Honasan probed for Metro bombings

Fugitive former senator Gregorio Honasan is under investigation over a series of bombings in Metro Manila, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said yesterday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Arroyo, Puno said Honasan, who disappeared from public view after being charged with rebellion and the crime of coup d’etat, is being looked at for at least seven blasts in the past month.

"We expect that we will be coming up with some results on the operations that are being conducted," he said.

"(Honasan and his group) have also been investigated with respect to the bombings that have occurred recently," Puno said.

Meanwhile, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo denied yesterday claims by "unidentified people," who had accused him and other government officials of masterminding the recent series of bombings.

"We’re not stupid, we’re not fools to destabilize our own administration," he said in a statement.

Lawyer Jesus Santos, Mr. Arroyo’s spokesman, said the "cowards" who had made the accusations are the "ones who are stupid" for thinking that they can deceive the people.

"We challenge these hooded liars to come out in the open, without their masks, and present whatever proof they think they have against us," he said.

"They are the ones who must be investigated for claiming knowledge about the bombings. It’s their duty to do so, that is if they really are military men, as they claim to be."

Earlier, Puno and Philippine National Police chief Director General Arturo Lomibao advised Honasan to surrender to avoid being arrested.

Honasan went into hiding after he was charged with the crime of coup d’état in connection with the failed Oakwood military mutiny in July 2003.

Three days ago, police arrested two of his co-accused in the case.

Puno assured Honasan and several others facing coup d’état charges that they will be afforded the rights due every Filipino citizen.

"I’m sure that it’s only a matter of time before we will be able to bring in everyone that has an outstanding warrant of arrest," he said.

"We will renew our appeal to former senator Honasan, who is a good friend of mine. I hope that they will come back to the fold of the law and face these charges. We can assure them of proper and honorable treatment if they come in and we know that they also subscribe to democratic processes and our judicial processes."

Puno said four outstanding warrants were out for the arrest of Honasan, former Navy Capt. Felix Turingan, George Duldulao and Lina Reyes, who were all on Honasan’s staff when he was senator.

"And we assure you that the work that needs to be done will be carried out here by the PNP (Philippine National Police)," he said.

"It will be easier for everybody if they turn themselves in so these cases can be litigated in court, instead of out there in the field where everybody gets tested physically in every way.

"Also it will clarify the issue of whether they are in fact behind these bombings that are going on in Metro Manila recently."— AFP, Cecille Suerte Felipe