Magdalo leaders split

The once-united six core leaders of the Magdalo group charged before the Makati Regional Trial Court in connection with the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, are now on opposing sides.

The conflict also involved the two military officers from Negros Occidental - Capt. Milo Maestrecampo and Capt. Gary Alejano - members of the elite Scout Rangers and Philippine Marine units, respectively.

Alejano and Maestrecampo are from the cities of Talisay and Sipalay.

Maestrecampo and 12 other junior officers had earlier submitted a manifesto, where they apologized for their actions and expressed support for President Arroyo.

To avoid possible confrontation between the two groups, Maestrecampo and Capt. Gerardo Gambala were transferred from the detention cell of Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Intelligence Security Group, on orders of the Makati RTC, the military said.

On the other hand, Alejano, Navy lieutenants Antonio Trillanes and James Layug, and Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon remained at ISAFP detention cell at Fort Bonifacio in Makati.

Army chief Hermogenes Esperon said the group of Trillanes, who questioned the action of Maestrecampo and Gambala, has decided to expel the two Army officers.

The six core leaders of Magdalo and 65 other junior officers detained in various military jails, are also facing charges of mutiny before a general court martial headed by Maj. Gen. Vicente Guerzon.*GPB

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Jeepney 'barker' dies

A jeepney barker died at a food stall at Bangga Kametal, Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City at about 9 a.m. yesterday.

McClement Dungog, 5, of Talisay City told the police his father Eddie Cuadro Dungog, about 30 years old, suddenly just fell down, police reports said.

The son asked for help from Bangga Kametal purok chairman Ricardo Macabenta who reported the incident to Precinct 3, police reports said.

Macabenta said the older Dungog was declared dead by the responding rescue team and his body was brought to Alisbo Funeral Homes, police reports also said.

The younger Dungog said his father told him to eat his snack at the eatery. After a few minutes, he said, his father fell unconscious and it was only he later learned that he was already dead, police reports said.

Reports said the older Dungog was a resident of Purok Zone 14, Talisay City, Negros Occidental and had been staying in Bacolod with his son. Dungog was also often seen drinking with his fellow jeepney barkers at Lacson Street in Bacolod, the reports added.

Desk Officer PO2 Rolito Bandiez said the younger Dungog was brought by Precinct 3 operatives to Talisay City where his grandmother Elisa Villador is staying.

The cause of Dungog's death is still being investigated by the police.*DMG

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