THE PHILIPPINE PREVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:14:00 +0800

Soldier who recovered from Covid-19 tested positive again

PANGULONG DUTERTE LATEST SPEECH April 16 2020

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 09:15:00 +0800

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Sat, 4 Apr 2020 09:55:00 +0800

OPINION

Pandemic versus infodemic

By Michael M. Medina

Chief Editor, The Philippine Preview

This Covid-19 crisis we are facing is indeed a challenge to find the accurate and reliable information to ward off the other kind of widespread epidemic involving fake news, misinformation and deliberate and obvious exaggeration of the coronavirus issue. 

Because of the difficult, painful situation, many people have become adept in believing sensational headlines and bogus science stories with little time to investigate properly.

Just recently, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the law that will grant him emergency powers to solve the COVID-19 crisis in the country. One particular provision included a two-month jail sentence or a fine of ₱10,000 to ₱1 million for anyone who will create or spread false information about the crisis.

There goes the problem, not everyone has been trained how to properly evaluate evidence, interpret the meaningless language used or report on statistics specialist science journalists only have. 

To date the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has filed several criminal charges against individuals caught sharing false information on social media on COVID-19. Such spreading of unverified and false information on COVID-19 outbreak posts caused panic to some and the PNP said they are dead serious in continuing to take countermeasures against misinformation through cyber patrol operations and monitoring on all social media platforms.

The public is urged refrain from posting and sharing unreliable and unverified reports and information on the pandemic that may cause panic and fear during this period of national emergency. The other day, Rep. Henry Oaminal’s said the NBI’s Cybercrime Division has been monitoring social media channels for fake news, and will start investigations and send subpoenas to the authors of the post to give them a chance to air their side.

That’s the main focus right now and that is where we in the media are to focus also in delivering the right information to the public. We will work together on this.

This action of the NBI cybercrime is focused on the revised penal code, “wherein any publication of false news which will have the tendency to endanger public order will be in violation of Article 154,” particularly on “factual error or malicious intent to populate false news that could endanger the public order,” not on comments on social media.

That’s the main focus right now and that is where we in the media are to focus also in delivering the right information to the public. We will work together on this.

Isay says her love for Clarin overwhelms her

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 10:15:00 +0800

By Michael Medina

Chief Editor

The Philippine Preview

Clarin, Misoc—Running for mayor may be tough but it is easy getting there if you have the inspiration to win; bolstered by your love and dedication to serve the people, Marisa “Isay” Long Villa said.

“Gusto ko mag-promote ug peace and order, kanang adunay kalinaw, pakighiusa ug pakigsandurot sa tanan regardless of political colors,” she said in an interview.

“Ang butang nga naka patukmod nako nga modagan kini ang gugma nako sa lungsod,” she added.

Villa said that growing up in her hometown has guaranteed what she is today, with the many of the same familiar faces from her childhood and what she’s been up to, even without the benefit of being luxurious.

“Kining lumad ta nga nagpuyo sa usa ka lugar, nailhan nato halos tanang tawo, atoang mga kadugo, halos tanan paryente hinungdan nga masud-ong nato ang ilang kahimtang,” Villa stressed.

“Atong nasuroy ang Clarin sukad sa gamay pa ta, dula-dula sa mga suuk-suuk nga lugar ug dili malikayan nga makalantaw dili lang sa atong kaugalingon kondili sa uban usab.”

She clarified that this didn’t stunt her emotional maturity as she sees now is the time to actually “grow up” and be responsible.

“Moabot atong panahon ba nga mohamtong atong edad, mag-expand sad ang panglantaw nato sa kinabuhi nga kinahanglan kita mo-share sa atong kahibalo ngadto sa mga tawo kay atoa silang gihigugma,” she said.

“Hatagan nato sila ug good governance, not only made possible through infrastuctures kondili mga nindot nga projects nga anaay impact sa kada pamilya,” she outlines her blueprint.

Villa shared a decent civil society’s basic needs include safe water, food, medical care, environmental conservation and education and all these is what a new governance in her town must meet.

“Wala man nagkulang ang gobyerno karon but the implementation must reach all sector of the general public, especially those who need it most,” she ended.

ZPPI re-elects new execs to comply with SEC law

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 11:14:00 +0800

By Michael Medina

THE PHILIPPINE PREVIEW

The Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) recently elected its new set of officers in a special meeting held at Hotel Guillermo last March 23, Saturday.

In a press statement sent to The Philippine Preview, the ZPPI disclosed the election of Joan Guangco (Radyo Bagting) as the new president while Don Sherwin Lu (Pagadian Times) is the vice president.

Other elected officers are Leah Agonoy (Philippine Daily Inquirer) as secretary; Charnyl Albaracin (Hardline Publications) as treasurer; Manny Maulana (InfoLink) as auditor and Jay Apales (One TV Philippines) as PIO.

The members of the Board of Directors are Analiza Lu (Pagadian Times), Tony Bagalando (DXWO Radyo Bisdak), Aude Hampong (GMA-7), Leo Santillan (One TV Philippines), Gideon Corgue (Philippine Information Agency) and Efren Superal (STV).

In her message, Guangco urged fellow media members to forge unity, support the organization and take the lead in enhanced and honest reporting despite the diversity efforts and individual relationships among the group.

She likewise said ZPPI must use its capability in enhancing social consistency and refrain from inciting hatred, explaining the impact of the media on social solidarity is to promote ethical responsibility among practitioners by directing their efforts towards positive uses and make constructive criticisms among fellow members in times of challenges.

In a message, Albarracin also said he is grateful for the initiatives of Remai Alejado, former ZPPI president and founding chair, for the determination to address ZPPI’s concern on the supposedly extended term of the serving president which has already ended last December 2018, citing the group’s by-laws.

In another message to this paper, Alejado said she wanted to help ZPPI put its actions together so that the group can soon file its reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under the law, all registered stock and non-stock corporations, foundations, associations, non-government and religious organizations and other entities are required by the SEC to submit a report on a regular or special basis. The SEC will penalize those who fail to file promptly.

To date, ZPPI has more or less 60 active members.

