LEGAZPI CITY – “In a land called the Philippines, amidst one great battle for freedom against colonizers, a wise man who used ink to spark revolution said the ‘youth is the hope of the fatherland’.”
This excerpt from a tale told by one of its members has tapped social awareness to some proactive young people and dared to form a movement, calling the Bicol youth to register and vote in the 2010 elections.
Not known by many, a group of goal-oriented young people in Bicol has been playing with words and has finally formed the YouthInk Movement (YM) that could spell a significant CHANGE for this country, according to them.
Jonathan Jaime Guerrero, 20, a BS Biology graduate of Bicol University (BU) and concurrent director of the alliance, along with the student leaders from BU, Aquinas University of Legazpi and Divine Word College of Legazpi has formally launched the YouthInk Movement last Friday (July 24).
Their objectives: Reaching as many youth as possible and encouraging them to register and vote based on concerns and issues, not on personalities.
“We chose July 24 for its launching because this is a hundred days before the last day of registration on October,” Guerrero explained.
Youth as “thinking vote”
Geared towards youth empowerment, the YouthInk Movement is a non-partisan youth-led group, calling for clean and honest elections, while raising a significant number from the first-time voters, particularly the youth this 2010 elections.
It also aims to scrutinize candidate for local and national positions.
“The YM is a localized version of the Youth Vote Philippines Movement. Although, it is not a regional chapter of the YVote, our movement encourages the youth and more importantly first-time voters to register and ultimately vote in theupcoming elections,” said Guerrero, who was one of the awardees of the 2009 Regional Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
Out of jumbled words: You, Youth Think and Ink, the movement’s banner name was formed last May summer by four restless young individuals who were just playing characters inside a room yet ended up with a powerful YouthInk (combined word), which calls a move from the youth sector.
“At first, I came up with the name Bagong BUwan, but I realized lately that its scope is limited only within BU students,” Guerrero recalled.
The YM sprang from the idea of youth ink which is a symbolism of an indelible ink of the youth’s right to suffrage, while believing that the youth is a thinking vote – an intelligent bloc which could spell change.
Hence, “it is proper that you think before you vote,” he stressed.
Volunteers’ initiatives, caravans
Armed with their convictions to make a change in past electoral frauds, Guerrero, Jommel Grutas, Raymond Ordan and Edward Arellano, senior students from different college departments in BU, initiated the movement through their school-based and community-based campaigns.
The YM movement is partnered by internal college-based organizations, including the BU University Student Council; National Service and Training Programs (BU NSTP); four BU colleges: College of Business, Economics and Management; College of Nursing; College of Social Sciences and Philosophy; Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists; supreme student councils of Aquinas University of Legazpi and Dive Word College of Legazpi.
Their objectives have been carried out through various ways such as for a, voters’ education workshops, live concerts and caravans to reach the youth in the rural communities in the region as well.
“We are still looking for more members who would serve as facilitators in the training workshops to encourage more students to register,” Guerrero said in Filipino.
He added that they have also information dissemination drive being conducted to far-flung villages, which is part of their activities for the formal establishment of the movement in the locality.
From being a local alliance, the YM is now on its regional level with affiliates from Ateneo de Naga University in Camarines Sur and working on in other colleges and universities around six provinces of Bicol.
On their first caravans, they conducted voters’ education forum last June 28 in local parish youth councils in Irosin, Magallanes and Casiguran in Sorsogon province. More facilititators’ training to those who want to devote their leisure time in community services were held in Ligao and Oas, Albay last July 19.
“We are increasing our members by establishing our chapters in the community,” Guerrero further said.
While the group has been making moves to call for more members and build one powerful youth alliance, it has also extended their partnership with external organizations. These include the National Youth Parliament (7th batch), Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS), Oikos (environmental organization), Ayala Young Leaders, Sirang (Bicol winners of 10 outstanding students in the Philippines), Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD) and, the Kabataan Party List.
