Monday, November 11, 2013

Photos: US military humanitarian assistance for victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines

From the DVIDS Haiyan (Yolanda) Relief Gallery (Nov 11):  Photos: US military humanitarian assistance for victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines

Haiyan relief

U.S. Marines carry an injured Filipino man off the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Villamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government's national disaster risk reduction and management council. (U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050295/haiyan-relief#.UoGvZY4o5jo

Haiyan relief

U.S. Marines pass boxes of canned foods to members of the Philippine Air Force at Tacloban Air Base Nov. 11. The Marines responded to a request from the Philippine government to provide assistance in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050293/haiyan-relief#.UoGxJo4o5jo

Haiyan relief

Philippine Army servicemembers stand alongside a pallet of bottled water as they prepare to board a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J to support victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan at Villamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. The damage from the 150 mile-per-hour winds of Haiyan has displaced hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. (U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050292/haiyan-relief#.UoGxuI4o5jo

Haiyan relief

U.S. Marines help displaced Philippine nationals from the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Vilamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government's national disaster risk reduction and management council.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050289/haiyan-relief#.UoGx9Y4o5jo

Haiyan relief

A Philippine Air Force airman guides an MV-22B Osprey at Vilamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Four Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and three KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, both part of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, departed Marine Corps Air Station Futenma throughout the early afternoon.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050276/haiyan-relief#.UoGyRY4o5jo

Haiyan relief

U.S. Marines carry an injured Filipino woman on a stretcher for medical attention, assisted by a Philippine Air Force airman at Vilamore Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government's national disaster risk reduction and management council.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050274/haiyan-relief#.UoGym44o5jo

Haiyan relief

U.S. Marines assist an injured Filipino national off a KC-130J Super Hercules at Vilamore Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. The Marines, from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, are assisting the Philippine government with humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The KC-130J Super Hercules is from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squardon 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050272/haiyan-relief#.UoGy3Y4o5jo

Haiyan relief

Lance Cpl. Alan Randall and a Philippine Air Force airman assist an injured Filipino woman off a KC-130J Super Hercules at Vilamore Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. The U.S. Marines are assisting the Philippine government with humanitarian aide and disaster relief in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Randall, a landing support specialist, is with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. The KC-130J Super Hercules is part of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050271/haiyan-relief#.UoGzII4o5jo

http://www.dvidshub.net/

SOLCOM, 'disaster' team conduct aerial inspections, relief operations for 'Yolanda' victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): SOLCOM, 'disaster' team conduct aerial inspections, relief operations for 'Yolanda' victims

The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) continue their aerial survey as of Tuesday to assess the damage wrought by the world’s strongest storm ever recorded in history to hit the country recently.

The SOLCOM and OCD composite team ocular inspection choppers hovered over Southern Luzon including the Bicol affected areas.

SOLCOM commander Lieutenant Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said military troops, OCD and representatives from DSWD, DPWH and provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (PDRRMCs) boarded two aircrafts for the aerial survey.

The inspection trips were facilitated by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operations Group 4 and 5 to the “Yolanda” affected areas for further assessment and determine relief operations and assistance to be extended to the victims.

The site inspections of the composite group starting Monday were subsequently followed by relief distribution and operations in partnership with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation in the towns of Placer and Esperanza, Masbate.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo reported that the military command is directly coordinating and collaborating with the multi-agencies for fast and efficient delivery of relief goods to the victims.

“Sa pamamagitan ng aerial survey mas madali naming malalaman ang mga lugar na higit na nasalanta at ang mas nangangailangan ng aming tulong,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.

The SOLCOM commanding general also confirmed that the victims in the typhoon-stricken areas received the relief goods and medicines.

Ordoyo also ordered his military troops to provide assistance in the packaging and distributions of relief goods to the residents of the affected localities.

Masbate province is one of the hardest hit in Southern Luzon during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda which brought massive destruction and displaced thousands of families.

At the same time, Lt. Gen. Ordoyo lauded the troops for their endeavor especially in rescue and relief operations, aerial survey and in fast-tracking distribution of relief goods to the victims.

He also enjoined everyone to lend a helping hand and show the true Filipino spirit of “bayanihan” (cooperation and volunteerism).

“Sa panahong ito ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ay nararapat na isapuso ng bawat isa sa atin lalo na ang mga nakaluluwag sa buhay ay marapat na tumulong sa mga kapos palad na biktima ng bagyo,” Ordoyo encouraged.

“In these critical times, all of us should demonstrate our cooperation and unity to heart especially those who have more in life to help the victims reeling from the havoc brought by the typhoon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=585807

3 Reds killed in Sorosogon clash

From InterAksyon (Nov 12): 3 Reds killed in Sorosogon clash



Three alleged New People’s Army fighters were killed in an encounter with the military before dawn Tuesday in Barangay Balukawe, Matnog, Sorsogon.

Captain Marjorie Paimela Paniza, public affairs chief of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the running gun battle broke out around 5:25 a.m. between troops of the 31st and 22st Infantry Battalions and around 20 rebels.

The rebels retreated, leaving the bodies of the three fatalities, two of them identified by their aliases “Wen” and “Abel,” a Baby Armalite rifle, three M16 rifles and an M14 rifle, Paniza said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74635/3-reds-killed-in-sorosogon-clash

Navy brings relief supplies to Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Navy brings relief supplies to Masbate

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that one of its gunboats, BRP Simeon Castro (PG-374), has delivered relief supplies to San Pascual town, Masbate, one of the areas battered by super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

Navy spokesperson, Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, said the ship was carrying 100 sacks of rice, 50 boxes of sardines, 69 boxes of noodles, and two boxes of medicines.

He added that BRP Simeon Castro arrived off San Pascual Pier in Burias Island, Masbate around 10:15 a.m. Monday.

Fabic said the goods were received by officials of San Pascual town.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585713

USAID extends USD20 million to 'Yolanda' victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): USAID extends USD20 million to 'Yolanda' victims

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it is extending USD20 million worth of assistance to the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda".

USAID administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah, in a statement, said much help is need and noted millions of people were affected by "Yolanda", including thousands who lost lives, homes, or livelihood.

Aid includes emergency food aid and critical relief supplies like shelter materials and hygiene kits for disaster-affected areas.

"The American people have a proud and generous history of providing help in times of crisis. In the days and weeks ahead, we will work tirelessly with our partners across the Philippines and around the world to reach those in need and support their recovery," he added.

Shah said these supplies will "not only provide life-saving care in the immediate aftermath of the storm, but will also help prevent illness and death from waterborne and communicable diseases."

He added that a shipment is already on its way with enough plastic sheeting, soap, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and sanitary supplies to help 10,000 families.

Similar shipments will follow soon.

Shah also said the USAID is sending 55 metric tons of food, including highly nutritious bars and paste containing a day's worth of calories.

These can nourish some 20,000 children and 15,000 adults for four to five days.

Also, Shah said the USAID has prepositioned a disaster assistance response team in the region, which arrived in Leyte ahead of other international government assessment teams.

