Ferrer takes oath as new GPH panel chair

From the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP) (Dec 7): Ferrer takes oath as new GPH panel chair



Senior government panel member Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer of the University of the Philippines today took oath as the new chair of the negotiating panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“President Aquino has appointed panel member Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer as the new government peace panel chair," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said in a statement. "Professor Ferrer’s appointment signifies continuity and harmony in the peace talks, which is crucial towards the completion of the comprehensive agreement this December.” “Her appointment as panel chair is well-deserved given her competence and credentials as a peace negotiator,” Deles stressed. "She has been with the Panel since 2010 and serves as adviser of the technical working groups on power-sharing and normalization."

Ferrer is a "staunch advocate of human rights and an expert in conflict resolution and justice. She served as the director of the Programme on Peace, Democratization and Human Rights and also the deputy director and subsequently, the director of the UP Third World Studies Center at the University of the Philippines.”Ferrer takes over the panel chairmanship from Dean Marvic Leonen who was recently named Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by President Benigno Aquino III. She was involved in the global campaign to ban landmines, which won the Nobel Peace Prize. She co-founded the Philippine campaign in 1995 and joined international fact-finding missions investigating violence in Cambodia and human rights violations in East Timor and Nepal.

As peace negotiations move towards the homestretch, Deles reiterated the government’s commitment “to finish the comprehensive agreement with the MILF before the year ends in our endeavor to achieve just and lasting peace in Mindanao that will benefit all Filipinos.” Both parties are scheduled to meet soon to resume discussions on the annexes on power sharing, wealth sharing and normalization that will make up the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/ferrer-takes-oath-new-gph-panel-chair

Rights worker cries harassment

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 9): Rights worker cries harassment

A leader of the human rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon on Friday called on the military in the province to stop its “continuous psychological harassment” against him and instead charge him in court if he has committed any crime. Teodorico Escanilla, Karapatan spokesperson in Sorsogon, said one case of harassment involved soldiers aboard a military truck stopping in front of his house in Barcelona town and asking his neighbors if he lived there, showing his picture to the people.

Escanilla, who also has a radio program that tackles human rights issues and concerns of the poor, said the soldiers knew him and where his house was but brandished his picture to neighbors as if he was a wanted man. He said he knew he has been branded by the military as a member of the New People’s Army but he insisted he “never took up arms.” “They can file a complaint regarding my activities as a human rights worker, if there is any, before a court,” Escanilla said.

He pointed to the 31st Infantry Battalion (IB) as responsible for the harassment. Lt. Col. Teody Toribio, head of the 31st IB, denied the accusation, however. But Toribio admitted he had heard about reports linking Escanilla to rebel activities. Toribio said he was willing to discuss human rights issues with Escanilla.

 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/321067/rights-worker-cries-harassment

Panels may not complete peace deal by yearend

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 9): Panels may not complete peace deal by yearend

A comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front may not be completed before the year ends due to contentious issues in the annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), according to MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal. “I don’t think we would be able to finish this year,” Iqbal told the Inquirer by phone on Saturday. “It’s quite difficult because there are many contentious issues.”  He said only the annex on power-sharing was likely to be completed by the government and MILF peace panels when the two meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this week for another round of talks.

Iqbal’s disclosure comes on the heels of the appointment of University of the Philippines Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer as the new chief government negotiator. Her predecessor, Marvic Leonen, was appointed last month an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Iqbal said he had already congratulated Ferrer on her appointment and had discussed some matters with her.

Soon after the FAB was signed in Malacañang last October, the two panels expressed optimism that they would be able to work out an agreement on wealth-sharing, power-sharing and normalization. He said that the two panels were still discussing the annexes on wealth sharing and normalization. “When you talk about money or wealth, many people show selfish traits,” Iqbal commented.  He added that also being discussed was the annex on modalities and arrangements, which had not been previously mentioned by the panels and the media but was actually part and parcel of the FAB. Iqbal said that the modalities and arrangements annex was another “roadmap” in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement.

In a separate phone interview, Ferrer said the annex included the mechanics, structures and generally the “whole process” of the peace agreement. “For example, what do we refer to when we say ‘third party monitoring team?’” she said.

Asked if the MILF was not happy about the progress of the talks, Iqbal replied: “It’s not that we are not happy. In a negotiation, you always start with a position. This is a negotiation so you discuss, you talk.”  The Inquirer also asked Iqbal if the tough negotiations on wealth-sharing, normalization and modalities and arrangements annexes would be the challenges that Ferrer faced as the new chief government negotiator. Iqbal answered, “Yes.”

