Young Filipinos told to prepare for World Youth Day 2013

MANILA, Feb. 18, 2012—The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) urged young Filipinos interested to attend next year’s World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to start their preparations, especially after organizers have recently unveiled the official event logo.

WYD 2013 organizers in Rio de Janeiro unveiled last week the official logo for the next international gathering of young Catholics slated from July 23 to 28, 2013 in Brazil.

The official WYD 2013 logo, designed by 25-year-old Brazilian Gustavo Huguenin, featured Brazil’s national colors of green, blue and yellow and elements that form a heart, arranged around Christ's image, inspired by the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue.

ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said the unveiling of the WYD 2013 logo signals the start of the pilgrim’s preparation for the event.

“Although the event is more than a year away, pilgrims have to start making physical, mental, spiritual and financial preparations this early,” he said.

The official added that pilgrims, especially those without prior WYD experience, should get ready to adapt on the WYD’s realities of long walks, loaded-schedules, and climate variations, among others.

“They have to study and prepare for the rigors of daily requirements. They have to be physically and mentally ready for those,” he added, citing common complaints of past WYD pilgrims.

Garganta admitted that there are still no requirements set yet for applications to be pilgrims for the WYD, adding that no communication has been made yet between the ECY and the WYD 2013 organizers in Brazil. (YouthPinoy)

Infanta clergy organizes anti-APECO mission

CASIGURAN, Aurora, February 17, 2012-A two day international solidarity mission (ISM) was organized by the Prelature of Infanta appealing for international and local support against the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO).

The anti-APECO groups said that the highlights of todays’ mission until tomorrow is to strengthen the anti-APECO campaign on both local and national levels towards the repeal of Republic Act 10083 (amended version of the RA 9490) renamed as the APECO.

The ISM groups are Swiss, Dutch and Filipino faith-based leaders, local anti-APECO support groups, representatives of the CHR and NCIP, together with media around the area of the eco-zone will conduct onsite visit today.

The group furthered that the first day will be a community sharing between the international delegates and local communities, with each sector represented, while the second day underscores the delegates’ visit to the indigenous people and fishing communities affected by the ecozone to listen to their experiences in relation to APECO.

They expected to come up with a comprehensive report about the issue on the ecozone which will be sent to different international organizations and concerned Philippine government agencies, on the local level two (2) days after the probe.

The prelature said that the report will detail the mission’s findings and appeal for appropriate actions, which are beneficial for the residents and affected communities and sectors in Casiguran, pressure international and inter-governmental bodies to issue statements against APECO and persuade the ecozone’s funders and potential investors to withdraw their commitments and investments.

The delegates said that the on-going plans of creating the eco-zone of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) from 500 to 12, 427 hectares, covering more barangays in the municipality of Casiguran-farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples’ leaders and residents in the municipality have repeatedly raised concerns against its expansion.

There are about some 500 members from the affected local communities and parishioners of the Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Parish in the area of Casiguran, Aurora who will be participating also in the mission aside from the ISM mission.

Members of the united against APECO are Bp. Felix Gmür from Switzerland; Bp. Rolando Tirona of the Prelature of Infanta; Fr. Ben Verberne, MSC of Dutch Conference of Religious; Helena Jeppesen of the Swiss Catholic Lenten Fund (SCLF); Floor Schuiling of Mensen met een Missie- Netherlands; Fr. Edwin Gariguez of the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA), Fr. Pete Montallana, OFM and Bro. Martin Francisco of the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA), Mark Cebreros of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Comm. Conchita Calzado of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); Integrated Pastoral Development Initiative (IPDI), Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), Focus on the Global South (FOCUS), PAKISAMA/Task Force Anti-APECO, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), Tribal Center for Development (TCD), Swiss TV and Radio Veritas 846.

The campaign against APECO goes international after Dutch and Swiss religious leaders arrived in the country to join the ISM in the affected areas, especially the indigenous peoples and farm communities in Aurora and the nearby provinces.

The Prelature of Infanta statement said that ISM intends to see the situation of the tribal groups, fisherfolks, and farmers in the area in which the free port is set to be built.

