NCRPO aims for zero indiscriminate firing incidents

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is pushing for zero incidents of indiscriminate firing among police officers during the coming New Year revelry, an official said yesterday.

Cop goes ballistic in Pasig City

MANILA, Philippines - A Pasig City policeman on Friday went ballistic after security guards of the Ortigas Center accosted him because of an alleged parking violation.

Cops on full alert amidst new year revelry

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Nicanor Bartolome said he has ordered his men to look out for incidents of indiscriminate firing of guns this New Year and to help prevent injuries from illegal fireworks.

Street party for Bangkal residents sans firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - A street party and New Year countdown is being organized in Barangay Bangkal in Makati City to make Friday night’s celebrations more cheerful for the residents who have been banned from using firecrackers.

747 firecracker zones sa MM

747 firecracker zones sa MM
Ni Danilo Garcia (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
Updated December 31, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - May 747 “firecracker zones” ang itinatag ng National Ca­pital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) at mga lokal na pa­mahalaan sa buong Metro Manila.

Ngunit nangangamba si NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome na baka walang sapat na bilang ng mga ambulansya sa naturang mga firecracker zones na maghahatid sa mga biktima ng paputok sa mga pagamutan kaya patuloy ang panawagan nito sa pag-iingat sa paghawak ng anumang uri ng paputok.

“Baka di mapunuan yan kasi 747 ang firecracker zones sa Metro Manila pa lang. Ang malaking area mas mataas ang risk. Pati ambulance, yan ang sabi natin, dapat may naka­antabay kahit di one ambulance per zone, but at least accessible at makakarating kung may kailangan,” ani Bartolome.

Muli rin namang nanawagan si Bartolome sa publiko na makipagtulungan sa pulisya sa kampanya laban sa iligal na pagpapaputok ng baril ng pulis man o sibil­yan. Kailangan umano ng pulisya ng tulong ng publiko upang maparusahan ang mga lumalabag sa batas sa pamamagitan ng pagkontak sa hotline ni PNP chief, Director General Raul Bacalzo na 0917-8475757.

Sa naturang bilang ng firecracker zones, may 271 nito ang nasa lungsod ng Maynila. Nararapat umano na maluwag ang lugar, maayos ang bentilasyon, malayo sa kabahayan at may nakaantabay na trak ng bumbero at ambulansya.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=643917&publicationSubCategoryId=93

NCRPO probes gift-bombing in Taguig

By JEAN FERNANDO
December 30, 2010, 7:32pm


MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Thursday said that the motive of the gift-bombing incident that led to the death of a real-estate businesswoman in Taguig City last Wednesday could have been over family feud.

NCRPO Chief Nicanor Bartolome said that they have learned that prior to the incident, the victim, Yvonne Chua, 31, of Mahogany Place, Block 10, Lot 21 in Barangay Bambang allegedly received threats through her cellphone because of misunderstanding in the family.

He said that based on their investigation, the woman who brought the gift to Chua’s house in Parañaque City was allegedly from the household of the victim’s relative.

The NCRPO chief also said that they came out with the family feud angle as could have been the motive in the killing of Chua which they based on the testimony of the security guard who received the gift claiming that the woman who brought the gift identified herself as the helper of a relative.

Bartolome, however, admitted that they have yet establish a definite set of suspects and they still have to verify the lead.

He said that investigators are talking to the victim’s relatives and neighbors and they are now building a list of names to follow up.

It was learned that the gift which contained three grenades was first brought to the house of the victim in Parañaque last Tuesday night.

The security guard who received it kept the gift for overnight and was brought by the family driver the next day to the couple’s house in Taguig.

Police said that Chua upon receiving the gift placed it on her lap while opening it and one of the grenades placed inside exploded while the two other remaining failed to explode.

During the investigation, Bartolome said they have learned that the victim was engaged in a real estate business and had several commercial buildings in different parts of Metro Manila.

Bartolome also said that Yvonne’s husband is involved in the export business.

As a result of the incident, the NCRPO advised the public to be vigilant when receiving gifts during the holidays.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/295646/ncrpo-probes-giftbombing-taguig

Cops eye family feud in Taguig gift-wrapped blast

By U.S. News Agency / Asian

Police have ruled out terrorism as the motive behind the package-bomb explosion in Taguig City on Wednesday morning that killed a businesswoman.

Director Nicanor Bartolome, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, on Thursday said probers were eyeing other motives, including family feud in the incident.

Bartolome said investigators were pursuing leads that a family feud might have been the motive in the gift-wrapped explosion that killed 31-year Yvonne Chua inside her house in Taguig city.

