From the Philippine Star (Nov 16): Village chief, wife abducted in Basilan
Unidentified armed men in camouflage uniforms abducted a barangay captain and his wife in waters off Lantawan town, Basilan province on Saturday morning.
Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza, provincial police director of Basilan, identified the victims as Pilardo Roxas Francisco, elected chairman of Barangay Landugan, Lantawan town and his wife Saharina.
Dapilloza said the abduction of the victim was reported by their son identified as Jhayco Francisco, 19, who appeared at the Maluso Police Station.
Police said the victims were on board a motorized banca from Barangay Landugan enroute to Maluso town, when they were intercepted by eight unidentified fully-armed men on board a separate motorized boat locally known as Jungkong at around about 10:20 a.m.
Police have yet to identify the kidnappers and the motive behind the abduction.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/16/1257465/village-chief-wife-abducted-basilan
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Israel army medics deliver baby in typhoon-hit Cebu
From GMA News (Nov 16): Israel army medics deliver baby in typhoon-hit Cebu
Israeli army medics have delivered a baby in the typhoon-hit central Philippines, and the grateful mother named him Israel.
About 150 members of the Israeli Defense Forces Home Front Command set up a field hospital in Bogo city on Cebu Island a week after Typhoon Haiyan killed at least 3,633 people and injured 12,487 others, according to the latest toll Saturday.
A day later, on Friday, Audrin Antigua was rushed in from among a long line of patients seeking treatment.
According to Dr. Reuven Keidar, quoted by the Israeli Embassy in Manila, Antigua gave birth to a healthy boy hours later. She named him Israel.
Israel's response to the disaster in the Philippines follows similar relief operations the country mounted in Haiti in 2010 and Turkey in 2011.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/335761/news/regions/israel-army-medics-deliver-baby-in-typhoon-hit-cebu
Israeli army medics have delivered a baby in the typhoon-hit central Philippines, and the grateful mother named him Israel.
About 150 members of the Israeli Defense Forces Home Front Command set up a field hospital in Bogo city on Cebu Island a week after Typhoon Haiyan killed at least 3,633 people and injured 12,487 others, according to the latest toll Saturday.
A day later, on Friday, Audrin Antigua was rushed in from among a long line of patients seeking treatment.
According to Dr. Reuven Keidar, quoted by the Israeli Embassy in Manila, Antigua gave birth to a healthy boy hours later. She named him Israel.
Israel's response to the disaster in the Philippines follows similar relief operations the country mounted in Haiti in 2010 and Turkey in 2011.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/335761/news/regions/israel-army-medics-deliver-baby-in-typhoon-hit-cebu
Deles asks CPP to extend ceasefire declaration
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 17): Deles asks CPP to extend ceasefire declaration
Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita Deles appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-Central Committee (CPP-CC) to extend its ceasefire declaration to be in solidarity “with our suffering sisters and brothers, their children and elders, and their shattered communities.”
“We, therefore, urge the Communist Party of the Philippines to extend a humanitarian ceasefire indefinitely and nationwide and join the rest of the country in mobilizing all necessary resources in a human chain of service to our people.
“We ask them to pick up the tools that give life, help rebuild from destruction, and promote the peace we so badly need in our land,” Deles said.
Deles said that the task is massive.
“Government needs all the help it can get. Indeed, the global community has responded generously,” Deles said.
She said that “never has our motherland been in such a need for national unity since perhaps the Second World War. United, we shall overcome this tragedy. Divided, we shall fail our people.”
Deles said that “we call on all Filipinos to set aside the politics and ideologies that have divided us, and with arms linked kapit-bisig, together surmount this crisis,” OPAPP said.
“We are heartened by the declaration of a ten-day ceasefire in typhoon-affected areas by our brothers and sisters engaged in armed struggle against the government,” OPAPP said.
OPAPP said, ”but the task is huge; it will need more than a token suspension of armed hostilities in a limited area.”
OPAPP said that, “our Armed Forces and police have changed their mode of operations from armed resistance to unarmed resistance, rescue, relief and rehabilitation in Yolanda-affected areas.”
“We invite our brothers and sisters in the New People’s Army to do the same by participating in this national effort. For the sake of our people. In the name of humanity. For peace in our beloved Pilipinas,” Deles said.
On Nov. 14, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines has issued formally a ceasefire declaration to all concerned commands of the New People’s Army (NPA) and people’s militias in areas devastated by the recent supertyphoon Yolanda.
“Concerned NPA units have, as a matter of course, ceased offensive operations since 9 November. This ceasefire declaration will remain in effect up to 2359 hours of Nov. 24, 2013,” the CPP said.
This ceasefire declaration covers the following regional commands of the NPA: 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, namely: Masbate Island Command, Palawan Island Command, Mindoro Island Committee,” the CPP said.
Based on their assessment of the extent of the devastation of the recent supertyphoon in their areas of responsibility, the respective regional commands can 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.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/deles-asks-cpp-to-extend-ceasefire-declaration
Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita Deles appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-Central Committee (CPP-CC) to extend its ceasefire declaration to be in solidarity “with our suffering sisters and brothers, their children and elders, and their shattered communities.”