For her part, Ferrer said the points presented challenges to both her and Iqbal. She also said that while there were issues that need to be discussed on the three annexes, Ferrer remained hopeful that the goal of completing the comprehensive peace agreement this year would be met. The FAB notes that both parties were committed to completing a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year. "Flexibility has always been a part of the process,” Ferrer said when asked about a possible delay in the completion of the annexes. “But we still try to set this goal of completing them this year.” Ferrer said that both panels “want to accomplish as much as we can despite having so many elements to work with.” What is important, she said, was that “everything has been mutually agreed upon.” Ferrer also noted that the technical working group on the normalization annex had met only once. Moreover, no technical working group had been formed for the modalities and arrangements annex. It was too late to have a technical working group for the modalities and arrangements annex, Ferrer said, but the panels were trying to find a way to work on the annex “simultaneously” with the other annexes.

 

 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/321057/panels-may-not-complete-peace-deal-by-yearend

Lakbayan ng TImog Katagalugan (Southern Tagalog Caravan) on its 4th day: Marching past San Pedro and Alabang on their way to Mendiola

Posted to the Arkibong Bayan (People's Archive) (Dec 6): Lakbayan ng TImog Katagalugan (Southern Tagalog Caravan) on its 4th day: Marching past San Pedro and Alabang on their way to Mendiola

[Photo essay documenting the fourth day of the "Lakbayan ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatan at Laban sa Pasisimo at Imperialistang Panderambong ng Rehimen US-Aquino II." ("Caravan of People for Human Rights and Against Facism and Imperialist Piracy  of the US-Aquino II Regime"]










http://www.arkibongbayan.org/2012/2012-12Dec06-LakbayanDay4/lakbayan4.htm

Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan - NDF Celebrates its 34th Founding Anniversary

Posted to Arkibong Bayan (People's Archives) (Dec 6): Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan - NDF Celebrates its 34th Founding Anniversary

[Photo essay  posted to the People's Archive entitled "Nagsagawa ng isang lightning rali kamakailan ang Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan (MSP) sa Carriedo, Manila para sa ika 34 taong anibersaryo."  ("The Patriotic Health Organization (MSP) recently conducted a lightning rally in Carriedo, Manil for its 34th anniversary")

 







http://www.arkibongbayan.org/2012/2012-12Dec06-msp/msp.htm

Army waiting for ceasefire guidelines

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Dec 8): Army waiting for ceasefire guidelines

GOVERNMENT troops in Negros Occidental are waiting for the directive from higher headquarters regarding the Yuletide ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA). Colonel Oscar Lactao, commander of the 303rd Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Minoyan, Murcia, said that government troops are looking forward to the ceasefire, as this allows Filipinos to fully celebrate Christmas without fighting. He said the ceasefire will give chance for the soldiers and the NPA members to go home to their families and enjoy the Yuletide holidays. He stressed, though, that the Suspension of Military Operations needs the concurrence of both parties. “It depends on the status of talks,” he added. He said on the local level, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has already asked the NPA members for a ceasefire.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2012/12/08/army-waiting-ceasefire-guidelines-257325

MILF: MILF congratulates Ferrer as gov’t chief negotiator

From the MILF Website (Dec 8): MILF congratulates Ferrer as gov’t chief negotiator

 

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has congratulated Prof. Miriam Ferrer-Coronel for her designation as the new government chief peace negotiator, replacing former Dean of the UP College of Law and now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Marvic Leonen. Ferrer, now a professor at the University of the Philippines teaching political science, is one of the founders and former coordinators of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL). She was also the Co-Chair of the Non-State Actor Working Group of the global movement against landmines.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, personally made the congratulation in an interview with Luwaran early today. “She deserved it and is capable to handle the task, besides her being the vice chairwoman of the government peace panel right now,” he said. “I wished her luck and looked up for more strides in the talks under her stewardship,” he added.

Iqbal, who has been in the negotiation for 14 years and MILF chief negotiator for10 years, has faced all kinds of negotiator from the government ranging from military generals to a diplomat, an academe and full cabinet member, a lawyer, and now a woman. He almost had to face a priest but the MILF had requested the government to forego with the appointment, saying the priest was a very close friend and besides, the MILF does not want to put religious fervor in the conflict in Mindanao. Asked whether a woman counterpart in the negotiation is not an ideal situation, his answer was “not at all,” except, he added, that in Moro tradition and good practices, man is not supposed to argue with women. But he was quick to clarify that in negotiation, it is not about argumentation and debate but essentially discussion of issues and concerns and to agree or to disagree or look for a common way out.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2981:milf-congratulates-ferrer-as-govt-chief-negotiator&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

MILF lauds appointment of new peace panel chair

From ABS-CBN (Dec 8): MILF lauds appointment of new peace panel chair

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday lauded President Benigno Aquino III's appointment of Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer as the new chairperson and chief negotiator of the government peace panel. "Nagagalak kami at meron nang napili ang Pangulong Aquino para maging chief o head ng GPH negotiating peace panel. Napaka-importante po nito," MILF political affairs chief Ghadzali Jaafar said on ANC's "Dateline Philippines". He said the MILF is not particular with who replaces Marvic Leonen, the former chief of the government peace panel, as long as the new appointee is someone the President can trust. Jaafar said, "Ito ay prerogative, karapatan ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas na piliin 'yung taong pwede niyang pagkatiwalaan sa trabahong ito na napaka-importante." "Nakasalalay po diyan ang kinabukasan ng mga napakadaming tao in Mindanao at apektado din ang buong Pilipinas," he added.

