Spain looks forward to increase aid to Mindanao, says envoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY -– Spain is looking forward to increase its financial assistance to Mindanao, one of the two regions in the country that are in its assistance priority list.

This was announced on Sunday by Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq, who said Spain is planning to increase its aid to Mindanao once the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) finally forge a peace agreement.

Domecq was the guest of honor in the 75th Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga (Charter Day) celebration.

Domecq said the peace agreement is important for the development of Mindanao, especially in the aspects of agriculture, fisheries and mining.

GPH peace panel chief negotiator Marvic Leonen has declared the peace process has moved forward at the end of the 25th formal exploratory talks in Malaysia last February 15.

Leonen likewise expressed optimism that the “government will meet its timeline to ink an agreement with the Moro group this year.”

The next round of formal talks is scheduled next month.

Domecq, without revealing an exact amount, said that Mindanao is one of the two regions in the country which are in the priority list for financial aid by the Spanish government. The other is the Bicol region.

Meanwhile, Domecq is also scheduled to inaugurate some Spanish-funded projects in this southern port city.

One of the projects the ambassador is scheduled to visit is the housing project of the Katilingban Para Sa Kalambuan Inc. in Barangay Sinunuc, west of this city. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

P-Noy commends FDCP, mayor for the holding of Sineng Pambansa

ZAMBOANGA CITY -– President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has commended Mayor Celso Lobregat and the city government for supporting the showcase of cinematic talent for the second straight year in this city.

The President also congratulated the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) “as you hold the ninth leg of Sineng Pambansa in Zamboanga City.”

The President noted that the integration of the film festival as a highlight of the Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga celebration speaks of Lobregat's commitment to supporting the arts and preserving our rich and dynamic heritage.

Zamboanga City will be the center of attraction of the movie industry starting Saturday (February 25) until Monday (February 27) as it hosts Sineng Pambansa: 2012 Zamboanga International Film Festival, adding color and significance to the 75th Dia de Zamboanga (75th Charter Day) celebration.

The free screening of local and international independent films will run from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Mindpro Cinemas 1 and 3.

In his message, President Aquino said the inclusion of international film screenings, the Sine ng Masa mobile cinema, and the short film competition for students provide a venue for creativity and foster an appreciation for world-class movies, particularly those produced by the Filipino film industry.

The first Zamboanga short film competition for Zamboangueño film makers is an added feature in this year’s film festival.

The announcement of winners will be on Monday during the closing program of Sineng Pambansa at the Lantaka Hotel by the Sea.

“As we commit to the process of rebuilding our institutions and setting in place a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity, we must also engage in the task of national cultural renewal. Time and again, cinema has proven its capacity to galvanize peoples into nation, enhancing awareness and sensitivity on both timeless human ideals and timely social concerns,” President Aquino said.

“Let us continue to harness the power of film to unite our country and craft our shared version of a better Philippines,” the President added.

Lobregat said the key purpose in holding the Sineng Pambansa is to showcase and promote both local and international films and eventually nurture and inspire region-based filmmakers to contribute their talent and ingenuity to the industry.

Meanwhile, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos said the Sine ng Masa mobile cinema will go around to Zamboanga City's remote barangays to bring the cinema to those who cannot come to the theater.

Santos said the mobile cinema will screen films on LCD screens mounted on truck in several barangays in this city during the three-day film festival.

“Through this ambulant venue, we would be able to reach a wider audience who, we hope, will learn to appreciate Filipino films that reflect on diverse Filipino cultural experiences as seen through the artistic word of the filmmakers,” Santos said. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST)

ARMM policymakers fine-tune devt plans for key reforms

COTABATO CITY - Policymakers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are now in the process of fine-tuning development plans to make way for the key reforms being set up by Acting Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman.

Diamadel Dumagay, executive director of the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO)-ARMM, said officials and chief planning officers of different ARMM agencies convened in a two-day workshop at the start of this week to set out on the formulation of an action plan aimed at introducing open governance and reforms in the region.

Dumagay said the plans should be attuned to the three areas of reform that the present caretaker ARMM administration have been tasked to attain namely on governance, peace and security, and economic reforms.

Dumagay urged policymakers to make their targets attainable within the limited time frame, emphasizing the current leadership has a little more than one year to institute reforms.

The caretaker government of Hataman has at least 14 remaining months to institute needed reforms in the ARMM, Dumagay said.

“We are confident that the present regional government can perform the mandated reforms by the President,” he said.