“We, therefore, urge the Communist Party of the Philippines to extend a humanitarian ceasefire indefinitely and nationwide and join the rest of the country in mobilizing all necessary resources in a human chain of service to our people.
“We ask them to pick up the tools that give life, help rebuild from destruction, and promote the peace we so badly need in our land,” Deles said.
Deles said that the task is massive.
“Government needs all the help it can get. Indeed, the global community has responded generously,” Deles said.
She said that “never has our motherland been in such a need for national unity since perhaps the Second World War. United, we shall overcome this tragedy. Divided, we shall fail our people.”
Deles said that “we call on all Filipinos to set aside the politics and ideologies that have divided us, and with arms linked kapit-bisig, together surmount this crisis,” OPAPP said.
“We are heartened by the declaration of a ten-day ceasefire in typhoon-affected areas by our brothers and sisters engaged in armed struggle against the government,” OPAPP said.
OPAPP said, ”but the task is huge; it will need more than a token suspension of armed hostilities in a limited area.”
OPAPP said that, “our Armed Forces and police have changed their mode of operations from armed resistance to unarmed resistance, rescue, relief and rehabilitation in Yolanda-affected areas.”
“We invite our brothers and sisters in the New People’s Army to do the same by participating in this national effort. For the sake of our people. In the name of humanity. For peace in our beloved Pilipinas,” Deles said.
On Nov. 14, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines has issued formally a ceasefire declaration to all concerned commands of the New People’s Army (NPA) and people’s militias in areas devastated by the recent supertyphoon Yolanda.
“Concerned NPA units have, as a matter of course, ceased offensive operations since 9 November. This ceasefire declaration will remain in effect up to 2359 hours of Nov. 24, 2013,” the CPP said.
This ceasefire declaration covers the following regional commands of the NPA: 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, namely: Masbate Island Command, Palawan Island Command, Mindoro Island Committee,” the CPP said.
Based on their assessment of the extent of the devastation of the recent supertyphoon in their areas of responsibility, the respective regional commands can 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.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/deles-asks-cpp-to-extend-ceasefire-declaration
Video: U.S. ships carrying relief packs, docked in Ormoc
From ABS-CBN (Nov 16): Video: US ships na may dalang relief packs, dumaong sa Ormoc (U.S. ships carrying relief packs, docked in Ormoc)
Dumating na sa Ormoc ang dalawang barkong puno ng relief goods mula sa armed forces ng Estados Unidos. Live at exclusive mula sa Ormoc City, magpa-Patrol si Chiara Zambrano. TV Patrol, Nobyembre 16, Sabado.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/11/16/13/ormoc-receives-aid-us
Dumating na sa Ormoc ang dalawang barkong puno ng relief goods mula sa armed forces ng Estados Unidos. Live at exclusive mula sa Ormoc City, magpa-Patrol si Chiara Zambrano. TV Patrol, Nobyembre 16, Sabado.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/11/16/13/ormoc-receives-aid-us
Video: US helicopters bring aid to Guiuan
From ABS-CBN (Nov 16): Video: US helicopters bring aid to Guiuan
US helicopters come and go at the airport in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
US helicopters come and go at the airport in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Since Thursday, they've been bringing relief supplies for survivors of typhoon Yolanda and they will continue to do so until Guiuan gets back on its feet.
Dominic Almelor has the story.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/11/16/13/us-helicopters-bring-aid-guiuan
Dominic Almelor has the story.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/11/16/13/us-helicopters-bring-aid-guiuan
Mactan air base hospital treats 472 patients from Tacloban City
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): Mactan air base hospital treats 472 patients from Tacloban City
The medical staff of the hospital at the Mactan Air Base inLapu-Lapu City
has so far treated at least 472 patients from supertyphoon Yolanda-ravaged Tacloban
City and other typhoon survivors from Eastern Visayas .
Col. Aurora Helen Natividad, the air base's hospital commanding officer, said they referred those with severe injuries to theVicente
Sotto Memorial
Medical Center
in Cebu City
"We are expecting more patients this week," said Natividad.
She said 40 percent of the patients were discharged.
Aside from treating people with minor injuries, she said they also treated babies suffering from diarrhea and adults with hypertension and respiratory infection.
She said they need bandages, antibiotics, pain relievers, antiseptics and sterile water packs.
Volunteers were busy giving food packs to evacuees. They later had to clean up spilled noodles, water and juice, and pick up styrofoam packs and plastic bags that the evacuees left.
Many residents ofEastern Visayas fled
their towns and cities that were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda for lack
of food, water and for fear of armed looters.
They arrived at this air based aboard the Philippine Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport planes which flew relief goods toTacloban City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=587376
The medical staff of the hospital at the Mactan Air Base in
Col. Aurora Helen Natividad, the air base's hospital commanding officer, said they referred those with severe injuries to the
"We are expecting more patients this week," said Natividad.
She said 40 percent of the patients were discharged.
