PAL's skyline pigeon

Many concerned people are keeping their fingers crossed that General Panfilo Lacson and his cops hit the bull's-eye, with the arrest of 26 suspects in the recent bombing incidents in two Metro Manila malls. For if those rounded up turn out to be the real ones behind the bomb blasts, then we can have peace of mind anew and go back to our normal day-to-day activities. But then, if another violent incident happens in the malls or in other public places, Lacson's grand media presentation of the suspects will be dubbed as a "gathering of fall-guys."

Even now, some quarters have expressed doubts on whether the 26 arrested in Taguig were really the perpetrators of the bomb blasts. Or on whether they are really associated with the terrorist groups in Mindanao. Note that whenever Islamic terrorists strike and make a big hit, they make a grand show out of it, proudly proclaiming to the world that they did it.

In the case of the Metro Manila incidents, though, no one or no group claimed responsibility. In fact, there were no suspects at all, until Lacson made his dramatic presentation of the 26. Even the high-profile MILF has categorically stated that it had no hand at all in the Metro bomb blasts. It is thus but natural for skeptics to speculate that the Metro terrorists are not part of either the Abu Sayyaf or the MILF.

It is also noteworthy that the grenade-throwing at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame was not attributed to the 26 suspects who were arrested in Taguig. If there was no link between the 26 and the terroristic act at Crame, who or what group was behind the grenade-launching at Lacson's turf?

My point is that there is more work to be done by the government's intelligence-gathering groups. They should not relax with the roundup of the 26. In fact, they should intensify their work because it would be terribly embarrassing for Lacson and his cops if -- within the very near future -- another act of terrorism happens in Metro Manila. That would give credibility to the "fall-guy theory", now being peddled by certain quarters.

What? Some people are speculating whether Francis Cabel, PAL training and development specialist -- the fellow who trains cabin attendants to become model flight attendants and stewards -- can be criminally prosecuted for murder or homicide, for allegedly nudging the deranged hijacker into his downward flight to kingdom come? Cabel should be given a medal of excellence, plus a hefty promotion, perhaps even a monetary reward from Kapitan Lucio Tan, for his heroic role in saving more than 290 passengers aboard the Manila-bound PR 812 flight from Davao. Had Cabel not shown presence of mind, and had he panicked, those 290 passengers might now be goners.

It was about seven years, during a PAL flight to Naga City, when Cabel, then a rookie flight steward, assisted me as I boarded and then disembarked from PAL's Fokker 50. Every now and then, as I travelled via PAL to various local destinations, Cabel would be there, providing exemplary cabin service to me and to the other passengers. I was not thus surprised when, eventually, I saw Cabel, with the PAL cabin crew, at the San Francisco International Airport, waiting for their Manila-bound flight.

He had been promoted, from local to international, and he deserved it.

Based on reliable accounts from the PAL passengers in the hijacked plane, particularly those seated at the back, Cabel did not really push or nudge Reginald Chua out of the plane's rear door. Actually, Chua's feet and left arm, which was holding the grenade, got entangled in the slightly-opened rear door. Fearing that the hijacker might drop the grenade inside the plane, Cabel rightly and quickly decided to get Chua's feet and arm out of the door. Using presence of mind, Cabel nudged the feet and arm outward. That enabled Chua to fly out of the plane, like a skyline pigeon.

Imagine what could have happened had Cabel failed to give Chua a helping hand in flying out of the plane. Chua's two feet and left arm would have remained entangled inside the door, his head and right hand sticking out the door. As the plane continued to fly at high speed, Chua could possibly have dropped the grenade inside the plane, and the ensuing blast could have severely damaged the rear section of the plane. And within seconds, the plane would have plummeted downward, bringing all its passengers to a fiery death.

Prosecute Cabel for homicide or murder? That would truly be crazy. PAL management should, instead, parade him off, as a role model for cabin service crew, specially the flight attendants and stewards. That would certainly enhance PAL's image as an airline that passengers can trust. An airline that has heroes even in its cabin crew.

Here are excerpts from letters I received during the past several days:

Secretary GEMMA CRUZ-ARANETA, Department of Tourism: "Thank you for bringing our attention to the unfortunate condition of the Sto. Niño Shrine in Tacloban City. I wish to inform you, though, that much as we could like to assist in improving the condition of this tourist attraction, the lack of funds currently prevents us from doing so. Besides, it is under the PCGG. On various occasions in the past, I have encouraged Governor Remedios Petilla of Leyte to spearhead efforts for the rehabilitation of the Sto. Niño Shrine and have this endorsed by the Regional Tourism Council. With the endorsement, perhaps the local government unit in the area can include the project for financing through its development fund. The DOT can assist them in making representations with the PCGG, if need be and if this is not deemed illegal. Moreover, our tourism director for Region 8 can coordinate with the local government in forging a compromise with the Leyte Electric Cooperative so that electricity can be restored."

Ambassador JUAN L. GARIBALDI, Embassy of the Argentine Republic, Manila: "I am very pleased to write you and express to you that it has been a great opportunity for me to have met you on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Cottolengo Filipino, which has now become a reality. I would like to inform you that I have been reading your articles and I would like to congratulate you for the conceptual clarity of your writings."

NOLI REYES: "The diesel sold in the market is dirty and has high sulfur content. This is the reason why diesel-powered vehicles are smoke-belchers. Also, may I know why new cars have to pay more in registration fees when it is these cars that have anti-pollution devices?"

Dr. ZEN UDANI, 173 Alfonso XIII, San Juan, Metro Manila: "Pope John Paul II celebrated his birthday on May 18. Truly, he is a holy man, and a father to all nations. Men of all religions should pray for him daily and wish him a long life for being a Church leader who is a sower of peace and joy. I hope mass media will feature him and his teachings more often to edify us all who are in need of spiritual nourishment."

Elder RICARDO A. BOADO, Latter-Day Saints, Naguilian, La Union: "For telling the truth on what is happening in the country, some quarters tried to gag you with the extent of threatening your life. Huwag kang matakot. The truth is the best weapon. God will always protect you, and the Filipino people, especially the masses, are behind you. Let us pray for our misguided brothers who until now cannot accept Mr. Estrada as our president."

JUAN B. ZAMORA, Countryside Subdivision, Yati, Liloan, Cebu: "I am a World War II veteran, very old and in the twilight years of my life. I have a veterans benefit claim since 1990. Up to now, I have not seen any action taken on my claim. I hope that, through you, my claim will finally be released."

Art A. Borjal's e-mail address: