MANILA, Philippines - A pawnshop in Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos, Las Piñas City lost P800,000 to at least four robbers who broke into the shop using a tunnel believed to have been dug eight months ago.
The heist was discovered yesterday morning, but according to Senior Inspector Macario Maylon, commander of Precinct 8, it is possible that the crime was carried out on Dec. 24.
Initial investigation showed that the robbers dug a tunnel to get into the Le An pawnshop along CAA Road. The robbers bored through the floor of one of the shop’s vaults.
When the hole was traced, the tunnel led to a house about 50 meters away. Found inside the house were metal drills, shovels, and sacks filled with dirt.
Maylon said police have been told by the house’s landlady that a group of men rented the bungalow-type last April for P11,000 a month. The men even gave the owner advance payment.
Maylon said when landlady asked the tenants why they rented the house, the latter replied: “For business use.”
“What puzzled her, however, was that the tenants never occupied the house or were hardly seen going in and out of it,” Maylon told The STAR.
But during those times, Maylon said, the neighborhood did not hear any suspicious sound coming from the house.
There were only some incidents that the neighbors saw two men going out of the house with filled sacks.
Senior Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said the incident is being investigated and probers are set to meet the pawnshop’s owners today. - By Aie Balagtas See
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
News Update Holiday profit-taking weighs on PHL shares
Profit-taking dragged Philippine shares lower Tuesday as local players cashed in on gains to stay liquid ahead of the New Year holiday. The main Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 25.63 points or 0.58 percent to close at 4,361.43. “Several institutional investors are having their holidays, and the US market was closed overnight,” said Freya Natividad, head of research at F. Yap Securities Inc., citing the market-moving impetus on Tuesday. More than 2.421 billion shares valued at P11.831 billion changed hands. “The market participation is quite thin, forcing investors to cash in on gains to stay liquid during the holidays,” said Natividad. “There were some window dressing, but the market felt the profit-taking more,” she added. Losers led gainers 105 to 49 with 45 issues closing unchanged.
News Update OFW remittances to grow 8% in 2011, says money transfer firm
Remittances by overseas Filipino workers remain resilient despite the global economic slowdown, and Western Union says such money transfers my grow up to 8 percent this year. Such growth is supported by money transfer firm Western Union, which continues to move money from 188 countries to the Philippines. In a statement Tuesday, Western Union said a chunk of the 2011 OFW remittances came from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Qatar, Kuwait, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Italy and Bahrain. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed that as of October, remittances reached $16.53 billion, up 7 percent from $15.45 billion year-on-year. The World Bank expects OFW remittances to reach $23 billion by year's end, making the Philippines the fourth largest remittance-receiving country after India, China and Mexico. Western Union said that in 2010 it moved $76 billion worth consumer money, including 405 million business payments and 214 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide. Patricia Ringen, senior vice president for Western Union's Pacific and Indochina, said that the company has linked the Philippines with a global distribution network of over 437,000 Western Union locations. “We have designed our business in line with the fast-changing money transfer needs of consumers, thus fulfilling our promise that wherever there is a Filipino, there is a Western Union,” she said. “Western Union’s strategy is to diversify along the core competence of moving money anywhere, any way,” said Ringen. “We are committed to moving money across multiple channels from cash to electronic means, and for individuals and businesses,” she added. — VS,
News Update GMA: Mr. Pangilinan isn't buying GMA Network
Felipe L. Gozon, chairman and CEO of GMA Network Inc., on Tuesday debunked rumors that TV5 chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan is buying GMA Network. “There is no truth to the rumor that is circulating that MVP has bought GMA 7. In fact, there are no negotiations going on between GMA 7 and MVP for the latter's purchase of GMA 7,” said Gozon. GMA Network also issued a statement to both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange, saying it is not true that Pangilinan offered to buy GMA for P500 billion. — With Amanda Lago/VS,
DID YOU KNOW THAT? Purple Yam in Philippine
Purple yam is used in a variety of desserts, as well as a flavor for ice cream, milk, Swiss rolls, tarts,cookies, cakes, and other pastries.
Ube [ooh-beh] is purple yam, which should not be confused with purple potatoes or with purple sweet potatoes available here in California. Purple yam is not uniquely found in the Philippines but I think Filipinos by far use it more than anyone else to flavor and color their sweet treats and breads. On a recent trip home, I was amazed at how ubiquitous purple sweet treats were. They were seriously everywhere, even in doughnuts.
When I think of ube, I think of my mom making haleyang ube [ha-leh-yang ooh-beh] or purple yam jam in our tiny kitchen. My mom would buy fresh ube from the farmers’ market and would make the jam from scratch at home in her heavy, deep kawali. She would let me stir the jam only if I promised to be very careful. She taught me how to use a small towel to hold the pan’s handle with my left hand and use my right hand to constantly but gingerly stir the jam until it thickens.
Making ube jam, along with collecting 12 round fruits, is my family’s New Year’s tradition. Having 12 round fruits on the dinner table as the clock strikes twelve brings good luck and prosperity in the New Year. Making something purple for media noche brings even more prosperity. The purpler, the better. But why so, you may wonder. For the longest time, the Philippine peso’s highest denomination was 100: the very purple 100-peso bill, until 1987 when the yellow 500-peso bill was first introduced, which was trumped four years later by the blue 1,000-peso bill. And so a very purple New Year meant more 100-peso bills — more prosperity to come.
The beloved ube, therefore, occupies a special spot in my heart. Ube ice cream with crispy, fragile barquillos or wafer rolls.
DID YOU KNOW THAT? Flood Prone Areas in the Philippines
| Province/City | Flood Prone Areas |
| CAVITE | CAVITE CITY KAWIT NOVELETA BACOOR ROSARIO NAIC |
| VALENZUELA | DALANDANAN KARUHATAN MALANDAY ARKONG BATO BALANGKAS CALOONG ISLA |
| NAVOTAS | NORTH BAY BLVD. SOUTH BLVD. THANGOS TANZA SAN ROQUE BANCULASI BAGUMBAYAN N. BAGUMBAYAN S. NAVOTAS EAST SIPAC ALMASEN SAN JOSE |
| MALABON | ACACIA BARITAN CATMON CONCEPCION DAMPALIT HULONG DUHAT LONGOS MAYSILO MUZON PANGHULO SANTOLAN TENEJEROS BAYAN-BAYANAN IBABA |
| CALOOCAN | 10TH AVENUE HERDES DEL 96 KAPAK LANGRAY MAYPAJO DAGAT-DAGATAN SANGANDAAN MONUMENTO BONIFACIO |
| PARANAQUE | BACLARAN TAMBO DON GALO VITALEZ SAN DIONISIO STO NINO LA HUERTA SAN ISIDRO BF DON BOSCO SAN MARTIN MOONWALK MARCELO GREEN SUN VALLEY MERVILLE |
| PASAY CITY | MARICABAN AREAS MALIBAY SAN CARLOS VILLAGE SAN RAFAEL SAN ROQUE |
| PATEROS | STA ANA AGUHO |
| TAGUIG | LOWER BICUTAN HAGONOY TUKTUKAN BAGUMBAYAN TIPAS USUSAN |
| MAKATI CITY | CARMONA LA PAZ OLYMPIA PALANAN SAN ANTONIO SAN ISIDRO TEHEROS VALENZUELA NUEVO COMEMBO GUADALUPE VIEJO |
| MANDALUYONG | NAMAYAN MANWAY SAN JOSE CORONADO BARANGKA |
| LAS PINAS | MANUYO UNO DANIEL FAJARDO ILAYA BLKS. ALDANA PULANG LUPA UNO ZAPOTE PAMPLONA UNO BF INT'L. CAA |
| QUEZON CITY | TALAYAN LIBIS GALAS TATALON ESTATE ROXAS DISTRICT PROJECT 6 |
| MANILA | TONDO STA MESA SAMPALOC SAN JUAN PACO PANDACAN BLUMENTRITT STA CRUZ |
| IFUGAO | TINOC ASIPULO KIANGAN HUNGDUAN |
| KALINGA | PASIL BALBALAN TANUDAN LUBUAGAN TINGCAYAN |
| ABRA | BANGUED MANABO SALLAPADAN BUCAY LA PAZ SAN ISIDRO TAYUM LAGAYAN PILAR LAGANGILANG LANGIDEN PIDIGAN SAN JUAN SAN QUINTIN PEÑARRUBIA DOLORES DANGLAS DAGUIOMAN |
| SURIGAO DEL SUR | ALL ISLANDS & MUNICIPALITIES |
| SURIGAO DEL NORTE | SURIGAO CITY ALEGRIA MAINIT PORTION OF TUBOD |
| AGUSAN DEL SUR | MOST OF THE RIVER TOWNS OF AGUSAN DEL SUR, SITUATED WITHIN THE MID-SECTION OF THE 11,000 SQUARE KILOMETER AGUSAN RIVER BASIN STA JOSEFA BUNAWAN TALANCOGON LORETA ROSARIO SAN LUIS VERUELA PROSPERIDAD SAN FRANCISCO BAYUGAN |
News Update Qatar eyes $1-billion investments in Phl
MANILA, Philippines - The oil-rich state of Qatar is ready to invest up to $1 billion mainly for infrastructure projects in the Philippines, a ranking official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said yesterday.