Aside from treating people with minor injuries, she said they also treated babies suffering from diarrhea and adults with hypertension and respiratory infection.
She said they need bandages, antibiotics, pain relievers, antiseptics and sterile water packs.
Volunteers were busy giving food packs to evacuees. They later had to clean up spilled noodles, water and juice, and pick up styrofoam packs and plastic bags that the evacuees left.
Many residents of
They arrived at this air based aboard the Philippine Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport planes which flew relief goods to
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=587376
PAF pilots to be trained on how to land on ship decks
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): PAF pilots to be trained on how to land on ship decks
So that Philippine Air Force pilots flying the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" can be deployed for seaborne operations, the Philippine Navy announced that Navy pilots will be giving instructions to PAF pilots on how to land on the decks of their frigates and logistic ships.
According to Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, PAF pilots will be given special training on flight deck operations.
He said that such instructions are needed since both PAF and PN services will be using the AW-109s within the next two years.
Fabic said that having both pilots familiar with the operating procedure will greatly complement the interoperability of both the Navy and the Air Force, especially now that both services are operating similar aircraft.
PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol earlier said that having both the Navy and the Air Force acquire and operate AW-109s is a wise and very cost-effective move by the government.
"It eases integration and (both services) can share in logistic (support) and best practices. That is a very cost- effective move," he explained.
The PAF will soon operate eight armed versions of the AW-109 while the Navy will get five units of these helicopters, three to be delivered this December.
The PN spokesperson shared Okol's opinion and stressed that having both services operate the same type of helicopter will greatly boost their interoperability or capability to conduct joint operations using the same air platform.
"Having the same platform, interoperability in terms of exchange of pilots and crew, training and logistical requirement will surely be enhanced," Fabic said.
He added that as part of their interoperability training with the PAF, both services will also conduct deck landing qualifications on PN frigates and logistic vessels.
The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class, eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.
The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.
The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.
The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.
Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost-effective maritime helicopter in its class.
For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.
The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.
Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers from almost 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587382
So that Philippine Air Force pilots flying the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" can be deployed for seaborne operations, the Philippine Navy announced that Navy pilots will be giving instructions to PAF pilots on how to land on the decks of their frigates and logistic ships.
According to Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, PAF pilots will be given special training on flight deck operations.
He said that such instructions are needed since both PAF and PN services will be using the AW-109s within the next two years.
Fabic said that having both pilots familiar with the operating procedure will greatly complement the interoperability of both the Navy and the Air Force, especially now that both services are operating similar aircraft.
PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol earlier said that having both the Navy and the Air Force acquire and operate AW-109s is a wise and very cost-effective move by the government.
"It eases integration and (both services) can share in logistic (support) and best practices. That is a very cost- effective move," he explained.
The PAF will soon operate eight armed versions of the AW-109 while the Navy will get five units of these helicopters, three to be delivered this December.
The PN spokesperson shared Okol's opinion and stressed that having both services operate the same type of helicopter will greatly boost their interoperability or capability to conduct joint operations using the same air platform.
"Having the same platform, interoperability in terms of exchange of pilots and crew, training and logistical requirement will surely be enhanced," Fabic said.
He added that as part of their interoperability training with the PAF, both services will also conduct deck landing qualifications on PN frigates and logistic vessels.
The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class, eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.
The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.
The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.
The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.
Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost-effective maritime helicopter in its class.
For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.
The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.
Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers from almost 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587382
E. Mindanao Command deploys battalion to help in Leyte relief efforts
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): E. Mindanao Command deploys battalion to help in Leyte relief efforts
The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines said on Saturday that it has
deployed a construction battalion to help in the ongoing search and relief
efforts in "Yolanda"-battered Leyte
province.
Capt. Alberto Caber, the unit's spokesperson, said the Eastern Mindanao Command contingent has been named Joint Task Force Tambayayong (JTFT II).
It can be recalled that a year ago, when typhoon "Pablo" hit the Davao region, the same carpenter-soldiers from JTFT repaired more than 700 houses, facilities, schools and chapels in the communities in the rehabilitation phase.
These soldiers are armed with hammers, craw bars, saws and other light construction equipment, Caber said.
The Task Force is organized for reconstruction works, search and rescue, and relief operations from the Army’s 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, and Army Engineer units.
Medical volunteers from the Kiwanis International Division 7 and 8 also joined the troops as component of the said humanitarian mission.
The convoy has with them family food packs for distribution to the people in Leyte that came from donors inDavao
Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III said that sending the JTFT II to Leyte will help the people in the affected communities construct shelters or repair partially damaged houses and facilities, clear roads to speed up entry of vehicles transporting relief goods and even recover missing persons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587468
The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the
Capt. Alberto Caber, the unit's spokesperson, said the Eastern Mindanao Command contingent has been named Joint Task Force Tambayayong (JTFT II).
It can be recalled that a year ago, when typhoon "Pablo" hit the Davao region, the same carpenter-soldiers from JTFT repaired more than 700 houses, facilities, schools and chapels in the communities in the rehabilitation phase.
