Saturday, February 13, 2021

Philippines to remain neutral amid heightened geo-political tension, says President Duterte

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Friday he is in a tight balancing act insisting, however, that his government will remain neutral and his allegiance will be for the Filipino people in the midst of the tense geo-political environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the inspection of the newly delivered air assets for the Philippine Air Force at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on February 12, 2021. SIMEON CELI/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Speaking during the inspection of newly delivered air assets to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, President Duterte said the country cannot afford to get involved in a conflict and must opt not to take sides in the US-China rivalry.

“I am walking on a tightrope, actually. I cannot afford to be brave in the mouth against China because, well, we are avoiding any confrontation --- a confrontation that would lead to something which we can hardly afford, at least not at this time,” he said in his message.

With regards to the Americans, the President said, “we asked so much of them because they have taken so much from us.” He noted, however, that he opposed getting too close to the US because he wants the country to remain impartial.

While he does not want to be aligned with any competing countries, he said that since the exigency of the moment requires US presence, he is okay with it.

President Duterte also conveyed a message to the US government saying its presence in the Philippines through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) must come at a price.

“Well, they have to pay. It’s a shared responsibility, but your share of responsibility does not come free. Because after all, when the war breaks out, we all pay,” he stressed.

“You, kami, we are nearest to the garrison there where there are a lot of arsenals of the Chinese armed forces.”

At the same time, he said the American government must keep its promises, especially with regards to agreements aimed at boosting the country’s defense capabilities.

Also during his address, President Duterte congratulated the Department of National Defense (DND) and and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for successfully procuring additional air assets that will play an important role in safeguarding the country.

“Recently, I have approved the proposal to acquire more combat utility [helicopters for] the AFP. With our recent gains against various terror groups, I am confident that our efforts under the AFP Modernization Program are already paying off,” he said.

He told the troops that he wants to add five or six more helicopters to the PAF’s fleet of air assets before he steps down from power. PAF has 32 helicopters for procurement under its modernization program.

The President was also pleased with the military’s efforts to eliminate terrorist groups in Northern Luzon, which he said, have led to genuine peace and sustainable progress in the area, and fostered greater camaraderie among government security forces operating in the region.

Also during the event, the chief executive led the conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu, with the rank of Kamagi, to outstanding officers and enlisted personnel who fought Islamic militants in Sulu in November last year.

“Your gallantry, bravery and courage are truly exemplary,” he told the awardees. “I hope that your fellow soldiers will look up to you as their source of inspiration and strength, especially when it is their turn to face the battlefield.”

On display Friday were the first one of the two C-130H aircraft granted by the US government through the Security Cooperation Assistance, and several units of brand new Black Hawk choppers brought by the Philippines from Poland under a $241.5-million government-to-government contract.

Also present during the event were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, PAF Commanding General Allen Paredes, and Pampanga local officials. (PND)

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

CHR, community slam NPAs on wounding of civilians, human rights violations

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 10 --  The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) cites on a 12-page case resolution that the communist New Peoples Army (NPA) who killed Datu Jumar Bucales and his companions on October 4 last year indeed violated human rights.

“By launching an attack, the NPA violates the principles of distinction and precaution. In gist, the principle of distinction requires that parties to an armed conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants. Attacks must not be directed against any civilians. On the other hand, the principle of precaution directs the parties to undertake constant care to spare civilians. Unfortunately, the NPA failed to do this. As such, they committed human rights violations by killing Datu Jumar Bucales, Alberto Dela Pena, and Artemio Muldez and wounded several others. All of these acts are expressly prohibited under RA 98.51…Wherefore, premises considered, the Office finds human rights violation in this case,” stated in a report approved and signed by CHR Caraga Regional Director Atty. Jerefe D. Tubigon-Bacang.

On a separate report, residents, who requested anonymity, in their complaints recently, hit Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) under Rizaldy Sumonod, alias Mansoy/Eman for wounding a civilian, Braeil Salinas, 26 years old, farmer and resident of Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur during their harassment in the said barangay’s patrol base last January 29. Salinas suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach.

