Thrilla In Manila

Ladies and gentlemen we are about to enter our final round of our main event. The fight has been spectacular down to the wire, everything is still up for grabs. Both fighters are still sharp on their toes, they both have more than enough knock-out power in both hands.

Round one was all PDEA. Practically beating the life out of the Alabang boy. One devastating blow after another left the boy looking completely lost in the ring. I still don’t know how he survived and managed to stay on his feet for those three minutes. He simply refused to die.

Round two was terrible once again for the Alabang boy. The relentless pounding of PDEA continued. PDEA even planted all the ‘illegal items’ to try and knock-out it’s foe who was clinging on for dear life. I saw a low-blow connect as well, sending ripples of pain through the Alabang boy.

We all thought round three was going to be a funeral but somehow the boy was able to bounce back. It was half way through the round when PDEA slipped and it was at that very moment that the boy climbed back into the fight. A thunderous right hook caught PDEA blind sided sending him to a world of pain. PDEA was out cold at the DOJ (Department of Justice), but the bell rang right in time to send him wobbling back to the corner.

The boy stepped out of the corner with renewed confidence to begin round four. PDEA however was more than ready to make-up for round three. Every blow the boy threw was successfully countered. PDEA was raining punches down on the boy in rhythm to their FIFTY MILLION screaming fans. The roar was deafening, a complete PSYCH-out for the Alabang boy.

Round five was a perfect split! Both fighters exchanged some heavy blows and successful combinations. As heated as the action was inside the ring I’d have to say half the fight was past the ropes. PDEA has been collaborating with Philippine Boxing Commission’s Congress to discredit the guest referee from DOJ along with tonight’s judges. They are claiming that the fight has been rigged in favor of the boy. PDEA has really gotten down and dirty bringing out the boy’s relatives to say that he’s been taking illegal substances to prepare for the match. The crazy family of Dave and Marissa Brodett were here at ringside throwing vegetables at the boy. We needed security to remove the crazed lunatics.

Round six gave us an unprecedented spike in recorded tuned-in spectators. After four rounds of pay-per-view the Philippine Boxing Commission publicly broadcasted round five! Viewers across the nation tuned in eagerly to finally get a glimpse of the Alabang boy. The start of the round was dominated by the boy throwing combination after combination which found its mark with great precision. PDEA lashed back with several low-blows desperately trying to keep the boy at bay. The boy was helpless to such foul tactics and received a cold unlawful DENIAL from the special guest referee from the Court of Appeals.

New judges and a change of the referee were needed for round seven. They were recruited from boxing’s Independent Supreme Court. PDEA started the round looking good being the aggressor for the first minute. He then began to tire and slip on the stand which the boy took full advantage of. PDEA’s I.O. 1s (Imbento Officers) practically almost knocked themselves out with their stupidity. By the time the bell rang PDEA was dazed and down on points.

The Alabang boy was all over PDEA in round eight. Connecting with every blow he was firm and straight on the stand. PDEA went down to kiss the canvass causing his singing agents to choke on their chants. PDEA even got desperate enough to bring back the crazy family of Marissa Brodett who was held by security at the gates. Momentum started to build for the boy winning two rounds in a row.


PDEA prepared for round nine. They had congressman Golez as the referee. They had the boy’s hands tied! To add insult to injury they even made the boy wear a pair of green shorts that said ‘PDEA detainee’. It was looking terrible for the boy, who appeared like a white mouse ready to be dropped in a tank of hungry piranhas. PDEA charged at the boy who was bound at the corner of the ring. The ‘war-freak’ fired one cruel blow after another even kicking the boy. Even more outrageous the referee threw in some cheap shots of his own. The boy went down as the bell rang. Marcelino and Santigago were beaming with the success of their dirty work.