These soldiers are armed with hammers, craw bars, saws and other light construction equipment, Caber said.
The Task Force is organized for reconstruction works, search and rescue, and relief operations from the Army’s 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, and Army Engineer units.
Medical volunteers from the Kiwanis International Division 7 and 8 also joined the troops as component of the said humanitarian mission.
The convoy has with them family food packs for distribution to the people in Leyte that came from donors in
Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III said that sending the JTFT II to Leyte will help the people in the affected communities construct shelters or repair partially damaged houses and facilities, clear roads to speed up entry of vehicles transporting relief goods and even recover missing persons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587468
More military resources now helping in 'Yolanda' relief efforts --AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): More military resources now helping in 'Yolanda' relief efforts --AFP
The Armed Forces of thePhilippines
said on Saturday that more military personnel and trucks are arriving in Tacloban City ,
Leyte to help in the ongoing humanitarian
assistance and disaster response (HADR) and ground relief operations in other
supertyphoon "Yolanda"-affected areas.
As of Saturday morning, the 2nd Serial Bayanihan Express, which comprises 140 Army soldiers and 24 military trucks, is preparing to depart toTacloban City
after refueling in Legazpi
City
These self-sustaining troops, composed of security elements, maintenance personnel, and communications personnel with equipment, will assemble in Tacloban and will be redeployed to other affected areas in need of further assistance.
The 3rd Serial Bayanihan Express, consisting of 53 Army, Air Force and Navy elements with 28 military and civilian trucks/vehicles, on the other hand, is set to depart fromBatangas
Port
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy vessel AT296 leftCavite City Tacloban City
The vessel, which has a capacity to carry eight military vehicles, is expected to arrive in Sorsogon Sunday night.
Also on Saturday, five C-130 flights by the Australian andNew Zealand governments will be conducted from Mactan Airport
in Cebu to Tacloban, Guiuan, and Ormoc to
transport teams and equipment to augment the ongoing HADR operations in the
area.
Last Friday, troops from the PA's 3rd Infantry Division, together with a group of Canadian Army soldiers, arrived atRoxas City
The first batch of the Canadian Army composed of 54 personnel arrived inIloilo City Roxas City
on board a jet plane from Iloilo
Currently, the AFP has about 12,000 troops on the ground under the Central Command conducting HADR operations in typhoon-affected areas in the Visayas. It also has about 3,400 external troops, including follow-on forces augmenting said troops.
Soldiers are also deployed to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the repacking of relief goods.
Aside from troops deployed in DSWD Repacking Centers, the AFP has also established its own Repacking Centers in various headquarters in Metro Manila in coordination with the department: four in the Navy Headquarters, one in Villamor Air Base, two in the Army Headquarters, and one in the General Headquarters inCamp
Aguinaldo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587476
The Armed Forces of the
As of Saturday morning, the 2nd Serial Bayanihan Express, which comprises 140 Army soldiers and 24 military trucks, is preparing to depart to
These self-sustaining troops, composed of security elements, maintenance personnel, and communications personnel with equipment, will assemble in Tacloban and will be redeployed to other affected areas in need of further assistance.
The 3rd Serial Bayanihan Express, consisting of 53 Army, Air Force and Navy elements with 28 military and civilian trucks/vehicles, on the other hand, is set to depart from
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy vessel AT296 left
The vessel, which has a capacity to carry eight military vehicles, is expected to arrive in Sorsogon Sunday night.
Also on Saturday, five C-130 flights by the Australian and
Last Friday, troops from the PA's 3rd Infantry Division, together with a group of Canadian Army soldiers, arrived at
The first batch of the Canadian Army composed of 54 personnel arrived in
Currently, the AFP has about 12,000 troops on the ground under the Central Command conducting HADR operations in typhoon-affected areas in the Visayas. It also has about 3,400 external troops, including follow-on forces augmenting said troops.
Soldiers are also deployed to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the repacking of relief goods.
Aside from troops deployed in DSWD Repacking Centers, the AFP has also established its own Repacking Centers in various headquarters in Metro Manila in coordination with the department: four in the Navy Headquarters, one in Villamor Air Base, two in the Army Headquarters, and one in the General Headquarters in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587476
Joint GRP-MILF peace panels' solidarity statement on the aftermath of 'Yolanda'
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): Joint GRP-MILF peace panels' solidarity statement on the aftermath of 'Yolanda'
"The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Negotiating Panels extend their heartfelt sympathy to and solidarity with the families and communities affected by the devastation of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).
"Disasters result in the disruption of peace, the destruction of property, and the lack of order and security. In the same way that natural calamities bring havoc to people and endanger their existence, man-made disasters such as armed violence equally pose tremendous devastation to lives through blatant disregard for life and other human rights.
"It is the moral responsibility of everybody to place maximum importance to the protection of life, that is, the right to live in a peaceful and humane society. The destruction from Yolanda and similar natural calamities and from man-made disasters such as wars and armed violence, though from different sources, all point to the same gravity of suffering that halt development and a better future.
