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NPA ambush military
personnel on CIVAC
By 1Lt.
ROSA MA. CRISTINA T. ROSETE (FA) PA
January 19, 2006
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan,
Samar – The convoy of Col. Joel Joseph Cabides, Commanding Officer of 801st
Brigade were ambushed at vicinity Brgy. Caranas, Motiong,
Samar on
January 15, 2006 at around 10:10
a.m. Four personnel were killed and seven wounded in the incident. One M35
truck was also damaged in the ambush. No firearm was lost due to troop
alertness and presence of mind and instead recovered one firearm (cal .38
rev) and two enemy killed (body count).
The fatalities are 2Lt. Ruby
Dellano, Sgt. Jesus Relao, Pfc. Roy Sulpico and Pfc. Antonio Tejo Jr. Lt.
Dellano was with the Special Operations Company, 8ID, PA for more than a
year as Platoon Leader and at the time of her death is the OIC of SOT in
Jiabong, Samar. Under her leadership, hundreds of residents (regular armed
members and sympathizers) surrendered and denounced their support to the CPP/NPA/NDF
since she was able to win the hearts and minds of the said municipality. She
is scheduled to tie the knot to her long time sweetheart this year.
The troops just conducted
Medical and Dental CIVAC in San Jose de Buan,
Samar as part of its program to help the government deliver basic
services when they were ambushed by the Communist Terrorists (CTs). The
wounded were immediately brought to
Camp Lukban Station Hospital
and are now recuperating while the fatalities are presently at the NCO Club
House of this command. Wounded are SSg. Narciso Adao, SSg. Anatalio Maraon,
Sgt. Baltazar Abalos, Cpl. Laguinario Luzon, Cpl. Bryan General, Pfc.
Alberto Datuin and Pfc. Mark Luis Conde.
The suspects are believed to
be numbering more or less thirty (30) heavily armed CTs with M60 machinegun
led by unknown commander operating in the western portion of Samar Island.
This violent incident
perpetrated by the CTs was done to slow down the military in its relentless
drive to expose the deceptive and evil ways of the NPA and free the civilian
populace from their stranglehold. The decisiveness of the command to
eradicate/solve insurgency in the soonest possible time frantically made the
CTs murder soldiers who were just doing their mandated duty of protecting
democracy.
The ambush violates the
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on
Respect for Human Rights and International Law (CARHRIL) signed by the
Government of the Republic of the
Philippines
and the CPP/NPA/NDF. (Note that the militants had been repeatedly accusing
the command of ignoring the CARHRIL) Among the violations committed by the
CTs during the ambush were the killing and wounding of medical personnel.
The terrorists have a full view of the passengers of the M35 truck who are
mostly in civilian attire but still fired at the defenseless people on the
said vehicle.
In his statement MGen.
Bonifacio B. Ramos, Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division,
Philippine Army said, “The incident confirms that the CPP/NPA is
anti-people, do not respect human rights and employed minors in combat as
determined from enemy dead recovered. The cold-blooded murder and excessive
use of force to sow fear in the hearts of the people of Samar is a trademark
of a terrorist organization. Indeed, the Communist Terrorists can resort to
terroristic acts with total disregard of human rights and lives. As
Commanding General of the 8ID, I condemn this murder of four soldiers in the
strongest possible terms. I call upon our citizens, people’s organizations
and the so-called human rights groups to condemn the Communist Terrorist as
well. I challenge the Bayan Muna and the militants to condemn the NPA and
the Communist Party” He added “I would like to further assure the people of
Region 8 that the 8th Infantry Division in close coordination with the
Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue these lawless elements
who are terrorizing our people.”
At present, the bereaved
family of the casualties and the 8th Infantry Division is preparing to file
criminal and human rights charges against the perpetrators of the cruel
incident.
