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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Glorietta LPG Blast?
By Antonio C. Abaya Written Oct 22, 2007 For the Standard Today, October 23 issue I started writing this piece Sunday evening, very doubtful that the Glorietta blast was caused by a terrorist�s bomb. The purpose of a terrorist�s bomb is to cause as many casualties as possible. The logical place to plant the bomb is in the middle of a huge crowd � such as the one that killed 136 people during the motorcade for Benazir Bhutto in Karachi ( Pakistan ) just the day before. Or the terrorist will plant the bomb in a high traffic area where many people walk around, such as in a public market or a bus station � such as has happened many times in Iraq and Afghanistan . By all accounts, the explosion last Friday in Makati �s Glorietta occurred in a basement service area where there are NO pedestrians or shoppers milling about, and where entry is actually restricted to authorized personnel only. The high number of casualties - 11 dead and more than 100 wounded � can be explained by the fact that the explosion/s punched a 2-metter hole in the ceiling � the floor of the ground floor or atrium floor of Glorietta 2 � the force collapsing one of the escalators and blowing the plastic skylights, three floors up, away. Most of the wounded must have been hit by flying objects �glass, metal, masonry, wood � scattered by the blast. Most of the fatalities and the seriously injured must have been near Ground Zero and were killed by the concussion or were hit by collapsing walls and other heavy objects. The point is the casualty list would have been much longer if the supposed terrorist had packed his bomb with thousands of ball bearings and nails, as is usual SOP among terrorists, and detonated it in the center hall of Glorietta with thousands of shoppers milling about on a busy Friday afternoon. Putting the �bomb� in an enclosed basement area, which is inaccessible to the general public, just does not make sense if the purpose is to cause maximum casualties. There are also no reports of any injuries due to ball bearings or nails, many of which would still be evident in or near the basement service area, if they were indeed used. Investigators should go back to their original assessment, that this was probably caused by an LPG gas tank/s explosion. I do not understand why PNP director general Avelino Razon dropped the plausible LPG explanation and embraced the terrorist bomb story, based allegedly on traces of RDX in the debris, which eventually were found to be non-existent. I also do not understand why Ayala Land , landowner of the property, insisted it was a terrorist bomb that did it, even with the paucity of evidence for it. I understand from someone who has done some work in the premises that this basement service area is where the cooking gas cylinders of several nearby restaurants � Luk Yuen, Kimpura, Peking Garden , etc - are stored, to which each kitchen is connected by individual copper tubing lines, which are metered for consumption.. Certainly these gas cylinders are not of the 11-kilo household size, but of the large 50-kilo restaurant size. And each restaurant must have three or four of these cylinders on hand at any one time. If this assumption is correct, there may have been at least nine to 12 heavy duty gas cylinders in that basement area that day. But, of course, gas cylinders do not just explode for no reason. One of them may have been leaking. And in the enclosed space of the basement service area, a gas build-up can be lethal. A lighted match, a cigarette, a cigarette lighter, even the tiny spark in a cell phone can cause the gas-rich air to flame up and the leaking gas cylinder to explode, all in a fraction of a second. There are also unverified reports that there was on-going construction work in that basement service area, involving acetylene gas equipment. The force of this initial explosion would have dislodged other cylinders from their copper tubing connections, thus causing these decapitated cylinders to also leak and explode, all in a fraction of a second. It must have been this second, more massive explosion that punched a hole through the ceiling/floor and caused most of the casualties, especially since the expanding gas from these decapitated cylinders would explode upward . This would be consistent with the testimony of one female survivor who was interviewed by TV anchor Chiqui Roa on ANC last Saturday. The survivor said she heard TWO explosions: one relatively light, followed by a massive one. I am finishing this article Monday morning. I am surprised to read in the newspapers that investigators had blamed the explosion on a bomb even before they could gather any chemical evidence in the service area where the blast occurred, supposedly because that area was flooded. At least two days were wasted, during which chemical evidence in that service area could have been tampered with, erased, planted or removed. Accidentally or otherwise.. Investigators would have to swab the walls and fixtures in