members, and school personnel in  Bangsamoro and rest of the country,”  ministry said. 

Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra urged members of city’s Muslim and Christian communities to remain unified. 

“Our city has long been beacon of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow such acts of violence to overshadow our collective commitment to peace and unity,” he said. 

Police BGen Allan Nobleza, regional director of the Bangsamoro police, said  authorities are investigating  range of motives, including  possible retaliation by ISIS-inspired group Dawlah Islamiyah.  Airstrike  launched by military Friday killed 11 militants from Dawlah Islamiyah. 

He also said  ordnance disposal experts are working to determine type of improvised explosive device used in the attack. 

Blast  occurred six years after hundreds of pro-Islamic State foreign and local gunmen seized Marawi,  country’s largest Muslim city.  Philippine military reclaimed the city after  five-month battle that resulted in the loss of over  thousand lives.

Pardon, executive clemency to 1k PDL

By J.Lo

“Last year, it was close to 1,000…so, we’re expecting  similar number this year,” Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano  said Department of Justice plans to continue its annual program recommending persons deprived of liberty to Malacañang as potential recipients for presidential pardon and executive clemency.

Clavano  said  this is part of  government’s effort to decongest jails.

“What DOJ Secretary did on President’s birthday and on Christmas is that we give  list of PPA,Parole and Probation Administration; and then eventually, it will go up to  Executive Secretary,” according to Clavano in public briefing.

Executive   clemency refers to  “commutation of sentence, conditional pardon and absolute pardon and may be granted by the president upon recommendation.”

Pardon , on another hand, refers to either  conditional exemption of  guilty offender for  punishment imposed by  court or  total extinction of criminal liability of  individual.

Among those qualified for  amnesty program are elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs), according to  DOJ official.

To help alleviate  problem of decongestion, Clavano also mentioned  effort to promulgate rules on custodial hearings and requiring bail.

“This is  program that is led by Supreme Court, they will be promulgating rules on custodial hearings and requiring bail so, that’s one way to decongest  jails ” Clavano said.

Ph backs urgent aid, supplies delivery to Palestinian civilians

By Nidz Godino

AFP / Mahmud Hams

“Philippines reiterates its dedication to supporting peace and stability in  Middle East, with  focused commitment to resolving  Israeli-Hamas hostilities… presence of significant Filipino community in  Middle East and Israel accentuates  relevance of this issue to  Philippines and highlights  importance of our profound concern about  peace process,” Chargé d’Affaires Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda said Philippines has reiterated its support for efforts to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance and essential supplies to Palestinian civilians caught in  conflict in Gaza.

At  United Nations General Assembly Debate on “ situation in the Middle East and  question of Palestine” at UN Headquarters in New York,  Peñaranda commended UN Relief and Works Agency, Office for  Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other related UN agencies for their efforts amid  challenging times in Gaza.

Peñaranda stressed  safety and security of all civilians are essential, and that critical facilities, including humanitarian shelters and hospitals, must continue to address  humanitarian needs of those affected by  hostilities in  sustained and resolute manner.

Military operations in Gaza have resumed following  end of weeklong pause in hostilities between Hamas militants and Israeli forces that allowed  delivery of desperately needed fuel, food and water.

Pause  has also enabled  release of hostages taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israel and ensuing massacre of some 1,200 people, and freeing of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Philippines urged all concerned parties to immediately implement urgent solutions that would prevent  conflict from further escalating, spreading and protracting, emphasizing that it is in interest of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, as well as all states in the region, to ensure that this conflict does not extend beyond Gaza and risk engulfing wider region in conflict.

Pinoy seafarers fr Russian missile-hit ship home

By Nidz Godino

Fourteen Filipino seafarers who were among 25 Filipino crewmembers of  KMAX RULER   marine vessel struck by  Russian missile in Ukraine have arrived and are now reunited with their families.

Officials of  Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) welcomed  seafarers upon arrival at the airport past midnight Saturday.

According to DMW,  crew’s manning agency shouldered repatriation as well as transit and accommodations on their way home to their respective provinces.

There were 25 Filipino crewmembers of  KMAX RULER, three of whom got injured during missile attack but are recovering well.

DMW said all three injured Filipino seafarers returned home last weekend and have reunited with their families.

All crewmembers were provided initial medical checkup, psychosocial assessments, and an initial amount of P10,000 in financial assistance from the OWWA.

They are also to receive additional insurance and other benefits from their manning and shipping agencies.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac previously reported all 24 Filipino crewmen of  Liberian-flagged vessel damaged by Russian missile attack are returning home.

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4 Disyembre 2023, Lunes

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HEADLINES

Terrorists eyed in MSU bombing

By J.Lo

“Our EOD K9 from Lanao del Sur is still investigating the incident,” Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza said, referring to  Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group  eyeing  involvement of terrorist group in  explosion that killed four people and left 45 injured during  Catholic mass inside  Mindanao State University (MSU) gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

In  phone interview with reporters, Nobleza said explosion occurred at MSU’s Dimaporo Gymnasium during  mass at 7:40 in the morning.

Nobleza said probers were still trying to determine whether  improvised explosive device (IED) or  grenade was used. 

Identities  of the casualties have yet to be released.

Probers are trying to determine if  attack is connected to  killing of 11 members of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah in Maguindanao, including its declared leader Abdullah Sapal, on Dec. 1.

Nobleza said presence of  Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group has been reported in Lanao del Sur.

MSU announced  classes have been suspended until further notice. 

University  administration  are working closely with local authorities and law enforcement to ensure  safety of  campus.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said  police and armed forces have been directed “to ensure  protection and safety of civilians and security of affected and vulnerable communities.”

“I condemn in strongest possible terms  senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, chief of the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said in  interview that  bombing incident was act of terror.

“As of now, we don’t have a theory… but this is terror act…probably  Daulah Islamiyah Maute group since they are in Lanao del Sur but we are looking at bomb signature to determine if group was indeed behind it,” he said.

Viray noted that there are around 41 remnants of terrorist group in Lanao del Sur.

Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed condolences and confirmed  four casualties and several wounded. 

PNP public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said they are actively collaborating with local authorities.

“Our dedicated teams are on ground, diligently working to establish  facts and identify  individuals or groups responsible for this despicable act,” Fajardo said.

PNP also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow investigative teams to complete their work. 

Philippine Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan  ordered all 15 PCG districts to implement strict security measures at all seaports. 

The US, Canada, European Union, France and Japan condemned  bombing incident that killed four people and left 45 injured during  Catholic mass gathering inside MSU gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said  perpetrators should be held accountable.

“My heart goes out to those affected by Mindanao State University bombing, especially victims and their loved ones… I extend my deepest condolences on the part of  US government…we condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold  perpetrators accountable,” Carlson posted on X, formerly Twitter.

European Union Ambassador Luc Véron  is “deeply disheartening to learn of today’s explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi.”

“Violence has no place in schools…in this difficult time, my thoughts are filled with concern for those students who have suffered injuries, and my sympathy extends to  families who have lost their loved ones,” Véron posted on X.

“On behalf of the Embassy of Canada, I express our sincere condolences to  victims and families of those killed and wounded in today’s vicious bombing at Mindanao State University,” Canadian Ambassador David Hartman posted on X.

“We condemn this heinous act of violence and call for  perpetrators to be held responsible,” he added.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa  was deeply saddened by the tragedy at MSU and offered prayers for victims and their loved ones.

“I reiterate Japan’s commitment to support  peace process to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao,” Koshikawa said.

In statement,  French embassy in Manila offered condolences to families of victims and assured authorities and Filipino people of “our solidarity in face of this despicable terrorist attack.”