More work needed

We have written column after column for 2 years calling the President’s attention to the worsening crime situation in the country. We listed most of the killings committed.

Last Saturday, he finally admitted that we have to get moving on the crime front and “much work still need to be done in fighting criminality.”

We have also called so many times for a serious campaign against 500,000 loose and unlicensed firearms.

Finally, he issued an order to DILG Sec. Mar Roxas to conduct a stringent campaign to collect unlicensed firearms and to dismantle private armed groups. So far, the PNP has only recovered 249 loose firearms. 

For 2012 we saw the big increase in killings by gun for hire groups riding in tandem on a motorcycle. An estimated 2,000 cases of such murders happened in 2012.

What is alarming is that killings are happening all over the country from Manila to General Santos and Davao City, from Cavite to Cotabato, from Caloocan to Batangas, Cebu and Negros.

Another kidnapping has just happened in Zamboanga City. A restaurant owner, Erlinda Favello, 52, was kidnapped.

So far, 32 people have died in election related violence.

RUBOUT?. . . The NBI forensics team found 402 bullet holes in the 2 SUVs used by the 13 persons killed at an Atimonan police checkpoint. The NBI also found a victim, Paul Quiohilag, was shot at close range. The evidence is piling up that the incident was a well planned rubout of jueteng lord Vic Siman.

PNP Region IV has a lot of explaining to do.

In a surprise statement, PAOCC explained it did not approve “Coplan Armado” because it was a “potentially bloody business.” The question now is why did they not formally disapprove it and stop it?

OUST ENRILE PLOT. . . The Minority bloc of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Miriam Santiago joined by Antonio Trillanes IV is trying to gather 13 signatures to oust Enrile. So far, they have not succeeded. With only 9 days of session left in the 15th Congress, any change of leadership will derail the legislative agenda.

One stumbling block: There is no clear choice for an Enrile successor with 3 interested parties: Frank Drilon, Manny Villar and Edgardo Angara, but none of them has admitted interest.

Enrile has solid support from Jinggoy Estrada, Tito Sotto, Gringo Honasan, Bong Revilla, Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero. It is likely that Joker Arroyo and Ping Lacson will not join any oust Enrile plot.

Enrile challenged Miriam D. Santiago to file cases against him if she insists the distribution of savings to the 19 senators is highly irregular. COA has issued an opinion that the Senate President has the authority to realign savings.

MORE CASES. . .The Liberal Party has come out openly to show its hand in the Oust Gov. Gwen Garcia drive.

LP spokesperson for Cebu Democrito Barcenas said 16 more cases will be filed against Gov. Gwen Garcia.

Among the cases is the alleged illegal use of buses owned by the provincial government to transport rallyists to the Provincial Capitol for a demonstration on Jan. 9.

That’s petty and pure political harassment.

SIARGAO ON THE MAP. . . The famous paradise island of Siargao, the Philippines’ surfing capital, has received good reviews from 3 travel agencies and 2 newspapers.

Travel & Leisure Southeast Asia, Conde Nast Traveller and CNN GO listed Siargao as an “ultimate island,” 8th best surf spot in the world and one of the hottest destinations to watch. The New York Times also placed the Philippines as No. 17 in the 46 places to go to in 2013.

In China, the Oriental Morning Post of Shanghai gave the Philippines a “best tourist” award.

TIDBITS. . . Cebu Mayor Michael Rama is suspecting he will be the next Cebu official to be suspended. He is unfazed by the report.

There are indications DILG Sec. Mar Roxas is reviving his electoral protest against VP Jojo Binay.

Comelec ruled that as Commander-in-Chief of the AFP, President Aquino is exempted from the election gun ban.

Gabriela party list Rep. Luzviminda Ylagan is pushing for a divorce law but, it will have to wait for the 16th Congress.

President Aquino approved P2M reward for Nicole Ella’s shooter.

Resignations. NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos has resigned to take care of his ailing wife.

DTI Usec Cristino Panlilio has also resigned.

Abra politicians surrendered 179 guns to PNP for safekeeping.

The PNP deployed more policemen to Pangasinan, a potential election hot spot.

Dick Gordon, PNRC Chairman, said foreign donors are complaining about the lack of liquidation and accounting of funds they donated. Yes, DSWD should release a report on this.

A flu outbreak has hit 50 states in the US. New York declared a state of emergency.

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Greetings to: Mayor Quintin Saludaga of Lavezares, No. Samar; Mayor Eduardo Yebes of Pres. Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte and Mayor Marilyn Jimenes of Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

Greetings also to: Ex Mayor Charito Apacible of Nasugbu; Mayor Jay Cerrado of Tuy; Ex Mayor Boy Calingasan of Tuy; Mayor Emmanuel Fronda of Balayan; Mayor Naz Ona and Boogle Ona of Calaca; Mayor Aglo Martinez of Agoncillo and his daughter King Martinez who is running for Vice Mayor with General Luisito de Leon who is running for Mayor; Mayor Renato Federico and Vice Mayor Armenius Silva of Sto. Tomas; Ex Mayor Raul Bendaña of Lemery; Vice Mayor Lydio Lopez of Lipa City; Mayor Calixto Luna of Mataas na Kahoy; Mayor Ana Marie Mendoza of Sta. Teresita and Board Members Dennis Apacible and Rowena Africa.