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DILG-8 has a new leadership as Dir. Paler retires

One rebel slain in encounter

Historic opportunity to stop climate chaos squandered in Copenhagen

GAB boxing chief credits U.S. docs for Gorres’ immediate recovery

3LPHED Congress in Eastern Samar held

PGMA, dignitaries attend 65th Leyte Gulf Landing, 10 oldest war veterans honored

Gov. Evardone, East Samar province to join relief operations for Luzon calamity victims

Unreturned after 108 years, clamor for Balangiga Bells resounds

Pop vocalist wows Samar beer aficionados

Human rights advocate priest killed

 

 
 

 

 

Figueroa, Redaja still lead in poll survey in Samar

By CHITO DELA TORRE
March 11, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  Samar Second District  ex-congressman Catalino Figueroa of the island town of Daram stretched further his already big lead in the continuing internet poll survey participated in voluntarily by those who access Piniliay 2010 in www.samarnews.com [ link ].   As of 3 p.m. of March 8 (Monday), Cata got more than half (52 per cent) of the 636 votes.  He amassed 328 votes.  That shows he is as of this time the favourite choice among six candidates for Member of the House of Representatives for Samar’s 2nd District.


Redaja


Figueroa

The poll survey showed incumbent Catbalogan City vice-mayor Van Torrevillas only 64 votes (10%) and incumbent Basey mayor Wilfredo Estorninos 58 (9%).  Outgoing Samar governor Mila Tan nested on a poor fourth berth with only 43 (7%) to her credit, while new names Urbano Alli and Alvin Abejuela took the poorer and the poorest slots, respectively, with 19 and 16 (both with a 3% percentage equivalence) votes to their credits.

Cata’s votes even went much higher by 94 votes than that polled for the leading gubernatorial candidate, incumbent vice-governor and once 90-day governor Jesus B. Redaja.  Jess got only 234 (37%) but still he is the top choice among six hopefuls for the position of governor.  He is followed by non-government organization leader Pilar Bolok who seized 68 votes (11% and incumbent sangguniang panlalawigan member Casilda Lim who got 59 (9%).  Sharee Ann, incumbent 2nd Dist. Congresswoman and daughter of Mila Tan, snatched the poor fourth place with 49 (8%) to her credit.  Pedro Labid, a lawyer with a religious group’s backing, collected 24 votes (4%), while political new-face Darwin Tan kept his miserable tail-end of 3 votes only (0%).

In the vice-gubernatorial informal polls, ex-San Jorge mayor Joseph Grey managed to lead with 135 votes (21%).   Rosenaida Rosales reaped 104 (16%) to keep her self on second place.  The third and last place belongs to Stephen James Tan who scored 37 (6%) only.

In the congressional rivalry for the First District of Samar, Mario Roño (who had a poor showing in the gubernatorial race to which he was catapulted for a first try at politics by a mammoth gathering of town and barrio officials) coveted the top berth with 80 votes (13%).   Incumbent Calbayog City mayor Mel Sarmiento came in closest with 73 votes (11%) while ex-congressman, lawyer Rodolfo Tuazon kept his third place with 63 (10%).  New faces Rodrigo and Alex, both surnamed Tuazon, are miserable tail-enders with 4 and 3 votes (1% and 0%) respectively.

Those who want to cast their votes may just go to Piniliay 2010 of this website and click the join the poll survey tab.

Based on these latest results, some of those who participated in the survey remarked that the Tans may not probably be aware of their unconvincing performance in the survey, but even if they were so, they are probably still comfortable with the current show of support for them.

However, that show of support is fast being eaten up by the groundswell of favouring votes for Cata and if it is erosive, Mila may lose a big chunk in the actual cast.  Yet, Mila’s supporters may not have anything to worry if they are keeping up their sleeves aces that can overturn the current indications.

Mila has since January this year been known to be supporting the presidential candidacy of senator Manny Villar, and Manny is believed to be providing campaign funds for Mila.  To some of her supporters, that is enough for her to gain an edge come balloting day.

Didi, who is believed to have the full backing of the Noynoy-Mar banner of the Liberal Party, may yet prove he could get the lead.  Electoral pulsation in Samar showed lately that Manny’s Nacionalista Party is also ahead in “pamulso” as in other parts of the country, that after playing second fiddle to Noynoy in the early surveys.  Yet, Didi has yet to outrank Van first.  Van is fast getting ahead past Didi.  Some electors believe the youth group in Catbalogan could be behind this lead of Van who openly supported the youth's undertakings since he ran for his reelection in 2004 to the post of vice-mayor.

This late, though, other sectors are awaiting for surprise gambits and brilliancy moves from all those who are lagging behind.  Perhaps next week’s results will not yet proclaim a reversal of performance.

 

 

 

 

Pinay In Action All-Women’s Run 2010

1,000 women to run for empowerment, rights

Press Release
By Office of Sen. Pia S. Cayetano
March 9, 2010

PASAY CITY  –  At least 1,000 women from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces are expected to run at this year’s staging of Pinay In Action, an all-women’s run to be held on March 13, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City.

The first and only all-women’s running competition in the country, Pinay In Action promotes women’s rights, health, and empowerment in observance of the International Women’s Month of March. This year’s event will benefit indigent patients with ovarian, cervical and breast cancer.

Spearheaded by Senator Pia S. Cayetano, this year’s staging will feature 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer open individual run events, and a 1.6-kilometer team run, which will pit adult-and-child tandems.

The three events will start in sequence at 6:00 am for 10K, 6:05 am for 5K and 6:10 am for the 1.6K team run. Awards and special prizes will be given to the top ten finishers in each event.

“Pinay In Action gives women a venue to express themselves, keep healthy and fit, and simply have fun. Running is a symbol of empowerment and freedom. Thus, a running woman is a symbol of an empowered and independent woman,” explained Cayetano, a running enthusiast and principal author of the recently passed Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710).

“The event is not exclusive for female runners,” she clarified. “Men may also join on the condition that they register with a female participant and run behind the women at the starting line. It is also understood they will not be eligible for the prizes in the individual running events. In fact, men are encouraged to participate to express their support to women’s causes.”

Race details and registration forms are available online on www.pinayinaction.com. Pre-registration fee is at P350, while race day registration fee is at P450. The race packet includes the participant’s race number, race shirt, route map and PIA fact sheet. Race day registration starts at 5:00 AM at the venue.

As in its previous stagings, Pinay In Action 2010 will feature a Women’s Expo which will be put up at the Seaside Boulevard facing Manila Bay. The Expo will showcase wellness products and host information booths on women’s concerns such as breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, and violence against women and children. Entrance to the Women’s Expo is free to the public.

Part of the proceeds of this year’s event will go to the full radiation treatment of 20 indigent cervical cancer patients and the screening for cervical cancer of 1,000 indigent patients at the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, in cooperation with Carewell Foundation. One full radiation treatment is P20,000, while screening is at P130 per patient.

The event will also benefit breast cancer patients. Pinay In Action will donate funds to the I Can Serve Foundation for the purchase of DVD players and instructional videos, which will be distributed to different barangays all over the country to raise awareness on breast cancer. Each P1,000 donation by race participants to I Can Serve will be matched with the same amount of donation by Pinay In Action.

 

 

 

 

Women occupy only 19 percent of world’s parliament seats

PIA: “Men still make the laws of the world”

By Office of Senator Pia S. Cayetano
March 7, 2010

PASAY CITY  –  Men continue to dominate membership in national parliaments all over the world despite significant gains in women’s empowerment and participation in governance in recent years.

Pia Cayetano at the UN
FILIPINA CHAIRS UN MEETING. Senator Pia S. Cayetano (2nd from R) of the Philippines presides over the 54th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

This was the finding of the latest study on women membership in national parliaments by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), according to Senator Pia S. Cayetano of the Philippines.

Cayetano, President of the IPU committee of women parliamentarians, said that barely just one out of every five lawmakers (18.8 percent) in the world today is a woman.

“Even in these modern times where women have become more politically aware and socially empowered, the hard and sad fact is that men continue to write the laws of our world,” Cayetano stressed.

The Filipino senator chaired the 54th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, an annual conference of parliamentarians jointly organized by the IPU and United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women.

More than 140 representatives from 150 countries attended the main conference and side meetings held at the UN Headquarters in New York from March 2-4.

Cayetano noted that as of January 31, the IPU found out that men made up 36,330 (81.2 percent) while women occupied only 8,767 (18.8 percent) of the 44,767 seats of parliaments (combined upper and lower houses) all over the world.

This figure represents a marginal improvement from 18.3 percent in 2009, and still a far cry from the target set by the UN Economic and Social Council of having a minimum of 30 percent women lawmakers in all parliaments. In 1995, women occupied only 11.3 percent of the world’s combined parliamentary seats.

She added that the IPU has been at the forefront of promoting the election of female legislators among its member-parliaments. Among the schemes the world body has introduced is the setting of “gender quotas” to encourage more women to enter politics.

