Currently, people in the
Financial assistance is also being offered, he said.
According to the latest update from the government of the
Other countries including
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=586913
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Thai military to send aid to typhoon-hit Philippines
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): Thai military to send aid to typhoon-hit Philippines
Thailand 's armed forces
will airlift medical assistance and supplies to Typhoon "Yolanda"
(international name: Haiyan)-stricken Philippines
Currently, people in thePhilippines
Financial assistance is also being offered, he said.
According to the latest update from the government of thePhilippines
Other countries includingChina
and Australia are also
offering assistance to the Philippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=586913
Currently, people in the
Financial assistance is also being offered, he said.
According to the latest update from the government of the
Other countries including
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=586913
USAF installs runway lights at Tacloban Airport for night time humanitarian operations
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): USAF installs runway lights at Tacloban Airport for night time humanitarian operations
The United States Air Force (USAF) has installed runway lights atTacloban Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the USAF saw the importance of having runway lights during these times and installed them on Wednesday night.
The installation of the runway lights made it possible for the USAF to launch at least 10 flights toTacloban
City using its C-130 cargo plane and
brought relief goods all the way from the US
CAAP saidTacloban
Airport
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=586858
The United States Air Force (USAF) has installed runway lights at
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the USAF saw the importance of having runway lights during these times and installed them on Wednesday night.
The installation of the runway lights made it possible for the USAF to launch at least 10 flights to
CAAP said
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=586858
PAF gets new Chief-of-Air Staff
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): PAF gets new Chief-of-Air Staff
Philippine Air Force Major Gen. Edgar Fallorina, formerly the 1st Air Division commander, was appointed PAF Chief-of-Air Staff (CAS) on Thursday.
He replaced Major Gen. Wilfredo Ona, who is now the PAF vice commander.
The joint change of chief office ceremony was held at Villamor Air Base inPasay City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=586883
Philippine Air Force Major Gen. Edgar Fallorina, formerly the 1st Air Division commander, was appointed PAF Chief-of-Air Staff (CAS) on Thursday.
He replaced Major Gen. Wilfredo Ona, who is now the PAF vice commander.
The joint change of chief office ceremony was held at Villamor Air Base in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=586883
AFP to ask personnel to donate one-day of their meal allowance for 'Yolanda' victims
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): AFP to ask personnel to donate one-day of their meal allowance for 'Yolanda' victims
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday announced it will ask all military personnel to donate one day of their meal allowance to help the still struggling victims of super typhoon "Yolanda".
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that military personnel have already done this to help the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Central Visayas last Oct. 15.
"Since this is also a devastation, that can also be proposed, that soldiers will voluntarily give up one day of their meal allowances to help," he said.
Zagala clarified that donation is voluntary but stressed that such move will find very little resistance among the soldiers.
The AFP public affairs office chief said the military is still focused on humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=586870
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday announced it will ask all military personnel to donate one day of their meal allowance to help the still struggling victims of super typhoon "Yolanda".
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that military personnel have already done this to help the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Central Visayas last Oct. 15.
"Since this is also a devastation, that can also be proposed, that soldiers will voluntarily give up one day of their meal allowances to help," he said.
Zagala clarified that donation is voluntary but stressed that such move will find very little resistance among the soldiers.
The AFP public affairs office chief said the military is still focused on humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=586870
PNP tracks down Indian businessman snatched in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): PNP tracks down Indian businessman snatched in Maguindanao
Cops are hot on the trail of an armed group who stormed on Wednesday night a mothballed plywood factory in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, and snatched an Indian executive involved in the buy-and-sell of old machines at the plant.
P03 Ariga Andag, Parang police sub-station commander, identified the abducted businessperson as Kristian Singh Aurora, 54, who was seized at his staff house inside the decrepit Eversun plywood plant situated near the Polloc port area.
Initial investigation revealed that 10 armed men entered the 106-hectare Eversun compound around 8:45 p.m. and took the businessman at gunpoint.
“The trader and his two private bodyguards together with three staff house workers were all taken by surprise. The abductors then tied them all up before fleeing withAurora
He noted that one of the caretakers managed to free himself from the ropes some 30 minutes later and called for help.
Andag said that they still trying to determine if the armed band exited the compound “by sea” using the proximateMoro Gulf .
The Eversun firm, once owned by the Hong Kong-based K.C. Chong Company, ceased operation in the mid-90s due to financial constraints.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586591
Cops are hot on the trail of an armed group who stormed on Wednesday night a mothballed plywood factory in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, and snatched an Indian executive involved in the buy-and-sell of old machines at the plant.
P03 Ariga Andag, Parang police sub-station commander, identified the abducted businessperson as Kristian Singh Aurora, 54, who was seized at his staff house inside the decrepit Eversun plywood plant situated near the Polloc port area.
Initial investigation revealed that 10 armed men entered the 106-hectare Eversun compound around 8:45 p.m. and took the businessman at gunpoint.
“The trader and his two private bodyguards together with three staff house workers were all taken by surprise. The abductors then tied them all up before fleeing with
He noted that one of the caretakers managed to free himself from the ropes some 30 minutes later and called for help.
Andag said that they still trying to determine if the armed band exited the compound “by sea” using the proximate
The Eversun firm, once owned by the Hong Kong-based K.C. Chong Company, ceased operation in the mid-90s due to financial constraints.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586591
Phil. Navy ship to carry more than 2,000 families from Tacloban to Cebu Thursday
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): Phil. Navy ship to carry more than 2,000 families from Tacloban to Cebu Thursday
More than 2,000 families or over 3,000 individuals are set to leaveTacloban City
for Cebu noontime Thursday.
This, while relief and disaster operations are going on in places affected by super typhoon Yolanda Friday last week.
Lt. Sam Servano said that Philippine Navy ship BRP Dagupan City (LC551) will go back toCebu City
LC551 arrived inTacloban City Saturday night, bringing thousands of bottled
water and food items from Cebu .
Philippine Navy troops also undertook water retrieval operations in this typhoon-devastated city along with other troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that a C130 plane of the Philippine Air Force and one of the US Air Force are also ready to bring people from this city to Cebu andManila
He added that the Philippine Coast Guard likewise expressed willingness to ferry passengers leaving Tacloban.
Roxas said the AFP ships and plane will prioritize as passengers those who are injured and in need of medical assistance.
The DILG chief believed that target destinations Cebu andManila
He also assured that the full force of the government is ready to ensure the safety of typhoon victims who opt to stay in Tacloban.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586657
More than 2,000 families or over 3,000 individuals are set to leave
This, while relief and disaster operations are going on in places affected by super typhoon Yolanda Friday last week.
Lt. Sam Servano said that Philippine Navy ship BRP Dagupan City (LC551) will go back to
LC551 arrived in
Philippine Navy troops also undertook water retrieval operations in this typhoon-devastated city along with other troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that a C130 plane of the Philippine Air Force and one of the US Air Force are also ready to bring people from this city to Cebu and
He added that the Philippine Coast Guard likewise expressed willingness to ferry passengers leaving Tacloban.
Roxas said the AFP ships and plane will prioritize as passengers those who are injured and in need of medical assistance.
The DILG chief believed that target destinations Cebu and
He also assured that the full force of the government is ready to ensure the safety of typhoon victims who opt to stay in Tacloban.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586657
PAF airlifts 3,696 civilians from Tacloban to Cebu, Manila
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): PAF airlifts 3,696 civilians from Tacloban to Cebu, Manila
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has airlifted at least 3,696 civilians fromTacloban City
in Leyte to Cebu and Manila
Many of these evacuees stayed temporarily at the Mactan Air Base inLapu-Lapu City
and temporary shelters in Cebu
City
Lt. Col. Marciano Jesus Guevara, spokesperson of the PAF Second Air Division, said those who need immediate medical attention were given priority in the airlift.
Guevara said they continue to deliver relief goods to Eastern Visayas, especiallyTacloban
City
The evacuees were airlifted on their return trips toCebu .
Guevara also said at least eight foreign commercial and military aircraft carrying food packs, medicines, tents, blankets and water-purifying machines arrived at the Mactan Airbase inLapu-Lapu
City
Guevara said two C-130 cargo planes fromTaiwan
and C-17 Globemaster from Australia
“The humanitarian aid we received is overwhelming. The sympathetic gesture of the international community gives us high spirits," he said.
Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said 588 tons of relief goods from Europe are expected to arrive inCebu .
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the ports ofTacloban City
and Ormoc City
Ports in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar;San
Isidro and Allen in Northern Samar; Baybay
City , and Hilongos in Leyte; and Maasin City ,
Southern Leyte are also operational again.
But the ports inBorongan City and Guiuan in Eastern Samar; Isabel and Palompon
in Leyte ; and Naval, Biliran have no
communications.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586772
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has airlifted at least 3,696 civilians from
Many of these evacuees stayed temporarily at the Mactan Air Base in
Lt. Col. Marciano Jesus Guevara, spokesperson of the PAF Second Air Division, said those who need immediate medical attention were given priority in the airlift.
Guevara said they continue to deliver relief goods to Eastern Visayas, especially
The evacuees were airlifted on their return trips to
Guevara also said at least eight foreign commercial and military aircraft carrying food packs, medicines, tents, blankets and water-purifying machines arrived at the Mactan Airbase in
Guevara said two C-130 cargo planes from
“The humanitarian aid we received is overwhelming. The sympathetic gesture of the international community gives us high spirits," he said.
Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said 588 tons of relief goods from Europe are expected to arrive in
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the ports of
Ports in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar;
But the ports in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586772
Partnership agreement between Mindaland, Bangsamoro signed in Davao City
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): Partnership agreement between Mindaland, Bangsamoro signed in Davao City
A Program Partnership Agreement for the Bangsamoro Development Planning (BDP) was signed inDavao
City
“The BDP is a six-year development plan that aims to provide a medium- and long-term vision and strategy for the recovery and development of the Bangsamoro area,” BDA chairman Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan said.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairperson Al Haj Murad directed Dipatuan to initiate the BDP in support of the Transition Committee in line with the provisions of the Framework on the Bangsamoro (FAB).
The BDP, which will run from 2014 to 2020, will be implemented in two phases by a multidisciplinary team of national, international and Bangsamoro consultants.
Phase 1 will include the two-year Transitional Development Plan to be implemented from 2014 to 2015. This would lay out the directions for existing and planned interventions of the government and development partners in the Bangsamoro areas.
Dipatuan said Phase 1 is expected to lead to the Integrative Report which will contain needs assessment based on the seven major key areas of the BDP: accelerated economic growth and development; human values and social development; priority infrastructure and logistic support; agriculture and fisheries, environment, natural resources and ecology; good governance and public administration as well as peace and enhanced security.
“BDP aims to build peace and institutions in order to create jobs, justice, security and sustainable human development in the Bangsamoro and adjacent regions,” he said.
The World Bank has been tasked to manage and administer the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) while the MinLand is a Trust Fund Recipient (TFR), along with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
“All funds of the Program are channeled through CFSI and MinLand to the community’s bank account for implementation of projects identified by the community either for infrastructure or economic activity,” Dipatuan said.
He said the multi-donor MTF is supported by the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the WB, the Canadian Development Agency, Australian Agency for International Development and the government ofNew Zealand
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586776
A Program Partnership Agreement for the Bangsamoro Development Planning (BDP) was signed in
“The BDP is a six-year development plan that aims to provide a medium- and long-term vision and strategy for the recovery and development of the Bangsamoro area,” BDA chairman Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan said.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairperson Al Haj Murad directed Dipatuan to initiate the BDP in support of the Transition Committee in line with the provisions of the Framework on the Bangsamoro (FAB).
The BDP, which will run from 2014 to 2020, will be implemented in two phases by a multidisciplinary team of national, international and Bangsamoro consultants.
Phase 1 will include the two-year Transitional Development Plan to be implemented from 2014 to 2015. This would lay out the directions for existing and planned interventions of the government and development partners in the Bangsamoro areas.
Dipatuan said Phase 1 is expected to lead to the Integrative Report which will contain needs assessment based on the seven major key areas of the BDP: accelerated economic growth and development; human values and social development; priority infrastructure and logistic support; agriculture and fisheries, environment, natural resources and ecology; good governance and public administration as well as peace and enhanced security.
“BDP aims to build peace and institutions in order to create jobs, justice, security and sustainable human development in the Bangsamoro and adjacent regions,” he said.
The World Bank has been tasked to manage and administer the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) while the MinLand is a Trust Fund Recipient (TFR), along with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
“All funds of the Program are channeled through CFSI and MinLand to the community’s bank account for implementation of projects identified by the community either for infrastructure or economic activity,” Dipatuan said.
He said the multi-donor MTF is supported by the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the WB, the Canadian Development Agency, Australian Agency for International Development and the government of
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586776
4 soldiers distributing relief goods in Capiz injured in vehicular mishap
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): 4 soldiers distributing relief goods in Capiz injured in vehicular mishap
Four Army soldiers were injured when the 6X6 military truck they were riding sideswiped a leaning electric post in Barangay Ondoy, Ivisan, Capiz.
Lt. Col. Christopher Sabit, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID), Philippine Army, identified the injured as S/Sgt. Edwin Juaneza, S/Sgt. Sammy Lapidez, Sgt. Bernardo Vijar and Cpl. Jessie Alegria.
Sabit said the four Army troopers suffered injuries mostly on their heads after the support bars of the long-bed military truck hit the leaning electric post of Capiz Electric Cooperative that was damaged by the strong winds at the height of super typhoon Yolanda.
The Army soldiers on board the military truck came from Cuartero, Capiz where they distributed relief goods to typhoon victims. The accident happened as they were on their way back to the 3ID headquarters in Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan in the same province.
The injured soldiers are now in stable condition after they were given immediate medical treatment at a private hospital inRoxas City
The 61IB commander Sabit also said that some road networks that were rendered impassable the past few days after the typhoon devastation are now passable for all types of vehicles.
These road networks include the Tapaz-Iloilo, Sigma-Roxas, Sigma-Passi-Iloilo, Roxas-Dumalag and Iloilo-Barotac Viejo-Carles routes.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is actively involved in the government’s humanitarian effort in helping typhoon victims that sometimes cost them their lives due to enemy atrocities while doing their noble job in times of calamity.
