|
MCA-P and VF sign
agreement to combat Trafficking in Persons
By CATHERINE T. BALDELOBAR,
Samar News.com
February
2, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – A
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
was signed and launched on January 31, 2012 at Leyte Park Hotel,
Tacloban City.
The MOA is between the
Millennium Challenge Account - Philippines (MCA-P) and Visayan Forum
Foundation, Inc. (VF). Ma. Victoria E. Ańonuevo, Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCA-P and Ma Cecilia Flores-Oebanda,
President of VF were the representatives of each parties.
Ańonuevo averred that
the rationale of the MOA is the answer to government’s call to fight
human trafficking per Republic Act No. 9208, known as the
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The commitment of the MCA-P
to this partnership is to ensure that no officer, employee,
contractor, or worker will be involved in or tolerate human
trafficking in and around MCA-P project sites of the Samar Road
Project.
Meanwhile, Flores-Oebanda
emphasized that this partnership will have a lasting impact not only
on the communities covered by MCA-P Samar Road Project but also will
serves as a model for private sector innovation in the fight against
human trafficking.
Under the agreement,
the VF will facilitate learning, information-sharing and skills among
MCA-P staff and stakeholders; educate and ensure commitment of
bidders, suppliers, contractors, sub-contractors, and consultants in
the prevention of Trafficking in Person’s (TIP) cases in all MCA-P
project; and help bring about reforms in programs and services to
prevent TIP.
Among the initial plan
of the group is the conduct of joint planning, training of local
stakeholders in Eastern Samar and Samar and mobilize communities, one
way or the other, with the campaign against TIP.
At present, through
collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
MCA-P is implementing the Secondary National Roads Development Project
(SNRDP) that will rehabilitate a 222-kilometer road network in Samar
and Eastern Samar. The first phase of the project is expected to
start at the end of the third quarter of 2012.
Gov. Daza appointed as
RPOC-8 Chairman
By MYLES JOSEPH E. COLASITO
February
2, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY –
President Benigno S. Aquino III has named Governor Paul R. Daza of
Northern Samar
as Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council in
Eastern Visayas (RPOC-8).
It was learned from
Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. of the Department of the Interior
and Local Government (DILG-8) that Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa
had informed Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo in a letter
dated Nov. 15, 2011 about President Aquino’s approval of the
nomination of Daza and other chairpersons of RPOCs in the country.
Secretary Robredo, on
the other hand as chair of the National Peace and Order Council,
issued Daza’s appointment papers on Nov. 28, 2011. Upon receiving
these papers on January 12, 2012 the DILG-8 regional office
immediately transmitted these to Gov. Daza, said Dir. Noval. He plans
to confer with Gov. Daza as to when the latter would formally assume
the post or take his oath before Sec. Robredo.
Governor Daza and
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla were elected unopposed as the
vice-chairman and chairman, respectively of the RPOC in its
reorganization meeting at the DepEd Conference Room on September 24,
2010. The nominations of Petilla and Daza were subject to the
confirmation of President Aquino.
Aside from Daza, the
other appointed RPOC chairpersons in their respective regions were
Mayor Michael Farińas of Laoag City for Region 1; Gov. Junie Cua of
Province of Quirino for Region 2; Zamboanga Mayor Celso S. Lobregat of
Region 9; Gov. Oscar Moreno of the Province of Misamis Oriental of
Region 10 and Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. of Butuan City of Region 13.
The RPOC is a forum
for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting
peace and order, including insurgency; recommend measures which will
improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in their
respective areas of responsibility, including anti-insurgency
measures; and other measures leading to the achievement of peace and
order.
Among the
highlights of the RPOC in 2011 was the conduct of a crisis management
seminar for RPOC members and Provincial POC members of Leyte on May
26, 2011 hosted by the provincial government of Leyte; and the passage
of a resolution endorsing to the Regional Development Council (RDC),
which is headed by Gov. Petilla, the allocation of funds for
construction of a Samar Island Access Road at the boundaries of the
three provinces of Samar Island.
New PNP building
shines in Zumarraga (Samar) coast
By NINFA B QUIRANTE, PIA
Samar
February 2, 2012
CATBALOGAN CITY –
The new Philippine National Police (PNP) building, now a blue landmark
in the coast of Zumarraga (Samar) town welcomes travelers to this
quaint island.
“It is the first
building to greet you, as it is near the port,” said PNP Samar
Provincial Director Nolasco Bathan in an interview after its
inauguration yesterday, February 2, 2012.
PSSupt Pepito Pacada
from the PNP Regional Office 08 sailed to Zumarraga to witness the
inauguration and turn-over of the P5 million Zumarraga Municipal
Police Station led by PSInsp. Julio Pagtabunan.
“This is part of the
PNP’s Integrated Transformation Program-upgrading our police
stations,” said Bathan.
He added that the
national headquarters may purchase two patrol boats for this island
town battling with illegal fishing.
Meanwhile, Mayor Myrna
Tan expressed her appreciation for the new
PNP building that was accomplished while she was the chief
executive.
PD Bathan said that
Tan is one of the police’s best supporters with her Zumarraga
community. “A good feeling is drawn when a client enters a presentable
office,” added Bathan.
The police director
said that very soon, they will also be inaugurating Pinabacdao’s
municipal police station.
“In the island
municipalities, this is the first in Zumarraga,” Bathan informed.
Samar has five island
municipalities of Daram, Zumarraga, Almagro, Tagapul-an and Sto. Nińo.
Zumarraga is one
peaceful island town, Bathan said, attributing the good peace and
order situation not only to the PNP force, the LCE but also the
community.
Carnapped FX recovered
By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
February
2, 2012
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON,
Palo, Leyte – PNP PRO8 Regional Director Arnold Rayala Revilla
focuses not only on preventing carnapping incidents, but is also
exerting effort to recover stolen vehicles and even proposes stiffer
penalties for it to address its increasing incidence not just in the
region but in the country.
On February 1, 2012 at
about 11:20AM, joint team from Highway Patrol Group led by PSSupt Romeo
Pajares Campomanes and elements of Ormoc City Police led by PSInsp
Shevert Alvin Ligutan Machete were able to recover the reported
carnapped Gray Toyota Tamaraw FX with plate number HAU 299.
Said vehicle was
abandoned at Barangay San Vicente, Alangalang,
Leyte as reported by the owner to have been carnapped on
January 29, 2012 while
parked near his house at Mabini Street, District 17, Ormoc City.
Initial investigation
conducted by the responding team disclosed that at about 7:00 o’clock
in the morning of January 30, 2012, said vehicle stopped at the middle
of the highway on said place due to overheating. One malefactor
identified to be aging between 16 to 18 years old hurriedly alighted
and left the vehicle.
The team then showed
pictures taken from Ormoc City Police office rouge gallery to the
witnesses, same person was identified as Jason Iburan Labiste alias
“Dodong Gamay” of Barangay Tugbong, Kananga, Leyte.
The vehicle was
brought to the Highway Patrol headquarters, Tacloban City for
recording and subsequently released to the owner upon presentation of
proof of ownership of the vehicle.
Ormoc Police
operatives are still conducting follow-up investigation for the
possible arrest and filing of appropriate charges in court against the
suspects.
First-ever RH Bill
Forum: LIKE!
By ADOR LEANDA HURTADO
January
31, 2012
CATBALOGAN CITY – As
the Senate today, January 31 deliberates Senate Bill No 2865 more
popularly known as The Reproductive Health (RH) Bill Act sponsored by
Senator Pia Cayetano as it was included as the final item (Agenda VI,
Item 3), an equally important initiative to shed light on this
controversial legislation has been conducted yesterday (January 30) at
one of the premiere university in Samar Province, the Samar State
University (SSU), formerly known as the Samar State Polytechnic
University (SSPC) in Catbalogan City.
More than 400 students
attended the First Reproductive Health Bill Forum at SSU Audio Visual
Room that afternoon, which initiative was organized and facilitated by
the College of Nursing. Students from different colleges such as the
College of Education, College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences,
College of Industrial Technology and others gave their "Like" and
"Dislike" rating on the different topics and issues discussed by the
speakers patterned from the popular social networking Facebook.
Taking the Government
Side or in support of Reproductive Health Bill, Ms. Lady Nancy
Lisondra, a Registered Nurse representing the Family Planning
Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) discussed the salient points
about Reproductive Health with stress on the Medical and Bioethical
side of the issue since majority of the audience were Nursing
Students. Taking the Opposition Side of the issue, Mr. Herminigildo "Hermie"
Sanchez from the Couples for Christ (CFC) discussed on the moral and
social side of the legislation.
After the two speakers
gave their thoughts and expertise, the open forum started with the
questioning from the audience, which majority were addressed to Ms.
Lisondra covering issues on the carcinogenic-effect of contraceptives,
the mandatory age-appropriate sexuality education, the most debate
issue on abortion among others. The forum ended with much enthusiasm
when Ms. Lisondra gave a short impromptu and informal Disensitization
Workshop addressing the taboo-ness of Adolescent Reproductive Health
most importantly because it is essential to human beings especially to
young people.
The activity was
supported by WARAYA or Waray-Waray Youth Advocates, the leading youth
organization in Samar that advocates for Adolescent Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR).
