3ID’s Chief of Staff becomes new 802nd Brigade Commander

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 25, 2015

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Chief of Staff, 3rd Infantry Division, PA based in Camp Macario Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz assumed the position of Commander, 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on December 24, 2015 as Outgoing Commander 802nd Brigade, Col. Dinoh A. Dolina completed his term and will assume for a higher position of responsibility in the Philippine Army.

Col. Francisco F. Mendoza Jr. left his former office to accept the position in a Change of Command ceremony with Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino AFP, Commander, 8th Infantry Division as presiding General Officer held in Headquarters 802nd Infantry Brigade, Camp Dones, Ormoc City at 10 a.m.

The ceremony was attended by the local government officials of Leyte and Southern Leyte, Col. Mario G. Lacurom, Commander 803rd Brigade, PNP officials headed by PSSupt Franco Sumborio, Provincial Director LPPO, Civil Society Organizations, partners and stakeholders of the Brigade, friends, 802nd Brigade Battalion Commanders and the men and women of the 802nd Brigade.

In his message, Col Mendoza considered the new command position as an opportunity for him to serve the country, the people and the Army. He always associated command with service because he recognized that the authority by which he is able to prosecute and accomplish any mission comes from the people who have entrusted him with the security and defense of the country.

Col. Mendoza further vowed that as new Commander, he will put forward the thrust and programs that he intends to pursue as he sees them fit and necessary in the immediate future and to continue on with what the outgoing Commander has started and has been doing, and take off based on the demands of the prevailing situation and operational circumstances.

“I enjoin every member of the 802nd Brigade and our dear stakeholders to extend to me the usual support you have accorded Col. Dolina, and move on with me in unison towards our mission accomplishment. Let us continue to heighten the efforts set forth by my predecessor so as not to unduly disrupt our operational tempo,” Mendoza added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Velarmino congratulated Col. Dolina who will soon be promoted to Brig. General for a job well done during his stint as the Brigade Commander, having high standards, pushing his staff hard, and ensuring that every soldier is superbly trained and equipped, mentally and physically fit, and prepared to meet the demands of deployment while the unit’s success has a great deal to do with the his experienced leadership.

“I am confident enough to give you the challenge of sustaining and even do more of what your unit has demonstrated over the past years. I am expecting nothing but excellence in the coming years from you together with your new commander,” Velarmino added.

Col. Dolina and Col. Mendoza are both members of PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.

Fire hits 2 department stores in Tacloban

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
December 24, 2015

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Estimated cost of damages reached to 5 million pesos as two department stores hit by fire at P. Burgos, Tacloban City on December 23, 2015.

Initial investigation disclosed that prior to the discovery of the fire, security guards of both establishments were manning outside the vicinity of their respective places of assignments when they noticed a smoke coming from 778 Department Store which prompted them to seek for fire assistance through Police Station 2.

Such fire which engulfed the said establishments was declared under control by the responding Fire Officers at about 10:45 PM and was subsequently declared fire out at about 11:00 PM of same date.

The PNP is in the forefront during emergency cases, civil disturbances, accidents and calamities. The PNP is the first and foremost authority the public call upon for assistance during emergency cases and are usually the first responders in these cases. In incident like this, PNP plays a major role in securing the area from looters, thieves and onlookers and making sure the smooth flow of traffic for the fire trucks.

The fight against destructive fire is not the sole responsibility of fire fighters, it is everybody’s concern. Everybody should share the responsibility of making communities safe. The PNP is offering its own fire safety tips as part of its “Be informed, plan ahead and be safe” program. It provides information on how to prevent a fire in your home and how to keep you and your family safe from its effects and dangers. This includes the security of the public in the face of a sudden evacuation and what can be PNP personnel do to protect their homes from thieves.

The PNP, thus calls on the public to comply with the fire safety rules. At home, the following tips are recommended: a) unplug appliances after every use; b) switch off the electric stove, gas range or turn off candles before going to bed; c) do not overload electrical circuits with too many appliances, also called octopus connection; d) inspect electrical wires, which could be the cause of overheating and overloading; e) do not keep flammable materials like gasoline and paint inside the house; and f) Do not let children play with flammable materials. Prevention is always the best measure to avoid loss of lives and properties.

In case of fire, the public is advised to immediately inform the nearest fire station in their area.

Police apprehends No. 1 Most Wanted Person in Ormoc City

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
December 23, 2015

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Police Regional Office 8 laud Ormoc City Police Office led by PCI Joel R. Camacho for apprehending Rank No. 1 Most Wanted Person (City Level) at about 10:25 PM of December 22, 2015 at District 26, Ormoc City.

Authorities identified the most wanted person as Gerald Villamor y Alaras, 23 years old, jobless and a resident of Brgy. Naungan, Ormoc City. He was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for Murder docketed under CC No. R-ORM 14-00178-HC issued by Hon. Girlie M. Borrel-Yu, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 35, Ormoc City with no bail recommended.