“Some of the issues raised by affected residents are, private lands and farm lots awarded to farmer-beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) are among those included in the ASEZA (Aurora Special Economic Zone Area, which has been turned into Apeco) coverage; there is no consultation with the affected sectors and communities was made prior to the passage of RA 9490 (the enabling law for ASEZA); local government units of covered barangays were never informed, consulted, and considered before the approval of the law; harassment and misinformation about Apeco on the ground; and violation/conflict of the 1987 Constitution and other laws,” said the members of the ISM in a statement.

Allegedly, one of the victims of intimidation and harassment was Rev. Fr. Jose Francisco Talaban, the parish priest of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion parish and a staunch critic of the Apeco project.

Relative to this, Anakpawis Rep. Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano will file a bill that will scrap Republic Act 10083, or the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Act of 2010.

Mariano said in a press statement that RA 10083 is a gross violation of the Article II, Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution that provides for the comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform, as well as the Sections 1, 2 and 4 of the Article XIII of the Constitution, all under the Social Justice and Human Rights of the highest law of the land.

“The law also violated the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (RA 6657), the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371), and the Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550). It is implicit in paragraph (h), Section 12 of Republic Act No. 10083 that the Aurora Ecozone can borrow funds from foreign sources and incur indebtedness without need of the concurrence of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This provision is contrary to Section 21, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Additionally, paragraph (n), Section 12 of Republic Act No. 10083 authorizes foreign investors under the guise of private enterprises to operate public utilities. This is in flagrant contravention of Section 11, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution," Mariano said.

The bill is set to be filed on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

The APECO project is a pet project initiated by Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Aurora Rep. Sonny Angara and Gov. Bella J. Angara-Castillo. The project has begun in 2008 after a law was enacted creating the APECO in 2010. The said legislation was penned by the father-and-son tandem to stimulate progress in Northeastern Luzon and to bring thousands of jobs in the place.

The ecozone vision is set to be a globally competitive, technologically advanced economic zone in the Pacific Northeast Sea Board working towards a renowned business community characterized by unified perspectives on green revolution and world-class innovation.

APECO’s mission is to foster national socio economic growth and foreign business relations through the advancement of an innovative, eco-friendly and cost-efficient economic zone capable of withstanding the demands of today’s global market. (Jason de Asis)

Country’s 1st anti-mining monument erected in Romblon

TABLAS, Romblon, Feb. 15, 2012—Anti-mining advocates witnessed on Tuesday the unveiling of a Memorial in Romblon commemorating the biggest protest held in the province against mining by the Church, local officials and residents.

A first in the country, the anti-mining monument is a reminder of the people’s struggle against the entry of large scale mining firms in Romblon.

Romblon Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo said the province will not allow any mining activities to destroy the environment and bring suffering to the people, stressing that local government units have the autonomy to defend the general welfare of the population.

"Today we commemorate the unity of our people to uphold the dignity of life and environment. As a person and public servant, I continue to adhere to the principles of genuine sustainable development, which will not sacrifice the capacity of future Romblonanons to survive,” he said.

“Metallic mining has no room in the province, and to follow the priority industries of President Noynoy Aquino: we should focus on agriculture, tourism and infrastructure," he added.

Firmalo expressed hope the Aquino government will respect the autonomy of local government units “to defend the health, security and future of the general welfare” of its constituents.

“We hope that the proposed mining policy reform order of President Aquino will uphold the decision of my constituents, recognize and further respect the mandate of the local government officials to defend the health, security and future of the general welfare.” Firmalo said.

For his part, Msgr. Nonato Ernie V. Fetalino, administrator of the Diocese of Romblon and adviser of Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) explained that safeguarding the integrity of the creation requires a lifetime commitment.

"For nine months we have united all our voices and efforts but it is a lifetime commitment to defend the integrity of creation,” he said.

The priest stressed that it is everyone’s “spiritual duty to defend the dignity of life.”

“We look at our environment as significant source of life and we are called to maintain the balance of ecosystem, we are stewards and we are not called to abuse it,” he furthered.

