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Due to rising violence,
Kalinga, Nueva Ecija placed under Comelec execs’ control
BY DEXTER A. SEE AND LIAM ANACLETO

TABUK, Kalinga -- The Commission on Elections has placed the provinces of Kalinga and Nueva Ecija under its control due to rising electoral violence. Lawyer Armando Velasco, regional director of the Comelec in the Cordillera, said the decision to place Kalinga under Comelec control was reached primarily as a pre-emptive move to control peace and order in the whole province as the authorities reportedly foresee serious problems due to insurgency and other possible election problems in the next few weeks.

In the past elections, there were cases of ballot snatching and reports of threats to the board of election inspectors in the different parts of Kalinga.

Subsequent with the placing of Kalinga under Comelec control, a task force composed mainly of Comelec assistant regional director Julius Torres, Senior Supt. Ceferino Cruz, director of the Kalinga provincial police office, and Lt. Col. Francis Lardizabal, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion will be deployed to Kalinga as soon as possible for the coming election.

The group will be in Kalinga to finalize procedures for the implementation of law enforcement agencies to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly elections.

In a related development, Comelec officials in Kalinga said that they will still continue with their on-going preparations for the coming local elections and that they have already synchronized their activities so that possible election-related incidents will be prevented.

The latest incidents that forced the Commission to declare Kalinga under Comelec control was the brutal murder of Indonesian priest Fr. Francisco Madhu and Vice-governor Rommel Diasen, who is a candidate for governor in the province.

The assassination of Fr. Madhu is now causing misunderstanding between the Mabungtot and Lubuagan tribes which might result to tribal conflicts between the two tribes if color heads will not prevail.

Velasco pointed out that all efforts are being done by the Commission to ensure that conflict-stricken areas will be peaceful and orderly during the elections.

Although conflicts areinevitable, election and law enforcement authorities are confident that the provinces of Abra and Kalinga, which were marred by violence during the past elections. In Cabanatuan City, Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said the province was placed under the electoral body’s control after he held a two-hour meeting last week at the police camp with provincial police director Senior Supt. Allen R. Bantolo, and military and local officials. Abalos turned down the opposition of Gov. Tomas Joson III to place the province under the Comelec control, saying, “We are doing this because it is necessary.”

He said that he had to place the province under Comelec control to prevent escalation of violence, noting the violent incident last Thursday in Jaen.

Joson scaled down his request and suggested only certain areas, including Jaen, not the entire province, be placed under Comelec control. But Abalos said the Comelec “will not usurp the authority of provincial and local officials.”

Abalos said the day-to-day activities of the provincial government, except security, would still be responsibility of the provincial government and that there would be no authority over its employees.

Abalos said the Comelec is simply placing the police and military forces under the provincial election supervisor. Republic Act 7166, or the Omnibus Election code, is authorized to place any area under Comelec control.

Justifying his action, the Comelec chief said that the escalation of violence following the shooting at a roadblock in Jaen town late night on April 26.


7 Killed, 17 others hurt in Pangasinan accident
BY JENNELYN MONDEJAR

VILLASIS, Pangasinan – Seven persons were killed and 17 other were severely injured in an accident involving a passenger jeepney and a bus on the national highway in Barangay Bacag here last week. Reports reaching the Office of Senior Supt. Isagani Nerez, provincial police director, said the passenger jeepney with plate number CTU 421 driven by Hermogenes Macanas collided with a Candon bus with plate number AVW 558 driven by Rodrigo Pasion of Ilocos Sur. Police said the incident happened at around 11:35 a.m.

Seven of the passengers died on the spot. Six of them were identified as Danilo Macanas, Ronald Macanas, Mark Joseph Damaso, Emerson dela Cruz, Hermogenes Macanas and Bryan Macanas. The 17 other passengers of both the jeepney and the bus were severely injured.

Solon’s police escort probed on shootout, councilor’s death
BY LIAM ANACLETO

JAEN, Nueva Ecija – Police are looking into reports one of the security escorts of Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino was the one who fired the first shot in the shootout here last April 26 that left a municipal councilor and a policeman dead and at least 17 others wounded.

A police official told media that investigators have asked Antonino about the identity of one of his bodyguards who reportedly figured in the incident but the denied the allegation. Antonino, according to the police official, had four security escorts from the Regional Mobile Group and four more from the Presidential Security Group.

The four RMG personnel detailed with the congressman were identified as PO1s Oscar Cordial, Emani Cando, Sherwin de la Cruz, and Michael Valenzuela.

