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What’s happening to our country?

Rep. Luis Bersamin of the lone distict of Abra was killed when two unidentified men shot him in an ambush after he attended a mass in Mt. Carmel church in Quezon City.

The ambush on Bersamin came only four days after a similar ambush was attempted on Pasig Representative Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., who cited politics or the illegal drug trade as possible motives, and after revelations by officials of an alleged plot to assassinate House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles.

What’s happening to our country?

We repeat this words uttered by the late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez while he was being wheeled to the hospital emergency room after suviving an ambush during the Marcos dictatorship.

Here”s Inquirer’s story on the Bersamin assassination:

Solon, bodyguard gunned down in QC

By Thea Alberto
INQ7.net
Last updated 10:51pm (Mla time) 12/16/2006

(5TH UPDATE) CONGRESSMAN Luis “Chito” Bersamin Jr. of the lone district of Abra province had just attended a relative’s wedding at the Mount Carmel Church on Doña Juana Rodriguez (formerly Broadway) Street, New Manila, Quezon City at around 5:15 p.m. Saturday when two unidentified suspects gunned him down in an ambush.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula said the lawmaker was walking toward his car outside the church when one of the suspects fired at a bodyguard, Senior Police Officer 1 Adelfo Ortega, then shot the congressman, killing both.

Gatdula said Bersamin’s driver, Allan Sawadan, was wounded in the leg when he traded shots with the killers, who escaped onboard a motorcycle.

A 13-year-old boy was also hit by a stray bullet and taken to a hospital.

The police officer said Bersamin was shot twice in the head and that 10 empty .45 caliber shells were recovered from the crime scene.

Gatdula said the killers’ motorcycle, a red Honda XRM, was found abandoned on Aurora Boulevard corner Balete Drive, several blocks away from the church.

Sawadan said the 62-year-old congressman, a member of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s party Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Partners of the Filipino Citizenry or Kampi), was a sponsor at the wedding of his niece, niece Pia, daughter of his younger brother, Justice Lucas Bersamin.

“As [Bersamin] was about to board the car, someone from behind pulled out a gun and fired on one of the security officers, startling him. Then he was shot in the head,” Sawadan told DZBB radio.

“It was the recessional and everyone was going out of the church when we heard gunshots,” witness Alvin Salonga, a guest at the wedding, said.

“We then saw [the gunmen] running. There were two of them. They escaped on board a motorcycle,” he said.

Salonga said the gunmen were armed with pistols and waited at the gate of the church compound.

He said it took the police some time to arrive, and that by then, the lawmaker was dead.

Salonga said he had noticed nothing suspicious before the wedding except for a man who was loitering inside the church dressed in a white shirt and camouflage pants.

“The guard scolded him for his attire because it was a formal event. But I did not give it much thought,” Salonga said.

While police have yet to establish the motive for the killing, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Calderon created a task force to investigate the murder.

Calderon named Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, Director Jesus Verzosa, to head the special team that will be composed of his unit, the QCPD, the police crime laboratory, and the police intelligence group.

The police chief assured Bersamin’s family and the House leadership of swift police action to identify and prosecute the killers.

Bersamin’s murder came more than a month after a relative, Abra provincial board member James Bersamin, 66, was shot dead in Bangued, capital of Abra.

He was the third ranking official from Abra to be assassinated this year. La Paz Mayor Mar Ysrael Bernos was killed at the town plaza on January 13.

Bersamin was serving his second term in Congress. Before then, he served as vice governor of the province from 1998 to 2001 and mayor of Bangued from 1987 to 1998.

Bersamin served as vice chair of the House committees on dangerous drugs and on trade and industry.

He was a member of the committees on agriculture and food, on appropriations, and on national defense and security.

Prior to his stint in the public sector, Bersamin worked at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. from 1968 to 1977 and the Allied Bank from 1977 to 1985.

He had been a Rotary Club member since 1985.

He held degrees in psychology and commerce from the University of Santo Tomas and the University of the East, respectively. He also took a postgraduate course at the Ateneo Business School.

The ambush on Bersamin came only four days after a similar ambush was attempted on Pasig Representative Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., who cited politics or the illegal drug trade as possible motives, and after revelations by officials of an alleged plot to assassinate House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles.

The National Bureau of Investigation said it uncovered a plot to kill Nograles during a Christmas party he was to attend last week in southern Davao city. Nograles told reporters he had no idea who could have been involved in the alleged plot.

Jaworski, known for campaigning against illegal drugs, said he was able to get out of his car moments after hearing a popping sound followed by smoke coming from under the vehicle Tuesday. Seconds later a powerful explosion ripped through the car, igniting a fire that gutted it.

Police said they found traces of high explosives in the wreck. No group has claimed responsibility and police have no immediate suspects.

Amnesty International has criticized the country for having one of the world’s worst records in unexplained and unsolved killings.

With reports from Philip C. Tubeza, Nancy C. Carvajal, and Lawrence de Guzman, Inquirer; AP and Maila Ager, INQ7.net

Published inGeneral

286 Comments

  1. npongco npongco

    The Abra Congressman belonged to Gloria’s KAMPI Party. There are two angles to focus on: Politics and a warning to GMA. He could have been killed by political rivals; but this is unlikely because he’s the undisputed political lord in the lone district of Abra. Gunmen might also be NPAs or enemies of the Pidal couple to warn them that the people and country are fed up with their evil deeds. And since Sunday’s rally is in full swing with no turning back, could the poor congressman had been made as a sarcrificial lamb to justify the counter measure by Arroyo’s PNP and Military goons against the people in the rally? What a way to scare the people. Scare tactics again. Or is this a prelude to some kind of Martial Law and another emergency power moveby this cheater in the Palace. The gunmen looked professional and did a good job. Whoever hired them could have paid them huge amount of money. Why can’t they do this to the Pidal family?

  2. Chabeli Chabeli

    Npongco,
    The first thing on my mind was what you just mentioned, “..is this a prelude to some kind of Martial Law and another emergency power move by this cheater in the Palace.”