The boy was freed of his bonds before beginning round ten. Despite the terrible beating he received from the earlier round he shuffled his feet with certainty. He landed several honest blows which the judge surely noted down on their score sheets. PDEA was not expecting any fight left from the boy. He was definitely caught unaware, and his frustration got the better of him. The Philippine STAR, INQUIRER and MANILA BULLETIN all reflected points in favor for the Alabang boy, citing several deductions on PDEA for its foul play in the earlier rounds. The United States report on Asia’s drug problem mentions PDEA and its unlawful ways which leads to the violation of several constitutional rights and unsuccessful prosecution.

Hierarchy in PDEA

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is headed by no less than the Commander-in-Chief madam President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She has appointed retired General Dionisio Santiago as her Under Secretary (Usec) with the position of Director General of PDEA. PDEA is divided to three teams; the Special Enforcement Services (SES) lead by Director Maj. Ferdinand Marcelino from the Philippine Marines the Critical Reaction Unit (CRU) lead by Director Maj. Lopez and the Metro-Manila Regional Officer (MMRO) currently lead by Regional Director (RD) retired Col. Carlos F. Gadapan. The MMRO serves the main Metro-Manila team with limited jurisdiction to operate in other parts of the country, while the SES and CRU are the effort teams with jurisdiction to operate anywhere in the Philippines.

Custodial Detention Facility (CDF) of PDEA is managed under the supervision of the MMRO Regional Director. The RD has assigned IO1 Roberto Sebastian (Sir Baste) as Chief Officer (CO) who he selected amongst his men to act as warden to the duty Jail Guards. The CO basically enforces the strict instructions of the RD and ensures that they are properly implemented. Assigned under the CO are his Jail Guards assigned in twenty-four hour shifts from nine in the morning to nine in the morning of the following day. All Jail Guards are male in gender and are Intelligence Officer I (IO1) in rank. They are authorized to conduct daily head counts and generally probe the detention area activities. PDEA has also assigned a round robin of Officers of the Day (OD) who is assigned to patrol the premises and ensure that everything is in order. The OD is at the same level of authority as the CO, but is not affiliated with the CDF. The OD is also authorized to conduct head counts and/or supervise over a jail guard conducting one.

Inside the CDF there is a separate hierarchy of power. The Mayor is in charge of the male detainees, he ensures that all rules and regulations are properly followed and abided by all under his control. The Mayora acts as the same for the female detainees. Below the two are their respective Bastonero and Bastonera who are in charge of assigning daily chores. The Bastonero and Bastonera collect Php 20.00 daily for rice and water consumption allowance from each detainee. Detainees are also requested to donate Php 50.00/day to them for visitors, which will serve as food budget for everyone to share. The Assistant Bastonero is in charge of handling the detainees’ case folders and updating the detainee status blackboard. He conducts monthly status reports for the CO and makes sure to inform him of up coming scheduled trials/hearings. The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) ensures that all tasks are properly conducted and that there are no problems in implementation. The Floor Manger is in charge of sweeping, mopping and maintaining the cleanliness of the floor area of the CDF. The Chief Mahinarya secures that all assigned Mahinarya on duty below him are properly doing their jobs. The Mahinarya is assigned to watch over all other detainees from ten in the evening (lights out) to four in the morning of the following day. It is only at four in the morning wherein they are allowed to get some shut eye. Any detainee may act as a server to another detainee with the blessing from the Mayor. This entitles him to a Php 20.00 minimum allowance as daily salary plus other amenities like food and bed space.

No matter what the position or rank given, all of us provide each other with outmost respect for one another. It is our belief that our Jail Guards are just doing their jobs despite the fact that some of them occasionally abuse their power from time to time. It is also our understanding that each detainee is just waiting for his or her day in court to defend their case in order to be set free one day. Each of us plays our respective roles like we do in the outside world. We feel our surrounding environment and adapt to it for our own sake and for the greater good of all. The one good thing about being branded as a detainee is that, a detainee is not yet convicted nor charged guilty for the alleged crime committed since it is stated in the law that, the accused is always presumed to be innocent until his or her guilt is otherwise proven.

