JOIN CRUSADE TO CHANGE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN RP WE seek to establish a jus- easily be intimidated or to speak up or he will be or buy decisions. BUT if we tampering with justice, we tion is being attacked by tice system whereby it is bought. BUT if we put this jailed until they agree to place this power in the are sure that the abusive the Jury Systems. the people themselves power in the hands of a speak up by the power of hands of a Trial Jury, a group and corrupt shall learn to toe With all corruption who exercise the power to Grand Jury, usually com- contempt; law enforcers of 12 ordinary persons cho- the line and observe the rule laws assured of implemen- say who must be arrested posing 23 persons selected will be compelled to gather sen at random from the vot- of law. tation, the usually corrupt and brought to trial and by raffle from a voters’ list evidence or they will be ers’ list and whose faces and The vision here is we officials will be compelled who exercise the power to and whose names and held in jail in contempt un- names are kept secret, we see everybody to be to stop stealing people’s judge if those brought to faces are kept secret, we are til they agree to work as are also foreclosing any op- “PATAS SA BATAS.” money. The swindlers will trial are guilty or not. foreclosing any opportu- detectives. portunity for the decision to With jury, all laws can stop because they know The power to say who nity for the influential crime Now, the power to say be bought or influenced. now be implemented. If we the long arm of the law will should be tried in court is doer to use his power, whether an accused is guilty Here, ordinary persons are have laws against discrimi- surely reach them. now exercised by the money and influence. The or not is exercised by one tasked only to know what is nation by one tribe against Businessmen will deal prosecutors in the Philip- role of the fiscal shall be lim- judge in the Philippines; true and what is false; the another, or by Christians fairly with the consumers pines. So that if the one ited to the presentation of may be of a regional trial application of laws shall be against Muslims, or by the because the assurance of being accused of rape, evidence in court. The court or a municipal trial the duty of the judge who is rich against the poor, we can implementation of the laws murder or corruption is Grand Jury is vested with court. As we know or hear, learned in law. say that rebellions (by NPA keeps them at bay. influential, which is most the power to compel intimi- the powerful and rich ac- The fact that we are fore- and MILF) will die because Sign up at http:// likely, the prosecutors can dated or bought witnesses cused can easily influence closing opportunities for the root that is discrimina- philjury.ning.com. ONLY ONE PLATFORM: To change justice system PRESIDENTIAL candidate By TOTO CAUSING Philpost workers’ union, is also Atty. Vicente Ramos filed his certificate of candidacy running on the same mission Velasquez, a Filipino who is on one platform to achieve the and vision: one platform, one actively engaged in jury trials dream for one Philippines. Philippines. in Houston, Texas and a firm His tandem for the vice- If they would have their VOL. I NO. 25 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 advocate of jury systems to be presidential race, Tirso Nieva way, the two candidates would established in the country, has Paglicawan, Jr., president of To page 3 DEATHS, QUICK; PROBE, SLOW!

By TOTO CAUSING DEATHS came quick—and brutal in incomparable proportion—for all the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre in Maguindanao province, lying at the southern tip of the island of Mindanao. But the investigation to gather and document all possible evi- dence has been so slow in coming. As of this writing, only Andal Ampatuan Jr. has been in deten- tion following his surrender to Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza. The surrender has been criticized because Andal Jr. was not handcuffed. First, the crimes that were committed with impunity became the goriest ever to happen in the country by reason of brutality and number of victims. Second, Dureza is a former journalist and at least 30 of those killed are confirmed journalists, somewhat making his failure to hand- cuff Andal Jr. ironic. AANHIN PA ANG KATARUNGAN KUNG MARAMI PANG AMPATUAN? -- Members of Manila media groups led To this date, the biggest piece of evidence thus far known by the by National Press Club (NPC), Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamahayag (Afima) and National Union of Journalists in the public is the digging equipment called “backhoe.” Philippines (NUJP) march to Mendiola to condemn the goriest massacre of journalists in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. It is without doubt owned by the Province of Maguindanao because it bears the letterings in black, reading “Province of Maguindanao.” 4Gs -- guns, goons, gold & Gloria It is also without doubt that it was the same backhoe that was used in digging the large grave into where about 40 bodies of massacre victims were dug out. Arroyo bred Ampatuan It is without doubt that the actual use of the equipment was unauthorized, creating an idea in the mind of an ordinary person that the most likelihood is that the one who sought the release and use of the backhoe must be a person higher in rank than the provincial to become ‘lord of all lords’ engineer who approved its release and use of fuel. (Editor’s note: This article By FATHER ELISEO “JUN” Warlordism is often associ- The Datus, in times past, With this lead, it must have been very easy for the investigators was published by Father Jun MERCADO, JR. ated with two major issues. The would hold sway over their to get certified documents showing who requested for the equip- Mercado as the second of his first issue involves the control “sakop” in a typical feudal “Maguindanao Massacre” ar- over the machineries of the state structure known in medieval ment, who approved the request, what was the purpose of the The Maguindanao massacre that includes the security sec- times. request, what was stated as the place where the equipment was ticle posted at brought to the fore the issue of tors (PNP and the AFP). The In modern times, the www.gmanews.tv blog site. requested to be used, who actually were the persons assigned to “warlordism” in Muslim second issue is about lawlessness power basis of the warlords is This second item has been read Mindanao. with impunity. no longer measured by the operate the backhoe and how many days were approved for the by thousands but, like the first Warlordism in the Philip- The “warlords” are sort of blood ancestry but by the ac- digging machine to be kept outside the capitol’s motor pool. in the series, also needs to be pines, especially in Muslim “sui generic” (a Latin for “one tual “connection” of the war- With these data, it should be easy to know whether the incum- told over and over again. Thus, Mindanao, is primarily based on of a kind”) – “the rule of law” is lords to the all powerful Presi- bent governor of Maguindanao was likely the one who requested for Dyaryo Magdalo defers to his a feudal system that continues understood as the execution of dency of the Republic. depth as to the knowledge on to characterize the power rela- their whims and caprices. People cite the infamous the use of the said digger. tions not only between clans and The traditional basis of the three “Gs” – guns, goons, and Now, among those that were immediately known to the probers the incident, the people of families but also between the power of the warlords had been gold – in the making of the is the undeniable fact that at least 22 bodies of brutally-killed per- Maguindanao and the power- central power (Manila) and the their ancestry to royalty, warlords. ful clansmen.) periphery. whether perceived or real. To page 6 sons were found scattered on the ground where To page 2 2 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 Landbank sold cars at P1,000 each!

By REPORTORIAL TEAM NBC No. 425 issued on Janu- tear of the vehicles from the under the Master Lease Agree- cials accountable, if not liable, The car lease-purchase plan ary 28, 1992 by the Depart- date of sale, the vehicles ap- ment (MLA) provided that the for the LBP service vehicle to BODs consist of 67 percent THE Commission on Audit ment of Budget and Manage- praised values are still high. rental deposit representing sale-leaseback transaction. of the total past due accounts, (COA) for 2007 found that the ment, which prescribes the Thus, it is evident the failure three months rental shall be The transaction was ad- due from five former LBP sale of 308 units of Land Bank Manual on the Disposal of of the bank to base its mini- paid to the lessor, upon execu- judged by the COA as disad- BODs who have defaulted their of the Philippines’ (LBP) ve- Government property: mum selling price on the ap- tion of the lease schedule, to be vantageous to the bank (the monthly lease rentals upon se- hicles at book value of P1,000 “1.0 Objective. The objec- praised value of the assets is returned at the end of the term government and overburdened cession as bank BODs. per unit is a gross violation of tive in computing the appraised unfavorable to the bank,” the lease. taxpaying public). The repayment period, the the National Budget Circular value of the property for dis- COA noted. In this regard, the state au- COA disclosed, is ten years, (NBC) No. 425, requiring dis- posal, is to set the government’s According to the validation dit agency demanded for the Unreturned directors’ cars much longer than the six-year posal of the vehicles at ap- minimum selling price, that the by the COA, the expenses in- refund of P1.464 million for the tenure of office of these offi- praisal values. government shall receive fair curred for each vehicle for re- deposit of 19 vehicles, which While Landbank showed no cials appointed by the Presi- Moreover, the COA ob- compensation for the items pairs and maintenance, regis- were not renewed. heart in dismissing the regular dent. served that the subsequent sold. The Disposal Committee tration, insurance, drivers’ sala- The COA said the amended drivers, it showed too much Thus, the said car plans re- lease charges worth P450.462 members, including the own- ries and other charges could MLA dated September 3, 2007 consideration to the defaulting mained unpaid. million and the refunded lease ing agency, shall each prepare have been cheaper if the bank reduced the amount of rental members of the board of the The COA recommended an deposits are disadvantageous to its appraisal report.” manages its fleet while waiting rate to P24,750 per unit per P3.017 million overdues on car amendment to the LBP policy the bank. for the new vehicles to be month, from January 1 to De- loans. on car lease-purchase plan to The state audit agency ex- Vehicles market value outsourced. cember 31, 2007. The COA found out that it provide stricter terms and con- plained that the LBP entered This it did instead of selling Thus, the COA said, the is the bank’s policy of granting ditions, granting of the car loans into a sale-leaseback arrange- The state audit agency la- the units and leaseback the rental deposit for the 282 units loans to BODs, beyond their to bonafide officers and em- ment with its subsidiary, LBP mented that the bank’s man- same. of vehicles with unexpired lease tenure of office, as provided in ployees only, causing the re- Leasing Corporation (LLC), to agement report disclosed the The rental charges paid by term should be P20.938 mil- Section IV.2 of LBP Executive turn of the vehicle by the de- sell its used service vehicles to market value of the vehicle the bank to LLC in 2005 lion, or an excess of P2.613 Order No. 16 and the bank’s faulting BODs, holding the LLC, and simultaneously lease- units was between P54,000 and amounted to P22.410 million; million. failure to implement Section bank officers responsible for back the same. P410,000 each. 2006, P174,068 million; 2007, The COA recommended X.2 and XI,1 of the same LBP the granting of the car plans li- On July 12, 2004, LBP Despite the available data, P253.984 million, or a total of the concerned Landbank offi- E.O. able for the unreturned cars. Board Resolution No. 04-240 the COA wondered why the P450.462 million. approved the replacement of bank’s Property Maintenance These data, the COA said, service vehicles acquisition and Department did not consider was confirmed by the figures administration. the amount as the minimum taken from the LLC income DEATHS, QUICK; PROBE, SLOW Likewise, the resolution selling price per unit. statement, where the operat- Instead, LLC recommended proposed the leasing arrange- ing lease business gave the From page 1 these four cops executed affida- to the bank’s board of direc- company a big leap in income kidnapping. ment with external service pro- the backhoe was found. As such, then there was a vits or not. viders for service vehicles and tors a selling price at book value from 2005 to 2007: P56.810 or P1,000 per unit. million, 2005; P142.916 mil- Another immediately estab- strong likelihood that Toto At the same time, it has al- drivers. lished fact was that beside or in ready been verified that before On July 18, 2005, LBP A report for LBP Credit lion, 2006; P151.208 million, Mangudadatu was telling the Board Resolution No. 05-269 Investigation and Appraisal 2007. front of the machine are obvi- truth when he said his wife called the convoy of the wife of Toto authorized the outright sale of Department (CIAD), disclosed ously earth-filled holes. On the her at 9:30 in the morning of Nov. Mangudadatu went to Shariff LBP service vehicles in opera- that only 29 of the total 46 Lost P229.668 M savings same day, this led to the estab- 23, 2009, reporting to him that Aguak town (formerly tion to LLC, effective June 16, units from the bank’s head of- lishment of another fact, that their convoy was stopped by a Maganoy), he had requested 2005. fice were appraised on Febru- The COA argued the bank there were 24 dead bodies found hundred armed men and that she for military escorts to give se- ary 25 and March 4, 2005. The could have incurred P22.810 in the first day of digging out of was slapped by Andal curity accompaniment in filing P46.742 M lost income remaining 17 units were not million for repairs and mainte- available during the inspection nance of the vehicles and the newly-covered hole. Ampatuan Jr. his certificate of candidacy and appraisal, despite the P182,598 million for 308 driv- At the same instance the in- With this big number of (COC) for governor of The 308 vehicles disposed vestigators arrived, they found Maguindanao, stating the rea- to LLC and covered with Deeds CIAD demand to present the ers’ salaries, including security, armed men being used as very of Absolute Sale, consisted of vehicles for inspection. messengerial and janitorial (per at least four more vans filled with much probable and the fact of sons for the request expressly 280 units, P1,000/unit (brand Moreover, the COA LC income statement) for the blood splattered on the seats and probability that crimes could as to prevent the Ampatuans was not named); 25 units, pointed out, nine units from last three years or a total of floors. have not been done by Andal from making good of their Toyota Hi-Lux pick-ups, 2000 LBP branches and head office, P205.408 million, but it still Add all these to the fact that Jr. alone because assembling threats to chop Toto into pieces model, P20,132/unit; 2 units, with a total book value of owned the vehicles. the manner of killing was brutal and commanding armed men of if he would file his COC. P470,571, were sold at even Hyundai Sonata, 2001, However, the COA said, as evidenced by the wounds, it In other words, while it was lesser price of P85,529, con- the bank could sell the units at this size needed a voice as P144,500/unit; 1 Nissan would have been easy for the strong as Andal Sr. there must necessary to carefully examine Sentra, 1997, P125,667; or a trary to LBP board resolution, appraised values and save approving outright sale at book P229.668 million, net of seven investigators to have personal have already been a sufficient the evidence gathered and or- total of P1.197 million. COA knowledge of facts and circum- derly organize them into a cohe- compared to its total appraised value or P1,000 per unit, percent tax. probability that the governor value of P47.940 million, thus, whichever is higher. This re- stances sufficient to create a of Maguindanao must have the sive proof to convict the depriving the bank of additional sulted, it said, in additional loss Drivers biggest casualties founded belief that the crime was hand in committing these un- Ampatuans of mass murders, income of approximately of P385,042. of huge proportion and done by imaginable atrocities. there were already enough pieces P46.742 million. Adding insult to injury, the The biggest casualties in at least 50 persons needed to So that on the first day of evidence for the purpose of In 2004, Margarito B. Teves COA discovered that LLC dis- this illegal transaction were the waylay all these 46 persons. alone, there should have already arrest. posed of the vehicles acquired was LBP’s president and 240 drivers of the bank who Then, this should have also Yet nothing until has been from LBP after two years in were regular employees and been a sufficient ground to ar- CEO; the senior executive vice lead the investigators to endan- rest Andal Jr. and Andal Sr. done! presidents were Gilda E. Pico, lease-operating activity with Civil Service eligible yet dis- new appraisal value as the mini- missed by the bank. ger a founded belief that a group As of this writing, it was Jose C. Nograles and Alfonso of armed men must have done B. Cruz. Likewise, Teves was mum price. Some of them were rehired announced that affidavits of The chronology of events LLC’s board chairman. by LLC, on contractual basis. the crimes and it was impossible witnesses have been docu- Since 2006, Teves was ap- LLC’s income ballooned Many of them now are very for these to have been done by mented pointing to at least To refresh the minds of the pointed as Finance secretary sick, without health insurance the Moro Islamic Liberation seven Ampatuans—including readers as to the incident, the while Pico replaced him as Appraisal values of 85 out and penniless. Front (MILF) for it has no Andal Sr., Andal Jr., ARMM following chronology of events LBP’s president and CEO and of 308 vehicles, costing LBP headed then by Teves record of this kind of brutality Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan—as the P180,661, ranged from about the massacre is being sum- board chairman of LLC. did not respect the security of for this big number of women P100,000 to P240,000 per unit. tenure of lowly drivers. principal offenders, as master- marized: The COA said that the said and men. minds or actual participants. 9:00 am, Nov. 23, 2009 - A motor vehicles were still ser- Assuming LLC sold the 85 vehicles at P100,000 or a total P2.613 M overstated So that if the MILF was out It was also reported that four convoy of seven vehicles carry- viceable, despite its depreciated of the issue, it should have been value per books, given a five- of P8.5 million, it gained an in- rental deposits police officers were put under ing at least 34 journalists, two year useful life and high ap- come of P8.319 million (P8.5 easy for the investigators to es- custody and had agreed to coop- lawyers, Toto’s wife Genalyn, praised values. M – P180,661). Moreover, the COA ex- tablish that a sufficiently-pow- erate as witnesses, yet no con- his sisters Faridah and Eden and COA cited Part II, E.1, “Considering the wear and plained that the lease schedule ered group of notoriety must crete news has come out whether To page 6 have been the one that has done it and they knew it was only the governor of Maguindanao and his sons who could muster that G/F Volets Commercial Building, Gen. E. Aguinaldo Highway, power and who could commit Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 such impunity in the area be- (046) 416.6521 • [email protected] ing controlled by the Rm. 305-A, National Press Club Bldg., Magallanes Drive Ampatuans. The investigators could also easily establish that it was Toto Mangudadatu who immediately requested for two helicopters on MAGDIWANG his report his wife and the rest of her convoy were kidnapped. The investigators could have also easily established that Toto Mangudadatu was not lying Publisher: RONALDO E. RENTA because his reports of abduc- tion proved to be correct. If he Editorial: were lying, the responding heli- TOTO CAUSING RONALD B. HERICO copters could have not seen Editor-In-Chief Associate Editor from the sky the vans grouped Disclaimer: together and could have not All news articles and opinions expressed by the writers are en- confirmed the massacre as the tirely their own and do not reflect the opinion of the publisher, the helicopters landed on the area. management or the editor of this publication. Therefore, it was confirmed All Rights Reserved: as very much probable that No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced nor trans- LIFE GOES ON -- A boy looks for more garbage to fill his sack in this portion of lated in any language or form for commercial purposes without prior Navotas River that is still home to the poor. Photo by NICK GALINO Toto Mangudadatu was telling the truth when he reported the NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 3 Rudy Dianalan is OFWs’ and jury advocates’ senate bet tional budget of the govern- pino nation. on Information (1997); chair- forms for all By TOTO CAUSING ment. A convenor of the Global man, Committee on Govern- OFWs to ensure IN their bid to make their ne- With this, the migrant Fili- Filipino Nation forum, he rose ment Affairs (1998); chairman, the monies they glected rights and welfare heard pino workers insist that they to the leadership in various Project Committee on Ten Out- earn abroad and get attention in the Con- have their own candidates, and overseas Filipino community standing Overseas Filipino would be pre- gress, big groups of overseas one of them is Dianalan, a con- activities, exponent of OFW Workers in Saudi Arabia served and get Filipino workers have pushed sistent first honor at Mindanao issues and programs, and au- (1999); secretary-general gains rather than for the candidacy of Rudy State University preparatory thor of different position pa- (1999); vice-chairman (2003); diffuse to the re- “Naz” Dianalan for the Senate. school, a cum laude graduate of pers and resolutions resulting chairman (2004-2007). alities of life. Among those who push for BS Systems Engineering from from systems studies and po- He is currently a trustee and In ensuring his candidacy are the Partidong King Fahd University of Pe- litical family background. VP for Middle East and Africa reintegration of Pandaigdigang Pilipino (PPP) troleum and Minerals and a can- While a scholar at King