Aglipayan Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer, who chairs REFAM, called for the scrapping of Mining Act of 1995 saying that the law has become the source of division among communities and cause of environmental destruction.

“We cannot permit this to happen in the province,” he said. “We call for the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995 and urgent enactment of the consolidated alternative mining bills pending in the House of Representatives."

Meanwhile, Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona is pushing for the enactment of House Bill 4815 that seeks to declare Romblon as a mining no-go zone, stressing that the people will not allow mining in the province.

“This [is the] biggest legacy we can leave for the province—to make our province a better place to live in with a balance and healthful ecology. We hope the House Bill 4815 will soon be passed as a law,” said Madrona.

The province’s anti-mining struggle began in 2006 when 8,000 people held a protest against mining in Sibuyan that led to the killing of activist Armin Marin a year later, by an employee of Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation.

In 2011, more than 12,000 people protested against Ivanhoe Philippines’ application to explore about 14,000 hectares of land in the island.

The mining company, which is wholly-owned by Ivanhoe Canada, withdrew the application in September 30 that same year due to strong opposition from the local government and the people. (CBCPNews)

CDO archbishop reiterates call for mining moratorium

CAGAYAN DE ORO City, Feb. 14, 2012—The highest official of Cagayan de Oro archdiocese reiterated his calls for a moratorium on mining even as he hit claims that mining has not contributed to the devastation wrought by tropical storm Washi (Sendong) last December

Mining industry defenders, like Mayor Vicente Emano and most members of the City Council, admitted that he had issued “special permits” to mine several hectares in the city’s hinterlands and have not suspended these operations despite snowballing calls for him to halt theses operations.

“I admit I have granted special permits, the law allows me to do that. But [the mining operations] must not destroy the ecology,” Emano said, adding that he will only order the stop of all mining operations in the city if a study will be conducted immediately “showing that mining operations destroyed the environment, then we will immediately order the cancellation of the permits.”

But Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, who have long been a staunch defender of the environment and has repeatedly called for a stop to all mining operations in the city and in the country scored the seeming “business as usual” attitude of city government officials following the devastation of Washi.

“It is unconscionable for the city officials to adapt a ‘business as usual’ attitude for mining permits to continue,” Ledesma said in his homily during the Eucharistic celebration at the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral marking the opening of the “DCM and Bishops’ Forum on Typhoon Sendong and its challenges for Mindanao” as well as a thanksgiving celebration for the 60th anniversary of the archdiocese.

Ledesma urged for a “multi-sectoral monitoring team [to be] allowed to verify the extent of these mining activities whether small scale or large scale.”

During last week’s Joint Municipal and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council at the Provincial Capitol, Misamis Oriental Environment and Natural Resources officer Conrado “Dodong” Sescon and the Philippine Air Force showed graphic pictures of the damage by mining activities on the city’s and province’s mountains.

Raoul Geollegue, former regional executive director of the Environment department in Northern Mindanao (Region X), lambasted claims that hydraulic mining rampant in the Iponan River cannot be stopped because of socio-economic considerations.

Claims of livelihood and economic windfall to the city from the local mining industry prompted Ledesma to issue a call for the city government to account to the public the true extent of the industry’s contribution to the economy.

“With that point, there is a need for a full disclosure of the identities of these mining firms, their alloted area and contribution to the local economy,” he said.

Ledesma pointed to two factors that caused the flooding in the city as early as 2009 — natural and human.

The Jesuit prelate also scored the fact that the city government under Emano had allowed families for decades “to stay along the river’s own waterways.” He was referring to Isla de Oro, an island formed in the middle of the Cagayan de Oro River by the accumulation of river silts where almost 1,000 families lived and were swept by rampaging floodwaters on the night of December 16 at the height of tropical storm Washi.

Ledesma said this could have been prevented had the city government had foresight and good city planning.

“Disaster preparedness and long-term city planning could have mitigated the dire consequences of allowing households to stay along the river’s own waterways,” he stressed.