    Can’t help but be skeptical.

  3. vic vic

    What’s happening to our country? asked the late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez.

    The same question have been asked over and over again by so many people ever since and still no one can give us the Answer. What’s happening to our country?

  4. npongco npongco

    Most options have already been taken and tried by this evil woman. The remaining plans include emergency kind of power to remain in office. She knows that once she’s out of office, tons of cases are waiting. She would suffer worse than Marcos and Erap. Maybe in her heart, she’s tired of being in Malacanang having acquired so much wealth already. But then, she and the Big Fat Guy have so many sins and crimes that they must account for. How would they avoid these except to remain in power as long as they could?

  5. chi chi

    A sacrificial lamb? A prelude to something horrible?

    WAG THE DOG!

  6. I’m reposting here the comment of Apoy last Friday in another thread:

    naamoy ko ang martial law..pero naamoy ko rin ang mutiny.
    mas marami ang ayaw tumupad sa baluktot na utos. malaking gulo ito.
    sige na , martial law na..ngayon na!!

  7. Renato Renato

    I agree!The bogus one,as past incidents have indicated,has her model the late dictator!Similarities,like proclamation 1017(take note of the wordings),the bogus cha-cha thru conASS,a prelude to their fake parliamentary,reminiscent of the dictators equally bogus batasan pambansa,the bogus ones’ bungling running-dogs in the defense dept., raising(once more)the communist bogey.Now,this bombings and assasinations!The People are on to this kind of chilling effect tactics based on the past!We have to be more vigilant now!The bogus one is so desperate to hold on to power,that human life to her is dispensible,be it an ally or enemy!Honestly,God forgive me for saying this, I won’t shed a tear for the death of this selfish and corrupt trapo politicians!It only goes to show, their ill-gotten money and power, nay their pact with satan,will demand a high price,that is their pathetic soul!The devil doesn’t want to be all alone in hell!The bogus one and her evil allies are good company for satan!Kitakits tayo bukas!Patalsikin na,NOW na!

  8. joeseg joeseg

    I’m also reposting here what I wrote in another thread.

    ET-friends, nagsisimula na. I received a frantic call that our small group of promdi who will go to Luneta are being held at bay by uniformed and battle geared military men in Maharlika Highway somewhere in Batangas.

    It gave credence to Daily Tribune’s (Dec.17)headline “PNP sets up checkpoints to block out of towners.“

    With the military and police fully mobilized, and those who will attend are blocked on their way, the prayer-rally may end up with more uniformed (and in plainclothes)men in Luneta than the rallyists.

    See you, I mean read you, on Monday, hopefully.

    (and pls. read Anna’s Backtracking, flipping Gloria at Daily Tribune)

  9. npongco npongco

    In arriving at a more realistic and credible conclusion, let us all be guided by these: GMA has lied and cheated not only twice but hundred times. GMA has tried using emergency powers; supressed press freedom, oppressed the people and slept with the devil. What guarantee is there that she won’t do similar things and even worse? Let’s all be prepared…on guard…watch her every move…and of course most of all…PRAY !

  10. Anna’s commentary at The Tribune:

    Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has made backtracking, flip-flopping, back-pedaling and more as her official government policy. It is no wonder the Philippines under her regime ranks as one of the most non-descript nations in the civilized world.

    Mrs. Arroyo, as a leader, has hit rock bottom not only for her lying, cheating and stealing but also for being a non-credible political persona with an instinct for dividing rather than uniting and for inflicting more damage than necessary on an already image-battered nation.

    Didn’t she backtrack pathetically from sworn commitment she made to her major ally after she enthusiastically but unilaterally offered to sacrifice a handful of troops to President George Bush’s Coalition of the Willing in Iraq because she feared public opinion over the kidnappers’ attempt to behead kidnap victim Angelo de la Cruz?

    Not so long ago, she promised on the death anniversary of the nation’s well-loved hero, Jose Rizal, that she wouldn’t run for president for being the single, biggest cause of divisiveness in the country, only to shamelessly break her word.

    She also flip-flopped on the appointment of Adm. Mateo Mayuga to a major military post as flag-officer-in-command a year ago for some reason that remains mysterious to this day, only media criticisms got her back on track.

    A week ago, she managed to greatly embarrass the nation on the world stage and to unremorsefully sidetrack the hard work of Cebu’s local officials as well as tourism operators by unilaterally canceling a major international summit even after delegates made the trip to Manila by blaming her back-pedaling on Typhoon “Seniang,” a flimsy excuse that none of the guests believes to be true because they know full well that the Arroyo government was lying, that the sordid truth is that it was in the midst of a brewing political storm of her own making

    And today, after moving heaven and earth to get the House to stake its political capital on her pet Charter change project designed at perpetuating herself in power, and taking the nation to the brink of a constitutional crisis, she flip-flops, backtracks and back-pedals once again when faced with a massive public show of indignation.

    Mrs. Arroyo has not changed from being a Malacañang spoiled brat as a toddler resident there; growing into adulthood has not taught her the basic niceties of social behavior; she still has not learned to treat people with respect in spite of her age, her so-called pedigree and her much bragged-about education. Actually, typical of a spoiled brat, she backs down only when she is threatened with serious spanking or when she feels she’s in danger of being booted from her favorite playground, Malacañang.

    We, the Filipino people should not continue to tolerate her shameless behavior. We should not allow her to make a mockery of the civilized tradition of respect for the people. She should be booted out as soon as possible before she causes any more irreparable damage to the nation and its people.

    Filipinos must finally open their eyes to this woman for what she is truly worth: Nothing. She’s greedy, she’s incompetent, she’s unreliable and she’s untrustworthy.

    Anna de Brux

    Belgium

  11. Toney Cuevas Toney Cuevas

    What’s happening to our country? Quick answer would be, it was packaged and delivered to the liars, thieves, cheaters and killers by the same people that wants bogus Gloria kick-out now. Lots of blame to go around, but what’s important now is how to rectify the mistake made and how to rid of most vicious corrupt govt the country ever known. The only issue at present is how to go about it.

