LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Lawyers of the Balao family and the Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance filed a motion last week with the Regional Trial Court to submit the case for resolution regarding their petition for the writ of Amparo in relation to the search for activist James Balao who was believed abducted here by the military.
Lawyer Jennifer Asuncion of the Free Legal Assistance Group said the “motion was filed because the writ of amparo is summary in nature. We want to get through this process quickly because the life, liberty and security of James Balao is a very urgent matter.”
The motion stated that the Balao family and the CPA rested their case and have agreed to accept the witnesses affidavits of the respondents as their testimony thus, waving their right to cross examine the respondents' witnesses.
The motion requested that RTC judge Galacgac of Branch 63 cancel the hearing on Nov. 27 and come out with a resolution on the petition.
“During the last hearing, the Balao family, CPA and Cordillera Human Rights Organization were heavily disappointed by the delay in the case forced at the last hearing by the Office of the Solicitor General,” said Jude Baggo, CHRA secretary general.
With the motion filed last Nov. 13, they now await the court’s decision. Balao, a founding member of the CPA and president of the Oclupan Clan Association was abducted Sept. 17 in Lower Tomay, Benguet.
On Oct. 8 the Balao family and Beverly Longid, the chairperson of the CPA, filed a petition for the writ of amparo, praying the court to, “issue a writ of amparo ordering the respondents to disclose where James Balao is detained or confined, to release James Balao considering his unlawful detention and to cease and desist from further inflicting harm upon his person.”
It was hoped that the writ of amparo, a special legal measure created by Chief Justice Puno last year to assist in cases where a person's life, liberty and security are in immediate risk, would finally force James Balao's abductors to surface him.
On Oct. 30, during the second hearing, petitioners presented the last of their witnesses and rested their case.
The OSG, representing all the 13 respondents, including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the highest ranking officials of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, requested a third hearing in order to present the witnesses of respondents.
The third hearing was scheduled Nov. 27, forcing the Balao family to wait another month for the proceedings to continue.
If the writ is granted, it will allow the Balao family access to PNP and AFP camps and other specified places in their search for James.
Since the abduction the Balao family has attempted to search camps in the Cordillera, Region 1 and the National Capital Region.
On Oct. 28 the Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights, Leila de Lima, issued a mission order to her staff to aid the Balao family in their camp searches, facilitating better access.
However, even when they were accompanied by CHR staff, the Balao family's access to PNP and AFP camps has continued to be restricted. -- AD
Showing posts with label Baguio City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baguio City. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2008
MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY
By Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY – The city council Monday approved a resolution asking the Traffic and Transport Management Committee to submit an evaluation report on the results of the new traffic schemes being implemented in the city for several months now.
Proponent Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said the TTMC should make a final recommendation on these traffic designs to determine if these are effective or not.
“With the experiments having been conducted for several months now, the TTMC can make a recommendation as to whether the schemes are beneficial or not.
Tabanda noted one of the areas affected in the traffic rerouting is Marcos Highway, specifically the along the Campo Sioco area but that there have been several complaints regarding the implementation of the project, particularly on safety concerns.
Tabanda said she received reports that accidents happened in the area allegedly caused by the schemes and the barriers placed along the roads.
“Last October 5, a pastor named Edmund Foronda met an accident when his motorcycle collided with a traffic barrier which was set up as part of the traffic scheme along the Campo Sioco Area. To date, the pastor is still recovering from the accident,” Tabanda noted.
“There is an urgent need for the TTMC to determine the steps to be undertaken specially for of the safety of motorists who traverse these roads everyday,” she said.
As approved, the evaluation report “must take into consideration the easing of the traffic situation, environmental and safety concerns and including recommendations as to what routes should be adopted for the City Council to take the necessary steps to amend existing ordinances.”
High cement rates affect Cordillera gov’t projects
BAGUIO CITY – The implementation of public infrastructure projects in the Cordillera is being affected by skyrocketing prices of cement and construction materials caused by the economic slump and aggravated by the global financial crisis.
This was the contention of construction industry stakeholders who belied earlier claims by a multinational cement manufacturer that government projects have been saved by the stable prices of cement.
According to them, the rising prices of cement and construction materials have greatly compromised the implementation of quality public infrastructure projects in the region, thereby sacrificing good workmanship.
Instead of concreting a kilometer of road, the funds allotted for such purpose is just enough for 500 meters. Thus, funds allotted for various projects are no longer sufficient to complete a good project.