The Emano administration was repeatedly condemned by critics and the opposition for its alleged “leaderless and disarrayed” response to Washi and its insistence that the mayor cannot prevent people from living in Isla de Oro because of the people’s hard-headedness.

A group, the Save CDO Movement, even initiated a campaign to recall Emano for his handling of the city’s affairs, especially following the Washi tragedy.

The environment watchdog Task Force Macajalar (TFM) had earlier summed up Washi’s damage as a result of a combination of “environmental degradation plus climate change plus bad governance minus an effective and functional disaster risk reduction program.

Ledesma reiterated that “transparency and accountability are hallmarks of good governance” as he urged the institutionalization of “participatory citizenry on one hand and responsive government on the other hand.”

To reports that some members of the local clergy are using their pulpits to play politics in support of the recall campaign, the archbishop stressed that “the archdiocese does not engage in partisan politics. The pulpit should be used to proclaim the word of God and not the words of men” even as he appealed “to all authorities and all Kagay-anons to allow the democratic process to prevail in the responsible exercise of basic freedoms of speech assembly and participation in public affairs.”

Bishop Jose A. Cabantan of the Malaybalay Diocese also reiterated calls for the enactment into law of the Alternative Mining Bill (AMB) even as he stressed that, despite claims to the contrary, “there is still no responsible mining” in the Philippines.

Cabantan, who once served as Ledesma’s director for Social Action prior to his elevation to the bishopric, said that it is always the Church’s stand to “protect the integrity of creation.”

However, he admitted that this cannot be done by the Church alone, or by the government alone. (Bong D. Fabe)

Three shabu pushers nabbed in Aurora buy-bust

BALER, Aurora, February 13, 2012-Operatives of the Aurora cops Anti-illegal drugs special operation task force arrested three suspected shabu pushers during a buy-bust in barangay Suklayin Sunday around four in the afternoon.

                 

The police operation resulted to the arrest of suspects Michael Lumasac y Laña, 32 years old, married, jobless together with his cohorts suspects his brother Deblin Lumasac y Laña, 29 years old and his uncle Roy Laña y Magaro, 53 years old all residents of Brgy. Suklayin here.

An undercover agent from the police force who acted as poseur buyer of suspected illegal drug pusher and bought shabu from Michael using marked/dusted money composed of one piece (1) of 200 peso bill bearing serial number HX200891 and three pieces (3) of 100 peso bills bearing serial numbers C583583, QK 728550 and GD715094.  After receiving the dusted money by Michael, his brother Deblin gave him a small transparent plastic container containing suspected shabu and then Michael handed it to the poseur buyer.

The operative who acted as poseur buyer took effect the arrest of suspect Michael while other members of the team rushed in the aforesaid place and arrested Deblin and Roy.

Michael was arrested on the act of selling shabu and confiscated from his possession and control a small transparent heat sealed plastic sachet containing crystalline substance better known as shabu weighing 0.05 grams and also recovered from him the marked/dusted money.

In the immediate vicinity, several small open and empty transparent plastic sachets were found containing suspected shabu and various crumpled foil and improvised tooter and after proper documentation the same were brought to Baler PNP with other pieces of evidence for investigation.

             

The suspects were investigated at the police station and subsequently brought to the Aurora Provincial Crime Laboratory Office located at Sitio Setan, Brgy. Calabuanan and were declared positive in using drugs.

Case for violation of Section 5, 12 and 15 of Republic Act 9165 was filed against the three respondents. The suspects were taken to the provincial prosecutors office today for inquest proceeding.

The task force was a joint effort led by P/Inspector Ferdinad B Usita and personnel of Baler Police Station under the over-all supervision of Police Senior Supt. Benjamin T Hulipas, Provincial Director who conducted operation against illegal Dangerous Drugs in coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 3.

Prior to this, numerous complaints were received by the police from concern citizens of Barangay Suklayin regarding the rampant selling of illegal drugs at aforesaid place; thus, the authorities immediately conducted surveillance, casing and test buy operation. (Jason de Asis)

HIV is a workplace issue—NGO

MANILA, Feb. 12, 2012—Human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) is a workplace issue that needed to be properly addressed. This was the statement of the International Seafarers’ Action Center (ISAC) as discrimination continues against people living with HIV (PL-HIV).

