At PRESSing time
Johana Vi E. Gasga/BUDYONG
It seems that threats of Mayon’s imminent eruption last year are dwindling. Likewise, the month-long sympathetic publicity of some local and presidential candidates with the thousands of evacuees in Albay has been petering out in news screens and in prints.
Indeed, the holiday season is the time for spending much and sharing less. And so, political aspirants in the May 2010 elections did not pass the chance of basking in the limelight while distributing foodstuff and basic necessities for the refugees.
Just after she got off the plane from Hong Kong, President GMA flew again to visit some 45,000 local folks at the evacuation centers in the province. Who wouldn’t be thankful of preserved goods, temporary comforts and amusements? But what we need are long-term solutions providing aid to residents within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. These temporary relief or solutions offered by the government would not even ease the discomfort they endured while staying at the evacuation centers, away from their family members (who have been slipping out to watch over their houses at night). Nor would it compensate for their lost livelihood including crops which should have been harvested after leaving their residences due to forced evacuation. In all likelihood, Pres. GMA’s agenda seems to be like a double-edged sword—highly charged with political mileage and making ‘pa-ganda’ points to gain public trust through “public service.”After all, she would be agin pursuing her desire to be a (deceptive) public servant in our ailing country, stressing a line from one of her speeches: “After much contemplation, I realized I’m not ready to step down completely from public service.”
* * *
As if to follow the footsteps of the president, Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas, Liberal Party (LP) standard bearers for president and vice-president, respectively, also visited the evacuation camps in Daraga and Legazpi City. They are fake Santa Clauses without the white beard, bringing cheer and hope in an attempt to establish a good image. No surprises to that. After all, the 2010 election is just a couple of months away and the candidates have been scouring every nook and cranny of our country for the best – or shall I say most depressed – place to spread their good deeds to. And the evacuation centers in Albay happened to be the best among the most depressed.
It is a pity indeed how some of the candidates would take full advantage of certain situations just to create a good public image. But it is more pitiable to see how they desperately seek the approval of the public that they would go as far as exploiting the poorest of the poor for the votes they've been dying for. Little saints, that's what the politicians would morph into at the peak of election campaign. But once the election is over and the lucky few get elected, their true form would eventually come back and reveal themselves.
Helping others in times of calamities is one thing. Doing it for their benefit is another.
Monday, July 19, 2010
TOTAL GUN BAN: A LESSER VIOLENT SOCIETY
Advocacy Report
March 2010
Johana Vi E. Gasga
“A lesser violence is installing freedom in the people from fear.”
This has been the primary aim of the Philippine National Police (PNP V) Bicol following the strict implementation of the total gun ban policy imposed by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) with the onset of the political campaign for the May 2010 polls.
Police Supt. Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson said that the effectivity of the COMELEC Resolution No. 8714, which states that no person shall bear firearms in all public places, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, has a positive impact on criminality rate in the region.
Following the enforcement of the Executive Order No. 817 or the surrendering of loose firearms, a presidential commission was created by the Malacanang to put an end in the proliferation of carrying undocumented guns and the possible dismantling of private armed groups, which might mar the first poll automation in the country.
The guideline, however, said that only those persons who are in the regular plantilla of law enforcement agencies are authorized to bear deadly weapons. Included in the exemption of the ban are the members of the AFP, PNP and other government law enforcement agencies deputized by the COMELEC.
Lower crime rate, economic boon
“We believe that one of the initial steps to curb the proliferation of loose firearms during election is through the implementation of gun ban,” Bron asserted.
A study made by the PNP shows that for the past several years, almost 70 percent of the crimes committed in the country have involved illegal use of firearms.
“Criminality with the use of firearms has been reduced at about 30 percent and lower at present,” Bron said in an interview. Thus, the prohibition of bearing firearms outside residences will be “the start of bringing a lasting peace to the country.”
He added that less violence means more investments, “more investors will be coming over and that will pump our economy.”
“The people will be leaving in comfort, free from fear and that is now the avenue of where we can exploit of developing our talents in business. Perhaps we can discuss politics freely and openly,” Bron further said when asked about the feasible effect of this policy on the society.
Gun ban campaign
With its immediate enforcement, local authorities have been undertaking a more intensified campaign against loose firearms thriving in the region.
And due to intense political rivalry and the presence of communist guerillas in upper areas, the COMELEC has placed Bicol region including its 77 towns in the list of the election “hot spots”.
Having the highest number of election-related violence in the region, Masbate has been closely watched by PNP personnel and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to avert any possible unprecedented violence arising from political campaign exercise.
By way of showing dissent over pre-election crimes, the Church has also stepped up on its advocacy on a gunless society, specifically in the island-province of Masbate, where high-powered firearms reportedly exist in every household.
Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, who has been the bishop of Masbate for 10 years, has supported the all-out gun ban campaign in his plain ways of silent protest, sincere advocacy and fervent prayer.
“I have regularly included this gunless campaign in my homilies, I even asked my parishioners during sermons to raise their hands if they don’t have any firearms in their homes, to my surprise no one raised their hands, Baylon retold one of his sermons during a Mass in Masbate church.
Implementation
Meanwhile, President Arroyo has directed to create a security commission and, thus study the possible dismantling of private armed groups in order to have a clean, peaceful and honest election process in the country.
This has led to the creation of the Joint Security Coordinating Center in cities and down to provincial security committee center being manned by local commander of the Army, COMELEC, and PNP, Bron explained.
The newly established offices as security body centers determine the deployment of these personnel in the conduct of checkpoints with the approval of the COMELEC, said the spokesperson.
Based on the reports validated and confirmed by the Intellegence peronnnel, aside from static checkpoints in some alleged election areas of concern, there should be a marked vehicle, personnel of either PNP or Army equipped with a lighted or visible identification cards especially at night.
He furthered that police operatives and army troopers have to be in complete uniform, under an officer that must observe police procedures to the utmost human rights of the commuters.
“We have mobile checkpoints installed in places where we believe unscrupulous people with personal guns will be passing by,” said Bron as their hint.
In the deployment of additional personnel, however, when the local campaign period starts by March 26, he added: “We are going to place some of our personnel both ARMY and the PNP on conceded-election watch list areas.”
In case of Masbate with 21 recorded pre-election incidents this year, the moment the local campaign period starts will be the only time for the local officials to determine the additional forces, depending on the contesting political parties.
Latest number of violators
There are now 77 gun ban violators regionwide, of which Masbate taking the highest number of checkpoint accomplishments. Out of 30, five of them were barangay captains and government officials, according to Bron.
This was followed by Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes and Camarines Norte with one recorded violator.
The apprehension of violators was the result of intensified checkpoint operations and service of search warrants.
Meanwhile, the duration for the gun ban has started from February 9 to June 9, based on the rules and regulations of the COMELEC.
“But in some places, we believe and if we can substantiate the possible eruption of violence because of some defeated candidates and or interference of some armed groups, we’ll keep checkpoint operations on continued bases until the place is normalized,” Bron assured.
And as the country braces for the May 2010 national and local elections, the government law enforcement body through the nationwide gun ban policy takes actions to once and for all curb the proliferation of election-related violence that has festered the country in decades.
With Filipinos filled so much with hope on the outcome of this year’s first ever poll automation, to make life better in this country, no effort must be spared to make this exercise as peaceful and credible as possible. Hostility among civilians and armed forces has to end now in order to achieve national integrity and better economy for the country.
Liberty wouldn’t be hard to install in from fear as it seems. It’s simple as: Putting one’s gun away.
March 2010
Johana Vi E. Gasga
“A lesser violence is installing freedom in the people from fear.”
This has been the primary aim of the Philippine National Police (PNP V) Bicol following the strict implementation of the total gun ban policy imposed by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) with the onset of the political campaign for the May 2010 polls.
Police Supt. Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson said that the effectivity of the COMELEC Resolution No. 8714, which states that no person shall bear firearms in all public places, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, has a positive impact on criminality rate in the region.
