The decision to
provide “welfare assistance” to the 35-year-old black mestizo retired
fighter came after GAB Commissioner Alex A. Paglumotan learned that
the former boxer is now jobless and penniless after being released
from the Quezon City jail where he spent more than two years for cases
of robbery-holdup.
Unanimous
“The (GAB) Board
unanimously has approved the P10,000 cash as welfare assistance to
William Magahin. Chairman Eric Buhain and my fellow Commissioner Angel
Bautista okayed the financial assistance. He can claim the money by
sending us a letter of request,” Paglumotan informed WBF Philippine
Supervisor Alex P. Vidal in a text message hours before the GAB
official left for Chicago, USA to attend a commissioners’ meeting of
the Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) from May 10-17,
2006.
For his part, Vidal
thanked the GAB for “sending a positive signal to all retired Filipino
boxers like Magahin” saying he will inform WBF President Mick Croucher
about GAB’s benevolence.
“The amount will not
last a lifetime but the GAB showed that it is ready to come to the
rescue of destitute boxers regardless of their background,” said
Vidal, referring to Magahin whose incarceration in 2003 prompted
Croucher to come to Manila and visit him in jail.
Cash for bailbond
Croucher, who admitted
he pitted the Amerasian ex-pugilist when he read his story in the
internet, also offered cash to bail him out on August 2, 2003.
Croucher’s efforts
were, however, dashed to pieces as Filipino promoter Gabriel “Bebot”
Elorde returned to Croucher the cash for Magahin’s bail “because it is
better for him (Magahin) to stay in jail as he is a menace to the
society.”
Magahin landed in jail
after he and a male companion robbed passengers of an FX taxi in
Quezon City in June 2003.
The former boxer won
the WBF belt by whipping Australian Jeff Malcolm on points in a title
fight at the Iloilo Sports Complex here on March 25, 1995.
Debacle
He lost it on points
to Suwito Lagola in Sumatra, Indonesia but regained it when the WBF
stripped Lagola of the title for failing to make a mandatory defense.
After repulsing on
points deaf-mute Hawaiian-Filipino challenger Erwin Villaver in 1996,
Magahin yielded the crown to Jaime Lerma of
Texas,
USA on a savage 11th round disposal witnessed at the ringside by then
Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in
Manila.
Commando recovered 2
firearms and 1 body count against NPA
By 2Lt. MALINCHE Y. TOMARONG (INF) PA
May 12, 2006
ORMOC CITY, Leyte –
Hot pursuit operations of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion, in
response to the recent terror acts by the Communist Terrorist (CT) NPA
against this unit in sitio Sandayong, Bgy. Hibuluangan, Villaba, Leyte
on May 6, 2006, resulted to a clash between operating troops from this
unit and a group of CTs in the vicinity of Sitio Pikas, Barangay
Donghol of Ormoc City.
Acting on information
from the people, LtC. Lope C. Dagoy PA, CO, 19IB immediately organized
a company size unit to conduct hot pursuit operation against the CTs
who were reported to be resting in an encampment in said place. And on
May 8, 2006, the Commando troopers led by 2Lt. Lago PA, as lead
platoon while on the way to the reported site, noticed an unusual
presence of a plastic water pipe leading to a small and vegetated
hill. Upon orders, the troops crawled towards the said hill and
thereupon they saw the presence of few CTs acting as sentries of what
was later known to be their elaborate dugged-in (tunnel) camp.
At about 10:10 a.m.,
the troops seized the area when the CTs managed to noticed their
presence. Firefight ensued that lasted for about forty five (45)
minutes when the CTs numbering about 30 eventually abandoned their
camp leaving behind one (1) dead CT carrying with them their wounded
comrades.
Recovered from the
said encampment were as follows: two (2) 5.56mm M16 rifle, two (2)
improvised mines, one (1) improvised home made anti-personnel mine (PUGAS),
one hundred (100) mtrs. electrical wires, one (1) communist flag (2X2
mtrs), one (1) communist flag (2X1 mtrs), twenty (20) rounds live ammo
for 5.56mm M16 rifle, one (1) jungle pack, one (1) 15 kilos
undetermined NPK & Ammonium nitrate mixture, two (2) pcs kerosene
stove, one (1) pc canteen water, one (1) roll electrical wire, other
personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents of high
intelligence value.
This CT group where
believed to be part of the group that waylaid our troops in Brgy
Hibuluangan, Villaba who was led by alias Maning and alias Bagang/Karpo.
The barbaric act of burning our vehicle and our trooper, the late Cpl
Felipe Ramirez did not in any way demoralize the Commando Troopers,
instead it further inspired the troops with zeal and devotion to run
after all the CTs in our area of operation. The participation of the
people through giving of relevant information complements our effort
and once again proved to be very effective and successful.
LtC. Dagoy, urges the
people to continue reporting the presence of the CTs in their
communities and all their terroristic actions in the barangays and in
the urban areas in order to effectively neutralize this menace in our
society for our people to enjoy the peace and the prospect for
economic growth and development that they truly deserved.
Again to those whose
relatives are still active communist terrorist CPP/NPA members
convince them to surrender and return to the folds of the law before
it is too late.
