Philippine troops found ammunition in Ampatuan house in Maguindanao
www.chinaview.cn 2009-12-04 14:03:17 Print
SHARIFF AGUAK, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Philippine government troops searched Friday morning the house of detained Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. for weapons and ammunitions.
Lt. Col. Leo Ferrer, commander of the Army's 601st Brigade, said troops recovered boxes of ammunition at Andal Jr.'s house here.
Andal Jr., a scion of the powerful Ampatuan clan, is the top suspect for the Nov. 23 massacre which claimed 57 lives including journalists and members of a rival clan. He is now detained in Manila and has been charged with 25 counts of murder.
Philippine police and military, carrying search warrants, also searched the houses of Andal Jr.'s two siblings and his father, former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr.
Thursday, government soldiers unearthed a cache of sophisticated weapons and ammunition at a vacant lot near the Ampatuan's compound.
Editor: Anne Tang
www.newsrunner.com
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
UN Experts: Maguindanao massacre must be the start of a major reform process
GENEVA — The brutal killing of 57 people in Maguindanao, including some 30 journalists, should be seen as a watershed moment for the Philippines, according to two United Nations human rights experts. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, and Frank La Rue, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, said that “the pre-meditated killing of political opponents, combined with a massive assault on the media, must be tackled at various levels that go well beyond standard murder investigations.”
In a statement, the two UN experts indicated that the initial responses of the Government had been encouraging. “The first step”, they noted, “is to ensure that the police investigation is comprehensive and independent, and employs the highest professional standards. It must also be followed by effective prosecutions of all those responsible for the killings.” They added, however, that the massacre also demanded a more extensive reflection on the elite family-dominated manipulation of the political processes and the need to eliminate such practices in order to assure the future of democracy in the Philippines.
“This will require a thorough-going investigation of the broader context to be undertaken by a credible and independent body, appointed with full legal powers to carry out an effective inquiry and make recommendations.” The UN experts expressed their particular dismay at the wholesale killings of journalists and emphasized that any broader inquiry into the political system would need to focus on the ways and means of enhancing protection for journalists in the future.
A third, but even more urgent step is also required according to the UN experts. “Elections in the Philippines have traditionally become occasions for widespread extrajudicial executions of political opponents. There is every indication that the run-up to the May elections will sound the death knell for many political activists.” Alston and La Rue added that “the Government should acknowledge this likelihood and immediately establish a high-level task force, with broad political support, to identify the measures that should be taken to prevent killings that occur in the lead-up to the elections”.
“The Maguindinao killings are a tragedy of the first order”, said the experts. But the challenge now is to go beyond a criminal law response and to take measures designed to protect the media in particular, and freedom of expression in general, and to prevent election-related violence in the months ahead. “The international community will be monitoring the Government’s response very carefully”, they added.
Disclaimer | What you are reading is either a press release/ statement or a manifesto. These materials do not go through the editorial process of HowAreYouPhilippines and do not reflect our policy or position.
In a statement, the two UN experts indicated that the initial responses of the Government had been encouraging. “The first step”, they noted, “is to ensure that the police investigation is comprehensive and independent, and employs the highest professional standards. It must also be followed by effective prosecutions of all those responsible for the killings.” They added, however, that the massacre also demanded a more extensive reflection on the elite family-dominated manipulation of the political processes and the need to eliminate such practices in order to assure the future of democracy in the Philippines.
“This will require a thorough-going investigation of the broader context to be undertaken by a credible and independent body, appointed with full legal powers to carry out an effective inquiry and make recommendations.” The UN experts expressed their particular dismay at the wholesale killings of journalists and emphasized that any broader inquiry into the political system would need to focus on the ways and means of enhancing protection for journalists in the future.
A third, but even more urgent step is also required according to the UN experts. “Elections in the Philippines have traditionally become occasions for widespread extrajudicial executions of political opponents. There is every indication that the run-up to the May elections will sound the death knell for many political activists.” Alston and La Rue added that “the Government should acknowledge this likelihood and immediately establish a high-level task force, with broad political support, to identify the measures that should be taken to prevent killings that occur in the lead-up to the elections”.
“The Maguindinao killings are a tragedy of the first order”, said the experts. But the challenge now is to go beyond a criminal law response and to take measures designed to protect the media in particular, and freedom of expression in general, and to prevent election-related violence in the months ahead. “The international community will be monitoring the Government’s response very carefully”, they added.
Disclaimer | What you are reading is either a press release/ statement or a manifesto. These materials do not go through the editorial process of HowAreYouPhilippines and do not reflect our policy or position.