Following the enforcement of the Executive Order No. 817 or the surrendering of loose firearms, a presidential commission was created by the Malacanang to put an end in the proliferation of carrying undocumented guns and the possible dismantling of private armed groups, which might mar the first poll automation in the country.
The guideline, however, said that only those persons who are in the regular plantilla of law enforcement agencies are authorized to bear deadly weapons. Included in the exemption of the ban are the members of the AFP, PNP and other government law enforcement agencies deputized by the COMELEC.
Lower crime rate, economic boon
“We believe that one of the initial steps to curb the proliferation of loose firearms during election is through the implementation of gun ban,” Bron asserted.
A study made by the PNP shows that for the past several years, almost 70 percent of the crimes committed in the country have involved illegal use of firearms.
“Criminality with the use of firearms has been reduced at about 30 percent and lower at present,” Bron said in an interview. Thus, the prohibition of bearing firearms outside residences will be “the start of bringing a lasting peace to the country.”
He added that less violence means more investments, “more investors will be coming over and that will pump our economy.”
“The people will be leaving in comfort, free from fear and that is now the avenue of where we can exploit of developing our talents in business. Perhaps we can discuss politics freely and openly,” Bron further said when asked about the feasible effect of this policy on the society.
Gun ban campaign
With its immediate enforcement, local authorities have been undertaking a more intensified campaign against loose firearms thriving in the region.
And due to intense political rivalry and the presence of communist guerillas in upper areas, the COMELEC has placed Bicol region including its 77 towns in the list of the election “hot spots”.
Having the highest number of election-related violence in the region, Masbate has been closely watched by PNP personnel and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to avert any possible unprecedented violence arising from political campaign exercise.
By way of showing dissent over pre-election crimes, the Church has also stepped up on its advocacy on a gunless society, specifically in the island-province of Masbate, where high-powered firearms reportedly exist in every household.
Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, who has been the bishop of Masbate for 10 years, has supported the all-out gun ban campaign in his plain ways of silent protest, sincere advocacy and fervent prayer.
“I have regularly included this gunless campaign in my homilies, I even asked my parishioners during sermons to raise their hands if they don’t have any firearms in their homes, to my surprise no one raised their hands, Baylon retold one of his sermons during a Mass in Masbate church.
Implementation
Meanwhile, President Arroyo has directed to create a security commission and, thus study the possible dismantling of private armed groups in order to have a clean, peaceful and honest election process in the country.
This has led to the creation of the Joint Security Coordinating Center in cities and down to provincial security committee center being manned by local commander of the Army, COMELEC, and PNP, Bron explained.
The newly established offices as security body centers determine the deployment of these personnel in the conduct of checkpoints with the approval of the COMELEC, said the spokesperson.
Based on the reports validated and confirmed by the Intellegence peronnnel, aside from static checkpoints in some alleged election areas of concern, there should be a marked vehicle, personnel of either PNP or Army equipped with a lighted or visible identification cards especially at night.
He furthered that police operatives and army troopers have to be in complete uniform, under an officer that must observe police procedures to the utmost human rights of the commuters.
“We have mobile checkpoints installed in places where we believe unscrupulous people with personal guns will be passing by,” said Bron as their hint.
In the deployment of additional personnel, however, when the local campaign period starts by March 26, he added: “We are going to place some of our personnel both ARMY and the PNP on conceded-election watch list areas.”
In case of Masbate with 21 recorded pre-election incidents this year, the moment the local campaign period starts will be the only time for the local officials to determine the additional forces, depending on the contesting political parties.
Latest number of violators
There are now 77 gun ban violators regionwide, of which Masbate taking the highest number of checkpoint accomplishments. Out of 30, five of them were barangay captains and government officials, according to Bron.
This was followed by Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes and Camarines Norte with one recorded violator.
The apprehension of violators was the result of intensified checkpoint operations and service of search warrants.
Meanwhile, the duration for the gun ban has started from February 9 to June 9, based on the rules and regulations of the COMELEC.
“But in some places, we believe and if we can substantiate the possible eruption of violence because of some defeated candidates and or interference of some armed groups, we’ll keep checkpoint operations on continued bases until the place is normalized,” Bron assured.
And as the country braces for the May 2010 national and local elections, the government law enforcement body through the nationwide gun ban policy takes actions to once and for all curb the proliferation of election-related violence that has festered the country in decades.
With Filipinos filled so much with hope on the outcome of this year’s first ever poll automation, to make life better in this country, no effort must be spared to make this exercise as peaceful and credible as possible. Hostility among civilians and armed forces has to end now in order to achieve national integrity and better economy for the country.
Liberty wouldn’t be hard to install in from fear as it seems. It’s simple as: Putting one’s gun away.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
BU to procure ID machine
by Johana Vi E. Gasga, Rey Anthony Ostria, Laarni Grageda
Responding to the clamor of the freshmen students regarding the two-semester delayed release of their Identification cards (IDs), Glenn Narvaez, Office of the Student Services (OSS) Dean, attributed the delayed approval of a feasibility study on Bicol University’s (BU) procurement of its own Digital ID system.
The proposal took four months of further study before BU President Fay Lauraya signed its approval to procure digital ID machine for the freshmen students, new BU personnel and lost ID replacements. The results of the study were passed to Prof. Jerry Bigornia, BU, Vice President for Production (VPPA).
On the other hand, College Business Manager (CBM) 1 Antonio Olaguer said that the recommendation for the approval was sent to the OP as early as July 30, and it was only in November that Lauraya approved it. “I don’t know if there were deficiencies in the study (of the proposal) that it took months for the president to approve it,” Olaguer added.
However, Lauraya said, “I have already asked the VPPA to speed up the procurement of the ID machine.”
Although the University had been producing IDs for the past five years, the Office of the President (OP) still requested the OSS and the CBM to propose a feasibility study, “to make sure that the money will not come at a loss in the procurement of the IDs,” explained Narvaez.
Through the procurement of the digital ID machine, BU will no longer need to sub- contract a service provider in producing IDs in the next years.
For the past five years, the OSS, together with its service provider, AZITSUROG Inc., has been producing IDs for the University. But by March this year, Narvaez assured that BU will be producing its own IDs.
Financial, market estimates
According to the study, the University is projected to spend some P397,000 in pur- chasing the machine and in facilitating the fabrication of the IDs. The budget will be sourced out from the F-164 or ID fee collected from the first year students during the enrollment in the first semester.
“The OSS will be using the P75 ID fee to cover the expenses for the procurement as well as the maintenance of the machine,” Narvaez said when asked about the source of fund in the procurement of the new machine. He added that for the succeeding years, the office will only be using minimal materials and will only purchase the consumables.
Said ID fee will cover the payment for one dual-sided printer with lamination stage, a Lenovo notebook, an ID database, a web camera, a Genius signature pad, card acces- sories for 4,500 freshmen, and a two-month transportation and labor costs for two personnel in charge of operating the machine.
The OSS will also seek out prospective customers and advertise the printing of the digital IDs to other schools and offices in Legazpi to generate income starting 2010.
In the proposal read by Olaguer, the digital data stored in the ID will be utilized to give added value to the students in terms of security and other services, which will not be possible if it was just an ordinary ID.
It was also indicated in the proposal that the machine is estimated to have a con- servative, economic life of three years. Then, it would be replaced with a newer model to improve the efficiency of producing digital IDs.
Some P 20, 000 is projected for the maintenance of the machine in its second year. An additonal 15 percent increase in the following years is expected.
Meanwhile, Narvaez also requested the procurement of another machine for the sat- ellite campuses aside from the machine in the main campus. “We will be having an ‘on- site’ machine aside from the one in the main campus. The ‘on-site’ machine will be going to the satellite campuses where production of the IDs will take place separately,” Narvaez mentioned.
At press time, the OSS is in the bidding process of the procurement of the machine after it gained the approval of the President.
Responding to the clamor of the freshmen students regarding the two-semester delayed release of their Identification cards (IDs), Glenn Narvaez, Office of the Student Services (OSS) Dean, attributed the delayed approval of a feasibility study on Bicol University’s (BU) procurement of its own Digital ID system.
