Deniece Cornejo and Cedric Lee To Post Bail

The Taguig Regional Trial Court has allowed model Deniece Cornejo, businessman Cedric Lee and Simeon Raz, Jr. to post bail in connection with the serious illegal detention case filed against them by actor-host Vhong Navarro.
The court said the prosecution was not able to present enough proof that serious illegal detention was done.

According to a source at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the bail doe Lee, Cornejo, and Raz was set at P500,000 each.
Vhong Navarro's lawyer reacts in another dzMM interview, Navarro's lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga said that she was "shocked" and "dismayed" by the court's decision.

She went on to point out that Navarro's testimony, wherein he said he was threatened with a gun and asked to pay money in exchange for his freedom, clearly proved that Lee, Cornejo, and Raz were guilty of serious illegal detention.

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RORO Vessels Sinks Off Near Leyte-Surigao

A Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) ferry boat, MV Maharlika-2, sank between Southern Leyte and Surigao after it was battered by big waves. All its passengers abandoned the ship and were rescued by sister vessel, Maharlika 4, and a foreign vessel.
MV Maharlika-2 was manned by Capt. Juan B. Cayago. According to the ship's manifest, it carried 58 passengers (56 adults and two children), 26 crew members, and 13 rolling cargoes. These figures were cited in the initial incident report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
However, in a phone interview with ANC on Saturday, Southern Leyte Governor Roger Mercado said they were checking out reports that said the ship actually had over 100 passengers. Mercado later said that at least 23 people were not recorded in the ship's manifest.
Deputy presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte revealed that Cayago had told the Coast Guard there were actually 116 people on board when the vessel went down. The figure is in contrast with earlier reports that there were only 84 passengers and crew on the manifest.
"They are trying to get a more precise number of the people who were on the vessel," Valte said.
As of 12:30 p.m., there were 113 people reported rescued. The authorities also said that three people had died.
Ship's route
At around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, MV Maharlika-2—a vessel of Archipelago Ferries Corporation—departed from Lipata Port. It was bound for the Liloan Port.
The ship was six nautical miles northwest of Binit Point, Panaoan Island, it experienced steering problems due to the big waves and strong current.
Search and rescue efforts
The Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV), Coast Guard Station (CGS) Maasin, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS), and CGSS Liloan were immediately directed to provide assistance to the ship.
At around 9:20 p.m., the passengers and crew abandoned MV Maharlika-2.
At around 11 p.m., the responding ship, MV Maharlika-4, arrived at the Lipata Port carrying 32 survivors.
Meanwhile, foreign vessel MV Lara Venture rescued 18 people, while MT St. Martin rescued five people. MV Orient King was also in the area to help in the search and rescue efforts.
As of early Sunday morning, September 13, at least 29 people were still missing.
Search and rescue operation continue to be conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Emergency Response Services of Surigao City.
CGS Surigao and MV Maharlika-2's manager are now assisting survivors for processing and proper disposition.

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Miguel Cotto Wins Against Sergio Martinez

Miguel Cotto became the first Puerto Rican fighter to win world championships in four weight divisions, stopping Sergio Martinez in their WBC world middleweight title fight Saturday night.

Sergio Martinez, Miguel Cotto easily make weight for title fight Yahoo Sports
Cotto seeks Puerto Rico first in title bout vs Martinez Reuters
Can Sergio Martinez's body hold up against an improved Miguel Cotto? Yahoo Sports
Cotto-Martinez gamesmanship shows fighters will still do anything for an edge Yahoo Sports
Bad blood in Martinez-Cotto matchup The Associated Press
Martinez didn't get off the stool when the bell rang for the 10th round.

Cotto improved to 39-4 and is 8-1 at Madison Square Garden. Martinez fell to 51-3-2.

In the week leading up to the fight, Cotto's trainer, Freddie Roach, said his pupil would be able to use his footwork to control the fight, and still possessed power even though he moved up in weight class.

Cotto proved Roach right from the opening bell, knocking down Martinez twice in the first round with a flurry of body shots. As the fight progressed, Cotto pressured Martinez around the ring, and attacked when openings were presented.

Martinez forced Cotto to fight in the middle of the ring instead of on the ropes or in the corners. But Cotto was able to land a variety of jabs and hooks. By the end of the eighth round, Martinez had swelling around his right eye.

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May 2014 Civil Engineering Board Exam Results

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,862 out of 4,289 passed the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Civil Engineering in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi and Lucena this May 2014.

The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examination.

The members of the Board of Civil Engineering are Engr. Apollo S. Enriquez, Chairman and Engr. Praxedes P. Bernardo, Member.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on May 19, 2014 but not later than May 21, 2014. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2014-2017. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremonies of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

May 2014 Civil Engineering Board Exam Results

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Fort Bonifacio Explosion

A Fort Bonifacio explosion news has raised fears to residents living in one of the country’s premier financial community. The Fort Bonifacio explosion reportedly occurred in the Philippine Army ammunitions depot on Wednesday, May 7, 2014.Reports say that 25 people were injured with at least two in critical condition.