Taiwanese cops collar Ardot

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Sat, 26 May 2018 11:55:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY--Almost a year of hiding from authorities for drug trafficking, resigned Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog was finally arrested in Pingtung County, Taiwan Wednesday, May 23, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday.

PNP spokesman, C/Supt. John Bulalacao told mediamen that Parojinog’s arrest came after a joint cooperation was made between the PNP and its counterpart in Taiwan.

Parojinog was arrested in a raid by Taiwanese police at his rented house in Donggang, near evening following a tipoff.

Intelligence reports from Interpol revealed that the councilor entered Taiwan using illegal documents and sought refuge in the fishing village of Donggang .

Information from Taiwanese police also said they have been tracking Parojinog for illegal entry since April and located his hideout via his smartphone.

This city's police office has since reported that Ardot had gone into hiding as early as January, last year, months before the raids were made on their houses.

The PNP added that Ardot is being investigated and wanted for illegal possession of high-powered firearms he allegedly kept and was recently seized by policemen in a raid inside his mrop security agency office and Dottie's Inn business located here.

The councilor's arrested cohorts tipped off authorities on his whereabouts, also said Police C/Insp. Jovie Espenido.

As of press time, there is no definite date yet when Parojinog would be deported from Taiwan.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who has offered a bounty of P5 million for Ardot's arrest, welcomed the councilor's arrest as a good news and assured Ozamiznons that Parojinog will be tried in due process for the charges leveled against him.

When he became president, Duterte tagged the Parojinogs as key players of illegal drug activities in Ozamiz City and nearby areas.

As for Espenido, Ardot’s arrest was a sort of help from above. He said in one newspaper interview that with the councilor now in detention, he felt a finishing point of his worry about Ozamiz. (MICHAEL MEDINA, THE PHILIPPINE PREVIEW)

Police recovers high powered guns, ammos during raid in Ardot’s business firms

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Thu, 3 May 2018 17:21:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—Police operatives headed by Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido searched and examined for concealed items Dottie's Inn and MROP Security Agency--both businesses owned by former City Councilor and fugitive Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog located in Banadero Highway, here, and recovered several high-powered firearms and bombs last early Monday dawn, April 30, a recent news relayed to The Philippine Preview said.

(PHOTO BY NEPTALIE BATOLENIO)

Ardot is the brother of slain mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog Sr. who has been on the move since his brother and 15 others were killed when they allegedly fought police raiders last July 2017.

Espenido detailed to the media their confiscated firearms as two anti-tank rockets, two RPGs, three rifle grenades, 15 pieces 12-gauge shotguns, 18 pieces 9mm hand gun, eight .38 revolvers and an M16 rifle.

The police also recovered 148 9mm live ammunitions, 73 pieces live .38 revolver bullets and 17 9mm magazines.

Espenido remarked that all the seized weapons bear no serial numbers.

He revealed that the police are acting from a tip of an informant who disclosed that guns and ammunition were being kept in Parojinog’s shut down establishments.

The fugitive councilor and his aide were not around during the raid. But caretakers of their properties were taken for questioning, said Espenido.

Presently, Parojinog carries a P5-million bounty for his capture and is was also placed on the Bureau of Immigration’s watch list.

Later, another raid on a farm owned by Ian Dionson in Brgy. Sangay Dako yielded some 250 grams of suspected shabu, two rifle grenades, two 40 MM rifle grenades and another M16.

Dionson, however, was not around during the raid, only the farm’s caretaker, Elmer Prenio, who was taken in for questioning.

Last April 21, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Northern Mindanao who raided the compound of a village chair in Kinawe, Libona, Bukidnon province, said they received reports that Parojinog was hiding there.

Espenido said Parojinog had long been missing and was rumored to be most likely hiding in the Lanao provinces. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Cops arrest Aldong’s uncle, aunt in La Union; Ardot seen in Bukidnon

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 08:53:00 +0800

(PHOTO COURTESY BY INQUIRER)

OZAMIZ CITY— Reports from Pangasinan police confirmed their arrest on the identified aunt of the late Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., her husband and their son last April 19.

The said report mentioned that they have in detention Councilor Rizalina “Peque” Francisco, husband Manuelito alias “Maning” or “Lapad” and son, June alias “Omboy”, ex-chieftain of San Roque, after they were stopped at a checkpoint along a Diversion Road in the village of Brgy. Bangcusay, San Fernando City.

Police C/Supt. Romulo Sapitula, Ilocos police regional director, said the Franciscos were on their way back to Metro Manila with six other people in a rented Toyota Innova when they were stopped.

According to the PNP, the Francisco couple was facing cases for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Maning was marked as one of the organizer and planner of the dreaded Parojinog-Kuratong Baleleng Group which had been linked to cases of robbery, extortion, drug trafficking and contract killing.

Another briefer stated that Francisco and his gang is known for its complex and advanced carnapping schemes in which expensive cars are stolen and released to the blackmarket.

Earlier, television reports have said the Franciscos fled to Metro Manila and were allegedly in hiding after a police raid in their house where guns and explosives were recovered.

A PNP report released last year said the Franciscos transferred from one place to another knowing they were being hunted by the police.

A warrant of arrest against the Franciscos was issued by Presiding Judge Edmundo P. Pintac RTC 10th Judicial Region Br. 15, Ozamiz City, here, last Feb. 6 for violation of RA 9516.

The suspects are now detained at the San Fernando Police Station and will be turned-over to the Regional Trial Court, here.

In related news, an arrested village chief of Kinawe, Libona, Bukidnon town, is suspected to have coddled Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog who has gone into hiding after the death of his brother and is now declared wanted by police.

SPO4 Noel Oclarit, CIDG-Northern Mindanao chief investigator, said they arrested Cherry Barros and 18 others last Saturday.

A joint team of police and military operatives served a search warrant for Barros but were fired upon as they were about to enter the Barros compound located in Zone 3, Kinawe.

A firefight ensued that lasted for almost an hour and only when they ran out of bullets that the armed men surrendered to the authorities.

Three soldiers were wounded in the confrontation, while 19 individuals were apprehended along with various types of firearms and ammunition confiscated at the crime scene.

Cherry’s husband, Tarcisio and a still unidentified person were said to have escaped following the firefight as operatives continued their pursuit of the suspects who got away.