Coronel-Ferrer, an adviser of the peace panel's technical working group, will be replacing Leonen, who was recently appointed by Aquino as associate justice to the Supreme Court. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles earlier said Coronel-Ferrer deserves the post given her competence and track record with the peace panel since 2010.

Framework agreement developments

After the signing of the framework agreement last October, Jaafar said the MILF has started educating the people on its provisions. He said it is very important that people really understand the said agreement since some still have apprehensions over the creation of the Bangsamoro government. "Halimbawa (iniisip ng iba) 'pag andiyan na 'yung Bangsamoro government, 'yung mga non-Muslims pipigilan ng Bangsamoro government mag-practice ng kanilang religion," Jaafar said. "Dapat maintindihan nila na in Islam, there is no coercion of religion. 'Di pwedeng pilitin mo 'yung tao na umalis sa kanyang religion. At kabilang 'yan sa provision ng framework agreement, 'yung right to worship," he added. He said also another misconception is that once the Bangsamoro government is established, Muslims would then take the lands of the Christians. Jaafar said, "Pinapaliwanag namin sa kanila na 'di mangyayari 'yun. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila hindi mga land robbers ang mga Bangsamoro." He said the MILF and the government peace panel will soon resume talks on the annexes of the framework agreement. "Hangga't hindi natatapos ito at hindi satisfied ang dalawang panig, we must continue this," he said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/12/08/12/milf-lauds-appointment-new-peace-panel-chair

2 soldiers slain in an NPA attack in Jaro

From the Leyte Samar Daily Express (Dec 8): 2 soldiers slain in an NPA attack in Jaro

Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded in an attack staged by the rebel group, the New People’s Army, in a mountaneous village of Jaro town in Leyte Thursday night. Killed during attack in Barangay Rubas were Private Firsts Class Ariel Cahanap and Jacob Bacolando. While the wounded soldiers were identified as Private Firsts Class Ron Van Bura-Ay; Russel Paderna and Gilbert Serdena. The wounded soldiers, hit at the different parts of their bodies, are now confined at the Ormoc Sugarcane Planters Association-Farmers’ Medical Center(OSPA-FMC) in Ormoc City for medical treatment.

Captain Drandreb Canto, spokesperson of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City, said that the 8 p.m. Thursday incident was staged by about 10 rebels. The soldiers, led by Lt. Gabriel Mira, were in Rubas, about 15 kms away from the town center, as part of their foot patrol mission and just arrived there on the day of the attack,Canto said. “But they were able to fight back against the enemies,” Canto said. The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes.

The attack staged by the rebels in Jaro was conducted almost simultaneously in Albuera town, also in Leyte, Canto said. According to Canto, rebels of the same strength engaged soldiers in Barangay Atipolo, about 10 kms away from Albuera last Thursday at around 9 p.m. While no one was hurt in the second incident, a civilian who happened to be in the area was wounded. The wounded civilian was identified as Edgar Borinaga, who was hit in the crossfire.

Despite these two attacks staged by the rebels, Canto maintained that insurgency problem in Leyte remains “insignificant.” “They now come into the open (and) engaged in attacking our soldiers because they now feels the heat of our insurgency campaign,” Canto said. Last 2011, Leyte was declared as an insurgency-free province which means that the number of the rebels operating in the province have diminished considerably and could no longer stage ambush incidents significantly. In a statement, Col. Rafael Valencia, commanding officer of the 802nd IB, condemned and described the attack as another “desperate act” on the part of the NPA.

He added however that the incident would not stop them from pursuing their mission of winning the peace for the people of Leyte. Last November 30 2012, one soldier was killed and two others were wounded when elements from the 78th Infantry Battalion were ambushed by about 10 NPAs in sitio Calingatnan, Brgy. San Pedro, Albuera town. They were on their way back to their headquarters from peace and development efforts.

http://leytesamardaily.net/2012/12/2-soldiers-slain-in-an-npa-attack-in-jaro/

Week-long activities set for remembering Human Rights Day in EV

Just posted to the Samar News (Dec 1): Week-long activities set for remembering Human Rights Day in EV

By KATUNGOD-SB
December 1, 2012

 

TACLOBAN CITY – Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas, an umbrella organization of rights defenders in the whole Eastern Visayas region has set an array of activities for the week before the commemoration of the 64th anniversary since the signing of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, anchored in raising the awareness of the people regarding human rights, and violations perpetrated by the supposed state ‘protectors’ turned violators.