DAR launches Dulag Agrarian
Reform Community; distributes CLOA to farmers
By
Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 19, 2006
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – Mayor Themistocles Saño, Jr. of Dulag warmly welcomed the Department of Agrarian
Reform Assistant Secretary Kashmir Leyretana, DAR 8 Regional Director
Tiburcio Morales Jr., PARO Enrique Granados III, PIA Dir. Olive Tiu and the
representatives of the line agencies like CDA, NIA, DPWH, DA, Land Bank and
PCA, and the farmer beneficiaries, during the launching of the Dulag
Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Barangay Magsaysay, Dulag, Leyte on
Tuesday (January 17).
Mayor Saño thanked DAR ASec
Leyretana and Director Morales for making the town’s dream of declaring some
of its barangays as agrarian reform communities, a reality. He said that
this program of President Arroyo to alleviate poverty among the farmers as a
very noteworthy undertaking because it empowers the farmer beneficiaries to
make their own plans for the betterment of the whole community and at the
same time this has a unifying effect not only among the beneficiaries but
among the various cooperating line agencies.
He said that 70 percent of
Dulag’s total land area is devoted to agriculture producing rice, corn and
coconut. The seven barangays comprising the Dulag ARC has a total of 6,101
total population covering 2,758 hectares of agricultural land.
During the launching, the
ARC Map, Profile and Requirements were unveiled and explained to the guests.
The various projects targeted for the development of the Agrarian Reform
Community were discussed starting from capability building and
value-formation trainings for the farmer beneficiaries, the enterprise
development aspect and coop development and the various infrastructure
projects needed like farm to market roads, bridge, pre and post harvest
facilities, irrigation, the agri-productivity and farm income improvement
and the agri-based rural industry establishment.
Not to be left out is the
delivery of basic services like potable water and health services and the
gender and development aspect of the program which will include the
organization of women association, the conduct of skills training, popdev
seminar and tree planting activities.
The various line agencies
represented expressed their respective agency’s support to the Dulag ARC and
signed a covenant to that effect. A meeting of the cooperating agencies with
Mayor Saño, Dir. Morales and the chairmen of the seven barangays was
conducted right after the signing.
In the same occasion, sixty
four CLOAs were distributed by DAR ASec Kashmir B. Leyretana and DAR 8
Director Tiburcio a. Morales Jr. This benefits a total number of 860 farmer
beneficiaries.
ASec Leyretana said that DAR
Region 8 is so far the number one in the implementation of the program which
is President Arroyo’s strategy to alleviate poverty among the farmers in the
countryside. In 2004, DAR 8 surpassed its target posting an accomplishment
of 119 percent. Targeting 14,034 hectares, DAR 8’s actual accomplishment is
16,763 hectares.
In his message, Director
Morales urged those present especially the farmer beneficiaries to help
President Arroyo in her fight against poverty saying “Tulungan natin and
ating mahal na Pangulo sa kanyang laban – ang Paglaban sa Kahirapan.”
According to Director
Morales, the farmer beneficiaries are from the clusters of Burauen, Dagami
and La Paz, Leyte. The nineteen CLOAs from Burauen cover an area of 18.2644
hectares. That of Dagami covers 1.4158 hectares and will benefit three
farmer beneficiaries and three CLOAs. La Paz was issued 24 CLOAs covering
1,349.6396 hectares of agricultural land that will benefit 796 farmer
beneficiaries.
The Barangay Chairmen
beneficiaries from La Paz, Burauen and Dagami accepted the CLOAs in behalf of the farmer
beneficiaries.
Crusade to protect Samar
Island forest strengthened; 3 Bishops continue calling out loud for support
through a partnership for peace and development
By SENTAY BELIZAR-QUITORIO
January
18, 2006 |
Sponsor: |
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BORONGAN, Eastern Samar –
“It’s not just saying NO to logging, but what is our response”, Bishop Jose
Palma of the diocese of Calbayog challenged acclaimed environmentalists,
NGOs, local chief executives, DENR people and even the clergy and those
present during its 3rd Unification meeting January 10, 2006, hosted by
Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Borongan.