Oclarit said the two persons who escaped during the raid were possibly hit and wounded owing to a trail of blood responding agents saw on a pavement.

A Bombo Radyo report dated April 21 has recognized the unidentified person as Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog, basing its report from CIDG Cagayan de Oro Team head Supt. Melgar Devaras who assessed a tip that Parojinog had been staying at the Barros compound, though they could not verify yet if he was one among those who managed to elude arrest.

It can be recalled that the former councilor was included in the most wanted posters put up in this city last year by a group of concerned citizens. The Department of Justice has also placed him under the immigration lookout bulletin.

He has a previous P1-million bounty for his arrest. But in September, last year, President Rodrigo Duterte offered a P5-million bounty for the capture of Parojinog and even encouraged soldiers to go to the mountains and hunt for him when they’re off duty.

Meanwhile, the CIDG said they have established the connection between Parojinog and Barros’ group as true and definite since most of the suspects they arrested have corroborated they are members of the Kuratong Baleleng and have, in fact, come from Ozamiz. (BY MICHAEL MEDINA)

DSWD lauds Ozamiz in 2018 PaNata Ko Sa Bayan Awards

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 08:52:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY--The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently handed over its recognition to its various partners and stakeholders who have helped them in providing programs and services through the “Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PaNata Ko sa Bayan) Awards.”

The awarding was held during the 67th founding anniversary of DSWD last March 8 at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City headed by Development (DSWD) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Emmanuel A. Leyco.

Different awards were given like the “Salamat Po Awards,” “GAPAS Awards,” “Gawad Serbisyo” and “Gawad Ulat,” among others.

In a report from the City Mayor’s office, it announced Acting Mayor Irene E. Luansing as one of the awardees in the Gawad Good Convergence Initiative for the local government's Pantawid Kolehiyo Program.

Luansing was bestowed the award for her support in the college tuition of 86 scholars who are children of 4Ps beneficiary families.

“This signifies her strong resolve to make education access a key long-term strategy in addressing poverty,” the press release from her office said.

Fifteen other throughout the country vied for the award but only five made it to the final mark with Ozamiz City on top of the list, the press release further said.

It was also known that the previous administration has left the said program unfunded for unknown reasons, as the press release stated, which Luansing readily took action when she became mayor.

DSWD’s Leyco expressed his gratefulness in his speech for all the help given to the Department in pertinence to its mission, vision and goal to serve the Filipino people or every Filipino people in need.

“Now more than ever, we must all unite to ensure that we are able to provide our beneficiaries and the rest of the Filipino people prompt and compassionate service that has no room for corruption,” he added. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Luansing calls Espenido ‘new hoodlum on the block’

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 10:57:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—Carefully matching her description of him as uncontrollable and disorderly, Acting Mayor Irene “Girlet” Luansing lately called City Chief of Police C/Insp. Jovie Espenido as the “new hoodlum on the block.”

Luansing’s name-calling was contained in a letter dated Nov. 29. 2017 and forwarded to Chief PNP Dir. Gen. Ronald de la Rosa, a copy of which was obtained by Mindanaoan Broadcasting Channel chief Expedita Roxas and shared to The Philippine Preview.

In the said letter, the local chief executive called the attention of the PNP director over the unruly conduct of Espenido and appealed for attention for the interest and integrity of institutions and the correctness of police functions.

Luansing cited four details in her letter: first is the pronouncement of bad words by the police chief against her and her men on account of baseless accusations, bringing up Espenido’s earlier threat to Ryan Rosauro—the mayor’s chief executive assistant—a conduct she says is unbecoming of a police officer.

Next, Luansing says Espenido has been harping about her cutting off the city police’s support when the truth is that such funding was already restored by her leadership after the late Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. scrapped it off middle of 2017.

The specified budget, it was learned, is the food allowance for police troops, the monthly communication allowance for each police officer and the RATA for Espenido and his two deputies.

The mayor added they even allowed the local police to use the LGU-owned vehicles and motorcycles complete with a monthly fuel provision.

The mayor continued by saying that Espenido tried to dip his fingers into local governance matters by relocating the ambulant vendors outside the public market premises into the Cotta Shrine area and bullying them to comply.

She said that there has also been confusion among the city’s riding public after the police officer fixed the motorcab fares to P10 from P8 and issued tariff cards for boundary routes.

“This is usurpation of the functions of the local government which is provided in the Local Government Code,” Luansing said.

“These actions are tantamount to him acting as the replacement local thug, the new hoodlum on the block, which erodes the credibility of the local police which he himself greatly contributed to restoring,” the mayor added.

Fourth, Luansing said that Espenido withdrew in person without appropriate notice the police sentry at the City Hall who was requested by the mayor to secure the area, including her own police escort, who was provided personally by force of President Duterte’s order.

Luansing said this is very unusual and quite alarming since her own security issues are many, largely on the part that she has earned the ire of the Parojinog kin as a result of the cleansing she set up in a number of local government offices inside the City Hall.

Lastly, the mayor said the police chief’s participation has been absent in the City Peace and Order Council, which means that as a law enforcer, he should have assisted the mayor in the proper enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.

At the moment, Espenido is out of town and cannot be contacted.

Michael Medina

Editor-in-chief

The Philippine Preview

Girlet bewails city’s budget for 2018

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 09:37:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY— This time, Acting City Mayor Irene “Girlet” Luansing is obviously enraged with the refusal of the City Council to go along with her plans to deliver good governance to the city.

In a press statement circulated online dated Dec. 28, and a copy sent to the Philippine Preview, Luansing expressed her annoyance with former Bag-ong Ozamiznon partymates who, she said, blocked the passage of the P737-million 2018 Annual Executive Budget that she proposed last October.

Although not named in her statement, a source from the mayor’s camp identified the city lawmakers as Matronillo Cartagenas, Fritz Neil Balgue, April Mecaros Cabantac, Rico Auman and lawyer Robert Cantago Jr.

Luansing said these councilors passed a P633-million budget instead that is not concise with the necessities for working direction of the local government.

She explained that the proposed P737-million budget is supposed to be used for the city’s peace and order program, transfer and control of every department’s operational resources, enhanced health services delivery, direct financial aid and livelihood assistance, disaster response and actions against drug abuse.

