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Groups hit Aquino gov’t's wrong priorities for disaster wrought by Typhoon Sendong

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Groups hit Aquino gov’t's wrong priorities for disaster wrought by Typhoon Sendong


In his veto message on the 2011 national budget, President Aquino said the P5 billion calamity fund should be mainly used by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for “actual calamities” and not for “preparation of relocation sites/facilities, and training personnel engaged in direct disaster.”

By INA ALLECO SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
The President was partying while Cagayan de Oro and Iligan homes were sinking.

This was the accusation leveled by Kabataan Party-list in the immediate aftermath of typhoon Sendong which killed hundreds and rendering thousands more homeless in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. The group said President Benigno Aquino III was “partying” as the typhoon wrought its damage.

Late on Saturday night, December 17, actress and television host Valerie Concepcion tweeted about performing in a Malacañang party where President Aquino allegedly laughed at her jokes and enjoyed her performance.

“Done w/ work.. Tnx for having me.. :) It was nice to see Pres. P-Noy laughing at my jokes & enjoying my performance..ü #Malacañang #PSGNight,” Concepcion tweeted.

The twitter post, which quickly spread across various social networking sites, generated criticism against Aquino who was accused of being insensitive for partying as thousands of Filipinos in Mindanao were locked in a life and death struggle against rising flood waters.

Athena Gardon, deputy secretary general of Kabataan Party-list, said that as head of state, Aquino should have been at forefront of efforts to aid Northern Mindanao and that the least he could have done is to forego the party..... MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/12/21/groups-hit-aquino-govts-wrong-priorities-for-disaster-wrought-by-typhoon-sendong/

Mothers of the disappeared call for people’s manhunt vs Palparan

Mothers of the disappeared call for people’s manhunt vs Palparan

 
“We call on the Filipino people to help us prosecute Palparan for the crimes he did to our children and to other victims of enforced disappearances.” – Mrs. Concepcion Empeño, mother of missing UP student Karen.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – The mothers of the two missing University of the Philippines (UP) students called on the public to participate in the people’s manhunt against retired Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr.

Palparan, then commander of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, was implicated in the abduction of Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan on June 26, 2006 in Hagonoy, Bulacan. On Monday, the Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued a warrant of arrest against Palparan and three other military men. This came days after the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a resolution finding probable cause in charges of kidnapping filed by the mothers of the victims.

Palparan and one of his men, Master Sergeant Rizal Hilario, remain at large. Two of the accused, Col. Felipe Anotado and Staff Sergeant Edgar Osorio have surrendered to the authorities.

“We call on the Filipino people to help us prosecute Palparan for the crimes he did to our children and to other victims of enforced disappearances,” Mrs. Concepcion Empeño, mother of Karen, said in a press conference this morning.
Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan, mother of Sherlyn, issued the same appeal. “To all our compatriots, to all citizens, we now know who the human rights violators are. We ask your help, if civilian arrest is not possible, please report to the authorities the whereabouts of Palparan,” Mrs. Cadapan said.
Four days after the DOJ resolution, Palparan tried leaving the country for Singapore but was prevented by immigration officials.

Also speaking at the press conference, Mrs. Edita Burgos, mother of another missing activist Jonas Burgos and chairwoman of Desaparecidos, hailed the person who called the attention of immigration officials to prevent Palparan from leaving.

Mrs. Concepcion Empeño (left) and Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan, mothers of the missing UP students, call on the public to help them bring Gen. Jovito Palparan to justice.(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)
“This is a good example of how we could win, if only we help one another. Let us get involved. Let us help. We have to do what is right…,” Mrs. Burgos, also convener of End Impunity Alliance, said. “If we do nothing, we side with evil. We will sin by omission. We cannot do this alone. We need more help and prayers.”

Mrs. Burgos said if only those who witnessed the abduction of his son on April 28, 2007 interfered, Jonas would not have been disappeared. “Now is your chance to help. If you see this face, or if you have any information about this person, please call 4342837 or text me at 09177476131 and tell us where we can find Palparan,” Mrs. Burgos said.....MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/12/21/mothers-of-the-disappeared-call-for-people%E2%80%99s-manhunt-vs-palparan/

In Libya, death and disappearance still stalk the land (w/ Video)



In Libya, death and disappearance still stalk the land


People are vanishing in broad daylight in Libya, as the country’s new rulers continue to settle accounts with their opponents. Widespread insecurity means the families of the kidnapped can do no more than hope that their loved ones are still alive.