Filipino press group launches fund drive for Maguindanao journalists
Responding to the murder of more than 30 news media people in a massacre in Maguindanao southern Philippines, members of The Filipino Press Group of Sydney launched an appeal today for funds to help relieve some of the pain now experienced by victims’ families.
Funds raised will be delivered to the families through the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPCP), according to Bayanihan News editor-publisher Domingo ‘Nonoy’ Perdon.
Newspaper columnist Neria Soliman said the group would seek further contributions from affiliate organisations of the Philippine Community Council of NSW.
”At least one reporter who died in the massacre had a family of wife and five children,” said NewsPinoy editor Titus Filio, who had lived in the Maguindanao area in his youth. ”News media people do not earn much, so their families must be really suffering.”
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Perdon, who had proposed the appeal as a grave emergency measure, Ms Soliman, Philippine Sentinel editor Dino Crescini, TheFilipinoAustralian web publisher Romy Cayabyab, and Radio Sandigan producer Jaime Pimentel at a special meeting in Rooty Hill this morning, Saturday, November 28.
Donations will be accepted by the Group’s spokesman Jaime Pimentel over the next two weeks, starting Monday, November 30, 2009. Mr Pimentel will open a trust account in the Burwood branch of ANZ Banking for the sole purpose of collecting the donations. Mr Perdon, who has direct connections with officials of the NPCP, will arrange for delivery of funds.
For further details, ring (02) 9744 9966 after hours or (02)9588 8730 work hours.
Funds raised will be delivered to the families through the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPCP), according to Bayanihan News editor-publisher Domingo ‘Nonoy’ Perdon.
Newspaper columnist Neria Soliman said the group would seek further contributions from affiliate organisations of the Philippine Community Council of NSW.
”At least one reporter who died in the massacre had a family of wife and five children,” said NewsPinoy editor Titus Filio, who had lived in the Maguindanao area in his youth. ”News media people do not earn much, so their families must be really suffering.”
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Perdon, who had proposed the appeal as a grave emergency measure, Ms Soliman, Philippine Sentinel editor Dino Crescini, TheFilipinoAustralian web publisher Romy Cayabyab, and Radio Sandigan producer Jaime Pimentel at a special meeting in Rooty Hill this morning, Saturday, November 28.
Donations will be accepted by the Group’s spokesman Jaime Pimentel over the next two weeks, starting Monday, November 30, 2009. Mr Pimentel will open a trust account in the Burwood branch of ANZ Banking for the sole purpose of collecting the donations. Mr Perdon, who has direct connections with officials of the NPCP, will arrange for delivery of funds.
For further details, ring (02) 9744 9966 after hours or (02)9588 8730 work hours.
Arroyo vows justice for massacred journalists in Maguindanao
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday pledged justice before the grieving families of journalists who were killed in Maguindanao as she visited their wake in General Santos city.
"I am attending the wake of some of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre as a modest expression of the nation's outrage and my personal grief and shock on the acts that befell these men and women. What happened continues to shock me. This is a black mark to our nation," Mrs. Arroyo said.
"I am really very grieved because I have fought everyday in office to bring peace in this island (Mindanao) and I will continue to do so until the last minute of my term," she added.
At the same time, Mrs. Arroyo also pledged to provide the families with jobs and educational and financial assistance.
Sandra Aguinaldo of GMA News said Mrs. Arroyo even offered to become the godmother of the newly-born child of Marc Ariola, the cameraman of UNTV who was among the 31 journalists killed in the massacre.
Mrs. Arroyo first visited the wake of six journalists in Collado Funeral Parlor along Pendatun and Laurel North Streets. After which, she proceeded to the UNTV Broadcast Center to sympathize with the families of four other journalists.
She was accompanied by Interior and Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Secretary for Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza.
The relatives of the journalists, for their part, became emotional.
"Justice talaga kailangan at saka education ng mga apo ko kasi hindi ko kaya (What we really need is justice, and also education for my grandchildren because I can't afford it)," said Nancy dela Cruz, the mother of Gina dela Cruz of Today who orphaned a seven-month old baby.
For her part, Merly Perante, the widow of slain Gold Star Daily staffer Ronnie Perante, called on the witnesses to surface to shed light on the killings.
"Sana makonsensya naman sila, sana hindi patulugin ng konsensya para mag-witness sa nangyari para mabigyan hustiya lahat ng biktima (I hope they get conscience-stricken, I hope their conscience makes them sleepless until they turn witness so that justice is given to all the victims)," said Merly, who is seven months pregnant. - Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV
"I am attending the wake of some of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre as a modest expression of the nation's outrage and my personal grief and shock on the acts that befell these men and women. What happened continues to shock me. This is a black mark to our nation," Mrs. Arroyo said.