Leyte and Samar provinces are the areas hit hardest by "Yolanda".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585734

GPH urges civil society to support inclusive peace deal with MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): GPH urges civil society to support inclusive peace deal with MILF

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) called on civil society groups to support the inclusive peace deal to resolve the armed conflict in Mindanao.

GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer stressed the inclusivity of the GPH-MILF peace process, saying that, “even though we are talking to the MILF, our main goal here is to address the Bangsamoro question, and all stakeholders will be benefited in the succeeding socio-(economic) development programs.”

The peace panel, composed of Ferrer, and panel member Secretary Mehol Sadain, chair of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), and Atty. Tarhata Basman, head of the panel’s legal team made the appeal durihg a series of consultations in Zamboanga City where they met with representatives from the Silsillah Dialogue Movement’s Interfaith Council of Leaders, Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development, Inc (ZABIDA) and leaders of Muslim migrant communities.

The negotiating team also met with Zamboanga City local executives, led by Mayor Beng Climaco, Vice Mayor Cesar Itturalde, District 2 Councilor Juan “Kim” Elago, among others. They likewise consulted Rep. Lilia Nuño along with members of Darul Iftah.

“We really want to know the thoughts of the stakeholders and listen to their suggestions and advice because we don’t want the occurrence of armed conflict,” Coronel-Ferrer explained to the stakeholders here.

“We encourage everyone to be part of this whole peace process,” she urged.

According to Coronel-Ferrer, the presence of the government peace panel in Zamboanga City – even if it is not part of the proposed Bangsamoro territory – is to provide the stakeholders accurate information on the ongoing peace talks with the MILF.

“We all know the vitality of having accurate information. That is why we are here to share the information to you. At the same time, we also want you to be part of explaining accurate information to other people. This will help us reach a common understanding,” she said.

For his part, Sadain said that the government’s “efforts with the MILF will benefit also the people of Zamboanga to reap the dividends of peace.”

“I think it is but proper that we put our acts together now, and we should realize that whatever happens in other provinces will somehow affect not just Zamboanga City but also the rest of the country,” he said.

Sadain, through the NCMF, also committed to help in the rehabilitation of communities affected by the Zamboanga siege, in collaboration with other government agencies.

Last Sept. 9, forces of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) associated with Nur Misuari attacked Zamboanga City where hundreds were killed and wounded, thousands were displaced, and millions worth of properties were destroyed. The siege occurred following Misuari’s declaration of independence and accusation against the government for allegedly sidelining the MNLF in the peace process.

The peace panel explained the relevance of the ongoing talks with the MILF to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) between the government and the MNLF. The government has ensured with the GPH members of the Transition Commission (TC) to consider the legislative agenda of the MNLF as inputs in the Bangsamoro Basic Law, specifically the 42 consensus points on amendments to RA 9054, the law which created the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The TC is tasked to draft the Basic Law which will be submitted to Congress.

Members of the peace panel explained that issues arising from the MNLF peace process, particularly the issues and concerns of the Nur Misuari faction could be addressed in a proper venue such as the review process, where the two sides can discuss and dialogue, rather than use violence. In fact, the government was preparing for the 5th GPH-OIC-MNLF Tripartite Review Meeting originally scheduled on September 16, 2013 when said meeting was postponed due to a request made by MNLF chair Nur Misuari citing the "situation in Zamboanga City."

Abdul Hamid Irin, barangay chair of Santa Barbara, said one of the ingredients to end the armed conflict in Mindanao is for the peace process to be inclusive not just for the Moro rebel groups. Santa Barbara is one of the affected villages during the standoff.

“It is time for us Muslims to put our acts together and unite for our common good,” Atty. Yaser Sapion of the Darul Iftah said.

On the same note, Nuño said “it is high time for all Muslims to unite and work together for the common good of all Bangsamoro.”

Coronel-Ferrer said that despite the attacks perpetuated by the MNLF-Misuari faction in this city, the government is not abandoning the peace process with the MNLF. She also pointed out that other factions within the organization still believe in the primacy of the 1996 FPA and did not support the actions taken by Misuari and his followers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=585724

'Yolanda' kicks out Chinese from Ayungin Reef, Philippine Marines on grounded ship safe

From InterAksyon (Nov 11): 'Yolanda' kicks out Chinese from Ayungin Reef, Philippine Marines on grounded ship safe



BRP Sierra Madre

Super typhoon Yolanda has sent home Chinese maritime and Navy vessels at the Ayungin Reef in Palawan, while the half a dozen Philippine Marines on board a rusting and grounded World War II-era ship are safe, a source told InterAksyon.com.

This effectively ends the standoff between the two countries some 100 nautical miles from the island of Palawan.

Ayungin is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China claims the reef is part of its territory, more than a thousand nautical miles from its nearest 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“They’re safe,” said a senior officer of the Philippine Marines guarding the reef on board the shipwreck BRP Sierra Madre (Landing Ship Tank 57). The Philippine Marine official requested that he not be named because he is not authorized to give any statement regarding operational activities in the West Philippine Sea.

 “Hindi naman sila naanod (They were not washed away),” the source added.
The source said the Chinese Navy ship, maritime ships, and fishing vessels left Ayungin two or three days before Yolanda struck the country.

“As of now, we’ve no report that the Chinese ships have returned to Ayungin. Dahil siguro may paparating na naman na isa pang bagyo (Maybe because another storm is approaching the country),” he said.

In June this year, Chinese vessels entered Ayungin and had maintained a presence in the area, as what they did in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal located in Masinloc, Zambales in April 2012.

The territorial dispute between the two countries is being heard by an international arbitration court in Hamburg.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74551/yolanda-kicks-out-chinese-from-ayungin-reef-philippine-marines-on-grounded-ship-safe

OPAPP lauds EU's support to peace process

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 11): OPAPP lauds EU's support to peace process

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles today expressed her gratitude to the European Union (EU) for its continuing support to the Mindanao peace process. The EU is set to extend an additional € 8 million (P467 million) to boost development in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao, increasing its total development grant assistance to the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) to € 12 million (P695 million).

The EU and the World Bank signed the Contribution Agreement on Monday at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headquarters in Pasig City.

According to Deles, the agreement “formalizes the expansion of EU’s contribution to the Mindanao Trust Fund - Reconstruction and Development Programme or MTF-RDP.”

The MTF-RDP is a multi-donor facility that aims “to improve social and economic recovery in conflict-affected communities of Mindanao through activities which promote confidence-building, peace and demand-driven governance.” The contribution will be duly allocated to various program components, namely block grants, capacity building and institution building, and monitoring and evaluation.

“As I understand, the additional funds will be used to support the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the joint development program of the Government of the Philippines and the MILF; as well as the Bangsamoro Development Planning. The additional contribution will make EU the biggest contributor of MTF to date. As Co-Chair of the MTF, OPAPP extends again our thanks,” added Deles.
 
A joint press conference led by Deles and EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs was also held to announce the Union’s expanded contribution to peace efforts in the Philippines.

Prior to the ceremonies, Deles, together with other OPAPP officials, held a brief meeting with Piebalgs and EU Head of Delegation to the Philippines Ambassador Guy Ledoux, to discuss “the current status of the Mindanao peace processes, as well as some details of EU’s on-going participation and development assistance to the GPH-MILF peace process…”

In her welcome statement, Deles also thanked the EU for its generosity to victims of natural and man-made disasters in the country of late. We thank the EU for the financial assistance they have extended to communities affected by recent disasters in Mindanao, in Bohol, and now, in Central Visayas for which they have announced their deployment of teams from EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre to help with the assessment efforts of the Philippine Government.”

EU contribution to peace process

EU 's support to the Philippine peace process has been in the form of grant assistance for programs and projects in Mindanao through the MTF-RDP, direct participation to the peace process as a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and more recently, by funding the operation of the newly-created TPMT. 

Established in 2005, the MTF-RDP is co-chaired by OPAPP, World Bank and the Bangsamoro Development Authority (BDA). As of August 2013, it has already delivered 254 sub-projects benefitting over 320,000 people in 215 villages across 79 municipalities in Mindanao.

The IMT is a a body mandated to monitor the ceasefire, humanitarian, rehabilitation, development, and civilian protection agreements between the government and the MILF. As a member of the IMT, the EU observes and monitors the humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects of the GPH-MILF agreements. It also checks the observance of international humanitarian law and respect for human rights as well as encourages other parties and civil society groups to assist in the monitoring process.

Meanwhile, the independent Third Party Monitoring Team is mandated to monitor, review and assess the implementation of all signed agreements, particularly the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes, between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF.

“We are thankful and look forward to a strengthened and sustained partnership that will make this Administration’s vision of a just and lasting peace for a progressive Mindanao a reality,” Deles said.

In addition to EU's assistance, its individual member countries likewise directly provide assistance to the Philippines through various bilateral development cooperation agreements that cover areas such as poverty reduction, rural development, sustainable economic development, peace process, among others.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/opapp-lauds-eus-support-to-peace-process.html

Gunmen attack bus in southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 11): Gunmen attack bus in southern Philippines

Philippine police said at least 4 people were wounded after gunmen attacked a provincial bus late Monday in the southern province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said the air conditioned bus, owned by Rural Transit Mindanao, was travelling in the town of Naga when it came under attack near the village of Baga.

“The bus was strafed by unidentified armed men and four passengers were wounded in the attack,” Huesca told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said the wounded were rushed to the Pathfinder Hospital in the town of Kabasalan in Zamboanga Sibugay. The bus, which came from Zamboanga City, was heading to Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province.

“Police are now conducting an investigation into the strafing and police forces are also tracking down the attackers,” Huesca said.

Police did not release the names of the victims, but a local radio network dxRZ-Radyo Agong identified three of the wounded as Danilo Fuentes, the bus conductor; Ramon Navalta, its driver, and passenger Ailyn Canos, of Pagadian City. 

Earlier this month, four gunmen, who posed as passengers, also held up another Rural bus in the town of Kabasalan and shot and wounded one passenger before escaping with their loot. Police said the four men flagged down the bus, driven by Alexander Atis, in Naga town and declared the heist upon reaching a secluded village.

The men were armed with guns and knives and threatened the passengers as they collected wallets and personal belongings from the terrified civilians. One of the gunmen fired at the bus and hit one passenger, Marie Francis Sungkuya, 28. The bus was travelling to Pagadian City from Ipil town.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/gunmen-attack-bus-in-southern.html

Philippine Army awards medals to ‘Tabak’ soldiers

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 11): Philippine Army awards medals to ‘Tabak’ soldiers





Brigadier General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, pins the Gold Cross Medal to First Lieutenant Robert Martin Dimailig, one of four soldiers who are recipients of the third highest medal for gallantry in combat. (Photo by Sergeant Jesse Akiatan)

The Philippine Army has awarded medals to 9 soldiers who took part in defending Zamboanga City from separatist rebels in September, a spokesman said on Monday.

Captain Jefferson Somera, of the 1st Infantry Division, said the soldiers displayed gallantry in action during the Zamboanga crisis. They were awarded Gold Cross, Bronze Cross and Wounded Personnel medals during a simple ceremony at the army headquarters in Labangan town in Zamboanga del Sur province.

He said the Gold Cross Medals - the third highest medal for gallantry in combat - were awarded to First Lieutenant Robert Martin Dimailig, Sergeant George Neri, Corporals Sajack Alam and Ramil Castillon.

The Bronze Cross Medals went to Technical Sergeant Eduardo Abog, Staff Sergeant Thuaheron Pangulima, Sergeants Kashir Hussin and Manuel Suarez Jr, and the Wounded Personnel Medal was given to Sergeant Freddie Centenales.

Somera said Brigadier General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr, the commander of 1st Infantry Division, led the pining of the medals.

“The heroism and gallantry displayed by these soldiers during the Zamboanga City siege have been seen and known far beyond the four corners of our Command. Their deeds speak the nature of a fine Tabak trooper- brave, professional and always ready to serve our countrymen. We should always carry these principles in all our undertakings, for our Command, for our family and for every Filipino people,” Somera quoted Trinidad as saying during the ceremony.

Troops liberated Zamboanga City from hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front rebels who simultaneously attack several villages. The fighting, which lasted three weeks, left more than 400 people dead and wounded.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/philippine-army-awards-medals-to-tabak.html

2 killed, 8 wounded in Zamboanga grenade attack

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 11): 2 killed, 8 wounded in Zamboanga grenade attack

Two persons were killed and eight others wounded in a grenade attack on the house of the head of a city district here, the military said.

Colonel Andrelino Colina, commander of Task Force Zamboanga, said a meeting was being held inside the residence of Chairman Diosterides Librero of Barangay (village) Ayala  when two grenades were lobbed at around 8:15 p.m.

Killed were Elvic Gregorio and Dita Carpio. Librero was among those wounded, Colina said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/525507/2-killed-8-wounded-in-zamboanga-grenade-attack

4 hurt as armed men fire at bus in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 11): 4 hurt as armed men fire at bus in Zamboanga Sibugay
Four persons were hurt when unidentified men fired at a passenger bus traversing the highway in the village of Baga in Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay, on Monday night.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of the regional police command, said an undetermined number of armed men sprayed bullets at a passing Rural Transit bus shortly before 9 p.m.

The bus, which left this city at 5 p.m., was en route to Pagadian City.

Wounded were bus driver Ramon Navalta, bus dispatcher Danilo Fuentes and two passengers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/525517/4-hurt-as-armed-men-fire-at-bus-in-zamboanga-sibugay

US sends more troops to storm-ravaged Philippines

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 12): US sends more troops to storm-ravaged Philippines



Survivors look up at a military C-130 plane as it arrives at typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. The United States has sent an additional 180 troops to the storm-ravaged Philippines for humanitarian assistance efforts, the Marine Corps said Monday. AP

The United States has sent an additional 180 troops to the storm-ravaged Philippines for humanitarian assistance efforts, the Marine Corps said Monday. 

Four MV-22B Ospreys—aircraft that can operate in difficult environments—and three KC-130J Hercules planes headed to the disaster zones from Japan over the course of the afternoon and evening, according to a statement.