According to witnesses, a fire initially broke out of the Army Support Command(ASC). Firefighters immediately arrived in the area but a huge explosion sent bullets, debris and shrapnels flying into the surrounding.

Witnesses say that black smoke has engulfed the area and several victims were seen scattered on the ground after the explosion.

The victims were immediately taken to the army hospital. Identities of the victims are still being withheld by authorities.

Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said that authorities are now looking into the cause of the blaze. Detoyato assured that civilians living near the ASC are safe and need not worry.

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Deniece Cornejo Surrenders

Model Deniece Cornejo, one of five people charged with serious illegal detention in connection with the January 22 mauling of actor Vhong Navarro, surrendered on Monday afternoon to authorities.

Cornejo arrived at Camp Crame in Quezon City at around 4 p.m., PNP Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said.

Cornejo was accompanied by her immediate family, including granduncle Rod, and the senior Cornejo's legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.

According to Sindac, Cornejo was brought to the office of PNP chief Alan Purisima to discuss her surrender.

"Siya ay nagprisinta ng sarili niya and she appeared before the chief PNP (Purisima) and had a short talk [with him]," Sindac told ANC. "It was a short conversation. [Purisima] has emphasized that she will be treated fairly and will be given the proper treatment."

Cornejo was then transported via a coaster to the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) building, where she was processed under the Women and Children Protection Desk.
Cornejo's co-accused, Cedric Lee and Simeon Raz were arrested for the same non-bailable offense in Oras, Eastern Samar last April 25 after weeks in hiding.

Sindac said they have yet to verify whether Cornejo was hiding with Lee and Raz, following evidence that the two had a female companion in Samar. However, Topacio denied that Cornejo was ever in the area with her co-accused.

"I'm not at liberty to tell you where she was but I believe that there's no harm in saying that... she was never there," Topacio told ANC.

Cornejo will be brought to the Taguig Regional Trial Court on Tuesday, CIDG head Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong told DZMM.

'Confident of innocence'

Topacio, who was tapped by Rod Cornejo to help Deniece "a few weeks ago," said his client had been wanting to surface as she was always confident of her innocence in the controversy involving Navarro.

"I think she really wanted to give up and face the accusations against her being very confident of her innocence," Topacio said. "Of course, she is young and being accused of these things, she was [making up her] mind about it, and because of the uncertainty as to what will happen."

Topacio added: "I think having received good counsel from her lawyers, and also from her relatives, she finally decided to turn herself in and face the charges."

The lawyer said Cornejo was also encouraged to surrender after learning of her granduncle Rod's plea for her to face the charges against her.

While Topacio did not disclose details of the surrender, ABS-CBN News learned that Cornejo's family contacted PNP Human Rights Affairs Office head Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Banas, with whom they are acquainted, to express Deniece's intention to surrender.

Aside from Cornejo, Lee, and Raz, arrest warrants for serious illegal detention were issued against Ferdinand Guerrero and Jed Fernandez -- who remain at large.

All five, plus Lee's sister Bernice and Jose Paolo Calma, were issued separate arrest warrants for grave coercion.

Bernice, Cornejo and Fernandez earlier posted P12,000 bail each for the criminal offense. Calma, meanwhile, left the Philippines last April 10 despite a lookout bulletin order mentioning his name.

Lee and his co-accused have claimed that they had to attack Navarro to supposedly rescue Cornejo, who alleged that she was raped by the actor when he visited her last January 22 at her condominium unit at Forbeswood Heights in Taguig.

Navarro denied raping Cornejo and alleged that he was blindfolded, tied up and mauled by Lee's group. The "It's Showtime" co-host claimed that Lee's group forced him to say on camera that he raped Cornejo, and that they used the video and a police blotter detailing the alleged rape to threaten him against reporting the incident.

The Department of Justice has since dismissed Cornejo's rape complaint against Navarro.

Meanwhile, Navarro's manager, film director Chito Rono said the timing of Cornejo's surrender of "suspicious," and advised the actor and his legal team "to be ver cautious for any drama."

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Mayweather vs Maidana - Floyd Mayweather Wins

Undefeated welterweight Floyd Mayweather did all his hard work in the second half of the bout to overcome a stiff challenge from the fast-starting Marcos Maidana and unify two world titles in Las Vegas on Saturday.
At the end of 12 bruising rounds, American Mayweather (46-0, 26 KOs) was awarded a majority decision victory, adding the hard-hitting Argentine's World Boxing Association belt to his World Boxing Council title.
For the first few rounds, however, it looked as if Mayweather was in serious danger of losing his vaunted unbeaten record against a fighter launching a blizzard of punches and trapping the American against the ropes at every turn.
Eventually Mayweather was able to assert control, nullifying Maidana's assault and launching vicious counter-attacks of his own, picking up points with his jab as his opponent sought to bulldoze his way in close.
Mayweather exuded confidence while awaiting the decision, with one judge ruling the fight a 114-114 draw while the other two scored the bout 117-111 and 116-112 in his favor, but acknowledged he had been in a hard battle.
"This was a tough, competitive fight, what the fans want to see," he told a post-fight interviewer in the ring.
"Normally I go out there, I box, I move. Finally, I was in a tough, competitive fight. He's a tough competitor and we gave the fans what they wanted to see."
FAST START
Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs) began brightly, backing Mayweather to the ropes, landing clubbing punches from all angles and cutting the American above his right eye following an accidental clash of heads.
Supreme in defense, Mayweather was able to block many of his opponent's punches and launch short counters of his own but through four rounds, Maidana was out-working his more celebrated foe and ensuring the bout was fought on his own terms.
By round six, Mayweather was using his footwork to stay off the ropes and control the center of the ring, where he launched powerful hooks and right crosses to Maidana's body and head.
Even as Mayweather took over, Maidana kept coming, continuing to throw punches even as his workrate and accuracy declined.
When the final bell sounded, he and many of those in the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena felt he had done enough to get the decision.
"I definitely feel like I won this fight. Floyd did not fight like a man, like I expected him to," Maidana protested.
The victory sets Mayweather up for a possible contest against Britain's Amir Khan, who outpointed Luis Collazo on the undercard, although the American appeared willing to consider suggestions that Maidana had done enough to earn a second shot.
"If the fans want to see it again, we'll do it again," he added

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Cedric Lee Arrested in Samar

Businessman Cedric Lee and another accused in the alleged mauling of comedian/host Vhong Navarro were served with arrest warrants on Saturday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima confirmed in a text message that Lee and another accused, Zimmer Raz, were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the local police around 11:15 a.m. Saturday in the remote area of Oras, Eastern Samar.

Lee and Raz were arrested for serious illegal detention and grave coercion cases in relation to the mauling incident at a luxury condominium in Taguig City last January 22.

The two accused will be detained at the NBI facility in Manila, de Lima said.

"My instruction is for them to be brought to Manila ASAP. They will be detained first at the NBI detention facility pending the commitment order from RTC-Taguig," de Lima said.

The arrest warrants for grave coercion cases were issued by the Taguig Metropolitan Trial Court branch 74 against Lee, Raz, model/stylist Deniece Cornejo, Bernice Lee, Jed Fernandez, Ferdinand Guerrero and Jose Paolo Calma last April 11.

Cornejo, Bernice Lee and Fernandez were able to post P12,000 bail for their temporary freedom.

A separate warrant for serious illegal detention, a non-bailable offense, was then issued by the Taguig Regional Trial Court branch 271 last April 15 for the accused, except Bernice Lee and Calma.

Earlier, a television report said a certain Cedric Lee booked a flight for Dubai on April 12 but it was subsequently cancelled.

Lee, whose group beat up Navarro at a condominium unit in Taguig, had said he has no plan to leave the country and run away from the cases

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US visa-free entry for Filipinos a Hoax

In an official statement, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines said "there is no truth to what appears to be an online news report that the United States has announced a ‘no visa’ policy for Filipinos."

The US Department of State has denied making such an announcement, according to the Philippine Embassy. The news article, which was posted on the website called Adobo Chronicles, is "a satirical piece that should not be taken seriously," it added.

The fake report says Filipinos are no longer required to obtain a visa to stay in any US state, except Alaska, and the no-visa entry is valid for sixty days.

In order to avail the program, the article says one should download and accomplish a biographical form for submission to the US Embassy together with four 2×2 colored ‘selfie’ photos at least one week before departure.

The website, which self-claims to be "the best source of unbelievable news," has been slammed by netizens for its "irresponsible" reporting.

A commenter even criticized the site for giving people “false hopes.” She claimed that her mother called, crying because she thought the article was for real.

"You have no idea how heartbreaking it was to tell her that this article is a hoax. Congratulations Adobo chronicles, hope you are happy and getting the traffic you wished for," she posted.

Many people find satires funny and entertaining, it's a fact, but others may find it disturbing specially if the issue or subject at hand is so sensitive it would affect lives.

Obviously, Adobo Chronicles achieved its goal to grab attention, generate clicks and gain traffic. However, the writer should have considered the emotions of those who might be affected after reading a supposed good news that turned out to be a hoax.

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Who is Cedric Lee?

Cedric Lee was named with Bernice Cua Lee, who was caught what Vhong Navarro was doing when they arrived at the residence of the 22-year-old unidentified girl. The two reportedly made a citizen’s arrest and brought the TV host to the district headquarters.

The police record further stated that the girl cried for help while Navarro was on top of her and continuously 'hurting the victim for his lewd desires.'
Some netizens tweeted this picture (left), and they're pointing out Cedric Lee, who is Vina Morales' ex boyfriend (since two years ago), a businessman and the father of her 4-year-old daughter Ceana. There's no reaction yet from Vina or confirmation that the Cedric Lee included in the blackmail with Denise Millet Cornejo is this man.

Six years ago (January 2008), Cedric was among the five people summoned by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the alleged beat up and stole the valuables of decathlete-turned-businessman David Bunevacz in November 2007. In 2009, his name was also mentioned as one of the people behind for the circulation of Katrina Halili and Hayden Kho controversial video.

