LETTER TO SEC. ANGELO T. REYES

Dear Secretary Reyes,

This refers to our telephone conversation yesterday regarding the technical arrest of Lt. Senior Grade Donn Anthony Miraflor (PN) in Sangley Point, Cavite on 28 December 2001.

I have received information that Lt. Miraflor (PN) was taken into custody for possession of explosives and participation in a supposed meeting among former officers of the defunct Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force at the Aberdeen Court Restaurant in Makati City last 19 December 2001.

I take your verbal assurance that the technical arrest of Lt. Miraflor (PN) was not, in anyway, in connection with the possession of explosives since it was properly documented and duly issued to Petty Officer 1 Sotto (PN)

If there's anyone to be blamed and investigated for the confusion based on the principle of command responsibility, it has to be PO1 Sotto's present Commanding Officer, Commander Rosauro Sarmiento (PN).

Besides, why question the authority of Lt. Miraflor (PN), an erstwhile Commanding Officer of the Explosives Section of the Navy's Special Warfare Group, to possess or have in his custody duly issued explosives. It's like challenging the control exercised by the Chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division over firearms in the FED vault in Camp Crame.

However, I would like to set the record straight on the suppposed meting which was actually an informal dinner and Christmas party I hosted for the former officers and personnel of the PAOCTF.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the gathering due to my much-needed attendance at the bicameral meetings for the FY 2002 Budget.

Lest I and my former men be accused of plotting anew, I wish to inform you that i hosted another dinner for former PAOCTF officers on 28 December 2001 to make up for my absence in the 19 Christmas party.

Let me assure you that my adherence to the Constitution remains and any effort to destabilize this government will not come from my end or from any of my former subordinates.

Thank You.

Sincerely yours,

PANFILO M LACSON
Senator

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