Bartolome said the leads included the death threats sent to Chua’s mobile phone days before the incident.

“Itong biktima ay may natatanggap na palang pagbabanta sa kanyang cellular phone noong mga nakaraang araw at pinapalagay nya na misunderstanding sa pamilya (The victim recently receives death threats thru her cellular phone but she thinks it’s a family misunderstanding),” Bartolome said.

He also said that the woman, who initially brought the gift package to the Chua’s house in Paranaque before it was taken to Taguig, told the security guard she was from the household of the victim’s relative.

“Yung initial statements na nakuha natin sinasabi na yung package ay galing sa isang miyembro din ng pamilya so tinitingnan natin ito (Those initial statement that we got was that the package came from a member of the family, so that’s other angle that we were trying to see),” the NCRPO chief said.

But he said they had yet to establish a definite set of suspect or suspects as they were still checking all the possible motives of the incident.

Probers are also tracing the source of the fragmentation grenade, two of which were recovered by responding personnel of the Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

Taguig City Police chief, Sr. Supt. Thomas Apolinario, said that victim was actually the target of the bomb because there is another gift tag attached stated that: “To Yvonne. Merry Merry Christmas “.

Apolinario said Chua died instantly when the bomb exploded on her face at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. The victim sustained wounds in the abdomen and legs.

Her husband, Vincent Chua, and their child were not hurt in the explosion.

Only one of the three grenades in the package exploded, Bartolome said adding that unwrapping the package removed the safety pin from the device causing it to go off.

Chua was unwrapping the gift inside her home in Mahogany Place 3 in Barangay Bambang, Taguig on Wednesday morning when it exploded killing her on the spot.

The victim was reportedly involved in the real estate business, while her husband was in the export business.

The incident took place while authorities were on heightened alert status due to the 10th anniversary of the Rizal Day bombing that left at least 20 people dead and scores wounded and the upcoming New Years Day revelry. (Reported By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Source: http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/cops-eye-family-feud-in-taguig-gift-wrapped-blast/

Family feud seen in gift-wrapped bombs

POLICE are now looking on family feud as one of the motives behind the gift-wrapped bombs that exploded and killed a woman in Taguig City last Wednesday, a high raking police official said Thursday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Nicanor Bartolome issued the statement after they found out that victim Yvonne Chua received death threats days before the incident.

The intimidation to the victim apparently stemmed from "family misunderstanding".

“Itong biktima ay may natatanggap na palang pagbabanta sa kanyang cellular phone noong mga nakaraang araw pa at pinapalagay nya na misunderstanding sa pamilya,” noted Bartolome.

He added that the woman who brought the gift package to the Chua’s house in Paranaque told the security guard that she was from the household of the victim’s relative.

“Yung initial statements na nakuha natin sinasabi na yung package ay galling sa isang miyembro din ng pamilya so tinitingnan natin ito,” reiterated Bartolome.

Probers are also tracing the source of the fragmentation grenades, two of which were recovered by responding personnel of the Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

The gift box contained three grenades but only one exploded when its safety pin was removed when the package was unpacked, killing the victim on the spot.
(AH/Sunnex)

Cops: Ambulances not enough for Metro Manila's 747 firecracker zones

Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome reminded the public to be cautious in using firecrackers as there are not enough ambulances for some 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila for the New Year's Day revelry.

“Baka di mapunuan yan kasi 747 ang firecracker zones sa Metro Manila pa lang. Ang malaking area mas mataas ang risk. Pati ambulance, yan ang sabi natin, dapat may nakaantabay kahit di one ambulance per zone, but at least accessible at makakarating kung may kailangan," Bartolome said in an interview on dzRH radio on Thursday.

(There may not be enough ambulances for each of the 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila. If this is so, residents in the bigger zones will be at greater risk. We are exploring ways to make sure that even if we cannot have one ambulance per zone, the ambulances serving more than one zone will at least be accessible and can respond quickly.)

Bartolome also reiterated his appeal to the public to contact the Philippine National Police to report abuses or incidents related to the New Year revelry.

He said concerned citizens can contact the PNP through PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo’s hotline at 0917 847-5757.

“Habang ang pulis at ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan naghahanda at nagbibigay ng seguridad sa Metro Manila, ang ating hinihingi sa ating kababayan kaunting vigilance. Pag may napansin... maaring i-report sa ating pulis," he said.

(While the police and other government agencies secure Metro Manila, we appeal to the public for vigilance. If you notice something suspicious, report it to our policemen.)

Firecracker zones

Bartolome said the police had coordinated with local government units in Metro Manila to establish some 747 firecracker zones.