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A couple of years ago, the
three bishops of the Samar Island (Bishops Medroso of Borongan, Palma of
Calbayog and Hobayan of Catarman who retired and replaced by Trance now
actively involved in the cause) together with representatives from various
sectors, initiated the establishment of the Samar Island Development
Council, which later became a Unification group and recently proposed to
become a solid Partnership for Peace and Development.
This group precipitated from
an invitation of Samar Island Biodiversity Project (SIBP) which originally
was trying to solicit support for the passage of the SINP (Samar Island
Natural Park) Bill in both congress and senate.
Issues and concerns about
the environment were raised and stirred the interest of the bishops, the
preservation of the remaining biodiversities and specially the move to
minimize if not to stop further destructions of forest and irresponsible
extraction of the natural deposits by no less than the big wigs in economy
whose interests are protected by strong connections with authorities.
“We are not banking on
legalities because it can easily be manipulated, we are on the issue of
morality”, Bishop Medroso reiterated referring to the lifting of logging
moratorium and continued threats to environmental destructions with the
existing approved MPSA (Mineral Production Sharing Agreement).
Where are we now with our
crusade? Much has been said and done yet it seemed not enough. So, what’s
next? After hearing Defensor saying “NO LOGGING ACTIVITY IN SAMAR ISLAND AS
LONG AS I AM THE SECRETARY”. What if he is replaced? Does it mean back to
SQUARE ONE? Shall we continue the campaign for the passage of SINP? Does it
make sense? These were the most pressing questions asked by the participants
during the meeting at the 4th floor of the Bishop’s house in Borongan.
First issue resolved: What
is the extent of “NO TO LOGGING” when we need wood for our basic needs, this
was raised by the mayors seconded by the Governor Evardone of Eastern Samar.
The issue that followed: Carabao? Or Commercial logging?
Carabao logging is small
scale harvesting of mature tress answering the need of the local users, as
defined by NGO representatives engaged in the reforestation program of DENR.
Commercial is practically the likes of San Jose Timber Corporation’s logging
concession.
The meeting of the minds
between the church leaders and local chief executives of Eastern Samar
bottom-lined at recognizing the need for logs at the local level for the
consumption of the constituents. As to the official stand of elected
officials (especially governors and congressmen) in other provinces of
Samar, remains
unclear. Bishop Emmanuel C. Trance of the Diocese of Catarman noticed this.
The primary consideration of
the “NO TO LOGGING” issue is the protection of the old growth forest and its
biodiversity, the watershed areas and the big rivers connecting the 3
provinces of Samar.
Governor Ben Evardone
further qualified as to who are allowed to cut and where? He was referring
to alternative logging for “house use”. “This has to be very clear, we
cannot actually say totally “NO” to logging because our people, we, also
need logs for house use”, Evardone stressed.
Bishop Palma proposed to
invite DENR to disclose programs offering alternative logging and bare out
rules on cutting or harvesting tress in identified areas. Supported by
Governor Evardone suggesting the conduct of an extensive research and inform
Local Government Units of its role.
Evardone committed one hour
radio slots sponsored by the provincial government of Eastern Samar to be
utilized in educating and informing people on environmental concerns. He
also urged members of the partnership to sit down with the LGUs during a
Provincial Development Council conference to ventilate problems besetting
development as viewed by their group.
Meanwhile, the Samar Island
Partnership on Peace and Development identified some targets they seek to
achieve in the next quarter before the 4th Meeting to be hosted by Bishop
Jose Palma of the diocese of Calbayog.
Among the targets the
Partnership seeks to achieve; 1).Urge local legislators of the three
provinces (Eastern, Western and Northern Samar) to approve a resolution
strongly endorsing the passage of the SINP Bill, 2) Bishop Leonardo Y.
Medroso to write follow a up letter to DENR re: Defensor’s commitment not to
allow logging in Samar Island and a 2-point letter for the cancellation of 2
existing MPSAs and appropriation for SINP Bill, 3) Raise an appeal to
President GMA to carefully choose a new DENR secretary who will have the
heart for a genuine environmental protection.
Eastern Samar places fifth
in Sinulog Fest
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
18, 2006
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – Once
again, Region 8 showed that it is a region to reckon with when it comes to
dancing and festival performances.