In Northern Iloilo, mobs of hungry victims poked guns on soldiers of the Philippine Air Force and volunteers while distributing relief goods in Isla Gigantes of Carles,Iloilo
TheIloilo
Petty crimes are now on the rise inNorthern Iloilo
as hungry people steal food to fill their empty stomach while rising prices of
prime commodities was reported as unscrupulous traders take advantage of the
situation.
Gasoline is sold at exorbitant prices per liter while chainsaw operators demand higher charges of at least P500 for every tree they could cut blocking the road.
Typhoon-affected towns particularly in Northern Iloilo are not completely reached by the relief efforts of theIloilo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586901
Four Army soldiers were injured when the 6X6 military truck they were riding sideswiped a leaning electric post in Barangay Ondoy, Ivisan, Capiz.
Lt. Col. Christopher Sabit, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID), Philippine Army, identified the injured as S/Sgt. Edwin Juaneza, S/Sgt. Sammy Lapidez, Sgt. Bernardo Vijar and Cpl. Jessie Alegria.
Sabit said the four Army troopers suffered injuries mostly on their heads after the support bars of the long-bed military truck hit the leaning electric post of Capiz Electric Cooperative that was damaged by the strong winds at the height of super typhoon Yolanda.
The Army soldiers on board the military truck came from Cuartero, Capiz where they distributed relief goods to typhoon victims. The accident happened as they were on their way back to the 3ID headquarters in Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan in the same province.
The injured soldiers are now in stable condition after they were given immediate medical treatment at a private hospital in
The 61IB commander Sabit also said that some road networks that were rendered impassable the past few days after the typhoon devastation are now passable for all types of vehicles.
These road networks include the Tapaz-Iloilo, Sigma-Roxas, Sigma-Passi-Iloilo, Roxas-Dumalag and Iloilo-Barotac Viejo-Carles routes.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is actively involved in the government’s humanitarian effort in helping typhoon victims that sometimes cost them their lives due to enemy atrocities while doing their noble job in times of calamity.
In Northern Iloilo, mobs of hungry victims poked guns on soldiers of the Philippine Air Force and volunteers while distributing relief goods in Isla Gigantes of Carles,
The
Petty crimes are now on the rise in
Gasoline is sold at exorbitant prices per liter while chainsaw operators demand higher charges of at least P500 for every tree they could cut blocking the road.
Typhoon-affected towns particularly in Northern Iloilo are not completely reached by the relief efforts of the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586901
3 NPA rebels in Agusan surrender
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): 3 NPA rebels in Agusan surrender
Three NPA fighters bringing along with them their high powered firearms have surrendered to the military here on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Jose Leonard B. Gille, commander of the army’s 26th Infantry Batallion, said that the surrenderers, two of them minors, decided to leave the underground movement after realizing that they rebels only feed them empty promises.
Gille identified the surrenderers as Librado Salintao AKA FREDIE 17 years old, MEDICS of Sandatahang Yunit Pamproganda 1, Guerilla Front 34, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), Ryan Salintao Agsubo 20 years Old and Rongie Tawide Salintao AKA RONGIE 17 years old belonging to the same Guerilla Unit operating in Kasapa 1, Lapaz, Agusan del Sur.
The NPA rebels also turned over high powered firearms: An M16 rifle, a Garrand rifle and an AK 47 rifle with ammunitions, Gille said.
Gille also promised to extend all economic benefits to the rebel returnee as soon as possible while appealing to other communist rebels in the rebel-infestedprovince
of Agusan del Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586853
Three NPA fighters bringing along with them their high powered firearms have surrendered to the military here on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Jose Leonard B. Gille, commander of the army’s 26th Infantry Batallion, said that the surrenderers, two of them minors, decided to leave the underground movement after realizing that they rebels only feed them empty promises.
Gille identified the surrenderers as Librado Salintao AKA FREDIE 17 years old, MEDICS of Sandatahang Yunit Pamproganda 1, Guerilla Front 34, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), Ryan Salintao Agsubo 20 years Old and Rongie Tawide Salintao AKA RONGIE 17 years old belonging to the same Guerilla Unit operating in Kasapa 1, Lapaz, Agusan del Sur.
The NPA rebels also turned over high powered firearms: An M16 rifle, a Garrand rifle and an AK 47 rifle with ammunitions, Gille said.
Gille also promised to extend all economic benefits to the rebel returnee as soon as possible while appealing to other communist rebels in the rebel-infested
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586853
Army arranging C-130 flight from Negros Oriental to Tacloban to airlift relief items
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): Army arranging C-130 flight from Negros Oriental to Tacloban to airlift relief items
The Philippine Army in Negros Oriental is coordinating with the Armed Forces of thePhilippines to send a
C-130 plane to Dumaguete to airlift relief goods for typhoon victims in Leyte .
Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, disclosed Thursday that he has recommended to the AFP Central Command in the Visayas for a possible first humanitarian flight out from Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental, to Tacloban,Leyte
on Friday.
The initiative comes as many civic organizations, schools and other groups have requested for a free transport of the relief goods to Leyte to minimize travel cost to the typhoon-ravagedEastern Visayas
province, said Patrimonio.
