PGMA gives 1,000 Nueva Ecija farmers fertilizer subsidies of P1,000 each
JAEN, Nueva Ecija – Some 1,000 farmers from the 4th congressional district of this province today received P1,000 in cash each from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after she approved the release of P1 million to subsidize their fertilizer needs.
“P1,000 fertilizer subsidy sa bawat isa sa 1,000 magsasaka,” the President said in her remarks at the 57th birthday anniversary celebration of Nueva Ecija 4th Congressional District Rep. Rodolfo W. Antonino held at his family residence in Barangay Langla here.
“Kaya iyan ang dagdag na regalo natin sa distrito ni Rody,” she said as part of the national government’s efforts to help farmers to increase their earnings and for them to lessen the impact of rising prices of fertilizer in the market.
“Kung magiging mas mura ang fertilizer nila dahil sa ating subsidy, siguro naman mas lalaki ang kita nila at sa ganon ay mas magkakaroon din ng ginhawa ang ating mga magsasaka (pati pamilya nila),” she noted.
Earlier, the President awarded scholarship certificates to two qualified beneficiaries under the PGMA Training for Work Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
She also distributed 12 PhilHealth cards to 12 indigent recipients. The President also handed over a check for P100,000 to Jaen Mayor Santiago Austria as the administration’s contribution to the public safety program of Jaen and for the daily income earners like balut and cigarette vendors, among others.
Earlier at 10 a.m. the President led Novo Ecijanos in paying tribute to one of their outstanding provincemates, the late Sen. Gaudencio Antonino by renaming the Cabiao Bridge after him, by virtue of Cabiao Sangguniang Bayan resolution.
“Senator Antonino was not an ordinary statesman,” the President noted, adding that the father of incumbent Rep. Antonino is regarded as a hero by Novo Ecijanos because of his great contributions to the economic development of Nueva Ecija, now one of the top rice producing provinces in the country.
The construction of the Cabiao bridge and its approaches started in 1990 but was completed only last year thru the efforts, intercession and funding assistance of P45,507,769 from the office of Congressman Antonino.
The original Cabiao Bridge was washed out by a great flood in 1990, on the day Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June of that year.
The bridge connects the agricultural barangays of San Carlos and Sta. Isabel and provides an alternate route to the municipalities of Jaen, San Antonio, Zaragoza, among others.
Palace distances itself from CA Justice Roxas political allegations
MALACANANG today distanced itself from the allegations of sacked Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Vicente Roxas that “unseen hands” were behind his dismissal.
Speaking through Deputy Presidential Spokesman Lorelie Fajardo, Malacanang said in a statement:
The Palace leaves it up to the appropriate Court to resolve this controversy. The judiciary is an independent, self-governing branch of the government and the Palace is confident that it will exercise prudence and be guided by wisdom in expediently settling this matter in order to restore the nation’s faith in our judicial system.
Myanmar thanks PGMA for sending relief goods, medical team in wake of devastating cyclone
YANGON, Myanmar – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Humanitarian Task Force, and the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) led by ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan have expressed deep appreciation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for dispatching immediately a 30-man medical team and relief goods to Myanmar following the cyclone that devastated this country last May.
“We are very proud of the Philippine participation in this humanitarian effort, not only as a fellow member of the ASEAN but also as a close bilateral partner of Myanmar,” Pitsuwan said in a statement during the 100th day of formation of the TCG last Sept. 6.
The medical mission, composed of four general surgeons, four pediatricians, three internists, six nurses, four psychosocial experts, four surveillance officers, two water and sanitation engineers, two emergency medical technologists and one public health official, was the first group to arrive in Myanmar after military rulers agreed to grant foreign access as the country grappled with its worst humanitarian crisis in years.
ASEAN journalists, including this writer, were invited to visit a “model village”—the Seik Gyi Village in Kungyangon Township in the Irrawaddy Delta to observe the progress of the Community-based Early Recovery Pilot Project.
“Almost immediately after the cyclone hit May 2 and 3, the Philippines was there to extend a helping hand to Myanmar,” the ASEAN secretary-general said.
He also expressed elation over the Philippine participation in the United Nations-ASEAN Pledging Conference hosted by the Myanmar government. The Philippine delegation was headed by Sen. Richard Gordon, who is also concurrent chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).
The Philippines joined 50 other countries and 22 international organizations in committing financial, material and other forms of support to Myanmar in the wake of the cyclone.
The Philippine government offered a cash donation of $100,000, and $5,000 from the PNRC for the rehabilitation and relief efforts in Myanmar.
The Filipino community in Yangon led by Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Noel Cabrera was also cited for their efforts to collect and distribute relief goods to the victims.