Lawyer Anwar Malang, ARMM executive secretary, said that with the right platform and agenda at hand, “the best time to reform ARMM is now."

He urged participants during the start of the workshop to help make a difference and do their share to uplift ARMM.

“We must all make sure that the plans we formulate truly address the needs of our people,” Malang said, stressing that President Aquino has entrusted the badly needed reforms in ARMM to the current ARMM leadership, limited its time may be.

He said thru convergence and clustering of efforts, agencies have better chance of attaining targets within the limited timeframe.

Malang said they want to make it a point that individual agency efforts would be complementary to each other.

Citing encouraging developments in the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Malang said the programs of present ARMM leadership are congruent and supportive to the peace process.

He underscored the need to establish meaningful reforms in ARMM to complement progress in the peace efforts in Mindanao.

The plan that will be formulated in the two-day workshop, dubbed the ARMM Strategic Action Plan for Governance and Reform, shall serve as the guideline of introducing actual reforms in ARMM.

Economic specialist and former director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Cielito Habito, who also led the crafting of the Mindanao 2020 plan, lauded what according to him are good plans that ARMM agencies have but cited lapses in their implementation.

Habito told regional planners to take the challenge of the Hataman administration’s interim 15 months to institute reforms, urging them to arrive at a short-term agenda achievable within the timeframe but “still contextualize the longer-term pursuits”.

He added that plans must also be widely owned by the people as major stakeholders to ensure its sustainability. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

ARMM to sign social contract with CSOs, NGOs on reforms

COTABATO CITY — Various civil society groups have urged local officials to pursue active role in affirming a social contract that their representatives are entering into with the government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

One of the these is the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations (CBCSO), which in a statement, said a social contract between the government and its constituents is an old idea that had to be in place for local government units like those of the ARMM to ensure speedy development.

Guiamel Ali, CBCSO chairperson, said development in ARMM had been slow as compared to other administrative region in the country.

Alim blamed slow-paced ARMM development in the last 22 years to non-participation of the people, especially the civil society organizations.

He said previous ARMM leadership did not consider CSO and NGOs as active and vital partners in pushing for development in the region.

On Feb. 28, local CSOs and the ARMM government, represented by Acting Governor Mujiv Hataman, will sign a social contract to define roles of each of the stakeholder parties in reforms and development efforts for the region.

The main objective of the social contract, according to Hataman is to narrow the gap between the government and the people in efforts to bring together participative roles in governance.

Some political thinkers have defined social contract as an “intellectual device intended to explain the appropriate relationship between individuals and their governments.

In a statement, the ARMM Bureau of Public Information said political thinkers' arguments assert that individuals unite into political societies by a process of mutual consent, agreeing to abide by common rules and accept corresponding duties to protect themselves and one another from violence and other kinds of harm.” (John Locke – 1689).

The ARMM social contract covers such issues and concerns as defined roles of the parties in general development endeavors, including protection and preservation of the environment, stability in peace and security, good governance and socioeconomic uplift, as well as sufficiency in infrastructure facilities.

Hataman said the pact would also ensure a better informed local leadership and their constituents on government programs and resource utilization to accelerate development efforts in reformed governance with an expanded people’s participation in it.

Among the priorities in the social contract is environmental preservation in the fast-balding forests in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM's environment and natural resources department, Hataman said is currently engaged in a program called “Adopt a Mountain” for greening projects in all five component provinces of the region.

Aiming for a million trees planted in 17 months of the Hataman administration, ARMM Environment Secretary Kahal Kedtag said the program has been ongoing in Maguindanao, Lanao Sur and Tawi-Tawi and will soon start in Basilan and Sulu.

Parallel with the social contract signing, the local electoral watchdog Citizens-Care will host a Regional Electoral Summit on Voters' Registration as a major step in cleansing the region's voters' lists.

ARMM has been labelled as the country’s elections “cheating capital.”

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he had recommended to the Commission on Elections the review his province’s voters’ list and to conduct a continuing registration to be able to compare old and new data.

Director Commando Pilipinas of the ARMM National Statistics Office said it is difficult to update or even determine validity of voters’ registration because locals have rarely registered deaths, among them.

However, he believes that something can be done and it must be done now. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

Maguindanao mayor seeks OPAPP support for Peace Zone

COTABATO CITY - The local government of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao has urged the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles to support calls by the local officials to declare the town as Peace Zone.

Mayor Jacob Ampatuan of Raja Buayan, Maguindanao, said the declaration of the town as "Zone of Peace" would help fast tract development in the impoverished and underdeveloped town.