This was proven when the
Sinulog contingent from Eastern Samar, which participated in the Sinulog for
the first time this year, won the fifth place in the free interpretation
category. As such, the contingent bagged P100,000.00 as cash prize. Most
happy and proud is the choreographer of the group, Ms. Jenalyn Arica Avila.
The Eastern Samar
contingent, composed of one hundred sixty high school and college students
from the Eastern Samar State University, was headed by no less than Eastern
Samar Governor Ben Evardone, other provincial officials, the provincial
administrator Allan Limbauan and Mr. Toto Cinco, tourism consultant of the
Province.
This is not the first time
that Eastern Visayas won an award at the Sinulog Festival and in national
festival competitions. Years back, the Pintados contingent headed by Mr.
Jess de Paz also won a place in the Sinulog Festival. The Pintados Festival
choreographed by Mr. Jess de Paz also won third in the Aliwan Festival two
years ago.
The Sarakiki Festival of
Calbayog City also won an award at the Aliwan Festival four years ago. And
three years ago, the much-appaluded primary school children representing the
Tanauan, Leyte Pasaka Festival won second place at the Paskuhan Aliwan
Festival.
Just as the Philippines may
be named a country of many festivals, Region 8 may also be dubbed as the
Festival Region considering the numerous municipal and provincial festivals
which abounds in the Region.
The Pintados Festival which
came after the Sinulog Festival, is the oldest festival in the Region. In
fact, it was a member of the Sinulog Foundation which encouraged the
Taclobanons to organize the Pintados Foundation after the EDSA revolution.
4 soldiers, 2 young ‘rebels’ die in Samar
ambush
By RICKY J. BAUTISTA
January
16, 2006 |
Sponsor: |
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CATBALOGAN, Samar
– It was supposed to be a happy fiesta celebration of the patron saint
Sto. Niño in San Jose de Buan town but it turned out into a bloody broad day
light ambuscade the other day, January 15.
The government troops, along
with some medical staff of the 8th Infantry Division en route to Catbalogan
was ambushed by a band of heavily armed groups believed to be members of the
dreaded New People’s Army around 10: 30 in the morning of Sunday (Jan. 15).
The rebels, according to an
initial report, were led by Kumander Batoy, Commander of Serafin Pasinos of
Arnulfo Ortiz Command, Central Front Samar 1, Samar Provincial Party
Committee of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (CFS1-SPPC-EVRPC).
The ambush which occurred
between the vicinity of Brgy. Babaclayon, San Jose de Buan and Brgy. Caranas,
Motiong town resulted to the instantaneous death of an army official, three
military men, two suspected young rebels and the wounding of seven soldiers.
The soldiers, led by Col.
Joel Cabides, Brigade Commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade were on board
two military vehicles when they were suddenly peppered with bullets coming
from a “high ground” slope of the area.
Col. Cabides, along with
this correspondent, which were on board the leading Hammer type jeep were
unhurt but with few bruises on hands and mud in their clothes when they
quickly jumped-off the vehicle and secured a “safer location.”
The other vehicle, a
six-by-six truck, full of military men and medics, however, positioned few
meters behind the led jeep suffered four casualties and nine wounded when the rebels
“showered” them bullets hiding in a “high ground” overlooking the government
troops.
Col. Cabides identified the
casualties as 2Lt. Ruby B. Dellano, Sgt. Jesus Relao, Corporal Roy Sulpico
and Private Antonio Tejo. Soldiers who were wounded in action were Sgt.
Mario Rosales, Pfc. Mario Abayare, Pfc. Bryan General, Pfc. Albano Datwin,
Cpl. Alexander Luzon, Sgt. Narciso Adao, Sgt. Anastacio Maran, Sgt. Baltazar
Abalos and Pvt. Anjannette Donato. They were immediately rushed by the reinforcing two
choppers to the military hospital inside the Camp Lukban, Brgy. Maulong
here. The fatalities suffered “fatal wounds” in their heads while those
injured were hit in their arms, ears and other parts of their body.
