PGMA inaugurates P1.31-B Quirino project to irrigate 8,000 hectares of farmlands
CABARROGUIS, Quirino Province – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated today (Wednesday, Sept. 10) the P1.31-billion Addalam River Irrigation Project (ARIP), the biggest infrastructure project in the history of this province funded under the national budget.
The President, who arrived here after a two-hour land travel from San Jose, Nueva Ecija, led the unveiling of the marker of the project at 10:30 a.m. in Barangay San Leonardo, Aglipay town.
The irrigation project, which will benefit some 4,500 farmers in the two provinces of Quirino and Isabela, is one of the big-ticket projects of the Arroyo administration designed to increase the rice and corn production in Region II.
The President arrived with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and was welcomed by some 200 residents and local officials led by Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua, Quirino Lone District Rep. Junie Cua, Aglipay Mayor Jerry Agsalda, and Nueva Vizcaya Archbishop Ramon Villena.
She was briefed on the project by Yap while Bishop Villena led the blessing of the irrigation site in Barangay San Leonardo.
The project involves the construction of a diversion dam across the Addalam River in Barangay San Leonardo, a canal distribution and drainage systems, access and service roads.
Governor Cua said the irrigation system, which was initiated by his father, Rep. Junie Cua in 1997, is the biggest project funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Scheduled for completion next year, the project will irrigate more than 1,000 hectares of farmlands in Quirino and another 7,000 hectares in Isabela.
“Definitely this is one of the biggest, if not the biggest irrigation projects, and perhaps the only dam that is funded through the GAA. This project is very timely considering our government’s food security program,” Governor Cua said.
For his part, Rep. Cua described the project as a “classic example of patience and perseverance” in sourcing out local funds. “The biggest release of almost P1 billion came during the term of the President (Arroyo),” he said.
In compliance with the President’s directive, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has constructed new irrigation systems and rehabilitated old ones that have so far increased the country’s irrigable farmlands to an unprecedented 1.5 million hectares.
Quirino province is the third biggest corn producer, and fourth rice producer in Region II.
PGMA names Domingo as Presidential Adviser and 4 others in various gov’t posts
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed today Victor C. Domingo as Presidential Adviser for New Government Centers and four others in various government positions.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in his weekly press briefing that Domingo had replaced Silvestre Bello who was earlier appointed by the President as Cabinet Secretary.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser for New Government Centers is under the Office of the President.
Ermita also announced the appointments of Christopher Lawrence S. Arnuco, Jr. as an acting commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission.
Other newly appointed officials are Raymundo T. Roquero as member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
Herminio V.Suelo as presiding commissioner of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), representing the public sector and Numeriano D. Villena as commissioner representing the worker’s sector.
Both Suelo and Villena will represent their respective sectors at the 7th NLRC Division.
Ermita said that these new appointees will immediately hold their office upon received their respective appointment papers.
U.S. looks forward to "no danger" in Mindanao
THE U.S. government will continue warning its citizens about the danger of traveling in Mindanao but "we look forward to the day when we don't have to do that anymore," embassy press attache Rebecca Thomson told reporters of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Last August 10, or on the same week when alleged rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked Christian-dominated barangays in North Cotabato, the embassy issued what is known as a "warden advisory", advising Americans of the hazards of being in Mindanao at the time.
The MILF admitted the barangays were attacked because of its frustration over the aborted signing of the already-scuttled Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
The MOA-AD would have paved the way for a Final Peace Agreement that could cement closer friendship and understanding between Christian settlers and indigenous Moros in contested areas of Mindanao which would be eventually called the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.
The last time a U.S. State Department level advisory on travel in strife-torn Mindanao was in 2007.
Thompson said warden advisories are a duty of the embassy to do in protecting not only more than 230,000 U.S. citizens in the Philippines but also those coming in as tourists and advisers.
Last week, the British embassy issued another of its regular travel advisories to its own citizens, warning them that some places in Mindanao are unsafe because of the current hostilities.
British members of a non-governmental organization based in Iligan as well as a group of British exchange students pulled out of the stricken city "to avoid being caught in the crossfire" between government troopers and MILF rebels. (PNA)
PGMA sends Ermita to Geneva to represent RP in GDAVD
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita to represent the Philippines in the first Review Summit of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development (GDAVD) on Sept. 12, 2008.