"Now that the recent conflict had been resolved peacefully, it would be best to sustain the momentum by declaring the town as peace zone," Ampatuan said.

The town council, on Tuesday, has passed a resolution declaring the town as peace zone after an armed family feud had been settled and ended with a ceremonial pledge by both sides to refrain from engaging in bloody fighting.

Aware of the benefits of the social contract, Ampatuan bowed to rally his people to support the social contract between civil society organizations and non government organizations in instituting reforms in the graft-ridden but resources rich Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Two weeks ago, more than 1,000 Moro individuals have fled their homes and moved to safer grounds after two warring village officials figured in a bloody skirmishes.

The rival village leaders, Duma Ugayan and Jerry Macalay, chairmen of Barangays Malipodok and Baital in Rajah Buayan town, respectively, swore over the Qur’an to “bury their hatchets” and reposition their respective followers away from populated areas affected by their firefights last week.

Ugayan and Macalay reconciled in a simple rite before Army and police officials, in a peace covenant signing initiated by Mayor Ampatuan.

Ampatuan said the two warring groups had been fighting over patches of lands in Raja Buayan.

Major General Rey Ardo, 6th Infantry Division chief, said he was elated that the two barangay chairmen have decided to end their animosity and vowed to support all peace efforts in the community.

He said, as peace advocate, he is always for the peaceful settlement of armed conflict in Maguindanao where people locked in family feud usually resort to armed confrontation. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

Philvocs geologists to check 'sinkholes' in Negros Oriental

By Judy F. Partlow

DUMAGUETE CITY – A team of geologists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), headed by Dr. Art Daag, is scheduled on Monday to conduct an ocular inspection on perceived sinkholes in some areas in northern Negros Oriental that were badly hit by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province last Feb. 6.

The provincial government of Negros Oriental has forwarded the request to PHIVOLCS after suspected sinkholes were observed in Tinaogan, Bindoy town, along the shorelines of Ayungon town and some parts of Guihulngan City, said Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo on Sunday.

According to Joe Molas, science research analyst of the PHIVOLCS Seismic Station in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Dr. Daag’s team had already visited Negros Oriental earlier but had to go to Cebu upon request of provincial officials to have a suspected sinkhole in the town of Dumanhog investigated.

Molas said the sinkholes in Negros Oriental may have resulted in the thousands of aftershocks felt in the last three weeks following the main shock that jolted many parts of Cebu, Negros and other areas in the Visayas.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths due to the powerful temblor that left a trail of devastation in Negros Oriental has risen to 57 as of last count.

A report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as of 5 p.m. Sunday said two more bodies were recovered by residents under the rubble at the landslide area in Barangay Solongon, La Libertad town.

While the bodies were already beyond recognition, the PDRRMC report said residents believed they were those of Reban and Charito Lisondra.

Government and non-government rescuers and civilian volunteers continue without let-up in their retrieval operations for at least 58 missing persons believed to have perished in the landslides in Solongon, La Libertad and in Planas, Guihulngan. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST)

Dynamite fishers warned

The Department of Agriculture has issued a stern warning to dynamite fishers to stop their illegal activity noting the agency will be tougher in imposing sanctions on them.

Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources Central Visayas Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center national director Asis Perez said the agency has now officially launched its all-out war against blast fishing in the country.

The group conducted a test blast and showed that fish were killed at a distance of 65 meters from the blast site. Various life stages of the said fish species were situated at various distances to the blast site inside the pond.

“Even matured fish are seriously affected at such a distance,” Perez said.

Studies show that a 1-liter size home-made bomb could send powerful shockwaves up to a speed of 4,940 feet per second. However, in the blast test, only a low density surface primer half the efficacy of the common dynamite in fishing was used.

“In the open sea, the damage brought about by dynamite fishing is far greater considering its impact to all other aquatic life,” Perez said.

BFAR estimated that the cost of the damage for fish alone in one blast area could reach up to P 24,000.00.

“What is shocking to note is that for one fish species alone, the damage could run up to P 240 million losses per day," Perez said.

President Benigno Aquino III is serious on curbing all forms of destructive fishing with the approval of P 100M budget for BFAR’s law enforcement campaign.

“This budget could significantly improve the agency’s law enforcement capability, particularly in beefing up its personnel complement that is very much wanting," Perez said.

Fishing with explosives had been banned in the country since the seventies with the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 704 and the law was strengthened with the signing of RA 8550 in 1998.

