NDRRMC appoints 3ID Chief as 'Incident Commander' for Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): NDRRMC appoints 3ID Chief as 'Incident Commander' for Western Visayas

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has appointed 3rd Infantry Division chief, Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, as the "Incident Commander" for Western Visayas.

This refers to the ongoing "Yolanda" humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in the region.

With this development, Baladad stressed that the concentration of HADR operations effort must be in the areas hit badly by the super typhoon while the resources from all sources (local and international) shall be integrated.

He added that his goals are: to prevent or minimize loss of life;to prevent or mitigate damage to properties; to facilitate the recovery of affected areas; and, to hand-over the responsibilities to local government units.

Meanwhile, the Incident Command Post (ICP) was transferred from Iloilo International Airport to Capiz Airport considering the place as near the impact area.

A regular situation update briefing will also be conducted to international aid groups at the Capiz provincial capitol.

Five staging areas were established in Panay Island, which include the Roxas City Airport in Capiz; Kalibo Airport in Aklan; Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo province; Airport in San Jose, Antique; and in Jamindan, Capiz.

These are the areas where relief goods will be hauled in a warehouse and these relief goods will be distributed utilizing land and air assets in a coordinated and synchronized manner to ensure that all the affected families will be provided of their needs.

In support to relief distribution efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Western Visayas is now utilizing 69 military trucks of different types, four helicopters of the Philippine Air Force and two vessels of the Philippine Navy.

Canadian Forces Mobile Medical Teams and the 3rd Infantry Division medical personnel also continue to conduct medical mission in the affected towns of Capiz and northern Iloilo.

Engineering units of both forces also work hand in hand in the clearing of roads and repair of public buildings and schools.

In Estancia, Iloilo Sunday, the AFP provided five military trucks for the forced evacuation of about 1,500 families living in the coastal area who were affected by the oil spill.

Working with Estancia local govenrment, the evacuees were transported to Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College which was repaired by the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion and the Canadian Engineer unit.

Meantime, in between the continuous conduct of disaster response operations and for the operators to take a very short break, AFP personnel got the chance to view live the fight of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who won a unanimous decision against his opponent, Brandon Rios.

Pacquiao, through his relentless training, has been the source of inspiration and motivation for 3rd Infantry Division troopers in preparing to engage in various situation of the operational environment.

Armed with that inspiration and motivation, the soldiers will be able to handle and pursue the AFP’s mission in serving the people here in Western Visayas especially during this difficult time.

“We will ensure that all the affected families will be provided with relief goods, while the injured and sick persons in the affected areas will be provided the necessary medical treatment. Also from here, concerned government agencies will be working with the appropriate aid organization cluster in the relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts," Baladad concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590499

3rd Infantry Division conducts re-greening program to replace trees destroyed by 'Yolanda'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): 3rd Infantry Division conducts re-greening program to replace trees destroyed by 'Yolanda'

Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, led his men in the planting of saplings which will eventually replace the trees destroyed by super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

The re-greening project was done at the unit's headquarters in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz last Thursday, Nov. 21.

Around 130 enlisted men and officers assisted Baladad in this endeavor. More than 500 fruit and non-fruit bearing trees were planted.

Camp Peralta, comprising 33,310 hectares, is the third largest base of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The 3rd Division occupies only about 1,000 hectares of the reservation, leaving most of it untouched.

Because of the rich natural resources, the camp has been labelled as a forest conservation and wildlife sanctuary area.

The reservation covers 27 barangays in the municipalities of Jamindan and Tapaz in the province of Capiz and Lambunao town in Iloilo.

These towns were among the hardest-hit areas by super typhoon in Panay Island.

“Panay Island has been hard hit by the super typhoon and several trees have been damaged. It is our commitment to protect and preserve our environment and biodiversity for the benefit of the next generations. We likewise encourage other stakeholders in the efforts to re-green Panay Island which was vastly damaged by the super typhoon,” Baladad said.

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Relief efforts with other donor countries going smoothly -- AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Relief efforts with other donor countries going smoothly -- AFP chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista on Monday announced that their ongoing relief operations with foreign militaries is proceeding very smoothly.

