Thursday, August 11, 2011
Youth groups assail intensified militarization, pushes for GPH-NDFP peace talks
August 12, 2011 – 9:15 am
In time for the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting in Mt. Diwalwal, Compostela Valley Province, progressive youth groups led by Anakbayan held a picket protest to assail the intensifying militarization in the area, which recently displaced around 50 families.
“This recent assault and violation of human rights perpetrated by state forces clearly shows the government’s insincerity in upholding peace in our country. They are creating the conditions for the people to take up arms,” said Anakbayan-SMR regional spokesperson Cherry Orendain.
Anakbayan cited reports from the United People of Mt. Diwata (UPMD) which listed abuses including the violation of the civilians’ right to privacy, and red tagging. The 25th IB of the Philippine Army first conducted a series of malicious census, took pictures of the civilians without prior consent, forcefully gathered personal information including basic information and finally listed the people in their logbooks as New People’s Army (NPA) supporters. State forces further accused the UPMD, which is a legitimate people’s organization, as an NPA front.
Orendain said, “(S)uch accusations have put the civilians’ lives in jeopardy as it made them targets of military operations.”
“Thus there is an objective and material basis for the people to push for the resumption of the peace talks between Government of the Philippines (GPH) and National democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). One of the agendum in the talks is the socio-economic reforms, which should serve the interest of the Filipino people,” stated Orendain.
“The government must address the root cause of social unrest in the country. The armed conflict is not the reason for the absence of peace. Rather, hunger, poverty—the highest forms of violence–and exploitation, should be addressed in order to attain a just and lasting peace. It is high time for the GPH and NDFP panels to resume peace talks and agree on the country’s socio-economic reforms,” she added.
“For the peace talks to resume, it is imperative that the GPH immediately release the NDFP negotiators and consultants whom they have imprisoned based on trumped up, common criminal charges. This act should not be treated as a favor from the GPH as it is stated in the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) that the negotiators and consultants must not be arrested,” she added.
“We are alarmed by the way our own government treats previous agreements. The burgeoning number of political prisoners clearly indicates the GPH’s lack of respect for signed agreements such as JASIG and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). This clearly shows insincerity in the peace talks,” said Orendain.
“We are also alarmed at the recently frequent and provocative statements from President Aquino and the AFP. These are obvious projections from the government on the collapse of the peace talks. We remember that this was the same pattern employed by previous administrations prior to their declaration that the NDFP was accountable for the said failure. It seems that the government is not sincere in ending the worsening hunger and poverty in the country,” Orendain ended. ###
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Flood displaces 88,843 in Cotabato City
MASHOD SALIK
COTABATO CITY—Some 88,843 people from 33 of the 37 villages of this city have been displaced by the flood caused by typhoon Dodong.
The flooding, which started last June 7, has affected a total of 25,375 families of this below sea level city.
The Cotabato Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) had already started to usher more villagers to safer grounds as water level continue to rise, specifically in Barangays Poblacion mother, Poblacion 1 to 4 and 7 to 9, including those from Rosary Heights 2 to 3 and 5 to 9. Bagua 1 and 2, Kalanganan 1 and 2, Tamontaka Mother, Tamontaka 1 to 5 have also been flooded.
The poor affected civilians stayed at the 20 evacuation sites since June 07, 2011. The evacuation sites categorized into 3 categories such as 10 sites using schools, 12 sites using open areas like higher grounds and 8 sites using mosque, chapels, day care centers and multi-purpose centers.
Veranda W. Samson, assistant city social welfare and development officer, said that aside from the fact that the city is below sea level, water lilies have also caused the clogging of river tributaries of Rio Grande de Mindanao, causing an overflow of water from the largest river in Mindanao.
“We have to accept the reality that Cotabato City is below sea level and we are the catcher of the water from the upstream,” Samson said while reporting that they had been trying to provide food and other relief assistance to the flood victims.
“I think we need to strengthen the capability building of the barangays to respond the case of calamities. Mitigation and disaster preparedness on the part of the stakeholders are very important,” she said while recalling several flooding that happened in the city in the recent past.
Dr. Marlow O. Ninal, the city health officer said they were doing their best to deliver the priority health needs for the flood victims who are in 20 evacuation sites.
Many of these evacuation sites are makeshift tents established along the roads and bridges with no access to drinking water and toilet facilities. Among the common diseases monitored in evacuation sites are cough, fever, diarrhea, skin lesions, cough and fever, the city health officer said.