This was announced yesterday by Ermita himself during his weekly briefing with Palace reporters. He said that while in Geneva, he would hand over a letter from President Arroyo to President Pascal Couchepin of the Swiss Federation reiterating the country’s strong support for the said Declaration which the Swiss Government initiated in June 2006.
As this developed, the President has named Press Secretary Jess Dureza as acting Executive Secretary and Presidential Spokesman in concurrent capacity.
During the Summit proper, the Executive Secretary will present the Philippines Country Statement focusing its efforts to give full form and substance to the GDAVD which the country endorsed in May this year. “For indeed, our country goes way beyond token affirmation of international instruments for peace and development,” he said.
“In presenting our Country Statement, I will underscore the broad parameters guiding government policies not only in the peace process, internal security operations, and law enforcement, but also on developmental interventions,” Ermita told Palace reporters.
He said such parameters, which conform to the GDAVD, involve (1) the recognition that armed conflict is anathema to human development, (2) the imperative to address the root causes of insurgencies by way of a comprehensive peace process, and (3) the adoption of an expansive mode of conflict prevention and reduction – one that encompasses full respect for human rights, accountability of state security forces, arms control, and strategic development programs and projects.
Ermita said during the Geneva Summit, he would affirm the country’s continuing full adherence to the Declaration by drawing attention to the following facts:
First, the Philippine government, fully aware of the social, economic and political coats of armed conflict, remains committed to conflict management by way of peace-making and peace-building.
Second, our government is determined to provide timely, sufficient, and comprehensive development assistance to conflict-ridden areas and to sustain development interventions in aid of post-conflict rehabilitation.
Third, our government, which gives adequate democratic space for the expression of political sentiments, shuns the use of violence in dealing with dissents, including terrorism. From our political history, we have learned that repression intensifies resistance and attendant violence. Instead, we affirm the positive impact of sustainable development in effectively addressing the roots of conflict.
Ermita also noted with gratitude the continuing role of foreign institutions and agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme, in supporting the Philippine government along this track, including the country’s successful fulfillment of its 15-year commitment under the Millennium Development Goals for 2000 to 2015.
And fourth, our country applies itself to addressing the worrisome availability and proliferation of small arms and light ammunition, which exacerbate civil strife and sectarian violence; and in this regard, it pays particular attention on choking the commerce of such instruments of death.
Apart from the Summit on the GDAVD, Ermita will be meeting with international organizations, such as the Geneva-based Henri Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, one of the key players in the Summit and reliable partner of the Philippine government in Peace and Development efforts in Sulu.
There will be likewise the opportunities for the Philippine deletion to attend some of the pertinent presentations and discussions at the 9th Session of the Human Rights Council which began on September 8 and which will end on September 23, 2008.
PGMA cites Quirino province's contribution to gov’ts food sufficiency and social justice thrusts
CABARROGUIS, Quirino---President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited today Quirino Province's important contribution to the government's thrust for self-sufficiently in rice in the next five years and the delivery of social justice for indigenous people.
In her message during the celebration of the 37th Araw ng Quirino at the Quirino Grandstand here, the President said Quirinians led by Rep. Junie Cua and Gov. Dax Cua have shown their love, not only for the province but for the whole nation as well, by sharing the bounty of their land to its neighbors and even to the people of Metro Manila and the Visayas.
''You have shown your love not only for your provincemates but also for to the rest of the country by sharing with them your land's bounty. The vegetables you grow here feed your provincemates as well as the people in other parts of Luzon and the Visayas,'' the President said in the Ilokano dialect.
''You play an important role in the midst of the global food crisis by being self-sufficient in rice and number one banana producer in Region 2. You also supply coffee and peanuts to other provinces. And because of Quirino being self-sufficient in rice, we only have to import 10 percent of our rice needs,'' the President added.
The President said the government has been working tirelessly to face the global food and oil crises and the slowing down of the world’s economy, and with Quirino province's contribution, the government has succeeded in ensuring that food supplies remain stable.
The Chief Executive said that to fulfill the government's goal of modernizing the nation in the next 20 years and rice sufficiency in the next five years, the government has embarked into an enhanced agriculture program on fertlizers, irrigation, equipment, loans, dryers and other farm implements and seeds or FIELDS.