Aside from the skyrocketing prices of cement, industry stakeholders also questioned the alleged diluted pure Portland cement which is being projected as far more better than the proven Portland concrete mix.
Instead of using 10 bags of pure Portland cement for one cubic meter of concrete mix, they are now using 12 bags to meet the strength of the pure Portland cement which means an added expense.
The problem is compounded by the reported 200 to 300 percent increase in the prices of construction materials such as steel bars, galvanized iron sheets and lumber, as well as the reported proliferation of sub-standard construction materials in hardwares and construction supply stores in the region.
Contractors and project implementers challenged concerned government agencies, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to work double time in monitoring excessive priced construction materials and cement to save the implementation of quality private and public infrastructure in the region.
A 40-kilogram bag of cement is now being sold at over P200 in the region compared to its previous price of P180 several months ago.
A number of contractors admitted they do not want to accept government projects now because of the alleged very low pricing by the government of construction materials which is not based on the prevailing market price. – Dexter A. See
Monday, November 10, 2008
Groups insist Balao abducted by military: GMA urged: Stop political executions, disappearances
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Cause-oriented local and international groups urged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo anew to “put an end to targeting and execution of many individuals working with civil society organizations.”
The Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance cited the case of CPA founding member James Balao who was believed abducted at Barangay Tomay here Sept. 17 by military intelligence agents.
In a statement, the CPA urged Ms Arroyo to sincerely implement recommendations of United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston - “As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the President must take concrete steps to put an end to those aspects of counterinsurgency
operations which have led to the targeting and execution of many individuals working with civil
society organizations.”
We call on the Philippine Government to observe the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and other international human rights laws and declarations such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations.”
The CPA and the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance said, “Since the Arroyo government implemented its Operation Plan Bantay Laya in 2001, members and leaders of legal and legitimate people’s organizations such as the CPA have been targeted for neutralization by agents of the state and are unjustly labeled as communist fronts and terrorist organizations.”
In a statement, they added: “Innocent lives have already been claimed as a result of this State policy of political and extrajudicial killings, and Balao is the second case of enforced disappearance to a CPA member.”
The groups urged the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to fully assist them and Balao’s family in the search for James, even as the AFP had reportedly been accusing the CPA as “sectoral fronts” of the Communist Party of the Philippines, National
Democratic Front of the Philippines and the New Peoples Army.
This, as the Army on Nov. 5 said it would “provide the necessary assistance to help locate Balao, including the use of intelligence agents to determine his whereabouts.”
Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Army spokesman, said in Camp Aguinaldo they would also open their camps for inspection if the courts order them to do so.
“We would help and cooperate in the search for James Balao. If the court grants their petition for a writ of amparo, we would open our camps for inspection,” he said.
This, after members of Balao’s family, accompanied by representatives of the Commission on Human Rights and the human rights group Karapatan, failed to locate him at a military detention center in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
During the visit, Brawner said CHR representatives were able to talk to detained Army officers Capt. Dante Langkit and 1Lt. Sonny Sarmiento, who said there were no civilian prisoners being held in the facility.
Balao, 47, was last seen last Sept. 17, prompting his family to seek the help of the courts.
Meanwhile, Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado urged their critics to file charges in the proper tribunals if they have evidence to prove that soldiers are involved in cases of human rights abuses.
He said instead of bringing the issues to the media or other forums, it would be best to address the issue by filing cases backed by evidence.
Ibrado told the media, “Trial by publicity is unfair for an organization that does not tolerate human rights violations or other infractions committed by its personnel. If they have complaints, then they should come to us so we can address their concerns. If they have concrete evidence, then they should file the proper charges in the proper courts.”
The military has been accused of having a hand in the disappearance of activists and militant group leaders, including University of the Philippines students Sheryn Cadapan and Karen Empeno, and Jonas Burgos, son of the late freedom icon Jose “Joe” Burgos.
Meanwhile, Art Balao, the father of James wrote a letter of thanks to those who helped in the search for his son. “I wish to express my deep appreciation and thanks to all who in one way or the other contributed to find James. In behalf of my family, I thank you all so much. My family misses him and I am sure his many friends, relatives and the many people he has touched, loved and helped miss him too. Let us not lose strength in our continuing efforts to surface James. Let us not lose courage as we demand and bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.” -- AD
The Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance cited the case of CPA founding member James Balao who was believed abducted at Barangay Tomay here Sept. 17 by military intelligence agents.
In a statement, the CPA urged Ms Arroyo to sincerely implement recommendations of United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston - “As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the President must take concrete steps to put an end to those aspects of counterinsurgency
operations which have led to the targeting and execution of many individuals working with civil
society organizations.”
We call on the Philippine Government to observe the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and other international human rights laws and declarations such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations.”
The CPA and the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance said, “Since the Arroyo government implemented its Operation Plan Bantay Laya in 2001, members and leaders of legal and legitimate people’s organizations such as the CPA have been targeted for neutralization by agents of the state and are unjustly labeled as communist fronts and terrorist organizations.”
In a statement, they added: “Innocent lives have already been claimed as a result of this State policy of political and extrajudicial killings, and Balao is the second case of enforced disappearance to a CPA member.”
The groups urged the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to fully assist them and Balao’s family in the search for James, even as the AFP had reportedly been accusing the CPA as “sectoral fronts” of the Communist Party of the Philippines, National
Democratic Front of the Philippines and the New Peoples Army.
This, as the Army on Nov. 5 said it would “provide the necessary assistance to help locate Balao, including the use of intelligence agents to determine his whereabouts.”
Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Army spokesman, said in Camp Aguinaldo they would also open their camps for inspection if the courts order them to do so.
“We would help and cooperate in the search for James Balao. If the court grants their petition for a writ of amparo, we would open our camps for inspection,” he said.
This, after members of Balao’s family, accompanied by representatives of the Commission on Human Rights and the human rights group Karapatan, failed to locate him at a military detention center in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
During the visit, Brawner said CHR representatives were able to talk to detained Army officers Capt. Dante Langkit and 1Lt. Sonny Sarmiento, who said there were no civilian prisoners being held in the facility.
Balao, 47, was last seen last Sept. 17, prompting his family to seek the help of the courts.
Meanwhile, Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado urged their critics to file charges in the proper tribunals if they have evidence to prove that soldiers are involved in cases of human rights abuses.
He said instead of bringing the issues to the media or other forums, it would be best to address the issue by filing cases backed by evidence.
Ibrado told the media, “Trial by publicity is unfair for an organization that does not tolerate human rights violations or other infractions committed by its personnel. If they have complaints, then they should come to us so we can address their concerns. If they have concrete evidence, then they should file the proper charges in the proper courts.”
The military has been accused of having a hand in the disappearance of activists and militant group leaders, including University of the Philippines students Sheryn Cadapan and Karen Empeno, and Jonas Burgos, son of the late freedom icon Jose “Joe” Burgos.
Meanwhile, Art Balao, the father of James wrote a letter of thanks to those who helped in the search for his son. “I wish to express my deep appreciation and thanks to all who in one way or the other contributed to find James. In behalf of my family, I thank you all so much. My family misses him and I am sure his many friends, relatives and the many people he has touched, loved and helped miss him too. Let us not lose strength in our continuing efforts to surface James. Let us not lose courage as we demand and bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.” -- AD
96% LPG dealers in Cordillera violators
By Dexter A See
BAGUIO CITY – At least 96 percent of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers and dealers in the Cordillera are violating government laws relative to refilling and sale of the product.
Donnie Manduriao, science research specialist of the Department of Energy bared this during the annual convention of LPG dealers and refillers in this mountain resort city.
Out of the 70 LPG dealers, retail outlets and refillers which the DOE inspected in Baguio, Benguet and Mountain Province, only five refillers were found to be strictly complying with rules on refilling and sale of LPG to consumers.
Common violations noted by the DOE inspection team from the violators include underweight cylinder tanks, substandard cylinders, illegal refilling, swapping of cylinders and fake seals on the cylinders.
He said urged the public not to patronize LPG dealers or retail outlets which sell underweight cylinders, saying it is best for consumers to patronize branded LPG products because they are sure that they will not be shortchanged by the legitimate LPG dealers.
Manduriao said surprise inspections in the different LPG outlets in the region will continue for the DOE to minimize the proliferation of fake LPG cylinders, considered hazardous to consumers.
The DOE official said erring LPG dealers, retailers and refillers are only being imposed administrative fines by the DOE because of absence of laws that would make them criminally liable for their violations.
He added Congress must already pass the pending law regulating the refilling and distribution of LPG so that violators could be imposed stiffer fines and penalties.
Mary Jane Gacad, vice-president for operations of M.J. Gacad Inc., one of the recognized LPG dealers in the region, admitted the proliferation of fly-by-night LPG dealers is unfair business competition to them since illegally refilled LPG tanks are P50 cheaper than those being sold by licensed LPG distributors.
While they are doing their best to fairly compete in the market, Gacad said it is unfortunate there are enterprising individuals who get away with their illegal trade which is to the prejudice of legitimate LPG dealers.
She recommended the creation of task forces in the level of the local government units to strictly monitor the sale, refilling and distribution of LPG so that the proliferation of fake LPG cylinders and underweight tanks will be prevented and to ensure a health competition among legitimate businessmen who are religiously paying their taxes to the government.
Gacad said it is best for consumers to report to the nearest office of the Department of Trade and Industry the proliferation of doubtful LPG cylinders being sold in their area so that concerned government agencies will be guided on what to do and they could be spared from accident that may arise in the use of substandard cylinders.
BAGUIO CITY – At least 96 percent of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers and dealers in the Cordillera are violating government laws relative to refilling and sale of the product.
Donnie Manduriao, science research specialist of the Department of Energy bared this during the annual convention of LPG dealers and refillers in this mountain resort city.
Out of the 70 LPG dealers, retail outlets and refillers which the DOE inspected in Baguio, Benguet and Mountain Province, only five refillers were found to be strictly complying with rules on refilling and sale of LPG to consumers.
Common violations noted by the DOE inspection team from the violators include underweight cylinder tanks, substandard cylinders, illegal refilling, swapping of cylinders and fake seals on the cylinders.
He said urged the public not to patronize LPG dealers or retail outlets which sell underweight cylinders, saying it is best for consumers to patronize branded LPG products because they are sure that they will not be shortchanged by the legitimate LPG dealers.
Manduriao said surprise inspections in the different LPG outlets in the region will continue for the DOE to minimize the proliferation of fake LPG cylinders, considered hazardous to consumers.
The DOE official said erring LPG dealers, retailers and refillers are only being imposed administrative fines by the DOE because of absence of laws that would make them criminally liable for their violations.
He added Congress must already pass the pending law regulating the refilling and distribution of LPG so that violators could be imposed stiffer fines and penalties.
Mary Jane Gacad, vice-president for operations of M.J. Gacad Inc., one of the recognized LPG dealers in the region, admitted the proliferation of fly-by-night LPG dealers is unfair business competition to them since illegally refilled LPG tanks are P50 cheaper than those being sold by licensed LPG distributors.
While they are doing their best to fairly compete in the market, Gacad said it is unfortunate there are enterprising individuals who get away with their illegal trade which is to the prejudice of legitimate LPG dealers.
She recommended the creation of task forces in the level of the local government units to strictly monitor the sale, refilling and distribution of LPG so that the proliferation of fake LPG cylinders and underweight tanks will be prevented and to ensure a health competition among legitimate businessmen who are religiously paying their taxes to the government.
Gacad said it is best for consumers to report to the nearest office of the Department of Trade and Industry the proliferation of doubtful LPG cylinders being sold in their area so that concerned government agencies will be guided on what to do and they could be spared from accident that may arise in the use of substandard cylinders.
MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY
3 ‘bolt cutter gang’ men now in city jail
BAGUIO CITY – Three suspected members of the “bolt cutter gang,” are now in jail here after they were nabbed by police on all Souls Day.
The notorious syndicate is known here for for robbery against business and financial establishments.
Chief Insp. Renaldo Pasiwen, chief of police of Precinct 7 told Senior Supt. Wilfredo D. Franco, city police director. the suspects tried to run away after being accosted while trying to break in at a pawnshop in downtown Baguio.
The suspects were identified as Gerald Baldo y Coten, 23, of Alab, Bontoc, Mountain Province; Ary Dumawawa y Bailo, 26, of Dalican, Bontoc, residing at Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet; and Roy Villalobos Bangangan, 38, of Dantay, Bontoc, a resident of km 3, La Trinidad, Benguet.
PO3 Stephen Palome, PO2s Andrew L Manacnis and Wilner F Wa-a including PO1 Eugene Manuel were on foot patrol in downtown Baguio when they were alerted that “a robbery was in progress at a pawnshop in the area.”
The trio tried to flee but the cops chased them until they were nabbed. The suspects reportedly bored a hole towards the pawnshop when lawmen chanced upon them.
A security guard in a nearby establishment positively identified the suspects as those who attempted to enter the pawnshop.
Franco urged other victims of the gang top file complaints against them. Charges are being readied against the three suspects.
Franco has already recommended COMPAC 4 personnel under Insp. Joseph Del Castillo of Precinct 7 for commendation.
File claims before it’s too late, DPWH tells project implementors
BAGUIO CITY – Project implementers and laborers who are still not paid by their principals must file now their claims with the Cordillera office of the Department of Public Works and Highways before it will be too late.
Mariano R. Alquiza, regional DPWH director bared this saying contractors of foreign-assisted projects in the region are required to secure clearances fro the regional office before they will be fully paid by the central office once their projects are completed.
Alquiza made the clarification after several sub-contractors of the P1.7 billion rehabilitation of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya road complained to local politicians that the main contractor, CavDil, has not yet paid them for their accomplished works.
According to him, the claims to be filed by the unpaid project implementers and laborers will be submitted to the central office which will serve as one of the basis whether the contractor will be paid for the final billing after the project has been accepted by the Philippine government.
Several sub-contractors and laborers who were tasked to implement some of the project packages alleged CavDil didn’t them a total of P10 million for the projects.
They expressed fear that the project contractor would abandon its obligations in the cordillera as it is allegedly slowly moving its equipment to Palawan where it got another foreign-assisted project.
The rehabilitation of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya road, which had a total project cost of P1.7 billion, was funded by a loan from the Japan Bank for International Coop. and it was implemented for a period of nearly four years.
Alquiza said they have tightened their rules relative to the obligations of contractors to their project implementers and laborers, thus, he will extend the needed assistance to the unpaid workers for them to be paid before the contractor could collect its final billing from the DPWH central office.
“We have to protect the interest of our project implementers who had been instrumental in our significant accomplishments in the region’s infrastructure development so that they will continue extending their valuable assistance to the office in the immediate prosecution of quality projects beneficial to the general public,” Alquiza said.
He urged contractors who have commissioned the services of sub-contractors and laborers to make it a point to settle their obligations so that they will not be given bad remarks for their simple refusal to pay their debts with those who helped them implement and complete their projects.
At present, the DPWH is now vigilant on erring contractors, thus, they will not be allowed to collect their final billing unless no sub-contractors and laborers will file their claims with the office.
Aside from the completed rehabilitation of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road , other huge projects being implemented in the cordillera include the rehabilitation of phases two and three of the Halsema Highway , the Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao road and the Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes road and the Cervantes-Sabangan secondary arterial road. – Dexter A See
DPWH warns erring crushing plant in Baguio: Vacate area
By Dexter A. See
BAGUIO CITY -- The regional Department of Public Ways and Highways has issued a final warning to a crushing plant to remove or relocate the plant within fourteen days before legal action will be executed.
Mariano Alquiza, DPWH regional director, said this crushing plant has been causing the Philippine government a loss of millions of pesos in damages to road structures and other facilities within the area due to its operation.
Alquiza issued his warning to the Caroline Francisco Crushing Plant, located along Dungon, Camp I, Tuba, Benguet recently.
Alquiza said, the crushing plant is located only about 200 meters from the bridge along Kennon Road, connecting Camp I to nearby La Union Province, under the law, crushing plants must be located one kilometer before and after a bridge.
Because of the proximity of the crushing plant and the diversion of the flow of the river, the DPWH has been constantly repairing environs of the bridge and rip-rap walls causing millions in tax payer’s money.
Instead of the funds being used for other projects, we now spend millions for repairs caused by the crushing plant, Alquiza said.
The DPWH has issued notices on June 26, 2007 and May 23, 2008 for Caroline Francisco to remove her crushing plant, located at the mouth of the Bued River in Dungon.
The structure has caused much sedimentation on the upstream further causing hazard to the bridge and road structures within the waterways, Alquza’s letter stressed.
Francisco is given fourteen calendar days upon the receipt of the letter to remove or relocate the structure or face legal actions, Alquiza said.
Despite the vehement opposition of the DPWH-CAR on the operation of the said crushing plant, the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-CAR) reportedly issued a sand and gravel permit to the operator which has now caused a friction between the two agencies.
Even residents living near the crushing plant expressed their opposition to the existence of the facility since it has been causing heavy pollution that is hazardous to the health of the people and the environment as well.