of WFA, an internet-based OFWs effective, and Worldwide Filipino Alli- didate for Master in National Fahd University, Dianalan had NGO of overseas and home- Dianalan will ance (WFA) members who scat- Security Administration. been an eyewitness to the first land Filipinos; co-convenor, work for the pas- ter around the globe and who influx of OFWs to the Middle. Global Filipino Nation, a sage of laws for- are actively participating in Dianalan’s records Among his works reflect broad-based coalition of Over- mulating pro- discussions of national and pa- from his being the chairman seas Filipinos for good gover- grams respon- triotic issues finding ways on Dianalan has dedicated emeritus of KASAPI Congress, nance in the Philippines; co- sive to the actual how to be of help to their coun- most of his life in the work for the alliance of Filipino commu- chairman, International Coor- needs of the try. the propagation of interests of nity associations in Jeddah and dinating Committee of PPP, a OFWs, which he Rudy Dianalan The bone of contention Filipino migrant workers, par- the Western Region of the King- political party under organiza- can eloquently insist being an Dianalan will work for the cre- why OFWs around the globe ticularly those in Jeddah, Saudi dom of Saudi Arabia, tripartite tion by Overseas Filipinos; and OFW himself. Here, he envi- ation of small-and-medium- insist their voices be heard Arabia. partner of umbrella organiza- a trustee, Order of the Knights sions establishments of mas- scale industries for OFWs to hinges on the fact that without His primary advocacy is tions in the Central and East- of Rizal, Jeddah chapter and sive skills training, re-employ- invest in and strengthening them the Philippines would for the protection of OFWs ern regions. Middle East and Africa region. ment and assistance to OFWs similar program found in the have already collapsed. from recruitment to worksite, Prior to his present status He served as president of deciding to stay in the country, existing provision of the Mi- It is but fitting that these welfare of their families left with KASAPI, he was the MAISA, Inc., a hometown as- and capital facilities for OFW grant Workers’ Act, or Rep. Act people who send annual remit- back home, strengthening ties group’s co-chairman, Working sociation of pioneer OFWs. entrepreneurs. 8042. tances of $12 billion or an of overseas Filipinos to the Committee for Economic, So- On legal and related needs This, he said, will be done equivalent of P600 billion pe- Philippines and their reintegra- cial, and Political Affairs Dianalan’s jury advocacy of OFWs having problems by strengthening the tax exemp- sos, more than half of the na- tion, and enhancing a global Fili- (1996); chairman, Committee with non-payment of salaries, tion benefits and credits on raw Another advocacy of maltreatment by employers materials to be used or im- Dianalan is a common aspira- and other cases, Dianalan will ported, additional tax deduc- tion of OFWs who happened work for the establishment of tions on labor expenses, sim- to work in countries where they more funds for and stronger le- plification of customs process- witness and experience how the gal offices in every country ing, additional exemptions from One platform, jury systems work effectively where OFWs are found, set- local government taxes and fees as a rigid system of justice that ting up of institutional and increase of assistance from preclude tampering or manipu- safehouses for distressed and local governments, and consoli- lation by influential persons. runaway OFWs, creating sys- dation of all OFW programs Fundamentally, jury sys- tem of immediate repatriation, into a one-stop shop to make tems can be called a system of and closer monitoring of cases it easier for migrant workers to one Philippines justice where the people them- of jailed Filipinos. start businesses. selves directly exercise their On welfare of OFWs, In establishing community From page 1 power to adjudge who should Dianalan will work for the es- resource center for OFWs, be arrested, detained, charged tablishment of effective system Dianalan seeks to establish self- push for the installation of a Under the Jury System, it posed usually of 12 persons or indicted, and who should be new justice system where the is the people who decide who taken by raffle from the vot- of transparency and account- sustaining multi-purpose facili- guilty. ing of OWWA funds, establish- ties for them to engage in edu- ones acting as fiscals and judges should be charged in court and ers’ list and they shall decide Jury is rigid against influ- ment of housing program for cational, cultural, recreational are the people themselves. it is also the people who will whether the accused is guilty ential persons because it keeps OFWs, setting of OFW invest- and other social activities to To their mind, it only takes say if the accused is guilty or or not. as secret the names and faces ments for OFW hospitals, and improve further their well be- a solid justice system whereby not. If the small businessmen are of its members chosen by raffle creation of OFW-customized ing and generate higher respect the greedy, the arrogant and the There are two bodies under assured of fair justice, they can from the list of voters, to en- pension fund. for them. powerful will have no or negli- the Jury System. compete on a level playing field sure that the rich and powerful On strengthening of This will include centers gible opportunity to escape The Grand Jury that is against big business entities and accused will not know who to POEA, Dianalan will work for where each OFW will advance composed of persons chosen get a good chance at succeeding threaten and who to buy for establishment of systems to their skills and professional charges or win trial. favorable decisions. “Everything begins with from the voters’ list whose in their endeavors. ensure better protection of competency for them to be- OFWs against contract substi- come leaders in every Filipino whether there is a justice sys- names and faces shall be kept If the farmers are assured tution, reduction of salaries community. tem that is rigid, one where the secret shall decide who shall be of fair justice, no landlord will Dianalan’s OFW agenda and benefits compared to the On establishing of “Global poor can expect a fair chance brought to court for trial and have a chance of manipulating contracts and other illegal re- Filipino Nation,” Dianalan will with the rich accused, one empowered to jail witnesses agrarian laws to deprive the For his candidacy, Dianalan cruitment practices. These, he work for the formulation of where the powerful criminal or who will not testify or law en- tenants or agrarian beneficiaries set out the following platforms said, will be realized through strategies for the government to his family cannot dictate to dis- forcers who will refuse to of emancipation patents. called “the OFW Agenda,” compelling the State to have better address the Filipino miss criminal complaints filed gather evidence and witnesses. If well-meaning individuals which are the: reintegration bilateral labor treaties with diaspora, institute synergistic by investigators against him, Their being secret precludes are assured of strict implemen- program for OFWs; strength- host countries. On this aspect, and symbiotic relations be- one where influential criminals the influential and powerful tation of election laws because ening of migrant workers’ laws; he also seeks to establish on- tween the Filipino communities site PDOS through OFW abroad and the government, and accused to influence the deci- of fear of the jury justice sys- setting of necessary funds for cannot use money or threat to OFWs; strengthening POEA to NGOs to better prepare the creation of a program to actively have favorable judgment,” sion so that the accused will tems, we will see the rise of enable it to gain better employ- OFWs against worksite reali- promote the dignity of the Velasquez said. not be charged in court. honest and competent politi- ment packages for OFWs; and ties and local factors. OFWs in nationalism, patrio- This stand is also the con- The Trial Jury that is com- cians. setting up investment plat- On investments area, tism and other positive values. viction of his vice-presidential candidate Paglicawan. Velasquez had practiced for a long period as a lawyer in the FOUR TENSE DAYS AFTER MASSACRE Philippines after graduating in 1971 from the University of (Editor’s Note: This is a re- By Secretary Jesus G. Dureza ies immediately. They de- operationalized an action plan I vestigation. He immediately the Philippines College of Law. publication of a revelation of (Monday, 30 November 2009 manded justice, immediately. quietly formulated in my mind. said: “OK. Kausapin mo sya. After having been fed up important facts that need to 13:11) The Ampatuans did it, they said. It was a simple plan drawing les- Ipatawag ko si Datu Unsay. with the practices of his fellow be known by all Filipinos who After Bert and I expressed sons from past experiences. Basta kayo secretary walang lawyers in operating to influ- are questioning the propriety DAY ONE — Nov 23 (Mon- government’s resolve to do ev- problema.” I told him I wanted ence decisions in courts and of not using handcuffs to re- day) erything possible, Toto 3:00PM – Having talked to see Datu Unsay as I got re- strain the man being looked I was monitoring closely re- Mangudadatu said they will co- with the Mangudadatus, I decided ports that he was missing or quasi-judicial bodies, Velasquez upon as the most logically ports about a missing convoy in operate. No retaliatory action to go see the Ampatuans in had escaped. Bapa said: “Hindi moved to the United States possible person who executed Maguindanao with media friends. but government must give jus- Shariff Aguak. I felt confident. yan totoo. Darating si Datu where he was eventually ad- the most brutal-ever mass kill- Later in the day, reports of mass tice. Both families were my friends. Unsay. Magpakita sya sayo mitted to practice law in the ing paralleled by the likes of murder of the Mangudadatus And I had direct access to them. secretary.” Bapa Andal as States of New York and Texas. Hitler and Pol Pot in terms of were confirmed. Allegedly by 12 NOON – A teleconfer- With my staff and without mili- usual, was a man of few words. During the long periods of impunity. This is an admis- Datu Unsay Ampatuan Jr., et al. encing call connected Bert and tary escorts, except for one mili- We then went inside the house practice in America, Velasquez sion by a direct agent of the My instincts told me this could me to the Palace where the tary officer, Col Macario as to wait for the son’s arrival. In experienced defending and person upon whose hands lay very well be a very explosive President was presiding over a guide, I motored to the the meantime, ARMM Gov prosecuting cases before trial the blame for nurturing sav- situation. When media called, I hastily called security meeting. Ampatuan residence. Zaldy Ampatuan and Cong. age murderers, revealing how said I would recommend pro- We were getting specific instruc- Digs Dilangalen arrived from juries. weak the government force is claiming a state of emergency. tions from her. So did Bert, PNP 3:45PM —I entered the the airport. Usec. Zam The experiences Velasquez in dealing with the allies of At 8 p.m. SND Bert Gonzales Chief Jess Versoza and AFP Vice Ampatuan fenced premises and Ampatuan, Atty. Cynthia had with both the fiscal-judge the President and how the and I met. He