During the send-off of the medical mission last May 26, the President said: ”Labis-labis ang ating pagkabahala sa kaabag-habag na krisis sa Myanmar na dala ng malakas na cyclone. “
She said the Philippine government knows by heart the tragedy that such calamities bring, as well as the kindness shown by the international community and private individuals in the effort to uplift the spirit of the people in the affected area.
She said as a neighbor and a fellow ASEAN member, the Philippines wants to get involved in the relief, rescue and rehabilitation of Myanmar.
Ambassador Cabrera said the Philippine flag waved proudly over Laputta, a refugee camp in the battered Irrawaddy delta, the only flag allowed to be raised in reclusive Myanmar, in appreciation for the medical team.
Unlike the Philippines which is familiar with typhoons, Myanmar was caught flatfooted by the ferocious storm which lashed the country with 120-mile per hour winds.
The storm death toll has reached 85,000, but the figure is expected to exceed 100,000 as some 50,000 people are still missing.
Dureza: PCGG Chairman Sabio goes on leave effective Sept. 29
PRESIDENTIAL Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Chairman Camilo Sabio has voluntarily offered to take a leave of absence effective Sept. 29 to allow the smooth investigation by the Bar Confidante of the Supreme Court of his alleged attempt to influence the Court of Appeals (CA) decision on the Meralco-Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) case, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said today.
At a media briefing this afternoon in Malacañang, Dureza said Sabio submitted to him, as acting executive secretary, a written letter addressed to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stating his intention to take a leave of absence.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who left for Switzerland on Wednesday to represent the Philippines in the first Review Summit of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Forces and Development (GDAD), designated Dureza as acting executive secretary in the former’s absence.
“Chairman Camilo Sabio of the PCGG had written to the President through me as acting executive secretary to state that he is taking a leave of absence from the office as chairman of PCGG to take effect on Monday, 29 September 2008. He is still on an official mission abroad,” Dureza said.
He added that former Sandiganbayan Justice Narciso Nario would take over as PCGG officer-in-charge when Sabio returns to the country on Sept. 29.
“The purpose of the voluntary offer of PCGG chair Sabio to take a leave is to allow a smooth process of an investigation that will be conducted by the Bar Confidante of the Supreme Court,” Dureza said.
The Supreme Court had referred to the Bar Confidante for investigation the alleged attempt by Sabio to influence his brother, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jose Sabio Jr., in connection with the corporate dispute between GSIS and Meralco.
“So, we therefore await the ruling of the Bar Confidante on the issue of disbarment after which we will look on the fate of the PCGG chairman,” Dureza said.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Get the P10M bounty thru text or call– AFP
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (9/12/08) – Be an instant millionaire! Take the Php10 million offer!
This the campaign line of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for information on the whereabouts of the two lawless MILF group (LMG) leaders Bravo, Umbrakato and Pangalian.
“You will never get this amount in your lifetime! A whooping Php10 million each for Bravo and Umbrakato and Php5 million for Pangalian,” LTC Agane C. Adriatico, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Chief of the First Infantry (Tabak) Division (IID), Philippine Army, said.
Call or text hotline no. 09277852475 of 1ID, PA and 0921299716 of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Anybody can just call or text these number and we assure the identity of the informant’s will be treated confidential and the caller’s security will be under our care,” Adriatico said.
The same policy on confidentiality shall be followed by the PNP, P/Sr. Supt Virgilio T. Ranes, ICPO Director, said. (Lorry V. Gabule, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Adriatico appeals to the public not to be afraid to the military
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (9/12/2008) – Lt Col. Agane C. Adriatico, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Chief of the First Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, has appealed to the rural folks to refrain from hiding whenever they see government soldiers.
Adriatico made the appeal in the wake of reports that the residents of Munai, Lanao del Norte (LDN) tend to hide when members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly, the Army soldiers , visit their place.
“We are your community helpers. We are your law enforcers. We are in your area to protect you and your families. There is no need to be afraid of us,” he said.
Adriatico, however, said that this actuation of the residents could be the result of a propaganda waged by the lawless MILF group (LMG), which says “ government soldiers are abusive and has no respects woman “.
“This is a blatant lie by the LMG to discredit our government forces” although this have been clarified and negated by the tribal leaders as gradually government forces are now welcomed and supported by the civilian population in the two Lanao Provinces, Adriatico revealed.
Adriatico, however, repeated the appeal to avoid suspicion and be caught in the crossfire during encounters or skirmishes with the lawless MILF groups. (Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Surrender or die! Adriatico tells Bravo
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (9/12/2008) — Surrender or die! This is the challenge of Lt Col. Agane C. Adriatico, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Chief of the First Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, to the lawless MILF group (LMG) leader Commander Bravo.