In a paper by ISAC project development officer Jeremy O. Cajiuat titled “REVERSING THE CULTURE OF BLAME: The case for HIV-AIDS as a workplace issue for seafarers”, he said that prejudice from employers, in the form of denial of employment possibilities and adequate assistance make it difficult for PL-HIV to cope with the often fatal complications of this illness.

“Sadly, contrary to accepted international principles that seek to protect PLWAs [people living with HIV-AIDS], government agencies in the Philippines continue to adopt these prejudiced views that eventually result in more serious consequences,” reads Cajiuat’s paper. Cajiuat is referring to the alleged negligence of the seafarer, or worker, for example, that is why he contracted the dreaded disease.

High Court’s decision affirms “prejudice” vs PLWAs

Citing a Supreme Court decision, wherein the High Tribunal seems to blame the “notorious” negligence of the part of the seaman to protect himself from contracting HIV-AIDS, Cajiuat argued that such judicial declarations have the force of law considering the dearth of Philippine labor policy and program extending necessary protection to people in high-risk situations.

“But such policy stance is legally and morally wrong, retrograde and directly contrary to the progressively enlightened world view and the resultant global efforts to fight this serious and highly-fatal disease,” he explained.

For Cajiuat, the State must do something about it, being one of the ardent participant on the global efforts to curb the spread of HIV-AIDS.

Seafarers’ work nature makes them susceptible to HIV/AIDS

Furthermore, the HIV-AIDS prevention course, included in the pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS), a series of lectures for the migrating Filipino worker, seemed to be inadequate “given the severity of the situation and the precariousness of the seafarers’ nature of work… or their susceptibility to exposure to this dreaded disease.”

Citing the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) manual, Cajiuat said that the document had affirmed the veracity of the fact that seafaring is indeed a work that makes one vulnerable of contracting HIV-AIDS.

The ITF Manual states that since the seafarers, by the nature of their work had a very long time of non-contact with other persons, aside from their workmates, thus when docked to a port at any country, “many want to make up for the loss of contacts during the time on board.” The ITF also explained that since seafarers spend more time on the sea than on land, they are deprived of time to attend HIV-AIDS prevention activities.

“Seafarers also suffer when shipping companies try to cut costs by flying ‘flags of convenience’ from countries which have lower standards for registering ships. This undermines safety standards, as well as efforts to provide good workplace HIV/AIDS policies. The struggle against HIV/AIDS is not an isolated one, and is part of the struggle to win better conditions for members,” says the ITF, as quoted in Cajiuat’s paper.

Situation needs a multi-lateral response, not blame

Rather than succumbing to the so-called ‘policy of blame’, says Cajiuat, the situation needs a multi-lateral response that is focused on a more adequate solution, which, in the long term, would reduce the risk of occupational exposure of seafarers to HIV/AIDS.

Cajiuat also observed that, the safety standards being implemented on ships are more focused on making the fleet “sea-worthy.”

“Shipping companies practice strict safety guidelines in the handling of hazardous materials and the daily life of the crew includes regular review, discussion, monitoring and organizational tasking to ensure the safe handling of all kinds of hazardous materials, complete with guidebooks and data sheets on the safe handling, prevention of accidents and deadly exposures, appropriate protective equipment and internationally recognized symbols for workplace hazards like flammable, corrosive or radioactive materials. The same treatment goes for highly-communicable diseases such as Malaria, Tuberculosis or Viral Hepatitis where international guidelines for its prevention are included in shipboard policies by ship management itself, and listed as occupational under the POEA Contract. Without adopting any prejudicial view on HIV-AIDS, there should be no reason why this illness should not be treated the same as any hazardous substance or infectious illness,” explained Cajiuat.

The seafarers’ rights advocate had also criticized the 2010 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) standard employment contract (SEC) for seafarers which excluded HIV/AIDS as a compensable disease.