"I am really very grieved because I have fought everyday in office to bring peace in this island (Mindanao) and I will continue to do so until the last minute of my term," she added.
At the same time, Mrs. Arroyo also pledged to provide the families with jobs and educational and financial assistance.
Sandra Aguinaldo of GMA News said Mrs. Arroyo even offered to become the godmother of the newly-born child of Marc Ariola, the cameraman of UNTV who was among the 31 journalists killed in the massacre.
Mrs. Arroyo first visited the wake of six journalists in Collado Funeral Parlor along Pendatun and Laurel North Streets. After which, she proceeded to the UNTV Broadcast Center to sympathize with the families of four other journalists.
She was accompanied by Interior and Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Secretary for Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza.
The relatives of the journalists, for their part, became emotional.
"Justice talaga kailangan at saka education ng mga apo ko kasi hindi ko kaya (What we really need is justice, and also education for my grandchildren because I can't afford it)," said Nancy dela Cruz, the mother of Gina dela Cruz of Today who orphaned a seven-month old baby.
For her part, Merly Perante, the widow of slain Gold Star Daily staffer Ronnie Perante, called on the witnesses to surface to shed light on the killings.
"Sana makonsensya naman sila, sana hindi patulugin ng konsensya para mag-witness sa nangyari para mabigyan hustiya lahat ng biktima (I hope they get conscience-stricken, I hope their conscience makes them sleepless until they turn witness so that justice is given to all the victims)," said Merly, who is seven months pregnant. - Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV
Army battalions surround capitol, Ampatuan mansions
Hundreds of additional troops have been sent to Maguindanao province to protect the Ampatuan clan from "possible retaliation" in connection with last week's massacre of 57 people, which is being blamed on the powerful Arroyo-allied family.
The augmentation force, numbering around 400, would provide security to the provincial capitol and the Ampatuans' residences in Shariff Aguak town, according to Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Armed Forces' public information office.
"This is to maintain the peace and order situation and prevent retaliation from the victims’ family. At the same time, they (soldiers) were sent to prevent other groups from taking advantage of the situation," Brawner said.
At present, there are four infantry battalions and two mechanized units in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato city - the three areas placed under state of emergency after the massacre.
Normally there are only two battalions deployed in the area, Brawner said, with each battalion composed of 400 to 500 soldiers.
Threat
Brawner said the troops would provide security to two of the Ampatuans' "main houses" in Shariff Aguak, one of which is in front of the capitol.
"One of the purposes why we deployed troops right at the residences of the Ampatuans is to prevent authorized people from getting into the compound. People with bad intentions may slip inside by posing as supporters," he said.
Outdoor trips of the Ampatuan family members have also been limited, according to Brawner.
"We are also controlling their movement out of their residence because there are threats to their lives. They cannot just go out of their residence and go elsewhere because of (the) specific threats to their lives," he said.
He noted the possibility that supporters of the Ampatuans' rival clan, the Mangudadatus, may avenge the grisly deaths of several Mangudadatu family members in the massacre.
Aside from members of the Mangudadatu family, 31 journalists and several unsuspecting motorists were also killed in the mass killing that has received worldwide indignation, including from the United Nations and the European Union.
The victims were on their way to Shariff Aguak to file the candidacy documents of Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael "Toto" Mangudadatu when waylaid by dozens of armed men allegedly upon orders from Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is now detained in Manila his arrest Thursday last week.
Brawner said they are also protecting the Ampatuans against Moro rebels.
Backup force
Brawner said the troops were also deployed to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in serving arrest warrants, suspension orders and help maintain the peace and order situation. [See: AFP all set to serve warrants, other orders vs Ampatuans]
There is no timeline up to when the military would stay in the province, Brawner said, adding the troops would stay there “as long as they are needed."
On Wednesday, the PNP have recommended the filing of charges against Ampatuan Jr. and five other members of the Ampatuan clan, including its patriarch Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., the incumbent governor of Maguindanao.
The recommendation against Andal Jr. was on top the 25 murder charges the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed against him in Cotobato city on Tuesday. He is now under the custody of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after witnesses claimed that he was present at the massacre site during the killing.
The Ampatuans, for their part, have repeatedly denied involvement in the killing. - KBK, GMANews.TV
The augmentation force, numbering around 400, would provide security to the provincial capitol and the Ampatuans' residences in Shariff Aguak town, according to Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Armed Forces' public information office.