About more or less seven CNTs fired upon the patrol base prompting the government forces to defend. The civilian who was hit by the CNTs was rescued by the troops and Search and Rescue (SARAS) Agusan del Sur immediately responded to evacuate the injured civilian at D.O. Plaza Memorial hospital for medical attention and surgery. The victim is now in a stable condition.

“Talagang hindi na kami papayag na alisin ang patrol base dito dahil sa ginagawang pananakot at pang-abuso ng mga NPA dito sa lugar namin. Sana tuluyan na silang mawala dito sa amin dahil wala naman silang mabuting dulot,“ a complainant, said.

It can be recalled that on February 2020, three civilians were also wounded after the NPAs lob a grenade at Sitio Emerald (Kilometer 10) in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur in a desperate attempt to terrorize residents and force another evacuation scheme (Taktikang Bakwit) to evade government forces and use civilians as human shields.

“The CNTs’ attacks on civilians and unarmed individuals only proved that they are desperate and violating the CAHRIHL to terrify the people. They are on the brink of losing their mass base since the Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Without the masses, the CNTs will die a natural death,” said Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn).

“We thank the CHR for their prompt response and resolution on the human rights violations committed by the NPA terrorists. With CHR’s help, the truth about NPAs’ human rights violations by killing and injuring helpless civilians will be put injustice,” Baybayan added. (CMO, 3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

AgSur stakeholders to join PCOO-PIA in intensifying public awareness on vaccination program

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) – The different stakeholders in Agusan del Sur will participate in the information roadshow dubbed #Inform, Inform, Inform and #Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagdu-aw sa Prosperidad on February 10, 2021 at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center. This event is spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

According to Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, Director-General of PIA, the PCOO and PIA intent to provide a platform for national and local government agencies to discuss their policies in helping the communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic.

Cualoping assured the Caraganons that President Rodrigo Duterte's administration will provide not only safe but effective vaccines for the people to be safe and could live a normal way of life. The government has allocated P80-P90 billion for the procurement of vaccines to be administered to the Filipino people.

He also emphasized that with the government's vaccination program, at least 70 percent of the population in the country will be vaccinated. The LGUs have also vowed to allocate funds for the procurement of the vaccines along with the national government.

The provincial government of Agusan del Sur through Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., has immediately prepared all the necessary logistical support for the scheduled Pagdu-aw in the province. This is also in close coordination with the local government unit of Prosperidad led by Mayor Frederick Mark Mellana, as the host LGU, who also took charge in the preparation and invitation of the different sectors involved such as the barangay officials, youths, academe, and civil society organizations, among others.

With the hope of ending the spread of the deadly virus, Governor Cane urged everyone to actively participate in the campaign and always follow strict health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield, and regularly washing of hands. Apart from these, he also encouraged everyone to avail of the free vaccine from the government, which will soon become available in the country.

After the main event of Pagdu-aw, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and PIA Director-General Ramon Cualoping III will also meet with the AgSur media at the same venue, as partners in communicating and intensifying public awareness on the government’s vaccination program to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and ensure herd immunity. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PCOO, PIA to hold info caravan on government’s vaccination program in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -– To further increase public awareness on the government’s vaccination program and its roll-out efforts, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), together with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga is set to hold the “Pagdu-aw” or visit with the different stakeholders, following strict health protocols at the Pavillion Function Hall of Watergate Hotel, this city.

Dubbed as #Inform, Inform, Inform and #Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagdu-aw sa Butuan, the PCOO and PIA intent to provide a platform for local government and national agencies to discuss their policies in helping the communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic.

“This forms part on the continuation of our efforts to provide stronger support to local government units, and update the public on the locality’s current situation by explaining the minimum health protocols, safety nets, and updates on the vaccines, to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the grassroots,” bared Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, Director-General of PIA.

Cualoping further revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine for Caraga region is expected to be deployed within the first quarter of this year since it is fortunate that the situation in the region is manageable. "For the entire country, the government targets to vaccinate 80-90 million Filipinos. Although the challenge is on how to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine, as some are still reluctant to get vaccinated. But as I've said, we are assuring everyone that the government is procuring safe and effective vaccines," he emphasized.
 
