PNoy blasts 'KSP' critics, praises PSG

MANILA - President Aquino on Tuesday again took a swipe at his critics during the 29th anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), saying he will not hesitate to go after the corrupt even as his presidency nears its end.

In his speech, Aquino described some of his critics as "kulang sa pansin" (lacking in attention) who make up fantasies against his leadership.

He said there is a saying: "Do not disturb the rice bowl", which means that one should not touch a person's means of livelihood.

However, the President said some people continue to steal from the nation's coffers and affect many.

"I will not act blind because I will make right this system. I will be disturbing a lot of rice bowls," he said.

The President praised the PSG for its professionalism and dedication, saying the presidential guard gives him peace of mind.

He said the PSG showed its dedication when it provided security for Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines last January.

Members of the PSG also risked their lives to protect him during the 1987 coup when his mother was president, Aquino said.

"Thanks to the PSG, I have peace of mind," he said.

He also likened the PSG to the PNP Special Action Force whose members participated in the Mamasapano operation to take out Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, last January 25.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Chef offers tribute dinner for kin of fallen SAF troops

MANILA – Local celebrity chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou wants to pay tribute to the 44 Special Action Force members who were killed in Maguindanao by doing what he does best – cooking.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Sarthou asked his fellow chefs to help him prepare a tribute dinner for the families of the slain SAF members.

Culinary professionals, food writers and event organizers were quick to respond to Sarthou’s call, with many of them offering to cook with him and promote the event.

A Facebook group dubbed “Chefs for Fallen 44” has been created to coordinate efforts, as well as similar accounts on Twitter and Instagram.


Police and military officers on Friday eulogized and paid tribute to the 44 SAF commandos, who were slaughtered by Moro rebels in a botched anti-terror raid in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.

President Benigno Aquino III has declared January 30 a national day of mourning to honor the fallen heroes.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

SAF trooper's widow begs PNoy: Please help us

MANILA - The wife of a slain Special Action Force commando broke down in tears Friday as she begged President Aquino to pursue justice for her husband and other SAF troopers killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Speaking before the necrological service for the 44 slain SAF commandos, Erica Pabalinas, wife of slain Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, said she was unsure if she should feel sad for losing a husband or happy that he died a hero and fought to his last breath to claim peace.

She said that before the incident, she tried to ask her husband not to go to the Mamasano operation.

"Naglalambing ako sa kanya. Sabi ko: 'Daddy, wag ka na lang po sumama kasi di ka pa ok.' And then, he replied: 'Mommy, ayan ka na naman. Hindi mo na naman naiintindihan.'"

"And then our little girl said to him: 'Daddy, wag ka na lang umalis kasi gabi na. Baka kunin ka lang po ng bad guys.'"

"Despite that, Ryan left. It is a clear manifestation that my husband put duty first before family and I understand."

Pabalinas said she has come to slowly accept that her husband cannot be with them anymore. She also told the wives of the other slain troopers to be strong and not think that all they wanted was the reward money for the capture of Marwan.

"For the grieving wives just like me, let us be strong for our children because behind every brave SAF trooper is a strong wife. Behind every SAF trooper is a strong wife," she said.

She then told the President: "To our President, we seek for your help to attain justice. Please, sir president. Please help us."

The 44 SAF commandos were killed by Moro rebels during an operation to hunt down terror suspects Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman.

The incident has threatened to derail peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

US provided intel on Marwan: report

MANILA - It was the United States government who provided President Aquino intel on terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, a newspaper report said.

Citing a police general, the Manila Standard said the US used drones and satellites in gathering intelligence while suspended Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima sent men to verify the intel.

A Palace official will neither confirm nor deny the matter.

President Aquino earlier said elements of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force attacked an isolated village in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday to arrest terror suspects Zulkifli bin Hir alias ''Marwan'' and Basit Usman in Tukanalipao village.

A total of 44 SAF commandos were killed in the operation.

While confirming that he talked to the SAF chief, the President said there was "very minimum compliance" on the part of the SAF in coordinating with the military before starting the operation to hunt two Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists.

He said a military battalion was only informed about the operation just when the SAF was near the jump-off point for the raid. Unfortunately, the soldiers were securing a main supply route in the area.

The President said the encounter should not derail government efforts to forge a lasting peace deal with the MILF, saying that more innocents will be affected if war breaks out in Mindanao anew.

The Manila Standard report said the President was in Zamboanga on Sunday to closely monitor the developments in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Some lawmakers are now urging the President to make public everything he knows about the Mamasapano mission.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com