She further said that social services should not be discretionary but mandatory and control of these resources should be not in hands of the local chief executive so that control will not rest squarely on the mayor whose only motive would be to intensify one’s political grip.

“But that is not my style of leadership and governance,” she said in her statement.

“Any right thinking legislator, who has concern for public welfare, would never oppose a budget with these features. Worse, the six City councilors gave nothing for peace and order activities! This is highly unthinkable given the huge law and order challenge facing the city, especially curbing illicit drug trade and related crimes, and addressing the problem of drug abuse in a sustained manner,” she added.

Luansing’s also said she couldn’t remotely think that the long-standing association of the mentioned councilmen with the dark past could have influenced this decision.

She justified that if she consents with the P633-million budget to take effect, Ozamiznons stand to lose big in building up its reform in local governance as well as slow up the progress of the quality of social services to its people.

“We are now studying ways to overturn that decision, in the spirit of defeating this attempt by the dark forces of the past to let the light of change spread.”

“Today, I am all the more emboldened to battle the dark forces of the past in order to secure a bright future for Ozamiz City,” she ended.

As of press time, The Philippine Preview tried to contact any of the mentioned councilors but failed as some council employees told this paper the said councilors will say their piece in due time.

MICHAEL MEDINA

Editor-in-chief

The Philippine Preview

Ozamiz PNP seize P112 million shabu from various operations

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Thu, 7 Dec 2017 17:36:00 +0800

OZAmiz city—City Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido arrested anew three drug suspects after conducting a real-time serving of search warrants, Dec. 6, Wednesday evening.

The police operations came barely two days after President Rodrigo Duterte brought the Philippine National Police (PNP) to support the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the government’s war on illegal drugs and almost two months after he barred them from joining the campaign following the deaths of teenage suspects.

Those arrested were identified by police as Melodin Malingin, Gaudencio Malingin, known supporters of the Parojinogs in the city.

The PNP seized eight kilos of shabu, eight plastic bags and a rolled aluminum foil from the Malingins residence and another two kilos of shabu in two plastic bags, one unit steel vault, one airsoft rifle, and one long magazine from the house of Maychell Parojinog Gumapac.

Espenido was quoted from an interview as saying the shabu that were discovered were the old supply which the Parojinogs kept.

He added that a total of 86 kilos were gathered by police intelligence information since last year coming from Cebu City transported by sea.

The police chief also revealed that a certain Butch Merino, a former driver and bodyguard of detained Vice Mayor Princess Nova Parojinog, was arrested earlier at a checkpoint, yielding some P8 million worth of illegal drugs, a firearm and two magazines.

Police said Merino has identified his supplier as a certain Melden Rabarez who was also arrested in an entrapment operation along with Roselyn Walohan.

Rabarez and Walohan, at the time of their arrest, surrendered P27 million cash and a kilogram of shabu intended for a distributor in Lanao.

The PNP has given the names of the Malingins, Gumapac, Manuelito Francisco, Rizalina Francisco, June Francisco, Ricardo Parojinog and Christopher Parojinog as either supporters and relatives of the slain Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr.

Seized from the house of Franciscos were one M4 Boost Master, three short M16 magazine, one bandoler, 90 pieces live ammunition of M16, two rifle grenade launchers, three live ammunition of M203 and 20 empty cartridges of M16.

Meanwhile, recovered from the house of the Parojinogs were one M16 rifle, one steel short magazine, 19 live ammunition of 5.56 caliber and one hand grenade.

Espenido told reporters that because the Parojinogs were already not in power in Ozamiz, they are now having difficulties to earn money and sell their illegal drugs.

He likewise said he received information that Nova Parojinog still has an involvement on the alleged drug transactions even if she is detained at the PNP Custodial Center as somebody would contact her about the shabu dealings here.

In Duterte’s recent order, the PNP can join anti-drug raids but have to coordinate their actions with the PDEA, which will continue to lead the campaign. (MICHAEL MEDINA The Philippine Preview)

Napolcom strips Cerilles of control over Zambosur police

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Thu, 9 Nov 2017 08:48:00 +0800

PAGADIAN CITY-- The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has stripped Gov. Antonio Cerilles of power to exercise direction and command over Zamboanga del Sur’s police forces, validated information reaching The Philippine Preview said.

The Napolcom-issued order, dated Oct. 30, was contained in a resolution signed by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) OIC Catalino Cuy and other commissioners.

Cerilles name is with five other mayors from Southern Tagalog who were revoked of their power to exercise control and supervision over their police forces due to their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

But in Cerilles case, according to the Napolcom, it was due to their “receipt of a confidential report outlining the abuse of authority.” It gave no detail on what these abuses were.

In his statement to the media, Cerilles presumed his firm stand against federalism could be one of the primary reasons the Napolcom stripped him of his power over the police.

Even before the election, Cerilles has been outspoken with his position against federalism saying it will cause a breakdown in the government.

In a report by RMN-DxPR, it said that the governor’s camp plans to write a rejoinder and send reproductions of awards received by the province declaring it as a peaceful place in Mindanao.

It also mentioned in its report posted in Facebook that another cause revealed by the governor is his order to shut down quarry sites in several areas in the province.

Last May, hundreds of families depending on sand and gravel quarrying in at least three towns in the province called on President Duterte to intervene, saying they were going hungry after Cerilles closed quarrying sites in their area.

A report then was released saying billions of pesos worth of government projects had been suspended because of lack of sand and gravel as Cerilles stood determined by his closure order, saying it was aimed at curbing illegal quarrying.

Several anti-Cerilles told Philippine Preview such reason is “very meaningless.” (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Espenido to Ozamiznons: it’s not yet goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Fri, 1 Sep 2017 10:06:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—Police C/Insp. Jovie Espenido says he’s not yet making a leave of tearful goodbye to residents as he hints there is still no gesture of parting from him.

Espenido was formally designated as the new officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office effective Wednesday, Aug. 29, by PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa, reports reaching The Philippine Preview said.

The PNP chief said he had second thoughts about assigning Espenido to Iloilo, citing several protests from Ozamiznons about reassigning his well-decorated policeman.