All the troops ambushed belong to the 34th IB and 62nd IB of the 8th Infantry Division.
Another two dead bodies,
believed to be “fighters” of the rebels were located where the rebels were
hiding. Local residents, however, denied they were rebels. “They were my
husband and my 12-yr-old son in Brgy. Caranas,” the victim’s wife said in
anguish.
Col. Cabides said the
rebels, numbering to about 30, were armed with high-powered firearm such as
M16, M14, M60 and Carbine rifles. The firefight started around 10:30 a.m.
and ended at around 11:35 a.m.
The military troops were on
their way home from the Peace and Development Forum and Medical Mission
initiated by the 8th ID which was the highlight of the fiesta celebration of
the San Jose de Buan town when the ambush took place.
The forum, it was learned,
was participated in by hundred of residents, in which some of them testified
in public the evils of the New People’s Army in that area.
The
Target
During yesterday’s
conference with the different military officials, it was later learned that
the possible target of the rebels was Yelen Acebedo alias ‘Ka Lyka’, a rebel
returnee who always accompany the military in previous forums in other
municipalities in the region.
“Si Lyka talaga ang target
nila, kasi they mistaken our Ruby (Dellano) who was the first to be hit.
Ruby wore the same color (orange) of t-shirt Lyka was wearing the evening
she exposed the underground activities of the rebels,” Col. Glorivine Dida,
the commanding officer of the 34th IB said. Lyka was on board the Hammer
type jeep when the incident happened.
The army official told this
writer that in the evening during the forum, Ka Lyka was approached by two
suspicious looking men asking her details on her next day itinerary, but
never gave any information to those strangers.
“I never gave them details
as I know they were representative of the enemy,” Ka Lyka said as quoted by
the military.
Meanwhile, minutes prior to
the ambush, four other civilian passengers of the Hammer type jeep insisted
to drop themselves between the vicinity of Hilumot and Babaclayon, the
villages located just before reaching the “ambush site.”
The four, identified as
certain Joni Bonifacio of Trexplore Adventure, Max Daquelanea, Nimfa Cruz
Patawaran and Dante Perano accordingly were on their way for a caving
exploration near the area. The three except Bonifacio were members of a
local media.
Army authorities said the
four were immediately interrogated and questioned for their “suspicious”
acts and by insisting to disembark before the ambush occurred.
Breaking News:
“Sakay-Sakay” revelry turns
deadly
By BONG PEDALINO and ERNA SY GORNE, PIA
Southern Leyte
Posted 3:30pm,
January 15, 2006
SAN RICARDO, Southern Leyte
-- Fourteen children and four adults for a total of 16 persons were
reported killed from drowning here this morning January 15 when the
full-packed boat they were riding capsized at the height of a traditional
religious festivity in honor of the Child Jesus or Sto. Nino, locally known
as “sakay-sakay” (a sea-borne celebration).
In a sketchy report received
by PIA about an hour ago, it was learned that the boat, identified as ML
Sanjay, was returning to the port area at barangay Inolinan, this town, and
in fact was in its last curve closer to shore when suddenly it got off
balanced and literally turned upside down.
The unexpected incident
happened around 9:30 to 10:00 this morning.
As this report was written,
a rescue operation by the Philippine Air Force Scuba Diving Team was ongoing
and the Southern Leyte Emergency Rescue Team (SOLERT) and the Red Cross were
seen rushing to the site.
A Philippine Air Force
helicopter was also seen hovering over
Southern Leyte skies just about
noon, apparently going to
the area. Reports said Gov. Lerias herself rode with the helicopter, having
been in Manila when the incident happened, but this could not be immediately
confirmed.
ML Sanjay, the ill-fated
boat carrying the “sakay-sakay” revelers, has a capacity of 100 passengers,
but many believed the actual passengers were over a hundred, causing it to
capsize so suddenly when it tilted on the side.
The said boat was also a
utility passenger vehicle plying the San Ricardo-Surigao route, and it has
been used for this kind of celebration over the past years already.
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