According to the Army commander, who heads all Army units in Negros Oriental and the 5th district of Negros Occidental,Silliman
University and the national TV network
ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya in Dumaguete have already mobilized relief goods for Leyte .
Silliman University
A C-130 flight allows a maximum capacity of 13 tons. The Philippine Army commander is hoping that other groups who may want to avail of the free flight toLeyte are urged to pre-position their
relief items once the arrival of the cargo plane here has been approved.
Patrimonio stressed that priority will be given to the transport of relief aid and they are discouraging people to board the military aircraft as it will not return to Dumaguete from Tacloban.
Patrimonio also encouraged donor groups to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the distribution of relief goods in Tacloban.
For those with pre-identified contacts in Tacloban, they can pick up the transported relief items at the Tacloban airport, he said.
Other groups who cannot catch up with the first C-130 flight out from Dumaguete to Tacloban are urged to prepare their relief items in the event of another humanitarian flight, hopefully by next week, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586928
The Philippine Army in Negros Oriental is coordinating with the Armed Forces of the
Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, disclosed Thursday that he has recommended to the AFP Central Command in the Visayas for a possible first humanitarian flight out from Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental, to Tacloban,
The initiative comes as many civic organizations, schools and other groups have requested for a free transport of the relief goods to Leyte to minimize travel cost to the typhoon-ravaged
According to the Army commander, who heads all Army units in Negros Oriental and the 5th district of Negros Occidental,
A C-130 flight allows a maximum capacity of 13 tons. The Philippine Army commander is hoping that other groups who may want to avail of the free flight to
Patrimonio stressed that priority will be given to the transport of relief aid and they are discouraging people to board the military aircraft as it will not return to Dumaguete from Tacloban.
Patrimonio also encouraged donor groups to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the distribution of relief goods in Tacloban.
For those with pre-identified contacts in Tacloban, they can pick up the transported relief items at the Tacloban airport, he said.
Other groups who cannot catch up with the first C-130 flight out from Dumaguete to Tacloban are urged to prepare their relief items in the event of another humanitarian flight, hopefully by next week, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586928
US Navy ships arrive in Eastern Visayas
From Rappler (Nov 14): US Navy ships arrive in Eastern Visayas
TO TYPHOON ZONE. A file image of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) (center) during a 2008 joint US-Japan naval exercise. Image courtesy US Navy
Sixty-nine years after the Battle of Leyte Gulf, United States military ships are back in the region – this time to help an ally deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
The US Navy group led by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, with 5,000 sailors aboard, is now in the Philippines and will soon take part in the relief efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas.
The George Washington Strike Group (GWSG) arrived in the vicinity of Leyte Gulf Thursday, November 14, the US Navy announced.
"We’ve completed our high-speed transit and linked up with our U.S. Navy logistical assets from Commander, Task Force 73, which brings 7th Fleet naval forces to participate in ‘Operation Damayan’ in the Republic of the Philippines," according to Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, the group's commander, as quoted in a US Navy press release.
The team consists of the following ships:
George Washington, Antietam, and Cowpens will be positioned just off Samar's east coast, the US Navy said, "in order to begin to assess the damage and provide logistical and emergency support to include medical and water supplies."
US Navy vessels will also be positioned in Tacloban and Ormoc cities, Montgomery said.
The GWSG comes as other transport planes, helicopters, ships and medics are in operation or coming from an array of countries in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, with Australia now taking its total aid contribution to Aus$30 million (US$28 million).
China, previously criticized for its initial assistance of a $100,000 cash donation, is also stepping up its aid with an additional 10 million yuan ($1.6 million) for relief efforts in the form of blankets, tents and other materials.
Desalinate water
US officials said the aid operation was slowly getting into gear after daunting challenges posed by shattered ports, roads and communication infrastructure.
Washington has committed $20 million six days after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck.
The giant aircraft carrier, carrying 5,000 sailors who were diverted from shore leave in Hong Kong, has the ability to desalinate large volumes of water.
The US Pacific Fleet is also readying the hospital ship USNS Mercy, currently berthed in San Diego, California, to support the disaster relief efforts.
Mercy is currently in a reduced operating status, and the activation of the ship "accelerates Mercy's ability to attain full operating status to include moving necessary personnel and equipment to the ship," the US Navy said.
"The friendship between our two countries runs deep, and when our friends are in trouble, America helps," Obama said in a statement.
One US official said relief workers were now better able to distribute aid out of Tacloban airport, and that the opening of a land route had given a significant boost by connecting to a sea port.
The initial effort was "a lot like trying to squeeze an orange through a straw", the official told reporters on a conference call. "We are now getting more straws, if you will, and bigger straws."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/43730-uss-george-washington-arrives-in-eastern-visayas
TO TYPHOON ZONE. A file image of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) (center) during a 2008 joint US-Japan naval exercise. Image courtesy US Navy
Sixty-nine years after the Battle of Leyte Gulf, United States military ships are back in the region – this time to help an ally deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
The US Navy group led by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, with 5,000 sailors aboard, is now in the Philippines and will soon take part in the relief efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas.