told me the Presi- CS Maclang who arrived with us. the patriarch Gov. Andal Guiani-Sayadi (ARMM Solici- system and the jury system proverbial kid gloves are used dent had directed that I act as Her voice had that sense of ur- Ampatuan, Sr. was there waiting tor General), among others, gave him personal knowledge in contrast to lowly journal- “crisis manager.” gency. Inputs from the other for me. With him seated in a were there, too. I felt a bit to be an authority to say which ists whose hands are hand- cabinet members were also re- “bahay kubo” on the sprawling tense and uncomfortable. I did system is better in ensuring cuffed whenever arrested for DAY TWO – Nov 24 (Tues- layed. grounds were several ARMM and not want to start talking about that the oppressors, rich and libel. day) Maguindanao officials and rela- the incident until Unsay would powerful persons cannot buy As an introduction in pub- Bert and I took the earliest 1:00 PM – The crisis man- tives. Armed followers were ev- arrive. We were chatting for lishing this revelation, flight to Gen Santos City. At the agement committee was acti- erywhere. about an hour trying to divert or dictate decisions to favor MindaNews editor states it is 601st brigade in Tacurong, Sul- vated. Assisting me were After informing Gov. Andal the issue and loosen up. A lively them. an account by Presidential tan Kudarat, briefings were held. Eastmincom Gen. Ferrer and that my purpose in coming was conversation centered on how Under the Philippine jus- Adviser Jesus Dureza on his Initial photos of the carnage PNP 12 Director Serapio. because of the incident and that many children some of their tice system, it is the fiscal or recollection of the “four criti- were flashed on the screen. Grue- his son, Mayor Datu Unsay relatives had. One relative had the prosecutor who decides if cal days” following the some! Next we met with the 2:00 PM – Bert left to fly Ampatuan, Jr., was implicated, I 70 children; of course from a person should be charged in Ampatuan Massacre. It added Mangudadatus, many of them back to Manila. Col. Geslani, told “Bapa” Andal that it would several mothers. Etc. court or not; and it is the judge that Dureza was a journalist my personal friends. brigade commander, assisted in be best that the Ampatuans also who will say if the accused is in Davao City before he be- They were tense and angry. setting up the command center. “cooperate.” I said that Datu 4:30PM – We waited. I guilty or not. came a lawyer and politician. They wanted to retrieve the bod- It was at this time that I Unsay should submit to an in- To page 4 4 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009

TTTRAILBLAZERRR Custody of children By RONALDO E. RENTA even fight it through completely explore. These are not exhaus- low seven automatically go to custody. and sometimes play dirty in tive but prevalent setups or the custody of the ex-wife; It is worth reiterating that CUSTODY of children is the any child at all. Having chil- order to keep or share custody situations usually practiced by 4. Smart-Choice Custody – these are not exhaustive but thorniest issue in cases in- dren is a matter of great impor- of the children. We once heard couples who went through the It is a type of custody where rather the usual setups or volving dissolution or decla- tance for ancient people. Even this apologetic statement from process of ending or declaring children above seven years old situations we have observed. ration the nullity of marriage. in our folklore and tradition erring fathers: “I may be a the non-existence of marriage. are made to choose to which Also, we are not saying Not all marriages are blessed women do dance in Obando, worst husband but I am a good These are: parent they would want to live as to what type of custody is with material things but most Bulacan to entreat the deity to father.” In turn, an “ex-wife” 1. Sole Custody – It is a with; the best effective. Every mari- marital unions are blessed give them children. would invoke her right to sole type of custody where either 5. Solomonic Custody – It tal situation should be as- with children. Culturally, chil- Thus, it is understandable custody of the kids as the natu- the ex-wife or the ex-husband is a type of custody where the sessed or evaluated on its dren are regarded as blessings that it is too difficult when it ral order of things and as pre- has the complete and full cus- other spouse waives his or her particular situation. What es- from the above and rightly comes to the question as to who scribed by laws. Hence, we of- tody of the children. Only one parental rights and obligations sential is that whatever type labeled or termed as “off- would keep the children after ten heard the wife saying: “I of the former spouses exercises in favor of the other spouse in you would opt in your par- spring”, “issues” or “fruits of the marriage is put off or de- am the mother and they all came parental rights and obligations; the view that children would ticular situation you should marriages.” In the olden times, clared invalid from the start. from my womb…it is me who 2. Shared Custody – It is a be better off under the parental satisfy these two diagnostic Filipinos have had prejudiced The “ex-wife” or the mother has the sole right.” Sometimes, type of custody where both ex- love, care and support of the questions: (1) What type of against childless couples. It would not yield as persistent the mother wants sole custody husband and ex-wife exercise other spouse; custody would help my chil- was thought that the hands and the “husband” or the fa- as leverage for financial sup- equal parental rights and obli- 6. Special-Decree Custody dren to attain his or her full of God are heavy on barren ther would not easily give up port and as a means to get back gations; – It is a type of custody where potentials; (2) What will ben- wombs. In biblical times it is his right to see and to take care at her “ex-husband.” 3. Seven-and-Below Rule the court issues an order, efit the children to mature considered as a curse to the of his children. Husband’s ego There are six major types Custody – It is a type of cus- whether interim or permanent, them spiritually, socially and couple if they did not have is usually too big that he would of custody that couples may tody where those children be- awarding the parental right and psychologically. Jerry’s Blogs Remonde heckled as By JERRY S. YAP ‘berdugo,’ ‘tuta,’ ‘terorista’ office in Intramuros, Manila. yata xa sa palda ni GMA ganun d ba? PGMA ganun dn ba? DURING the culmination of our joint rally at the Mendiola It might be so. This is because he is not actually a jeepney Sayang ang pagbuboto q s knya ... +639128262 - - - - Bridge last Bonifacio Day, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde was driver but he is just using the sector it represents in the Filipino heckled as “berdugo,” “tuta,” and “terorista” by some protest- society. Policeman’s retirement claims pending with GMA? ers who joined National Press Club, Alyansa ng Filipinong And if becomes president—again, let the masses take care of Mamahayag (Afima) and National Union of Journalists of the him. GOOD am! Panawagan po namin kay Gng. GLORIA AR- Philippines (NUJP). Tsk tsk tsk... ROYO na sna ay ma2lungan kami mga retiradong Pulis n These protesters also threw garbage at him and somebody maipalabas na ng DBM ang Pondo ng aming Retirement Claims. even failed to control the anger due to the massacre of at least 30 Gerry Salakot, official DILG bagman Napaka-tagal po na i-release ang pondo namin gayon my pondo journalists, two lawyers, 24 relatives of Mangudadatus and nmn i2 kc pagdating sa Camp hndi pa dn nila agad ibinibigay at about six passersby in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that this some- It’s official. GERRY SALAKOT has taken over as the official mag-antay daw ng advice bago magawan ng tseke, 6 na buwan body smashed bottled-water container on the back of the secre- KOLEK-TONG for all 16-02 operators. o mahigit pa bago makuha ang benepisyo na resulta ng tary. Tsk tsk tsk… He has risen from a mere area collector. He is now the OFFI- pagli2ngkod nmin s Gobyerno. Kailangan nmin para makapag- The ones who failed to control their anger were not mem- CIAL BAGMAN of DILG’s intelligence funds from gambling. umpisa kmi dahil naging biktima din aq ni Ondoy tulungan nyo bers of the media. One Dela Hoya is being pointed to as the boss of SALAKOT, po kami marami po salamat. - retired policeman … +639156202 The incident saddened us. The truth is that NPC President who collects from P1.5 million to P2 million a week from illegal Benny Antiporda even warned Secretary Remonde not to go gambling operators and other vices. Parents driven away out and face the rally because of anger obviously gripping most His assistant in doing his job is SPO-10 Riviera who intro- protesters. duced himself as an aide of one “BOSS B.Y.” of the DILG. GOOD am sir! Ask q lng po 2ngkol s lupa na tinitirhan ng But Secretray Remonde was insistent that he wanted to Also reigning in with Salakot is one alias Loyola, being said to Parents q at kamag- anak nmin nasa 50yrs n ata nakatira meet and talk with the journalists because he once was a jour- be a close friend of one Boy Tangkad. since birth na cla nakatira tapos ngaun pa2alisin n sila. San po nalist. With these, those who have obligations to give must not won- pwde makahingi ng 2long? Wala man lng cla ibinigay ng konting As he mounted the stage, Secretary Cerge hand-signaled a der if they receive a barrage of demands from the ASK “este” lupa na matirhan namin … +639107116 - - - - flying kiss that obviously did not sit well with the militants, Task Force coming to them. This is because there are quotas on prompting the latter to throw garbage at him. The heckling the shoulders of SALAKOT, SPO-10 RIVIERA and alias Not all cops have bad vices came quick. Then somebody hit him on his back. LOYOLA, which obligations are bigger now that Christmas and Some militants I heard said that it looked like the secretary election seasons are coming to town! GOOD am Sir! D2 sa Mandaluyong lahat ng Pulis adik. taunted them with that “flying kiss.” Tsk tsk tsk… Wala ng matinong pulis sa bansa. hwag nyo po ipakita # q sir… Well, what can I say is it only appeared Secretary Cerge Saint Rose Transit, pay your victims! +639197132 - - - - taunted us, the protesters. And I do not believe he had any intention of doing that. SIR good am! Paki Bulabog nmn po ang may-ari ng SAINT ‘Kolorum’ PUVs make a killing Next time, Secretary Cerge must know when to make out a ROSE TRANSIT na huwag nmn patigilin ang anak q d2 sa QCGH joking gist and that one of these times is certainly not at the 1 month n po aq d2 sa Ospital. brace n bakal n lang po ang GOOD am! Paki-Bulabog nmn ang dami RUTA ILEGAL ng time while the rest were in grief. kulang d pa po nila mabili. kawa2 naman po anak q d xa DIVISORIA-BACLARAN via MABINI. Kawa2 kaming Is it not so, Secretary Cerge? makagalaw ng mabuti. Salamat po n more power to u sir. – nagbayad ng tama ang ka2pal ng mukha nila. Sino po kaya driver po aq s Manila Bulletin tnx po … +63907290 - - - - pwede malapitan? Sangkaterba ang kolorum sa Divisoria Karma caused Erap to hit head on the roof of his jeep? Baclaran via Mabini kami nagbayad ng kumpletong prangkisa Do not waste vote for Sen. Lapid? wala kami maisakay… +639392144 - - - - According to our BULABOG boys, former president Erap * * * Estrada was seized by karma when he hit his head on the roof of GOOD am Sir! Ano n ba nangyari ky Sen Lito Lapid sa For comments and inquiries, email Mr. Jerry S. Yap his JEEPNEY as he was about to get off to file his certificate of pagka-senador nya? hndi namin naki2ta ang mukha nya, matagal at [email protected] or send text messages to candidacy for the presidency at the Commission on Elections n bang nawala o patay na? d lang makita ang mukha nagta2go 09278989991. FOUR TENSE DAYS AFTER MASSACRE From page 3 overtake my return trip to Sul- other name for Koronadal City) but they were told that affida- several calls. First (was) with bid goodbye to Datu Unsay. I told tan Kudarat. Many armed and already dark and stayed there for vits of their witnesses would be ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan. I him I would get back to him by noticed that Atty. Cynthia was uniformed men on the highway. the night. submitted instead perhaps the told him it was time to bring in phone. I made calls and informed using her cellphone and taking One could not tell what group or following day. I was already Datu Unsay. He told me he would some of my colleagues (with pictures while we were chatting. unit. So when Unsay got seated, DAY THREE, Nov 25 aware that the outrage over the consult the father, Gov. Andal. I whom I had been consulting from Unsay arrived and got seated on I immediately told him that I (Wednesday) killings mounted. And govern- said I had only until 5 pm that the beginning) of the request. my left. We continued a bit about came because of the serious in- ment was being criticized for day to work on this plan. After There were objections. Un- our light banter until Unsay cident and that initial reports 830AM, I visited a funeral slow action. 