Blogging For Justice : Francis Xavier Manzano

Six Years and Still Waiting

2011-11-08T10:29:00.000+08:00

Six years. This is still an open case. A few months ago, the Police Chief overseeing this case committed suicide when an investigation of his corruption began. The Philippine legal system may be failing FX, but not in "the other side." I hope FX's case finds justice soon and protects others in the future.

Four Years

2009-11-09T08:39:00.002+08:00

It has been 4 years since FX died and what has the government and the people done to give him and his family justice? We miss you, F, and we're still here fighting to get you justice.

Four Years....and Waiting

2009-08-21T23:07:00.002+08:00

I just received news that The Ombudsman has "finally filed" for the charges against 5 cops from the TMG unit who killed FX. It took four years to file. I'm happy it finally got filed. But... four years?! It takes that long to be logical?! You can watch the video and file the case on the same day.

While we're at it, what's up with the other cops from that same group who got promotions? They're part of this brutal murder too.

Let's speed this up, Philippines! Show the rest of us how justice works in the Philippines, if there's any. Justify your jobs and for your reason of serving this country! The world is now watching you and blogging about it.

===================

Charges filed vs cops in Ortigas shootout

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:20:00 08/21/2009

Filed Under: Crime and Law and Justice, Police

Manila, Philippines--The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of homicide charges against five members of the PNP Traffic Management Group- Task Force “Limbas” for the death of three civilians during a shootout in Ortigas in 2005.

Charges were filed before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

Slapped with three counts of homicide are Senior Inspectors Hansel Marantan and Samson Belmonte, PO3 Rizalito SM Ramos Jr., PO3 Lloyd Soria, and PO2 Dexter Bernadas for the death of Anton Cu-Unjieng, Brian Anthony Dulay and Francis Xavier Manzano on Nov. 7, 2005.

At around 10:40 pm of the said date, the three victims were on board a Maroon Nissan Exalta 2002 model (XDD 828) and were traversing Garnet Street in Ortigas when they were flagged down by a police patrol car for allegedly committing a traffic violation.

When they failed to stop, they were chased and overtaken by another group of TMG operatives in civilian clothes on board a silver gray Toyota Revo led by Marantan.

Marantan’s group alighted from their vehicle and opened fire at the victims’ vehicle, driven by Dulay.

Police officers involved said the shoot-out was a legitimate police operation. They also invoked self-defense in justifying the shooting saying the occupants fired first, hitting Belmonte on his right lower leg, prompting them to fire back.

This was however belied by the Forensic Case Review of Forensic Pathologist Dr. Raquel Del Rosario-Fortun, which states that Mr. Belmonte’s wounds “were self-inflicted and probably accidental”.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman, in its resolution said self-defense is evidentiary in nature and best addressed to the trial court for its appreciation.

The Resolution also noted that there was nothing on record that would provide sufficient basis that the respondents took advantage of their superior strength or that they prolonged the suffering of the victims.

Wake-up!

2009-02-19T15:18:00.005+08:00

How many more of our countrymen will we allow the corrupt Philippine police to hurt like this? Commissioner of Human Rights.... wake up!!

Is the Philippines ready to CHANGE for the better?

2008-11-07T17:57:00.005+08:00

QUESTION:
What would you do when a group of men......

dressed in civilian clothes (some were even in shorts and slippers / flipflops)
driving unmarked and very dark, tinted vehicles
packed with enough guns and machine guns heavy enough to fight a war in Iraq

.... suddenly surrounds your car, and without any vocal or visual warning, bullets start to shoot into the car that you happen to be seating in the back of?

Everything happens so fast that you have no time to cry for reason. The fear is so great that you bring your body into a ball and force yourself to fit on the floor of the tight backseat. The thought that this could be your last day on earth becomes real, but you have no idea why. You have no idea what caused this, but you have no time to wonder why. You have no time to wonder if your friends on the driver's seat and the front seat are still alive. You have no time to wonder who in the world is shooting at you -- is it the gangster of car napper (car thieves)?

As you fight to grasp for your last breath, the gun-toting men approach your car. Do you hope or do you dread? Is this a mistake or a calculated attack? Your body has so many bullet wounds already. What's going to happen next?

ANSWER:
There is nothing you can do, because the attacker is a group within the Philippine Police called the TMG. They are untouchable, and they are prepared to create a cover ups for this type of activity. They are the police, afterall. And this is Philippines, afterall.

Worse, no matter how much you survive the bullet wounds from the initial round of fires, you will still die... because the TMG will make sure of it by shooting one last shot pointed to your head, at arm's length.

And when you and your friends are confirmed to be dead, TMG goes on their auto-pilot cover-up mode. That involves:

planting stolen car license plates and stolen guns in your car
making phone calls to the media ASAP to cover what really happened as a heroic shootout between cops and robbers. this is where their true acting skills come to play -- when they give that poker face lie as they announce to the entire country that you're a criminal.
threatening and following up on threats to those who speak up with the truth of what really happened.

Unfortunately for the people of the Philippines, this is not a unique situation. It's not the one-of-a-kind injustice done once by TMG. Unfortunately, this is a reality of what can happen to you or someone you know in the Philippines in today's time.

On the evening of Nov 7, 2005, this happened to my classmate, FX Manzano. This time, the entire event was filmed, unknowingly to the police. This time, we, the people, have proof that this inhumane act is an injustice done by the government appointed police to it's own countrymen. This time, we, the people, have the power of the Internet to announce the truth, to spread the the truth, and to support each other in our cry for justice in cases like FX's and the many other victims in similar cases.

It's now 3 years since this all happened. The Philippine Human Rights group promised the people that justice will be served. Does it really take over 3 years for the Philippine Human Rights to deal with this?! Is this what the rest of us should expect in protecting our own human rights? To the Human Rights Group, I ask you to give the family of FX Manzano and the rest of us hope that Philippines gives justice to human rights.

*******

By the way, in case you need to be reminded, here are the name of those 10 TMG corrupt officers who killed FX, Anton and Brian:

- Henry Cerdon ("suspected" murderer)
- Hansel Marantan ("suspected" murderer)
- Samson Belmonte ("suspected" murderer - Received a medal of honor for shooting himself in the car with a ricochet bullet; but told the news reporters that he was shot by a gun that came from the victim's car. Wikipedia calls him a "liar.")
- Lloyd Soria ("suspected" murderer)
- Rizalito Ramos ("suspected" murderer)
- Dexter Bernadas ("suspected" murderer)
- Jesus Fermin ("suspected" murderer)
- Sonny Robrigado ("suspected" murderer)
- Fernando Gapuz ("suspected" murderer)
- Josel Rey Lucena ("suspected" murderer)

A Hope that is fleeting, a Hope that is fleeing

2007-11-05T12:00:00.000+08:00

BELOW IS THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE MANZANO FAMILY

-- 5 November 2007; The City of Manila.

A Hope that is fleeting, a Hope that is fleeing

Statement of the Manzano Family
in remembrance of Francis Xavier V. Manzano
on his Second Death Anniversary

On November 7, 2005, our family lost a brother when Francis Xavier V. Manzano—FX to us--was killed in cold blood by elements of the Traffic Management Group (TMG). Almost immediately after, the TMG elements and the top echelon of the Philippine National Police (PNP) tried to justify his death officially by painting him and his companions Anton Cu-Unjieng and Brian Dulay in the worst possible light. They claimed they were carnappers, even as they were never charged in court.

None of the government agencies, save for one, lifted a finger to go beyond the official pronouncement of the PNP. Only the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) dared to contradict the almost formula findings of the PNP and TMG. In its unanimous report, the CHR courageously told us—Francis’s grieving family—what we had suspected all along: he and his companions were killed in cold blood, using disproportionate and, in fact, overwhelming force. The CHR’s findings were borne out by the raw footage of UNTV, which captured the entire incident as it happened. The CHR’s findings were also based on scientific evidence painstakingly preserved and secured by Dr. Raquel Del Rosario-Fortun, an independent consultant engaged by the CHR.

Because of this report, we, Francis’s family, dared to hope. We dared to hope that, finally, the truth, as found by the CHR, would find its way into prosecution on those responsible and meting out penalties on those who would be found liable by a court of law. We dared to hope, despite all our personal misgivings and a sense of collective pessimism, that the Ombudsman, the government agency vested with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the police elements who killed Francis and his companions, would prove worthy of our hope, if not our trust.

It was because of that hope that we finally decided to formally cooperate with the Ombudsman. It was because of that hope that we dared to speak out in public and ask that the Ombudsman perform its foresworn duty. It was because of that hope that we sought an audience with the Ombudsman, Merceditas Gutierrez, to try to bring to her attention our desperate cry for justice. It was because of that hope that we took her word for it when she told us on July 25, 2006, that she would help us.

It is almost two years since FX was killed in cold blood and it has been more than one year since the meeting with the Ombudsman. Despite the utter simplicity of the issues presented by this case, the Ombudsman has yet to file charges against those responsible for the killing of our brother.

Not one policeman who fired a shot has been disciplined administratively. Not one policeman who participated in the killing has been suspended preventively. Not one policeman has been placed on notice that the killings of November 7, 2005 were anything but regular.

Instead, they continue to roam the streets, armed. Some of the officers involved have even been promoted and transferred to other posts.

Madam Ombudsman, when we met with you, you assured us of your help. We were of the impression that you understood what was going on. We were of the impression that you were aware that three (3) people were killed—without any of them having fired a shot. We were of the impression that you had some clue that an overwhelming number of policemen with an overwhelming use of force had converged on a narrow street on November 7, 2005 to kill three civilians. We were of the impression that you knew what was going on.

Madam Ombudsman, we do not want to think that we were wrong. We do not want to think you are unaware of what is going on. But how else can we explain the long delay in the resolution of the investigation, the apparent unwillingness to act on a clear case of extrajudicial killings by policemen, the inaction by your Office? How else indeed, unless we are to think that while you are indeed aware of what is going on, you do not care at all.

Madam Ombudsman, worse than allowing the killing of FX to remain unpunished would be to allow our hope to vanish.

We ask you now, Madam Ombudsman, prove us wrong.

Show us that you not only know what is going on, but that you also care.

Show us that we were not wrong to hope, even if fleetingly, that those who commit such heinous crimes will be held accountable.

Show us that we may still hope for some measure of justice in this country.

Today, we, FX’s family, remember him on the second year of his passing. We thank all of you, the responsible members of media, who have accompanied us in our journey to seek justice for him and for Anton Cu-Unjieng. We thank all those who have supported us in many different ways. We ask you all to continue to pray for FX and Anton. We ask you also to pray with us for our country—that a day will come soon when widowed and orphaned families may no longer need to raise their cries for justice to the heavens because justice on earth would have been done.

BELOW IS THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE CU-UNJIENG FAMILY

On November 7, 2005 three young men—Anton Cu-Unjieng,

Francis Xavier Manzano and Bryan Anthony Dulay--were gunned down by a team of policemen in front of the AIC Gold Tower Building at the corner of Garnet and Ortigas Streets, Pasig City. After the incident, the policemen immediately claimed self-defense. They had no choice but to shoot, they said, because the young men were armed and fired at them first.

What they did not know at the time was that the killings were caught on videotape by television outfit whose office was just meters away from the crime scene। The videotape debunked the lawmen’s claim of a shootout। It showed, at close range and in graphic detail, how the policemen mercilessly executed the defenseless young men, and how they tampered with the crime scene afterward to make it appear as if the victims were killed in a legitimate police encounter.

The broadcasting of the videotape over national television caused a public clamor for the Government to look deeper into the matter. And yet, despite the presence of a “smoking gun” in the form of the videotape, and in spite of the fact that the authorities knew the identities of the lawmen involved, no government official or agency took any steps whatsoever to suspend, relieve, investigate, prosecute or punish the perpetrators.

The only government body that took action on the case was the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). With commendable zeal and dispatch, the CHR—ably assisted by Dr. Raquel Fortun, the country’s top forensic expert—thoroughly investigated the case and found ten police officers liable for arbitrary deprivation of life: P/SInsp. Hansel M. Marantan, P/SInsp. Samson B. Belmonte, PO3 Rizalito SM Ramos, Jr., PO3 Lloyd F. Soria, PO2 Dexter M. Bernadas, P/SInsp. Henry R. Cerdon, PO2 Jesus S. Fermin, PO2 Sonny R. Robrigado, PO2 Fernando Rey S. Gapuz, and PO1 Josil Rey I. Luceña, all from the Traffic Management Group, Philippine National Police.

The CHR, however, could not prosecute the offenders because it is not legally empowered to do so. Accordingly, the CHR forwarded its findings to Ombudswoman Merceditas Gutierrez, who assured us, when we visited her in July of last year, that her office would give the case its prompt and proper attention.

Since then, the Ombudswoman’s office has done absolutely nothing.

We cannot help but question why the Ombudswoman’s office, after 17 months, has not even started conducting a preliminary investigation of the case. We question why no one has been charged, relieved, suspended or prosecuted when the evidence is not just compelling but overwhelming and the lawmen’s identities and whereabouts are known.

But our biggest question of all is, for how long will the case remain in limbo, at the mercy of the Ombudswoman?

We cry for justice for our loved one, Anton Cu-Unjieng and all other victims of extrajudicial killings.

We condemn not only the lawmen who take the law into their own hands, but the government officials and agencies who coddle and shield them from prosecution and punishment.

We call upon the Government to make a serious and concerted effort to stop extrajudicial killings, cleanse the ranks of the PNP, and punish all State agents who take the law into their own hands.

Finally, we call upon Ombudswoman Gutierrez to utilize the full extent of her powers and resources to vigorously prosecute not only Anton’s case but all cases of extrajudicial killings perpetrated by government officials.

Done this 5th day of November, 2007, in the City of Manila, Philippines.

Mrs. Carmencita Cu-Unjieng Mrs. Monique Cu-Unjieng LaO’

Simple and to the point.

2006-11-19T14:31:00.000+08:00

"Francis has been described as a criminal and a carjacker by those who took his life. Francis, FX to us, was many things, but he was not a criminal, he was not a carjacker," says Jennifer Manzano, elder sister of Francis.

"Francis was not accorded the rule of law. He was not a criminal yet he was treated like the worst kind of criminal. He was never charged, tried, convicted or sentenced, yet he has already been executed."

Exactly A Year Ago

2006-11-07T13:31:00.000+08:00

Exactly a year ago, Francis Xavier Manzano had no idea it would be his last day alive.

Exactly a year ago, Francis Manzano had no idea it would be his last day of school.

Exactly a year ago, FX had no idea it would be the last day he could ever see or be in touch with his siblings, daughter, relatives, girlfriend (and ex-girlfriends), barkada and old friends, teachers and mentors, classmates and former batchmates, acquaintances and peers.

Exactly a year ago, "F" had no idea he would be shot to death by overzealous, corrupt Philippine TMG police, looking to parade themselves as heroic cops by telling lies on why and how this all happened.

Exactly a year ago, I was never personally affected by the corruption in our country. I saw corruption on the news, read it in the papers, heard it on the radio, and even discussed it at gatherings. Filipinos shared stories of Philippine corruption to friends and colleagues with a comedic tone of silliness. (From the silliness of how many shoes Imelda Marcos had... to the "I Love You" virus to show how talented Filipinos can be... to why Filipinos suffer from a "crab mentality" society.)

After a year since FX's death....

- I learned that there is a tremendous amount of Filipinos (in the country and abroad) who have the intelligence to decipher the truth from the lies fed to us by the police and politicians involved in FX's death. There is an unbelievable amount of people who cry out for justice for Francis Xavier Manzano.