“All of these emanate from our concrete vision of a clean and honest election and a more in depth immersion of the youth into civic and government affairs in this country,” remarked Guerrero.
Resolute, unyielding voice
The move places a key part in raising awareness of the electorate, particularly the youth to towards a responsible democratic and sustain participants in electoral and governance processes, said NSTP Director Rowena Zoilo.
With more than 3,000 students enrolled in the NSTP program this semester, Zoilo added: “I will be requesting all the colleges in BU to have voters’ education as one of the activities in field immersions.”
“We believe in the competence of the youth on making positive changes in our government and the YM will serve as our partner in the implementation of the voters’ education,” she told the Inquirer.
As a resolute voice, Junne Garcia, internal vice president of the BU-USC said that young people has been patronized largely by multisectoral groups in the country, which could be an instrument to educate first-time and regular voters.
“Like Santino of May Bukas Pa and Goin’ Bulilit, the youth is being heard and watched by many to make great changes in the country,” Garcia added in Filipino.
“With that, there is something more they could still do”, the 20-year-old Iden Rojero of the DWCL College Executive Board urged that students’ responsibilities are not just bound within their comfort zones. “It is not just for us, for our family, but this is for the society, for the nation as a whole,” she remarked.
According to the Youth Vote Philippines (YVP), 54 percent or 34 million of the voting population in the 2010 falls under the youth sector and only 20 percent of the potential youth vote had registered, said Ma. Acela Katrina Padua, a representative of the YVP said.
As she conducted facilitators’ training at Bicol University, Padua believes the youth vote is such an influence that could set the tone and agenda for the 2010. “We must register now and not wait until October 31 because the biometrics can only accommodate 200 persons per day.
Juana Change videos
In workshops, Padua uses Juana Change videos, which are based on political scandals shaking the country, hoping to awaken Filipinos from apathy.
Juana Change, portrayed by Mae Paner, is a character who became famous because of her political mockery uploaded in YouTube. Some of her roles include a coy Sto. Niño, a government fixer, a ridiculous jail warden and a domestic helper.
Materials of the YVP are copyleft modules. “Copyleft because it is the reverse of the copyright law which is preventing (the public) to use the very same material without the permission of the producer and claim it as your own,” Padua explained.
“’Copyleft’ because at the end of the day, our voice is not to recognized ourselves but to recognize every Filipino youth,” she added. “We want everyone to copy our material so that one could share it to others and what he has shared to others would give the same effect,” the young volunteer stressed
Satellite Registration
COMELEC Regional Director Zacarias C. Zaragoza Jr. said the satellite registration is a “pilot” or mobilized form of registration.
He said that the COMELEC has a resolution wherein the election officers are allowed to set up satellite stations in “populated places.” An election officer determines where (satellite registration) to set up so the COMELEC could provide convenience to those applicants who would like to register and vote,’’
However, the 17-year-old Mary Grace Imperial, a sophomore student of the DWCL and the members coordinator of the alliance said they were disappointed when the Comelec Legazpi pulled out the mobile registrations in colleges and universities after it was found defective.
“Computers are very delicate tools. What if our computer breaks down because it was not handled well?” said the regional director.
“It happened in our Legazpi City machine (biometrics) and we have repaired it for two days,” said Zaragoza, noting the residents of the city could not register at that time. He further said that they could “only capture” a very minimal turnout in satellite registration conducted in schools. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Sothern Luzon
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Bicol militants spice up SONA protests
7.26.09
LEGAZPI CITY – Armed with bell pepper-shaped placards, thousands of sizzling protesters marched along key cities in Bicol, condemning Charter Change, few hours before President Macapagal-Arroyo deliver her State of the Nation Address this afternoon.
More than 20, 000 rallyers from six provinces of Bicol converged in front of their city halls to express opposition on the eyed plan of extending Arroyo’s term, airing present administration flaws within the nine-year of her term, according to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol.