3 captured NPAs
were accorded human rights midst encounter in Samar
By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
January
30, 2012
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan City – In adherence to Human Rights and International
Humanitarian Law, the Rule of Law prevailed amidst the fierce
encounter between the troops of 87IB and the group of NPA in the
vicinity of Brgy Guinbanga, Calbiga, Samar on January 23, 2012 that
resulted to the seizure of an NPA Camp and recovery of voluminous
subversive documents and equipment including a laptop computer.
 Three suspected NPAs
were also captured when they were left by their withdrawing comrades
and their group out manuevered by the government forces. Despite the
soldiers desire to revenge the loss of life of their companion who was
killed during the encounter, their sense of professionalism and
respect for HR prevailed. They were treated humanely and were
apprised of their constitutional rights.
Gen Chan commended the
soldiers of 87IB for their professionalism and observance to HR and
rule of law. “This is a good development to our soldiers. The respect
of human rights they displayed at the height of the encounter showed
their sincere commitment to the rule of law. This is a result of our
continuing efforts to educate our soldiers in order to be disciplined
and true advocates of human rights”.
The suspects who were
identified as Maita Abadidano y Mabini alias “Mytha/Jenny”, Jerry
Sablan y Macanas alias “Jerry”, and Delmar Dacdac y Llantada alias
“Archie”. They (suspects) were charged by the police authorities for
violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294
(illegal possession of firearms) and Republic Act 9516 (illegal
possession of explosives).
The SOCO Team from
Crime Laboratory, Samar Provincial Police Office was also quick to
conduct examination at the scene of encounter to ensure the
preservation of evidences and truthfulness to the incident. The
troops recovered in the possession of the three captured NPAs four (4)
M26 fragmentation hand grenades, one (1) M1911 calibre 45 pistol, one
(1) calibre 9mm berretta and fifteen (15) rounds of ammunitions.
A separate case will
be filed by the Police authorities against the NPA group including the
three suspects for the killing of
CAA Luis C Gacuma, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU)
Active Auxiliary who was killed during the encounter. Additionally,
another case will be filed against the suspects as witness identified
them as part of the NPA group who attacked the Hinabangan Police
Station on
September 12, 2011.
The successful
encounter sent a strong message to the NPAs that there is no safe
haven for them (NPAs) in Samar. There will be no let-up in our peace
and development operations and the 8ID soldiers will be more
responsible, determined and focused towards the accomplishment of
promoting peace, security and development in this part of the country.
DILG, DBM to release
P170.6-M to 35 East Visayas LGSF recipients
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
30, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – The
Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of
Budget and Management will release the amount of P170.6 million to 35
local government units in Eastern Visayas that are recipients of the
Local Government Support Fund.
DILG Region 8 Director
Pedro Noval Jr. informed that the Local Government Support Fund is
intended to defray part of the decrease in the local government’s
Internal Revenue Allotment for the year 2012.
This would be released
only to provinces, cities and municipalities which have passed the
DILG’s Seal of Good Housekeeping, Director Noval said.
In Eastern Visayas
four provinces, three cities and 28 municipalities have been stamped
the Seal of Good Housekeeping. They are the recipients of the P170.6 LGS fund.
These are the
provinces of Leyte which will receive P25 million, Biliran which will
receive P5 million, Eastern Samar which will receive P15 million and
Northern Samar which will receive P15 million.
The cities are Ormoc
City which will receive P45 million, Tacloban which will receive P25
million and Maasin City in Southern Leyte which will receive P20
million.
The 28 municipalities
include six from the province of Biliran namely, Almeria with
P500,000, Biliran with P500,000, Naval with P900,000, Cabucgayan with
P500,000, Kawayan with P500,000 and Maripipi which will receive
P400,000.
From the province of
Eastern Samar, seven municipalities are included namely, Guiuan with
P1 million, Balangiga with P600,000, Dolores with P1 million, Hernani
with P400,000, Maydolong with P900,000, San Julian with P600,000 and
Sulat with P700,000.
The eight recipient
municipalities from the province of Leyte include Alangalang with
P900,000, Burauen with P1million, Jaro with P900,000, Babatngon with
P700,000, Calubian with P700,000, Dagami with P800,000, Palo with P1
million and Tanauan with P900,000.
The three recipients
from Southern Leyte are Hinunangan which will receive P800,000,
Hinundayan with P500,00 and Macrohon with P700,000.
From Northern Samar,
the two recipients are Laoang with P1 million and
San Isidro
with P800, 000.
Finally, the two
recipients from Samar province are the municipalities of Calbiga with
P800,000 and Marabut with P600, 000.
Meanwhile, Mr. Myles
Colasito, DILG-8 information officer, said that the recipients LGUs
would be granted not more than 50% of their corresponding decrease in
IRA after DILG has reviewed and approved their one-page project
proposals which should be submitted along the projects to be funded by
the LGSF.
Once the Regional
Office has determined the soundness of the project, it shall endorse
the same to the DBM for funding, Colasito said.
The funds shall be
utilized as capital expenditure and shall be used to augment the
approved 2012 annual investment plan for implementation of any or
combination of the following projects like rural electrification,
local roads connection national roads, arterial farm-to-market roads
and bridges, local economic enterprises, flood control and drainage
and to support priority projects of the National Government such as
Millennium Development Goals, Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010 and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Samar solon solicits
support for “green” programs
By NINFA B QUIRANTE, PIA
Samar
January 30, 2012
CATBALOGAN CITY – Samar Solon Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento urged aqua culture
farmers to include climactic change program in all projects of the
government, including the Green Program.
|
Cong.
Mel Senen Sarmiento |
He added that he
himself has promoted Green Projects through supporting the vast tracts
of land in Gandara which was empty by providing some 50,000 coconut
seedlings for farmers to plant.
Another must he pushed
them to do is Mangrove Tree-Planting.
“Water is a major
source in Samar, we can use water for power generation, irrigation,
and simply return it to the seas still clean and sanitary,” Sarmiento
said.
“We therefore should
use water the nature or God’s way. God placed mangroves to clean the
water from microbes in protecting our fish and other marine life,
thus, the need to plant more mangroves,” he said.
“Let us walk the
talk,” Sarmiento said.
“The government is the
people, each one should do his role in the value chain,” he added.
He alluded to the
German private partner who said that the private sector cannot do it
all alone without the government support.
“Every sector and
individual should therefore help [one another]. That’s why I’m asking
all national government agencies (NGAs) present today, to provide me
with a Score Card indicating what you need to ensure the funds we
need. I will do my share, my best…. As the new Vice-Chairman for
Appropriations in the House of Congress!” he emphasized.
Samar’s First District
Representative raised the importance of the proper execution of
disaster risk reduction-related laws, while Mayor Ramon Ilagan of
Cainta stressed that communities must be able to withstand the impact
of worsening disasters and climate change.
Sarmiento said that
"laws such as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, the
Climate Change Law, and the Solid Waste Management Act, should be
translated into concrete actions that would build the resilience of
our country to disaster and climate change impacts. We have had too
many disasters in the past years and these catastrophes have stalled
our progress as a nation. We have to ensure that the policies we have
are implemented well, otherwise, the laws we have worked hard on would
not truly serve their purpose."
Sarmiento was among
the participants of the Legislative Workshop on Effective Disaster
Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines, held
in Incheon, South Korea in July 2011 and signed the Incheon
Resolution, which primarily urges members of the legislature to
exercise their oversight function in the effective implementation of
DRR and CCA laws.
DPWH Samar bares to
uphold mantra on right project, right cost, right quality
By NINFA B QUIRANTE, PIA
Samar
January 28, 2012
CATBALOGAN CITY –
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its planning for
2013 Infrastructure Program seminar bared that it will uphold its
current mantra on right project, right cost and right quality.
In a press release
signed by Engr Virgilio Eduarte, District Engineer of the DPWH Samar’s
First Engineering District and sent to PIA, it said that the
participants in the seminar were enjoined to be guided by the
strategic policies and programs which include: good governance,
anti-corruption program, upgrading the quality and safety of national
road and bridges and strategic convergence.
“Targetted outcomes
were based on the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) from 2010 to
2016 which will center on National Arterial Roads, National Secondary
Roads and National Bridges corollary to President Benigno S. Aquino
lll administration’s program for peace and economic development in the
Province of Samar,” said the district engineer.
According to Engr.
Raquel Sumayo who is the Chief of the Planning and Design Section,
planning follows the Project Development Cycle of the department. Data
collected which are the output of the Roads and Bridges Inventory and
Analysis (RBIA) go through evaluation and analysis before a final list
of projects is released.
Meanwhile, the same
engineering district also held a seminar on Detailed Unit Price
Analysis (DUPA) where they talked about the preparation of program of
work with emphasis on detailed unit price analysis. It also stressed
on the output per item, the rate of labor and equipment on a per hour
basis.
The seminar also
tackled about the locally funded civil works projects. All projects
below P20 million will be approved by the District Engineer, projects
above P20-50M are approved by the Regional Director and those projects
above P50-200M approved by the DPWH UnderSecretary for Technical
Services while above P200M for the approval of the Secretary. (with
G Gomez and B Banocia)
Activism not a crime
Naga MTC upholds
activists’ rights in coal-ash protest case
By GREENPEACE
January
27, 2012
NAGA CITY, Cebu –
Greenpeace today welcomed the decision of the Naga Municipal Trial
Court (MTC) to acquit activists charged with trespass during a
December 2009 action to document toxic coal ash from the Naga
coal-fired power plant that had been dumped in a public area in Barangay Tinaan. Greenpeace carried out the peaceful protest to call
attention to the threats posed by coal ash to the health of residents
and the environment.