"This is to maintain the peace and order situation and prevent retaliation from the victims’ family. At the same time, they (soldiers) were sent to prevent other groups from taking advantage of the situation," Brawner said.
At present, there are four infantry battalions and two mechanized units in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato city - the three areas placed under state of emergency after the massacre.
Normally there are only two battalions deployed in the area, Brawner said, with each battalion composed of 400 to 500 soldiers.
Threat
Brawner said the troops would provide security to two of the Ampatuans' "main houses" in Shariff Aguak, one of which is in front of the capitol.
"One of the purposes why we deployed troops right at the residences of the Ampatuans is to prevent authorized people from getting into the compound. People with bad intentions may slip inside by posing as supporters," he said.
Outdoor trips of the Ampatuan family members have also been limited, according to Brawner.
"We are also controlling their movement out of their residence because there are threats to their lives. They cannot just go out of their residence and go elsewhere because of (the) specific threats to their lives," he said.
He noted the possibility that supporters of the Ampatuans' rival clan, the Mangudadatus, may avenge the grisly deaths of several Mangudadatu family members in the massacre.
Aside from members of the Mangudadatu family, 31 journalists and several unsuspecting motorists were also killed in the mass killing that has received worldwide indignation, including from the United Nations and the European Union.
The victims were on their way to Shariff Aguak to file the candidacy documents of Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael "Toto" Mangudadatu when waylaid by dozens of armed men allegedly upon orders from Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is now detained in Manila his arrest Thursday last week.
Brawner said they are also protecting the Ampatuans against Moro rebels.
Backup force
Brawner said the troops were also deployed to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in serving arrest warrants, suspension orders and help maintain the peace and order situation. [See: AFP all set to serve warrants, other orders vs Ampatuans]
There is no timeline up to when the military would stay in the province, Brawner said, adding the troops would stay there “as long as they are needed."
On Wednesday, the PNP have recommended the filing of charges against Ampatuan Jr. and five other members of the Ampatuan clan, including its patriarch Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., the incumbent governor of Maguindanao.
The recommendation against Andal Jr. was on top the 25 murder charges the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed against him in Cotobato city on Tuesday. He is now under the custody of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after witnesses claimed that he was present at the massacre site during the killing.
The Ampatuans, for their part, have repeatedly denied involvement in the killing. - KBK, GMANews.TV
Massacre suspect’s home in Maguindanao raided
Massacre suspect’s home in Maguindanao raided
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 08:03:00 12/04/2009
Filed Under: Maguindanao Massacre, Election Violence, raid, Police, Firearms, Military
MANILA, Philippines – Combined elements of the military and police raided the house of a local official from a powerful clan in Maguindanao and who has been tagged as the prime suspect in the massacre in the province late November, according to a television report.
The raid was conducted at the home of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following his arrest for the murders of at least 57 people in Maguindanao on November 23, the report on GMA Network’s “Unang Hirit” morning program said Friday.
The report said a search warrant was served by members of the Philippine National Police to the caretakers on suspicion that high-powered firearms were hidden in Ampatuan Jr.’s home, which was described as being slightly smaller than the other mansions belonging to the rest of the clan.
In a live interview, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ponce, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said they were there to provide technical support for the PNP.
The raid happened a day after several ammunition and military uniforms that could have been used in the killings were discovered in Poblacion Tres, Shariff Aguak, at around 2:30 p.m., according to PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.
Verzosa said authorities received a tip from residents in the area that ammunition and military uniforms were “dumped and concealed” there.
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 08:03:00 12/04/2009
Filed Under: Maguindanao Massacre, Election Violence, raid, Police, Firearms, Military
MANILA, Philippines – Combined elements of the military and police raided the house of a local official from a powerful clan in Maguindanao and who has been tagged as the prime suspect in the massacre in the province late November, according to a television report.
The raid was conducted at the home of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following his arrest for the murders of at least 57 people in Maguindanao on November 23, the report on GMA Network’s “Unang Hirit” morning program said Friday.
The report said a search warrant was served by members of the Philippine National Police to the caretakers on suspicion that high-powered firearms were hidden in Ampatuan Jr.’s home, which was described as being slightly smaller than the other mansions belonging to the rest of the clan.
In a live interview, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ponce, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said they were there to provide technical support for the PNP.
The raid happened a day after several ammunition and military uniforms that could have been used in the killings were discovered in Poblacion Tres, Shariff Aguak, at around 2:30 p.m., according to PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.