“Many of us have brought bell pepper shaped (sili) placards as a symbol of the spicy protest here in the region. This is the Bicolano people’s way of adding their voice to the nationwide clamor against Cha-cha and to put an end to the US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime,” Lopez said in a statement.
As of press time, Lopez said in a text message that there are 12,000 militants who rallied in Masbate; 4,000 in Sorsogon; 1500 in Albay; 300 in Camarines Sur and 200 in Catanduanes. But she mentioned that the militant organizations in Camarines Norte will just be starting this afternoon.
“Here in Legazpi City , we also have an effigy of Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo, on top of Malacanang trying to stay forever, with the hat of Uncle Sam on one hand and House Resolution 1109 on the other. These show the continuing servility of this administration to US interests as well as its hell bent desire to remain in power,” added Lopez.
Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson told the Inquirer that Bicol police are now on full alert if any untoward incidents happen.
“Around 300 region V personnel are ready to be deployed to Metro Manila if there are augmentations,” Natuel added.
On the other hand, Lopez said that whatever its plans and tricks are, they will do everything to stop to stop it.
“The key to stopping the regime in selling our patrimony and staying in power is for all of us to be ever vigilant and to fill the streets whenever necessary,” ended Lopez.
LEGAZPI CITY – Armed with bell pepper-shaped placards, thousands of sizzling protesters marched along key cities in Bicol, condemning Charter Change, few hours before President Macapagal-Arroyo deliver her State of the Nation Address this afternoon.
More than 20, 000 rallyers from six provinces of Bicol converged in front of their city halls to express opposition on the eyed plan of extending Arroyo’s term, airing present administration flaws within the nine-year of her term, according to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol.
“Many of us have brought bell pepper shaped (sili) placards as a symbol of the spicy protest here in the region. This is the Bicolano people’s way of adding their voice to the nationwide clamor against Cha-cha and to put an end to the US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime,” Lopez said in a statement.
As of press time, Lopez said in a text message that there are 12,000 militants who rallied in Masbate; 4,000 in Sorsogon; 1500 in Albay; 300 in Camarines Sur and 200 in Catanduanes. But she mentioned that the militant organizations in Camarines Norte will just be starting this afternoon.
“Here in Legazpi City , we also have an effigy of Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo, on top of Malacanang trying to stay forever, with the hat of Uncle Sam on one hand and House Resolution 1109 on the other. These show the continuing servility of this administration to US interests as well as its hell bent desire to remain in power,” added Lopez.
Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson told the Inquirer that Bicol police are now on full alert if any untoward incidents happen.
“Around 300 region V personnel are ready to be deployed to Metro Manila if there are augmentations,” Natuel added.
On the other hand, Lopez said that whatever its plans and tricks are, they will do everything to stop to stop it.
“The key to stopping the regime in selling our patrimony and staying in power is for all of us to be ever vigilant and to fill the streets whenever necessary,” ended Lopez.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Mayon activity baffles scientists
By Johana Vi E. Gasga
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 16:17:00 07/19/2009
Filed Under: Disasters (general), Local authorities, Military
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- Mayon Volcano is not showing signs of increased or decreased activity, baffling scientists who have warned last week that an eruption was forthcoming.
"The dilemma right now is that Mayon is not showing any sign of significant information, if it is going up or down. It has maintained its behavior during the past week," volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said on Sunday.
Volcanologists maintained alert level 2 on Mayon Volcano as of Sunday, Laguerta said, meaning there was "moderate unrest," and that ash explosions were possible.
However, Laguerta said that at any time, smaller explosions -- which some volcanologists call "throat clearing" -- could lead to a big explosion.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored up to 14 earthquakes around Mayon per day, Laguerta said, adding the tremors were "common" for an "abnormal" volcano like Mayon.
"There was no new intrusion of molten materials or magma to the surface," he added.
The military-led Task Force Mayon continued its information drive on Mayon among residents. Rescue personnel had been making an inventory of residents who live within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano, which is a permanent danger zone.
