by John Paul M. Omac

CABUYAO CITY, LAGUNA—Cabuyao police rescued a 10-year-old girl that was held hostage by a man who was allegedly “high” for almost two hours in Baranggay Baclaran, last Thursday, January 31.

The authorities have identified the hostage-taker as Nelson Durian, 29. According to the police, the hostage-taker seemed to be under the influence of illegal drugs during the incident.

“Wala talaga sa katinuan yung ating suspect,” explained Superintendent Leonard Luna, Cabuyao City Chief of Police. “He was under the influence of illegal drugs.”

According to witnesses, Durian went out of their house with a knife around 5 pm. The suspect mocked everyone in the street and even challenged them into a fight. This is where he saw the child he held hostage.

“Bigla na lang niyang hinatak yung bata. Sa takot din namin ay wala samin ang makalapit sa kanila,” said Susan Alba of Mabuhay City Subdivision where the hostage taking took place.

Before the hostage taking, Durian also had an argument with his father, Luna said. Police Officer George Hinggan negotiated patiently with the hostage-taker. The negotiations lasted for two hours until Police Officer Arwin Masa found a chance to grab the knife from Durian’s hand to at last free the child.

After the hostage taking, the victim remained in shock and was rushed to Cabuyao City Hospital where she was examined. She and her mother also received stress debriefing from Cabuyao Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) personnel.

Meanwhile, Durian is already detained at Cabuyao Municipal Jail. He will be facing charges of frustrated murder filed against him before the municipal Prosecutor’s office.

“Bukod sa frustrated murder, hindi rin natin pwedeng palagpasin yung paggamit niya ng ipinagbabawal na gamot,” Luna explained.

by John Paul M. Omac and Belle Marjorie A. Dela Vega

The Los Baños Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) continue to intensify their efforts to prevent crime and promote order in the municipality in preparation for the upcoming May 2013 elections.

“Handang-handa na ang kapulisan ng Los Banos”, assures Police Chief Inspector Conrado Masongsong, chief of Los Banos PNP, four months before the 2013 elections.

The local police has set up  checkpoints along the national highway starting January 13 in line with the start of the nationwide gun ban. The gun ban aims to strengthen the campaign against loose firearms and possible private armies in order to reduce election-related crimes.

Randy Banzuela, the Los Baños Election Officer III, has oriented the police on the proper conduct of checkpoints to ensure that the proper procedures will be implemented and that the rights of the public will be protected,

Police Senior Inspector Anastacia Luis, who heads of the three rotating teams conducting the checkpoints, explained that they have instructed their men to abide by the guidelines and protocols given by the COMELEC. She emphasized that checkpoints should be in a well-lit place with a visible sign, a police mobile car should be present in the area of the checkpoint, and should be manned by uniformed policemen. A commanding police officer in proper uniform must also be present to supervise the operation. Ps/Insp. Luis said that they also reminded the police men to be courteous and polite when during inspections. “Mas magkakaroon ng pagkakaunawan kung magiging magalang tayo sa isa’t-isa”, she stated.

Though motorists experience delays because of the checkpoint, they gave positive feedback. “Ayos to. Para sa safety rin natin”, says Sonny Magalac, a resident of Bambang, Los Baños.

Aside from the checkpoints, the Los Baños police is also set to intensify police visibility through security patrols. Despite insufficient funds, local police have innovated a way to a carry out security patrols by using the personal motorcycles of some of the members of the force.

The election period has officially started on January 12, 2013 and will last until May 12, 2013. The local police force is now working closely with the COMELEC. Masongsong explains that this means that gun ban is strictly implemented. All those caught with firearm without approved exemption from the gun ban will be arrested even if they have ‘permit to carry’. COMELEC will be notified first about all the arrests and other related actions.

Masongsong also said that they are strengthening their intelligence and monitoring programs to deter and intercept people with illegal motives.