“Far from advancing the fight against this global plague, or perhaps in contemplation to the impending rise in its incidence among Filipino seafarers, bend over backwards to accommodate the prejudice with encouragement from shipowners and insurance companies. Thus in Section 32 of POEA’s Standard Employment Contract, it is explicitly stated that “death or disability directly caused by sexually transmitted disease shall not be compensable nor shall be entitled to the benefits provided in this Contract,” he said.

This, according to Cajiuat, is already a prejudice against the seafarer.

“The ramification of the Philippine government’s prejudicial view, far from contributing to the global effort to thwart this deadly disease and far removed from the prevailing global view, will discourage people in high-risk occupations, among them seafarers, from asserting their rights and coming out into the open to seek care, treatment, support and protection of their real or perceived HIV/AIDS status. Such counter-productive consequences lay to waste all the participation, effort, budget and resources that the Philippines has already spent to fight HIV-AIDS,” he said.

Work-related definition needs a “redefinition”

Another problem is the definition of “work-related” when it comes of viewing the disease contracted by the worker while on-board.

Cajiuat stressed that the definition of work-related must not be confined to the seaman’s job description alone.

“There are many other conditions onboard the ship of employment that can be considered work-related factors, such as social isolation, marine peril, lack of recreational facilities, hard labor etc. These are crucial factors that other stakeholders, among them the shipowners must consider since they themselves cannot deny the heroic role seafarers play in the safe operation of their ships. The government too, which relies on dollar earnings from seafarers’ remittances, must consider these factors,” he said. [Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews]

Catholics pay Valentine tribute to retired priests

MANILA, Feb. 11, 2012— Various lay faithful have devised a noble way of celebrating Valentine’s Day and that is by spending time with a number of old and retired priests.

Around 40 retired bishops and priests attended today’s Valentine’s Day tribute organized for them by the Kadiwa sa Pagkapari Foundation, Inc. at the Villa San Miguel in Mandaluyong City.

It was a scene of old priests who can hardly walk and were using canes and some are already in wheelchairs.

Msgr. Sabino Vengco, Jr., who heads the Kadiwa sa Pagkapari Foundation, said the event was intended to express their concern for the old priests.

“While the world talks and dreams about love this Valentine’s Day, we focused on that love [that] is concretely expressed on our concern for the elderly… the retired ministers of the church,” he said.

“If only for a very short moment on this day we can make them feel loved and treasured,” the priest added.

He added that even ordinary Catholics have a “very special mission” that is to deliver to the old priests the message “that we treasure and we care for them.”

“We want to make this a day of love that makes a difference… that makes them feel lighter in their sufferings and pains more bearable,” added Vengco.

“So we just call on others to join us… let us love the elderly and the sick,” he said.

It was Vengco who founded the organization, until now manned by volunteers, 18 years ago to attend to the needs of retired priests.

“Every week we have our ‘dalaw-pari’ to reach out to the old ones and to break down the possible isolation… we also bring to them some things that they maybe in need of,” he said.

Msgr. Steve Mosuela from the Diocese of La Union was the oldest priest who attended the gathering. He is 95.

Also in attendance were retired bishops Nestor Cariño of Legazpi, Cirilo Almario of Malolos, Pedro Bantigue of San Pablo, Francisco San Diego of Pasig and Manuel Sobreviñas of Imus. [CBCPNews]

Ex-DENR exec hits claims hydraulic mining cannot be stopped

CAGAYAN DE ORO City, Feb. 10, 2012—A staunch environmentalist slammed claims that illegal hydraulic mining in the upstream of Iponan River cannot be stopped because of socio-economic considerations.

A visibly angry Raoul Geollegue, former regional executive director of the Environment department in Northern Mindanao (Region X), criticized the assertion during the Joint Municipal and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council which tackled the rampant illegal hydraulic mining in the Misamis Oriental side of the Iponan River.

Geollegue said that local government units should be ashamed for allowing hydraulic mining in the Iponan River to wreak havoc to the environment and lives of Cagayan de Oro City and Opol, Misamis Oriental. Most of the illegal hydraulic mining activities in the river is on the Opol side of Iponan River.