Fifteen M-35 trucks, which can load 30 persons each, were placed on standby at Camp Simeon Ola here, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion.
Army troops inspected the lava front in Mabinit village on Saturday, Bansawan said.
The military and the police have been conducting checkpoints in 12 villages in key cities and towns in Albay province surrounding the six-km danger zone, the spokesman said.
These include the villages of Budiao, Bañadero, Salvacion and Matnog in Daraga town; Quirangay in Camalig town; Mabinit in Legazpi City; San Andres in Sto. Domingo town; Mayon Skyline Park in Tabaco City; and upland villages of Guinobatan and Polangui towns and Ligao City.
"We are also expecting five military vehicles from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force in case we need to make urgent rescue operations," said Bansawan.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 16:17:00 07/19/2009
Filed Under: Disasters (general), Local authorities, Military
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- Mayon Volcano is not showing signs of increased or decreased activity, baffling scientists who have warned last week that an eruption was forthcoming.
"The dilemma right now is that Mayon is not showing any sign of significant information, if it is going up or down. It has maintained its behavior during the past week," volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said on Sunday.
Volcanologists maintained alert level 2 on Mayon Volcano as of Sunday, Laguerta said, meaning there was "moderate unrest," and that ash explosions were possible.
However, Laguerta said that at any time, smaller explosions -- which some volcanologists call "throat clearing" -- could lead to a big explosion.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored up to 14 earthquakes around Mayon per day, Laguerta said, adding the tremors were "common" for an "abnormal" volcano like Mayon.
"There was no new intrusion of molten materials or magma to the surface," he added.
The military-led Task Force Mayon continued its information drive on Mayon among residents. Rescue personnel had been making an inventory of residents who live within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano, which is a permanent danger zone.
Fifteen M-35 trucks, which can load 30 persons each, were placed on standby at Camp Simeon Ola here, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion.
Army troops inspected the lava front in Mabinit village on Saturday, Bansawan said.
The military and the police have been conducting checkpoints in 12 villages in key cities and towns in Albay province surrounding the six-km danger zone, the spokesman said.
These include the villages of Budiao, Bañadero, Salvacion and Matnog in Daraga town; Quirangay in Camalig town; Mabinit in Legazpi City; San Andres in Sto. Domingo town; Mayon Skyline Park in Tabaco City; and upland villages of Guinobatan and Polangui towns and Ligao City.
"We are also expecting five military vehicles from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force in case we need to make urgent rescue operations," said Bansawan.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Kid, mother held hostage in Cam Norte
07.18.09
LEGAZPI CITY – The family day for picnic turned grey when a three-year-old child and her mother were held captive by identified kidnappers in Daet town, Camarines Norte on Friday noon, a police official reported Saturday.
Renato Umali, 39 and his wife Michelle, 23 with their three-year-old daughter Chacha, were having a picnic at Bagasbas beach, Barangay (village) Bagasbas in Daet town, when the suspects arrived on board a red Mitsubishi Adventurer SUV at around 1:05 p.m., said Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
However, the suspect Diego Saad, a driver and bodyguard of a city administrator in Antipolo City suddenly fired a shot at Renato, prompting Gill Caymey, his driver to return fire at the suspects, said Natuel.
Saad, upon his slay-attempt to Renato Umali seized his daughter instead and pointed his gun to the child.
Natuel added that when Chacha was grabbed by the suspect, the mother Michelle ran near her daughter to save her from the kidnappers, however, two companions of the suspect held them hostage.
Suspects at a gunpoint dragged them inside the vehicle then sped-off to unknown directions.
A flash alarm was already made by Daet police and they are now conducting pursuit operation, said Natuel.
Meanwhile, Renato Umali is a businessman, residing at Barangay Malasugui, Labo, Camarines Norte while Diego Saas is native of Nueva Ecija.
Cases for Attempted Murder and Kidnapping/Serious Illegal Detention are now being readied for filing in court against the suspect and his two cohorts.
Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – The family day for picnic turned grey when a three-year-old child and her mother were held captive by identified kidnappers in Daet town, Camarines Norte on Friday noon, a police official reported Saturday.
Renato Umali, 39 and his wife Michelle, 23 with their three-year-old daughter Chacha, were having a picnic at Bagasbas beach, Barangay (village) Bagasbas in Daet town, when the suspects arrived on board a red Mitsubishi Adventurer SUV at around 1:05 p.m., said Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
However, the suspect Diego Saad, a driver and bodyguard of a city administrator in Antipolo City suddenly fired a shot at Renato, prompting Gill Caymey, his driver to return fire at the suspects, said Natuel.
Saad, upon his slay-attempt to Renato Umali seized his daughter instead and pointed his gun to the child.
Natuel added that when Chacha was grabbed by the suspect, the mother Michelle ran near her daughter to save her from the kidnappers, however, two companions of the suspect held them hostage.
Suspects at a gunpoint dragged them inside the vehicle then sped-off to unknown directions.
A flash alarm was already made by Daet police and they are now conducting pursuit operation, said Natuel.
Meanwhile, Renato Umali is a businessman, residing at Barangay Malasugui, Labo, Camarines Norte while Diego Saas is native of Nueva Ecija.
Cases for Attempted Murder and Kidnapping/Serious Illegal Detention are now being readied for filing in court against the suspect and his two cohorts.
Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Transport leader shot, injured
By Rey M. Nasol, Johana Vi E. Gasga
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 07:39:00 07/13/2009
Filed Under: Road Transport, Strike, Crime
LEGAZPI CITY -- A leader of a militant transport organization gearing for strikes in key cities of the country was shot and injured at 4:20 a.m. Monday by two motorcycle-riding men in front of a gas station in Daraga, Albay.
Police said Joel Ascutia, an official of the militant transport group Condor-Piston, was driving his jeepney on Rizal Street and passing by the Petron gas station in Daraga, when two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle fired shots at him.
Ascutia sustained gunshot wounds in the body and was brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The gunmen fled towards Legazpi City after the shooting.
Five empty shells of 9mm bullets were recovered from the crime scene.
Ascutia's Condor and other transport groups affiliated with Piston (Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Drayber at Transport Operator Nationwide, United Organization of Drivers and Transport Operators Nationwide) were mobilizing for a transport strike on Monday, when he was shot.
Police have not released any statement other than to say that they are investigating the attack
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 07:39:00 07/13/2009
Filed Under: Road Transport, Strike, Crime
LEGAZPI CITY -- A leader of a militant transport organization gearing for strikes in key cities of the country was shot and injured at 4:20 a.m. Monday by two motorcycle-riding men in front of a gas station in Daraga, Albay.
Police said Joel Ascutia, an official of the militant transport group Condor-Piston, was driving his jeepney on Rizal Street and passing by the Petron gas station in Daraga, when two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle fired shots at him.
Ascutia sustained gunshot wounds in the body and was brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The gunmen fled towards Legazpi City after the shooting.
Five empty shells of 9mm bullets were recovered from the crime scene.
Ascutia's Condor and other transport groups affiliated with Piston (Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Drayber at Transport Operator Nationwide, United Organization of Drivers and Transport Operators Nationwide) were mobilizing for a transport strike on Monday, when he was shot.
Police have not released any statement other than to say that they are investigating the attack
Soldier killed in drinking brawl
7.08.09
LEGAZPI CITY -- A soldier was shot dead in a drinking brawl here, before dawn Tuesday, a report reaching Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola showed.
The victim was identified as Private First Class Jimmy Lactao, 33, of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, who was killed by still unidentified armed man at around 12:15 a.m., police report said.
According to the report, the victim was having a a get-together with his friends at Ninong's bar and restaurant in Old Albay District, Legazpi City when arguments among them ensued.
Police added that after the exchange of discussions, the suspect turned violent and shot Lactao on the head and sustained gun shot wounds on the different parts of his body.
