Target of opportunity (updated)
October 19, 2007 by mlq3
Filed under Events Mode
There but for the grace of God, go we, must be the thought in many a person’s mind. David Llorito definitely had that passing, sobering, thought. jackson_nash recounts a mother’s concern and relief:
As soon as I get home I call my mom. She told me how she freaked out and how it gave her a headache. Her tone of voice was sounded so defeated yet relieved. It made me feel sad but it also reinforced that even though my mom doesn’t say it, she does really love me. I mean I didn’t doubt it, but it’s the little things we do for each other that shows how much we care.
Blogger ambonsamakati blogs about being in the vicinity (complete with snapshot of crowds); Adventures in the Temporary Autonomous Zone blogs about sirens and watching the action from a few blocks away. magentic_rose blogs about how her brother had a close call. Sunny Side Up! was there. So was uchihayukiko:
I was in bo’s cafe, teh exact opposite o f where the bo,b was placed. But it felt like the explosion was just above us. It was tha strong. It was my second grande cup of coffee that day.I drank my first at home, because I thought I have to be alert this day.
If I decided to drink coffee in starbcujs that day. I will be dea now.
If I wore skirt ad heels this day, I wouldn’t be able to run fast.
My intuition never failed me. Never since I was alive. And I am thanking god for it.I sent sms to people in my phone list. And called KR, because I know glorietta is his home too. And he is always in timezone, where I think the bomb was near.
I do not want to listen to the news now. What I saw was enough. Ambuklances everywhere, people lying in the streets near the ambulance, a man’s limp hands…limp and carried by someone from the ambulance.
White Lady recounts a friend’s experiences:
Miru was in netopia glorietta 2 printing something and after that,only 10 minutes after while walking in glorietta 4(in front of jollibee) he felt the impact of the explosion.It’s like something pushed him daw from the back and he saw the glass walls of jollibee shook. He was able to video pa the people screaming and running inside the mall to the nearest exit and outside he took pics of the damages.He even saw a dead body daw.
My Life… – Hayds also recounts her experiences:
Around 1:30pm we were saying that we need to give away all of our fliers before the next group comes in. Then I distinctly remember I was seating on the couch facing the Glorietta 2 side when I heard a big boom. Together with the big boom was an earth shattering like earthquake. Then in just a couple of seconds, I saw something fell from the ceiling. It was a big chunk but it looked like it didn’t weigh much. Then everybody started running as fast as they could towards our direction. I didn’t panic since as some of you might know, I was also in Glorietta during the Valentine’s Day bombing last February 14, 2005…
But today was different. I heard the explosion and I saw something that triggered why everybody started to panic. Everything I saw was not close enough for me to realize the urgency to get the heck out of the mall. I started to pack my things calmly and I was again trying to look for more details why the people were trying to get out of the mall but Jacy was really scared that she kept on calling for us and was in a hurry. We got out of Glorietta and went straight to Park Square 1. While everybody was outside and trying to figure out what happened, everybody just started running away again. This time we stayed at the Dusit Hotel. For about an hour of calling people we know, we just wanted to go home but Didith and Jacy were kind enough to make sure I’ve gotten my car in the parking lot of Glorietta 4 before we went our seperate ways. Unfortunately, nobody was allowed to go inside the mall nor the parking. We had to seat together with the hundreds of people around the area while the fire brigade, ambulance and media people were trying to check on what happened.
The most complete eyewitness acount I’ve come across is from angeliz105 in an online message group:
I have never expected myself to be an eyewitness to such a tragedy. Man staring blankly at his bloodied hand, women hysterically screaming, unconscious woman lying lifeless near the blast, frantic sirens and alarms, broken glass and debris everywhere…
I had just parked my car at Park Square 2, 3rd floor near the timezone entrance. After switched on my car’s alarm, exactly, a loud explosion was heard. A cloud of smoke was seen. I ran at the back of my car where the railings are and there it was, I am directly looking at it from where I stand.
My knees turned jelly and felt my whole body shaking. My brain felt numb. I can’t believe, that a few moments ago, barely 5 minutes have passed, I was there at the ground floor on my way to the parking lot.
I never noticed I was crying until two elderly chinese couple approached me and asked if I am okay. I was just telling them, ” No, look out there, there’s a dead woman…” I was ushered by the elderly man to sit on the hood of one of parked cars. I didn’t know how long I stayed there, coz the next moment, I am maneuvering my car out of the parking lot.
I called my brother, I was crying. I have no idea how I was able to drove out of that place and eventually got home when all the while I could see are the images of the tragedy. To stay calm is easier said than done.
I still don’t know whatever it was that exploded, all I know is, those images will haunt my memories like a movie, playing repeatedly… even in my dreams.
See websaytko.com who republishes a father’s account.
Blogger Sprclfrglstcxpialidotius! (who also has pictures) says gossip saved her:
While we were on our way back (from the hardware shop in Park Square), we noticed there was a crowd gathering outside Glorietta. We initially thought there was an on-going shoot or perhaps some actor/actress was around. We heard some people talking about a bomb going off in the center, near the fountain. Another man said it was on the second floor – the Subway resto…
But then some people were still entering Glorietta, and when we were about to cross the street to get in, a wave of screaming people suddenly came rushing out of the doors. This sent everyone else in a panic, and the crowd started running away as fast as they could.
I thought someone had a gun or something because some people had their hands over their heads. Kristel and I held hands and ran with the crowd… and then it happened.
Y’know those chase scenes in movies? When someone always has to fall right when they’re NOT supposed to? Yea, someone fell alright… I did! It’s quite hard to run for your life while in platform flip-flops!
I’m really grateful Kristel didn’t just let go of my hand and run…that’s a real friend for ya. She made sure people didn’t step on me
Love yah, sis!
I must say, I’ve never felt so alive though. I could feel my heart threatening to explode through my chest, and my leg muscles trying to leap out of my skin as Kristel and I sprinted our way through the crowd.
just walk away was also there:
anyways tapos punta kami sa mei meeting place wala pang bus..so punta kaming gold crest..ayan na!nasa store kami tapos biglang mei narinig kaming malakas na sabog!tas mei nabasag!as in na feel namen ung lakas ng sabog!ung glass ng store parang mababasag!bumaba kami nina mariel para mag take cover tapos dapat lalabas na sila mariel at dzi sabi ko huwag muna kasi baka may sumabog pa..tapos ung tindera kinuha ang bag at nauna pa lumabas samin..so lumabas narin kami..ang scary kasi ang gulo na ng place ang daming tao na nag panic tas hinanap namen ung bus..kahit Wat a face na kami haha..
sa bus umiiyak na sila mariel and dzi ako..shock.di ako maiiyaK!as in wala lang di pa nag sink in sakin ung nangyari!tsaka naluluha ako kasi umiiyak sila mariel naawa ako..nung kinausap na lang kami sa bus dun na ako naiyak.tapos humagulgo ako nung naghug kami nina mar,dzi tsaka tita baby..grabe!nanghina ung knees ko ..grabe talaga!tas sa chapel..xbrang thankful ako kasi binigyan pa ako ng chance na maglaro pa tomorrow sa championship!haAy sobrang naapreciate ko adviser ko…tsaka narealize ko kung bumasag ung glass sa likod namen..cguro..hmmm..haAY..grabe talaga!2nd life?di ko toh makakalimutan!
(Loose translation: Anways afterwards we went to the vicinity of our meeting place but the bus hadn’t arrived. So we went to Goldcrest. Then it happened! We were in a store when suddenly we hard a strong explosion! Then something shattered! As in we felt the strength of the explosion! It seemed as if the glass of the store was going to shatter! Mariel and I descended to take cover and then Mariel intended to exit and I said, not yet because there might be another explosion. And then the saleslady took her bag and left the store even ahead of us. So we left as well. It was very scary because there was so much confusion and so many people panicked and we we looked for the bus, never mind however we must have looked haha… On the bus Mariel wept and I got dizzy. I was in such shock I couldn’t cry. Then I started tearing because Mariel was crying and I felt pity for her. When we were talked to on the bus that’s when I started to cry. Then I was overcome when Mar and I hugged, and Tita Baby too. It was terrible, my knees got weak. At the chapel I was so very thankful that I was given a chance to still play in tomorrow’s championship. And I really appreciate my adviser. And I also realized that if the glass had shattered behind us, well, probably, hmmm… A 2nd life? I won’t forget this!)
…My Life… has a smiliar account.
Another account is In My Pocket, this time, of someone who got there an hour after the explosion:
As I walked down Ayala Avenue and crossed toward the Makati Stock Exchange, I was walking with a group of people that included a young couple and their daughter. The father was carrying the little girl and the couple tried their best to be calm around her. Then, as we reached the Stock Exchange, the father passed their daughter into the mother’s arms as he walked inside a bank. The little girl asked the mother something, to which she replied, “E diba may sumabog sa Glorietta? Hindi ba katabi natin yun? (Didn’t something explode in Glorietta? Weren’t we standing next to it?)” I took a closer look at them. They were carrying hardly anything, and the daughter was sock-footed and holding her sole shoe in her hand.
I had arrived at SM some time around 2:20pm. An MMDA truck and the ever-vigilant media (represented by ABS-CBN News) already were parked out front. The SOCO van arrived just as I was walking away from the scene, continuing on my way. They — and I — had only missed the explosion by an hour.
See Witnesses account: ‘People thrown like dolls by blast’ for more eyewitness accounts.
Disney Cute Land has pictures of the area and the damage (Interior photos from ABS-CBN reproduced in look at this tangle of thorns). Azrael’s Merryland also has exterior photos. a round world for a square me has a photo of the interior of Glorietta filled with smoke. Horrible, horrible. However, Don Geronimo has calmer photos and criticizes media for portraying the situation is worse than it is.
And because the political situation is tense, notes from the peanut gallery expresses a suspicion that can only gather steam unless the authorities make an effort to remain sober and calm. For now, ksolaris points out one reason a gas explosion is the main theory right now:
They’re still investigating the cause, and I’m wondering if it’s a busted LPG tank, since I do remember that some time earlier this year, one of the restaurants inside the mall caught fire. They were able to quickly put out the flames that time, though, and only part of the restaurant’s ceiling got burned. The restaurant was back in business after about a week.
A spokesman from Ayala Land says it doesn’t appear the explosion emanated from any restaurants. A shaky-sounding policeman says there was a strong smell of gunpowder in the blast area, and says there was no smell of gas. Blogger bubble hearth has an eyewitness insisting he smelled gunpowder, too, “just like New Year”:
although ben insists he smelled pulbura when he went near the smoke. “para daw new year”
Tony Velasquez pointed out that the initial smells are important in investigating the cause of blasts. The NCR police chief has announced Metro Manila is on red alert.
(A blogger, Public Static, doesn’t want to dismiss the LPG explosion theory and explains why, but then says, basically, the reasoning all b.s.)
This is a time when engineers, architects, and other experts can help weigh in and contribute to a sober analysis of the event. The photographs of the damage are so chilling (see link above), and the damage so extensive, that unless the experts weigh in, public hysteria could run rampant.
Online media sites are constantly updating. As of this posting, the news is: 4 dead, over 40 hurt in Makati mall explosion (ABS-CBN); Blast hits Makati’s Glorietta Mall: 3 killed, says report (Inquirer); Makati mall blast kills 3; top cop says not LPG but ‘a bomb’(GMA).
On TV, a spokesman from the National Disaster Coordinating Council, quoting the Red Cross, says the number of fatalities has reached 6, with 70 wounded. Latest update is that police suspicions have shifted to a bomb being the cause of the explosion: ‘Bomb likely’ in Makati mall blast–Razon.
The PNP spokesman on ANC (4:12 pm) says they have to consider if this was a bombing by Muslim extremists. Said NICA reports and other intel had warned of activity after Ramadan ended.
Personally, at this point, finger-pointing won’t help anything. The priority right now remains aiding the wounded and securing the area. Then an investigation can proceed and the public can judge if the investigation raises instead of settling questions. There are simply too many groups that could benefit, politically, from a terror bombing. Finding out what kind of bombing took place, could help narrow down the potential culprits.
4:58 pm Ayala Land has issued a statement saying the blast seems to have originated from outside, not inside, Glorietta 2. Bertie Lim of Makati Business Club dispels text message which quotes him as having blamed the Palace; he says he never said such a thing and that businessmen believe the President needs to get to the bottom of things.
5:31 A blogger who works at an emergency room, gives an eyewitness account of what it was like to be working as the casualties were brought in, See zalveen-ice’s Site:
I was eating lunch when nag aanounce na for the trauma team sa ER. Last time I heard this was nung nag bomb sa MRT nung valentines 3 years ago ata. So I thought baka may vehicular accident na massive. I was wrong…. Sobrang dami tao sa ER blast injuries. Initial reports sabi may LPG leak daw sa Luk Yuen at sumabog yun. Well tha’ts pure speculation. In my humble opinion di ito gas leak masyado madami nasaktan at napakalaki ng area nung blast. Bomb to sa palagay ko. Well during y stay sa ER dami shrapnel injuries yun mga debris ng cement acted like shrapnels nung sumabog. Kawawa innocent people. May dead on arrival, meron din namatay sa harapan ko wasak yun ribs. For a while it gave me goosebumps. I know sanay ako makakita ng dugo sa mga accidents pero iba.
(loose translation: I was eating lunch when the announcement came for the trauma team to go to the emergency room. Last time I heard this was when the MRT was bombed on Valentine’s Day three years go, I think. So I thought there might’ve been a massive vehicular accident. I was wrong… Too many people in the emergency room with blast injuries. Initial reports said there was an LPG leak at Luk Yuen and that it caused the explosion. Well, that’s pure speculation. In my humble opinion it wasn’t a gas leak, too many people were hurt and the area of the blast was too large. It was a bomb, I think. Well during my stay at the emergency room, very many shrapnel injuries the debris from the cement acted like shrapnel when the explosion took place. Poor innocent people. There was someone dead on arrival, there was someone who died in front of me with shattered ribs. For a while it gave me goosebumps. I know I’m used to seeing blood in accident victims but this was different.)
The blogger then concludes.
I couldn’t take pictures kawawa talga and unethical din pero kung nakita nyo magagalit talaga kayo dun sa gumawa.
(loose translation: I couldn’t take pictures, I really pity them and it’s unethical but if you saw what I saw, you would be furious at the perpetrators).
More later.
5:54 pm A very angry Sec. Norberto Gonzalez said that if the bombing wasn’t accompanied by demands, it can’t be covered by the Human Security Act. Gonzalez very irritated over comments criticizing the Palace. Says the event does not justify emergency powers for the President.
6:04 pm Maria Ressa says the timing of the blast is within the “bombing season.” Last year was the only year JI hadn’t conducted a bombing within this season. The blast is strong she said, the radius is large, the strongest probably that’s taken place in the country, she says. No burn marks either, if you look at interior damage photos, so this indicates expertise and training, and there are only two umbrella groups with this capacity: JI and law enforcement agencies. It’s interesting she says, in this context, plus recent Australia warning and PNP warnings of Mindanao. She says she’s seen JI plots to bomb Glorietta but they were made in 2002-2003. She says people have to wait for the investigation and that what she’s discussing is putting the blast in the perspective of past events. This is blast impact, “pure wave,” she says. She says sources say it was a bomb, and that C-4 explosive was involved.
7:54 pm Per TV news report, Red Cross says there may still be bodies buried in the rubble. Number of casualties (dead and wounded) has passed the 100 person mark.
8:01 pm The President, dressed soberly in black, addresses the nation. Says it is likely it was a bomb. Issues warning against using the bombing for political motivates. Appeals for country to unite. Asks public to cooperate in increased security measures. Keep abreast of breaking news at Glorietta Blast special section of Inquirer.net.
tonyo links to raw video from an eyewitness.
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xyz on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:49 pm
squid tactic ba ito ng arroyo govt? o smokescreen kaya?
rollchan on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:04 pm
my goodness… what is happening yet again… crap, terrorists… they all should go to HELL.
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:19 pm
horrible, horrible.
the bomb though doesn’t look like it was made to cause structural damage.
this is anti-personnel i think, the smell of gunpowder may indicate that it’s home made. (sir ramrod can confirm)
seiji on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:26 pm
why didn’t they just bomb congress or something. sheesh!
