This is in clarification of the offer of my client, San Francisco-based philanthropist Rene Medina, of P5 million which was reported in your paper last Wednesday, Nov. 7.
Mr. Medina made the offer as soon as he heard of the blast at Glorietta 2, and, on account of the prevailing climate of terrorism in the world but without anything else to go by other than the reports in Philippine media, immediately thought of the possibility of it being caused by terrorists. Since he has been for some time now, in his own way, assisting our law enforcers monitor and apprehend suspected terrorists responsible for disturbing our country, he put up the fund for the sole purpose of assisting in the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the blast whom he presumed to be terrorists.
My understanding is that NBI Director Mantaring was open to the idea. However, since the subsequent reports of the findings of the government people do not point to a terrorist attack, the delivery of the funds would have to await the arrival of NBI Director Mantaring from Morocco for a better and more informed decision on their usage consistent with its original intention.
My client, Mr. Rene Medina, however, nonetheless continues to remain committed to help, and will continue to offer his services and financial assistance to the National Bureau of Investigation in its fight against terrorism. I have his check with instructions to deliver to the payee through Mr. Ito Ynares as soon as there is certainty as to the funds’ use for the purpose of combatting terrorism in the Philippines.
I would appreciate your publishing this statement so as to clear the air of any misconceptions about Mr. Medina’s offer reported in your paper. — Atty. REYNALDO G. GERONIMO, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City