Witnesses tried to bring the victim at the nearest hospital, but the physician declared him dead on arrival.
Recovered from the crime scene were nine empty shells of 9 mm. pistol.
Legazpi police has not yet acertained the motive of the killing. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY -- A soldier was shot dead in a drinking brawl here, before dawn Tuesday, a report reaching Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola showed.
The victim was identified as Private First Class Jimmy Lactao, 33, of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, who was killed by still unidentified armed man at around 12:15 a.m., police report said.
According to the report, the victim was having a a get-together with his friends at Ninong's bar and restaurant in Old Albay District, Legazpi City when arguments among them ensued.
Police added that after the exchange of discussions, the suspect turned violent and shot Lactao on the head and sustained gun shot wounds on the different parts of his body.
Witnesses tried to bring the victim at the nearest hospital, but the physician declared him dead on arrival.
Recovered from the crime scene were nine empty shells of 9 mm. pistol.
Legazpi police has not yet acertained the motive of the killing. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Peasant shot dead by cop
7.06.09
LEGAZPI CITY – A peasant was shot dead after his three stab-attempts to a policeman in Mandaon town, Masbate on Saturday afternoon, a police official reported Monday.
The victim was only identified as a certain Levi of Sitio Batuan,Barangay Payao in Mandaon town, Masbate, who was then riding his motorcycle when the incident happened at around 2:30 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Natuel said that according to SPO4 Job Francisco, who killed Levi, he was on board his motorcycle, running at a moderate speed when the victim blocked his way and forced him to stop.
Without any provocation, Levi suddenly attempted to stab the suspect three times, but unfortunately missed it when Francisco managed to get away from his motor, Natuel added.
However, Levi furiously followed and tried to stab the suspect again, but for this time, Francisco defended himself by shooting the approaching attacker, using his .45 caliber pistol.
SPO4 Francisco immediately surrendered to the Masbate police after the incident. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon.
LEGAZPI CITY – A peasant was shot dead after his three stab-attempts to a policeman in Mandaon town, Masbate on Saturday afternoon, a police official reported Monday.
The victim was only identified as a certain Levi of Sitio Batuan,Barangay Payao in Mandaon town, Masbate, who was then riding his motorcycle when the incident happened at around 2:30 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Natuel said that according to SPO4 Job Francisco, who killed Levi, he was on board his motorcycle, running at a moderate speed when the victim blocked his way and forced him to stop.
Without any provocation, Levi suddenly attempted to stab the suspect three times, but unfortunately missed it when Francisco managed to get away from his motor, Natuel added.
However, Levi furiously followed and tried to stab the suspect again, but for this time, Francisco defended himself by shooting the approaching attacker, using his .45 caliber pistol.
SPO4 Francisco immediately surrendered to the Masbate police after the incident. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon.
Hand grenade found in Albay capitol
7.06.09
LEGAZPI CITY – An explosive device, wrapped in a small box was recovered by the Legazpi City police inside the Albay Provincial Capitol, early Sunday morning, a police official said.
Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel said a hand grenade was left in capitol building by still unknown person and was found at around 6:10 a.m. by a casual employee of the Albay government.
The 5th Explosive _______ Device (EOD) team identified the grenade as M 30 U.S. Practice Hand Grenade which is used for training purposes only, said Natuel.
Initial investigation showed that Joan Besmonte, 23 of Purok 5, Barangay Maoyod, Legazpi City, a casual employee of the Albay Provincial government was then cleaning inside the edifice when she noticed a small box left in a corner.
Driven by curiosity, Besmonte prompted to open the box that contained a hand grenade.
According to Natuel, the EOD team considered the explosive device that has no capability to inflict harm, injury or death to persons and damage to property when detonated. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – An explosive device, wrapped in a small box was recovered by the Legazpi City police inside the Albay Provincial Capitol, early Sunday morning, a police official said.
Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel said a hand grenade was left in capitol building by still unknown person and was found at around 6:10 a.m. by a casual employee of the Albay government.