In an interview, Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said they are in talks with Qatari authorities for the terms of the investment agreements expected to be signed during the upcoming visit in mid-January of the Emir of Qatar.
He said the $1-billion fund will be provided by the state-owned Qatar Investment Authority. This amount, however, is only a small portion of the $300-billion investible fund earmarked by Qatar for foreign investments over the next 10 years.
“We have just been to Qatar. We met with them and they said the $1-billion fund is available,” Panlilio said.
The Philippines and Qatar have been negotiating for years for an investment agreement but have yet to cement a deal. The negotiations resumed last month, with Panlilio heading the Philippine delegation for the third round of talks.
He said the agreement is now 95 percent completed. “We already agreed on the most important issues.”
According to Panlilio, the $1-billion fund will be spread over a number of investments. He said they are drawing up an agreement wherein 85 percent will come from the Qatari fund and remaining 15 percent as counterpart investment either from the Philippine government or a Philippine-based company.
Panlilio said Qatari investors have expressed interest in the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Likewise, he said other investments could be funneled in power, food and agribusiness, as well as portfolio investments.
Aside from the $1-billion investible fund, Panlilio said the agreement will have a mutual investment protection and no double-taxation clause.
Under the mutual investment protection clause, Panlilio said that Qatari firms would be treated on an equal footing with Filipino companies. - By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
In an interview, Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said they are in talks with Qatari authorities for the terms of the investment agreements expected to be signed during the upcoming visit in mid-January of the Emir of Qatar.
He said the $1-billion fund will be provided by the state-owned Qatar Investment Authority. This amount, however, is only a small portion of the $300-billion investible fund earmarked by Qatar for foreign investments over the next 10 years.
“We have just been to Qatar. We met with them and they said the $1-billion fund is available,” Panlilio said.
The Philippines and Qatar have been negotiating for years for an investment agreement but have yet to cement a deal. The negotiations resumed last month, with Panlilio heading the Philippine delegation for the third round of talks.
He said the agreement is now 95 percent completed. “We already agreed on the most important issues.”
According to Panlilio, the $1-billion fund will be spread over a number of investments. He said they are drawing up an agreement wherein 85 percent will come from the Qatari fund and remaining 15 percent as counterpart investment either from the Philippine government or a Philippine-based company.
Panlilio said Qatari investors have expressed interest in the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Likewise, he said other investments could be funneled in power, food and agribusiness, as well as portfolio investments.
Aside from the $1-billion investible fund, Panlilio said the agreement will have a mutual investment protection and no double-taxation clause.
Under the mutual investment protection clause, Panlilio said that Qatari firms would be treated on an equal footing with Filipino companies. - By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
News Update 'Hataman sacks environment official over illegal logging
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Newly appointed officer-in-charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Mujiv Hataman has relieved Lanao del Sur’s chief natural resources officer, even as he ordered Task Force Ranao to help address the problem of illegal logging.
Hataman said he ordered the dismissal of Malik Pangandaman, disappointed that the latter was unaware of the extent of logging operations in the province.
He said officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-ARMM could not also explain the presence of hardwood flitches, commonly known as tablon, along portions of the Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway in Lanao del Sur which he saw on his way to Marawi City.
“They could not give me even a simple chronological history of logging operations in the province in particular and in the ARMM in general,” Hataman said.
Hataman has yet to appoint a new ARMM natural resources secretary.
Local officials in Lanao del Sur have confirmed that despite the logging ban declared by the previous ARMM governor, logging operations in Lanao del Sur persisted, with alleged backing from regional officials.
There have also been reports of shipments of forest products to Metro Manila and Visayas from provinces near the forestlands of the autonomous region that were covered by documents issued by DENR-ARMM insiders.
“The forest products were made to appear as if they have originated from the autonomous region,” a Maranaw local executive told The STAR.
Hataman said he has ordered his executive secretary, lawyer Anwar Malang, to immediately coordinate with the DENR offices in administrative regions to seize and scrutinize all forest products that come from the autonomous region.
Peace advocacy outfits and environmentalists appealed to Hataman to enlist the support of the military in enforcing an anti-logging campaign in the region.
He said he will discuss the issue with Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Presidential Adviser on Natural Resources and Environmental Concerns Neric Acosta.
Hataman met Saturday with the Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., 103rd Army Brigade commander Col. Daniel Lucero, and officials of the DENR and the civil society organizations to discuss the problem of illegal logging in the province.
Upon his assumption last week, Hataman had imposed a total log ban in his region after assessment showed that illegal logging have contributed to the deadly flash floods that hit Iligan City when typhoon “Sendong” struck the country.
He also vowed to uncover the discrepancies in the issuance of permits to loggers and poachers citing cut logs that he saw along the highway while on his way to Marawi City.
“Some of the permits were issued by the national office of the DENR while some were locally secured,” he said.
But Hataman said it is too early to point an accusing finger at anyone pending the result of the investigation. – With Roel Pareño
Hataman said he ordered the dismissal of Malik Pangandaman, disappointed that the latter was unaware of the extent of logging operations in the province.
He said officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-ARMM could not also explain the presence of hardwood flitches, commonly known as tablon, along portions of the Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway in Lanao del Sur which he saw on his way to Marawi City.
“They could not give me even a simple chronological history of logging operations in the province in particular and in the ARMM in general,” Hataman said.
Hataman has yet to appoint a new ARMM natural resources secretary.
Local officials in Lanao del Sur have confirmed that despite the logging ban declared by the previous ARMM governor, logging operations in Lanao del Sur persisted, with alleged backing from regional officials.
There have also been reports of shipments of forest products to Metro Manila and Visayas from provinces near the forestlands of the autonomous region that were covered by documents issued by DENR-ARMM insiders.
“The forest products were made to appear as if they have originated from the autonomous region,” a Maranaw local executive told The STAR.
Hataman said he has ordered his executive secretary, lawyer Anwar Malang, to immediately coordinate with the DENR offices in administrative regions to seize and scrutinize all forest products that come from the autonomous region.
Peace advocacy outfits and environmentalists appealed to Hataman to enlist the support of the military in enforcing an anti-logging campaign in the region.
He said he will discuss the issue with Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Presidential Adviser on Natural Resources and Environmental Concerns Neric Acosta.
Hataman met Saturday with the Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., 103rd Army Brigade commander Col. Daniel Lucero, and officials of the DENR and the civil society organizations to discuss the problem of illegal logging in the province.
Upon his assumption last week, Hataman had imposed a total log ban in his region after assessment showed that illegal logging have contributed to the deadly flash floods that hit Iligan City when typhoon “Sendong” struck the country.
He also vowed to uncover the discrepancies in the issuance of permits to loggers and poachers citing cut logs that he saw along the highway while on his way to Marawi City.
“Some of the permits were issued by the national office of the DENR while some were locally secured,” he said.