The George Washington Strike Group (GWSG) arrived in the vicinity of Leyte Gulf Thursday, November 14, the US Navy announced.
"We’ve completed our high-speed transit and linked up with our U.S. Navy logistical assets from Commander, Task Force 73, which brings 7th Fleet naval forces to participate in ‘Operation Damayan’ in the Republic of the Philippines," according to Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, the group's commander, as quoted in a US Navy press release.
The team consists of the following ships:
- USS George Washington
- Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Antietam (CG 54)
- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Mustin (DDG 89)
- Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10)
- Pathfinder class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62)
- Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)
George Washington, Antietam, and Cowpens will be positioned just off Samar's east coast, the US Navy said, "in order to begin to assess the damage and provide logistical and emergency support to include medical and water supplies."
US Navy vessels will also be positioned in Tacloban and Ormoc cities, Montgomery said.
The GWSG comes as other transport planes, helicopters, ships and medics are in operation or coming from an array of countries in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, with Australia now taking its total aid contribution to Aus$30 million (US$28 million).
China, previously criticized for its initial assistance of a $100,000 cash donation, is also stepping up its aid with an additional 10 million yuan ($1.6 million) for relief efforts in the form of blankets, tents and other materials.
Desalinate water
US officials said the aid operation was slowly getting into gear after daunting challenges posed by shattered ports, roads and communication infrastructure.
Washington has committed $20 million six days after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck.
The giant aircraft carrier, carrying 5,000 sailors who were diverted from shore leave in Hong Kong, has the ability to desalinate large volumes of water.
The US Pacific Fleet is also readying the hospital ship USNS Mercy, currently berthed in San Diego, California, to support the disaster relief efforts.
Mercy is currently in a reduced operating status, and the activation of the ship "accelerates Mercy's ability to attain full operating status to include moving necessary personnel and equipment to the ship," the US Navy said.
"The friendship between our two countries runs deep, and when our friends are in trouble, America helps," Obama said in a statement.
One US official said relief workers were now better able to distribute aid out of Tacloban airport, and that the opening of a land route had given a significant boost by connecting to a sea port.
The initial effort was "a lot like trying to squeeze an orange through a straw", the official told reporters on a conference call. "We are now getting more straws, if you will, and bigger straws."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/43730-uss-george-washington-arrives-in-eastern-visayas
CPP declares ceasefire in typhoon-stricken areas
From InterAksyon (Nov 14): CPP declares ceasefire in typhoon-stricken areas
Communist rebels on Thursday said the New People’s Army has been observing a ceasefire that began November 9 and will run until just before midnight of November 24 in areas stricken by super typhoon “Yolanda.”
“Concerned NPA units have, as a matter of course, ceased offensive operations since November 9. This ceasefire declaration will remain in effect up to 2359 hours of 24 November 2013,” the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement released Friday, two days after the military accused the rebels in Sorsogon province of staging an ambush on a military convoy delivering aid to typhoon-stricken Eastern Visayas. Two rebels were killed.
The NPA denied the accusations and said the clash in which the guerrillas died happened in a village of Matnog town that is at some three kilometers from the highway where the convoy would have been passing.
News reports on Friday have quoted the Army’s Bicol-based 9th Infantry Division as admitting that there was no ambush.
Earlier, Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista said they were not declaring a truce because of security risks for soldiers who might undertake relief efforts in areas where the rebels operate.
Bautista cited ambushes the NPA allegedly staged against military relief missions after storm “Pablo” struck Northern Mindanao late last year.
“Until the aforementioned expiration of this declaration, all NPA units and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military operations against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” the CPP declaration said.
The CPP truce covers areas under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Command, Panay Regional Command, Central Visayas Regional Command, and Negros Island Command.
“Respective regional commands are also to transmit this ceasefire declaration to the concerned provincial commands of the NPA,” the CPP statement ordered.
These are the Masbate Island Command, Palawan Island Command, and Mindoro Island Committee.
At the same time, the CPP authorized its local forces to “extend the effectivity of this ceasefire declaration in their areas of concern, while other regional commands of the NPA can issue similar or limited ceasefire declarations in areas within the scope of their operations.”
The CPP said that the NPA had, “in line with standing policy and with the CPP’s call for calamity-related mobilization,” already “shifted their mode of operations even before super typhoon Yolanda hit land on November 8. This ceasefire declaration, thus, is a positive declaration of the practical mode shift already in effect.”
However, it ordered rebel forces to “remain ever militant and vigilant to the encroachment and hostile movements of the AFP within the territory of the people’s democratic government.”
The rebels also assured local and international relief organizations of safe passage within guerrilla zones.