The proposal took four months of further study before BU President Fay Lauraya signed its approval to procure digital ID machine for the freshmen students, new BU personnel and lost ID replacements. The results of the study were passed to Prof. Jerry Bigornia, BU, Vice President for Production (VPPA).
On the other hand, College Business Manager (CBM) 1 Antonio Olaguer said that the recommendation for the approval was sent to the OP as early as July 30, and it was only in November that Lauraya approved it. “I don’t know if there were deficiencies in the study (of the proposal) that it took months for the president to approve it,” Olaguer added.
However, Lauraya said, “I have already asked the VPPA to speed up the procurement of the ID machine.”
Although the University had been producing IDs for the past five years, the Office of the President (OP) still requested the OSS and the CBM to propose a feasibility study, “to make sure that the money will not come at a loss in the procurement of the IDs,” explained Narvaez.
Through the procurement of the digital ID machine, BU will no longer need to sub- contract a service provider in producing IDs in the next years.
For the past five years, the OSS, together with its service provider, AZITSUROG Inc., has been producing IDs for the University. But by March this year, Narvaez assured that BU will be producing its own IDs.
Financial, market estimates
According to the study, the University is projected to spend some P397,000 in pur- chasing the machine and in facilitating the fabrication of the IDs. The budget will be sourced out from the F-164 or ID fee collected from the first year students during the enrollment in the first semester.
“The OSS will be using the P75 ID fee to cover the expenses for the procurement as well as the maintenance of the machine,” Narvaez said when asked about the source of fund in the procurement of the new machine. He added that for the succeeding years, the office will only be using minimal materials and will only purchase the consumables.
Said ID fee will cover the payment for one dual-sided printer with lamination stage, a Lenovo notebook, an ID database, a web camera, a Genius signature pad, card acces- sories for 4,500 freshmen, and a two-month transportation and labor costs for two personnel in charge of operating the machine.
The OSS will also seek out prospective customers and advertise the printing of the digital IDs to other schools and offices in Legazpi to generate income starting 2010.
In the proposal read by Olaguer, the digital data stored in the ID will be utilized to give added value to the students in terms of security and other services, which will not be possible if it was just an ordinary ID.
It was also indicated in the proposal that the machine is estimated to have a con- servative, economic life of three years. Then, it would be replaced with a newer model to improve the efficiency of producing digital IDs.
Some P 20, 000 is projected for the maintenance of the machine in its second year. An additonal 15 percent increase in the following years is expected.
Meanwhile, Narvaez also requested the procurement of another machine for the sat- ellite campuses aside from the machine in the main campus. “We will be having an ‘on- site’ machine aside from the one in the main campus. The ‘on-site’ machine will be going to the satellite campuses where production of the IDs will take place separately,” Narvaez mentioned.
At press time, the OSS is in the bidding process of the procurement of the machine after it gained the approval of the President.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
2 gun ban violators nabbed in Masbate
March 22, 2010
LEGAZPI CITY – As the national and local elections draw nearer, the number of gun ban violators has also been increasing in the areas of immediate concern in Bicol, particularly in Masbate province, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol.
PNP Task Force Masbate arrested Geronimo Remula I and Geronimo Remula II, both residents of Barangay Tan-awan in Placer town, Masbate, Sunday morning at their residences, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Lanon Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson, in a statement.
The suspects were apprehended during a search warrant operation issued by Judge Maximo R. Ables of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 54, Gubat Sorsosgon for carrying firearms in public areas.
Bron said the operation was able to confiscate low and high-powered firearms, including two M-16 rifles (SN 207305 and 732070),one .45 cal pistol with serial number CO2669, four long steel magazines for M-16, one short magazine for M-16, a magazine for .45 caliber pistol, eight live ammunitions for .45 cal gun and 132 live ammunitions for M-16 rifle.
Meanwhile, around 101 persons were arrested in the latest count of gun ban violators regionwide. While at least five of them were barangay captains and government officials, Bron disclosed.
Records show that among the six provinces, Masbate takes the highest number of violation with 46 persons arrested, followed by Camarines Sur, 20; Sorsogon, 18; Albay, 9; and Camarines Norte, 7 and; Catanduanes with only one.
“We are going to place some of our personnel both ARMY and the PNP on conceded-election watch list areas when local campaign period starts by March 26,” said Bron, when asked on possible deployment of additional personnel in election hot areas as in Masbate.
He added that in the case of Masbate with 21 recorded pre-election incidents this year, the moment the local campaign period starts, will be the only time for the local officials to determine the additional forces, depending on the contesting political parties.
The gun ban is enforced to prevent proliferation of carrying undocumented firearms and possible dismantling of private-armed groups in preparation for the first poll automation in the country.Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – As the national and local elections draw nearer, the number of gun ban violators has also been increasing in the areas of immediate concern in Bicol, particularly in Masbate province, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol.
PNP Task Force Masbate arrested Geronimo Remula I and Geronimo Remula II, both residents of Barangay Tan-awan in Placer town, Masbate, Sunday morning at their residences, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Lanon Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson, in a statement.
The suspects were apprehended during a search warrant operation issued by Judge Maximo R. Ables of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 54, Gubat Sorsosgon for carrying firearms in public areas.
Bron said the operation was able to confiscate low and high-powered firearms, including two M-16 rifles (SN 207305 and 732070),one .45 cal pistol with serial number CO2669, four long steel magazines for M-16, one short magazine for M-16, a magazine for .45 caliber pistol, eight live ammunitions for .45 cal gun and 132 live ammunitions for M-16 rifle.
Meanwhile, around 101 persons were arrested in the latest count of gun ban violators regionwide. While at least five of them were barangay captains and government officials, Bron disclosed.
Records show that among the six provinces, Masbate takes the highest number of violation with 46 persons arrested, followed by Camarines Sur, 20; Sorsogon, 18; Albay, 9; and Camarines Norte, 7 and; Catanduanes with only one.
“We are going to place some of our personnel both ARMY and the PNP on conceded-election watch list areas when local campaign period starts by March 26,” said Bron, when asked on possible deployment of additional personnel in election hot areas as in Masbate.
He added that in the case of Masbate with 21 recorded pre-election incidents this year, the moment the local campaign period starts, will be the only time for the local officials to determine the additional forces, depending on the contesting political parties.
The gun ban is enforced to prevent proliferation of carrying undocumented firearms and possible dismantling of private-armed groups in preparation for the first poll automation in the country.Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
NPA slain in clash
March 1, 2010
LEGAZPI CITY – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter between the government troops and local rebels , Monday noon in Ligao City , Albay, said an Army official.
Captain Amadeo L. Saturnino, acting commander of the 21st Civil Relations Unit, 2nd Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRS-AFP), said that the soldiers of the Alpha Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, and the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army were conducting combat operation at Barangay (village) Balanac in the said city at around 12:50 p.m. when a gunfight ensued between the Army and 12 NPAs.
Led by 1st Lieutenant. Jonel Tancio, the firefight lasted for about ten minutes that resulted to the recovery of one (1) M-14 rifle with undetermined number of wounded members on the enemy side, said Saturnino.
On the other hand, there was no reported casualty on the government side.
Saturnino said that the slain rebel was not yet identified by the local authorities.
Major General Ruperto R. Pabustan AFP, Commander General of the 9th Infantry Division, expressed his gratitude to the local residents who continuously support the programs of the Philippine Army against insurgency through their relayed information on the presence of NPA groups in the area and tip-offs of extortion activities.Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter between the government troops and local rebels , Monday noon in Ligao City , Albay, said an Army official.
Captain Amadeo L. Saturnino, acting commander of the 21st Civil Relations Unit, 2nd Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRS-AFP), said that the soldiers of the Alpha Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, and the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army were conducting combat operation at Barangay (village) Balanac in the said city at around 12:50 p.m. when a gunfight ensued between the Army and 12 NPAs.
Led by 1st Lieutenant. Jonel Tancio, the firefight lasted for about ten minutes that resulted to the recovery of one (1) M-14 rifle with undetermined number of wounded members on the enemy side, said Saturnino.