Keeping Intouch

From the start of my detention last September 2008 here in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Custodial Detention Facility (CDF) I have been introduced to a total of ninety-nine (99) other detainees, each with his or her own unique characteristics. As of March 2009 we are currently thirty-one (31) detainees now due to court orders to transfer selected detainees to Navotas, Taguig, Pampanga, Malolos, Pasay, Olongapo, Manila and majority of the women to Camp Karingal in Quezon City or for release. I have witnessed seven (7) of them be released on bail, one (1) for reinvestigation and only two (2) for case dismissals. Throughout the duration of my stay here I have learned to mingle with them, adapt to our living environment and understand each of their personal life tribulations. I have also shared and narrated my life experiences with those I really got to get close to during the course of my stay here. Among others, we talked about our future plans, ambitions, dreams, how to makeup for lost time with our own families and the like. I made it possible to keep communication with those I have become close to who have already been transferred to their respective city jails. This way I could still extend my help to them through their families who come visit us from time to time.

Maritess Lopez, Naima Dimasar, Ainnie Abdulkarim and Josie Aznar are among others that were transferred to Camp Karingal who are still in communication with us through Ainnie’s husband Anseri. They informed us of their situation in the Quezon City jail. I remember they narrated in their letters that food was served in minimal portions. They were considered squatters and slept in shifts as well. They also mentioned that they needed yellow t-shirts to be allowed to enter the plaza. Just recently we sent them some yellow t-shirts with my dad’s NBN television show advertised and groceries which we specifically requested to be bought since canned goods, glass bottles and other specifics were not allowed as their policy.

Rose Marie “dona” Ligaray was five (5) months pregnant when she was transferred along with Analyn “len-len” Lacson Rosales and other detainees to Pampanga city jail. During their stay with us here at the PDEA, CDF we provided them with assistance for their medical checkups. One day, Rose Marie was worried that her unborn child had died since she could not feel its heartbeat. I immediately wrote her letter of request which was granted by the MMRO regional director retired Col. Carlos F. Gadapan. She was happy to hear the results the doctor delivered to her which he derived from her checkup and blood test. After two weeks of antibiotics Len-len was still suffering from chronic cough so we decided to send her for a checkup. It was later known that Len-len was suffering from advance TB and needed medication as to not infect the other detainees. A family friend of the Tecson’s provided her with forty-five days worth of TB medication including asthma medication which we provided for her. There was also an outbreak of boils or “pigsa” amongst thirteen (13) detainees’ majority of the Pampanga group, wherein we donated over one-hundred antibiotics which in two to three weeks terminated the disease. When GMA7’s Sandra Aguinaldo interviewed me I requested her to inform their GMA7 Kapuso Foundation to provided assistance to the two women that needed help in branch 174. Just a few days ago Dona and Len-len wrote to us and informed us of their current status. Dona is about to give birth anytime soon while Len-len has been apparently coughing up blood since she has already ran out of medication. We decided to send them some groceries through one of their family friends for the meantime.

Wilmer Lazaro and Ronaldo “monching” Carriedo were are two servers and adopted family members here at the PDEA, CDF who got transferred to Malolos, Bulacan. Jopet, Tommy and I are actually ninongs (godfathers) of Wilmer’s first born daughter Lery Joy. On the other hand, Monching is father to three children. From time to time their wives come to visit us here in detention. They inform us of their husband’s situation and ask our parents and us if we could find a way to help them out in anyway. We and the other detainees have come up with a sufficient amount of money to help them financially pay for their required bail of Php 9,000.00 each.