- We learned about the courage of UNTV; keeping their videos intact, despite continuous security and political threats. Their videos revealed the truth and remained untainted in the wake of the powerful propaganda spewed by the police and their superiors to the press.

- The Philippine Human Rights activists learned through their investigations that the case was an obvious rubout, not a shootout (again, despite the intimidation and threats by the police and politicians).

- You are now learning that the siblings and family of FX have couragely pushed forward to seek justice for Francis in the courts.

There are many things we have learned and yet to be learned. FX's death has shed light to this corruption in our society. In behalf of his family, it is our responsibility to turn this tragedy into a catalyst for making a better world for generations to come. Please continue your support for justice. Don't let corruption immobilize your thoughts, courage and actions.

F, we miss you.

Ombudsman sitting on Ortigas rubout?

2006-10-27T15:15:00.001+08:00

From the Manila Standard Today....

THE family of one of the three victims in last year’s rubout in Ortigas Center in Pasig City has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to act and prosecute the 10 members of the Traffic Management Group of the National Police involved in the shooting.

“A public office is a public trust. We believe that the policemen... who killed our brother in cold blood abused that public trust,” said Jennifer Manzano, elder sister of the slain Francis Xavier Manzano.

Accompanied by counsel Theodore Te, Manzano also urged Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to order the Deputy Ombudsman for the Uniformed Services to conduct a speedy and impartial investigation.

On the evening of Nov.7, Manzano, Bryan Anthony Dulay and Philip Cu-Unjieng were killed in what TMG agents claimed to be a shootout with members of the Valle Verde Carnap Gang, which the victims’ families belied.

After conducting its own probe, the Commission on Human Rights concluded that there was a rubout.

The CHR said the TMG operatives executed the three men inside a rented Nissan Exalta along Garnet Street.

Footage of the incident from the UHF television station UNTV showed the police shooting at what appeared to be the lifeless suspects inside their bullet-riddled car.

The commission then recommended the filing of multiple murder charges against Senior Insp. Hansel Marantan, Senior Insp. Samson Belmonte, PO3 Lloyd Soria, PO3 Rizalito Ramos Jr., PO2 Dexter Pascua, Senior Insp. Henry Cerdon, PO2 Jesus Fermin, PO2 Sonny Robrigado, PO1 Fernando Rey Gapuz and PO1 Josel Rey Lucena, all members of Task Force Limbas. Florante S. Solmerin

Ombudsman sitting on Ortigas rubout?

2006-10-27T15:15:00.000+08:00

The horrible truth, according to the CHR

2006-05-31T00:05:00.000+08:00

From The Manila Times -- Editorial Opinion

"The horrible truth, according to the CHR"

AS many had feared, the death of the three men suspected of being carjackers at the Ortigas Center, Pasig City, in the hands of Traffic Management Group agents on November 7, 2005, was not legitimate but an act of murder.

In a disturbing but courageous report released Monday, the Commission on Human Rights said the 10 TMG officers summarily executed the victims inside a rented car near Garner Street and the AIC Gold Tower Bldg.

The CHR investigated the shooting immediately after the story broke in the papers. In a 35-page report, the commission said it found probable cause to charge the officers with multiple murder since the police operation was “feigned, premeditated and treacherous.”

The TMG said its men—members of Task Force Limbas—were waiting at the site, acting on a tip that a group of carjackers was going to pass through. The victims’ car matched that of the suspect vehicle. When the car appeared on the scene, it allegedly refused to stop on signal. A gunbattle followed.

It did not happen that way, according to the CHR.

“It is evident that when the victims were flagged down…the victims merely stopped the car, but were suddenly met with gunfire from the state agents herein who acted with criminal intent,” the report said.

A government forensic expert advising the commission said her findings showed that the victims did not fire at the officers. Hence, there could not have been any shootout. “There is no evidence to show that any of the three occupants had fired his gun,” the forensic expert Raquel Fortun said.

TV footage taken at the scene by an independent cameraman showed the officers approaching the car and firing at the victims simultaneously. There appeared to be no aggressive action or motion on the part of the occupants.

After the shooting, the officers made no attempt to take the mortally wounded suspects to the nearest hospital, the report noted.

Commission Chairman Purificacion Quisumbing, apparently reminded by the involvement of the police in inexcusable killings, said that they should not use excessive force in carrying out their duties. In its annual reports, the CHR has consistently cited the police as the leading violator of human rights.

The media reported the Ortigas killing as another “botched” police operation, the tendency of the law to commit mistakes, to ignore operational procedures or abbreviate the rules of engagement. The case further blackens the image of the Philippine National Police and the standards of our law enforcement here and abroad. It certainly stains the national image.

The TMG officers will have a chance to defend themselves before the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Police Commission or a court of law. At the CHR hearings, they were given all the opportunity to explain their side. But they refused to appear before the commission and relied on their lawyer to attend in their behalf. That kind of defense does not bring out the truth.

AMEN!!!!!

2006-05-29T21:46:00.000+08:00

From ABS-CBN News Desk:

CHR RECOMMENDS MURDER RAPS VS 10 TMG MEN"

The Commission on Human (CHR) rights Monday recommended the filing of murder charges against 10 members of the Traffic Management Group who were involved in the alleged "overkill" of three carjacking suspects on Nov. 7, 2005 in Ortigas Center, Pasig.

CHR said its findings against Senior Inspectors Henry Cerdon, Hansel Marantan, Samson Belmonte; Police Officers 3 Lloyd Soria and Rizalito Ramos; Police Officers 2 Jesus Fermin, Sonny Robrigado and Dexter Bernadas; and Police Officers 1 Fernando Gapuz and Josel Rey Lucena will be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman this week.

The 10 officers, who are members of Task Force Limbas, have been placed under administrative relief since last year owing to a video footage showing a member of the team firing a gun at the bodies of the slain suspects.

From Philstar:

Murder raps recommended vs cops in Ortigas ‘overkill’
By Katherine Adraneda
The Philippine Star 05/30/2006

Six months after the Ortigas Center shooting incident that left three people dead, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recommended yesterday the filing of multiple murder charges against 10 members of task force under the Traffic Management Group (TMG).

In a 36-page en banc resolution, the CHR said it found probable cause that there was "arbitrary deprivation of life" committed against suspected carjackers Anton Cu-Unjieng, Francis Xavier Manzano, and Bryan Anthony Dulay by the 10 TMG officers.

Named in the resolution as respondents were Senior Inspectors Hansel Marantan, Henry Cerdon, and Samson Belmonte; Police Officers 3 Lloyd Soria, and Rizalito Ramos Jr., POs2 Dexter Pascua, Jesus Fermin, Sonny Robrigado; and POs1 Fernando Rey Gapuz, and Josil Rey Lucena.

The CHR will submit its resolution and other pertinent documents related to the case to the Office of the Ombudsman for the filing of criminal and administrative cases, in accordance with Republic Act 6770.

The CHR resolution and documents will likewise be endorsed to the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

According to the CHR, forensic analysis and findings revealed that when the three men were flagged down by the Task Force Limbas operatives, they stopped the car, but were met with gunfire from the state agents, "who acted with criminal intent."

"Hence, the anti-carnapping operations implemented by the police operatives on the evening of Nov. 7, 2005 was feigned, premeditated, and treacherous, thus the killing of the victims by the said state agents qualifies the criminal act as a case of multiple murder," the CHR resolution stated.

The CHR said that actions of the TMG operatives contravened the very rules of engagement of the PNP, noting that the policemen "deliberately did not make any attempt to bring the mortally wounded victims to the nearest hospital."

"Instead, they wilfully and feloniously ensured the death of the victims with the use of excessive and/or lethal force as borne by the second round of gunfire even when the victims were already at the point of death," the CHR resolution stated.

On the gunshot wound sustained by Inspector Belmonte that was supposedly a result of the shooting incident, the CHR deemed it as "self-inflicted and probably accidental."

At around 10 p.m. of Nov. 7, 2005, three alleged members of the Valle Verde Gang were killed during an anti-carjacking operation at the Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Police intercepted Cu-Unjieng, Manzano, and Dulay, who were on board a Nissan Exalta sedan at the corner of Garnet and Ortigas, following a tip from an informant.

The victims, however, allegedly refused to yield and fired at the pursuing lawmen, who retaliated in "self defense."

However, relatives and human rights group decried the "overkill" based on video footage taken by a television news crew, prompting the CHR investigation.

Meanwhile, TMG director Chief Superintendent Errol Pan insisted that the incident was a result of a legitimate operation despite the findings of the CHR that no shootout took place between officers and the three suspected car thieves.

"We believe that TMG operation was legitimate. They (TMG operatives) are ready to prove that," Pan said in reaction to the CHR findings.

He said that what CHR found was merely probable cause and that TMG personnel can still defend themselves in court when the charges of murder are filed against them.

Pan was not yet chief of the TMG at the time of the shootout. He was appointed months later after another group of TMG operatives nearly killed a businessman whom they mistook for a car thief. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe

From The Manila Times:

Six months after the Ortigas affair, the Commission on Human Rights has at last recommended the filing of multiple-murder charges against the 10 members of Task Force Limbas who allegedly gunned down three men they suspected of being carjackers.

The commission urged the Ombudsman and the National Police Commission to initiate the filing of charges against Police Senior Insp. Hansel Marantan, Senior Insp. Samson Belmonte, Police Officer 3 Lloyd Soria, PO3 Rizalito Ramos Jr., PO2 Dexter Pascua, Senior Insp. Henry Cerdon, PO2 Jesus Fermin, PO2 Sonny Robrigado, PO1 Fernando Rey Gapuz and PO1 Josel Rey Lucena.

The 10 police agents, the commission found, summarily executed inside a rented Nissan Exalta Anton Cu-Unjieng, Francis Xavier Manzano and Bryan Anthony Dulay, reportedly members of the Valle Verde Carnap Gang, on November 7, 2005, at the premises of Garner Street and AIC Gold Tower Building.

‘Feigned, premeditated and treacherous’

In a 35-page decision the commission said it found probable cause to charge the 10 policemen with multiple murder as the police operation was “feigned, premeditated and treacherous.”

“It is evident that when the victims were flagged down by the Task Force Limbas operatives, the victims merely stopped the car, but were suddenly met with gunfire from the state agents herein who acted with criminal intent,” the decision read.

Commission chairman Purificacion Quisumbing said government and state agents should not use excessive force in performing their duties.

“Any excessive and/or arbitrary exercise of authority, as in this case, violates the basic guarantee of a person’s right to life and to due process,” she said.

No shootout

Quisumbing said the forensic expert Raquel Fortun showed that the victims did not fire at the policemen. Therefore, there was no shootout.

“There is no evidence to show that any of the three occupants had fired his gun,” she said.

Quisumbing stressed that the commission did not in any way fail to provide due process to the policemen, who were given opportune time to rebut the charges against them.

She said the 10 policemen refused to appear at the entire proceedings and instead commissioned their lawyer, Jose Tomas Syquia, to attend in their behalf.

“Respondents herein were afforded the opportunity to air their side, but they chose to invoke their constitutional right to remain silent, albeit prematurely,” she said.

From The Daily Tribune

CHR files murder raps vs TMG men on 3 slain carjack ‘suspects’

The Commission on Human Rights appears determined to bring to genuine justice the violators of human rights in the Philippine National Police, specifically those involved in the alleged shootout between the PNP Traffic Management Group (TMG) members and the alleged members of a carjack gang who were slain by the TMG in what it called a shootout last Nov. 7, 2005 in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The CHR yesterday, submitting its full report on the shootout, recom-mended the filing of multiple murder charges before the Ombudsman against 10 TMG members, namely Senior Inspectors Henry Cerdon, Hansel Marantan, Samson Belmonte; Police Officers 3 Lloyd Soria and Rizalito Ramos; Police Officers 2 Jesus Fermin, Sonny Robrigado and Dexter Bernadas; and Police Officers 1 Fernando Gapuz and Josel Rey Lucena.

The CHR said the charges against the 10 policemen accused of an “overkill” are slated

to be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman this week. The Ombudsman is, however, expected to drag its feet in filing charges against the police.

The 10 police officers, members of Task Force Limbas, were supposed to have been placed under administrative relief since last year, following a video footage showing a member of the team firing a gun at the bodies of the slain suspect, Anton Cu-Unjing, Francis Xavier Manzano and Anthony Brian Dulay, whom the TMG claimed were members of the Valle Verde gang.

Even paid witnesses were said to be brought in by the PNP, to back up the TMG’s version of the three being known carjackers.

The CHR, briefing the media, found that the three suspects were defenseless and could not have engaged in a shoot-out with the police traffic team.

The agency also intimated that the police team members charged with multiple murder, also planted evidence, and made it appear that the “suspects” were armed, with even a gun placed in the right hand of one slain suspect, after the murder. The slain “suspect” was later discovered to be left-handed and couldn’t have held the gun with his right hand.

It was also found, from ballistics tests, that all the shots came from the police, with one definitely coming from the TMG police.

From the 16 spent bullets taken from the vehicle, a Nissan Sentra of the three suspects, only three bullets came from the car.

It will be recalled that the TMG members and their police superiors immediately claimed a shootout with suspected carjackers, unaware that a cameraman took a video footage of the incident.

Still, the police maintained that the video could not be deemed reliable, as the angle of the shots came from a poor vantage point and that the cameraman failed to shoot the entire episode, which the police claimed told a different story.

But even other TV stations had footage after the alleged shootout, showing certain positions of the victims, which cast doubt on the version of the police.

Shortly after a public outcry, the police chiefs said they had placed the TMG members under suspension, following an internal investigation, but less than a week later, the same policemen said to have been under investigation, were back at their posts, with the superiors claiming that theirs was a legitimate operation and that their men should not be punished for doing their duty.

But the CHR also noted that the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (adopted by the Eight UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders, Sept. 7, 1990) provides under the General Provisions, Principles 5 and 7 that: “Whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall:

(a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offense and the legitimate objective to be achieved;

(b) Minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life;

(c) Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected person at the earliest possible moment;

(d) Ensure that relatives or close friends of the injured or affected person are notified at the earliest possible moment. And that governments shall ensure that arbitrary and abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offense under law.”

The CHR report said that these provisions emphasize that the use of force by law enforcement officials should be an exception. While it implies that law enforcement officials may be authorized to use force as reasonably necessary under the circumstances for the prevention of crime or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders, no force going beyond that may be used. The use of firearms is considered an extreme measure, hence, the principle of proportionality is to be respected.

“With the foregoing findings, the Commission is strongly convinced that the TMG Task Force Limbas operatives committed human rights violations in breach of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Philippines is a State party, which guarantees that: “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.”

6 Months

2006-05-05T16:04:00.000+08:00

It took a second to kill FX Manzano.

It took seconds for the TMG police to plant damning evidence and warp the scene of the crime.

It took minutes for the TMG police to lie to the media.

It took hours for Angelo Reyes and his team to come up with a medal to give to the TMG police for their fake heroic act.

It took a day to learn about FX's death.

It took two days for the revealing video from UNTV to be broadcast -- turning my shock of losing FX into an undescribable feeling.

It took weeks for the police to carelessly destroy evidence that reveal the real truth of what happened that night.

It took months to investigate the case -- from both the TMG and Human Rights sides.

It's been six months. Investigators know the truth. Why hasn't the truth been revealed? It takes a second to announce the truth and clear FX Manzano's name from the lies accused of him. How long must Filipinos wait to live in a country where justice means justice for life and peace, rather than justice for greed and power?

May 7 -- wear green in your peaceful support to gain justice for FX Manzano.

Taking Care of Business..... the PNP-way

2006-03-30T00:33:00.000+08:00

Guess what happened to Renato Marasigan, the PNP Internal Affairs Service person who indicated that TMG Operate Belmonte was either shot by "friendly fire" or by himself? He was killed last night. Interestingtly enough, he was killed similar to the way FX was killed -- ambushed by assailants "who approached the car on foot. The assailants shot at Marasigan and one even opened the car door to make sure that the police officer was dead, investigators said."

Who are these assailants? According to the police, the assailants were NPA (communist) because it's their anniversary. Um... um... NPA huh? How can they be certain the NPA killed Marasigan so quickly? Is that what their state-of-the-art, super-secret, double-password CSI technology reveals? Must be the same technology they used to determine so quickly the reason why they killed FX.

C'mon, now.... you really believed that?! Leave the gullibility in the toilet and get back to reality. If Marasigan's death was shot on video, the police will say he was a drug dealer. In this case, there's no video, so the police says he was shot by the NPA.

If the "people in power" kill you in the Philippines - they justify this by branding you in the media as an NPA-Communist (remember those Leyte farmers?) or killed by the NPA, a carjacker, a kidnapper, a terrorist, a drug dealer, killed "while trying to escape" or killed because you shot the police first even if you had no guns and even if the bullets that may have hit the police came from the police own gun.

Evidence? Easily planted.
Witnesses? Easily coerced.
Due process of the law? What law? Whose law?

I wonder...

- Of all the PNP in the whole Philippines, why would the NPA target Marasigan, an Internal Affairs personnel who's brave enough to say that Belmonte was not a victim?

- Just because it is their anniversary? Hello?!

A POLICE officer assigned to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame was shot dead in an ambush at 10:05 a.m. in Pasig City.
Chief Inspector Renato Marasigan, 53, of the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) was on his way to work when ambushed on E. Jacinto corner J. Jobson Streets in Barangay (village) Malinao, said Pasig police chief Senior Superintendent Romeo Abaring.

Abaring said Marasigan was driving his Pajero when ambushed by four assailants who approached the car on foot. The assailants shot at Marasigan and one even opened the car door to make sure that the police officer was dead, investigators said.

The motive behind the killing has yet to be ascertained, but Eastern Police District Director Charlemagne Alejandrino said they were considering the possible involvement of communist hit men as the New People’s Army was celebrating its founding anniversary the same day Marasigan was killed.

Marasigan was the spokesperson of the IAS team that conducted an investigation into the Nov. 7, 2005 killing of three carjacking suspects in the Ortigas Center by operatives of the Traffic Management Group.

March, 2006 Update

2006-03-15T00:39:00.000+08:00

4 months later, and here's what has happened in the Philippines regarding this case:

Investigation by the Philippine Commission of Human Rights took place. Leaks from their investigation reports that my classmate, FX, was 100% innocent. Their investigation proved that FX was killed in a fetal womb position on the backseat, faced down (which is to be expected of him because he is known to hate/fear guns). His body was positiioned away from where the planted guns were, which clearly challenges the police's false accusations of why they fired yet another bullet to his head at arm's length.

Exactly 4 months after this inhumane incident, the police did it again -- but this time, the victim lives to tell and prove that innocent people are being shot by heavily armed police in the same business area of Manila. His name is Randolf Clarito, a businessman, VP of a pharmaceutical company, driving down the same area where FX was killed. Without any warning from the police, he was shot at multiple times, just the same way the car FX was in experienced. However, this time, he was able to fled the scene and drive straight to the hospital where he beat the police from calling the media.

The media filmed his car immediately and then again after the police investigation. Just like what the police did 4 months ago, they planted stolen license plates on the backseats and other damaging evidence to his case so they can justify that they fired at a carjacker. But unbeknownst to the police, the media had already filmed the car prior to their arrival and showed no evidence of what the police were claiming. Unbeknownst to the police, that "alleged carjacker" was not their typical guy they can package to fit a carjacker.

There is a bit of justice for Mr. Clarito, but only for this case. In the Philippines, if you survive this type of injustice and prove the police and/or government wrong, you and your family risk a life of insecurity. We hope for the safety of the Clarito family.

As far as FX case, we're still waiting for justice.

Corrupt Solution for Corrupt Group

2006-03-12T23:52:00.000+08:00

Who in the world make decisions for our police?! It looks like their solution to remove corrupt, ignorant cops is to add more juvenile, ignorant, video gamer boys. And to make it easy for them to carry firearms and kill more innocent people, they're qualifications are decreased.

Lower standards, younger police examinees

EFFECTIVE May 28, the National Police Commission will lower the educational and age requirements for applicants to the police force.

Napolcom vice chairman Imelda Roces said the commission will revert back to 72 units the educational requirement for applicants and 18 the age requirement to lure many examinees.

She said civilians with the required college units may take the exams but should finish a four-year college course before he can be deemed qualified for appointment.

At present, the age limit for a police examinee is 28 years old, and he can only be appointed once he reaches 30.

Are you the next TMG victim?

2006-03-12T14:59:00.000+08:00

What a week! On the evening of Mar 7, I met up with fellow classmates for dinner. We were all wearing green tops and our green bands. We talked about how it's been 4 months and those corrupt cops are still roaming the streets, possibly harassing more citizens and possibly feeling untouchable since they never had to be accountable for killing FX. We wondered how many other innocent lives have been covered up by leaders like Angcanan, Lomibao and Angelo Reyes. Who would have thought that a similar shooting would take place the following day?!

Randolf Clarito is a very lucky man. Although he was shot at by TMG operatives who mistook him as a carnapper or driving a get-away car, he was able to drive himself to the hospital and release his story before TMG could concoct their cover-up. The TMG saw a cameraman as they were planting something in the businessman's car and retrieved this.

Last November 7, 2005 - these TMG operatives murdered 3 young men on what they claimed was a shoot-out but what videos and witnesses said was a rub-out. They said the 3 were driving a car taken from a woman in Bulacan and they proudly showed the license plate stolen and changed. The truth was that the car was legally rented by Brian Dulay as his car was in the shop. The UNTV video showed the police planting the license plates and other alleged evidence. Angelo Reyes' excuse? They really planned to carnap as they were renting a car.

So why did he say first they carjacked the car from a woman in Bulacan? Then TMG said they had to kill the 3 young men as they shot first at the the police wounding Murderer Belmonte on his leg. The Commission of Human Rights report indicated the 3 young men did not have guns and did not shoot. All the bullets came from the policemen's guns and none from the victims. The photos showed all the car windows were closed. The UNTV video showed the guns were planted. The hospital report showed that Belmonte shot himself or was shot at by his cohorts.

They could have done the same to Randolf Clarito had he died. They may even bring up FALSE WITNESSES to say Clarito was part of the carjacking operations and was driving the get-away car. The police had to quickly justify and say the 3 young men were carnappers and were under surveillance for some time.

The truth as you readers can look up the newspapers is that they did not even know Anton Cu-unjing's name or Francis Manzano's real address. If they were carnappers under surveillance, wouldn't you know their names and real address?! After all, they were not in hiding and went around Metro Manila freely.

PNP, TMG, DILG said they would train their men on following the rules of engagement after the Ortigas incident as people were outraged.

Look what they did to Randolf Clarito - did they follow the rules of engagement? Watch for the Commission of Human Rights report!

Lastly, as I have always said - you may not care for the 3 young men murdered last November 7 but if you allow these same TMG policemen to remain free and not be accountable for their murderous acts, it CAN HAPPEN TO YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES.

Ask Randolf Clarito. I am sure he NEVER thought this could happen to him. But it did -- and, luckily, he lived with his body and his name intact.

Please continue to Pray for Justice for Francis Xavier Manzano! Your prayers have started to be answered. The wheels of justice may grind exceedingly slow for Reyes, Lomibao, Angcanan (who was just sacked), and the 10 TMG operatives but God will ensure it will happen.

If you or someone you know has been shot by the TMG for "alleged carnapping," write me a comment.

The TMG Striked Again

2006-03-10T21:26:00.000+08:00

Thursday, March 9, 2006
Police shoot businessman mistaken as a carjacker RAISSA ROBLES in Manila

Police admitted they shot at and wounded a business executive in Manila yesterday, after mistaking him for a carjacker.

Randolph Clarito, 46, was driving home from the stock exchange when he was fired on with automatic weapons. He found out later his assailants were the police.

"There was this real sniper hitting the back of my car going straight to the driver [seat]. They were really pro," the shaken senior vice-president of pharmaceutical firm NutriPlus told a radio station.

He said his windshield and windows shattered, three tyres were blown out and blood poured from a head wound.

The hospital, however, said he sustained shrapnel wounds in one shoulder and knee.

Police spokesman Samuel Pagdilao said it was "very unfortunate" Mr Clarito was mistaken for carjackers the police were chasing early yesterday. He promised an investigation and admitted police had committed a "mistake of fact" when they mistook the businessman's silver Toyota for a similar model in which the wanted carjackers had fled.

Mr Clarito said he would not settle for an apology, although none was offered. "It's not just sorry. They could be repeating this over and over again."

Anti-crime group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption said it would help the businessman pursue his case against the police. "This thing has been happening again and again. It's high time they pay," chairman Martin Dino said.

Last November, the police claimed they killed three carjackers in a stolen car during a shootout near the stock exchange.

But the slain suspects' families claimed it was an assassination after a video surfaced showing the police doing all the shooting. Each of the three dead men tested negative for powder burns, a sign that they had not fired back at police.

4 Month: Reminder to wear green

2006-03-07T00:52:00.001+08:00

Don't forget to wear green - Mar 7. -- wear green!

4 Month: Reminder to wear green

2006-03-07T00:52:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to wear green - Mar 7. -- wear green!

"Ortigas shootout results out soon" by The Manila Times

2006-02-16T08:48:00.000+08:00

THE Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday set a new schedule “within this week or next week” for the release of its findings on the controversial Ortigas shootout last November.

In a telephone interview, Edgar Diansuy, the commission’s media relations bureau chief, said the agency is still finalizing the resolution on its investigation. “The commission will either release its findings within this week or next week once the resolution is finished. It will contain findings on whether the incident was a shootout or a rubout, as some quarters claim,” he said.

Three suspected carjackers, reportedly members of the notorious Valle Verde gang, were killed in an encounter with members of the Traffic Management Group’s Task Force Limbas on November 7, 2005, at the Ortigas Center.

Once the report on the shootout is out, Diansuy said, the commission will then release its findings on two other cases: The Hacienda Luiista massacre in November 2004 and the takeover of the detention center in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig by imprisoned members of the Abu Sayyaf group in March 2005.

Commission chairman Purificacion Quisumbing in December announced that her agency would disclose the results of its investigation into three high-profile cases: The Hacienda Luisita massacre, the Bicutan siege and the Ortigas shootout.

But the commission failed to do so, even as it was unable to finish its probe on the Ortigas shootout before Christmas.

The commission held its last hearing on January 10.

14 Weeks & Counting

2006-02-13T11:28:00.000+08:00

It's been exactly 14 weeks (98 days) since FX was shot by those savage Philippine policemen. It's been quiet in the news and after meeting up with some of my classmates this past weekend, no one has any news of whether justice will be served in this case. Word is justice will be served in 2 weeks, but that same saying has been said every 2 weeks for the past few weeks.

Nevertheless, I and the many classmates, friends, family, Filipinos and non-Filipinos continue to pray and hope. 14 weeks... and I still continue to receive numerous e-mails of support from amazing strangers who follow this blog. 14 weeks... and I've come to learn that Angelo Reyes, Augusto Angcanan, Joseph Orsos and those 10 TMG must never be trusted. 14 weeks... and justice for FX has not been served. 14 weeks... and we continue with our lives, but continue to miss FX.

By the way, in case you need to be reminded, here are the name of those 10 TMG corrupt officers:

- Henry Cerdon ("suspected" murderer)
- Hansel Marantan ("suspected" murderer)
- Samson Belmonte ("suspected" murderer - Here's your medal for murdering innocent civilians.")
- Lloyd Soria ("suspected" murderer)
- Rizalito Ramos ("suspected" murderer)
- Dexter Bernadas ("suspected" murderer)
- Jesus Fermin ("suspected" murderer)
- Sonny Robrigado ("suspected" murderer)
- Fernando Gapuz ("suspected" murderer)
- Josel Rey Lucena ("suspected" murderer)

Cops in shootout will be invited

2006-01-21T05:51:00.000+08:00

Just in from Manila Times...

"Cops in shootout will be invited"
By Jeannette I. Andrade, Reporter

THE Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service on Friday denied a motion of the Traffic Management Group to prevent its members involved in a controversial Pasig City shootout last year from appearing before a committee reviewing the case.

Internal Affairs Inspector General Alexis Canonizado denied the plea of Senior Insps. Henry Cerdon, Hansel Marantan, Samson Belmonte, Police Offers
3 Lloyd Soria and Rizalito Ramos; Police Officer 2 Jesus Fermin, Sonny Robrigado and Dexter Bernadas; and Police Officer 1 Fernando Gapuz and Josel Rey Lucena.

The members of the traffic group’s Task Force Limbas had asked for the internal affairs ad hoc committee, headed by Senior Supt. Joselito Casugbo, to stop its investigation into the Pasig City shootout on November 7, where three suspected carjackers were killed.

Senior Insp. Renator Marasigan and the lawyer Neopolito Perilla are the other committee members.

Some quarters have claimed that the encounter between the task force and the suspects—Anthony Brian Dulay, Anton Cu-Unjing and Francis Xavier Manzano—on Ortigas Avenue and Garnet Street was a “rubout.”

The traffic police reportedly spotted the suspects’ Nissan Exalta, and chased them when they refused to stop.

The suspects reportedly fired at the police, injuring Senior Insp. Belmonte below the right kneecap, prompting the police to fire back.

But a private television company—UN-TV—aired video footage of the encounter the next day that apparently showed the government men violating the rules of engagement.

Canonizado disclosed that records of the case were sent to the Ombudsman, which requested them.

He added that the committee has yet to submit the results of the investigation.

“The resolution is still being prepared by the panel in the light of recent developments,” said Canonizado, who declined to elaborate what the “recent developments” were.

Rep. Rufino Biazon of Muntinlupa has also requested for a copy of the panel’
s findings, he said.

Karma & Hypocrites

2006-01-13T09:42:00.000+08:00

If you're watching, reading or listening to Filipino news, you will, by now, know that news reports are beginning to surface that the investigation done by both the Philippine Internal Affairs Service and the Commission of Human Rights reveal the police have been lying to every one of us about this case. (It's not news to those of us who know FX and to others with enough intelligence to realize the truth.)

I just finished reading the 2 articles online from Inq7.net and Manila Standard about the reports. I found a couple of interesting issues I want to point out:

a) Will the media "quit" referring to FX as a carnapper or a carjacker?! If you're going to report or reveal the truth about the police (that they're liars), then be truthful about how you refer to Francis Manzano (that he's not a carnapper).

b) I found this comment by Chief Inspector Joseph Orsos, PNP Traffic Management Group spokesman, to be soooo hypocritical of the police: "I think it’s proper that they (CHR) should inform first the affected parties and not immediately announce that to the media." HELLOOOOOOOO!!! Guess who informed the media about FX's death first? The police. In fact, the family didn't even know about FX's death until almost 12 hours later... maybe more.

c) Let's continue to hope and pray for justice. Hopefully, the truthful facts revealed on this case, our desire for justice to exist in this country (despite extravagant efforts by the corrupt and ignorant individuals abusing their power), and the brave efforts that the readers of this blog give in sharing this site with others can continue to give us the courage to stand up for our rights and speak. This is one case. We will all find ourselves in another case where truth and justice will be our only hope. Know that whatever we do in this case can help future cases we, our family, our friends, our neighbors, or classmates may (unfortunately) go through.

LATEST ABS-CBN NEWS REPORT CONFIRMS MURDER not SHOOT OUT

2006-01-12T13:52:00.000+08:00

The January 11, 2006 ABS-CBN News report just confirms what we have always said from the beginning that the TMG Operatives murdered my friend and his companions last November 7. Their superiors covered it up by saying the victims fired first hitting Murderer Belmonte and that the victims were all carnappers with guns and license plates. (A video came out showing the police murdering the young men and planting the guns and the license plates.) ABS CBN said this was not a shoot-out but a rub-out. The victims never fired at the policemen but the policemen entered the car and shot them at the back of their heads close range. Murderer Belmonte was not shot by any of the victims but by his own gun or by one of his companion's gun. The bullet shells all came from the policemen's guns. It also brought to my mind what one of the bloggers said about his uncle in Camp Crame saying this same thing last November 8. That comment was right on!

The Commission of Human Rights will release their findings in a few weeks.

Reminder: Wear green this Saturday

2006-01-05T16:59:00.000+08:00

We're almost on our 2-months mark. I'm not sure of the status of FX's investigation. My apologies to my readers for the lack of update through the holiday period. My classmates and I talk about this case, but no one's quite sure where it is... so there's not much to report. We just all continue to pray for justice.

This weekend marks the second month of FX's death. I just want to remind you to wear green (or a green armband) to support our quest for justice on Jan 7. When you see someone on the street wearing green, you'll know that they, too, are in support for justice.

In the last 2 months, the untruthful police accusations about FX are slowly being proven wrong by facts. For one, under the police's own investigation, they've concluded that the shot that officer Belmonte received on his leg came as a friendly fire from either his own gun or someone from inside the police vehicle. Therefore, Belmonte and his coward colleagues lied; Angcanan and Reyes lied; and the media group who proclaimed that Belmonte was shot by FX, Anton or Brian lied. To those who say that FX, Anton or Brian shot the cop, please re-read paragraph and realize this truth!

Here's wishing for a positive and fair 2006!

No News Is NOT Good News

2006-01-02T03:06:00.000+08:00

There is no news from the Commission of Human Rights on their findings regarding the murder of my friend, Francis Xavier Manzano, although initially they indicated they will have their verdict by mid-December. The non-appearance of the 10 TMG operatives apparently delayed their findings.

Meanwhile, the news everyday during this holiday season continuously confirms that it is common in the Philippines:

a) for the police to kill anyone BLATANTLY, BRUTALLY, WITHOUT CONSCIENCE who have exposed their corruption or who they fear will expose their corruption

b) for police to plant evidence to charge people who go against them

c) for most top police and top government officials to pretend to undertake an investigation to and cover-up

d)eventually for the public who is used and numbed by these to forget the atrocities as they are focused on new killings

See this latest news of the judge who ruled against the govt on the PIATCO case and was killed:

"A police officer will be summoned by investigators for questioning in connection with the murder of Pasay City Judge Henrick Gingoyon in Cavite last Saturday, Southern Tagalog police director Chief Superintendent Jesus Versoza said yesterday. Versoza told Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao that investigators were focusing on reports that the police officer might have been involved in the fatal ambush of Gingoyon in Bacoor, Cavite.

Versoza withheld from reporters the name of the police officer. Lomibao created a task force led by Versoza to coordinate efforts in tracking down the killers. Gingoyon was gunned down by two men riding on a motorcycle in Soldiers Hill in Barangay Molino, Bacoor last Saturday afternoon.

Gingoyon was the judge who ordered the government to pay P3 billion to Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco) for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The government wants to take over NAIA-3, which has not been used since its completion about two years ago.

Earlier this year, Gingoyon had dismissed a drug case filed by the police officer after concluding that the evidence had been "planted."

Earlier this year, his house had been shot at and he had sought help, suspecting that a chief of police in one of the towns of Cavite was behind the shootings. The shooting occurred about a week after Gingoyon had objected to the promotion of the police chief. Gingoyon had also objected to an award given to the police officer, saying that he routinely engaged in "planting" evidence to justify his arrests.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said Versoza has been tasked by the PNP chief to make a progress report of the investigation.

Bataoil, however, refused to elaborate on the progress of the case but pointed out Verzosa and his investigators are focusing on the controversial drug cases handled by Gingoyon in Pasay and Paranaque cities and in Bacoor, Cavite.

According to Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., the killing of Gingoyon will be a setback for the operation of the NAIA-3.

"The net effect of the murder would cause a setback in the opening of the NAIA-3 facility. The new judge will have to restudy the issue of the case and obviously it will take (longer) for the facility to be opened to the people," Pimentel said.

Pimentel, on the other hand, called on his colleagues in the Senate to help out determine the real motive in the murder.

Lawyers’ groups also condemned the killing of Gingoyon. The Counsels for the Defense of Liberties (Codal) said the killing of Gingoyon indicates the continued harassment of the legal profession. Codal also pointed out Gingoyon was a former counsel of the militant groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

"Judge Gingoyon’s controversial decisions as a judge or his previous involvement as counsel of Bayan and KMU does not justify his killing," Codal said.

Members of the legal profession... must not be attacked for the practice of their profession or political beliefs. The attacks against lawyers and judges are attacks against the legal profession and civil liberties," the group said in a statement.

Codal called on the government to "move swiftly and decisively to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these acts."

Another group called Equal Justice for All (E-Just) led by lawyer Leonard de Vera compared the killing of Gingoyon to those of journalists slain in the line of duty.

"Democracy has no meaning when journalists who expose the truth, lawyers who present the evidence and judges who pronounce the judgments are killed like dogs," the group said. E-Just also decried what they claimed was an apparent inaction of the law enforcement agencies to solve high profile murders in the past years.

"Our leaders condemn with words the assassinations but the killings go on and on. Soon our democracy itself will become endangered specie. One wonders if our government exists to protect our lives," De Vera said. -With Paolo Romero, Christina Mendez, Michael Punongbayan

Why are the cops now dodging the Commission of Human Rights?

2005-12-21T17:42:00.000+08:00

GMA7 TV-RADIO reports that the CHR (Commission of Human Rights) plan to cite the 10 TMG (Traffic Management Group) operatives with contempt for snubbing the hearing again and again. [Click here to watch the video.] I wonder why they are not appearing after Angelo Reyes & Angcanan
assured the CHR their full cooperation?

Is it because they may contradict themselves again?

Is it because they beleive they are above the law? (Afterall, Angcanan already cleared them.)

Is it because they have overly confused themselves with their lies?

Is it because they know there are new evidences that they may not be able to answer?

Interesting development. Write in and tell me what your thoughts are.

Police Internal Investigation Result: Ortigas victims did not shoot Police

2005-12-18T10:34:00.000+08:00

The December 15 "SAKSI" report indicated that IASF (Internal Affairs Service) has found out that the bullet that "supposedly" wounded MURDERER, Police Insp SAMUEL BELMONTE (for which he was given a hero's medal) could NOT have come from the victims of the Ortigas rub-out. The doctor that examined his wound indicated the direction of the bullet was diagonal, coming from the top... it could have come from his companions' friendly fire.

BUT IN THEIR COVER UP, TMG reported that the bullet that hit MURDERER SAMUEL BELMONTE, came from one of the victim's gun. Note in their interview they said the reason they fired at the victims was because one of them shot first and hit Murderer Belmonte. So what is their justification now for firing at the victims when the victims could not have fired at Murderer Belmonte? How will they justify that the gun with that specific bullet came from them and not from the victims? HOW WILL TMG COVER-UP this new finding? Their lies are catching up with them and the inconsistency in their stories.

Angcanan said the truth will set his 10 policemen cum murderers free -- it has not -- because they never spoke the truth in the first place. They meant to fool the Filipinos. They have forgotten there is a just GOD in heaven and not in the TMG headquarters.

Reyes said: "To those saying the incident was a rubout, I think it’s hard to convince any police officer to shoot himself in the leg just to make it appear as a legitimate operation. It defies imagination and logic. We would never do that.".

Well, the TMG operatives and their superiors just committed MURDER and COVER UP that defies IMAGINATION & LOGIC! And they always do that!

See this Nov 9 report:

One policeman was o wounded in the shootout. The wounded police official was identified as Senior Inspector Samuel Belmonte of TMG’s Task Force Limbas based at Camp Crame in Quezon City. He is currently being treated at the Medical Center in Pasig City.

TMG officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Augusto Angcanan said two teams from Task Force Limbas were conducting covert operations at the Ortigas Center following a tip that a maroon Nissan Sentra Exalta with license plates XDD-828 was about to be used in a carjacking.

The first group, led by Senior Inspector Henry Cerdon, spotted the Exalta on Garnet street at about 11 p.m. and immediately informed Belmonte’s group.

Belmonte’s team flagged down the vehicle, but the driver refused to yield, prompting the lawmen to give chase.

When the suspects were about to be cornered, one of them opened fire, hitting Belmonte in the right leg. The ensuing gunbattle left all three suspects dead.

"We had to use reasonable force to repel the aggressors. They fired at our policemen first," Angcanan said.

Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao and Angcanan rushed to the crime scene and later headed to the Medical City, where they awarded Belmonte with the "Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting."

The DILG chief slammed insinuations that the incident was a "rubout."

"To those saying the incident was a rubout, I think it’s hard to convince any police officer to shoot himself in the leg just to make it appear as a legitimate operation. It defies imagination and logic. We would never do that.," Reyes said.

Just discovered Witness.org

2005-12-13T13:46:00.000+08:00

I just discovered Witness.org. It's an organizations that many celebrities in the US support, which is how I stumbled upon it. Witness is an organization that fight for human rights through videos. I think the videos taken by UNTV apply for this case.

I posted a comment a comment in their forum to let their members know about what's happening in our country. (Click here to see the post.)

Check out their site at http://Witness.org and see for yourself the type of work they do against human rights violations. I hope Filipinos can do the same and have the courage to film for justice -- just like UNTV.

PRESS STATEMENT of the Family of the late FRANCIS XAVIER V. MANZANO

2005-12-11T21:47:00.000+08:00

Thanks to the media person who sent me this statement to share with all of us. If you wish to share this with your family and friends, tell them to go to http://clearfx.blogspot.com/2005/12/press-statement-of-family-of-late.html

PRESS STATEMENT of the Family of the late FRANCIS XAVIER V. MANZANO
December 9, 2005

We are deeply pained and traumatized by the passing of our beloved youngest brother, Francis Xavier V. Manzano, under the most heinous of circumstances. Any death in a family is a cause for mourning; we, however, have greater reasons to mourn and grieve for Francis for the brutality that marked his death.

Our family is law-abiding and God-fearing; we were raised well by our parents and family members who inculcated in us high moral standards and values. We are also a very private family, with no desire to engage in public mudslinging with anyone. However, we believe that we owe it to our brother as well as to our late parents to not allow our name to be trampled upon and vilified without cause and without justification.

Francis has been described as a criminal and a carjacker by those who took his life. Francis, FX to us, was many things, but he was not a criminal, he was not a carjacker.

To his many friends, he was a kind-hearted and peace-loving person; to us, his family, he was a loving brother. We, who have known and taken care of him all his life, know him to be a person who abhorred violence and who was incapable of the acts he is now, in death, accused of having done.

This is why we have now come forward to break our peace.

We wish to say that we do not condemn the Philippine National Police as an institution. We are well aware that there are many men and women in uniform who serve with honor. However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the video footage of the killings as well as the testimonies of eyewitnesses that show beyond any doubt that those who killed Francis Xavier Manzano disregarded the rules of engagement and violated his fundamental human rights.

We believe in the rule of law. Francis was not accorded the rule of law. He was not a criminal, yet he was treated like the worst kind of criminal. He was never charged, tried, convicted or sentenced, yet he has already been executed.

After much reflection and prayer, the family agreed to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights in its investigation. We acceded to their request to have the remains of Francis exhumed and his body re-examined by Dr. Raquel Del Rosario-Fortun, who had been commissioned by the CHR for this purpose. This was done on November 26-27, 2005 in Baguio City. We await her official report and findings which we are confident will bring us closer to the truth.

We wish to thank family members and friends who have condoled with us and supported us during this time of bereavement.

We acknowledge with gratitude UNTV and other witnesses who have bravely come forward to help shed light on the true circumstances of our brother’s death.

We thank the responsible members of the print and broadcast media for their objective and fair reporting and for respecting our privacy during this time of grief and mourning.

We thank, especially, the Commission on Human Rights, through the Honorable Chairperson Purificacion Quisumbing, for spearheading the independent investigation of this incident. We pray that the investigation may bear fruit and that justice may be done so that Francis may be able to truly rest peacefully.

Thank you very much and good day to all.

Sister Courageously Defends Slain FX Manzano

2005-12-10T01:05:00.000+08:00

Amen to Jennifer Manzano for her courage! She said she had to do this despite some opposition and threats as it is the RIGHT THING, a BASIC RESPONSIBILITY of a human being to speak the truth for another who cannot defend himself --- whose right to life has been grossly violated by TMG operatives who violated their DUTY TO GOD & COUNTRY.

Jennifer, thank you. I'm sure FX is thanking you from the heavens for doing this. You have always done your very best for him, and that's to courageously speak the truth about him to the media despite some opposition and threats. Our country needs more people like you.

[A VIDEO CLIP]

"My brother was not a carjacker"
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 12/10/2005

A sister of a business school student gunned down last month by Traffic Management Group (TMG) officers during an anti-carjacking operation said yesterday her brother was not a criminal, the first time the family has made a public statement about the incident.

In a press conference held at the Astoria Plaza in Pasig City, Jennifer Manzano, 37, read a statement in connection with the killing of her brother Francis Xavier, praying that the investigation being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) "may bear fruit and that justice may be done so that Francis may be able to truly rest peacefully."

Francis Xavier, 26, a second year college student at the Thames Business School, was shot dead by police anit-carjacking operatives at the Ortigas Center in Pasig City last Nov. 7.

Also killed were his companions Brian Anthony Dulay and Antonio Cu-Unjieng.

Francis was the youngest of five siblings.

"He has been described as a criminal and a carjacker by those who took his life. Francis Xavier, FX to us, was many things, but he was not a criminal, he was not a carjacker," said Jennifer, who was almost in tears as she read her family’s statement.

She told the media men that neither Francis nor any other member of the family ever owned a firearm.

Jennifer said they are deeply pained and traumatized by the passing of their youngest.

"We believe that we owe it to our brother as well as to our late parents not to allow our name to be trampled upon and vilified without cause and without justification," she said.

Jennifer said that while they do not wish to condemn the Philippine National Police (PNP) as an institution, they cannot turn a blind eye to the video footage of the "overkill" as well as the testimonies of eyewitnesses "that show beyond any doubt that those who killed Francis disregarded the rules of engagement and violated his fundamental human rights."

"We believe in the rule of law. Francis was not accorded the rule of law. He was not a criminal, yet he was treated like the worst kind of criminal. He was never charged, tried, convicted or sentenced, yet he was executed," Jennifer said.

She said the family agreed to cooperate with the CHR in its investigation, and acceded the request to have the remains of Francis exhumed and his body re-examined by a doctor who had been commissioned by the CHR.

This was done last Nov. 26 in Baguio City. They are now awaiting the official report and findings of the autopsy which they believe would bring them closer to the truth.

Jennifer, on behalf of the family, thanked several people including CHR chairwoman Purificacion Quisumbing, UNTV for the video taken by a news crew and other witnesses, for helping them in the search for the truth.

Lawyer Theodore Te, legal counsel of the Manzano family, said they are now closely coordinating with Dr. Raquel del Rosario-Fortun, who performed the autopsy.

He said the family is hoping the report would come out soon.

"We are hoping that it will bring us closer to the truth to finding out what truly happened on Nov. 7, 2005. The re-examination and the re-autopsy will unearth a lot of things that right now cannot be explained in relation to the death of Francis," Te said.

He said that even if the families of those killed do not file charges, then the Department of Justice has a duty to do so, if the CHR finds basis.

Te said there were a lot of people in the area during the alleged shootout. He hopes that those witnesses will come forward.

"Without witnesses or without enough witnesses, I don’t think they will have too much basis to proceed. We are also making this appeal to people who may have been there, may have information, to come forward and coordinate with the CHR. If they are willing to coordinate with us, then I will coordinate with the CHR on their behalf," the lawyer said.

He said the Manzano family is thankful that the CHR took the initiative and continues to follow up the investigation.

"Suspected carjacker’s kin disputes police charges "
By Dennis Carcamo

THE elder sister of one of the suspected carjackers who were killed in a shootout with the police in Ortigas Center yesterday broke her silence and denied that her brother was involved in carjacking.

Jennifer Manzano, 37, sister of Francis Xavier Manzano, 26, one of the three alleged car thieves gunned down by operatives of the Traffic Management Group, surfaced to belie police’s allegations against her brother.

“Francis has been described as a criminal and a carjacker by those who took his life. Francis, FX to us, was many things, but he was not a criminal, he was not a carjacker,” Jennifer, along with her lawyer Thedore Te, said in press conference at Astoria Plaza in Barangay San Antonio Pasig.

She said their family is still waiting for the results of the autopsy on Francis performed by Dr. Raquel del Rosario-Fortun last Nov. 26 and 27 in Baguio City.

“We await her official report and findings, which we are confident will bring us closer to the truth,” she said.

Aside from Manzano, Brian Anthony Dulay and Antonio Cu-Unjieng were also shot dead by pursuing traffic policemen during an operation in Ortigas Center last Nov. 7.

But Jennifer described her brother as “a kind-hearted and peace-loving person” and “a person who abhorred violence and who was incapable of the acts he is now, in death, accused of having done.”

Jennifer read a statement of the family and refused to entertain any questions from journalists.

“Our family is law-abiding and God-fearing. We were raised well by our parents and family members who inculcated in us high moral standards and values,” she added.

The Manzano family, she pointed out, “(does) not condemn the Philippine National Police as an institution. But, they cannot turn a blind eye to the video footages of the killings as well as the testimonies of eyewitnesses that show beyond any doubt that the incident (was) not a legitimate shootout.”

"Manzano’s kin seek justice"
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page A19 of the December 10, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE FAMILY of one of three suspected car thieves killed in a clash with police have agreed to have his remains exhumed and reexamined, ending weeks of silence and starting what they said was a quest for justice and a “search for the truth.”

The family of Francis Xavier Manzano, 26, who was killed in a gunfight with police last month with two other suspected car thieves, said Manzano was wrongly reported as a car thief.

“Francis was not accorded the rule of law,” said Jennifer, 37, Francis’ sister. “He was not a criminal, yet he was treated like the worst kind of criminal.”

Jennifer said the family was now ready to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights, which is investigating allegations that Manzano, Anton Cu-Unjieng and Brian Anthony Dulay were murdered by police.

The three, accused of being car thieves, were killed Nov. 7 at the Ortigas Business Center by agents of the Traffic Management Group (TMG).

The TMG said the three were killed in a gunfight, but witnesses were quoted as saying the young men never fired at the policemen.

Footage taken by TV station UNTV showed the police used “excessive force” against the three, according to lawyer Theodore Te, counsel of the Manzano family.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the video footage of the killings as well as the testimony of eyewitnesses that show beyond any doubt that those who killed (Manzano) disregarded the rules of engagement and violated his fundamental human rights,” Jennifer said.

She said Francis, the youngest of five siblings who was called in the family as FX, never owned a gun.

“We don’t have a gun in the family,” she said. “Francis has been described as a criminal and a carjacker by those who took his life... But he was not a criminal, he was not a carjacker.”

She said it took the family “much reflection and prayer” before deciding to have his body exhumed and reexamined.

The family also chose to keep quiet for a long time.

“We are also a very private family, with no desire to engage in public mudslinging with anyone,” Jennifer said.

“However, we believe that we owe it to our brother as well as to our late parents to not allow our name to be trampled upon and vilified,” she added.

The body was exhumed Nov. 26-27 in Baguio City. It is already being reexamined by forensic expert Raquel Fortun as part of an ongoing investigation.

Te said the family doesn’t know how long the examination would take or when its results would be known.

Family of slain carjack suspect agrees to have body exhumed

2005-12-09T14:21:00.000+08:00

Let's pray and support the family of Francis Manzano. The decision to exhume his body must have been a very difficult one to make, especially during such a painful time. Their belief in justice and solidarity as a family should be commended.

"Family of slain carjack suspect agrees to have body exhumed"
By Edson Castro Tandoc Jr.
Inquirer

THE FAMILY of Francis Manzano, one of three suspected carjackers killed in an alleged shootout last month with Traffic Management Group operatives, announced on Friday that they were willing to have his body exhumed and subjected to an autopsy.

Jennifer Manzano, sister of Francis, said that it took the family some time to agree to the exhumation because they were traumatized by the brutal killing.

The Commission on Human Rights is conducting an investigation into the Nov. 7 alleged shootout in Pasig City that resulted in the killing of Manzano, Anton Cu-Unjieng and Brian Anthony Dulay. The CHR wanted to have Manzano’s body autopsied anew.

The bodies of Cu-Unjieng and Dulay were cremated.

It's been a month. We're still waiting for justice

2005-12-07T22:41:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to wear green today!

More on the life of Francis Xavier Manzano

2005-12-06T04:58:00.000+08:00

I just received this comment on a blog I wrote, A Letter About FX. Thank you for sharing with us more about FX and letting the world know the true Francis Xavier Manzano.

I cried reading this blog. It reminded me of all the testimonies of people who spoke in FX's wake...especially his materially poor friends and classmates from the Mt Province to whom he gave ALL HIS THINGS when he graduated. I heard testimony from people from all walks of life. He touched many peoples' lives especially the poor and the needy in his quiet way. Most touching were the testimonies of his daughter and nieces and nephews who could not understand why "bad men had to kill Tito F" . Hindi siya "pasiklab" "mayabang". (He's not flashy or conceited.) He had more poor friends than rich ones. He has been a volunteer counselor for 3 years and we will never know what secret(s) involving TMG, PNP or the military were told to him - that's why he had to be rubbed out too. When something tragic like this happens, we think of "could haves" should haves" and one o fmy thoughts - if he was not too "mabait" (nice/kind-hearted) and too helpful with others' problems as a counselor- baka buhay pa siya ngayon (perhaps he may still be alive today)! Sayang to have his life taken and in such a brutal fashion. The cover-up is so sad but we should be used to it in the Philippines as we read about it everyday in the newspapers involving the highest levels of the government. Manhid na tayo!

Relationship between Philippine Police & Commission of Human Rights: A publicity stunt?!

2005-12-06T02:00:00.000+08:00

The Philippine police are now desecrating the victims of the Human rights by "pretending" to uphold their rights after killing them. I wonder how fair this Commission of Human Rights (CHR) will be to Francis Xavier Manzano. I wonder how fair they will be to future victims. I question how fair CHR will be when they're so closely tied to the corrupt Philippine Military and Philippine Police.

I must commend the public relations adviser for the Philippine police for coming up with this strategy -- "Let's publicly befriend the CHR to gain the public's trust." Too bad for them that we're not foolish to their publicity stunts. Too bad for them that we realize the police effort in "partnering" with CHR is just their way of keeping "their enemies closer."

Let's continue to pray and hope for truth & justice in our country. I would like to ask fellow bloggers, readers, mailing lists, websites, e-mailers and others who wish to help us gain justice to please spread the link to this website or simply spread the word of our cry for justice. I pray that someone out there reading this can help gain justice for Francis Xavier Manzano.

EXCERPT:
"Police to join celebration of human rights week"
By Katherine Adraneda
The Philippine Star 12/05/2005

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lumibao will join the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and human rights advocates in a ceremony that will recognize "CHR partners," including police and military officers, non-government organizations (NGOs), and civic and church-based groups.

"I hope the occasion will send a message of peace and harmony to every individual across the nation, that human rights knows no bounds," said
Commissioner-in-charge Wilhelm Soriano, of the CHR-National Capital Region.

Dubbed as "Karapatang Pantao: Igalang, Itaguyod, at Ipatupad," the event marks the convergence of police authorities, military officials, and other
"state actors," NGOs, urban poor, informal settlers, church groups, and those who firmly believe in the preservation of the dignity of every human
being.

"A celebration of human rights is a triumph of democracy," Soriano said.

Among those to be conferred plaques of appreciation for their contribution to human rights advocacy are Dagat-dagatan Council of Leaders led by Lilia Esparrago, Bantay Bata Foundation group, Human Rights Defense group, Superintendent Rolando Anonuevo of the PNP Intelligence Training Group, Dr. Liza Derillo of the Soroptomist International of the Philippines, Col. Winston Manay of the Philippine Air Force Officer School, Director Reynaldo Varilla of Human Resource Doctrine Development, General Renato Miranda of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Councilor Kevin Delgado of Muntinlupa City, and Councilor Corazon Braga of Antipolo City.

"Our theme concretizes the idea of bringing Filipinos together, regardless of their differences in ideologies and ideals, partisan politics notwithstanding...that they may see eye to eye in terms of defining human rights," Soriano said.

Human rights advocates and members of the police clashed months ago over the implementation of the administration’s calibrated preemptive response (CPR) and "no permit, no rally policy," which were deemed as curtailment to the people’s right to free expression.

The military, on the other hand, has been blamed for the series of human rights abuses, and killings against leaders and members of organizations in
the countryside, who were perceived as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Meanwhile, human rights group KARAPATAN renews its call for the improvement of the human rights situation in the country.

In its 2005 Human Rights Report, the group said that the Arroyo administration has turned to wanton use of repression and "state terror" to cling to power. KARAPATAN has documented 874 cases of human rights violations, which affected 99,011 individuals; and 14,302 families in 288
communities from January to November this year.

Marie Hilao-Enriquez, leader of KARAPATAN, said that the report is a result of painstaking efforts of human rights workers and volunteers in the
Philippines.

"This makes 2005 possibly the worst year for human rights in the post-Marcos era," Enriquez said.

"The intensity of the political killings that occurred in 2005 and the broadness of its targets to include lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, church leaders, local officials, community leaders and
organizers, ordinary peasants and workers and members of progressive parties and people’s organization surpasses that of any regime after Martial Law," she added.

According to KARAPATAN, 150 persons, including a two-year-old boy and two unborn children, were killed from January to November this year while the
number of political killings increased by more than 100 percent compared to 2004.

KARAPATAN said that of the 150 victims of political killings, 80 were activists who were critical of the Arroyo regime; the remaining 68 were not known to be affiliated with any political party or organization but were suspected by the military to be sympathizers, supporters, friends or relatives of communist or Muslim rebels.

"On the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we believe that possibilities for justice for the victims of
human rights violations and opportunities for the improvement of the human rights situation can only be opened up with the removal of Gloria Arroyo
from the presidency."

A Comment To Highlight

2005-12-03T01:16:00.000+08:00

Received this comment on the blog and I just wanted to highlight it. (I'm not sure how easy it is to see the new comments that are posted on this blog. I receive many commments to various posts but it looks all spread out and not as easily seen, perhaps?)

To this anonymous person who wrote in: Thank you for writing.

--------
I was quite ashamed of myself thinking that it could have been true, but then I saw the video... just imagine how many people the police think they can fool! I'm one of them, but now, only now (how shameful) did I realize how wrong I was since I'm not much of a news watcher. We have seen the evidence, a true untainted one in fact. Not like the ones planted by the police just to make their story seemingly true.

So there is still hope. Just with this video we can convince the world that the Philippine Police is corrupted. I just hope that by doing so, the families of the victims and even the Filipino people can have their justice.

Anyway, how disgusting can it get? How low should the police stoop? Is killing three innocent and loved people not enough for them? I can't believe they are after the witnesses and the families!!! How crude and rude... disrespectful indeed. Tapping into the private conversations of the victim's families with their friends is an abuse. It's like denying them freedom. And God, how mean could they get into coercing the witnesses to change their stories.

I'm really sorry... and to the Police, how could you?! Just imagine those three victims as your own sons and think and feel the wrong you've done. Angelo Reyes, what a sick man you are!!! You see how things could turn in one instant, you may be resting in your comforts now, but tomorrow you'll see and you'd be in the victims places. Karma has a way of getting you! Be warned....
---------

Letting Oprah Fans Know

2005-12-02T08:17:00.000+08:00

So I joined the Oprah Angel Network today and shared my story. Who knows if Oprah will read it. I doubt it. A new reader is enough accomplishment for me today - that they, too, will understand our cry for justice and our attempts to end corruption in our country.

Remember, green on the 7th! I'm going to pick up some green bands for my friends. Maybe, if maybe, the police have ended their threats and phone tapping to FX's family, I can share with them some of the green bands I get.

Anyone know someone from the media who can let our people know to wear green on the 7th?

A Touching Blog By A Classmate

2005-12-01T07:10:00.000+08:00

I ran into this blog by Pameelicious, who reflects on seeing FX the afternoon before he was shot. Thank you for your blog. I got teary eyed at the end of reading this, remembering FX and how well he's liked.

Dec 7 - Show Your Support For Justice & Peace

2005-11-30T15:35:00.000+08:00

I had a conversation with a mutual friend of FX. We were talking about our frustrations about the lack of justice this case has fallen into. He asked, "What can we do if we can't even trust the cops, the government, or the investigators to show us the truth, protect us with our truthful words, or give justice to FX?"

I kept thinking about his question. Is what I'm doing, blogging for justice, helping us gain justice for FX? I hope so. It's at least reaching the awareness to people all over the world that we, Filipinos, seek justice for the corruption happening in our country. Ever since I started this blog, I have been swamped with emails from readers from all over the world who support my efforts. Some who do not understand Tagalog have reached out to their Filipino friends to translate what is happening. Others share the link to this blog through email, forums and word of mouth. Thank you.

I believe that part of fighting for the truth and justice is to NOT ALLOW this story to die. We need to let each other know, peacefully, that we are aware of what the police have done and we wish justice for Francis Xavier Manzano. I would like to encourage you to wear green on Dec 7 -- a month after the incident -- to show your support for peace and justice. Let's do this every month -- until justice has been served -- to show that we are continuously aware of the injustice that was done to Francis Xavier Manzano. Let's wear our greens to show that we will not tolerate the Philippine police and military's corruption and threats against Filipinos. Even if you're not in the Philipppines... even if you're not a Filipino... please make an effort to wear green in your silent support for peace and justice for Francis Xavier Manzano.

So you have a week to prepare and to pass the word around! Dec 7 is Wednesday of next week.

Has Martial Law Begun and No One Bothered To Tell me?!

2005-11-29T23:49:00.000+08:00

It seems to me that the police are killing and arresting just about anyone they please.

Just in the past few weeks, the police killed a man they "suspected" to be a terrorist leader. After they killed him and rejoiced to the media of their capture, it was revealed that they killed a man who just happen to "look like" the terrorist leader.

A few days later, they killed Francis Xavier Manzano, and, again, ran to the media -- rejoicing that they just killed "suspected" carjackers. They were so proud that they gave a medal to one of their officers only a few hours after the incident. They're now finding out that they killed an innocent man who is "not" a carjacker and hates guns. To make matters worse, they're whole mistake was documented by 5 video cameras.

The following week, a group of innocent farmers sleeping on the side of the road were killed by the police. Like the incident with Francis Xavier Manzano, the police planted a gun on their scene and claimed to the media that they were suspected terrorists.

The head of the UNTV was arrested for what reason again?! Oh, I get it, for not selling out to the police corruption. Just because UNTV captured what really happened and was brave enough to show the public the truth, they're now harassed and arrested. What gives?!

Today, they arrested and jailed a "suspected" financier of a "suspected" carjacking gang, Jayjay de los Santos. This guy stepped up to clear his name, that he's not a financier, and let the people know that he knew one of the men killed to be a good person.

Anyone see a trend here, or is it just me?! Seems to me that the police got a Martial Law memo without letting the public know.

Who's With the Commission of Human Rights During the Investigation?

2005-11-29T10:10:00.000+08:00

Have you seen the TV coverage of the head of CHR (Commission of Human Rights) inspecting the victims' car riddled by bullets? Take a close look who is with her -- all the police and military
officials -- the same officials who want to cover up the murders! The car has been in their (police) possession since November 7. They have TAINTED the evidence that this was an UNJUSTIFIED MURDER of Francis Xavier Manzano!

The day after the murder, a Camp Crame officer who refuses to be named said none of the bullets came from the victims' car. Eyewitnesses have said the same. There was no shoot out! The UNTV video verifies this.

What can stop them from firing bullets just as they have placed the gun on Brian Dulay's hand as though he shot at them whereas originally his hand was on his chest? See the video! That's why Reyes, Lomibao, and Angcanan have arrogantly declared - "Bring on the lawsuits!" (Meaning, we've already tainted the evidence to the police's favor).

Please, naman, the FILIPINOS ARE INTELLIGENT and THEY CAN JUDGE FROM THE UNTV VIDEO WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!

Everyday in the newspaper, we read about the police or military killing innocent people on what they quickly claim as "legitimate operations." (See Palo, Leyte incident). The Ortigas incident has been called a "legitimate operation" and frankly without that UNTV video, there will be little public outcry. SOBRA NA!! (THIS IS TOO MUCH!!)

It would be a miracle if the Commission on Human Rights can give an unbiased report on tainted evidence but I can pray for a miracle! It is Christmas. I wonder how these policemen will enjoy the season with the innocents' blood in their hands! On second thought, sanay-sanayan lang iyan.

EXCERPT:

"CHR eyes Dec wrap to Ortigas shootout probe"

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday said it would finish the investigation on the alleged shooutout in Ortigas Center in Pasig by the middle of December.

In an interview with ANC, CHR Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano said they will be evaluating testimonies given during the investigation. Next in line is the questioning of the eight operatives of the police Traffic Management Group
(TMG) involved in the alleged shootout.

Soriano said the CHR committee tasked to investigate the incident is currently on a one-week break after hearing the testimony of the police Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) team on Thursday.

The CHR is conducting an independent inquiry of the alleged shootout between the TMG members and three suspected carjackers on November 7. The incident resulted in the death of suspects Brian Dulay, Francis Manzano and Anton Cu-Unjieng.

A video footage taken by television station UNTV showed TMG personnel firing at the seemingly inert bodies of the suspects inside an alleged stolen car.
The footage prompted the CHR probe.

Chief Superintendent Angcanan, TMG chief, said a fact-finding committee of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had already determined that the operation in Ortigas was legitimate and not a rubout. He said the TMG operation was a product of extensive intelligence operations conducted by members of Task Force Limbas.

Soriano said after the testimony of the eight TMG policemen, it would take them another week to evaluate all the evidence and depositions given at the probe. He said testimonies of the TMG members would take three hearings to finish.

After the testimonies and evaluation, Soriano said recommendations and findings would be ready by the second week of December.

On Thursday, the head of the SOCO team said they "overlooked" some details in processing the crime scene.

Senior Inspector Russel Leysa said his team did not photograph the recovered items from the suspects’ car. Leysa also revealed that TMG operatives had already marked the spent shells in the crime scene when they arrived.

Quit Tapping Their Phones!

2005-11-28T15:03:00.000+08:00

In the past 2 weeks since the TMG police realized that their corruption has been exposed for the whole world, my friends and I have noticed an odd tapping-sound on the phone lines when we called the family members of Francis Xavier. Why are the phones of the family members being tapped?! Haven't the police caused enough pain to their family?!

If the PNP (Philippine National Police) TMG (Traffic Management Group) or the IAS (Internal Affairs Service) have nothing hide, then why in the world are they tapping the phones of his family?!!! Why are they preventing the family to speak on the phone without that irritating buzzing?

If the police have nothing to hide, then please quit tapping their phones! Also, quit threatening the lives of the witnesses and anyone else willing to speak the truth.

Having power is temporary. Knowing the truth is forever. The truth will always catch up to corrupt power -- until your last breath -- and to your children's children.

Stopping The Investigation Hides Their Lies

2005-11-25T10:13:00.000+08:00

I just read this article, "Task force plea to hold shootout probe denied," from Inq7.net today.

EXCEPT:
"The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police which is investigating the Pasig City shootout incident involving suspected carjackers yesterday threw out a request from the lawyer of 10 Traffic Management Group (TMG) agents that it suspend its inquiry."

What is the police trying to hide?

Dead Men Tell No Tales

2005-11-23T16:26:00.000+08:00

I was watching the videos from the eye witness over and over again today. There's this amateur video taken by a woman and a guy from what seemed to be the balcony of their condominium. (When I get the chance, I'll see if I can post the video here.)

A thought came to mind while I was watching the amateur video: Could the 3 boys have possibly witnessed a shooting that the PNP TMG (police) were involved in prior to being chased? Is this why the PNP TMG were determined to kill these boys? I mean, is it normal for the PNP TMG to be carrying m-16 rifles with a chest/shoulder full of bullets to go after "car thieves"?! They can't even afford proper forensic tools and here they are with heavy duty machines guns! Those guns may have been possibly aimed to kill (or have already killed) someone else. These 3 boys just happen to drive by the incident and witness it -- which led to their own deaths. That would explain why the police did such a thorough job of finishing them off.... since dead men tell no tales. What do you think?

There was a news interview with the lead investigator from PNP TMG regarding this amateur video. (Don't you find it ridiculous that the PNP TMG are the ones running their own investigation as proof of what really happened? It's like asking OJ Simpson to run his own investigation as to whether or not he really killed his wife. The outcome of their investigation is quite obvious before they even started: "Um... not guilty... yeah, right... that's it.. not guilty! Ahem.") Back to the lead investigator. He says that the amateur video will not be considered in their investigation and was so quick to change the subject away from that video. What are they trying to shun away from or not give light to?

People, It's Just A Car!

2005-11-23T13:41:00.000+08:00

One of the interesting blogs I found is from PoliticalJunkie.Blogspot.com, where he explains the corrupt scam behind the carnapping in the Philippines. When you're done reading this blog, check his blog out!

Excerpt:
The widespread and frequent “carnapping”/carjacking incidents have been going on for years with the majority of owners unable to recover their vehicles. In some cases, stolen vehicles have been discovered being used by police officers.

Our sources tell us this cartheft syndicate is so big it has extended its operations to Fukuoka, Japan, and San Francisco and Los Angeles in the US. The report also reveals prominent names are involved. The entry point used to be Subic and Clark but it recently shifted to Cebu and Davao.

What's sad about all this is that all this is happening for a car.

Blogging For Justice

2005-11-23T13:31:00.000+08:00

I just discovered this blog called OrtigasRubout.Blogspot.com. It's 2005. I hope that the power of blogs, your readership, the Internet, and spreading the truth can help us achieve justice for our people and our country. Please keep sharing this blog to as many people as you know. It's one of the little efforts we can contribute in spreading the truth about what really happened -- and possibly gaining justice.

A Letter About FX

2005-11-23T10:26:00.000+08:00

I recently received this email in my mailbox. I thank you the sender of this letter for sharing his opinion on this matter:

----- LETTER ABOUT FX ---------------

I am a friend of FX's cousin and I have known him since he was orphaned 17 years ago. He had no wealth or power as the police told the media. Neither was he a spoiled scion of a prominent family. FX hated and feared guns and violence so it was unbelievable when the police claimed he had to be shot close range several times in the head because he had a sub-machine gun. ATROCIOUS LIE!

He would not even know how to operate a machine gun which my uncle said only the military has access to! (Thank God for the UNTV video that showed the guns were planted and thank God the police had to admit he never shot a gun.)

FX was gentle, caring, soft spoken, very unassuming and humble. He was good looking and dressed well -- and if not for that, you would not notice him as he would never push his way around or brag or be obnoxious. He was the "favorite uncle" as he was patient with the young children and was truly caring. He had many friends -- both rich and poor as he was "masyadong mabait" (very kind) and "marunong makisama" (gets along well with others easily).

On the evening of his death, he was on his way home from a quick trip to Starbucks and McDonald's (a burger and a night cap). He's was a considerate person, which is why he called his siblings to tell them of his whereabouts and that he's on his way home. (In fact, he only wore shorts and a t-shirt that evening.) He could have been your father, your brother, your uncle, your cousin or your best friend going out for a snack in Ortigas... then murdered... and to cover the murder, had to be branded as a carnapper.

So where can you go for justice in the Philippines? Not to the police or the military -- and definitely not the Dept of (In)Justice! You and your family will be harrassed, intimidated and killed. They may even brand you as a terrorist or an NPA that is a threat to the country. It is common now to read about the journalists, innocent farmers and ordinary civilians killed and branded as threats -- and we don't do anything about it. Instead, we accept the lies. Sana magising tayo sa katotohanan. (I wish we'll wake up to the truth.)

As you pointed out, they can produce FALSE WITNESSES until the sympathy of the TV/radio audience or newspapers will be prejudiced against you. They are in power and they can detroy you!

For Example:
Without even investigating, DILG head Angelo Reyes was quick to laud the handiwork of the TMG and pin a hero's medal on a policeman who witnesses say - his gun may have dropped and hurt him! (You are right in your blog: How could he produce a medal so soon? Do they have several in their pockets?) They can call murder a shoot-out even when the victims' car windows were all closed and a video shows them planting their evidence!

Even my uncle in Camp Crame said all the bullets came from the police. Please do not go to Angcanan or Lomibao for justice as they have to protect the murderers for the sake of the morale of their men! Isn't speaking the truth better than covered up lies for the morale of all men? Lastly, do not go to the head of the Dept of (IN)Justice who without even looking at the case from all sides smugly declared the TMG was justified -- it is okay to "kill dead men" but, oops... when they learned that FX Manzano's body was not cremated and could be exhumed, Angcanan had to confess he was still alive and could have been saved but his policemen considered him a threat and had to shoot him in the head several times.

Ten armed policemen against 3 hurt young men already peppered by 50 bullets! The TMG will not release their full report to the media and initially said it was incomplete because they had not yet interviewed the 10 policemen involved. As you said - what do you expect their report to say if the testimony of the murderers being investigated weighs more than the witnesses? How can the dead defend themselves - they were the ones branded guilty without an opportunity to prove their innocence!

But what would FX Manzano say to all of these blogs? He would say, "FORGIVE them as JUSTICE BELONGS TO THE LORD. If we cannot get justice on earth, we will get this in heaven." FX would say: "HAVE FAITH, TRUST GOD. He is in control. This does not make sense now but God has a plan - trust Him."

FX always taught the young children and his cousins to be patient, to be forgiving and let offenses slide off their shoulders as God does not approve of a bitter heart. Jesus forgave His enemies who said terrible lies about Him and then crucified Him. If we pray the OUR FATHER, we will not be forgiven our sins if we cannot FORGIVE the TMG hierarchy, the 10 policemen and the misguided in our society. We forgive these persons but we do not condone the sins they committed.

We need to speak the truth always and fight against injustice. Do not judge rashly the people condemned by the media or the government. Like FX, evidence against them may be planted and FALSE WITNESSES are easily brought up. Do not delay telling people you love them as you never know - they may just go for coffee or a burger and be killed and lost to you.

His sister bought two Bibles, one of which was placed in FX's casket and coincidentally both Bibles opened to Psalm 64 and they believe this is his message from the grave:

O God, hear my anguished voice; from the foes I dread protect my life.
Hide me from the malicious crowd, the mob of evildoers.
They sharpen their tongues like swords, ready their bows for arrows of poison words.
They shoot at the innocent from ambush, shoot without risk, catch them unawares.
They resolve on their wicked plan; they conspire to set snares; they say:
"Who will see us?"
They devise wicked schemes, conceal the schemes they devise; the designs of their hearts are hidden.
But God will shoot arrows at them and strike them unawares.
They will be brought down by their own tongues; all who see them will shake their heads.
Then all will fear and proclaim God's deed, pondering what has been done.
The just will rejoice and take refuge in the LORD; all the upright will glory in their God.

Raw Video! You Be The Judge : Shootout or Rubout?

2005-11-23T06:34:00.000+08:00

I just got a submission of the raw video taken by UNTV that's now available on their website.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW CLIP #1

CLICK HERE TO VIEW CLIP #2

Backround info on what you are about to see: These are unmarked Philippine police (no uniform and unmarked car) who shot at these 3 boys, claiming that they were car thieves. Francis Xavier Manzano was in the backseat. You will see the police shoot the boys a few more times even after they have immobilized them. The police "claim" these boys are "suspected" (not proven and they have no proof) are car thieves. After shooting these boys to death, the police planted evidence to support their defense and are now in a mission to come up with ways and reasons to justify their actions. Keep you eye at the placement of the hand of the frontseat passenger. It's on his shoulder. Yet when the police shows it to the media, it's over a gun. Let your eyes be the judge.

My fingers are shaking as I type this. I just saw the footage. It hurts to see people you know who are good and innocent killed this way. It hurts to know that the police are destroying his reputation in order to defend their actions. It hurts to think it can happen to somebody else if justice and truth is not resolved in this case.

Welcome to my third world country! Help us gain peace and justice, please.

Point View of A Former Member of Special Project Alpha (under the Directorate for Intelligence, PNP and defunct PAOCTF)

2005-11-22T15:59:00.000+08:00

I ran into this interesting blog. What is most fascinating about it is the author -- a former member of Special Project Alpha under the Directorate for Intelligence, Philippine National Police and defunct Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF).

Excerpt:
The TMG operatives had M-16 rifles, and as seen on footages, several clips were wrapped around their body, two of them would have just disable any of its wheel; I think those young boys didn’t have to die, but if it were bank robbers, the situation demands that we have to prevent them from getting away and that we should never hesitate if being fired upon. The suspects can still be found and if in the process the operation to arrest them didn't go as planned, it wasn't the type of carnapping in progress to initiate a hot pursuit as they have been under close watch.

It was the same failure we have had and a week long surveillance just to go back to our base empty handed and be blustered by some ranking jerk. Clearly, it is the reason why we wanted the subject alive -- to understand their operation, to know who's behind it and who were the buyers. That could have been the procedure, and to this case, it gave the authorities more reasons to initiate an arrest for an attempted murder. It could have created a bigger impact other than a shootout scenario, if it's media mileage they wanted.