She cited the Addalam Dam which she earlier inaugurated, as an important infrastructure that will increase agricultural yield.
''It will add 5,800 new hectares to its production area which today already has 1,000 hectares operating in Quirino and Isabela. The P1.3 billion irrigation project has created 1,208 new jobs.
As to the delivery of social justice for indigenous people, the President said Quirino province, including Nueva Vizcaya and Aurora provinces, which are home to the Bugkalot, Ifugao, Kankana-ey, Ibaloi and Agta, certificates of Ancestral Domain titles (CADTS) were awarded for some 100,000 hectares.
''These CADTS and other agricultural inputs promise to bring in more production and increased income,'' she said.
The President told the over 6,000 Quirinians who patiently waited for her arrival at the Quirino Grandstand, that she joined in their Panagdadapun 2008 celebration to personally thank them for ''loving your province and the whole country.''
''I will be forever humble at having had the privilege of serving the Republic of the Philippines together with the people of Quirino,'' the President said.
After the short program at the Quirino grandstand, the President inaugurated the P9.4 -million PGMA cottages which were constructed as part of the development of Capitol Hills as primary tourist attraction in the province.
The PGMA cottages are situated on top of a hill overlooking the Island Quirino Park.
PGMA distributes P3.2-million worth of checks, assorted farm gears to increase production
CABARROGUIS, Quirino Province – As part of her program to increase food production, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo distributed here today P3.2 million worth of checks to farmer cooperatives, and assorted farm implements, including post-harvest facilities, during the 37th founding anniversary of Quirino Province.
More than 5,000 residents cheered the President who arrived here to open the province’s agro-industrial fair at the provincial capitol grounds this morning.
Aside from the P3.2 million worth of checks under LandBank’s rice production loan program, the President also distributed seven flatbed dryers, and assorted vegetable seeds.
She was assisted in the distribution of the checks and farm implements by local officials led by Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua, Quirino Lone Congressional District Rep. Junie Cua, Vice Gov, Pasencia Bacani and Cabarroguis Mayor Richard Longid.
The recipients of the P3.2 million worth of LandBank checks were the Abrasa Multipurpose Cooperative, (P1 million), and Pusuac Multipurpose Cooperative (1.2 million), both in the municipality of Diffun, and the RB Magsaysay Multipurpose Cooperative n Saguday town.
The Villadelsan Irrigators’ Association, Baluugi Irrigator’s Association, Abrasa Multipurpose Cooperative, San Francisco Irrigators’ Association, Ganano Irrigators’ Association, Laviernos Irrigators’ Association and the Magic 5 Communal Irrigators’ Association were awarded one flatbed dryer each.
The vegetable seed packs the President distributed to the six towns of the province were received by Cabarroguis Mayor David Richard Longid, Diffun Mayor Garnace Calaunan, Saguday Mayor Dionision Vicmundo, Aglipay Mayor Jerry Agsalda, Madela Mayor Florante Ruiz and Nagtipunan Mayor Rosario Camma.
Last April 1, the President signed Administrative Order 225, “Harnessing Idle Resources to Uplift the Poor and Boost Rice Supply to Cushion the Country from Price Spikes.”
Under AO 225, the President directed government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) to allocate five percent of their 2007 surplus for rice production, microfinance and other pro-poor projects.
AO 225 was directed at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank), Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Social Security System (SSS), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), National Power Corporation (NPC) and National Housing Authority (NHA).
These GOCCs and GFIs, which amassed a combined surplus of P100 billion in 2007, were directed to allocate five percent of their surplus earnings for the implementation this year of pro-poor programs and projects on rice and food, low-cost consumer and medicine outlets, health insurance, microfinance and micro-enterprise, among others.
PGMA creates six new regional consular offices
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the creation of six additional consular offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to be set up in different parts of the country.
The President’s directive is embodied in Executive Order No 748 she issued on Aug. 28, 2008, “to effect an efficient delivery of basic public services by bringing it closer to the people.”
The new consular offices will be located in Bacolod City, Butuan City, Puerto Princesa City, Baguio City, General Santos City, and Cotabato City.
Under the E.O., with funding coming from the annual budget of the DFA and the Passport Revolving Fund.”
