ANOTHER proof that the country’s partnership with U.S. Imperialism in the war against terrorism is working is the “air strike” launched by the AFP in the early hours of Thursday at an alleged “terrorist camp” in Sulu where at least 15 suspects were killed.

Among those killed, according to my good friend, AFP spokesman, Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, were three top Abu Sayyaf/Jemaah Islamiyah (ASG-JI) personalities, Gumbahali ‘Dr. Abu Pula’ Jumdail, Zulkipli ‘Marwan’ Bin Hir and Muhammad ‘Mauwiyah’ Ali Bin Al-Rahman.

A PAF ‘Bronco-10’ may have dropped the bomb on the terrorists’ lair but based on the news reports that I read, it is plain obvious we don’t have that type of bomb—causing massive explosion coupled with incendiary—in our arsenal. Amerikano lang ang may ganyang klase ng mga bomba.

Ditto, this type of “surgical military strike” presaged by intensive intelligence operation, reminds one of the “style” being used by the Western powers, Russia and Israel in disposing of hard-to-get targets in the Middle East, the Balkans and Africa.

The AFP may be getting the credit but it should be added that it accomplished this mission “with a lot of help from Uncle Sam.”

And since the post-operation report released to the media said identifying the dead proved difficult, I would not be surprised that among those killed are members of the MILF, which most quarters acknowledged, is being supported by the Americans.

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If there is one case that illustrates the depth of corruption and the culture of impunity still dominant in most government agencies two years into P-Noy’s “daang matuwid” administration, it is the case of ‘Paulino Elevado,’ of the Bureau of Customs.

This case once again highlights the obvious: P-Noy’s good governance platform is still not getting the result that everyone wants to see.

The reports said Elevado, together with “businessman” Florencio Bato, beat up -- and then tried to murder -- a student and his companion over a traffic accident last January 21 at the SLEX.

Now, if this barbaric attack is revolting enough to our ordinary, law abiding citizens, what many finds further intriguing is that Elevado, who probably earns less than P20,000 a month, was driving a PORSCHE at the time and brandishing a .40 caliber pistol.

Wow, grabe ka brod! Isang “hamak” na clerk, naka Porsche na, nakabaril pa!

A quick browse through the Internet disclosed that Elevado is one truly controversial customs employee who is hell-bent on giving the entire bureau a bad name.

Elevado is presently under investigation by the DOF’s ‘Revenue Integrity Protection Service’ (RIPS) for trying to extort P200,000 from a trader last October.

He and his boss, POM district collector, Rogelio Gatchalian, as well as several others from Gatchalian’s staff, are also facing another case for corruption before the Ombudsman which was filed by the RIPS last February 2011.

Kumbaga, “for better and for worse,” magkasabwat, ehek, magkasama, itong sina Col. Gatchalian at Elevado at dahil “astig” ang kanyang “amo,” kaya siguro malakas ang kanyang loob na gumawa ng katarantaduhan, ganun ba ‘yun, BOC chief, Ruffy Biazon?

Here is Comm. Ruffy’s anguished explanation on the matter: “I give much attention to this case because it runs smack against my efforts to reform the BOC and regain the people’s trust and confidence in the agency.

“It is an insult to BOC employees who share this mission with me, especially the employees who have struggled to lead clean and modest lives in the face of the temptation to live on the fast lane and benefit from corruption.

“On a personal note, I am also angered that personal friends of mine were victims of a person who works under my leadership.

“I implore the public not to let the actuations of an individual tarnish their confidence in the institution. While there are bad eggs in our basket, there are still more employees in the BOC who adhere to the principles of good governance and serve the public sincerely.

“It will be unfair to those who do good to be simply lumped together with those do not represent the best of the service and together be condemned.”

As for Florencio Bato, it would be wise for Comm. Ruffy to check on the bureau’s record because this guy may be a customs broker and worse, err, better, among the “players” at the waterfront.

Hindi malayong konklusyon na matagal nang may “transaksyon” itong sina Bato at Elevado kaya palagi silang magkasama.

Kung kaninong pangalan at interes naman ang “bitbit” nitong si Elevado sa kanyang mga aktibidades, kailangan pa bang pag-isipan ‘yan, ‘di ba, Col. Gatchalian? Ingat, sir, at baka itong insidenteng ito ang maging dahilan para masibak ka sa puwesto!

‘Yun bang...sa dami na ng kontrobersiyang sinabitan, ehek, kinasangkutan ninyo ng mga bataan mo, baka mapuno na ang “balon” ng pagtitimpi ni P-Noy at “mawalis” kayong lahat d’yan sa POM, eh, malapit nang ilabas ni Comm. Ruffy ang reshuffle ng mga district collectors, ‘di ba?

And since the entire bureau was once again damned by this incident, Comm. Ruffy is right in throwing book, the kitchen sink included, against Elevado and Bato.

Go, go, go, Comm. Ruffy! “Leegan,” ehek, bastunin, oops, sibakin mo na, ang mga “pabigat” at mga nagdadala ng kahihiyan sa iyong ahensiya!

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