According to the police official, one of Antonino’s PSG security escorts, who was carrying an automatic rifle, allegedly fired at the convoy of Jaen Mayor Tony Esquivel, thus triggering the 10-minute firefight.

The shootout, according to the police official, occurred when Antonino allegedly instructed Insp. Paul Gamido, leader of a six-man RMG team, to put up a checkpoint in Barangay Dampolan to block a group of men who had allegedly harassed candidates of the local Balane party during rally.

Gamido and his team, along with some Jaen policemen, arrived in the area after they were informed about the incident.

The police official said Antonino also went to the area and ordered Gamino to put up the checkpoint, although the latter argued that he should first secure the clearance of his superiors.

“At that time Gamido could not conduct a checkpoint in the area without the permission of his commanding officers and the Commission on Elections,” the police official said.

The shooting left two dead: SPO1 Bobby Ferrer, Esquivel’s security escort, and municipal councilor Rufino Galang.

Esquivel’s two sons, Mark Anthony and Mark Lawrence, who is running for Jaen vice mayor, were among those wounded in the shootout.

After the incident, PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon relieved Gamido and his men identified as PO1s Eduardo Libuano, Ryan Abregunda, Cedrix Villarma, Norman Mendoza and Elmer Dalangin, from their posts.

They were immediately subjected to paraffin tests at the Nueva Ecija office of the PNP Crime Laboratory. Their firearms also underwent ballistic examination.

Last Monday, two complaints for attempted murder and frustrated murder were filed by Esquivel and Lawrence Anthony Esquivel through their lawyer, Noel Santino, against Gamido and his team and SPO2 Hermigindo Eduardo before the provincial prosecutor’s office


Comelec executives reshuffled in Pangasinan
BY JENNELYN MONDEJAR

DAGUPAN CITY – Thirty-two election officers in this vote-rich province have been affected by a reshuffle at the Commission on Elections.

The move was expected to prevent partisan politics from influencing the forthcoming elections.
Lawyer Reddy Balarbar, provincial election supervisor, said majority of those who were transferred to other areas have been serving in a town or city for more than four years and some were related to particular candidates.

He said election officers were informed of the impending reshuffle a month ago. “We want to make our elections honest, clean and credible and fair to all aspirants,” Balarbar said. Meanwhile, he said four different disqualification cases have been received by the Comelec here against political personalities. Some were being petitioned as nuisance candidates or for lack of qualifications.

These included the petition of re-electionist Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Perez Jr. (Nationalist People’s Coalition) against his rival, Jimmy Queliza, an independent mayoralty bet.

In Mangatarem town, former Rep. Teodoro Cruz, running for mayor under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, petitioned the Comelec to disqualify his rival with the same family name identified as Edwin Cruz, an independent bet.

There was also the petition of Richard Palisoc to disqualify his rival who has the same family name – a certain Alfredo Palisoc, another independent candidate.

In Calasiao, Marilou Macanlalay, in her capacity as voter, is seeking to disqualify a candidate for councilor identified as Raquel Victoria Lim of UNO-PDP Laban as the latter is allegedly not registered voter in the said town.

Umingan town Mayor Alain Rabang, who is now running for vice mayor under NPC-Biskeg na Pangasinan, filed a petition for disqualification against his rival Loida Mendoza, an independent candidate, on grounds of dual citizenship.

Transcripts of the hearings are ready to be submitted to the Comelec central office for resolution.

Abra teachers dispute claims on their credibility to serve during May polls
BY DEXTER A. SEE

BANGUED, Abra- Teachers in this conflict-stricken province disputed questions being raised over their credibility as poll watchers the coming May elections due to money offered by unscrupulous politicians. During the second leg of a continuing conference to ensure honest, orderly, and peaceful elections here, the teachers said they are compelled to serve every election despite their resistance because they are mandated to do so.

They said if they have a choice, they would not serve in the polls because of the risk to their lives. However, the teachers said that they have to serve because they cannot neglect their duty as election officers. They said while it is true that they are paid to serve during the elections, the compensation is not commensurate to the risk to which they are exposed.

Meanwhile, lawyer Elenita Julia Tabangin, provincial election officer, said the Commission on Election central office has released supplemental budgets to answer for additional cost that will be incurred in the elections. She said the Comelec hopes to cover that insurance benefits of the teachers who will serve in areas characterized by intensed political rivalries. The budget will also cover the salaries for additional personnel to be fielded in “hot spot” municipalities, especially in the seven towns that Task Force Abra is closely watching.