 

“The Aquino administration which has offered itself an alternative to the Gloria regime, proves no difference but rather, a so far worse record on violations of human rights. Aquino and his lapdogs in the AFP are attempting to mask themselves as sincere rights protector through hiring pop stars, photo-ops, and the likes, while behind the media mileage they are spreading terror,” said Rev. Irma Balaba, Regional Coordinator of KATUNGOD.   It can be remembered that President Aquino while he was campaigning for Presidency and on the first day of his office, pledged swift delivery of justice to those victims of rights violations and the end of such. Similarly, on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary rites of the UDHR, President Aquino reiterated his ‘commitment’ on the issue. However, cases of extra-judicial killings, abductions, illegal arrests, and other forms of rights violations are still witnessed based on reports of KATUNGOD and even the New York-based rights group, Human Rights Watch.

 

In line with the commemoration, KATUNGOD, in partnership with the END IMPUNITY Alliance, a network of rights advocates in Tacloban City is to have the annual cultural camp dubbed “DESODE” at the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) Oblation grounds.  Peasants, workers, youth and students, faculty members, environmental activists, church people, media, and other sectors are to converge at the UPVTC Multi-Purpose Building (MPB) on December 04, for the opening of the week-long activities which includes a free-for-all nightly film showing of rights-related movies at the MPB, a Photo Exhibit of the glaring cases of extra-judicial killings in the region, also to last for the whole week, and a rummage sale which is aimed in raising funds for the assistance of the families left by those killed extra-judicially. “As we call for the end of human rights violations, we likewise demand justice for those victims, and put the perpetrators of such violations behind jail. Because right now, the butcher Palparan who terrorized the region in 2005 is still enjoying freedom right under the police’s nose,” said Dean Lacandazo, Lead Convenor of END IMPUNITY Alliance.

 

http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/dec/c365.htm

Former NPA regulars, Militia and BOP members, receive livelihood cash assistance through LSIP of Northern Samar

Just posted to the Samar News (Dec 1): Former NPA regulars, Militia and BOP members, receive livelihood cash assistance through LSIP of Northern Samar



A check amounting to P50,000.00 was received by the defunct BOP of Barangay Santander, Bobon, Northern Samar on 28 November 2012

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
December 1, 2012

 

BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – A total of twenty three (23) former NPA regulars, militias and members of Batakang Organisasyon han Partido (BOP), a CPP/NPA mass organization in the barangays, have received livelihood financial cash assistance through the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) of Northern Samar and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) in a simple ceremony at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) at around 9:00 o’clock in the morning of November 28, 2012.

 

The giving of said financial assistance came after the conduct of a three (3) day social preparation cum livelihood workshop on reintegration and rehabilitation conducted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Northern Samar. The said seminar workshop is aimed to prepare the former NPA regulars, Militia and BOP members as they will be reintegrated into the mainstream of our society to start anew, normal and decent lives along with their families. The 3-day workshop was attended/participated by Director Carmen Mejia of Northern Samar PSWDO; Fr. Fred Placa, Pastoral Director, Diocese of Catarman; Ms. Maricel Bantilo, representative from OPAPP; PSSupt Isias Tonog, PD, NSPPO; other top ranking military; and friends from the media. The said seminar workshop includes subjects on: Financial and Home management; Understanding and overcoming obstacles in starting a business; Getting to Know you; Choosing the Right Livelihood Project; Marketing Strategies; Financial Recording; and Spiritual Enlightenment and Recollection.

 

A total of three hundred fifty five thousand pesos (P355,000.00) as livelihood and cash assistance were given to the beneficiaries. Six (6) former NPA regulars received P40,000.00 each; One (1) unit militia received an amount of P10,000.00 as cash assistance; four (4) BOP leaders received P5,000.00 each; seven (7) facilitators or those who worked out and negotiated for the surrender of NPA regulars also received P5,000.00 each; and the eighteen (18) members of the defunct BOP received a livelihood cash assistance amounting to P50,000.00.

 

The former NPA regulars, militia and BOP members came out and voluntarily surfaced after the series of Bayanihan Team activities conducted by the troops of 20IB in the province. According to LTC Noel Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer: “These former NPA regulars, militia and BOP members, after knowing the programs of the government that would indeed help them in starting a new life, have realized the futility of their continued resistance and support to the terrorist group. With the continued implementation of all the programs and Bayanihan team activities, with the continued support of all our Internal Peace and Security stakeholders in the province, more of them will come out knowing that there is a big opportunity for them to once again live a normal and peaceful life.”

 

Vestuir also calls for the other NPA regulars, militia and members of CPP/NPA allied organizations to come out and rejoin their former comrades in our society. “As Christmas season is now fast approaching, we call on our brothers in the underground organization to come out, we are here to help you, like what we did to the others, they are now enjoying peaceful lives, free of fear and worries along with their families.” Vestuir concluded.