The mere possession of explosive for illegal fishing is punishable by imprisonment ranging from six months to two years. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

AFP announces new designations

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa announced new assignments of senior officers on Sunday following the retirement of two ranking officers and the impending retirement of another one next week.

Commodore Zyril D. Carlos, the current commander of the Naval Forces Central, will take the post of chairman of the AFP Bids and Awards Committee (AFP-BAC). He will replace Maj. Gen. Nestor R. Sadiarin who will retire next week.

Col. Oscar P. Lopez will assume as chief of the AFP Management and Fiscal Office (MFO), replacing Brig. Gen. Honorato S. Delos Reyes who retired last February 11.

In his new position, Lopez will be responsible for disbursing funds to major fields and line units of the AFP. The MFO was established following the abolition of the Comptrollership Office to strengthen control of funds within the military.

Lopez is currently the commander of the 803rd Brigade of the 8TH Infantry Division.

Col. Galileo Gerard R. Kintanar was named as the new chief of the Office of Strategic and Special Studies, a major think tank of the AFP on national, regional, and strategic issues.

Kintanar is currently the assistant chief of Air Staff for Plans of the Philippine Air Force. He replaced Brig. Gen. R. Aradanas who retired last week.

Col. Joselito M. Reyes, chief of United Command Staff of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), was designated as a permanent member of the Department of National Defense Bids and Awards Committee.

“The AFP will continue to institute positive changes and necessary adjustments for the betterment of the organization. I am very confident that the new set of designations will spur further improvement and contribute significantly in enabling the military institution to be more responsive and relevant in serving the Filipino people and fulfilling its constitutional mandate to the nation,” Dellosa said. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST)

Military and Police beneficiaries of housing program laud Aquino

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite: Beneficiaries of the Aquino government’s housing program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel expressed their profound thanks and sincere gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III and the various concerned agencies of the government for the opportunity given them to have their own housing units, which provided them and their respective families a decent and better standard of living.

The men and women soldiers and policemen who were recipients of the housing units echoed their sentiments of gratitude and appreciation to the President during the “symbolic turnover of the 1,500 Houses for the AFP and PNP personnel in Ciudad Adelina 2, Barangay Luciano, here on Friday.

Staff Sergeant Edwin Gumela, who has served the country for 27 years under the

Philippine Army, said that the housing program of the Aquino administration not only boosts their morale but significantly serves as a huge support especially for him who is residing in Mindanao.

“Para sa akin ay talagang napakalaking tulong nito lalo na ako taga Mindanao pa ako, bibisita na lamang ako doon sa Mindanao at dito na ako titira,” Gumela said.

The 53-year-old liaison officer from the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Bonifacio further said that through his newly-acquired housing unit he can now save a lot of money that can be used for the needs of his family.

“Noong araw nangungupahan ako sa Malibay, Pasay City… noong una ang bayad ko 2,800 pesos lang tapos pataas na ng pataas hanggang naging 3,900 na depende pa sa konsumo ng tubig at kuryente, kaya nga dito na talaga ako titira,” Gumela said.

“Napakalaking bagay nito, nagpapasalamat ako sa mahal nating Pangulo at binigyan kami ng ganitong opportunity, at least malaking tulong para sa amin ito… sa aming lahat na mga kawal na Pilipino,” he added.

Senior Police Officer 1 Rey Sarcon, for his part, thanked the Chief Executive for the housing project saying that instead of allocating a large part of his salary to pay their house rental, he could now give more for his wife and children.

“Ako po ay natutuwa kasi po sa ngayon ay nabigyan kami ng bahay… may mauuwian na po at may permanenteng bahay na di katulad ng dati na nagre-renta lang po kami,” Sarcon said.

“Ang apartment po nasa seven thousand po na malaking kabawasan sa kinikita namin… so instead na magbabayad pa ng renta ay makadadagdag na po yun sa panggastos para sa araw-araw na pangangailangan at sa pag-aaral ng mga bata… at may maitatago pa sa bangko,” he added.

Sarcon who is assigned to the Makati Police, is now on his tenth year of service.

SPO1 Sarcon’s wife, Maritess echoed her husband’s sentiments of thanking President Aquino whom, she said, gave them an opportunity to have an investment for the future of their three daughters.

“Salamat po kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino para po dito sa pino-provide niyang bahay para sa PNP at sundalo… makaka-save na kami at ito ay talagang malaking tulong,” Mrs. Sarcon added.

The turnover ceremony was part of the series of events that were lined up for the 26th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

It commemorates the collaboration between civilian and military forces during the non-violent revolt of the Filipinos against dictatorship in 1986.