Alquiza said he stands firm on his decision to close the operation of the crushing plant due to the alleged threats it is posing to the stability of the road and other structures within the vicinity.
98 Baguio subdivision projects have no permits
BAGUIO CITY — City officials warned prospective buyers of house-and-lot packages of 98 subdivision projects in this mountain resort city and neighboring Benguet, saying these realty projects do not have certificates of registration and license to sell.
The warning was aired by Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr. who called on the developers, contractors, and subdivision owners to secure the permits from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board before they start selling house-and-lot packages.
Records of the city government show that at least 98 real estate and subdivision projects are without certificates of registration and licenses to sell but these are being advertised to attract buyers.
City official said there is a need to warn and discourage would-be buyers against transacting with the owners of the unregistered and unlicensed projects to avoid problems in the future.
Cosalan said there is a possibility of endangering lives of people if the activities of the developers are not supervised by concerned government agencies that are in charge of regulating the implementation of these projects.
The city government first approves the development permit and subdivision plans before the HLURB issues the certificate of registration and license to sell of a subdivision. The subdivision owners can sell the property only after they comply with these requirements.
However, the city official said there are still many unscrupulous individuals or corporations that alter the plans and uses of communities and zones as prescribed by law. -- Dexter See
California, Baguio concerts raise funds for patients
Ramon Dacawi
BAGUIO CITY -- Nurturing the culture of caring they planted for the sick here in the 70s, home-grown Baguio musicians last month belted out mostly folk and country, in two concerts on both sides of the globe.
Baguio boys and girls in Northern California netted $1,600 in “At the Crossroads” A Reunion” concert last October 11 in a church in Daly City. Last week, they sent the proceeds - $775 for a 26-year old student afflicted with vasculitis and an equal amount for the family of Mary Chan, who recently succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The remaining $50 will go to another patient, as per advice from lead singer Conrad Marzan and lead guitarist Richard Arandia. The two had set up the concert for-a-cause with Joel Aliping. Felix Tayaotao and other immigrants in the Bay Area.
Baguio-based musician-turned-columnist March Fianza, likewise handed to the DPS barangay council P19,800, the amount so far collected from “Songs for Mark Anthony”, a musical treat he organized last Oct. 28 at the Amarillo.
Together with succeeding collections, it will be for Mark Anthony Viray, a 10-year old boy who was back at the hospital last Tuesday for his next round of chemotherapy against cancer.
The kid, who just arrived with his widowed father from visiting his mother’s grave in Aringay, La Union, dreams of one day flying an airplane. Last August, he was diagnosed for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
His first two chemo rounds were bankrolled by former world karate champion Julian Chees, through Shoshin Kinderhelfe,. a humanitarian foundation he and his martial arts students established in southern Germany.
Chees, a former student of Edgar Kapawen of the Japan Karate Association, was here to visit his ailing mother when he learned of the boy’s medical plight and his dream of flight. Julian, originally from Maligcong, Bontoc, was back recently for the funeral of his mother Emilia.
Mary, elder sister of Jimmy and Pok Chan who used to host benefit concerts in the folk houses they managed, died while the Baguio boys in California were preparing for their reunion performance.
To save on the venue rental costs, priest and musician Leonard Oakes opened the doors of Holy Child-St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Daly. As did Amarillo proprietor Novie Balageo for the concert here.
Guitarists-vocalists Hector Cruz and Rene Aguinaldo drove all the way down from Canada to Daly to complete the cast with Estoy Aglit, Chat and Pendong Aban of Asin band fame, Janus Ananayo, Bryan Aliping, Miggs Meru, Kerri Somebang., Paula and Nadine Arandia, Fina Pengosro, Elana Aliping, Joshua and Heather Oakes and Kristen Pallano.
Arandia said they now call themselves, musically, “The Uncle Experience”. Whatever it means, they found uncles and aunts in California. Vic and Madeline Pengosro and Sobrena and Isabelo Somebang worked behind the scenes, Angche Sherpa offered his audio system expertise, and members of the BIBAK of Northern California and the Baguio Californians filled up the church.
Here, Fianza drew the talents of Cruise Control, Blue Graz, Shgakilan, Dalluyon, Munay, Mix Emotions, NTY Moves, performing lawyers Bubut Olarte, Rolly Vergara, Nes Mondok and Angie Cabrera, Sara, Alfred Dizon, Art Mina, Liza and Sumitra, Brix, Mike Santos and Co., Dick Oakes and home-coming Felix Tayaotao.
He found support from the DPS barangay council led by punong barangay Narcisa Laguitan, an anonymous donor-friend who bought P10,000 worth of tickets, friends in the police force, Cristy Angeles of SM Foundation, Jonie Itliong, sportsman Swanny Dicang and several others who came to donate.
To cut on costs, snacks were paid for from funds from Freddie de Guzman, another Baguio boy in Canada who has been supporting patients here since three years back.
Outside the concert halls, that same anonymous friend of March had P4,000 delivered to the mother of John Mark Enriquez, a toddler who afflicted with medduloblastoma, or tumor of the brain. The boy turned four last Thursday.
From Hawaii, a lady who read another patient’s story on the internet sent $110 to Josephine Almeron, a 41-year old solo parent and security guard who is battling breast cancer.
A multi-titled sportsman added P1,000, and an equal amount for Angelix Felix Yambao, a close-to-three-year old baby stricken with hydrocephaly and epilepsy.
BAGUIO CITY – Three suspected members of the “bolt cutter gang,” are now in jail here after they were nabbed by police on all Souls Day.
The notorious syndicate is known here for for robbery against business and financial establishments.
Chief Insp. Renaldo Pasiwen, chief of police of Precinct 7 told Senior Supt. Wilfredo D. Franco, city police director. the suspects tried to run away after being accosted while trying to break in at a pawnshop in downtown Baguio.
The suspects were identified as Gerald Baldo y Coten, 23, of Alab, Bontoc, Mountain Province; Ary Dumawawa y Bailo, 26, of Dalican, Bontoc, residing at Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet; and Roy Villalobos Bangangan, 38, of Dantay, Bontoc, a resident of km 3, La Trinidad, Benguet.
PO3 Stephen Palome, PO2s Andrew L Manacnis and Wilner F Wa-a including PO1 Eugene Manuel were on foot patrol in downtown Baguio when they were alerted that “a robbery was in progress at a pawnshop in the area.”
The trio tried to flee but the cops chased them until they were nabbed. The suspects reportedly bored a hole towards the pawnshop when lawmen chanced upon them.
A security guard in a nearby establishment positively identified the suspects as those who attempted to enter the pawnshop.
Franco urged other victims of the gang top file complaints against them. Charges are being readied against the three suspects.
Franco has already recommended COMPAC 4 personnel under Insp. Joseph Del Castillo of Precinct 7 for commendation.
File claims before it’s too late, DPWH tells project implementors
BAGUIO CITY – Project implementers and laborers who are still not paid by their principals must file now their claims with the Cordillera office of the Department of Public Works and Highways before it will be too late.
Mariano R. Alquiza, regional DPWH director bared this saying contractors of foreign-assisted projects in the region are required to secure clearances fro the regional office before they will be fully paid by the central office once their projects are completed.
Alquiza made the clarification after several sub-contractors of the P1.7 billion rehabilitation of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya road complained to local politicians that the main contractor, CavDil, has not yet paid them for their accomplished works.
According to him, the claims to be filed by the unpaid project implementers and laborers will be submitted to the central office which will serve as one of the basis whether the contractor will be paid for the final billing after the project has been accepted by the Philippine government.
Several sub-contractors and laborers who were tasked to implement some of the project packages alleged CavDil didn’t them a total of P10 million for the projects.
They expressed fear that the project contractor would abandon its obligations in the cordillera as it is allegedly slowly moving its equipment to Palawan where it got another foreign-assisted project.
The rehabilitation of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya road, which had a total project cost of P1.7 billion, was funded by a loan from the Japan Bank for International Coop. and it was implemented for a period of nearly four years.
Alquiza said they have tightened their rules relative to the obligations of contractors to their project implementers and laborers, thus, he will extend the needed assistance to the unpaid workers for them to be paid before the contractor could collect its final billing from the DPWH central office.
“We have to protect the interest of our project implementers who had been instrumental in our significant accomplishments in the region’s infrastructure development so that they will continue extending their valuable assistance to the office in the immediate prosecution of quality projects beneficial to the general public,” Alquiza said.
He urged contractors who have commissioned the services of sub-contractors and laborers to make it a point to settle their obligations so that they will not be given bad remarks for their simple refusal to pay their debts with those who helped them implement and complete their projects.
At present, the DPWH is now vigilant on erring contractors, thus, they will not be allowed to collect their final billing unless no sub-contractors and laborers will file their claims with the office.