Bartolome said out of the 747 firecracker zones, 271 are in Manila alone.

The zones, the areas where the lighting of firecrackers is allowed, were set up to discourage residents from lighting firecrackers inside or near their homes.

“Dapat maluwag ang area, well-ventilated, malayo sa kabahayan at accessible. May fire trucks near the firecracker zones," he said.

(The areas should be open, well-ventilated, and far from residential areas but accessible. Fire trucks should be placed near the firecracker zones.)

Illegal firecrackers destroyed

Bartolome said he has ordered the destruction of illegal fireworks seized from vendors in past days.

He said the illegal fireworks will be destroyed on Thursday afternoon so that they could no longer pose a threat to the public and the police facilities where the seized fireworks are kept.

“Sisirain natin mamaya after lunch ang nakumpiska na, para di magamit o mag-pose ng danger sa opisina dahil doon for now nakatambak ang nakumpiska nila," he said.

(We plan to destroy the fireworks after lunch, so they will not pose a danger to the police facilities where they are being kept.) – VVP, GMANews.TV

Cops: Ambulances not enough for Metro Manila's 747 firecracker zones

Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome reminded the public to be cautious in using firecrackers as there are not enough ambulances for some 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila for the New Year's Day revelry.

“Baka di mapunuan yan kasi 747 ang firecracker zones sa Metro Manila pa lang. Ang malaking area mas mataas ang risk. Pati ambulance, yan ang sabi natin, dapat may nakaantabay kahit di one ambulance per zone, but at least accessible at makakarating kung may kailangan," Bartolome said in an interview on dzRH radio on Thursday.

(There may not be enough ambulances for each of the 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila. If this is so, residents in the bigger zones will be at greater risk. We are exploring ways to make sure that even if we cannot have one ambulance per zone, the ambulances serving more than one zone will at least be accessible and can respond quickly.)

Bartolome also reiterated his appeal to the public to contact the Philippine National Police to report abuses or incidents related to the New Year revelry.

He said concerned citizens can contact the PNP through PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo’s hotline at 0917 847-5757.

“Habang ang pulis at ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan naghahanda at nagbibigay ng seguridad sa Metro Manila, ang ating hinihingi sa ating kababayan kaunting vigilance. Pag may napansin... maaring i-report sa ating pulis," he said.

(While the police and other government agencies secure Metro Manila, we appeal to the public for vigilance. If you notice something suspicious, report it to our policemen.)

Firecracker zones

Bartolome said the police had coordinated with local government units in Metro Manila to establish some 747 firecracker zones.

Bartolome said out of the 747 firecracker zones, 271 are in Manila alone.

The zones, the areas where the lighting of firecrackers is allowed, were set up to discourage residents from lighting firecrackers inside or near their homes.

“Dapat maluwag ang area, well-ventilated, malayo sa kabahayan at accessible. May fire trucks near the firecracker zones," he said.

(The areas should be open, well-ventilated, and far from residential areas but accessible. Fire trucks should be placed near the firecracker zones.)

Illegal firecrackers destroyed

Bartolome said he has ordered the destruction of illegal fireworks seized from vendors in past days.

He said the illegal fireworks will be destroyed on Thursday afternoon so that they could no longer pose a threat to the public and the police facilities where the seized fireworks are kept.

“Sisirain natin mamaya after lunch ang nakumpiska na, para di magamit o mag-pose ng danger sa opisina dahil doon for now nakatambak ang nakumpiska nila," he said.

(We plan to destroy the fireworks after lunch, so they will not pose a danger to the police facilities where they are being kept.) – VVP, GMANews.TV

First aid tips on 'cracker injuries

AS hospitals gear up for the rash of firecracker-fireworks-related injuries from the coming New Year revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday gave first-aid tips for firecracker blast burns as well as poisoning.

Dr. Eric Tayag, head of the DOH-National Epidemiology Center (NEC), said first degree burns should be immediately be run through water or soaked in iced water before drying these up and wrapped in gauze.

"If there‘s bleeding, put pressure on the wound directly para matigil ang bleeding then i-elevate ang arm na affected kasi pwedeng himatayin ang bata," said Tayag.

He said burns with phosphorus should first be wiped before they are run though water.

In cases of poisoning due to firecracker ingestion, Tayag advised that the victim be fed with five raw eggs so as to coat the gastrointestinal tract to prevent the chemical from sticking to the stomach.

"Dalhin sa ospital kase doon pwede magbigay ng antidote (for poisoning)," he said.