The housing program was being implemented under Administrative Order 9 “Directing the National Housing Authority to Formulate, Implement and Manage a Housing Program for the Military and Police Personnel”, which was issued on April 11, last year.

In the first five years, beneficiaries need only pay P200 a month for a standard row house that will gradually increase to P809.53 during the 26th to the 30th year allowing them to use and allot more of their income for the other needs of their families including education, health, and other similar concerns. (PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

Aquino to formally announce enactment of Kindergarten Law

President Benigno S. Aquino III will formally announce the enactment of Republic Act No. 10157, otherwise known as the Kindergarten Education Law, in ceremonies to be held in Malacañang on Monday.

The President will make the announcement by presiding over the Presentation of Signed Documents of the Kindergarten Law that will be led by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Education Secretary Armin Luistro at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.

Republic Act 10157 “An Act Institutionalizing the Kindergarten Education into the Basic Education system and Appropriating Funds Therefore” provides for a free and compulsory kindergarten education beginning school year 2012-2013.

The law, which was signed by the President last January 20, underscores the importance of Kindergarten education “to the academic and technical development of the Filipino child for it is the period when the young mind’s absorptive capacity for learning is at its sharpest.”

Under the law, children aged five will be required to take up a year in Kindergarten in preparation for entry to Grade 1.

This, the Department of Education said, will improve a child’s performance in grade school and stem the incidences of early dropout. (PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

AFP, USAF, ASEAN Air Forces to join Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with the United States Air Force (USAF), Singaporean Air Force, Indonesian Air Force (IAF), and Royal Brunei Air Force will participate in this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Clark Airfield in Pampanga on February 9-12.

The AFP extended its invitation to ASEAN air forces that agreed to join in the festival by featuring several of their military assets, including a C-17 from USAF, a CN-235 from IAF, and a 15-man skydiving team from Brunei.

The 17th International Hot Air Balloon Festival is hosted yearly by the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Foundation and features various air exhibitions from organizations in the aviation industry and some enthusiasts.

AFP’s activities will showcase its various military capabilities. The Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force will join in sky jumps, air exhibitions and in holding kinetic and static displays of military equipment and hardware aimed to promote their roles in security, search and rescue, and disaster response.

The four-day event will also feature various stunts from participating military units. A High Speed Opener using PAF’s S-211, followed by a Flag Jump, will highlight the first day of the event. A series of skydiving exhibitions from the Major Services are also lined up in the stretch of the festival that closes with a Search and Rescue Demonstration.

Military units will also be deployed to augment security forces during the fiesta. Task Forces have been activated to secure different areas of the celebration. The AFP will also deploy units to safeguard entry and exit areas and will also provide K9 dogs, as well as overt and covert operatives in the venue.

The AFP will also make available the Hangars of the 600th Air Wing as venue and provide ramps to and from this venue. Ambulance units with medical teams and a helicopter are also on standby in case of accidents.

"This annual event plays a great role in promoting the Philippine aviation industry and its rich history. I am confident that our participating personnel will do their best both in providing entertainment and security during the festival,” said AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa.

“This event also provides the AFP with a venue to showcase its skills and capabilities to the people they have sworn to protect and serve,” Dellosa added.

The festival started in 1994 and since then is considered as the biggest aviation event in the country. Last year, it featured the centennial anniversary of Philippine Aviation that started with the Red Devil biplane flown in February 1911. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

Good intelligence info, doctrine of night attack key to success of airstrike vs terrorists -- Gen. Villarete

By Ben Cal

An A-1 intelligence tip plus the doctrine of night tactics practiced by OV-10 pilots were the key to the successful airstrike staged by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on the jungle hideout of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu that killed 15 terrorists, including three ranking leaders, two of whom were Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militants.

Maj. Gen. Jose Tony E. Villarete, commander of the 3rd Air Division based in Zamboanga City, said OV-10 pilots made a perfect “bull’s eye” of where the three top terrorist leaders were sleeping inside their tents deep the jungle of Parang town last February 2.

Villerete, a veteran jet fighter pilot, is standing path on the claim by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that JI leaders Zulkipli bin Abdul Hir, alias Marwan, and Muhamda Ali, alias Muawiya, and Abu Sayyaf leader Gumbahali Jumdail, alias Dr. Abu Pula, were killed during the early dawn air raid.

Marwan was a Malaysian engineer who got his diploma from the United States and a top leader of JI, an al-Qaeda-linked terror group. He was the founder of the terrorist group of Malaysia called Kumpulun Mujahidin Malaysia.