Willy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:29 pm
Sickening. All those innocent people..The devil does not rest.
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:45 pm
More than ever, this is a time to wait for facts.
Speculation is the devil’s work.
Calm and sobriety over panic and finger-pointing.
DJB Rizalist on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:53 pm
I just wish that people like Aquilino Pimentel and Jamby Madrigal would shut their big fat mouths at a time like this and not issue hypocritical, self-serving statements at a time like this. They are the ones who’ve been giving
Dulmatin and Umar patek all the cover they needed to escape justice. The same goes for communist terrorists like
Tonyo.
grd on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:58 pm
“Speculation is the devil’s work.”
agree w/ geo.
this incident is really horrible. shocking.
elbravelara on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:02 pm
prayers for those who died… for the their family and friends…
DinaPinoy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:16 pm
photos and story here:
http://www.gmanews.tv/index.html
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:18 pm
pictures are coming in from the interior. i can’t comprehend the damage.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:37 pm
“He said the explosion left an eight-meter (26-foot) wide crater on the ground floor and blew a hole through the roof on the second floor.”
Tonio, the damage is more than what you’re home made pipe bomb can cause, shape charge is too expensive (we don’t have it in the Philippines), an anti-tank mine rigged with timer will do the trick, its ready made,and we have some on stock. Its just a guess, as to who is responsible no one can tell at the moment unless someone takes responsibility (NPA or MILF usually do). All we can do is wait.
Any statements from Trillanes and company?
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:44 pm
The United States government advised its nationals to avoid travel to and near the Glorietta area in Makati City following a blast that killed at least six people.
In a public announcement on the US Embassy Web site, it cited data from the US Embassy regional security office indicating “some injuries” that resulted from the explosion.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:48 pm
Sir RAM: Police said C4 explosive.Ayala Land said it came from outside the mall.
Questions
1)From the extent of the damage so far,does it look like a C4 to you ?
2)Easy to make?
3)Can it be thrown from a moving vehicle into the mall?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:51 pm
Blast originated outside Glorietta 2 – Ayala Land
10/19/2007 | 05:23 PM
Officials of Ayala Land Inc., the owner of Glorietta Mall in Makati, on Friday reiterated that the explosion which rocked the establishment and killed at least eight people and injured 70 others, originated outside the Glorietta 2.
Initial police reports traced the blast to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tank in a restaurant within the mall, but Director Gen. Avelino Razon Jr, PNP chief, said that an assessment by ground commanders showed that what exploded could be “a bomb.”
“We are extremely saddened by this incident. We would like to assure the public that’s why we are taking all possible measures to ensure that all affected by the incident could be attended to with maximum care,” said Jaime Ayala, Ayala Land president in a statement.
Ayala Land earlier said they will shoulder the medical expenses of those injured.
The company also said they are securing the mall, and suspending its operations until government agencies have given them permission to reopen.
“Glorietta is being secured and surveyed to ensure the building’s structural integrity and safety. Operations will resume as soon as security and safety clearances from concerned agencies are given,” Ayala Land said. – GMANews.TV
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:56 pm
Tonio,
Lets wait for the official report of the bomb squad or police,this is scaring me. I was in a meeting in Paseo, just after we were blogging this lunch time. I knew about the bombing because it was on the television in our receiving area.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:58 pm
“Arroyo’s National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales has previously said the government was not ruling out future terroist attacks on “soft” targets such as shopping malls.Inquirer”
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:00 pm
Bloggers cover Makati mall blast
By Joey Alarilla
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 05:42pm (Mla time) 10/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines–The Makati mall blast that rocked the financial district this afternoon and left at least eight dead as of this writing has also reverberated in the Philippine blogosphere, with some even posting photos of the blast site.
One such blogger is “Disney Cute Land,” who took photographs of the aftermath with his digital camera and posted them on Multiply.com.
In a telephone conversation with this writer, he recounted what he posted on his entry — it was ice cream that saved him from possibly becoming a victim of the blast.
“I was in a state of shock. If I hadn’t bought ice cream… I’m still shaken,” Disney said, recounting that he had decided to buy ice cream while he was on his way back to the Park Square 2 walkway.
Disney gave INQUIRER.net permission to publish the photos he took.
Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist and INQUIRER.net blogger Manuel L. Quezon III also covered the blast on his Current blog.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:01 pm
“Sir RAM: Police said C4 explosive.Ayala Land said it came from outside the mall.” – tonio
C4 is not easy to get.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:02 pm
RAM:pls elaborate.what’s C4?
Earl on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:04 pm
I really am amused on what continuous political issues would do to ones mind. Just look at the first response.
Personally, that’s the first thought that came to my mind when I heard of the blast.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:18 pm
Some info on C4:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/c-42.htm
Eugene on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:27 pm
I guess the only reason why Ayala Land is reiterating that the explosion came from outside is that otherwise, their hired security guards were negligent in checking bags, etc.
taipan88 on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:29 pm
I read somewhere that a similar bombing took place amidst people gathering in a well-known Plaza in Manila.
I sincerely hope the motives then are not the same as the motives of the perperators of this recent one.
Pity the innocent victims while the evil ones are on the loose…..as usual!
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:31 pm
C4 is sometimes called plastic explosive, imagine your child’s play dough. Its very stable, it takes heat to detonate it as what a time delay fuse can do. Its quite expensive and access is limited to military and big construction companies.
If its your conventional claymore (mines, old ones) there should be shrapnel (the metal debris that can cause injury in a wide radius), also if its the home made pipe bomb, traces of metal debris and nails would be found. If no traces of shrapnel, you can not rule out your typical dynamite.
Trivia Buff on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:33 pm
Oh come on, everyone knows that the bag-checking thing is a joke, be it in Ayala or elsewhere. Considering how easy it would be for people to sneak something into NAIA where security is a tad tighter, shopping malls are really soft targets.
Heard from a report that a lot of the injured were children. These perpetrators are schmucks, all of them.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:37 pm
Ramrod, can C4 be a shaped charge?
rom on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:37 pm
earl: your, and xyz’s, response is not amusing at all.
equalizer: it’s a strong explosive. looks like clay. pretty stable. watch an action movie and when you see a lump of something that they push wires into, then you’ve seen how c4 looks like.
ramrod: thank you for calling for objectivity and sobriety, and for giving the official investigation a chance to do its work. the last thing we need now are ignorant knee-jerk reactions like those of earl and xyz.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:42 pm
taipan88,
This link will be helpful.
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Pool/1644/marcosera.html
mike on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:43 pm
why would anyone want to grab the limelight and make the headlines when the enemy is just starting to boil in her own fat? this is 911 philippine style. every time GMA is in hot water an incident grabs the headline.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:45 pm
oops, taipan88, my response to you is awaiting moderation, I included a link.
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:48 pm
Abu Sayyaf to Arroyo: Pera pera lang and we’ll give you the cover.
mylene on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:48 pm
”GOD PLS SAVE OUR COUNTRY AND OUR PEOPLE “
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:49 pm
trivia buff, if i remember, that part of Glorietta is where all the shops for kids and expectant mothers are. there also was an indoor amusement park there.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:51 pm
mylene, i think God only helps those who help themselves.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:54 pm
Sirs RAM n ROM: thanks! not work of amateurs ,it seems.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:00 pm
This is the last thing we need, and in a business district at that. The best we can do is calm down, avoid panicking, and encourage others to do the same. As usual we’ll be intelligently vigilant, don’t form any conclusions yet, the events will unfold by themselves…
Willy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:02 pm
Sometime in the 80’s I witnessed a blast w/c occurred
by the roadside somewhere near MileLong. The blast shattered
the glass panels of the restaurant we were in, but did not
injure anybody, and probably was not meant to, since the
bomb went of in a side street where there were no people.
Just gouged a hole in the side street.
This one is different. The ones who plotted it obviously had mass murder in their minds, to include kids and expectant mothers. Shocking, I wonder what goes on in those minds…
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:06 pm
“As usual we’ll be intelligently vigilant, don’t form any conclusions yet, the events will unfold by themselves…ramrod”
Wise words!
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:11 pm
Wow — a lot of immature, ignorant, uncaring and/or evil people are spewing a lot of BS on tv and in the blogs right now. Not good.
Families just lost their loved ones. Others are freaking out. This country just lost its equilibrium. Lashing out blindly is pretty much the worst thing to do right now. Please stop it.
Pull together. Help each other recover. We can all piece together any info later; but we are incapable of doing so now. Patience and strength…please.
mylene on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:12 pm
”GOD PLS SAVE THIS COUNTRY AND OUR PEOPLE”
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:14 pm
Mylene
AMEN…
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:16 pm
cvj,
how is the news being received in Singapore?
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:21 pm
Ramrod, no news from BBC and Channel News Asia. The only bombing reported is the one in Pakistan.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:24 pm
ramrod:Trillanes says admin behind it.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:27 pm
Ok, just heard now, in Channel News Asia, they have reported the Makati bombing as their headline.
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:27 pm
Nice try Geo.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:29 pm
Geo, does it feel like August 22, 1983 over there?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:30 pm
equalizer,
do you have the link to their website?
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:31 pm
I cant help but say that the last time a major bombing event of this magnitude happened, an administration went crumbling down within a month.
not to point an accusing finger, but history has a wicked way of repeating itself.
But of course, we can all wait for the official result of the investigations.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:31 pm
sir RAM :just heard it on channel 2
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:33 pm
Gents and Mesdames,
For info lang po.
Geo is also DJBRizalist. In his blog, he pins the blame on Muslim Terrorists for the Makati blast.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:35 pm
tagabukid,
Its alright, this is a free blog after all. If we wait for the results of the investigation, we won’t have anything to talk about, this blog would be quiet for a long, long time…
With moderation of course.
Noelle De Guzman on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:35 pm
On my way home from Makati, at the MRT security wasn’t all that tight, and the whole time Glorietta was closed down, the surrounding buildings (SM, Rustan’s) were open. What gives?
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:35 pm
“Trillanes says admin behind it.”
Immature
Ignorant
Uncaring
Evil
Which one is he? How dare ANYONE say ANYTHING like this? I don’t care WHO accuses WHOM right now…they are wrong to do so. ALL accusations are baseless at this point…even the blaming of Islamofascist terrorists is premature. This kind of talk is national suicide right now.
Remember who said what today…evaluate them later for their outbursts now. Pls do not be forgiving then.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:36 pm
levi, don’t think so. Geo is genuinely shaken and asks us to withold judgment. DJB has been waiting for this event since two months ago and already has his script laid out.
toshiaki on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:38 pm
ongakusociety blogs about how her brother had a close call.
I believe the blogger’s name is magnetic_rose, since “ongakusociety” is an LJ community. Just a minor correction
mlq3 on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:38 pm
I’d appeal for people not to jump to conclusions, the little we know is disturbing enough as it is.
mlq3 on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:40 pm
tnx for correction, toshiaki
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:41 pm
“Like much else connected with Marcos, the declaration of martial law had a theatrical, smoke-and-mirrors quality. The incident that precipitated Proclamation 1081 was an attempt, allegedly by communists, to assassinate Minister of National Defense Enrile. As Enrile himself admitted after Marcos’s downfall in 1986, his unoccupied car had been riddled by machinegun bullets fired by his own men on the night that Proclamation 1081 was signed.”
I hope and pray this will be NOT be the same scenario to divert attention from HER scandals!
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:43 pm
I’d appeal for people not to jump to conclusions, the little we know is disturbing enough as it is.MLQ3
amen
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:44 pm
I dont understand why DJB would blame Pimentel for something like this. Would the Human Security Act have prevented something like this?
It’s failure of politic/military intelligence as usual, however funny that oxymoron is. Unless of course if they are the brains behind it.
I just hope no Cabinet member gets ‘ambushed’ somewhere, delikado na ang lagay natin pag ganyan.
Prayers for the dead, may their souls rest in peace.
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:44 pm
levi,
I am not DJBRizal (I don’t even know who he is). You are either stupidly incorrect or purposefully incorrect. Which one is it?
You are also a perfect example of a big mouth spewing baseless, wild accusations. You, indeed, are a perfect example of what we all need NOT to do. Thanks for the instructional.
For the record, I reject the notion of immediately accusing the Islamofascists.
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:46 pm
cvj,
visit DJBRizalist blog now.
He has an admonition for bloggers there very much the same as that of Geo.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:47 pm
Equalizer,
http://www.sundalo.bravehost.com/From%20the%20Soldiers.htm
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:48 pm
I dont understand why DJB would blame Pimentel for something like this. Would the Human Security Act have prevented something like this?
It’s failure of police/military intelligence as usual, however funny that oxymoron is. Unless they are the brains behind it.
I just hope no Cabinet member gets ‘ambushed’ somewhere, delikado na ang lagay natin pag ganyan.
Prayers for the dead, may their souls rest in peace.
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:51 pm
Nakakahawa talaga ang kasinungalingan ni Gloria.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:51 pm
sir RAM: alright sir?
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:53 pm
levi, i just visited DJB Rizalist’s blog. As expected, he already has his cartoon of those three ski-masked ‘JI/MILF/MNLF’ characters on display. I have to take Geo at his word. Anyway, I’m familiar with both their schools of thought.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:54 pm
tagabukid,
I think the Human Security Act is almost impossible to implement, after conceding to so many cooks (as in too many spoils the broth), its more terrorist friendly than viable. It has the police and AFP Intelligence hands tied…with threat of too much sanctions.
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:54 pm
sorry po for the double post…
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:56 pm
equalizer,
Stop scaring me, I am no longer bound to the “challenge,” as I am a deserter, I was seduced by the “business: side of the force.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:00 pm
One good thing about blogs (this one in particular) is that we cut short the process of researching as the threads are basically digested bits of information from different sources with different points of view. We actually help each other think faster. Of course its up to the individual blogger to discern, analyze, filter, synthesize, accept, reject, and integrate these bits of information into a coherent line of thought.
So blog on guys, you help me think…
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:01 pm
Sir RAM:”Once a Cavalier,always a Cavalier!”
“There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots. What is it? Distrust.” Demosthenes
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:02 pm
cvj,
do you personally know Geo?
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:06 pm
levi, no.
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:07 pm
Thanks for being honest (and intelligent), cvj.
levi — perhaps it would be better to know about things before talking about things which you know not about.
By the way, not only do cvj not know each other…we usually don’t agree with each other. But we’re civil, reasonable, logical and respectful with each other. It’s an enlightening and pleasant experience.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:08 pm
The prevailing culture of impunity gives a wrong sense of power or creates a situation conducive to the abuse of power without any legal consequences. T
The prevailing feeling within the GMA administration is that they “can get away with anything” by simply issuing denials, making cover-ups,creating spins or finally, creating DISTRACTIONS!
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:09 pm
Demosthenes
Amen…
BTW, were you able to read the link I sent you about oplan greenbase expose of Trillanes? Very interesting, although a bit Tom Clancyish
Willy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:10 pm
Reminds me of the LRT bombing, yr 2000. My wife was in that train, luckily she wasn’t hurt. 22 dead. I don’t recall that
case having been concluded, someone please correct me otherwise. Pray this don’t go into a series of bombings.
Also, authorities have hopefully learned. Lets have the guilty ones convicted beyond reasonable doubt and punished accordingly, for a change. But each and every citizen is called out for vigilance. Wherever side in the fence one is, I suppose all are united to combat this atrocity.
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:10 pm
Let’s talk about real things.
I wonder how many security cameras were up in that area. Not just mall cameras…but even the new public cameras recently installed.
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:11 pm
cvj,
Read DJBRizalist bottom entry on his blogsite.
Very similar to the admonition of Geo dito kay Manolo.
Geo/DJB say we should refrain from jumping into conclusions but in his blogsite, DJB is almost sure it’s the Muslim terrorists who did it.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:11 pm
What this geo and levi, do I smell fatal attraction developing here?
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:14 pm
ramrod,
Geo, DJB, and Dean Jorge Bocobo is one and the same person.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:14 pm
RAM:Poor marines;used as pawns.
A FEW GOOD MEN.