“Activism is not a
crime. And we are very glad that the judiciary recognizes this. But
we repeat our call to the provincial government to get its act
together. Coal ash – a toxic by-product of the coal-firing process
from the power plant – was dumped in an area posing a threat to the
health and livelihoods of the Barangay Tinaan community. The risks
have also increased as more coal ash continues to be produced by the
coal plant and threatens other areas in Cebu, and there are still no
clear plans for proper disposal.” said Mark Dia, Country
Representative of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
Results of tests
conducted by Greenpeace in 2005 from ash samples taken from the Naga
and Toledo coal-fired power plants in Cebu revealed the insidious
presence of mercury, which is a deadly neurotoxin; arsenic, which is a
known carcinogen; as well as other hazardous substances such as lead
and chromium.
“The provincial
authorities wasted time and taxpayers’ money for over two years by
trying to criminalize activists who simply exercised freedom of
expression, taking action that they themselves should have taken to
protect the community” added Amalie Obusan, one of the activists
charged in the case.
Greenpeace campaigns
for the only long-term solution to this problem – to phase out the
burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, one of the most polluting
energy sources – and to rapidly develop the Philippines’ abundant
renewable energy sources. Developing and using renewable energy is the
smart choice for the economy and for the climate. Fossil fuel prices
are rising and will rise much more steeply once all the social and
environmental costs are factored in.
“Coal, as well as
other fossil fuels will run out and it is recognised globally that we
cannot keep pumping greenhouse gases into our atmosphere at the
current rate for much longer without suffering ever more dangerous
climate impacts. Renewable energy never runs out and is clean and
sustainable,” added Dia.
Coal-fired power
plants have also been identified as the single biggest source of
carbon emissions, largely responsible for climate change. The loss of
thousands of lives and economic ruin brought about by recent extreme
weather events, such as Sendong, Ondoy and Pepeng, are either
aggravated by or can arguably be traced to climate change and the
havoc it wreaks on the planet. Greenpeace is thus advocating an
“Energy Revolution” (ER) – a transformation in the way energy is used,
produced and distributed – as a key solution to mitigate climate
change. This entails a massive shift to renewable energy and energy
efficiency technologies. Greenpeace has identified a target of 50% RE
in the Philippines’ energy mix by 2020 as not only achievable but
imperative for avoiding dangerous climate change, for energy security
and for sustainable economic growth.
NPA raid in Northern
Samar slaps down AFP's arrogant posturing and Palparan-style terrorism
By Efren Martires Command, NPA-EV
January
27, 2012
The Efren Martires
Command of the New People's Army-Eastern Visayas today said the
guerrilla offensive in Lapinig, Northern Samar last Jan. 20
highlighted the NPA's growing strength as well as belied the arrogant
posturing of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“The raid by the
Rodante Urtal Command against enemy forces in Lapinig is a victory for
the NPA and caught the AFP's 8th Infantry Division with its pants
down,” said Ka Karlos Manuel, EMC spokesperson. “The 8th ID resorts to
black propaganda to cover up its embarrassment so soon after having
bragged that the NPA is finished in the region. Moreover, the 8th ID
maliciously accuses the NPA of rights violations to divert attention
from extrajudicial killings and other military abuses recently brought
to light in Northern Samar.”
Manuel said the NPA
targeted the police and private armed group of Lapinig Mayor Romualdo
Menzon in the evening of January 20. “The Red fighters sought to
disarm the police and the private armed group of Mayor Menzon who are
legitimate targets. However, the police fled without even putting up a
fight while Aurelio Jullata, a private security aide of the mayor,
exchanged fire with the NPA and was killed. The NPA was also able to
disarm Police Officer 3 Rowena Opena, who was not harmed in any way
contrary to hysterical statements by the 8th ID.”
The EMC spokesperson
also apologized for the wounding of Romeo Senobio, Jr., reportedly a
civilian, and said the NPA is investigating the matter. “The NPA never
targeted, manhandled and shot Senobio, among other malicious
allegations of the 8th ID. As a matter of responsibility, the NPA is
looking into how Senobio was hit in the exhange of fire between the
Red fighters and Menzon's bodyguard Jullata. The NPA members are
subject to disciplinary action if civilians are put at risk, unlike
the military which wallows in impunity for rights violations.
“In the same light,
the NPA did not target civilians with command-detonated explosives, or
took civilians as hostages, robbed them, and looted houses during the
raid. The use of explosives is meant against enemy targets such as
their arriving reinforcements. It is also routine for the NPA to stop
and put civilians out of harm's way in the course of tactical
offensives, as well as check houses and secure the perimeter of the
operation. These malicious charges of the 8th ID are nothing more than
hysterical rantings born out of sheer humiliation.”
Manuel also slammed
the military for concocting rights violations and ordinary crimes
against the NPA. “It's all over the news that the military is washing
its hands over ongoing rights violations in Northern Samar. How dare
the military divert the public's attention over such atrocities by
hurling false accusations against the NPA.
A human rights mission
documented this January at least 37 rights violations by the 8th ID
while carrying out Oplan Bayanihan in the Northern Samar towns of
Catubig and Las Navas. A civilian, Jovito Pajanustan, was a victim of
torture and extrajudicial killing by those believed to be military
elements. Even children were not spared as hundreds of them suffered
trauma from military operations, such as soldiers taking over and
using day care centers as barracks.
“These rights
violations are all sanctioned by the Aquino government's Oplan
Bayanihan. But speaking and acting like his predecessor Gen. Jovito
Palparan, 8th ID chief Gen. Mario Chan blames the NPA for rights
violations while his troops are implementing Palparan-style terrorism:
extrajudicial killings, intimidation of civilians, occupation of
civilian communities, Red-baiting progressive organizations to justify
butchering them, and many more rights violations under a continuing
climate of impunity. Who is now the real criminal in war? Because
there is no change under the Aquino regime, the people are fighting
back and the NPA is growing stronger from their support. The NPA's
tactical offensives will surely spread and intensify because of the
people's continuing demand for justice as well as the desire to end
the oppressive and exploitative ruling system.”
PhilHealth extends up
to March 31 the coverage of 5-M LGU-sponsored members
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
27, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – At
least five million LGU-sponsored underprivileged families whose health
insurance coverage expired last December 31, 2011 can still avail of
the health care benefits from PhilHealth-accredited facilities until
March 31, 2012.
Ms. Marimar Zabala,
PhilHealth Tacloban information officer, said that this was announced
by PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon who said the
extended validity period will not entail any additional cost to the
sponsoring Local Government Units.
Ms. Palacio said that
this development will ensure the continued health insurance coverage
of over ten million low-income and marginalized families who are
enrolled under the Sponsorship Program. These include the 5.2 million
poor families identified by the National Household Targeting System
for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) and whose coverage comes with National
Government funding.
The PhilHealth
Sponsorship Program provides health insurance coverage to less
privileged families through a partnership where health insurance
premiums for a year's coverage are paid in behalf of deserving
members, Ms. Zabala explained.
The annual premiums of
enrolled families are jointly shouldered by the National Government
through PhilHealth and sponsors such as local governments, private
individuals with philanthropic hearts and private corporations whose
thrusts include poverty alleviation as an agenda in their corporate
social responsibility (CSR) programs. Members of Congress also join
the program as sponsors through their Priority Development Assistance
Fund or PDAF, Ms. Zabala added.
Meanwhile, in order to
address LGUs’ concern over the increase from P1,200 to P2,400 per
year, in premium contribution rate starting this year, PhilHealth has
developed a new payment scheme will make it easier for LGUs to renew
their sponsorship of the indigent families’ coverage, Ms. Zabala said.
LGUs that opt to renew
their sponsorship for two years until December 31, 2013, and undertake
the renewal through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on or before June
30 this year, will be entitled to an additional three-month extension
of validity date up to June 30, 2012.
Under this
arrangement, the LGU will enjoy an effective premium rate for a
two-year enrolment of only P1,800 per enrolled family.
If the LGUs decide to
bring in new or additional enrollees into the Sponsorship Program and
commit to provide them with coverage until December 31, 2013, they
will be able to enjoy a two-year premium of P2,400.
However, the new
enrollees should be committed into the Sponsorship Program on or
before June 30 this year for the LGU to enjoy this premium rate.
Otherwise they will already pay the new rate of P2,400 for every year
of coverage, Ms. Zabala said.
14 public schools
enter finals of Smart’s Doon Po Sa Amin contests
Press Release
January
26, 2012
MAKATI CITY – A
total of 14 public schools will vie for the top prize in three online
contests conducted simultaneously by Smart Communications, Inc.
(Smart).
Finalists of the 4th
Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) Learning Challenge, “Ano ang Kwento Mo?, and
DPSA Quest will have a chance to showcase their entries during the
awards ceremony that will be held during the 8th SWEEP Innovation and
Excellence Awards on February 22, 2012 at the SMX Convention Hall.