Marwan was an expert bomb maker who taught the Abu Sayyaf terrorists how to manufacture bombs. He was a close associate of Umar Patek, a JI leader arrested in Abbottabad in Pakistan.

He was listed as one of the most wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a $ 5-million bounty on his head.

Jumdail was tagged as responsible for multiple kidnappings, beheadings, and atrocious violence around Mindanao.

On the other hand, Ali was a Singaporean senior leader of JI linked to the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people.

The military had been hunting down Jumdail for the past years. He was killed during the bombing run. Reports also said that Jumdail’s son was among those killed.

“We are confident we got the three terrorist leaders despite the fact that their bodies were not recovered,” Villarete told the Philippines News Agency in a phone interview.

He explained that “under the Islamic faith, the remains are buried immediately and there is no away the bodies can be exhumed because that is tantamount to desecration.”

With regards to the successful airstrike, Villarete said that “Our OV-10 pilots have been conducting training on night attack without using night vision goggles and hit their targets such us what they did last Thursday.”

Upon receiving highly reliable intelligence information, Villarete did not waste time giving the green light to the OV-10 pilots to carry out the airstrike.

Two OV-10 planes, each carrying a pair of 260-pound bombs, took off from Andrew’s Air Base in Zamboanga City early dawn last Thursday.

The pilots had been standing for days waiting for the go-signal to fly at a moment’s notice.

Villarete said he had chosen “to carry out the attack at night to avoid collateral damage to the people who stay inside their homes compared to during daylight when civilians are in the streets.”

“Besides, our pilots have been trained on the doctrine of night tactics that enable them to carry out with precision night attack without using night goggles,” Villarete added.

Villarete also said “the advantage during a bombing-run at night is the pilots can see the target area once the first bomb is dropped because of the explosion. This enables the pilots to see other areas if there are civilians around.”

He said the intelligence information was perfect as the OV-10 pilots struck with precision the real target – the JI and Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

“Another factor that contributed to the success of the night raid was the good weather,” he added.

Villarete said the sky over Parang was clear during the airstrike.

Two OV-10 light-bomber aircraft sneaked over the forested area of Parang and dropped two pairs of 260-pound bombs where the three terrorist leaders were sound asleep.

“In a matter of minutes, the airstrike was completed,” Villarete said.

The successful airstrike has dealt another big blow to the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists in the country.

During the past 10 years, several Abu Sayyaf leaders had been killed. Among them were Abdurajak Jajalani, founder and spiritual leader of the terror group, his younger brother Khadaffy Janjalani and the loud-mouth Abu Sabaya. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST)

Aquino to spend birthday with Visayan quake victims

President Benigno S. Aquino III will spend his birthday on Wednesday visiting earthquake-affected areas in Dumaguete City following a 6.9-magnitude quake that hit Visayas on Monday.

The President will inspect damaged areas and meet residents affected by the calamity, as well as oversee the government relief operations.

“President Aquino has been keeping abreast of the situation since the earthquake struck Monday morning. Agencies and departments are implementing his instructions concerning the disaster relief and information-dissemination operations,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The military and the Philippine Coastguard have dispatched several air and sea assets to transport relief goods and other materials needed by the quake victims, Lacierda said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 has provided 2,000 family packs, 2,000 bottles of mineral water, boxes of canned goods, tents, mats, blankets and mosquito nets to Negros Oriental, the President’s spokesman said.

Also the President is in touch with Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong of the First District of Negros Oriental concerning four cities and municipalities in the district badly hit by the recent earthquake: Guihulngan City, the municipalities of La Libertad, Tayasan, and Jimalalud. The lawmaker has arranged for the delivery of 400 bags of rice to the residents.

Lacierda also encouraged private citizens to donate food, water, and clothing to help the victims. A donation desk is set up at the DSWD Field Office VII located at M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City. Donors could hotline number (032) 232-1192.

“The President continues to appeal for citizens to cooperate with the authorities, and to keep in mind that public safety must be kept as the highest priority. This is an unusual situation which calls for the utmost responsibility, particularly in disseminating information. It does no one any good to sensationalize the situation,” Lacierda said.

As of noontime Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 15 fatalities, 52 injured persons, and 29 missing individuals following the Visayas earthquake yesterday.

Together with the affected local government units, NDRRMC is conducting Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) in the affected areas based on the instruction of the President. (PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

Aquino confers order of Sikatuna on outgoing French ambassador

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties between France and the Philippines.