  12. Juan del Mundo Juan del Mundo

    What’s happening to our country? (In simple terms)

    1)The President is a fake.
    2)The government is run like a criminal syndicate.
    3)The economy is controlled by the elite and foreigners.
    4)The military is controlled by corrupt generals.
    5)The burocracy is controlled by corrupt generals and corrupt politicians.

  13. TonGuE-tWisTeD TonGuE-tWisTeD

    The Bersamins of Bangued are probably oiling their guns and ready for war. They have monopolized Bangued and Abra politics and no one in his right mind would cross swords with the clan. I should know, I’m a not-so-distant relative. (You can’t choose your relatives, can you?) Judge Lucas Bersamin (Hukom-bitay) has been eating death threats for breakfast since I was a teenager and he lives to this day. Luis was not as lucky.

    The next days will be very uneasy for Bangued residents, it might even return to the no-man’s-land of old. If Luis’ ambush was perpetrated by his own camp to justify the imposition of martial rule, consider the camp closed. They picked the wrong guy.

  14. cvj cvj

    Ellen, from what i recall, the attempted assassination of Emmanuel Pelaez, where he uttered those words to General Karingal, happened in the early 80’s. The talk at that time was that he went against the powerful figures behind the Coco Levy.

  15. TonGuE-tWisTeD TonGuE-tWisTeD

    What’s happening to our country? It’s getting screwed in the rear by the queen using fist-sized dildoes shaped in the image of the DeVenecias, the Gonzaleses, the Villafuertes, the Abaloses, the Arroyos, and all the other dickheads that stray in that slimy whorehouse called Malacañang, that’s what!

  16. TonGuE-tWisTeD TonGuE-tWisTeD

    The scenario being painted is that the drug syndicates have stepped up their campaign against gov’t.

    Look, Assistant SolGen Ballacillo was killed in an ambush with his son in Sucat a few days ago. He was investigating drug lords’ protectors in high government positions.

    Next, Dudut Jaworski, an anti-drugs advocate blames either drug lords or politicians behind his failed ambush.

    Now, Luis Bersamin, the House vice chair on illegal drugs is killed in QC.

    Once martial law is declared, cops can shoot anyone and tag them as drug pushers.

  17. parasabayan parasabayan

    What is happening to the country? It is moving backward, back to the dark ages where the hoodlums prevail. Bersamin’s execution may mean that the people are tired of Tiyanak’s administration! The same way that tiyanak is trying to get rid of her enemies, she and her allies are getting the same treatment too. It can also be drug related being that he is a member of the anti-drug committee. Or, he can be a sacrificial lamb and a prelude to martial law. Tiyanak obviously is following the Marcos style of politics. Unfortunately, she is nothing compared to Ferdie. Ferdie somehow did a lot more for the less fortunate people. Had he not gotten sick( right after he declared the martial law) he was running the country from his bed. Imelda and her goons( her lapdog generals) were running the country for Ferdie.

    We had gone from worse to worst! From the time this Tiyanak
    reneged on her promise not to run again, the country had degenerated. Maybe it is too late now to try to get her out because she has already mastered the art of LYING, CHEATING, CORRUPTING, BRIBING and has gotten a PHD in all of the above!

    Since the people are getting so frustrated with the way the government works, the oppressed have to find a solution to the problems. Tiyanak and her lapdogs are perceived to be the root of all these evils in our midst today. The slain militant leaders’ families are crying for justice but Tiyanak never heard their cries so now they take justice in their hands. If tiyanak has her liquidation squad so does these oppressed people. ALL IT TAKES IS A MOTORCYCLE AND A LOADED GUN! AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH AND IN THESE RECENT KILLINGS, A LIFE FOR A LIFE!

    Tiyanak has already gotten all the money of the people, their livelihood, their dreams and aspirations so while she is up and up (this is true to gambling-habang panalo tumigil na) she should leave her post for the sake of the country. No AMOUNT OF CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE WILL STOP THE COUNTRY’S DEMISE BECAUSE THE CANCER IS THE TIYANAK! EVERYONE WHO IS ASSOCIATED WITH HER WILL GET THE PEOPLE’S WRATH! DOESN’T THIS DESPICABLE CREATURE GET IT? TO RESTORE ORDER, SHE HAS TO GO!!!! SHE IS THE REASON FOR ALL THESE CHAOS, KILLINGS, POVERTY, DIVISIVENESS, MORE CORRUPTION IN ALL AGENCIES(PUBLIC AND PRIVATE)! UNTIL SHE IS OUT OF MALACANANG, OUR COUNTRY WILL TWIST AND TURN AND CAN NEVER MORE FORWARD, ALWAYS JUST BACKWARD!

  18. parasabayan parasabayan

    Just read today that all roads leading to Manila are blocked and some groups wanting to join the rally are detained for questioning. So, you call this demoracy? It is “demonyo-crazy”! Assperon, just like tiyanak, has mastered the art of suppression and oppression. He and his queen are like peas in a pea pod and they will go down together in the same way! Just wait and see!!! AYAW NA NG MGA TAO SA KANILA, IPINAGPIPILITAN PA RIN NILA ANG MGA SARILI NILA! PWEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

  19. artsee artsee

    Kung kayo naaamoy niyo lang ang Martial Law, ako nasa bibig ko na iyan at malapit nang kainin. Sugod na mga kapatid! Panahon na! Ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo? Kung puwede lang utusan ang gobyerno ng Tsina na lusubin ang Pilipinas para kaladkarin palabas si tiyanak, gagawin ko.

  20. alitaptap alitaptap

    Ellen Says:

    December 17th, 2006 at 1:01 am

    Anna’s commentary at The Tribune:

    Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has made backtracking, flip-flopping, back-pedaling and more as her official government policy. It is no wonder the Philippines under her regime ranks as one of the most non-descript nations in the civilized world…….

