What purposes do terror bombings serve?
Indeed apart from causing deaths and injuries and severely damaging property, bombings are the authors’ gruesome way of ‘talking’ to authorities and calling attention to their demands, whether implied or explicit.
Is there substance to the increasingly loud whispers now landing in the mainstream press about a plot to sow fear through terror bombings and thus give the Arroyo regime the justification to declare a state of emergency or even put the Philippines under martial law?
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090702-213425/We-did-bombings-for-govt
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-32/3-32-retrospect.html
Shades of Ferdinand Marcos?
There have been bombings in two or three places in Mindanao these past several days.
And earlier this week an explosion rocked the Office of the Ombudsman while improvised explosive devices were found in two places in Quezon City: at the Department of Agriculture and at the privately-owned condominium One Burgundy Place where the Arroyo family reportedly own a unit.
At the agriculture department the unexploded bomb was found to be made of the C-4 plastic explosive which is normally available only to the military.
Now there’s finger-pointing between the political opposition and administration quarters with the added speculation by some that the imperiled 2010 poll automation is part of the dark scenario called Oplan August Moon.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=482711&publicationSubCategoryId=63
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/12576-political-angle-eyed-in-failed-bombings.html
There’s also a report by Newsbreak magazine that there have been extortion-type pressures on the Filipino firm that has just pulled out of its partnership with the Smartmatic group in its winning bid for the automation of the elections:
http://newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6363&Itemid=88889051
These interlacing events are gravely disturbing if not injurious to public sanity, with the heightened deployment in the streets of heavily armed policemen giving citizens frightful recollections.
As this scenario plays out Filipinos are being told that Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has quietly returned from her two week trip to Japan and Brazil (with a side trip to Columbia) and motored directly to the plush Asian Hospital in Alabang to self-quarantine herself and make sure she’s not carrying the influenza AH1N1 virus.
She obviously feels secure.
Filipinos don’t.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Leave Marcos alone – no dots to connect, anyway.
This piece reads irresponsible – again, no dots to connect, anyway.
The partnership fall out of the winning COMELEC bidder and the couple of instances of bombings should be taken in isolation.
These are not ‘interwoven events’.
Public sanity is not under test. Next page please.
Your view. You are entitled to it.
“Is there substance to the increasingly loud whispers now landing in the mainstream press about a plot to sow fear through terror bombings and thus give the Arroyo regime the justification to declare a state of emergency or even put the Philippines under martial law?”
“loud whispers” = hot air
“mainstream press” = blowers of hot air
A conspiracy theory where everyone knows the conspiracy before it is “scheduled” to happen?
It seems that making — and keeping alive — this conspiracy is its own conspiracy. Why does the “mainstream press” keep stoking this rumor? Who IS this “mainstream press” anyway?
BTW, I didn’t notice the public being any more insane than usual today. How does one identify that the Public Sanity is being threatened, anyway?
Reality,
You said the same to those of us who questioned getting automated ballots done. Hot air, you said.
Life is full of risks. We calculate them on the best information we have, which sometimes is not much. We guess the probabilities.
It is not hot air. It is personal assessment.
Your credibility is down a rung now, so why listen to you anymore?
Joe
Joe,
The question about automation was whether or not there was enough time (probably not, it was said) and that there were these technical obstacles (many listed).
Many of the obstacles feared have already been adequately addressed by Comelec et al once one looks more deeply into the terms and consitions of the contracts. I just entered more such info in the COMELEC thread, btw, if you want more details.
And no, I did not foresee the players pulling the plug on themselves. Let’s wait and see about that whole issue; it’s still developing.
—————
In this case with Ding, I am referencing a continuing theme he and I have…which was raised in other threads, some of which was about this very Oplan.
My point has been about the use of unnamed sources. Without substantiation or valid cross-checking, anonymous sources’ output can only be considered the equivalence of rumors (or “hot air” as I put it this time).