 

http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/dec/c366.htm

Police arrest high ranking Negros rebel

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 8): Police arrest high ranking Negros rebel

Police intelligence operatives yesterday arrested a suspected member of the regional committee of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros in Brgy. Poblacion, Bago City, Negros Occidental. Apprehended by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Cadiz Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Muñez for the crime of murder was Aniceta Rojo, “alias Che”, of Brgy. Suma-g, Bacolod City. Rojo was listed in the police order of battle as an alleged member of the KR-Negros regional finance and education committees. Her arrest by members of the PNP Regional Intelligence Unit 6 and Bago policemen came more than a month after Sarah Alvarez, “alias Ka Olsen”, was also apprehended in Cadiz City, for a murder charge.

Supt. William Senoron, RIU 6 chief, yesterday said the arrest warrant issued on Rojo stemmed from the death of Army 1Lt. Archie Polenzo, a company commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, in Cadiz City, two years ago. Rojo, who was also linked to robbery-in-band and arson charges, in connection with the raid of a fishpond in Cadiz City, and the burning of sugar transloading stations in Toboso, has been denied bail by Muñez. A similar murder charge was also filed against Alvarez, police records show.

Karapatan-Negros and its allied organizations, meanwhile, slammed the military and police for what they call fabricated charges, filed against innocent leaders and members of cause-oriented groups, through the Inter-Agency Legal Action Group. Rojo was turned over by her police captors to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Cadiz City yesterday.

The arrest of Rojo brought to 21 the number of alleged high profile CPP-NPA personalities arrested in Negros Occidental since 2007. However, 16 of them, who managed to post bail and were released from jail, have gone back to the mountains to continue the armed struggle, military records also show. Chief Supt. Charles Calima, PNP Intelligence Group, yesterday commended his intelligence operatives for a job well done.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/08/topstory6.htm

'Pablo' to make 4th landfall over Ilocos Norte, 14 areas under storm signal

From InterAksyon (Dec 8): 'Pablo' to make 4th landfall over Ilocos Norte, 14 areas under storm signal



Typhoon Pablo's track based on Pagasa's projection

Typhoon ‘Pablo’ will make its fourth landfall on Sunday, the first storm to do so this year, based on data from the state weather bureau. In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that ‘Pablo’ was last spotted 230 km west of Sinait in Ilocos Sur and is now headed towards land. Earlier, Pagasa models and those from a majority of weather bureaus around the world projected that ‘Pablo’ will not hit land and instead graze western Luzon before heading out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday. But the latest bulletin showed that ‘Pablo’ has sped up to 17 kph from 7 kph and might make landfall over Ilocos Norte at 8 am on Sunday.

 

Pablo could cause major damage to the province as it packed maximum sustained winds reaching 130 kph and gustiness of up to 160 kph. This is relatively weaker, though, compared to when the typhoon ravaged Davao Oriental on Tuesday with howling winds that reached 175 kph. After Davao Oriental in Mindanao, 'Pablo' extended its track of devastation over Siquijor in Visayas and Northern Palawan, where it too made landfall.  With its strength and position, 14 areas in Luzon have a storm signal warning:

 

Public Storm Warning Signal #2:

(Winds of 61-100 kph expected within the next 24 hours)

Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union

 

Public Storm Warning Signal #1:

(Winds of 45-60kph expected within the next 36 hours)

Luzon: Cagayan, Calayan Group of Islands, Babuyan Group of Islands, Batanes Grp of Islands, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt Province, Benguet, Pangasinan and Zambales

.......

 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/49951/pablo-to-make-4th-landfall-over-ilocos-norte-14-areas-under-storm-signal

Storm Signal No. 2 raised over Ilocos region as 'Pablo' threatens to make a fifth landfall

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): Storm Signal No. 2 raised over Ilocos region as 'Pablo' threatens to make a fifth landfall
Typhoon "Pablo" has threatened to make a fifth landfall in the Ilocos Region after hitting most parts of Mindanao and Visayas that left hundreds of people dead and missing. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Meno Mendoza said that as of 4 p.m. Saturday, the eye of typhoon "Pablo (International code name Bopha) was located at 230 km West of Sinait, Ilocos Sur (17.5°N,118.3°E) with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

At least three provinces in Ilocos region were placed under public storm warning signal no.2 as "Pablo" maintained its strength. Mendoza said that PAGASA hoisted Storm Signal No. 2 (61-100 kph winds) over the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and La Union. Storm signal no. 1 (30-60 kph winds) was hoisted over Cagayan, Calayan group of Islands, Babuyan group of Islands, Batanes group, of Islands, Abra,Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Benguet, Pangasinan and Zambales. Mendoza said that Pablo was expected to make a landfall in areas of Ilocos Norte on Sunday morning.....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=478347

Update: 4 provinces under signal No. 1 as typhoon 'Pablo' moves closer to Northern, Central Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): Update: 4 provinces under signal No. 1 as typhoon 'Pablo' moves closer to Northern, Central Luzon

At least four provinces -- three in the Ilocos Region and one in Central Luzon -- were placed under public storm warning signal No. 1 on Saturday as typhoon "Pablo" maintained its strength and moved closer to the western section of Northern and Central Luzon, the state weather bureau said. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Forecaster Ricky Fabregas said that as of Saturday noon, the eye of typhoon "Pablo" was located at 300 kilometers northwest of Dagupan City (17.3N, 117.5E) with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. Fabregas said they continue to monitor the movement of "Pablo" which might have a chance to make landfall again.