On the other hand, there was no reported casualty on the government side.
Saturnino said that the slain rebel was not yet identified by the local authorities.
Major General Ruperto R. Pabustan AFP, Commander General of the 9th Infantry Division, expressed his gratitude to the local residents who continuously support the programs of the Philippine Army against insurgency through their relayed information on the presence of NPA groups in the area and tip-offs of extortion activities.Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Masbate village councilor killed
March 1, 2010
LEGAZPI CITY—At least two village officials were shot by armed suspects, leaving one dead and the other wounded in two separate incidents in Masbate province, Saturday, a police spokesperson said Monday.
Carlos Cabarles, 53, a village councillor (barangay kagawad) of Barangay Luy-a, in Aroroy town Masbate, together with his companion Reynaldo Caña was on board a tricycle Honda TMX with a plate no. EN 3718 when the incident happened at around 8:30 a.m. at the said place, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Bron said that Cabarles and Caña were on their way home after delivering eggplants at Barangay Puro when three unidentified suspects shot Cabarles dead while Caña managed to escape the attack but left wounded.
Police recovered two empty shells for cal.45 pistol at the crime scene.
In a separate incident, Baranagay Kagawad Arman Ado, 45 sustained a gun shot wound on his left breast after surviving an attack at Barangay Ilaya in Balud town, Masbate province, said Bron.
However, the victim managed to hit back the suspect by stabbing him with a bladed weapon during the shooting incident, which occurred at around 10:30 p.m.
The suspect, on the other was identified as Reggie Ado, who was under the influence of alcohol when the crime happened, said Bron.
He added that the wounded councillor was brought immediately to Masbate Provincial hospital for treatment.
The Masbate police has yet to determine if the two incidents are politically-motivated. They are now conducting search operations for the apprehension of the suspects. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY—At least two village officials were shot by armed suspects, leaving one dead and the other wounded in two separate incidents in Masbate province, Saturday, a police spokesperson said Monday.
Carlos Cabarles, 53, a village councillor (barangay kagawad) of Barangay Luy-a, in Aroroy town Masbate, together with his companion Reynaldo Caña was on board a tricycle Honda TMX with a plate no. EN 3718 when the incident happened at around 8:30 a.m. at the said place, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Bron said that Cabarles and Caña were on their way home after delivering eggplants at Barangay Puro when three unidentified suspects shot Cabarles dead while Caña managed to escape the attack but left wounded.
Police recovered two empty shells for cal.45 pistol at the crime scene.
In a separate incident, Baranagay Kagawad Arman Ado, 45 sustained a gun shot wound on his left breast after surviving an attack at Barangay Ilaya in Balud town, Masbate province, said Bron.
However, the victim managed to hit back the suspect by stabbing him with a bladed weapon during the shooting incident, which occurred at around 10:30 p.m.
The suspect, on the other was identified as Reggie Ado, who was under the influence of alcohol when the crime happened, said Bron.
He added that the wounded councillor was brought immediately to Masbate Provincial hospital for treatment.
The Masbate police has yet to determine if the two incidents are politically-motivated. They are now conducting search operations for the apprehension of the suspects. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Teen drowned, 1 still missing in Cam Norte beach
February 6, 2010
LEGAZPI CITY – Local rescuers recovered yesterday the body of a 14-year-old girl, who was drowned last Thursday after being swept by big waves at Mantigbi beach in Vinzons town, Camarines Norte, a police official reported Saturday.
Liezel Villeno of Barangay Del Carmen, Vinzons was found floating near Sitio Sabang, Labo in Barangay Sula, two days after she disappeared at the beach with her colleague Maribel Pada, 14 of the same residence, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
However, Cam Norte police said that they have yet to recover the body of Pada, a second year high school student of Vinzons National High School, added Bron.
And at press time, the rescue team has yielded negative result.
Initial police reports said that victims were last seen by some youngsters waving their hands when a flash of waves hit the two and were no longer seen.
Meanwhile, Villeno’s cadaver was brought by her relatives at Vinzons Funeral Homes while the other victim is still missing. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – Local rescuers recovered yesterday the body of a 14-year-old girl, who was drowned last Thursday after being swept by big waves at Mantigbi beach in Vinzons town, Camarines Norte, a police official reported Saturday.
Liezel Villeno of Barangay Del Carmen, Vinzons was found floating near Sitio Sabang, Labo in Barangay Sula, two days after she disappeared at the beach with her colleague Maribel Pada, 14 of the same residence, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
However, Cam Norte police said that they have yet to recover the body of Pada, a second year high school student of Vinzons National High School, added Bron.
And at press time, the rescue team has yielded negative result.
Initial police reports said that victims were last seen by some youngsters waving their hands when a flash of waves hit the two and were no longer seen.
Meanwhile, Villeno’s cadaver was brought by her relatives at Vinzons Funeral Homes while the other victim is still missing. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Farmer shot dead in Sorsogon
February 6, 2010
LEGAZPI CITY – A farmer was gunned down by three unidentified armed suspects in Irosin town, Sorsogon on Thursday night, a police spokesperson said Saturday morning.
Domingo Oliquino, 55 was shot dead at around 7:15 p.m. outside his residence at Barangay Cogon, Sorsogon, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Initial investigation showed that the gunmen, carrying long firearms of unknown rifle, entered into the house of the victim and forcibly dragged the latter outside his room.
Despite escape attempts, the suspects fired upon him several shots, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body, Bron added.
Relatives tried to bring the victim at the Irosin District Hospital for necropsy but the physician declared him dead on arrival.
Local police authorities were conducting further investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive of the killing. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – A farmer was gunned down by three unidentified armed suspects in Irosin town, Sorsogon on Thursday night, a police spokesperson said Saturday morning.
Domingo Oliquino, 55 was shot dead at around 7:15 p.m. outside his residence at Barangay Cogon, Sorsogon, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Initial investigation showed that the gunmen, carrying long firearms of unknown rifle, entered into the house of the victim and forcibly dragged the latter outside his room.
Despite escape attempts, the suspects fired upon him several shots, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body, Bron added.
Relatives tried to bring the victim at the Irosin District Hospital for necropsy but the physician declared him dead on arrival.
Local police authorities were conducting further investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive of the killing. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
KARAPATAN-Bikol condems martial law declaration
December 7, 2009
LEGAZPI CITY – Human rights group KARAPATAN-Bikol expressed dissent over the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao on Monday, calling on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to observe the human rights situation in the Bicol region.
“Just like what they did in Maguinadano, we are asking the CHR main office to send their commissioners to come and see the horrendous human rights situation in the region because we now have the most number of victims of extra-judicial killings in the country,” said John Conception, spokesperson of KARAPATAN-Bikol.
In a statement, Conception added that they hope the CHR can help stop the military rampage in Bicol, so Bicolanos can fully exercise their rights not just in the elections but through their lives and prevent the Palace from declaring martial rule in Bicol or the whole country.
“What is happening now in Bicol is all part of Oplan Bantay Laya 2 and is highly systematized to prevent the further growth of militant organizations and to cripple the structure of militant party-list groups in the coming elections,” he said.
“The present state in Maguindanao is part of the plan to further extend Gloria’s hold on power,” added the human rights defender during the press conference, Monday.
Conception said it would definitely cause more harm than good. This is more likely a way of Malacañang to gauge the reaction of the Filipino people and prelude of worse things to come,” ended Conception.
There are at least 198 victims of political killings in the region including the slain peasant leader Rodrigo de Torres , BAYAN Muna coordinator in Del Gallego town, Camarines Sur, as the last victim. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – Human rights group KARAPATAN-Bikol expressed dissent over the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao on Monday, calling on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to observe the human rights situation in the Bicol region.
“Just like what they did in Maguinadano, we are asking the CHR main office to send their commissioners to come and see the horrendous human rights situation in the region because we now have the most number of victims of extra-judicial killings in the country,” said John Conception, spokesperson of KARAPATAN-Bikol.