5 pm, the scenario would no derstandable reservations: what settled down. (GMA7 later that mentioned his name as involved. parlor in Marbel. Some bodies longer be the same, I told him. if the extension was a ruse to same evening showed some pic- I told him my purpose in com- not identified yet. I then directed NOON – Over lunch at the escape that evening? What were tures on TV. My wife Beth ing was only to be assured that DSWD 12 to attend to the im- brigade, I consulted with the cri- 4:00PM – While meeting the guarantees that he would texted me and called my atten- he would cooperate and submit mediate needs of the families, sis committee on my plan: it was the families of victims in down- voluntarily surrender during the tion immediately when she saw himself to any investigation. He and that DOH 12 and OCD 12 time to contact the Ampatuans town Marbel, I got a call from new deadline? People were be- it: “Bakit ka smile kasama mga looked at the direction of Gov were to assist. I motored to and call in Datu Unsay to volun- the father, Gov Andal telling me coming outraged not only on the Ampatuan. Not proper.” I Andal who spoke first: “Gaya Tacurong at 601st brigade and tarily surrender as they commit- that he would turnover to me crime but on the perceived slow- agreed. But I was puzzled where ng sinabi ko sayo kanina, mag- met the NBI team that just ar- ted to me yesterday. Datu Unsay but requested that ness of government, so why the pictures came from and who cooperate kami, secretary.” rived from Manila. I reconvened I was also quietly informed the deadline be moved from 5pm waste more time? The forces sent them. There were no media Then Unsay himself echoed say- the crisis committee and mapped that an operational plan was today to 10 AM, the following were ready to strike, so why de- people around. I surmised ing: “Mag-cooperate po kami up moves on how to fast track underway to forcibly take cus- day. I immediately told him I lay? Cynthia did it.) secretary.” I then stood up and work. A team of PNP investiga- tody of him. could not guarantee things if the But I also reasoned back: said I would contact them again tors were sent to the residence 2:00PM – On my way to deadline was moved. He said the How sure are we that we would 5:00PM. – I was becoming soon. of Buluan Vice Mayor Toto Marbel to dialogue with all the Ampatuan clan would meet that get Datu Unsay in the opera- worried that darkness would We arrived in Marbel (an- Mangudadatu to get statements families of the victims, I made evening and discuss things and To page 5 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 5 Supreme Court partly wrong, partly correct on appointed civil servants as candidates

IS Supreme Court correct in start of the campaign period So that I declare without that the relief Makalintal’s deleting a law making ap- for which he filed his certificate fear that the majority decision clients is asking for is: Please pointed officials automati- of candidacy: Provided, That, Privileged penned by Justice Eduardo move the automatic resigna- cally resigned upon their fil- unlawful acts or omissions ap- Nachurra is partly correct and tion effectivity to a later date, ing of certificates of candi- plicable to a candidate shall take partly wrong. on the day the campaign pe- dacy? effect only upon the start of the Spits Why partly correct? riod begins. It is partly correct, it is aforesaid campaign period: Pro- By TOTO CAUSING It is partly correct because Another reason why the partly wrong. vided, finally, That any per- it upholds the rights of ap- Nachurra decision is incorrect Before explaining the an- son holding a public appoint- pointed officials to exercise is that it failed to account the swer, let it be set out as to ive office or position, includ- the deleted law. the provisions of this Act are their right of suffrage without Constitutional prohibition for what provision was deleted ing active members of the armed If we look at RA 9369, it hereby repealed or modified ac- any disadvantage, including any appointed civil servants by the Highest Court in the forces, and officers and employ- expressly amended or repealed cordingly.” putting them in a more level to participate in partisan po- highly-controversial decision ees in government-owned or - Section 11 of Republic Act And what is the law that im- playing field with the elective litical campaign. Paragraph 4 voted for by eight (8) justices controlled corporations, shall 8436, which provision states, mediately preceded RA 8436? officials who usually have dis- of Section 2, Article IX-B of appointed by Gloria Arroyo be considered ipso facto re- among others: “any elective It is the Omnibus Election Code, cretions used to pocket money. the Constitution states: “(4) and dissented to by six (6) signed from his/her office and official, whether national or lo- or PD 1296. Under this law, it The right of suffrage con- No officer or employee in the others, including Chief Jus- must vacate the same at the cal, running for any office other expressly considered appoint- sists of the right to be voted civil service shall engage, di- tice Reynato S. Puno. start of the day of the filing than the one which he/she is ive officials as automatically re- upon and the right to vote. rectly or indirectly, in any To begin, let us state the of his/her certificate of can- holding in a permanent capac- signed at the time of filing of the But why is this wrong? electioneering or partisan po- fallo or the conclusion of the didacy.” ity, except for president and certificate of candidacy. How- This is wrong NOT on the litical campaign.” SC, to wit: “WHEREFORE, With the deletion of the said vice-president, shall be deemed ever, this cannot be resurrected reasoning of the dissenters, in- This provision is very premises considered, the pe- second provision, what is left resigned only upon the start of back to life because the Supreme cluding CJ Puno and Justice clear that what is prohibited tition is GRANTED. The of the third paragraph of Sec- the campaign period corre- Court expressly ruled in its de- Antonio Carpio. by the constitution is the second proviso in the third tion 13 shall be this one: sponding to the position for cision put out on December 1, One reason why it is wrong “campaign.” It does not pro- paragraph of Section 13 of “For this purpose, the which he/she is running: Pro- 2009 that it is unconstitutional is that what is only being chal- hibit the filing of candidacy Republic Act No. 9369, Sec- Commission shall set the dead- vided, further, That, unlawful to prohibit appointed officials lenged by the petitioners rep- by an appointed civil servant. tion 66 of the Omnibus Elec- line for the filing of certificate acts or omissions applicable to from continuing in their offices resented by Atty. Romy So that the better school tion Code and Section 4(a) of of candidacy/petition of regis- a candidate shall take effect while allowing elected officials Makalintal is the provision that of thought that the Nachurra COMELEC Resolution No. tration/manifestation to partici- upon the start of the aforesaid to stay. makes the appointed officials majority should have done is: 8678 are declared as UN- pate in the election. Any per- campaign period.” The laws on the matter that automatically resigned at the Strike out the automatic pro- CONSTITUTIONAL.” son who files his certificate of Looking at Section 11 of RA were passed in all the past en- time of filing of the certificate hibition at the time of filing Let us state this third candidacy within this period 8436, there is nothing that actments cannot also be of candidacy. and make the resignation au- paragraph of Section 13 of shall only be considered as a states about appointive offi- brought back to life because it In fact, Makalintal pointed tomatic only if the appointed RA 9369 to identify the said candidate at the start of the cials. If this is so, the next pre- is now considered as unconsti- out his clients were not crying officer who filed the certifi- second provision, to wit: campaign period for which he vious law that stated about ap- tutional by the Gloria-ap- against the automatic resigna- cate of candidacy proceeds “For this purpose, the filed his certificate of candi- pointive officials filing certifi- pointed justices who voted for. tion clause. What they were in campaigning. Commission shall set the dead- dacy: Provided, That, unlaw- cates of candidacy is deemed With this present ruling of complaining about is the tim- After all, this is harmoni- line for the filing of certificate ful acts or omissions applicable to have not been repealed, nei- the Supreme Court, there is no ing or the time when they are ous with the first provision of candidacy/petition of reg- to a candidate shall take effect ther amended. This is sup- more prohibition for the ap- deemed resigned. To verify this of Sec. 13 of RA 9369, which istration/manifestation to par- only upon the start of the afore- ported by Section 34 of RA pointed officials, even if he is a assertion, read the decision at states that “unlawful acts or ticipate in the election. Any said campaign period.” 8436, which states: “Section janitor or the Chief of Staff of this site: http:// omissions applicable to a person who files his certifi- The effect of deletion 34. Repealing clause. - All laws, the Armed Forces, to continue sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurispru- candidate shall take effect cate of candidacy within this should bring back to life the presidential decrees, executive serving their appointive offices dence/2009/december2009/ only upon the start of the period shall only be consid- previous equivalent law that orders, rules and regulations or while running for an elective of- 189698.htm. aforesaid campaign pe- ered as a candidate at the was repealed or amended by parts thereof inconsistent with fice at the same time. So that, it is plain to see riod.”

