DOJ: Charge 17 network execs for 'Ultra' stampede

A Department of Justice (DOJ) panel recommended Thursday the filing of criminal charges against 17 officers and personnel of broadcasting company ABS-CBN, including host Willie Revillame, over a stampede that killed 74 persons during the anniversary celebration of noontime television game show "Wowowee." The tragedy happened last February 4 at the Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City. The five-man DOJ panel of prosecutors led by Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera said in an 80-page resolution that the Wowowee organizers failed to implement the necessary measures to protect the thousands of people who trooped to the Philsports Arena hoping to take part in the show's raffle draw. "It cannot be said that the stampede was a fortuitous event or force majeure or accident caused by criminal acts or third persons, hence, beyond their control and for which nobody should be liable," the resolution said. The resolution was submitted to Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, who will still decide on whether to uphold the panel’s recommendation. The DOJ panel recommended the filing of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries against Revillame, ABS-CBN vice president for entertainment Ma. Rosario "Charo" Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN senior vice president for television production Socorro Vidanes, executive producer Marilou Almaden, and assistant vice president and ABS-CBN head of security Cipriano Luspo Also recommended to face charges were Wowowee executive producer and manager Morly Stewart Nueva; associate producer for sets and technical Harold James Nueva, Wowowee Director Norberto Vidanes, assistant location manager and security coordinator Rey Cayabyab, ABS-CBN’s location manager Francisco Rivera; Wowowee assistant director Mel Felicinao and Wowowee floor director Jean Owen Ercia. The panel also recommended the holding of a separate preliminary investigation against Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio, along with former Pasig Police Chief Senior Superintendent Raul Medina, Police Community Precinct 15 station commander Senior Inspector Henry Asuela, Pasig City traffic and parking management office chief Inspector Khaddafy Bitor, Philippine Sports Complex chief security officer Arnulfo Awa, Philsports Arena security coordinator Eugenio Cabigas and Orambo, Pasig City barangay chairman Richard Pua. -GMANews.TV