Patients with cough registered 101, fever 70, skin lesions 63, cough with fever 60, wound 36 and diarrhea 30, among others, bared Ninal, who believed that the illnesses were caused by poor sanitation in the tents.
“We have adequate medicines so far. We are also supplying drinking waters and portable toilets. We have 10 functional health centers and eight temporary health centers that are open 24 hours,” he said.
The city had been experiencing flooding since 1990. In August 2008, typhoon Frank hit 29 barangays of the area. Thousands of residents of the city also fled their homes due to flooding in September also of 2008. Typhoon Jolina also hit the city in 2009.
COTABATO CITY—Some 88,843 people from 33 of the 37 villages of this city have been displaced by the flood caused by typhoon Dodong.
The flooding, which started last June 7, has affected a total of 25,375 families of this below sea level city.
The Cotabato Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) had already started to usher more villagers to safer grounds as water level continue to rise, specifically in Barangays Poblacion mother, Poblacion 1 to 4 and 7 to 9, including those from Rosary Heights 2 to 3 and 5 to 9. Bagua 1 and 2, Kalanganan 1 and 2, Tamontaka Mother, Tamontaka 1 to 5 have also been flooded.
The poor affected civilians stayed at the 20 evacuation sites since June 07, 2011. The evacuation sites categorized into 3 categories such as 10 sites using schools, 12 sites using open areas like higher grounds and 8 sites using mosque, chapels, day care centers and multi-purpose centers.
Veranda W. Samson, assistant city social welfare and development officer, said that aside from the fact that the city is below sea level, water lilies have also caused the clogging of river tributaries of Rio Grande de Mindanao, causing an overflow of water from the largest river in Mindanao.
“We have to accept the reality that Cotabato City is below sea level and we are the catcher of the water from the upstream,” Samson said while reporting that they had been trying to provide food and other relief assistance to the flood victims.
“I think we need to strengthen the capability building of the barangays to respond the case of calamities. Mitigation and disaster preparedness on the part of the stakeholders are very important,” she said while recalling several flooding that happened in the city in the recent past.
Dr. Marlow O. Ninal, the city health officer said they were doing their best to deliver the priority health needs for the flood victims who are in 20 evacuation sites.
Many of these evacuation sites are makeshift tents established along the roads and bridges with no access to drinking water and toilet facilities. Among the common diseases monitored in evacuation sites are cough, fever, diarrhea, skin lesions, cough and fever, the city health officer said.
Patients with cough registered 101, fever 70, skin lesions 63, cough with fever 60, wound 36 and diarrhea 30, among others, bared Ninal, who believed that the illnesses were caused by poor sanitation in the tents.
“We have adequate medicines so far. We are also supplying drinking waters and portable toilets. We have 10 functional health centers and eight temporary health centers that are open 24 hours,” he said.
The city had been experiencing flooding since 1990. In August 2008, typhoon Frank hit 29 barangays of the area. Thousands of residents of the city also fled their homes due to flooding in September also of 2008. Typhoon Jolina also hit the city in 2009.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Flood displaces over 80,000 in Cotabato City
(Update) Displaced people already reached over 80,000 as of Saturday.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Some 66,000 people from 14 of this city’s 26 villages have been displaced by flood caused by days of heavy rains that showed no signs of abating on Friday.
Many of the evacuees are staying with relatives, neighbors and friends but 12,000 have needed to be taken to basketball courts and other government facilities converted into evacuation centers.
Cherry Veloria, supervising administrative officer of the Office of City Social Welfare and Development Services, said they have already identified 16 evacuation centers but worried they may need more should the number of evacuees increase.
In some low-lying villages near the Supermarket area and Datu Liwa Candao village, bancas for hire have become the mode of transportation, taking over routes normally plied by jeepneys and pedicabs.
“Umabot na ang baha sa mega market. Papalaki pa ang tubig (The flood has already reached the mega market. The water keeps rising),” said Sam Mundas, the city’s market supervisor.
Veloria, while thankful for the relief goods donated by various organizations, worried the supplies they have may not last for long.
Mundas said they were also concerned about a possible outbreak of diseases.
“Some areas stink,” he said as he emphasized the need for health offices in the city and in Central Mindanao to “try to be proactive” in preventing any outbreak.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Some 66,000 people from 14 of this city’s 26 villages have been displaced by flood caused by days of heavy rains that showed no signs of abating on Friday.