The people mentioned above and their stories are just a few examples of how hard a prisoner’s life is. It is actually a consolation to remain in the PDEA, CDF since our families are able to visit us on weekdays, weekends and holidays. An abundance of food is also provided everyday by our families for everyone to share amongst themselves. We are not too congested as compared to a city jail’s ambiance. The atmosphere in general is cool considering that there are only three 5x5 inches exhaust fans for ventilation of the entire CDF. These are just a few advantages we have inside the PDEA, CDF. One thing is certain in any detention facility or jail, both rich or poor are considered equals no matter what the circumstances are. You must learn to create and adjust to Unitarianism which is the greater good for the greater majority or number.

House Outside Mat Inside

After prolonged incarceration your world begins to shrink. The hours which seemed to go by so slow now seem to pass by unnoticed. If outside our residences were houses, inside they are mats and cardboard. If our houses were on lots outside, inside they stand on the most valuable two square meters an inmate could have. A house is definitely a mark of an accomplished man, while a mat is the mark of a significant inmate. An inmate who does not have his own mat and two square meters is like a man with no house to go home to. Outside people respect each others property; inside the same amount of respect is extended. Coming over to sit in someone else’s space uninvited is very much trespassing. There are several ways of appraising the land value of your two meters. Factors that affect the value are closeness to an outlet, distance from the restroom, ventilation, traffic, cleanliness and your neighbors.


Acquiring space is something that must be done with the blessing of the ‘mayor’. New property only opens up in several instances. The most common is when an inmate is transferred to another jail. The other two unlikely scenarios are a release or death of an inmate. Reshuffling of lots almost never happens and only does in an event of a sudden spike in population. In such a case the ‘mayor’ will have the headache of trying to keep his VIPs happy and at the same time try to accommodate the newbies as ‘humane’ as possible.


Owning a lot and having certain privileges all come with a cost. All to be revealed in detail on “PRISON RACKETEERING”.

Disappointment with Justice

Our arrest happened between September 19, 2008 (Friday) around midnight and September 20, 2008 (Saturday) early morning in Ayala Alabang Village (AAVA) and Araneta Center, Cubao. We were sent to the custodial detention facility (CDF) at around nine-forty-five in the evening of the 20th. The next day September 21, 2008 (Sunday) we proceeded to the Special Enforcement Services (SES) office were State Prosecutor John R. Resado conducted the inquest proceedings at around nine-thirty in the morning. The three arresting officers and poseur-buyers IO1 Julie G. Tejido, IO1 Romeo E. Ascuncion Jr., IO1 Jigger B. Juniller and IO1 Louie B. Valdez swore to the truth of their submitted affidavits before the prosecutor, the respondents, their counsels and relatives present.

On September 29, 2008 (Monday) we were scheduled to present our counter-affidavits before State Prosecutor John B. Resado at room 303, mezzanine of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Respondents Brodett and Tecson swore to the truth of their signed counter-affidavits before the prosecutor while counsel for respondent Joseph requested for extension of seven days. Respondent Joseph swore to the truth of his signed counter-affidavit before State Prosecutor Resado as well on October 6, 2008 (Monday) at the same location. PDEA was then given ample time to refute our legal arguments.

On October 22, 2008 (Wednesday) counsel for respondents Brodett and Tecson filed their client’s respective signed rejoinder-affidavits to State Prosecutor John Resado’s office at the DOJ under the same oath. Council for respondent Joseph filed his signed rejoinder-affidavit under the same oath as well on October 23, 2008 (Thursday) before State Prosecutor Resado at the same location after being granted a one day extension by the said Prosecutor.

PDEA had celebrated their Christmas party last December 19, 2008 (Friday). At around six in the afternoon we received the Joint Inquest Resolution from the Department of Justice (DOJ) dated December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) in the custodial detention facility (CDF) for the dismissal of charges filed under I.S. No. 2008-1036 for violation of R.A. 9165, sections 5 and 11 in relation to paragraph B of section 26 and I.S. No. 2008-1037 for violation of R.A. 9165, section 5 and 11. The said resolution was signed by State Prosecutor John R. Resado with recommending approval of Senior State Prosecutor Phillip I. Kimpo, Vice Chairman of Task Force Anti Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (TFANDD) and approval of Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito R. Zuño, Chairman of TFANDD which directed the immediate release of the said respondents.