On board were some 180 marines and sailors tasked with helping a humanitarian assistance survey team on the ground in the wake of Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: “Haiyan”), which may have killed as many as 10,000 people as it flattened entire towns just days ago.

Some 90 marines and sailors are already in the disaster-stricken country for an assistance evaluation mission.

US marines who arrived in the city of Tacoblan earlier Monday to deliver emergency supplies expressed shock at the devastation.

“Everything’s destroyed,” said Brigadier General Paul Kennedy, the commanding general of the Okinawa-based 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Since 1990, the US government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines, according to the Pentagon.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/90373/us-sends-more-troops-to-storm-ravaged-philippines

US relief flight heads for typhoon-hit Tacloban

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 11): US relief flight heads for typhoon-hit Tacloban



Philippine and US military personnel load relief goods for Tacloban on board a US C-130 plane for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Cental Philippines, at a military base in Manila on November 11, 2013. AFP

A US military plane carrying relief supplies and a contingent of Marines has left the Philippine capital en route to the country’s typhoon-devastated eastern seaboard.

The C-130 left Manila’s Villamor air base on Monday loaded with bottled water, generators wrapped in plastic, a forklift and two trucks.

It was the first American relief flight to the region, where thousands are feared dead and tens of thousands more homeless as a result of Friday’s typhoon.

The flight was headed for Tacloban, a city badly hit by the typhoon and in desperate need of assistance.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/90249/us-relief-flight-heads-for-typhoon-hit-tacloban

MILF: IP leaders converge in Upi for a unified position on GPH-MILF peace process

From the MILF Website (Nov 12): IP leaders converge in Upi for a unified position on GPH-MILF peace process

 

Commissioners listen to IP leaders present their issues and recommendations. L-R: Former NCIP Commissioner for Central Mindanao Santos Unsad, Transcom commissioners Froilyn Tenorio-Mendoza, Atty. Raissa Jajurie, Timuay Melanio Ulama, and Hussein Munoz.
  
Around seventy key leaders and representatives of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces have gathered together in Nuro, Municipality of North Upi in Maguindanao on October 12-13, 2013 for a dialogue and to discuss key issues affecting them in the core and adjacent areas of the envisioned Bangsamoro new political entity.

Organized by the Organization of Teduray-Lambangian Conference (OTLAC), Mamalu-Tabunaway Tribal Council and the Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc (KFI) with assistance from Bread for the World-Civil Peace Service, the event also tried to come up with a unified IP position on key issues such as ancestral domain, governance, resources and territory which will then be presented to the Transitional Commission (Transcom) tasked with drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Based on workshop results, the tribal leaders coming from Teduray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo tribes have demanded for recognition of and respect for IP rights on their ancestral domain based on Indigenous people’s Rights Act (IPRA) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

 On the aspect of governance, they have asked for the recognition of tribal governance and justice system, gender rights, and equal participation of tribal women in Bangsamoro government and parliament.

 They have also pointed out the need for recognition and protection of the resources within their territories especially in the just-concluded annex on wealth sharing signed between the GPH and MILF.

Lastly, the tribal leaders have asked for the recognition of traditional boundaries and for the creation of a tribal province within the soon-to-be created Bangsamoro territory.

 Transitional justice

 The issue of transitional justice was also raised by the tribal leaders during the consultation-dialogue, citing, for example, the IP lands grabbed or taken away by the settlers.

 Timuay Jovito Martin, chairperson of OTLAC, singled out the Consunji logging firm operating in South Upi and Sultan Kudarat which, despite the turning down of its application for Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA), allowed its armed forest guards to settle in the Dulangan Manobo areas thus ejecting the tribes from their own communities through fear and dispossessing the later of their ancestral lands.

 “How do we pursue justice in our Bangsamoro Basic Law? Consunji used force, and the Dulangan Manobos are asking for justice,” he asked.

 Another tribal woman leader, Erlinda Erese, also cited the case of Dulangan Manobo communities ejected from their lands in San Jose, South Upi in September.
 Timuay Alim Bandara opined that as public lands such as the timberlands operated by Consunji are not subjected to land reform, the IPs could still seek assistance from the ARMM or have it worked out in the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

For Atty. Raissa Jajurie, a member of the Transcom, the issue is part of the ongoing peace talks especially under Normalization and Transitional Justice. She told the IP leaders that if some grabbed IP lands could still be returned back to them, they ought to be returned; if not, there has to be a proper compensation.
 Strategy and tactics

 “But it is not only the Tedurays, Lambangians and Dulangan Manobos who seek recognition of their lands but the Tausugs, Maranaos and Maguindanaons too, “ says Atty. Zainudin Malang of Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MINHRAC) who was also a guest in the gathering.

 “It is usually either less or no recognition at all of our claims,” he told them.

 Malang said that in 1903, about 95 percent of inhabitants of Mindanao are IPs. It was the Regalian Doctrine, as later embodied in the Land Act of 1902, which paved the way for massive and systematic loss of IP’s ancestral domain, resources and autonomy.

 “It’s the Philippine state created by colonization which dispossessed us of our ancestral domain!,” he stressed.

Reminding the IP leaders that the annexes to the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) are yet to be finished one year after its signing, he challenged them to rethink their strategy and tactics, i.e. whether to negotiate as one IP with their Moro brothers , or as a separate IP entity.

 Malang thus exhorted the IP leaders in the gathering to look at the root causes of the Mindanao conflict, to forge unity among themselves, to look into the similarities and common problems of Bangsamoro and IPs, and to assert their right to self-determination as an individual and collective right.

 “We are on the right side; it’s what strengthens our unity,” he said.

 Same goal

 North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, a native Teduray himself and a member of the GPH peace panel, appealed to the IP leaders to support the peace process as they also have “the same goal” as their Bangsamoro brothers, especially concerning the ancestral domain issue. He said that if ever the peace process succeeds, the other issues they have been fighting for will also be realized.

 Piang further said that they, as IPs, should look at the ancestral domain “within the context of the peace process” so they don’t quarrel with their Bangsamoro brothers.

 “Let us sit down together, let’s look at the status of the TransCom within the road map and the peace process.”

Citing a recent study that only 45 percent of the population in the ARMM are aware of the peace process, he urged them to study the FAB and the peace roadmap.

 “We should walk together as one and make Bangsamoro a reality within our core areas which is under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro,” he said.

 Malang also made the same appeal as Piang: “Let us show there is a big support and constituency for the peace process not only in Mindanao but also in the national level.”

This is important, according to him, in the light of possible factors which may derail the peace process, of which he mentioned three: a delay in the signing of the remaining annexes, disapproval of the draft BBL by the Congress, and failure of the BBL to be ratified in a plebiscite.

 IP agenda

 Two position papers were presented by two IP groups before selected members of the Transcom during the second day of the gathering.

 One position, presented by Timuay Alim Bandara of the TJG and Teduray,Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo Ancestral Domain Claim (TLADMADC), calls for a Bangsa Mamalu autonomy within the Bangsamoro political entity and for a tribal-based governance in case of a federal state structure.

