ABS-CBN, security execs face criminal raps for stampede

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of criminal charges against 17 people allegedly liable for the PhilSports arena stampede on February 4, resulting in the death of 70 people. Investigators found probable culpability of Charo Santos-Cancio, ABS-CBN executive vice-president for entertainment, television host Willie Revillame and 10 producers and officials of ABS-CBN network. Last month's Ultra stampede resulted in the death of 71 people ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, however, said NBI’s recommendation was unfair because it excluded the Philippine National Police (PNP) from any liability. "ABS-CBN has fully cooperated with all the authorities in the investigation being conducted regarding the unfortunate events that transpired at the [PhilSports arena] on Feb. 4, 2006," the television network said in a statement. "We are concerned, however, regarding the selective manner in which NBI conducted the investigation, particularly in not charging members of the PNP and overlooking and disregarding their negligence and culpability by not performing their duties under the law," the network’s statement added. More than 70 people died, while over 600 others were injured in the stampede. Many of the fatalities were elderly women who wanted to take a shot at winning cash prizes that were up for grabs during the event. An estimated 30,000 people lined up outside the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on February 4 for the first anniversary episode of ABS-CBN’s "Wowowee" game show. ALSO CULPABLE The NBI also recommended administrative charges against Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio for reportedly failing to secure comprehensive security and contingency plans from the show organizers. Also recommended to be charged are five officials of PhilSports Arena. The 2,500-page NBI report contained 71 autopsy results, 300 sworn statements and other official documents from the PhilSports management and Goldlink security agency, which was tasked to maintain security at the venue grounds. Aside from Revillame and Concio, the investigating committee also found ABS-CBN network executives Cory Vidanes, executive vice-president for entertainment and production head, Marilou Almaden, production manager, Rene Luspo, assistant vice-president and head of security, potentially liable for the incident. Also included in the charge sheet are Morly Stewart, "Wowowee" executive producer, Harold James Nueva, associate producer, Norbert Vidanes, director, Rey Cayabyab, assistant location manager, Francisco Rivera, location manager, Mel Feliciano, assistant director, and Jean Owen Garcia, floor director. Investigators also found the possible culpability of Jess Velardo, PhilSports building administrator, Erlinda Reis, PhilSports booking and events coordinator, Rosenbar Viloria, Goldlink security staff director for operations, Wilfron Onanad, security-in-charge, and Chito Payumo, security-in-charge. 'THEY KNEW' Ruel Lasala, chief of the NBI National Capital Region Division, said that on February 3 “Wowowee" organizers already knew that thousands of people were lining up outside PhilSports Arena. He said game show coordinators knew that only 17,000 people could be accommodated but television viewers were still encouraged to go to the venue. Lasala said the people lined up outside the area were already tensed because of lack of space to move around. The tension heightened when a staff member of the show reportedly told the people that those who fail to get inside the arena would not receive prizes. Instead of decreasing, the number of people gathered outside continued to swell. 'LACK OF PREPARATION' The interagency fact-finding committee report blamed the show organizer's "obvious and substantial lack of preparation" for the stampede. The committee said "ABS-CBN, especially its head security officer, retired Navy captain Rene Luspo, should have made contingency plans and coordinated with police authorities, knowing they were creating a condition that was ripe for such an unfortunate incident to happen." "This responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of the head of security, the production manager, the assistant location manager and the associate producer for ‘Wowowee’ and other ABS-CBN executives who may have been involved directly or indirectly with the preparation or planning of said event," the committee report added. The report also said that aside from lack of preparation, there was lack of allocated resources at the site. The committee report also said the parties involved in the preparation of the show did not coordinate properly because they failed to include the police in consultation meetings regarding security. Malacanang, meanwhile, said it has nothing to do with the NBI's recommendation to file charges against ABS-CBN executives. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said it was natural reaction for some people to think that Malacanang had a hand on the report because of the perception the Arroyo administration harbors a grudge with ABS-CBN officials. Ermita said the government is just concerned that justice be served to the victims of the stampede. - GMANews.TV