The arrested person was brought to Police Station 3, Ormoc CPO for documentation and turn over to the court of origin.

PCSupt. Cedrick G. Train, Officer-in-Charge, PRO8 highly commends the PNP personnel who were directly involved in the successful arrest the No. 1 Most Wanted in Ormoc City. His arrest was the product of continued intelligence sharing with the PNP and the people in the area. This accomplishment manifests their utmost dedication to duty and their professionalism.

The Officer-in-Charge likewise extends his heartfelt congratulations to the operating PNP elements for a job well done, including all the police officers who performed their duties with utmost dedication and loyalty, thereby immensely contributing to the attainment of the mission of the PNP.

The PNP will remain steadfast in performing its mandated tasks to ensure the safety of the people who live and sojourn in the region, free from threats and harm. The PNP will continue to exert all its efforts to bring other perpetrators of crimes to justice and will hold them responsible for their criminal acts.

The public is encouraged to join hand together with the law enforcement agencies by way of providing information that will lead to the identification and eventual arrest of other wanted persons through the following: Dial 117 or text 2920; RTOC 09173114794/09478907155 and Isumbong Mo Kay Tsip 09178475757.

Soldier, civilian wounded in an NPA harassment in San Jorge, Samar

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
December 23, 2015

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Police Regional Office 8 again condemns the harassment made by suspected members of New People’s Army against government troops in Brgy. Erenas, San Jorge, Samar at 9:00 PM of December 22, 2015 which wounded one soldier and a civilian.

Based on the spot report, Bravo Company of the 43rd IB, Philippine Army Detachment under 1Lt Hannibal Pagtan based at Brgy. Erenas, San Jorge, Samar was harassed by more or less 15 NPAs and firefight lasted for 15 minutes.

The wounded was identified as PFC Capito and a civilian named Jude Gobe. The report likewise disclosed that enemy withdrew towards North East direction.

The elements of San Jorge MPS, Samar PPO are coordinating with “B” Coy 43rd IB, PA for follow-up investigation relative to the incident while nearby Municipal Police Stations were directed to be extra vigilant, set-up Checkpoints and check nearby hospitals for possible admission of wounded persons.

Prior to this, on the same day, troops of 20th Infantry Battalion composed of five personnel led by Cpl Roman Clago on board KM450/military truck was ambushed by undetermined number of NPA between Brgy. Bukid and Brgy. Bugay, Las Navas Northern Samar.

The government troops believed to be bringing with them relief goods to be distributed to victims of typhoon Nona in the said municipality.

Police authorities identified the KIA as Private First Class Darylll Baldo and the two WIA as Corporals Michael Porten and Roman Clago while it was undetermined on enemy side. The suspected Communist Terrorists withdrew towards Brgy. Roxas, Las Navas, N. Samar.

Last December 17, 2015 around 7:00 o' clock in the morning, albeit NPA’s declaration of ceasefire for this holiday season, atrocities against government soldiers was conducted by the local communist rebels along national highway in Barangays Pahug and Madalunot, Pinabacdao Samar wounding two soldiers of the 846th Engineering Battalion.

The government troops were also transporting relief goods from Oras, Eastern Samar to be distributed to all victims of Typhoon Nona in Northern Samar.

An estimated 15 armed members of Communist Terrorist fired, hitting the driver's feet and one of his escort.

The military trucks were on their way back to Tacloban to get another set of relief goods for the typhoon Nona victims. One Army Officer said that the ambush might be a retaliation of the government troops clearing operations from the past week which enables the Army to overrun an NPA camp near the ambush area.

Accordingly the truck were loaded of 16 soldiers from 546 Engineering Battalion and 81st Division Reconnaissance Company based in this city.

The incident will never dampen the spirits of the PNP and AFP personnel in serving and protecting the people, but rather it will further strengthen their resolve in performing their mandated tasks and duties. The public is encouraged to join hands with the PNP and AFP in tracking down the insurgents who carried out the attack. The PNP further appeals to the public to help their police by way of providing relevant and timely information through the following: Dial 117 or text 2920; RTOC 09173114794/09478907155 and Isumbong Mo Kay Tsip 09178475757.

Soldier dies, 2 wounded in another NPA ambush in Northern Samar

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
December 22, 2015

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Police Regional Office 8 condemns the recent ambush launched by suspected members of New People’s Army against government troops in Las Navas, Northern Samar on December 22, 2015 at 7:55 AM which kills one soldier and wounded 2 others.

Initial sport report disclosed that troops of 20th Infantry Battalion composed of five personnel led by Corporal Roman Clago on board KM450 was ambushed by undetermined number of NPA between Brgy. Bukid and Brgy. Bugay, Las Navas Northern Samar.