Fabregas said Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan and Zambales are under public storm signal No. 1 (winds of 30-60 kph expected within the next 36 hours). The weather agency advised the residents living in low- lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal 1 to be on alert against possible flashfloods and landslides. PAGASA expects 15 to 25 millimeters per hour of rainfall, classified as "heavy to intense," within the 400-km diameter of the typhoon.

PAGASA also advised owners of fishing boats and other small seacraft not to venture out into the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon. "Pablo" is forecast to move northeast at 7 kph and with its slow movement, it is expected to be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday, headed toward Vietnam, Fabregas said. Weathermen also said that typhoon "Pablo" is expected to be at 200 km northwest of Dagupan City by Sunday morning; 180 km west of Iba, Zambales by Monday morning; and 500 km west of Ambulong, Batangas City by Tuesday morning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=478294

Op/Ed: Blow to human rights

Editorial from the left of center and nationalist Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 7): Blow to human rights

President Aquino sent mixed signals to victims of human rights violations in promoting Army colonel Eduardo Año to brigadier general and appointing him head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp). Año, along with 45 other military officials, is facing charges in connection with the 2007 abduction of activist Jonas Burgos. The case is still undergoing preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice after more than a year, and Burgos remains missing.

Especially for Edita Burgos, mother of Jonas and widow of the late free press champion Jose Burgos Jr., the promotion and appointment of Año are a double blow that aggravates the bad treatment she has been getting from an administration that came to power on the promise of transparency and promotion of human rights. When Mr. Aquino became President in 2010, Edita Burgos hoped that the government would at least compel the military to come clean on her son’s fate given the overwhelming evidence that the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion was involved in his disappearance. But she seems to have waited in vain.

In June 2011, frustrated but still carrying on her lonely cause, she filed criminal charges of arbitrary detention and possibly murder against the soldiers and officers suspected of involvement in her son’s abduction and those who allegedly covered up the crime. Aside from Año, head of the Army’s intelligence service at that time, the other respondents are Maj. Harry Baliaga Jr., identified by witnesses as among those who abducted Jonas; Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano, former commander of the 56th Infantry Battalion; and several John and Jane Does.

The latest development appears to be another blow to Edita Burgos’ crusade, and also casts doubt on the sincerity of Mr. Aquino to strengthen the human rights plank of his administration. Especially since the DOJ has yet to complete the preliminary investigation of a case that took years to be filed, the charges brought against the military brass belie the human rights rhetoric of the President and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (incidentally the immediate former chair of the Commission on Human Rights).

The administration’s human rights record has been quite mixed, even embarrassing. It’s sad that Año’s promotion should be announced quite close to the third anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, and when it has been revealed that the President’s Liberal Party may be drafting as local candidates in 2013 some members of the Ampatuan clan that is suspected to be behind the massacre.

In addition, Año’s appointment as Isafp chief comes at a time when the Nobel Peace Prize is set to be announced and an unprecedented number of Nobel Laureates—134—have signed a petition calling on the incoming Chinese leadership to release dissident and 2010 Nobel Peace winner Liu Xiaobo. It’s not too late to remember that the Philippines went along with the Chinese boycott of the awarding ceremony in Oslo in early 2011, refusing to send even a low-level consul to represent the country. The gesture severely tainted the Philippines’ international reputation as a promoter of human rights.

With the poor handling of sensitive human rights issues, the administration goes into the new year with squandered opportunities in checking state terror and protecting civil rights. “I fear that the message relayed by [Año’s] promotion is a justification and a signal for human rights violators to continue their abuses,” Edita Burgos said. It does not help that government and military spokespersons have generally labelled criticism of Año’s appointment as leftist rant. “With Malacañang’s tough branding of human rights violations as leftist propaganda, are the authorities now saying that I will never see my son again?” the mother said.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/42321/blow-to-human-rights

Army sets up operations center for Pablo survivors

From the Sun Star-Davao (Dec 7): Army sets up operations center for Pablo survivors

The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has established a Disaster Response Task Group Operations Center at Camp Panacan in Davao City to facilitate centralized and coordinated delivery of assistance to calamity stricken areas. The 10th Infantry Division (ID) is set to conduct relief caravan to flood victims in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces after their meeting on Saturday with volunteer organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.