The respondents were not released due to Atty. Alvaro Lazaro of PDEA’s Legal Prosecution Services (LPS) that revealed an internal and unpublished department circular no. 46 dated 2003 which recommended all R.A. 9165 cases to go under automatic review of the Secretary of Justice. Furthermore, Secretary Gonzalez admitted in a Congressional hearing and in newspaper reports that he had officially received the Joint Inquest Resolution on January 5, 2009 (Monday) for his said review which would last for thirty days as stated in the memorandum circular, meaning that on February 4, 2009 (Wednesday) he should have released his final findings and decision.

Respondents Brodett and Tecson filed a petitioned to the Court of Appeals (CA) for writ of habeas corpus on January 6, 2009 (Tuesday) wherein respondent Joseph later interjected to be included in the said petition a week after. The three respondents appeared before the Honorable Court of Appeals panel on January 27, 2009 (Tuesday) which resulted to a denied decision dated January 30, 2009 (Friday). Respondent’s respective legal counsels received the CA’s result on February 13, 2009 (Friday) and filed for a motion for reconsideration on February 23, 2009 (Monday) & March 2, 2009 (Monday) wherein they clearly stated among others the following arguments:

Article 2 of the New Civil Code, it is provided that: “Laws shall take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette, unless it is otherwise provided. xxx”

Article 7 of the New Civil Code, that: “xxx Administrative or executive acts, orders and regulations shall be valid only when they are not contrary to the laws or the Constitution.”

Section 7 of Rule 112 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, to wit: When accused lawfully arrested without warrant. “The person arrested may ask for a preliminary investigation in accordance with this Rule, but he must sign a waiver of the provision of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in the presence of counsel. Notwithstanding the waiver, he may apply for bail and the investigation must be terminated within fifteen (15) days from its inception. xxx”

Section 90 of R.A. 9165 states that: Jurisdiction. “xxx The preliminary investigation of cases filed under this Act shall be terminated within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of their filing."

Section 3 of Department Circular 70 of the DOJ otherwise known as the “2000 NPS Rule on Appeal” dated July 3, 2000 which was duly published and provides: Period to appeal. “The appeal shall be taken within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the resolution, or of the denial of motion for reconsideration/reinvestigation xxx”

The Joint Inquest Resolution had already attained finality as of January 3, 2009 since Section 7 of Rule 120 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure provides that: Modification of judgment. “xxx a judgment becomes final after the lapse of the period for perfecting an appeal xxx"

2008 Revised Manual for Prosecutors of DOJ signed by Secretary of Justice, Raul Gonzalez states: “When the Chief State Prosecutor sustains the recommendation of the inquest prosecutor for the dismissal of the complaint, arrested or detained person(s) shall be released pending automatic review.”

The Independent Fact-Finding Committee created by the honorable President of the republic of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Composed of Retired Justice Carolina Griño-Aquino (Chairwoman), Retired Justice Raol Victorino and San Beda’s Dean of Law Fr. Ranhilio Aquino. The first day of the proceedings started on February 5, 2009 (Thursday) and ended on its eleventh day, February 19, 2009 (Wednesday). The committee was arranged to complete and wrap-up its findings on February 25 (Wednesday) after the given fifteen working days period. Listed below are some of our many observations to the testimonies given.

IO1 Louie B. Valdez and “arresting officer” of respondent Joseph, IO1 Romeo E. Ascuncion Jr. testified before the panel that no drug evidence was seized from respondent Joseph. IO1 J. Sogoc also testified that she had no direct knowledge of the evidence seized for respondent Joseph. She also claims that only at their arrival at PDEA SES office was the evidence presumed to have come from respondent Joseph presented to her by IO1 Jigger B. Juniller. It was also later revealed that no drug evidence was ever labeled with Joseph’s initials nor was he photographed together with the said drug evidence.

Respondet Tecson stated that IO1 Louie B. Valdez is not his “arresting officer” and was arrested at gun point by an unidentified person. Respondent’s Joseph and Brodett also stated that not all agents present in the “buy-bust” operation were mentioned in the affidavits of PDEA. It was also later discovered that more than two PDEA service vehicles were used in the operation identified as a white sedan with plate number (UDS105) and a maroon Pajero (UMT 136) owned by Maj. Lopez of PDEA’s Critical Reaction Unit (CRU) Director, even if their permit to operate only stated a white Toyota Revo (ZMR 517) and a white Isuzu Crosswind (ZMR 519). PDEA was also unable to reveal its alleged surveillance reports on the three suspects.

State Prosecutor John R. Resado pointed out the laboratory chemistry report no. DD-172-08 wherein PDEA chemist, Ms. Ronna Mae Aguilon admitted to human error on the handwritten time of receipt indicated. He also claimed how absurd it was that specifically on this case two duty chemists performed human errors noting that one of them committed the same error on two separate reports. He categorically also stated that the results were expunged from the records due to the respondents counsels objections for PDEA to be allowed to include there laboratory chemistry report after seventeen days from deadline of submission has elapsed, noting that the arresting officers were able to file on time but the chemists could not even if there are of the same government agency. Atty. Felisbero Verano also pointed out how strange it was that respondent Tecson’s chemistry report no. DT-194-08 (Tecson) would come in between the other two respondent’s chemistry report nos. DT-193-08 (Joseph) and DT-195-08 (Brodett), when in fact respondent’s Joseph and Brodett were apprehended first before respondent Tecson.

IO1 Jigger B. Juniller testified that he did not fire his firearm nor did any of his companions in the Acacia Avenue, Ayala Alabang Village incident. The AAVA Bulldog Security report stated that it received a report from a resident that heard three gunshots along Acacia Ave. Respondent Joseph also stated in his counter-affidavit that he saw IO1 Jigger B. Juniller fire twice at respondent Brodett while another unidentified person fired a shot into the air. Patrick El-Khoury’s NBI affidavit also states that we witnessed and heard three to four gunshots at the scene. Finally, respondent Brodett also claims hearing gunfire which hit his rear windshield as stated in his counter-affidavit.

According to IO1 Julie G. Tejido’s testimony, respondent Brodett’s injuries were self inflicted. Complainant PDEA claims “reasonable force” was used to neutralize respondent Brodett because he tried to run away while agent Tejido was placing him under arrest. Agent Tejido also stated among others that the only shots fired by in the Luzon Drive corner Madrigal Avenue, Ayala Alabang Village scene came from him when he fired five shots collectively at respondent Brodett’s Honda Accord front and rear tires. The AAVA Bulldog report clearly states that the car “sustained seven (7) bullet holes in different parts of the body” Respondent Brodett also stated in his counter-affidavit that armed me started shooting directly at him while he was unarmed inside the car and that three (3) shots hit his car windshield in the position of his face.

All three arresting officers IO1 Julie G. Tejido, IO1 Romeo E. Ascuncion and IO1 Louie B. Valdez claim to have apprised us of our constitutional rights. All three respondents’ counter-affidavits state that no said appraisal occurred between them and the said arresting officers. When arresting officers were asked by Retired Justice Victorino to recite the said rights IO1 Louie B. Valdez incompletely stated the Miranda Rights both in English and Tagalog.