that area to determine the chemical composition of the explosive. If the blast was caused by TNT, dynamite or gun powder (or their derivatives), the walls and fixtures in that area would be coated with a film of nitrate residue. I do not know the active chemical in RDX or C-4, but they would also leave a distinctive chemical signature. If the walls and fixtures in that area are coated with nothing more than carbon ash, then the source of the explosion was likely either LPG or � another proffered culprit � methane gas, supposedly from raw sewage. Was this room a septic tank, for chrissakes, right next to a restaurant?. Another proffered culprit � diesel fuel � is even less plausible. Diesel fuel does not gasify (or explode) at room temperature. But why this insistent denial of even the possibility that it was LPG that did it? Does it have to do with insurance and liability claims? Only after the walls of the blast zone have been swabbed, and swabs analyzed � which should have been done right after the explosion - can anyone say with any finality if the blast was an act of terrorism or was nothing but a tragic accident. ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in www.tapatt.org and in acabaya.blogspot.com. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to �Glorietta LPG Blast?� More Reactions to �Bribe It Was� More Reactions to �Deeper in Scheisse� I do have the same opinion as your theory, Mr. Abaya. I�m always glued to my TV watching detective series and your idea is precisely what the government concerned should carry out. Ang problema kasi sa bansa natin, lalo na sa mga government officials KUNO e �gumagawa agad nang sandamakmak na pang huhusga� kahit wala pa silang ginagawang imbistigasyon. Hindi pa mandin napaptunayan e hinusgahan na. Nag hihingalo pa nga lang e �pinatay� na agad nila sa panghuhusga. Terorista daw ang may gawa, pakana daw nang Malacanang, meron naman may alam si Trillanes. Nakakapagod na ang mga balita sa bansa natin! Salamat Gilbert C. Meneses, (by email), Jubail City , Saudi Arabia , Oct. 23., 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I'm inclined to believe that the blast was caused by a gas leak. I learned that Ayala had warned the restaurant close to the entrance of Glorietta 2 because on two occasions Ayala detected a gas leak in their basement. Trapped methane gas can cause a gigantic explosion, but the "blamestorming" goes on - terrorists or the military? Regards, Yett Montalvan, (by email), Oct. 23, 2007 (I�m also convinced it was a gas leak. But which gas, Yett? Methane gas can cause a gigantic explosion. But so can several 50-kilo cylinders of LPG. Besides, as Ayala Land has claimed, the sewage in the septic tank below the basement was in constant flow, so the production of methane gas from this sewage flow would be minimal, since it takes 10 to 14 days for anaerobic digestion by bacteria to break down the organic molecules in vegetable and/or animal waste into methane. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Since I am from New York , I am attaching you information on RDX and other forms of explosive compounds for your article. Dr Nestor P. Baylan, (by email), New York City , Oct. 23, 2007 (Thanks, Nestor, but the head of the Philippine National Police has admitted that, contrary to their earlier claim, they did not find any trace of RDX in the debris. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww as above so below as below so above now the septic angle accident cum diesel/methane as within so without full of s.... (speculations?) Aldric Dalumpines, (by email), Oct. 23, 2007 (That almost sounds like a haiku poem. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Same thought occurred to me that the strength of the explosion merited a HUGE bomb that could have been easily detected by even the stupidest guard on duty. On the other hand, the possibility that a smaller bomb placed very near an LPG tank / or the LPG bay could cause the chain reaction of explosions as these gas containers are usually placed all at the same place. In a way, speculation about this one may be correct - an LPG explosion, but triggered by a bomb without the need of standard shrapnel and nails combo common in terrorist bombs. On the other hand, we can�t underestimate the capacity for evil of the terrorists as well as the growing sophistication by which they operate. At the end of the day, Ayala would rather blame it on terrorists or risk being held more liable for the damage caused by the explosion � it is much easier to blame terrorists than sloppy maintenance.? Thoughts? Dennis Ponce Tagamolila, (by email), Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Kuya Tony Plaudits for your analogy. This is the most intellectually persuasive analysis you have ever written. Much crisper than Marx dialectical materialism, other communist boobos, and Inward/Outward Looking Economics stuff that I read with gusto when I was in graduate school in Baguio City. It only shows you live by the B.S Chemistry that you took in the U.S Mortz C. Ortigoza, (by email), Dagupan City , Oct. 23, 2007 