Eight have made it to
the finals of the DPSA Learning Challenge: Bataan National High
School, Barobo National High School, Camiguin National High School,
Cavite National Science High School, Gen. E. Aguinaldo National High
School – Bailen,
Misamis Occidental
National
High School,
Naga City Science High School and Olongapo City National High School.
Four schools have also
been shortlisted from 170 entries submitted by 66 schools to “Ano ang
Kwento Mo”. These are
Barobo National
High School,
Jose J. Leido Jr. Memorial National High School, Manggahan High School
and Naga City Science High School.
Meanwhile, the DPSA
Quest has drawn 28 entries from 12 schools, two of which have entered
the finals. These are Naga Central School 1 and San Roque Central
Elementary School.
All three online
contests are part of Smart’s efforts to encourage schools to use
computer and Internet technologies to contribute web-based information
and educational materials about their respective communities under its
DPSA project as part of its ‘Internet for All’ advocacy.
Smart introduced the
DPSA Learning Challenge in 2008. The competition, which is exclusive
to SSP partner high schools and Online Associates nationwide, requires
teams to perform basic community mapping exercises to generate local
content which will help their respective communities be educated about
and/or address pertinent local problems or issues. This year’s search
has drawn a total of 137 entries from 31 schools.
In 2011, Smart
introduced two more online contests. "Ano ang Kwento Mo?" (What's your
story?), attempts to get students from all schools nationwide to
create video blogs that feature a distinct characteristic, place, or
culture in their communities. Topic categories include Arts and
Culture, History and Society, Travel and Cuisine, and Environment and
Disaster Preparedness.
The DPSA Quest engages
teacher-student teams from SSP partner elementary schools and online
associates to research unique stories about their respective
communities and narrate these stories online through their blog sites.
The screening of
entries was done by a panel of judges composed of the Department of
Education’s (DepEd) Albert Erni of the Bureau of Secondary Education,
Thea Joy Manalo of the Bureau of Elementary Department and Romeo
Parayno of Adopt-a-School; Netlearn Ventures, Inc.’s Christopher
Lorenzo and Lloyd Anthony Layug; Jaime Manuel Flores of the Ateneo
Communication Department and Roger Chua of Web Philippines, Inc.
Entries of all the
finalists can be accessed via www.doonposaamin.ph.
TUCP statement on the
attempted power grab on TUCP presidency
Press Release
January
26, 2012
QUEZON CITY – A
desperate and discredited minority of the General Council of the Trade
Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) tried but failed to grab
power from the duly constituted officials and take over the compound
last night.
A minority faction of
the TUCP council led by former TUCP Secretary-General and former
Senator Ernesto “Boy” Herrera attempted to forcibly enter the TUCP
premises last night, a day after the General Council formally voted
him out as TUCP Secretary-General due to an externally audited
discovery of large sums of financial anomalies, loss of confidence and
gross mismanagement of TUCP affairs during his tenure.
He was replaced by Mr.
Victorino Balais, president of Philippine Trade and General Workers
Organization (PTGWO) by the TUCP General Council on January 24, 2012.
PTGWO is one of the biggest labor federations in the country and has
been a member of the TUCP since its founding in 1975.
Mr. Herrera’s action
last night in trying to take over the TUCP compound was a clear
attempt to take custody of damning financial records on his handling
of TUCP grants and general funds. We believe that he intended to white
wash his involvement in the handling of these funds. He was
accompanied by TUCP former Vice President Roberto “Bobby” Flores.
But due to the timely
arrival and continued presence of the police from the Quezon City
Police District Station 9, his attempt to cover up his malfeasance of
these funds and to perpetrate himself in power through a rump council
and through a takeover of the compound without any General Council
authority was thwarted.
In the light of this
incident, incumbent TUCP President Atty. Democrito Mendoza hereby
issues the following statement:
“The TUCP condemns the
series of illegitimate acts and overt attempts of Mr. Herrera to grab
power and arrogantly impose himself as the President of the TUCP.
His irrational
behaviour last night magnified his embarrassing fall from grace. His
actions show a reckless disregard in upholding the interest of the
TUCP as he attempts to drag the entire organization into the mud with
him.
On that regard, I
would like to apologize to our social partners and supporters for the
confusion as a result of his misrepresentation; and, to our brothers
and sisters for the pain and anguish that Mr. Herrera has caused.
Mr. Herrera’s
irresponsible behaviour will never be condoned by anyone from the TUCP.
The TUCP General Council Resolution 01-2012, otherwise known as a
resolution of confirmation of continuing support to me as President of
the TUCP, and the TUCP Minutes of the General Council Meeting on
January 24, 2012 will bear us out.
I tendered a letter of
resignation as TUCP President on October 19, 2011 effective November
1, 2012 to bring up discussions on major transparency and
accountability issues in TUCP. I later, retracted my resignation after
the General Council refused to act on the letter and even as they
pleaded for me to remain and continue as TUCP President.
However, now, Mr.
Herrera wants to assume the presidency. He claims taking his oath of
office on November 11, 2011 before Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and sent
letters afterward to the Secretary of Labor, major international labor
organizations and other agencies misrepresenting himself as the TUCP
President.
He also set up a rump
group of minority members of the TUCP General Council to inflate his
ego. Let me reiterate that of 25 affiliates, 18 remain under our
leadership in the TUCP.
The General Council
has deemed these acts as illegitimate and acts of disloyalty inimical
to the interest and earned reputation of TUCP. The General Council
replaced Mr. Herrera with Brother Victorino Balais as
Secretary-General of the TUCP on January 24, 2012. Mr. Balais is the
president of the Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization (PTGWO).
On that regard, I wish
to assure our supporters, partners, and affiliates that I am in
control and in command of all the federations, offices and continue to
enjoy the recognition and support of local and international
organizations and governments. This is because of the trust reposed
upon me by the majority of TUCP General Council, whom I will serve as
President until December 2012.
I also wish to convey
to the public that the good men and women in TUCP are doing their best
in dealing with this issue for the sake of the highest best interest
of the trade union movement in the
Philippines.
Thank you very
much.”
MGB-8 recommends
suspension of all small-scale mining permits in East Samar by DENR Secretary
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
25, 2012
PALO, Leyte – The
Mines and Geoscience Bureau of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas has recommended for the
suspension of all the small scale mining permits in Eastern Samar by
DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje.
 MGB Region 8 Director
Roger de Dios informed that he has made the recommendation through a
communication which was sent in December of 2011, addressed to MGB
Director, Engr. Leo L. Jasareno, copy furnished the DENR Secretary.
Director de Dios said
that it is only by suspending the small scale permits issued in
Eastern Samar, that the proliferation of illegal small scale mining
activities in the province will be stopped.
The MGB Director also
recommended for the creation of a composite team composed of MGB 8,
EMB-8, PENRO Eastern Samar, and the Provincial Government of Eastern
Samar, to reassess or validate all SSMP areas for possible lifting of
the suspension subject to compliance of stringent requirements like
submission of work programs and rehabilitation plans, establishment of
Mine Rehabilitation Fund for each permittee and creation of Municipal
Monitoring Team for close monitoring of mining operations.
The recommendation was
reached after a thorough monitoring and field investigation conducted
by the MGB technical personnel on November 28-29, prompted by numerous
complaints about the rampant illegal small-scale mining activities in
the province of Eastern Samar.
Field investigations
were conducted in the municipalities of Salcedo, Guiuan, General
MacArthur, Llorente and Hernani, all of the
province
of Eastern Samar.
The general
observation of the investigating team was that the SSMP holders were
buying ore concentrates from illegal contractors.
Another observation is
the reluctance of several concerned local government executives to be
at the forefront of the campaign against illegal mining operations
because it will adversely affect their bid in the coming elections.
They are all, however, amenable for the suspension of mining permits
to stop illegal mining in their respective areas, the investigating
team reported.
It may be recalled
that during the Congressional-LMP Interagency Consultations initiated
by the Hon. Congressman of the Lone District of Easter Samar Ben
Evardone on November 18, 2011, at Borongan City, the illegal
small-scale chromite mining operations which reportedly caused great
environmental damage in their respective areas, was the main concern
raised by the LGU representatives. They were all amenable to putting
a stop to the illegal mining activities in their localities.
Joma Sison:
Incorrigible liar!
By ANAD Partylist
January
25, 2012
The Alliance for
Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Partylist blasted Jose Ma. Sison for
his continued lies and deceptive skill when he said that he has no
interest in coming back to the country, much more a Cabinet position
in government.
ANAD Rep. Jun Alcover
lambasted Sison for saying “. . . Return home and a Cabinet post for
me? That is just psy-war intrigue spread by a military group
associated with former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, the
butcher general Palparan, and Alcover of ANAD. . . . I continue to be
abroad in the hope that formal talks between the government and the
National Democratic Front of the
Philippines
negotiating panels will resume in Oslo” (01-24-12
www.manilastandardtoday.com).
“His (Sison) denial
has fallen flat on his face because it meant nothing, much less any
change, on his terrorist organization’s intention seeking a truce and
alliance with government anchored on a 2005 10-point Concise Agreement
for an Immediate Just Peace that government has rejected time and
again,” said Rep. Alcover.
“Even in 2011, the
same was demanded by his group which was flatly turned down by the
government of PNoy. What alliance with government is Sison and the NDF
peddling around? In truth and in fact his motives and direction are no
different from the 12-Point NDF Agenda and the CPP 5-year plan (2011
to 2015) that seeks to establish a coalition government and strategic
stalemate, respectively, in the country leading to the total
capitulation of our freedoms, democracy, and government!,” Rep.