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Who is Deniece Milinette Cornejo?

Who is Deniece Milinette Cornejo?

The woman who accused TV host-actor Vhong Navarro of attempted rape was a no-show at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
NBI-National Capital Region (NCR) assistant regional director Vicente de Guzman said they have sent a subpoena to Deniece Milet Cornejo to answer questions regarding the incident involving Navarro but she failed to appear Monday.
De Guzman said the actor mentioned Cornejo as the one who occupying the condominium unit where he was mauled by six to seven men.
De Guzman said failure to appear would mean “they would lose their chance to air their side in our investigation.”
He said they will file the case based on the evidence they have at hand.
The NBI already summoned the security guard on duty at the time of the incident and asked for a copy of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of Forbeswood Heights, the condominium unit.
De Guzman, however, refused to identify who will be included in the complaint saying they are still investigating the matter.
“We are already winding up our investigation,” he said.
The comedian has been confined at an undisclosed hospital since Thursday to recover from injuries that he suffered from the mauling incident on Wednesday night at Cornejo’s unit.
Navarro also admitted that he signed an entry dated Jan. 22 in a police blotter in which he was accused of raping 22-yeard-old Cornejo in her condo. He pointed out, however, that he only did so under duress.
Meanwhile, a source from the NBI said the testimony of Navarro is “consistent” with the CCTV footage inside the condominium and the testimony of the security guard Lero Garvin.
Garvin said he saw Navarro, wearing a blue t-shirt, shorts and a ball cap, emerging from the elevator, with his hands tied with a duct tape behind his back, on January 22.
The security guard also noticed at least 7 men and Cornejo surrounding the actor as they exited the building.
The NBI learned from Garvin that Cornejo was a new tenant at the condominium unit in Forbes Wood Heights and was renting a unit owned by a certain Soledad Ramos.
Meanwhile, the CCTV footage obtained by the NBI also showed a hand-tied Navarro, together with the suspects going inside the elevator.

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Vhong Navarro Tells All - Boy Abunda's Interview