De la Rosa added that If he had his way, he’d prefer Espenido to remain in Ozamiz to resolve the [drug] problem here since “there is still unfinished business” and that “the situation in Ozamiz is not yet totally stable.”

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte himself announced during last Monday’s commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City that he is reassigning Espenido to Iloilo City.

Meanwhile, a report from Rappler.com says Espenido is given an officer-in-charge position because his current rank is not in keeping with requirements for a city as big as Iloilo.

Rappler explained that Espenido cannot be Iloilo City’s chief of police because his rank is too low for a major city like Iloilo, in fact, it’s two ranks below the minimum requirement.

The 2012 PNP confidential memorandum, National Police Commission (Napolcom) rules of the ranks assert that a city director must at least be a Senior Superintendent to qualify to head a highly urbanized city such as Iloilo. Ozamiz City, Espenido's previous assignment, is only a component city, allowing him to lead its cops without question, it continued.

Consequently, Espenido was named the “Officer-in-charge (OIC)” of the Iloilo City PNP instead as Police Chief. He was not even given the designation of acting police chief finishing as that also requires him to be a Senior Superintendent.

De la Rosa has declared that Espenido’s case may have “an exemption” because it’s a presidential directive.

As for Espenido, he is requesting Ozamiznons to support his fight, especially in this stage of completing his mission in the city in reducing all forms of criminalities caused by illegal drugs.

The police chief told members of the Misamis Occidental Media Practitioners Society (MOMPS) he will still continue as the city’s PNP head to run after the allies of the Parojinog family.

Espenido said he wanted to stay in the city as police chief if not of Duterte’s pronouncement reassigning him in Iloilo City.

He also called residents to help the PNP by enlisting in the Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) to hasten the arrest of Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog, Manuel “Maning” Francisco, Marlon "Ailon" Parojinog and Jimmy Chan to name a few.

The BIN is a force multiplier and, in effect, is part of the police force, although BIN members are only limited to giving information to barangay tanods--the so-called police agents--who would then relay the information to the police.

Members of the BIN are allowed to carry guns provided they must have a permit to carry the same.

Espenido explained the BIN will surely help chase the other members of the Parojinog group and said those who want to sign up in the BIN may visit the PNP office.

He ended his meeting with the local media by telling eager residents to be calm and keep on praying for peace to lead in the city. (MICHAEL MEDINA, WITH REPORTS FROM EXPEDITA ROXAS)

Girlet says ‘taking charge not on her mind’ but motivation stirred

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 14:23:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—Acting Mayor Irene “Girlet” Luansing disclosed that she was dragging her feet in taking on the reins as the city’s chief executive but then remembered on her motivation to serve the people.

Luansing’s words were said during her welcome address to delegates of the 64th National Assembly of Diocesan Mission Directors opening ceremony last Aug. 14, 2017 at the Royal Garden Hotel, this city.

In her speech, she recalled the recent July 30 occurrence which affected the city in all its facets and put residents in quandary and “emotionally charged” them over the unpleasant incident.

“The local government’s tenacity for handling a delicate transition was also (tested) to its very core. With the death of our mayor, the vice mayor assumed office as our local chief executive. But she was not able to serve since she was under detention, and our first councilor has been on a prolonged leave of absence. This puts me in the line of succession, being second councilor,” Luansing said.

She described her new responsibility as mayor as an extraordinary switches of roles as “all those in the immediate line of succession were not in the position to discharge the duties of the office.”

She admitted that she also did not have the immediate way of thinking of taking over as chief executive because she was “drifting towards a semi-retirement mode, hoping to join her children in the United States and enjoy life as she could, free from the cares of local governance.”

And yet, she was thrust with her new responsibility and it took a while for her to come to the reality that she is to take control of the entire city, she added.

“Until now, I am still not used to being called ‘Mayor’ or ‘Mayora.’ I have been comfortable, only, to being called a councilor,” she declared.

“Upon deep personal reflection and prayer, I was guided back to my main motivation in running for public office: offering myself for the achievement of the public good.” Luansing then said.

“This, I surmise, was a vocation God chose for me, affirmed by the people’s trust expressed at every election since 2001. Hence, I decided to respond to the call of duty. I left to God the rest. And so far, we have been doing well in the transition period.”

She then asked the delegates for their constant prayers for God to continue to bestow her personal strength to overcome the challenge of start over the drive of public service, which is the principal reason public officials are given political power.

“May my local government team and I be instruments of God’s promise and God’s will for achieving a better image for the city, and better lives for its people,” she ended. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Duterte awards Ozamiz cops during visit

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 08:20:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—President Rodrigo Duterte personally visited the city yesterday, Aug. 17, and met with residents and local policemen. He came with PNP Dir. General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

The president’s visit centered on his talk to troops, recognizing the bravery of the seven police officers who participated in the operation against the family of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and inspection of confiscated firearms.

It is also a day after the burial of the slain mayor and 3 other family members.

Last August 15, during his speech in the 116th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Crame, Duterte promised that he will visit Ozamiz but will not announce when.

Duterte awarded ‘Medalya ng Kadakilaan’ medals to Police Provincial Director Sr/Supt. Jaysen De Guzman, P/Supt. John Francis Encinareal and C/Insp. Jovie Espenido, city police chief.

Chief Insp. Berlito De Guzman, PO3 Sherwin Paul Seraspe and PO1 Benzon Gonzales were also given recognition.

In his speech, the president explained that Parojinog’s death is “a lesson to other suspected narco-politicians.” Parojinog is one of the mayors named in Duterte’s narco list.

Duterte likewise renewed his commitment to the police force of his continuing support and repeated his message of unrelenting effort to eliminate illegal drugs in the country, highlighting its ill effects to the local politics.

"I’m here to congratulate you. Mabuhay ang PNP! "Mabuhay ang nagsakripisyo ug katong mga taga-Ozamiz nga nitindog sa tyranny."

Duterte made clear that political dynasties connected to drugs do not give the people free will to choose during elections and instead give them false hopes through patronage.

"Look what happens if drug is allowed to flourish in the place. There is narco-politics. May election ba dito na malinis?" the President asked.

The President said this is what is happening in Ozamiz City as it is being ruled by the Parojinogs, adding he expects narco-politics to stay for some time, hoping however that he can free the country from narco-politics before he steps down from power.