Alcover said.
“Now who is doing psy-war
and caught lying to his teeth? Unbelievable is the fact that Sison and
his cabal of vultures have never manifested sincerity in the many
peace negotiations with government. Yet, they have the guts and
courage to exact sincerity from government? For what?” the
pro-democracy solon said even as he decried continuing efforts by both
the Smiling communists and Maoist terrorists political operators for
Joma’s return and a cabinet position.
“Until today, nothing
has changed. It is only Sison who is denying it. But nobody believes
him anymore. He was caught lying to his teeth on the Plaza Miranda
bombing; the thousands of Filipino lives wasted in many Maoist
terrorist purgings, and the thousands of innocent Filipino lives
snapped and sacrificed in the altar of the violent and inhuman Maoist
communist ideology,” Rep. Alcover pointed out.
“He was lying before,
lying today, and shall always lie in the days to come! We must be wary
of liars!” Rep. Alcover added.
The importance of CSO
participation in the budget process
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
25, 2012
PALO, Leyte – The
importance of civil society organizations’ participation in the
process of budget preparation was emphasized during the FY 2013
Regional Budget Forum conducted on January 20, 2012 at the DPWH
Multi-Purpose Hall in Palo, Leyte.
DBM Region 8 Director
Imelda Laceras said that transparency is an important element of a
good budget process. The participation of CSOs will increase the
transparency in the budget process and will help increase
accountability and use of public funds.
The Lady Director said
that the DBM-8 conducted an inventory of CSO operating in the Region
in order to ensure the participation of CSOs in the budget preparation
process.
The 26 CSOs listed
were duly invited to the FY 2013 Regional Budget Forum but although
only one CSO was represented, the DBM Director expressed appreciation
that CSOs are gradually actively participating in the budget
preparation process.
During the Forum, Dr.
Socorro S. Gasco representing the Association of Deans of Philippine
College of Nursing honestly admitted that she’s a stranger to
government’s budget processes and budgetary terms and languages. She
made comments however, from the point of view of CSOs, on some budget
execution practices that they observed of some government agencies.
Director Laceras in
response to the comments said DBM will coordinate with the concerned
agencies mentioned. She also said that the workings of the bureaucracy
is guided by laws and rules and regulations and that the Commission on
Audit is tasked of seeing to it that agencies will not deviate from
policies on the use of government funds.
Dir. Laceras lauded
the presence of CSO representative. She said that, “this is the
scenario that we are aspiring for, the convergence of CSOs and
government agencies in the budget processes.”
She also expressed
hope that more CSOs will be engaged in the near future.
To underscore the
importance of CSOs, the DBM Central Office is in the process of
crafting guidelines anew in regards to CSOs’ involvement not only in
the budget preparation phase but also in the other phases of the
budget cycle, such as in the execution and accountability, Dir.
Laceras disclosed.
LGSP-LED deepens
economic collaboration
By
Provincial
Media Relations Center
January 25, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – The
Local Government Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED)
pushes for private sector-academe partnerships for local government
units to deepen economic collaboration and to help fuel local economic
development.
The provincial
government of Leyte hosted on Tuesday the LGSP-LED Forum on Engaging
the Private Sector and Academe to share concrete Filipino, Canadian
and international examples and experiences on how the LGUs can link
with the private sector to grow and diversify their local economies
resulting in more investments, jobs and an increased tax base.
The forum’s speakers
were global expert on developing creative rural economies Dan Taylor
and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla.
In his lecture, Taylor
shared his experiences in growing local economies, emphasizing the
role of government as enabler and facilitator of the process.
Taylor espoused that
as “economies and the practice of economic development change,
communities must look at all of their assets both performing and
underperforming, and determine which ones can be harnessed as
community and economic building blocks”.
Gov. Petilla, on the
other hand, shared Leyte’s experience in partnering with the academe
in the challenging work of human resource development to ensure that
job skills match the needs of the local industries.
The governor shared
that the province has continuously worked with state colleges and
universities in the region to diversify their offered courses to
address the employee needs of existing and operational industries in
and outside the region.
The LGSP-LED forum was
also an opportunity to introduce the upcoming Guide for LGUs on
Formulating a Local Investment and Incentives Code. The code, it was
learned, is a proactive measure to draw both local and foreign
investments especially in priority area in a locality.
Select LGU alliances,
namely the designated Local economic and Investment Promotions
Officers, across the Philippines participated in the forum that
included the
province of
Leyte,
Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance comprised of the provinces
of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, Panglao-Dauis-Baclayon (PaDaYon)
Marine Triangle of the province of Bohol and Northern Samar.
LGSP-LED is an
eight-year old collaborative program of the Philippines and Canada
through the DILG and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Now on its fourth year, LGSP-LED is geared towards strengthening the
enabling environment for good governance and sustainable local
economic development.
Women hit CBCP
official on continuously misinforming the public on RH
By DSWP
January
25, 2012
MANILA – Reacting to
news reports, a group of women advocates working with grassroots
communities hits a Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
official for his statement warning the public to be vigilant because
of his suspicion that the highly clamored Reproductive Health (RH)
bill may end up like the Corona impeachment complaint.
Elizabeth Angsioco,
National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the
Philippines (DSWP) argued that Father Melvin Castro, Executive
Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Episcopal Commission on Family and
Life, is again propagating misinformation and disinformation on the RH
bill by insinuating that the said bill has not been subjected to due
process in Congress.
“Is this a case of
selective amnesia?” Angsioco asks. “Fr. Castro knows well that the RH
Bill has been pending in Congress for more than a decade and that it
has been the subject of discussion from the Committee level up to
plenary sessions in both chambers of Congress,” she explains.
Angsioco said, “all
arguments, for and against have been exhausted; that many times, anti-RH
lawmakers resort to repetitive, sometimes absurd ‘arguments’ against
the RH bill.”
Angsioco asserts that
the anti-RH lawmakers have failed to come-up with new arguments. What
they do is use technicalities as delaying tactics to prevent the bill
from being voted on. Thus, the RH bill cannot and should not be
unfairly compared with Chief Justice Corona’s impeachment by the House
of Representatives.
Fr. Castro’s
statements only revealed that the anti-RH camp does not have the
numbers in Congress and that they are scared to put the bill to a vote
because they know they will lose, said Angsioco. “Why else do they
continuously oppose the voting? Clearly the delaying tactics are meant
to prevent Congress from taking the vote on the measure,” she added.
Meanwhile, Angsioco
calls on Congress leadership to already close the period of
interpellation and move on to the period of amendments then vote.
“After more than a decade, legislators by now surely have their
positions even if some choose to remain quiet on the issue,” she said.
“There is no more
reason not to call for a vote. The Filipino people have been
patiently waiting, mothers, particularly poor mothers, continuously
die because of CBCP’s opposition and Congress’ turtle-like pace in
processing the much needed bill, Angsioco ended.
Calbayog hosts First
Provincial PCL Convention
By EMY C. BONIFACIO,
Samar News.com
January
24, 2012
CATBALOGAN CITY –
More or less 156 Samar legislators attended the 1st Provincial
Convention of the Philippine Councilors League - Samar Chapter held
last January 19, 2012 at the Cultural and Convention Center in
Calbayog.
The participants were
welcomed by a Sarakiki-Hadang Ritual performed by the scholars of the
Calbayog City Arts and Cultural Office (CACO).
Being hosted by
Calbayog City, no less than the City Mayor, Hon. Ronald P. Aquino; PCL
Samar Chapter President, Hon Roger Casurao and Samar’s First District
Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento graced the occasion to welcome the
delegates.
As speakers, the PCL
invited its National Chairman, Hon. Alan Zulueta and its National
President, Hon. Alma Moreno-Salic.
In its welcome
message, Mayor Aquino thanked the PCL for holding its first convention
in Calbayog. He expressly shared his vision to make Calbayog as the
convention capital in Eastern Visayas.
Zulueta delivered
lengthily the “Innovations in Local Legislation” which is said to be a
key to building transformational governance in
Samar. Moreno-Salic gave an update on what she has accomplished
under her term. On the other hand, Cong. Sarmiento shared a timely
discussion on climate change and its challenges to urbanization and
the government’s policy response.
The session was ended
with a press conference attended by the local media. The panel was
composed by Hon. Roger Casurao, Hon. Alan zulueta and Hon. Mel Senen
Sarmiento.
One of the questions
raised was on the performance evaluation of the legislators. According
to Zulueta, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as
partner of the Philippine Councilors League, provides an assessment
tool for local government units. A tie up with other agencies in the
implementation of the Local Legislative Award Program where a regional
selection committee is tasked to assess the performance of the
legislative councils based on specific criteria has been undertaken. A
Sangguniang Bayan’s performance is being rated on the number of
legislations passed, office structure, sessions and effectiveness of
their personnel.
Moreover, an ongoing
competition for the Ten Most Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines
is being partnered with Sen. Edgardo Angara. An outstanding councilor
is expected to receive one million pesos worth of project funded by
Angara. The award
is intended to encourage legislators to enhance their capabilities and
motivate them to better serve their constituents.