The DOH has placed all government-run hospitals under Code White Alert in order to ensure the preparedness of hospital personnel, equipment, medicines and facilities.

Meanwhile, the number of those injured by firecrackers and stray bullets reached 201 from the period of December 21 to 28.

"One hundred and eighty-nine (94 percent) were due to fireworks, seven (4 percent) to stray-bullets and five (2 percent) to fireworks ingestion," the December 29 Kampanya Kontra Paputok 2010 Injury Surveillance Report showed.

Ninety-six cases or 48 percent were caused by the illegal firecracker piccolo followed by "kwitis" (18), five-star (15), whistle bomb (9), "boga" (9), and triangle (7).

One hundred and twenty-three or 65 percent of those injured were active users or directly handled firecrackers while another 24 got injured while under the influence of alcohol. Fireworks ingestion remained at five. – Gerard Naval

Source: http://www.malaya.com.ph/12302010/news8.html

Housewife killed as Christmas gift explodes in Philippines

Manila - A 31-year-old housewife was killed Wednesday in the Philippines when a grenade hidden in a Christmas gift exploded, police said.

The victim, Yvonne Chua, died immediately, according to Director Nicanor Bartolome, chief of Manila police.

Bartolome said the package was delivered to the victim's house in the Manila suburban city of Taguig.

"There were three grenades inside the package and one exploded as the victim opened it," he said. "The victim was sitting on a sofa and the gift was on her lap when the blast occurred."

Chua's husband and 7-year-old son were not hurt in the explosion.

Bartolome said investigators were still determining who sent the package to the family.

DOH: Hospitals ready for New Year emergencies

With less than 24 hours before the New Year, Health Secretary Enrique Ona declared government hospitals in Metro Manila ready to deal with emergencies from the New Year revelry.

But Ona said the next 12 hours will be critical as this is usually the time the bulk of casualties are brought to the hospitals for treatment.

“I am now double-checking the hospitals. They are ready. But the next 12 hours will be critical as this is the time the bulk of cases come in," he said in an interview aired on dzBB.

He described medical personnel and equipment, including specialists, as “very, very complete" and “all ready."

“Kumpleto tayo sa gamot, sa duktor at sa supplies (We are complete in terms of medicines, doctors and supplies)," he said.

But he also made a last-minute appeal to the public not to light firecrackers or burn tires to welcome the New Year.

“Burning tires in particular can be very toxic," he said.

Ona kicked off his inspections at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and Tondo Medical Center in Manila. With him was Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

As of early Friday, the Health Department’s casualty count had risen to 245, including nine victims of stray bullets. — LBG, GMANews.TV

DOH: Firecracker injuries now at 173, may hit 1K by January 1

With 173 people having been hurt in "firecracker-related" incidents since last week, the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the figures could reach 1,000 during New Year's Day revelry.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the DOH has so far recorded 173 firecracker-related injuries since the agency started with its "Oplan Iwas Paputok" campaign on December 21.

He said 83 people or almost half of the victims (48 percent) were injured by “piccolo" firecracker. Fifteen people were hurt by a "kwitis," 15 by a "whistle bomb," 15 by "boga," and seven by a "trianggulo."

Of the victims, six were hit by stray bullets while five ingested "watusi."

Ona said this year's figures are lower than the ones in the same period last year. However, the Health secretary stressed that injuries were still highest among children (43 percent), particularly 15 years old or younger.

In Quezon City, 12 firecracker-related injuries were recorded. The city had set up 142 "firecracker zones" or designated areas where firecrackers could be exploded.

"I think it's very important for the families during this period [to be safe]. Kasi instead na masaya ay papasukan lang ng isang aksidente na makakaapekto hindi lang sa kanilang anak o kaibigan kundi sa kanilang buong pamilya," Ona said.

While the DOH is encouraging people to welcome the New Year not with firecrackers but with other noise-making devices, Ona still warned revelers to take extra precaution when using horns.

In the same press conference, Ona revealed that at least two children were hospitalized in Manila after accidentally swallowing the horn's whistle. He did not elaborate on the current condition of the kids.

By the rate of the recorded fireworks casualties from December 21 to December 27, Ona predicted that the figures could reach 900 to 1,000 by New Year’s Day.

In 2009, the DOH recorded 870 firecracker-related injuries, 35 stray bullet-injuries, and two watusi ingestions.

Meanwhile, Don't use firecrackers during the holidays if you don't want to spend New Year festivities in the hospital.

Meanwhile, Malacañang seconded the DOH warning by emphasizing that firecracker use during the New Year festivities may land people in the hospital.

"Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag na po tayo magpapaputok kasi mahirap naman po na bagong taon sa ospital tayo papasok," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview with Palace reporters on Tuesday.

(To our countrymen, please stop using firecrackers because it's difficult to spend the new year in the hospital.)

Valte urged parents to closely watch their children during the festivities to keep them away from harmful firecrackers.

This year, the government has been encouraging revelers to do away with firecrackers being exploded on the ground. Instead, the Philippine National Police said "aerial fireworks" would be safer and better. [See related article: Cops pushing for alternative to firecrackers...]

The firecrackers the PNP banned in 2007 and still prohibited are: Lolo Thunder; Super Lolo; Bawang (large); Pla-pla; Watusi; Kwiton; Giant Whistle; Judas Belt (large); Og; and Atomic Bomb. — With Jam L. Sisante/LBG/JV, GMANews.TV

Ultimatum ni Gen. Nick Bartolome vs sakla

ni Lucy at video karera ni Rey Recto



TUMPAK ‘yang HAKBANG mo na ‘yan, NCRPO chief, Gen. Nick Bartolome!

Ang una sigurong dapat ninyong puruhan ay ang KAMANAVA dahil nand’yan ang pugad ng mga SAKLAAN ni LUCY gayundin ang VIDEO KARERA ni REY RECTO at BUBOY GO!

DEKADA na ang ipinamamayagpag ng SAKLAAN ni LUCY gayundin ang mga demonyong VK ni Rey Recto na may reinforcement pa ng makina mula kay Buboy Go.

Sana ay hindi maging ningas-kugon ‘yang order ninyo Gen. Bartolome…

Tsk tsk tsk …

[Source]

NCRPO chief inspects LRT, MRT

By Non Alquitran and Mike Frialde
(The Philippine Star) Updated December 29, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - To prevent the spillover of the Sulu violence in Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Nicanor Bartolome inspected yesterday the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) platforms and stations to ensure the safety of the riding public.

The inspection was conducted two days before the 10th anniversary of the infamous Rizal Day bombing which left 22 people dead and scores of others injured.

Most of the casualties in the bombing blamed on Muslim rebels were commuters inside the LRT coach that stopped at the Blumentritt station. “I’m very satisfied with the security measures that the LRT and MRT authorities are implementing,” Bartolome said.

“Even with the big volume of commuters availing of our railway transit systems, our police patrollers and the security personnel are making sure that a repeat of the Dec. 30, 2000 attack will not happen… Never again,” Bartolome assured the commuters.

LRTA officials led by operations managers Ma. Teresa Llera and Wilfredo Bungcarol; chief security officer Jimmy Chua; joined Bartolome and his district directors in his security inspection.

In its first stop, the inspecting team meticulously scrutinized the security procedures being implemented by LRT personnel in Gateway, Cubao terminal of LRT Line 2. They then observed the security inspection in Farmers/Cubao MRT station before boarding the MRT coach heading south to Taft/Pasay Rotonda station. Police and LRTA officials assured the riding public of continued police services to endure their security during the holiday season.

Bartolome then inspected the LRT Line 1 stations along Taft Avenue, stopping at Central Terminal (Arroceros) and visited the exact location of the infamous Rizal Day bombing of 2000 in the LRT 1 Blumentritt station before proceeding to Grand Central station in Monumento, Caloocan City.

The last leg of the inspection was the new MRT line from Caloocan to Muñoz station in Quezon City.

NCRPO, LRTA, MRT assure public of security measures

By U.S. News Agency / Asian

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), together with the officials of Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT), on Tuesday assured the public of beefed up security measures in different stations of the mass transit system to ensure the safety of the riding public.

According to NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome, there will be no spill-over of the Christmas Day blast in Jolo, Sulu even as it ramped up security measures in places where people tend to congregate ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Rizal Day bombing at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) that left scores dead and wounded.

“There is no indication of any attack. We have not monitored any specific threat and we do not see any spill-over of the Jolo blast,” Bartolome said, referring to the explosion inside a church in the war-torn province that left 11 parishioners and the priest injured.

He said that was also the same assessment of the military’s National Capital Region Command (NCRCom), adding that there are enough policemen to thwart any terrorist or criminal elements out to sabotage the Holiday Season.

Bartolome was accompanied by LRT operations managers Ma. Teresa Llera and Wilfredo Bungcarol, chief security officer Jimmy Chua and the NCRPO’s District Directors Chief Supt. Benjardi Mantele (Quezon City Police District); Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla of the Manila Police District and Chief Supt. Edgardo Ladao of the Northern Police District.