Furthermore, local candidates will sign a peace covenant this coming March as part of the campaign of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) to preserve the safety of the constituents and guard the integrity of the polls.

DECEMBER 6, 2012 (THURSDAY)

-At around four in the afternoon, LB Times received a task to cover a suspected murder of two unspecified people at the Flatrocks area of the Makiling Mountain Forest Reserve, a part of the UP Los Baños Campus.

-There were talks that the two bodies were ‘Kevin’ and ‘Enzo’, both students of UPLB.

-The only unofficial reports LB Times gathered before the coverage were:

(from New Dorm residents) Kevin and Enzo both reside at the New Dormitory; all residents agreed that the last time they saw either of the two PERSONALLY was SATURDAY (Dec. 1, 2012) and the last time they had communication with either of the two was SUNDAY (Dec. 2, 2012);

The New Dorm residents also stated that many of them planned to trek on Sunday. But only Enzo and Kevin pursued the trip.

The New Dorm Residents also said that Kevin was sick during the weekend.

(from the College of Human Ecology students and friends of Enzo) Enzo posted a status on Facebook telling that he is going on to hike/trek (it was posted Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012).

(from the Student Councils) Even before confirmation, students have already passed group messages and Facebook posts which ASSUMED that Kevin and Enzo were the identities of the two bodies seen.

10:37 PM

-According to the UPLB University Police Force, the bodies were recovered and were transferred to Funeraria Regina in Brgy. Anos, Los Baños but the SOCO and the Police ordered the bodies not to be opened until a go signal is given (they were inside a van).

11:16 PM

-The LB Times arrived at FUNERARIA REGINA. While there, the television was turned on to SAKSI (GMA 7) and had this report:

SAKSI said that there was NO CONFIRMATION yet of the identities of TWO bodies retrieved.

Also stated in SAKSI’s report: TWO people went on to hike Sunday morning (possibly Enzo and Kevin); after a few minutes, there was said to be SEVEN more people who hiked; however, there is no information regarding the seven people

-some friends of Enzo from the College of Human Ecology were also present.

DECEMBER 7, 2012 (FRIDAY)

12:00 MN

-FIVE members of the Valdez (Enzo) family arrive at Funeraria Regina; people from UPLB contacted them beforehand.

-12:15 AM

-UPLB University Police Force arrives at Funeraria Regina; Valdez family requested for the body to be inspected to confirm Enzo’s identity.

12:20 AM

-UPLB University Police Force contacts PNP Chief for clearance to inspect the bodies; they came up with a deal to go to the PNP Crime Laboratory (in Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang, Laguna) as the retrieved items from the two bodies were already there.

12:40 AM

-The Police and the Valdez family went on to proceed to the Crime Lab; The LB Times travels from Funeraria Regina to PNP Crime Lab in Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang; the bodies remained at Funeraria Regina.

12:50 AM

-Police, Valdez family and The LB Times arrived at Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang.

12:53 AM

-Valdez family enters PNP Crime Lab while The LB Times remains outside the building.

12:59 AM

-Slippers, a face towel and a striped T-shirt were shown to the Valdez family.

1:00 AM

-Mrs. Valdez (Enzo’s mother) confirms that the things shown were Enzo’s properties. Valdez family confirms Enzo Valdez as one of the two bodies retrieved.

-Mrs. Valdez and Enzo’s elder sister become emotional.

1:16 AM

-Police reminds the family that the bodies will be autopsied later this morning for official confirmation.

-Valdez family decided to go home and return to Funeraria Regina come sunlight.

7:30 AM

-Unang Hirit’s (GMA 7) morning news reported that the two bodies recovered were correctly identified to be Enzo and Kevin. Kevin was said to be identified by his friends through the shorts he wore.

-Also, in Unang Hirit’s news report, the log book at the Flatrocks was shown for about 2 to 3 seconds. The LB Times could not record its entirety, since it was just a glimpse but it was clear that there were names after Kevin and Enzo’s log-in.