­Libya’s conflict is over, and the man who stood in the way of Western-style democracy is dead. Yet atrocities against Muammar Gaddafi’s loyalists continue. The images emerging from Libya are disturbing.

Against this distressing background, Russia is demanding a probe into civilian casualties in Libya caused by NATO bombings..... MORE

SourceRT.com
 
URL: http://rt.com/news/libya-militia-murder-loyalists-303/

Manning trial a prelude to Assange’s extradition to US?


Manning trial a prelude to Assange’s extradition to US?

Military officials have introduced evidence into the pre-trial hearing against alleged WikiLeaks contributor Bradley Manning with the whistleblower site’s mastermind Julian Assange.

While a tie between the two would allow the prosecution to pursue Private First Class Manning’s alleged suspected involvement in sending Assange top-secret military files, it could finally give the US a reason to extradite the WikiLeaks’s runner to the States.

American authorities have long attempted to tackle Assange for his role in WikiLeaks, a website that the US government insists has aided the enemy by publishing files that would otherwise be left for only a few Army intelligence personnel to see.... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://rt.com/usa/news/manning-us-assange-wikileaks-297/

New riot shields will suffocate protesters with sound waves

New riot shields will suffocate protesters with sound wavesTRatg


Law enforcement can already beat protesters with batons, spray subversive chemicals into their eyeballs, shoot rubber bullets at a speed of around 100 yards-per-second and blast deafening sound bursts.

Why, then, shouldn’t they be stop a person from breathing?

That’s the very question that Raytheon, the defense contractor and missile manufacturer that’s long-time pals with the Pentagon, seems to think it can answer with one new piece of protester-proof riot gear..... MORE
SourceRT.com

URL: http://rt.com/usa/news/raytheon-riot-sound-shield-295/

CIA won’t disclose involvement in OWS crackdowns

CIA won’t disclose involvement in OWS crackdowns


With demonstrators suspecting governmental assistance in the crackdowns clobbering Occupy Wall Street encampments, the CIA is trying to distance itself from divulging any incriminating evidence regarding their role in the raids.

The Partnership for Civil Justice (PCJF), a Washington DC-based civil rights group, filed a Freedom of Information Act request last month to see what role, if any, the CIA has had in the brutal raids of OWS encampments that have left thousands jailed and droves of demonstrators beaten, in some instances ending up in intensive care. Now after reviewing the request to publically release any information, the Agency is scoffing at the PCJF, who in turn is calling this “a classic case of CIA-double speak” used to hide its involvement..... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://rt.com/usa/news/cia-occupy-foia-ows-291/

Preemptive strike C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 12/21/2011

Preemptive strike

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S
Jonathan De la Cruz
12/21/2011
Before we lambast P-Noy and other key officials responsible for government’s seeming unpreparedness and lack of coordination bordering on nonchalance before, during and after the worst flooding which visited Mindanao and parts of the Visayas some days back, we would like to call on all people of goodwill to lend a helping hand for the fast and immediate relief of thousands of our countrymen in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete and other areas devastated by Typhoon “Sendong.” We cannot overemphasize the fact that we need all hands on deck in these critical times.

Any help, especially of the most basic things such as food, water, clothes, medicines, blankets, body bags and the like would be more than appreciated. The devastation is such that the local governments cannot simply cope with the situation. So, before things get even worse or out of hand there should be a concerted effort to stabilize matters fast..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111221com4.html

UN to Noy: Address root causes of tragedy By Michaela P. del Callar 12/21/2011

BISHOPS, SOLON HOLD AQUINO, OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR CRIMINAL NEGLECT

UN to Noy: Address root causes of tragedy

By Michaela P. del Callar 12/21/2011

Lessons should be learned from such a tragedy that struck northern Mindanao and immediate steps must be taken to improve disaster mangement practices to avoid a repeat of such a massive tragedy, the United Nations said yesterday.

Catholic bishops as well as a congressman also said that government officials responsible should be held liable for such a tragedy as tropical storm “Sendong” that as of the latest count has claimed 1,000 lives and still counting.