“The masses and their revolutionary organizations and governmental committees within the guerrilla zones are ever ready to help facilitate the distribution of emergency supplies to the people, giving priority to the injured, children, nursing mothers, single parents, pregnant women, the elderly, the handicapped and other vulnerable individuals,” it said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74818/cpp-declares-ceasefire-in-typhoon-stricken-areas
Communist rebels on Thursday said the New People’s Army has been observing a ceasefire that began November 9 and will run until just before midnight of November 24 in areas stricken by super typhoon “Yolanda.”
“Concerned NPA units have, as a matter of course, ceased offensive operations since November 9. This ceasefire declaration will remain in effect up to 2359 hours of 24 November 2013,” the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement released Friday, two days after the military accused the rebels in Sorsogon province of staging an ambush on a military convoy delivering aid to typhoon-stricken Eastern Visayas. Two rebels were killed.
The NPA denied the accusations and said the clash in which the guerrillas died happened in a village of Matnog town that is at some three kilometers from the highway where the convoy would have been passing.
News reports on Friday have quoted the Army’s Bicol-based 9th Infantry Division as admitting that there was no ambush.
Earlier, Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista said they were not declaring a truce because of security risks for soldiers who might undertake relief efforts in areas where the rebels operate.
Bautista cited ambushes the NPA allegedly staged against military relief missions after storm “Pablo” struck Northern Mindanao late last year.
“Until the aforementioned expiration of this declaration, all NPA units and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military operations against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” the CPP declaration said.
The CPP truce covers areas under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Command, Panay Regional Command, Central Visayas Regional Command, and Negros Island Command.
“Respective regional commands are also to transmit this ceasefire declaration to the concerned provincial commands of the NPA,” the CPP statement ordered.
These are the Masbate Island Command, Palawan Island Command, and Mindoro Island Committee.
At the same time, the CPP authorized its local forces to “extend the effectivity of this ceasefire declaration in their areas of concern, while other regional commands of the NPA can issue similar or limited ceasefire declarations in areas within the scope of their operations.”
The CPP said that the NPA had, “in line with standing policy and with the CPP’s call for calamity-related mobilization,” already “shifted their mode of operations even before super typhoon Yolanda hit land on November 8. This ceasefire declaration, thus, is a positive declaration of the practical mode shift already in effect.”
However, it ordered rebel forces to “remain ever militant and vigilant to the encroachment and hostile movements of the AFP within the territory of the people’s democratic government.”
The rebels also assured local and international relief organizations of safe passage within guerrilla zones.
“The masses and their revolutionary organizations and governmental committees within the guerrilla zones are ever ready to help facilitate the distribution of emergency supplies to the people, giving priority to the injured, children, nursing mothers, single parents, pregnant women, the elderly, the handicapped and other vulnerable individuals,” it said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74818/cpp-declares-ceasefire-in-typhoon-stricken-areas
Philippine rebels ready to free 5 prisoners
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 14): Philippine rebels ready to free 5 prisoners
Communist rebels on Thursday demanded the pull out of military forces in two towns in the southern Philippines as a condition for the safe release of 5 prisoners of war.
Rubi del Mundo, a spokesperson for the New People’s Army, said the prisoners - Mansanitas village chieftain Lito Andalique and council members Marvin Bantuasan, Crisanto Piodos, Balaba Andalique, and militiaman and tribal member Pepe Subla – have apologized to the rebel group for their “counter-revolutionary and anti-people activities”.
“They have already apologized for their counter-revolutionary and anti-people activities and have pledged to desist from being active paramilitary forces that participate and condone the human rights abuses under the Oplan Bayanihan,” Del Mundo said, referring to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.
The prisoners were captured in a daring raid on October 24 and since then government forces have launched several rescue missions, but failed.
Del Mundo has demanded the pull out of government troops in the villages of Binucayan, Balite, Pangkat, Johnson, Santa Theresa, San Mariano, Kauswagan, Sabud, Kasapa 1, Kasapa 2, and Valentina, all in Loreto town in Agusan; and the village of Datu Dabaw in Laak town in Compostela Valley province – to ensure the safety and security of the prisoners and their NPA custodians.
“Provided that the Eastern Mindanao Command suspends its military operations in at least eleven villages of Loreto town in Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley, the National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao will release the five prisoners of war who have been under the custody of Comval North Davao South Agusan Sub-Regional Command- New People's Army since October 24,” Del Mundo said.
Del Mundo said the military rescue operations launched by the 26th Infantry Battalion have only resulted in more atrocities against innocent civilians and the murder of peasant leaders and massive bombings that severely affected farming communities in the provinces.
“In the last few weeks, this same military unit has ransacked the peasant's homes, destroyed their properties, and looted their farm animals,” Del Mundo said. “The 26th Infantry Battalion’s combat operations camouflaged as rescue activities for the POWs in the last few weeks have miserably failed in securing for the release of the captives.”