Adriatico aired the challenge, during a press conference that took place in Munai, Lanao del Norte after a recent medical-dental caravan was conducted for the internally displaced persons (IDP) in the area.
During the occasion, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri took time to talk with the IDPs in the municipality who told him about their plight and their feelings toward the atrocities committed by the LMGs
Meanwhile, he appealed to the followers of Bravo who still have the humanitarian heart of understanding the plight of the IDPs to surrender and provide information for the capture of Abdulah Macapaar alias commander Bravo, adding that the Php10 million reward will be given to whoever individual or group providing vital information that will lead to his capture or his neutralization.
“The world of the LMG is now getting smaller and smaller and the capture of Bravo is near,” he added. (Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Pajarito: We will finish this
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, SEPT 12 (PNA) – A top military commander here clarified that the ongoing operations in the hinterlands of Lanao del Norte is not meant to capture camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but to go after criminals.
"We are after individuals who committed criminals acts," said Major Gen. Nehemias Pajarito, referring to Abdulrahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo and his rogue band who killed 42 individuals, raped women, burned schoolbuildings, houses and looted stores in Lanao del Norte in August 18.
Pajarito, Army's 1st Infantry Division commanding general, said the soldiers will do what they are trained and able to do – "that is to capture Bravo with or without reward."
Macapaar carries a P10-million reward that will go to anyone who can furnish information that can lead to the capture of the notorious rebel leader.
Pajarito explained that the ongoing operations in the hinterlands of Lanao is purely a police action aimed at capturing Bravo and his band.
"We cannot allow Bravo's continued existence as it will drastically hamper the development of Lanao and nearby provinces," the general said. "We will finish this," he added.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Norte second district congressman Abdullah Dimaporo denounced Macapaar and his group for using Islam as an excuse for their lawless acts.
Speaking during a Muslim-Christian peace dialogue in Kauswagan on Wednesday, Dimaporo said the group of Macapaag cannot be called mujahideens or Islamic freedom fighters with the things they have done.
"How can someone who killed innocent civilians or one who terrorized communities be a Islamic fighter?" he remarked.
Islam means peace and what Bravo and his men did are certainly not Islamic, Dimaporo said. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
AFP, PNP operations to go with Muslim religious leaders’ dialogues
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/11/080 – The military and police operations against the lawless MILF groups (MLG) will be sustained but in synergy with the dialogue among Muslim leaders and believers with in the Lanao Provinces.
P/Chief Supt. Sukarno M. Ikbala, deputy director for Police Community Relations (PCR), in a media briefing said that amidst the operations against the MLGs will be the conduct of a series of dialogues with Muslim and Christian leaders, NGOs and other Sect to broaden people’s understanding of the Mindanao situation.
“We hope this will eventually generate sympathy from them in the fight against LMG leaders Kato and Bravo and be united with the government’s peace process and the current operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP against enemy of the state” he said.
General Ikbala said the acts committed by Kato and Bravo are contrary to Islam. Muslim is the subject of Islam and Islam enjoins the right conduct and forbid wrong doings.
He also reminds Muslims to be consistent with the teachings of the Holy book of Qu’ran and challenges the MILF that “if they are truly Muslims and understands the teachings of the Holy Qu’ran then they will have to surrender the lawless elements in their ranks.” (Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA- 10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Let’s take advantage of the P10M reward, the AFP campaigns
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/12/08)— Brig. General Hilario Atendido, Jr., assistant division commander (ADC) of the First Infantry (Tabak) Division, appealed to the public to help the government in locating the criminals, Bravo and Pangalian and be recipient of the P10 million reward money.
Gen. Atendido stressed in his appeal that civilians should not wait until they become victims of the malady of lawless MILF under commanders Bravo and Pangalian , they should report thru text hotline of the military on 09277852475 or thru the Police hotline on 09212997161 or go to authorities near them.
He said that those who can positively give information of the whereabouts and resulting to the capture of the LMG”s leaders will receive a 10-million reward by the government.
Atendido said the reward money will not only help oneself and the family, but also the people in Mindanao and the whole nation will benefit from the information and eventual capture these bad elements. (Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA- 10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
AFP gets full support from LGUs and civilians
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY (Zamboanga City)--The Armed Forces of the Philippines with its mandate to protect the lives of the civilians at all times is receiving full support from the local government units, NGOs, and the civilians.