Police authorities identified the KIA as Private First Class Darylll Baldo and the two WIA as Corporals Michael Porten and Roman Clago while it was undetermined on enemy side. The suspected Communist Terrorists withdrew towards Brgy. Roxas, Las Navas, N. Samar.

The government troops believed to be bringing with them relief goods to be distributed to victims of typhoon Nona in the said municipality.

Last December 17, 2015 around 7:00 o' clock in the morning, albeit NPA’s declaration of ceasefire for this holiday season, atrocities against government soldiers was conducted by the local communist rebels along national highway in Barangays Pahug and Madalunot, Pinabacdao Samar wounding two soldiers of the 846th Engineering Battalion.

The government troops were also transporting relief goods from Oras, Eastern Samar to be distributed to all victims of Typhoon Nona in Northern Samar.

An estimated 15 armed members of Communist Terrorist fired, hitting the driver's feet and one of his escort.

The military trucks were on their way back to Tacloban to get another set of relief goods for the typhoon Nona victims. One Army Officer said that the ambush might be a retaliation of the government troops clearing operations from the past week which enables the Army to overrun an NPA camp near the ambush area.

Accordingly the truck were loaded of 16 soldiers from 546 Engineering Battalion and 81st Division Reconnaissance Company based in this city.

PCSupt. Cedrick G. Train, Officer-in-Charge, PRO8 expresses his dismay and said that the recent ambush was an act of desperation for their failure to extort money from the people.

The Officer-in-Charge condemns in the strongest manner the CNN’s continued acts of terrorism by conducting ambush on the Philippine Army who were transporting relief goods for humanitarian mission for typhoon victims. The CNN has evolved from an ideological revolutionary group to one conducting acts of banditry out of desperation since the people are hesitant to give in to their demands.

He said, “The PNP is on top of the situation. The long arm of the law will be used to hold them responsible for their criminal acts. The public is assured that the PNP, in collaboration with the AFP, will remain relentless in maintaining the peace and order in the country.”

The PNP needs every member of the community to fulfill their social responsibility by assisting law enforcement agencies in reporting the activities of these threat groups.

Police authorities in the region encourages the public to be more vigilant and to continue in helping the authorities in denying the CNN to wreak havoc in the region, by way of reporting any presence of an NPA in their locality. Together, their treacherous acts will end as they masquerade themselves as people but they actually take pride in fomenting violence.

The PNP and the AFP will continue to help victims of Typhoon Nona in Northern Samar. Nevertheless, the PNP asks the public to provide the police with relevant and timely information regarding presence of Communist Terrorist in their AOR thru (twitter account, facebook page) or thru the following: Dial 117 or text 2920; RTOC 09173114794/09478907155 and Isumbong Mo Kay Tsip 09178475757.

NPA rebels waylaid Army troops conducting HADR in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 19, 2015

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Army troops of 546th Engineering Construction Battalion and 81st Division Reconnaissance Company involved in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations (HADRO) for typhoon ‘Nona’ victims were waylaid by more or less five NPA rebels at the vicinity of Brgy. Madalunot, Pinabacdao, Samar at around 7:20 a.m., today.

The convoy of three trucks (one M35 Truck vehicle, one Mignon Civilian Vehicle, and one mini-dump truck) was led by 1st Lt. Fritz F. Perez. The troops were on their way back to Tacloban City to gather more relief goods to give to victims of typhoon “Nona”. They were with two female personnel from DSWD who were going back to their base at OCD Region 8 when they were waylaid by an undetermined number of NPA.

The firefight ensued 15 minutes resulted to two soldiers wounded and undetermined casualties to the rebels as they withdraw in different directions.

The 8ID strongly condemns the ambush done by the NPA against Army troops involved in HADR operations.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander, 8ID said “This clearly shows the NPA’s disregard to the plight of our brothers and sisters in Samar who were devastated by the onslaught of storm “Nona”. This is also a clear indication that the NPAs continuously and deliberately conduct atrocities against our troops and public servants who are only doing their job to alleviate the suffering experienced by storm victims in Visayas.”

“However, rest assured that this attack will not hamper our ongoing HADR operations for the victims of “Nona” who are in need of our help. We will continue with our relief and assistance operations for the victims of the typhoon, he added.

Chiz seeks passage of legislation to make barangay execs wage earners

By Office of Senator Chiz Escudero
December 18, 2015

PASAY CITY – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed hope his proposal seeking a fixed salary for barangay officials will also be approved when session resumes next month after the Senate passed a bill authorizing barangay captains to administer the oath of office of any government official, including the President.

He said the passage of the twin measures would be a “big step in recognizing the vital role of those in the frontline of government service in nation-building.”

Senate Bill No. 2693, which authorizes the punong barangay or village chieftain to administer the oath of all government officials – from the President down to the lowest elective and appointive public officers – was approved on final reading by the Senate on Dec. 14. Escudero is one of the principal authors of the bill.