Verzosa said authorities received a tip from residents in the area that ammunition and military uniforms were “dumped and concealed” there.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
DNA tests to prove rape on women-victims of Maguindanao massacre
DNA tests to prove rape on women-victims of Maguindanao massacre
by admin on December 2nd, 2009 // Filed Under » Zamboanga Times
Initial autopsy examinations on the female victims of the Nov. 23 Maguindanao massacre have remained inconclusive of rape, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Sunday.
The autopsy examinations also showed that some of the 57 massacre victims were shot at close range.NBI regional director Ricardo Diaz said that there was a need for a DNA test on the female victims to determine they were indeed raped.Diaz, also chief of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and concurrent spokesman for Maguindanao massacre, said the NBI medical team examined 20 bodies while the Philippine National Police (PNP) took the rest of the victims.He said six of the victims were shot at close range and there were slugs found at the crime scene.The autopsy also aimed to determine if the female-victims of Nov. 23 massacre were indeed raped, he said.He said the initial test conducted on the female victims were inconclusive.About 20 bodies were processed by NBI medical team. The Mangudadatu women were also processed by NBI and six of the 20 were shot at close range, he said.He also said that some of the female-victims had lacerations in their hymen.Meanwhile, the NBI and the PNP continued to study the present behavior of Andal Ampatuan Jr, the prime suspect in the Maguindanao massacre.Diaz said Ampatuan Jr. seemed restless and had a hard time sleeping because probably he was afraid of ghosts. Ampatuan preferred to sleep outside his detention and stayed most of the time near the visitors area, he said.He slept on the bench just near the visitors area. He was afraid of ghosts. He slept on the bench and he wrapped himself with a comforter. There is an electric fan near him because he feel hot, said Diaz.The NBI jail is heavily secured and barb wires separate the jail from visitors area.He has a lawyer working 24 hours by shift. But the lawyers are only staying at the visitors area, Diaz said.Diaz also said Ampatuan had rejected food sent to him from those claiming to be his relatives. May food which supposedly come from an uncle whom he did not know. He dont eat that. It his right and he said there is threat against his life, Diaz said.Based on the result of the drug test conducted on Ampatuan on Friday showed that no trace of drugs was found. However, the NBI said it does not mean that Ampatuan did not take drugs as traces usually lost after 40 hours from the time of the consumption of such.However, urine test (Benzodiazepine) found traces of Rivotril and the NBI said Ampatuan admitted that he was taking Rivotril, a sleeping pill.
Via Zamboanga Times
-- Post From My iPhone
by admin on December 2nd, 2009 // Filed Under » Zamboanga Times
Initial autopsy examinations on the female victims of the Nov. 23 Maguindanao massacre have remained inconclusive of rape, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Sunday.
The autopsy examinations also showed that some of the 57 massacre victims were shot at close range.NBI regional director Ricardo Diaz said that there was a need for a DNA test on the female victims to determine they were indeed raped.Diaz, also chief of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and concurrent spokesman for Maguindanao massacre, said the NBI medical team examined 20 bodies while the Philippine National Police (PNP) took the rest of the victims.He said six of the victims were shot at close range and there were slugs found at the crime scene.The autopsy also aimed to determine if the female-victims of Nov. 23 massacre were indeed raped, he said.He said the initial test conducted on the female victims were inconclusive.About 20 bodies were processed by NBI medical team. The Mangudadatu women were also processed by NBI and six of the 20 were shot at close range, he said.He also said that some of the female-victims had lacerations in their hymen.Meanwhile, the NBI and the PNP continued to study the present behavior of Andal Ampatuan Jr, the prime suspect in the Maguindanao massacre.Diaz said Ampatuan Jr. seemed restless and had a hard time sleeping because probably he was afraid of ghosts. Ampatuan preferred to sleep outside his detention and stayed most of the time near the visitors area, he said.He slept on the bench just near the visitors area. He was afraid of ghosts. He slept on the bench and he wrapped himself with a comforter. There is an electric fan near him because he feel hot, said Diaz.The NBI jail is heavily secured and barb wires separate the jail from visitors area.He has a lawyer working 24 hours by shift. But the lawyers are only staying at the visitors area, Diaz said.Diaz also said Ampatuan had rejected food sent to him from those claiming to be his relatives. May food which supposedly come from an uncle whom he did not know. He dont eat that. It his right and he said there is threat against his life, Diaz said.Based on the result of the drug test conducted on Ampatuan on Friday showed that no trace of drugs was found. However, the NBI said it does not mean that Ampatuan did not take drugs as traces usually lost after 40 hours from the time of the consumption of such.However, urine test (Benzodiazepine) found traces of Rivotril and the NBI said Ampatuan admitted that he was taking Rivotril, a sleeping pill.
Via Zamboanga Times
-- Post From My iPhone
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