Malaysian government brings in
donations to St. Bernard victims
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA-8)
May 11, 2006
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte
– Malaysian Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Wan Jaafar Wan Muhamud led
the twenty-five members of the Malaysian delegation who arrived in
Tacloban on Monday (May 8) to bring in the humanitarian donations of the
Malaysian government to the victims of the Guinsaugon tragedy at St.
Bernard, Southern Leyte.
The delegation came in
aboard the Malaysian Royal Air Force C-130 plane carrying about 8-tons
of food donations like Milo, milk, biscuits, noodles and other items
like bath soaps, cooking pots and pans and sanitary napkins among
others. These will be distributed to the identified victims through
the local social welfare and development office.
In his message, Charge
d’ Affaires Wan Muhamud said that the donations are expressions of
strong brotherhood and ASEAN spirit through good and difficult times.
The Malaysian government, he stressed, is more than happy to shoulder
any assistance needed and to help out in any way it can as what the
Malaysian Prime Minister always emphasizes his “Prosper thy neighbor”
policy.
He noted how warm and
cordial the relations between
Malaysia
and the Philippines are, and so the people of Malaysia share the
sorrow that the tragedy caused the people of St. Bernard.
In her response,
Governor Lerias thanked the Malaysian government and the other donors
and people who helped the tragedy stricken people of
Southern Leyte. She said that the mode of distribution has been laid
out by the DSWD and the donor will be updated on the donations. As
always, he said that the government of
Southern Leyte will keep its policy of transparency.
The delegation was
welcomed at the VIP lounge by Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Lerias,
Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Victor Domingo, Mayor Maria
Lim of St. Bernard, Mayor Boy Mortera of San Juan, Undersecretary
Zenia Yangco of the Department of Social Welfare and Development,
Director Eliseo dela Paz of PNP 8, BGen Randy Dauz of the AFP, DSWD 8
Director Letecia Corillo, DOLE 8 Director Forter Pugoon, OCD 8
Director Adriano Fuego, DFA 8 Director Ed Venturanza, the
representatives of DepEd and PIA’s Olive Tiu who moderated the Press
Conference after the official turnover.
The delegation left
for Malaysia at 8:00 o’clock in the evening after a dinner at Hotel
Alejandro hosted by Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Lerias.
Greenpeace report
reveals the impact of toxic chemicals on reproductive health
Press Release
By Greenpeace Southeast
Asia
May 9, 2006
MANILA, Philippines
– Falling sperm counts, rising infertility, and genital abnormalities
in babies could all result from exposure to hazardous man-made
chemicals used in perfumes, carpets, electronics, clothing, and a host
of other consumer goods, a new Greenpeace report reveals.
Fragile: Our reproductive health and chemical exposure
reviews collated evidence from peer-reviewed scientific studies
undertaken in the past several years and establishes the link between
the decline in human reproductive health and our exposure to hazardous
chemicals. Together, the studies show for the first time a
comprehensive picture of an increase in reproductive health disorders,
mirroring the rising presence in our lives of man-made chemicals.
“The link between
exposure to man-made chemicals and reproductive disorders in humans,
as indicated by a growing body of scientific evidence cited in the
report, is extremely disturbing, especially if you take into account
that many man-made chemicals, often with hazardous properties, are
produced and used human beings every day around the world.” said
Greenpeace Southeast Asia Toxics Campaigner Beau Baconguis.
Around 100,000
different man-made chemicals are produced every year, tens of
thousands of which did not exist until a few decades ago. Some of
these are hazardous and can be found in ordinary, everyday products
ranging from perfumes to carpets, and even electronic products such as
computers and mobile phones, which, during production and when
recycled or disposed of as electronic waste, release toxic chemicals
and heavy metals into the surrounding environment.
Among the reproductive
disorders cited in the report are: falling sperm counts by an
estimated 50% in 50 years, an 8% rise in infertility among couples in
industrialised countries since the 1960s, the significant increase in
cases of testicular cancer, a dramatic change in the male-female birth
ratio, and an increasing incidence of birth defects in the
reproductive systems of infant males.
Many of the disorders
which have been increasing in incidence are thought to originate in
the developing stages of the child's life in the womb or shortly after
birth. At the same time, tests have shown that exposure to some
commonly used chemicals which may affect fertility takes effect almost
from the moment a child is conceived. Among the chemicals concerned
are alkylphenols, phthalates, brominated flame retardants, organotin
compounds, bisphenol-A and artificial musks. However, these chemicals,
used as examples in this report, represent only a fraction of the
problem. Most chemicals on the market have never been tested for their
safety for human health or the environment, yet many are routinely
used in products found on supermarket shelves and in our bathroom
cabinets.
“Greenpeace is calling
for any chemical that can potentially harm humans in this way to be
removed from use wherever a safer alternative is available," said Dr
David Santillo of Greenpeace International's Science Unit, one of the
report's authors.
“There can be no
justification for allowing the continued use of hazardous chemicals
that can be passed to developing children and that may harm sexual
development,” said Baconguis, “The future ability of mankind to
reproduce may be at stake.”