"Yolanda is a reminder, a call for unity and perseverance of everybody irrespective of status and political stance to face boldly these hardships and work together to mitigate, if not prevent, future disasters. The Parties believe that our people’s resilience becomes our most potent tool during these challenges. Most especially, the GPH and MILF Panels commit to work together in order to find a just and lasting solution to the armed conflict inMindanao so that together, we can focus on the even
bigger challenges of a changing global environment."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587509
"The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Negotiating Panels extend their heartfelt sympathy to and solidarity with the families and communities affected by the devastation of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).
"Disasters result in the disruption of peace, the destruction of property, and the lack of order and security. In the same way that natural calamities bring havoc to people and endanger their existence, man-made disasters such as armed violence equally pose tremendous devastation to lives through blatant disregard for life and other human rights.
"It is the moral responsibility of everybody to place maximum importance to the protection of life, that is, the right to live in a peaceful and humane society. The destruction from Yolanda and similar natural calamities and from man-made disasters such as wars and armed violence, though from different sources, all point to the same gravity of suffering that halt development and a better future.
"Yolanda is a reminder, a call for unity and perseverance of everybody irrespective of status and political stance to face boldly these hardships and work together to mitigate, if not prevent, future disasters. The Parties believe that our people’s resilience becomes our most potent tool during these challenges. Most especially, the GPH and MILF Panels commit to work together in order to find a just and lasting solution to the armed conflict in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587509
Ready to eat meals, in war and disaster
From Rappler (Nov 16): Ready to eat meals, in war and disaster
Soldiers and police deployed in Samar and Leyte to maintain order and help in the relief and recovery efforts are subsisting on ready-to-eat meals (REMs) that do not spoil for a year.
These REMs may also temporarily help solve the problem of creeping starvation among hundreds of thousands of victims and survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas.
The Armed Forces has already ordered 10,000 sets of REMs for soldiers deployed in Samar and Leyte, with the National Police ordering a separate 6,000 sets. One set consists of 3 meals good for one day, with each meal having 250 grams of rice and 200 grams of a viand.
Initially meant for soldiers deployed in remote areas, REM is a two-in-one combo of rice and viand that does away with cooking preparations.
It was developed only this year by businesswoman Jo Magcale, and was first delivered to the Army as part of its food provision for soldiers deployed in Zamboanga City.
They stayed for about a month after a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front laid siege to the city.
“We’re already getting inquiries from private donors for the purchase of REMs.
Instead of sending clothes, noodles, canned goods, or clothing, this is one stop-gap measure to readily address hunger in Eastern Visayas,” Magcale, president of Soul of David Corp, said.
“Taga-bitbit ng kaldero”
Magcale came up with the idea of REMs after soldiers deployed in remote and rebel-infested areas complained that they could not afford a decent meal during operations.
“In the Army, one is assigned as the taga-bitbit ng kaldero at bigas (rice pot carrier). They said it is a bother to cook food. They need also water. Besides, cooking is a security risk. It may give away their location,” Magcale said.
“They also complained that they do not have a decent meal for days, with the meager food allowance allocated for soldiers.”
A soldier has a monthly food allowance of P2,700 or P90 a day. This means that they only have P30 for each breakfast, lunch and dinner meal.
The REM is an apparent adaptation of the US’ "Meal, Ready to Eat" (MRE), which are rations for American soldiers sent to the field or to combat zones where cooking facilities are not available. An MRE may consist of a main course, side dish and dessert, with each meal containing the calorie requirement for an American soldier.
Magcale however said the US military’s MRE does not fit the Filipino concept of what constitutes a meal. “When we say meal, there’s rice and at least one kind of viand. Without rice, that is not a meal.”
Tested by DOST
Conscious of the soldier’s daily food budget, Magcale managed to work around the overhead cost and came up with a pricing scheme that suits the soldier’s needs. Meals in foil packs are priced P30 while those in can are priced at P40.
“There’s actually little margin (of profit). It is our way of helping our soldiers in the field,” she said. “We used rice from the National Food Authority and we order by bulk from poultry and hog raisers. That’s how we are able to keep operational costs within our budget.”
However, testing and development of the REM cost almost P1 million. It underwent and passed the standards set by the Department of Science and Technology for food safety. “We do not use preservatives. The rice and viand are cooked in high heat for longer shelf life. Our REM has a shelf life of one year,” she explained.
Ordinary consumers may find the rice a bit drier than normal. This is because the rice had to be “dehydrated” so it won’t spoil easily.
Magcale also came up with different varieties of viand – from adobo to chicken and pork peccadillo, kare-kare, sisig, chicken caldereta, chicken teriyaki, and chicken curry.
The military admitted it initially hedged about sending a large contingent to Tacloban City because of concerns that the troops would only contribute to the food shortage already plaguing the city.
“We also have a problem on the ground with food and water. We might be adding troops that are not needed. Another problem is how to feed the soldiers and policemen we will send there,” National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director and retired Army general Eduardo del Rosario was quoted as saying.
In times of crisis and national emergencies, the REM addresses that concern.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/43869-ready-to-eat-meals-war-disaster
INSTANT FOOD.