Boy Abunda's Interview with Vhong Navarro :
Host-actor Vhong Navarro denied allegations that he raped a woman which provoked a group of men to attack him inside a condominium unit at The Fort in Taguig last January 22.
For the first time since the news broke on Friday, Navarro detailed what transpired on the night he was attacked.
Below is the transcript of Navarro’s full interview on “Buzz ng Bayan” which aired Sunday.
Boy Abunda (BA): Maraming salamat sa pagkakataong ito. Mula sa aking puso hindi ko inaasahan na tayo ay makakapag-usap dahil sa iyong kalagayan. Ang daming umiikot na mga usap-uspan. Maraming mga balita sa mga diyaryo at mga Internet. Ang pinaka-latest nga ay patay ka na raw. Bakit binabasag mo ang katahimikan mo?
Vhong Navarro (VN): Tito Boy, una po sa lahat, kinakabahan ako. Kinakabahan ako hindi lang sa sarili ko, kinakabahan ako para sa mga anak ko. Kinakabahan ako para sa pamilya ko kasi Tito boy ‘yung ginawa nila sa akin, grabe. Binaboy nila ako, tinakot nila ako, pinaratangan na papatayin yung mga anak ko, yung mga magulang ko, pati ako.
Ang tagal ko na sa industriya, wala pa akong inagrabyado. Ginagawa ko ‘to kasi alam ko na pwedeng maulit ito. Kung sa akin nagawa ito, I’m sure sa mga maliliit na tao puwede nilang gawin. Pwedeng maulit ito. Pwedeng maulit.
BA: Hanggang saan ang laban na ito Vhong?
VN: Gusto ko lang sana ng justice. Gusto ko may mangyaring hustisya. Gusto kong may pagbayaran ang gumawa nito sa akin.
BA: Pupuntahan ko muna ang takot. Natatakot ka para sa mga anak mo, sa pamilya mo dahil pinagbantaan ka?
VN: Opo, kung magsusumbong ako sa mga pulis. Kaya pumasok po ‘yung blotter. Ano po ‘yun eh …may pangba-blackmail po na nangyari.
BA: ‘Yung blotter na pinirmahan mo 11:49, January 22. Iyan ay sinasabi mo isang uri ng…
VN: Nakalagay po doon is hindi nila itutuloy, hindi sila magrereklamo kasi nga may usapan. Ginawa lang ‘yung blotter na ‘yun just in case magsumbong ako, meron silang panghahawakn para sa akin.
BA: Ang ibig sabihin itong blotter na ito, may usapan. Pagkatapos ng blotter na ito, hindi ka magrereklamo, hindi ka rin magkwe-kwento, hindi ka rin magpapa-interview basta…
VN: Basta ibigay ko ang gusto nila na magbabayad ako ng P1 million. From P200,000, to P500,000 umabot pa ng P1 million at sinagad pa nila ng P2 million. Sabi ko hindi ko na po kaya. Damage ko daw dun sa babae.
BA: Nagbayad ka na?
VN: Hindi po.
BA: Ano ang inyong usapan? Kailan ka magbabayad?
VN: Kaya nila ako pinakawalan, sinoli ‘yung cellphone ko para meron kaming transaction na magaganap na kailangan kong ibigay, kung nangyari siya ng January 23 ng madaling araw, kailangan ko daw ibigay ng hapon. Tatawag daw sila at magte-text kung saang bank account and saang bangko.
BA: Ano ba talaga ang nagyari? Paano kayo nagkita? Ang daming lumalabas na mga kwento. Diumano’y ikaw ay na-set up. Na-set up ka ng isang babae, dinala ka sa isang condo unit sa The Fort kung saan pagpasok mo mayroon ng mga tao, mga lalaking naghihintay, tinutukan ka. May isang bersyon naman na nagsasabing sumama ka sa isang girl sa isang unit sa The Fort at habang kayo ay nagtatalik, pumasok ang boyfriend, sumigaw ng rape at sigurado akong marami pang ibang bersyon. Ano ang totoo?
VN: Dalawang beses po ako pumunta doon. Pumunta po ako doon nung Friday, January 17 po, siguro mga 10:30 to 10:45 ng gabi ako pumunta doon. Sinundo niya ako sa lobby kasi daw mahigpit daw po doon ang guards.
BA: Sino ang babaeng ito?
VN: Si Deniece Milet Cornejo. Sinundo niya ako sa lobby dahil sabi niya mahigpit. Niyaya niya ako umakyat, may dala akong white wine dahil sabi niya kasi ‘yun lang ang pwede niyang inumin.
BA: Magkaibigan ba kayo ni Deniece?
VN: Opo, kakilala ko na po siya two years ago pa.
BA: So ano ang intensyon mo ng pagdalaw mo nung January 17? Was it upon her invitation?
VN: Invitation niya po.
BA: First time ba ito or nangyari na ba ito dati?
VN: First time ulit naming magkikita after namin mag-meet two years ago. Siya ‘yung nag-text sa akin kung kelan ulit kami magkikita. Kasi sabi ko noon kung magkikita kami, sana parang ASAP na. Busy siya. ‘I’ll text you na lang kung kailan pwede.’
BA: Was it a friendly meeting?
VN: Yes.
BA: Hindi mo girlfriend?
VN: No.
BA: So pagdating mo doon, sinalubong ka sa lobby, umakyat kayo.
VN: Opo. Sinamahan niya ako hanggang pagpasok. Nag-inuman kami. Kasi ako Tito Boy hindi ako gagawa ng move kung hindi siya nagpakita ng motibo na may gustong mangyari.
BA: Anong naganap?
VN: May nangyari po pero walang sexual intercourse.