The Last Mohican Don’t massacre journalists assassins to shoot and kill The massacre in But if she can do something possible” in a Villar adminis- By TOTO FETALINO members of media. Maguindanao is another blow remarkable that can appease the tration? The government paid too to the government which ap- victims of the massacre like The former defense sec- little attention to the crime and pears to be not running out of publicly executing the perpe- retary is intelligent. But this THERE was a time when dia man was considered a very the perpetrators were not major problems to deal with. trators, she may get a graceful did not show during the ca- campus journalists from the big mistake. It was even a big- caught and remained unpun- It was said that President exit. lamities when he was head of University of the East came ger mistake if you kill one. The ished. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo blew While the government is the National Disaster Coor- up with t-shirts with a print government then was protec- Since then, killing media her top upon knowing of the taking the blows, presidential dinating Council. saying: “DON’T SHOOT tive of media men because they men became an ordinary crime. massacre. candidate Gilbert “Gibo” He had the chance to shine JOURNALISTS!” help in shaping our society. Now, even 30 journalists can I understand the President. Teodoro has been receiving at that time but he chose to The T-shirt was a hit and Media men say what’s wrong be bundled and massacred at My wife behaves like that praises for his stance on the keep a low profile. I think the one who thought with government and the latter the same time in one place. when my small boys play and massacre. Now, Gibo must be learn- about it made a killing! adjusts. Leaders are carefully If this crime is not dealt ruin the orderliness of the sala In fairness to Gibo, it has ing to be himself. Since then, I would see watched by the media so they with seriously by the govern- that she has just cleaned. only him who has made a He has the upperhand in people who are not even jour- behave and act accordingly. ment now, it will not be long But unlike the President, strong statement against the as much as credentials are nalist wearing the t-shirt. But as time went by, the for killing a media man becomes my wife has unlimited term in massacre. It was only him who concerned. Wearing the t-shirt then was impression of some leaders on easy as running after a cat and the house and my boys have got the balls to publicly con- He must utilize all of them like wearing a protection media men changed from “part- none will be left to watch those not committed any crime. demn the crime and reprimand now. against people who tend to ners for development” to “en- who abuse power. The President has a little the Ampatuan clan. He must continue what he abuse power, such as the emy no. 1.” The leaders real- Now, the motto has more than six months left be- Have we heard anything is doing to improve his rat- power small as to issue traf- ized they cannot have every- changed: “Don’t massacre jour- fore she leaves Malacañang. from the overrated Noynoy? ing. fic citation tickets and the thing they want with the me- nalists.” The Maguindanao massa- Is the silence of Manny Kung baga sa poso ng power huge as to take away dia snooping around. cre was of course not a wel- Villar on the issue an indication tubig, konting buhos at somebody’s life. It was not long until these THAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT, come development for her that a massacre of civilians in- bomba na lang, tuluy-tuloy Back then, shooting a me- powerful men started hiring GIBO badly-tainted government. cluding media men is “not im- na ang agos ng tubig nyan. FOUR TENSE DAYS AFTER MASSACRE From page 4 adopted. I moved the deadline Later in the night, another said the clan agreed. there. Gen. Ferrer and I watched their lawyer who was still on the tions? (From yesterday’s visit to to 10:00 AM the following day. complication suddenly arose. D-DAY, Nov. 26 (Thursday) as more newly-arrived troops road to arrive. That was a break the Ampatuans, I was certain That night, we reviewed the Gen. Serapio and Col. Geslani were jumping off towards desig- I needed. The 2 choppers ar- that he was not there in the im- “pickup” scenario several times informed me that they got in- 6:00AM – Early morning, nated areas. rived. We discussed with the pi- mediate vicinity but came from and mapped out contingencies formation that Toto government forces took over and lot and crew contingencies and somewhere far.) An assault would just in case things would not go Mangudadatu would motor with occupied the ARMM facilities 9:00AM – I was informed procedures. surely cost lives knowing the as planned. In the meantime, his followers to file his certifi- and other buildings and premises that something went wrong with armaments, the culture and the government troops moved ac- cate of candidacy the following in Maguindanao province. Armed the Huey helicopters coming 10:45AM — We were ready situation. People were crying for cording to operational plans. morning in Shariff Aguak. I im- elements loyal to the Ampatuans from Cotabato. The Davao chop- to jump off upon cue from Col. swift action but I would not agree That evening, I got a call from mediately called Gov. Teng were taken by surprise and gave pers were instead dispatched but Geslani. It would be a short 35 to precipitate action. I also said Atty. Cynthia getting an assur- Mangudadatu. I told him that up their firearms without resis- would not be able to arrive by minute hop from the brigade to I believed Gov Andal was sincere ance from me that nothing would there was something afoot the tance. 10AM. Shariff Aguak. My staff Cecil when he told me he would bring be launched that evening until following morning and that with- I was nervous a bit but confi- said she’s getting nervous but out his son when needed. To the 10 AM pickup time the fol- out disclosing what it was all dent. The “what if” scenarios 9:55AM – I got a call from insisted on joining. My assistant, wrap up my point, I said: I would lowing day. I told her if there about, I requested if he could kept popping up in my mind. I Col. Geslani whom we tasked to Yo, was busy texting. But wait, take full responsibility for what- were troop movements, these convince Toto to move his fil- motored to the 601st brigade for liaison with the Ampatuans that another problem suddenly ever outcome. were in support of the 10 AM ing to another day. A few min- the final briefings. The chop- they were requesting for a little cropped up. As we were board- My new timeline was “pickup”. utes later, Gov. Teng called and pers would pick me up from time as they were waiting for To page 6 6 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 DEATHS, QUICK; PROBE, SLOW From page 2 five passengers: Eduardo Toyota car” from the main con- their relatives left Buluan to file Lechonsito, a government em- voy Mangudadatu’s COC at the ployee bound for a hospital in At 10:00 am — The main Comelec office in Shariff Aguak, Cotabato City as he was suffer- convoy and the two other ve- Maguindanao’s capital. ing from a mild stroke Monday hicles nearby are accosted by a The convoy was composed morning, his wife Cecille, his co- group of about 100 armed men of the lead vehicle, a Mitsubishi workers Mercy Palabrica and at a checkpoint in Sitio Malating, L-300 van owned by UNTV, a Daryll delos Reyes, and their Ampatuan town, some four to Pajero owned by dzRH broad- driver Wilhelm Palabrica. ten kilometers from their desti- cast journalist Henry Araneta, The FX is driven by An- nation. four Toyota Grandia vans (one thony Ridao, an employee of the According to the sworn affi- grey, one green, and two white) National Statistics Coordination davits of Police Chief Inspector owned by the Mangudadatu Board and son of Cotabato City Sukarno Adil Dicay and Police family, and a tailing Toyota ve- councilor Marino Ridao. Inspector Rex Ariel Diongon, hicle driven by Sandamen Ra- Ali said in his affidavit he both PNP officers assigned to jah Ali. purposely drove the tailing the checkpoint, the convoy was There were two vehicles that Toyota by keeping 20 meters ordered to stop for a routine in- were not part of the convoy but from the main convoy, enabling spection when armed men sud- happened to be traveling on the at least one of the two non-con- denly appeared and comman- AANHIN PA ANG KATARUNGAN KUNG MARAMI PANG AMPATUAN? -- Members same stretch of the Isulan- voy vehicles to overtake Ali’s car. deered the vehicles. of Manila media groups led by National Press Club (NPC), Alyansa ng Filipinong Cotabato highway. These ve- Ali and two of his passen- Both Dicay and Diongon Mamahayag (Afima) and National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) hicles were said to be a red gers, Basit Laguia and Judge identified Datu Unsay mayor march to Mendiola to condemn the goriest massacre of journalists in Ampatuan, Toyota Vios and a light blue Mamasalanang, testified in their Andal Ampatuan Jr. as being Maguindanao. Toyota Tamaraw FX. affidavits that they were being among the armed men. The Vios was said to have “separated only by another Genalyn, Toto’s wife, man- aged a call to her husband to cal).” a call warning them Army sol- briefly tell him what was hap- Between 10:30 am and 3 diers were nearing their place. pening. pm - The remaining vehicles in This prompted the killers to Ali, Laguia and the convoy, as well as the Vios flee, leaving more than two dozen Arroyo bred Ampatuan Mamasalanang testified that and the FX, were driven to a unburied victims, their own ve- when the convoy was accosted, hilly and sparsely-populated hicles and the backhoe used to to become ‘lord of all lords’ they stepped out of their car “to part of Sitio Magating in Brgy. dig the graves. From page 1 Sinsuats in the former Dinaig, With the ARMM falling into urinate and at the same time ob- Salman, Ampatuan. While the Army troops were the Matalams in the former the hands of the Ampatuan clan serve the scenario.” It took them 30 minutes to still approaching one kilometer But the sad tragedy is that Pagalungan, the Midtimbangs in and under the total patronage of All of them claimed further reach the area, 2.5 kilometers from the scene, soldiers claimed these three “Gs” are the former Talayan, the Malacañang, the hold of the clan from the checkpoint where the in their affidavits they heard the government’s “properties.” Masturas in the former Nuling, over the ARMM and that they saw Andal Jr. approach Take guns. and the Tomawis-Aratuc fami- Maguindanao has become undis- the vehicle where Genalyn victims were abducted. backhoe’s engine roaring and saw A local warlord who is prop- lies in the Iranon towns of Barira puted. Mangudadatu was boarded. At the site, the backhoe had engine smoke coming from the erly “connected” would have un- and Buldon. It is a steady and phenom- Ali, Laguia and been used to dig three mass heavy equipment. limited access to firearms as the They are all rulers by rights enal rise to almost absolute graves was already there. When they reached the site, government’s courtesy in the and blood in their traditional power. Mamasalanang said they then fight against insurgency. “domain” or fiefdom. The last known paramount heard several gunshots, prompt- The armed men systemati- the soldiers said all the killers had The second “G” refers to These “rulers” enjoy both Lord of the Cotabato Empire ing them to board the car and cally killed the hostages, shoot- already left the area. goons, which have many faces the authority of traditions province was Datu Udtog hurriedly drove back to ing them at close range with Soldiers managed to arrest on the ground. (agama and customary law) and Matalam in the ’50s and early rapid-fire weapons. two “government militias” Some belong to the Philip- the state laws, because they are ’60s. Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat. pine National Police (PNP) the ‘elected’ local officials in During the 2007 elections, At 11:00 am - Philippine The killers then started armed with an M16 rifle and a while others come from the their own domain. the Ampatuan clan had proven, Army units in the area were dumping the bodies and vehicles gauge 12 shotgun, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines The rise of a paramount beyond doubt, their complete alerted and it launched a search into the mass graves. They cov- lead investigator PNP Chief Supt (AFP). “warlord” does not come often. control of all government ma- ered the graves using the back- Felecisimo Khu Jr. Others also belong to so-called Usually, the rise and fall of a chineries including the Commis- for the hostages and their abduc- civilian volunteer organizations paramount warlord depended on sion on Elections and the secu- tors. hoe. Due to jurisdiction issues, (CVOs) subsumed under local gov- the whims and caprices of the rity forces in the area by the At noon - 25-year-old Noel The killings and subsequent the arrested men were turned ernment units or the Cafgus [Ci- real paramount LORD that re- delivery a 12-0 results in the Decena of the Koronadal-based burials took just over an hour, over to government authorities vilian Auxiliary Forces Geo- sides along the Pasig River. senatorial slate for the adminis- according to the person who and were subsequently re- graphical Units] under the AFP. The Ampatuan clan was able tration. weekly, Periodico Ini, sent an Again, the “proper” connec- to venture outside their tradi- This was also mirrored in the SMS to his brother, Joseph told Al Jazeera news he was leased. tion to power in Malacañang tional “domain” (Maganoy) with “no contest” election in the Decena, who was in Midsayap one of the armed men ordered When the Army soldiers ar- spells unlimited access to the “blessing” of the paramount province. (No contest means all that time: “Lab, i-ampo ko diri by Andal Jr. to do the killing rived, they saw 22 of the victims “goons,” some of whom inci- LORD in Malacañang. Ampatuans ran in all elections but he said he just watched for lying dead on the ground and on dentally wear uniforms of the Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr. was without any opponent.) kay naa na mi diri sa Ampatuan. state’s security forces. already the “ruler” of Maganoy From the provincial slate to I-pray mo kami dito. Kritikal he was bothered by his con- the vehicles. The third “G” stands for during the time of Ferdinand the municipal slate in 30 towns amo sitwasyon diri. (Lab, we’re science. Soon, they discovered the gold, which also comes in many Marcos. in Maguindanao out of 32, all here already at Ampatuan. Pray At 3:00 pm - The Al Jazeera newly-covered graves. Investi- forms. President Cory Aquino in the positions were not con- witness said their group received gators then took over. In many areas in Mindanao, 1986 removed him from office tested. for us here. Our situation is criti- particularly in the ARMM (Au- and deprived him of access to In the past, the national gov- tonomous Region in Muslim the security forces of the state ernment was the “check and bal- Mindanao) where accountability after EDSA 1. ance” vis-a-vis local warlords. and transparency are almost nil, But in the first election un- The government in Manila the internal revenue allocation der the 1987 Constitution, Datu made sure that the warlord’s con- FOUR TENSE DAYS or IRA is the unlimited source of Andal Sr. became the undisputed trol remains within his family gold. Mayor of Maganoy. or clan domain. In other places, drugs and His rival, Datu Surab Abutazil, Even during the height of numbers game have, of late, been also of the Ampatuan clan, was martial law, President Marcos AFTER MASSACRE also lucrative sources of gold. assassinated in broad daylight in made sure that no one family or Many actually opine that the a cafeteria right in the market clan dominated the whole region. From page 5 The capitol gates opened. The flapping sound from outside war against drugs and illegal gam- place of Maganoy. This equation has changed bling is a big joke in this coun- Mayor Andal was charged for completely during the Presidency ing, one the two PNP officers Ampatuan family arrived on could not be heard anymore. try, particularly in the ARMM, the murder of Datu Surab but later of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo fol- tasked to escort the suspect said board vehicles from another lo- The gunners later told me ground when politicians and law enforc- the case was dismissed for lack lowing the 2004 national elec- they could not use the handcuff cation nearby. Gov Zaldy clasp- fire sounded like flapping from ers are perceived to be the real of witnesses. tions. on Ampatuan as the KEY WAS ing my hand said: “Ipaubaya ni the air. The evasive action and “operators.” The turning point for the There evolved a sort of sym- MISSING! What about the other amah si Datu Unsay sayo” and the machinegun bursts were Under the present dispensa- Ampatuan clan happened dur- biosis in the political agenda be- handcuff with your buddy, I turned over Datu Unsay to me. SOPs. At 2,000 feet altitude, we tion, particularly in the ARMM, ing the 2001 local elections. tween the central government asked. “Ganon din po sir,” he We boarded the aircraft with cruised. That’s when I saw on people speak in whisper of yet With the full support of the and the Ampatuan clan gaining replied. “Sh_t!” I almost fell Atty. Cynthia, insisting she had the Huey floor an empty shell another “G.” PNP and the AFP, Datu Andal control over the province of That fourth “G” refers to had beaten the incumbent Maguindanao and the ARMM. from my seat!.(“Sarap to ride with him. from the bursts of the M-60 Gloria or President Gloria Maguindanao Governor and the The shifting national poli- sapakin!”) But there was no more machinegun on board. Macapagal Arroyo. 1st ARMM Governor, Zacaria tics after the death of President time. We then agreed that he 11:40AM — Helis took off I picked up the empty shell, The “unlimited” access to Candao. Cory begins to impact the local would be strapped with the seat enroute Gen Santos City where then pocketed it for good luck. this fourth “G” is the all that The decision to shift support politics. belt and the policemen would Sec. Agnes and her crew were At the Gensan airport, I distinguishes the small time to Datu Andal was the percep- Malacañang is no longer seen firmly clasp the buckles to pre- waiting for an inquest proceed- called the Boss: “Mission accom- “warlord” to a paramount war- tion that Gov. Candao was MILF as the power that makes or un- vent any unexpected situation ing. But again something hap- plished, Mrs. President.” lord of a province or a the en- or sympathetic to the MILF. makes local leaders. while airborne. (When I was pened. About a few minutes air- (Note from Dureza’s staff: tire region. Datu Andal became the “avid” In fact, this is the first crack In Maguindanao, as in other supporter of President Gloria in in the hold of the Ampatuan clan asked later by reporters why borne and while still climbing and Dureza had successfully handled provinces of the ARMM, the her decision to run for the Presi- over the province. This is fur- Ampatuan was not handcuffed, gaining altitude, I first noticed past crises situations, notably the “rule” over areas or territories dency in 2004. ther exacerbated by the fact that I had a ready curt answer with a some flapping sound outside. I “detention” by MNLF Saber is closely linked to families and He “delivered” the whole the Sr. Ampatuan CANNOT run straight face: “He is adequately thought, maybe some loose parts Malik of Marine Gen. Benjamin clans. province to Gloria against the anymore for the top post. restrained!” Sec. Agnes promptly of the chopper. The noise kept Dolorfino and OPAPP Usec. To cite a few examples, more popular Fernando Poe, Jr. On the other hand, the responded with the same line coming, intermittent. I looked Ramon Santos in Sulu in 2007; there is the Ampatuan clan that This electoral “feat” made Mangudadatu clan is telling the when she was asked upon land- down and maybe I saw flashes the handover of Misuari from is recognized as the “ruler” in Datu Andal the new “anointed” new emerging national leaders ing in Manila.) but I was not sure. Suddenly the Malaysian authorities to face the former municipality one not only for the province that the time has come for new Maganoy that is now subdivided but also for the entire ARMM. “stewards” in the province. Huey banked sharply to the right rebellion charges in 2002; the into four municipalities (Aguak, It was no accident in 2005, New political alliances begin 11:20AM — Two Hueys and simultaneously, several short surrender of convicted priest- Unsay, Mamasapano, and when the Ampatuan made a run to take shape in the province, landed on the Maguindanao bursts (were fired) from our two killer escapee Manero in 2001; Hofer). for the head ‘honcho’ of the when the Mangudadatu clan made province capitol grounds. The Huey gunners at the back. The the release of Gen. Obillo and There is the Mangudadatu ARMM. known their intention to chal- Huey engines were not shut off bursts startled all of us. The eva- Capt. Montealto by NPA Com- clan that is a recognized ruler of It was an invitation to the lenge the younger Ampatuan for as agreed in case a sudden exit sive maneuver by the pilot also mander Parago with the Capalla the former municipality of government and President Gloria the gubernatorial post. maneuver was necessary. I waited jarred us. All of us kept our heads humanitarian team in 1999; the Buluan in Maguindanao and the to shift to a more “manageable These were the actual ar- for 20 minutes on the ground. I low as the Huey steeply climbed. Cebu Pacific plane crash in Municipalities of Lutuyan and and predictable overseer” over rangements in the political chess Palembang in Sultan Kudarat or the ARMM after almost nine board when the Massacre oc- was getting worried. Finally, I My staff Jerry and Col. Mac, Misamis Oriental in 1998; the the territories around the Lake years of disarray under the rule curred in the Province of saw my staff Ollie with his who were seated beside the open Mindanao El Nino crisis in of Buluan. of the MNLF (more than five Maguindanao that fateful morn- thumbs up sign. Col. Geslani sig- Huey doors, ducked. The soldier 1998; and the Davao Penal The more familiar clans that years under Nur Misuari and 3 ing of the 23rd of November naled they were on their way. at the back shouted: “Ground Colony hostage situation in are similarly situated are the years under Parouk Hussin). 2009. My “what-if” scare disappeared. fire, sir.” We still climbed. The 1998.) NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 7 Muslim Mindanao Fiestas Kalimudan Festival: Showcasing culture, arts, promoting business By AYO G. GUNTING FOR those who have not ex- said Governor Teng perienced a festival in Mangudadatu of the province. Mindanao, every year there are The experience of Sultan many grand festivals there. One Kudarat is true to the studies of these is the Kalimudan Fes- of the Department of Science tival in the Province of Sultan and Technology that fiesta cel- Kudarat. ebrations are effective and This year has been held the profitable venues in stimulat- 11th edition of Kalimudan, a ing development and growth of Maguindanao word that means local industries. “ to gather.” The Kalimudan showcases Traditionally and cultur- local products and opportuni- ally, Philippine towns and cit- ties available locally. It there- ies host festivals or fiestas as fore brings health for the offering to patron saints for the agribusinesses and food and bounties of harvest and gifts of tourism sectors, both managed nature and to celebrate ancient by micro, small and medium traditions. enterprises. In Sultan Kudarat it is dif- Indeed business has been ferent. There, fiestas celebrate moving for wide array of out- life, a thanksgiving for nature’s puts: from food delicacies, pro- This festival in Sultan Kudarat observe fiestas with sports, street dancing, parades, float parade, macro-micro trade gifts, the wealth of culture, and cessed food products, halal fairs and music celebrated in the most grandiose but modest way. serenity of living. food, grains, fruits, vegetables Photos by GLENN M. LAZADO and RON M. LAZADO But the festival in Sultan and even furniture and clothes. Kudarat is the substantially These are the usual compo- joicing and celebration of the niche in the market. with the food industry. nies. similar. They stage events in nents of a true Filipino fiesta. event. “The partnership (between Also benefiting is the oil The trade fare also stressed sports, street dancing, parades, Congressman Sultan Pax The fiesta coincided with the local government and busi- palm processing industries, a the importance of innovation float parade, macro-micro trade Mangudadatu was over- the province 36th founding an- ness) emphasizes the different kind of product and service line and diversification in business, fairs and music. whelmed with the mammoth niversary, the local government types of products and services where entrepreneurs deal