Aquino conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu, Grand Cross (Gold Distinction) to Ambassador Mozota during his farewell call on him at Malacanang Palace.

The distinction was given to de Mozota for his outstanding efforts in strengthening the relations of France and the Philippines particularly on trade, culture and science and technology.

De Mozota, who was born in Paris in 1948, holds a bachelor’s degree in international law and a diploma in advanced political science.

He began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an assignment at the Embassy of France in New Delhi before he joined the Office for Asia-Oceania Affairs in Paris.

Before he assumed his post as French ambassador to the Philippines, he was the Ambassador of France to Brunei.

De Mozota was also conferred the national orders of Germany, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Nepal.

(PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

Aquino welcomes new International Maritime Organization Secretary General

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed Koji Sekimizu, the new Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who called on him in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Joining the President in welcoming Sekimizu were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel Roxas, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Emerson Lorenzo.

In an interview, Baldoz said Sekimizu informed the President of his organization’s support to further develop the country’s maritime industry.

“He (Sekimizu) expressed willingness to help develop (the Philippines’) maritime industry,” Baldoz said.

She added that another meeting is being scheduled where stakeholders could discuss and iron out the details of this initial meeting. (PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

Aquino declares Feb. 13 as special non-working day in Paranaque City

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 13 which falls on a Monday as a special non-working day in the city of Paranaque in commemoration of its 14th cityhood anniversary.

In Proclamation No. 329 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 3, the President issued the declaration to give the people of Paranaque City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.

Parañaque City was converted as the 11th city in Metro Manila in 1998.

The name "Parañaque" is derived from the phrase "para na aque," which was commonly used in the past when people wished to disembark from kalesas (horse-drawn carriages). (PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

Aquino government attends to needs of earthquake victims in Visayas region

Malacanang assured that the Aquino government is exerting all out efforts to attend to the needs of the victims in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that jolted several provinces in the Visayas region on Monday as it echoed President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call to the people to stay calm and cooperate with the concerned authorities in their respective area.

In a statement he read during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that various government agencies were already directed by the President to perform their duties and services to the people.

“The President is deeply concerned about our countrymen in the affected areas. He is focused on ensuring that services resume at the soonest possible time. He appeals to everyone to remain calm and to cooperate with the authorities as they work to bring these areas back to normaly,” Valte said.

“President Aquino has already ordered concerned agencies to activate their response teams to aid the victims. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have placed their quick response teams on standby ready for deployment, and have at least 2,000 family packs ready for augmentation.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) units have initiated evacuation efforts, search and rescue operations; and helped in relief operations, alongside the assets of the Philippine Navy (PN),” she said adding that “together with the affected local government units (LGUs), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been conducting Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) in the affected areas, as instructed by the President”.

Valte further said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been conducting clearing and re-routing operations in roads and bridges rendered impassable.

Rehabilitation efforts, she added, are also underway for infrastructure that has been substantially damaged apart from the continuous work being done by the Department of Energy (DoE) to restore power in the affected areas.

Valte likewise said the continued monitoring efforts of the NDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) on the situation in the areas of concern to make sure that advisories and bulletins will be disseminated properly and on time.

“The NDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the DOST-PHIVOLCS and their corresponding regional offices will continue to monitor the situation and disseminate advisories and bulletins to the public, particularly to coastal communities in Negros Oriental and Cebu that need to be watchful of sea level changes due to aftershocks,” Valte said.

As of 12:30, Tuesday morning, the NDRRMC has already accounted 15 fatalities, 52 injured, and 29 missing individuals following the destructive natural calamity.

Recent reports bared the powerful quake hit a narrow strait between the provinces of Cebu and Negros which caused damage to buildings and other infrastructure and brought down the power supply in the area.

The Philippines is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a belt around the Pacific Ocean where friction between shifting tectonic plates that usually causes frequent occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activities. (PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)

Prosecution begins presentation of witnesses under Article 3

By Jelly F. Musico

Pending the final ruling of the Senate Impeachment Court on whether or not to subpoena the bank records of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the court allowed the House of Representatives prosecutors to start the presentation of witnesses in Article 3 of the impeachment complaint against the chief magistrate.

House prosecutor Rep. Arlene Bag-ao presented Roberto Anduiza, president of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP), as the first witness under Article 3 and 14th witness overall since the trial started January 16.

Before examining Anduiza, Bag-ao tried to use a powerpoint presentation for her opening remark but Senate President and Presiding Officer Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed the prosecutor.

”We want to hear from the mouth of the witness his testimony,” Enrile stressed.