Duterte then promised policemen of his full support such as hospitalization of the members of their families and educational needs of their children.

"What can I assure you is meron nang mga benefits but before I go out as President, meron na akong seed money na 20 billion. Kung makuha ko ’yang amount na 50 billion, hindi na ninyo maubos ‘yan, ang interes lang," he said of his planned educational trust fund.

Policemen can also expect his full support whenever they face prosecution as long as they do their duties, the President said.

But for cops involved in the drug trade, the president said his P2 million reward stands for their capture.

Espenido then presented the president more than 300 high and low powered firearms including a 60mm machine gun, m16 rifles, shotguns and handguns, among others, surrendered by city gun owners and village chieftains.

Duterte completed his trip in the city with a closed door meeting with Acting Mayor Irene Girlet Luansing. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Nova asks Ozamiznons ‘not to forget Papa Aldong’

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:51:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—With a tone of expressive grief and a term of endearment, Vice Mayor Nova Echavez said in her eulogy that the death of her father may leave an experience of sorrow to their family and supporters but by and large it will make them wiser.

Echavez’s parents—the late Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and wife, Susan, were buried, Wednesday morning, Aug.16 along with the mayor’s brother, Board Member Octavio Parojinog Jr. and sister Mona.

The four were among the 16 persons killed during a drug raid in the homes of the Parojinogs in Barangay Sta. Cruz last July 30, 2017.

Echavez’s eulogy was read after the funeral mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral officiated by Archbishop Jesus Dosado and attended by thousands of relatives, friends and supporters.

The vice mayor is still detained in Camp Crame with her brother Dodo for illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs.

In her tribute, Echavez thanked family relatives, neighbors, the academe, businessmen politicians and volunteers for their help to the family in the time of distress.

She mentioned the name of Gov. Herminia Ramiro and told her: “Nawad-an ka og usa ka tunay na kakampi, tunay na kaalyado og tunay na anak (in politics).”

She also reminded city councilors it was her father Aldong who showed them the way to politics.

To the barangay captains, she said: “Nasayod ko sa inyong giagian karon nga pagpanghadlok ug mga pang-gulat nga gipahamtang dinha ninyo. Atoa lang iampo ug timan-an nga ang insakto ug kamatuoran walay ikabalaka.”

To those present, she said, “Nasayod ang tanan kinsa si Papa; iyang pagkamapaubsanon nga dili gani motingog sa TV bisan unsaon og pagdaot.”

“Nasayod ang tanan nga dili salbahis nga tawo akong amahan. Wala siyay gidaog-daog; siya pa gani ang gi-traydor ilabina sa iyang mga natabangan sa politika. Hinaot nga dili nato kalimtan ang nahimo sa akong amahan.” (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Parojinog couple buried Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:11:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—The late Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and his wife, Susan, were buried, Wednesday morning, Aug.16, in the family’s maosoleum inside the Mt. Malindang Memorial Gardens in Bagakay.

Earlier, the scheduled burial for Monday (Aug. 14) was reset to Wednesday by relatives as they seek a second, private autopsy to determine the circumstances of their death in a police raid two weeks ago after insisting police raiders had committed “overkill.” It didn't push through however.

Thousands paid their last respects to Parojinog and wife who were buried along with the mayor’s brother, Board Member Octavio Parojinog Jr. and sister Mona.

The four were among the 16 persons killed during a drug raid in the homes of the Parojinogs in Barangay Sta. Cruz last July 30, 2017.

A funeral procession was held 9:00 in the morning from the San Roque basketball court passing Cotta Shrine in Barangay Triunfo to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral where a Requiem mass was held.

Retired Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado celebrated the funeral liturgy which was attended by thousands of friends and supporters who called for justice to the slain family.

Dosado, a close acquaintance of Parojinog, criticized some people who pronounced a bad opinion to the slain mayor for his alleged wrongdoings, while failing to remember his good contributions for the city’s development.

Dosado also called for clear-headedness among residents and to help bring an end to the violence in Ozamiz.

Government workers and residents also joined the funeral march, as school children waved flags on the side-streets.

Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog, who is still detained in Camp Crame with her brother Dodo for illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs, had her eulogy read out during the funeral mass.

The deceased Parojinog family members were finally laid to rest at about 2:45 in the afternoon after a long procession from the cathedral to the cemetery, about 5 kilometers from the city proper. (MICHAEL MEDINA, WITH REPORTS BY BERNALD TECSON SR.)

Nova, Dodo cannot come home for burial of parents

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 08:26:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—The Regional Trial Court Branch 15 has denied the petition of both Vice Mayor Nova Princess Echavez and Reynaldo “Dodo” Parojinog Jr. to allow them to attend the wake and burial of their parents, Mayor Reynaldo Sr. and mother Susan, uncle Octavio Jr. and aunt Mona, who were killed in a raid conducted by the police last July 30.

An Extremely Urgent Motion for Furlough was submitted by the Parojinog siblings asking the court for permission that they be allowed to attend the last day of the wake on Aug. 13 and will be followed by the burial on Aug. 14.

Both accused said they will cope with all the needed expenses including airfare and lodging that will be incurred by their police escorts and jail guards while attending the wake and burial of their parents and family members.

“In the spirit of compassion and humanity, the accused humbly begs for furlough from this Honorable Court to allow (them) to join (their) remaining family members in Ozamiz City to grieve, pay their last respects, and bid goodbye to the accused’s departed parents and loved ones,” the Parojinog siblings said in their petition.

Echavez faces a case for Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Brother Dodo is facing three counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He is also facing a separate case for illegal possession of explosives under RA 9516 and possession of dangerous drugs under RA 9165.

Both were arrested in a simultaneous raids conducted by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

In a document forwarded to The Philippine Preview by Expedita Roxas of the Mindanaoan Broadcasting Channel (MBC), it detailed the three-page decision penned by Judge Edmundo Pintac.

The court document, dated Aug. 11 said Pintac invited the Chief of Police to show the court it’s evaluation to the safety and security condition of the city.

The PNP office, citing confidential classified intelligence report, strongly suggested that a “daring and bloody rescue of the accused be carried out if allowed furlough.”