Many of the evacuees are staying with relatives, neighbors and friends but 12,000 have needed to be taken to basketball courts and other government facilities converted into evacuation centers.
Cherry Veloria, supervising administrative officer of the Office of City Social Welfare and Development Services, said they have already identified 16 evacuation centers but worried they may need more should the number of evacuees increase.
In some low-lying villages near the Supermarket area and Datu Liwa Candao village, bancas for hire have become the mode of transportation, taking over routes normally plied by jeepneys and pedicabs.
“Umabot na ang baha sa mega market. Papalaki pa ang tubig (The flood has already reached the mega market. The water keeps rising),” said Sam Mundas, the city’s market supervisor.
Veloria, while thankful for the relief goods donated by various organizations, worried the supplies they have may not last for long.
Mundas said they were also concerned about a possible outbreak of diseases.
“Some areas stink,” he said as he emphasized the need for health offices in the city and in Central Mindanao to “try to be proactive” in preventing any outbreak.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Anak Mindanao says no to postponement of polls, no to appointment
This has been the position of Anak Mindanao Party List even prior to the passage of the Senate’s version postponing the ARMM Election and synchronizes it with the 2013 mid-national elections of the country. We just want to reiterate this position.
We have expressed our position and we are not alone with this. Surveys and our own study showed that the local populations and leaders of ARMM are calling for elections as scheduled. Only Malacanang and the new elites are in the position for postponement. But Malacanang has been successful in forcing the bill to pass in the Senate.
AMIN vehemently opposed to ARMM Election postponement and appointments contrary to the position of Malacanang and the President. This is not only divisive albeit, violates the Philippine Constitution and the creation of the autonomous region but also takes for granted the struggles of the peoples in ARMM for self-governance and harmony. Yes, this is true that ARMM needs reform, but the Palace can institute reforms involving the majority masses and by fulfilling the peoples’ democratic right to choose their leaders. Why deny the people from such right? It is the sole duty of the state to fulfill as such and secure to the highest the sanctity of that right and the whole democratic process.
This is also to inform the general public that, we, from Anak Mindanao Party List strongly denies the group claiming to be Anak Mindanao personalities. AMIN never supported postponement nor endorsed candidates for election and or appointment. These persons are using AMIN as their political organization only to have base and credibility for elective and appointive posts in ARMM. On the issue of legitimacy, these persons were expelled from the party during the 4th National Special Congress called by the Executive Committee on February 1-2, 2008 due to actuations and behavior contrary to the principles of Anak Mindanao. In addition, these groups lead by Mr. Isa Del Monte and Mujiv Hataman are instrumental in sowing intrigues, division and confusions to the whole membership.
Our appeal to Malacanang, Hear the peoples’ voices! Join them in reforming the region and do not impose anything over them. Journey and walk with them in the “matuwid na daan” and not simply put them to your “matuwid na daan.”
Dear Mr. President Aquino III, we only want to remind you of your “KAYO ANG BOSS KO!” pronouncement. Is this for real?
To the general public, ANAK MINDANAO Party List will never take advantage any political climate and opportunities for the party and individuals alone instead it should be to the best interest of all marginalized Mindanaoans that it will always uphold.
Related to our website, it was shut down due to maintenance problem but we will be back on air very soon. Our gratitude to Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center which temporarily host this current AMIN website.
Elizabeth M. Padilla
National President
5th National Congress
Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List
We have expressed our position and we are not alone with this. Surveys and our own study showed that the local populations and leaders of ARMM are calling for elections as scheduled. Only Malacanang and the new elites are in the position for postponement. But Malacanang has been successful in forcing the bill to pass in the Senate.
AMIN vehemently opposed to ARMM Election postponement and appointments contrary to the position of Malacanang and the President. This is not only divisive albeit, violates the Philippine Constitution and the creation of the autonomous region but also takes for granted the struggles of the peoples in ARMM for self-governance and harmony. Yes, this is true that ARMM needs reform, but the Palace can institute reforms involving the majority masses and by fulfilling the peoples’ democratic right to choose their leaders. Why deny the people from such right? It is the sole duty of the state to fulfill as such and secure to the highest the sanctity of that right and the whole democratic process.