Compared by regional averages, Nordic countries and the Americas registered the highest ratio of women parliamentarians at 42.1 percent and 22.2 percent, respectively. They are followed by Europe (19.9 to 21.8 percent), Asia (18.9 percent) and Sub-Saharan Africa (18.4 percent). The regions with the lowest ratio of women parliamentarians are the Pacific (13.2 percent) and Arab countries (10.1 percent).

In the Philippines, she noted that women comprise only four of the current 23 members of the Senate (17.4 percent) and occupy 51 out of 240 seats in the House of Representatives (21.3 percent).

Cayetano concluded: “The active participation of women and the integration of their perspective in all levels of governance are crucial in pursing social equity, genuine development and peace in any country.”

“True democracy presupposes that men and women are able to work as partners and as equals, and able to learn from each other’s differences."

 

 

 

 

Aquino pushes for expansion of geothermal production

Press Release
March 6, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Liberal Party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino on Tuesday pushed for the expansion of renewable energy sources, saying that the country should aim to become the world’s largest producer of geothermal energy.

The Tongonan geothermal plantHe also decried the failure of the Arroyo administration to properly manage the country’s existing power generation capacities resulting in the current power shortages.

“She has been in power for almost nine years, and yet here we are facing brownouts during a crucial election season,” the 50-year old senator from Tarlac said in press conference here.

“This is criminal negligence. We know that El Niño was going to visit the country. They knew that Mindanao was going to have a power supply problem. They should have mapped out a plan earlier on,” Aquino said.

He pointed out it would take two to three years to build a power plant. But he acknowledged that there are large-capacity generators which government can buy to address the lack of supply.

“Mahal patakbuhin, mahal bilhin (generators). At sa last 2 minutes, masyadong midnight deal na di natin matiyak ano ang pakay,” Aquino said.

He also said that while he is open to a special session of Congress to discuss a possible grant of emergency powers to President Arroyo, Malacañang must first answer questions on the current power crisis.

The LP bet said he prefers developing clean, renewable energy because it is less polluting than fossil fuels.

With more than 1,900 MW of installed geothermal capacity, the Philippines is the second-largest producer of geothermal energy.

The government has set a goal of increasing this figure to 3,100 MW within a decade, which would make the Philippines the largest geothermal energy producer, surpassing the United States.

 

 

 

 

NICUA Mining Corp. insists on misleading destructive effects of mining in Brgy. Pongon, MacArthur, Leyte

Press Release
By SAGUPA-SB
March 5, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Through their Safety Manager, Mr. Ver Abrugar, NICUA Mining Corporation is trying to deceive the people, particularly the farmers of Brgy. Pongon, MacArthur, Leyte by saying that mining 4 meters deep of soil will not destroy the environment especially on the quality of the land.

With mining, they will dig out some minerals like iron but will also include the vegetation, bacteria, worms and other micro organisms living on the earth, which have the big role of maintaining the fertility of the soil. Such is contrary to Mr. Abrugar's statement that mining will not affect the quality of the land since they will return the soil from where they excavated it.

“Any million worth of money would never replace the damage brought by mining the 523 hectares of land” said Jose Tico, Spokesperson of SAGUPA-SB

40 million tons of magnetite ore is estimated to be extracted from the said land within almost more than 30 years. This will allegedly amount millions to the social progress of the affected community.

“NICUA Mining's declaration that there will be rehabilitation of the land, is impossible, especially because they will apply chemical fertilizer on the land. Also, they are mistaken to say that this place is not productive to farmers considering that for decades, they have been living in MacArthur, Leyte,” Tico clarifies.

“There is no responsible mining and social progress when, you deprive bounty from the people, you destroy the environment and drive away farmers from their fields. Rather, those are irresponsible steps for the interests of foreign capitalists,” added Tico.

In retrospect, on February 15, farmers of Brgy. Pongon held a protest led by Fr. Arnold Aurelio, parish priest of MacArthur, Leyte. And on March 3, they had a meeting on mining in MacArthur, with Archbishop Jose Palma of the Archdioceses of Palo.

 

 

 

 

Print Edition of Samar News.com is born

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
March 4, 2010

Samar News.com newspaperCATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  The Samar News.com Print Edition will soon be out in circulation.

In its launch yesterday, attended by government officials, NGOs and fellow media personalities at the Cocina de Cabral in Catbalogan City, Samarnews.com the printed edition took center stage along with ‘publisher parents’ Engr. Ray Gaspay and local media personality Imelda Bonifacio.

In her speech, Bonifacio vowed to perpetuate the paper as most community papers have not sustained the test of time.

Samar News.com is an on-line publication maintained by Engr. Ray Gaspay.

“The hard copy of Samar News.com is an offering to barangay folks who do not have access to the internet,” added Bonifacio in her speech.

The maiden printed issue is an 8-page tabloid size with a red background color in its front page.

The newcomer community newspaper has also some Waray news intended for the masses, the publisher said.

This newspaper will now join the ranks of weekly community papers circulating in Samar province like Samar Weekly Express, The Samar Monitor and the Samar Sunday Star.

Like all other press entities, Samar News.com vows to furnish Samarnons with the truth!  (PIA-Samar)

 

 

 

 

Maza dismayed at SC ruling on VFA, challenges next administration to abrogate VFA

Press Release
By MAKABAYAN
March 3, 2010

MANILA  –  Nacionalista-Makabayan senatorial candidate Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela expressed dismay over the latest decision of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutionality of the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

"The Supreme Court decision shows the Philippine government’s continued subservience to the interests of the United States government,” Maza said.

Maza is a co-petitioner in the joint motion with former senator Jovito Salonga, together with Evalyn Ursua, the lawyer of alleged rape victim Suzette Nicolas, and lawyer Neri Colmenares representing militant groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).

The three-term representative of Gabriela challenged the next administration to uphold Philippine sovereignty by working for the abrogation of the US-RP VFA.

In its motion for reconsideration, the group argued that "the US soldiers are circumventing the Constitution as well as the sovereignty of the Philippines by visiting the country under the pretext of conducting training exercises, but are actually setting up military positions under long-term plans."

Named respondents in the suit were US Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, then Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and then Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol.

Assistant Solicitor General Luis Simon said that the constitutionality of the VFA has been deemed "final and valid" when the Court of Appeals in April 2009 acquitted Smith of raping Nicolas in November 2005.

Smith flew out of the Philippines less than 24 hours after the CA ruling was announced.

 

 

 

 

Leyte guv assures rice farmers province ready against El Niño effects

By Provincial Media Relations Center
March 1, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Even as their farmlands remain unaffected by the El Niño phenomenon, farmer in Julita, Leyte has already requested for water pumps for their rice fields as mitigation measure and to brace for the long dry spell this year.

In a meeting with Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, farmers from Brgy. Dita, Julita, Leyte expressed alarm over the longer dry days over the past weeks would affect their production during this cropping season.

However, Gov. Petilla said he is confident that Leyte’s irrigation system can well sustain the effects of El Niño and still provide adequate yield for rice farmers in the province.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Leyte is more or less 97% irrigated and has other water sources that can be tapped to bring water to the rice fields.

The governor assured the rice farmers that the provincial government can provide for the necessary equipment to supply the needed amount of water for rice fields not to dry out.

The province through the Provincial Agriculturist Office has already readied mitigation plans to aid farmers in bracing against El Niño.

Gov. Petilla otherwise informed the farmers that aside from the El Nino, the agriculture sector has also to contend with the changing climate, effect of which is already being felt all over the world.

He said that the expected long dry season is part of the effects of climate change that there is a need to adapt to the new environmental condition.

It was learned that through the agriculture department varieties of rice have been developed in such a way that they could adapt to different kinds of climate condition

Earlier, the DA-8e urged farmers to be prepared for the worst as some 14 provinces have been adversely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

Although the region as a whole is considered to be moderately affected, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns farmers that El Niño is a real occurrence expected to last until the month of July and that serious mitigation measures must be implemented.

 

 

 

 

Pinoy sailors’ remittances up $366M

Press Release
By TUCP
February 27, 2010

MANILA  –  Filipino sailors aboard foreign ocean-going vessels wired home a total of $3.4 billion in 2009, up $366 million or 12.06 percent from $3.034 billion in 2008, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) reported over the weekend.

TUCP secretary-general and former Senator Ernesto Herrera said Filipino sailors based in Europe remitted $1.156 billion last year, up $509.594 million or 78.82 percent from $646.406 million in 2008.

Herrera said the cash sent home by Filipino sailors based in Asia also increased $180.343 million or 55.07 percent year-on-year, to $507.801 million from $327.458 million.

The hefty increases outweighed the $325-million or 16 percent year-on-year drop in remittances from Filipino sailors based in America, to $1.706 billion from $2.031 billion, said Herrera, former chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

TUCP's revelation came shortly after the Philippine government bared a plan to sell $500 million of dollar- and euro-denominated bonds to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to partly bridge the projected P293 billion budget deficit this year.