On Thursday, the Civil Relations Group of the 10th ID, led by Lt. Col. Leopoldo Galon, distributed food items and relief goods to thousands of typhoon victims. Galon said they also help in transporting flood victims from New Bataan town to safer areas in nearby towns in Compostela Valley. Galon said that the AFP-MBAI has donated P1 million for the purchase of relief goods to be distributed to typhoon Pablo survivors.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC), in a text message, said the arrival of Malaysian Humanitarian Assistance Mission where a ceremonial handover of relief goods would take place, around 7 p.m., on Friday. The EMC said that under the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, the National Focal Point of Malaysia, through the Asean Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance, offered food and non-food items to flood survivors. The good would be transported by the Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130, which would come from Subang Air Base. It is expected to arrive in Davao Airport around 7 p.m., Friday, the EMC said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/12/07/army-sets-operations-center-pablo-survivors-257258

US forces asked to help search for missing `Pablo’ victims

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 8): US forces asked to help search for missing `Pablo’ victims

US forces operating in the country under the Joint US Military Advisory Group (Jusmag) along with six, or about half of the Philippine Air Force’s helicopter inventory, have been tapped to speed up the search for hundreds of people still missing in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental in the wake of Typhoon Pablo. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the President also ordered the deployment of more K-9 teams of sniffer dogs to the disaster areas and to ensure the speedy delivery of relief goods to the survivors.

The repositioning of forces for the search and retrieval operations was ordered after Mr. Aquino admitted he was disappointed that nobody could tell him if someone had contacted communities isolated from the main towns. The national disaster response office said it has recorded 383 missing persons, 439 dead and 445 injured in the two affected provinces.

The President has designated Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. George Segovia overall coordinator of the operations. Segovia’s team was asked to submit a periodic report or mission progress report. “I want to see the movement towards completing the search-and-rescue operations,” Mr. Aquino said during a briefing for reporters in Davao City after he visited the disaster areas on Thursday.....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/320909/us-forces-asked-to-help-search-for-missing-pablo-victims

Dedicated lady soldier

From the Sun Star-Davao (Dec 7): Dedicated lady soldier

WITH her strong character, competence and dedication to her work as a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Major Rosa Ma. Cristina Rosete Manuel, executive officer of the Army's 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation Battalion (CMOBN), proved that women can also serve and protect the nation. Manuel's courage to build excellence for the welfare of the nation sent her to the military forces for more than 12 years now, which leaves a mark to her colleagues and to people she had serve. Indeed, she is no ordinary woman. "It is always my dream to become a soldier ever since I was child. I was inspired by a relative (Retired Major Douglas Rosete) who always appeared on the news whether television, radio, or print. It's not that I wanted also to appear on the tri-media, but I wanted to follow his footsteps, to serve our country and protect the people. And thanked God because my dream turned into a reality," Manuel said.

Manuel holds a Master in Public Management from Samar State University where she finished the course in 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from University of Immaculate Conception and graduated in 1992. Manuel is described as a hardworking and resilient woman. Her military experiences are honed by the positions held both on the administrative aspect and tactical level. Manuel was the first female line officer who was assigned to 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Visayas in 2001.  She completed her staff duty at the battalion level where she was assigned and designated as a staff officer handling multifarious positions such as adjutant S1 or Human Resource (HR) officer, Battalion S7 or CMO Officer, S4/RSO or Logistics Officer, DO/SDO or Finance Officer and Battery Commander of the Headquarters Service Battery of the 8th Field Artillery Battalion. The need for staff officers at the division headquarters provided her an opportunity to improve her capabilities when she was assigned at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1, 8ID, PA to handle important duties.

Manuel was also designated as a Chief of the Strength and Management Section, Information System Officer, Admin Officer and eventually designated as Acting Adjutant and Acting Deputy for having performed and handled well the duties and functions. Significant to her assignment with the office of G1 were her efforts in improving the system and database management of the said office and as Procurement Officer for the Candidate Soldiers (CS), she was assigned for the establishment of the procedure in Screening and Acceptance of Candidate Soldier applicants by conceptualizing system, which was accepted by the 8th Infantry Division CS Screening Board.

Manuel was reassigned back to the field sometime in 2004 and commanded a tactical unit. She also became a Battery Commander directly supporting an Infantry Brigade. And due to the massive clearing operation in Samar, Manuel was molded as seasoned Female Line Officer, where her managerial insights aside from her leadership qualities were seen of great importance giving her additional responsibilities. She also commanded the Provisional Special Operations (Kamurayaw or Peace) Company serving three 8th Infantry Division Commanding Generals as incumbent Battery Commander.

Manuel was also given the opportunity to be exposed with the works and functions of the 8th Civil Affairs Unit wherein she was designated as the officer-in-charge of the same unit in the absence of their commanding officer, who was on schooling at that time. Such designation was over and above her primary duties with the Artillery Battery and SOT Company. Moreover, she was instructed to handle the two regular training on Community Development for Operators and Trainers. She supervised the simultaneous immersions and practical exercise of the students that were augmented to her Company that resulted not only an improvement on the economic status of the communities but also multiple encounters with recoveries, the mass surrender of members and supporters of the underground mass organizations with and without firearms.