Soldiers and police deployed in Samar and Leyte
are subsisting on ready-to-eat meals that do not spoil for one year. Photo by
Cecille Santos/Rappler
Soldiers and police deployed in Samar and Leyte to maintain order and help in the relief and recovery efforts are subsisting on ready-to-eat meals (REMs) that do not spoil for a year.
These REMs may also temporarily help solve the problem of creeping starvation among hundreds of thousands of victims and survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas.
The Armed Forces has already ordered 10,000 sets of REMs for soldiers deployed in Samar and Leyte, with the National Police ordering a separate 6,000 sets. One set consists of 3 meals good for one day, with each meal having 250 grams of rice and 200 grams of a viand.
Initially meant for soldiers deployed in remote areas, REM is a two-in-one combo of rice and viand that does away with cooking preparations.
It was developed only this year by businesswoman Jo Magcale, and was first delivered to the Army as part of its food provision for soldiers deployed in Zamboanga City.
They stayed for about a month after a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front laid siege to the city.
“We’re already getting inquiries from private donors for the purchase of REMs.
Instead of sending clothes, noodles, canned goods, or clothing, this is one stop-gap measure to readily address hunger in Eastern Visayas,” Magcale, president of Soul of David Corp, said.
“Taga-bitbit ng kaldero”
Magcale came up with the idea of REMs after soldiers deployed in remote and rebel-infested areas complained that they could not afford a decent meal during operations.
“In the Army, one is assigned as the taga-bitbit ng kaldero at bigas (rice pot carrier). They said it is a bother to cook food. They need also water. Besides, cooking is a security risk. It may give away their location,” Magcale said.
“They also complained that they do not have a decent meal for days, with the meager food allowance allocated for soldiers.”
A soldier has a monthly food allowance of P2,700 or P90 a day. This means that they only have P30 for each breakfast, lunch and dinner meal.
The REM is an apparent adaptation of the US’ "Meal, Ready to Eat" (MRE), which are rations for American soldiers sent to the field or to combat zones where cooking facilities are not available. An MRE may consist of a main course, side dish and dessert, with each meal containing the calorie requirement for an American soldier.
Magcale however said the US military’s MRE does not fit the Filipino concept of what constitutes a meal. “When we say meal, there’s rice and at least one kind of viand. Without rice, that is not a meal.”
Tested by DOST
Conscious of the soldier’s daily food budget, Magcale managed to work around the overhead cost and came up with a pricing scheme that suits the soldier’s needs. Meals in foil packs are priced P30 while those in can are priced at P40.
“There’s actually little margin (of profit). It is our way of helping our soldiers in the field,” she said. “We used rice from the National Food Authority and we order by bulk from poultry and hog raisers. That’s how we are able to keep operational costs within our budget.”
However, testing and development of the REM cost almost P1 million. It underwent and passed the standards set by the Department of Science and Technology for food safety. “We do not use preservatives. The rice and viand are cooked in high heat for longer shelf life. Our REM has a shelf life of one year,” she explained.
Ordinary consumers may find the rice a bit drier than normal. This is because the rice had to be “dehydrated” so it won’t spoil easily.
Magcale also came up with different varieties of viand – from adobo to chicken and pork peccadillo, kare-kare, sisig, chicken caldereta, chicken teriyaki, and chicken curry.
The military admitted it initially hedged about sending a large contingent to Tacloban City because of concerns that the troops would only contribute to the food shortage already plaguing the city.
“We also have a problem on the ground with food and water. We might be adding troops that are not needed. Another problem is how to feed the soldiers and policemen we will send there,” National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director and retired Army general Eduardo del Rosario was quoted as saying.
In times of crisis and national emergencies, the REM addresses that concern.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/43869-ready-to-eat-meals-war-disaster
Indian trader kidnapped in Cotabato City freed
From InterAksyon (Nov 16): Indian trader kidnapped in Cotabato City freed
Freed Indian businessman Mike Khemani (left) with Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. and city police chief, Sr. Supt. Rolen Balquin (photo by Dennis Arcon, News5)
An Indian businessman kidnapped in Cotabato City late last month was released Friday evening, authorities said.
Mike Khemani was fetched by relatives and friends around 7 p.m. Friday from the boundary of Northern Kabuntalan and Datu Piang towns in Maguindanao province.
Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said no ransom was paid for the trader’s release.
Khemani, who had visibly lost weight after 17 days in captivity, said he intended to continue doing business here and in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.
The owner of the Sugni Superstore on Bonifacio Street was seized the evening of October 29 by gunmen who shot dead one of his bodyguards and wounded another.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for another Indian trader, 54-year old Krishian Singh Arora, who was abducted in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao on Thursday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74959/indian-trader-kidnapped-in-cotabato-city-freed
Freed Indian businessman Mike Khemani (left) with Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. and city police chief, Sr. Supt. Rolen Balquin (photo by Dennis Arcon, News5)
An Indian businessman kidnapped in Cotabato City late last month was released Friday evening, authorities said.