“Never in the history of this country has so much been owed to so few!Winston Churchill
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:15 pm
willy,
If the people get distracted along the way, this case will be one of those unsolved mysteries in the urban jungle.
Is there a way these unsolved mysteries can be summed up and used to remind the authorities who seem to have extremely short memories?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:17 pm
Dean Jorge Bocobo? I saw him in media in focus last night exchanging wit with this guy from the newspaper.
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:23 pm
Hey guys,
Let’s try our very best to avoid political statements/opinions/rebuke for or against anyone in deference to the families of those who died, those that are still in critical condition, those that are still in shock over what happened, maybe just for the night. Can we not forget politics just for the night, be united, and commiserate with those that are affected by this dastardly act directly or indirectly. Let us be sober and be circumspect in the words that we use.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:23 pm
Maybe someone will be able to come up with a commentary about these unsolved mysteries, a sort of “Urban Legends” angle.
DJB, isn’t he that deep penetration agent guy (or similar to) cvj used to talked to months ago in this blog?
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:24 pm
levi, i don’t think i can convince you otherwise, but i’ve had a history of discussions (mostly disagreements) for almost two years with both parties which is why i have arrived at a contrary conclusion. In the end i don’t think identities matter in the blogosphere.
A blog/forum is society in its purest form. when viewed as a system, the basic building block of society is not people. There are no people in society. Rather, people make up the environment of society.
What we call society is made up of communication which is defined by Niklas Luhman as the unity of information, transmission and comprehension.
In this medium, what matters is what is being said, whether individually, or in relation to other things that have been said, not who says it.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:25 pm
ramrod, yes same guy.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:29 pm
cvj
So thats why we have bloggers sometimes with so many names. I must admit, its a skill. Cvj, I figured out the blockquotes following your entries earlier. Problem is, do you have to type blockquote everytime or is there a shortcut?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:31 pm
qwert
Amen…
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:35 pm
levi, you are definitely a weird dude. Henceforth, I will ignore you. Ciao. Over and out.
Back to the cameras. I think a lot of intelligence has been gathered about previous bombings in other countries via these types of video recordings. I hope we get so lucky.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:35 pm
sir RAM:Be familiar with their style and knowledge base.
Willy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:36 pm
I am not one to underestimate the sleuthing abilities of our local authorities. I have known some cases of courageous and crafty local investigators who can put Sherlock Holmes to a shame. The citizenry should exert pressure in all these, including those issues that have apparently been glossed over. Somewhere along the lines of “citizens actions against crime” (I know there are focused organized groups out there – with persistency). We know there is a way, we just don’t know if there’s a will. Lets hope that short term memory does not kick in again.
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:37 pm
ram,
…by the way have you read my response to your query about taking French classes …
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:40 pm
qwert,
Yes, you said to check with MBW. I’m actually waiting for MBW to appear.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:44 pm
“Back to the cameras. I think a lot of intelligence has been gathered about previous bombings in other countries via these types of video recordings. I hope we get so lucky.” – geo
They’re also a great deterrent agains crime, case in point Singapore. I’m told by my officemates that even if I don’t see any policeman around they can just spring into action the moment I do something wrong there, of course I found that hard to believe but I never put it to the test.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:45 pm
we used to have one blog character here who seems to have more than one personality. one of his personalities has a spelling deficiency while the other doesn’t. he admitted to deliberately mixing up his spelling as a rhetorical technique, but when he is rattled or in a hurry, he writes normally. i never figured out whether it was one person or two people using the same handle.
i did a quick google and couldn’t find a shortcut.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:51 pm
Without arriving at “premature” conclusions;I am simply asking myself the questions:
1) who would have the REAL MOTIVE?
2)Who would have the capability?
3)Who stands to gain?
4)Who would be so ruthless to inflict pain on innocent civilians?
5)What’s the real game plan that will evolve after this dastardly act?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:51 pm
cvj,
I wonder whatever happened to Karah and her friend(s), last night I really thought that proudtobetsinoy was her but I refrained from asking, I might be mistaken. At times I have the feeling who she/he is, usually she/he makes a bee line to you almost immediately like winnie the pooh to honey.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:52 pm
Ramrod, Geo, i’m all for having more of those security cameras. It’s worked well in the case of tracking down the UK’s 7/11 bombers.
putopalabok on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:54 pm
Let us all pray for those who died with this recent blast in Glorietta. May their sould rest in peace. For those who were wounded, may they find comfort and help from people around them especially the City Government and the management of Ayala Center. God bless the Philippines!!!
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:54 pm
geo,
One limitation with cameras here though, telephone/electric cables get stolen, cameras will be more attractive.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:56 pm
AMEN…
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:56 pm
i also thought so for a second (because of the occassional ALL CAPS), but tsinoy sounded more mature (age-wise).
Carl on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:57 pm
It’s appalling how one expressed his regret that the incident grabbed the headline from Arroyo’s scandal. It reeks of insensitivity at a time when this country mourns. A mind that could summon only this reaction at a tragic event such as this is not far up from a mind that can plan killing people to create news.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:58 pm
the clue to this dastardly act: “it’s all about timing…”
watchful eye on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:01 pm
No word from GMA yet? Her rapid response team seemed focus on something else. There’s a word for it, u know.
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:01 pm
Carl Inting? Welcome back. Unfortunately not under happy circumstances.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:05 pm
God knows who did it! there’s no escaping from that day of judgement!
oragon on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:07 pm
diversion lang iyan ni pandak
Abe N. Margallo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:07 pm
Hey, Carl, nice hearing from you again. Welcome back!
I agree with Manolo and others that this is a time for serious reflection.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:08 pm
“This is blast impact, “pure wave,†she says. She says sources say it was a bomb, and that C-4 explosive was involved.” – Maria Ressa
Equalizer, there you go, C4, “pure wave,” what she means is there was no shrapnel or metal debris that can cause serious injury or death. But still so many were injured, 70 or so, I forgot. It means it was meant for percussive effect primarily, to create a big noise, not for mass destruction. Imagine if it was wrapped in shrapnel, mostly its nails, etc. dipped in rat poison solution (its a decoagulant, it prevents blood from solidifying, so people bleed to death).
I wonder where these people get their sources?
oragon on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:09 pm
lumang style ang mga blast na yan pag may schandal, kumita na iyan noong 70’s
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:10 pm
oragon: from bicol(deviladv8/)
pls answer my 5 questions objectively(see above)
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:12 pm
sir RAM:pls try to answer also my 5 questions above.no need to post reply
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:27 pm
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=96406
interesting theory like “OPLAN Greenbase”
sparks on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:29 pm
Trolls can easily be caught by comparing IP addresses, if Manolo’s commenting system records them.
Regarding the blast, I have a classmate who works for the Aussie anti-Terrorism group. Will ask him if he has any insider scoop. At this points all we can do is speculate about the blast. Hopefully the body count stops at 8.
Everyone keep safe!
Willy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:30 pm
Equalizer,
I beg for your indulgence by butting in, but any answers
to your questions at this point would be purely speculative,
as no one can really answer it objectively in the absence of facts. Those are very good questions really, but any attempt to answer will just impute an unfair accusation. I have my private speculations, best kept to myself. People are grieving at his point…
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:35 pm
willy:understand your point of view.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:38 pm
equalizer,
I wrote down your questions already for later. I agree, this is a time for grieving. I have to say goodbye for now so I can spend time with my wife and check on my son sleeping uptairs. This tragic event reminded me that life is really short, and we have to live it to the fullest (with loved ones).
To everyone, here’s to our wives and sweethearts, may they never meet…
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:45 pm
let’s just be on watchful observation.INGAT everybody!
Events are unfolding too fast!
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:49 pm
Agree with willy…no hard facts yet. If there is any positive thing GMA could do at the moment, it is to request a thorough probe of the blast by foreign experts. Not to disparage or underestimate our local bomb experts, pero para sana maging impartial ang investigation. Nag-offer na rin naman yata ang mga Aussies…sana nga maka-scoop si sparks.
I also agree that we should mourn the loss of lives and injury to innocent people, pero we cannot just close our eyes and our mind and restrain ourselves from asking questions.
Who did this and why now?
Geo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:51 pm
Peace
vic on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:52 pm
My sympathies to the victims and families in their time of grieving. At this moment in time, it is best to leave the the investigations by the Authorities unhindered and wait for their press releases and accounts of what really happened and the possible motives.
And also an opportunities for elected Leaders not to take advantage of the situation by outdoing each other in pure speculations. There will be enough time for all of these, when the proper time comes…
goodah on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:53 pm
Blame it to the magnanakaws diyan sa gobyerno. They are morally, needless to say economically, accountable for what’s happening today.
My prayers to the innocent victims.
justice league on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:53 pm
I too will pray for all those lost souls, the injured, and their loved ones.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:56 pm
This is terrible, just terrible. Amidst this tragedy we should be thankful that not many people died in the blast.
Btw, Could someone please tell me if Glorietta is the mall in front or beside Hotel Intercon?
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:00 pm
ANA: that the relatively old part of the mall near the car park/bus terminal
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:02 pm
I heard that FVR, Joe Almonte, JDV, and members of the Black and White Movement met today.
I’m not saying that the Glorietta blast was, in any way, connected.
renmin on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:04 pm
cvj-
“levi, don’t think so. Geo is genuinely shaken and asks us to withold judgment. DJB has been waiting for this event since two months ago and already has his script laid out.
Actually, DJB has been waiting…and already had his script laid out…since two years ago…
http://philippinecommentary.blogspot.com/2005/11/how-secure-are-southeast-asian-games.html
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:05 pm
off topic,just to cool us down:
“Women in several countries have begun sending their panties to Myanmar embassies in a culturally insulting gesture of protest against the recent brutal crackdown there, a campaign supporter said Friday.
“It’s an extremely strong message in Burmese and in all Southeast Asian culture,” said Liz Hilton, who supports an activist group that launched the “Panties for Peace” drive earlier this week.
The group, Lanna Action for Burma, says the country’s superstitious generals, especially junta leader Gen. Than Shwe, also believe that contact with women’s underwear saps them of power.”
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:06 pm
Thanks, Equalizer. Is that the mall with a huge National Bookstore facing the street?
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:06 pm
Since nagsalita na rin naman si Gloria…
I guess if she’s really sincere in wishing for unity, she should realize that this is once again a golden opportunity for her to seize the day and leave a legacy of greatness. Gloria Arroyo, in a single act of courage can turn things around for this country by simply resigning due to utter failure of leadership.
She must do the right thing this time. She should call for a snap election without her as candidate and let the people elect a new president — whoever it may be as long as he/she wins in a clean and credible election supervised by a revamped Comelec.
Time to go Madam Gloria, cut and cut clean.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:10 pm
ANA:near what used to be “makati supermart”
goodah on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:13 pm
…In a televised statement from Malacañang, Arroyo also urged the public to remain vigilant even as authorities move to secure Metro Manila. “I warn those who seek to exploit this incident to destabilize our government for their selfish political motives,â€she said. …She assured that a full blown investigation is underway and that she has ordered the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to be on highest alert.
– Phil. Inquirer
Good points: Good that she faces the people this time thru a televised appearance. Good that she immediately ordered an investigation of this incident.
*** Hmmm sana she also came out before this, to explain and shed light about what had happened inside the palace last week, with the same eagerness to have it investigated.
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:14 pm
MBW,
Glorietta is a big complex, the side facing hotel intercon is actually Glorietta 4, the very same site of the Oakwood hotel. The blast happened at almost the diametrically opposite side, which is Glorietta 2.
The mall beside Hotel Intercon is SM and it has a gateway leading to Glorietta.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:16 pm
Thanks, Tagabukid.
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:20 pm
Why should Gloria warn destabilizers? Why cant she just move on with the business of ordering the police around to determine the signature of the bomb if it has one?
She is her own destabilizer, kailangan pa ba i-destabilize ang gobyernong ito?
levi on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:20 pm
ramrod,
Yes you are right, that’s the same Jorge Bocobo aka in blogsphere as DJBRizalist and Geo, the Filipino disciple of movement conservatism in America or, to be precise, Neo-conservatism.
They are known, among other characteristics, to insult, malign, and name call their enemies.
Top of their agenda, however, is US world domination.
After the communists, they are training their guns on Muslim terrorists.
Marc on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:22 pm
At first parang wala lang sa amin nung friend ko, after na lumabas yung mga pics and the people count, dun lang nag sink in sa amin na we are lucky to be alive.
Thanks for mentioning my Sunny Side Up! site.
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:25 pm
Why is it idiotic for Trillanes to tag the Gonzales-Esperon combo as the brains behind the blast and not if one jumps into pure speculation that JI is behind it?
Authority ba sa terrorism si DJB? Anong tema nyan, “either you’re with us or not” din?
Isn’t that idiotic?
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:25 pm
Levi,
I don’t believe Geo and Dean Jorge Bocobo are one and the same.
Like what cvj said, they may sound similar but they are two different ’schools of thought’.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:35 pm
Tagabukid,
Re: “Authority ba sa terrorism si DJB? ”
He’s a neo-con as in a neo-con Bush/Cheney variety. Other than that, I don’t believe he is an authority on terrorism.
with regard to this blast, I’m keeping an open mind — could be the handiwork of terrorist, rebel parallel armies, could be just an accident, could be the work of pro-Arroyo group or anti-Arroyo group.
One thing I see is that this tragedy will reinforce international belief that the Philippines is an unstable country with an unstable govt. Foreign governments will be posting negative travel advisories against the Philippines again and could be very bad for business in the short term.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:41 pm
PEACE.Let’s pray for them.
Police investigators identified five of the dead as:
1. Jose Allan de Jesus
2. Maureen De Leon.
3. Liza Marquez
4. Lester Peregrina
5. Janine Marcos
Following are the names of 34 of the injured rushed to the Makati Medical Center. The list is current as of 3 p.m. Friday.
1. Hernanin Asis
2. Shirley Boleno
3. Jeffrey Burser
4. Jerry Canaban
5. Carmen Enriquez
6. Ma. Ceronara Estilles
7. Evangeline de Leon
8. Ellen Garcia
9. Mabini Garcia
10. May Flor Garcia
11. Alberto Gonzales
12. Mary Flor Gopis
13. Julia Hernandez
14. Sally Honopra
15. Abraham Jose
16. Hei Wun Kim (Korean)
17. Elizabeth Liboro
18. Maricel Marcelo
19. Regina Montenegro
20. Queene Ngo (Chinese)
21. Robinson Orlanda
22. Arlene Pansal
23. John Henry Pascual
24. Christopher Pineda
25. Ma. Lourdes Perez
26. Agnes Ramilo
27. Fely Reyes
28. Donald Santos
29. Josephine Santos
30. Lady Katrina Santos
31. Mutya Santos
32. Angela Maria Soriano
33. Anna Patria Villareal
34. Socorro Yrastroza
SteveJobs on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:41 pm
we live in a world where being safe, could be just an option.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:47 pm
Reminded me of the day I ran away from the collapsing WTC tower 2. It felt like it only took me 5 seconds to run 10 blocks! Some loss their animal instincts and just stood there staring at the building. I had sleepless nights for at least 3 months.
Ayala should modify the Glorietta mall after this incident. I noticed the last time I was there in 2004 that most of the doors are locked. The security guards only open one for getting in and one for getting out. Those doors should automatically open during an emergency. And please analyze those security tapes immediately. Ayala should cooperate and stop confusing people with their press releases.
José Maria Aznar on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:51 pm
o dios mio…
Marc on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:51 pm
Sabi nung friend ko from Ayala, the blast came from underneath (underground) Glorietta 2 through the service bay for deliveries. Unfortunately, this is a place not managed by Ayala, but by another entity.
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:58 pm
MBW,
Actually im reading his blog too and i’ve seen his posts about terrorism and stuff but he cites sources such as Maria Ressa’s book, Seeds of Terror.
I know he’s not authority on terrorism but he sure is posing as one.
vic on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:04 pm
MBW, try “google earth” search for Glorietta Mall, makati and it will give you the close-up and if you’re familiar with Makati city layout you can picture its location. I have No idea at all how Makati looks like nowadays.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:05 pm
“Sabi nung friend ko from Ayala, the blast came from underneath (underground) Glorietta 2 through the service bay for deliveries. Unfortunately, this is a place not managed by Ayala, but by another entity.”