Last year's 12.06 percent growth in remittances from sea-based OFWs was three times faster than the 4.15 percent or $555 million year-on-year increase in the cash sent home by land-based OFWs.

Aggregate remittances coursed through banks by all land- and sea-based OFWs increased $921-million or 5.61 percent, to $17.348 billion in 2009 from $16.427 billion in 2008, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Of the $921-million increase, land-based OFWs contributed 60 percent, while those at sea covered the rest.

Sailors now contribute 20 cents out of every dollar sent home by all OFWs, according to Herrera, whose labor center includes the Philippine Seafarers' Union.

Herrera said remittances from Filipino sailors should continue to grow at a double-digit rate this year, especially once the American economy regains strength.

Last week, a group of 44 Filipino crewmembers ended their lockdown over unpaid wages aboard the bankrupt casino cruise ship Palm Beach Princess at Florida's Riviera Beach City.

One out of four workers aboard international cruise ships is a Filipino.

 

 

 

 

Calbayog Prosecutor’s Office conducts marathon inquest proceedings against gun ban violators

By GINA D. RAGUDO
February 24, 2010

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar  –  A marathon inquest proceeding was conducted by the City Prosecutor’s Office in the afternoon of February 22, 2009 after the arrest of 21 individuals for violating R.A. 8294 in relation to COMELEC Resolution No. 8714 or Rules and Regulations on the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons and employment, availment or engagement of the services of security personnel personnel or bodyguards during election period for the May 10, 2010 local and national elections.

Photo by Gina D.RagudoAmong the 21 suspects, two are under the custody of City Social Welfare and Development Office, while 19 have been subjected to inquisition under Chief Prosecutor Feliciano Aguilar and Prosecutors Virgilio Cabral and Ferdinand Arpon respectively, and Michael Terga who had an outstanding warrant of arrest for murder, died in an encounter against the joint elements of the Regional Public Safety Management Battalion (RPSMB), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and Special Task Group - Private Armed Group (STAG PAG).

It is note taking that the following persons namely Liberato D. Logero, Wendel G. Terga, Lolito O. Jalayajay, Jesus A. Jalayajay, Antonio B. Ayawan (residents of Brgy. San Jose, Calbayog City); Herminigildo S. Estoconing, Wilfredo D. Velasco, Geronimo M. Velasco, Marwin O. Velasco, Francisco J. Velasco (Brgy. Sinantan), Romulo B. Paghunasan (Brgy. Navarro), Jimmmuel T. de Pablo, Elbito P. Fermino, Felipe A. Eyano, Merlito A. Eyano, Restituto T. Sabilao (Brgy. Patong), Jimmy J. Dealagdon, Elmer L. Dealagdon (Brgy. Hibatang) and Leo Y. Macabidang (Brgy. Rawis) were arrested on February 21, around 3:45 in the morning. The joint elements has confiscated 41 assorted firearms from said operation such as rifle single shotguns with magazines, calibres 5.56,  22, 45, and 357, airgun, M16 rifle, Ingram and KG9 sub- machine guns and different ammunitions.

In an interview, PInsp. Alden E. Dugan revealed that the simultaneous operation conducted by the joint elements was based on the virtue of the warrants of arrest issued by Hon. Judge Manuel F. Torrevillas of RTC Branch 32 and Hon. Judge Reynaldo B. Clemens of RTC Branch 31 against Michael Terga for a crime of murder and Lolito Jalayajay for violation of Section 78 (now Sec. 77) of R. A. 7161, respectively.

He added that based on the intelligence report, suspects were frequenting in Brgy. Patong and staying in any of the houses of said place.

Jimmy J. Dealagdon on the other hand denied allegation of his involvement in the private armed group based in Brgy. Hibatang and attesting himself as a member of the lupon.

While the inquest proceeding was being conducted, Chief Prosecutor Feliciano Aguilar said that the two minors under the custody of CSWDO will be exempt from the inquisition and the same office will determine should there be discernment on their commission of the crime.

 

 

 

 

Local terrorists blast IED in DavSur

By DPAO, 10th Infantry Division, PA
February 23, 2010

PANACAN, Davao City  –  Local terrorists blasted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the village of Sangay in Malita town in Davao del Sur province 1:35 PM Saturday.

The bomb blast narrowly missed a passing military convoy going to the village of Pangleon also in Malita town. Reports show that soldiers were on their way for a community outreach and “pulong-pulong” (village meeting) when the explosion occurred.

Local Terrorist Front-71 (LTF-71) of the New People’s Army (NPA) is believed to be behind the newest IED explosion in Davao del Sur. Last year four policemen and a civilian were killed when NPA terrorists exploded a roadside bomb in this province.

The 10th Infantry Division (10ID) under Maj. Gen Carlos Holganza strongly condemned the recent attack. “These local terrorist clearly do not respect Human Rights. The use of IED is outlawed by every civilized nation in the world. It clearly shows the terrorist nature of the CPP-NPA-NDF.” Holganza said.

A record number of IEDs were blasted by local terrorists in region 11 in the past. A total of 11 IEDs exploded in the region in 2009, eight of these explosions resulted in the killing of 11 (10 of which were government troops and one civilian) and wounding of 30 individuals (28 government agents and two civilians). Six of these explosions were in the hinterland parts of Davao City, three in Davao Oriental, one each in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley Provinces.

Several unexploded IEDs were also recovered by government troops in different parts of region 11 in 2009.

No less than Leoncio Pitao, the notorious terrorist leader in Davao region admitted the use of IED as one of their tactic in fighting the government in stating before the media about their emplacements of IEDs fashioned out as “landmines” along road nets to be exploded anytime.

Post blast investigation is currently being conducted by a team from the Explosive and Ordnance Division together with the Davao del Sur Police.

 

 

 

 

Satur's solution to power mess: sack Reyes, repeal EPIRA

Press Release
By MAKABAYAN
February 22, 2010

MANILA  –  Makabayan senatorial bet and Nationalista Party guest candidate Satur Ocampo today proposed a two-step solution to the current power mess – fire Energy Sec. Angelo Reyes and repeal the law deregulating the power sector.

"As a first step, the President should fire Sec. Angelo Reyes for his incompetence and his failure to uphold the interests of consumers against the big power and oil firms," Ocampo said.

"We don't need an energy secretary that doubles as a spokesperson for big oil and power monopolies. We need a new secretary who upholds the people's interests," he said, adding: "From day one Reyes did not nothing but ensure that the oil cartel and the power monopolies continued to rake in super profits at the expense of the consumers and the public good. Reyes should have been sacked long ago."

Ocampo also said that experts need not look far for solutions to the problems besetting the electricity sector. He called for the repeal of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) as a necessary step.

"EPIRA institutionalized the onerous IPP (independent power producer) contracts of the Ramos administration and delivered the energy sector on a silver platter to private monopolies. EPIRA enables the government to wash its hands of the responsibility of providing the public with affordable and efficient electricity service," he stressed.

Said Ocampo: "Government should not abdicate its strategic role in ensuring cheap and abundant power. Napocor should be cleansed of corrupt officials and made to be the country's leading power producer. In this way we can achieve scale and ensure transparency and accountability in the energy sector."

Ocampo said that before EPIRA, the generation and distribution of electricity were a government service – "There was still the potential for the industry to be an instrument in increasing national productivity and building economic progress. It was after EPIRA that that electricity rates in the Philippines became the highest in Asia."

“Proponents of deregulation and privatization promised the public that these were the solution to lower power rates. The exact opposite has happened."

Finally, Ocampo said that electricity should be restored as a public utility as opposed to a privatized business venture. "There's a whole set of steps that need to be taken – re-nationalize all distribution companies and IPPs; appoint officials to the regulatory agencies with the mandate to align rates with the regional average. Privatization for profit should not be allowed when it comes to utility firms such as oil, water and electricity," he said.

 

 

 

 

ICOT Rice program sees more polished implementation

By Provincial Media Relations Center
February 20, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Increased Crop Output thru Rural Infrastructure and Community Empowerment (ICOT-RICE) Project of the provincial government of Leyte will be intensified among the pilot areas identified as well as more polish in its implementation this year.

According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist it is necessary to polish certain rules and correct minor flaws in the implementation process of the ICOT-RICE program before bringing it to other areas of the province.

This as other municipalities in the province have been clamoring for the project to be implemented in their farmlands. Hilongos in the fifth district and Tabango in the third district have been keen in introducing the program with their local rice farmers.

With Leyte basically an agricultural province, the ICOT-RICE aims to promote and expand the cultivation of hybrid rice as an approach to increase rice productivity and profitability by establishing rice techno demonstration projects in rice producing municipalities in the Leyte.

Under Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, various efforts and interventions have been introduced in order to develop this very sector, on top of the programs and projects undertaken by the national government.