But Hataman said it is too early to point an accusing finger at anyone pending the result of the investigation. – With Roel Pareño
News Update NDRRMC: Heavy rains threaten eastern Mindanao
Heavy rains from a low-pressure area and the tail-end of a cold front are threatening eastern Mindanao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Monday night. In an evening advisory, the inter-agency council said heavy rains have been observed for at least six hours in parts of eastern Mindanao that include San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, as well as in the cities of Hinatuan and Surigao. "Residents living along the river banks and low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to stay alert for flooding and landslides," it said. The NDRRMC advised its regional offices to take the "necessary and appropriate actions." Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected in Visayas and Mindanao and will be widespread over Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Camiguin, Surigao, Misamis, Agusan, Davao, and Compostela Valley, the council added. — VS,
Kopi Talk Reckoning time for Palparan
By Ellen Tordesillas
I remember that speech to be most obscene.
In her sixth State-of-the-Nation address on July 24, 2006, Gloria Arroyo, amidst cries of parents of University of the Philippines Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño and relatives of Manuel Merino, a farmer, Gloria Arroyo lavished praises on one of the most feared and hated generals — then Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, commander of the 7th Infantry Division in central Luzon, where many of the extra-judicial killings happened.
Arroyo said: "Sa ganitong mga proyekto, palalakasin natin ang ekonomiya ng mga barangay at lalawigan. (In this [anti-insurgency project], we will strengthen the economy in the barangay and provinces.)And we will end the long oppression of barangays by rebel terrorists who kill without qualms, even their own.
"Sa mga lalawigang sakop ng 7th Division, nakikibaka sa kalaban si Jovito Palparan. Hindi siya aatras hanggang makawala sa gabi ng kilabot ang mga pamayanan at maka-ahon sa bukang-liwayway ng hustisya at kalayaan. (In the provinces covered by the 7th Division, Jovito Palparan is fighting the enemies. He will not stop until the people are free from the scourge of darkness and rise to the dawn of justice and freedom.)"
That was adding insult to injury.
Times have changed.
Arroyo is now on hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Palparan is on the run, hunted by police authorities and National Bureau of Investigation agents armed with a warrant for his arrest for the kidnapping of Cadapan, Empeño and Merino.
He was last seen trying to board a plane to Singapore at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga while everybody's attention was on the tragedy in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and other parts of Central Mindanao.
He was stopped on orders of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and has not been seen since then.
Two of Palparan's co-accused, Lt. Col Felipe Anotado, Jr. and S/Sgt Edgardo Osrio of the AFP Intelligence and security Group have surrendered tot eh office of the Armed Forces' Provost Marshal in Camp Aguinaldo.
The role of the military, especially Palparan in the abduction of Cadapan, Empeño, and Merino was related by Raymond Manalo, who together with his brother Reynaldo, survived abduction and torture by the military.
Manalo said six armed men in military uniform abducted him and his brother on Feb. 14, 2006 from their place in Barangay Buhol na Mangga, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
From there, they were detained and moved from one place to another, particularly military camps and detachments including Fort Magsaysay and a detachment in Sapang, San Miguel, Bulacan, where they allegedly met Palparan.
From Sapang, Manalo was transported to Camp Tecson under the 24th Infantry Battalion, where three men loaded him in a white car.
Manalo said he was taken to what he learned later a training detachment of the Scout Rangers. He said it was in the barracks that he met Cadapan, with her feet chained to a double bed.
During their conversation, Manalo said Cadapan told him she was abducted from Hagonoy and was subjected to torture."
After a week, Manalo was reunited with his brother who also brought to the camp, where they stayed from September 2006 until Nov. 22, 2006.
Three days after, Raymond said Empeño and Merino were also brought to the camp.
Raymond further said he saw Cadapan being subjected to torture like water treatment through nose, and electric shocks.
Palparan and Arroyo's military had denied any role in the abduction of Cadapan, Empeño and Merino as well as extra-judicial killings of activists.
As the family of the three hope for justice with the warrant of arrest for Palparan,we remember the words of Edith Burgos, mother of another missing activist, Jonas Burgos, in the play "Mrs.B":" Walang kasing-sakit mawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Kahit gaano ka katibay, kahit gaano ka katapang, kahit gaano ka kabuo, mababasag at mababasag ka rin. (There's nothing more painful than losing someone you love. Even though how much you try to be strong, to be solid, there's a point when you will crack.""
I remember that speech to be most obscene.
In her sixth State-of-the-Nation address on July 24, 2006, Gloria Arroyo, amidst cries of parents of University of the Philippines Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño and relatives of Manuel Merino, a farmer, Gloria Arroyo lavished praises on one of the most feared and hated generals — then Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, commander of the 7th Infantry Division in central Luzon, where many of the extra-judicial killings happened.
Arroyo said: "Sa ganitong mga proyekto, palalakasin natin ang ekonomiya ng mga barangay at lalawigan. (In this [anti-insurgency project], we will strengthen the economy in the barangay and provinces.)And we will end the long oppression of barangays by rebel terrorists who kill without qualms, even their own.
"Sa mga lalawigang sakop ng 7th Division, nakikibaka sa kalaban si Jovito Palparan. Hindi siya aatras hanggang makawala sa gabi ng kilabot ang mga pamayanan at maka-ahon sa bukang-liwayway ng hustisya at kalayaan. (In the provinces covered by the 7th Division, Jovito Palparan is fighting the enemies. He will not stop until the people are free from the scourge of darkness and rise to the dawn of justice and freedom.)"
That was adding insult to injury.
Times have changed.
Arroyo is now on hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Palparan is on the run, hunted by police authorities and National Bureau of Investigation agents armed with a warrant for his arrest for the kidnapping of Cadapan, Empeño and Merino.
He was last seen trying to board a plane to Singapore at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga while everybody's attention was on the tragedy in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and other parts of Central Mindanao.
He was stopped on orders of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and has not been seen since then.
Two of Palparan's co-accused, Lt. Col Felipe Anotado, Jr. and S/Sgt Edgardo Osrio of the AFP Intelligence and security Group have surrendered tot eh office of the Armed Forces' Provost Marshal in Camp Aguinaldo.
The role of the military, especially Palparan in the abduction of Cadapan, Empeño, and Merino was related by Raymond Manalo, who together with his brother Reynaldo, survived abduction and torture by the military.
Manalo said six armed men in military uniform abducted him and his brother on Feb. 14, 2006 from their place in Barangay Buhol na Mangga, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
From there, they were detained and moved from one place to another, particularly military camps and detachments including Fort Magsaysay and a detachment in Sapang, San Miguel, Bulacan, where they allegedly met Palparan.
From Sapang, Manalo was transported to Camp Tecson under the 24th Infantry Battalion, where three men loaded him in a white car.
Manalo said he was taken to what he learned later a training detachment of the Scout Rangers. He said it was in the barracks that he met Cadapan, with her feet chained to a double bed.
During their conversation, Manalo said Cadapan told him she was abducted from Hagonoy and was subjected to torture."
After a week, Manalo was reunited with his brother who also brought to the camp, where they stayed from September 2006 until Nov. 22, 2006.
Three days after, Raymond said Empeño and Merino were also brought to the camp.
Raymond further said he saw Cadapan being subjected to torture like water treatment through nose, and electric shocks.
Palparan and Arroyo's military had denied any role in the abduction of Cadapan, Empeño and Merino as well as extra-judicial killings of activists.
As the family of the three hope for justice with the warrant of arrest for Palparan,we remember the words of Edith Burgos, mother of another missing activist, Jonas Burgos, in the play "Mrs.B":" Walang kasing-sakit mawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Kahit gaano ka katibay, kahit gaano ka katapang, kahit gaano ka kabuo, mababasag at mababasag ka rin. (There's nothing more painful than losing someone you love. Even though how much you try to be strong, to be solid, there's a point when you will crack.""
Monday, December 26, 2011
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? EFOS- mangrove tree planting project in Brgy. Hingatunggan, Silago reaches 19,000 by ES Gorne Philippine
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- The Enhancing Food Security in the Visayas (EFOS)- mangrove tree planting project based in Barangay Hingatunggan, Silago has already planted 19,000 mangrove trees under contract with the Southern Leyte mangrove greenbelt project (SLMGP), as of press time.
The said SLMGP contract covers for the people’s organization based in Hingatunggan to plant 26,000 mangrove trees at the Hingatunggan Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Silago, Southern Leyte, Brgy. Hingatunggan Kagawad Leonila Apdo disclosed to PIA –Southern Leyte in an interview Saturday.
Apdo said the 78 families, who are the proponents of the SLMGP – Silago, were each tasked to plant 300 mangrove trees each.