I was also previously discussing my distrust of the media since they are full of misleading headlines, they often present rumors as facts and they fan the flames of political hash-slinging. Hence the “blowers of hot air”. Get it?
Now the last time Ding and I communicated about Oplan, he simply posted another writer’s piece. This time, it was his own. Last time Ding said he thought my views of anonymous quotes/stories was valid. But he used them this time, nonetheless.
I do not deprive him of his personal assessment; I am showing him that it’s a case of rumors being considered as reality. In my own opinion, I can’t fathom plotters plotting a future event with everyone watching them as they plan.
————
Anyway, the strength of the information he has presented relies, perhaps, on the strength of the “mainstream media’s” information.
So let’s take a look at that foundation…..
RC,
You’re surely entitled to your contrary opinion on this post which embodies my point of view, and quite a number I’ve been talking with since the other day.
As you also profess non=knowledge of the term mainstream press that’s also for you to appreciate. It may help if you check the op-eds, track radio commentaries, hey, even take coffee.
I also am sure you know about figures of speech. Cheers.
Ding,
OK, PDI…but I can guess Inquirer without even looking.
I can also guess the names of various journalists/opinion writers. Since Oplan is a story which the anti-administration types have brought out, I was wondering if there was any respectable non-partisan media source you could show me which has welcomed the Oplan story as a story?
In fact, IS THERE a middle-of-the-road “mainstream media” we can rely on for unbiased news? Or are they all aligned with one political side or another?
That’s ok, RC.
You’ve long tipped your hand. halata na.
Still I can’t begrudge you your loyalties, however misplaced they are.
Be well.
Ding,
Now you too?
What is the matter with you people? Are you paranoid? Delusional? What is this aversion to facts? Why is logic so easily distained? You guys can’t accept that someone exists with a critical eye towards those stuck in political polarizations?
(To be fair, I experienced the same polariztion and irrational, angry positions during the US’ Bush years whenever I visited there. A waste of energy as well.)
Ding, instead of trying to make wild guesses about what isn’t there, why don’t you just deal with what IS there — my words.
Are these stories you relayed to us rumors or facts? Can you answer that for me?
Is it normal and logical to broadcast an evil plan more than a month in advance, replete with actual names of the conspirators…and to keep pushing the plan?
Jeez. Hello?
And my other question was serious: Do you recommend a news source that is neither anti nor pro-GMA, but just factual and balanced? I’m serious.
Incidentally check the PDI editorial as well.
Where did I read this: “If journalists are the ‘Fourth Estate’, then bloggers are the ‘Fifth Estate’?
I don’t know but do we even have to parrot what Mainstream Media have to say even when clearly, the worldview has not two strong legs to stand on?
But there are minds poisoned by everything that mainstream media say and it is not good for our ‘public health’.
I am a bit certain, Prime, that in the wide democratic space obtaining, no one sector in media, old or new can credibly claim primacy.
But you know that, given your avowed habit of listening to DZMM and your long experience writing Letters To the Editor.
Malaya pa naman tayo.
I don’t know why Alice in Wonderland comes to mind again. Mad tea parties, queen ranting, knights swinging nasty croquet mallets, the stupidest grinning Cheshire cat imaginable. Disney animated version, of course. Love the caterpillar; reminds me of Randy David.
Joe
Who in his right mind would bomb the Department of Agriculture?
Maybe somebody who is frustrated of the prices of a ganta of rice.
It is like the scenario where Enrile contrived an ambush. So that
his boss, Marcos can declare Martial Law. The “Asungots” of Gloria
Arroyo are just bad copycats. They should had blown Sec. Yap to
pieces to authenticate their acts.
Anyway, the political comedy will continue until we elect a new
President. Remember these people are fighting to keep their jobs in
the government.
RC,
Tell me, you believe the reports coming out are all tales of fiction?
You talk with ‘authority’. Talk to your sources in the Establishment.
I’ve spoken to my contacts.
You don’t need to invoke ‘Jeez’.
I actually still want to believe there will be elections.
But my question stands:
“Is there substance to the increasingly loud whispers now landing in the mainstream press about a plot to sow fear through terror bombings and thus give the Arroyo regime the justification to declare a state of emergency or even put the Philippines under martial law?”
Can you help me answer it?
Can you tell me why there are bombings, and planted bombs?
Are C-4 explosives over the counter merchandise?
The Whispers are their Sounding Boards. If the Feedbacks are
Positive. They proceed. If Negative, and give them problems.
They will stop.
It is like kissing a girl. If she does not resist. She likes it.
If she slaps you. You will never kiss her again.
Sounds clear?
Spot on, Hyden.
Hyden,
What policy is being tested by these whispers? Martial law? What positive response was being seeked? Positive response towards what — bombings? Failed automations? Martial law???
Who have those sophisticated explosives? The Military. The MILF
have only IED (Improvised Explosive Devices). C-4 explosives are
hard to buy. Except by Drug Cartels who have billions of U.S. Dollars.
These Idiots do not even have brains. They cannot even defeat the
NPA and the MILF. Now they are bombing unarmed civilians. Ito lang
ang kaya nila. Mga duwag.
Ding,
I have no authority and no inside info.
Your “contacts” may be valid, but I have no idea — they are hidden from sight.
“Jeez. Hello?” — I learned from my children and their TV/movies. It simply means — “that makes no sense.” It is not meant as an insult to you, it’s meant to say that I doubt the plotters would let everything be revealed…and then continue to push forward while being watched”.
Yes, I beliebe Oplan Moon does not and never existed. If, though, it DID exist, it would have been aborted by now (considering all the attention).
————–
How to figure out the bombings? Not easy. But linking their existence to an alleged Oplan simply can’t be made with credibility. I could claim the bombs are linked to Michael Jackson’s death…and I would have as much proof as the Oplan consipracy theorists.
Why use C4? Well, its good stuff — stable yet effective and reliable from what I’ve read (during Glorietta bombings).
Now if you were super smart pro-martial law plotter and a member of the military, would you use material which is immediately identifiable with the military?
Did anyone claim responsibility?
Is there any link with the bomb scare at the Ombudsman office yesterday?
Why the Ombudsman?
Many questions, few facts, much speculation. Linking an unclaimed bombing to an alleged secret master plan is speculation based on speculation.
Reality,
Why the Ombudsman? The Ombudsman is responsible for stopping corruption, is my guess. You may see the good works they do, but many do not, and lay a heaping pile of blame on that office.
Joe
Do not, please, parse my statements INACCURATELY, RC.
No where in my post did I say mention that I’ve confirmed that such Oplan exists aside from citing the links to news reports.
Tell me please… “Is there substance to the increasingly loud whispers now landing in the mainstream press about a plot to sow fear through terror bombings and thus give the Arroyo regime the justification to declare a state of emergency or even put the Philippines under martial law?”
Ding,
Don’t worry, I try to be careful with that kind of thing. I never did or meant to imply that you have confirmed anything. In fact, that’s my point — there’s no evidence, no confirmation, no known parties involved, no known links, nothing. It’s all speculation.
Your “Shades of Marcos?” rhetorical question and the three images used, though, gives a sense of credibility to the linkage of bombs and Oplan by military admin loyalists. It’s an implication of linkage. I could have replaced Marcos’ face with Michael Jackson’s, but no one would buy the linkage. The reason your pics have some credibility is because there are already so many “journalists” from “mainstream media” repeatedly throwing out the Oplan theory into public space. Repeat something enough and it morphs into “fact” (myth would be more apt).
Look at the way the specualtion gets linked to other speculation (by the media and some pockets of personalities/politicians). We have seen this before. After a while, the existence of all of these various speculations, linked with other speculations somehow become a “smoking gun”…and then we hear “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
Is there an Oplan? I doubt it. But it’s earthly possible. So are a lot of things, though.