Columnist, Philboxing.com wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Very incisive analysis, and I agree....How I wish the jailed Oakwood mutineer is reading your column for his enlightenment.... Evelina Galang, (by email), Oct. 23, 2007) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, I had the same question : If it were a terrorist bomb, how come it had an extremely low- collateral damage/body count ( eleven dead) ? Terrorist bombs by nature inflict a large number of dead bodies for maximum effect. In a densely populated mall like the Glorietta, if it were a real terrorist bomb, the dead would have run into hundreds. But I'm really amazed at the quick finger-pointing by the enemies of GMA. The demonization of GMA goes on unabated. Sincerely, Auggie Surtida, (by email), Tigbauan, Iloilo , Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Derar Mr. Abaya, You are quite right, the latest bulletin points to an accidental explosion that occurred in the basement. If this is true, the allegation of Trillanes is downright irresponsible, intended to foment more hatred without any basis in reason. I really do not have any respect for persons like him who, just to say something, will bad-mouth anyone without solid proof. He can stay longer in jail for that. Since this was an accident, the families of the victims who died should be paid more than what have been promised because the damage was due to recklessness or imprudence. Mayaman naman ang Ayala, they should be kinder to the poor families as well as to those who were injured. . Cita Garcia, (by email), Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Tony, I was tempted to blog about this incident last Friday but I held back since I don't have a firsthand account of the incident. Other bloggers trumpeted the story, mostly borrowing pictures, and saying terrorists struck again. The effect: it sent shivers down the spine again of an already terrified people while the world is watching, that even a Filipino reported in CNN about the terrorist attack even without proof. TV media even called the speed of spreading the news great display of citizen journalism, but the current release of an accident belied the reports thereby making the blog entries sort of irresponsible posts. Regards, Tito Osias, (by email), Oct 23, 2007 Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Attributing it to terrorists even before the forensic evidence has been examined, favors the military and keeps away lawyers for both the insurers and insureds because there is hardly any coverage for terrorism. News that reporters like to sensationalize for increased circulation, TV and radio coverage, can also be a reason. Remember the big metal ball found in the shores of Quezon province years ago? Before it was analyzed, the NBI spokesman said it was titanium or some other expensive metal and the discovery was announced to the whole world. Well, after analysis, it turned out to be mere iron. There was also the NBI medical examiner who examined the remains of the child supposedly strangled by a Filipina housemaid in Singapore . He announced there was no proof of homicide. Furious Filipinos started trampling on Singpore's flag as doormats. Alas, it turned out his findings were contrary to findings of independent medical experts. Why do some people prefer "palabas" to truth? Lionel Tierra, (by email), Sacramento , CA , Oct.23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished) Dear Coach, You mean all this time, the Ayala Land people never had an integrated sewage system? The pozo negros have a definite life span and get filled up at exponential rate in big industrial districts and subdivisions, unless they are emptied regularly by Malabanan. Historically, shits of Manila were emptied into the esteros of Binondo, Sta Cruz, Quiapo and Pasig River . The friars' convents didn't have flush toilets and pozo negros, they just "kakaed" in outhouses situated in their azoteas- the shit just settled under the azoteas- cakeing it over the centuries. Coastal Filipinos shit on the beaches while inlanders like farmers shit in their rice paddies and camote bushes. I remember when I was growing up in Paranaque in the late forties, most townspeople who did not have flush toilets, shit in "bakawan" mangrove trees growing along the Paranaque River and Tripa de Gallina. Padre Kiko Frank Jimenez, (by email), West Orange , New Jersey , Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Oh Wow-- first five paragrapghs reads like a "primer" for terrorists on where to plant a bomb and how to load it with ball bearings, nails and other shrapnel material; following paragraphs are like CSI procedure and finally final paragraphs are dramatic cliff hangers-- is it terrorism or an accident ? Is there a cover-up because of insurance liability? ABANGAN ang susunod na kabanata!! Alexander Po, (by email), Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello windbag. Is this another one of your far flung theories from your senile mind? Get a life and leave the writing to others who can. Blackie Sarte, [email protected], Oct. 23, 2007 (Hello, dumbbell. Now that the American FBI, the Australian Federal Police and an Israeli security consultant have, separately, concluded that the explosion was not caused by a bomb, what have you got to say? Go read a Grade VI Science textbook. Maybe you will learn something, you moron. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony... Your assessment of the cause of the explosion is chemically correct. You sound like you have a good background in chemistry or chemical engineering. (I have a degree in Chemistry from Northwestern University . ACA) Based on what I read, even without doing an investigation, I am confident that the cause of explosion is methane or sewage gas. I could not believe that the American specialist had mentioned about a chemical reaction between diesel fumes and methane gas to produce RDX which is new to me. RDX is just a another way of calling a compound that is unknown, I think, R is an alkyl radical that represents C and H group such as CH4 in this case. There is no reaction between diesel fumes (possible C17H35) or methane gas unless there are contaminants such as Hydrogen Sulfide, and Carbon Monoxide, but even these two do not react with methane. (The chief of the PNP has admitted that, contrary to their initial claim, they did not find any traces of RDX in the debris. ACA) It is common in US and Canada for a sewage gas, or marsh gas as a potential source of methane to explode with the right proportion of air to methane. It needs some source of light such as matches or electrical energy to trigger an explosion. As someone who has been called to assess explosions of this kind, I support your theory that the cause of the explosion was not a bomb. I would recommend that an air sample be taken on the ceiling of the basement of Glorietta using a gas syringe. The reason being is that methane is much lighter than air. Inject the sample into a gas chromatograph and if they find methane in the sample, then it is conclusive that the cause was sewer gas and not a bomb. (They should have done that, as well as the swabs that I had suggested, within hours after the blast. By this time, days after the incident, the physical and chemical evidence left in the basement, if any, are no longer pristine or even there. ACA) Roman de Guzman, (by email), Edmonton , Canada , Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony: Your assessment about the Glorietta explosion is more reasonable as the cause of the incident rather than a terrorist act. Here in the US , gas cylinders stored in a basement is a violation of OSHA standards. These cylinders while being used, are supposed to be outside the building, barricaded or fenced. This is to prevent explosions due to leakage. Unused cylinders are to be kept in a storage area and are separated with a barrier or by distance from flammable liquids such as paints, thinners, etc. While the storage or use of these gas cylinders in the basement may have been the cause of the incident, the "root cause" can be traced to the poor design of the facility itself. In addition, poor maintenance, which include the inability of recognizing the potential hazard (explosion) due to poor or ineffective safety, fire and health programs, and lack or inefficient training of employees are all considered a part of the root cause of the incident. Inadequate natural or mechanical ventilation system of the basement could be also be a part of the root cause. My nickel-share of the case...... Rudy Hermosa, (by email), Boston , Massachusetts , Oct. 23, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, It is beginning to look like the blast came from below and there is no trace of nitrate. But just like most things that are happening in this country, it has been almost five days now, and all of us are kept guessing. Thanks, Cesar Sarino, (by email), Oct. 24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww An accident would only hug the headlines for a day or two. A terrorist bomb, on the other hand, would last just long enough to divert the people�s attention from the blatant Malacanang dole out/bribery controversy. Add some doubts and uncertainties to the cause of the explosion, and you have a story that the beleaguered GMA and her cohorts can milk for a long, long time. What better way to delude an already passive public? Eli C. Perez, (by email), Oct.24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww After one gets used to CSI episodes, and how forensics are carefully weighed in these make-believe police investigations, one has no patience with the quick explanations given by our police departments investigating a crime. It may have been an LPG tank exploding; it may have been a terrorist's bomb. But to repeat your question: Why the seeming interest to blame the explosion on the terrorists and disregard another possible explanation? Remy Marmole�o,. (by email), Oct. 24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished) One of the few rational articles I've read on this. Insurance claims may push towards terror, or perhaps the backlash towards the administration