In a statement, Conception added that they hope the CHR can help stop the military rampage in Bicol, so Bicolanos can fully exercise their rights not just in the elections but through their lives and prevent the Palace from declaring martial rule in Bicol or the whole country.
“What is happening now in Bicol is all part of Oplan Bantay Laya 2 and is highly systematized to prevent the further growth of militant organizations and to cripple the structure of militant party-list groups in the coming elections,” he said.
“The present state in Maguindanao is part of the plan to further extend Gloria’s hold on power,” added the human rights defender during the press conference, Monday.
Conception said it would definitely cause more harm than good. This is more likely a way of Malacañang to gauge the reaction of the Filipino people and prelude of worse things to come,” ended Conception.
There are at least 198 victims of political killings in the region including the slain peasant leader Rodrigo de Torres , BAYAN Muna coordinator in Del Gallego town, Camarines Sur, as the last victim. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
NPA medical supply found
November 11, 2009
LEGAZPI CITY – The Army troops recovered stockpiles of medicines, allegedly owned by the communist guerrillas in a combat operation in the island-province of Catanduanes on Friday afternoon, a military spokesperson said Saturday.
While conducting internal security operation, the joint elements of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 83rd and 22nd Infantry Battalions discovered some health supplies at 2:45 p.m. at Barangay Sagrada in Bagamanoc town, Catanduanes, said Captain Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Brigade.
Bansawan added that the supplies were recovered from the residents of certain Felix Ubani, a collector of the New People’s Army in the area.
Medical supplies recovered were 21 pieces of syringes with needles; four bottles of hydrogen peroxide; a bottle of betadine; four bottles of local anesthesia; two rolls of elastic bandages; five rolls of micropore rapes and; a bottle of IV fluid.
The military troops also found medicines, including 400 capsules of mefenamic acid, 300 capsules of amoxillin, 200 capsules of cloxacillin sodium, 200 tablets of paracetamol anaseran, 100 tablets of danzen and 109 pieces of biogesic. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY – The Army troops recovered stockpiles of medicines, allegedly owned by the communist guerrillas in a combat operation in the island-province of Catanduanes on Friday afternoon, a military spokesperson said Saturday.
While conducting internal security operation, the joint elements of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 83rd and 22nd Infantry Battalions discovered some health supplies at 2:45 p.m. at Barangay Sagrada in Bagamanoc town, Catanduanes, said Captain Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Brigade.
Bansawan added that the supplies were recovered from the residents of certain Felix Ubani, a collector of the New People’s Army in the area.
Medical supplies recovered were 21 pieces of syringes with needles; four bottles of hydrogen peroxide; a bottle of betadine; four bottles of local anesthesia; two rolls of elastic bandages; five rolls of micropore rapes and; a bottle of IV fluid.
The military troops also found medicines, including 400 capsules of mefenamic acid, 300 capsules of amoxillin, 200 capsules of cloxacillin sodium, 200 tablets of paracetamol anaseran, 100 tablets of danzen and 109 pieces of biogesic. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Sunday, November 22, 2009
6 soldiers wounded in clash
LEGAZPI CITY – At least six soldiers were wounded in an hour clash between government troops and the communist guerillas in Caramoran town, Catandunes on Sunday afternoon, a military spokesperson said Monday.
Wounded army troopers were initially identified as Corporal Felix Riodique, Private First Class Victor Robianes and Lope Abanil, Privates Juvy Cerdon and Ryan Toldanes and CAA Juanito Lucero, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
Bansawan said the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion by 2 Lieutenant Jerry Doldol were on their way to the area to conduct humanitarian service when undetermined number of armed rebels attacked at around 4:30 p.m.
The firefight lasted for about 40 minutes.
On the other hand, witnesses reported that fleeing rebels, carrying killed and wounded comrades were seen withdrawing towards east direction of the encounter site.
Bansawan said that the wounded soldiers were brought to the nearest hospital in Catanduanes, while others with serious condition were airlifted to Legazpi City and Naga City for treatment. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Wounded army troopers were initially identified as Corporal Felix Riodique, Private First Class Victor Robianes and Lope Abanil, Privates Juvy Cerdon and Ryan Toldanes and CAA Juanito Lucero, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
Bansawan said the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion by 2 Lieutenant Jerry Doldol were on their way to the area to conduct humanitarian service when undetermined number of armed rebels attacked at around 4:30 p.m.
The firefight lasted for about 40 minutes.
On the other hand, witnesses reported that fleeing rebels, carrying killed and wounded comrades were seen withdrawing towards east direction of the encounter site.
Bansawan said that the wounded soldiers were brought to the nearest hospital in Catanduanes, while others with serious condition were airlifted to Legazpi City and Naga City for treatment. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Saturday, November 14, 2009
www.historicpages.com
Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. -Thomas Jefferson, 1787.
For my part I entertain a high idea of the utility of periodical publications; insomuch as I could heartily desire, copies of ... magazines, as well as common Gazettes, might be spread through every city, town, and village in the United States. I consider such vehicles of knowledge more happily calculated than any other to preserve the liberty, stimulate the industry, and ameliorate the morals of a free and enlightened people.- George Washington, 1788.
Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech or of the press... -Article One, Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, 1789.
Here is the living disproof of the old adage that nothing is as dead as yesterday's newspaper... This is what really happened, reported by a free press to a free people. It is the raw material of history; it is the story of our own times. -Henry Steel Commager, preface to a history of the New York Times, 1951
The Origins of Newspapers
The history of newspapers is an often-dramatic chapter of the human experience going back some five centuries. In Renaissance Europe handwritten newsletters circulated privately among merchants, passing along information about everything from wars and economic conditions to social customs and "human interest" features. The first printed forerunners of the newspaper appeared in Germany in the late 1400's in the form of news pamphlets or broadsides, often highly sensationalized in content. Some of the most famous of these report the atrocities against Germans in Transylvania perpetrated by a sadistic veovod named Vlad Tsepes Drakul, who became the Count Dracula of later folklore.
In the English-speaking world, the earliest predecessors of the newspaper were corantos, small news pamphlets produced only when some event worthy of notice occurred. The first successively published title was The Weekly Newes of 1622. It was followed in the 1640's and 1650's by a plethora of different titles in the similar newsbook format. The first true newspaper in English was the London Gazette of 1666. For a generation it was the only officially sanctioned newspaper, though many periodical titles were in print by the century's end.
Beginnings in America
In America the first newspaper appeared in Boston in 1690, entitled Publick Occurrences. Published without authority, it was immediately suppressed, its publisher arrested, and all copies were destroyed. Indeed, it remained forgotten until 1845 when the only known surviving example was discovered in the British Library. The first successful newspaper was the Boston News-Letter, begun by postmaster John Campbell in 1704. Although it was heavily subsidized by the colonial government the experiment was a near-failure, with very limited circulation. Two more papers made their appearance in the 1720's, in Philadelphia and New York, and the Fourth Estate slowly became established on the new continent. By the eve of the Revolutionary War, some two dozen papers were issued at all the colonies, although Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania would remain the centers of American printing for many years. Articles in colonial papers, brilliantly conceived by revolutionary propagandists, were a major force that influenced public opinion in America from reconciliation with England to full political independence.
At war's end in 1783 there were forty-three newspapers in print. The press played a vital role in the affairs of the new nation; many more newspapers were started, representing all shades of political opinion. The no holds barred style of early journalism, much of it libelous by modern standards, reflected the rough and tumble political life of the republic as rival factions jostled for power. The ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 at last guaranteed of freedom of the press, and America's newspapers began to take on a central role in national affairs. Growth continued in every state. By 1814 there were 346 newspapers. In the Jacksonian populist 1830's, advances in printing and papermaking technology led to an explosion of newspaper growth, the emergence of the "Penny Press"; it was now possible to produce a newspaper that could be sold for just a cent a copy. Previously, newspapers were the province of the wealthy, literate minority. The price of a year's subscription, usually over a full week's pay for a laborer, had to be paid in full and "invariably in advance." This sudden availability of cheap, interesting reading material was a significant stimulus to the achievement of the nearly universal literacy now taken for granted in America.
The Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution, as it transformed all aspects of American life and society, dramatically affected newspapers. Both the numbers of papers and their paid circulations continued to rise. The 1850 census catalogued 2,526 titles. In the 1850's powerful, giant presses appeared, able to print ten thousand complete papers per hour. At this time the first "pictorial" weekly newspapers emerged; they featured for the first time extensive illustrations of events in the news, as woodcut engravings made from correspondents' sketches or taken from that new invention, the photograph. During the Civil War the unprecedented demand for timely, accurate news reporting transformed American journalism into a dynamic, hardhitting force in the national life. Reporters, called "specials," became the darlings of the public and the idols of youngsters everywhere. Many accounts of battles turned in by these intrepid adventurers stand today as the definitive histories of their subjects.
Newspaper growth continued unabated in the postwar years. An astounding 11,314 different papers were recorded in the 1880 census. By the 1890's the first circulation figures of a million copies per issue were recorded (ironically, these newspapers are now quite rare due to the atrocious quality of cheap paper then in use, and to great losses in World War II era paper drives) At this period appeared the features of the modern newspaper, bold "banner" headlines, extensive use of illustrations, "funny pages," plus expanded coverage of organized sporting events. The rise of "yellow journalism" also marks this era. Hearst could truthfully boast that his newspapers manufactured the public clamor for war on Spain in 1898. This is also the age of media consolidation, as many independent newspapers were swallowed up into powerful "chains"; with regrettable consequences for a once fearless and incorruptible press, many were reduced to vehicles for the distribution of the particular views of their owners, and so remained, without competing papers to challenge their viewpoints. By the 1910's, all the essential features of the recognizably modern newspaper had emerged. In our time, radio and television have gradually supplanted newspapers as the nation's primary information sources, so it may be difficult initially to appreciate the role that newspapers have played in our history.
Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. -Thomas Jefferson, 1787.
For my part I entertain a high idea of the utility of periodical publications; insomuch as I could heartily desire, copies of ... magazines, as well as common Gazettes, might be spread through every city, town, and village in the United States. I consider such vehicles of knowledge more happily calculated than any other to preserve the liberty, stimulate the industry, and ameliorate the morals of a free and enlightened people.- George Washington, 1788.
Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech or of the press... -Article One, Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, 1789.
Here is the living disproof of the old adage that nothing is as dead as yesterday's newspaper... This is what really happened, reported by a free press to a free people. It is the raw material of history; it is the story of our own times. -Henry Steel Commager, preface to a history of the New York Times, 1951
The Origins of Newspapers
The history of newspapers is an often-dramatic chapter of the human experience going back some five centuries. In Renaissance Europe handwritten newsletters circulated privately among merchants, passing along information about everything from wars and economic conditions to social customs and "human interest" features. The first printed forerunners of the newspaper appeared in Germany in the late 1400's in the form of news pamphlets or broadsides, often highly sensationalized in content. Some of the most famous of these report the atrocities against Germans in Transylvania perpetrated by a sadistic veovod named Vlad Tsepes Drakul, who became the Count Dracula of later folklore.
In the English-speaking world, the earliest predecessors of the newspaper were corantos, small news pamphlets produced only when some event worthy of notice occurred. The first successively published title was The Weekly Newes of 1622. It was followed in the 1640's and 1650's by a plethora of different titles in the similar newsbook format. The first true newspaper in English was the London Gazette of 1666. For a generation it was the only officially sanctioned newspaper, though many periodical titles were in print by the century's end.
Beginnings in America
In America the first newspaper appeared in Boston in 1690, entitled Publick Occurrences. Published without authority, it was immediately suppressed, its publisher arrested, and all copies were destroyed. Indeed, it remained forgotten until 1845 when the only known surviving example was discovered in the British Library. The first successful newspaper was the Boston News-Letter, begun by postmaster John Campbell in 1704. Although it was heavily subsidized by the colonial government the experiment was a near-failure, with very limited circulation. Two more papers made their appearance in the 1720's, in Philadelphia and New York, and the Fourth Estate slowly became established on the new continent. By the eve of the Revolutionary War, some two dozen papers were issued at all the colonies, although Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania would remain the centers of American printing for many years. Articles in colonial papers, brilliantly conceived by revolutionary propagandists, were a major force that influenced public opinion in America from reconciliation with England to full political independence.
At war's end in 1783 there were forty-three newspapers in print. The press played a vital role in the affairs of the new nation; many more newspapers were started, representing all shades of political opinion. The no holds barred style of early journalism, much of it libelous by modern standards, reflected the rough and tumble political life of the republic as rival factions jostled for power. The ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 at last guaranteed of freedom of the press, and America's newspapers began to take on a central role in national affairs. Growth continued in every state. By 1814 there were 346 newspapers. In the Jacksonian populist 1830's, advances in printing and papermaking technology led to an explosion of newspaper growth, the emergence of the "Penny Press"; it was now possible to produce a newspaper that could be sold for just a cent a copy. Previously, newspapers were the province of the wealthy, literate minority. The price of a year's subscription, usually over a full week's pay for a laborer, had to be paid in full and "invariably in advance." This sudden availability of cheap, interesting reading material was a significant stimulus to the achievement of the nearly universal literacy now taken for granted in America.
The Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution, as it transformed all aspects of American life and society, dramatically affected newspapers. Both the numbers of papers and their paid circulations continued to rise. The 1850 census catalogued 2,526 titles. In the 1850's powerful, giant presses appeared, able to print ten thousand complete papers per hour. At this time the first "pictorial" weekly newspapers emerged; they featured for the first time extensive illustrations of events in the news, as woodcut engravings made from correspondents' sketches or taken from that new invention, the photograph. During the Civil War the unprecedented demand for timely, accurate news reporting transformed American journalism into a dynamic, hardhitting force in the national life. Reporters, called "specials," became the darlings of the public and the idols of youngsters everywhere. Many accounts of battles turned in by these intrepid adventurers stand today as the definitive histories of their subjects.
Newspaper growth continued unabated in the postwar years. An astounding 11,314 different papers were recorded in the 1880 census. By the 1890's the first circulation figures of a million copies per issue were recorded (ironically, these newspapers are now quite rare due to the atrocious quality of cheap paper then in use, and to great losses in World War II era paper drives) At this period appeared the features of the modern newspaper, bold "banner" headlines, extensive use of illustrations, "funny pages," plus expanded coverage of organized sporting events. The rise of "yellow journalism" also marks this era. Hearst could truthfully boast that his newspapers manufactured the public clamor for war on Spain in 1898. This is also the age of media consolidation, as many independent newspapers were swallowed up into powerful "chains"; with regrettable consequences for a once fearless and incorruptible press, many were reduced to vehicles for the distribution of the particular views of their owners, and so remained, without competing papers to challenge their viewpoints. By the 1910's, all the essential features of the recognizably modern newspaper had emerged. In our time, radio and television have gradually supplanted newspapers as the nation's primary information sources, so it may be difficult initially to appreciate the role that newspapers have played in our history.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Rebel camp seized in Catanduanes
LEGAZPI CITY – Government troops have captured an abandoned rebel camp during their operations in Catanduanes on Tuesday morning, a military spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The camp was discovered by the operating troops of the 83rd Infantry Battalion led by First Lieutenant Darre P. Mariano at Sitio Sara, Barangay san Miguel Panganiban at around 7:00 a.m., said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
According to Lieutenant Coronel Romeo Basco, battalion commander of the 83rd IB, the recently found camp can accommodate 15 persons.
This is the fifth encampment recovered by the soldiers since August 9 in Bicol that came through the assistance of the civilians, said Bansawan.
Meanwhile, prior to this, a woman rebel was arrested by the government troops on Monday evening.
Dominga Cristobal alias Enggay was apprehended at around 7:00 p.m. in Catanduanes and resulted to the recovery of a .38 revolver pistol with eight rounds of ammunition from her possession.