He added that coordination with foreign units is very good.

"They are all appreciative with the coordination happening," Bautista stressed.

The AFP chief added that coordination work was greatly improve with the activation of the multinational coordination center (MNCC) in AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bautista emphasized that all AFP personnel will focus on the task at hand regardless of what other sectors will say.

He also added that the Philippines is very fortunate to have lots of friends and allies as the latter's military assets, especially the aerial ones, are doing a great help in the ongoing relief efforts.

The AFP chief stressed that the foreign power interested in helping the Philippines in its hour of need can always go the the MNCC so that coordination can be facilitated.

And while giving no exact timetable on when these forces would leave, Bautista said that this will come once the situation normalizes.

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Acquisition of 2 more C-130s to boost AFP's strategic lift capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Acquisition of 2 more C-130s to boost AFP's strategic lift capability

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista on Monday said the decision to acquire two more Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft was done to boost the military's strategic lift capability.

He added that this goal was reflected by the fact that the Navy has recently bidded out the requirements for two 7,000 gross register ton strategic sealift vessels which are expected to be in service within three years time.

"We are now in the process of acquiring these two C-130s," Bautista said.

He added that the C-130 is a very ideal strategic lift aircraft as proven by its performance during September's Zamboanga City siege, relief efforts for quake-battered Bohol, and now for "Yolanda" that devastated parts of Visayas Region.

"We need more (C-130s and strategic sealift vessels) and will get more as our resources will allow," the AFP chief stressed.

Aside from combat missions, these assets also have a very valuable secondary mission like search-and-rescue and relief missions.

Currently, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) operates three C-130 aircraft while the Navy operates four to five logistic ships.

Studies indicate that the PAF needs to have at least nine C-130s to be able to carry out its strategic lift requirements.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590545

Immense U.S. response to Yolanda bolsters need for increased rotational presence pact: DFA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Immense U.S. response to Yolanda bolsters need for increased rotational presence pact: DFA chief

The immense United States (U.S.) military aid to typhoon-ravaged eastern Visayas region has reinforced the need for the two countries to conclude a framework agreement that would pave the way for an expanded presence of American troops in the country, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

"I think what has been demonstrated in central Philippines as a result of this typhoon and the assistance provided in terms of relief, rescue operation demonstrates the need for this framework agreement that we are working out with the United States," Del Rosario told a press briefing Monday following a meeting with U.S. lawmakers, who visited Tacloban, one of the hardest hit areas of super typhoon "Yolanda", over the weekend.

The U.S. government, a long-time military ally of the Philippines, was among the first countries to bring in troops, aircraft, navy ships and financial assistance after the country was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the death and destruction wrought by the record-breaking storm, also known internationally as Haiyan on November 8.

Both allies are negotiating for an accord that will allow an increased rotational presence of American troops in the country amid a backdrop of mounting territorial rift between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, of which a part being claimed by Manila is called the West Philippine Sea.

The U.S., under President Barack Obama, has announced an "Asian pivot" after its heavy military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq.

According to Del Rosario, the pact, currently being negotiated by Philippine and US panels, “accentuates one of the main purposes of the framework, which is to make humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and response a very major aspect of the agreement.”

The U.S. lawmakers, in the same briefing, welcomed an expanded presence of American military in the Philippines.

“Those of us in here are very much in favor of the strongest possible bond between the U.S. military and the PHL military in every aspect,” said New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, the head of the US congressional delegation.

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks said the US government is “deeply committed” to solidify the historic alliance with the Philippines.

“I think it’s vitally important for us to stick closely together and to take every opportunity we have to try to bring our military efforts close together because we certainly not only have great common potential opponents to deal with but we have a great commitment to being in common in going forward in peace efforts,” he said.

The lawmakers, who met Del Rosario on Monday morning, expressed their strong support for Philippine humanitarian relief operations as well as upcoming reconstruction and rehabilitation plans of the government in the aftermath of the typhoon, which has killed at least 5,200 and affected close to 10 million.

Smith, together with Franks and Texas Congressman Al Greene, went to Tacloban on Saturday to look at humanitarian assistance coordination and health situation there.