The inspecting team scrutinized the security procedures being implemented by LRT personnel in Gateway Cubao terminal of LRT Line 2 as well as the inspection of passengers in Farmers/Cubao MRT station before boarding the MRT coach heading south to Taft/Pasay Rotonda station.

They also proceeded to inspect the LRT Line 1 stations along Taft Avenue, stopping at Central Terminal (Arroceros) and visited the exact location of the infamous Rizal Day bombings of 2000 in the LRT-1 Blumentritt station before proceeding to Grand Central station in Monumento, Caloocan City.

The last leg of the inspection was the new MRT line from Caloocan to Munoz station in Quezon City.

“I’m very satisfied with the security measures that the LRT and MRT authorities are implementing”, a visibly pleased Bartolome told the media that accompanied his team.

“Even with the big volume of commuters availing of our railway transit systems, our police patrollers and the security personnel are making sure that a repeat of the December 30, 2000 attack will not happen…Never again”, the official added.

An average of 400,000 passengers ride the LRT on a daily basis.

The inspection was conducted two days before the 10th year of the Rizal Day bombings of 2000 wherein 22 people died and hundreds were injured. Most of the casualties were commuters inside the LRT coach that stopped at the Blumentritt station.

Despite of the absence of any threats, Bartolome said the entire 17,000-strong Metro Manila police force remains on heightened alert status up until the end of the year.

Security measures such as the deployment of additional foot and mobile patrols and bomb-sniffing dogs to malls, bus terminals, seaports, airports, the LRT and the MRT systems and other vital installations have been doubled since the start of the Holiday Season.

Camanava, QC cops ordered to go after ‘sakla’ operators

By Kristine Felisse Mangunay
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:09:00 12/27/2010

Filed Under: Games, Casinos & Gambling, Police, Graft & Corruption

MANILA, Philippines—Police Director Nicanor Bartolome, National Capital Region Police Office chief, has ordered his men in Quezon City and in the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) area to intensify their campaign against “sakla,” an illegal cards game.

In a memorandum, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer, Bartolome directed Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao of the Northern Police District and Chief Supt. Benjardi H. Mantele of the Quezon City Police District to “take appropriate action on the matter.”

They were also asked to immediately submit “a report on the results” to the Presidential Action Center and furnish the NCRPO with a copy.

The December 23 memo was signed by Senior Supt. Carmelo Valmoria, acting chief of the NCRPO regional directorial staff.

The directive was issued in response to a letter sent by concerned citizens complaining about the proliferation of the illegal cards game in the Camanava area, Quezon City and Bulacan province.

The letter, written in Filipino, was sent to President Aquino in July but was received by the Office of the President only on September 21.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer, pointed to a resident of Navotas as the financier of the gambling operations in several areas.

The complainants claimed that several high-ranking police officers who were protecting the illegal gambling operations were receiving millions of pesos weekly from the financier.

The group also said a policeman from Caloocan City was in charge of delivering the money to the police officials.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20101227-311251/Camanava-QC-cops-ordered-to-go-after-sakla-operators

PNP sees no spillover of Jolo bombing to Metro

PNP sees no spillover of Jolo bombing to Metro

Posted on 28 Dec 2010 at 2:25pm

Anthony Vargas

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday allayed fears that the Christmas Day bombing in Jolo, Sulu would be replicated in Metro Manila.

“We don’t see a spillover of what happened in Jolo as there are no indications of attack . . . both the police and military have similar assessments,” NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome told reporters in a chance interview.

Nevertheless, the NCRPO, which has remained on heightened alert since last month, intensified security measures at transport terminals, malls, commercial establishment and similar places.

The increased security came two days ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Rizal Day bombing in which 26 people were killed and scores of others injured when Islamist militants bombed two commuter trains in Manila.

On Christmas Day, at least 11 persons, including a priest, were wounded when an improvised explosive device went off in a church inside Camp Asturias, the police headquarters in Jolo.

Police acknowledged receiving information that at least six members of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) were planning to carry out bombings in Sulu and that the church was among the targets.

Following the church bombing, the PNP Directorate for Operations (DO) under Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluña ordered increased police visibility and deterrent patrols in malls, churches, entertainment centers, transport terminals, markets, and theme parks.

http://dateline.ph/2010/12/28/pnp-sees-no-spillover-of-jolo-bombing-to-metro/

Security check

NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome talks to policemen while a security guard checks the bag of a passenger at a commuter train station in Metro Manila. Bartolome assured the public that there would be no replication in the National Capital Region of the Christmas Day bombing of a church in Jolo, Suklu. (photo courtesy of NCRPO)

NCRPO aims for a zero firing incidents during New Year

By Non Alquitran (philstar.com)
Updated December 27, 2010 04:55 PM Comments (2) View comments

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) is pushing for a zero incidents of indiscriminate firing among policemen during the coming New Year revelry.