    ….
    Thanks Ellen for keeping us up to date, re/ Anna. Anna’s commentary would have been just water under the brigge were it not for your astute observations and bringing it into sharp focus. One thing I like about Anna, she walks her talk. She talks on this blog and walks it over at the Daily Tribune. I still have to see another blogger here who can beat that.

  21. alitaptap alitaptap

    chi Says:

    A sacrificial lamb? A prelude to something horrible?

    WAG THE DOG!

    ————

    Yes indeed. When a congressman’s life is no more valuable that a fly, to be swatted out of existence, that is too horrible to comprehend. Hopefully there will be not many ‘preludes’ in today’s RALLY or at the checkpoints that the PNP and military are setting up at the entrance to the city.

  22. CVJ, thank you for pointing out the date of assassination on Pelaez. I got confused.

  23. ocayvalle ocayvalle

    what`s happening to our country? i pray that our leaders in the church,led by cardinal rosales,vidal and the bishop and clergies,ka erdie of inc and his deacon`s,mike velarde of el shadai,villanueva of jil and others leaders of relegious sect.that they will be awakened and not be blind..the issue now is more than the cha-cha..the real issue is the illegal and usurpation of GMA pretending to be the president of the philippines,that`s why we have all this killings and murdering of innocent people.be it opposition or administration..the judges,journalist,student,farmers and militant!!this are all perpetruated by the people in the administration loyal to GMA for the reasons that they are so afraid for GMA`s ouster..leaders of churches be it catholic or protestants,el shadai or born again..the filipino people and your own people in your church is waiting for your words that you denounce GMA,everytime we go to church for our childrens baptismal,the priest and clergies ask us if we denounce satan,we denounce the work of evil!!yes we as your servant we denounce satan and his evil work!! now we us your servant is waiting for you to denounce evil and denounce the work of satan..isn`t GMA`s work now is evil and work of satan..why cant we hear from you now to denounce the work of GMA`s and his cabal that is so evil!!i pray that GMA will be ousted by people!!

  24. What is happening to our country?
    The people have nobody to speak for them and its always been that way, hasn’t it? Even now , as before, the ‘church leaders’ are flip flop. I heard the Bishop’s spokesperson say we can account for a 500,000 crowd but we are afraid that it could be larger. Afraid, why afraid. I thought the aim was to get as many people as possible. Why does the Bishops not allow speakers to call a ‘spade a spade’ by standing on their platform and decry the evils of this administration. All filipinos in the land are praying for this administration to stop their evil actions, KILLINGS, ABDUCTIONS, TORTURE, STEALING, LYING, actions against the people. Why do these church leaders pussy-foot around. When they fail to openly call a ‘spade a spade’ they are also guilty of assisting this administration to cover-up. Will any church leader speak out at the Prayer Rally to point out that even today, as I write, the AFP & PNP GOONS are blocking the roads entering Manila stopping church members from attending the Prayer Rally. The church leaders are part of the peoples problem. SILENCE allows this evil woman to exist in office.
    Only yesterday the Daily Tribune reported that the AFP were angry and ready to act against this administration, so why are the AFP assisting the PNP performing road blocks to stop church goers attending the Prayer Rally, because the AFP are now so corrupt, they have no control of their leaders. Unless a miracle happens tonight (miracles are rear, and not to be relied upon) then tomorrow morning the country will awake to more KILLINGS, ABDUCTION, TORTURE, STEALING, LYING and all because 500,000 citizens plus looked on and did nothing!

  25. apoy apoy

    What’s Happening To Our Country?
    Our country is doing okay.Ask Bunye,Ermita,Mike Defensor and Andaya.
    Our president is aggressively pushing her economic reforms and within the next few years we will be an economic entity in Asia.
    Ha ha ha.That’s what I’m talking about..

  26. Mrivera Mrivera

    kaalyado ni gloria si bersamin. pupusta ako, magiging mabusisi ang pagsisiyasat sa kasong ito, pero kung malalagay sila sa alanganing sitwasyon sa pagkaligaw kung walang magiging maliwanag na resulta, meron na namang kawawang nilalang na pagdudrusahin sa kasalanang hindi niya ginawa. pipigain ang kung sinong pobre upang kumanta at ituro ang sarili bilang wild card sa krimen!

    with high profile media presentation pa!

  27. hawaiianguy hawaiianguy

    Sorry for coming in late. But as the saying goes, better late than never. I only see one thing happening to our country – it’s going to the dogs and pigs! Unless we stop those insatiable creatures that populate malacanang and congress, the nation is doomed.

    Those killings, aborted murders and threats could be part of or connected to a grand scheme that leads to the doorsteps of Malacanang. Once Ermita, the 2 Gonzalezes, Bunye and other bright boys of GMA report death threats or feign an ambush, we should begin to worry.

  28. Mrivera:

    As many of my contacts in the Philippines say, sacrificial lamb ang kaalyado ni Great Switik to deviate the attention from the rally, to justify the harsh treatment of the rallyists especially those coming from the provinces who are not being allowed to come in busloads into Manila and Makati by the PNP that is more like an MP than a civilian police, and most of all to generate sympathy for the sinking Great Switik.

    Pinatay ng hired killer pihado si Bersamin. Pero wait till we see these crooks in the PNP present their ploys or people they love to frameup as usual.

    In short, walang credebility! Kawawang biktima! Namatay ng walang katuturan! Higantihan pa ang labas! Sirang-sira na ang PNP, AFP at kung ano-ano pang PP diyan. Dapat mag-alsa na iyong mga matitinong sundalong-pulis, etc. diyan. Kakahiya na sila!

    SIPAIN DIN IYONG BISAYANG PARANG MANOK NA KUMOKUROKOK NA MAY NPA DAW SA MGA RALLY KAYA KAILANGANG MACHINE GUN-NIN NG MGA SUNDALO NG AFP! SABI NGA NG AMERIKANONG PAMANGKIN KO KUNG AMERIKANO DAW SI SIRAULO GUNGONZALES KASI BAKIT DAW IPINAGTATANGGOL IYONG MALIBOG NA SI SMITH!

    PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!

  29. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    President Elpido Quirino suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus to fight the Huks in 1951. The military intelligence arrested 26 persons for complicity with the Huks. Two biggest fish among the arrested newsmen: Jose Lan-sang, executive editor of Philippines Herald, and the Manila Times’s star police reporter, Mucario Vincencio, who has written several articles exposing graft.

    I believe that the Arroyo regime is creating a LAWLESS VIOLENCE scenario in order to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and possible proclamation of martial law. The Arroyo regime declared all-out war with the Left. There’s a pattern in the assassination of Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin, the alleged assassination attempt of Pasig Representative Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr and Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles. It’s probably that Rep. Luis Bersamin is a sacrificial lamb to achieve its’ sinister plan.

    Ilocos Sur warlord Rep. Floro Crisologo was assassinated on October 18, 1970 inside Vigan St. Paul’s Cathedral. Lawyer Floro Crisologo personally opposed Marcos’ martial law plan. The Plaza Miranda bombing on August 21, 1971 prompted then President Marcos to suspend the writ of habeas corpus hours after the blast at the proclamation rally of the opposition Liberal Party. Gloria Arroyo may declare martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus intended to eliminate all oppositions, to suppress dissent and civil liberties. First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo filed a series of libel suits against journalists and newspaper publishers.

    Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that:
    The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.

  30. Mrivera Mrivera

    huwag subukan ng babaeng iyan na gawing dahilan ang paglikida sa kanyang mga kaalyadong bayaran upang mag-declare ng state of emergency! ano’ng malay natin na kaya pinatay ‘yang si bersamin ay nagkaroon ng onsehan sa mga deal niya sa mga alam n’yo na kung sino at ano kaya siya binuweltahan.

    make the PDEA incident a reference. di ba nagkawalaan ng confiscated shabu mismong sa custody ng PDEA involving some high ranking POLICE OFFICIALS assigned with the agency?

  31. Mrivera:

    Mag-declare ng Martial Law si Great Switik, OK lang. Diyan nasira si Marcos sa totoo lang! At least, si Macoy marunong ng legalities at idinadaan sa legal process ang lahat. Itong si Bansot puro hocus-pocus lang!

    PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!

  32. npongco npongco

    On the contrary, Marcos could have done the right thing by declaring Martial Law. It was the right decision at that time. First few years of Martial Law was okay until Imelda, Marcos cronies and friends began to abuse using Marcos’ power.

  33. npongco npongco

    The thread should now be changed to “What is happening to all of us?” Where is that spirit that made the Edsa One and Two succeed? Where are the people? The people who represent the poor masses? Where are the students from Catholic schools who participated in previous rallies and Edsas? Where is Ramos and his group? Where is Abat and De Villa? Where are The Guardians? Were are the brave soldiers? Where are you guys? Still in your comfortable homes writing in your expensive PCs and laptops?

  34. nelbar nelbar

     
    npongco:

    papaano kaya kung humingi ako ng tulong sa mga kapatid kong “malayan brothers”?

    baka mapagkamalan pa ako ng isa akong terorista? o kaya ay jemaah islamiya? ang masakit pa nito ay maparatangan ka pa na isang myembro ng rajah sulayman movement? Na ang tanging hangad mo lamang ay mapag-aralan ang kasaysayan at malaman ang katotohanan.
     

    nagtataka nga ako sa minsan na isang blogger dito , hindinapinoy , hindi kaya pagdating ng panahon ay tawagin syang TRAYDOR?

     
    Mabuti na lamang at nandyan ang mga Vietnamese na minsan na nag buwis ng dugo alang alang sa kinabukasan ng kanilang susunod na henerasyon.

    Para sa akin, ito ang inspirasyon!

     

  35. artsee artsee

    Mang Nelbar, walang masama kung humingi ka ng tulong sa Malayan brothers. Mababait naman ang mga taga-Malaya kung saan kolumnista din si Ate Ellen.

  36. tong_gress tong_gress

    he he he.. malaya (dyaryo) – malayan (malay race)?? ano ba talaga mga kuya?

  37. Robert V. Maich Robert V. Maich

    Comments on the news, MAGLIBANG TAYO:
    ALL CAPS ARE MINE, CHANGES AND ALL.

    Killings buck stops with GMA — senators
    By Angie M. Rosales
    The Daily Tribune 12/19/2006

    President Arroyo is ultimately to blame for the reign of lawlessness engulfing the nation today. So declared a staunch ally of GLORIA.

    “Obviously the buck stops with Malacañang on the issue of respect for the rule of law. And therefore we must see a major headway, (more so with these) sensational crimes… (Not only is President accountable, but also the judicial system)… We have to punish swiftly (the killers)…,” Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan said. SENADOR NOTED: GAGO LANG PO ANG MATAGAL NA DI NAKAKA ALAM NIYAN.

    Pangilinan cited a Philippine National Police (PNP) report saying, for example, “out of the 26 cases involving media killings… 21 have been ‘solved’” and took issue with the supposed solution of these murders. MATAGAL NA PO
    YAN NGAYON LANG NINYO NALAMAN. SAYANG
    ANG PAS SWELDO SA INYO NG TAONG BAYAN.

    “But the (PNP’s) definition of ‘solved’ is when a complaint has been made… And our information is, when a complaint has been made, a case is ‘closed,’ which could be a basis for spot promotions in the PNP under such system… So, what will stop some of our law enforcers to come up with fall guys and then for them to say ‘case closed’ because such case has been elevated to the courts?” he asked. KSKKSK NA SENADOR TULAD PO YAN NG DEFINITION NG NOTED SA SENADO. KRIMEN LABAN SA BAYAN SOLVED NA PAG SINABING NOTED. MEDIO MAY KATANGANHAN YATA KAYO.