Two years ago, the provincial government set on stream the ICOT-RICE project by providing production loans and marketing assistance to rice farmers, initially in Sta. Fe, Leyte. The farmer beneficiaries were from Brgy. Pilit, Sta. Fe, Leyte and the program covers more or less 58 hectares of ricelands.

The venture reportedly proved to be a big help to these farmers who were once the favorite preys of loan sharks in the area.

Starting with over 200 farmers in six barangays, there are now over 400 rice farmers covering eleven barangays who are enjoying the benefits of the ICOT-RICE project. The production loan amounting to P15,000 per hectare, covers the expenses for labor, seeds, fertilizers, insurance and pesticides.

As for the marketing support aspect, the Provincial Government of Leyte buys the palay produced by its recipients adding one peso every kilo to the prevailing price in the locality.

Farmers all over the province are seen to become recipients of the ICOT-RICE Project.

Presently, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist supplies quality rice to the different department of the provincial government as well as its facilities and even extends to private individuals and groups at competitive cost.

 

 

 

 

Leyte’s Sports Academy targets to start this March

By Provincial Media Relations Center
February 19, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Leyte province’s comprehensive sports and education program to be dubbed as Sports Academy, for potential athletes will be underway in March with recruitment and identification of possible sports scholars already spread all over the province.

Leyte Sports CenterThe province’s core team for the sports program recently met with barangay captains from Leyte’s third district to coordinate the recruitment process as well as with the rest of the barangay chairmen in the province for the same purpose.

According to 3rd District Board Rowil Batan recruitment has been intensified with target date for start of the free sports training already slated this March 16.

“We have been all over the barangays in the whole province and coordinating with the chairmen on possible recruits who could avail of this program all for free,” Board Member Batan said.

It was learned there are 60 available slots for the said scholarships where the potential athletes can get free training in various sports disciplines such as track and field, swimming, boxing and taekwondo, free board and lodging and free education.

The Sports Academy is prioritizing recruits who are out of school youths and cannot afford to get themselves to schools. As a requirement the potential sports scholar must be between eight to fourteen years old and stands 5’6’ in height.

The pool of athletes who would be recruited under this program would be housed in one place where they would attend sports trainings under professional trainers and coaches and at the same time complete their school studies supervised by the Department of Education. A trainer from the United States is set to arrive mid March to jumpstart a sports clinic.

The vacated rooms and spaces at the former Leyte Colleges adjacent to the Leyte Sports Development Center have been converted into a dormitory for these athlete-scholars.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said to improve the province’s, and subsequently the region’s, standing in national sports competition, there is a need to implement a good recruitment program that would provide championship caliber training for athletes with potentials.

“This would be very expensive but if it’s the only way to do it, then we have to pursue this option,” Gov. Petilla said.

With an improved pool of athletes, the governor added, the province and the region can improve it medal finish in national sports competition such as the Palarong Pambansa.

 

 

 

 

DENR gives away over 20K Free Patents in Region 8

By PURIFICACION S. DALOOS
February 19, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in region 8 has distributed 21,488 Free Patents to beneficiaries of the Handog Titulo Program at the close of 2009. The land titles distributed covers an aggregate of 18,566.153 hectares in the six (6) Eastern Visayas provinces.

Regional Technical Director Ramon Unay of the Land Management Service revealed that around 58% were generated through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) while the Land Administration and Management Project produced around 40% of the total number of Free Patents distributed.

“A total of 12,540 Free Patents were processed and issued through the DENR-CARP,” says RTD Unay. “This covers an aggregate area of 11,711.74 hectares regionwide.”

RTD Unay further disclosed that the implementation of LAMP Phase 2 in the region has resulted in the issuance of 8,760 land titles with an aggregate of 6,847.16 hectares in the different Leyte towns were the Project is being implemented. Another 188 Free Patents were issued under the regular and downloaded funds of the Department to its field offices in the region.

Free Patents issued by the DENR through the Handog Titulo Program serves as absolute proof of ownership for it beneficiaries. The land titles are given to actual occupants of alienable and disposable lands after completing certain documentary requirements.

Regional Executive Director Primitivo Galinato, Jr. encourages the recipients of the Free Patents to make their lands productive. The distribution of lands through the Handog Titulo Program is one of government’s strategies to address poverty in the uplands as it implements its Anti Hunger Mitigation Program through the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

 

 

 

Residents say half kilo of rice given to them not enough

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA
February 18, 2010

BASEY, Samar  –  Poor and indigent residents who availed the rice distribution sponsored by Governor Milagrosa T. Tan apparently got discontented when despite of their long hours of waiting, they were only given half kilo of rice, a quantity they said inadequate for a family of six members in one meal.

A 70 years old widow, Mana Trofina, rose early from her bed last February 8 as leaders of Tan publicly announced that Tan will arrived in their barangay for a rice distribution activity. The coming of Tan, who is famous in distributing cash, rice, caps, umbrellas and appliances in every time she visit a place, gave so much excitement to Mana Trofina, among with her neighbors numbering around 100 who spent at least 6 to 8 hours of waiting at the barangay multi-purpose hall in Can-manila, Basey, Samar.

Fishermen and laborers from Sitio Bangon, Paraiso, Tabuk and proper, who regularly go out of home to look for income, had to cancel their daily chores hoping to get “something” from Tan more than they usually earn. At around 12 noon, an official of the barangay had to buy canned goods and biscuits to feed the waiting residents, mostly women accompanied by their minor children.

Until around 3 p.m., the Tan’s camp finally arrived bringing with them sacks of rice ready for distribution, the people still at the midst of their excitement, started murmuring when their names were called and was given one to two cans of rice or half kilo, the most, contained in a plastic bag. Governor Tan was a no show in the activity but she was represented by her daughter Angel Tan, who likewise handed over a cash of one thousand pesos (P1,000) for the 11 barangay officials, equivalent to P90.90 each before she left for another barangay.

Mana Trofina, in her way home, expressed her frustration and dissatisfaction over the circumstances saying, “naubos ko lugod ak oras paghinulat hin asya la ine, kun ginpakabuhi ko nala lugod bangin naka sobra kilo pa ako.” A pedicab driver named Owen, with three family members depending to him measured the rice given to him also said, “it was exactly one and a half (1 ½) can of sardines.” Others who appeared to be coming from a “relief operation,” lined-up in their way home, were also publicly expressed their dissatisfaction.

However, not all of the recipients were disappointed. Other recipients, especially those “one day-one eat” folks have expressed gratitude to the governor for the rice they gave to them. “Maupay nala ine kontra hit waray,” they said.

Meanwhile, sources said that what transpired in Can-manila has also occurred in other barangays in Basey. They said the “rice distribution” activities with the same situation also transpired in their towns.

In another development, critics of the Tans alleged that the instant rice distribution in some towns is just a “diversionary” tactics to cover the raging controversy at the capitol.

While the Tans were distributing some goods in some towns, capitol employees and other workers from provincial offices including the district hospitals in Samar gathered themselves in front of the capitol on February 8, and staged their long-planned protest rally for the failure of Gov. Tan to release the P25,000 year-end bonuses that were due the provincial government employees in year 2009.

Protesters, to include members of the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), employees of Basey and Gandara District Hospitals also appealed to the concern authorities to investigate the questionable transactions of the governor.

This paper, among with other media outfits, tried to reach Tan at the Capitol but her office was empty of staff last February 8, 2010. Efforts to get the comments of Tans went futile.

 

 

 

 

Breastfeeding advocates found ally with RDC-8

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
February 18, 2010

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar  –  Breastfeeding advocates have found a new and formidable partner in its advocacy – Eastern Visayas RDC.

Today, the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) proposed for the Establishment of Breastfeeding Rooms/Corners in Government offices.

In the latest RDC meeting held today at the Calbayog Sports Center, sponsored by Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Regional Director Forter Puguon of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) presented the reasons why such move is pushed.

The move, said Puguon’s presentation is consistent with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number one which is eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

“Breastfeeding, “ added Puguon  “will  also try to reduce child mortality.”

The DOLE Director also said that doing the act of establishment of breastfeeding rooms/corners in government offices will create an atmosphere of harmonizing with the right of the child and the UN MDG.

“It is also anchored in the global strategy on Infant and young Child Feeding (IYF-DOH)” stressed the presenter.

Aside from the given reasons, breastfeeding is also consistent with the much publicized Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos and the Updated Medium Term Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (MTPPAN) for 2008-2010, he added.

Because mothers refuse to breastfeed, 30% of under-five children are underweight, according to the data presented.

The data stressed that only 16.1% of Filipinos are exclusively breastfed.