“For Calendar Year 2008, an initial fund amounting to P66-million shall be released from any available appropriation for CY 2008, as may be determined by the Department of Budget of Management,” the E.O. said. The E.O also provides for the organizational requirements and housing for the soon-to-be-created consular offices.
PGMA to join thousands of Marian devotees in National Pilgrimage to Lipa City Friday
LIPA CITY, Batangas – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will join thousands of Marian devotees in the yearly pilgrimage to the Carmel Monastery Church on Friday (Sept. 12) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the “appearance” of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Sr. Teresita Castillo of the Carmelite Convent here.
Marian devotees believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Sr. Castillo in a shower of petals on Sept. 12, 1948.
The apparition has since attracted thousands upon thousands of devotees and pilgrims to the Carmel Monastery Church, although the National Pilgrimage was organized only five years ago.
The National Pilgrimage calls for a day of Prayer and Consecration for Peace and for the Sanctification of the Clergy.
This year’s pilgrimage theme is: “I am your Mother (Towards a Prayerful, Committed, Contemplative, Spirit-filled Marian Family).”
This 2008 pilgrimage started on Sept. 9 with a Triduum (three days) of religious activities consisting of discussions, sharings, and a Holy Mass.
These activities, which are participated in mainly by members of the clergy and delegates from the seven vicariates in the Archdiocese, will culminate on Sept. 12 at the Carmel Monastery with a concelebrated Holy Eucharist at 3:30 p.m. with His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales as the main celebrant. He will be joined by Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo for the Homily.
There will also be a coronation rite of the Image of the Virgin after the mass to be led by His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, DD.
Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto will recite the prayer of consecration to Jesus through Mary.
President Arroyo will end the coronation rite of the image of the Virgin by reciting a prayer of consecration for the country.
The whole day religious activities will begin at 4 a.m. with a procession to the site of the Proposed Parish of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace in Antipolo del Norte.
The local faithful, pilgrims from other parts of the country, government dignitaries, members of religious groups and devotees from all walks of life are expected to take part in the pilgrimage.
The President has declared Sept. 12 this year as a “non-working holiday” in Lipa City to enable the faithful to gather together “in common supplication to the Blessed Mother, Mary Mediatrix of all Grace.”
PGMA inaugurates P168-M Jones Bridge 2
JONES, Isabela – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated here today Jones Bridge 2, a P168-million span that is expected to help boost the agricultural production of this municipality and its neighboring towns by way of upgrading the transport system in the area.
Thousands of residents welcomed the President when her chopper landed at the municipal hall complex here.
Isabela Governor Maria Cielo Gracia Padaca led the welcoming party which also included Isabela 4th District Rep. Georgidi B. Aggabao, Vice Governor Monching Reyes and Jones Mayor Florante Raspado.
Immediately upon her arrival at the Jones Bridge 2 in Barangay Poblacion here, the President was briefed by Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on the new bridge.
The bridge spans the Cagayan River and links Jones town’s 12 barangays to the municipalities of San Agustin and Echague in Isabela, and the northeastern parts of Luzon, particularly the commercial centers of Isabela, Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao and Nueva Vizcaya.
After the briefing, the President unveiled the bridge’s marker and led the inaugural drive through the 361.20-lineal-meter bridge, one of the 113 modular steel bridges built nationwide with funding assistance from the Austrian government.
In an interview right after the inaugural rites, Mayor Raspado said Jones Bridge 2, which cuts across a vast agricultural area, links primary routes in the Jones area, making the transport of farm products, livestock and other goods a lot easier and more convenient.
PGMA to distribute agricultural certificates, equipment and seeds to Batangas farmers on Friday
LIPA CITY, Batangas – President Gloria Macpagal-Arroyo will lead in the awarding of various agricultural equipment, seeds and certificates to farmer-beneficiaries of the province when she visits here on Friday, Sept. 12.
The awarding ceremonies form part of President Arroyo’s program to increase food production by infusing the agricultural sector with assorted farming equipment and loan packages.
Among the “agri-goodies” the President will distribute at the Fernando Air Base (FAB) parade grounds here are:
• Organic fertilizers
• Irrigation systems
• Certificates of Training on Vegetables, Corn and Fruit Trees Production and Certificates of Training on Mango Production
• Loan packages from the Land Bank of the Philippines
• A tractor
• 500 bags of certified rice seeds and 200 bags of white and yellow corn seeds
• Piglet restocking and Feeds Assistance Program
After the awarding, the President will be updated on the status of the Department of Agriculture’s program for the development of “idle lands” into agribusiness land.