is pushing the 'accident'? Did the UK embassy actually use a 'sniffer' to note RDX? If so, how did the gas invent RDX? Another "snake story". ie; 'my sisters cousin has a friend in Davao who knows a neighbor who has an aunt who was bitten by a cobra.' Anyway it is good to read a real analysis of the investigation. Hysteria is self perpetuating and did bring out a lack of faith in the government. Tom Huntsman, (by email), Oct. 24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, The blast in Glorietta was meant to ease the growing tension of the palace bribery scandal and the ZTE deal. There is no other reason for the "accidental blast." It�s an age-old classic formula for smokescreen or diversionary strategy. Everybody knows that, even my 8 year- old grandson. Vic del Fierro, Jr., (by email), Oct. 24, 2007 (This sounds like a variation of �My mind is made up. Don�t confuse me with the facts.� ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello Tony, On the theory of explosion from a gas leak, LPG or Methane Gas there is a lot of thermodynamics-based explanation needed (e.g. explosion does not occur at an ordinary gas-oxygen mixture, extreme pressure build-up due to increase in temperature, etc.). If they have to investigate under the theory of explosion from a gas leak, it should begin at Safety issues in Glorietta. Under the Fire Safety Code, installation of LPG supply system needs to be under natural ventilation. Artificial ventilation may be allowed but all electrical wiring terminals should be explosion-proof, including motors, meaning any case of spark due to accidental loosening of electrical terminal connections is confined that contact with any source of fuel is restricted. I doubt that the explosion (in case it is from a gas leak) was ignited from electrical source, because, being the fact that it is in Makati and the establishment is owned by Ayala Land, I believe that there is strict compliance with the Fire Safety Code, by both the Makati Fire Department and the Glorietta management. What could be the source of ignition? As always, human factor is the suspect. If in case, there was an accumulation of flammable vapor, one culprit could be a person lighting a cigarette. (On the theory of terrorist bombing, Glorietta 2 is heavily loaded with people during the time of explosion. There are several restaurants (Luk Yuen, Peking , Tokyo Tokyo) in the explosion area including the Time Zone at the upper floor. Heavy damage can be created not only by a relatively heavy explosion but also by collapsing the structure. The basement holds the foundation of the building and correctly position bombed would have collapsed the area.) For me whether it is a gas leak or a terrorist bomb, fear or panic is not what I felt? It is a question of uncertainty, what is happening in our country? My only and well beloved country. I keep on fighting the pressure of people (from family and friends) demanding and asking me why I am still staying here, in my dear Philippines . My only answer, always, is, because I am a Filipino and I love my country the Philippines . But, I am helpless, I am just an ordinary citizen, my only power is that single ballot. But I feel being betrayed by the people I entrusted my vote with. I tried voting for both the opposition and the administration during the last two elections, but we are getting the same results. They have the same color, just craving for POWER and MONEY. SFUH!ICKT!. Sorry, Tony, but that is the only thing I can exclaim. I know that the Salongas and the Tanadas are still around, and so are the others, but where are they. Ninoy was left to a mere statue standing at the middle of Ayala Avenue . Maybe we are just waiting for one massive explosion from an accumulation of methane gas from a rotten political system in the country while we are presently sniffing the smell of ethyl mercaptan from a leaking LPG like the smell of a dead rat. Regards, Edelberto Anit, (by email), Oct. 24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished) I agree with Bang�s hunch about fuel. Even use of cell phones is a slim possibility. Per postings here before, a few gas stations have experienced such ( U.S. , U.K,), although very rarely. Tony Abaya, in his column, had a very good analysis. Why do ships burn accidentally? You can never tell when a situation can develop into an explosive one, since there are volatile elements on board. Even the sense of smell is not failsafe. That is why check lists for maintenance and repair involving the use of welding equipment, matches and open lights are ever so strict, because accidents HAVE happened. Ventilation is ensured, fire watches posted. That is why safety codes are so strict. Opinion about failure to observe same in the Glorietta case (in the design, construction, maintenance, operation and security aspects) are valid, except that ranking officials, as in this case, apparently gave them prematurely. That is why in the SF14 incident, the PCG initially ruled out terrorism (even the CPCG told me personally), as did this Monday morning QB. In this case, we hope it is