Greenpeace is an
independent, campaigning organization which uses non-violent, creative
confrontation to expose global environment problems, and to force the
solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future.
In Basey, Samar:
New developed 60-ft. Balantak Falls
lures tourists
BASEY, Samar
– The estimated 60 feet in height, three-tired Balantak
waterfalls in this second-class town has been drawing local crowds –
excursionists and tourists, it was learned on Friday.
This even after the
completion of the first phase development of the waterfalls, which was
initially inaugurated recently with no less than Samar Governor
Milagrosa T. Tan as the guest of honor.
Aside from Tan,
Vice-Governor Jesus B. Redaja, some SP members, LGU-Basey officials
and employees were among those who first enjoyed the new facilities
offered in this cold picnic area.
Mayor Vicente Labuac
said some infrastructure developments in the area include the
construction of man-made swimming pools, kiosks, rooms and function
hall.
The project, the chief
executive said, is reportedly worth P1.1 million and will soon be
manage under the Community-based Resource Management Project (CBRMP).
As this developed, a
signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the LGU-Basey and
the CBRMP is now reportedly being work out by both parties.
As of this writing, a
P10 is being collected as entrance fees, renting of cottage are at
P100 each while a family rooms (for those who will stay overnight)
cost P300. These rates, however, is not yet final pending of the
signing of the MOA.
With this new tourism
hub in this town, environmentalists and picnickers has been drawing
for this place.
“Tourism continue patronizing Basey”
Meanwhile, other
tourist destinations here continuously attract domestic and foreign
tourists. These spots include the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park
in the heart of the 841-hectare protected area (PA) located in the
towns golden river, is composed of caves, rock shelters, flowing
rivers, plunging waterfalls and rich flora and fauna.
This bridge, which
earned the monicker “Bridge built by God” is Basey’s pride and
heritage and among the most visited attractions of Region 8.
Aside from those
tourist spots, the town also offers the
Panhulugan
Cave; the largest among the three caves in the area and sheltered by
rugged limestone cliffs.
Here, a world of dark
chambers and tunnels with extensive stalagmite and stalactite
formations waiting to be explored.
Two other caves –
Sohoton and Bugasan, smaller than the first but equally enthralling,
offer the visitors a perfect view of the famous stone bridge from
where the park got its name “sohot”, which means to pass through is a
fitting name for this natural wonder. A perfectly structured bridge
connecting two mountains that allows the stream below to flow through.
Other sites worth
exploring near the natural park are the magnificent Rawis and Saob
Caves and the newly developed Balantak falls.
The town of Basey is
also famous for its mat-weaving industry, which has produced the
world’s longest mat, the 16th century old baroque-styled church,
Banigan-Kawayan festival (every September) historic Guintolian tower,
and the hospitability of the Basaynons.
First District of
Leyte goes Skimboarding
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA-8)
May 7, 2006
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte
– Yes, you read it right! The First District of Leyte under the
leadership of Congresswoman Remedios L. Petilla goes skimboarding in
Tanauan, right where skimboarding in the Philippines started.
Inspired by the
success of the recently-concluded Second National Skimboarding
Competition, Congresswoman Petilla, who has always been known for her
pioneering, innovative and artistic programs, is now bent on making
the first district of Leyte, the Skimboarding Capital of the
Philippines.
To start with,
Congresswoman Petilla was able to encourage the mayors in the first
district to participate in the Skimboarding Competition for the
District. But before this, the undefatigueable Lady Solon has
appointed Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu to conduct skimboarding clinics
along the Tanauan Shorelines.
Mayor Tiu who doubts
whether he himself could conduct the clinics, has requested the
skimboarding champions in Tanauan to do the clinic themselves. So now,
the participants will feel confident that they are in good hands,
under the tutelage of competent skimboarding enthusiasts.
For a start,
Congresswoman Petilla ordered skimboards which will be used during the
Skimboarding Clinics. The municipalities of Tolosa, Palo, Alang Alang,
San Miguel, Sta. Fe, Babatngon will each send in 20 participants to
the clinics which is tentatively scheduled to start on May 20.
Congresswoman Petilla
said that the participants may be male or female falling under the age
range of 7 to 25. Those who are interested to join the skimboarding
clinics, she said, may contact their respective mayors.
Congresswoman Petilla
added that the Skimboarding Clinic is just the prelude to the
Skimboarding Competition which will take place after the clinics.
Knowing that the Leyteños are sea-loving people, she believes that
this activity will get the enthusiastic support of the young people.
This activity, she said will make the summer vacation of the young
Leyteños more enjoyable and memorable.
Since Governor Icot
Petilla is a well-known water sports enthusiast, Congresswoman Petilla
is optimistic that he will support the undertaking one hundred
percent.
Earlier, Mayor Roque
Tiu revealed that Philippine skimboarding will go international next
year after the success of the recently-held Second National
Skimboarding Competition in the Tanauan shorelines. The Skim Asia
based in Singapore and the Philippine Skimboarding Federation which
sanctioned it, agreed to help promote skimboarding in the Philippines
by inviting competitors from all over the world to join the First
Skimboarding Competition in the Philippines right in Tanauan, Leyte
where skimboarding in the Philippines originated.