    Pangilinan said “the possibility is that every case becomes a frame-up because, to the PNP, a filed case is a closed case.”
    TULAD PO YAN NG EVERY CASE NA SINURI SA
    ATING TONGRESO LALO NA SENADO. LUTONG MAKAW OR DI KAYA NAWALAN NG INTERES YUNG COOK NA SENADOR, NAPANIS NA IMBESTIGASYON.

    He made a pitch for a more efficient justice system.

    “We must up our conviction rates, we must increase the swiftness within which the cases are disposed of and the guilty punished,” Pangilinan said. SENADOR NOTED PARA KAYONG PNP GENERAL, WE MUST UP OUR CONVICTION RATES PARA KUNYARI AYOS ANG TRABAHO NATIN. DATI YATA KAYONG SPO4?

    Otherwise, he added, it will still be “open season for criminal activities, because the evil elements are confident that they will get away with it or they can put one over the courts and delay the cases until their crimes are evetually buried and forgotten,” he added. EASY LANG PO KAYO SENADOR, KUNG ANG MGA PUMAPATAY AY MGA PULIS AT SUNDALO, BAKA
    MA BERSAMIN KAYO SENADOR NOTED. KUNG HINDI
    NINYO ALAM KUNTI PO LANG ANG CASES EVENTUALLY BURIED AND FORGOTTEN. TANUNGIN NINYO SI GENERAL PALPARAN. WALA SIYANG KASO NA NALILIBING AT NAKAKALIMUTAN. YUN BIKTIMA PA SEGURO, BURIED AND FORGOTTEN.

    Sen. Richard Gordon put to task, too, law enforcers in fulfilling their mandate and made them accountable not only for the immediate investigation of the killings but also the speedy resolution of the cases. PURO THEORY PO KAYO SENADOR GORDON, SA PINAS PO PRACTICE ANG IMPORTANTE HINDI THEORY. KUNG THEORY PO ANG SINUSUNOD NI GLORIA, MATAGAL NA SIYANG NAKAKULONG.

    Gordon, in a privilege speech, said the continuing incidence of murders and assassinations raises suspicions over the possibility that these cases could have been stage-managed. STAGE-MANAGED PO, MGA BUBO PO ANG GUMAGAWA NIYAN – KWARTA LANG AT KAPIT POLITIKA ANG KAILANGAN – LANTARAN PO YAN, HARAPAN, DAYLIGHT AT HINDI NA KAILANGAN TAKPAN NG TELON SA STAGE. HINDI NA RIN KAILANGAN ANG
    STAGE DIRECTOR, BASTA MAY BUDGET REWARD
    PARA SA MGA WANTED KUNO ACTIVISTS. RELEASE
    LANG BUDGET COMMISSION ANG IMPORTANTE BUHAY NA SA KAUNTI PARTI ANG ORDINARYO PULIS AT SUNDALO. KAYA KAHIT CONGRESSMAN PUEDENG GAWING AKTIBISTA
    PARA MAKA KOLEKTA.

    The second after Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. to call the attention of colleagues over the apparent inability of law enforcement agencies to curb lawlesness, he noted the brazen acts of the perpetrators such as those in the cases of Bersamin, Pasig City Rep. Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr. and Assistant Solicitor General Nestor Ballocillo and his son.
    NAMPUTSA NAMAN, NGAYON LANG BA YAN, PANAHON PA NI TABAKO YAN AT NI KUMPARENG ERAP. KUNG NGAYON LANG NAGING AKTIBISTA SI SENADOR NA NAKULONG PA, NGAYON PANAHON NI GLORIA HINDI NA NAGING SENADOR YAN.

    “What is most troubling… is the growing temerity of these criminals in committing their heinous deeds. Imagine… they don’t even bother to bring an escape vehicle anymore, they just commute to and from the crime scene. These criminals are treating murders and assassinations like they would a nine-to five-job, perfectly confident that they would get away with it,” Gordon said. SENADOR GORDON BAGAMA’T KANO KAYONG FILIPINO, DI NYO ALAM TRABAHO LANG YAN, WALANG PERSONALAN. KAILANGAN DIN KUMAIN ANG PAMILYA NG MGA YAN.

    The murderers and the assassins, he added, think of themselves as the law. SEGURADO BA KAYO SENADOR? PAMBILI LANG NG PAGKAIN O PANGINOM YAN. YUNG MGA NAG UUTOS, MGA POLITIKO SEGURONG TULAD NYO AND NAGIISIP NA SILA AY BATAS OR MATAAS PA SA BATAS. SINO BA ANG TINAGURIANG MAMBABATAS. DI BA SI GLORIA DATING MAMBABATAS DIN?

    “They take lives anywhere they feel like it… We are not safe anywhere… They don’t care if you’re a cop, they don’t care if you’re a priest, if you’re a watch-your-car boy or a government official. They will take your life,” Gordon said. TAMA PO ALAM PO NG MGA MAMBABATAS YAN. KAYA MARAMING NAYAYARI NG WALANG LABAN.

    He hinted at a conspiracy behind the killings. OOPS MALALIM PO YAN SENADOR. SI JOMA PO ANG DAPAT EXPERT DIYAN. PERO AYUN BUSY SA BAKASYON SA HOLLAND. LALONG MARAMING HAYOP SA KONGRESO, LALONG MARAMING NAKAWAN SA GOBIERNO LALONG PABOR SA IDYOLOGIYA NI JOMA. KAYA SEGURO DUMADALOY ANG CHAMPAGNE SA HOLLAND. MULA NG UMUPO SI GLORIA.

    “Are we being set up here? Is this chaos orchestrated to sow fear among our people so as to justify some extra-judicial step to bludgeon our people into submission?” Gordon asked. PANOORIN PO NINYO ANG MGA FOOTAGE AT NEWS
    COVERAGE SA MALAKANYANG, AT TIYAK SISINDI
    ANG BUMBILYA SA TUKTOK NINYO SENADOR.

    He warned of scrutinizing the budgets of the law enforcement agencies. OOPS NAHULOG AKO SA SILYA KO SENADOR. PASA KAYO NG PASA, ADOPT KAYO NG ADOPT NG LAST YEAR BUDGET, MALIBAN SA DAGDAG SA SA INYONG PORK, TAPOS TITIGNAN NINYO ANG
    BUDGET NG LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, OY
    BAKA MA GLAUCOMA KAYO. DI NA NINYO MAKITA
    YUNG PINIPIRMAHAN NINYO VOUCHER AT TSEKE.

    “As we deliberate their budgets, let us ensure that they are spending them to ensure the safety and security of our people. Let us hold them accountable for the investigation and speedy resolution of these crimes that we may once again reclaim the streets of our nation from criminals and hoodlums who wantonly slap the face of justice and jeer at the rights of our people,” Gordon said. NAMPUTSA MAGA NA PISNGI NG BAYAN KASASAMPAL NINYO, IBIBINTANG PA NINYO SA MGA KRIMINAL.

    PWERA BIRO MGA SENADOR, IMBESTIGAHIN NGA NINYO YUNG REWARD SYSTEM NG MGA SUNDALO
    AT PULIS, DAPAT MAY ACCOUNTING YAN. SUSI
    YAN NG HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION. PAG WALA
    KAYONG NAGAWA DIYAN, TALAGANG 100 PER
    CENT FILIPINO SENADOR NGA KAYO. WALANG
    KATULAD SA BUONG MUNDO SA PAGKA INUTIL.

    House Minority leader Francis Escudero (Sorsogon) said they are not interested in availing themselves of any security detail from the Arroyo administration even in the face of threats on the lives of members of Congress. OY BAKIT CHIZ, HINDI PINOY YANG WALANG TIWALA SA NINANG SA KASAL. MABUTI PA SINA ETTA, SATUR AT IBANG MILITANTE MAY DAHILAN HUWAG MAGTIWALA, PERO KAYONG TUNAY NA OPOSISYON, HIGIT DAPAT WALANG TIWALA DAHIL ALAM NINYO ANG KAURI NINYO.

    Malacañang earlier on Monday urged politicians, especially the Arroyo allies in the House of Representatives, to seek help from the PNP if they feel that their life is being endangered. SIGE PALISTA NA KAYO PARA PAG LUMIHIS KAYO NG
    LANDAS ANDOON NA ANG YAYARI SA INYO.

    Escudero, during a regular press conference, described the breakdown of law and order could turn the May 2007 elections into a “bloody” affair. KUNG AYOS ANG BAYARAN TULAD NOONG 2004, ANG ELEKSYON TIYAK NA BORING, NAKAKAANTOK, SI GONZALES LANG, SI SHARONLINAN LANG AT SI GLORIA ANG GISING SA ORAS NG BILANGAN.

    This early, he said, the violence should serve as a “wake-up call” to the PNP, which should already begin preparing ensuring the security of the nation and its citizens for the scheduled local and national polls next year. TEKA CHIZ, ANO BA ANG WAKE UP CALL? HINDI PA NABABATUKAN ANG PNP KAYA TULOG PA YAN. NOONG NAG STAMPEDE SA ULTRA NAGING WAKE UP CALL BA YUN SA PNP. YUNG NANG YARI LEYTE AT SA ALBAY NA SANGKATUTAK ANG NAMATAY, MAY NAGISING BA? CHIZ WALANG WAKE UP CALL SA PINAS. KUNG TULAD MO ANG EHEMPLO NG OPOSISYON. KAWAWANG PILIPINAS.

    Escudero added he hopes that the PNP and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), in the next several weeks, would be able to contain the volatile situation, which if unchecked, he said, could lead to “bloody” elections in 2007. VOLATILE SITUATION? SALITANG BAYARANG MEDIA YAN.

    He said it is a big possibility that the killing of Bersamin was election-related, contrary to Malacañang eyeing communist rebels in the murder of the Abra congressman last Saturday outside the Mt. Carmel Church in Quezon City.

    Escudero added he is not jumping the gun on the police investigation but that it is better that the probers be reminded of their duty to protect the electorate. TO PROTECT THE ELECTORATE? SINO? SAAN? KANINO POPROTECTOHAN? ANG LABO NAMAN. SA MGA GOONS? SUNDALO O PULIS? ALANGAN NAMAN MAG AWAY ANG MGA BOTANTE. CHIZ IBA ANG ELECTORATE SA VOTERS.

    He said requesting a security detail from Malacañang might be an exercise in futility since those provided to members of the opposition had been recalled by the government.

    Escudero called on Speaker Jose de Venecia to “do something about the security of the members of the House, be they members of the minority or the majority.” NAMPUTSA ITONG
    SI DE VENCECIA AT CHIZ, BAWASAN LANG NG KAUNTI ANG SLUSH FUND MERON NA SILANG PAMBAYAD SA PRIVATE ARMY NG CONGRESS. DI NA KAILANGAN ANG BATAS, ISANG MAJORITY RESOLUTION LANG, PUEDE NA NILANG UPAKAN ANG RALLYIST SA BATASAN DI NA KAILANGAN ANG PNP.

    Malacañang made the offer to secure the congressmen days after another Arroyo ally, Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles, said he had received death threats. PURO BOLADAS ITO.

    Press Secretary and concurrent presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the police are willing to help protect the lawmakers, both administration and opposition members. ITO PA BULADAS DIN.

    “There’s a process and the PNP will do its best to give them (congressmen) protection,” Bunye added. NAMBOLA NA NAMAN ITONG #$$%%% SINO BA ANG NAPROTECTIONAN NA NG PNP, SI GLORIA AT SI MIKE PA LANG.

    He urged concerned sectors to leave the PNP alone in investigating Bersamin’s killing. NAMPUTSA DAMI BANG NAKIKIALAM SA IMBESTIGASYON? BAKA SA COVER UP. PABAYAAN NA LANG ANG PNP
    MAGALING SILA DIYAN.