Ortega pushes 3-pronged attack against criminals
BY MIKE GUIMBATAN JR.

BAGUIO CITY – Take it from former city police chief Bobby C. Ortega but an “almost zero” crime rate is possible in this mountain resort city if proper measures are instituted – like firing “rotten eggs in the police.” Citing statistics, Ortega, also a former councilor of this city said crime is on the rise here and a “more responsive, drastic and competent program involving the legislative, executive departments and police in the city is needed to make residents feel they are safe.” He called it a “three-pronged attack against crime.” “For example, the brewing teen age gang wars in the city does not require police solution but needs a simple local government initiated but community based program,” he said.

Ortega who is now running for vice mayor in the city had been cited for regaining the city’ peace and order situation from 1987 to 1989 when he was then Baguio police chief.

Ortega said teenagers are not provided enough healthy diversion activities such as sports, literary and community involvement thus “they look for belongingness and avenues to show excellence,” he said

According to police blotters, an increasing incidence of gang wars lead even to armed robbery and shooting incidents between rival groups. A police investigator who requested anonymity said teen gangs roam the city streets in big numbers from 30-50. Some get apprehended but most of them are minors and even children of prominent families. He agreed that a special program should be initiated for children in conflict with the law. “The best way to control criminality is not to breed young criminals, but government is neglecting this simple but workable strategy”, he said. Among his program proposals is to resume incentives to sports champions and youth initiated anti-drug advocacies which he initiated when he was two term city councilor in 1995 to 2000.

“These are very simple solutions but we need this to be institutionalized and well supported by our communities.

Ortega expressed concern over rampant teenage rumbles and graffiti. He said that paint markings are anywhere placed by rival gangs yet nobody takes a second look and do something.

The latest reported gang war involves a shooting incident near midnight of April 13, 2007 where a 16-year-old high school graduate survived a shot from a rival gang. This added to a line of Police blotter recording several teenage youth involved in rumble with cases ranging from robbery, stabbing, and malicious mischief.

Even regional police director Chief Supt. Raul Gonzales admitted in a press release “The growing feud between fraternities are becoming more violent and dangerous. Victims and suspects are young and they are in illegal and criminal activities. They are armed and dangerous and they do not fear anyone regardless of age as long as they see others as threat to them”.

But Ortega said the solution is not solely a police concern. He said it should be a coordinated program involving the community with parents, the local government that initiates and provides opportunities, and the peace officers that regulates and monitors youth related programs. Ortega said most politicians are too busy with infrastructure projects that they forget the slow but lasting degeneration of society they are in. He proposed that once elected, he plans to accept additional functions such as heading a task force to monitor criminality. “During my time, crime drastically went down due to my programs,” he said.

“The criminals left town in a huff. There is need to put fear into the hearts of these lawless elements but this could only be done with the help of residents.” He said he would return the once peaceful community that Baguio was if elected come May 14. “I have programs on livelihood among others which should benefit city residents but peace and order is my main concern. If there is peace and order in any locality, people become more progressive as they could engage in livelihood without fear of being harassed or attacked.”

Ortega had been tagged as the cop most feared by criminals in the city but said he had no qualms about being branded as such. “I only did my job,” he said. “ I want to do it all over again. People think I have a hard heart, but then again, I pity the people these criminals victimize – the women, young children and those who couldn’t protect themselves from lawless elements.” He narrated an incident which he said, “broke my heart” during his term as city police chief. It was the case of a 10-year-old girl who was killed by six men at Barangay San Carlos Heights.

The perpetrators reportedly abducted the girl then took turns raping her. When they were finished, one of them stuck a soft drink bottle in her private part, then kicked it in. Seeing she was still breathing, one of them reportedly got a large stone and bashed it on her head, instantly killing her.

“The incident really incensed me so I vowed to myself to get the girl’s assailants no matter what,” Ortega said with teary eyes.”

He said he doesn’t want like what happened to the girl happen to anyone and would like to leave a legacy to the city as the “most peaceful city in the city” if given another chance to serve as vice mayor by the electorate.

He said he could be a good partner with the city council and the mayor in crafting laws on peace and order. “I could be more effective if I would be made to head a task force in implementing peace and order so I could have a direct hand in going after the criminals.”

According to Ortega, the police would be more effective if they are given proper equipment and training and guided by more sensible and more competent peace and order programs. “But the residents should also do their part,” he said, citing a program during his term wherein he tapped residents for “ronda” activities per barangay to help police in patrolling neighborhoods. Those with cars lent their vehicles for crime-fighting activities. This, he said, drastically reduced crime in barangays.

