Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MANILA 129
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Joseph L.
Novak for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 1.
(C) Summary: Cebu city remains abuzz about a recent string
of extrajudicial killings that has taken upwards of 25
lives. Philippine National Police (PNP) officials
confirmed that PNP is actively investigating the slayings,
which have divided the city, with the Cardinal and some
key local politicians condemning Cebu Mayor Tommy Osmena,
seen as the political force behind the violence. Other
observers believe that Osmena has gained popularity
through his "Dirty Harry"-like remarks indicating support
for the killings. Dep Polcouns reiterated strong U.S.
concerns. But PNP's active investigation of the situation
is positive, and sends a strong signal that the national
government is watching Cebu -- the second largest city in
the Philippines and a key economic entr epot -- very
closely. End Summary.
--------------------------
2. (C/NF) Dep Polcouns and senior pol FSN visited Cebu (in
the central Philippines) February 3 -4. The city was abuzz
with discussion of a string of extrajudicial killings that
has taken upwards of 25 lives of alleged criminals in the
last two months (reftels). Dep Polcouns met with General
Florencio Gador, the PNP's Regional Chief based in Cebu,
to express concern over the situation and as k about the
GRP's steps to end the killings. Gador confirmed that the
PNP is actively investigating the cases. He confirmed that
he arrived in Cebu in early January with explicit
instructions from PNP Chief Edgardo Aglipay to get to the
bottom of the violence.
--------------
A Divided City
--------------
---------------------------
-------
Comment
-------