To further improve the
competency level of PCL members, Casurao announced the
institutionalization of the PCL’s Legislative Academy. The academy has
already produced 19 graduates of a Masters Degree and 600 more are
expected to graduate from its masteral and baccalaureate degrees.
Recently, the Civil
Service Commission thru Republic Act No. 101-56 has conferred upon
members of the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlalawigan the
appropriate Civil Service Eligibility. The said law was approved by
President Benigno Aquino on December 20, 2011.
A councilor who has
finished college or a bachelor’s degree and has served nine (9) years
or three (3) terms will be entitled to a Career Service Professional
Eligibility. If a member has only six (6) years service as legislator,
he is entitled to a Career Service Sub-professional Eligibility,
provided that he has earned at least seventy-two (72) units in any
four year course in college or baccalaureate degree program.
The members are
reminded to comply with the Civil Service Commission’s requirement in
the conferment of the said eligibility. The qualified applicants have
to submit their service records, transcript of records and other
credentials which will be processed for approval by the CSC.
Another issue raised
by the local media is the possibility of amending the qualifications
of would be legislators in order to fully deliver its mandate as
legislators. As legislators, the need to increase the educational
level in order to have a comprehensive understanding of their
responsibility as lawmakers and respond effectively to the needs of
their constituents was a topic of discussion.
This was asked by the
media after commenting on the reality that there are legislators who
cannot even read and write.
PCL Chair Zulueta
informed that moves have been initiated to deliberate on the issue.
However, the Local Government Code and the 1987 Philippine
Constitution provides for a very minimal requirement. Casurao
explained that the provisions could not be violated to give every
citizen the opportunity to run as mandated in a democratic country. A
constitutional amendment needs a legislative act of congress, Casurao
adds.
The convention was
generally considered a success by the organizers despite the absence
of more than fifty (50) more legislators from
Samar. Most
participants were delighted to be billeted at the new Ciriaco’s Hotel
that hosted a party in the same evening.
NPA ‘organized crime
group’ havoc in Northern Samar: Acts of desperation
By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
January
24, 2012
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan City – “The recent attack against a community of
peace-loving people in Lapinig, the despicable murder of Mr. Jovito
Pajanustan in Catubig and the ambush on soldiers doing community work
in Las Navas by the ‘organized crime group’ locally known as the NPA
were all desperate acts of terror to restore their influence in
Northern Samar” said Maj Gen Mario F. Chan, Commander of the 8th
Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
|
MGen.
Mario F. Chan |
“We condemn in the
strongest possible terms these dastardly acts of terror perpetuated by
the NPAs against the peace-loving people of Lapinig, the brutal murder
of an innocent farmer and the ambush on soldiers who were engaged in
community work to help the people in Las Navas”, added the good
General.
According to the 8ID
Commander, the climate of fear sowed by the NPAs among communities in
Samar Island has dissipated as the people have come to realize and
appreciate the sincere efforts of the government and stakeholders to
bring peace and sustainable development in the Region as manifested in
the declaration by the Local Government Unit of Southern Leyte of an
“Insurgent-Free” province on September 29, 2011 and followed by the
declaration of the Local Government Unit of Leyte of a “Manageable
Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready ” province on December 8,
2011.
“Because of their
waning influence, this NPA or group of thugs and bandits has embarked
on a systematic and orchestrated employment of deception, treachery
and violence and terror beginning with their murder of Mr. Pajanustan
in November 2011 in order to blame it on the soldiers who were
actually involved in community work,” said MGen. Chan. He stated
further that, “Knowing the futility of this deceptive act, the NPA
group called on its cohorts ‘Migrante’ and ‘Sagupa’ to join in the
accusation with fabricated data and information that was readily and
handily exposed as lies by affidavits of local officials in Barangay
Osang of Catubig and San Miguel of Las Navas and the PNP-Catubig Spot
Report.
“The truth would
eventually surface to manifest their peddled lies so the NPA embarked
on acts of violence such as the ambush of the soldier-community worker
in Las Navas in December and the recent attack on civilians in the
quiet town of Laping last January 20,” said the 8ID Commander.
“These acts or
desperation to regain lost influence are typically manifested in NPA
armed engagements where their volume of fire is greatest during their
retreat,” observed MGen. Chan.
“Notwithstanding these
acts of terrorism by the NPA, the 8ID will continue to pursue to ‘win
the peace’ in the affected areas and finally rid the region of this
menace to development,” MGen. Chan concluded.
Construction, repair
of 62 bridges part of $214 MCC Samar road project
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
24, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – The
construction and rehabilitation of 62 bridges in
Samar and
Eastern Samar are part of the Secondary National Roads Development
Project (SNRDP) under the Philippine Compact with Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC).
Engr. Rene Galapon of
the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 8, who is
the Project Engineer, informed that of the 62 bridges, 17 are for
total replacement, 42 are for rehabilitation and repair and three are
for completion as they are now ongoing.
Under package A of the
project, 28 bridges are involved. These include 12 bridges that are up
for minor rehabilitation, three (3) bridges which are due for super
structural replacement, six (6) will undergo sub-structural repair,
pier retrofit and pier replacement and seven (7) bridges are due for
total replacement.
Package B includes 34
bridges, 16 of which will undergo minor rehabilitation, four (4) are
due for pier retrofit, and 14 are due for total replacement.
The SNRDP involves not
only the construction and rehabilitation of a 220-kilometer of
existing roads and bridges covering two provinces in Samar Island but
also involves road widening, drainage installation and other road
safety improvements, Engr. Galapon said.
The SNRDP begins at
the junction of Pan Philippine Highway and Buray (Wright) in Western
Samar and passing along mountainous terrain to Taft, Engr. Galapon
further said.
From Taft, it
continues southward along the coastline of
Eastern Samar ending in Guiuan, passing through a total of 15
municipalities. The roads project is expected to accrue economic
benefits by lowering vehicle operating costs, and saving the time of
people living near the roads thus enabling them to have greater access
to commercial activities as well as to their basic needs, Engr.
Galapon added.
The project recognizes
DPWH standard right-of-way limit, the DPWH engineer said.
However, in an
attempt to minimize disruption to the inhabitants and users along the
road, the right-of-way shall be limited to the construction limits,
which is estimated at this time to have a width spanning the existing
road width plus approximately 2-3 meters on each side of the existing
pavement.
A year after Palawan broadcaster’s killing
Prosecute Ortega’s
killers now, human rights groups say
By HUSTISYA
January
24, 2012
QUEZON CITY – “Dr.
Gerry Ortega had the interest of the people of
Palawan at heart and he died defending them. The Aquino government
can do no less than give Dr. Ortega the justice he and the people
deserve.”
This was the message
brought by human rights advocates and families of victims of human
rights violations at the Department of Justice today on the first year
of the killing of Palawan broadcaster Gerry Ortega.
Meanwhile, Ortega’s
wife, Patty, and their four children are in
Palawan for a Mass held in Ortega’s grave. There will also be a
candlelighting activity in the afternoon.
“Ang bagal ng hustisya
sa Pilipinas. Isang taon na, nag-uumapaw ang ebidensya, hindi pa rin
masampahan ng kaso ang itinuturong mastermind sa pagpatay kay Daddy
(Justice is too slow. Amid overwhelming evidence, a year after, a case
has yet to be filed against the mastermind in Daddy’s killing),” said
Micaella Ortega, eldest daughter of Ortega.
Criticizing the
continued delay of the release of a DOJ resolution, Hustisya,
organization of victims of human rights violations, said they are
disappointed that a strong case such as that of Ortega remains
unsolved after 12 months.
“Not all cases have
the same strong evidence against the mastermind and Ortega’s killers.
We have hoped that the evidence presented in Ortega’s killing may
speed up the resolution of the case. However, the snail-paced progress
of the prosecution further perpetuates impunity because the
perpetrators remain on the loose,” Hustisya secretary general Cristina
Guevarra said.
At the DOJ preliminary
investigation, the gunman and the other suspects involved have
implicated former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes in Ortega’s killing. In the
first preliminary investigation, however, Reyes was not included in
the respondents of the case. The family then appealed for a
reinvestigation of the case, seeking to include Reyes.
“We need to prosecute
criminals such as those implicated in the case of Dr. Ortega. They do
not only kill environmental defenders. With their greed to further
profit themselves at the expense of the environment, they destroy and
kill more people.” she said.
Apart from being
involved in corruption issues in the province such as the misuse of
Malampaya funds, and his connection with former president Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, Reyes is also known to promote mining in the
province, which Ortega and the people of Palawan have strongly
opposed.
“If the Aquino
government can hasten the impeachment of a crony of former president
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Supreme Court, it should by all means
do the same in prosecuting all her other minions,” Guevarra concluded.
2 wanted persons for
murder arrested
By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
January
24, 2012
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON,
Palo, Leyte – PNP PRO8 scored again in fighting criminal elements in
the region as its operatives hauled to jail two notorious suspects for
Murder.
A wanted person was
collared by Capoocan Police led by SPO4 Felipe Perante on Sunday,
January 22, 2012 at Sitio 77, Barangay San Joaquin, Capoocan,
Leyte.
Arrested person was
identified as Gregorio Olila Mollare alias “Euterio Arcilla’ and
“Gringo”, 60 years old, widow, jobless and a resident of said place.