The delegation said housing is urgently needed for the survivors and called on the government to ensure the protection of affected women and children against trafficking.

The lawmakers discussed with Del Rosario the way forward in reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas and how the U.S. can further help.

“What our delegation is seeking to do is to get as best we can as much information then to bring that information back to the United States and work with our colleagues both in the House and the Senate and with the executive branch to be as supportive and generous as we possibly can,” Smith said.

Del Rosario conveyed to the US lawmakers his appreciation for the immediate and overwhelming humanitarian assistance from the U.S.

“We thank the United States for sharing their unique airlift capabilities in order to get to hard to reach areas immediately after typhoon hit the Philippines. Now, access to affected areas has tremendously improved and Philippine forces and humanitarian assistance are reaching more people,” Del Rosario said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590560

U.S. congressmen back PHL-led post-Yolanda reconstruction

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): U.S. congressmen back PHL-led post-Yolanda reconstruction

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives expressed their strong support for Philippine humanitarian relief operations as well as upcoming reconstruction and rehabilitation plans of the government in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) and members of the U.S. congressional delegation (CODEL) conveyed this support during a courtesy call on Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario in the DFA today.

Smith, House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations (SAGHGHRIO), led the CODEL to the Philippines to look at humanitarian assistance coordination and health situation related to Typhoon Yolanda relief operations.

Representative Al Greene (D-TX) and Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ) joined Smith in the CODEL.

During the courtesy call, the CODEL expressed their sympathies for the Philippines in this time of tragedy.

Secretary del Rosario conveyed to the CODEL his appreciation for the immediate and overwhelming humanitarian assistance from the United State in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“We thank the United States for sharing their unique airlift capabilities in order to get to hard to reach areas immediately after typhoon hit the Philippines. Now, access to affected areas has tremendously improved and Philippine forces and humanitarian assistance are reaching more people,” Del Rosario said to the CODEL.

The CODEL discussed with the Secretary the way forward in reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas and how the U.S. can further help.

“Now as we move from short-term relief to long-term rebuilding, I expressed to the CODEL that the Philippine government is in the process of drafting rehabilitation and reconstruction plans for affected areas. I emphasized the importance of U.S. development assistance dovetailing our reconstruction plans,” commented del Rosario.

“Indeed, the loss of lives and devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda is sad and unfortunate. The Filipino people continue to be resilient and will rise above this tragedy. It will be a daunting task."

"We are blessed that we have a reliable ally like the United States to help us rise above this crisis. Ours is a history of standing together, steadfast and resolute. Ours is a partnership, firm and unwavering. Once more we lock arms to defeat despair and to bring hope,” Del Rosario added.

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CAFGU Patrol Base attacked by NPAs in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): CAFGU Patrol Base attacked by NPAs in Agusan del Sur

A Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) Patrol base was harassed by a fully armed group believed to be members of the CPP-NPA over the weekend.

Reports from Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office reaching the regional headquarters here Monday, said that on Saturday, 9:30 p.m. the CAA manned patrol base of the 23rd Infantry Battalion PA headed by Cpl. Jul H. Hassan.

The detachment command located at Brgy. Sinubong, Veruela town in Agusan del Sur was harassed by more or less three fully armed men believed to be members of the CPP-NPA under the Guerilla Front 3 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF3, SMRC) said the report.

The police also reported that the attackers positioned themselves at the west portion and fired at the said patrol base which resulted to a two-minute firefight as the base-defenders returned fire.

No casualty on either side was reported after the attackers withdrew towards an unknown direction.

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NPA rebels demand ‘revolutionary taxes’ from MisOr’s industrial firms

From the New People's Army (Nov 25): NPA rebels demand ‘revolutionary taxes’ from MisOr’s industrial firms

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) purportedly sent demand letters to four major industrial firms in Misamis Oriental asking a P5 million “revolutionary tax” from the companies, a police officer said on Monday.

Police Senior Insp. Rogelio Labor, police town chief of Villanueva, said the letters were addressed to  the management of the Japanese-owned Philippine Sinter Corporation, the German-supervised STEAG, a coal fired power plant, the Coca-cola Plant, and the Elegant Alloy Metal Corp.