the reverse. We have trained so many people in investigating this sort of thing, under the US Department of State supported ATAP (Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program). First responders have also been trained in all kinds of terrorism, emergency and disaster management investigations and analysis, including many basic and advance courses offered by the PNP and AFP schools. They can handle the sort of stuff you see on the CSI series, except when stuck due to lack of funds. I�m sure those who have been thus trained are being used. The truth should come out � the truth should not take a back seat, because �national security�, while involved here, could hardly be a reason for hiding the facts in this instant case. Chuck Agustin, (by email), Oct. 24, 2007 President, National Defense College of the Philippines wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr.Abaya, I was led to conclude hastily that terrorists' bombs caused the explosion as I did not believe LPG could create a destruction of such magnitude. However for terrorists, recognition is the very essence of their labor. The fact that no one has ever claimed responsibility for it simply tells me that this was not an act of terrorism but an unfortunate consequence of a freak accident. My condolence to the families who lost their loved ones. Noel Mauban, (by email), Makati City , Oct. 24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Mr Tony, I have a hunch that you might be right. Near the end of your article, you wonder why Ayala Land and some authorities insist on the terrorist angle thereby diverting from the more obvious LPG sourced blast, considering your eyewitness reports and your explanation. It�s elementary, my dear Watson. Monetary (or criminal?) liabilities to the victims, that�s why. It would be wise for the victims to start seeing a lawyer. Napoleon P. Serrano, (by email), Dhahran , Saudi Arabia , Oct. 24, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya, I just read your article regarding the blast in Glorietta. You mentioned that a terrorist would plant his bomb in a high traffic area because that is precisely the purpose of terrorism. I totally agree. As such, you concluded that it is unlikely that the blast was intentional. This, I don�t necessarily agree with. I would just like to point out that in the Philippines , bombings by terrorists have always been small or minor compared with those in places like Pakistan or Iraq . Thus, the number of casualties cannot be used as a gauge here. Moreover, if the bombing was effected by the government as mentioned by conspiracy theorists, then obviously, they only wanted to create a distraction but not cause huge number of casualties. Thanks. Best regards, Win. [email protected], Oct. 25, 2007 (The American FBI, the Australian Police and an Israeli security consultant at NAIA have, separately, concluded that the explosion was not caused by a bomb. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, This is again a reply from your avid German reader, who is keeping his sanity in no small part by reading your articles and essays. You probably hit it on the head with your speculation that this was no bomb explosion. You are probably right as well with the possible motive, which is insurance liabilities. A gas explosion, whatever caused it, opens the door to legal procedures, as it should. A "dastardly terrorist act" is an act of war and not covered by any insurance. As to the investigative capabilities of the local police, no one needs to fear that the truth will ever come to light. The police here has almost never solved a case by true detective, investigative work. Shoot first, ask the questions later seems to be the preferred modus operandi of the law enforcement here. Just look at your average cop on the street. Big 45 pistol with an oversized clip holding 25 rounds and his belt festooned with four or five spare clips. This has nothing to do with proper police work. This is at best Wyatt Earp at High Noon, with apologies to Wyatt Earp. In one point, however, I would to dispute your assumption. LPG cylinders do not explode, just like that. In order for LPG to explode you would have to create a gas-oxygen mixture and a source of ignition to create an explosion. For an LPG cylinder to explode you will have to heat it up for quite some time so that the liquified gas inside transfers into the gaseous phase to the point where the strength of the metal cylinder is overcome and the cylinder ruptures. Such 'explosions' result in a huge fireball but with rather 'soft' explosive forces compared to real explosives. What is more likely is that a persistent gas leak may have enriched the area and was subsequently ignited. That makes for a devastating explosion. What caught my attention was the acetylene welding that you mentioned. Acetylene cylinders on the other hand, are notorious for exploding if welding is done without a blow-back preventer in the torch line. A flash back in the torch has resulted in many exploded acetylene cylinders the world over, which is the reason that these are mandatory by law in more safety concerned societies. Regards Ulrich Bosse, (by email), Oct. 25, 2007 (The police have not investigated the acetylene torch angle. Maybe they should. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Regarding the Glorietta blast, can anyone explain why no fire was created by the blast if it was caused by an LPG or diesel leak? I'm not an expert on this so I'm wondering. Can an LPG or diesel explode without a spark? (Because the blast/s took place inside an enclosed basement space, it may have consumed most of the oxygen and thus kept a large fire from starting. No, a leaking LPG cylinder will not explode without a spark. Diesel fuel does not gasify or explode at room temperature. ACA. Also, is it possible that the ALI management is insisting on the "terrorist theory" to save itself from a bigger financial liability the victims? (Precisely my point. ACA) Perfecto Corpus, (by email), Oct. 28, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony: Those who investigated this explosion at Makati Glorieta obviously jumped to the conclusion, on the basis of apparently scanty and insufficient hard evidence, that it was caused by terrorists! Going by your recital, it is within the realm of possibility that terrorists had nothing to do with the explosion. There could be other possibilities, one of which is that one of the the LPG tanks leaked and was in fact the cause of the explosion which collapsed the ceiling and caused the death and injury to many. At any rate, the authorities ought to send in professional investigators back to Makati Glorietta and try as best they can to get at the truth. Reflexively pointing the finger at terrorists whenever an explosion occurs anywhere in Manila , Makati , Quezon City or any other high-density area of Metro Manila is a copout . I would say that police and NBI investigators may profit from watching the television series CSI: Miami or CSI: Las Vegas and learn about what it takes to conduct an honest-to-goodness and thorough crime investigation. Mariano Patalinjug, (by email), Yonkers , NY , Oct 28, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Bribe It Was� (Oct. 16, 2007) Dear Tony, To sum up all the responses to your story" Bribe It Was"... "Tama Na !!! Sobra Na !!! Garapalan na !!! Palisin Na !!! Sugod Mga Kapatid! " It is time to wake up and do some actions. May God bless us all. Sincerely, Gerardo S. Fernando, (by email), Vancouver , BC , Canada , Oct. 27, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony: Long ago I reached the painful conclusion that corruption was systemic in the Philippines . This terrible malady afflicts not only the public but also the private sector of Philippine society. As a general proposition, Filipinos do not express outrage at local, provincial and national officials who engage in one or other forms of corruption. Either they tolerate corruption, or they themselves are in favor of it because somehow they stand to benefit from it. Only a very small minority of Filipinos still have the sensibility to feel outrage and to express it one way or the other. And that explains why corruption not only persists but flourishes throughout the body politic. There is no question but that the billions of pesos which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo handed out to those politicians in Malacanang are bribes given on a quid pro quo basis. President Arroyo obviously has no moral qualms giving bribes to those people. Likewise, obviously, the recipients have not expressed any moral compunction whatsoever regarding being bribed by supposedly the highest magistrate of the land. The corruptor and the corrupted are lying in the same Augean stables! Mariano Patalinjug, (by email), Yonkers , NY , Oct. 28, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony Abaya, Mr. Cesar Sarino's comments about what Cardinal Sin said regarding accepting money from any source, etc., may be alright if "one is a civilian" but not when one is "a public official, appointed or elected." There are 'human laws' one has to follow, otherwise one may end up in a pot of boiling water. So, just be careful not to accept money from anyone if you are a public official. Leona Guera, (by email), Australia , Oct. 28, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, That's it! Scrutiny, which the CBCP does not want to pursue, is by far the best thing to do before judgments are made. We seem to be in this cycle of accusations and cover-ups. GMA does not allow us to go into the bottom of things. A good number of our people have already accused Gov. Panlilio of accepting a bribe. But for many of us, he did the right thing--- He suspected that the gift that was handed him was a bribe of some sort and he came out with a statement that later turned out to be an expos�. His suspicion was confirmed by another pastor's statements. The Lord works in mysterious ways. He says He is the TRUTH, the WAY, and the LIFE. The Truth many times will sound like a damning or a curse to those who LIE, CHEAT, and STEAL So be it. Now, a scrutiny (a strict investigation, the last time