I don’t know if it’s wise enough for the TMG or to any future operations to end their investigation by killing the suspects until to the very last breath. You kill the lead; you lose the chance to get to the bottom of it and carnapping will continue to thrive. Of course, not if you run them and sensing that there is a competition from "other groups" -- not only that you have to neutralize them, it is a necessity to prevent any disruption of income from within.

New People's Army

2005-11-22T10:22:00.000+08:00

I just read this article:

"WHATEVER you sow, you reap. Now, the tables have been turned on the November 7, 2005 shooting incident at Ortigas Center, Pasig City, as it is now the New People's Army which has expressed interest in looking into the killing of three suspected carnappers by elements of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP)....

... if justice could not be given by the government's duly-constituted authorities to the victims and their families, justice, NPA-style, would be brought to bear upon the perpetrators. We shudder to think what this would really mean, but then, everyone must account for his deeds, at one time or another. "

Um... not sure what to say. Whatever the outcome of this is, I hope no one is physically hurt and we just get closer to peace and justice.

Ortigas: The Biggest Carnapping Ring in Manila

2005-11-22T03:51:00.000+08:00

Received this message from another courageous citizen:

I had a friend in the anti-carnapping division of what is now PNP(philippine constabulary) and guess what they found? The biggest carnapping ring in Manila happened to be oeprated by cops and former cops. Where? Ortigas!

Justice for Francis Xavier Manzano

2005-11-21T06:52:00.000+08:00

Have you read this article: "Has the Philippine National Police become desperate?" The pieces are coming together - slowly - as to why the PNP TMG refused to acknowledge the other videos presented to them by UNTV (witness to the incident). By refusing, it allows the PNP TMG to set it up so they can charge UNTV with lack of cooperation, thus, accomplishing their goal (from a previous incident unrelated to this matter) of arresting the owner and employees of UNTV.

4 Professional Cameras Wintessed The Shooting (not just 2)

2005-11-20T05:00:00.000+08:00

I just learned that "at least" 4 videos were taken of the shooting -- before, during and after. These 4 came from the UNTV television network, whose offices were right by the incident. However, the police refuse to acknowledge the 2 other videos (plus the amateur video currently airing on TV).

Are these really police investigators?! Any news journalist (in the Philippines or abroad) will go nuts for this incredible story -- how a country filled with intelligent and good-hearted citizens live under a corrupt police system is unraveling in public.

Filipinos: Do Not Be Complacent!

2005-11-20T02:59:00.000+08:00

Do a formal or informal survey of major carnapping in the Philippines and most will say they were carnapped by people in military attire with caps, sunglasses and uzis. C'mon -- it's common knowledge! That is why most won't even complain to the police as they have seen the same people who carnapped/kidnapped them in the police station.

Think about FX Manzano - he was picked up by his friends past 9 pm; seen by family friends about 9:30 pm; killed about 10pm?! If the TMG police accusations were even close to any truth, then why would they (Francis Xavier and friends) plot a carnap at McDonalds -- near where their friends and were family were in Ortigas?! Why not in the privacy of a home or enclosed neighborhood subdivision? Why commit a carnap wearing only shorts and t-shirt? Where were the sunglasses or ski masks or disguises? (Go ask any victim of a carnap that these are the uniforms that carjackers wear!)

People who saw Francis Xavier Manzano at the backseat of the car say that there was ABSOLUTELY no machine gun or hand-grenade there. (The police justifies that their existence is the reason why they shot him close range in the head for "self defense".)

10 "supposedly" trained policemen with arms surrounding 3 hurt, young men inside the car?! Truly a travesty! The police then justifies their actions by saying FX was a carnapper?! The police can whip up anyone who can positively identify someone by picture in his license or corpse with bullet wounds. (That, too, is common knowledge among Filipinos -- which is so sad.) Guess who identified Francis Xavier Manzano as an "alleged" carjacker? The driver of the brother of a high-ranking PNP (Philippine National Police)!!!!

As we all observe the development of this case, remember this: The media will be getting more of this slanders/accusations and more false witnesses will be produced. They just need to be careful of their dates and times as FX Manzano is no Superman -- he could not be in two places at one time. But expect more. Some of the public will probably believe what those TMG police says... just as they believe the many other lies fed to them. However, God and the Blessed Virgin Mary were also in Ortigas that night. God knows the truth. These men can intimidate the families, the witnesses, the cameraman and the public... but BEWARE - they cannot intimidate GOD.

If we, Filipinos, do not stand up for TRUTH and JUSTICE, then we have no right to complain about the conditions of our country. We may be comfortable and complacent until it happens to our parents, brothers and sisters, children, relatives and friends.

The Courage of VJ Iya

2005-11-20T02:43:00.000+08:00

Just read this from Manila Tribune. I want to thank VJ Iya for her courage in expressing the truth. I respect the fact that she did this, despite having to face Angcanan's ignorance and stubborness. Thank you, Villania.

"VJ Iya ‘doubtful’ over TMG’s recovery of stolen vehicle"

Television host and video jockey yesterday expressed disappointment apparently over the way the Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG) handled her case which involved the carjacking of her black Nissan Patrol (XPP 232) despite the recovery of the said vehicle by members of the group during an operation in Quezon City.“Personally I am not really happy with what really happened. I feel that there is really something behind these things,” PNP-TMG officer-in-charge Chief Supt. Augusto Angcanan quoted Villania as telling him and his men when the latter surfaced at the TMG office. Angcanan admitted he did not expect Villania's reaction as she apparently suspected that the TMG operatives of conniving with the car thieves.Commenting on the celebrity's words, Angcanan said “I don't know what she meant particularly when she said the TMG operatives are in connivance with the carnappers,” even daring Villania to face the public and prove her allegations.

No different from the underworld criminals by ROD P. KAPUNAN

2005-11-19T15:06:00.000+08:00

"No different from the underworld criminals"
By ROD P. KAPUNAN
Daily Tribune

It was most disgusting for Chief Supt. Augusto Angcanan of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) to blurt out in defense of his men saying, “the truth will set them free.” It was an insult because what the horrified public saw was a familiar police fashion of solving a case they can't solve — applying the underworld method of rubbing out alleged suspects. Their superiors, including Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, are trying to cover it up, even suggesting that the shocked public shouldn't complain since the alleged suspects have been tagged as notorious carnappers long wanted by the law.

Such was the unfortunate fate of Anthony Dulay, Francis Xavier Manzano and Anton Guillermo Cu-Unjing, who come from prominent families, meeting their death in the hands of the most notorious unit of the PNP, with the police force forgetting that all the vilifications against them now having no more legal and probative value, since they know that dead men tell no tales and in the three suspects' case, they can hardly rebut that they did not stop when their car was flagged down, or disclaim that after a brief chase, there was an exchange of fire, and that Senior Insp. Samson Belmonte was hit on his right lower knee not by a fellow cop in frenzy firing his gun on them.

The discrepancy in Angcanan's version is unacceptable. The video tape catching the cops by surprise shows it was an ambush conducted to finish off the alleged suspects in a blocked area they thought was safe to carry out their executions. It looked like premeditated murder, for if the motive was to simply arrest the alleged suspects, they could have carried it out while the three were still in that night strip allegedly meeting with another group as the cops claim.

Surrounding and telling them to raise their hands would have scared the alleged suspects to death, as they have no previous criminal record of murder. It was the least risky as it would not have given them the opportunity to get their guns inside the vehicle. No one is alive to state that it was not case of policemen planting evidence. The TMG unit ignored that option that could have given the alleged suspects the least chance to escape, to use their alleged guns, and most important have them arrested and interrogated on the alleged 22 stolen vehicles now being charged at them.

In trying to clean up the mess, the lousy TMG team now comes out with their unbelievable version and even expect the public to swallow their tale. To reiterate, all their claims are now self-serving because that bloody incident could have been avoided if the alleged suspects were immediately surrounded and asked to surrender peacefully in the place where they were first spotted. But they did not, as in all probability, all the cops had was raw information that they were a bunch of carnappers and, who knows, somebody up there wants them dead. A simple alibi of defiance to stop, especially if nobody is around, is all that is needed for these trigger-happy cops to open fire.

The three were not even suspects because from the very admission of the PNP, there was no pending case against them in court nor was a warrant of arrest been issued against any one of them. The 10-feet tall yarn that the three young men were members of the so-called “Valle Verde Gang” responsible for the theft of several luxurious vehicles, and lately presenting a witness in support of their allegation, would not mean anything now for it seems they have already been executed before they could be tried in court.

Stupid as they are, they did not even circulate posters warning the public of the three with their pictures, names and crimes they committed, and giving rewards leading to their arrest or for them to be shot on sight the way monster cops summarily execute suspected terrorists.

Curiously, all the accusations against them surfaced right after they were killed.

Even assuming there is no crime in shooting a dead man, secretary of Justice Raul Gonzalez is not supposed to say that because that would trigger emotional outrage on the moral sensibility of the people. Whether one is a Christian, he is expected to respect the remains of the person. In that situation, the legal presumption is they were still alive, and shooting them again was a despicable violation of the rules.

Nonetheless, if the alleged suspects were already dead, the cop committed an even worse crime of outraging and scoffing the dead, and whatever way one would look at the video tape it is hard to believe that it was a simple case of multiple homicide. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes does not even have the right to say the public only saw part of the incident in which he has no way also of telling us what that unseen portion was all about. Rather, what the public saw affirms the truth that many of our policemen today are no different from the underworld criminals licensed to snuff out the life of anybody, and confident their bosses would readily absolve them.

Behind The Scenes of Philippine Carnapping

2005-11-19T04:49:00.000+08:00

I understand why no one will reveal the truth of how this whole carjacking scheme really works in the Philippines. It's for fear of getting hurt. The country is in such bad shape that truthful citizens are harmed and killed. My classmates and friends have been victims of carnapping. It's a horrible thing to happen. However, the most horrific part of it is learning how it really works.

Here is a simple map of what is happening in the Philippines today -- 2005:

STEP 1. Corrupt military personnel / NBI will carnap (carjack) a citizen's car.

STEP 2. This car will now be stored in a secret compound.

STEP 3. Corrupt military personnel / NBI will then kill people who would fit the profile of a carnapper that the public will believe. They will tell the public that they just killed carnappers. The public will believe them and see them as heroes.

STEP 4. Corrupt military personnel / NBI will dig into their compound of pre-stolen vehicles (which they may have already pulled into pieces) and use them as evidence that the innocent people they just killed (their "staged carnappers to the public") stole those cars. They will also dig for people that fear them to act as witnesses or carjacked victims of those they just killed. This will solidify their case and help their public image.

If you don't believe this, scour through the rich neighborhoods and you will find lowly paid, corrupt military personnel / nbi living and funding mult-million homes in exclusive neighborhoods in the Philippines.

If you don't believe this, just realize what has happened and will happen to the case of Francis Xavier Manzano, my kind classmate who would cannot even step on a cockroach or a spider to kill it.

If you don't believe this, ask why the arms that were planted in the vehicle of the three men they just killed in Ortigas last Nov 7 were "from" the military. One of the guns those "claim" to be in the vehicle was so sophisticated that you can only find in the military. Hel-lo!!

Do the police really think that Filipinos are so stupid that we can't see through their corruption?! Guys.... we have to do something about this... or it will happen to one of us.

We're not talking Hollywood here. Those cops cannot pretend to be Stephen Spielbergs. Those innocent lives they have victimized are real people's lives -- our neighbors, our countrymen, our friends, our family, our Filipinos. We, the public, must stop being ignorant about this. This is real life corruption that can and will affect everyone one of us.

Manzano Was Still Alive!!!

2005-11-19T04:12:00.000+08:00

The police are back-pedaling as much as they can -- to a point where they are so embarassed by the truth. The unfortunate part is that we may just witness the police destroy the lives of other people to cover the truth.

It's 2005 and we have new ways of setting the truth - the Internet! People, feel empowered by this and help give justice to the Francis Xavier Manzano, who was innocent and clean from all this trash that the police are staging.

Bullying the Eye Witness

2005-11-18T02:32:00.000+08:00

The cameraman is reported to be in hiding. The police are doing as much as they can to bully any credible witnesses that will unravel their coverup. In fact, many people's lives who pose to uncover the truth about the TMG mistakes and corruption are now in danger. Welcome to the life of a third-world country citizen!

But there's hope! We have the Internet and we know how to spread the truth. I truly believe that Filipinos are good-hearted people who wish for peace. Don't let me down, people! Don't let these boys, who died under the police corruption, down.

Irony. The Tables Are Slowly Turning

2005-11-18T02:08:00.000+08:00

Excerpt:
Asked why the report was turned over to the Internal Affairs Services, the PNP spokesman, Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, replied: Lomibao "is very sensitive to issues and concerns, including the morale and welfare of our cops."

The police are obviously more concerned of protecting their own men rather than the citizens of the Philippines. Please tell me there is "at least" one cop that has the conscience and courage to step up and tell the truth -- be a true proctector of the people and their safety.

Now, the police want their investigation findings in super-tight secrecy. The ironic part is that they were so quick in calling the media about "catch" before they realized they were being videotaped and had honest witnesses willing to tell the real truth of what happened.

I was watching the news on TV and saw one of the police chiefs being interviewed. He was "overly" defending his officers to a point where he almost looks insane. Then he said on the interview, "My officers are innocent until proven guilty."

My jaw dropped at that (and so did the remote control from my hand). Who is innocent until proven guilty again? Are not the three men killed by the officers innocent until proven guilty -- especially since they had no records or documentation beforehand (and even after on Francis Xavier Manzano) that these three men are guilty criminals?!!!!!!

And now they want to keep the media in the dark --- now that they, themselves, have realized the big mistakes their own officers have done. Bite your tongue and suck on a lemon!

Cabbie comes out with version of Pasig 'shootout'

2005-11-16T03:51:00.000+08:00

A taxi driver plying the Ortigas route in Pasig on Tuesday claimed that the encounter between police and suspected carjackers last week was a rubout contrary to statements made by law enforcers.

"Grabe 'yung ginawa [ng mga pulis], bakit hindi man lang tinanong muna sila, niratrat derecho[ang mga suspek] (What they was gruesome. They did not even stop the suspects' car for questioning, they just opened fire)," the witness, identified only as "Mang Ado," told TV Patrol World.

The driver said he witnessed the incident after droppping off a passenger at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. After the hotel, he was cruising along Ortigas Street for a passenger when he saw a Toyota Revo van tailing a red car.

He said he was surprised when he heard gunshots.

Carjacking suspects Anton Cu-Unjieng, Bryan Dulay and Francis Xavier Manzano, who were aboard a red Nissan Exalta, were killed in what police claimed was a shootout near the corner of Garnet and Ortigas streets on November 7.

The witness said he did not see anyone from the car firing at the policemen from the Revo. "Hindi. Ang nagbabaril lang 'yung nasa Revo... nang ma-cut at maharangan ng Revo ang pulang kotse."

"Pinagbababaril pa 'yung kotse, 'yung isa nga sinuksok pa talaga 'yung baril niya sa loob ng kotse...'yung isang pulis, tinutukan kami at pinaikot kami (They shot at the car and one of the policemen placed what looked like a gun inside the car)," Mang Ado said.

The driver said he came out with the revelation though he fears for his family, especially since his young children. He also said his conscience bothered him.

PNP Panics

2005-11-15T15:50:00.000+08:00

There is word that a high-ranking PNP officer will be reporting that Francis Xavier Manzano single-handedly carnapped him. Definitely a sign of panic for the police that they would go this far to report such a fraud. As I mentioned earlier, observe how the police will find and/or create as much dirt as they can on Francis Xavier Manzano.

For every defense the police creates, they successfully reveal their incompetence because they stupidly do not realize the strong evidence that can prove their big lies.

Please pray for the protection of Francis Xavier Manzano, the two other victims, and their families. The TMG police were caught in a very bad situation that could reveal how corrupt they are. If it weren't for the videos and the courageous witnesses who were willing to state the facts, despite contradiction to the stories of the police and the dangerous threat they may receive from the police, and the many supportive readers of this blog, justice may never be reached in this matter. Let's hope justice is served soon. I hope that innocent lives will no longer be taken and destroyed by this group.

You’re on Candid Camera!

2005-11-15T14:46:00.000+08:00

You’re on Candid Camera!
MY VIEWPOINT By Ricardo V. Puno, Jr.
The Philippine Star 11/15/2005

An extended version of the UNTV video which recorded the fatal shooting of the three suspected carjackers in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, illustrates the folly of taking hard positions before a full-dress investigation has established all the facts.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes stuck his neck out in vigorous defense of the Traffic Management Group operatives who took part in that incident. He may turn out have been a genius in retrospect. Or he may prove to have been a reckless cheerleader for poorly-trained gunmen in uniform whose basic instinct was to kill immediately rather than go the considerably more difficult route of enforcing the law in a civilized society.

Let me reiterate at the outset that what is needed in this case is hard facts arrived at by independent and qualified investigators, not the self-serving accounts of subalterns and comrades whose motivations, competence and impartiality are questionable.

The early reinstatement of all the involved operatives after only one day of suspension, on the basis of their own unverified explanations, as well as the results of PNP lab paraffin tests which by their own terms were inconclusive, is a clear indication of an unseemly rush to exoneration.

There is a tendency to think, incorrectly, that since there was evidence that the suspects were really involved in car thefts, they had lost all their rights, including the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. But their actual roles in carnapping or carjacking cases still had to be ascertained, whether they had in fact harmed or killed their victims, how many crimes they had been involved in, their modus operandi.

Not all of them, if any, might have committed capital offenses. Even if they had, summary executions are not the way we dispense justice in this country, at least last time I checked.

Admittedly too, lawmen have been injured or killed while going after carnappers and carjackers. They have a right to protect themselves and to respond to attacks with reasonable force. But there are "rules of engagement" which govern such encounters. These rules provide criteria for distinguishing legitimate shootouts from rubouts or summary executions which renegade lawmen and latter-day Dirty Harry’s seem to find more convenient, in light of the perceived impotence of our court system.

Still, the government’s various anti-crime task forces are not vigilantes in uniform or white-hooded avenging night riders. The fact that lawlessness – whether petty crimes, sexual offenses, armed robbery, drug-dealing, murder, kidnapping with ransom, or car thefts–is a hard nut to crack does not give law enforcers an open license to kill.

Going after criminals may be a hard, perhaps impossible, task in this country. But that is the life that agents of the law have chosen. I know many complain they’re not paid enough. Well, they are free to go do something else. No one’s forcing them to stay. But for as long as they remain, they can’t use the ways of outlaws to enforce the law.

The whining of TMG head Chief Superintendent Augusto Angcanan, to the effect that his men may lose their "enthusiasm" if questioned every time they are involved in fatal encounters with suspects, is particularly disheartening. His gross misapprehension of the TMG’s mission is ground for his dismissal from office. It is reason enough for him to be demoted to foot patrol duty to further his re-education.

If TMG operatives lose enthusiasm simply because they have to justify their actions when lives have been lost in an operation, then the entire group should be abolished and its duties absorbed by the PNP as a whole. It is also perhaps time to look into dismantling all "task forces" and placing full responsibility on the entire police organization for all kinds of crime. All policemen, from SPO1s to the Director General, should be made answerable for uncontrolled crime in their particular areas of assignment.

Return all policemen to anti-crime duty. Dissolve that silly VIP protection group and recall all bodyguards and mounted escorts of government officials. Put them back on the streets where they’re really needed. Deploy Special Action Force squads to local police districts to serve as organic SWAT teams. Involve local governments more in law enforcement, and make sure "operational control" by LGUs is a reality, not mere theory.

Going back to the Ortigas incident, the UNTV extended video clip you saw exclusively on the Insider newscast was a real shocker. Although the video does not provide absolute certainty of that night’s events, it does raise the possibility that things didn’t quite happen the way official police reports say they did.

The suspects could have been alive, although disabled and helpless inside their car, at the time they were shot in the head at pointblank range by TMG operatives. The video seems to show the two suspects in the front seats still stirring. They may not have been armed and the handgun found on one of them could have been planted.

They may not have actually fired at the TMG agents because the windows of their car were closed. The license plates found in the back seat of the suspects’ car may have also been planted. The trajectory of the bullet holes in the unmarked police car were all outward, and could not have been caused by incoming fire.

The extended UNTV video clip raises these and other serious questions. Contrary to crime scene photos, the video shows suspect Brian Dulay without a gun under his hand before a coup d’grace was apparently delivered. An operative is later seen engaged in some activity around his lifeless body.

After the shooting, another operative opens a rear passenger door and seems to be busy placing something (license plates?) in the back seat. The person in the back, Francis Manzano, had only two bullet wounds, both of them to the head and shot at close range.

The UNTV video caught on tape the area behind the scene of the "encounter." Contrary to Secretary Reyes’s version, no marked police cars could be seen. Nor were those uniformed policemen, who Angie said flagged down the suspects’ vehicle and then joined the chase when that vehicle failed to stop, anywhere in sight.

I’m not saying the police car and uniformed cops weren’t there, only that the video doesn’t confirm it. Other credible evidence will have to back up that claim.

The investigation of the Ortigas incident, if it is being seriously conducted by people in earnest search of the truth, is far from over. Any premature action or statement by police and other government officials opens them to the suspicion that they are directing the investigation towards a pre-determined result. That is exactly what is meant by a whitewash, a synonym of cover-up.

Another Video That Shows Police Corruption

2005-11-15T05:33:00.000+08:00

"The station aired a second video on Monday, which showed police apparently placing something inside the suspects' car after the alleged shootout."

New witness disputes Pasig shootout claims

2005-11-15T04:58:00.000+08:00

A witness, who is a former mayor, steps up. Here's a snippet of his report:

"'Walang shootout. Hindi lumaban ang mga namatay. Hindi ko alam ang pagkatao nila, pero alam ko, hindi nakaputok ang mga 'yun (There was no shootout. I do not know them but the suspects did not shoot at the policemen,' the witness told TV Patrol World's Karen Davila."

"The witness said all the gunshots came from the policemen. No shots came from the car of the slain carjackers, he added."

"The witness said conscience forced him to surface and tell something about the incident. He said that he cannot take the police claims that the suspects were killed in a shootout. The witness said he is willing to give his testimony before any court."

The Video

2005-11-15T04:41:00.000+08:00

I found the video that was shown over and over again all over the media. This is a horrible video, so please do not watch it if you're not prepared to see something horrible.

On the other hand, this is truly a testament of how horrible those police were for firing shots at the already immobilized 3 innocent boys. It's even more disgusting that their chief of police awards and reinstates them for morale after... um... less than a week of investigation?!

Please help get justice for Francis Xavier Manzano!

"New video shows evidence vs suspected carjackers possibly planted"

2005-11-15T04:08:00.000+08:00

"The pieces of evidence obtained by the Traffic Management Group from the car of three suspected carjackers who were killed in an alleged shootout Monday were possibly planted based on an extended footage provided by UNTV.

Footage taken by ABS-CBN News team at the scene 30 minutes after the incident showed Dulay’s right hand on his lap holding a gun. Police claimed the scene was untouched.

ABS-CBN’s cameramen were also able to capture stills of two car plates beside Manzano who was at the backseat of the car. This, police claimed, was as an indication the suspects were carjackers.

The footage shown by UNTV, however, showed that when the police fired at Brian Dulay point blank, his right hand was on his chest and not holding a gun.

The video also showed that after firing their guns, two policemen went close to car and were seen putting and fixing something in the vehicle.

The video showed another policeman also fixing something at the backseat of the car where Francis Manzano was seated.

The proof that the carjackers fired their guns that wounded a police officer was also disputed by the UNTV video. The footage showed the bullet-riddled windows of the suspects’ car were all closed."

Media Finally Sees The Other Side

2005-11-15T03:40:00.000+08:00

ABS-CBN: "Suspected carjackers may have survived TMG operation"

"Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez also came in defense of the TMG saying the police did not commit any crime because the suspects were already dead when they were shot anew."

Um.... um.... what can I say to that? I bet Gonzales also believes that there's nothing wrong with kicking someone who's already down.

Columnists

2005-11-15T03:37:00.000+08:00

It's interesting to learn how the people are reacting to this case. Here are 2 very different columns written in the past week. You be the judge:

#1) By Rod P. Kapunan of Tribune.net

http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20051112.com_backbencher.html

#2) By Ramon Tulfo of Inq7.net

http://news.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=2&story_id=56277&col=31

My letter to Inq7.net:

Ramon Tulfo's column is a disgrace to Filipinos and Inq7.net's journalism. His request for sympathy towards the "overzealous" and inhumane cops puts him in the same league of ignorant people who have lost the respect for the life of a human being and the fair justice they deserve.

#1 -- "Overzealous" cops did not have the right to take away the life of Francis Xavier Manzano (or any other human being, as a matter of fact, including yours). It's a matter of human rights, plain and simple. No one has the right to "kill" another person.

#2 -- Not everyone in the car was a "carjacker," especially Francis Xavier Manzano (who was neither a criminal or a shooter). Manzano, who sat in the back seat, did not fire a gun to the police or had any control of the car. He was helpless in the back without the ability to protect himself from the actions of the driver and the cops. Talk about being damned!
The next time you or your newspaper publishes a statement that insinuates that "all" three men were carjackers/carnappers/criminals and that "all" three men fired at the police -- please have your facts straight and consult your lawyers first. You are misguiding your readers by your fraudulent statements and reports. Your disregard for the friends and family of Francis Manzano and careless reporting stains your credibility and of Inq7.net's.

Those cops had the "intent" to kill Manzano, despite his innocense. By Tulfo's column, you show your "intent" to be reckless with your power to reach the mass.

If your intent was to gain symphaty for those cops, then you failed. Manzano was innocent. Manzano was brutally killed. And, now, because of writers like you, Manzano is being trashed in the public eye to be remembered negatively. And you could care less, because "overzealous" cops have yet to murder your child, your parents, your relative, or your friend.

How inhumane Ramon Tulfo and his hypnotised readers have become!

He's Innocent.

2005-11-11T02:18:00.000+08:00

Just in from ABS-CBN: "Of the three slain carjack suspects, only Manzano remains "innocent" from carjacking as police probers are still checking on his background."

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=21660

The police will try their darnest to probe for dirt. They should have done this probing before, and not after they murdered him.

Stealing From The Dead

2005-11-10T13:17:00.000+08:00

Can you believe that after the tragic deaths of the three men, none of their cell phones, watches and other personal belongings of value were given to the families?!!!!!!! Who are the thieves now?!

Alleged Police Brutality?!

2005-11-10T11:36:00.000+08:00

Philippines -- On the evening of November 7, 2005, three men were killed in their car by 10 officers of the Traffic Management Group (TMG).

Immediately after the shooting, the TMG police department was all over the news media. They were proud of murdering the three men they "suspected" to be carnappers (car thieves). They announced to the world what big heroes they are for killing such evil criminals. Their aggressive press campaign hypnotised the media with their captivating story, complete with an award to an officer injured from the event. (How quick can you whip up those awards, anyway?) The TMG was impressively quick to release a story which reminds me of "typical Filipino" movies -- good vs evil (including a hospital scene to generate sympathy towards the good and anger towards the evil).

Here are some of the stories (propaganda) used to lure support for the TMG police:
http://news.inq7.net/top/index.php?index=1&story_id=55861
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200511090404.htm

The country was "almost" fooled by the story that the police spun. The media was "almost" convinced by the TMG drama. I bet you're "almost" convinced as well, right? Well, almost!

But fools we are not!!! We are intelligent and educated enough to understand that their stories do not make sense. We realize that the villains are the 10 TMG men who fired over 50 bullets to "suspected" carnappers and killed them despite their innocense or the ability to prove that they're innocent:

- Henry Cerdon ("suspected" murderer)
- Hansel Marantan ("suspected" murderer)
- Samson Belmonte ("suspected" murderer - Here's your medal for murdering innocent civilians.")
- Lloyd Soria ("suspected" murderer)
- Rizalito Ramos ("suspected" murderer)
- Dexter Bernadas ("suspected" murderer)
- Jesus Fermin ("suspected" murderer)
- Sonny Robrigado ("suspected" murderer)
- Fernando Gapuz ("suspected" murderer)
- Josel Rey Lucena ("suspected" murderer)

The above "alleged" police chased the victims' car in an unmarked vehicle, with missing license plates, and carrying semi-automatic weapons. They were not even dressed in police uniforms! (Hello!!! Would you stop if it were you?!)

According to the police, they chased the victim's car because they suspected the victim and his passengers to be carnappers. However, when was it legal for the police to kill "suspected" carnappers? Are they going to start killing other "suspected" citizens?! Do they have any proof that all three were carnappers indeed?!

The police reports that a gun was initially fired at them during the chase. How do you fire a gun at someone from the inside of a car with the doors and windows closed? Also, how do you fire from an inside of a car and magically leave the shattered glass inside the car? Even more incriminating, where are the shell casings from the guns "supposedly" fired by the victims? Where's the bullet that was "allegedly" fired by one of the three victims and to the leg of the injured police officer?

Francis Manzano was seated in the backseat of the ambushed car. He was innocent from any wrong-doing; only there to hitch a ride with friends. He was not a carnapper. He was not a gangster. He was at the wrong place, at the wrong time. He could be your brother, your cousin, your son, your nephew, your father, your friend -- just sitting in the backseat of a car, driven by a friend who rented it. (See evidence of rental agreement.) He was not only shot, he was killed. The police approached the car after firing 50 bullets into their car and shot them again at arms length. The last bullet that Francis succumbed to was a shot to his at arms length by a police. Why?! To be sure they will never have the chance to say, "Listen, I'm innocent! I'll prove it to you!"

Francis Manzano had no way to prove his innocence. All over the web and the media right now, his name is attached to being a carnapper, which is a solid fraud. If you know him, you will know what a soft-spoken man he is. You will know how kind-hearted he is. You will know why everyone he meets likes him. In a TV interview with the secretary chief of police, he was confident to mention the "possible" criminal records of the other 2 people in the car. But he stuttered to say that they cannot find any evidence of Francis Xavier Manzano having any record at all. He quickly changed the subject and repeated their story over and over again -- as if repeating it helps him justify it in his head. You will understand why his name must be cleared. He may have died tragically, but he does not deserve to be remembered as a carnapper.

If anyone was a witness to the scene who can help clear his name, post away! I understand what a busy street Ortigas is and how many witnesses there were. But none have spoken out, only the police. Why is that?! Are they afraid to speak out? It's very telling, if you think about it. Are you going to leave it to the police to investigate and clear their own names in this matter? You can be the next police victim. You will not have the chance to clear your name. This TMG group will find dirt on your "after" the fact. If they can't find any, they'll just stutteringly associate you with any dirt you happen to come across even if you're innocent.

Be human - give back justice to Francis Xavier Manzano.