She said the group is responsible to look after the mangrove trees planted to be alive, otherwise, every mortality of mangrove tree planted shall be replaced immediately.
Meanwhile, the remaining number of the mangroves trees to be planted is 2,000 lesser last Saturday as some 300 youth leaders led by Fr. Hope Lambonao and Congressman Roger Mercado planted in Hingatunggan MPA.
Earlier, Coastal Fisheries Resource Unit Head, Eva Abad, of the provincial government that GIZ organization poured P1.3 million to fund the project that includes money for the poor households that would be directly involved with the project, communities concerned would also be empowered by their awareness in the importance of the mangrove environment.
Abad said the anticipated output was even more challenging for a higher purpose, that is, to improve fish activity, achieve food security, protect vulnerable communities against the ill effects of climate change, and promote biodiversity conservation in mangrove forests with an estimated 90,000 live trees growing, and at least 24 hectares of expansion.
Covered in the mangrove greenbelt project were Maasin City, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Bontoc, Sogod, San Francisco, Saint Bernard, and Silago, she said
The said SLMGP contract covers for the people’s organization based in Hingatunggan to plant 26,000 mangrove trees at the Hingatunggan Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Silago, Southern Leyte, Brgy. Hingatunggan Kagawad Leonila Apdo disclosed to PIA –Southern Leyte in an interview Saturday.
Apdo said the 78 families, who are the proponents of the SLMGP – Silago, were each tasked to plant 300 mangrove trees each.
She said the group is responsible to look after the mangrove trees planted to be alive, otherwise, every mortality of mangrove tree planted shall be replaced immediately.
Meanwhile, the remaining number of the mangroves trees to be planted is 2,000 lesser last Saturday as some 300 youth leaders led by Fr. Hope Lambonao and Congressman Roger Mercado planted in Hingatunggan MPA.
Earlier, Coastal Fisheries Resource Unit Head, Eva Abad, of the provincial government that GIZ organization poured P1.3 million to fund the project that includes money for the poor households that would be directly involved with the project, communities concerned would also be empowered by their awareness in the importance of the mangrove environment.
Abad said the anticipated output was even more challenging for a higher purpose, that is, to improve fish activity, achieve food security, protect vulnerable communities against the ill effects of climate change, and promote biodiversity conservation in mangrove forests with an estimated 90,000 live trees growing, and at least 24 hectares of expansion.
Covered in the mangrove greenbelt project were Maasin City, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Bontoc, Sogod, San Francisco, Saint Bernard, and Silago, she said
News Update PRC sees more jobless nurses
MANILA, Philippines - More nurses will be unemployed next year, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said yesterday.
Marco Sto. Tomas, of the PRC’s Board of Nursing (BON), said the current number of 230,000 jobless and underemployed nurses nationwide is rising.
“Although enrollment in nursing courses is going down, there are still many in the pipeline, considering that 68,000 graduates just took the licensure examination this month,” he said.
Many registered nurses are now willing to work for free or even pay hospitals so they could work and gain the necessary experience to qualify them for employment abroad, he added.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has ordered the PRC, an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment to coordinate with other concerned government agencies and look into the condition of unemployed Filipino nurses.
The DOLE is also looking into coming out with new rules to regulate the “hiring” of nurse volunteers in hospitals and other medical facilities nationwide, she added.
No regulation exists to stop or penalize government and private hospitals from using the services of licensed nurses for free, Baldoz said.
Sto. Tomas said the PRC is now pushing for the implementation of the so-called Hastening Options for Productivity and Employment (HOPE) for Filipino nurses, he added.
“The program aims to promote entrepreneurship putting up their own business for Filipinos nurses who are now having difficulty finding employment,” he said.
The PRC and other concerned government agencies are exerting efforts to improve the lives of nurses, including the unemployed, he added. - By Mayen Jaymalin
Marco Sto. Tomas, of the PRC’s Board of Nursing (BON), said the current number of 230,000 jobless and underemployed nurses nationwide is rising.
“Although enrollment in nursing courses is going down, there are still many in the pipeline, considering that 68,000 graduates just took the licensure examination this month,” he said.
Many registered nurses are now willing to work for free or even pay hospitals so they could work and gain the necessary experience to qualify them for employment abroad, he added.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has ordered the PRC, an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment to coordinate with other concerned government agencies and look into the condition of unemployed Filipino nurses.
The DOLE is also looking into coming out with new rules to regulate the “hiring” of nurse volunteers in hospitals and other medical facilities nationwide, she added.
No regulation exists to stop or penalize government and private hospitals from using the services of licensed nurses for free, Baldoz said.
Sto. Tomas said the PRC is now pushing for the implementation of the so-called Hastening Options for Productivity and Employment (HOPE) for Filipino nurses, he added.
“The program aims to promote entrepreneurship putting up their own business for Filipinos nurses who are now having difficulty finding employment,” he said.
The PRC and other concerned government agencies are exerting efforts to improve the lives of nurses, including the unemployed, he added. - By Mayen Jaymalin
News Update BSP sees OFW inflows picking up in late 2011
MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees a further increase in remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in an interview with reporters that it is still early to tell whether remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have already peaked last October. “We can not say that, November and December may continue to show some pickup,” Guinigundo said.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees a further increase in remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in an interview with reporters that it is still early to tell whether remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have already peaked last October. “We can not say that, November and December may continue to show some pickup,” Guinigundo said.
OFW remittances climbed 6.2 percent to hit a new monthly record of $1.78 billion in October, erasing the previous record of $1.737 billion booked last June. In all, OFW remittances went up by seven percent to $16.534 billion in the first 10 months of the year from $15.456 billion in the same period last year.
The BSP said that the higher level of remittances in October could also be due to higher cash transfers by Filipinos abroad to their beneficiaries who were affected by typhoons Quiel and Pedring last September.
Guinigundo explained that remittances could pick up in the coming months as OFWs abroad are likely to send more money to their loved ones especially those affected by typhoon Sendong that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 Filipinos and rendered thousands of families in Mindanao homeless.
“Normally if there is a calamity, OFWs will try to provide assistance to their family members,” he said.
Despite the challenges posed by the global financial crisis, the BSP official said there is continued strong demand for Filipino workers abroad.
“There is greater preference to Filipinos, than non-Filipinos. We continue to be in demand,” he explained.
Latest statistics from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed that the number of approved job orders rose 11.6 percent to 645,775 from 578,535 in the same period last year. The processed job orders consisted of job openings for production, service, as well as professional, technical and related workers for Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Taiwan, Kuwait and Hong Kong.
OFW remittances grew by 8.2 percent to a record level $18.76 billion last year from $17.35 billion in 2009 due to the continued demand for skilled Filipino workers abroad as well as the expansion of remittance centers abroad giving OFWs more options to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines.
Last April, the BSP lowered its OFW remittance growth forecast to seven percent or $20.1 billion instead of the original target of eight percent or $20.1 billion this year due to the tensions in the Middle East and North African region and the disasters in Japan. Next year, it expects a slower growth of five percent or $21.1 billion. - By Lawrence Agcaoil
BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in an interview with reporters that it is still early to tell whether remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have already peaked last October. “We can not say that, November and December may continue to show some pickup,” Guinigundo said.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees a further increase in remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in an interview with reporters that it is still early to tell whether remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have already peaked last October. “We can not say that, November and December may continue to show some pickup,” Guinigundo said.
OFW remittances climbed 6.2 percent to hit a new monthly record of $1.78 billion in October, erasing the previous record of $1.737 billion booked last June. In all, OFW remittances went up by seven percent to $16.534 billion in the first 10 months of the year from $15.456 billion in the same period last year.
The BSP said that the higher level of remittances in October could also be due to higher cash transfers by Filipinos abroad to their beneficiaries who were affected by typhoons Quiel and Pedring last September.
Guinigundo explained that remittances could pick up in the coming months as OFWs abroad are likely to send more money to their loved ones especially those affected by typhoon Sendong that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 Filipinos and rendered thousands of families in Mindanao homeless.
“Normally if there is a calamity, OFWs will try to provide assistance to their family members,” he said.
Despite the challenges posed by the global financial crisis, the BSP official said there is continued strong demand for Filipino workers abroad.
“There is greater preference to Filipinos, than non-Filipinos. We continue to be in demand,” he explained.