Air Force Major Gamal S Hayudini, Group Commander of the 4th Civil Relations Service, Civil Relations Service AFP said that the military has been receiving a lot of donations from the various sectors of the society even as some donors remain anonymous.
“The donations are gesture of the people’s popular support to the mission and thrust of the AFP and an expression of confidence into the AFP efforts to protect the lives and properties of the civilians particularly in time of crisis.”
Major Hayudini said that even as the government forces relentlessly pursuing against lawless MILF elements led by Commander Abdulah Macapaar alias commander Bravo, the primacy of protecting civilian lives and properties are primordial in all military maneuvers and skirmishes.
Major Hayudini added that the AFP appreciates the support given by the different concerned groups and the civilians since it means that these people sees and feels for the soldiers who have been in the area sacrificing and fighting against the enemies of the state.
Hayudini revealed that the donations come in different forms and from different levels of societal strata in the Cities and provinces of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Basilan, Sulu , Tawi-Tawi and mainland Mindanao.
The people’s support strengthens the morale of each and every man in uniform, who are recipients of the people’s donations, Major Hayudini added. (4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
LCEs to help in persuasive operations vs. Kato and Bravo
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/12/08) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to tap the local chief executives (LCEs) even as it taps the non-government organizations (NGO) and the religious leaders, both Muslims and non-Muslims, in the persuasive operations to get Kato and Bravo of the lawless MILF groups (LMG).
This was explained by P/Chief Supt. Sukarno Ikbala, Director for Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during his recent visit to the Information Command Center in Iligan City.
“To handle this problem, we will be contacting initially the Ulamas not only of Lanao del Norte but also those in Lanao del Sur since we believe they too can help a lot in this undertaking. That is why I brought with me the PNP Muslim chaplain on this trip,” Ikbala said.
Meanwhile, he said, aside from the LCEs, the PNP will involve the barangay officials in all these persuasive activities as parallel move with the offensive operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP.
“What we are doing against Kato and Bravo is only a matter of implementing the laws of our land. However, we will assure the public that our efforts will never place the people in danger,” he again said.
We will do our best to ask the help of everyone and make sure that our persuasive operators are safe from the terroristic threats of the LMGs, Ikbala added. (Rutchie C. Aguhob, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PNP to assist LCEs in selection of police auxiliaries
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/12/08) – Candidates for police auxiliary will have to pass through a selection process before they can qualify.
During a recent media briefing at the Information Command Center in Iligan City, P/Chief Supt. Sukarno Ikbala, Director for Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), said the PNP will be assisting the local chief executives (LCEs) in the selection process.
General Ikbala assured the residents of Lanao del Norte that strict guidelines and tedious processes will be followed in the selection of police auxiliary for any municipality.
To qualify into the Police Auxillary Force, one has to undergo a battery of tests, get the necessary clearances and must passed a back ground investigation, as part of the requirement.
All their records will be looked into and then they will be trained and taught how to decide on things properly and presented certain crisis situations to solve and show how they would be able to protect their community.
General Ikbala said it does not matter if they are Christians, Muslims or Lumad, because what is primary is the values and common interest of protecting their respective communities, the PCRG Chief said.
Aside from the “Tanod” volunteers, the AFP reserve officers are possible sources of Police Auxiliary candidates as long as they will be able to meet age requirement. Ikbala said. (Rutchie C. Aguhob, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
AFP monitors desperate splintered moves of Bravo’s men
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/12/08) – At least three encounters between troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the lawless MILF groups (LMG) occurred last Sept. 10, in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur near the boundary of Munai, Lanao del Norte.
Of the three encounters, two of which took place in the morning and one in the afternoon, only show that the group of Bravo has splintered into smaller groups, Brig. Gen. Hilario Atendido, Jr., Asst. Division Commander of the First Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, said.
In one of these encounters, 35IB inflicted one body count on the enemy and the recovery of one M16 riffle with one long magazine, 10 short magazines and five combat packs. No casualty on the government side.
“As usual, tumakbo sila (they ran away), which is an indication that the LMG has weakened its capacity to fight, meaning no more bullets and food. “If they disperse their troops like this, then there’s no more control and would be very difficult for themselves to know each other’s location, which indicates that the group of Bravo is now at a loss.”
General Atendido said the military is also checking on intelligence information that commander Bravo sometime is garbed and disguised as a Muslim woman to avoid military detection and that he is able to get in and out so easily from where he is quartered without being detected by authorities.
“We have assigned special troops to work on these reports yet, we have to be very careful. We will do everything to address this matter in order to identify him “kahit ano man ang isuot niya (no matter what he wears),” Atendido assured. (Rutchie C. Aguhob, PIA-10)
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