So the answer to your question is: No. There is no substance.
My question now: Is there substance to the increasingly loud whispers about a plot to sow fear through terror bombings and thus give credence to the bogus theory that the Arroyo regime is seeking justification to declare a state of emergency or even put the Philippines under martial law?
Another question: If we have heard — from these same sources — that martial law is inevitable…and yet it has never occured…should we believe the same rumors yet again?
———–
An outstanding question you didn’t answer yet: Do you recommend a news source that is neither anti nor pro-GMA, but just factual and balanced? I’m serious.
————-
Another question: Why did you write this — “You’ve long tipped your hand. halata na.”? What do you mean? When I try to seperate facts from fiction, what hand am I playing? Why is seeking the facts a “hand” in the first place?
oops — I lost control of the Bold function. Sorry.
I feel that reality check did state his observations of ding’s blog all too clearly and the ‘thrusts’ of such blog are there likewise stated in accordance with that usual style of writing – reportorial, call it that.
The ball is still in ding’s court – how indeed he can do justice to what reality check has been wanting to get clarified. And I always hear these not just from ding but even from other writers – challenging the reader to point at which part of the blog has this or that been said.
Play square, I guess.
No worry, Primer.
I’ve just completed touching base with 4 direct sources in Camp Aguinaldo, and Camp Crame.
Abangan.
My montages, as you realize, are the equivalent of editorial cartoons, and thus embody my POV.
You are welcome to do yours.
Ding,
I was hoping you’d answer my questions…..
Genuinely inquisitive?
See my last exchange with Primer above.
Review your Q’s.
Am sure you know where I’m coming from in relation to this and previous threads you’ve had with others here at FV.
No need to play possum.
Ding,
Please stop with the “hidden hand” and “possum” BS. It’s starting to get irritating. Again, stop trying to read my mind and see my soul; please just deal with what’s being said/asked. Why do you keep keep doing this?
———–
I asked if you have an opinion about which newspaper/tv is pretty unbiased. This is not a trick question; I don’t have much exposure to the various options.
———–
I also turned your own question around (“Is there substance….?”).
———–
Sorry, but all I saw with Primer is that you have specified the number of unnamed, anonymous sources. I don’t see how that changes anything or addresses my “why” questions — why C4? Why did no one take responsibility? Why the Ombudsman office?).
After all, you have basically taken ownership of the Oplan Moon possibility and there are several issues which don’t seemingly mesh well with facts/logic. Please don’t be surprised or offended if I probe a bit.
RC,
You want to keep the exchange at the sober level, I would guess, in contrast to your exchange with say MB?
Then read back your:
“I don’t have much exposure to the various options.”
“…you have basically taken ownership of the Oplan Moon possibility…”
Di naman siguro tayo tanga.
You’re in Metro Manila right?
You want me to believe that in wholesale manner the news media are biased against GMA?
I’ve been in journalism long enough to know that despite the press being naturally adversarial, there are sustained efforts to be fair and balanced, and objective whenever possible.
Await my next post, if you care to. Here at FV and in my home blog.
Ding,
God, please no! I don’t want — nor expect — a conversation with you similar to one with MB. He doesn’t converse. You do. No need to ask me to keep it civil; I commit to it.
So, dealing with “substance”…
I think that there are portions of the media which are PRO-admin. That’s why I’m asking which ones you think are UN-biased. It’s not a trick question, you know.
For example, there are some who will say Oplan Moon is all an admin/milit plan, while others will say this is an opposition trick/misdirection. Is there a medium which will give both interpretations a fair share of space?
———-
Anyway, can you now answer the questions I asked? They weren’t offensive or personal; they are legit inquiries, no?
http://philippinecommentary.blogspot.com/2009/07/so-called-oplan-august-moon-and-rivalry.html
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/12575-palace-eyes-military-adventurists-in-destabilization-plot.html