Labor said the firms were all multinational companies located in the municipal town of Villanueva, one of the three coastal towns identified as the Misamis Oriental’s economic industrial zone.

In their letter, the group demanded a P1 million to P5 million to help defray cash assistance to the victims of typhoon "Sendong" in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City on December 17, 2011, Labor added.

He said another group, who also claimed to be members of the NPA rebels, has sent a letter demanding a 2 percent “revolutionary tax” from the gross contract price of a contractor in Claveria for a Multi Million Infrastructure Project.

According to Labor, the police’s provincial command was trying to establish the authenticity of the alleged letter-demand.

“The police are conducting an investigation to determine whether the letters came from groups who were trying to extort money masquerading as NPA rebels,” Labor added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CCP/NDF) has confirmed they have extended P 100,000 cash assistance to the local government for the victims of "Sendong" on December 2011.

George Madlos, a.k.a. “Oris,” the spokesperson of CPP/NDF Mindanao, also announced a week after typhoon "Yolanda" struck the Visayas Region that the communist rebels has extended P 100,000 cash assistance to victims of typhoon "Yolanda".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=590584

Communist rebels released 5 kidnapped village officials

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Communist rebels released 5 kidnapped village officials

The communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels had released five villlage officials including a volunteer militiaman abducted a month ago four days prior to the conduct of the barangay election here, the military announced on Monday.

Maj. Noli Kanashiro, executive officer of the Army's 26th Infantry Batallion based here, identified the village officials as incumbent village chief Lino Andalique of Barangay Sabud, Loreto Agusan del Sur, Marvin Bantuasan, Balaba Andalique, and Cresanto Piodos, all barangay kagawads of Sabud and Pepe Subla, a militiaman of the Civilian Volunteers Organization.

Kanashiro said the victims were abducted by the communist rebels as human shield when they withdrew after attacking the village on October 24, four days before the barangay election on Oct. 28, 2013.

He said that the NPA rebels released the kidnap victims Friday last week after the military conducted sustained military operations leading to the capture of the NPA's main rebel camp in the area.

Kanashiro said that the rebel camp has generator sets, food supplies, explosive devices, and personal belongings.

He said that the military sustained negative casualties during the month-long operations that saw intermittent skirmishes and running gunbattles toward the nearby province of Compostela Valley.

Despite his absence during the barangay elections, residents in the village of Sabud re-elected Lino Andalique as village chief after garnering an overwhelming votes as against his closest rivals, Kanashiro added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=590579

Joint task force finally locates ill-fated OV-10 Bronco 630

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Joint task force finally locates ill-fated OV-10 Bronco 630

The Joint Task Force Bronco announced Monday that it has finally located the ill-fated OV-10 Bronco 630 with the help of a local fisherman on November 23 off the shoreline of BM Beach, Barangay San Manuel, in this city.

According to Gen. Conrado Parra Jr., the OV-10 Bronco 630, which went missing on June 23, was located with the help of a local fisherman, who found its wreckage lying in the seabed approximately 8.1 kilometers off the coast of BM Beach, a popular city beach getaway in Puerto Princesa.

“With this development, eventual retrieval of the wreckage is now in place and being coordinated with all stakeholders, including the 15th Strike Wing, which will lead the investigation of the crash,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a telephone interview.

At present, Parra Jr. said the site where the wreckage has been located had been marked with mooring buoys for easy retrieval operation.

“We cannot touch the location until the 15th Strike Wing arrives, the soonest would be Wednesday. We have secured the place where it is located, and as soon as they get here, they will start retrieval operations, and then the investigation,” he said.

Parra Jr. described finding the OV-10 Bronco 630 as a positive and a little bit of closure on the long work the joint task force has continuously done since June this year.

“There are still many work to do, but to us it’s a sign of a little bit of closure on the long search for the Bronco plane. Definitely, we wish to thank the people for their support, especially the fisherman, who found the most important missing piece so investigation can already begin,” he stated.