Meanwhile, a Filipina mom blogger wrote:

‘Marketing by milk formula companies has become increasingly aggressive. The number of women who breastfeed their infants has gone down dramatically in just a few years, while the sales and profits of the companies have risen. The irony, in the words of Sen. Edgardo Angara, author of the Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992, is that each year we import $400 million in milk formula, but spend P536 million to bury 15,000 bottle-fed babies, and another P3.5 billion to treat infant malnutrition and diarrhea. We needlessly fritter away our foreign exchange reserves. We forget nature’s first form of immunization, enabling the infant to fight serious infection. We forgo the benefits of birth spacing as a form of natural birth control.’

As the RDC meeting folded up, RDC members could not decide yet whether to support the move or not, one member asked whether this does not violate a Civil Service rule, they still have to ask.

Another said,” Then, if bringing babies in the office may transgress civil service rules, at least let the mother express her milk in the workplace and store it in a refrigerator that the office can supply-at the very least.”  (PIA-Samar)

 

 

 

 

Village officials recover two dead bodies in a shallow grave

Press Release
By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, PA
February 17, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Two (2) dead bodies were found by the barangay officials of Concepcion, Arteche, Eastern Samar buried in a shallow grave two days following an encounter that transpired between the terrorists and elements of Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in the forested area of Brgy. Dorillo, Jipapad same province.


The 2 cadavers were identified as Elcon Liad (True name: Lilio Liad) alias Binal/Mila/Nilpo/Batoy, 31years old residents of Brgy. Dorillo, Jipapad E.Samar, CO of Regional Security Force (RSF).and Navy/Antoi (True name unknown), Political Guide of 1st Squad, RSF Code name: Bangkaw EVRPC.

Report disclosed that around 4:30 P.M. of February 14, while the platoon of Sgt Orosco was having their temporary patrol base in Brgy. Concepcion, some barangay officials and tanod personally led by their Chairwoman Zedaria Pajares brought out two cadavers.

Accordingly, an undisclosed folk discovered the said grave due to its strong foul scent that prompted Pajares to lead his constituents to identify and later on bury the bodies more decently.

Initial report revealed that the duo’s cause of death were gunshots base on the wounds that found all over their body. One body suffered a wound at his right armpit while the other one is at his neck that believed to be the cause of their instant death.

It can be recalled that on the morning of February 12, troops under Staff Sergeant Pejana encountered some 10 terrorist NPAs at Brgy. Dorillo and reported that most of the rebels were wounded including the owners of their recovered M16 and M14 rifles.

This situation is no longer new to the underground movement that once their comrades were wounded in action, they drag it away from the troops and avoid it being caught for they are afraid that information can be elicited from their wounded comrades.

Lt. Col. Jaime Hidalgo, commander of 14IB already sent his troops to facilitate the burial and assist the doctors who examine the remains.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 8th Infantry Division Maj. Gen. Arthur I Tabaquero expresses his heartfelt appreciation to the Brgy officials who initiated the simple good deeds of bringing out the truth to the open.

“This simple deed is a clear manifestation of support to our advocacy of pursuing peace to achieve development in the whole region,” Said Tabaquero.

“I urge you to carry on your simple ways of supporting our government to encourage your fellow local officials to replicate same for us to ultimately attain our dreamt peace and development in this part of the country,” He added.

This successful feat against the terrorist NPA is the third time for this year following an encounter in Brgy. Rizal, Eastern Samar in January 13 and in Brgy Santander, Bobon, Northern in January 29 where two (2) M16 rifles, radios, war materiel, personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents with significant values were collectively recovered.

Moreover, MajGen. Tabaquero calls upon the peace-loving Samarnon that should an incident occur that wounded NPAs were left in their possession by the fleeing terrorists, they should inform any nearest PNP or Army detachment to help them attend their medical needs.

“The 8ID will always be here to give these NPAs, wounded or not a chance to live freely and re-experience the fruit of democracy whenever they feel the desire to.  We will give necessary medical attention the same treatment we give when we have our wounded soldiers for it is the right of the individual.” The good general concluded.

Three days after, two shallow grave sites were discovered by barangay folks 2kms away from the encounter site. The barangay officials of Brgy Conception headed by chairman Freddie Roncales and elements from 14IB responded on said report, together with Dr. Eduardo de Dios, MHO of Jipapad, Eastern Samar who later conducted autopsy. The cadavers were identified as Elcon Liad (TN: Lilio Liad) alias Binal/Mila/Nilpo/Batoy and one known only as alias Naval/Antoy

Authorities confirmed that the duo were got killed during the earlier encounter with the elements of 14IB. Elcon Liad was further identified as the CO of Regional Security Force (RSF), EVRPC with code name: BANGKAW. Their remains were provided of decent burial at Public Cemetery of Brgy Conception, Arteche, Eastern Samar.

 

 

 

 

COMELEC-8 ensures safe and credible automated elections in May 2010

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA
February 16, 2010

BASEY, Samar  –  To ensure the continuing development of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible electoral processes, the Regional Office of Commission on Elections (COMELEC-8) has simultaneously conducted a Voters Education Program and Public Demonstration of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) in almost all municipalities and cities in Eastern Visayas.

This is in part of the Commission’s six-year modernization program (from 1992-1998) consisting of eight key components namely flexible legal framework, systematization of present method of registration, modernization of electoral, continuing election education campaign, management information, upgrading of facilities and equipment, decentralization and development of Comelec personnel.

In Basey Samar, the Voter’s Education Campaign and demonstrations of PCOS machine was held on February 15, 2010. Invited participants were the executive and legislative officials, barangay officials, employees, local candidates and the general public from the municipalities of Sta. Rita, Basey and Marabut, all of Samar.

The PCOS demo was initiated by Comelec Acting Regional Election Officer Atty. Jose Nick A. Mendros and his counterpart from Samar Atty. Ma. Corazon Motallana, Provincial Election Supervisor II, Virginia V. Besas, Basey Election Officer III and Gray O. Bateo, Marabut Election Officer II.

The Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

During the demonstrations, it was learned that PCOS, or optical mark reader (OMR) or simply known as “ballot counting machine” wherein a voter is given a ballot, with pre-printed candidates’ names, with corresponding ovals to shade or broken arrows to connect. The voters in the shaded ballots would be scanned using this kind of machine.

Accordingly, this system is already familiar to all students taking the National Secondary Aptitude Test (NSAT), formerly NCEE (National College Entrance Examination), given by the Department of Education (DepEd), and to other people taking the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Licensure Examinations and other examinations given by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), wherein the answer sheet is composed of ovals and the chosen answer would be shaded by the examinee. A similar system is employed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for its Lotto system, wherein ovals corresponding to the numbers being bet upon are also shaded. In all these, the answer sheets and the lotto cards are read, or counted, by OMR machines.

Since the system makes use of ballots, and also considering the fact that it is already familiar to the public, this system was recommended as the most for the Philippine setting. “With the use of centralized counting centers, a ballot counter could be assigned to count the ballots from several precincts or even from a whole municipality depending on the number of registered voters,” Atty. Mendros said.

Worries of the Public

In open public demonstrations, the public is very much worried on their lack of knowledge of computerized voting, jammers, counting of ballots, unusual ballot rejection, machine error, mistake in shading ballots among other minor problems. But the COMELEC personnel have assured the public of its safety by answering all the issues and worries raised by the public. Volunteers coming from the listening public were called up stage to have a personal test and operation of the machine. Pre-testing of ballot insertion to the machine and other procedure were also demonstrated to the public. Atty. Mendros called on teachers, barangay officials, and ordinary citizens to test the machine themselves.

The COMELEC top brass also assured the public that no one or even the BEIs can change or alter the number of votes the machine counted. He further explained that even the jammers cannot affect the voting process, “it will only delay the transmittal of the election results, and it is a very minor problem and the Commission can handle it,” he said.

Features and Major Changes

In a separate source, this writer obtained the Modernization Project Demonstration Kits previously distributed by the COMELEC saying the automated election system have the following features: use of appropriate ballots, stand-alone machine that can generate immediate results, provisions for audit trails, minimum human intervention and adequate safeguard or security measures as mandated by Section 7 of RA 8436 otherwise known as “An Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Use an Automated Election System in the May 11, 1998 National or Local Elections and in Subsequent National and Local Electoral Exercises, Providing Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes.”

It also explained that the major changes of this automated system from the old manual system of voting, counting and canvassing of votes are the following: no writing of names, ballots are not anymore counted in the polling places, added security features in the printing and shipment of ballots, human intervention is limited to telling the machine to start and stop the counting the ballots, has data storage device because the appreciation of ballots is entirely done by the machine.

In short, the Commission assures the public, “there are no more venues for adding a digit before or after a totaled number of votes. The machine operator cannot tell the machine to credit the vote of a candidate to another, or to increase or decrease a candidate’s vote because it’s just not what it is programmed to do.”

Meanwhile, the COMELEC, however, failed to explain in their demonstrations the exact number of clustered precincts per municipality but assured there were surely one machine in every barangay in the coming May 2010 elections in the Philippines. In Eastern Visayas, as of March 17, 2009 data, the Commission has recorded six (6) provinces, seven (7) cities, 136 municipalities, 16,408 polling precincts and 2,337,185 registered voters in Eastern Visayas region.

 

 

 

 

803rd Brigade turns over 72 completed KBP projects to barangay officials

Press Release
By 803rd INFANTRY (Peacemaker) BRIGADE
February 16, 2010

CAMP SUMOROY, Catarman, Northern Samar  –  Seventy two (72) newly completed Kalayan sa Barangay Program (KBP) projects were turned-over to the different barangay officials of Lope de Vega, Bobon, Catarman, Northern Samar last  February 6 and 7, 2010.

These KBP projects that were constructed in the barangays previously affected by insurgency in Northern Samar were made possible through the collective effort of the residents of the barangays, the local government units and the military led by the 803rd Brigade, Philippine Army under the able leadership of Col. Arnolfo Atendido through the Special Operation Teams (SOT) of the brigade from calendar year 2004 to 2008. This is in line with the national government’s outreach program dubbed as “People Government Mobile Action (PGMA) Serbisyo Muna” caravan.

Said projects were funded by the AFP/DND and constructions were undertaken by the Philippine Army engineers under LtCol. Rizalito Tibon of 543rd Engineering Battalion. Among the projects constructed were the following: two (2) farm to market roads; twelve (12) health centers; eight (8) two classroom school buildings; twelve (12) sets of street lights and four (4) level of ii water systems.

The turn-over was supervised by the office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas represented by Mr. Alberto Ellema and witnessed by Colonel Atendido represented by Major Melecio Y. Castillo, civil military operations officer of 803rd Brigade, PA, Colonel Arnaldo Fernandez Jr, commander 53rd Engineering Brigade, PA, Lieutenant Colonel Rizalito Tibon, battalion commander of 543rd Engineering Construction Battalion, PA and provincial and local government officials of Northern Samar.

Completed KBP projects were received by the respective barangay captains of the municipalities of Lope de Vega, Catarman, and Bobon all of Northern Samar. Twenty six (26) barangay captains who were recipient of the KBP projects expressed their deepest gratitude to the officers and men of the Philippine Army for the immediate implementation and completion of the projects.

To sum-up the effort of the 534 Engineering Battalion, a total of 72 KBP projects were completed and turned-over to barangay officials of Northern Samar by 803rd Infantry Brigade, Phiilippine Army breaken down into 24 school buildings, 19 health centers, 13 sets street lightings, 6 barangays electrifications, 8 water systems and 2 farm to market roads.

On the message of Colonel Atendido delivered by Major Castillo encourages the residents to take good care of the facilities and reminded them that said project was a component of the peace and development program in the barangays.

In his parting words, Major Castillo reminded the barangay officials not to allow terrorists to enter their barangays nor provide support to ensure that peace and properity reign in their respective barangays.

 

 

 

 

KARAPATAN shows true color, calls for the release of 43 self confessed NPA

Press Release
By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, PA
February 15, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Karapatan, a self-proclaimed human rights advocate once again masked and appeared before the Court of Appeals and called for the release of the 43 rebels that was arrested in Morong, Rizal last February 6.

In a 10-paragraphed press release in Samar News.com dated February 13, Karapatan Secretary General Lovella de Castro repeatedly covered and tagged the said rebels to be “health workers” that must immediately be released.

But before Karapatan came into open, one of the arrested NPA, Valentino Paulino or "Ka Beloy" already confessed that he and the 42 others were members of guerilla movement that even his two (2) companions were amongst who hostage a police inspector sometime in 2009.  This was published by Jocelyn Uy in the February 11 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled, “Self-confessed NPA says he, 42 health workers are rebels.”

While Karapatan keeps on distancing itself to the terrorist NPA and proclaimed that they are just for the human rights of the innocent people and nothing to do with the NPA, its action speaks louder how they undeniably show its true color to be linked and lawyer-ing with the armed bandits.

"My comrades are still detained in the camp... so I would like to ask your assistance to help them return to the fold of the law," Paulino, who confessed to be an NPA member in Bulacan and part of the "Morong 43," said when they were presented for a press conference.

This statement mistuned the Karapatan’s crow in covering up these arrested bandits and tagging them as “health workers” as their usual propaganda lines.

And now that the Karapatan is sponsoring the families and relatives of the detained rebels to claim that they underwent torture and forced them to admit that they are members of the NPA, the AFP has already expected it because the party would not "take it sitting down" as it was the biggest arrest of communist guerillas by security forces in recent history.

With these actions, Karapatan hurdles the cry for justice that these rebels committed.  Their charges includes three counts of illegal possession of firearms, three counts of violation of the Commission on Election gun ban and one count of illegal possession of explosives.  Several firearms and explosives were also seized from the group during the arrest.

Meanwhile, a police inspector Cuntapay positively identified Linda Otañez and Pearl Irene Martinez as amongst who hostage him following an ambushed to their team on January 3, 2009 in Macabud, Rodriquez, Rizal killing PO1 Erickson Aquino and seriously wounded two others because of the use of landmine.

Among those who were also identified are Otanez, Aldrin Garcia, Edwin Detera, Antonio de Dios, Reynaldo Macabenta and Mark Escartin.

Karapatan’s claim that the arrested person was “health workers” in their press release submitted to Samar News.com opposes the statement of Ka Beloy and Cuntapay that was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

While Ka Beloy admits that he and 42 others were rebels and Cuntapays identification to the two companions as his hostage-takers, Karapatan endlessly sing otherwise that only intensifies the earlier revelation of the former rebels who are already returned in the full-fold of the law that Karapatan is an ally of the NPA terrorist.

Instead of condemning this legitimate arrest, why not Karapatan focus their advocacy against the real atrocity and barbaric killings perpetrated by the NPA?  The answer is obvious.

To the peace-loving people of Samar-Leyte, let us focus our attention to things that would help our region more appealing not only to our neighboring provinces but also to our neighboring countries.

Let us not be easily provoked by the propaganda lines openly released by the Karapatan or Karapatan-SB so as not to destruct our aims of pursuing a peaceful and developed Samar-Leyte.

 

 

 

 

Malacañang and DOH must ignore CBCP and stop double speak on HIV/AIDS, says Reproductive Health advocate

By VIGIE BENOSA-LLORIN
February 15, 2010

MANILA  –  Calling condom and roses mix an amateurish act of gimmickry, a leading reproductive health advocacy group challenges the Department of Health (DOH) to take more seriously its HIV/AIDS awareness program, which must include ensuring access to condom especially for high-risk, vulnerable groups.

Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), objects to DOH insistence that condom is freely distributed on valentines day solely to fight HIV/AIDS and not as family planning method.

“Such stance to please some Catholic leaders confuses our people,” laments San Pascual. He added, “HIV/AIDS and lack of family planning services are both urgent public health issues that must be attended by DOH in integral manner.  What rationale would explain DOH having a split personality on condom use?”

San Pascual argues that by denying the Filipino people with reproductive health information and services over the years, by not investing on condom and other forms of contraceptives, this government has left people on their own without reproductive health and education assistance.  Such neglect resulted to high cases of maternal mortality due to birth-related complications, while an unusually high case of HIV/AIDS was registered in recent months.

Another development that galled San Pascual is the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) coming into the picture in the height of media interest on the issue.

“Calling for a national summit of various stakeholders to discus HIV-AIDS is just CBCP’s way to pressure Government and divert its attention towards directly addressing the issue.  It was no less than the Catholic Pope who name condom use as immoral,” reminds San Pascual.

“Now they are coming in amid reports of condom distribution conducted by DOH.  Really, what hypocrisy,” laments San Pascual.

San Pascual also blames Congress and the Arroyo administration on the missed opportunity to strengthen the HIV/AIDS program through House Bill 5043 or the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act”, yet Speaker Prospero Nograles and President Gloria Arroyo chose to give in to the pressures of some Catholic bishops and leaders.

“The challenge is for the government, DOH, Congress and our society as a whole, to confront the menace of HIV-AIDS in truthful, effective manner, not by cowering to the dictate of a single church,” he further said.

“As it is now, Malacañang is directly responsible for the sudden rise of HIV cases,” San Pascual concluded.

 

 

 

 

CA hearing of habeas corpus petition

Karapatan: Free the 43 health care workers now!

Press Release
By KARAPATAN
February 13, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  Human rights alliance Karapatan on Friday joins the relatives and different groups and organizations in support of the release of the illegally arrested 43 health workers, at the hearing of the petition for the writ of habeas corpus at the Court of Appeals.

The relatives filed a petition for the writ of habeas corpus at the Supreme Court and the high court’s First Division granted it on Thursday, ordering the AFP to present all of the 43 health care workers who were forcibly taken on February 6 in Morong, Rizal, before the appellate court.

“We welcome this response of the SC,” Karapatan Secretary General Lovella de Castro said. “The arrest and detention of the health workers are illegal and they should immediately be freed.”

Karapatan, however, also expressed its outrage over the AFP’s exploitation of one of the victims, Valentin Paulino, in their extensive propaganda campaign to vilify the health workers as members of the New People’s Army.

“We strongly condemn the AFP for putting Paulino under duress and forcing him to admit that he and the other victims are members of the NPA,” exclaimed de Castro. “We believe that, along with the other victims, Paulino underwent severe physical and psychological torture to coerce him to implicate himself and the other health workers.”

On Thursday, with Commission on Human Rights chairperson Leila de Lima, lawyers and doctors were able interview the victims inside Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal. It was the first time, since they were forcibly taken and kept under illegal detention, that the victims were allowed to be visited by their legal counsel and doctors.

De Castro narrated that the AFP took Paulino from the Camp and presented him at a press conference in Tanay, Rizal that Thursday, without the consent or knowledge of the lawyers who were present. “The AFP delayed the lawyers and doctors from meeting all of the victims so that they can ‘steal’ Paulino,” she said. “And this is further proof that the military is again circumventing the constitutional laws and judicial procedures, and they are utilizing all dirty means to implicate the victims of fabricated criminal charges.”

De Castro also added that under detention in the Camp, the victims were locked up in individual holding cells, isolated from one another. The victims said that they were tactically interrogated by the soldiers every night, and that they were threatened that they, and their loved ones, will be harmed if they don’t ‘cooperate.’

Karapatan reiterated that this case is another blow to the Arroyo administration’s dismal record on human rights.

“If the Ampatuan massacre is the case with the largest number of victims of extrajudicial killing, this case of the 43 health workers is of massive illegal arrest and illegal detention. And it will definitely put Mrs. Arroyo to further shame if these doctors, nurses and community health care workers will not be immediately released,” de Castro concluded.

 

 

 

 

14IB recovers firearms following a tip from civilian

By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, PA
February 13, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Two (2) high powered firearms were recovered by troopers from Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in a forested side of Brgy. Dorillo, Jipapad town of Eastern, Samar after a firefight against the members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) on Friday morning.

Report reaching to this headquarters disclosed that while the troops under Sgt. Jessesito Pejano conducts their regular security patrol, a civilian approached and informed them that some 10 armed groups were sighted not far distant from their present location.

The undisclosed civilian also said that these armed groups are the same group who regularly collects foodstuff and extort from them.

Accordingly, after assessing the information, Pejano led his troops towards the given location and there they confirmed the civilians tip.

Firefight between the two groups commenced and lasted for about 20 minutes after the terrorist group fled dragging along their wounded comrades.

The incident resulted to the wounding of two NPA rebels leaving along their respective firearms that were recovered by the troops during their clearing in the encounter site while no reported hurt in the side of the government forces.

An M16 rifle and an M14 rifle bearing the serial number 180888 and 1264373 respectively that was recovered in the encounter are now in the possession of the 14IB and are being turned-over to the higher unit after its inspection.

Lt. Col. Jaime Hidalgo, commander of 14IB said that a pursuit and blocking operations is on progress as of press time in order to track the fleeing terrorist and let them face various criminal charges against the innocent people.

Lt. Col. Hidalgo also calls the barangays immediately surrounding the encounter site to report any wounded person that may be sighted in their area to help them provide medical attention.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero lauded the troops for the successful security operations.  “While we continue to perform our mandated task of preserving peace and stability in the province, we are calling to our people to intensify their usual support extended to our government in the pursuit of peace stability for the ultimate attainment of development of the whole province.

 

 

 

 

PNP Chief Verzosa to lead one thousand “Unity Fun” runners in Samar

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
February 10, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jesus A. Verzosa will lead more than a thousand “Unity Fun” runners in Catbalogan, Samar on February 11, 2010.

In an invitation penned by PNP Samar Provincial Director, Pancho Adelberto Hubilla, it mentions that the “Unity Run” is dubbed in Filipino as “Takbo ng Pinagsamang Simbahan, Sandatahang Lakas, Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas, Mga Mamamahayag at Mag-aaral Para sa Malinis, Maayos at Mapayapang Halalan 2010”.

City Chief Joseph Pensotes meanwhile, said that it is a big honor for the PNP Provincial and City stations to be considered for Chief Verzosa’s visit.

His whole team is now very busy in the preparations, Pensotes added.

PNP Chief Verzosa, 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Commanding General Arthur Tabaquero and PCSupt Rey Lañada are also expected to deliver messages along with Msgr Leonardo Guadalquever and other special guests.

PSSupt Pio L Manito, Deputy Regional Operations and Plans Division RO 08 will present to Verzosa Assessment of the 2004 and 2007 elections / Preparations and Accomplishments for the forthcoming National and Local Elections.

Hubilla, on the other hand will conduct a peace and order briefing of Samar PPO.

Highlight of the gathering is a covenant signing and release of doves to symbolize ‘freedom’.

Presently, PNP Samar and the city PNP are busier than ever to ensure the successful run. (PIA-Samar)

 

 

 

 

NPA killed in DavOr clash rise to 3, 2 more believed to be dead; troops recover bombs, high powered firearms

Press Release
By DPAO, 10th Infantry Division, PA
February 10, 2010

CAMP APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City  –  At least three New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed in a clash with soldiers in the village of New Visayas in Lupon town in Davao Oriental province 7:00 AM Saturday while two more are believed to be dead.

The fatalities were identified as Anthony Ang alias Junjun of Brgy Baon, Leonilo Lucnod Alias Michael of Brgy San Roque both of San Isidro in Davao Oriental and Romel Duran alias Rolan whose address is yet to be ascertained. The cadavers of the NPAs who were left behind by their comrades were brought to the town proper by soldiers and local residents for identification and for proper burial so that their relatives can accord them their last respect.

Reports coming from village leaders say two more NPAs were killed in the firefight including a woman. Residents say they were buried in an undisclosed place somewhere in the nearby village of Tagugpo in Lupon town.

Operating troops of the army’s 28th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents regarding the presence of armed men in their place which resulted to an early morning gunbattle.

Army troops recovered two M16 rifles, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), several firing devices, blasting caps, one shotgun, five rifle grenades, nine clips for Garand rifle, ammunitions, two handheld radios, one binocular, assorted medicines, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the army’s 10th Infantry Division lauded the concern of local residents in the peace efforts as he expressed grief on the death of the NPAs. “We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place. While we are on a positive note, we grieve over the death of fellow Filipinos who were lured, deceived and exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF into joining an organization known for its notoriety in killing innocent people and sabotaging our economy with their big-time extortion activity.” Holganza said.

“The recovery of IEDs is a welcome development as our citizens will be a lot safer against the threat of terrorism. The use of IEDs by the NPA only strengthens their notoriety as a terror organization who does not respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.” Holganza added.

It maybe recalled that the use of IED as a tactic was publicly admitted by Leoncio Pitao a notorious NPA terrorist leader in Davao.

NPAs consolidated as Satur visits the Province

Residents said they were alarmed by the consolidation of NPA since two days ago before the bloody gunbattle and recalled that this only happens during plenums or when high ranking NPA or a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) comes in their place.

The clash between army soldiers and NPA terrorists happened barely half a day ago as Satur Ocampo, a former high ranking member of the CPP visited the towns of Banaybanay, Lupon and Mati City all in Davao Oriental province. Accompanying Ocampo in the visit were Liza Masa of Gabriela and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis.

Ocampo, Masa and other others are yet to denounce the use of armed struggle being waged by the NPA as a means of establishing a Maoist regime but failed to do so on many occasions.

 

 

 

 

Relatives of 43 health workers file petition before SC, demand their immediate release

Press Release
By KARAPATAN
February 9, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  Human rights alliance Karapatan joins the relatives of the 43 abducted and illegally detained health workers in their filing for the petition of the writ of habeas corpus at the Supreme Court today.

The relatives were led by Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Roneo Clamor, whose wife Dr. Merry Mia-Clamor is one of the doctors forcibly taken by the joint military and police forces last Saturday, February 6.

The health workers were held incommunicado for almost three days in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal, and were denied their right to see their relatives and lawyers. It was only yesterday afternoon when some of the relatives, along with Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Leila de Lima, were allowed inside the camp to talk to the victims.

The petition prayed that all of the 43 health workers be presented before the Court and be immediately released.

Karapatan vowed to continue to support the relatives in their fight to free their illegally detained loved ones. “We will continue to demand for the release of these doctors, nurses and health workers,” Secretary General Lovella de Castro said. “We are counting the days that this regime is keeping the victims in detention. The longer that they are incarcerated, more people here and abroad will hold protests against the Arroyo regime and demand that they be freed.”

De Castro also warned Mrs. Gloria Arroyo that she and her military henchmen will further be put into shame before the international human rights community for this latest brazen and terrorist attack against the Filipino people.

“We have already called the attention of the international community,” de Castro said, “and we have already received letters of condemnation over the incident and support for the victims, from the countries of United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Canada and Australia, and more will flood in from other countries.”