“It is just right that our barangay officials are now being given the proper recognition they deserve with all their sacrifices in serving the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Escudero, who is leading the vice-presidential race.

Since he first became senator in 2007, Escudero has been pushing for a fixed salary for barangay officials rather than a mere honorarium based on their share of the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA.

Escudero’s SBN 124 seeks to amend Section 393 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, to provide barangay captains a monthly salary which is 20 percent above the minimum wage rate prevailing in their particular region.

Under the proposed measure, barangay council members, treasurers and secretaries will receive a monthly salary based on the prevailing minimum wage rate in the region.

At present, a barangay captain is getting an honorarium of at least P1,000 per month while the councilors, the treasurer and secretary each receive P600 monthly.

“As the most visible faces of government service, our barangay officials deserve to be compensated more than other officials of the government. They are expected to function above and beyond the normal service hours extended by the government to the people, given the proximity of the barangay to homes and workplaces,” he pointed out.

Escudero’s bill has been consolidated in SBN 12, along with other bills seeking higher benefits for officials of 42,000 barangays across the country.

8ID troops seize firearms, overrun enemy camp in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 14, 2015

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army seized high powered firearms and several war materiel in an NPA encampment in the hinterlands of Calbiga, Samar in the afternoon of December 11, 2015 after almost an hour of firefight with 40 NPA rebels.

According to Lt. Colonel George M. Domingo, Commanding Officer of 87th Infantry Battalion, his troops were able to overrun the NPA encampment, thanks to the information given by concerned civilians in the said barangay who are tired of the extortion and intimidation of the NPAs.

The said NPA encampment has 30 makeshift huts, two kitchens, three "bulwagan" (halls) that can accommodate 50 persons. Recovered from the scene of encounter are the following: one (1) M60 General Purpose Machine Gun with 90 rounds ammunition; one (1) M653 rifle (Baby Armalite); two (2) pieces Claymore-type landmines; one (1) Flat screen TV (32”); one (1) set Cignal cable transceiver; one (1) generator set; one (1) chainsaw; several medical equipment and medicines, assorted foodstuffs and subversive documents.

The rebels suffered undetermined number of casualties as evidenced by the bloodstains in their route of withdrawal while two soldiers were wounded during the encounter. Troops are still in the area tracking down the withdrawing rebels as of press time.

Lt. Col Domingo said, “The successful operation was the fruit of the ongoing partnership between the 87IB and the Local Government Units of Pinabacdao and Calbiga, Samar headed by their respective Local Chief Executives and the local populace in safeguarding their communities.”

Meanwhile, Maj Gen Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division extended his gratitude to the civilians who provided the information that led to the successful seizure of the said NPA encampment and recovery of war materiel. This encounter gave a big blow to the NPA rebels who will be celebrating the CPP anniversary this coming December 26, 2015.

He further added that the landmines recovered from the NPA encampment is in violation of the provisions under the Geneva Convention on the use of landmines in armed conflict. Velarmino also said that the 8ID, under his leadership, will stop at nothing to attain the illusive peace and development in this part of the region. Velarmino made an appeal again to our rebel brothers, who are being victimized by their leaders, that now is the time to return to the folds of the law and help put a stop to these senseless killings among fellow Filipinos.

Philippines Supreme Court bans development of genetically engineered products

By GREENPEACE
December 11, 2015

MANILA – Farmers and consumers, together with environmental organization Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG), and other petitioners, welcome the permanent ban on field trials of Bt talong and the temporary ban on the development of genetically modified organisms (GMO)s in a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines which was announced earlier this week.

The high court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals which granted the Writ of Kalikasan to Greenpeace Southeast Asia, as well as several activists, academics, and politicians, in what the petitioners call ‘a major victory for Filipino farmers’.

The Supreme Court affirmed the May 2013 Court of Appeals order for the government to prepare an immediate plan of action to rehabilitate field trial sites and protect, preserve, and conserve the environment, and recommend policies and measures to reform the present regulatory process.

The temporary ban is in place until a new ‘administrative order’ takes effect, and includes the highly controversial ‘Golden’ rice, an experimental project by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that is currently back at the laboratory stage due to poor performance.

The Supreme Court decision sets a global precedent as it is the first legal decision on GMOs in the Philippines using the writ of kalikasan (environment) – a legal environmental remedy found only in the Philippines. The court is also the first in the world to adopt the precautionary principle – that it is best to err on the side of caution in the absence of scientific consensus – regarding GMOs in their decision.

The decision of the high court means that the DA and the Department of Science and Technology are barred from issuing any approvals for genetically modified (GM) crops pending the crafting and approval of a new Administrative Order. The court order will also have an impact on the trading of GM crops. In 2014, the US exported US$ 784M worth of GM crops and products to the Philippines.