Under the DA’s Development of Agribusiness Lands – Crop Production Project (DAL-CPP), idle lands are utilized by planting high yielding crops to help augment the farmer’s income and address the problem of the lack of farm lands.
The President will view a 2-hectare lot of the FAB that was converted into farmland via the DAL-CPP.
This 2-hectare lot forms part of the 50 hectares of the FAB’s sprawling 237-hectare land area that was converted into farmland after it was categorized as “idle land.”
Under the auspices of the DA, FAB’s 2-hectare “idle land” has already been planted with papaya, tomato, lettuce and yellow corn.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Peace process must be within the context of DDR -- Limcaoco
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08) – The peace process will continue because the government wants peace. However, all peace talks should be done under the context of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).
This was stressed by Secretary Conrado A. Limcaoco, Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), during a media forum after his recent visit at the Information Command Center (ICC), this city.
Limcaoco, who said he attended the recent National Security Cluster meeting called by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, clarified that any future talks with any armed group including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be done within the DDR framework.
“If you look at the entire context of DDR in the Internet, you will see that it is accepted worldwide as a formula for peace and that it is not just laying down the guns for the conditions of development work or confidence building,” he said.
Likewise, he said, unless the civilians who were disadvantaged are taken care of, “huwag muna tayong mag-usap ng kapayapaan dahil marami pang napipinsala, marami pang nanganganib, marami pang natatakot (let’s not talk about peace while a lot of damage had to be fixed and peoples’ fears had yet to be allayed).
Meanwhile, Limcaoco said the government is not setting aside the issues of ancestral domain, federalism and other agreements but reiterates the DDR context of not talking about peace at the point of guns.
So within the DDR, the President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), down the chain of command have ordered that in the month of September, as we celebrate the National Peace Consciousness Month, there will be adjustments in terms of the tactics used to allow communities to practice Ramadhan.
But law enforcement activities need to continue and it is no different with any Christian who commits a crime on Easter Sunday because one cannot simply go and say “don’t arrest me because it is Easter Sunday,” he added.
Again, he said, justice does not take into consideration the religious imperatives, in this particular case but law enforcement activities will take place very humanely, as members of the AFP had been given the tactical commands on that. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
AFP to get MILF Bravo and his men
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08)—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed confidence to get lawless MILF Commander Bravo and his men.
In a press statement made by Maj. Nehemias Pajarito, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (IID,PA), he said they have deliberate plans to get Bravo at all costs with or without rewards.
Pajarito said that their men in the field have high morale and dedicated to their services to get Bravo and all those responsible of the recent attacks in some towns in Lanao del Norte.
The commanding general of IID told the local media that the AFP and the PNP will finish the job so peace will be restored in Mindanao. (Rex Dumarpa, PIA-Marawi City)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Mediamen as stakeholders of peace, says Iligan mayor
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (9/10/08)--City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said media people plays a vital role in providing exact information, and in determining our future.
Whether true or not, who can be relied upon? Mayor Cruz asked. Dissemination of exact data by our tri-media men benefits peace, because lack of information allows panic and chaos to people.
Putting up an Information Command Center (ICC) in our city where a systematic approach contours for the media to gather is commendable. “I am glad the Philippine Information Agency has initiated this,” said Cruz.
Members of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) provide inputs at the ICC, mediamen to keep track of the event, Cruz added. (PIA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Iligan mayor warns against vigilantism
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08) – Mayor Lawrence Cruz of Iligan City has reiterated his firm decision against the organization of vigilante groups in Christian-dominated Northern Mindanao.
The city mayor told the local media that the combined force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) will coordinate with the member organizations of Task Force San Miguel in securing Iligan while it celebrates its fiesta anniversary on the 28th day of September.
He warned that any armed vigilante group organized in the city will be met by the full force of the law, adding that Iligan has gone back to normalcy.
However, he has asked every stakeholder of peace including the media to work hand-in-hand in protecting Iligan and its people from the lawless elements of the society. (Rex Dumarpa, PIA-Marawi City)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Iligan mayor denies getting paranoid to vigilantes
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08)--Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz of Iligan City vehemently denied allegations that he is paranoid in putting up vigilante groups, as reported in one of the national dailies.