8:03 AM

-The LB Times arrives at Funeraria Regina. Ms. Gina Umali, the proprietor of the funeral homes, was there.

8:17 AM

-The father of Enzo, Mr. Marlou Valdez, and Enzo’s sister arrived at Funeraria Regina.

8:35 AM

-SOCO is on their way for the autopsy according to Ms. Gina Umali.

8:45 AM

-Funeraria Regina prepares items/chemicals for embalming (e.g. alcohol, gloves, et.al.).

9:06 AM

-UPLB University Police Force arrives at Funeraria Regina.

9:12 AM

-UPF interviews Mr. Valdez; shows video of Flatrocks.

-UPF tells Mr. Valdez that the bodies were recovered floating on water (sa tubig mismo nakuha ang mga bangkay).

9:22 AM

-Funeral Team already prepared for autopsy; an unpleasant smell is already noticeable.

9:44 AM

-CIDG arrives; questions UPF for details.

-UPF: Initial Investigation was “nalunod”.

9:48 AM

-SOCO arrives; whole team is ready.

10:00 AM

-The LB Times initiated to leave.

-The entire Funeral Team along with SOCO and other authorities left for the autopsy which was to be done in a building near the Heaven’s Garden in Brgy. Anos, Los Baños (the odor would affect the neighbors if the autopsy would be done at Funeraria Regina).

1:23 PM

-The LB Times returns to Funeraria Regina; the bodies were not there anymore.

-The LB Times arrives at a building near Loyola (Heaven’s Garden) were the autopsy was conducted.

1:47 PM

-The bodies were already embalmed; SOCO and the doctor (Superintendent Roy Camarillo) who conducted the autopsy were not on the spot anymore.

-Enzo’s remains were to be transferred to St. Peter’s Chapel in Calamba.

1:55 PM

-The LB Times travels to PNP in at Brgy. Baybayin for more details.

2:00 PM

–Meanwhile, at the New Dormitory, UPLB Chancellor Rex Victor Cruz and Vice Chancellor Oscar Zamora escorted Kevin and Enzo’s respective families while they vacated the lockers and rooms of Kevin and Enzo.

2:04 PM

-The LB Times arrives at PNP but could not find substantial information.

-The LB Times travels to St. Peter Chapels in Calamba.

3:04 PM

-The LB Times arrives at St. Peter’s Chapel where Mark Enzo’s body is located.

-His uncle, Vergilio Sagum (a former Muntinlupa Police himself) was there with the St. Peter Chapels employee.

 3:15 PM

-His uncle expresses his disbelief/disappointment over the no-foul play result.

3:27 PM

-The LB Times receives an update: According to Interaksyon’s report, there was no foul play; but ABS-CBN and GMA reported that the case is still “under investigation”.

4:53 PM

-Mr. Valdez arrives.

-Mr. Valdez immediately calls for justice as he noticed some marks on Enzo’s back during the autopsy; he doesn’t believe that the cause is drowning.

-Mr. Valdez also told The LB Times that they’ve already vacated Mark Enzo’s room at the New Dorm; there is no trace of his cellphone and handbag.

-Mr. Valdez noted that he called Enzo on Monday (Dec. 3) morning, to notify Enzo about the cash he sent via LBC; There were no responses from the phone (whether answered or dropped); But the phone was ringing.

5:22 pm

-The LB Times leaves, going back to their headquarters.

7:00 pm

[Interview with the College of Human Ecology (CHE) Student Council]

-last semester, Mark Enzo resigned from the student council.

-Enzo is usually seen around CHE, especially in his organization OIKOS according to CHE SC.

-the CHE SC’s last personal contact with Enzo was on Friday (Nov. 30) during a workshop for aCHEan 2012.

-LAST TEXT of ENZO according to CHE SC: Dec. 1 (Saturday) 10:51 PM.