The official added that the government ensured that the vaccines, which will soon become available in the country have passed the necessary processes and evaluation to test their safety and effectiveness. "These vaccines will help us fight COVID-19. No one is safe until everyone is safe. Therefore, it is important to have ourselves vaccinated," he cited.

Meanwhile, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar will also join the team from Butuan onto Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; and Sison in Surigao del Norte. The secretary urged Caraganon stakeholders to actively take their part in this effort and help encourage their constituents to have themselves inoculated. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Monday, February 8, 2021

PRC PARTNERS WITH BERT LINA COMPANIES TO PROVIDE VACCINATION TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES THROUGH PRC BUS 143

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with UBE Express of the Bert Lina Group of Companies, conducted a mobile vaccination for measles in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City on February 6, 2021.

UBE Express made available a newly designed bus to PRC. Christened PRC Bus 143, the unique design is tailored to the needs of vaccination as well as other mobile health services. PRC Bus 143 can also be used for vitamin A administration, well-baby clinics, out-patient consultations for hypertension and diabetes, TB diagnosis and pre-natal care.

According to PRC Chairman & CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon, with the partnership of Bert Lina Group of Companies, PRC can reach more communities and provide vaccines even in far-flung areas.

“This new transportation by PRC and the Bert Lina Group of Companies will be consistent in providing vaccines to communities. PRC Bus 143 also ensures a secure place for vaccination. The bus itself has a clinic-like setup,” PRC Chairman Gordon said.

PRC Bus 143 will be manned by a driver on a 14-day duty, a doctor who will serve as the team leader, six nurses, one med technologist, four assistants for the IT/medical records, communications officer, logistics officer, and a security officer.

As of February 5, 2021, PRC have vaccinated 108,184 children against Measles-Rubella and Polio exceeding its target accomplishment for this month. With around 1,363 volunteers, PRC also reached 449 communities in 78 cities/municipalities through 33 chapters with the support of the IFRC, American Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, and Netherland Red Cross.

After the success of its pilot rollout in Quezon City the PRC Bus 143, as assured by PRC Chairman Gordon, will also reach Visayas and Mindanao.

“We will bring PRC Bus 143 anywhere in the Philippines – whether Visayas or Mindanao. We are focusing on vaccination for measles and polio to prepare also for the vaccination for COVID-19,” Gordon said.

Monday, February 8, 2021

Extension of lifeliners' benefits to 2051 to help ease financial burden of the poor–Nograles

"The poor should not be powerless."

This, said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Sunday, is the rationale behind the President's approval of Department of Energy (DOE) recommendations that seek to ease the financial burden of power consumers with little or no incomes.

Nograles had earlier announced that the President had ordered the extension of the no-disconnection policy of "lifeliners" or households that consume minimal amounts of electricity a month, as well as urged Congress to extend the benefits of lifeliners until 2051.

According to the Palace official, "an important, critical benefit are the discounts that lifeliners currently enjoy under Republic Act 10150, a law that amended the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act ) and extended the implementation of the lifeline rate until June 2021."

"This is why we welcome the action Congress has taken on pending legislative proposals to extend the lifeline rates, particularly its decision to extend the rates for another 30 years, just as the President requested.

The discounts, explained Nograles, depend on the amount of electricity consumed by households, and vary from area to area.

"The government believes that power is a basic need that Filipino families cannot live without, which is why we believe that steps should be taken to make it more accessible to our less fortunate countrymen," stressed the former legislator from Davao.

Nograles pointed out that DOE estimates "show that providing these discounts to underprivileged households will not hurt the bottomlines of power distributors, as lifeliners account for only 3% of electricity sales."

"As a consequence of extending the lifeline rates, low-income households will not have to spend much for electricity––and instead will be able to spend more for other basic needs, like food," added Nograles.

"Malaking tulong po ito, at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mga kasama natin mula sa Kongreso. Pinapakita lang po dito na kailangan natin magtulungan upang tugunan ang problema ng kahirapan––upang mapagaan ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan." ###