The Bronco plane went missing following a night proficiency training flight conducted by Maj. Jonathan Ybanez and 1st Lt. Abner Trust Nacion with another same aircraft. The two remain missing as of press time.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=590672

China’s hospital ship now serving Yolanda survivors in Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): China’s hospital ship now serving Yolanda survivors in Eastern Visayas

China’s only hospital ship arrived at the Leyte Gulf Sunday afternoon to extend medical assistance to survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

The 14-thousand tonner hospital ship, Peace Ark, set sail from East China’s Qingdao on Thursday carrying medicines, tents, commuter boats and helicopters.

The hospital ship has 106 medical personnel and equipped with two 8J heli-ambulance, two high speed boats and two low-speed utility boats.

The Chinese team offers a variety of medical services such as inpatient and outpatient treatments, emergency treatment and surgery, among others. Daily, it can accommodate some 800 patients.

“Doctors can go down and take care of the patients here. There are more than 300 beds and 100 doctors and all the advance equipment in the ship. I hope that it would be a big help,” said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing who arrived here Sunday afternoon.

The ship already catered to five patients Sunday evening.

She added that their government is “ready to provide more assistance in accordance with the needs of the Philippines.”

Currently, they have provided 200,000 dollars in cash; P73 million in goods mostly tents and blankets and three medical teams stationed in Tacloban City and Abuyog town.

On Monday morning, the medical team deployed to Abuyog initially catered to at least 75 patients.

“After their medical mission in Tacloban, the medical team of the Chinese Red Cross will leave all their equipment to the Philippine Red Cross worth about 5.3 million Chinese yuan,” she disclosed.

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SOLCOM, Team Albay sustain relief operations in "Yolanda" stricken areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): SOLCOM, Team Albay sustain relief operations in "Yolanda" stricken areas

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -- "Team Albay," the joint team of volunteers and responders from the Albay local government unit (LGU) and the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), is sustaining its humanitarian mission and disaster relief operations in Tacloban City and Samar province.

SOLCOM commander Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo reported Monday that 17 days after super typhoon "Yolanda" ravaged the Visayas and parts of the Bicol regions, their coordination and post-disaster operations in cooperation with the various government and private agencies continue.

"We continue our coordination with various agencies to hasten relief and humanitarian efforts for our affected countrymen," Ordoyo said in the vernacular.

SOLCOM troops observed that to date, thousands of typhoon "Yolanda" victims still desperately need help and cry for aid owing to the massive destruction in the Eastern Visayas region.

We need to unite and coordinate to overcome this crisis and help our countrymen rise up from this calamity, Ordoyo remarked as military troops and police forces hasten assistance to the devastated areas.

"Team Albay" is composed of soldiers from the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL), 2nd Infantry Battalion and 9th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Air Force-Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG 5) and other stakeholders from Albay who immediately attended to the typhoon victims for close to 20 days now.

Members of the Team Albay were among the first emergency responders to conduct immediate search and retrieval operations.

Although Albay was also affected by the super storm, the provincial government dispatched its responders and volunteers who teamed up with the SOLCOM troops to prioritize the needs of the survivors.

Since last week's retrieval operations, Ordoyo said more than 200 cadavers were recovered by the team from under piles of debris, mud and those washed ashore in the typhoon-ravaged areas.

Team Albay also brought a water filtration machine and continues to distribute more than 378,000 liters of potable water to the residents of Tacloban City and neighboring localities.

Its medical team also continues to respond to the health needs of the victims while the rest are now engaged in relief and reconstruction operations.

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President Aquino lauds soldiers for their role in 'Yolanda' relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): President Aquino lauds soldiers for their role in 'Yolanda' relief efforts

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday lauded the military for their role in the relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by supertyphoon "Yolanda" two weeks ago.

"Kaya naman taos-puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng kasapi ng ating unipormadong hanay na talaga naman pong hindi umaatras sa mga dumarating na delubyo. Buong bayan po ang nagpupugay sa inyong sipag at propesyunalismo [We thank our uniformed personnel for not backing down during disasters. The entire nation salutes you for your dedication and professionalism]," Aquino said in a speech he delivered at the Joint Graduation of Major Services Pre-Entry Officers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo Monday morning.

Aquino recalled the heroic act of soldiers who, in the aftermath of the killer typhoon, served as the protector and source of strength of the survivors.