“We abide with the existing laws of the Philippine Constitution, especially on the carrying of firearms,” he said.
“We only have one Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and we have the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the bearer of peace”, expressed Cruz during a press conference in Iligan City. (Lorry L. Gabule, PIA-Iligan City)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Government strengthens info support for Mindanao
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Sept 10 (PNA) – Secretary Dodie Limcauco, head of the Government Information Group, on Wednesday vowed full communication support to the ongoing police operations against rouge Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in keeping with the government policy of transparency.
Limcauco, who is also director-general of the Philippine Information Agency, met here with top military and police commanders in the Lanao area and city mayor Lawrence Cruz, as he also inspected the Information Command Center (ICC) that was put up in this city.
He urged military and local government officials to use the ICC as a channel in informing the public of their programs and undertakings and whatever it is the public needs to know.
It is usually when there is lack of information that people tend to panic that is why this need for a group that can provide accurate and relevant information, he said.
The ICC, which is operational in Iligan City and in Cotabato City, consists of representatives from the Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Broadcasting System, National Broadcasting Network, Philippines News Agency and the television networks RPN and IBC.
Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of the Armed Forces’ Western Command, said the move will greatly help in informing the public about what is the military really doing on the ground.
Mayor Cruz also welcome the setting of the ICC saying it will give a better perspective to what is really being done by the government in helping the victims of atrocities committed by rogue MILF rebels. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Gen. Allaga denies US troops helping pursue rebels
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PNA)–A top official of Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday categorically denied any involvement of American soldiers in the hunt for rebels who committed criminal acts in Mindanao.
Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, said there are no American soldiers involved in the ongoing combat operations aimed at neutralizing a band of Moro that recently pillaged several towns in Lanao del Norte.
“I was even surprised about news reports that the Americans are helping pursue the rebels,” Allaga said even as he pointed out that “if ever the Americans are here, it is for humanitarian services.”
Recent news reports indicated that US servicemen were helping Filipino soldiers hunt down Moro rebels.
Allaga admitted, however, that Americans soldiers recently visited Lanao, but, it was for humanitarian purposes such as medical missions and other services aimed at helping communalities.
He explained that any military involvement of the Americans are mainly for training of Filipino soldiers as contained in the Visiting Forces Agreement which is “very beneficial for all of us.”
The general pointed out that even as he was a young lieutenant, there were already American soldiers doing joint training exercises with Filipino soldiers.
“Are we not happy that (they are here helping us)?” he asked. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
DPWH identifies relocation sites for Lanao Norte’s IDPs
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/09/08) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has started to identify the relocation sites for the construction of bunk houses in Kauswagan and Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.
These bunk houses will be used as temporary shelter for the internally displaced persons (IDP) or the residents of both towns whose houses were burned down during last month’s attack by lawless elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF).
District Engineer Maribel Francis Ong of the DPWH in Lanao del Norte’s 2nd Engineering District said funds for the project will come from the DPWH Quick Response Fund (QRF).
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Region 10, which is tasked to serve as the principal coordinator for the distribution of relief and humanitarian assistance to the IDP has monitored the following damages resulting from the MILF attacks: Number of houses/properties totally burned: Barangay Pantar, Kolambugan, 15 and Barangays Libertad (formerly Lapayan) and Tacub, both of Kauswagan, 27 and 20, respectively.
Number of houses ransacked/ looted/partially damaged: Barangay Poblacion, Kolambugan, 5 and Barangay Tangklao, Poona Piagapo, 15.
Number of commercial establishments ransacked and looted by the MILF in Kolambugan, 15.
Also burned were one unit each of a service jeep, a Philippine National Police (PNP) 4 x 2 Toyota Hilux patrol car, a hauling truck and a copra dryer.
Initial estimate of the damages for these properties have been placed at more than Php20 million pesos, excluding those of Poona Piagapo which is still to be determined, Lupo added. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, PIA -10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PHO medical-dental caravan serves 1.2 million Lanao Norte evacuees
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08)—Some 1.19 million evacuees of Lanao del Norte have been served by the medical-dental caravan organized by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), last Sept. 2-6.