Latest statistics from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed that the number of approved job orders rose 11.6 percent to 645,775 from 578,535 in the same period last year. The processed job orders consisted of job openings for production, service, as well as professional, technical and related workers for Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Taiwan, Kuwait and Hong Kong.
OFW remittances grew by 8.2 percent to a record level $18.76 billion last year from $17.35 billion in 2009 due to the continued demand for skilled Filipino workers abroad as well as the expansion of remittance centers abroad giving OFWs more options to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines.
Last April, the BSP lowered its OFW remittance growth forecast to seven percent or $20.1 billion instead of the original target of eight percent or $20.1 billion this year due to the tensions in the Middle East and North African region and the disasters in Japan. Next year, it expects a slower growth of five percent or $21.1 billion. - By Lawrence Agcaoil
News Update Tent cities loom for Philippine flood victims
Tens of thousands of flash flood survivors in the Philippines face life in tent cities for months while safe areas to resettle them are sought, top relief officials said Monday.
More than 60,000 people displaced by tropical storm Washi are sheltering in government buildings in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, most of them in schools that reopen after the holidays, civil defence chief Benito Ramos said.
"We can't construct permanent shelters for them immediately. It will take some time. They have to move into tents when schools reopen on January 3," Ramos told AFP.
Floods unleashed by the storm obliterated entire riverside communities on the north coast of the main southern island of Mindanao before dawn on December 17, many of them populated by poor migrants living in shacks built on sandbars.
Manila does not normally build houses for those left homeless by natural disasters, but President Benigno Aquino has banned the victims from returning to flood-prone areas, stationing armed police to enforce the measure.
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said Philippine Army engineering units were rushing to build temporary bunkhouses and latrines in Cagayan de Oro, which accounted for half the 1,236 officially confirmed deaths.
The same would be done in Iligan once the local government finds a suitable relocation area, she added.
"The target is to have transition shelters and bunkhouses in the first two weeks of January so families can feel some personal space that they can't get at evacuation centres," she told ABS-CBN television.
But she conceded the temporary buildings would be unlikely to be able to accommodate all the displaced, so others would have to stay in tents.
Ramos said finding a a permanent resettlement site in Iligan would not be easy, as the area was "mainly mountainous".
He said the national government had no definite timetable for building permanent shelters, but he expects them to be ready in six months.
Local officials have reported more than 1,000 people missing, a figure that Ramos, who also supervises the corpse retrieval operation by military units, considers possibly overstated.
Many of the dead remain unidentified and unclaimed at overflowing local mortuaries.
The focus of the search has shifted to the sea, where bloated bodies lie scattered in debris-strewn Iligan Bay as well as Macajalar Bay near Cagayan de Oro.
"The search is tapering off. The problem is there could still be bodies buried under the uncollected debris in the cities," Ramos said, adding the public works ministry was repairing shattered roads and bridges while military reservists had been called up to help clear away mud and other debris.
"There's no Christmas here. It's a sad spectacle," he said.
More than 60,000 people displaced by tropical storm Washi are sheltering in government buildings in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, most of them in schools that reopen after the holidays, civil defence chief Benito Ramos said.
"We can't construct permanent shelters for them immediately. It will take some time. They have to move into tents when schools reopen on January 3," Ramos told AFP.
Floods unleashed by the storm obliterated entire riverside communities on the north coast of the main southern island of Mindanao before dawn on December 17, many of them populated by poor migrants living in shacks built on sandbars.
Manila does not normally build houses for those left homeless by natural disasters, but President Benigno Aquino has banned the victims from returning to flood-prone areas, stationing armed police to enforce the measure.
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said Philippine Army engineering units were rushing to build temporary bunkhouses and latrines in Cagayan de Oro, which accounted for half the 1,236 officially confirmed deaths.
The same would be done in Iligan once the local government finds a suitable relocation area, she added.
"The target is to have transition shelters and bunkhouses in the first two weeks of January so families can feel some personal space that they can't get at evacuation centres," she told ABS-CBN television.
But she conceded the temporary buildings would be unlikely to be able to accommodate all the displaced, so others would have to stay in tents.
Ramos said finding a a permanent resettlement site in Iligan would not be easy, as the area was "mainly mountainous".
He said the national government had no definite timetable for building permanent shelters, but he expects them to be ready in six months.
Local officials have reported more than 1,000 people missing, a figure that Ramos, who also supervises the corpse retrieval operation by military units, considers possibly overstated.
Many of the dead remain unidentified and unclaimed at overflowing local mortuaries.
The focus of the search has shifted to the sea, where bloated bodies lie scattered in debris-strewn Iligan Bay as well as Macajalar Bay near Cagayan de Oro.
"The search is tapering off. The problem is there could still be bodies buried under the uncollected debris in the cities," Ramos said, adding the public works ministry was repairing shattered roads and bridges while military reservists had been called up to help clear away mud and other debris.
"There's no Christmas here. It's a sad spectacle," he said.
News Update CPP issues threats to landlords, firms that destroy environment
MANILA, Philippines - The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday ordered its fighters to “arrest” landlords who block land reform and to attack companies that destroy the country’s natural resources.
In a 13-page statement issued on the eve of its 43rd anniversary, the CPP also directed its revolutionary forces to launch attacks on the detachments of government forces.
“We must arrest and try landlords who violently oppose land reform, the human rights violators, the plunderers, drug lords and enemy spies,” CPP said.
“We must interdict and dismantle enterprises that violate the laws and regulations of the people’s government and destroy the environment and agricultural production, plunder natural resources and prevent land reform and national industrialization,” it added.
The CPP issued the statement even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the general security situation around the country is normal even if the rebels are expected to conduct activities to mark their anniversary.
“While we shifted focus and pour the bulk of our resources and manpower on the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in calamity-stricken areas, we continue to monitor activities of possible threats to the nation’s peace and stability,” said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.
The CPP said minority groups are demanding respect to their self-determination and their ancestral domain.
These groups, the CPP said, are in favor of the efforts of rebels to dismantle and shut down the operations of foreign mining firms in the country.
The AFP earlier revealed that the insurgents are planning to commit more atrocities against “soft targets” like mining, logging and agro-industrial firms.
Authorities have vowed to remain vigilant against attacks as the CPP marks its 43rd anniversary today.
The CPP said the New People’s Army (NPA), its armed wing, should continue to launch attacks against the detachments of state security forces.
Burgos said the AFP has intensified its intelligence gathering efforts and has maintained an intelligence network with other law enforcement agencies.
“The AFP continues to be on active defense mode as we strictly enforce and adhere to the provision of the SOMO (suspension of military operations),” he said.
The government declared a holiday ceasefire that started last Dec. 16 and will be in effect until Jan. 2. - By Alexis Romero
In a 13-page statement issued on the eve of its 43rd anniversary, the CPP also directed its revolutionary forces to launch attacks on the detachments of government forces.
“We must arrest and try landlords who violently oppose land reform, the human rights violators, the plunderers, drug lords and enemy spies,” CPP said.
“We must interdict and dismantle enterprises that violate the laws and regulations of the people’s government and destroy the environment and agricultural production, plunder natural resources and prevent land reform and national industrialization,” it added.
The CPP issued the statement even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the general security situation around the country is normal even if the rebels are expected to conduct activities to mark their anniversary.
“While we shifted focus and pour the bulk of our resources and manpower on the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in calamity-stricken areas, we continue to monitor activities of possible threats to the nation’s peace and stability,” said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.
The CPP said minority groups are demanding respect to their self-determination and their ancestral domain.
These groups, the CPP said, are in favor of the efforts of rebels to dismantle and shut down the operations of foreign mining firms in the country.
The AFP earlier revealed that the insurgents are planning to commit more atrocities against “soft targets” like mining, logging and agro-industrial firms.
Authorities have vowed to remain vigilant against attacks as the CPP marks its 43rd anniversary today.
The CPP said the New People’s Army (NPA), its armed wing, should continue to launch attacks against the detachments of state security forces.
Burgos said the AFP has intensified its intelligence gathering efforts and has maintained an intelligence network with other law enforcement agencies.
“The AFP continues to be on active defense mode as we strictly enforce and adhere to the provision of the SOMO (suspension of military operations),” he said.
