"Ortigas shootout results out soon" by The Manila Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't forget to wear green today!

More on the life of Francis Xavier Manzano

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?!

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

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

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

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

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.