He was arrested by virtue of the warrant of arrest issued by Honorable
Crisostomo L Garrido, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 13, Carigara,
Leyte for the Crime of Murder docketed under CC number RTC-2011-132CR
and was immediately brought to Capoocan Police Station for
documentation prior turn-over to the court of origin.
Another murder suspect
was arrested on
Saturday, January 21, 2012
at Barangay Jinatad, Catarman, Northern Samar by the joint elements of
Catarman Police led by PCInsp Federico N Sanchez, Chief Of Police and
some members of Philippine Army led by PFC Bernard Handog.
Suspect was identified
as one Marlon de Guia Eroma, 30 years old, married and a resident of
said place. He was arrested by virtue of WOA issued by Hon. Alama
Consuelo Desales Esidera, Presiding Judge of
RTC Branch 20, Catarman,
Northern Samar for the
Crime of Murder docketed under CC number 5017. Subject person was
brought to Catarman Police Station for proper disposition prior
turn-over to the court of origin.
PNP Chief Nicanor
Bartolome declares that the PNP will continue to hunt down wanted
personalities and let them answer for their crimes in the courts of
law. “At the end of the day, they must pay for the crimes they
committed and allow justice be accorded to the victims”, he added.
Visayas provincial
legislators confab puts premium on education and employment concerns
as subjects of legislation
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 24, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – The
7th Visayas Island Conference of the Provincial Board Members League
of the Philippines on January 30 to February 1 will put premium on
education and employment programs as subject of legislation, Board
Member Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr., PBLP President, informed.
BM Bacurnay said that
this activity forms part of the major activities of PBMLP in
furtherance of the 21st National Convention theme, “Engaging the PBMLP
into the Mainstream of National Policy-Making Thru Thematic Concerns.”
Putting premium on
legislation-specific subjects such as Education and Employment is the
very essence of the PBMLP roadmap, BM Bacurnay added.
The 7th Visayas Island
Conference of the PBMLP which is set to be conducted at the Waterfront
Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City, will be attended by all
provincial board members from Western, Central and Eastern Visayas
regions.
The Conference proper
will be conducted on the first day, January 30, with Secretary Mar
Roxas of the Department of Transportation and Communication as the
Keynote Speaker.
Secretary Roxas, who
is the author of Republic Act 8759 otherwise known as the Public
Employment Service Office Act of 1999, will tackle the PESO as the
viable mechanism for local employment generation.
On the second day,
several important topics will be discussed by the prominent national
officials. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz will present the thrusts
and programs of the Aquino Administration in the provincial government
level.
Secretary Joel
Villanueva, TESDA Director General, will present the issue on
interfacing for skills building, livelihood and employment
generation: TESDA-Provincial Council Partnership.
Moreover, Ms.
Elizabeth Alonzo, president of PESO Philippines Federation will
discuss the topic The PESOs at the
Philippines:
Towards a Uniting Role in Local Employment Generation and Livelihood
Creation.
The fourth
presentor, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla was invited to
discuss the topic Educational Institutions - Corporations Matching
Initiatives: Some insights from the Partner-Business Sectors.
Preliminary works now
ongoing for MCC road project in Samar
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
21, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY –
Preliminary works are now ongoing for the Secondary National Roads
Development Project (SNRDP) under the Philippine Compact with
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Engr. Rene Galapon of
the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 8, who is
the Project Engineer, informed the Philippine Information Agency that
environmental and social impact assessment is now ongoing.
The initial
environmental Examination is scheduled to be completed in March of
2012 while the environmental impact assessment will be completed by
June of 2012, Engr. Galapon disclosed.
Also ongoing is the
road engineering design. The project has two design packages, Engr.
Galapon explained. Package A, which is from Wright-Taft-Sulat, ending
at the boundary of Taft and San Julian, is being handled by Tetra Tech
in association with PTCC Engineers and TCGI Engineers.
Package B, on the
other hand, from San Julian to Guiuan, is handled by Gauff Engenierre
in association with Schema Consult.
In addition, the
resettlement work is also ongoing. The Project Affected Parties (PAPs)
were briefed about the project and compensation cut of date was
publicly announced during the Public Scoping in Borongan last year.
The tagging process for properties that will be affected by the
project was completed in September. The Preparation of Resettlement
Action Plans are ongoing, first action plan is expected to be
completed in March 2012 and the implementation of which is expected to
start in March of 2012.
For the construction
work, the first construction package is expected to start by September
2012, Engr. Galapon added.
Engr. Galapon
explained that although the DPWH is the implementing agency for the
SNRDP, an accountable entity, the MCC Account-Philippines or
MCA-Philippines was created to ensure the judicious and transparent
use of the $434-million grant from Millennium Challenge Corporation of
the US Government.
“MCA-P is the
Philippine corporation created to supervise and manage the
implementation of the projects, including $214 million for the SNRDP,”
Engr. Galapon said.
NGO partners given key
role
Allaying fears of
possible corruption in the roads project, Engr. Galapon said that
reflective of its policy of transparency, accountability and
inclusiveness, Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) has
mandated representatives from the private sector, non-government
organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and local
and regional government beneficiaries to help in the implementation of
anti-poverty projects to be funded by the $434-million grant from the
U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
At least five (5) from
the so-called NGO Sector were elected to MCA-P’s Board of Trustees,
three of whom are voting members and two are non-voting, while seven
(7) others are members of the Stakeholders Committee.
The three voting Board
members from the NGO Sector are Fr. Cesar Aculan of Samar Partnership
for Peace and Development; Atty. Cesar B. Yu Jr. of Zuellig Family
Foundation; and Veronica Villavicencio of Peace and Equity Foundation.
The two non-voting Board members are Edgar Comeros of PPVC Cebu and
Marietta Paragas of Cordillera Network, both of whom are members of
and were nominated by the Stakeholders Committee.
SNRDP scope
The Secondary National
Roads Development Project (SNRDP) involves the rehabilitation of a
220-kilometer road in the
Samar Island,
one of the poorest provinces in the
Philippines.
Beginning at the junction of Pan Philippine Highway and Buray (Wright)
in Western Samar and passing along mountainous terrain to Taft, Engr.
Galapon further said.
From Taft, it
continues southward along the coastline of
Eastern Samar ending in Guiuan, passing through a total of 15
municipalities. The roads project is expected to accrue economic
benefits by lowering vehicle operating costs, and saving the time of
Filipinos living near the roads thus enabling them to have greater
access to commercial activities as well as to their basic needs. Engr.
Galapon explained.
The project involves
the construction/rehabilitation of existing roads and bridges that
includes widening, drainage installation and other road safety
improvements. The project recognizes DPWH standard right-of-way limit,
the DPWH engineer added.
However, in an attempt
to minimize disruption to the inhabitants and users along the road,
the right-of-way shall be limited to the construction limits, which is
estimated at this time to have a width spanning the existing road
width plus approximately 2-3 meters on each side of the existing
pavement.
Prior to the start of
construction, the required right-of-way limit will be established to
determine the actual land and improvements that will be affected.
The Project-Affected
Parties (PAPs) will be duly notified and will have access to
compensation in accordance with applicable laws and eligibility
criteria, Engr. Galapon continued.
SNRDP Objectives
Engr. Galapon informed
that the primary objective of the project is to help improve the
living conditions of the people of Samar. With more accessible and
safer roads, people will have more socio-economic opportunities
because of reduced transport time and cost.
The farmers will be
able to transport their produce in less time to the urban markets. The
people from the rural areas will have more opportunity for employment
and education in the urban center.
In addition, the
people living in rural areas will have faster and better access to
health care, especially in cases of emergency.
The project also will
generate employment opportunities as skilled and unskilled workers
will be required during construction and rehabilitation, Engr. Galapon
said.
NPA terrorizes Lapinig
town, kills the mayor’s security detail and wounds an innocent
civilian
By 34th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
January
20, 2012
PALAPAG, Northern
Samar – Despite the action taken by the government troops to promote
the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” designed
to encourage peace and development to far flung and depressed
communities, sixty fully-armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA)
under Renato Ribay alyas Bata/Manoy/Rinay and the group of alyas Demet
deliberately attacked the peaceful town of Lapinig, Northern Samar at
6:30 in the evening of January 20, 2012.
Initial report
reaching this headquarters, the terrorists commandeered one dump truck
owned by Yakal Construction at Sitio Takras, Poblacion del Sur,
Lapinig proceeded towards the northern portion of the town and
established roadblock, laid Improvised Explosive Devise (IED)
landmines at the center of the road and hostage the passing innocent
civilians and motorists and divested them of their belongings. While
some of the CTs went inside the houses, pointed their guns to the
occupants including women and children and forcibly took away their
cellular phones and other valuable belongings.
The communist
terrorists (CTs) proceeded to the house of Mayor Romualdo D. Menzon to
abduct the latter. However, they were repulsed by Aurelio Jullata, the
Mayor’s security detail who immediately and bravely engaged them
killing one of the assaulting CTs but due to the latter’s evil
intention, butchered the defending security. Sensing that the Mayor’s
house is heavily defended by the other security details which were
occupying vantage positions, the CTs forcibly entered the residence of
Romeo Senobio Jr which is next to the Mayor’s house, looted his house
and shot him in cold-blood, hitting him in the head and back.
Likewise, they also entered the house of PO3 Rowena Opena, disarmed
her, ransacked her house, and forcibly dragged her outside and mauled
her in full view of her neighbors including children.