"Sa ganitong mga panahon ng trahedya, mahalagang kayong mga kawal ang magsilbing haligi ng katatagan at sandigan ng ating mga kababayan... Kayo ang katuwang ng mga pamilyang naghahanap ng kakapitan, upang gabayan silang muling tumayo sa sariling mga paa, at umahon mula sa nagdaang trahedya [In times of tragedies, you serve as the inspiration and pillar of strength of our fellowmen. You are the guide of families so that they can get up and recover from this tragedy]," he said.

Aquino led the distribution of diplomas and awards to the 140 graduates from the three major services, Army, Air Force and Navy as they graduate from their respective Officer Candidate Courses at the AFP Theatre.

Aquino also lauded the graduates for choosing to serve the country through joining the Armed Forces, as he rallied them to do their best in their chosen profession.

"At ngayon pa lang, nagpapasalamat na ako sa kahandaan ninyong tumaya at maglingkod sa kapwa at bandila... Sa inyong pagtatapos, humahakbang na rin kayo patungo sa realidad. At ngayon pa lang, sinasabi ko sa inyo: Hindi madali ang rutang inyong tatahakin [I thank you for choosing to serve our flag countrymen... The route you are going to take will not be an easy task]," he said.

"Umaasa akong hindi kayo mawawalan ng loob; umaasa akong hindi kayo mauubusan ng puso. Army man, Navy, o Air Force, kompiyansa akong isasabuhay ninyo ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin [I hope you will not lose heart and faith and I'm confident you will live up to the vow to serve]," he added.

The officer candidate schools were established in the three Major Services to train civilians and enlisted personnel who hold baccalaureate degrees to be members of the AFP regular force.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=590471

BRP Alcaraz now in Leyte for humanitarian mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): BRP Alcaraz now in Leyte for humanitarian mission
 
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16) is now on its first-ever humanitarian mission helping areas in Eastern Visayas that have been devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.

BRP Alcaraz is currently berthing at the Leyte Gulf carrying around 123.7 tons of assorted food and non-food items donated by various government agencies and private organizations.

Also on board are engineering and construction personnel of the Philippine Navy for the Naval Task Group (NTG) “Tulong Visayas” who will augment in various relief efforts to include repair and rehabilitation works.

The country’s latest warship was christened and commissioned last week. Thereafter, it sailed towards Leyte for its first-ever humanitarian assistance and disaster operations.

Aside from Alcaraz, also anchoring at the Leyte Gulf is the BRP Gregorio del Pilar loaded with relief goods and engineering and construction materials for displaced victims of Yolanda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=590472

5 Filipinos hurt by Yolanda's fury treated at China's hospital ship in Leyte Gulf

From InterAksyon (Nov 25): 5 Filipinos hurt by Yolanda's fury treated at China's hospital ship in Leyte Gulf



China's Peace Ark hospital ship. JEAN CURRAN/AFP

Five Filipinos wounded at the height of typhoon Yolanda were the first to be treated aboard the Peace Ark Hospital Ship of China, which carried 106 medical professionals and 35 tons of medical supplies and arrived at Leyte Gulf around 5: 30 p.m. Sunday, the Chinese embassy here said.

The Peace Ark is the first 10,000- ton-class hospital ship in the world. The ship is equipped with 217 types and 2406 units of advanced medical systems including CT scan room, digital X-ray photographic studio, blood bank, oxygen generation station, compressed air system, pharmacy, etc.

It is equipped with 300 ward beds of various types, including 20 ICU ward beds, 109 ward beds for serious injury, 67 burn ward beds, 94 regular ward beds, and 10 beds of quarantine ward. There is also tele-medicine diagnose system, and three lifts with special specifications for transferring the wounded on the board.

After the ship’s arrival, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing, officers of Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local government officials then met and talked about how to carry out their treatment work.

The ship’s medical team of more than 50 doctors and nurses set up medical tents in Abuyog, Leyte, and as of 11 a.m. Sunday, has received 75 patients. This team has brought six tons of medical supplies with them.

The crew of China's hospital ship immediately got to work on the patients brought via ferry to the ship, anchored 10 miles from shore.

