Abduction victim of NPA found dead in Catarman

By Maj. FELIX M. MANGYAO (INF) PA
November 13, 2006

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  Another victim of the brutal killing of the Communist Terrorist (CTs), CPP/NPA operating in the area of Northern Samar was found floating at the Sumoroy river, Catarman, Northern Samar last October 31, 2006.

According to the report, the victim was identified as Arpon Ancermo, 26 years old, married and resident of Barangay Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar. The report said that cadaver of the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds at his body.

Based on the report received by this Command, Ancermo was abducted on October 26 2006 by 17 fully armed NPA’s led by a certain Rosendo Surio alias Joe at his residence located in the said barangay (village). He was forcibly taken to unknown place and after five days, Ancermo was found lifeless floating at Sumoroy river. Relatives of the victim positively pinpointed the group of NPA led by Rosendo Surio alias Joe as responsible in the killing of Ancermo. Accordingly, Ancermo was suspected by the NPA as military informer in the area.

Col. Roland A. Rodriguez, Commanding Officer of 803rd Brigade based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar, extended his condolences to the family of the victim and strongly condemned this barbaric act perpetrated by the CPP/NPA. Rodriguez once again appealed to the Communist Terrorist band of the CPP/NPA/NDF represented here in the region by the NDF/EVRPC under Fr. Santiago Salas, to spare the innocent and helpless Civilians from their terroristic activities. He also encouraged the populace to give valuable information to the 803rd Brigade especially about the presence of those NPAs in their barangay in order to prevent NPA atrocities against them.

The Philippine government is prolonging Marcos victims’ agony for justice and indemnification

Press Release
By SELDA
November 12, 2006

MANILA, Philippines  –  “We, the victims of Martial Law welcome the decision of the US Circuit Court of Appeals.” Marie Hilao-Enriquez, secretary general of Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (SELDA), said on the US Court decision last week that the $35 million worth of Marcos’ remaining ill gotten wealth should be awarded directly to the victims.

This has been the second motion of the Philippine government to re-hear the case that awarded the $35 million to the victims. The US court has both denied these motions. Enriquez however decries that the Philippine government through the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG) will still take the case to the US higher court. “This would mean that the victims will wait even longer for compensation,” Enriquez says.

Enriquez adds that while they are pleased that the US court system recognizes the much deserved compensation for the victim, “it is the Philippine government that prolongs our agony for justice and indemnification.”

“There is still another battle to be fought – the justice and compensation bill being finalized in both houses of congress.” Enriquez explains that another Marcos account this time – the remains of the recovered P35 billion allotted to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, P11.5B of which is now being legislated by the Philippine government to be given to the victims. It is has now been passed in both houses, in the senate and the congress. “Both bills are flawed,” Enriquez states.

She explains that both versions of the bill has to be amended to serve the interest of the victims. Enriquez warns that if these bill passed the bicameral committee without amendments, not all victims might be compensated.

“What we want is for the Philippine government to indemnify all of us victims of Martial Law. It already took us two decades to fight for this. How much longer should the government take to give us what we deserve?” Enriquez ends.

Youth group to lead World Aids Day celebration

By ELI C. DALUMPINES (PIA Samar)
November 12, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar – Recognizing the fact that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, popularly known as AIDS, poses a great threat to the youth sector, members of the youth group Karapatan at Kalusugan ng Kabataan (KARTADA) here will lead the upcoming World Aids Day celebration on December 1.

Jeffrey Estera, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman of Brgy. 11 of Samar’s capital town, Catbalogan, and an active member of the 120-strong KARTADA, said in a forum Wednesday that the group will be spearheading a concert on December 1 to attract the youth to attend the celebration.

“Concerts are proven effective in drawing crowds, especially the young people, so that we conceived holding such activity here,” Estera noted.

KARTADA, citing the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey conducted by the University of the Philippines - Eastern Visayas Campus, reported that Region 08 ranked second nationwide as having the highest percentage of young people engaged in pre-marital sex.

Eastern Visayas, the survey showed, was slightly behind the National Capital Region in terms of the high prevalence of teenage pre-marital sex making the youths in the region vulnerable to the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS.

Estera said leading this year’s celebration is a great challenge to the group as this is the first time they will be organizing such activity.

The youth leader expressed confidence though that the event will be successful as they already received initial support from the different sectors, including the local government officials of the different towns in the province.

Catbalogan Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Art Gabon, during the forum, vowed to pass a resolution to give recognition to KARTADA and the Marie Stoppe’s Clinic in Catbalogan for spearheading the activity.

Cases of leprosy, diarrhea, pneumonia and tuberculosis detected

Culion Foundation Inc. promotes active case finding in Samar

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
November 12, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  In recognition of the principle that primary health care is geared towards prevention more than therapy, Culion Foundation Inc. promotes active case finding (ACF) in eight municipalities and one city in Samar province.

Health workers through the support of Culion Foundation Inc. (CFI) and a Spanish Foundation do not wait for patients to seek medical care but instead go to the covered areas and conduct case finding activities. This way, CFI said, early detection is done and subsequent treatment is offered.

CFI also noted that the case finding activities provide a more comprehensive health profile of a particular barangay or municipality and alerts of potential danger or outbreak.

Similarly, it also reorients traditional notion and practices that only those with afflictions should be subjected to check-ups or medical consultations.

In due time, CFI stressed that a behavioral change as in health seeking behavior may take place.

The activity pushed vigorously by CFI is hoped to break down barriers between scientific knowledge and ignorance as medical practitioners and their constituency communicates in less formal and alienate environment where questions and classifications can be immediately addressed, CFI added.

To ensure that active case finding is sustained in the eight municipalities of Samar, CFI and ANESVAD visited the province and witnessed two active case finding activities in Pinabacdao and Tarangnan towns.