To help attain their goal, NCRPO chief Director Nicanor Bartolome started sealing the muzzle of handguns and long firearms issued to policemen in Metro Manila to prevent the weapons from being fired in the New Year celebration.

Using a masking tape, Bartolome sealed the muzzles of firearms of elements of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), Regional Headquarters Support Group (RHSG) and Regional Police Intelligence and Operating Unit (RPIOU) during simple ceremonies at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Bartolome’s five district directors also made rounds of police stations in their jurisdictions to do the same exercise with the weapons of their men.

“Gen. Bartolome wanted a zero incidents of indiscriminate firing in Metro Manila so he was busy making the rounds of police stations in the metropolis to see to it that the taping of muzzles of firearms of policemen are religiously being carried out,” said Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, NCRPO spokesman.

The NCRPO recorded at least three incidents of indiscriminate firing involving policemen during the 2010 New Year revelry, Carlos said.

The NCRPO director would make rounds of the 16 cities and a municipality in Metro Manila today to inspect the designated firecrackers zones, which should be located in a secluded area to prevent firecracker blast casualties.

Earlier, Bartolome barred Metro policemen from playing with firecrackers to set an example among Metro Manilans not to use illegal firecrackers to welcome the New Year.

Carlos also urged the 12 million Metro Manilans to use legal firecrackers only to contribute to the DOH goal of lesser firecracker blast victims for the year 2011.


Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=643072&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Rookie cop shot in Parañaque

By JEAN FERNANDO
December 27, 2010, 3:52pm

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office Monday ordered the immediate arrest of four men who shot and seriously wounded a rookie policeman while conducting foot patrol early Monday morning in Paranaque City.

Based on a report submitted to NCRPO Chief Nicanor Bartolome, PO1 Cayetano Orquina, assigned at the Paranaque Police Precinct 2 was conducting foot patrol together with two other colleagues at 5 a.m. at the corner of MIA Road and Quirino Avenue, Tambo, Parañaque when they spotted a parked taxi at the dark portion of the area.

The NCRPO chief said that according to the city’s police chief, Sr. Supt. Alfredo Valdez, Orquina, upon seeing the suspiciously parked taxi tried to get near and was surprised to see the unidentified taxi driver alighted from the vehicle and ran.

Bartolome said the three passengers of the taxi also reportedly alighted from the vehicle and one of them shot the approaching Orquina.

He said the policeman was shot in the abdomen and in the right ear that exited on his neck and was brought to the San Juan de Dios Hospital for treatment by his two other companions.

“Nagpapatrolya si PO1 Orquina sa may Tambo sa MIA Road, may napansin na taxi na kahinahinala.

Nilapitan nila ito at noong sisitahin nila biglang nagpaputok ang nasa loob (PO1 Ortiña was conducting a regular patrol along MIA Road when he chanced on the taxi parked suspiciously in the area. When he approached the cab, the men inside fired at him), Bartolome said.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/295049/rookie-cop-shot-para-aque

NCRPO director nakakuha ng 2nd star

December 17, 2010 | Friday | 7:51 am

DZRH NEWS

Isang magandang pamasko ang tinanggap ni NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome at ito ay nang masungkit niya ang kanyang ikalawang estrelya.

Kahapon, na-promote si Bartolome bilang director na ang ranggo ay katumbas ng major general sa Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Si Bartolome, graduate ng PMA Class 1980, ang kauna-unahan sa kanilang batch na nakakuha ng 2nd star.

Kasama ang kaniyang pamilya, nanumpa ang NCRPO chief kay PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo.

Hindi itinago ni Bacalzo ang kaniyang paghanga kay Bartolome sa pagiging simple at mapagkumbaba nito kaya pinayuhan niya ito na panatilihin ang kanyang humility.

Metro Manila police chief gets 2nd star

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:17:00 12/16/2010

Filed Under: Police, Government

MANILA, Philippines – The head of the Metro Manila police force was promoted to two-star rank Thursday, the first in his class to get Director rank among officials of the Philippine National Police.

Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome was promoted to Director in simple ceremonies led by PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

A member of the PMA Class 1980, Bartolome was appointed chief of the National Capital Region Police Office last October, after then NCRPO chief Director Leocadio Santiago was relieved from his post due to the botched rescue of Hong Kong tourists last August 23.

The Aquino sisters are adopted members of PMA class ’80.