When Geollegue was still a regional technical director of DENR-10, (which he later headed as regional executive director), he issued an alarm that the alarming rampant logging and mining activities in the upper water catchment of Cagayan de Oro will result to an Ormoc-like tragedy. This was in 1991.

Geollegue’s worst fears happened last year, or 20 years after his warning.

The environment and natural resources officer of Misamis Oriental, Conrado “Dodong” Sescon, identified 14 persons operating hydraulic machines used in the illegal mining activities along Iponan River, specifically in barangays Bagocboc, Tingalan, Nangcaon and Cauyunan.

Sescon also identified a certain Dulper Gayla and the “Mendoza family” as involved in the hydraulicking activities in Sitio Inapasan, Barangay Bagocboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

Those involved in the hydraulicking activities along the Iponan River are using engines that range from 10 horsepower to 24 hp to pump water uphill to destroy a mountain side believed to contain gold nuggets. Hydraulic mining is a form of mining that uses high-pressure jets of water to dislodge rock material or move sediment. Water is redirected into narrow channels, usually canvas or rubberized plastic hoses and out through a giant iron “monitor” or nozzle. The extremely high pressure stream was used to wash entire hillsides through enormous sluices. The resulting water-sediment slurry is directed through sluices boxes to remove the gold.

For a few grams of gold — which benefits only a few individuals — entire hills and mountains are destroyed and the livelihood of those depending on the river and seas are also affected.

“Mining up there affects thousands of fishermen downstream. With this equation, what kind of political will would we need to stop this? We are talking about [a few] families doing hydraulic mining up there. And for us to allow this to happen for the last 20 years is a shame because the Local Government Code states that we are duty-bound to protect the environment,” stressed Geollegue.

Section 16 (General Welfare) of the Local Government Code of the Philippines states that “every local government unit…shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology…”

With all the laws mandating government to protect the environment for the welfare of the public, it is now high time for the people—whether government officials or ordinary citizens—to obey the law.

“Rule of law should prevail and not of men,” said Orlando Ravanera, director of the Cooperative Development Authority-X (CDA-10) and chairperson of the environment watchdog Task Force Macajalar (TFM).

Ravanera said that TFM has a long history of warning the people and raising the awareness of local government officials about the dangers of mining and the destruction of the environment but nobody listened to us.

One politician even told him that they cannot stop mining and logging activities in the hinterlands of the city because the people supporting these are allegedly “powerful” people in government. The same politician, whom he did not name, suggested that these activities should instead be legalized.

“If we legalize illegal mining and illegal logging, then we should also legalize rape, kidnapping, illegal drug dealing,” Ravanera said, adding that there is a big difference between crimes against person and crime against the environment. “If you commit rape or kidnapping, hold-upping, there are only one or two victims. But if you commit a crime against the environment, the victims are thousands.”

In order to finally stop illegal hydraulic mining activities in Iponan River, a holistic and collaborative approach should be undertaken, said Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera.

Babiera admitted that the problem is very complex, thus the need for a holistic and collaborative effort by the local governments of Opol, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.

“The problem is very complex that solving it needs collaborative effort between the Municipal and Provincial council. And we are hoping that Cagayan de Oro will join in this effort since most of the persons operating hydraulic mining are from the city,” he said.

Sescon said that all of those doing hydraulicking activities along the Iponan River in the Misamis Oriental side are residents of Cagayan de Oro City. (Bong D. Fabe)

Church group asks help for earthquake victims

ESCALANTE City, Feb. 9, 2012—The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) in Negros-Panay region has launched an appeal for earthquake victims in Negros Oriental.

Fr. Gilbert S. Billena, O.Carm, who coordinates the RMP Negros-Panay Chapter said victims temporarily staying in evacuation center at Upper Sitio Moog in Guihulngan are in dire need of food and other basic things.

“Our effort for relief operation will be targeting to distribute relief goods for at least 500 families in the next few days. We hope for your response to make the relief operation possible,” read his letter of appeal.