This is also to inform the general public that, we, from Anak Mindanao Party List strongly denies the group claiming to be Anak Mindanao personalities. AMIN never supported postponement nor endorsed candidates for election and or appointment. These persons are using AMIN as their political organization only to have base and credibility for elective and appointive posts in ARMM. On the issue of legitimacy, these persons were expelled from the party during the 4th National Special Congress called by the Executive Committee on February 1-2, 2008 due to actuations and behavior contrary to the principles of Anak Mindanao. In addition, these groups lead by Mr. Isa Del Monte and Mujiv Hataman are instrumental in sowing intrigues, division and confusions to the whole membership.
Our appeal to Malacanang, Hear the peoples’ voices! Join them in reforming the region and do not impose anything over them. Journey and walk with them in the “matuwid na daan” and not simply put them to your “matuwid na daan.”
Dear Mr. President Aquino III, we only want to remind you of your “KAYO ANG BOSS KO!” pronouncement. Is this for real?
To the general public, ANAK MINDANAO Party List will never take advantage any political climate and opportunities for the party and individuals alone instead it should be to the best interest of all marginalized Mindanaoans that it will always uphold.
Related to our website, it was shut down due to maintenance problem but we will be back on air very soon. Our gratitude to Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center which temporarily host this current AMIN website.
Elizabeth M. Padilla
National President
5th National Congress
Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Church among peace spoilers, says MILF
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Saturday, June 11, 2011
Modern prisons eyed under PNoy’s PPP policy
With President Aquino capitalizing on public-private partnership (PPP) as the fulcrum of the national economic program, Congress has been urged to look into the state of the country’s prisons, with a view to recommending reforms, including the option of relegating to private firms the construction, operation and maintenance of modern detention, correction and rehabilitation facilities.
Rep. Arnel Ty of the party-list LPG/MA has filed House Resolution 1380, urging the appropriate House committees to weigh the feasibility of eventually asking private investors to build and run the nation’s next generation prisons under Mr. Aquino’s PPP policy.
Irregularities at the Bureau of Corrections, including privileged accommodations for preferred detainees in exchange for bribes, have recently put the spotlight on the dilapidated and congested conditions of national prisons.
Last week, the Department of Justice ordered the transfer of more inmates to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to ease severe congestion at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the President sees the transfer of more inmates to Iwahig as a short-term solution to the overcrowding of the country’s main prison, while government draws up a long-term solution.
“The State has the duty to protect the public from felons by keeping them locked up under humane conditions. However, there is no law which prevents the State from contracting out to private firms, under rigorous government supervision, the performance of this duty,” said Ty, a member of the House committee on public order and safety.
“Two things are evident: The overcrowding of our detention facilities will worsen as their populations grow, and government does not have the wherewithal to build and run our future prisons,” he pointed out.
“In other parts of the world, there are already cost-effective private entities in the business of running facilities that provide board and lodging as well as rehabilitation services to detainees in a highly secure environment. There is no reason why we cannot duplicate this model here,” Ty added.
He cited the case of The GEO Group, which delivers correctional, detention, and rehabilitation services to government agencies in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, offering a turnkey approach that includes design, construction, financing, and operations.
GEO’s worldwide operations include the management and/or ownership of some 80,000 beds at 116 correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities.
Ty also cited the case of Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), which provides partnership corrections to federal, state and local governments in the U.S., operating 66 facilities, including 45 company-owned facilities, with some 90,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Besides providing the residential services for inmates, CCA facilities offer rehabilitation and development programs, including education, vocation, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment.
Both GEO and CCA are publicly held entities based in the U.S., with their shares of stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Rep. Arnel Ty of the party-list LPG/MA has filed House Resolution 1380, urging the appropriate House committees to weigh the feasibility of eventually asking private investors to build and run the nation’s next generation prisons under Mr. Aquino’s PPP policy.
Irregularities at the Bureau of Corrections, including privileged accommodations for preferred detainees in exchange for bribes, have recently put the spotlight on the dilapidated and congested conditions of national prisons.
Last week, the Department of Justice ordered the transfer of more inmates to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to ease severe congestion at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the President sees the transfer of more inmates to Iwahig as a short-term solution to the overcrowding of the country’s main prison, while government draws up a long-term solution.
“The State has the duty to protect the public from felons by keeping them locked up under humane conditions. However, there is no law which prevents the State from contracting out to private firms, under rigorous government supervision, the performance of this duty,” said Ty, a member of the House committee on public order and safety.
“Two things are evident: The overcrowding of our detention facilities will worsen as their populations grow, and government does not have the wherewithal to build and run our future prisons,” he pointed out.