BA: After that, nag-usap? Paano kayo naghiwalay? Paano natapos ang gabi?
VN: Maayos po ang paghihiwalay namin. Kasi kung ayaw niya, sana sumigaw siya ng rape, sana may kalmot ako pag-uwi, may galos ako, meron siyang galos or sakal pero wala po. Maliwanag po na gusto niya yung nangyari. Umalis ako, sinabi ko pa sa kanya na, ‘O isarado mo ang pinto kasi baka mamaya may pumasok pa sayo diyan.’ So sinara niya, ni-lock niya. Pumasok ako sa kotse.
Pauwi ako nag-text siya. Sabi niya, ‘Bad boy ka.’ Sa akin, ano ang ibig sabihin ng bad boy ka? Dahil ba hindi ko tinuloy na may mangyari? Hindi ko alam. Kaya ang sagot ko po, ‘I’m sorry bawi ako.’ Ibig sabihin, hindi pa rin natapos ang pagkikita namin doon dahil pwede pa akong bumalik at magpakita sa kanya. Tinatawagan ko siya, hindi niya sinasagot. Hanggang sa nakauwi na ako sa bahay, siya na ‘yung tumatawag, hindi ko na nasagot.
Nag-text siya kinabukasan. Sabi niya pwede daw ba pag-usapan ‘yung nangyari. Sabi ko, ‘Oo naman.’ Sabi niya ‘Puwede ka ba tonight?’ January 18 na ito, Saturday. Gusto daw niya mag-dinner kami sa bahay niya, magluluto daw siya. Sabi ko huwag na kasi hindi rin ako puwede. Set na lang next time. Nagbigay siya ng Monday, nagbigay siya ng ibang araw, ang binigay ko Wednesday.
Ang weird lang kasi nung time na ‘yun, sweet na siya. Tinatawag niya akong sweetie, sinasabihan akong kumain ka na. From bad boy, biglang sweet na.
BA: These are text messages? Nasa iyo ito?
VN: Binura nila. So nung Wednesday na, tinanong ko ulit siya. Kasi malinis ang kunsensya ko eh. Sabi ko, ‘Tuloy ba?’ Sabi niya, ‘Oo tuloy.’ Sabi niya nga sa akin hindi na siya magluluto, ‘Magdala ka ng food ko.’ After nung ginawa kong iyon, pumunta ako sa The Fort, kumain kami ng friends ko sa isang restaurant, nag-take out ako ng food. Pinuntahan ko na siya mga ganoon din, mga 10:45 din. Kasi ang usapan namin 10:30, mga ganun.
Ito na. Nung nag-take out ako ng food, papunta na ako sa kanya, tumawag ako sa kanya. Sabi ko nandito na ako sa lobby. Sabi niya, ‘Okay na, diretso ka na. Kita na lang tayo sa elevator. Magkita tayo sa baba.’ Sabi ko, ‘Okay, akala ko kasi mahigpit eh.’ Yun kasi nung una ang sabi niya eh. Pagdating ko doon, ‘yung guard, deadma. May dalawang yaya pang nakakita sa akin, kumaway pa.
Pagdating ko doon, ang tagal nung elevator bumaba. May bumukas na paakyat so sumabay na ako paakyat. Nagkita kami sa taas. Nagulat siya. Sabi niya, ‘Akala ko sa baba tayo magkikita?’ ‘Eh ang tagal ng elevator.’ Ito na papasok na kami, weird yung sinabi niyang line, doon na ako medyo kinabahan.
Pagbukas ng pinto, sabi niya, ‘Ikaw naman binigla mo ako, binigla mo ako, hindi pa ako nakapaglinis.’ Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Alam mo naman na pupunta ako.’ Paglagay ko ng food, papunta ako sa sofa, bigla siyang lumabas. Pagharap ko palabas na siya, may lumabas na lalaking nakatutok na sa akin na baril.
Tapos lumabas na si Cedric Lee. Una minumukhaan ko siya pero nagpakilala na rin siya sa akin. Ang ginawa niya tinali niya ‘yung kamay ko, tinali niya ‘yung paa ko. Yung ulo ko nilagay nila sa sahig tapos pinagsasapak ako ni Cedric.
BA: Ilan sila?
VN: Dalawa pa lang muna sila. Pinagsasapak ako. Tapos po nilalagyan ako ng busal sa bibig. Sabi nila, ‘Huwag ka sisigaw, kapag sumigaw ka papatayin ko pamilya mo, papatayin ko mga anak mo, papatayin kita.’ So hindi ako sumigaw, kalmado lang ako.
Nung na-blindfold ako, narinig ko may bumukas na pinto, may nagpasukan, may mga sumapak na po sa akin ulit, may gumulpi sa akin ulit. After noon, nilagyan pa rin ako ng busal sa bibig. Tinanggal ‘yung blindfold, binaba po ‘yung pants ko, vini-video po nila ako.
Mula sa sofa, nilagay nila ako sa kung saan ko nilagay ‘yung food at pinapasabi nila sa akin: ‘Ako si Vhong Navarro, at ni-rape ko ang kaibigan ko.’ Nung mali ang sinabi ko, sinapak ako ulit ni Cedric. Sinapak po ulit ako. ‘Ayusin mo. Ulitin mo.’ Binaboy po nila ‘yung itsura nung…
Ulitin ko daw ‘yung sinabi ko na ako si Vhong Navarro and nang-rape ako ng kaibigan. After nun, pinaakyat ‘yung shorts ko tapos nagbibiruan sila na sipain mo nga ‘yan. Sa mga kasamahan po nila ito.
BA: Ilan sila?