Mike Khemani was fetched by relatives and friends around 7 p.m. Friday from the boundary of Northern Kabuntalan and Datu Piang towns in Maguindanao province.
Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said no ransom was paid for the trader’s release.
Khemani, who had visibly lost weight after 17 days in captivity, said he intended to continue doing business here and in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.
The owner of the Sugni Superstore on Bonifacio Street was seized the evening of October 29 by gunmen who shot dead one of his bodyguards and wounded another.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for another Indian trader, 54-year old Krishian Singh Arora, who was abducted in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao on Thursday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74959/indian-trader-kidnapped-in-cotabato-city-freed
Malaysia blames Abu Sayyaf for killing, abduction of 2 tourists
From InterAksyon (Nov 16): Malaysia blames Abu Sayyaf for killing, abduction of 2 tourists
Malaysian police said on Saturday an Al-Qaeda linked terror group from the Philippines was believed to be behind the killing of a Taiwanese tourist and the kidnapping of his wife.
Unidentified gunmen shot dead Li-Min Hsu, 57, and kidnapped his wife An-Wei Chang, 56, early Friday on Pom Pom Island, a popular scuba diving location in the eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island.
The incident -- in a remote part that was rocked earlier this year by a bloody Philippine militant incursion -- has underlined continued threats in the region despite a Malaysian security clampdown.
Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the Islamist extremist group Abu Sayyaf was suspected to be behind the attack.
"We believe the terrorists were able to slip in because there has been a big mobilization of resources of the Philippine armed forces from the country's south to the north to help out in relief work for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan," he was quoted by national news agency Bernama as saying.
The record-breaking typhoon, which hit the Philippines eight days ago has left thousands dead and affected millions.
Khalid added the attackers were believed to have come in a group of eight in a speedboat.
Authorities are still trying to find the kidnapped woman with help from their Philippines counterparts, he said.
Another police official confirmed his remarks to AFP but declined to comment further.
Funded by the late Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, Abu Sayyaf has targeted foreigners with kidnappings for ransom and has been accused of most of the Philippines' deadliest insurgent attacks.
They have also been blamed for a 2000 cross-border raid on Malaysia's Sipadan island, near Pom Pom, when 21 mostly Western holidaymakers were seized and taken to the Philippines. They were later ransomed.
The southern Philippines is just a short boat ride away from Sabah's east coast.
More than 200 heavily-armed fighters landed by boat along the same stretch in February in a bizarre bid to support a self-proclaimed Philippine sultan who had staked a claim to the area.
After a nearly month-long stand-off, Malaysian armed forces moved in to clear out the guerrillas, leaving dozens dead. Their leader died last month of organ failure in a Manila hospital at the age of 75.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74984/malaysia-blames-abu-sayyaf-for-killing-abduction-of-2-tourists
Malaysian police said on Saturday an Al-Qaeda linked terror group from the Philippines was believed to be behind the killing of a Taiwanese tourist and the kidnapping of his wife.
Unidentified gunmen shot dead Li-Min Hsu, 57, and kidnapped his wife An-Wei Chang, 56, early Friday on Pom Pom Island, a popular scuba diving location in the eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island.
The incident -- in a remote part that was rocked earlier this year by a bloody Philippine militant incursion -- has underlined continued threats in the region despite a Malaysian security clampdown.
Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the Islamist extremist group Abu Sayyaf was suspected to be behind the attack.
"We believe the terrorists were able to slip in because there has been a big mobilization of resources of the Philippine armed forces from the country's south to the north to help out in relief work for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan," he was quoted by national news agency Bernama as saying.
The record-breaking typhoon, which hit the Philippines eight days ago has left thousands dead and affected millions.
Khalid added the attackers were believed to have come in a group of eight in a speedboat.
Authorities are still trying to find the kidnapped woman with help from their Philippines counterparts, he said.
Another police official confirmed his remarks to AFP but declined to comment further.
Funded by the late Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, Abu Sayyaf has targeted foreigners with kidnappings for ransom and has been accused of most of the Philippines' deadliest insurgent attacks.
They have also been blamed for a 2000 cross-border raid on Malaysia's Sipadan island, near Pom Pom, when 21 mostly Western holidaymakers were seized and taken to the Philippines. They were later ransomed.
The southern Philippines is just a short boat ride away from Sabah's east coast.
More than 200 heavily-armed fighters landed by boat along the same stretch in February in a bizarre bid to support a self-proclaimed Philippine sultan who had staked a claim to the area.
After a nearly month-long stand-off, Malaysian armed forces moved in to clear out the guerrillas, leaving dozens dead. Their leader died last month of organ failure in a Manila hospital at the age of 75.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74984/malaysia-blames-abu-sayyaf-for-killing-abduction-of-2-tourists
Friday, November 15, 2013
Operation Damayan in full swing
From DVIDS (Nov 14): Operation Damayan in full swing
Lance Cpl. John Robertson, right, a landing support specialist with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assist a civilian displaced by Typhoon Haiyan as part of Operation Damayan at Villamor Air Base, Nov. 14. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines according to the government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry/RELEASED
By Wednesday morning, U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3rd MEB) had distributed approximately 384,400 pounds of relief supplies and helped 1,735 people displaced by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda find their way to Manila.