In partnership with the then Dept. of Education Culture and Sports, Ortega had also instituted a program in different schools in the city to make students sports-oriented. “One a student is in class or doing sports and wholesome extra-curricular activities, he won’t have time to engage in drugs.”

“There are a lot more we could do to make the city more peaceful and progressive, but then, people have to do their part come May 14,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Asked about his manner in maintaining peace and order, he said, “My heart will
never change when criminals are concerned.” – With AD

Pampanga mayors push Pineda as governor
BY GEORGE TRILLO

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga -- Exactly 17 mayors and more than 500 barangay captains and their respective kagawads in the province issued a statement last week saying they were behind the candidacy of Lilia “Baby” Pineda, the wife of alleged jueteng king Bong Pineda. They said the leadership of Baby Pineda, an experienced mayor and provincial board member, could effectively unite leaders of the province for change and development.

Mayor Jerry Pelayo, spokesman of the Pampanga Mayors League, said the 17 mayors, all candidates from vice governor, board members, mayors to councilors as well the barangay captains were ready to ensure the victory of Ms Pineda at the helm of the capitol in an honest, fair, and peaceful election.

This, as thousands of mothers all over the province joined “Project Nanay” Baby’s pet project aimed to empower and employ women to become active partners in nation building.

Teachers’ allowance out before polls, says Abalos
BY JOAN CAPUNA

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos bared here thousands of teachers in the country who will render election duties would receive their allowances on or before the May 14 elections.

Abalos, who is Comelec commissioner in charge of Cagayan Valley, made this statement after teachers who will do poll duties urged the government to release their election stipends as soon as possible as the campaign period is drawing to a close.

Abalos said half of the P3,000 election allowance would be released within the week while the remaining P1,500 would be given in time for the polls.

“We will be giving you this allowance as soon as you come to pick up your election paraphernalia from the Comelec offices of the towns you were assigned,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abalos said the poll body would be studying a suggestion to have all teachers and other personnel serving during the election covered by accident insurance while performing their election duties.

Thousands of teachers and other personnel tasked for election duties would benefit from the early release of the allowance and insurance coverage, he said.


Solon sees economic boom in Mt. province with P2B road rehab
BY DEXTER A SEE

SABANGAN, Mountain Province – Residents of this landlocked province are assured of better living conditions once all the multi-billion road rehabilitation and development projects being implemented will be completed in the next two to three years.

This was revealed by Mountain Province Rep. Victor S. Dominguez, who also announced the start of the implementation of the foreign-funded rehabilitation of the Sabangan, Mountain province-Cervantes-Tagudin, Ilocos Sur road simultaneous with the on-going rehabilitation of the second phase of the Halsema Highway and the Bontoc, Mountain Province-Tabuk-Kalinga-Tuguegarao, Cagayan road.

Dominguez pointed out that people in the province will now have easier access to transact business with people in Regions I and II because of improved national and secondary national arterial roads.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo included in the priority projects of her administration the rehabilitation of vital roadlines in the Cordillera region to boost the tourism and economic potentials of the far-flung communities.

The latest addition to the road development projects in the province is the over 100 kilometers Sabangan-Cervantes-Tagudin road which is expected to boost the linkage of Mountain province and the Ilocos provinces.

Dominguez added that a lot of investments are expected to come to the province to provide sources of livelihood and employment to the residents who had been longing for economic opportunities.

When all the road rehabilitation projects will be completed, tourist spots such as the world famous Sagada caves, the Mainit hot springs, the man-made rice terraces and other potential tourist destinations will surely experience increase in tourist arrivals.

Dominguez had constantly lobbied with the Arroyo administration for the inclusion of the rehabilitation of vital roadlines in the province in the special projects lined up for the North Luzon Agri-business Quadrangle (NLAQ).

At least P400 million is earmarked for the rehabilitation of the 37-kilometer Sabangan-Cervantes road while another P1 billion will be utilized for the upgrading of the 65-kilometer Cervantes-Tagudin road.

The Mountain province lawmaker asserted that the long overdue development of rural communities traversed by the roadlines to be rehabilitated will be realized in a few years time after the completion of the projects.

It was learned that a number of investors are interested to conduct business in the province but the poor condition of the roads are the primary hindrance to their intentions.

However, Dominguez revealed that the government is doing everything to attract more investors in potential investment sites in rural communities in the Cordillera and different parts of the country.