Shades of Kuratong Baleleng

It was jarring. I just got reminded of the case of the Kuratong Baleleng massacre when “assets of the PNP” reportedly were massacred by the police in Metro Manila. The reason – they had apparently acted awry, exceeding their mission to monitor criminal elements.

Now it appears from the PNP leaks that the leader of the Flores Gang, Alvin Flores, had served for sometime as an asset of the police. In short, he must have exceeded the reason for his being. Thus, he had to be killed.

That seems to be something that warrants a definite investigation by Congress. It is unconscionable that such a modus operandi is allowed to be played out by our law enforcement agencies.

No wonder Alvin Flores has staged several troubling robberies and holdups in the Metro Manila area. The fatal mistake may have been that raid on an expensive watch (Rolex) store in one of the malls in Metro Manila.

Wonder of wonders. The NBI managed to trace Flores down to Cebu where the luckless “former asset” was gunned down together with several his companions.

Now, they are trying to tie up several of his extensive network, including his safe houses where they found several high-powered firearms and sophisticated communication equipment.

Well, as they say, such things can happen. And has happened. Shades of Kuratong Baleleng.

* * *

Now, the presidential race has become more confusing with the announcement by Bro. Eddie Villanueva that he is determined to run for president in next year's presidential derby.

Frankly, it was former Councilor Lyndon Caña who had tipped me off about Bro. Eddie's determined mindset.

Caña, in a recent interview, pointed out that Bangon Pilipinas Party had already organized its grassroots machinery throughout the country. Apparently without fanfare, Still, as pointed out by Caña, they party is prepared to cope with the practical aspects of a campaign such as delivery of votes.

Bro. Villanueva, however, seems not yet to have picked his vice presidential running mate although former SEC chair Perfecto Yasay appears to be the leading bet for that post. But Yasay, however, has never gained the popularity of such potential rivals as Senator Mar Roxas and Loren Legarda.

Still, the Ilonggo former SEC chair remains a charismatic and eloquent speaker who may be able to gain fast if he is selected for the post.

Bro. Eddie is the true reformist presidential candidate among the traditional aspirants for the presidency.

But that is also the claim by Senator Noynoy Aquino that he is the true-blooded reformist ala Yellow Army.

Chiz Escudero seems to have done exactly the same thing when he withdrew his bid to the post as NPC presidential bet. But Chiz has been echoing exactly the same statement that he belongs to the Filipino people.

The problem, though, is whether Chiz is running and for what?

Bro. Villanueva, however, came out with an inconsistent stand – the reason we are fighting for is not ourselves but for the future generations … “we are non-politicians.”

He sounded more like Chiz when he pointed out that… “our victory is the victory of the people.”

But one must admit that Bro. Villanueva sounds more credible with a list of things which his Bangon Pilipinas intends to abide with should the party win in the forthcoming elections.

The presidential race has been thrown into a confusing disarray with Public Works Secretary Hermogones Ebdane insisting that he is definitely running for President. That move seems to have undercut the appeal of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. Ebdane was also former defense chief. And he counts on the military to support him.

Oh, well, the more the merrier. That expands the list of potential presidential bets from whom the people could choose the future leader of the country.

* * *

On the local scene, former Rep. John Orola caused quite a stir the other day when he announced the he was running for congressman of the lone district of Bacolod under Abante Ilonggo partylist group.

Orola had long been aspiring to run for his previous post after he had lost it to Rep. Monico Puentevella in a sharply contested balloting last elections.

John, however, has never faltered in his efforts to work for Bacolod and the tourism of Negros Occidental. Throughout his “vacation so to speak, Orola has remained a high profile do-gooder. He is often at the forefront of a lot of activities, mostly related to tourism, and the promotion of Bacolod as well other vital projects.

Well, I hope that his fellow Negrense do not forget that Orola is a consistent advocate for his province as well as Bacolod City.*

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