This is pure speculation. Ayala should not wash their hands this early.
john marzan on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:05 pm
you’re right, we don’t want a repeat of what happened during in the rizal day bombings…
http://www.politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2007/10/glorietta-mall-bombing-kills-8-injures.html
tagabukid on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:12 pm
signing off for the day…
May the injured find comfort and may the souls of those who died find peace in the loving arms of the Lord.
Silence in Makati.
Spark on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:31 pm
“Only a crisis, actual or perceived produces real change.” – Milton Friedman
Naomi Klein quoted Milton Friedman and made him a reference on her controversial book – The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism.
The current political and economic situation in our country plus the tragic incident that happened in Makati this afternoon is somehow similar to the events that were referenced in Klein’s book. Excerpts from the book indicated about ‘…using the public’s disorientation following massive collective shocks – wars, terrorist attack, etc. — to achieve control by imposing economic shock therapy.’
Strategists here would agree that the capacity for resistance is diminished through disorientation.
I’m not being a conspiracy theorist. I just support what I believe Ms. Klein is trying to say through her book — INFORMATION is shock resistance. Therefore, arm yourself.
Let’s all keep an open mind. Let us all be informed.
Be safe and Godbless, kabayans.
baycas on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:34 pm
(i offer silence on the bombing issue for now…an opportune moment for prayer.)
—–
i don’t know if there really is a shortcut but it will help if you already have a template (typewritten even in notepad) for the html tags to start and end the blockquotes. copy-paste it onto the comment box and just insert text in between the blockquotes that needs to be quoted.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:41 pm
“Alfonso Reyes, spokesman of the Ayala Land incorporated said the rest of the Glorietta mall complex, except for Glorietta 2, will resume operations 10 a.m. Saturday.”
Profit, profit and more profit.
berto on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:44 pm
Lumang tugtugin na ‘yang mga blast blast na ‘yan. Natural, magbabago ang mga headlines kinabukasan.
Francis on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:46 pm
It’s an [b]evil[\b] act.
frombelow on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:55 pm
“May those who died in this dastardly act rest in peace.God please make this incident not an opportunity for those who are inflicting harm, and continue to do so, on the Filipino people to advance their interest. Please help our country. ”
On the theory on who could be behind the incident. What law is that which says that if all plausible explanations have been eliminated, the nearest one to truth is the answer. God please help the Filipino people think with calrity and open mind. It will save us from further harm.
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:13 am
Francis, bb codes dnt work here. sorry. gotta learn html bro. click the wordpress link below and it’ll lead to some tutorials abt wordpress codes.
as for me, too lazy to do that. bb codes are easier to learn bcoz their codes are not too kilometric.
equalizer, an answer:
– Hyde, singning out
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:27 am
a more reflective answer:
1) who would have the REAL MOTIVE? everyone standing to benefit from it
2)Who would have the capability? everyone who bothers to to have it
3)Who stands to gain? whoever fate favors
4)Who would be so ruthless to inflict pain on innocent civilians? everyone
5)What’s the real game plan that will evolve after this dastardly act? this isn’t a game. and no plan can ever cover all contingents.
though you are right. this is a dastardly act. but there are acts more dastardly than this, do you agree?
rom on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:32 am
frombelow: that’s a derivative of occam’s razor. sir arthur conan doyle used a similar formulation, albeit not quite as positive as yours. it goes something like after you eliminate the impossible, whatever is left is the answer. occam put it more directly: all things being equal, the simplest answer is the truth. or something like that.
RR Raneses on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:33 am
it bothers me that a number of comments here actually agree with GMA’s call for calm, sobriety and reflection… okay, okay, let’s pray for the dead. but calm and sobriety are the very things that GMA wants in response. those who died in the bombing have already been silenced. are we going to mourn and grieve in silence as well?
inhibiting ourselves from speculations or making (at least) partial conclusions or judgments would only allow the authorities to concoct grand lies that would blaspheme the blood that has been spilled and the sacrifice of those who died in Glorietta 2 today.
objectivity? facts? what is more objective and factual than the glaring facticity of dead bodies?
this culture of silence is no different from GMA’s culture of impunity.
cvj on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:35 am
renmin, thanks for pointing that out.
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:39 am
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:56 am
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:05 am
deviladv8:what’s the Motive?
bogchimash on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:12 am
There is an unwritten policy for the traditional rebels to lay off the Ayala malls. These are the the stomping grounds of society’s noisiest people and the security systems are Israeli-designed. The Ayalas actually hired experts who know their shit. If I am not mistaken, this is stated somewhere in their website.
I must admit that it is really too early for an ordinary pedestrian like myself to rule out anyone. Given the backdrop however, I cannot help narrowing my list of suspects down to the Abu Sayaff and Caluag’s boy, NSC Chief Norberto Gonzales.
So far, I think these are the only personalities who have the capability, opportunity to gain anything and false confidence with utter disregard for the individuals behind the statistics.
Taking on the Ayalas furthermore means earning the ire of our favorite Carlysle boy. His partnership with those Insulareses run deep. One does not need to master Gen Sun Tzu’s teachings to know that this is a monumental blunder. Both the NPA and MILF would not have lasted this long if they never avoided hurting the close allies of Uncle Sam’s lackies personally. These traditional rebels know that the most they can bust up are the Ayala’s Globe cellsites in the less unpopulated places.
The priority at this point, of course, should be the medical assistance to the victims and heightened security against those who might want to take advantage of the situation. After the smoke has cleared, though, I think there will be drastic shifts in our political tectonics.
frombelow on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:15 am
News reports showed that authorities have determined that the Glorietta blast is caused by high explosive ( TNT or C-4 ).
C-4 is very hard to procure but TNT is available at the market.
Also, terrorist always claimed or owned their work. For what’s the use if they could not show to all of us, and terrorize us in the process, that they have the capability to sow terror. It’s only logical.
So one of those terror group must own the bombing, otherwise… it will be an unsolved bombing.
but this is a very high-profile. No one will plant a bomb for a very flimsy reason. One could think of the Oklahoma bomber as an analogy that this could be done by single bomber or group motivated not by waht we usually suspects. Islamic fundamentalism, government enemies out to embarass GMA, government agents on order to wreak havoc as prelude to some political moves and others. Still the question. Where did that single terrorist get his bomb? A very sophisticated bomb. So we will return to the ususal terrorist groups. But they have to own the bombing to terrorize us and make thier action successful. Non-owning of the bombing will negate the purpose of their terrorism. Back again to earlier premise. If terror groups failed to own the bombing, who the hell did it. One possible thing. We go back again to the LPG scenario. Gas tank overheated and exploded. May maniniwala pa ba?
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:17 am
equalizer, motives are hard to determine. people may theorize, guess, divinate – in the end, only the one/s who did it will ever know.
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:22 am
And most importantly GOD;he or she will NOT escape the punishment of GOD one day for such a dastardly act!
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:22 am
leading to only a few possibilities:
a. insider job
b. outsider job
LOLS. that narrowed the suspects down. rofl.
Prettypeach on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:28 am
“A death of a few is a tragedy; a death of many is statistics! ”
May the souls of the departed rest in peace and the family of the victims find strength and comfort in their times of need.
Seeing and hearing from the T.V. news gave me goosebumps. And seeing this picture made me realized how stupid the initial investigation resulted to entertaining possibility of an LPG blast. Check this pix http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:WTC_1993_ATF.jpg – the 1993 bombing of the WTC, the initial plan of bringing it down was not as effective yet as 9/11. But it was a confirmed sodium cyanide bombing. Does the picture not look like Glorietta. Who ever did this was just as heartless!
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:30 am
It’s all about motives! Who stand to gain the most from this dastardly act?
Reflect
Discern
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:04 am
mbw, i was going to hold my peace in deference to the casualties and their grieving families, just ignoring the insensitive politicking of the rabid anti-gloria forces in this blog (they remind me of the desperate, panic-stricken antagonist in a battlefield – shooting blindly at everything that moves, including his own comrades), until i saw your comment re international perception of “instability”.
that could have been a motivation of the perpetrators but it was a stupid one. america had 9/11, u.k. had the london carnage, spain had the madrid train bombings, all with relatively more casualties than the recent makati blast. yet, i never heard any one saying that u.s., u.k. or spain have “unstable” society or government. what i am saying is that terrorism is non-discriminatory, not necessarily ideological or political, nor geographical. it could happen in washington or timbuktu (assuming the latter has a lot of foreign tourist, the large-scale killing of which would attract world attention). it could kill an infant, a “liberal” senator, a ceo, a media personality, a janitor, an s.c. justice, a president, etc., and of course, the terrorist himself.
Prettypeach on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:04 am
If some known terrorist group does acknowledge such act, the answer to the — who and why is easy. The terrorist group did it and they did it just to give people a scare, to TERRORIZE!Too easy to believe huh? I don’t like to stop thinking there.. Could the terrorist not be paid to do or even just claim such act? I mean, paid by someone who would be less expected, or someone who can simply deny…If each congressman can be given “gifts” of P500,000, how much would a gift to a terrorist group cost?
If the terrorist group affirms their act, what will be done with them? Hunted head per head? Or just some all-out war announcement?
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:08 am
“yet, i never heard any one saying that u.s., u.k. or spain have “unstable†society or government.”
non sequitur
JC John SESE Cuneta on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:12 am
I can not see any trackback links so:
-> http://snow.gameshogun.ws/5philippines/the-glorietta-bombing-19th-october-2007-
God Bless to all and keep praying!
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:19 am
prettypeach, yeah that’s possible (speculation). then again, some people are known to have conspired with a pinoy-am u.s. government aide in the u.s to “destabilize” the philippine government, among other anti-government activities. for how much? we can only speculate. the alleged source has “unlimited” source of fund and you know whence it came from.
Prettypeach on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:28 am
Bencard, “never heard any one saying that u.s., u.k. or spain have “unstable†society or government.” Agree! Does it not point out how paranoid our gov’t people are thinking it’s a destabilization plot?! Or are they hiding something?! hmm.defensive! Cannot tell though if it’s pro-admin or the opposition. Analyze. Think. Discern?
“what i am saying is that terrorism is non-discriminatory, not necessarily ideological or political, nor geographical.”
I disagree – the US 9/11-was it not ideological? The Al qaeda viewed US as an evil which they have to shake and bring down and they showed their capacity for it. The Madrid bombing- there was political stains into it. UK bombing- it was the first suicide bombings in Western Europe- now ain’t that geographical considerations??
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:35 am
equalizer, more like “no comprende” on your part.
i suggest you check mbw’s 10:35 p.m. post to see where i was coming from, you hip-shooting, shoot-first-ask-question- later m.f. anyway, my comment was for mbw, not you!
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:43 am
What is your point Bencard? Oh well, never mind.
No matter how you love Gloria or admire her wonderful, marvelous and glorious governance, you must accept that the Philippines does not have the stature, but NOT AT ALL, of either the UK, France or Spain and cenrtainly not of the US to believe that it can discard international perception, i.e., that the Philippines is an unstable country and by extension, the country has an unstable govt.
News about mutiny, military restiveness, coup d’état attempts, kidnapping, bombing, Abu Sayyaff, Gloria’s pronouncements of all out war against the NPA, impeachment tries against her, accusations that Gloria cheated in elections, etc. and now this blast, etc. contribute to this international perception of instability of the nation and of her government. There is no turning around that. You will be lying to yourself if you say that this is not true.
We often read of travel advisories being posted against the Philippines by these foreign governments. Do you think foreign governments do that for the heck of it? That they find it fun to slap the Philippines with a negative travel advisory?
No! Travel advisories are usually posted based on several important critera and one of the major ones is about political instability, i.e., coup d’état attempts, bombing, kidnapping, war, etc. which foreign govts believe could lead to a climate of physical insecurity in RP and therefore could be ‘hazardous’ to their nationals. These advisories in effect are a warning to their nationals about restricting their travel to the places in RP (or sometimes NOT TO TRAVEL at all to those places in RP).
This Makati blast is not yet in headline news in Europe (Bhutto’s visit to Pakistan and the bombing there are more important to the Western press than this Manila blast it seems) and good on the Philippines but if ever this hits the press, most Europeans and Americans (not talking here of Fil-Ams) alike will not think twice – they will think the nation is unstable and to me, that kind of perception is bad for business.
rom on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:43 am
rr raneses:
and what should we do? holler and yell in the streets? tear out our hair and beat our chests and smear ashes all over our faces?
and ignorant speculation and partial conclusions based on nothing more substantial than your chest beating and hair pulling will only cloud your judgment. but hey, if you want to come to conclusions, that’s your privilege. i just couldn’t ignore your ignorant ranting. that’s a compliment too.
what does that even mean? objectivity means trying to actually find the truth and not going off chasing shadows created by your own biases.
and yours would be? a culture of prejudgment? or a culture of jumping to conclusions based on nothing?
supremo on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:46 am
“A weeping woman was heard talking on the phone, saying she heard one of her companions was dead. A television news crew tried to interview her, but her foreigner companion angrily asked them to go away.”
Media at its best.
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:51 am
pretty, whether the government say it’s part of a destabilization plot, or the hate-gloria club says its a ploy to divert the public’s attention from the alleged “scandals”, everything is speculation at this point. no sense debating conjectures, and no self-crafted verdicts or conclusions for now, please.
read again my post, please. i did not specifically say 9/11/, the london and madrid bombings were or were not political, ideological or geographical. i said terrorist acts (in general) are NOT NECESSARILY so.
Prettypeach on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:15 am
Ben, Was there a verdict in my statement? It ends with Analyze.Think and Discern(?). Yeah speculations. That’s all that we can do for now. Wonder!It’s a wait and see… Am not pointing at whosoever. Just speaking some ideas out coz I can’t sleep. It freaks me! It saddens me. It angers me!
Nope you didn’t specifically stated them as being or not being of such nature. But you mentioned those as examples so was also “re”using them as examples. Terroristic attacks are NECESSARILY SO. Couldn’t think of an attack that had no “hitch” what so ever to it. It can’t be a sudden burst of idea that a man has and hail a bomb to any place just to scare people. It is well planned and crafted. What’s the message– Be scared! for what reason– one or more of those- ideology, politics or geography.
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:20 am
Agree with your take Prettypeach!
ferrum mann on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:37 am
Look at Manolo’s posts: after the bombshell comes the bomb!
Maria Ressa is right, C4 is more like it. Very powerful yet portable and could easily slip even through the most watchful guard manning the gates. All that is needed is a cellphone and 2 short wires. What’s funny is that the police after 5 hrs cannot even say it was definitely a bomb. Gas tank explosions’ shock waves are unidirectional, this one is multi.
The security cams could have spotted the bomb and bomber if one was in the area. Assuming that and the mall opening at 9 am, they would have reviewed the whole 4-1/2 hr portion of tape in time for the 6:30 news. So far, nada.
Prettypeach on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:54 am
It’s just sad though that this will again taint travel advisories of other nations to their citizens. Come to think of it, when London had those bombings, did U.S. or Australia issue advisories of not going there? And when U.S. was bombed, did UK issue any advisory not to go there?
So why on us? Is it not because they think our government cannot take care and handle the situation? If they don’t think our government is capable, what about us? Should we just stay home and have pizza or a bucket of chicken delivered? Tsk tsskk. Too expensive!
More food for thoughts! I’ll go try grab some sleep else day breaks and overtakes me, and sleep shall be more elusive. Peace!.. for the dead and the living!
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:57 am
Ferrum,
Pretty premonitory that title was, wasn’t it?
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:01 am
Prettypeach – maybe some good home cooked dish instead of pizza and oily breaded chicken? Not healthy these things from those fastfood restos are, if you ask me.
Augustine on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:19 am
There are some thoughts in my mind:
1. There is no much fire in this Glorietta-2 explosion. It is likely from C-4 or TNT. It seems like a professional job. They know how to hit the building with the explosive, less casualties, no fire, but left the building devastated.
2. This is certainly NOT LPG. It’s High explosive.
3. It’s said that the bomb was planted near the escalator at Glorietta-2.The question is how they plant and put the bomb there? the only possibility is that they use plastic explosive (C-4) or TNT. Considering the damage (it ripped open the roof of the building) and the possibility of planting the bomb inside the mall, I believe this is C-4, which is simple, stable and safe to carry everywhere, but very powerful. C-4 can easily be molded into any desired shape.