“In other parts of the world, there are already cost-effective private entities in the business of running facilities that provide board and lodging as well as rehabilitation services to detainees in a highly secure environment. There is no reason why we cannot duplicate this model here,” Ty added.
He cited the case of The GEO Group, which delivers correctional, detention, and rehabilitation services to government agencies in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, offering a turnkey approach that includes design, construction, financing, and operations.
GEO’s worldwide operations include the management and/or ownership of some 80,000 beds at 116 correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities.
Ty also cited the case of Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), which provides partnership corrections to federal, state and local governments in the U.S., operating 66 facilities, including 45 company-owned facilities, with some 90,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Besides providing the residential services for inmates, CCA facilities offer rehabilitation and development programs, including education, vocation, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment.
Both GEO and CCA are publicly held entities based in the U.S., with their shares of stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
House panel OKs bottled water price control during crisis
The House committee on trade and industry has approved a bill which would subject potable water in containers, noodles, fruits, household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene to automatic price controls during severe shortages, calamities and similar emergencies.
House Bill 4801 is an expanded version of a measure originally introduced by House Deputy Majority Leader and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, proposing to classify bottled drinking water as a basic necessity to safeguard consumers against possible pricing abuses during disasters and other adversities.
Under the Price Act, or Republic Act 7581, prices of all "basic necessities" are instantly frozen whenever a locality is declared a disaster area, in a state of calamity, under an emergency or martial law, or in a state of rebellion.
On top of bottled drinking water, Romulo said the committee chaired by Bataan Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia added noodles, fruits, household LPG and kerosene to the basic necessities list.
At present, the Price Act’s list of basic necessities is limited to rice, corn, root crops, bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap and detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.
Under the Price Act, Romulo said that unless sooner lifted by the President, the automatic price freeze on basic necessities would remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days.
As to basic necessities wholly imported or deregulated under existing laws, such as household LPG and kerosene, he said the bill approved by the House committee confines the price control to not more than 15 days.
Romulo said that under the Price Act, government may also use a special buffer fund to procure, purchase, import or stockpile any basic necessity and devise ways to distribute them for sale at reasonable prices in areas where there is insufficient supply, or a need to effect changes in prevailing prices.
He said the law also authorizes the President, upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council, to impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity under certain conditions.
Romulo warned that essential water resources in general and bottled drinking water in particular would be extremely vulnerable to hoarding and profiteering during widespread flooding, a severe dry spell, or similar emergencies.
He added: "Due to lack of access to clean water, many families now use potable water in containers. Even the poorest of the poor have been forced to consume bottled drinking water to keep their infants, children, and nursing mothers safe. They deserve adequate protection during a crisis.”
House Bill 4801 is an expanded version of a measure originally introduced by House Deputy Majority Leader and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, proposing to classify bottled drinking water as a basic necessity to safeguard consumers against possible pricing abuses during disasters and other adversities.
Under the Price Act, or Republic Act 7581, prices of all "basic necessities" are instantly frozen whenever a locality is declared a disaster area, in a state of calamity, under an emergency or martial law, or in a state of rebellion.
On top of bottled drinking water, Romulo said the committee chaired by Bataan Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia added noodles, fruits, household LPG and kerosene to the basic necessities list.
At present, the Price Act’s list of basic necessities is limited to rice, corn, root crops, bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap and detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.
Under the Price Act, Romulo said that unless sooner lifted by the President, the automatic price freeze on basic necessities would remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days.
As to basic necessities wholly imported or deregulated under existing laws, such as household LPG and kerosene, he said the bill approved by the House committee confines the price control to not more than 15 days.
Romulo said that under the Price Act, government may also use a special buffer fund to procure, purchase, import or stockpile any basic necessity and devise ways to distribute them for sale at reasonable prices in areas where there is insufficient supply, or a need to effect changes in prevailing prices.
He said the law also authorizes the President, upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council, to impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity under certain conditions.
Romulo warned that essential water resources in general and bottled drinking water in particular would be extremely vulnerable to hoarding and profiteering during widespread flooding, a severe dry spell, or similar emergencies.
He added: "Due to lack of access to clean water, many families now use potable water in containers. Even the poorest of the poor have been forced to consume bottled drinking water to keep their infants, children, and nursing mothers safe. They deserve adequate protection during a crisis.”
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