Bartolome served as PNP spokesman before being appointed as regional director of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon).

Bartolome was the first in his batch in the PNP to get one-star and two-star ranks, respectively.

“I feel I must work harder. I must not rest my laurels,” he said about his promotion.


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20101216-309285/Metro-Manila-police-chief-gets-2nd-star

Mandatory cctv sa mga establisamiento, isusulong ng NCRPO chief

Ito ang Balita | 12/16/2010 8:04:19 PM

by UNTV News Team

Muling iginiit ni National Capital Region Police Office Chief Nicanor Bartolome ang pagkakaroon ng closed-circuit television system ng mga business establishment.

Ayon kay Bartolome, plano niyang makipag-pulong sa mga local government official ng Metro Manila upang imungkahi na gawing requirement sa pagkuha ng permit ang pagkakaroon ng cctv.

Binigyang diin ng Police official na malaki ang maitutulong nito upang masolusyunan ang talamak na nakawan at iba pang krimeng nangyayari sa araw-araw.

NCRPO nabs 15 'illegal gamblers'

Manila (10 December) -- At least 15 people were arrested on recently after the anti-illegal gambling operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raided at least three gambling dens in different parts of Metro Manila, a ranking official reported.

NCRPO director Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said the raids were conducted along P. Gomez and Tiago Blumentritt Streets in Sta. Cruz and Concepcion Aguila Street, Quiapo, Manila.

Those arrested were Josh Mendoza, 21, resident of Blumentritt, Manila; Maribeth Flores, 49, Tondo; Randy Barbosa, 29, from Sta. Cruz; Leonardo Curabo, 58, and Reynato Curabo, 51, both from L. Rivera St., Manila; Dominador Hari, 58, Sta. Cruz; Andy Manahan, 48, Sampaloc; Jun Cruz, 34, Quiapo; Niña Cunanan, 30, Tondo; Gerry Palad, 47, Tondo; Leonardo Esber, 21, Blumentritt; Jhon Lopez, 35, Sta. Cruz; Eduardo Ecal, 52, Sta. Cruz; Rey Ortenez, 22; Sta. Cruz; and Rosie Lumbang, 42, from Makati City.

The police was able to recover four telephone units, three calculators, bet money in different denominations and other illegal gambling paraphernalia from the suspects.

The intensified anti-gambling campaign were conducted by the Regional Public Safety Battalion's Intelligence and Investigation Team, led by Senior Supt. Elmer Cabreros, in coordination with the Manila Police District.

The 15 suspects are now in the custody of NCRPO's Regional Headquarters Support Group - Custody Security Office.

They were charged for violating PD 1602 (Illegal Gambling) during inquest proceedings held at the Manila City Prosecutor's Office.

Earlier, the Metro Manila police also arrested at least a dozen people involved in illegal gambling activities in Malabon and Manila. (PIA-MMIO)

PIA Press Release
2010/12/10

PNP welcomes new police recruits

By Non Alquitran (The Philippine Star)
Updated December 02, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (4) View comments

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) welcomed into its fold yesterday at least 723 new police recruits.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome administered the oath-taking ceremony of the new police recruits who would undergo a grueling six-month Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC).

After graduating from their PSBRC training, the recruits would undergo another six-month Field Training Program (FTP) under the NCR Training School before they would be integrated to the NCRPO headquarters and its five police districts.

The recruits’ families and friends witnessed the activity held at the NCRPO grandstand in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City at 10 a.m. yesterday.

Bartolome said that a total of 1,442 applicants vied for the 2010 NCRPO Recruitment Program where at least 1,247 were males while 195 were females.

After a series of test and validation, only 723 applicants (635 males and 88 females) were successful, according to the Regional Screening Committee headed by Chief Superintendent George Regis, deputy director for operations of the NCRPO. Other members of the recruitment committee were Director Cynthia Navarro, of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Assistant Regional Director Virgilio Castro of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Edwin Bulaclac, of the Regional Peace and Order Council, and Vicky Stohner, of the women’s sector.

Bartolome said the recruits underwent a battery of physical, neuro-psychiatric, drug, medical and dental tests after a tough written general knowledge examination.

They also underwent character and background investigation and only those who were finally cleared were allowed in the final interview.

In his short message, DILG-NCR Regional Director Renato Brion encouraged the new police recruits to give utmost dedication in serving the public.

“The country is now experiencing economic growth brought about by the favorable peace and security climate. It is critical that the police maintain the positive conditions to carry on the momentum of change and development under PNoy’s administration” Brion added.


http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=635277&publicationSubCategoryId=65