I look) may find that bribery has been attempted but not yet consummated. In such case, Gov. Panlilio and other recipients who rejected the bribe offers were not culprits but good people who are determined to be not prostituted by the bad elements in our society. To those who have prejudged those that made public the "gifts" received, would they have believed Gov. Panlilio and others that bribes had been distributed in the Palace at such BLACK DAY? Was that 10/11 supposed to gain infamy as the 9/11? Without the Brown Bags of pesos (cookies) in hand, Governor Panlilio and other good ones would be perceived like Joey DV --it would be nothing by accusations, your words-against-my-words type of allegations that will not allow a closure. A scrutiny would show as in other anomalies: incentives, pressures, opportunities, attitudes and rationalizations. It would show who are the designers, the participants, willing and unwilling. A scrutiny of the acts of those who lead is a MUST. Yet, GMA has continuously acted to destroy the built-in "control and balances" of our 3-branched democratic Republic. It's about time that our people demand full accountability to the people which had been overshadowed by the artificial people power of the elites in EDSA. Democracy is not for the rich and the intelligent but, the last time we read, "of the people, for the people, and by the people." Aurora Riel, (by email), Murfreesboro , North Carolina , Oct. 28, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, What can I say! The selfishness of today's leaders knows no bounds. I agree that deeper and deeper in s--t we go. In fact, it hurts to call our so-called leaders "leaders"! We certainly are in serious need of real leaders. Somehow I think it is hopeless for the Philippines . I've lost faith in the Filipinos' collective ability to get themselves out of the sheisse they are in. It is my retirement dream to write a book or books on all these. Right now, I think all one can do for the Philippines is to PRAY for it as hard and as often as possible. I have been in government for most of my life thus far and this utterance is the result of that experience. Regards, Dennis Acop, PhD., (by email), Oct. 30, 2007. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya: If it is "Bribe It Was" the giver and the receiver is liable under the law; Fr. Panlilio must explain to the court why he is in possession of Ph 500,000, his changed of heart would not necessairly exculpate him from the crime of bribery; at most the same would be metigating. What say you? Domingo Lira, (by email), Oct. 31, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Deeper in Scheisse� (Oct 18, 2007) Today's South China Morning Post had in its front page a report by its Manila correspondent about Arroyo's aides floating the idea of appointing Erap as "Poverty Czar." Obviously the administration is stuck further in Cloud Cuckooland --- the idea is disgusting, bizarre and insane. Some of your correspondents have educated us on how to spell German excrement, but I prefer the whimsical term once coined by George Bush Sr. about being "in deep doo-doo." It goes better with the infantile mentalities of our benighted leaders. Isabel Escoda, (by email), Hong Kong , Oct. 29, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, I am writing this email in reaction to the posting of Bobby Santiago of Cebu who boasts that he has a good paying job as a web developer, yet has not exercised his civic duty of paying taxes and voting. If the country had less of Bobby Santiago, malayo na ang Filipinas ngayon. Dr. Nestor P. Baylan, (by email), New York City , Oct. 30, 2007 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, From the very beginning, when GMA took over the presidency, it seems that she is a "chess master" who got control of the chess board. When she moves, the opposition, the media, critics move. till now, as if all of us just reacted to what she did. This is the reason why "Big Boys" can not win over the little smart very playful girl. Now that Erap got the full pardon, with some minor conditions, we do not know when can be fulfilled, the rest of those "big boys" from the senate who got amibitions to run for Presidency by year 2010 had collapsed. Why? Erap is more popular of them all and still got the symphathy of the poor! having given the full pardon, he can still run for President. What more? The Filipino people would be surprised, if Erap raised the hands of Jinggoy, he could be the next President! Going back in the chess board, Erap or Jinggoy now becomes a threat to the rest of the "bright boys" in the Senate including Sen. Loren Legarda, the pardon minimized the poosible oppositon candidates who would run for President. The Senate has a very important rule to check the moves of the King and the Little Queen. But how can they, if they are all pre-occupied with just investigating all the daring diversionary tactics, the little girl is doing. How? Bring that little girl to your own battle! Rodolfo Cada, (by email), Nov. 01, 2007 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |