DAR releases P70-M for FMR projects in Palo

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
January 31, 2024

PALO, Leyte – Residents of three farming villages in this town will soon enjoy a concrete road following the groundbreaking activities in Barangay Cangumbang for two road concreting projects funded under the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF).

On Monday, January 22, lawyer, Robert Anthony Yu, Regional Director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas, together with engineer, Ade Ray Mate, Assistant District Engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte First Engineering District, and Mayor Remedios Petilla, led the groundbreaking activities for the concreting of the 4.10 kilometers Cangumbang-San Agustin and 1.5 kilometers San Agustin-Cabarasan Daku farm-to-market roads (FMRs).

Yu in his message shared that intervention for FMRs is among the nine priorities of Agrarian Secretary Conrado Estrella III and among the top agenda of the Marcos administration.

He further said that two of the five FMR projects that are for implementation this year in Leyte are in this town with a combined project cost of P70 million.

In appreciation, Petilla expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his effort to concretize all roads to make it easier for the local government units (LGUs) to maintain them and much easier for the farmers to plant and to bring their products to the markets.

She also thanked DAR for the many projects provided to her municipality. She disclosed that this road was constructed under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) in 2014.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO), Edgar Cabaluna, said that more than 600 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in these areas are expected to benefit from these projects.

Meanwhile, Barangay Cangumbang Chairwoman, Feona Retes, was very grateful that finally their problem on their road is now being addressed. According to her, motorists find it hard to transport their products and schoolchildren from their village which is three kilometers away from the town proper.

8ID shooters dominates the Tactical Combat Shooting Competition 2024 of the Bureau of Corrections

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 30, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – The members of 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army’s shooting team has clinched the overall champion in the recently concluded Tactical Combat Shooting Competition 2024 held at the Leyte Regional Prison Firing Range, Barangay Cagbolo, Abuyog, Leyte.

The competition is in connection with the 51st Founding Anniversary of the Leyte Regional Prison and was participated in by 20 teams comprising 100 skilled shooters from across the region.

The 8ID Shooters showcased their exceptional shooting skills as they dominated various categories of the competition.

In the Lady Category, Corporal Maria Glory Mae Pombo of 8ID, emerged as the Champion besting 10 other lady shooters with her exceptional skills and precision in shooting. Her performance underscores that women can also excel in the field of combat shooting.

The Stormtroopers Shooters also secured the Championship and the First Runner-Up positions in the Classic Division Category; Sergeant Jonathan Balisbis, as the Champion and Staff Sergeant Rey Ilagan as the first runner-up under the said category.

Moreover, Captain Jefferson Mariano, also a member of the Stormtroopers Shooters, clinched the 2nd Runner-up position besting 80 other shooters in the Production Division Category.

The Commander of 8th Infantry Division, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo commended the outstanding performance of the Stormtroopers Shooters as they were hailed as the overall champion in the Tactical Combat Shooting Competition 2024.

“My warmest congratulations to our 8ID shooters who showcased their exceptional skills and precision in the field of tactical shooting, their performance is a testament on their dedication, trainings, and teamwork. I am confident that our team can also dominate other competitions not just in region,” Maj.Gen. Ligayo expressed.

Setting sail on a shared journey: NMP and MARINA enhance collaboration

By National Maritime Polytechnic
January 30, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – Marking a significant step toward enhancing the maritime sector's quality and capabilities, the NMP Team, headed by Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, met with the newly-installed Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan on 30 January 2024 at the MARINA Main Office in Port Area, Manila. This visit underscores a reinforced commitment to collaborative training and research efforts, crucial for the advancement of the Philippine maritime industry.

During the meeting, there was a significant focus on the development of training programs, particularly in trainers’ training, as emphasized by MARINA. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of domestic seafarers, especially those operating ships under 500 gross tonnage (GT) and using 750 kHz frequencies, and to capacitate them for eventual employment abroad, reinforcing their role as a source of skilled foreign employment. Improving these training programs is expected to elevate standards and safety practices within the domestic shipping sector. Additionally, the discussion included the joint development of capabilities for MARINA staff with NMP, ensuring the institution continues to lead in maritime regulatory excellence and service.

The collaboration further extends to research endeavors. MARINA and NMP explored consolidating Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) to improve the implementation and monitoring of NMP’s three existing research-related MOAs. MARINA expressed a strong interest in broadening collaborative research, recognizing its critical role in advancing maritime knowledge and practices. The Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook, produced by NMP with MARINA as a data contributor, is slated for enhancements. This initiative is a component of NMP's Maritime Resource Center and complements MARINA’s digitalization efforts, aiming to deliver timely and relevant data to industry stakeholders.

Furthermore, Administrator Malaluan referred to the reviewed Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) that was presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This plan outlines the research areas designated for both NMP and MARINA, ensuring their joint efforts are in sync with the national strategy for maritime industry development.

Accompanying NMP ED Del Rosario were other key NMP officials, demonstrating the depth of the institution's involvement and commitment to this collaboration. Present at the meeting were Capt. Chito A. Go, OIC-Head, Maritime Training and Assessment Division; Ms. Elena M. Santos, OIC-Head, Maritime Research and Development Division; and Ms. Evelyn T. Futol, OIC-Head, NMP Manila Office.

Soldiers capture Communist NPA Terrorist, unearth arms cache in a clash in Northern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 29, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – Troops of the 43rd Infantry "We Search" Battalion, 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army, captured a Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) after an encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar, last January 27, 2024.

The captured CNT is identified as alias Doming/Nitoy, a member of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) who have a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 20 on October 10, 2015.

Prior to the encounter, the troops conducted a focused military operation after receiving information from the residents about the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the said barangay, when they were fired upon by the group of a certain alias Doming. After the firefight, alias Doming was abandoned by his comrades who was subsequently captured by the government troops.

The captured CNT during an interview revealed the location of an arms cache of the CNTs in the hinterlands of Sitio Kahidwangan, Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar. Seized were an M16 rifle and a short plastic magazine.

The Commanding Officer of the 43IB, Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Arojo, attributed the success of the operation to the timely and relevant information provided by the residents. He acknowledged that the cooperation of the residents led to the capture of alias Doming and the recovery of the arms cache containing high-powered firearm.

"This is a clear indication that the community appreciates the efforts of the government and has decided to support the fight of ending the local communist armed conflict," Lt. Col. Arojo said.

Meanwhile, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, also encouraged the remaining CNTs and the community to unite and work together towards socio-economic development.

"Let's give peace a chance. Let us join hands and find solutions to our problems. There is no need for armed struggle. The government has programs anchored in the NTF-ELCAC where all government agencies and other stakeholders provide solutions to the problems especially in the vulnerable areas and sectors in society," Maj. Gen. Ligayo expressed.

BOI awards green lane for P22.6-B floating solar power project in Nueva Ecija

By DTI-Board of Investments
January 29, 2024

MAKATI CITY – Making more investments in renewable energy happen in the Philippines, the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) granted the green lane certificate for the floating solar power project of Fuego Renewable Energy Corp. (FREC) that will soon rise in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

BOI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego handed the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to Mr. Aristotle Natividad, President of FREC, in a brief awarding ceremony on January 18, 2024.

The company is set to build the Pantabangan Floating Solar Power Plant, a 463.995 megawatts (MWac) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Nueva Ecija. The project has an initial investment cost of P22.6 billion.

Spanning 500 hectares on Pantabangan Lake, the project is scheduled for commissioning in 2025, with its energy output destined for export to the National Grid.

Notably, the project site is located within the Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve (PCWR). The location of the transmission lines and other facilities onshore will fall under the protected area/watershed classification.

On the economic side, the project will be beneficial to Filipinos, as it will generate up to 2,000 temporary and permanent direct job employment opportunities during the Project’s construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance.

“With this green lane endorsement, let us cooperate to make sure that this project will be in operation by 2025” Governor Ramos-Samaniego told the FREC officials.

In response, Mr. Natividad praised the green lane for expediting the process for the projects concerning renewable energy in the Philippines.

“This is our 4th green lane certificate in our portfolio, and we have experienced positive responsiveness of government agencies and institutions in our various permitting needs. With this latest green lane endorsement, we expect to achieve the same results and materialize our project at the soonest. We are very thankful to President Marcos and the BOI for creating policies that make our country an attractive and efficient market to do business,” Mr. Natividad said.

FREC is composed of Ignis Energy Philippines, Inc. (IEP), ZA Global Partnerships, Corp. (ZA Global), and Tierra Sol Local Landholdings Corp. IEP acts as the technical provider while ZA Global is a prominent Philippine-based renewable energy developer. Tierra Sol engages in real estate activities and has made investments in four power generation companies in 2022.

Executive Order No. 18, approved on February 24 last year, established green lanes within government agencies. With green lanes, through OSAC-SI, the process to grant permits and licenses for strategic energy investments in the country will be expedited.

OSAC-SI issues endorsement letters to the DOE, NGAs, and LGUs, designating projects as strategic investments and ensuring swift processing within prescribed timelines under EO 18.

KARAPATAN lauds UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan for visiting political prisoners in Tacloban City Jail

Press Release
January 27, 2024

QUEZON CITY – "We are grateful that UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan was able to visit three political prisoners – campus journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, KARAPATAN human rights worker Alexander Philip Abinguna, and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines staff Marielle Domequil – in Tacloban City Jail today. Their unjust arrest and detention, since February 2020, is one of most glaring cases of how far the policy and practice of red-tagging, filing of trumped up charges, and political imprisonment and persecution is used against frontliners for freedom of expression and opinion in the country," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said on Saturday.

The rights group reiterated the call for the release of Cumpio, Abinguna and Domequil, who were arrested and detained at the height of the crackdown against activists after the signing of Executive Order 70, which led to the formation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

"The Philippine government is trying so hard to turn the tables on Cumpio, Abinguna and Domequil, along with other victims of trumped up charges and unjust arrest, by demonizing them and treating them as criminals, making every possible move to deny them of their rights and freedoms, prolonging their detention, and preventing local and international observers to visit them in jail or monitor their court hearings. We hope that with Ms. Khan’s visit, their voices will continue to be heard," said Palabay.

Trumped up charges using counter-terror legislation were later filed against Cumpio and Domequil by the NTF-ELCAC. The Anti-Money Laundering Council issued Resolution No. TF-27 on May 28, 2020 in relation to the cash amount of P557,360.00 which was seized by elements of the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) while they were planting firearms and explosives in Cumpio and Domequil's office in Tacloban City on February 7, 2020.

The Department of Justice, on September 30, 2021, issued a resolution finding probable cause to indict Cumpio and Domequil for violation of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10168 or "Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act." In the complaint by the AMLC Financial Crimes Investigation Group, Cumpio and Domequil were falsely accused of "facilitating the distribution of funds and other logistical supplies, such as ammunition, to members of the CPP-NPA," in a mountainous area in San Andres, Catbalogan City, Samar sometime in March 2019.

The three activists were arrested in simultaneous pre-dawn raids on February 7, 2020. Notably, however, this criminal complaint on RA 10168 seems to have been filed as a retaliatory measure after Cumpio and Domequil demanded the return of the money which was inside a safety deposit box in the raided office. The money, which was intended for distribution to the beneficiaries of a humanitarian project, was not included in the inventory of items seized, and neither was it specified as among the items to be seized in the search warrant. Cumpio and Domequil had no record of any suspicious transactions that would have triggered an investigation under RA10168.

The AFP and the NTF-ELCAC later branded Cumpio and Domequil as secretary of the "Regional White Area Committee" and "CPP-NPA finance officers" in a press briefing and in social media posts. Functionaries of the NTF-ELCAC have also reportedly staged some activities near the facility where the three are detained, while Khan was visiting them.

"Despite the government's continued red-tagging against Cumpio, Abinguna and Domequil at the same time claiming that freedom of expression is alive in the Philippines, glaring are the cases of how this government makes a mockery of its signed human rights conventions and agreements that are supposed to guarantee the rights of the people. But, as with the Marcos Jr. administration, they have exposed themselves as responsible for the sorry state of human rights in the country," said Palabay.

Army Commander visits 8ID, commends operational readiness of Eastern Visayas soldiers

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 24, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA), Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido visited the troops of 8th Infantry Division on January 24, 2024.

During the visit, CGPA personally inspected the facilities of the 8th Infantry Division and was briefed on the status of peace and security in the region which provides an opportunity to discuss strategic plans and operational capabilities that will further enhance the troops’ efforts in maintaining peace and stability within 8ID’s area of responsibility.

In his message during the Talk to Troops, Lieutenant General Galido reiterated his Command thrusts encapsulated in the acronym “ARMY”: Soldiers to Always pray to seek divine guidance in their daily activities; Reliable, Responsive, Relevant to address the needs of the nation; Mission-oriented to strengthen the troops’ morale; Yield personal interests and comforts for unity, the Army, the AFP, and the nation.

Based on the Command’s thrust, he focused on the importance of being mission-oriented and ensuring the morale of the troops.

“Morale for me is the proper environment for us to work properly, proper tools for us to do our job well. And more importantly, the morale that we need to be more passionate in our work. ‘Yong isang environment na gusto ko na ma-create natin ay ang environment of respect,” Lt.Gen. Galido expressed.

CGPA also expressed gratitude to the diligence and dedication to duty of the troops and the Civilian Human Resource (CHR) of 8ID.

“I would like to thank you [troops], despite the situation, alam ninyo ang kahirapan ng pagiging sundalo pero nag volunteer pa rin kayo. Pati na rin sa Civilian [Human Resource], it’s very hard to render service in the military organization dahil crossroad kayo, mina-manage kayo ng military mind at civilian kayo, napakahirap. Thank you for volunteering and rendering service, maging sa kasundalohan,nag-volunteer kayo na mag serbisyo kaya ako’y nagpapasalamat,” Lt.Gen. Galido expressed.

CGPA also emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of military professionalism and reinforced the troops’ commitment to excellence and strengthening spiritual connection with God Almighty.

Moreover, CGPA spearheaded the awarding of the Gold Cross Medal and Silver Cross Medal to troops who made an exceptional contribution to the overall campaign of the organization.

Meanwhile Maj.Gen. Ligayo attributed the success of 8ID’s operation to the past Commanders of 8ID, Major General Pio Diñoso and Major General Edgardo De Leon whose efforts during their stint as Commanders contributed to the present success of the unit. He also recognized the impact of the implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which entices rebel returnees and in the overall campaign of ending the local communist armed conflict.

After his visit to the 8ID Headquarters, CGPA proceeded to the 801st Infantry Brigade, continuing his engagement with the troops.

In addition to boosting the morale of the troops, the purpose of the Commanding General Philippine Army’s visit is to assess the operational readiness and capabilities of the 8ID. He also ensures that the Division is aligned with the overall goals of the Philippine Army.

First ONE Visayas Creative Expo showcases the best of Regions 6, 7, and 8

By DTI-Regional Operations Group
January 24, 2024

ILOILO CITY – The vibrant and diverse culture of the Visayas region takes center stage as the first-ever ONE Visayas Creative Expo opened its doors at SM City Iloilo on January 22, 2024. With more than 50 exhibitors hailing from Regions 6, 7, and 8, the week-long expo promises to be a celebration of the best products, destinations, and festivals that the Visayan islands have to offer.

The Creative Expo 2024 is a culmination of the One Visayas initiative led by the Regional Development Councils in the Visayas, supported by the chambers of PCCI Visayas and the Buy Local, Go Lokal initiative of the DTI. It serves as a strong follow-through to the Go Lokal Kabisay-an Nakatundan Fair during the 2023 Private Sector Representatives National Convention in Iloilo City.

Marievic Bonoan, Director of DTI's Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions, highlighted the success of the 2023 Go Lokal Kabisay-an Nakatundan Fair, generating a remarkable 1.48 million in sales. “Following the successful initiative, we are joining hands once again for the One Visayas Creative Expo 2024 Go Lokal Go Visayas which will feature MSMEs from all the three regions of the Visayas representing the sectors from infrastructure, communications, tourism, agriculture and trade and industry,” said Dir. Bonoan in a virtual message.

The PCCI in the Visayas (Regions 6, 7, and 8) has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the One Visayas Creative Expo in time for the Dinagyang celebration on January 22-28, 2024. The Dinagyang Festival is anticipated to draw over a million spectators, mostly tourists.

The expo aims to raise awareness of Go Lokal as a retail brand for innovative and high-quality products from our local MSMEs, aligning with the DTI’s mandate to promote the efficient marketing of local products.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI is one of the organizers of the event, in collaboration with the PCCI Western Visayas and RDC VI. The expo aims to provide a larger platform for local products and promote them on the international stage.

Hon. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Chairperson of RDC VI and City Mayor of Bacolod, emphasized the significance of ONE Visayas in providing opportunities for regional development. "The challenge is for the Regional Development Council together with the Department of Trade and Industry to take the lead in providing bigger platforms for our products and promoting them internationally," Mayor Benitez stated during the opening ceremony.

Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, PCCI Western Visayas governor, emphasized the collaboration among the three Visayan regions. "We would like to strengthen the collaboration of all three regions of the Visayas. This aims to be the starting point, but we intend to roadshow this in all the areas of the Visayas. So Iloilo will take the initiative at this point," he explained.

The exhibit areas at SM City Iloilo's activity center was filled with the best products, showcasing the collaboration of DTI Western Visayas with its counterparts in Central and Eastern Visayas. The Department of Tourism, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are also actively participating in the expo, among others.

The opening program featured key festivals celebrated in honor of Señior Santo Niño, adding a cultural touch to the event. "For the first time, this is bringing under one roof Regions 6, 7, and 8 under One Visayas because that’s our goal – to really push to get interconnected. We have a lot of opportunities and potential as a region," said Atty. Peñaflorida.

The ONE Visayas Creative Expo 2024 which runs until January 28 is poised to be a landmark event, showcasing the rich tapestry of the Visayan culture while providing a platform for economic growth and international collaboration.

Katribu meets with UN SR on Freedom of Expression

Press Release
January 24, 2024

QUEZON CITY – On January 23, Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, alongside other civil society organizations, met with UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, to discuss the current situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the Philippines relative to her mandate.

Beverly Longid, the national convenor of Katribu, emphasized the violations of of the Indigenous Peoples’ freedom of expression should be taken in the context of the assertion of their right to lands and self-determination such as the manipulation of the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) due to the construction of extractive industries and energy projects within ancestral domains. “This deceptive practice undermines the genuine consent of affected Indigenous communities, encroaches upon their right to participate in decisions impacting them actively, distorts our collective will, and significantly weakens our capacity to oppose projects resulting in cultural and economic displacement and environmental degradation,” Longid said.

Longid added that, aside from FPIC violations in the construction of destructive projects on IP lands, the ongoing vilification of Indigenous Peoples through red-tagging and terrorist designations also undermines their right to FPIC. “Political vilification is often accompanied by militarization and bombings of communities, jeopardizing our physical safety, creating fear, and restricting our ability to voice concerns and participate in decision-making processes.”

Known cases of FPIC violations among dam projects built on Indigenous lands include the Kaliwa Dam along the Sierra Mountain Range, the Gened Dams in Apayao, and the Jalaur Dam in Iloilo. “In most cases, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples fabricates the FPIC documents of Indigenous Peoples affected. They use the tactic of deception and misrepresentation among the IP in order to push through the construction of these destructive projects,” Longid stated.

During the dialogue, Longid reiterated the roles of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in the infringement of the Indigenous Peoples' expression and assertion of their rights to genuine development and self-determination. "The number of attacks targeting Indigenous Peoples surpasses the recognition of rights that the government should be allowing us to enjoy. We are not criminals; we are not terrorists. However, the government considers us as such even when we are only exercising our rights to live and develop our lands," Longid expressed.

The #DearIreneKhan letter prepared by Longid corroborated with Katribu’s recommendations to the Special Rapporteur, emphasizing the need to protect the freedom of expression of Indigenous Peoples through genuine Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), cessation of red-tagging and terrorist-labeling, repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Law, rescindment of terrorist designations, and suspension of militarization and bombings in communities.