Earlier, prosecution member Rep. Giogidi Aggabao read the content of the Article 3 where they claimed Corona has administrative power that led to the flip-flopping decisions in final and executory cases.

With this, Enrile directed Aggabao to submit legal memorandum on the alleged authority of the Chief Justice to influence the ruling of the SC.

Another member of the prosecution, Rep. Neri Colmenares, also manifested the prosecution’s desire to subpoena the SC justices which he claimed “are very important components of the Article 2 and other articles of the impeachment complaint.”

”That is why we are really, really expressing our manifestation that the Senate will allow the issuance of subpoenaes to these justices because it’s not the Senate, but the Senate, acting as impeachment court, that will issue subpoena,” Colmenares said.

Colmenares added that the motion to subpoena SC justices will not violate co-equality of the three branches of government which are the executive, judiciary and legislative.

Enrile said, “I will submit it to the wise judgment of the members of the Impeachment Court.”

The prosecution has already presented a total of 13 witnesses, all in the Article 2 and is hoping that the court would allow two more witnesses who will testify on the bank records of Corona.

Last Monday, the impeachment court ruled to grant the request of the prosecution to subpoena the bank officials of both the Philippine Savings Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands and bring with them the bank records of the chief magistrate.

However, Senator-Judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed a motion for reconsideration for three reasons, namely:

* It appears that the subpoena would violate this Court’s own ruling that evidence shall NOT be allowed on ill-gotten wealth. (Complaint, Art. 2, para. 2.4.) Since 2.4 is the only paragraph that specifically mentions “bank deposits,” any requests for subpoena concerning any bank deposits should be rejected.

* It appears that the Court’s resolution allowing subpoena even for foreign currency deposits appears to be a direct violation of R.A. No. 6426. The Supreme Court ruled in Intengan v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 128996 (2002), that this law is violated if a foreign currency deposit is examined, except only when the depositor gives written permission. This is the only exception, and it is not present in this case.

* Prosecution cited the 1997 case of Salvacion, 2000 case of China Banking Corp., and 2006 case of Ejercito. It appears that all three cases are off-tangent.

Enrile decided to tackle the motion for reconsideration in a caucus on Wednesday.

Under Article 3, Corona has been accused of failure to meet and observe the stringent standards of a member of judiciary by allowing the Supreme Court to come out with flip-flopping decision in final and executory cases.

The prosecution also accused the Chief Justice of creating “an excessive entanglement with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through her appointment of his wife, Cristina, to government firms like the Camp John Hay Development Corporation.

Corona is also accused of discussing with litigants cases pending in the Supreme Court.

In the Article 2, the prosecution is hoping to convince the Impeachment Court that Corona has violated betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution when he failed to disclose with "truthfulness" his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. (PNA/PIA9-ZBST) 

FASAP president confirms Corona's involvement in recalling SC ruling in PAL

By Jelly F. Musico

Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) president Roberto Anduiza confirmed on Tuesday that Chief Justice Renato Corona participated in the decision of the Supreme Court to recall the decision on the FASAP case against the Philippine Airlines on Oct. 4 last year.

Anduiza, the first witness presented under the Article 3 which questioned Corona’s integrity and competence, told the impeachment court that their group is trust hope because of the SC resolution reversing a 1998 decision in favor of FASAP.

”Actually, we are losing our trust and confidence because we won twice on our case and they are saying that Chief Justice inhibited in the resolution but on October 4 resolution, he participated,” Anduiza said.

Asked by prosecutor Rep. Arlene Bag-ao on what the FASAP wished to happen with the Chief Justice, Anduiza said they wanted Chief Justice to be impeached “because we believed that he has something to do” with the SC ruling against FASAP.

Presiding officer Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile interrupted as he questioned the line of questioning being used by the prosecutor.

”Do not educate the witness,” Enrile advised Bag-ao.

Bag-ao heeded but immediately terminated her direct examination of the witness.

Enrile asked defense lead counsel Serafin Cuevas to take his turn for cross-examination but Cuevas requested the court to allow the defense to study first the documents submitted by the prosecution team.

Cuevas said he would rather cross examine the witness on Wednesday.

Under Article 3, Corona has been accused of allowing the SC to act on mere letters filed by a counsel which caused the issuance of flip-flopping decisions in final and executory cases.

The prosecution accused the Chief Justice of availing benefits from the Philippine Air Lines (PAL), including tickets and the PAL Platinum Card, at the time when the SC resolution has been issued that favored the PAL in its case against FASAP.

(PNA/PIA9-ZBST)