She also reported that Filipino-American communities in the United States have trooped to the Philippine Consulates to stage protest actions.

“We will not stop until Mrs. Arroyo and her cohorts are held accountable for their crimes against the people,” concluded de Castro.

 

 

 

 

Catbalogan City PNP awarded as Model Urban Police Station

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
February 9, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  Catbalogan City PNP Police Station has coveted the Model Urban Police Station for 2009.

This was bared by Catbalogan City Chief of Police Supt Joseph Pensotes to PIA after talking about their preparations for the Unity Fun Run with PNP Chief Jesus Versoza in Samar on February 11, 2010.

Pensotes and his men received the award and citation during the 19th PNP anniversary held on February 1, 2010.

The chief attributed the award to his troops who are always on their toes pursuing criminals and violators of special laws.

“The award gives us inspiration to sustain our gains in the fight against criminality,” the police officer beamed.

Pensotes replaced the then Chief PSupt. Ramil Ramirez on July 30, 2009.

With his accomplishments, the hefty officer has seemingly wiped out a significant number of illegal drugs dealer with ten apprehensions and cases filed in court.

The City PNP has also scored in its fight against illegal gambling, illegal logging, illegal fishing and loose firearms.

Some 24 wanted persons have also been arrested and charged.

Of its 116 number of arrests, some 83 cases have now been lodged in court.

“These are our accomplishments along with our regular responsibility of securing the populace and keeping peace and order in the city of Catbalogan“, Pensotes stressed.

Although the PNP elements are always on the alert in pursuing criminal elements, they are also ever-reliable in securing VIPs who come for a visit, reaching out to communities for their various advocacies through personal dialogues and their weekly radio program at Aksyon Radyo-DYMS. PNP Catbalogan is also active in its socio civic response to anti-crime NGO partners and other civic groups.

Presently, PNP Catbalogan is very visible implementing OPLAN 01-01 or “Bantay Pinili-ay 2010” and sustaining the conduct of PNP/COMELEC Checkpoint, Oplan “BAKAL” and Oplan “SITA.  (PIA-Samar)

 

 

 

 

Farmers condemn illegal arrests of 42 doctors and health workers, call for their immediate release

Press Release
By Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
February 8, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) and Tanggol Magsasaka (Peasant Network for Land, Justice and Human Rights) condemned the illegal arrests of 42 doctors and health workers by an overkill force of 300 police and military in Morong town, Rizal province.

"We totally condemn this vicious act of the Arroyo government, the abduction of 42 patriotic doctors and medical personnels who offer their services to the poor.  We strongly call for their immediate release," said Antonio Flores, KMP Spokesperson and Tanggol Magsasaka Co-Convenor.

"The Arroyo government that is run by a syndicate sucks the public funds through corruption, the root cause of absence of medical services to the people, has the guts to abduct those who offer their services to the needy," said Flores.

"Rizal Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines – Southern Luzon Command should be appropriately punished as this is a disservice to the people and country," said Flores.

The Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD), a group of medical personnel who regularly offer their services to the farmers said that the victims were raided 6:15 am at the resthouse of Dr. Melecia Velmonte, while they were conducting health skills training. They were blindfolded and forcibly brought to Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, the headquarters of the 202nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

KMP said that that the abducted medical workers who are associated with the HEAD should be in fact be honored of their service and commitment to the people, instead the barbaric Arroyo government has violated their basic rights.  Moreoever, Arroyo government's counter-insurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya is now victimizing even the health sector, in addition to the already persecuted peasants, fisherfolk, workers and other poor sectors.

"Colonel Aurelio Baladad and Police Superintendent Balonglong, leaders of PNP and AFP raiding team, respectively, should be ashamed of themselves, as being paid mercenaries of the corrupt Arroyo government we accept that they are useless to the people, but as they victimize health workers who offer free services to the poor, this is very unacceptable and should be condemned not just by the peasants, but by all sectors," Flores said.

The peasant group said that HEAD, Health Alliance for Human Rights, Council for Health Development and Alliance of Health Workers are medical personnels' groups who regularly gives free medical services to the farmers.

"They are with us in our recent nationwide Lakbayan ng Anakpawis para sa Lupa at Katarungan this January, they launched a relief and medical mission at our peasant areas in Montalban after Ondoy, they rendered free services during our camp-out in Congress in April to May 2009, a medical mission for the farmers at Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Laur, Nueva Ecija in October 2008," said Flores.

"They are very important to the peasants and poor sectors, unlike the PNP and AFP, who we wish to banish from the face of the earth," he added.

"We reiterate our call for the enraged condemnation of their abduction and their immediate release.  Let us not tolerate this stupid act of stupid people.  Immediately free the doctors and health workers and justice for the violations of their basic rights," Flores called.

 

 

 

 

Samar employees Monday to protest non-release of 2009 P25,000 bonus by Gov. Mila Tan; Redaja no. 1 in poll survey for governor

By CHITO DELA TORRE
February 7, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Samar provincial alliance of employees will be staging a rally on February 8, Monday, in front of the Capitol here to protest the failure of governor Milagrosa Tee Tan to release the P25,000  yearend bonuses that were due the provincial government employees in year 2009.

Among the protesters expected to join are those working at the provincial hospital.  It was learned that during the incumbency of OIC-Gov. Jesus B. Redaja, all the employees received their bonuses, including the Christmas gift money.  Redaja, vice-governor, acted as governor during the 90-day suspension of Mila Tan which was ordered by the Sandiganbayan.

Some leaders of the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) are bruited about to extend moral support to the rallyists, including a representative of COURAGE Party List chapter in Basey, Samar.

Polls Survey Results

In another development, Tan, who is running for representative of the Second District of Samar, placed fourth with only 25 votes (9 percent) of the total of 291 votes cast as of February 5, 2010 in a continuing survey being conducted by Samar News.

Catalino Figueroa, who lost to Tan’s daughter Sharee Ann in the 2007 congressional race, obtained 83 “votes” (29%), the highest.  Van Torrevillas of Catbalogan had 44 “votes” (15%) to his credit to place second, while Basey mayor Wilfredo Estorninos took the third place with 38 “votes” (13%).  Alvin Abejuela and Urbano Alli got only14 and 13 votes, respectively.  Of the 291 “voters” participating in the survey, 74 (25%) remained undecided.

In the gubernatorial race, Redaja far leads 5 other hopefuls with 163 “votes” (53%).  Sharee Ann, outgoing congresswoman of the 2nd District, got only one-fifth (31 “votes” or 11%) of Redaja’s total.  Casilda Lim on is on third place with 37 “votes” (13%), Pedro Labid on fourth with 20 (7%), Darwin Tan on fifth with a pitiable showing of 2 (1%) and Pilar Bolok on miserable sixth (0%).  Of the 291 “votes” polled, 37 (13%) were “undecided”.

For the vice-governor’s choice, Joseph Grey has 95 “votes” (33%), followed by Rosenaida Rosales with 72 (25%) and tail-ender Stephen James Tan with 23 (8%), also of the same number of survey participants.

In the First District, Mario Roño and Mel Senen Sarmiento tied with 56 “votes” (19%) each in the congressional poll.  Rodolfo Tuazon got 34 (12%), while Alex Tuazon and Rodrigo Tuazon had only 2 (1%) each.

Samarnons who want to participate in the website’s 2010 Philippine Elections Samar Candidates Poll Survey may log in at http://2010.philippine-elections.com/samar_survey.html.

 

 

 

 

1 NPA killed in clash as Satur visits DavOr, troops recover high powered firearms

Press Release
By DPAO, 10th Infantry Division, PA
February 7, 2010

CAMP APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City  –  A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed in a clash with soldiers in the village of New Visayas in Lupon town in Davao Oriental province 7:00 AM Saturday as Bayan Muna representative and senatorial bet Satur Ocampo visited  the province.

Operating troops of the army’s 28th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents regarding the presence of armed men in their place which resulted to an early morning gunbattle. Residents said they were alarmed by the consolidation of NPA since two days ago and recalled that this only happens during plenums or when high ranking NPA or a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) comes in their place.

As of press time, army troops recovered two M16 rifles and one shotgun while the unidentified cadaver which was left behind by his comrades was brought to the town proper by soldiers for identification and for proper burial so that his relatives can accord him their last respect.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the army’s 10th Infantry Division lauded the concern of local residents in the peace efforts as he expressed grief on the death of the still unidentified red fighter. “We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place. While we are on a positive note, we grieve over the death of another Filipino who was lured, deceived and exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF into joining an organization known for its notoriety in killing innocent people and sabotaging our economy with their big time extortion activity.” Holganza said.

The clash between army soldiers and NPA terrorists happened barely a day ago as Satur Ocampo, a former high ranking member of the CPP visited the towns of Banaybanay, Lupon and Mati City all in Davao Oriental province.
 

 

Last updated: 03/11/2010

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