“The court chooses the path of caution and gives amount of the police more especially that of the Ozamiz City police, heretofore narrated as it is in the better if not the best position to the same it being equipped with the necessary means and resources,” Pintac said.

“Additionally the Court takes notice of the high emotions high between people who are sympathizers to the accused and the people who are against them,” he added.

“The Court is overly concerned for good reason that the presence of the accused would provide the spark that would ignite and cause those emotions to erupt and for the opposing side to the violent and clash against each other thereby endangering the security and safety of the accused.”

Meanwhile, in a report by GMA News yesterday, Echavez and her brother is said to have turned to PNP Chief Director Ronald dela Rosa after the court denied their request to seek furlough to attend the wake and funeral of their parents.

"Nanawagan po kami magkapatid kay PDG Ronald dela Rosa na tulungan kami na maka punta makita sa huli pagkakataon ang aming Papa at Mama kahit sa huling araw nang lamay nang parents namin," according to a hand written note bearing the names of Echavez and her brother Reynaldo Jr.

The written request was made public after the court denied the siblings' bid for a two-day pass to attend the last night of the vigil and funeral of their father parents.

Echavez and brother Dodo said they both expressed sadness over the court's decision over what they say is the last chance to see their parents. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Espenido receives ‘special award’ from Duterte

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:58:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—City Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido recently received a special individual award for his successful effort in the anti-illegal drugs campaign here.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was with Espenido when he received the award for his “outstanding performance in anti-illegal drug operations that led to the eradication of illegal drug activities in Eastern Visayas and Ozamiz City” from President Rodrigo Duterte.

The award was given during the 116th PNP Service Anniversary last Wednesday, August 9 in Camp Crame. Several other officers were also given awards for their service.

Dela Rosa said that because of Espenido’s anti-drugs campaign, drug activities in Ozamiz activites significantly dropped.

He added the deadly raid on the Parojinogs of Ozamiz is not a factor to the recognition of the police chief, explaining further that even before the Ozamiz incident, Espenido was already among the awardees for his anti-drug operations in Albuera and Ozamiz.

The police director confirmed reports that Espenido will be re-stationed once more, away from Ozamiz to a city where illegal drug trade is intense, as he said they are still gathering intelligence on where the cop will be put next.

An earlier report by Inquirer quoted Dela Rosa as saying he has no plans to reassign Espenido from Ozamiz but he may do so if there is a need to target a drug personality in a certain area.

Espenido was transferred to Ozamiz City in December 2016. He became popular during the Duterte administration’s anti-drugs war after the fall of Mayor Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte and Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. who were tied to the illegal drugs trade.

In related news filed yesterday, The Philippine Preview was able to source a quote from Espenido as saying he will start hunting down supporters and cohorts of the Parojinog family in their illegal activities in Ozamiz.

Espenido added that when he arrived here last 2016, he already received information of alleged cops that are under the Parojinogs, but he declined to disclose the names of these cops because he has to verify it with Duterte’s updated illegal drug list.

Espenido made clear that it is not just Vice Mayor Nova Princess Echavez who is directly involved in the selling of illegal drugs but also her mother, Susan.

Meanwhile, he said Mayor Parojinog held the strongest type of firearms which were being used in different illegal activities, as he vowed to give justice to the families who are victims of killings, robbery, extortion and drug trafficking in the city. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Girlet says City not source of ‘wanted posters’, bounty

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 10:25:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY--OIC Mayor Irene Girlet Luansing clarified the issue of the local government putting up bounties to Councilor Ricardo Parojinog and those allied with the Parojinog family alleged as druglords.

Luansing’s statement was reported by the Mindanaoan Broadcasting Channel (MBC), a local cable network, which said that the detailed rewards of wanted persons ranged from P250-thousand to One million pesos.

Luansing added the City has nothing to do with the award offered to anybody who can give information for the capture of the named residents.

The mayor justified that her authority for the meantime is limited as an Officer in Charge of the LGU designated to perform the advantage of the mayor but with powers to release funds nixed so it’s impossible to post such rewards as that big being offered.

The City Police Station, through S/Insp. Dennis Tano, deputy chief, also said their office also has nothing to do with the reported bounty.

Tano added benevolent citizens may put forward or propose such undertaking in their own capacity, which could be the motive of the large number of pasted posters around the city proper.

He said Police C/Insp. Jovie Espenido also positively denied having a hand in the so called “Wanted: Dead or Alive” posters and bills when informed and asked of the same.

The wanted posters include Councilor Parojinog with 1M reward; nephew Aylon Parojinog—the alleged leader of the notorious "Martilyo Gang", former PBA player and estranged husband of Vice Mayor Nova Princess—Edgar “Egay” Echavez, currently the village chieftain of San Antonio.

Echavez’s mother said she advised her son to leave to be free from harm’s way. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Espenido said Nova swallowed a USB

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Wed, 9 Aug 2017 12:51:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—Straight from his mouth, City Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido said Vice Mayor Nova Princess Echavez swallowed a flash drive containing a supposed list of her family's illegal transactions when she was arrested.

A video uploaded and shared by the YouTube channel GMA News showed Echavez caught on camera getting something from her bag and put it into her mouth immediately.

The video was taken during the raid conducted by the authorities on Echavez’s house last July 30.

Closer look showed Echavez hiding something tightly on her palms and the police and she wrestles as the authority was trying hard to get it from her.

As they were able to get it from her, they discovered that it was just a packet containing something that is color white after which the cops immediately handcuffed her.

"Hindi naman iyun papel, micro ano, iyung maliit bang USB. Naisubo niya. Hanggang ngayon siguro nasa tiyan pa niya... Mga transaksyon iyun," Espenido said in an interview with Noli de Castro of DZMM, this morning, Aug. 9.

A computer expert told Philippine Preview in a huddle that USB drives sometimes have heavy metals and sharp edges and that those who try to swallow it should consider going to the doctor.

He added that it’s difficult to determine how serious this person who swallowed would become-- at least it was an interesting scenario but some USB drives are pretty resilient.

Nothing good can come from swallowing a USB. The metals and semiconductors are not good to ingest, he added. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Police digs another mass grave in Capucao

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Tue, 8 Aug 2017 09:22:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY—This time around, police members of the City PNP Office uncovered suspected human bones in an alleged Parojinog mass grave in Brgy. Capucao C, a hinterland village which is 3 kilometers west from the city proper.

