Palace to pursue charges vs ‘terror expert’ despite retraction

Malacañang asserted yesterday its desire to throw the book against the self-proclaimed anti-terrorism expert who has claimed to have sneaked in bomb components in an airplane — despite his retraction.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Samson Macariola should realize the security situation in the country should not be played with.

"I told you so. He (Macariola) only wants to come up with an interesting (piece of) news," Ermita said.

Ermita claimed that he doesn’t care who Macariola is blaming for the controversy.

Macariola apologized for the stunt and blamed the reporter who wrote the news report that came out in a major daily that caused the fiasco.

He insisted that he clearly said that the whole exercise was only a simulation but the reporter allegedly went ahead and "dramatized" the story.

"Bahala sila, magsisihan sila (Let them be. Let them blame each other)," Ermita said.

Asked whether the charges against Macariola should be pursued, Ermita said: "I think so."

"It happened already. We cannot encourage that," he added.

Ermita said Macariola might influence other people, especially the youth and encourage them to toy with security issues.

"Bahala na siyang magpaliwanag (It is up to him to explain) and (see) how to mitigate the situation," Ermita said.

Threatened with investigation and possible criminal charges, Macariola denied carrying out a reality check on the airline security by boarding a flight to Manila from Davao with bomb materials.

Macariola insisted the materials he brought on the flight were "dummies" that he would be using in a training module for airport security in Davao.

But Ermita said Macariola should be charged because he made himself popular at the expense of our security officials.

He also called Macariola "an adventurer who was only grandstanding."

Authorities said Macariola could be charged with unjust vexation, alarm and scandal as well as possession of materials for explosives.

Ermita said Macariola should have coordinated his test mission with the proper authorities if he is really wanted to help the government in strengthening the fight against terror.

The reported breach in airport security by Macariola had left aviation security officials red-faced and prompted a thorough reassessment of security measure in all airports nationwide.

According to officials, Macariola has dubious credentials as an anti-terrorism expert.

Macariola is working as a security consultant of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who serves as President Arroyo’s anti-terrorism adviser.

Duterte denied allegations authorizing the test mission. He said the claims made by Macariola, as reported, never occurred since there was no order to carry out a test mission to slip bomb components on an airplane bound for Manila.