VN: I think mga six or seven sila, ‘yun ang bilang ko. Sinipa po ulit ako. Sinapak po ulit ako. Sabi nung naka-gray na lalaki na naka-body fit, ‘Bigyan mo ng P200,000 si Deniece, damage mo sa kanya.’ Sabi ko sige po. Gumaganon na lang po ako dahil natatakot ako. Baka later on ano na ang sunod nilang gawin, baka barilin na nila ako. Sabi ni Cedric, ‘Hindi, gawin mong P500,000.’ Tapos lumapit sa akin ‘yung isang Mike, sabi niya, ‘O, dadalahin kita sa presinto. Ipapa-blotter kita. Proteksyon namin ito sa ‘yo kasi baka magsumbong ka. Pero ‘yung pagdadalahan ko sa ‘yo, ‘yung pagba-blotter-an natin, wala masyadong tao so safe ka pa rin.’ Ganun po sila. Sabi ko sige po. Binaba nila ako sa condo, nakita ako ng guard pero walang paninita na nangyari.
BA: Kailan ka tinanggalan ng mga tali?
VN: Tinanggal lang ‘yung sa paa para makapaglakad po ako pero ‘yung kamay naka-tape. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang ginawa nilang blocking pero pinagsumbrero lang po ako na bumababa pero nakatali ‘yung kamay ko. Sinakay nila ako sa van. Naka-shorts ako. Ziniplock pa lahat ng duguan.
During bumabiyahe po kami, humirit ‘yung Cedric na ‘O imbes na P500,000 gawin mo ng P1 million.’
Hanggang sa nakarating na kami, medyo liblib po so pagpasok namin, medyo hindi ko masyado nakita kung prisinto po or kung ano. Pagdating doon, may logbook, nagsasalaysay na si Deniece. Kinakausap ako nung Mike, sabi niya, ‘Sinasabi ko sa ‘yo, sundin mo lang gusto naming, ibigay mo lang ‘yung gusto namin, wala kang video na lalabas. Walang media na lalabas basta ibigay mo lang yung usapan natin.’
During that, narinig ko sinasabi ni Deniece na nahuli daw kami sa akto na nire-rape ko siya kaya daw dumating at ginulpi ako. Parang ganun. Naririnig ko ng konti kasi habang kinakausap ako, naririnig ko lang si Deniece diyan banda.
BA: Sino daw ang nakahuli kung naaalala mo?
VN: Hindi ko na po [maalala]. After noon, pinapirma na ako sa blotter tapos tinawag ako ulit ni Cedric sa labas. Lumabas ako, tinawag ako ni Cedric, ‘Iimbes na P1 million, P2 million na.’ Sabi ko wala na akong perang ganun. Hindi ko na kayang ibigay ‘yun, sabi ko hanggang P1 million lang. Bumalik ako doon, sabi ko sa pulis, kung pwede ako maghilamos kasi may mga dugo pa ako. Sabi nila kung pwede daw hingin side ko, sabi ko huwag na po.
BA: Sabi ng? Nakilala ka nila?
VN: Ng pulis. Opo, nung una po parang hindi kasi sobrang maga ‘yung mukha ko. Sabi nila kung gusto ko ilabas statement ko. Sabi ko ayaw ko na po, natatakot ako. Kung ilalabas ko tapos nandoon sila, baka kung ano na namang gawin sa akin. After nun, sabi ni Mike ihahatid daw nila ako sa condo kung nasaan ‘yung kotse ko. Lumabas ‘yung Mike saglit, kinausap ko ‘yung pulis sabi ko ‘Kung puwede po ba kayo ang maghatid sa akin?’ Nung hinatid po nila ako…
BA: Sinong naghatid sa ‘yo?
VN: ‘Yung pulis, kaya lang kasama ‘yung Mike, may isa pang lalaki and mayroon pang isa. Kasama po nila itong mga sumama. Binaba nila ako sa kotse ko. Kumatok pa yung Mike tapos sabi, ‘O mag-ingat kayo.’
After noon, kinuha ni Mike ‘yung number ko. Nakuha din ni Cedric ‘yung number ko kasi para din sa transaction.
BA: Transaction dahil ang ibig sabihin ‘yung P1 million kailan mo ibibigay?
VN: January 23.
BA: Ang inyong agreement ay ibibigay ang?
VN: Ang pera ng January 23.
BA: May oras?
VN: Wala po, wala ding lugar kailangan ko lang i-deposit. May binigay silang bangko. After nun, kumatok yung Mike tapos sabi nung Mike, ‘O ingat kayo.’ Sabi ko sa driver ko, ‘Isarado mo na yung bintana. Alis na tayo. Huwag mo na tignan iyan.’ Tapos tumawag. Tumawag at sinabi nung Mike sa akin na, ‘Walang lalabas na video, walang lalabas na blotter, walang lalabas sa media basta ibigay mo lang ang hinihingi namin ni Cedric. Tatawag siya sa ‘yo bukas, ibibigay sa ‘yo ang bank account. I-deposit mo lang doon, tpaos ang usapan.’ Sabi ko, ‘Opo.’ Natatakot po talaga ako Tito Boy. Ang pwede ko lang sagot ay opo, hindi ako pwedeng humindi.
BA: Anong naglalaro sa iyong isipan habang lahat ng ito ay nangyayari?
VN: Unang papasok siyempre din ‘yung pananakot, pamilya ko, mga anak ko. Tapos ‘yung career ko. Siyempre po after ng nangyari dito, siyempre ‘yung kahihiyan ang pambababoy sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung anong kalalabasan nito sa lahat, sa lahat ng mga magulang, sa mga bata, sa mga kaibigan ko. Hindi ko po alam. Basta ang iniisip ko ngayon dito, gusto ko maging safe ‘yung mga anak ko, gusto ko makitang safe ‘yung pamilya ko dahil ayaw kong may mangyari sa kanila.
Hindi ako rapist. Hindi ako nagda-drugs. Matino akong tao, may takot ako sa Diyos. Mahal ko ang mga magulang ko. May respeto ako sa mga magulang ko kaya gusto ko kung ano ang gagawin ko, hindi gagayahin ng mga anak ko.
BA: Nagkaroon ka na ng pagkakataon makaharap ang iyong mga pamilya?