-Dec. 2 (Sunday) was aCHEan 2012; CHE SC had no contact whatsoever regarding Enzo, but they also noticed his FB statuses.

-CHE SC notes that there really is somehow a hint of conflict shown in Enzo’s statuses but they were clueless who could have bad blood with Enzo, if ever there is bad blood.

-WELLA (CHE SC) who is also a member of the Kapatirang Plebeians cited that Enzo was somehow not in good terms with some of the members of Kapatirang Plebeians; however she noted that whatever conflict there was between Enzo and Plebes, it won’t boil down to an extent that will take lives away.

-JEAN of CHE SC: (Enzo’s close friend as well) Enzo told me before that he “doesn’t want to enlist in PE 2 in swimming because he doesn’t know how to swim.”

-CHE SC also expresses its disappointment regarding the negligence of whoever was on duty for the Flatrocks logbook during that day; They asked why they were not urgent enough once they found out there were two people who were unable to log out.

9:00 pm

-in AksyonTV’s (Ch. 41) Andar ng mga Balita’s report, Los Banos resident Gloria Castillo tells the possibility of the two victims being na-engkanto; she tells TV5 that “we should take care of Makiling.” She cited a similar case in 1983 where 4 students also drowned in Makiling.

DECEMBER 8, 2012 (SATURDAY)

10:30 AM

-The LB Times arrives at the New Dormitory.

[Interview with Datu Mokalid, President of the New Dormitory Residents Association]

-Enzo resided at room 102 while Kevin resided at room 201.

-Datu last saw Enzo and Kevin about TWO weeks ago.

-According to Kevin’s roommates, Kevin was indeed sick (trangkaso) on Nov. 29 (Thursday).

-According to Datu and to Kevin’s roommates, Kevin talked to his mother via phone call; His mother requested Kevin to go home since he is sick.

-The last time the servants of the New Dorm canteen saw Kevin was Saturday night (Dec. 1) as he was eating.

-Residents of room 202 (adjacent to Kevin’s room 201) last saw Kevin Saturday. Kevin was sharing internet with them.

2:30 PM

-The LB Times went to the PNP at Brgy. Baybayin to ask for updates regarding the incident. The Police told them that the case is already closed and the progress report is already submitted to the Provincial Office.

by Gumamela Celes Bejarin

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Dr. Enrique Tolentino assures that they are doing their best to enforce campus security.

After the incident at Flatrocks last week, where two UPLB students were found dead, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA) will impose stricter security measures.

Vice Chancellor Tolentino said that the place where the two students decided to trek is supposed to be off-limits. The signage there was apparently stolen and vandalized by some people at the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR).

The OVCCA is planning to put up a signage that cannot be easily stolen and vandalized like rocks.

At the checkpoint, the hikers will also be required to leave their IDs or valuables that they can retrieve once they log out. The measure will be done so that the hikers will be obligated to log out.

According to Vice Chancellor Tolentino, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) is doing an investigation as to why the forest guards failed to check that the two students were not able to log out.

Vice Chancellor Tolentino said that the MFR is not easy to secure since the area is very big. He added that it is very difficult to guard because there are many entry and exit points. “We have a very big task,” he said.

There is also a proposal that hikers should be accompanied by tour guides. Vice Chancellor Tolentino said that extra fees may be charged, but that is all for the hikers’ security.

MFR was closed for the mean time. Vice Chancellor Tolentino said that they will be implementing the new regulations once they open the MFR.

“We are hoping to have something before the year ends,” said Vice Chancellor Tolentino.

Vice Chancellor Tolentino added that while the incident is very unfortunate, he would still say that it is safe in the campus.

By Joan Nacorda, Kamille Anne Anarna, and Nicolle Andrea Payuyo

Los Baños, Laguna – A faith rally  was organized by the UPLB University Student Council at the CAS Fair 2012 in commemoration of students Vicky Reyes, Mark Lorenz Valdez, and Kevin Lagadon.