Billena gave a list of basic goods that donors can send to the victims including rice, dried fish, cooking oil, legumes, and salt sardines, canned meat loaf /corned beef, tents for temporary shelter, sleeping mats, and clothing.

Hardest hit areas in Negros Oriental were Guihulngan, La Libertad and Tayasan.

Citing initial reports from local chapter of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Billena said a landslide in Guihulngan City has buried 15 houses with 23 persons including children ages 2 to 12 years old in it.

Constant tremors in the site delayed retrieval of bodies buried from the landslides, he added.

The victims are temporarily staying in evacuation area at Upper Sitio Moog, Brgy. Planas in Guihulngan.

In Barangay Buenavista, he said, several houses were also damaged and local residents have moved in an evacuation center in the upland areas.

RMP is coordinating with KMP in the area to facilitate the relief efforts as people are still waiting for relief operations, according to Billena.

Since the RMP Negros-Panay has no organizational bank account at the moment, possible donors can course their donation to Fr. Gilbert S. Billena, O.Carm of Mt. Carmel Parish, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Cash donation can also be deposited at Banco de Oro. Account Name: St. Francis Convent, Old Poblacion, Account No: 3020009434 (Escalante City Branch) Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Billena is asking donors to notify RMP Negros-Panay through emailrmpwesternvisayas@yahoo.com.ph, the amount of donation and place of origin so they can acknowledge the contribution and render a report to benefactors. (CBCPNews)

Two top NPA leaders in Aurora and Ecija fall

BALER, Aurora, February 8, 2012-In the recent encounter with government forces Monday, two (2) elusive top leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were identified by the authorities recognizing marks of the two matched as Antonio Layco alias Ambo/Berto who came from the remote barangay of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija and Remy Huego alias Russel who also hails from Brgy. Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora.

The identification also matched the description given by former NPA rebels who have worked with Berto and Russel.

They were recruited by the rebels who were then frequenting in their respective places.  As they go along in the activities of the NPA units they were promoted to higher position.

Photo shot taken when Antonio Layco Alias Ka Berto/Ambo was in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. (Jason de Asis)

Berto is the platoon commanding officer (CO) of the remnant NPA unit from the insurgency free provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora. Russel is the assistant platoon CO of the remnant NPA unit.

Asked as to how it will affect the NPA, Col Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, Commander of the 702nd Brigade said that this will definitely affect their leadership. A leadership struggle among themselves will again happen as there are factions in the top leadership of the NPA in this region. It will be recalled that as a result of our sustained military operations in the past and which led to the dissolution and/or merger of several NPA units in both Aurora and Nueva Ecija, walang gustong magpa-under sa ibang commander. And more than the position as a motivating factor is the lucrative sum of money derived from the NPA extortion activities.

“Power struggle in the NPA incites disillusionment among its members. Berto was also disillusioned then and wanted to surrender when his top leader then also died in an encounter. His designation as successor and top leader changed his planned surrender. It is so unfortunate that he died in this encounter. He should have surrendered then,” said Trinidad.

Ltc Kurt Decapia, 48th Infantry Battalion Commander in his assessment said that this is definitely a big blow in their organization and leadership. We expect others to surrender and we are prepared to facilitate that in coordination with concerned government agencies.

Asked as to how the Army can justify the presence of NPAs in these insurgency free provinces, “if you will look where these groups are operating, they don’t come near populated centers. They are constantly on the run. The people do not want them anymore. People report their presence and we respond to reports immediately. They can only stay in the mountains, hiding from the people,” Decapia said.

Decapia added that the death of Berto and Russel will expect to other members to surrender soon. We knew some of the members wanted to surrender then but never did. Berto threatened the members of punishment by death if they do so.

Bgen Alan R. Luga, Commander, 7th Infantry Division who is scheduled to formally assume as Commander in a Change-of-Command ceremony today said that they are calling out for the remaining members of Berto to come down and lay down their arms and join back to the mainstream of society so that the next generation will reap the tranquility in their respective places.

“The Government is ready to accept them back,” Luga ended. (Jason de Asis)