    The other day, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said he is not discounting the possibility that the opposition and the New People’s Army (NPA) might have had a hand in Bersamin’s death. ITONG SI ERMITA DAPAT BIGYAN NG MALIIT NA MESA SA PLAZA MIRANDA, MAS MAGALING ITO ITO KAYSA MGA PSYCHIC AT MANGHUHULA DOON.

    The PNP also yesterday confirmed they are holding 10 persons, all possible suspects in and witnesses to the Bersamin assassination. BAKA DI NINYO ALAM NUMBER ONE SA WORLD ANG PNP SA PAGGAMIT NG WITNESS, HINDI NA KAILANGAN ANG FORENSIC INVESTIGATION BASTA MAY DRAWING AT WITNESS SOLVE NA ANG KASO. HINDI ALAM NI SENADOR GORDON YAN.

    According to PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Jesus Verzosa, they are still trying to determine who among the 10 directly participated in the killing. SIYEMPRE TATANUNGIN MUNA NILA, HINDI NA KAILANGAN ANG FINGERPRINTS, OR SLUGS OR
    BALLISTICS. PINAKAMADALI YANG WITNESS OR
    CONFESSION, MURA PA, TIGNAN NINYO ANG
    KASO NI NIDA BLANCA. NUMBER ONE TALAGA SA
    WORLD ANG PNP AT NBI.

    Verzosa said the motive behind the killing is either political or personal. DAPAT ASSISTANT ITO NI ERMITA SA PANGHUHULA SA PLAZA MIRANDA.

    He added the PNP has put up a P200,000-reward for any information that will help them solve the Bersamin murder.
    OOPS PERA YAN, PAMBILI NG PAGKAIN, PANDAGDAG
    SA SWELDO YAN. AYOS SANA ANG PARTIHAN.

    The Abra congressman and his bodyguard, Senior Police Officer 1 Adelfo Ortega, were shot dead after attending a wedding at the church. SERIOUSLY ORTEGA AY BIKTIMA NG BULOK
    NA GOVERNANCE.

    Verzosa released a hotline – 09227358978 – through which Task Force Bersamin can be reached.

    He said they will also look into the possibility that the killing was the handiwork of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. KUNG TOTOO NPA
    ANG GUMAWA NITO TALAGANG MALALIM NA ANG
    SAKIT NG LIPUNANG KINAGISNAN.

    Abra province reputedly is an NPA hotbed. KUNG TOTOO HOTBEB ANG ABRA, AT KAAWAY ANG PINATAY
    BAKA MAY DEFERENCIA ANG HEATING ELEMENT
    NOT HOTBED. BAKIT TUMAGAL SA PANANALASA
    SA BAYAN. MAHIRAP PANIWALAAN NA WALANG
    MABUTING GINAWA SA BAYAN ANG BIKTIMA.

    Chief Supt. Raul Gonzalez, Cordillera police director, also yesterday said Abra has been placed on full alert as a preemptive measure against possible violent reactions from Bersamin’s supporters. SINONG BABANATAN NILA, MGA NPA?

    PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon also yesterday said the killers may have been from Abra and decided to eliminate Bersamin in Metro Manila due to tight security measures being implemented in the province.

    “The killers cannot carry out the assassination in Abra because of tight inspections there, the strict implemention of the suspension of control of local government officials over the police and the presence of the PNP-Special Action Force there, that’s why the killers decided to bring their hunt to Metro Manila”, Calderon added. NANINIWALA AKO KAY CALDERON, SA ABRA DI PUEDENG RIP VAN WINKLE ANG PULIS.

    TAMA NA SEGURO, BORING NA PAG MAHABA
    ANG COMENTO. SANA NALIBANG ANG
    MGA BLOGGER, AT NAIBA NG KAUNTI
    SA NAME CALLING.

  38. Mrivera Mrivera

    nag-aaway na naman ang mga bata! bigyan n’yo ng tig-isang walis tingting para mag-espadahan!

  39. “bigyan n’yo ng tig-isang walis tingting para mag-espadahan! ”

    Hihihihih! Parang mga aso at pusa ba, Mrivera?

  40. Mrivera Mrivera

    anna, ‘buti pa nga ang aso’t pusa kahit mga hayop lamang ay may pinagkakasunduan. pero sa mga iyan, ewan ko ba kung sino ang parang lagi ng merong sugat na huwag di masaling ay nasasaktan!

  41. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    How reliable Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s source? National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales’ communist bogey won’t sell to the public. What’s happening to our country Mrs. Gloria Arroyo?

    Assassination plots set for martial law
    By Angie M. Rosales
    12/21/2006
    EXCERPRTS Daily Tribune The killings plot thickens.
    Assassinations will continue to rock the nation, with two more congressmen and a senator as the subjects of the assassination plots that will reportedly be carried out anytime soon, but specifically before the end of the year.
    Following these high-profile assassinations, where peace and order will have been seen as having collapsed completely, a declaration of martial law, or an imposition of a national emergency rule will be effected by President Arroyo.
    The alleged “brains” behind this plan are said to be seven generals who
    have designed the supposed “game plan” with National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales during a meeting Sunday night in an undisclosed venue.
    This was bared yesterday by opposition Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada as he said a “very reliable source” who was claimed to be privy to the Gonzales meeting with the generals, relayed the information to him.
    “I received a text message (from him) saying that before the year ends, Mrs. Arroyo will declare an emergency rule but before declaring an emergency rule, two congressmen and a senator will be assassinated. These are, as yet, unconfirmed reports and I hope they are not true,” he told reporters during an interview.
    His disclosure came just as talks of alleged new plans by the Arroyo government to impose martial rule surfaced yesterday, simultaneously with the pronouncements made by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that requests by seven senators for additional security personnel had been granted by the police.
    It was not immediately known whether Estrada’s information and the PNP’s statements are in any way related.
    But amid the high-profile political killings victimizing politicians, Malacañang yesterday assured that there is no new destabilization plot and that the Christmas season will be peaceful. This appears to be a new tack being taken by the Palace, especially as the Justice chief just the other day pointed to a destabilization plot due to a congressman’s murder.

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