Vice Chancellor for Instruction Oscar Zamora in his opening remarks talked about moving on in the spirit of Christmas. “This could happen to anybody. Let’s be prepared. Youth is not a guarantee,” Vice Chancellor Zamora reminds the students. Zamora also added that the events have shown the Los Baños spirit.

Messages from the friends and fellow students were made. Regret was one of the central themes of the messages. They also talked about their fond memories with their late friends. After the messages, there was a short prayer made by USC counselor Arthur Holt together with the lighting of candles and release of white balloons.

Abby dela Cruz, USC Vice-chairperson and Officer-in-charge, says that the faith rally was made to challenge the security system in the campus.

Vicky Reyes was a student who was murdered in her home in Biñan, Laguna last November 19. Mark Lorenz “Enzo” Valdez and Kevin Lagadon were found dead at the Flatrocks, Mt. Makiling Trail last December 6. Police reports say Valdez and Lagadon’s death was an accident.

by Ma. Khrisma Soliven and Levi Joshua Verora Jr. with reports from Gumamela Celes Bejarin and Kezia Grace Jungco

Los Baños, Laguna- The family and friends of the two students found dead at Flatrocks, Mt. Makiling showed their disbelief regarding the autopsy result.

The bodies, correctly identified by their respective families as Mark Lorenz Valdez and Kevin Lagadon, both students of UP Los Baños, were autopsied Friday (December 7) morning by SOCO led by Superintendent Roy Camarillo. After the autopsy, they declared the cause of death as asphyxia due to drowning. It was also estimated that they were dead for about four to five days.  Los Baños Police Chief Inspector Conrado Masongsong also ruled the case as ‘closed.’

Meanwhile, the two students’ respective families and friends had other things to say over the ruling that the Flatrocks tragedy was an accident.

Retired Muntinlupa police Vergilio Sagum, Mark Lorenz’s uncle, was unsatisfied when it comes to the investigation of the PNP and UPLB-University Police Force. Mr. Sagum said that there should have been a sense of urgency or a mandatory search from the police when they found out that two people were not able to log out from the Makiling Trail log book during Sunday.

“Kahit pa weekend yan e, basta nasa loob ka ng campus dapat responsable ang pulis sayo (When you are inside the campus, whether during weekends, the police should be responsible for you),” says Mr. Sagum. He is also puzzled why the bodies were only discovered last Thursday. “Tingnan mo, kung Thursday lang sila nakita, at Sunday sila namatay, ibig bang sabihin Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, walang nagpunta ng Flatrocks? (They died Sunday and were recovered Thursday, would it mean that there were no visitors who came to Flatrocks from Monday to Wednesday?)” added Mr. Sagum.

He would also want to see the log book that contains the attendance of visitors entering the Makiling Trail. He also noted that nobody realized that Kevin and Mark Lorenz were missing until the news of two bodies discovered at the Makiling Trail came out. He would also like to find some information regarding the rumored seven more people who trekked minutes after Kevin and Mark Lorenz logged-in.

Mr. Marlou Valdez, the father of Mark Lorenz also disagrees with the results. He told The LB Times that there were some marks at the back of Mark Lorenz. His hand bag and mobile phone were also missing when they vacated Mark Enzo’s room. He seeks for further information and at the same time, justice for the two students.

The College of Human Ecology (CHE) Student Council likewise believes that there could have been foul play involved. Chairperson Ayesha Sarapuddin noted the negligence of the authority saying that they could have searched along the Trail when they found out that two visitors were not able to log out.

Likewise, students who have already been to the Flatrocks before said that the water level there is too shallow for someone to be drowned.

The Los Baños Times went to the PNP at Brgy. Baybayin for the log book. According to the police, the results of the investigation and the log book were already in the provincial office.

As of this writing, the two students’ remains are at their respective hometowns. The Los Baños Times is still gathering more information regarding the incident.