PDEA operatives claim that boodle money was used in this operation and that seized from respondent Brodett was a small black clutch bag which contained the said drug evidence recovered from him. Why were the said evidences never submitted as evidence to the case filed? IO1 Jigger B. Juniller also claimed that respondent Joseph returned to him Php 7,500.00 which he did not accept but gave to respondent Joseph who immediately placed the bills inside his wallet. If the buy-bust money was actually boodle money why would there be change? Why was the seven-thousand-five-hundred pesos never presented as evidence with the one piece five-hundred and one piece one-hundred peso bills initially presented? It is also strange that when the mother of respondent Joseph asked for his personal belongings which she was denied access to by SES Deputy Jeffery Bangsa, his wallet only contained around Php 4,600.00 pesos in cash.

SO Ballares of Right 8 AAVA security stated in the AAVA Bulldog report and later testified that he had witnessed two suspects pressed between later identified PDEA agents being slapped and boxed by the said agents. He later added that respondent Joseph was the only one he saw get hit by the agents and held at gun point by them. SO Yuvega of Bulldog AAVA security testified that he witnessed the shooting of respondent Brodett’s car by multiple agents with long arms and handguns. He also disclaims he witnessed multiple agents take turns mulling him but states that when he was respondent Brodett he had been badly beaten up and bleeding from his lips. So Yuvega also requested the agents to not further injure respondent Brodett since he was still inside their jurisdiction and because he assumed Brodett’s injuries sustained were inflicted by these agents.

PDEA also initially claimed in the first ever news report regarding this case that it was respondent Brodett’s car that rammed into their maroon service Pajero (UMT 136) vehicle. But it was later found out in their testimony before that independent panel that the maroon Pajero claimed to be driven by IO1 Jeffery Banagao was the one that rammed into respondent Brodett’s car forcing it to slam into the sidewalk area and brought the vehicle to a complete stop.

PDEA informed the panel that their information regarding respondent Tecson came from respondent Joseph’s voluntary admission. Unfortunately there is no proof of such due to lack of procedure evidence. In the rules of engagement being followed by PDEA it clearly stated that confidential informant (CI) information should be written down on a logbook and signed.

State Prosecutor John R. Resado noted that the prosecutor manual allows them to release resolutions of dismissal. Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito R. Zuño, Chairman of Task Force Anti Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (TFANDD) also stated that in his level he believes the Joint Inquest Resolution was valid, final and executorial on December 19, 2008 (Friday). Senior State Prosecutor Phillip I. Kimpo, Vice Chairman of (TFANDD) also informed the panel that in his level, he not only solely review the Joint Inquest Resolution but referred it as well to his reviewer, Prosecutor Lagada.

Congressional Hearing on Dangerous Drug February 20, 2009 (Thursday) respondents Brodett and Tecson testified freely before the honorable congressmen while respondent Joseph, with the advise of his lawyer invoked his right to silence.

Congressional Hearing on Dangerous Drug March 2, 2009 (Monday) is scheduled for an executive session with said PDEA agents, respondent, DOJ and others involved in the case with no television media and only radio broadcast.

WEAKends in PDEA

Weekends and holidays inside PDEA would start at about nine am, the earliest time that visitors are permitted to enter on weekends and holidays. Saturdays are just like any normal weekday but the only difference is that there are loads of guests who come to visit. One of the alabang boy’s mothers has arranged for regular Sunday masses to be conducted inside the custodial detention facility. We have a wide range for priest selections; a young Mexican priest, ‘Fr. Mohinder’ the Indian priest, Fr. Joey ‘The Sleeping Priest’ our parish priest, Fr. Christian, Fr. Joey who has a great sense of humor and Fr. Nick. At around eleven am we start setting up for mass by preparing the dining table covered with white linen cloth and topped with two candles and a crucifix as our altar. We sweep, mop and line up the chairs in order. During all this setting up, our designated choir members and guitar soloist are preparing the mass song notes and vocalizing. As soon as the organizers arrive they hand out the mass pamphlets and assign readers. During the duration of the mass our muslin brothers take charge of welcoming the guests arriving while others join the Chinese detainees watching morning shows on mute television inside. After the Eucharistic celebration we are then treated to lunch from the Tecson ‘restaurant’ wherein everyone comes together to enjoy the home cooked meals. Holidays are the most special occasions we celebrate here inside PDEA. It starts like any ordinary day but eventually lasts until late at night with music and live entertainment to accompany the holiday festivities, keeping everybody in high spirits. Inside PDEA we celebrate holidays and birthdays as one happy ‘family’. For those brief moments we get wrapped up in all the festivities and actually forget our personal problems or even that we are in detention inside PDEA. This high however is followed by a crash just like every other high. It comes in quick and leaves you depressed and hanging with the realization that we’re still stuck inside this crazy rat hole. After all the merry making and cheerful banter only silence remains leaving us in each of our corners dreaming, hoping and praying that one day our release papers will arrive and close this dark chapter of our lives.

Detainee Weekday Routine

A normal day inside PDEA would start at about seven am. I’d wake up at this time and have a few precious minutes of silence for myself. This is when I like to read the daily entry from ‘Our Daily Bread’. After contemplating on the biblical verses I read I would then begin reading one of my other novels. Anytime between seven thirty to eight thirty the guard on duty comes in to execute a head count. All of the detainees are asked to come out and form five lines and they begin to count off. After the head count all the fluorescent lamps are switched on. The detainees who sleep in the outer room are asked to pack away their mats or in most cases cardboards. Anyone who wants to sleep some more have to move inside. The people who remain outside if their lucky are given 15 minutes to step outside and see the sun. Sometimes when the guard on duty is nice we are allowed to go out with out handcuffs. This is what they call ‘pa- araw’. When we return from pa-araw it’s time for breakfast. Breakfast is usually slice bread with ‘cheez-wiz’ or peanut butter. The detainees usually lounge around and make ‘kwentuhan’ (chat) for several hours. This is also when we line-up for our turn for our morning showers. If you’re a VIP someone else line’s up for you. If your somewhere at the bottom of the food-chain you shower after everyone else and after several chores.

The first real meal of the day for the alabang boys is when Myra’s ‘karindirya’ (canteen) comes rolling in at around one pm. One pm is the earliest time that visitors are permitted to enter on weekdays. After eating a full meal we are then treated to merienda from the Tecson ‘restaurant’ which is more like second lunch. It has become a habit for us boys to pray the chaplet of Divine Mercy at three everyday. Just before five pm ‘Sammy’ arrives with dinner from ‘Joseph’s kitchen’. At five pm we say goodbye to our guests. After which we sweep, mop and take the trash out for a brief glimpse at sunset. After all the cleaning the second head count commences.

Evenings at PDEA are usually very noisy. People are clustered in small groups chatting amongst themselves. Although they are next to each other they like to scream at who their talking to as if they were far apart. This is especially true for the people from Pampanga. Everyone lines up for their evening showers. Some watch TV mainly news and tele-seryes. Others are glued to their personal DVD players which is the most desirable gadget inside the detention facility. If there’s someone to put a DVD player to the test leave it to a detainee. He’ll have that thing headed back for repairs before the warranty expires. At about eight in the evening we set the table for ‘family dinner’. Inside PDEA the detainees have dinner with their ‘families’ meaning their respective groups. This for some reason is strictly followed as if it was some sort of law with exceptions for birthdays and despedidas which brings all families together. After dinner it’s time to do the dishes, this is when the alabang boys keep close watch over their Tupperware and utensils which have a tendency to vanish. At exactly nine pm the final head count is administered signifying the shut down of the main lights. This is when the cozy night lights come on and books from the mini library (a plastic box) are brought out. For those who have eaten their full but are still hungry, a midnight snack is cooked up at around two am. This however is a full meal with rice and ulam served with juice which has to have ice. All of the alabang boys are asleep by three am, there are some however who sleep close to sunrise and even more suspicious those who don’t seem to need sleep.