VN: ‘Yun nga ang masakit eh. Sa gitna ng nangyari sa akin, ayaw ko sila sa tabi ko muna. Ayaw ko sila sa tabi ko kasi ayaw ko makita nila ‘yung itsura ko. Ayaw ko na mawalan sila ng lakas ng loob kasi nung nakausap ko sila, gusto nilang gumanti kasi siyempre anak iyan eh. May ginawa sa tatay. Sabi ko hindi ganun. Ayaw ko po maawa sila, ayaw kong makita nilang ganito ako. Gustong gusto nila pumunta pero sabi ko huwag muna. Di bale kapag nakalabas ako dito, magkikita-kita naman tayo. Kasi gusto ko sila yakapin kaso puro kami telepono. ‘Yung daddy ko ayaw ko papuntahin kasi may sakit ‘yun eh. Pero sabi niya ‘Tatay mo ako, bakit wala ako diyan?’
BA: Vhong, pagkatapos ng pag-uusap na ito, ang daming pwedeng mangyari. Una, base sa iyong pagkwe-kwento, sumuway ka sa isang usapan dahil hindi dapat ito lumabas sa media, dapat walang nakaalam nito, may pinagkasunduan kayo. Anything can happen. Handa ka ba?
VN: Kung hindi ko lalakasan ang loob ko, tulad nga ng sinasabi ko, kung nangyari sa akin ito, I’m sure pwedeng ulitin. Pwedeng mangyari ulit. Kundi man sa akin, sa iba pang mga kasamahan natin sa industriya or ‘yung mga ordinaryong tao na walang mga kapit or ‘yung mga walang kakilala, koneksyon. Kasi itong mga taong ito, malalakas ang koneksyon.
BA: Pwedeng may magsabi, ang baba naman ng P1 million. Ang baba naman ng P2 million.
VN: Kasi Tito Boy, paano kung nagbigay ako ng P1 million? Wala akong assurance kung ilalabas ba nila ‘yung video or what.
BA: Vhong pagkatapos ng pag-uusap na ito, pwedeng may kumalat na video.
VN: Siguro ‘yung video okay na po ‘yun. Kanila na po ‘yun.
BA: Patawad. Tanong lang ito. Itong video ba na ito ay naglalaman na nakikipagtalik ka?
VN: Hindi po. Ang video po na ito na nakita na binaboy ako from sa ari ko, sa private part ko, pinakita nila na medyo baboy na, at the same time ‘yung video ko na sinasabi na ako si Vhong Navarro at ni-rape ko ang kaibigan ko. Pang-blackmail nila sa akin. Walang akong video na nakikipagtalik dahil hindi nangyari na nakipagtalik ako sa kanya.
BA: Nung nasa prisinto ka, nandoon si Deniece. Wala kayong pag-uusap? Hindi ka nagalit? Base sa kwento mo, parang naiba lahat ang kwento.
VN: Imbis na magalit ako that time, takot na takot na ako. Hindi siya makatingin sa akin ng diretso. Sabi niya lang, ‘I’m sorry, Vhong.’ Ganun lang ang naaalala kong sinabi niya.
BA: Verbalized ito na humihingi siya ng paumanhin?
VN: Yes.
BA: Vhong, anong natutunan mo dito?
VN: Siguro huwag tayo magtitiwala kahit kanino kasi hindi natin alam kung sino ang mabuti at hindi.
BA: Huli na lamang. Ano ang dasal mo?
VN: Sana magkaroon ng hustisya ito dahil ayaw ko na pong maulit ito sa akin or kahit kanino lalo na sa mga ordinaryong tao. Kung nagawa sa akin, pwedeng mangyari sa kanila.
BA: Sa iyong mga tagahanga, ano ang nais mong sabihin?
VN: Sa mga sumusuporta po sa akin, salamat po muna sa lahat ng mga dasal niyo na hanggang ngayon po ay nagiging okay po ang aking kalagayan. Salamat po. At alam ko sa inyong hindi naniniwala, gusto ko lang sabihin sa inyo na hindi po ako rapist. Hindi ko po magagawa ‘yun. May takot ako sa Diyos. Kung mayroon man akong kasalanan, isa lang po yun. Sa girlfriend ko.
BA: Nasa tabi mo siya, ano ang sinabi mo sa kanya? Hindi ka niya iniwan.
VN: Sobrang pagpapasalamat ko dahil ito ‘yung sinasabi kong pinaka-down ako sa buhay na talagang hindi niya ako pinabayaan. Hindi niya muna inisip ‘yung sarili niya kung ano mararamdaman niya, kung ano ang reaction niya kasi siyempre pumunta ako. Ang iniisip niya ako pa rin
BA: Humingi ka ng tawad?
VN: Sobra po akong humingi ng tawad na sana bigyan pa niya ako ng chance. Gusto ko lang sabihin sa kanya na hindi ako rapist. Hindi ko magagawa ‘yun Tito Boy. Kaya ako humaharap dito dahil gusto ko pong sabihin ang totoo. Hindi ko mahilig magpa-interview kahit po sa mga anak ko, sa mga nangyayari sa buhay ko. Napaka-private ko. Never ko inamin na may girlfriend ako before pero sinasabi ko meron. Hindi ako mahilig magpa-interview pero this time, alam ko po ang totoo. Gusto ko itong sabihin at ayaw kop o maulit uli ito. Ayaw ko mangyari ito sa iba.

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ROSE FOSTANES IS GRAND WINNER OF ‘X-FACTOR ISRAEL'

ROSE FOSTANES

The first season winner of “X-Factor Israel” is Filipina singing caregiver Rose “Osang” Fostanes! During the live finale show on Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila), Rose performed the classic “My Way” as popularized by Frank Sinatra.

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