One of the patients, Flora Anadi, 44, was operated on after she suffered a fractured knee.

Another patient, Michael Martillo, 19, was treated for appendicitis.

Martillo initially went to Metro Manila to seek treatment but could not immediately be admitted there.

On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador Ma had said the hospital ship is too big to be anchored at any port, so it had to be anchored 10 miles away. Ma said the vessel has about 100 doctors to treat various medical conditions.

Chinese Red Cross, too

Two medical teams of more than 30 members from Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) joined the Philippine Red Cross and set up their camp at Tacloban City and ready to receive patients. Some of them will help search remains of local victims.
These two teams also brought enough supplies and they are expected to work there for at least two weeks.

A cargo of P37.8 million worth of supplies, including 2,000 tents, 2,000 sleeping bags, medicine and medical devices donated by RCSC has arrived at Cebu on November 21 and been turned over to their Philippine counterpart.

The P73 million worth of aid that the Chinese government pledged, which is composed of 10,000 blankets and 2,600 tents with each holds a capacity of 6 to 10 people, has been delivered to the Philippine side on November 19.

Chinese NGO donations

China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a well-known NGO named after the late Chinese honorary president, is busy preparing 200 mobile houses (P22.4 million worth) to donate to Leyte, East Samar, and Bohol.

The Chinese companies based in the Philippines have been mobilizing and organizing their staff including local ones to extend relief helps to the victims. The Association of Chinese Companies in the Philippines are also taking part in these efforts. They have donated P7.5 million to buy three payloaders much-needed for clean-up of the disaster areas.

The embassy said Chinese telecom giant Huawei Co. has been working on day and night in restoring the lifeline of communication in typhoon-affected areas. After typhoon Yolanda caused massive breakdown to its operation network, the company immediately assessed the losses, set up team of experts, and sent more than a dozen engineers to Tacloban with much-needed facilities. “With their hard work, Huawei successfully provided helped bring the telecommunication networks of PLDT, Smart, and Globe in the disaster areas back to normal, thus ensured the normal operation of communications networks in the disaster-hit areas,” it said.

China National Grid Co., the technical partner of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), has donated $100,000 to disaster area, and also contributed in restoring the power system of the typhoon-hit areas. It is now sending technical expert teams to the Philippines to join NGCP's post-disaster rebuilding efforts and work out a faster restoration of the power grids in the disaster areas.

The Yinyi Inc., a mining company based in Eastern Samar, which the typhoon severely devastated, also offered help. It granted its storage of food, water and other supplies to the survivors, and used all its equipment such as payloaders to clear roads, and donated its diesel stockpile to support the relief work. The company has raised P250,000 worth of cash, food, medicine and clothes, and will donate to GMA Kapuso funds and ABS-CBN funds.

Golfer Liang Wen-chong, the former Asian Tour No. 1, donated half of his first-place purse of US$135,000 (or US$67,500 or close to P3 million) to the victims of typhoon Yolanda after winning the Resorts World Manila Masters.

“I am very sorry about the typhoon that happened last week. I’ve decided to donate 50 percent of my winnings this week to Red Cross as a form of respect and gesture to those affected by typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda),” Liang said.

The Chinese embassy said it has been working around to clock to facilitate all the relief efforts. Moreover, it also joined the government's efforts in donating P1.2 million worth of emergency supplies, including radios, emergency lights and flashlights to Leyte and Samar directly. The diplomats in the embassy organized a donation for the Filipino staff who are from the typhoon-hit areas.

China also hit by Yolanda

“China suffered from the same super typhoon as well, which affected four million people and has caused huge losses and some casualties. The Chinese people are empathetic with the hardships the Philippine people are facing,” the embassy said in a statement.

After typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended their condolences respectively to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Foreign Minister Albert Del Rosario. The Chinese government and its Red Cross Society delivered $200,000 emergency remittance assistance to the Philippine.

The relevant Chinese authorities and Chinese embassy are following closely the relief operations and will render further assistance to the needs of the Philippine people, the statement said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75514/chinas-peace-ark-hospital-ship-arrives-at-leyte-gulf