This number of evacuees came from five, all coastal, of 11 towns in Lanao del Norte that were affected by the Aug. 18, 2008 attack by lawless elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF): Linamon, 1,135, Kauswagan, 2,816, Bacolod, 2,124, Maigo, 2,847 and Kolambugan, 2,926.
Dr. Gavina A. Galbines, provincial health officer, said the caravan is also scheduled to visit, Sept. 8-12, the interior towns of the province that were affected by the MILF, namely: Tangkal, Munai, Matungao , Poona Piagapo and Pantao-Rgat.
Augmented by the Department of Heath-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), Region 10, the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City and the Hilarion A. Ramiro Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARTTH) in Ozamiz City, the caravan was also joined by medical personnel from the Misamis Occidental PHO, Oroquieta City.
Meanwhile, Dr. Andrea Benas of DOH-CHDNM said about 118 persons received psychological processing during the caravan from the following areas: Linamon, 22; Kauswagan, 17; Bacolod, 20; Maigo, 45; and Kolambugan, 14.
Also conducted was the stress debriefing to 12 adults and two children who were classified as “armed conflict-affected persons,” Benas added. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Poor sanitation due to congestion is main health concern of Tangkal ECs
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08) – Poor sanitation due to congestion emerged the main health concern in the evacuation centers (EC) of Tangkal, Lanao del Norte.
This was the findings of a rapid health assessment (RHA) in four of its ECs that provide temporary shelter to 695 families with 3,473 persons, particularly at the Banisilon Elementary School and at the Mini Gym, Madrasa Bldg. and the ZSOPAD Bldg. all in the poblacion.
Located some 12 kms. from the national highway, Tangkal also has 597 families with 3,023 members who are staying with their relatives that also need to be extended health services.
Dr. Gavina A. Galbines , provincial health officer, said the RHA was done by the PHO, in coordination with the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), Region 10 , which conducted an inspection and surveillance on the condition of the ECs and the health status of the evacuees.
Meanwhile, Dr. David Mendoza, Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit chief of DOH-CHDNM, has recommended the construction of 20 latrines in the ECs of Tangkal.
During the recent medical-dental caravan that took place in the area, he also encouraged the evacuees, especially those occupying the schools to observe and maintain clean surroundings to prevent the onset of communicable diseases affecting vulnerable children. (Lorry Gabule, PIA-Iligan City)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PNP chief assures people's security thru force multipliers
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY ( Sept 10)--The police in Zamboanga del Sur jointly with the military forces have laid out in place security measures to ensure and protect the populace from any intrusion of any lawless elements or groups that might disrupt the peace and order and security of the province as a result of some conflicts or incursions of the MILF from Lanao province.
PNP P/Sr. Supt. Ramon Ochotorena in an interview said the police and military here have mobilized their force multipliers as well as civilian volunteers nd other sectoral groups who contributed their time and efforts to help in the maintenance of peace and order.
In the same breadth of preparatory undertaking, the Lt.Col. John Jurado of the 10th IB of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division in Bag-ong Argao, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur said his men have kept its watch in the areae long before the Lanao siege and until today.
Lt. Col. Samuel S. Gayongorza of the 53rd Infantry Division in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur is one with Jurado in urging the public to be vigilant and participative in the maintenance of peace and order by reporting to authorities sightings of new faces roaming in their community with suspicious activities.(PIA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Sarangani gov’t to continue giving aid to former IDPs
ICC-GENERAL SANTOS CITY (9 September)--Sarangani internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have recently returned home will continue to receive government aid, said Hermelo Latoja, provincial social welfare and development officer.
“Even if they were settled back at their respective barangays, they will still be receiving assistance from the government and non-governmental organizations,” Latoja, disaster action officer, told PIA SarGen.
According to him, the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) is set to distribute half sack of rice to each of the 1,748 families.
The identified beneficiaries form part of the more than 12,000 families recently displaced by harassment perpetrated by lawless MILF group (LMG) in Maasim town, Sarangani. All of them had gone back home last August 29.
The World Food Programme has scheduled the rice distribution on Thursday and Friday this week in the affected towns of Maasim to include some neighboring barangays in Kiamba.
Latoja said the provincial and municipal government, are closely monitoring the state of former evacuees in terms of psycho-social, livelihood and food.
Humanitarian organizations believed that there will be more “displacements” as a result of the failed peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF.