Rebel forces have so far killed and wounded at least three dozen soldiers in a series of offensives since July in the provinces where the NPA is supporting the local tribesmen in opposing mining, palm oil and other foreign incursions in areas considered as farming and ancestral domain.
“Indeed, despite the display of brutality and use of superior military force by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the masses, people's militia and the revolutionary movement have persevered in fighting for justice and defending the gains of the armed struggle,” Del Mundo said.
The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a separate state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/philippine-rebels-ready-to-free-5.html
Communist rebels on Thursday demanded the pull out of military forces in two towns in the southern Philippines as a condition for the safe release of 5 prisoners of war.
Rubi del Mundo, a spokesperson for the New People’s Army, said the prisoners - Mansanitas village chieftain Lito Andalique and council members Marvin Bantuasan, Crisanto Piodos, Balaba Andalique, and militiaman and tribal member Pepe Subla – have apologized to the rebel group for their “counter-revolutionary and anti-people activities”.
“They have already apologized for their counter-revolutionary and anti-people activities and have pledged to desist from being active paramilitary forces that participate and condone the human rights abuses under the Oplan Bayanihan,” Del Mundo said, referring to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.
The prisoners were captured in a daring raid on October 24 and since then government forces have launched several rescue missions, but failed.
Del Mundo has demanded the pull out of government troops in the villages of Binucayan, Balite, Pangkat, Johnson, Santa Theresa, San Mariano, Kauswagan, Sabud, Kasapa 1, Kasapa 2, and Valentina, all in Loreto town in Agusan; and the village of Datu Dabaw in Laak town in Compostela Valley province – to ensure the safety and security of the prisoners and their NPA custodians.
“Provided that the Eastern Mindanao Command suspends its military operations in at least eleven villages of Loreto town in Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley, the National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao will release the five prisoners of war who have been under the custody of Comval North Davao South Agusan Sub-Regional Command- New People's Army since October 24,” Del Mundo said.
Del Mundo said the military rescue operations launched by the 26th Infantry Battalion have only resulted in more atrocities against innocent civilians and the murder of peasant leaders and massive bombings that severely affected farming communities in the provinces.
“In the last few weeks, this same military unit has ransacked the peasant's homes, destroyed their properties, and looted their farm animals,” Del Mundo said. “The 26th Infantry Battalion’s combat operations camouflaged as rescue activities for the POWs in the last few weeks have miserably failed in securing for the release of the captives.”
Rebel forces have so far killed and wounded at least three dozen soldiers in a series of offensives since July in the provinces where the NPA is supporting the local tribesmen in opposing mining, palm oil and other foreign incursions in areas considered as farming and ancestral domain.
“Indeed, despite the display of brutality and use of superior military force by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the masses, people's militia and the revolutionary movement have persevered in fighting for justice and defending the gains of the armed struggle,” Del Mundo said.
The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a separate state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/philippine-rebels-ready-to-free-5.html
Sayyaf rebel in Jehova’s kidnappings captured in Zamboanga City
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 14): Sayyaf rebel in Jehova’s kidnappings captured in Zamboanga City
Philippine authorities are holding an Abu Sayyaf rebel tagged as one of those who kidnapped a group of Filipino evangelists in 2002 in the southern town of Patikul, a regional police spokesman said.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca said security forces on Thursday captured Ustadz Nijal Pajiran alias Abu Kudama, in the village of Tictapul.
He said Pajiran is facing a string of criminal charges in connection with the ransom kidnappings of 6 members of the Jehova’s Witnesses – two of them were later beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf after their family failed to pay the ransoms and the rest freed during a military rescue operation.
“Pajiran will be immediately flown to Manila for subsequent turn over to the court,” Huesca told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
No other details were made available by the police, but Huesca said Pajiran’s capture was the result of long intelligence operations by various law enforcement agencies and the military.
The Abu Sayyaf is a small, but the most notorious rebel group with links to the Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya and involved in terrorism and kidnappings for ransoms in the southern Philippines.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/sayyaf-rebel-in-jehovas-kidnappings.html
Philippine authorities are holding an Abu Sayyaf rebel tagged as one of those who kidnapped a group of Filipino evangelists in 2002 in the southern town of Patikul, a regional police spokesman said.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca said security forces on Thursday captured Ustadz Nijal Pajiran alias Abu Kudama, in the village of Tictapul.
He said Pajiran is facing a string of criminal charges in connection with the ransom kidnappings of 6 members of the Jehova’s Witnesses – two of them were later beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf after their family failed to pay the ransoms and the rest freed during a military rescue operation.
“Pajiran will be immediately flown to Manila for subsequent turn over to the court,” Huesca told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
No other details were made available by the police, but Huesca said Pajiran’s capture was the result of long intelligence operations by various law enforcement agencies and the military.
The Abu Sayyaf is a small, but the most notorious rebel group with links to the Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya and involved in terrorism and kidnappings for ransoms in the southern Philippines.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/sayyaf-rebel-in-jehovas-kidnappings.html
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