The camp was discovered by the operating troops of the 83rd Infantry Battalion led by First Lieutenant Darre P. Mariano at Sitio Sara, Barangay san Miguel Panganiban at around 7:00 a.m., said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
According to Lieutenant Coronel Romeo Basco, battalion commander of the 83rd IB, the recently found camp can accommodate 15 persons.
This is the fifth encampment recovered by the soldiers since August 9 in Bicol that came through the assistance of the civilians, said Bansawan.
Meanwhile, prior to this, a woman rebel was arrested by the government troops on Monday evening.
Dominga Cristobal alias Enggay was apprehended at around 7:00 p.m. in Catanduanes and resulted to the recovery of a .38 revolver pistol with eight rounds of ammunition from her possession.
Albay top NPA rebel nabbed
LEGAZPI CITY -- A high-ranking member o f the New People’s Army in Albay was captured by the government troops in Ligao City on Tuesday noon, a military spokesperson said Wednesday.
Miguel Pedrateja alias ‘Mike’, one of the staff members of the Albay Terrorist Group in the 1st district of the province under Edgardo ‘Palong’ Sevilla was arrested in his safe house at Barangay Nabunton, Ligao City at around 1:00 p.m., said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
Police operatives seized an M-16 rifle, one M-653, one caliber 22 rifle, an Ingram with ammos and four hand grenades after the arrest, said Bansawan.
The rebel was also responsible in the reported series of extortions activities, intimidations and harassment in the 2nd and 3rd districts of Albay.
Bansawan added that Pedrateja has pending standing warrant of arrest before Ligao City Prosecutor for a murder case after killing CSU Chief Expedito Ribaya on Decmber 12, 2007
Miguel Pedrateja alias ‘Mike’, one of the staff members of the Albay Terrorist Group in the 1st district of the province under Edgardo ‘Palong’ Sevilla was arrested in his safe house at Barangay Nabunton, Ligao City at around 1:00 p.m., said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
Police operatives seized an M-16 rifle, one M-653, one caliber 22 rifle, an Ingram with ammos and four hand grenades after the arrest, said Bansawan.
The rebel was also responsible in the reported series of extortions activities, intimidations and harassment in the 2nd and 3rd districts of Albay.
Bansawan added that Pedrateja has pending standing warrant of arrest before Ligao City Prosecutor for a murder case after killing CSU Chief Expedito Ribaya on Decmber 12, 2007
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
3 NPA minors nabbed in Catanduanes
LEGAZPI CITY -- At least three minor New People’s Army members were captured by the soldiers in an encounter on Tuesday morning in the island province of Catanduanes, a military spokesperson said Wednesday.
The clash between the government troops and the 20 rebels happened at around 8:00 a.m. at Barangay (village) Sabluyon in Caramoran town, Catanduanes, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
The three minors, all boys, aged 12, 15 and 19 years old were apprehended by the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion and are now under the social welfare for the custody, added Bansawan.
A running gunfight ensued that lasted an hour to save the three young rebels, said Bansawan.
Bansawan said that the soldiers were preempted to use volume of fire due to the presence of three minors utilized by the NPAs in their operations.
“They manage to escape because we value the lives of innocent children used by them,” explained Bansawan.
Recovered from the crime scene were M-14 and M-16 rifles.
No reported casualty on the government side, while undetermined number of wounded rebels has yet to determine.
Meanwhile, the NPAs in Catanduanes are now scampering for safety as the joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP Bicol are now in pursuit operations. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
The clash between the government troops and the 20 rebels happened at around 8:00 a.m. at Barangay (village) Sabluyon in Caramoran town, Catanduanes, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
The three minors, all boys, aged 12, 15 and 19 years old were apprehended by the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion and are now under the social welfare for the custody, added Bansawan.
A running gunfight ensued that lasted an hour to save the three young rebels, said Bansawan.
Bansawan said that the soldiers were preempted to use volume of fire due to the presence of three minors utilized by the NPAs in their operations.
“They manage to escape because we value the lives of innocent children used by them,” explained Bansawan.
Recovered from the crime scene were M-14 and M-16 rifles.
No reported casualty on the government side, while undetermined number of wounded rebels has yet to determine.
Meanwhile, the NPAs in Catanduanes are now scampering for safety as the joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP Bicol are now in pursuit operations. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Bicol team of doctors aids Ondoy victims
(Sept 28 - Oct 2, 2009)
A group of Bicolano doctors voluntarily offered assistance in the relief and medical operations for the victims of Ondoy’s wrath in Manila after it devastated thousands of shelters and livelihoods, leaving their places submerged into floods.
The first batch of the Department of Health (DOH) CHD Bicol Health Emergency Management Team (HEMT) Operation Tulong left for Manila last Wednesday (September 30) to assist other doctors in treating patients who were affected by the typhoon’s aftermath.
According to Officer in Charge Assistant Regional Director Dr. Virgilio Ludovice, the team will be immediately deployed in Tanay, Rizal, which also coincided with the request for assistance of the DOH Region IV-A Director Gerardo V. Bayugo.
The HEMT is composed of 20 personnel from the CHD Headquarters in Legazpi City, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC), and the Bicol Sanitarium (BS), including five medical personnel and a surgeon, six nurses and support staff trained in Basic Life Support (BLS).
All of its members had trainings during the disaster brought about by previous typhoons which devastated Bicol, including the Super typhoon Reming last 2007. The team is also self-sufficient as they brought along their own necessities, sleeping bags and tents, said DOH V.
Overall Team Leader Dr. Rose Rempillo, regional health emergency management services coordinator explained that the HEMT will be endorsed to Director Bayugo medicines, medical supplies and relief goods including 1500 pieces of new sleeping materials for distribution.
The other team leaders who extended aids to the victims are Dr. Jimmy dela Vina of the BS and Dr. Pastor G. Consolacion of the BMC.
We also intend to impart our experiences in managing health emergencies during disasters, Dr. Rempillo said.
“Our medical team is meant to address the immediate physical and medical concerns. The WASH team is in charge of water safety and waste management especially in evacuation sites. The DS team conducts surveillance on disease outbreaks which may occur during disasters, while the MHPSM comes in after to conduct stress de-briefing sessions for disaster victims,” she said.
Rempillo added that in preparation for any eventuality and as a follow-up on the initial medical assistance, the DOH CHD Bicol Water, Sanotation and the Mentl Health and Psycho-Social Management (MHPSM) team is on alert status for possible deployment.
A group of Bicolano doctors voluntarily offered assistance in the relief and medical operations for the victims of Ondoy’s wrath in Manila after it devastated thousands of shelters and livelihoods, leaving their places submerged into floods.
The first batch of the Department of Health (DOH) CHD Bicol Health Emergency Management Team (HEMT) Operation Tulong left for Manila last Wednesday (September 30) to assist other doctors in treating patients who were affected by the typhoon’s aftermath.
According to Officer in Charge Assistant Regional Director Dr. Virgilio Ludovice, the team will be immediately deployed in Tanay, Rizal, which also coincided with the request for assistance of the DOH Region IV-A Director Gerardo V. Bayugo.
The HEMT is composed of 20 personnel from the CHD Headquarters in Legazpi City, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC), and the Bicol Sanitarium (BS), including five medical personnel and a surgeon, six nurses and support staff trained in Basic Life Support (BLS).
All of its members had trainings during the disaster brought about by previous typhoons which devastated Bicol, including the Super typhoon Reming last 2007. The team is also self-sufficient as they brought along their own necessities, sleeping bags and tents, said DOH V.
Overall Team Leader Dr. Rose Rempillo, regional health emergency management services coordinator explained that the HEMT will be endorsed to Director Bayugo medicines, medical supplies and relief goods including 1500 pieces of new sleeping materials for distribution.
The other team leaders who extended aids to the victims are Dr. Jimmy dela Vina of the BS and Dr. Pastor G. Consolacion of the BMC.
We also intend to impart our experiences in managing health emergencies during disasters, Dr. Rempillo said.
“Our medical team is meant to address the immediate physical and medical concerns. The WASH team is in charge of water safety and waste management especially in evacuation sites. The DS team conducts surveillance on disease outbreaks which may occur during disasters, while the MHPSM comes in after to conduct stress de-briefing sessions for disaster victims,” she said.