In anticipation of an increased number of IDPs, they nonetheless, committed to supply any assistance that would be needed.
In a press statement, Dominik Stilhart, deputy director of operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said the agency is ready to give the necessary “assistance and protection” should there be an increase of the number of people caught up in the continued fight between government troops and MILF forces.
He, however, said government and the MILF leadership must take all necessary precautions to spare civilians from the effects of Mindanao conflict.
Stilhart stressed that both parties are dutybound to ensure that deliveries of relief and medical support to victims of hostilities are not hampered.
At the height of Maasim conflict, ICRC provided at least 1,109 hygiene kits to displaced families as showed by the consolidated record of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), Region XII dated September 2.
Basically, an ICRC hygiene kit per family consists of three packs of toothpaste, five toothbrushes, five bath soap, five laundry soap, one 200ml shampoo, 12 pieces hand towels, one piece plastic bucket with lid, a plastic mat, two blankets, one family-sized mosquito net, and two Jerry cans.
On Thursday (Sept 4) food donations continued to arrive in Maasim as private organizations here joined by common vision to help IDPs in what they called “alay sa kapayapaan” turned over boxes of milk, coffee, canned goods, noodles, and also medicines.
Petron Manager Johnny Evangelista said the move was part of their corporate social responsibility and also their way of helping out people who are in need. (PIA SarGen)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
DOH-CHDNM joins medical mission in ARI-afflicted Lanao Norte areas
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/10/08) –The Department of Health, Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), region 10, has joined the Lanao del Norte provincial government in providing medical and dental services to the internally displaced persons (IDP) in Tangkal.
Now temporarily housed in schools in the Poblacion of the said town, majority of the IDPs suffered acute respiratory infection (ARI), most probably due to congestion, Dr. David Mendoza, DOH-CHDNM health emergency management coordinator, said .
Medical specialists/doctors from the DOH-CHDNM who joined the medical caravan brought with them medicines and vaccines which they distributed to around 1,500 families from far-flung areas of this afflicted town.
“We have coordinated with Dr. Gavina Galvines, provincial health officer, in getting rapid health assessment of the IDPs n Kolambugan, Kauswagan and Maigo, considered hard hit by the atrocities, especially on the status of the evacuees at the evacuation sites,” he said.
Mendoza said based on international standards of an evacuation center, there should only be 20 heads in one room. What is happening , instead, is that there are 20 families in a room, which is now happening to three evacuation centers (EC) in Tangkal.
So far, we have conducted surveillance on the IDPs to prevent prevalence of communicable diseases in the EC and we are happy to report that everything is under control, Mendoza declared. (Lory Gabule, PIA-Iligan City)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Dropping of bombs by AFP crafts, not true
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY (Zamboanga City)--Allegations all over the news that the military forces have bombed a wooden boat that resulted to the death of innocent civilians in Barangay Tee, Datu Piang, Maguindanao last Septemebr 8, 2008 wherein 5 of them were children is not true since the military aircraft was negative of bombs while flying in the area of Maguindanao.
The military confirmed that there was an encounter between the military troops against Commanders Bravo and Kato in Brgy Gawang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao but explained that the fighting did not trigger the military planes to drop bombs as counter assault since in the first place, there was no bomb aboard the planes.
Major Gamal S Hayudini PAF, Group Commander of the 4th Civil Relations Service, Civil Relations Service-AFP said that the civilians may have been caught in the crossfire in an encounter between pursuing government troops and the lawless MILF group in Brgy Tee, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
“It was impossible that said planes where the ones to have bombed the victims since the air crafts did not carry such explosives in the plane,” Hayudini said. The military air crafts were in pursuit of the fleeing bandits after their encounter in Brgy Gawang in which they were seen onboard boats in the area where the victims were also riding, the official added.
The official appealed on the public not to blame the government troops alone since the other warring group also has ammunitions capability; and the MILF lawless groups used such incidents as deceptive strategy to destroy the image of the AFP.
While the facts on the incident are still under investigation, the AFP sincerely condoles with the deaths of the innocent civilians.
Moreover, the military appeals to the public to be more vigilant and aware enough on what is going on in their surroundings and know where and when to go out of their houses or evacuation centers so that they will not be trapped between the conflict of the military against the lawless MILF bandits. (4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)
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