Manuel was assigned at the Office of the Asst Chief of Staff for Operations of the 8th Infantry Division wherein she was designated as Chief of the SOT Branch, Budget Officer for the SOT Operations and Admin Officer sometime in 2006–2007. After her Advance Field Artillery Career Course, Manuel was transferred to 10th Infantry Division in 2007 and was given the task to operationalize the 10th Division Public Affairs Office, which at was not yet functioning.

Imbued with the right attitude towards work and guidance from her immediate superiors, Manuel then, who is a Lieutenant, started from scratch. She procured the needed equipment and materials, researched media contacts, and coordinated with other Infantry Divisions on the concept of operation for Division’s Public Affairs Office and eventual personal coordination with the various media outfits and personalities. She was designated Officer-in-Charge of 10th Infantry Division’s PAO in the absence of a field grade officer but during her stint, she primarily functioned as the assistant chief or deputy of PAO. Likewise, considering that the DPAO was collocated with the OG7, she also assisted the said office on some administrative matters due to limited number of personnel. Manuel made the press releases, appeared on TV and radio interviews as she was responsible in the preparation, coordination and implementation of the various media engagements.

Manuel also held special duties as member/secretary of the Candidate Soldier Screening Board and Secretary/Recorder of the Housing and Camp Rules and Regulations Board during her stint at the 8th Infantry Division. On the other hand, during her stint with the 10th Infantry Division, Manuel was responsible for the command publications as member of the Editorial Staff of the Agila Journal and Newsletter. Aside from being the layout artist, Manuel is also the Managing Editor and conceptualizes the actual design output. She also writes articles for the publications. Such skill was guided by her being a Computer Engineer by profession and as a former Computer Instructor of the High School and College Departments of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao. Her writing capability was sharpened through constant practice and mentoring by his immediate superiors.
Manuel was designated as the Admin Officer of G7, 10ID, PA in 2009. She also managed the funds for the office. As the Admin Officer, she is also one of those responsible for activation of the 10th CMO Company and now the 10th CMO Battalion. She ably assisted G7 and the Branch Chiefs of the Public Affairs, Civil Affairs and PsyOps in the policy making and program implementations. She is also responsible for the morale and welfare of the OG7 personnel.

In March 2011, she was reassigned to 10th ID CMO Battalion and was designated as the Battalion Executive Officer (Ex-O). She assisted her Battalion Commander in upgrading the capabilities of the unit and their personnel. Despite her hectic schedule, as a wife and mother of three children, Manuel ensured that she will able to balance her responsibilities at home and work. She also established an excellent rapport and working environment with her superiors, peers, and subordinates taking tasks with utmost professionalism and positive attitude. Manuel is humbled by some military honors and civilian appreciations that greatly conditioned unit mission accomplishments. In December 2011, she was recognized by the Mindanao Commission on Women as one of the women who broke the barriers for advancing the status of women and for performing duties in a field usually dominated by men. "There's nothing I could ask for more. I'm happy and contented with what I have now. All thanks to my love ones' who loves me unconditionally," Manuel said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/12/07/dedicated-lady-soldier-257256

Rebel leader arrested in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 9): Rebel leader arrested in Negros Occidental

Police intelligence operatives arrested a ranking communist leader in Negros Occidental on Friday, less than 24 hours after two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded in an attack staged by the New People’s Army in Leyte. Aniceta Rojo was collared in Barangay (village) Poblacion, Bago City, Negros Occidental on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by Cadiz Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Muñez for the crime of murder.

Superintendent William Senoron, Regional Intelligence Unit chief for Western Visayas, said Rojo was accused of taking part in the killing of Lieutenant Archie Polenzo, a company commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Cadiz City two years ago. Rojo was listed on the police order of battle as a member of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros regional finance and education committees. She was turned over by her captors to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Cadiz City.

The arrest of Rojo brought to 21 the number of high-profile CPP-NPA personalities arrested in Negros Occidental since 2007. But 16 of them, who managed to post bail and were released from jail, have gone back to the mountains to continue the armed struggle, military records show. Rojo’s arrest came less than 24 hours after NPA rebels killed two soldiers and wounded three others in an ambush in Barangay (village) Rubas, Jaro town in Leyte. The fatalities were identified as Pfc Ariel Cahanap and Pfc Jacob Bacolando. Wounded were Pfc Ron Van Bura-Ay, Pfc Russel Paderna and Pfc Gilbert Serdena, all of whom were were taken to the Ormoc Sugarcane Planters Association-Farmers’ Medical Center in Ormoc City for treatment.

Capatain Drandreb Canto, spokesperson of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City, said the soldiers were on patrol in Barangay Rubas, about 15 km from the town center, when they were fired at by 10 rebels about 8 p.m. on Thursday. An hour later, a group of 10 rebels fired at soldiers in Barangay Atipolo in Albuera town, also in Leyte. The military declared Leyte as an insurgency-free province last year, which was supposed to mean that the number of the rebels operating in the province had so much they could no longer stage significant attacks.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/320841/rebel-leader-arrested-in-negros-occidental