Bandara made it clear that the Bangsa Mamalu is not a state structure but an “autonomous governance structure “within the Bangsamoro with defined shared and devolved powers between it and the later. There must be a full recognition of the inherent rights of IPs to govern themselves based on customary practices recognized by law, he said.

 The TLADMADC claim covers a total of 308, 941 hectares including the coastal waters.

The second position paper, representing that of OTLAC, was presented by Jamal Abdulnasser. It asserts for the recognition of ancestral domain of the tribes covering an estimated land area of 289,268 hectares located in Maguindanao and portions of Sultan Kudarat Province and Cotabato City. It also calls for an equitable share in the resources located within the IP areas, respect for traditional and customary laws, and a genuine autonomy within the Bangsamoro under the principle of peaceful co-existence.

 Reactions from the two presentations followed. A tribal woman leader remarked: “We don’t want to separate from our brother Tabunaway. We simply want to stand on our own feet as Tedurays, as IPs.”

 Timuay Gaspar Mosela from Rimpes countered: “If there is no Bangsamoro, there will be no Bangsa Mamalu. What is most important is mutual respect. “

 What worries him more, he said, is that if they don’t act fast, the settlers and the miners are coming in to dispossess them more of their lands and resources. Thus, the need for them to dialogue and unite as Bangsamoro,” he added.

 Reactions from Transcom

 Four members of the Transcom were present to give their reactions to the presentations and the activity: Timuay Melanio Ulama, Froilyn Mendoza, Atty. Raissa Jajurie and Hussein Munoz.

 Ulama, citing the signed Annex on Wealth-Sharing, told the body that the IPs have the right to a fair share in the utilization of their own resources and also to a governance based on their customs and traditions.
 Mendoza, on her part, said that she too will work for the strengthening of tribal governance within the Bangsamoro. She added: “Amidst diversity, identity should be reflected in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

Meanwhile, Jajurie expressed that she is glad to have witnessed the process IPs have been going through. IP advocacy, she told them, is “a continuing struggle” which will not be finished within the Transcom or even after the peace process.

 “Negotiation is a give-and-take. It is important that we are talking and trying to come up with a common agenda to hasten the process,” she said.

 Hussein Munoz, Deputy Chief of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), admitted too that negotiation is a “long political process” and that self-determination is “not easy.“ He assured the tribal leaders that they will incorporate their proposals in the Transcom, including the recognition of and respect for the rights of women and children.

Further, he advised them to give emphasis on education to produce capable experts and human resource for the Bangsamoro: “While waiting for the big fish, we should start developing our communities.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/655-ip-leaders-converge-in-upi-for-a-unified-position-on-gph-milf-peace-process

MILF: Bukidnon Moro leaders attend training on Leadership and Conflict Management

From the MILF Website (Nov 12): Bukidnon Moro leaders attend training on Leadership and Conflict Management

 

A three-day training workshops on leadership and  conflict management resolution and transformation was organized and conducted by the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD)-Bukidnon provincial chapter in partnership with UNYPAD national chapter held at Iranon Village, Central Poblacion, municipality of Kalilangan on November 1 to 3. Inputs on how to effectively handle a meeting were also introduced.
   
Yusoph Lumambas, UNYPAD Secretary General said, “It was a very successful training where community leaders, sultan, datu, imam (religious leader), women and youth had actively engaged in the workshops!”

Astany Mamandog, Provincial Chapter President of Bukidnon clarified to the community leaders who attended the activity that “it is not the objectives of this youth to take positions or any ranks in the community because UNYPAD is a partner of any peace and development initiatives in the community.”  “But we’re also preparing our members to be ready for the future because we know that we will be tasked as leaders of our own community and if that happen we are capable enough to do our task,” Mamandog said further.

Close to 40 Moro community leaders of Bukidnon who attended, said that the topics discussed are of great help in order to become more effective and efficient leaders in performing their jobs in their respective communities.  

Rido or family feud is among the common problem in their community. “Now that we are equipped with knowledge and tools in resolving conflicts, we’re ready to face challenges in our villages,” Bae labi (woman leader) of Kalilangan said.

On the other hand, the UNYPAD-Bukidnon provincial chapter officers and members joined in a tree planting program spearheaded by community leaders of Iranon Village, in Central Problacion of Kalilangan in the province. The tree planting activity program of the community is aimed at anticipating and preventing the adverse effects of climate change.

Mamandog said, “It also part of a UNYPAD’s ‘Adopt-a-Tree Now’ advocacy that encourages members of UNYPAD and community residents to plant trees in their backyards, farms, and to disaster prone areas.”

Sitio Darussalam, Barangay Aquino, Kalilangan is the target area for planting of fruit bearing trees according to Mamandog. “We have planted 150 seedlings of different varieties like jackfruit, durian, and marang on October 20,” he said. “Some of the seedlings were given by barangay officials of Central Poblacion,” Mamandog disclosed.

“We are joyful in this activity because it is our first time to plant trees in the area…even though we are tired but knowing something we did good for our nature, we feel great” he added.

There were more than 20 volunteers who joined the tree planting activity. The UNYPAD Bukidnon chapter said that there will be another round of tree planting in December during the holiday season.

This year, the municipalities of Quezon, Kabanglasan, and Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province had experienced landslides resulting to several casualties.  

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/654-bukidnon-moro-leaders-attend-training-on-leadership-and-conflict-management

CPP: Carry out all-out mobilization for relief support to disaster victims

From the CPP Website (Nov 11): Carry out all-out mobilization for relief support to disaster victims

Logo.cpp
Communist Party of the Philippines
 
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) calls on the entire Filipino people, including those overseas, to mobilize and generate the maximum possible emergency funds and supplies for the victims of the recent supertyphoon Yoland (international name Haiyan).

An estimated nine million people, or 10% of the entire Filipino population suffered the wrath of the storm considered to be the strongest in recorded history, which barreled through 36 or 72 provinces. Majority of the victims of the storm are small peasants, farm workers, fisherfolk, mountain people, workers and other poor people who are the most vulnerable to the storm. Wide swathes of land were engulfed by the surging seas resulting in massive destruction of public infrastructure, homes, property and agricultural land. It is feared that the number of deaths may run up to several thousand people.

The revolutionary forces under the CPP commiserate with the entire Filipino people, especially those who lost friends and family members and who are suffering from the grave impact.

The CPP calls on all progressive and democratic forces to immediately organize the collection of funds and supplies for relief and rehabilitation work and ensure their immediate transport of these to the affected areas. Main attention is justifiably centered on extending assistance to Tacloban and the Eastern Visayas provinces. There should also be sufficient attention given to other areas in Central Visayas, Panay, Negros, Masbate, Mindoro and Palawan as well as in Bicol, Southern Tagalog and Eastern and Northern Mindanao.

The national mobilization of resources is necessary to sufficiently extend assistance to all areas devastated by the storm. There must be appropriate national coordination and cooperation in order to appropriately distribute help and supplies. Priority should be given to those requiring immediate medical attention, the children and the elderly.

The CPP calls for the formation of organizations of disaster victims in order to facilitate the distribution of emergency supplies and prevent the situation from leading to widespread chaos. The people need these organizations of disaster victims in order to extend information about their situation and needs.