Operation Damayan, the U.S. government’s response to the Philippine government’s request for humanitarian assistance, had led to 12 U.S. Marine KC-130J Hercules helicopters and eight MV-22B Ospreys from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) to deploy to the Philippines to help supplies, survivors, military and civilian relief personnel reach typhoon affected areas of the country still largely impassable due to debris, flooding and a breakdown in ground transportation.
“Clearly the U.S. military offers unique capabilities,” said Daniel Dieckhaus, a humanitarian assistance adviser with the office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. “Without the U.S. military helping the Philippine armed forces with air transport capability there would be no way of getting to some of these areas.”
U.S. relief efforts include maritime search and rescue, fixed-wing lift support, medium to heavy helicopter lift support and logistics enablers.
“The current situation remains the same. It’s a serious disaster and there are a lot of people in need,” said Dieckhaus. “But we have ramped up significantly in the last 72 to 96 hours and we know where to target. We are here, but there is a lot of work to do.”
“The men and woman of the U.S. armed forces assisting the Republic of the Philippines are as dedicated to this mission as they are to the defense of their country,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the deputy commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the commanding general of the 3rd MEB. “Assisting fulfills a promise that we made to friends and allies we’ve maintained a great relationship with over the last 100 years to be here in their time of need.”
Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine’s national disaster risk reduction and management council.
Although stressful, hectic and at times confusing, this real-world operation tested the joint training and collaboration skills of U.S. and Philippine forces, who worked together to resolve problems and provide aid as one unit during the Philippine-led operation.
“We have been working with [Marines] all throughout the year and for years before that,” said Col. Miguel E. Okol, the director of the public information office, Philippine air force. “The Marine Corps is optimized similar to ours, very disciplined and hardworking and on behalf of our leadership we appreciate their help.”
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116770/operation-damayan-full-swing#.UoaA5o4o5jo
Lance Cpl. John Robertson, right, a landing support specialist with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assist a civilian displaced by Typhoon Haiyan as part of Operation Damayan at Villamor Air Base, Nov. 14. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines according to the government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry/RELEASED
By Wednesday morning, U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3rd MEB) had distributed approximately 384,400 pounds of relief supplies and helped 1,735 people displaced by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda find their way to Manila.
Operation Damayan, the U.S. government’s response to the Philippine government’s request for humanitarian assistance, had led to 12 U.S. Marine KC-130J Hercules helicopters and eight MV-22B Ospreys from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) to deploy to the Philippines to help supplies, survivors, military and civilian relief personnel reach typhoon affected areas of the country still largely impassable due to debris, flooding and a breakdown in ground transportation.
“Clearly the U.S. military offers unique capabilities,” said Daniel Dieckhaus, a humanitarian assistance adviser with the office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. “Without the U.S. military helping the Philippine armed forces with air transport capability there would be no way of getting to some of these areas.”
U.S. relief efforts include maritime search and rescue, fixed-wing lift support, medium to heavy helicopter lift support and logistics enablers.
“The current situation remains the same. It’s a serious disaster and there are a lot of people in need,” said Dieckhaus. “But we have ramped up significantly in the last 72 to 96 hours and we know where to target. We are here, but there is a lot of work to do.”
“The men and woman of the U.S. armed forces assisting the Republic of the Philippines are as dedicated to this mission as they are to the defense of their country,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the deputy commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the commanding general of the 3rd MEB. “Assisting fulfills a promise that we made to friends and allies we’ve maintained a great relationship with over the last 100 years to be here in their time of need.”
Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine’s national disaster risk reduction and management council.
Although stressful, hectic and at times confusing, this real-world operation tested the joint training and collaboration skills of U.S. and Philippine forces, who worked together to resolve problems and provide aid as one unit during the Philippine-led operation.
“We have been working with [Marines] all throughout the year and for years before that,” said Col. Miguel E. Okol, the director of the public information office, Philippine air force. “The Marine Corps is optimized similar to ours, very disciplined and hardworking and on behalf of our leadership we appreciate their help.”
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116770/operation-damayan-full-swing#.UoaA5o4o5jo
SAF sends second RSAF C-130 to the Philippines
From Asia One (Nov 14): SAF sends second RSAF C-130 to the Philippines
A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) plane in Tacloban City, Philippines, carrying supplies for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.
A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft has delivered the second tranche of relief supplies worth $120,000 to Cebu, Philippines this afternoon.
This is the second C-130 aircraft which the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has sent to Philippines. The aircraft carried tents, groundsheets, medical supplies and blankets to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
The first tranche of supplies were sent to the town of Tacloban yesterday by the SAF.
In response to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) request, the SAF will be extending the deployment of the second C-130 aircraft to the Philippines to support their ongoing relief efforts.
The C-130 aircraft will assist in transporting relief supplies and personnel between the capital city of Manila and areas in the Visayas region which were badly affected by the typhoon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)