with especially in line with the “We celebrate it in the most crowd that attended this year’s and business sectors had helped lines available for entrepreneurs specific operations of the government’s economic pro- grandiose but modest ways,” Kalimudan, witnessing the re- young businesses find their and would-be entrepreneurs,” manufacturing process. grams. Gov. Teng proudly said. Productive plantations are The fact that the 11th One of those benefited by scattered in Bagumbayan, Kalimudan Festival focuses on The 13th Shariff Kabunsuan Festival the partnership is the agri- Columbio, Esperanza and many events – sports, cultural, product industry, including other municipalities. beauty and entertainment, Con- COTABATO CITY – Offi- manufacturing products either Another beneficiary is the gressman Pax and Governor cials and residents of the for mass markets or specialized subcontracting industries, Teng explored linkages between city under the leadership of demands. where big companies subcon- science and technology and en- Mayor Muslimen Sema and Another is the service in- tract manufacturing and other sured that the fiesta celebration dustry, through catering in line operations to smaller compa- shall be peace. First Lady Bai Sandra Sema, will kick off a five-day cel- ebration of the 13th anniver- Panglima Sugala all set for 50th foundation sary of the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, from PANGLIMA-SUGALA, Dec. 16 to Dec. 21. Tawi-Tawi — Flushed with the Shariff Kabunsuan was success of Kamahardikaan Fes- established on December tival, the archipelagic province 19, 1997 with no funds un- will be the center of activities der the auspices of Bai on Dec. 15 to 20 as the 50th Sandra Sema, concurrent Foundation of Panglima Sugala, dubbed “the grandest golden Chairman of the Region 12 celebration that highlights this Tourism Council and City municpality’s unique blend of Tourism Council. multi-cultural heritage” offi- Bai Sandra Sema said cially reels off. she vowed to strengthen Mayor Nurbert Sahali ex- her tourism programs and plained, “We are a year pre- activities for the enhance- paring for this joyful event. ment and preservations of This year’s theme is: “Look our culture. back, leap upward, sustain the Various major activities gains and gears up toward eco- tourism and environmental de- and cultural shows are lined velopment.” up to strengthen the mind Among the activities are and body skills beneficial opening parades to be partici- for the effective public ser- pated in by 17 barangays and vice of officials and employ- line agencies. ees of Region 12 and the Another eye-catching event city. is the opening of the agro-fish- These events are ery trade fair and the one on Ginakit fluvial parade Dec 16, which is the seaweeds showcasing an array of col- techno forum. Participants will showcase orful bancas designed to Cotabato City First Lady Bai Sandra Sema their products such as crabs, reveal the rich culture of the seaweeds, sea mantis, roe of sea people of Cotabato, a Fes- was supposedly built by Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arab urchin, abalone and cassava. tival Queen contest, the Jesuits in 1871 at missionary from Johore Small and medium entre- Pagana Maguindanao and Tamontaka). who introduced Islam to preneurs will set up business Kuyog street dancing. It is also famous for its the natives of Central booths in the area. Participants showcase their products such as crabs, Cotabato is one of the women weavers called “Al Mindanao. There will be Mutya ng seaweeds, sea mantis, roe of sea urchin, abalone and most exciting and dynamic Jamelah,” who create ex- Among the highlights of Panglima Sugala and cultural cassava. cities in Mindanao. quisite inaul malongs and the event included the and traditional contests called It is considered the seat other Moslem accessories Awwal Jaman, which will be best dishes. enthusiast. He was a star bas- Ginakit fluvial parade on performed by different Other activities are focused of Islam (introduced by ketball player during his col- and souvenir items. the Rio Grande de schools. on sports, such as banca race, lege days. And there will be Shariff Mohamad Kabun- The Shariff Kabunsuan Mindanao River, the second For the gourmand, there basketball, volleyball and bas- sports parade also,” said the suan in 1515) and Christian- Festival commemorates the longest river in the Philip- will be a native dish contest. ketball. first lady of this town, ity (the first Catholic church arrival of Mohammad pines. Tawi-Tawi is known for its “Mayor Nurbert is a sports Annabelle Sahali. 8 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2009 SO, SO, SO HUMBLE! ILIPINO GM Wesley So, the brightest young star of the 2009 World Chess Cup in Khanty- Mansiysk, Russia displayed the greatest mo By RONALD B. HERICO ment of his chess career at the very young age of 16 years old as he defeated his more fancied Fand much experienced opponents, one after the other. For these unparalleled vic- from Bacoor, Cavite, also tories, he has been dubbed by ousted GM Gadir Guseinov the non-Filipino media in this (2625) of Azerbaijan in the first Siberian winter paradise as a round. “fantastic gold nugget causing Wesley and Guseinov ended the World Cup irreplaceable their first two matches of the losses with his upset victories.” round in a 1-1 draw, with Wesley was fighting cold, Wesely winning the second nostalgia and strong competi- game. tion yet he fashioned out three But in the ensuing tiebreak, consecutive match wins over So dominated the three rapid his first opponent and two su- matches to score a total of 4-1. per grandmasters. In eliminating Guseinov, Yet he defeated perennial Ivanchuk and Kamsky, So competitor and former world gained psychological edge by championship contender taking the first game. Vassily Ivanchuk, having an He drew both second games ELO rating of 2735. against Kamsky and Ivanchuk After that, he defeated to prevail, 1.5-0.5. former World Championship “Generally speaking, I am challenger and WCC defending okay if the classical games were champion Gata Kamsky, hav- drawn. Here the tiebreak goes. ing an ELO of 2695. To my mind I play tiebreaks Every chess fan knows who better than classical games. But these two players are. my previous opponents did not “I know that I should al- give me any chance to come to ways do my best in the [two- the tiebreaks,” So told the of- game] classical games of each ficial website. The newest sensation in Philippine chess today and the star in the 2009 World Chess Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, round,” So, who is already as- Wesley was earlier hailed by Russia, GM Wesley So while he answers questions from the media after taking GMs Vassily Ivanchuk of Russia and sured of US$30,000 (about the media covering the event as Gata Kamsky of the United States back to school. Ivanchuk’s loss almost cost him his chess career. P1.46 million) in prize money a “perfect positional player who by reaching the last 16, was plays in the style of a young try, the Philippines, proud. sors. I would be happy with will ever be in danger of some handling the black pieces. quoted in the event’s official Anatoly Karpov.” He achieved the GM title some 20-30 thousand US dol- brain damage after a match. Ivanchuk and Kamsky may website. But Wesley was quick to at the age of 14 years, 1 month lars a year.” His very aggressive plays have their excuses why they “If I win one [regular] react as he gave his comment and 28 days, making him the This comes to mind the fa- are just like the knock-out lost to the younger and lower- game, I’m almost there,” So to his playing style in this cur- seventh youngest person to ther of another chess prodigy, punches of Manny. rated Wesley but they will for- added. rent tournament. achieve the GM title in the his- GM Mark Paragua, whose fa- Interestingly, he won while ever remember him. Depression could be sensed “So far I play aggressively. tory of chess. ther pleaded for support. in the words uttered by GM I would like to play a solid game Currently holding an ELO Mark had gone a long way First Game: Ivanchuk when he was inter- with a solid opening. This is rating of 2640, the highest rank then, competing in tournaments Gata Kamsky (USA, White) vs. Wesley So (Philippines, Black) viewed after he was eliminated what I want. I think my style ever achieved by a Filipino after another and winning even by Wesley in the second round. is close to Vishy Anand. Of beating the 2621 rating re- at the turf of the Russians. [Event “World Cup 2009”] After a string of losses he course we have different level.” corded by GM Mark Paragua This isn’t really difficult. [Result “0-1”] [WhiteElo “2695”] lately suffered in top matches As of this moment one could in 2006. The government, with all its [BlackElo “2640”] and a very disappointing show not help but comment on Wesley deserves every sup- problems, may not be able to 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3 Qb6 8. a3 cxd4 9. Nxd4 Bc5 10. Na4 Qa5+ 11. c3 Bxd4 12. in the world cup, the once Wesley’s caper in parallel to port he could get to reach his extend a helping hand. Bxd4 Nxd4 13. Qxd4 b6 14. Be2 Ba6 15. Bd1 Qb5 mighty Vassily Ivanchuk has what Asia’s first GM Eugene full potential. But maybe some known 16. b4 Rc8 17. Nb2 Qc6 18. Rc1 O-O 19. a4 Bc4 20. Bg4 Bb3 thought of retiring and become Torre achieved when he shared Unlike Manny Pacquiao, sports-loving corporate-back- 21. O-O Bxa4 22. f5 Bb5 23. Rfe1 Rfe8 24. Re3 f6 25. fxe6 Nxe5 26. Bf5 g6 27. Bh3 Qd6 28. Rd1 Rcd8 29. Rd2 Qe7 30. Rf2 Nc6 a chess fan. first place in Toluca Interzonal there aren’t many sponsors for ers can lend their financial sup- 31. Qd2 d4 32. Re4 dxc3 33. Qxc3 Rf8 34. g4 Rd6 35. Bg2 Ne5 But after several days, more than two decades ago. Wesley So. No Nike, no HBO, port. 36. g5 Rxe6 37. gxf6 Rfxf6 38. Rxf6 Qxf6 39. Re3 Bc6 40. Nd1 Ivanchuk came to his senses “I am 16 and the greatest and no Bob Arum. And there is This 16-year-old is making Qg5 41. Rg3 Qf4 42. Nf2 Bxg2 43. Kxg2 Nc4 44. Qd3 Ne3+ 45. Kg1 Nf5 46. Qd5 Qc1+ 47. Nd1 Kf7 48. Rc3 and retracted what he had achievement for me so far is even no Roach-like coach in his waves at a sport mostly domi- Qg5+ 49. Kf2 Qf4+ 50. Kg2 Qg4+ 51. Kf2 Qe2+ 52. Kg1 Qe1+ 53. stated publicly about his retire- the second place in one tourna- side. nated by a European-sounding Kg2 Kg7 0-1 ment from chess. ment with average rating about In a recent interview posted name but because of sheer tal- Ivanchuk partly thanked 2700. At the moment my rat- at the World Chess Cup offi- ent and tenacity, Wesley So Second Game: GM Gata Kamsky who talked ing is 2640. I dream that sooner cial website, he said “…An- hurdled every obstacle coming Wesley So (White) vs Gata Kamsky (Black) him out of retirement. or later I will come to the magi- other problem is that chess in his way to etch his name along- [Event “World Cup 2009”] “Please forgive me, my cal point 2700. I don’t know not that famous in the Philip- side the big guns in chess. [Result “1/2-1/2”] fans, friends and colleagues in how much time I will need for pines. We don’t get any finan- The young star showed arms and many chess fans for that.” cial support from the Govern- character. This is important if 1. c4 f5 2. d4 Nf6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Nf3 d6 7. O-O Qe8 8. Re1 e5 9. dxe5 dxe5 10. e4 f4 11. gxf4 Bg4 12. Nd5 an emotional interview. I was Not only Filipinos all ment. They don’t give money he wants to have the bright fu- Na6 13. Nxf6+ very upset after the defeat, but around the world but also chess for tournaments, coaches, ture that many expect. There Bxf6 14. Qd5+ Be6 15. Qxb7 Nc5 16. Qb5 Nd3 17. Qxe8 Raxe8 in any case I’m not going to fans and lovers are taking no- nothing. Our National Federa- was no great player who did 18. Rd1 Nxf4 19. Bxf4 exf4 20. e5 Bg7 21. Nd4 Kh8 22. Bc6 Re7 23. Bd5 Bh3 quit chess! And I want to re- tice of this young man who tion pays our tickets. That’s it. not have strong character. 24. Rd3 fute what appeared in the me- cheer for his achievements. You realize at one moment that Chess, like boxing, is defi- Rxe5 25. Rxh3 Rg5+ 26. Kf1 Bxd4 27. Re1 Bc5 28. Re6 Bd6 29. Rb3 Rh5 30. h3 Kg7 31. Rb7 Kh6 32. Bf3 Rxh3 33. Kg2 Rh4 34. dia about my resignation…” Beyond the 64-square board, to reach some professional nitely one sport wherein we Rb5 Rf7 35. Rd5 Bf8 36. c5 Bg7 37. b4 Bc3 38. a3 Bb2 39. Ra6 Re7 The high school sophomore Wesley So is making his coun- level you need private spon- Filipinos can excel. And no one 40. Rxa7 Re1 41. Rd1 Rxd1 42. Bxd1 1/2-1/2