The commands of the New People’s Army (NPA) units operating in the devastated areas have immediately changed their mode of operation and have carried out search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. Within the guerrilla front areas, barrio committees, provisional revolutionary government units and revolutionary mass organizations have immediately been mobilized to carry out efforts to assist the people and organize rehabilitation efforts to help the people resume production and other aspects of their normal lives.

In line with policy, the concerned NPA commands, including the NPA Mt. Amandewin Command (NPA-Leyte Island) and leading committees of the CPP can issue appropriate ceasefire orders to their respective units, putting NPA units on defensive mode but ever vigilant to enemy offensive operations. These can seek to facilitate the entry of organizations and agencies extending relief and emergency supply and ensure the safety of relief workers. The people should vigorously oppose continued suppression activities being conducted by the AFP under Oplan Bayanihan, especially in areas ravaged by the storm.

The Filipino people are angered over the Aquino regime’s slow and terribly inadequate response to the disaster. They critize Aquino for blaming the people for being unprepared. In the hours immediately after the storm, the Aquino government was practically absent in Tacloban and other parts of the country. They further criticize Aquino for making use of the disaster to make a pitch for the much-detested President’s Social Fund and Disbursement Acceleration Program when, in fact, it has alloted only a minuscule for calamity response.

On the other hand, the CPP extends the people’s gratitude and commendation to various local and international media agencies which have made use of their resources to provide crucial information service to disaster victims. The Filipino people welcome local and foreign volunteer civilian organizations and agencies whose contributions have been invaluable.

The CPP calls on all international civilian agencies to extend maximum possible support to the victims of the disaster. The CPP denounces the Aquino and US governments for taking advantage of the disaster to again deploy more US warships and armed US soldiers in various areas in violation of Philippine sovereignty. The CPP urges foreign governments who wish to extend aid and direct help to course their assistance through their civilian agencies or organizations.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131111_carry-out-all-out-mobilization-for-relief-support-to-disaster-victims

CPP/NPA: Operatiba ng military intelligence, patay sa operasyong partisano ng BHB

Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 11): Operatiba ng military intelligence, patay sa operasyong partisano ng BHB (Military intelligence operatives killed in NPA partisan operations)


Logo.bhb
Samuel Guerrero
Spokesperson
NPA Sorsogon Provincial Operations Command (Celso Minguez Command)
 
NAPATAY sa ispesyal na operasyon ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan nitong Nobyembre 9 si Nelson Ara, elemento ng CAFGU at operatiba ng Military Intelligence Command (MICO) ng Philippine Army. Ang operasyon ay isinagawa sa compound ng Camp Fabilane, 505th Community Defense Center ng Philippine Army Reserve Command sa Barangay Balogo, Sorsogon City.

Si Ara ay dating military infiltrator sa BHB na sangkot sa pagpatay sa Pulang mandirigmang si Diogenes Manrique alyas Ka Jomar sa Barangay Abuyog, Sorsogon City noong 2007. Matapos ang pamamaslang ay tinangay niya at ng isa pang kapwa impiltrador ang dalawang ripleng M16 at isang pistolang kalibre .45 ng yunit.

Nitong mga nakaraang taon, naging aktibo si Ara sa mga operasyong paniktik ng militar at paninindak sa mga sibilyan sa mga bayan ng Casiguran, Gubat at Barcelona sa Sorsogon.

Ang pagpatay kay Nelson Ara ay pagbibigay-hustisya kay Ka Jomar at isang importanteng hakbang sa pagsisikap ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na lansagin ang makinarya ng terorismo ng AFP sa probinsya.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131111_operatiba-ng-military-intelligence-patay-sa-operasyong-partisano-ng-bhb

CPP/NDF/KM: KM calls for mass mobilization for urgent relief operations and rehabilitation for the victims of super-typhoon Yolanda

Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 11): KM calls for mass mobilization for urgent relief operations and rehabilitation for the victims of super-typhoon Yolanda

Logo.km
Ma. Laya Guerrero
Spokesperson
Kabataang Makabayan
 
The Kabataang Makabayan (KM) condoles with the families and victims of super-typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban and hardly hit provinces and cities in Visayas on November 8.

It is initially estimated by international humanitarian agencies that the number of killed persons may have reached over 20, 000 and entire account of damages still unaccounted for. But the picture of the catastrophe is very clear and this may be worsenend should the state concentrate on blame-game to conceal its own inutility to prevent the massive loss of lives.

The wrath of the super-typhoon has affected millions of people, resulted to massive loss of lives, crippling the livelihood especially of poor farmers and fisherfolks and low-income workers, destroyed fields, schools and public infrastructures and left tens of thousands homeless and traumatized.

The unspeakable suffering of the calamity-hit kababayans who are scavenging for food and water among the littered debris, are worsened as power water supplies, communication and transportation and were all cut off in the entire region.

We call on the Filipino youth, all members and chapters of Kabataang Makabayan to lead and form ‘Serve the People Brigades’, form teams for collecting much-needed relief goods and basic necessities. The people especially in the isolated areas and revolutionary base areas which are also devastated could hardly expect relief assistance ziphoned off by the anti-people US-Aquino regime.

As in the past like in the Sendong and Pablo typhoons with thousands of casualties, no real relief and rehabilitation were carried out. Instead the US-Aquino regime militarized these areas to protect the foreign and local mining and logging companies operations.

Aquino who is all concerned about his PRs and gimmickery amidst the humanitarian crisis in Tacloban and Visayas, could never comprehend the ordinary people’s necessities. Aquino showed utter calousness in pronouncements that the casualties in Tacloban rose because of the local government’s unpreparedness, which is led by an opposition, in order to evade accountability of the national government.

We call on progressive and mass organizations of the youth to take initiative in forming teams and reaching out to organizations, schools student councils and alliances in gathering resources.

Even as we strongly demand to put all resources of national coffers to disaster preparedness and mitigation, we must propagate the real reasons why the basic masses and ordinary poor people suffer the main brunt of calamities in a semi-fuedal and semi-colonial society as ours. Natural disasters are aggravated and turned to deadly catastrophes by ill-preparedness and government’s failure to deliver adequate relief and state abandonement of pro-people rehabilitation programs in favor of capitalist profit-making.

In the last three years, the US-Aquino regime has constantly brushed aside the Filipino peoples legitimate demands for government preparedness and installation of infrastructure in order to thwart massive destruction and loss of lives come weather disturbances and calamities.

The US-Aquino regime which is hounded by sustained peoples protests because of the pork barrel and corruption presided by Aquino himself, must be condemned for using Yolanda and calamities in order to desperately justify the pork barrel system.

This US-Aquino anti-people and corrupt regime has shown no sincere concern for the Filipino people amidst national calamities at the same time as it safeguards its corrupt-ridden pork barrel system.

This anti-people and corrupt US-Aquino regime which prevailed to constantly dart back the blame to victimized Filipino people, has no iota of right to stay in power any longer.