4. Yes, C-4 is difficult to procure. Only military and high-profile terrorists could get the access to C-4.
5. I am tempted to say that JI or any other Islam fundamentalists are NOT behind this bombing.Why? The Bali blasts and Jakarta bombings, for example, are quite different from this Glorietta-2 bombing. Bali bombing and Jakarta bombing were orchestrated by Jemaah Islamiah. They used ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate in very huge amount with around 40-70kgs TNT for bomb making. The modus operandi is always with car bomb. Like the one in Bali, They parked the car somewhere near the buildings and they sent some suicide bombers to detonate very small explosive inside the buildings/restaurants to cause panic and afterward they detonated the car bomb OUTSIDE for a bigger explosion. The almost same thing happened in Jakarta when they used delivery van containing huge amount of explosive (ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate and 30-70 kgs TNT) to destroy Australian Embassy and surrounding buildings.
The bomb in Glorietta-2 was inside the mall, and left the building devastated. We could assume that the explosive which exploded inside the mall was a very high explosive (it ripped open the roof). What kind of explosive that people might carry easily inside the mall and could rip open the roof? It could be C-4. JI and any Moslem fundamentalists never used C-4 in their action in south-east asia because it is so hard to obtain. They always use fertilizer in huge amount and some kilograms of TNT.
Could you imagine somebody carrying a bomb which consisted of 40Kgs potassium chlorate and 40 Kgs ammonium nitrate at the same time and put it near escalator easily in Glorietta-2? It seems unlikely.
How about C-4? it’s possible! FYI, C-4 is 1.34 times as explosive as TNT
6. The last bombing in Makati was in February 2005. It was considered a small blast and it was not even a high explosive. That one was by Muslim extremists. The one in Glorietta-2 is the worst bombing so far in Metro Manila for the past 5 years. It left the building devastated.
7. Who is behind this bombing? there are some possibilities:
* Those who have access to C-4: military and high profile terrorists
* Muslim fundamentalists organisation: JI, Abu Sayyaf. It means that they already got access to high explosive (C-4) and they are getting sophisticated which is very very very dangerous. But as I said in point number 5 and considering their “fingerprints” in previous blasts in south-east asia, I am tempted to say that they are not behind this bombing. If the police find out that it was not C-4…then i believe we have more “suspects” here….
I prefer to say nothing about “conspiracy theory”, or whether the government, politicians are behind this bombing. Some people said that it could be government effort to divert the issue of corruption etc etc, or it could be some oppositions try to destabilize the country blah blah blah….I guess it is too early to come to such conclusion or even speculation, since we do not know the material of the bomb.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:38 am
so the concensus here is not to believe trillanes?
supremo on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:49 am
Ayala’s liability could go to at least a P100 Million at P1 million per victim. In that case the security tapes might not show up. Too much evidence of negligence against them.
bogardo on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:57 am
I don’t think the consensus is whether to believe or not to believe Trillanes.
The consensus is to suspend all judgments until more information/facts are known. The consensus is to be open to all possibilities without making irrational and unsound judgments.
My heart cries out for all the loved ones who needlessly perished. May God grant them peace and comfort to their families.
BrianB on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:02 am
“Profit, profit and more profit.”
Supremo, we can’t let the terrorist win. I’m shopping in Megamall tomorrow where there’s a sale, a tasty target for the bombers. Who’s with me?
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:09 am
BrianB,
Agree! “we can’t let the terrorist win.”
lesterrr on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:23 am
I think we’re missing the larger picture here. Yes there is a big undeniable possibility that Mrs. Arroyo herself staged this thing (she may deny it but truth is, she has a lot to gain from this), but let’s not forget that terrorism today is not just political or regional in nature. It is way bigger than that. Whether the people responsible are from JI or other Muslim terrorist group, one thing remains… they all are Muslims. This is religious uprising and they have long declared war against us, infidels (any person who is not a Muslim). To them, we all deserve to die. Mind you, they get a number of virgins if they die for their faith and they get rewarded for every infidel they get rid of. World domination, that’s what it is. There’s a lot more i wanna say but maybe I’ll save it for later. I don’t wanna sound like I’m imposing my beliefs and views… God bless all of us!
BrianB on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:30 am
“Yes there is a big undeniable possibility that Mrs. Arroyo herself staged this thing…”
Lsterrr, no way. If she had something to do with it, ako na mismo magagalit kay presidente.
BrianB on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:34 am
Augustine. yep, C-4, or just plain dynamite.
lesterrr on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:35 am
“Lsterrr, no way. If she had something to do with it, ako na mismo magagalit kay presidente.”
I do respect your opinion but I honestly don’t think staking your emotion on this make your opinion any credible.
I’d appreciate unhazed reasoning or material evidence if u must. Maybe then we can have a better discourse. Thanks.
BrianB on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:43 am
All right man, it’s illogical since as she might have learned from Erap’s time, a president in trouble is always the first suspect in a tragedy such as this, just as Erap was everyone’s suspect during the Rizal Day bombings. Wgo did it turn out to be?
BrianB on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:50 am
“so the concensus here is not to believe trillanes?”
DinaPinoy, there is never a consensus in a forum such as this.
lesterrr on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:55 am
Thanks, your last input was much more insightful. I’d like to lay down some things but I figure I’ll just stick to your line of reasoning. Say I am Mrs. Arroyo, and as you said, I already know that I will always be a suspect, then by all means what would stop me from doing it? Guilty or not, I’m always a suspect anyways. Why don’t I just do it, especially now that impeachment complaints and graft expose’s are sprouting from everywhere. This, in fact, is the best time to launch such a thing.
BrianB on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:57 am
lesterrr,
This is not child’s play. We are dealing with mass psychology, simple and virtually uncontrollable. Your theory makes her out as totally insane. Why risk it? Merely to deflect attention? Too risky, and reward is iffy at best.
lesterrr on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:06 am
“Your theory makes her out as totally insane. Why risk it? Merely to deflect attention? Too risky, and reward is iffy at best.”
That’s what the whole world thought of Hitler and Saddam when they first came on the world scene. Too risky, yes, but they did their thing anyway.
If that would be our line of thinking, then Mrs Arroyo will never be guilty of anything. Everyone else will be at fault, but not her, simply because she knows she is a “usual suspect.” To think like that, that is dangerous…
lesterrr on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:12 am
Alright BrianB, my time’s up. It’s been nice trading thoughts. I will check back again later today. Please feel free to throw me your opinions.
Peace bro!
lorybeth on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:29 am
as a principle in criminal law goes, criminal intent could be determined through overt acts. in a couple of day’s time, we would probably get to have a good enough inference as to who is behind this bombing.
if it were jemaah islamiah or some terrorist group, they would have already spoken up by now. making some demand of sorts.
whether or not this is politically motivated remains to be seen.
this i’m pretty sure of though – whether or not the admin is behind this, they’ll be using this to advance their agenda to show and prove to us all that the human security act does have good use after all.
as for us common citizens, we all need to be vigilant as regards our surroundings and as regards who the possibile culprits behind this bombing may be. terrorism, after all could be brought about both by state and non-state actors alike.
bogardo on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:53 am
Just thinking out loud…
What if, with the current situation of GMA’s administration, someone thinks that GMA gets to be blamed for this bombing (just like people perceive this to be her doing). Could this be a possible motive for her enemies to further weaken her already weak image, and possibly overthrow her?
Since people don’t see any credibility with this government, could other “enemies of the Filipino people” — I say this because the Arroyo govt is not the only enemy of the Filipino people, a third party could be involved — have done this knowing that the people will not believe even if the present government had nothing to do with it?
This is like hitting 2 birds with one stone: destroying the government at the same time driving the Filipinos further away from the truth.
This could be like EDSA 2. GMA, as the other “enemy of the Filipino people”, taking advantage of the peoples’ anger with Erap’s administration, which eventually catapulted her to power.
Could we be fooled again this time if the current administration is overthrown by the people just to be replaced by another enemy? I am not saying that we should support this administration — I think a new government should have been instituted in 2004. I guess what I’m trying to ask is, could there be other “enemies” taking advantage of this current situation?
If I was able to think of it, I don’t see why a sinister group could have not been more motivated to think of this possibility.
Again, just a possibility.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:21 am
Yes there is a big undeniable possibility that Mrs. Arroyo herself staged this thing (she may deny it but truth is, she has a lot to gain from this), – lesterrr
on the other end, trillanes and his group has a lot to gain from this too. gloria’s downfall means freedom for them. remember, trillanes group rigged oakwood with bombs.
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:51 am
i hope somebody won’t say something stupid like it’s the “work of pranksters”.
http://www.philippinecommentary.blogspot.com/2006/05/why-gloria-denied-superferry-14-was.html
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:57 am
my primary suspects are JI. trillanes and his group are all in jail. the only criminal elements in the military that are still free are from the other side… so i think trillanes and oakwood gang are less likely, their counterparts on the other side, more likely…
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:11 am
erap was in jail too when the aragoncillo conspiracy in which he (erap), and panfilo lacson, were implicated, was found to have been committed, wasn’t he?
scorpio1104 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:19 am
Many people are dead and dying and here comes Trillanes with an immediate conclusion that the Admin is behind the blast. If I can recall correctly, the Magdalo group ringed Oakwood of explosives and I wonder whether those explosives were confiscated or surrendered to the government. It is not far fetched that this carnage is where those unaccounted explosives found their targets to further destabilized the government.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:19 am
as Bencard has pointed out, anybody could be pulling the strins here. though trillanes and his group are in jail, their ’symphatizers’ are not. if their group can rig oakwood with bombs, it only show they’re capapble of ‘terrorism’ as well.
rego on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:19 am
test
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:23 am
I didn’t discount the possibility of the oakwood gang doing it. just less likely. they’re a bunch of screw ups.
more likely are those who have actual experience in toppling gov’ts and keeping them there by whatever means necessary.
But I still think JI did it.
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:38 am
excuse me, actual experience in successfully toppling gov’ts and keeping them there by whatever means necessary pala…
and as one pro-arroyo columnists said, bencard, erap is “too dumb” to concoct such a plan.
http://www.inquirer.net/issues/jan2001/jan03/frontpage/front_6.htm
Maceda: Erap lacks the
brains to plot bombings
By Armand N. Nocum
Inquirer News Service
PRESIDENT Estrada is not mentally equipped to plot the Saturday bombings that killed 15 people and injured around 90 others.
This left-handed assessment was made yesterday by the President?s own spokesperson, outgoing Ambassador to the United States Ernesto “Ernie” Maceda, in the course of maintaining that Mr. Estrada was not in any way involved in the five bomb attacks.
In an interview over dzBB, Maceda said the government was not entirely dismissing the possibility that “government men” could have had a hand in the bombings.
“Maybe they are part of it. You cannot rule out anybody,” he said when asked whether government investigators were not ruling out the involvement of government men.
But Maceda also pointed out that newspaper columnist Alex Magno was right in his observation that Mr. Estrada did not have the intellectual capacity to order the bombings.
“I don?t think the President has the intellectual competence to go into an adventurous act like this,” he quoted Magno as saying.
He also noted that even Magno concluded that “maybe the generals were involved, not the President.”
But Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, the President?s son by ex-starlet Guia Gomez, said Magno?s theory could not be true because his father was in control of the military and police.
Ejercito also said it was not possible that military or police officials could have staged the bombings without his father?s knowledge, just as the assassination of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. was pulled off without then President Ferdinand Marcos knowing anything about it.
=====
magno’s wrong though about erap’s generals (or lacson) being the mastermind of the LRT bombings as some in the anti-erap opposition have claimed.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:43 am
everybody should see trillanes true colors by now. he’s in jail but at an instant, point the blame on the govt, naming names. “i believe’ he said.
this is ‘HIS’ website: http://trillanes.magdalo.net/details.php?mid=8
prominently mentioned at ellen tordesillas blog. i wonder if he personally maintains this site, or more likely, by his ’symphatizers’?
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:45 am
(edited)
everybody should see trillanes true colors by now. he’s in jail but at an instant, point the blame on the govt, naming names. “i believe’ he said.
this is ‘HIS’ website: http://www.trillanes.magdalo.net/details.php?mid=8
prominently mentioned at ellen tordesillas blog. i wonder if he personally maintains this site, or more likely, by his ’symphatizers’?
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 8:55 am
dinapinoy, i know you’d love to link trillanes = ellen tordesillas = terrorism. that’s a grand slam for the admin sympathizers here.
as for trillanes, he’s no different from heherson alvarez and his anti-erap ilk.
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:02 am
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:05 am
ah, so one of his “sympathizers” maintain his blog. which is not hard to do. I run a blog myself. I don’t know if trillanes’ sympathizer/blogger is a military guy or a bomb making expert though. lol.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:05 am
JM,
gloria has to go but not like this. do not equate. keep an open mind. if i question someone else’s motives, that doesn’t ‘equate’ i’m on the ‘other’ side. trillanes ‘IS’ different. he’s the knight in shining armor to a lot of filipinos right now. i just wish he’s really one and really trying my best to understand what’s going on in his mind. he should not disappoint the millions of filipinos who voted for him.
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:09 am
john, estrada himself may not have the intellectual capacity to concoct such a conspiracy but that cannot be said about the diabolical “brains” around him. all he has to do is show the dough (of which i doubt he is lacking) and these “professionals” can work wonders in terms of death and destruction. anything is possible, especially evil deeds. i don’t discount the oakwood mutineers’ sympathizers either as possible culprits.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:14 am
you got it. now you see anybody/group could do ‘it’ for him (his blog or otherwise)
Spark on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:21 am
“This is not child’s play. We are dealing with mass psychology, simple and virtually uncontrollable. Your theory makes her out as totally insane. Why risk it? Merely to deflect attention? Too risky, and reward is iffy at best.”
and then again… ‘the capacity for resistance is diminished through disorientation.’
This type of ‘Shock and Awe’ strategy is nothing new. If you look at similar tragic events on the past century, there is always a prelude to the incident – almost often there is a political or economic crisis.
Mass media will play a very important role in this crisis as most of us base our thoughts and decisions from what they feed us. I totally agreed with ramrod when he said -
“..discern, analyze, filter, synthesize, accept, reject, and integrate these bits of information into a coherent line of thought.”
The RIGHT information is the key to understanding what has and will about to happen.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:25 am
spark,
please discern, analyze, filter this:
trillanes’ press release from his website
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:27 am
year 2000: Bush, newly set in office, besieged by protesters, hecklers, and suits – that he stole Florida and disenfranchised a lot of blacks thru his machinery.
And then 9/11.
In an instant, America forgot that for one moment, Gore might’ve been their true president. Rallying behind the call of “dear leader,” the US started the “war on terror.”
And Bush was safe from doubters. for a brief moment.
c@sper on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:30 am
It was 2o’clock pm yesterday, when I got on a cab headed to my office at the Fort. The cab driver was actually listening in an AM radio and the news was all about an explosion in Ayala mall few minutes ago.
When I first heard the mall’s name, I made a second thought.. Did I hear it right? Glorietta? And the driver confirmed commenting how devastating it was.
I felt nervous.. I texted my sister who is not yet home at that time. Good thing she replied back soon and said that she’s at my other sister’s school in Mandaluyong. I then texted my friend who is working in a shop at the Park Square 2. She did not respond. I tried to call her but she was not answering my call. I texted my other friends whom I thought was at the Gold’s Gym that time.
I was more nervous for my friend who is working at Park Square,not knowing exactly where the explosion came from (just speculations). I tried texting her several times asking her to reply soon. I received her reply when I’m already at the office.
She said she was thankful for me thinking of her at that very moment and thank god that it was her day off. I felt relieved.
I could not imagine that time what was the actual scenario. I just really felt bad and saddened by that devastating moment.
I am praying for the souls of the innocent people who have been victims of that blast. Lord, please take care of them. Help their families recover and accept what happened. Please guide and protect our country and the Filipino people.