The 5th Explosive _______ Device (EOD) team identified the grenade as M 30 U.S. Practice Hand Grenade which is used for training purposes only, said Natuel.
Initial investigation showed that Joan Besmonte, 23 of Purok 5, Barangay Maoyod, Legazpi City, a casual employee of the Albay Provincial government was then cleaning inside the edifice when she noticed a small box left in a corner.
Driven by curiosity, Besmonte prompted to open the box that contained a hand grenade.
According to Natuel, the EOD team considered the explosive device that has no capability to inflict harm, injury or death to persons and damage to property when detonated. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Legazpi bank robbed
By Johana Vi E. Gasga
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 16:12:00 07/05/2009
Filed Under: Crime, Robbery and theft, Banking
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines—Police are hunting down the lone person who ransacked the Banco de Oro branch here Saturday morning but was identified by a witness, a police official said Sunday.
Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said suspect Aldrin Luchavez, of the village of Maroroy, Daraga, gained entry through the window of the bank on J. P. Rizal Street here and took away several items, including computer parts, at about 4 a.m.
Natuel said witness Domingo Aringo told the police that the suspect forcibly entered the bank by breaking a glass window and fled immediately upon seeing him.
Initial investigation showed the loss of two units of LCD monitor, two units of passport printers, one fire extinguisher, and one Motorola cell phone, altogether worth P63,000.
No cash was taken, said Natuel.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 16:12:00 07/05/2009
Filed Under: Crime, Robbery and theft, Banking
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines—Police are hunting down the lone person who ransacked the Banco de Oro branch here Saturday morning but was identified by a witness, a police official said Sunday.
Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said suspect Aldrin Luchavez, of the village of Maroroy, Daraga, gained entry through the window of the bank on J. P. Rizal Street here and took away several items, including computer parts, at about 4 a.m.
Natuel said witness Domingo Aringo told the police that the suspect forcibly entered the bank by breaking a glass window and fled immediately upon seeing him.
Initial investigation showed the loss of two units of LCD monitor, two units of passport printers, one fire extinguisher, and one Motorola cell phone, altogether worth P63,000.
No cash was taken, said Natuel.
Espinosa killer in prison break yields
By Tarra Quismundo, Johana Vi E. Gasga
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 03:21:00 07/02/2009
Filed Under: Prison, Crime
FOR ONE murder convict, escape was as casual as jogging out of jail.
A former vice mayor of Masbate City bolted the provincial jail where he was serving quadruple life terms for killing former Masbate Representative Moises Espinosa Sr. in 1989 by simply extending his morning exercise routine outside the facility, and jogging to a friend’s house.
Florencio “Jun” Fernandez shared his flight plan to reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday, a day after he surrendered to former Masbate Governor Rainier Butalid, who, in turn, informed Camp Crame officials. The convict cited threats to his life.
“They allow me every 4:30 a.m. to go outside the gate, then I jog near the justice hall (adjacent building). I just continued until I reached the street, and then I jogged until I reached my friend’s house,” Fernandez said in a press conference at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters Wednesday.
Fernandez fled from prison at around 4:34 a.m. on June 22 and moved around the houses of five friends in Masbate City while trying to evade a regionwide hunt by police and jail officials.
Police requested Air Force helicopters to bring the fugitive from the Masbate airport, where Espinosa was killed 10 years ago. He took a Cebu Pacific flight to Manila.
“This is a celebrated case … and if I remember right, the [Espinosa] ambush was also in the Masbate airport itself and we also know of incidents happening in Masbate specially the involvement of [communist insurgents],” said PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.
Fernandez told reporters that he escaped because the Espinosa family wanted to get back at him. The killing happened amid bitter rivalry among the Espinosa and Fernandez political families in the province.
“All I know is they want me dead as retribution for what happened to their relative,” Fernandez said.