We call on the Filipino youth and people especially in the least affected areas, our compatriots and friends of the Filipino people in the international community to come out of their communities, schools, offices, workplaces and support the International Day of Solidarity for the Victims of Yolanda Super-typhoon on November 13 for relief and rehabilitation.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131111_km-calls-for-mass-mobilization-for-urgent-relief-operations-and-rehabilitation-for-the-victims-of-super-typhoon-yolanda

Soldiers flown to Tacloban to clear roads

From Rappler (Nov 11): Soldiers flown to Tacloban to clear roads

DOUBLE TIME: Military C-130 cargo planes fly 6 flights a day to bring in personnel and necessary equipment to devastated areas. Photo by the Armed Forces of the Philippines

DOUBLE TIME: Military C-130 cargo planes fly 6 flights a day to bring in personnel and necessary equipment to devastated areas. Photo by the Armed Forces of the Philippines

About a thousand soldiers were flown to Tacloban City on Monday, November 11, to assist local government units in clearing the roads.

Access to devastated areas remains a challenge to aid workers aiming to help the typhoon victims. Massive damage to infrastructure and communication lines are making their job difficult, according to Sebastien Sujobert, head of the The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) local office in Tacloban.

Colonel Medardo Clarito of the Manila-based 525th engineering combat battalion said the priority is Tacloban. "We are helping in the search and retrieval and clearing operation. The priority is Tacloban," he told Rappler before they boarded a military C-130 cargo plane on Monday. The other battalion that was sent to Tacloban belongs to the AFP Special Operations Command.

Based on data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, 4 airports remain non-operational — Tacloban City in Leyte, Roxas City in Capiz, Kalibo in Aklan, and Busuanga in Palawan.

Sea travel has resumed but ICRC is waiting for its truckloads of relief goods stranded in Surigao Del Sur to be prioritized.

Several land routes to Tacloban have been opened but other roads to Leyte and Eastern Samar towns have yet to be cleared. Based on government reports, at least 3 major roads remain impassable: the Suage bridge connecting Iloilo and Capiz; the Palompon-Isabel-Merida-Ormoc Road; and the Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon Road.

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/typhoon-yolanda/43429-engineering-battalion-tacloban-clearing

Army battalions sent to clear roads, secure Tacloban City

From GMA News (Nov 11): Army battalions sent to clear roads, secure Tacloban City

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed two battalions in Leyte to help clear roads in an around Tacloban City, believed to be choked with debris in the aftermath of the world's strongest typhoon to ever make landfall.

The 525th Engineering Combat Battalion and 1st Special Forces Battalion will help clearing operations led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the AFP said in a statement Monday. 

Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said the clearing operations will make transporting relief goods to affected areas easier.

"Right now, what's important is really to clear the areas from debris so that the main supply route is (made) passable," Zagala said.

"Once the area will be cleared, then we can smoothly transport the necessary relief goods and assistance in the affected areas," he added.

The two battalions of about 500 troops each will also assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, as well as in restoring peace and order amid reports of residents looting food and supplies.

 "We do know na madaming isolated areas that we need to get to and the only way we can do that, the most practical (and) fastest way, to bring relief is clear the roads. (T)hat is the priority now," he said.

Zagala noted the two battalions are reinforcing the 3rd and 8th Infantry Divisions, the Second Air Division, and Naval Forces Central, which are already in place.

As of Monday morning, the official death toll stands at 255, but a police official feared it may have stood at 10,000 fatalities in Leyte province alone, where about 80 percent of the structures were destroyed.

Tacloban, the provincial capital of Leyte, is situated in a cove between a bay and a sea strait, making it susceptible to a storm surge that flattened structures and drowned people on its path, Reuters reported.


Yolanda, which brought monster winds and tsunami-like waves on Friday, is officially the fourth-strongest tropical cyclone in history in terms of overall strength.
 

Army suspends drive against rebels in north

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 11): Army suspends drive against rebels in north

The 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s has temporarily suspended military operations against the New People’s Army in northern Negros, that was badly hit by typhoon Yolanda, to prioritize disaster relief operations.

However, Lt. Col. Efren Morados, 62nd IB commander, said yesterday that while they are helping in clearing the main highway in Cadiz, Sagay, Toboso, Calatrava, San Carlos City and secondary roads in Sagay-Dian-ay-Bug-ang- Minapasok-Marcelo-Don Salvador Benedicto, they remain on alert.

Morados said they have not been spared by the destruction of super typhoon Yolanda, as one of their patrol bases in Tigbon, Calatrava, located on top of a mountain, was destroyed. Others suffered minor damage, he added.

He, however, said that none of his personnel was injured in the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.

Morados said they will also help in the construction of temporary shelters for residents of Cadiz City, while thousands of residents are now homeless.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, meanwhile, extended its sympathies to the people of Negros and other areas in Visayas hit by typhoon Yolanda.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said that they are also concentrating on relief operations in Panay island, especially in Capiz, where the 3ID headquarters is located.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also called on all civilians affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" to cooperate with government authorities, particularly the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government in their efforts to restore order during the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/11/topstory7.htm

2 Navy ships carrying 328 tons of assorted relief goods now in Tacloban City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): 2 Navy ships carrying 328 tons of assorted relief goods now in Tacloban City

The Philippine Navy said on Monday that two of its logistics vessels, carrying 328 tons of assorted relief goods, arrived in Tacloban City, Leyte on Sunday afternoon.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said that these ships are the BRP Dagupan City (LC-551) and BRP Bacolod City (LC-550).

He added that BRP Dagupan arrived at around 3:20 p.m. at the Tacloban City Pier. It left Dapitan Pier, Zamboanga del Norte, at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, carrying 140 tons of relief goods and mineral water.

BRP Bacolod City arrived in the area at around 5 p.m. Sunday. It left Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite at around 3 p.m. the previous day. It was carrying 188 tons of relief supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc.

Aside from this cargo, a PN engineering contingent was also transported by the ship to help in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Fabic also said that three Marine disaster relief response teams (DRRTs) are on standby for possible deployment to Tacloban City.

These consist of two officers and 28 enlisted personnel with two M-35 trucks, two disaster response operations trailers, two DeHaviland boats with outboard motors, chain and circular saws, ambulance and one "LARC-v" (a type of amphibious vehicle).

Aside from this, two Navy medical teams have arrived in Tacloban via C-130 cargo plane.

Another one is on stand-by and this consists of one EENT/orthopedic specialist nurse trained in stress management and debriefing and two hospital men.

Aside from this, the PN Civil Military Operations Group teams from Tagbilaran City and Tubigon, Bohol under Naval Forces Central, which is based in Cebu, was consolidated and deployed to Tacloban Sunday afternoon and utilized to coordinate with local government agencies regarding the Navy's humanitarian assistance and disaster response teams.

Meanwhile, Naval Forces Southern Luzon deployed one water sanitation team in Tacloban to help in addressing water supply problem in the locality.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585356

Military relief planes now in Tacloban City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Military relief planes now in Tacloban City

Two Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes carrying assorted relief goods and 90 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Special Action Force arrived in Tacloban City Monday morning.

The planes departed from Cebu around 5 a.m., according to Central Command spokesperson Lt. Jim Alagao.