Dr. D. on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:32 am
From a comment in Ellen Tordesillas blog, posted by TonGuE-tWisTeD on October 20th, 2007 at 5:53 am:
“….I had also wanted to keep an open mind, but I cannot think of any other group that would have benefited the most from it except Gloriaetta herself and her minions.
No single person in the country today has innards built the way Gloria’s are. What’s another 8 dead Pinoys today when we average 140 a year? The year’s almost over and we’ve not even hit a hundred? Has she lost her touch?
Ellen posted it, that part of Gloria’s message, and the link to the full message, too, which I repeat here:
“I warn those who seek to destabilize our government not to exploit this incident for their selfish political motives.”
Read between the lines. The message was explicit against her opponents in politics but was silent against the perpetrators of this dastardly act. READ AGAIN! This time follow the link for the full speech. Did she ever condemn the supposed bombers? But she did warn her political enemies, didn’t she?
The subconscious mind gave her away again. She cannot denounce the bombers because they belong to her cabal….”
Augustine on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:35 am
It is difficult to believe that JI is behind this bombing.Why? This is not their “style”. Please read my previous comment.The most possible suspects are those who have access to C-4. So far, JI has no record of using C-4 in their action in south-east asia. They use fertilizer and TNT in huge amount, and always do the bombing from outside using car.
The Glorietta-2 bombing was inside the mall, and with severe damage to the building, and there was no much fire, which is the characteristic of C-4 explosion.
If it is true that it is JI behind the bombing, it means they are now getting sophisticated since they have access to C-4. This is very very dangerous because they could just put it everywhere and destroy everything since C-4 is very powerful and difficult to detect, easily to carry and very stable explosive.
JI is always a usual suspect, and it is easy to everybody to pinpoint JI. But considering the damage, the nature of explosion and the modus operandi, it is difficult to believe that it is JI.
What kind of explosive could destroy the building from inside without much fire, but with a huge explosion? How the terrorist plant the bomb inside the mall? the bomb must be handy and portable and yet powerful. I could only think this is C-4.
Police should ASAP find out the material of the bomb. If it is C-4, I guess they could have some names to investigate. C-4 is difficult to obtain.Only military and high-profile terrorists have access to C-4.If it is not C-4 (which is hard to believe), then I guess Police are having more difficult task to find suspects.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:37 am
devil,
for a brief moment, america and the world became one because of 9/11. americans were fully behind bush when it attacked afghanistan. sa iraq siya nagkamali – he deceived the american people.
analogy is apple against oranges.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:48 am
wrong. military men have innards. specially those who witnessed marcos’ martial law years. men of military background are all over the place. in and out of malacanyang.
Augustine on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:49 am
At this point, I guess it is useless to have any speculation whether the government or politician are behind this bombing.We just simply don’t know. We don’t even know yet the material of the bomb, and how they plant the bomb inside the mall.
How come Trillanes come to the conclusion? He believes? what he believes? the fact or his prediction/accusation? GMA warns her opponents. What is happening to the politicians and government of this country?? They start to pinpoint each other when something bad is happening to this country.This country is just like a boxing ring. They just fight even at the very sad moment of our fellow Filipinos.
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:54 am
DinaPinoy, you are of course entitled to your opinion. but i beg to differ. you may view that date as the date that America and the world was united, but again, I beg to differ.
In the coalition of the willing, do you find China, France, Russia on the list? Does your view of the “world” include Muslims? or does it only include people you accept as “the whole world?”
the gist of the matter, is that the whole world was more divided after 9/11 than before it. and the polarization of religious moderates and fundamentalists, extremists and humanists have not been as stark as after 9/11.
as i said you are entitled to your opinion. you are not entitled to the monopoly of truth however. or a semblance of intelligence.
analogy of orange and apples, needless. am not making it. am pointing out what happened.
Spark on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:58 am
DinaPinoy,
Exactly.
And another one from Dr. D’s post.
tagabukid on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:00 am
nobody can discount anybody as the culprit pending the result of an impartial investigation. I certainly hope that the Aussies and US Feds (one FBI agent was reportedly seen at ground zero yesterday) could extend assistance, dapat e tumabi-tabi muna ang PNP.
i personally believe that Gloria could not have ordered the bombing, pero I also wouldn’t discount the possibility that her security officers acted without her knowledge. Norberto Gonzales isn’t the most credible man in her cabinet, not after his foiled attempt at selling the country via that Venable fiasco.
Gloria-lovers can claim all day till they froth in the mouth that she has the economy rising. But one thing is very clear, she has lost control of leadership and has totally squandered all the moral ascendancy if she ever had it.
Yesterday’s bomb bore through Glorietta’s roof and created a hole that could now be as big as the one Gloria’s security officers must plug to keep the ship from sinking.
DJB Rizalist on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:00 am
It’s an inconvenient truth, but there are forces even more evil than GMA. Live with it,or die of frustration.
sosorry4u on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:00 am
Pwede ba pls wala ng sir, sir, nakakailang, salamat.
watchful eye on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:03 am
Rep. Pete Stark, the longest serving member of Congress in his state of California, was being true to his name on the floor of the US Congress. The other day, the congressman lambasted President Bush for the presidential veto of a health care program, supposedly to benefit 10 million children, with this stark criticism:
“The Republicans are worried that they can’t pay for insuring an additional 10 million children. They sure don’t care about finding $200 billion to fight the illegal war in Iraq. Where are you going to get that money? Are you going to tell us lies like you’re telling us today? Is that how you’re going to fund the war? You don’t have money to fund the war or children. But you’re going to spend it to blow up innocent people if he can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President’s amusement.â€
Seventy-five percent of Americans today oppose Bush’s war in Iraq. My own take is that Bush lied into this horrible war of choice not necessarily for his own amusement but to advance his highfalutin neo-con agenda. This means that people who are not really diabolical like Bush are capable of causing the death and suffering of tens, perhaps hundreds, of thousands of people to gain or retain power, not necessarily solely for themselves but also for certain attachment to some creed or ideology.
Power is aphrodisiac indeed irrespective of the gender, race, religion or nationality of its practitioner.
It is therefore not for “thrills†at all for RP’s youngest senator, Sonny Trillanes, to live up to his name too and express the belief that President Arroyo could be behind the recent bombing of Glorietta that caused the death of nine people and injury to scores more.
I just want to get this one out now although I am not through yet reflecting on this very unfortunate tragedy.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:05 am
you’re confusing me here. do you mean after IRAQ or after 9/11? there’s a HUGE difference between the two. 9/11 happened in the year 2001. if i’m not mistaken , the iraq invasion (which you said needed coalition of the willing) happened in march 2003.
tagabukid on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:10 am
Dr. D,
that exactly was my thought yesterday in my post at 10:20pm.
Why did she have to direct her energies at warning her political enemies? She could have been a hit had she gone straight to ground zero ala George Bush and spew all those motherhood statements against terrorism and promise to identify and capture the perpetrators of the senseless act.
Nahahalata nga yata sa subconscious…
Dr. D. on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:10 am
Augustine, you sound like you are from the military, and I won’t be surprised if you really are. I have a question for you bro: Is it really hard to pinpoint the type of bomb used in this incident, based on its’ effects, and the circumstances involved in the incident? Almost 20 hours after the explosion, PNP Chief Avelino Razon (1) has denied that they issued a statement saying it was C4 (see gmanews.tv report), (2)is still clueless as to the possible bomb type that was used (“Hindi pa po natin alam kung ano ang components ng bomba” –> but as you have pointed out, C4 is difficult to detect), (3)has not even made an attempt to narrow down the choices (as you have done).
Are they dumb or are they hiding something?
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:11 am
devil,
9/11 = war with afghanistan where the real al-queda is based
coalition of the willing = war with IRAQ, no al-queda
Dr. D. on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:13 am
tagabukid, I agree with you.
tagabukid on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:14 am
Yes DJB, and i can almost feel your anticipation of an announcement by JI that they did it. Let’s see kung meron…di ba dapat meron?
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:14 am
tagabukid :
Dr. D,
that exactly was my thought yesterday in my post at 10:20pm.
nabasa siguro niya ang press release ni trillanes.
kawawa naman ang pinoy. nasa pagitan ng pare-parehong ambisyoso.
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:15 am
i am not confusing it. even before Iraq. or would you argue that everyone was hanky-panky united after it?
united in what? in going into Afghanistan? even americans themselves cautioned agst acting hastily. many called for investigations. they were met with White House stonewalling. and told that SWIFT ACTION is what is needed.
you think fracture only happened after Iraq. again, you are mistaken.
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:24 am
My view:everybody is a suspect at the moment.But who stands to gain the most?that’s the most intriguing question.
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:25 am
coalition of the willing only in Iraq? and what were sent into Afghanistan, only american soldiers? you see, the problem with labeling is they get stuck in people’s “malleable” minds. you forget that in Afghanistan, there were many who were “willing” in the coalition. nonetheless, it was still a coalition. with UN backing to boot.
and that is not a coalition of the willing? what would that be? a coalition of the unwilling even before Iraq? but i thought you said the whole world was united?
here’s an analogy for you:
you saying the whole world was united after 9/11 is like saying the entire Filipino nation was united after EDSA 2. and what were the Erap loyalists? illegal aliens?
you confuse ALL, with those of opinions like yours. let me wake you up to the truth, Dina. you are not alone.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:31 am
devil,
let us make it simple. how many nations are against the war with afghanistan? what was the % of americans supporting that war?
Augustine on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:35 am
Dr.D, I guess that is the most important point. By knowing the type of bomb used in this bombing, we could narrow down the choices. But, again it takes time to get the exact composition of the bomb since they have to collect all the residual materials from the ground zero.But, It’s definitely not LPG. By now, they might know already some mixture of the bomb. What we could see is that the type of explosion is likely the one from C-4 (no fire, inside the building,and huge damage and powerful).
Well, they might and sometimes they must hide some important information for investigation purpose.
renmin on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:37 am
Flashback:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=91926
(UPDATE) Military agent tagged in Zambo bombing
By ANGELO GUTIERREZ
abs-cbnNEWS.com
A police official on Tuesday said a military intelligence agent masterminded the August 21 bombing of Plaza Pershing in Zamboanga City that injured at least 20 people.
Senior Superintendent Manuel Barcena, Zamboanga City police chief, said the man who provided the improvised explosive device to the bombers is a member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Military Intelligence Group 9 based in Zamboanga province.
Barcena declined to name the military agent. He said the suspect is a known “murderer” in Zamboanga City.
He said the identity of the agent was revealed to them by one of three suspects arrested for the bombing. “One of the suspects said [the military agent] was the one who provided the bomb,” Barcena told abs-cbnNEWS.com.
One of the arrested suspects was identified by the police as Marjunie Ammala. He was arrested after being positively identified by witnesses.
The suspects, who were arrested near the city’s port area on August 31, will be presented during a press conference on Tuesday.
Barcena said the Zamboanga City Police Office is now coordinating with the military to confirm the agent’s involvement in the bombing.
He said the involvement of a military agent in the bombing “does not mean it was sanctioned by the military.”
Police said the bomb was placed under a concrete bench at the plaza which was named after General John “Black Jack” Pershing who led US troops fighting the Muslims in Zamboanga and Jolo in 1899.
The bombing took place more than 24 hours after President Arroyo visited the city for a major command conference with military commanders in Mindanao.
The military earlier said al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf extremists might have been responsible for the bombing to divert the military’s attention from offensives against the bandits on Basilan island.
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:42 am
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=95597
Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.
Dr. D. on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:43 am
from here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=96394
Why do the police investigators want to remain anonymous in their revelation that traces of C4 was found at the site? Are they afraid that their words might implicate the military? Do they know something that might prove to be damaging to their superiors? Hindi ba dapat, as investigators, they should be “proud” pa nga that they’re coming close to pinning down the perpetrators of the crime, and would likely won’t mind being mentioned in the media as the one who discovered the components of the bomb?
Subconscious, my dear Watson.
ECRider on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:44 am
You guys are all barking up the wrong tree. Ask any self-respecting fireman and he will immediately tell you that faulty wiring’s the culprit….
tagabukid on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:47 am
Hi mlq3,
no new post yet? i heard there was an emergency meeting in malacanang last night, any insider info? cant wait for today’s thread. thanks.
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:49 am
“faulty wiring’s the culprit!Ecrider”
LOL.
faulty wiring in somebody’s demented mind!
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:53 am
Dina, how kind of you. let me be kinder and make it simpler even simpletons will get it.
frankly idk the exact figures, and even if that was a huge 99%, that still left 1%. but i guess people like you who like to discount the minority as inconsequential doesn’t count them. what after all is 1% in a population of millions, right?
and they all jumped willy-nilly into it eh? All, is not most. Fully, is not, fractiously. which is what you’re doing. fractions. or are percentages not fractions? let me check w/my math prof and get back to u on that.
know what? i’ll cancel that and let you tell me yourself.
tagabukid on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:56 am
That’s why the call for an impartial investigation must be intensified. Somebody in the Senate must call for foreign forensic and bomb experts to do it, we cannot trust the PNP.
I believe that there are still decent and conscientious officers in the police and the military, pero natatakot lang na mabweltahan sigurado kasi alam nila what their superiors are capable of doing. Unfortunately for us, conscientious lang at hindi courageous, mga walang betlog.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:58 am
uh…..should be through OFFICIAL press release? isn’t it customary?
Dr. D. on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:59 am
Thanks Augustine. I’m just astonished by Razon’s statements. Why issue a denial only, when he could’ve added, “…but we’re not counting out the possibility that C4 was indeed used here.”
Just in: C4 bomb component used in Glorietta blast – PNP chemist (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/65209/C4-bomb-component-used-in-Glorietta-blast—PNP-chemist).
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:04 am
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:07 am
the complete acct can be found here:
http://philippinesfreepress.wordpress.com/2006/08/20/ninoy-speaking-august-23-1986/
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:08 am
Culture of impunity
The prevailing feeling within the GMA administration is that they “can get away with anything” by simply issuing denials, making cover-ups or creating distractions ( example: the new “Cha-Cha” move) or distortions by the usual spin doctors OR
Diversions!
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:09 am
devil,
whatever. fully. 100%. .001%
it’s a no-brainer. it’s utopian to think 100%
iraq is not 9/11.
that’s all.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:10 am
yes, devil, i know you’re not a simpleton.
Carlos H. Lopez on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:14 am
Possibilites:
1. extortion – Ayala not headed extortion demands from extortionist , hence , his Makati Mall has been bombed
2. terrorist – which usually is followed by their acceptance of the deed and their explanation for doing so.
3. mindanao conflict – Abu wants to divert attention to Metro Manila to relieve pressure in Sulu.
4. present political turmoil – divert attention to above items and forget turmoil and unite Filipinos.
pinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:27 am
A collective wound needs a collective action
With nine people dead and more than a hundred injured, we have another dark day in our history. We can always speculate on who the perpetrators are but our speculation may most likely be tainted by our personal biases. And as we speculate, the more we magnify the rift that prevails in our land.
http://iniibigkoangpilipinas.blogspot.com/2007/10/collective-wound-needs-collective.html
DevilsAdvc8 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:38 am
Dina, but it is now, aint it?
pity can’t say the same abt others.
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:38 am
Carlos:
1) extortion:I doubt it;easier to do it in isolated cell site of ayala’s telecom co.
2)terrorist:have they proudly announced and claimed ownership of their deed?
3)mindanao conflict:possible
4)present political turmoil:let’s wait first for the spin doctors to blame the opposition;then I will know who did it!
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:49 am
“MANILA, Philippines–Military explosives may have been used in a huge bomb blast at a shopping mall in the Makati financial district that left nine dead and 113 injured, police said Saturday.
Evidence collected from the Glorietta mall blast site indicates that the bomb “contained RDX, the main chemical component of C4,” the police said in a report to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In the Philippines, C4 explosive is only used by the military.INQUIRER”
who did it?
leo decalo on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:08 pm
Filipinos are a bunch of politico minded people always blaming the other side of the political divide instead of focusing on the event at hand. No wonder the country never go forward at all whether in economic, intelectual, or moral stature. When will the Filipinos wake to reality and be realistic truely. What a sad state of country we have. Amen
tonio on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:16 pm
spent most of last evening making sure that all the people i know were alright. i hope all of your loved ones are safe too.
equalizer:
not now sir, please.