The Philippines should learn from the recent tragedy where at least 1,000 people were feared to have been killed and the leadership should take immediate steps to improve its disaster management practices to prevent another catastrophe of such magnitude, the UN said yesterday..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111221hed1.html

Bulacan RTC issues arrest warrant against Palparan 12/21/2011

Bulacan RTC issues arrest warrant against Palparan

12/21/2011
A Malolos, Bulacan regional trial court has ordered the arrest of embattled former Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan and three of his men in connection with the abduction of two University of the Philippines (UP) student activists, five years ago.

The arrest warrants were issued by Malolos City, Bulacan RTC Branch 14 Judge Teodora Gonzales against Palparan, Army Staff Sergeant Edgardo Osorio, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado of the 25th Infantry Battalion (IB) and retired M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario of the 24th IB.

Palparan and his men were charged last week with two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the sala of Judge Gonzales for the disappearance of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeo..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111221hed3.html

3 days, 1,000 rotting bodies after, Noy visits crisis area By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 12/21/2011

3 days, 1,000 rotting bodies after, Noy visits crisis area

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 12/21/2011
It took three days and more than 1,000 lost lives discovered before President Aquino was able to make it to the areas ravaged by tropical storm “Sendong” and it looks like he is also taking his sweet time before actually signing a proclamation declaring a state of national calamity to ensure the swift delivery of government aid and reconstruction effort.

Although Aquino has announced that he will declare a state of national calamity in areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, it appeared that he did so as a mere reaction to the devastation and the human agony that he witnessed upon setting foot in Cagayan de Oro City, one of the areas that saw the wrath of Sendong.

“We will be declaring a state of national calamity…we will be assisting not only Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City but also Negros Oriental and Iloilo,” Aquino said at a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro City..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111221hed2.html

Disaster council braces for flash floods, landslides 12/21/2011

Disaster council braces for flash floods, landslides

12/21/2011
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) region 2 has alerted all local disaster council to brace for any eventuality, especially flash floods and landslides caused by the continuous downpour of heavy rains in the region.

Council Chairman Norma Talosig advised all provincial, municipal and barangay disaster risk reduction management councils to prepare all the necessary equipment, food and non-food items for the evacuees..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20111221nat3.html

Party-list expels solon member for reneging on term-sharing pact By Charlie V. Manalo 12/21/2011

Party-list expels solon member for reneging on term-sharing pact

By Charlie V. Manalo 12/21/2011

A party-list group has dropped from its membership rolls its representative in the Lower House after reneging on a term-sharing agreement with the group’s second nominee.

In its letter to House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte dated Dec. 15, Ating Koop Party-list bared that the central committee of the nationwide cooperatives movement is replacing Rep. Isidro Lico with Roberto Mascarina, the group’s second nominee.

“This is pursuant to a Resolution adopted by the party expelling Mr. Isidro Lico from the party and directing Mr. Roberto Mascarina to assume the position vacated by Mr. Lico as the party representative in Congress,” Ating Koop secretary general Romeo Candazo stated in their letter..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20111221nat1.html

Businessman’s killer sentenced to 12 years, 1 day in prison 12/21/2011

Businessman’s killer sentenced to 12 years, 1 day in prison

12/21/2011
A man has been found guilty by a Quezon City trial court judge for shooting dead a businessman and injuring a police officer six years ago.

At the same time, Edgar Aldamar was ordered to pay the family of Christian Lomugdang P50,000 for actual damages and another P50,000 for moral damages for the victim’s death.

In a three-page order, QC Regional Trial Court’s Branch 221 Assisting Judge Genie Gapas-Agbada sentenced Aldamar to a prison term of six years and one day to 12 years and one day for homicide..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20111221met3.html

Caloocan gov’t, local police join forces to stop sale of ’crackers By Arlie O. Calalo 12/21/2011

Caloocan gov’t, local police join forces to stop sale of ’crackers

By Arlie O. Calalo 12/21/2011

The Caloocan City government and the local police have joined forces in a bid to stop the peddling and use of illegal firecrackers which pose a serious threat to residents, especially the youth.

In a directive, Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri specifically ordered city police chief Senior Supt. Jude Wilson Santos to take the necessary measures to ensure the full implementation of the campaign.

The mayor’s order was based on the Department of Health’s nationwide effort to reduce the number of firecracker victims, particularly during the upcoming Christmas and New Year revelry..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20111221met4.html

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