Rempillo added that in preparation for any eventuality and as a follow-up on the initial medical assistance, the DOH CHD Bicol Water, Sanotation and the Mentl Health and Psycho-Social Management (MHPSM) team is on alert status for possible deployment.
Medical team goes to Camalig for the 2nd time
(Sept 28-Oct 2, 2009)
The Municipal Government of Camalig conducted a medical mission and humanitarian activities for the second time in Camalig town, Albay last October 5.
A total of 213 residents benefited from the free medical consultations, while at least 35 were given free dental services in the three villages of Taplacon, Maninila and Taloto in Camalig town, Albay.
The said medical mission was participated in by the Municipal Health Office of Camalig, headed by Dra. Ma. Crispa Florence MD and Dr. Saniel Surabos MD; Rural Health Unit/Barangay Healthyworkers headed by Ms Brenda Moratalla; volunteer nurses from Aquinas university, headed by Ms. Molly Sarmento and; the 901st Infantry Brigade, PA headed by Major Inocencio Santos.
The activity was part of the Barangay empowerment being undertaken by the ACCORD team in facilitating the delivery of basic social services in the communities.
The people expressed their gratitude for the volunteers who treated them and for continuously helping them to address their immediate needs.
The Municipal Government of Camalig conducted a medical mission and humanitarian activities for the second time in Camalig town, Albay last October 5.
A total of 213 residents benefited from the free medical consultations, while at least 35 were given free dental services in the three villages of Taplacon, Maninila and Taloto in Camalig town, Albay.
The said medical mission was participated in by the Municipal Health Office of Camalig, headed by Dra. Ma. Crispa Florence MD and Dr. Saniel Surabos MD; Rural Health Unit/Barangay Healthyworkers headed by Ms Brenda Moratalla; volunteer nurses from Aquinas university, headed by Ms. Molly Sarmento and; the 901st Infantry Brigade, PA headed by Major Inocencio Santos.
The activity was part of the Barangay empowerment being undertaken by the ACCORD team in facilitating the delivery of basic social services in the communities.
The people expressed their gratitude for the volunteers who treated them and for continuously helping them to address their immediate needs.
Medical services extended in Camalig
(Sept. 28- Oct 2, 2009)
LEGAZPI CITY – It’s about caring and healing through a mission.
The Municipal Government of Camalig launched a medical mission and humanitarian activities at Barangay Panoypoy in Camalig town, Albay last October 1.
A total of 232 residents benefited from the free medical consultations, while at least 76 were given free dental services in the three villages of Panoypoy, Del Rosario and Magogonall in Camalig town, Albay.
The said medical mission was participated in by the Municipal Health Office of Camalig, headed by Dra. Ma. Crispa Florence MD and Dr. Saniel Surabos MD; Rural Health Unit/Barangay Healthyworkers headed by Ms Brenda Moratalla; volunteer nurses from Aquinas university, headed by Ms. Molly Sarmento and; the 901st Infantry Brigade, PA headed by Major Inocencio Santos.
The activity was part of the Barangay empowerment being undertaken by the ACCORD team in facilitating the delivery of basic social services in the communities.
The people expressed their gratitude for the volunteers who treated them and for continuously helping them to address their immediate needs.
LEGAZPI CITY – It’s about caring and healing through a mission.
The Municipal Government of Camalig launched a medical mission and humanitarian activities at Barangay Panoypoy in Camalig town, Albay last October 1.
A total of 232 residents benefited from the free medical consultations, while at least 76 were given free dental services in the three villages of Panoypoy, Del Rosario and Magogonall in Camalig town, Albay.
The said medical mission was participated in by the Municipal Health Office of Camalig, headed by Dra. Ma. Crispa Florence MD and Dr. Saniel Surabos MD; Rural Health Unit/Barangay Healthyworkers headed by Ms Brenda Moratalla; volunteer nurses from Aquinas university, headed by Ms. Molly Sarmento and; the 901st Infantry Brigade, PA headed by Major Inocencio Santos.
The activity was part of the Barangay empowerment being undertaken by the ACCORD team in facilitating the delivery of basic social services in the communities.
The people expressed their gratitude for the volunteers who treated them and for continuously helping them to address their immediate needs.
Free medical check-ups, humanitarian services to Legazpeños
LEGAZPI CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) of Legazpi, in collaboration with other local agencies launched a medical mission and humanitarian activities at Sitio Puting Daga, Barangay Cabangan , Legazpi City last September 28.
Dubbed “Peace and Security, our Shared Responsibility”, the Legazpi CHO conducted medical services, which include medical check-up, consultation, tooth extractions, circumcision, feeding and ophthalmology for eye check up.
The activity was also supported by the Armed Foprces of the Philippines (AFP) Concerns on Community Organizing for Development (ACCORD) team of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in collaboration with the Adventist Community Service of Legazpi City; Junior Chamber International Daraga and the provincial government of Legazpi City.
A kick-off activity was held with invited lecturers from Joint Task Force, Magayon of AFP, 21st Civil relation Unit of the AFP and the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA 5).
The activity was part of the information drive that focused on environment, disaster preparedness/response and drug prevention.
Dubbed “Peace and Security, our Shared Responsibility”, the Legazpi CHO conducted medical services, which include medical check-up, consultation, tooth extractions, circumcision, feeding and ophthalmology for eye check up.
The activity was also supported by the Armed Foprces of the Philippines (AFP) Concerns on Community Organizing for Development (ACCORD) team of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in collaboration with the Adventist Community Service of Legazpi City; Junior Chamber International Daraga and the provincial government of Legazpi City.
A kick-off activity was held with invited lecturers from Joint Task Force, Magayon of AFP, 21st Civil relation Unit of the AFP and the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA 5).
The activity was part of the information drive that focused on environment, disaster preparedness/response and drug prevention.
Medical mission benefits hundreds in Legazpi City
(Sept 28-Oct 2, 2009)
LEGAZPI CITY – Dozens of families had been given free medical check-ups and dental services here as the City Health Office of Legazpi extended its aid through humanitarian services last September 30.
The whole-day medical mission was successfully conducted at Barangay Bitano, this city where most of the residents had received free medical consultations and medicines.
At least 258 patients had benefited from the said free services of the private and group volunteers.
Some 30 people who have been suffering from eye problems lined up for examinations while 57 patients were treated and underwent tooth extractions.
The said activity was a joint venture of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Bitano, Legazpi City; City Government of Legazpi and the ACCORD team of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in collaboration with the City Health office of Legazpi; Adventist Community Services of Legazpi City; Junior Chamber International Daraga and Legazpi City Chapter; AKBAYAN Party list; PNP Leg; AMEC school of Nursing of LEG; Aviation Security group and Bicol Express Riders Club Inc.
Meanwhile, the Seventh Day Adventist Community Services of Legazpi also conducted feeding program (Soya milk and bread) to the 300 elementary pupils of Bitano Elementary School.
LEGAZPI CITY – Dozens of families had been given free medical check-ups and dental services here as the City Health Office of Legazpi extended its aid through humanitarian services last September 30.
The whole-day medical mission was successfully conducted at Barangay Bitano, this city where most of the residents had received free medical consultations and medicines.
At least 258 patients had benefited from the said free services of the private and group volunteers.
Some 30 people who have been suffering from eye problems lined up for examinations while 57 patients were treated and underwent tooth extractions.
The said activity was a joint venture of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Bitano, Legazpi City; City Government of Legazpi and the ACCORD team of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in collaboration with the City Health office of Legazpi; Adventist Community Services of Legazpi City; Junior Chamber International Daraga and Legazpi City Chapter; AKBAYAN Party list; PNP Leg; AMEC school of Nursing of LEG; Aviation Security group and Bicol Express Riders Club Inc.
Meanwhile, the Seventh Day Adventist Community Services of Legazpi also conducted feeding program (Soya milk and bread) to the 300 elementary pupils of Bitano Elementary School.
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