The government declared a holiday ceasefire that started last Dec. 16 and will be in effect until Jan. 2. - By Alexis Romero
News Update 3 Filipino policemen wounded repulsing rebel raid
ANILA (AP) - About 50 suspected communist rebels disguised as soldiers have attacked a town hall compound in the central Philippines but were repulsed by police. Three policemen were wounded in the clash.
Regional police commander Cecilio Calleja says the New People's Army rebels attempted to enter a police station early on Sunday in the government compound in Mobo town in Masbate province.
Mr Calleja says the policemen sensed it was an attack and opened fire, sparking a gunbattle. The Maoist guerrillas withdrew toward a forested mountain after an hour.
Government negotiator Alex Padilla, who heads talks with the rebels, renewed a call for a cease-fire.
Regional police commander Cecilio Calleja says the New People's Army rebels attempted to enter a police station early on Sunday in the government compound in Mobo town in Masbate province.
Mr Calleja says the policemen sensed it was an attack and opened fire, sparking a gunbattle. The Maoist guerrillas withdrew toward a forested mountain after an hour.
Government negotiator Alex Padilla, who heads talks with the rebels, renewed a call for a cease-fire.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
News Update US man slain in Philippine robbery: Police
MANILA (AFP) - An American living in the Philippines was killed by robbers who broke into his home on Christmas Eve, police said on Sunday.
James Thomas Kakara, 61, was attacked on Saturday at his home in Tagaytay, a hill resort near Manila, national police spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said.
Police did not specify how he was killed, but said about 206,000 pesos (S$6,100) in cash, his mobile phone and his laptop computer were taken.
Kakara was from California and moved to the Philippines after marrying a Filipina woman, Tagaytay police officer Leonard Carandang told AFP by telephone.
James Thomas Kakara, 61, was attacked on Saturday at his home in Tagaytay, a hill resort near Manila, national police spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said.
Police did not specify how he was killed, but said about 206,000 pesos (S$6,100) in cash, his mobile phone and his laptop computer were taken.
Kakara was from California and moved to the Philippines after marrying a Filipina woman, Tagaytay police officer Leonard Carandang told AFP by telephone.
News Update P-Noy vows political will to solve flooding
MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has vowed to exercise political will to make government officials do whatever would be necessary to mitigate the effects of disasters hitting the country every year.
Aquino also said those officials found to have been responsible for the loss of lives in the flashfloods that struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan during tropical storm “Sendong” last week would have to face the consequences.
“Like what happened in Iligan, there were so many logs when the ban on logging in the residual forests and natural forests has been there because forest cover has been (denuded), that’s where the flooding is coming from,” Aquino said during an interview with GMA 7 late Friday.
“But the problem is many are still violating (the log ban). So we have a fact-finding team that will determine the violators and we will file cases and hold them accountable,” he said.
Aquino stressed the importance of imposing political will. “Firstly, we will demonstrate political will and force my subordinates to do what is right,” he said.
During a Christmas party for street children held in Makati City yesterday, Aquino said there were many problems at hand, especially fixing the government, but with all the help coming in the aftermath of Sendong, things were becoming a bit easier.
Aquino denied reports that he was “partying” when Sendong struck northern Mindanao.
Aquino said the Christmas party was for the members of the Presidential Security Group and for their families, not for him.
Aquino also said he cancelled several other Christmas parties, but not the one for the PSG because some of their relatives even came from the provinces.
The President added he wanted concerned authorities to do their jobs well in responding to the disaster so he waited before proceeding to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete City.
He said he wanted local officials to concentrate on attending to the problems rather than bother with his visit.
Aquino on Tuesday ordered a probe to determine the possible negligence of officials in the floods that left over a thousand people dead and scores more missing in several areas in Mindanao following the storm.
Aquino said he wanted a probe on who should be held responsible for the tragedy to serve as a lesson so that it would not happen again.
Outbreak feared
Six days into non-stop retrieval operations, military and police search teams have already accounted for 1,045 bodies and were still scouring tons of debris for the hundreds more still missing.
All combined, the number of fatalities left by Sendong in wide areas of Mindanao, parts of Central Visayas and Bicol has already ballooned to 1,145.
“Our troops are still on retrieval operations for the 651 who are still missing and relief distribution for the 15,006 families who have lost everything and are now staying in seven evacuation centers,” said regional military spokesman Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV.
Osias said Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, Task Force Sendong overall commander, had ordered the deployment of more troops to assist and attend to the needs of the evacuees and also to maintain order during distribution of relief goods.
“We will never abandon them (evacuees) in their times of need. We will be spending our Christmas and New Year and beyond with them as needed,” Felix said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said he would be spending Christmas with the troops involved in search and rescue operations in Mindanao to boost their morale.
“I can’t be any prouder of our men and women in service, who have exceeded the already demanding duties of being a soldier. This is my way of expressing my appreciation and recognition of their extraordinary efforts,” Dellosa said.
On the other hand, Health Secretary Enrique Ona stressed the possibility of disease outbreaks in the evacuation centers.
“It’s been one week since Sendong so it is possible for diseases to develop by next week,” Ona said.
“Our teams have been going around evacuation centers to remind the people there of precautionary measures to prevent this from happening,” he said.
Angela Travis, a local spokesperson for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said water, toilets, and other facilities are all urgently needed to head off potential epidemics.
“The water situation is still difficult and we are worried about what this means for their health,” Travis said.
She added damaged tap water systems meant fire trucks had to deliver to the evacuation camps.
Nearly half a million people require immediate assistance, United Nations agencies estimate, including nearly 50,000 at evacuation centers and those reduced to living with relatives and on the streets.
Snejal Soneji, country director for the non-government aid organization Oxfam, said it would put up latrines on top of about 200 portable toilets that UNICEF is scheduled to deliver today.
“They’re resorting to unhygienic practices like not washing hands, which could lead to outbreaks of diseases,” Soneji said.
The UN, which launched a $28.6-million aid appeal on Thursday, likened the force of the disaster to that of a tsunami.
A UN High Commissioner for Refugees chartered plane flew into Manila on Friday to deliver the first batch of 42 metric tons of emergency shelters, blankets, and kitchen implements intended for the flood-hit areas.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) mobilized funds and supplies to provide medical services to more than 12,000 pregnant and lactating women in the affected areas.
The Swiss government also dispatched teams of experts on water and sanitation and logistics
Switzerland is providing aid in the form of technical material as well as in cash for up to 300,000 Swiss Francs (approximately P14 million) toward the ongoing emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Swiss relief assistance will be provided under the overall coordination of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The United States, on the other hand, is providing an additional $800,000 (P34.4 million) to support ongoing emergency relief and recovery operations.
The funding augments initial assistance of $100,000 (P4.1 million) provided by the US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to address the immediate needs of victims of the storm.
The US Marine Forces Pacific joined the AFP in the relief efforts by bringing in three high-capacity water purification units capable of processing 13,000 gallons of water a day.
The United States Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) also loaned two 15-foot Zodiac rubber boats to help in the search and rescue operations.
Place the right people
Even as relief assistance continues to pour in, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III urged President Aquino to appoint the right people with experience in disaster mitigation in the agencies and areas where they are needed.
Pimentel lamented that a lot of the key officials in government whose jobs involve disaster preparedness and response are merely monitoring developments whenever calamities occur.
“We need these men (and women) by whose decisions and actions lives are saved. The worst thing is to have high-level officials merely monitoring and reporting on the scenario. That’s the role of media,” he said.
Pimentel has been assisting the relief efforts in his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City, among the areas worst hit by Sendong.
His erstwhile political rival, resigned senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, also led relief efforts as Philippine Red Cross governor.
Zubiri said he visited at least nine flood-affected areas and evacuation centers, including Cagayan de Oro City.
“These areas were the hardest hit by the floodwaters and we saw the widespread devastation in these places. Debris, collapsed houses, buildings, bridges, vehicles and mud-soaked belongings of the residents are all over the place,” he said. - With Jaime Laude, Pia Lee-Brago, Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan, Sheila Crisostomo, Jose Rodel Clapano
- By Aurea Calica
Aquino also said those officials found to have been responsible for the loss of lives in the flashfloods that struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan during tropical storm “Sendong” last week would have to face the consequences.