Other members of the
attacking CTs went to the Lapinig Municipal Police Station (MPS) and
announced through a megaphone for the Police inside to surrender.
However, the police personnel were already at their defensive
positions and refused to surrender. Sensing that they (the CTs)
already lost the element of surprise and that the civilians were
shouting at them, they hastily left the MPS and withdrew towards
Barangay Imelda of same municipality bringing along with them their
dead and wounded comrades on-board same dump truck and two
motorcycles.
It can be recalled
that the use of landmines is explicitly banned by the United Nations
Conventions since most of its casualties were civilians but the
terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) persistently and blatantly employs
landmines thereby severely endangering the lives and limbs of
civilians especially women and children alike.
As of press time,
government troops were scouring the area in order to clear said
municipality from CT remnants and landmines and to protect the people.
Barangay LGUs urged to
tap 70% out of 5% calamity fund for disaster preparedness
By BONG PEDALINO, PIA Southern
Leyte
January 20, 2012
MAASIN CITY, Southern
Leyte – Under the new law that governs disaster risk reduction and
management even right at the barangay level, two-thirds out of the 5%
budget intended for calamity fund can be used for pro-active,
disaster-related preparations.
But first, these
preparedness activities must be outlined in the Annual Disaster Plan
(ADP), said Jason Calva, Consultant on a special project that used the
power of cellular phones to warn people in selected nine towns and one
city around the province of an impending tragedy mostly caused by
nature.
The project,
officially called Strengthening Disaster Preparedness using SMS
technology, was financed by the World Bank and fully supported by
Smart Communications and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
During the cable TV
program “Action Center” Wednesday where he was the guest, Calva said
the project which began in the last quarter of 2010 was about to end
in June this year, and plans were already laid out to sustain it and
roll it over to other towns not previously covered.
Calva said Smart
Communications provided cell phones with one hundred pesos worth of
free monthly electronic loads to fifty barangays chosen as pilot
areas, and concerns were raised as to where to get funds for these
loads once the project will be over.
It was at this point
where Calva revealed a financial resource in the form of 70% out of
the 5% calamity fund in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of
the barangay.
As example, he said
that a barangay with an annual IRA of P1 Million has P50,000 budget
representing 5% calamity fund, and 70% out of this budget was P35,000,
a fund that can well provide for P100 monthly load, or P1,200 a year,
as part of disaster preparedness, among other activities.
The remaining 30%
or P15,000 based on the example given will be reserved for the actual
use of relief operations when a disaster does happen, but a
declaration of a state of calamity must be done first before this
money can be used, Calva further explained.
UN Official:
Philippine Law on Anti-Corporal Punishment could be First in Asia
Press Release
January
20, 2012
QUEZON CITY – The
Anti-Corporal Punishment Bill recently passed in the House of
Representatives but is still pending at the Senate could be first in
the entire Asia, a visiting UN official said during her dialogue with
children and the child rights advocates in Manila today.
According to Marta
Santos Pais, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on
Violence against Children, the proposed legislation could be first in
the entire Asia should the Philippine Congress pass it this year.
During the event, Marta said that she is going to speak about her
visit in the Philippines during the UN meeting on violence against
children in Geneva set March this year.
“I will mention my
visit in Manila and tell them that the Philippines is one of the most
important countries where I had a dialogue with the children
themselves and heard their recommendations on how to eliminate
violence among them,” said Marta.
She added, “I will
also tell them that a law on anti-corporal punishment has been passed
in the House of Representatives but is still pending in the Senate. I
will also tell them that the bill needs to be passed as quickly as
possible.”
House Bill 4455 titled
“Promoting Positive Discipline of Children and Prohibiting Corporal
Punishment Act” authored by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy of Bagong
Henerasyon Party List and Rep. Susan Yap of 2nd District of Tarlac was
passed in 2011. The bill seeks to promote positive discipline
techniques in all settings, including the home and institutions.
During the dialogue,
children shared their situation and expressed their hope to be
protected from all forms of abuse. One participant, a street child,
laments the kind of treatment they experience inside temporary
shelters where they are placed after being “rescued.” He said that
they are treated like criminals when they are not; they are restricted
as if they are in jail and are not allowed to play like children do.
To make matters worse, these shelter staff orders older children to
physically punish the younger ones.
He said, “ang trato po
sa amin ay parang ganon na rin sa mga matatandang nagkakasala na
nakakulong.”
Meanwhile, the Child
Rights Network (CRN), a coalition of non-government and civil society
organizations expressed hope that that the consultation and the
recommendations gathered from various sectors will reach the proper
authorizes through the United Nations.
Ms. Wilma Bańaga,
Child Protection Adviser of Save the Children, CRN member said, “we
hope that these recommendations will not fall on deaf ears and that
our lawmakers and the concerned agencies will seriously consider
enacting laws, strictly implementing existing laws, and establishing
mechanisms to eliminate violence against children.
Illegal fishers
arrested
By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
January
20, 2012
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON,
Palo, Leyte – In pursuit of the Philippine National Police
“Makakalikasan” core value, PRO8 fully supports Republic Act 8550, an
act providing for the development, management and conservation of the
fisheries and aquatic resources, integrating all laws pertinent
thereto, and for other resources.
According to PSSupt
Elizar P Egloso, Chief, Regional Police Community Relations Division,
although fishing is one of the oldest human occupations, it is still
carefully monitored and controlled in order to use natural resources
most efficiently.
Upon heeding this
call, at about 2:30PM on January 17, 2012, Merida Police led by PInsp
Florando Sevilla Relente, Chief of Police, apprehended one Ferdinand
Gica Ignacio and Boyet Caleb Ignacio, both of legal age, single,
residents of Barangay Bantigue, Isabel,
Leyte. The two were caught engaging in illegal fishing within the
sanctuary of Barangay Benabaye,
Merida, Leyte using a
“spear” locally known as “pana”.
Suspects were
immediately brought to the Police Station together with their fishing
paraphernalia for safekeeping. But then, they were released later from
police custody after posting the amount of P500 each under OR number
4967580 and 4967581 for violation of Municipal Fishery Ordinance
Number 2, Series of 2003.
And on the 18th of
January at 7:30AM, at the sea waters of Dulag, Leyte, elements of
Dulag Police led by PSI Alberto Redubla Renomeron, Jr., together with
the Bantay Dagat Team and a representative from the Department of
Agriculture, while conducting seaborne patrol operation at said place,
they were able to apprehend Manday Cinco Perez, of legal age, Boat
Captain of F/B Victoria Fishing boat together with fifteen (15) crew
engaging in illegal fishing locally known as “hulbot-hulbot”. It was
learned that said fishing boat is owned by Boy Lotoc of Tacloban City.
Confiscated from their
possession and control were (2) stainless roller ring. Subject
apprehended persons together with the evidences seized were brought to
Dulag Police Station for proper disposition.
Egloso reiterates,
fishing generally requires a license/permit and is allowed only on
certain distance from the seashore and fine mesh nets are prohibited
by law. A breach of any of these regulations constitutes illegal
fishing, he said.
Local officials
exonerate soldiers in Northern Samar
By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
January
19, 2012
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan City – Local officials of Barangays San Miguel, Las Navas
and Barangay Osang, Catubig both in Northern Samar executed an
affidavit exonerating the involvement of soldiers in the death of a
certain Jovito Pajanustan, a local resident of Barangay Osang. The
document was signed by the local officials led by Barangay Chairmen
Apolinario B Libico of San Miguel and Aniano D Rosco of Osang last
December 26, 2011 as fact-finding teams visited the site where the
dead body was found on November 28. The local officials came up with
the declaration to dispel the unjust rumour of involvement spread by
some interest groups in every civilian death in the locality.
Initial investigation
by the PNP Catubig as contained in the report of Police Inspector
Ildefonso V Miranda Jr. on November 29 states that “the victim left
his house alone on November 25, 2011 at around 3:00 o’ clock in the
afternoon purposely to work at his farm and never returned home until
the time that he was found dead buried in a shallow grave in the state
of advance decomposition with multiple stabbing and hacking wounds on
the different parts of his body by his relative inside the vicinity of
his farm at around 2:00 o’ clock in the afternoon of November 28,
2011.” The PNP report also states that the cadaver of the victim was
brought by his relative to Catubig District Hospital for Autopsy
Examination. The local PNP unit has yet to determine the identity of
the suspect and the motive for the crime.
The Municipalities of
Catubig and Las Navas have been known for notorious killings.
Residents in both municipalities attest to the very extensive control
of illegally-armed and politicized groups in the area. The mortal
wounds sustained by Mr. Pajanustan are reminiscent of the style of
attack by these outlaws on soldiers doing community work in the
barangays. Traders and government workers are the usual victims of
these threat groups since they intend to keep the local populace
isolated from development efforts by agencies of the National
Government.
As a responsive
partner in addressing the incidence of extra-legal killings in the
Island of Samar, the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine
Army has scheduled meetings with the Multi-Sectoral Quick Reaction
Team (MSQRT) in
Northern Samar to tackle the case of Mr. Pajanustan. In the interest
of justice and transparency, the 8ID endeavours to partner with other
government agencies and the civil society to objectively look into
incidents that threaten peace and security.
Contextual Links |
