IN SEARCH FOR TRUTH
By Ernesto M. Maceda
The Philippine Star
By Ernesto M. Maceda
The Philippine Star
No less than Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda has confirmed that President Noynoy Aquino was still in Zamboanga, directing and overseeing the operations against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Lacierda said, the President as Commander-in-Chief was giving directions, giving support, and is playing a “big role.”
Over 100 persons have been killed, including 14 soldiers and policemen, and over 150 wounded in the firefight so far. There are 92,000 persons in 35 evacuation centers.
Also in Zamboanga, directing the operations are DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, DND Sec. Voltaire Gazmin, DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, and PNP Chief Police Director Gen. Alan Purisima.
President Aquino has been in Zamboanga City since Friday. He turned down an offer for a ceasefire by MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari brokered by Vice President Jejomar Binay.
DILG Sec. Mar Roxas estimates the remaining MNLF forces still fighting the government is down to 50.
Moro-Moro
First, it was announced that Zamboanga City Police Director Jose “Chiquito” Malayo was captured by the MNLF.
Then, he walks out of the mangroves, with 23 Muslims rebels saying “he was able to convince them to surrender.”
So what now, do we believe Malayo’s story? Sounds like a big “moro-moro.” Why did he go to the war zone accompanied by only 3 escorts? Did he inform his superiors of his plans to enter the war zone?
Anyway, let’s be thankful he is alive.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesperson, said 2 soldiers and 30 rebels were killed in fighting in the last 24 hours.
It looks like the military operations will continue until the last rebel is killed or captured. After their siege ends, there’s a need for an impartial investigation as to whether the big number of casualties could have been prevented if a ceasefire was agreed upon.
5 years trial
It took the Sandiganbayan 6 years to decide the plunder case against President Joseph Estrada.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales announced it will take her one year to decide the case and file it with the Sandiganbayan.
It looks like, therefore, that we have to wait at least 5 years or up to 2018 before the pork scam case is decided by the Sandiganbayan.
Then, the appeal to the Supreme Court kicks in which may take another 5 years.
Next batch
DOJ Sec. Leila De Lima announced last Monday that what they filed is only the first batch of defendants. She said that other batches will be filed.
Recall that the COA 2007-2009 report found 23 congressmen as having misused their PDAF.
COA Chairman Grace Pulido Tan has also announced that the investigations on the misuse of the Malampaya fund is ongoing and it is expected as many as 92 congressmen and mayors may be charged in connection with that fund.
The public is still waiting for a result of the investigations in the misuse of the PDAF under President Aquino from July 2010 to the end of 2012.
Many PDAF hard projects, especially roads have been reported to be ghost projects.
What the public wants to know also is where President Aquino as a congressman for 9 years and senator for 3 years allocated his PDAF funds?
Blue Ribbon to continue
Despite the filing by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and private complainants of charges of plunder and malversation with the Ombudsman against 38 persons, the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing will continue.
Still to be investigated are the executives of Philippine Forestry (Philforest), National Livelihood Development Corp. (NLDC), and the Technology Resource Center (TRC). Also invited is the branch manager of a bank who allowed a withdrawal of P75 million by Janet Lim-Napoles.
Sen. T.G. Guingona should continue his investigation as several laws will have to be amended and discussed.
Damage to civilians
More than 200 homes have been burned as a result of the Zamboanga fighting. Many civilians lost their personal belongings. About 20 civilians were killed and scores wounded.
Many civilians also lost their income from businesses that were closed.
Clearly, the government should pay for all of these, considering their decision to exercise the military option.
A rehabilitation committee must now be organized. The P1 billion contingency funds and the P5 billion Presidential Social Fund (PSF) should be tapped to help the 82,000 civilian evacuees.
Specify the mess
President Fidel V. Ramos angrily commented that the Aquino administration should “clean up their own mess.”
Sec. Edwin Lacierda asked Ramos to elucidate and specify what he thinks they should have done. Should there have been more negotiation before fighting began? Name names, Lacierda demanded.
About 30 soldiers, policemen, and civilians other than MNLF rebels died in the fighting, more than 130 were wounded. Could this have been prevented or at least minimized? Shouldn’t have the MNLF been given time to surrender before the fighting started?
Alcala insists
Department of Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala insists we will be self-sufficient in rice by year end. His claim is disputed by the Bureau of Agriculture Statistics Director Romeo Recide, who projected the total harvest at 18.3 million metric tons.
Ironically, the projected shortage of about 2 to 3 million metric tons is being provided by smuggled rice.
Let’s wait and see. If Alcala is wrong and a rice shortage occurs by December, then Sec. Alcala should resign.
Mindanao war zone
The 16th and 17th Mindanao blasts occured this time in Davao City malls. Clashes between rebels and government forces are ongoing in Zamboanga City, Basilan, and Cotabato. And now Davao City is hit after Cagayan De Oro and Cotabato City.
The Davao explosions occurred at Cinema 5 of the Gaisano Mall and Cinema 1 of SM City. Five persons were wounded.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he does not believe the explosions were caused by the MNLF.
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