“Like what happened in Iligan, there were so many logs when the ban on logging in the residual forests and natural forests has been there because forest cover has been (denuded), that’s where the flooding is coming from,” Aquino said during an interview with GMA 7 late Friday.
“But the problem is many are still violating (the log ban). So we have a fact-finding team that will determine the violators and we will file cases and hold them accountable,” he said.
Aquino stressed the importance of imposing political will. “Firstly, we will demonstrate political will and force my subordinates to do what is right,” he said.
During a Christmas party for street children held in Makati City yesterday, Aquino said there were many problems at hand, especially fixing the government, but with all the help coming in the aftermath of Sendong, things were becoming a bit easier.
Aquino denied reports that he was “partying” when Sendong struck northern Mindanao.
Aquino said the Christmas party was for the members of the Presidential Security Group and for their families, not for him.
Aquino also said he cancelled several other Christmas parties, but not the one for the PSG because some of their relatives even came from the provinces.
The President added he wanted concerned authorities to do their jobs well in responding to the disaster so he waited before proceeding to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete City.
He said he wanted local officials to concentrate on attending to the problems rather than bother with his visit.
Aquino on Tuesday ordered a probe to determine the possible negligence of officials in the floods that left over a thousand people dead and scores more missing in several areas in Mindanao following the storm.
Aquino said he wanted a probe on who should be held responsible for the tragedy to serve as a lesson so that it would not happen again.
Outbreak feared
Six days into non-stop retrieval operations, military and police search teams have already accounted for 1,045 bodies and were still scouring tons of debris for the hundreds more still missing.
All combined, the number of fatalities left by Sendong in wide areas of Mindanao, parts of Central Visayas and Bicol has already ballooned to 1,145.
“Our troops are still on retrieval operations for the 651 who are still missing and relief distribution for the 15,006 families who have lost everything and are now staying in seven evacuation centers,” said regional military spokesman Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV.
Osias said Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, Task Force Sendong overall commander, had ordered the deployment of more troops to assist and attend to the needs of the evacuees and also to maintain order during distribution of relief goods.
“We will never abandon them (evacuees) in their times of need. We will be spending our Christmas and New Year and beyond with them as needed,” Felix said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said he would be spending Christmas with the troops involved in search and rescue operations in Mindanao to boost their morale.
“I can’t be any prouder of our men and women in service, who have exceeded the already demanding duties of being a soldier. This is my way of expressing my appreciation and recognition of their extraordinary efforts,” Dellosa said.
On the other hand, Health Secretary Enrique Ona stressed the possibility of disease outbreaks in the evacuation centers.
“It’s been one week since Sendong so it is possible for diseases to develop by next week,” Ona said.
“Our teams have been going around evacuation centers to remind the people there of precautionary measures to prevent this from happening,” he said.
Angela Travis, a local spokesperson for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said water, toilets, and other facilities are all urgently needed to head off potential epidemics.
“The water situation is still difficult and we are worried about what this means for their health,” Travis said.
She added damaged tap water systems meant fire trucks had to deliver to the evacuation camps.
Nearly half a million people require immediate assistance, United Nations agencies estimate, including nearly 50,000 at evacuation centers and those reduced to living with relatives and on the streets.
Snejal Soneji, country director for the non-government aid organization Oxfam, said it would put up latrines on top of about 200 portable toilets that UNICEF is scheduled to deliver today.
“They’re resorting to unhygienic practices like not washing hands, which could lead to outbreaks of diseases,” Soneji said.
The UN, which launched a $28.6-million aid appeal on Thursday, likened the force of the disaster to that of a tsunami.
A UN High Commissioner for Refugees chartered plane flew into Manila on Friday to deliver the first batch of 42 metric tons of emergency shelters, blankets, and kitchen implements intended for the flood-hit areas.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) mobilized funds and supplies to provide medical services to more than 12,000 pregnant and lactating women in the affected areas.
The Swiss government also dispatched teams of experts on water and sanitation and logistics
Switzerland is providing aid in the form of technical material as well as in cash for up to 300,000 Swiss Francs (approximately P14 million) toward the ongoing emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Swiss relief assistance will be provided under the overall coordination of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The United States, on the other hand, is providing an additional $800,000 (P34.4 million) to support ongoing emergency relief and recovery operations.
The funding augments initial assistance of $100,000 (P4.1 million) provided by the US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to address the immediate needs of victims of the storm.
The US Marine Forces Pacific joined the AFP in the relief efforts by bringing in three high-capacity water purification units capable of processing 13,000 gallons of water a day.
The United States Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) also loaned two 15-foot Zodiac rubber boats to help in the search and rescue operations.
Place the right people
Even as relief assistance continues to pour in, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III urged President Aquino to appoint the right people with experience in disaster mitigation in the agencies and areas where they are needed.
Pimentel lamented that a lot of the key officials in government whose jobs involve disaster preparedness and response are merely monitoring developments whenever calamities occur.
“We need these men (and women) by whose decisions and actions lives are saved. The worst thing is to have high-level officials merely monitoring and reporting on the scenario. That’s the role of media,” he said.
Pimentel has been assisting the relief efforts in his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City, among the areas worst hit by Sendong.
His erstwhile political rival, resigned senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, also led relief efforts as Philippine Red Cross governor.
Zubiri said he visited at least nine flood-affected areas and evacuation centers, including Cagayan de Oro City.
“These areas were the hardest hit by the floodwaters and we saw the widespread devastation in these places. Debris, collapsed houses, buildings, bridges, vehicles and mud-soaked belongings of the residents are all over the place,” he said. - With Jaime Laude, Pia Lee-Brago, Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan, Sheila Crisostomo, Jose Rodel Clapano
- By Aurea Calica
News Update Pasay mayor's chief of staff survives slay try
MANILA, Philippines - Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto’s chief of staff was shot in his home in Barangay Aurora Tolentino Friday afternoon, a city police official said yesterday.
Superintendent Samuel Turla, deputy police chief, told The STAR that a lone attacker snuck into Albert Paredes’ house along Inocencio Street and shot him as he emerged from the bathroom at around 1:15 p.m. Friday.
The attacker then “fled to a waiting motorcycle driven by an accomplice,” Turla said.
According to initial reports, Paredes sustained a gunshot wound in the chest, just an inch away from his heart. “The victim is now declared out of danger,” Turla said.
Paredes told The STAR he has no idea who wanted him killed. He said he will leave the investigation of the case to the police.
His brother, Allan, said they have no idea who masterminded the attack and they “do not want to speculate.”
City public information chief Jojo de Paula said the attack was “a personal thing. Definitely, it’s not about politics nor related to the mayor.” De Paula refused to elaborate.
Desk officer Malou Tañada said Paredes was rushed to the San Juan de Dios Hospital at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday by his driver, Mark Castillo. He was discharged at about 10:40 a.m. yesterday.
According to a close-in security officer of the victim, they were preparing for a Christmas party at Paredes’ house when he was sent to the city hall to get some documents.
“When I returned I saw my boss already wounded in the chest, I have no idea what happened,” he said. The security officer said they rushed Paredes to the hospital and later reported the incident to the police.
Mario Manzano, the hospital’s security chief, claimed the incident was reported to the police “five minutes” after Paredes was rushed to the hospital. However, there was no record of the incident in the city police investigation unit’s blotter book. The blotter showed that at least seven incidents were logged from 3:01 a.m. on page 19 to 9:40 p.m. on page 26 for Dec. 23.
The logbook’s page 24 was empty, marked with one word: “save.” The subsequent pages have been filled in with incident reports.
Early last year, Paredes suffered a minor hand injury when a casual employee ran amuck in the mayor’s office while Paredes was trying to settle a dispute between the employee, who leads a group of pedicab drivers, and officials of the city government’s Tricycle and Pedicab Regulation Office.
Paredes tried to pacify the employee, who hit him on the right hand with a metal clipboard. - By Perseus Echeminada and Aie Balagtas See
Superintendent Samuel Turla, deputy police chief, told The STAR that a lone attacker snuck into Albert Paredes’ house along Inocencio Street and shot him as he emerged from the bathroom at around 1:15 p.m. Friday.
The attacker then “fled to a waiting motorcycle driven by an accomplice,” Turla said.
According to initial reports, Paredes sustained a gunshot wound in the chest, just an inch away from his heart. “The victim is now declared out of danger,” Turla said.
Paredes told The STAR he has no idea who wanted him killed. He said he will leave the investigation of the case to the police.
His brother, Allan, said they have no idea who masterminded the attack and they “do not want to speculate.”
City public information chief Jojo de Paula said the attack was “a personal thing. Definitely, it’s not about politics nor related to the mayor.” De Paula refused to elaborate.
Desk officer Malou Tañada said Paredes was rushed to the San Juan de Dios Hospital at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday by his driver, Mark Castillo. He was discharged at about 10:40 a.m. yesterday.
According to a close-in security officer of the victim, they were preparing for a Christmas party at Paredes’ house when he was sent to the city hall to get some documents.
“When I returned I saw my boss already wounded in the chest, I have no idea what happened,” he said. The security officer said they rushed Paredes to the hospital and later reported the incident to the police.
Mario Manzano, the hospital’s security chief, claimed the incident was reported to the police “five minutes” after Paredes was rushed to the hospital. However, there was no record of the incident in the city police investigation unit’s blotter book. The blotter showed that at least seven incidents were logged from 3:01 a.m. on page 19 to 9:40 p.m. on page 26 for Dec. 23.
The logbook’s page 24 was empty, marked with one word: “save.” The subsequent pages have been filled in with incident reports.
Early last year, Paredes suffered a minor hand injury when a casual employee ran amuck in the mayor’s office while Paredes was trying to settle a dispute between the employee, who leads a group of pedicab drivers, and officials of the city government’s Tricycle and Pedicab Regulation Office.
Paredes tried to pacify the employee, who hit him on the right hand with a metal clipboard. - By Perseus Echeminada and Aie Balagtas See
News Update NEDA okays 2 projects to boost SE Asia trade
MANILA, Philippines - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved two infrastructure projects that are expected to enhance the country’s trade activities in Southeast Asia.
These projects are the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project (PPADP)and the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP), the agency said in a statement.
Under the PPADP project, the government will improve the existing Puerto Princesa Airport through the construction of a new passenger terminal complex and put in place a new access road off the national highway of Puerto Princesa City.
The government also plans to widen the runway strip and install new security fencing, among others.
The improvement of the project aims to boost trade with neighbors in the East Asia growth area.
“The project revitalizes the transport and trade linkages under the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA,” NEDA said.
The government puts the total cost of the project at P4.46 billion. It is under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) financing of the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
The second project, the PSIP, will construct a total of 9,623 classrooms 2,300 elementary and secondary schools in Regions I (Ilocos), III (Central Luzon) and IV-A (Calabarzon).
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said the project will expand the supply of classrooms in all public school system in the shortest time possible and solve the current shortages nationwide.
“In the long run, the PSIP can help balance the supply and demand of classrooms within 10 years and eliminate the backlogs and shortages considering the implementation of the K+12 program, among others. Given the current classroom shortage of 66,800 units that is projected to balloon to about 150,000 by 2016, it is estimated that around 30,000 classrooms are needed annually within the next five years,” Paderanga said.
He also said that the proposal to carry out the project within the Public-Private Partnership framework is expected to fast-track the construction and delivery of classrooms, reduce cost for government and introduce innovation in design, construction methods and new materials.
The PSIP is estimated to have a total project cost of P9.89 billion. - By Iris C. Gonzales
These projects are the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project (PPADP)and the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP), the agency said in a statement.
Under the PPADP project, the government will improve the existing Puerto Princesa Airport through the construction of a new passenger terminal complex and put in place a new access road off the national highway of Puerto Princesa City.
The government also plans to widen the runway strip and install new security fencing, among others.
The improvement of the project aims to boost trade with neighbors in the East Asia growth area.
“The project revitalizes the transport and trade linkages under the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA,” NEDA said.
The government puts the total cost of the project at P4.46 billion. It is under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) financing of the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
The second project, the PSIP, will construct a total of 9,623 classrooms 2,300 elementary and secondary schools in Regions I (Ilocos), III (Central Luzon) and IV-A (Calabarzon).
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said the project will expand the supply of classrooms in all public school system in the shortest time possible and solve the current shortages nationwide.
“In the long run, the PSIP can help balance the supply and demand of classrooms within 10 years and eliminate the backlogs and shortages considering the implementation of the K+12 program, among others. Given the current classroom shortage of 66,800 units that is projected to balloon to about 150,000 by 2016, it is estimated that around 30,000 classrooms are needed annually within the next five years,” Paderanga said.
He also said that the proposal to carry out the project within the Public-Private Partnership framework is expected to fast-track the construction and delivery of classrooms, reduce cost for government and introduce innovation in design, construction methods and new materials.
The PSIP is estimated to have a total project cost of P9.89 billion. - By Iris C. Gonzales
News Update 5 wounded in Cotabato blast
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Five people were wounded in an explosion that rocked North Cotabato’s Kabacan town Friday night, even as bomb experts foiled another bombing plot by defusing a roadside bomb found along a busy road here.
Senior Inspector Joseph Semillano, chief of the Kabacan municipal police, said the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated with the use of a mobile phone.
Semillano said the IED was left by two men riding on a motorcycle in front of a roadside store owned by trader Rey Gellana.
Gellana survived the bombing unscathed but five people near the entrance of his establishment – Elsa Araes, 42, Razel Bigwas, 18, Jovelyn Jaro, 19, Darwin Galas, 40, and Renato Mendoza, 21, all residents of Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan – were badly wounded.
The bombing was the seventh in Kabacan since November.
The incident occurred just as operatives of the Army’s 6th Ordnance and Explosives Battalion defused a roadside bomb found by a passerby along Gutierrez Avenue.
Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the IEDs were fashioned from two cartridges of 81 mortar shells.
The spot where the IED was found is not far from the 32-hectare compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where Army ordnance experts also defused three IEDs three days ago.
Meanwhile, local police yesterday arrested three members of a Moro rebel front tagged as behind the recent spate of bombings in the city.
Senior Superintendent Danny Reyes, director of the Cotabato City police, said policemen and Marine combatants manning a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion I, cornered Datukan Lontok Samad and his cohorts, Guiamelon Pangako and Eliseo Lamayo.
Samad is also known as “Commander Lastikman,” who is wanted for heinous offenses, including multiple murders and highway robberies in North Cotabato’s adjoining Pikit, Aleosan and Kabacan towns.
Samad has also been implicated in the bombings of business establishments and buses in Central Mindanao in recent months.
Authorities seized fragmentation grenades, a handgun and their motorcycle from the suspects, who even tried to evade when pulled over for inspection. – With Jaime Laude - By John Unson
Senior Inspector Joseph Semillano, chief of the Kabacan municipal police, said the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated with the use of a mobile phone.
Semillano said the IED was left by two men riding on a motorcycle in front of a roadside store owned by trader Rey Gellana.
Gellana survived the bombing unscathed but five people near the entrance of his establishment – Elsa Araes, 42, Razel Bigwas, 18, Jovelyn Jaro, 19, Darwin Galas, 40, and Renato Mendoza, 21, all residents of Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan – were badly wounded.
The bombing was the seventh in Kabacan since November.
The incident occurred just as operatives of the Army’s 6th Ordnance and Explosives Battalion defused a roadside bomb found by a passerby along Gutierrez Avenue.
Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the IEDs were fashioned from two cartridges of 81 mortar shells.
The spot where the IED was found is not far from the 32-hectare compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where Army ordnance experts also defused three IEDs three days ago.
Meanwhile, local police yesterday arrested three members of a Moro rebel front tagged as behind the recent spate of bombings in the city.
Senior Superintendent Danny Reyes, director of the Cotabato City police, said policemen and Marine combatants manning a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion I, cornered Datukan Lontok Samad and his cohorts, Guiamelon Pangako and Eliseo Lamayo.
Samad is also known as “Commander Lastikman,” who is wanted for heinous offenses, including multiple murders and highway robberies in North Cotabato’s adjoining Pikit, Aleosan and Kabacan towns.
Samad has also been implicated in the bombings of business establishments and buses in Central Mindanao in recent months.
Authorities seized fragmentation grenades, a handgun and their motorcycle from the suspects, who even tried to evade when pulled over for inspection. – With Jaime Laude - By John Unson
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