DinaPinoy on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:37 pm
sad, isn’t it?
Augustine on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:37 pm
RDX is the main component in C-4. RDX was traced also in Bali and Jakarta Bombing. But They did not use C-4 there. They mixed RDX with TNT and other chemical components (fertilizers etc).They did the bombing from outside with delivery van, packed with more than 70Kgs assembled chemical explosive in order to get huge explosion. It should be from outside considering the weight of the explosive.
The one in Glorietta-2 is likely C-4, since it was inside the building. You just need some kilograms of C-4 to blow the building the way they did at Glorietta-2. I believe the bomb was inside the building, based on the witness’ story (a taxi driver) who said that his 2 female passengers were blown out and hit his taxi and killed instantly when they were going inside the entrance of Glorietta-2
The problem here is, if the police say its C-4, then the military could be in big trouble. Speaking about military,we could not be sure of which part of the military is involved here? pro-government? anti-government? disgruntled soldiers? or some could say that it might be terrorists or Muslim fundamentalist who get the C-4 from military (AFP) source.
But still, PNP obviously have some names to investigate. I think it would be a good start, as long as they dont want to hide anything there.
qwert on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:48 pm
“President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday ordered authorities to link up with Church leaders in tracking down the perpetrators of Friday’s explosion at the Glorietta mall in Makati City, which claimed the lives of at least nine people, and hurt over a hundred others.
“Coordinate and cooperate with Church leaders…to identify the perpetrators (of the bombing),” Mrs Arroyo told authorities during a briefing on the bombing incident at the Philippine National Police headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.”-GMANews.tv (10/20/2007 | 12:28 PM)
I don’t understand GMA’s statement above. Is this not a police matter? Why “coordinate and cooperate with Church leaders…to identify the perpetrators (of the bombing)”?
frombelow on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:09 pm
at least there are leads.
1. C- 4, only used by the military but other sectors have the capabilityto porucre it,
2. gloria asking Chruch for help in identfying the perpetrators,
3. Senator Trillanes linking the gov’t,
4. unusual silence by the JI and Abu Sayyaf, no suspect apprhended yet unlike in Mindanao bombings wherei hours after suspectes are presented.
These are leads wherein people can make conclusions.
hvrds on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:11 pm
Whoever was responsible for yesterdays bombing made one thing very clear. They raised the level of deadly violence they are willing to use.
The shock waves that tore through concrete is evidence of the powerful improvised explosive devise used. The more powerful the device, the more sophisticated the logistics and skills behind it requires.
For those with loved ones and relatives who died and were wounded this becomes a personal tragedy. For the the rest of the country and the government this becomes a statistic and a historical brand.
Extremists from whatever side unfortunately have trained men who make their living managing this kind of violence. They go through their business of death and destruction by the simple dehumanizing process of labeling humans as simply collateral damage subordinate to their distorted and debased sense of idealism.
The other day 135 people were blown to bits in Karachi. Yesterday men brought the scourge of unrestrained violence to a place where I used to bring my kids for walks and snacks.
Violence against non-combatants in this new age of asymmetrical warfare has become not a mere tactic but a strategic weapon of political discourse.
The United States used it to good effect in many parts of the world in their rise to the top and now extremists Muslims are using it to make their political statement around the world.
It remains to be seen if the fascists and neo-fascists in this country have entered into this style of political discourse. They have already started the brazen cold blooded killings over the past few years. The state frozen by incompetence and acquiescence.
We allow small acts of evil as long as it is far from affecting us and it starts to have a life of its own and this apathy allows it to come right to our doorstep.
I suppose the Palace will distribute small shopping bags with cash to the victims families and survivors in another photo-op.
Dr. D. on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:12 pm
qwert,
As you probably already know, CBCP is coming close to making a “Gloria Resign” stand amidst all the scandals (three of their bishops have already taken that stand).
True to her form, she’s using the incident to make a “let’s move on, let’s unite” call, however bizarre that call may sound in the context of what just happened.
tess on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:21 pm
“Coordinate and cooperate with Church leaders…to identify the perpetrators (of the bombing),†Mrs Arroyo told authorities during a briefing on the bombing incident at the Philippine National Police headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.â€-GMANews.tv (10/20/2007 | 12:28 PM)
Am I missing something here? Ano naman kinalaman ng Church leaders? O nagpapalakas lang ng papel?
qwert on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:35 pm
Dr.D,
It beats me!
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:35 pm
tess: i gave up a long time ago trying to decipher her mind
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:38 pm
MADNESS
Inquirer Editorial:
“The old saying could be true: Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad. With so much madness sprouting all over Malacañang, it looks as if the gods have been busy planting the seeds of its destruction.”
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 1:53 pm
State of Denial in the Philippines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBhAkfnoZOE&mode=related&search=inquirer.net%20eleksyon%202007%20hermogenes%20esperon%20spratlys%20philippines%20joel%20guinto
JC John SESE Cuneta on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:05 pm
We should instead act, both spiritually and physically. We are delving too much in conspiracy theories, we end up doing nothing, we are not being ‘fruitful’ for our Nation’s future.
I am not saying discussing it, analyzing it, is bad, just that, let’s put some line and instead talk about “next steps”, “goals”, “solutions”. Filipinos are most of the time stuck with the “Hypothesis” phase, can we move on to the next phases?
These pointing fingers in the policital space will never end, us – the People of this Nation, are the one suffering, and they are dragging us with their ‘blaming sessions’. Granted, there’s a conspiracy, the government did planted that bomb, but also granted, we will never know it. So what now? We’ll keep living everyday trying to solve something that was hidden well and revolve around it forever?
The truth will come in its due time, when it does, we need to make sure that we are a Nation capable of handling such (grave) truths. Maybe the truth chose not to reveal itself today because it will only cause more problems for our country – another People Power or perhaps Martial Law or worst, a Civil War? We won’t be able to handle the truth today.
One day our Nation (and Politics) will be matured enough to handle such Truths. But Truth will not wait for us to mature as a Nation, we should instead prepare for it, lest we want our country to collapse.
Just my opinion.
tess on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:08 pm
tess: i gave up a long time ago trying to decipher her mind
she cunning, she likes to be three step ahead of everybody… but it looks like everything is backfiring to her.
cvj on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:14 pm
JC, thanks for summarizing the make like an ostrich school of thought. The question is, can we really grow up as a people if we avert our gaze from the truth because we cannot handle it?
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:16 pm
“she cunning, she likes to be three step ahead of everybody…Tess”
she can’t fool ALL the PEOPLE ALL the TIME!
Juan Miguel Alonzo on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:33 pm
It is sad that the first reaction of most people I’ve talked with is that the glorietta bombing was the handiwork of our government to create a diversion from its current scandals. But, I cannot blame people who suspect some foul play from the government.
This government has lost so much credibility and faith that most people include it from their list of the usual suspects. If this government is only trustworthy and loved by the people, they would find it absurd to even suggest that the very same government who is supposed to protect them will do such a dastardly act. With all the lying, stealing and cheating by this government, most people would be least surprised, if it is revealed in the end, that this government has something to do with the bombing. Unfortunately such “plausible possibility†is quite high.
JC John SESE Cuneta on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:40 pm
@cvj. It’s not averting our gaze from the truth. The truth is not clear. We can not call fragmented “supposedly” truths as “truths”. Right now what is happening is we are all discussing about who did it, who is right, who is telling the (half-)truth, and so on.
And when the whole truth comes out, can we really handle it? Can our country afford another People Power (if the Truth is against the Administration)? How will the ‘masa’ react if the Truth is against the Opposition?
Let’s pick-up what we can pick-up. It is better to bring small pieces with us that we are sure to be the truth, than carry a huge block of Truth that can shake this Nation (and what was achieved so far – like good economy).
Not all times we should try to reveal the Truth. Truth is truth, if it wants to reveal itself, it will in its own time. It can benefit you and me, or it may further endanger us all.
People say “hindi ko kaya”, but in reality “kaya naman”. Why? We only experience things we can carry, things we can handle. If our country was thrown something beyond our capabilities and limitations, would we still be here? We’re still here because truth only gives us what we can take.
So, we should move on to the next phases. Take what we can take, pick-up those little pieces. We can grow from there, instead of being stagnant because we are waiting “for the whole truth”. It is better to grow slowly but surely than to grow overnight and we don’t know what to do or how to react to it.
^_^
tess on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:43 pm
equalizer,
The opposition should start thinking like her. the past weeks have not been good to her… the bombing of glorietta which was very unfurtunate, she will use it to appeal for unity etc… she’s capable of anything…
cvj on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:45 pm
JC, i’m amazed at how far the rationale for let’s move on has evolved. Last year, it was about Gloria Arroyo’s good governance. Now, we’re reduced to accepting that even if her government was complicit in the bombings, we should still move on because we cannot handle the truth. I wonder what the reason will be this time next year.
tess on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:45 pm
ito po ang malungkot sa mga elected officials natin, pera lang po ang katapat nila. it’s disgusting!
cvj on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 2:47 pm
Please, insert the word hypothetically between ‘if’ and ‘her’ above.
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:30 pm
dinapinoy…
And please tell me how the glorietta attacks in any way will help make arroyo “go away”? after people falsely accused erap of plotting the lrt bombings, they won’t make that same mistake again.
“gloria has to go?” heh. are you not the same pro-arroyo troll sa blog ni ellen also named dinapinoy?
bencard: “john, estrada himself may not have the intellectual capacity to concoct such a conspiracy but that cannot be said about the diabolical “brains†around him. all he has to do is show the dough (of which i doubt he is lacking) and these “professionals†can work wonders in terms of death and destruction.”
that’s exactly what alex magno and the rest of his gang said about erap and the Rizal Day Bombing. he doesn’t have the brains, but the people around him do have it. Or that he has the money to order such killings.
And they were wrong. But it didn’t matter because they used this baseless accusations to help convince the middle class to topple estrada, which you and your like-minded arroyo sycophants condoned.
anything is possible bencard. in erap’s case though, it’s possible yes, but not probable.
Estrada is gambling with lives for Power
By Dona Pazzibugan and Andrea Trinidad-Echavez
Inquirer News Service
“I accuse as the mastermind of these bombings and terrorist attacks the real Jose Velarde,” said Fr. Joe Dizon, spokesperson of the Estrada Resign Movement, in a Mass which turned into an indignation rally at the Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola).
Prosecutors in the impeachment trial have alleged that Mr. Estrada is the Jose Velarde who has a P1.2-billion account with Equitable PCI Bank.
“Only a cowardly and desperate man can do this. Someone who has the means, a P500-million to P1.2-billion bank account, the opportunity and the motive. That’s Jose Velarde,” Dizon said.
=====
buti pa sila fr. joe dizon, nakakapag-rally sa mendiola at the height of calls for erap’s resignation.
========
JI never announced after they attacked the LRTs.
john marzan on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:31 pm
here’s the link btw.
Estrada is gambling with lives for Power
By Dona Pazzibugan and Andrea Trinidad-Echavez
Inquirer News Service
http://www.inquirer.net/issues/jan2001/jan01/frontpage/front_2.htm
kimosabe27 on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:17 pm
Prayers to those who are killed and wounded.
Anathema to those cowards who take innocent lives just to further their political agenda.
tagabukid on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:48 pm
Interactive map of Glorietta, from Inquirer.net:
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/gloriettablast/multimedia.php
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:02 pm
“They alleged that I was the mastermind. It’s illogical, I should be the one who will secure our people,†Mr Esperon said.â€
What a lame defense from Mr.Esperon.
Chabeli on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:06 pm
According to the National Security Adviser, Norberto Gonzalez, the bomb blast in Glorietta 2 “could be a show of force and capability by a local terror cell.†(abs-cbnnews.com).
If we were to take this man’s statement seriously, wouldn’t the likes of terrorist cells like the Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiya, MILF, or other Al Qaeda-connected groups, be rushing to grab the limelight-as they seem to love to do after they succeed in an attack ?
It’s been over 24 hours since the bomb blast, & we have not heard from any terrorist groups claiming victory to prove to the public that they are formidable force. The only one mentioning, or alluding to, terrorists is Norberto Gonzalez. Which, to my mind, is suspicious. I know it is his job to open his mouth & say something, but his opinion on the matter is too shallow. Anyone could have said that for the sake of saying something. The Abu Sayyaf has said (abs-cbnnews.com) that “..the group has no involvement in the bomb blast..†& that “the Abu Sayyaf has not fielded any operative in Metro Manila.â€
Which leaves analysts, for now, to deduce that the Glorietta 2 bomb blast was an “inside†job. It could have been the handiwork of the right-leaning military men (who would also have access to a C-4 bomb) who want to remove Gloria from Malacanang at all cost. The bomb was a warning to her. This could explain why Gloria cancelled her trip to Ormoc & Tacloban today. What I also gathered last night, was that some generals were called to Malacanan while they were attending a party for an ex-General. After the meeting in the Palace, the Generals went back to the party. They all looked nervous.
However, one may ask, “why such a ruthess act, like a bomb blast, at the expense of people’s lives ?†We must remember that the enemy (Gloria) IS ruthless.
Equalizer on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:11 pm
“If this government is only trustworthy and loved by the people, they would find it absurd to even suggest that the very same government who is supposed to protect them will do such a dastardly act. With all the lying, stealing and cheating by this government, most people would be least surprised, if it is revealed in the end, that this government has something to do with the bombing. Unfortunately such “plausible possibility†is quite high.Juan Miguel Alonso”
True! This is the severe penalty they have to pay for their complete lack of transparency all these years via cover-ups,spins and diversions.
JDQ on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:45 pm
I am appalled that the comments I read are mostly about politics in light of this tragedy. I do not read sadness over the lose of 9 lives. The tragedy in the Philippines is that for political expediency, human tragedy takes a backdrop and is just another tool to be exploited to advance one’s political agenda. Nice work equaliser et al..
ramrod on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 6:56 pm
The time for silence is over, yesterday was enough. It is time for serious blogging, speculation, and finger pointing. Only GMA will stand to gain from people being “terrified” to submission and “pacified” by false sincerity.
JDQ on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:05 pm
ramrod’s comment sums it all up! Who gives a shit about 9 lives!
ramrod on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:21 pm
Where are these “experts” the government is talking about? 24 Hours is more than enough, all we’re seeing are foot dragging, jargon, and confusion-generating talk.
If it was a serious terrorist bombing (Islamist/NPA, etc.), the body count could have been more, the target should be a crowded area, and the deaths or injuries should have been more than blast-related or “shock wave” induced. We should have seen more blood, dismemberment, and terror. As it is, it was a clean blomb, more percussive (just for loud noise) than destructive, they did not find traces, of course they never will. RDX is the signature of C4, if they insist on looking for the detonator in this case a blasting cap it has already been blown to smithereens. If this were tradditional terrorists, shrapnel should have found, (nails, ball bearings, etc.) but there isn’t. This was intentional, clean, and well aimed, with deliberate calculation for as low collateral damage as possible, designed to “make a loud noise.” Terrorists, the genuine ones objective is “HATE” so in their attacks its always calculated for maximum casualty, grim, bloody, terror.
Only old tacticians are so predictable, beware of pacifists, they are as destructive as those who cry “foul!”
ramrod on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:28 pm
JDQ,
What would you want us to do, cry, and feel sorry for ourselves? That will surely make the loss of 9 lives for nothing! I find anger a more productive emotion.
penoj on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:34 pm
Why don’t you start a drive to collect funds for this tragedy’s bereaved, injured and unemployed?
Put your words into action; sadness and verbalised sympathy are futile.
baycas on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:11 pm
It seemed ages ago when in 2005 I posted the following in PCIJ’s Blogpost No. 350 (entitled Did the rule of law really prevail?):
‘Twas The Art of Preemption edified by the Palace occupant that cements her to her beloved throne. The Art of Preemption even glorified to the extreme…as exemplified further by the Declaration of State of (Non-)Emergency to the State, the Invocation of E.O. (read: ee-Yahoo) 464, the Response Preemptively Calibrated, the Privilege Executively Employed, the Repeat of the (In)Famous Lozano-Marcoleta Caper (albeit with a different face – the Polished St. Louis one), etcetera, etcetera…
If ever the ones who are now wielding power don’t have blood in their hands in this latest Glorietta explosive incident (as the gloria-lovers are wont to think), why weren’t they able to REPEAT the Tacurong market bomb attack prevention* (which happened 2 days earlier than Glorietta) knowing fully well that gloria and her minions have perfected The Art of Preemption?
Or was this Glorietta explosive incident, in truth and in fact, used to preempt the scandalous-to-the-government headlines for the past several weeks (as gloria-haters…like myself…are wont to think)?
—–
*thanks to a vigilant, fearless ukay-ukay vendor
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:22 pm
Just talked to a good friend of mine this instant by phone (who happens to be a Gloria sympathizer) who lives in the Makati area near where the blast happened. She was having at the Japanese tempura restaurant somewhere in or around Glorietta with her husband another couple when the blast occurred. They thought it was an earthquake then saw smoke coming out.
She’s not really worried that there will be more blasts but says if another blast occurs, she thinks Gloria might declare emergency rule.
baycas on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:35 pm
That’s what happens when you use Intelligence Funds of the O.P. to grease even more the porky local legislators/executives!
Prettypeach on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:46 pm
I don’t get it why people are blaming Trillanes just because they rigged Oakwood with bomb during the mutiny..That placement of bombs was for their protection, not to hurt lives..They wanted attention and sympathizers…It didn’t work well though..I don’t think they would wait this long to carry out another plot, and by hurting people..Hey, he surrendered, enough to show he is sacrificing his life just so the anomaly in the government can be exposed..Do you think he would let his men sacrifice innocent lives too just to make us angry against the government?? Would not the beheaded soldiers in Basilan not enough to make him wild at the slaughter of his fellowmen?? He or his group may have the capacity and access for the bomb, but i don’t think he would have the heart for such cruelty..Not terrorist-they are too harsh..Not trillanes– he is too nationalistic..
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:49 pm
mlq3, the title of this thread should be changed to: “THE POLITICIZION OF A TRAGEDY: PILIPINO STYLE”. i didn’t know too many pinoys are bomb “experts”. no wonder the blind al quaeda terrorist (ramzi youssef whatever) chose the country as a base until he got busted in the u.s.
btw, i think trillianes’ declaration as to who the culprit was, is the most irresponsible statement of all time. i can understand coming from a taxi driver (or a blogger here, for that matter), but from a “senator” of the land? how i wish the senatorship you and your crowd gave to him carried with it a little bit of gray matter for his use.
lamialestat on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:01 am
Thick Face, Black Heart.. The Art of War.. well-thought out plan to conceive one result = distraction.
Prettypeach on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:27 am
–”Madam President, I have requested the PNP to interview Senator Trillanes to find out his evidence so that we can pursue the investigation in accordance with his hard evidence that he apparently has for making that statement,” Puno told President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during Saturday morning’s National Security Council and Anti-Terrorism Task Force meeting at Camp Crame.
Esperon gave his consent to the plan, which would be carried out by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
“I would second that, Ma’am. I think this is a serious matter. Accusations like those should be investigated so that we will get to the bottom of these things. Let us not play around with lives of people here. This should be investigated… Formal statements should be taken from people who make allegations,” Esperon said in the same meeting.—GMA NEWS T.V.
Now, shouldn’t we be careful in our allegations? It seems that they are more interested in investigating Trillanes more than the incident..Yes it was tackleless of him to speak coz if the administration indeed has something behind this, now the attention is diverted by the admin to Trillanes…That man is either mad or knows too much, or one is causing the other. It’s boggling who is who and which is which.. Again all speculations.
.
And what after they investigate Trillanes and finds a fool-proof evidence against Admin, would they approach the President and say,”Madam, you are guilty of this!”? Ain’t that a bad script?
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:27 am
Bencard,
Wish you were here. But then again, enjoy the comfort of insulation, wherever you are.
BTW, intel on 9/11 was actually found in the Philippines before it happened, but the US authority’s turf war between themselves rendered it useless. You should have advised them, since you seem to be “in touch” with everything (or maybe you did, my God, perhaps to ignore everything without any court decision).
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:39 am
“btw, i think trillianes’ declaration as to who the culprit was, is the most irresponsible statement of all time. i can understand coming from a taxi driver (or a blogger here, for that matter), but from a “senator†of the land? how i wish the senatorship you and your crowd gave to him carried with it a little bit of gray matter for his use.” – bencard
Before you say anything, do your homework, maybe he had some basis? Look for Oplan Greenbase…
I am inviting you to come over and talk to the some soldiers personally. The monitor of a computer is so limited, so one dimensional, look at he place, listen to the people, see the people, talk to them…
Have you been to Davao? Do you know at least that the plantations there have estalished a good relationship with the rebels (giving them work), so its highly ludicrous for them to bomb Sasa wharf where these plantation warehouses are located. Sometimes, I think you’re the one who’e gullible…
malinesky on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:44 am
My deepest sympathy to the victims of the Glorietta 2 bombing yesterday, 19 October. Truly, we should always be grateful everyday for the chance God gives us to live each day. I wish to offer the following prayer not just to all the victims of the Glorietta 2 bombing but also to those who are affected by this evil act:
Dear Lord,
We pray that you comfort all those who are hurting
Walk with them and embrace them
Make them braver and feel secure
And protect them with your love.
Hold the hands of those who lost life
As they journey to your Kingdom
Shine your light upon them
Warm their souls into your merciful arms.
Give solace to those who were left behind
Comfort their families thru the pain
Carry them through their grief
Encircle them with the blessing of your love.
Bless, too, those loving hands
Who extend their help
Making them instruments
As your protecting wings.
Lastly, open the eyes of those
Who have committed this act to see
This is not the way to claim their rights
But use peaceful ways to seek their due.
Let us pray for solitude dear friends during these times of trouble.
Bencard on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:52 am
ramrod, i never dabble in something i know nothing much about, like intel. i leave it to the big boys who have the “expertise” and authority, and therefore, the RESPONSIBILITY, not the monday morning quarterbacks who are all-knowing, all-seeing, all- correct, but no liability for erroneous prognostications.
Bencard on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:56 am
btw, i don’t care what basis trillianes has. he has no business making a conclusive “judgment”. opinion? yes. verdict? no, no no.
Prettypeach on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:07 am
Eh Ben, Experts and authority?? Sometimes, the people who have the greater knowledge are the most dangerous. Check the news in http://www.gmanews.tv/story/65254/Experts-in-a-bind-over-use-of-bomb-in-Glorietta-blast–report
everyone. “Bomb expert” says it’s possible it’s not a bomb..So what else could it be?! Come on, how can they entertain such idea? Perhaps it’s unlike previous bombing coz this one is not caused by usual terrorists..Sometimes experts think they can fool the ignorant, because they will believe the experts anyway…
Prettypeach on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:15 am
Ben — “btw, i don’t care what basis trillianes has. he has no business making a conclusive “judgmentâ€. opinion? yes. verdict? no, no no.”
I don’t think it was a verdict.. He said “most likely”..So it’s not definite..It’s like the usual accusation of a man committing murder..He is accused and brought under investigation but presumed innocent, but with charges, still entertaining the thought could be or not could be..And when verdict comes — it is pronounced either GUILTY or NOT GUILTY..not maybe, probably, or likely..
Prettypeach on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:28 am
So what is the propaganda behind all this??Make the people angry so that the citizens walk on the streets and create “chaos” enough to declare martial law?? or people power??..Still a lot of speculations on my side.. If it was martial law, then the admin benefits. If it was people power, must be the opposition or anti-Gloria who benefits…
So, what if nobody start the scream on “Gloria resign”?..Let the bomb investigation go on. Let impeachment proceeding go on.If she was trying this for a cover up then let’s disappoint her..If it was the opposition behind this, let there feet itch as they await for the proper time… If it was not any of them, perhaps some other government is carrying on an experiment, and we are the lab rats..:(
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:29 am
bencard,
Yes he said “most likely,” as in related to his expose of oplan greenbase, unfortunately he being neutralized at the moment. Why don’t they let him speak? Hear him out? What are they afraid of? What are the reasons for gagging someone “involved” in their operations?
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:31 am
pretty,
We go on as before the incident, no change, except probably more resolve to ferret out the truth in an impeachment process. If it fails, try again, and again, and again…the search for truth must not waiver.
Prettypeach on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:49 am
It makes one feel bad though and doubtful if truth will surface just in time..but yes for now, investigation for BROADBAND SCAM should proceed! investigation of Early CHRISTMAS GIFTS should also proceed.. Gloria stays as President! If proven unworthy, let an impeachment shame her..I wonder if she’d wait for that to happen?!
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:54 am
From the looks of it, she’s not showing any signs of blinking, she will stand her ground. “Impeachment” procedures will have to be the direction. A people power like move to oust her unconstitutionally will cause more damage than harm to our institutions. Even if we do not like her (an understatement), she still deserves the benefit of the doubt. Meantime, we may have to look for leaders who will take her place after 2010.
Prettypeach on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 2:26 am
However, it’s still possible that neither side of the government was involved in this bombing. Probably U.S. could be playing some super power game. The peso had been going strong. A plot such as this can at least disrupt its rise..Or it can be another test fire of some extremist of a new toy to see how great the damage can be…Whoever it was, MAY THEY ROT IN HELL!! I rest my case now and goodnyt to all!
DinaPinoy on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 8:09 am
mali. ang pangalan ko doon HindiNaPinoy. at kung binasa mo at inintindi ang mga posts ko, malalaman mo na hindi ako pro-arroyo. tama, ‘troll’ ako sa mga bloggers ni ellen kasi ang crowd doon ay erap and marcos loyalists. kung iba ang pananaw mo doon, pinaaalis ka. hindi ka welcome. mabuti pa dito. kaya hindi na ako nagpupunta doon. bagong pasok ako doon, sinabi ko na ang position ko – pare-pareho ang mga politiko sa pinas. iyan pa rin ang position ko hanggang ngayon. gets mo?
Bencard on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 9:10 am
cheers to you, dapinoy. stand your ground and don’t back down. most people here will judge you on whether you are pro-arroyo or not. they don’t care about the merit of your argument,or whether what you say make sense. say anything against the president, no matter how unreasonable and stupid, and they will hail you as a prophet, if not a messiah.
it’s not about being pro or anti arroyo. it’s about being right.
monaco on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 11:41 am
in tragedies like this, though I feel bad for the victims, I sympathize with their families even more. parents, siblings, spouses, and children of the casualties. how do you explain to a child that mommy is no longer coming home, or how do you comfort a parent who lost a child? one of the first casualties identified was a student who died on the spot. dreams snuffed out in an instant. ambitions of probably the whole family for a better life.
mgm on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 11:43 am
ramrod,
The cameras are there precisely to aid in law inforcement. They proved very effective in many countries. I can’t understand why theft would deter us from using this vital tool? We stop dead on every obstacle to a solutuion, we will never solve any. It’s always a battle between good and evil and we can’t be neither of the above.
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:55 pm
mgm,
I am for putting cameras, don’t get me wrong. I was just pointing out a factor that must be considered. But I do believe that we have to choose the side of good always.
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 1:01 pm
DinaPinoy,
Don’t take offense in reactions like that, I believe this blog is open to everyone regardless of ones views. Of course there is a majority view but I believe everyone is allowed his/her own, of course some civility is appreciated. If this blog were otherwise, like only inhabited by people with a singular view, it would not be good for everyone, “inbreeding” is never advisable. Yes, I believe we could even learn a lot from from our very own GMA defense attorney, Bencard.
leo on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 5:07 pm
Another sad day for Pinoys. I wish this will be the last terror incident at least for this year so we can all have a happy Christmas.
broadbandido on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 7:44 pm
The timing is suspect. To happen on a Friday so that the stocks and the peso rate will not be affected since it is the last day of trading. Makes you wonder.
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 9:52 pm
broadbandido,
The timing is perfect.
grd on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 9:58 pm
“ramrod, i never dabble in something i know nothing much about, like intel. i leave it to the big boys who have the “expertise†and authority, and therefore, the RESPONSIBILITY, not the monday morning quarterbacks who are all-knowing, all-seeing, all- correct, but no liability for erroneous prognostications.” bencard
so true. plenty of them -conspiracy theorists /experts- here in blogosphere.
ramrod on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 10:11 pm
“so true. plenty of them -conspiracy theorists /experts- here in blogosphere.”
Only those with adequate to superior mental faculties and status in life are welcome…
JIW on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 1:41 am
According to the “rule of law” Trillanes is an accused in custody having refused bail and therefore still an “innocent man” and the last time I heard he was elected Senator and since he is not muzzled ‘yet’ he too can speculate (or maybe he has evidence to the effect) just like all other politicians, even the President, without the police even definite in their findings is quite sure of who did it and so are the oppositions and the leftists and the bloggers. make your choice..it is still a free country…
grd on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 2:47 am
JIW,
agree. this is a free country and so, anyone can speculate including our honorable senators like trillanes. it’s perfectly alright for him to accuse gloria (the evil one) as the mastermind (all the facts point to the midget) right after the bombing incident. i believe he has the goods to pin down gloria. and i just thought maybe the good senator could have serve the nation better if he had acted fast and exposed the evil plans of gloria and her henchmen before the bombing happened. it could have save the precious lives of those poor innocent victims who’ve perished (may their souls rest in peace) and those who were maimed and will forever be traumatized by the blast.
sayang talaga. he’s so close. what do you think?
grd on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 3:02 am
“Only those with adequate to superior mental faculties and status in life are welcome…” ramrod
agree. and you’re one of those privileged individuals who have those abilities.
JIW on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 3:09 am
what i think is Trillanes is just doing like others..after the facts and then start making up facts.
but just like other politicians, it is now an accepted norm in the country, speculations, accusations and in the end confusions.
but to minimize or even prevent another incident like this, we all and that means the Political Leaders included, to set their differences aside and put enough resources to the dedicated Intelligence community whose only duties is to gather evidence and apply all the necessary laws to pre-empt these heinous acts and that is not impossible.
Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 23rd Oct 2007 11:19 pm
Mlq3, apologies for an out of topic post here…
Grd,
I remember you were interested in the BAE Saudi Arabia defence sale scandal.
Just received this in my e-mail and thought might interest you:
____________________
1. Control BAE peaceful protest Tuesday 30th October
2. Control BAE speaking tour – November
3. Control BAE month of action – November
4. CAAT National Gathering 2007 – Saturday 24th November
5. Last chance to support CAAT’s team in the Great South Run
6. CAAT Greetings cards on sale now
7. Events diary
____________________
1. Control BAE peaceful protest Tuesday 30th October
The Saudi royal family will visit the UK between 30th October and 1st
November 2007. Join our peaceful protest on Tuesday 30th October tocall for the reopening of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) corruptioninquiry into BAE Systems arms deals with Saudi Arabia.
Time and place: 11am, Tuesday 30th October, somewhere near HorseGuards Parade to coincide with the Royal procession to BuckinghamPalace. We may also hold another protest in the afternoon nearer to Parliament to take our message to MPs. Exact location to be confirmed on our events page soon: http://www.caat.org.uk/events/diary.php
If you’d like to receive a message when details are confirmed, please email anna@caat.org.uk. In the meantime, put the date in your diary now.
_________
2. Control BAE speaking tour – November
Speakers from CAAT, The Corner House
(www.thecornerhouse.org.uk) and UNICORN
(www.againstcorruption.org) will tour the UK during November to do a series of public meetings about the Control BAE campaign, tocoincide with the Control BAE month of action. Check the list below for a location near you and come along to find out more about the issues, the legal challenge and the campaign to get the Saudi-BAE
corruption inquiry reopened. Please tell your friends and colleagues too. Times and venues can be found at
http://www.caat.org.uk/events/november_tour.php.
Connie Remo on Wed, 24th Oct 2007 12:39 pm
My wish is for us to get the real story behind the blast. Unfortunately, we are being informed by authorities who suffer very low in credibility. I would trust the opinion of disinterested parties more like the Australian bomb experts and FBI. We must all demand for a more credible CSI report!!! Otherwise, the perpetrators will not only get away with the crime, they will also succeed in taking us for a ride to hell!!!