Reply #7: a good source on goings-on in the Philippines [View All]

[reorg]

is the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Their website is a bit slow sometimes, but they have substantive information and often good comments on current affairs:

http://www.inq7.net

On why the former Air Transportation Office (ATO) chief seized the control tower:

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/nov/08/brkpol_14-1.htm

... Villaruel said the government had "killed my program" to develop the Defiant 300, a small plane with wooden components, as well as the Hummingbird, a small helicopter.

"When I left the government they disassembled it," Villaruel said. "Had we persevered, we would not be groveling before the Americans for obsolete Hueys (Bell UH-1H helicopters)."

... Villaruel's ex-boss, Ramos' transportation secretary Josephine Lichauco, said the former government official was "very patriotic" but was "in despair" because of what he perceived as lack of government support for his initiatives.

"I can't imagine how he can be killed like that."

Villaruel said the control tower was built in 1994 during his term. "It was named after me and it would be fitting if I died here."
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and on the apparently reckless police action:

http://www.inq7.net/nat/2003/nov/10/nat_2-1.htm

... Villaruel's family cried "overkill" when they heard of the move of the Airport Security Group's Special Weapons and Tactics team to storm the tower although the former ATO chief had reportedly sent surrender feelers.

...

A vital question the CIDG would have to address was why the ASG special operations unit killed Villaruel although he had already said he and his aide were surrendering the moment they saw police barging into the control room. His desperate plea was heard on radio because he was then being interviewed through a cellular phone when police went for the kill.

Another unresolved issue is whether the ASG used too much force in subduing Villaruel and Catchillar. Armed with pistols, Villaruel earlier claimed that he had with him several armed military men. The former aviation chief, it turned out, was accompanied only by his aide.

Upon arrival from Hong Kong Sunday, former President Fidel V. Ramos called for an independent investigation.

Calling the death of Villaruel an unnecessary tragedy, Ramos downplayed Villaruel's capability to pose any threat to the government. "He is a well meaning and idealistic person."

He said Villaruel's death was a personal loss. "I knew him as an inventor, a pilot and president of the group of sons and daughters of World War II veterans," Ramos said.