The cargo planes were in Tacloban City before 7 a.m.

Alagao said that the 90 police officers were deployed to area for peace and order work and to reinforce the existing Tacloban police contingent.

He added that two "Huey" helicopters were also deployed by the Central Command to conduct an aerial survey of damages sustained by Bantayan and Camotes Islands.

Alagao also said that helicopters based in Tacloban will also conduct a similar flight to look into the damages sustained by Eastern Samar.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585337

Army medical, engineering, and infantry units aiding in ongoing SAR efforts in Tacloban City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Army medical, engineering, and infantry units aiding in ongoing SAR efforts in Tacloban City

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday announced that it has deployed medical, engineering and infantry units to help in the ongoing search-and-rescue (SAR) efforts in Tacloban City, Leyte which was devastated by super typhoon "Yolanda" Friday.

"One medical team is now in Tacloban City and another one is on stand-by. The first medical unit arrived there around 3:30 p.m.," Army deputy public affairs office chief Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

He added that the second Army medical team is now on stand-by.

Aside from these units, Bacus stated that the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion along with the 1st Special Forces Battalion was deployed to Tacloban around 5: 30 a.m. Monday.

Follow-on units will be coming from the Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division and Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division.

These formations were transported by C-130 cargo aircraft.

Bacus said that the 525th is "water-search and rescue and collapsed structure search and rescue" capable unit.

"The infantry units will augment the troops conducting search and rescue operations on areas of the country side and other places as needed," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585367

AFP: Road clearing a priority to expedite relief of Tacloban City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): AFP: Road clearing a priority to expedite relief of Tacloban City

As the country struggles to repair the devastation caused by super typhoon "Yolanda", the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) on Monday announced that one of its priority missions is to clear all roads and highways of debris so that the delivery of relief goods and services can be expedited to Tacloban City, Leyte.

"Right now, that's the need on the ground, so we need to clear the debris from the main supply road," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

And in line with this mission, the Army's 525th Engineering Combat Battalion was immediately deployed to Tacloban City Monday to conduct clearing operations.

These consist of 500 men and their equipment.

The unit is also tasked to clear roads and highways in Roxas City in Capiz and Iloilo, provinces also badly pummeled by "Yolanda".

The 525th Engineering Combat Battalion will be assisted in this task by the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

"Once the area (is) cleared then we can smoothly transport the necessary relief goods and assistance in the affected areas, so these two battalions are just partial (deployment)," Zagala stressed.

He also added that these two battalions are a big boost to AFP units in the area like the 3rd and 8th Infantry Divisions, the 2nd Air Division and Naval Forces Central those members are now being utilized for relief and rescue operations.

Zagala also took this opportunity to reveal that two Tacloban City-based soldiers were among those killed while another 21 were wounded during "Yolanda" onslaught Friday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585404

7th Infantry deploys (101) personnel to ' Yolanda' damaged areas in the Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): 7th Infantry deploys (101) personnel to ' Yolanda' damaged areas in the Visayas

The Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division on Monday will be deploying 101 personnel (four officers and 97 enlisted personnel) to help in the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in the "Yolanda" battered Visayas Region.

Brig. Gen. Hernanda DCA Iriberri, 7th Infantry Division commanding officer, said that these men will be "repositioned"at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City prior their flight to the affected areas.

Iriberri personally inspected his men and their HADR equipment during Monday's send-off ceremonies.

"This will be an opportunity to help our fellow Filipinos who were struck by the devastating typhoon," he added.

Iriberri also recalled that exactly a month ago (Oct. 11), the onslaught of Typhoon “Santi” caused significant damage to 7th Infantry Division facilities and structures and is still in the process of recovering from the effects of the said catastrophe.

“Despite all of these, we remained focused in our resolve to accomplish our mission. We have just experienced the difficulties and hardships brought about by these kinds of events that is why we are determined to offer our help” he stressed.

Iriberri also told his men to demonstrate the proper attitude and do not to engage in any form of illegal activities in the conduct of HADR in the area, and exert utmost patience and tolerance must be implemented in controlling the crowd of people.

Lastly, he instructed the troopers to take good care of their health and to be security conscious at all times and to perform their task as mandated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585428

1st Infantry Division soldiers feted for gallantry during Zamboanga City crisis

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): 1st Infantry Division soldiers feted for gallantry during Zamboanga City crisis

The Zamboanga del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army decorated on Monday nine of its soldiers who showed gallantry in action during the 20-day Zamboanga City crisis last September.

Awarding was done at the 1st Infantry Division grandstand in Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The Gold Cross Medal, the third highest medal for gallantry in combat, was awarded to the following: 1st Lt. Robert Martin R. Dimailig, Sgt. George L. Neri, Cpl. Sajack P. Alam and Cpl. Ramil R. Castillon.

The recipients of the Bronze Cross Medal were T/Sgt. Eduardo B. Abog, Staff Sgt. Thuaheron L. Pangulima, Sgt. Kashir H. Hussin and Sgt. Manuel L Suarez Jr;, while the Wounded Personnel Medal was given to Sgt. Freddie C. Centenales.

The pinning of medals was presided by 1st Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr.

“The heroism and gallantry displayed by these soldiers during the Zamboanga City siege have been seen and known far beyond the four corners of our Command. Their deeds speak the nature of a fine 'Tabak' (nickname of the 1st Infantry Division) trooper -- brave, professional and always ready to serve our countrymen. We should always carry these principles in all our undertakings, for our Command, for our family and for every Filipino people," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585435

US military to aid PHL relief efforts for 'Yolanda'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): US military to aid PHL relief efforts for 'Yolanda'

The United States Embassy in Manila on Monday announced that the US Pacific Command will help in the ongoing Philippine humanitarian relief efforts for Supertyphoon "Yolanda" which battered a large part of the Visayas.

"As requested by the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Hagel has instructed US Pacific Command (PACOM) to support humanitarian relief efforts as led by our Philippine partners," it added.

"The Philippine government has already requested PACOM to provide airlift and other help through the US Department of Defense Overseas Humanitarian Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) Program. The initial assistance includes maritime search and rescue, medium to heavy lift support, and logistical support," the US Embassy in Manila stressed.

Part of the US military assistance for "Yolanda" include:

-A forward command element and humanitarian assistance survey team, led by Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the deputy commander of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and the commanding general of the 3rd MEB, arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 10 to provide an initial assessments of support required.

-The initial focus of military efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers.

-Approximately 90 US Marines and sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3rd MEB), and two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), arrived in the Philippines Sunday from Okinawa, Japan. They brought with them communication and logistical equipment to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

-US Marine Corps Forces Pacific maintains significant capability throughout the Asia-Pacific region ready to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Without forward deployed forces, rapid and fully capable deployments to such disasters like supertyphoon "Yolanda" would not be possible.

"The United States government continues to monitor the effects of Typhoon 'Yolanda' and remains in constant contact with Philippine authorities to ensure that our assistance is timely and relevant to the changing needs of the situation. In coordination with our Philippine friends, the US will help our ally recover from the storm and move forward," the US Embassy in Manila concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585577