Mario Espinosa, former presidential assistant for Bicol affairs and son of the slain Espinosa, expressed surprise over the VIP treatment given to Fernandez.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 03:21:00 07/02/2009
Filed Under: Prison, Crime
FOR ONE murder convict, escape was as casual as jogging out of jail.
A former vice mayor of Masbate City bolted the provincial jail where he was serving quadruple life terms for killing former Masbate Representative Moises Espinosa Sr. in 1989 by simply extending his morning exercise routine outside the facility, and jogging to a friend’s house.
Florencio “Jun” Fernandez shared his flight plan to reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday, a day after he surrendered to former Masbate Governor Rainier Butalid, who, in turn, informed Camp Crame officials. The convict cited threats to his life.
“They allow me every 4:30 a.m. to go outside the gate, then I jog near the justice hall (adjacent building). I just continued until I reached the street, and then I jogged until I reached my friend’s house,” Fernandez said in a press conference at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters Wednesday.
Fernandez fled from prison at around 4:34 a.m. on June 22 and moved around the houses of five friends in Masbate City while trying to evade a regionwide hunt by police and jail officials.
Police requested Air Force helicopters to bring the fugitive from the Masbate airport, where Espinosa was killed 10 years ago. He took a Cebu Pacific flight to Manila.
“This is a celebrated case … and if I remember right, the [Espinosa] ambush was also in the Masbate airport itself and we also know of incidents happening in Masbate specially the involvement of [communist insurgents],” said PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.
Fernandez told reporters that he escaped because the Espinosa family wanted to get back at him. The killing happened amid bitter rivalry among the Espinosa and Fernandez political families in the province.
“All I know is they want me dead as retribution for what happened to their relative,” Fernandez said.
Mario Espinosa, former presidential assistant for Bicol affairs and son of the slain Espinosa, expressed surprise over the VIP treatment given to Fernandez.
Espinosa killer serving life term bolts jail
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:50:00 06/26/2009
Filed Under: Crime, Prison
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The Bicol regional police has intensified its operation to recapture a former Masbate City vice mayor who escaped from the Masbate provincial jail where he had been serving a life term for the killing of former Masbate congressman Moises Espinosa Sr. in March 1989.
Former Masbate City vice mayor Florencio “Jun” Fernandez, 56, bolted his provincial prison cell at around 4:45 p.m. on Monday, said Chief Insp. Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Natuel said Chief Supt. Paterno Bangui, Bicol regional police director, had ordered the intensified police manhunt operation against Fernandez, who was about to be transferred to the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City when he escaped that afternoon, evading seven jail guards.
She said the regional police office was closely coordinating with provincial jail authorities and other government forces in Masbate for the conduct of checkpoint and chokepoint operations.
“All major entrance and exit points regionwide have been monitored for the immediate apprehension of the fugitive convict,” Natuel added.
Espinosa’s murder is one of several that had made Masbate infamous for political assassinations.
Johana Vi E. Gasga, Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 23:50:00 06/26/2009
Filed Under: Crime, Prison
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The Bicol regional police has intensified its operation to recapture a former Masbate City vice mayor who escaped from the Masbate provincial jail where he had been serving a life term for the killing of former Masbate congressman Moises Espinosa Sr. in March 1989.
Former Masbate City vice mayor Florencio “Jun” Fernandez, 56, bolted his provincial prison cell at around 4:45 p.m. on Monday, said Chief Insp. Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Natuel said Chief Supt. Paterno Bangui, Bicol regional police director, had ordered the intensified police manhunt operation against Fernandez, who was about to be transferred to the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City when he escaped that afternoon, evading seven jail guards.
She said the regional police office was closely coordinating with provincial jail authorities and other government forces in Masbate for the conduct of checkpoint and chokepoint operations.
“All major entrance and exit points regionwide have been monitored for the immediate apprehension of the fugitive convict,” Natuel added.
Espinosa’s murder is one of several that had made Masbate infamous for political assassinations.
Johana Vi E. Gasga, Inquirer Southern Luzon
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