This information was obtained yesterday, Aug. 7, by The Philippine Preview, which quoted police as saying they have dug up bones, clothing, and personal items in the alleged mass grave in a hole measuring 15 feet deep.

Informants have tipped police about the location of the alleged mass grave where the enemies of the Parojinog family were buried under huge trees about 300 meters away from the barangay road.

Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido said the items will be sent to forensics experts for investigation, and will be used for case build-up against the “Martilyo gang” and the Parojinogs.

According to the PNP, the mass grave was allegedly used by members of the "Martilyo gang," which has been linked to the Parojinogs.

The excavation team discovered clothes of four suspected dead bodies in the site along with personal belongings and a rope.

This week, city police said they will excavate all alleged mass grave used by the Parojinogs as burial site for their alleged business and political opponents.

Their first shot in Cogon only revealed sacks of animal bones and garbage but Espenido said he will not give up for he believed that the mass graves in Ozamiz really existed.

Espenido added they planned to excavate the demolished old house of the mayor in Bagakay, rumored as another mass grave and an old hideout of the members of the Parojinog syndicate.

As this developed, a source told The Philippine Preview the suspected bones might have been rebels buried during the Kuratong Baleleng days of the late Octavio “Ongkoy” Parojinog Sr., which organized by the military to go after the communist New People’s Army in Mindanao in 1986. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Vigilant Ozamiznons hold prayer rally

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Mon, 7 Aug 2017 08:41:00 +0800

OZAMIZ CITY— More than 300 residents of this city gathered yesterday, Aug. 6, 7:00 in the morning in front of the City Hall and held a prayer rally calling for sustained unity and change.

The original venue of the community prayer held a week after the bloody raid which killed Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., his wife and 14 of their relatives and supporters was supposedly listed inside the Cotta Shrine but a notice was given that it is being moved to the City Hall by Saturday afternoon.

The prayer rally was joined by different religious groups, some of whom carried banners expressing support for the police and military and thanking them with the words “Justice has been served.”

Others in attendance told The Philippine Preview their presence is a manifestation of support to Police Chief Sr/Insp. Jovie Espenido and his men who led the biggest and most successful anti-drug raid in the history of the said city.

The rare scene was led by Pastor Nathaniel Dinoro, who expressed his pleasure to the downfall of the Parojinogs, a practice that is extremely dangerous during the past years.

Dinoro left the city after losing a seat in the council during the 2013 polls and after receiving threats for publicly speaking his views against the Parojinog family.

In his message, Dinoro said: "Ang away ania na karon diri sa Ozamiz So it is time for us to hold hands and fight against the evil of our society," quoting the great Irish political philosopher Edmund Burke who said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Of the locals standing and crowding outdoor who wore white t-shirts are some of the members of the so-called ‘Barog Ozamiz,’ an anti-Parojinog public discussion group in Facebook.

“Nagpasalamat sila na pwede na silang magpahayag kung ano ang tama. Noon puro daw cla ‘yes, yes’ dahil natatakot silang patayin o mamatay,” a member told The Philippine Preview.

“Wala ko ga-expect na mahitabo na nga rally. Gamay ra tuod pero mao na na ang sinugdanan sa pag tindog sa mga tawo dire against sa mga druglords. Daghan gusto mukuyog pero sama nako, naa pa gyud kahadlok. Pero sa gipakita sa mga ni attend karon, for sure daghan pod na inspire nila ug sa sunod na pagtapok, daghan na pod manguyog. Ang uban wala pod kabalo na naa diay rally nga paga himuon,” said another. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

City PNP dig mass graves allegedly used by Parojinogs for salvage victims

noreply@blogger.com (MICHAEL MEDINA) — Sun, 6 Aug 2017 11:23:00 +0800

Ozamiz city--City police discovered and dug, Aug. 4, what was thought to be a mass grave allegedly used by the Parojinog family for their salvage victims but instead found an old compost pile.

PNP Ozamiz, led by Police C/Insp. Jovie Espenido with Police Senior Inspectors Dennis Tano and Shiela Acosta, hollowed out two deep holes at Purok 1 Cogon, some 5 kilometers from the city proper .

Village chairman Ludivina Macayran told reporters it is good that the excavation finally pushed through so as to end the so called unfounded information passed on as rumors among residents that the area was used as a burial place of victims of extra-judicial killings supposedly perpetrated by the mayor and his goons.

Macayran said she received complaints from residents last February who complained about a foul odor coming from the area so the council decided to cover the two big holes with a truck load of soil.

She added the residents did not see that a body was dumped in the area but only smelled the stench.

Police used a backhoe to burrow the holes where sacks of garbage were dug out along with sacks containing animal bones and feathers.

The trash and pieces of bones will be taken to Regional Lab Crime laboratory for processing, said the PNP.

Espenido also told reporters he ordered the excavation to know how true are the disclosures about this so-called clandestine mass grave in the area.

Espenido added he also wants to substantiate reports that salvage victims, who are either robbery victims who were not locals and suspected government assets, were buried at suspected dumping grounds.

As this developed, a certain “Noel” claimed that he had worked for the Parojinogs as a hitman and drug courier for 20 years stated that he chopped the bodies of the murdered enemies of the former Mayor.

Espenido disclosed that the property where the bones were found was allegedly owned by a certain Marlon Parojinog, a former kagawad who eventually resigned, and a nephew of the late mayor.

The police chief claimed that Marlon was also a member of the notorious “Martilyo Gang” victimizing big malls in Manila.

Last week, Espenido and his men dug the demolished old residence of Parojinog in Bagakay to know if the Parojinogs really buried dead bodies there.

The PNP said the old mansion is formerly a meeting place of the alleged members of the syndicate handled by the Parojinog to plan for their next crime.

It also was used as a ‘cemetery’ for their political foes and illegal drug trade competitors, information quoting Espenido said.

He added that pulling down their mansion gave him an idea that the Parojinogs were hiding something from the current administration.

The police chief ended by saying he “will not stop digging until mass graves will be found.” (MICHAEL MEDINA)