ANESVAD and CFI provide not only logistics during  active case finding stints but also training for all health workers not only for physicians and nurses but even for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

Dr. Antonio Tirazona, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Project Management Committee (PPMC) said that the public should be vigilant with their families that the four mentioned cases are communicable ones and children maybe at risk.

Tirazona urged the residents to participate in the scheduled active case finding activities. He also acknowledges that the public is also given some form of instruction and education sessions about the four focused diseases so they will be aware and perpetually practice, “health seeking behavior.”

Talk ‘n Txt vs. Red Bull at the Tacloban Coliseum

By CATHERINE JANZ R. SICOY (KIMRO)
November 12, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  – The City Government is now working on the preparations and final touches on the Tacloban City Convention Center or Tacloban City Coliseum as it gears up for its first PBA game this November 30, 2006.

As conceived, the Astrodome has proved to be the ideal venue for major and spectacular events and concerts in the premier city of Tacloban.  Participants, delegates and visitors who have been inside this architectural edifice couldn’t help but remark on its convenience and its impressive quality.

Just recently, the Freedom concert, featuring Ms. Sheryn Regis and various young artists and hot bands of today was held there. Thousands of people of all ages gathered together to see their favorite stars perform on stage.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has manifests the holding of the Talk & Text vs. Red Bull Teams out of town games at the said astrodome.  A new venue for PBA provincial sorties with its state-of the art basketball court flooring imported from Michigan, USA.

Right now, workers will have to work double time to complete the basketball court in time for the game.

City Administrator, Jimmy T. Yaokasin, Jr. has already confirmed that in about two weeks, work on the basketball court will be completed.  In a matter of days, work on the basketball court would commence.

In the same manner, City Engineer, Engr. Felix T. Ripalda said that in a couple of days, the basketball court would be ready.  “Madagmit nala ito kay pag-assemble nala man it kinahanglan”, he added.

Solon bats for higher pay for teachers in 2007 polls

By Alliance of Volunteer Educators
November 12, 2006

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  – Give them more pay, then.

Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) Party-list Representative Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay is asking authorities to augment the allowance of teachers who will serve as Board of Inspectors (BOI) in the 2007 Elections.

Magsaysay said that since it is inevitable that teachers will still play major roles in the next election following the limited participation imposed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the next best thing to do is effect an increase in the per diem of fellow mentors.

“Since it is still the legal mandate of public school teachers to render service during elections and we still cannot expect a full automation of polls next year,” the lawmaker said, “the next best option we see fit is for our fellow teachers to receive additional allowance.”

According to the education representative, it is only proper that teachers who will be serving for the next year’s election receive higher honorarium, insurance and hazard pay.

“Given the serious task placed upon their shoulders, teachers are entitled to more compensation,” Magsaysay said. “Aside from this, we should ensure their security while they guard our votes by providing higher insurance and hazard pay, as well.”

He said that as molders of the young inquisitive minds, teachers should fully concentrate on teaching and should not be forced to perform duties beyond their school obligations.

“But we cannot also deny the fact that given the very meager salary our teachers receive, they welcome these election duties as another means of generating additional income,” the education sector representative remarked. “This being the case, what we need to do is increase further our teachers’ pay and ensure that they receive on time the financial allowance allotted for them.”

Teachers have been the center of harassment and abuse every election since they serve as members of the BOI. In earlier statements, the party-list solon has been pushing for the full automation of election process to free fellow teachers from election duties. According to him, with the automation of polls, teachers can no longer be required to serve in election precincts but can just render voluntary work, in return. But with limited time before the 2007 National and Local Elections, full automation of polls is seen as no longer viable, thereby putting again the bulk of manual counting to the teachers.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been allotted a P9.8 billion budget for 2007. Allocation for the allowance of teachers who will serve for next year’s election is yet to be determined by the COMELEC.

Defensor praises Eastern Samar natural magnificence

By BRYAN M. AZURA
November 9, 2006

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar – Secretary Michael Defensor, Presidential Chief of Staff, was the guest of honor in the culmination program of the 41st Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar held on Nov. 9, this year at the Capitol grounds, this town.

In his message, Defensor observed that the province can truly be progressive with all its abounding natural resources. “Ang mga beach, tatalunin ang Boracay. And biodiversity, tatalunin ang Palawan,” he commented hinting that with the vast resources, Eastern Samar can surpass other advance provinces.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s chief-of-staff have had a view of the natural riches of the province when he was flown in an Army chopper from Tacloban to Borongan.

As he closed his message, Defensor guaranteed Gov. Ben P. Evardone and other provincial and municipal officials that all the project and programs in the province will have the full backing of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Governor Evardone said that he is more than happy to hear the secretary making an assertion. “That might have been the shortest sentence in his message but that’s what the Eastern Samareños are waiting for,” Evardone said.

Eastern Samar has just graduated from the so-called “Club 20” or the poorest of the poor provinces in the country. Previously, Evardone admitted that there is still much to be done most particularly in the poverty alleviation program of the province. “We need not just the full support of the president but also of the all the stakeholders,” he said.

Defensor meanwhile noted that the festival of the province is “one of a kind.” “I will finance the team that will compete in Cebu for the Sinulog Festival,” he promised before a jump-packed crowed during the ceremonies. He also assured to host the Eastern Samar contingent that will be sent to the Aliwan Festival in Manila.

The secretary also added that he would be willing to host Miss Sinirangan Turismo Rosjane Tiunayan of Taft town in any beauty contest she will be joining in Metro Manila.

In the meantime, Maydolong contingent was awarded the grand champion in the Festival of Festivals participated by several municipalities in the province. The champion received P100,000.00 prize money. Borongan and Guiuan town came in second and third respectively.