Aside from the completed rehabilitation of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road , other huge projects being implemented in the cordillera include the rehabilitation of phases two and three of the Halsema Highway , the Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao road and the Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes road and the Cervantes-Sabangan secondary arterial road. – Dexter A See
DPWH warns erring crushing plant in Baguio: Vacate area
By Dexter A. See
BAGUIO CITY -- The regional Department of Public Ways and Highways has issued a final warning to a crushing plant to remove or relocate the plant within fourteen days before legal action will be executed.
Mariano Alquiza, DPWH regional director, said this crushing plant has been causing the Philippine government a loss of millions of pesos in damages to road structures and other facilities within the area due to its operation.
Alquiza issued his warning to the Caroline Francisco Crushing Plant, located along Dungon, Camp I, Tuba, Benguet recently.
Alquiza said, the crushing plant is located only about 200 meters from the bridge along Kennon Road, connecting Camp I to nearby La Union Province, under the law, crushing plants must be located one kilometer before and after a bridge.
Because of the proximity of the crushing plant and the diversion of the flow of the river, the DPWH has been constantly repairing environs of the bridge and rip-rap walls causing millions in tax payer’s money.
Instead of the funds being used for other projects, we now spend millions for repairs caused by the crushing plant, Alquiza said.
The DPWH has issued notices on June 26, 2007 and May 23, 2008 for Caroline Francisco to remove her crushing plant, located at the mouth of the Bued River in Dungon.
The structure has caused much sedimentation on the upstream further causing hazard to the bridge and road structures within the waterways, Alquza’s letter stressed.
Francisco is given fourteen calendar days upon the receipt of the letter to remove or relocate the structure or face legal actions, Alquiza said.
Despite the vehement opposition of the DPWH-CAR on the operation of the said crushing plant, the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-CAR) reportedly issued a sand and gravel permit to the operator which has now caused a friction between the two agencies.
Even residents living near the crushing plant expressed their opposition to the existence of the facility since it has been causing heavy pollution that is hazardous to the health of the people and the environment as well.
Alquiza said he stands firm on his decision to close the operation of the crushing plant due to the alleged threats it is posing to the stability of the road and other structures within the vicinity.
98 Baguio subdivision projects have no permits
BAGUIO CITY — City officials warned prospective buyers of house-and-lot packages of 98 subdivision projects in this mountain resort city and neighboring Benguet, saying these realty projects do not have certificates of registration and license to sell.
The warning was aired by Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr. who called on the developers, contractors, and subdivision owners to secure the permits from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board before they start selling house-and-lot packages.
Records of the city government show that at least 98 real estate and subdivision projects are without certificates of registration and licenses to sell but these are being advertised to attract buyers.
City official said there is a need to warn and discourage would-be buyers against transacting with the owners of the unregistered and unlicensed projects to avoid problems in the future.
Cosalan said there is a possibility of endangering lives of people if the activities of the developers are not supervised by concerned government agencies that are in charge of regulating the implementation of these projects.
The city government first approves the development permit and subdivision plans before the HLURB issues the certificate of registration and license to sell of a subdivision. The subdivision owners can sell the property only after they comply with these requirements.
However, the city official said there are still many unscrupulous individuals or corporations that alter the plans and uses of communities and zones as prescribed by law. -- Dexter See
California, Baguio concerts raise funds for patients
Ramon Dacawi
BAGUIO CITY -- Nurturing the culture of caring they planted for the sick here in the 70s, home-grown Baguio musicians last month belted out mostly folk and country, in two concerts on both sides of the globe.
Baguio boys and girls in Northern California netted $1,600 in “At the Crossroads” A Reunion” concert last October 11 in a church in Daly City. Last week, they sent the proceeds - $775 for a 26-year old student afflicted with vasculitis and an equal amount for the family of Mary Chan, who recently succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The remaining $50 will go to another patient, as per advice from lead singer Conrad Marzan and lead guitarist Richard Arandia. The two had set up the concert for-a-cause with Joel Aliping. Felix Tayaotao and other immigrants in the Bay Area.
Baguio-based musician-turned-columnist March Fianza, likewise handed to the DPS barangay council P19,800, the amount so far collected from “Songs for Mark Anthony”, a musical treat he organized last Oct. 28 at the Amarillo.
Together with succeeding collections, it will be for Mark Anthony Viray, a 10-year old boy who was back at the hospital last Tuesday for his next round of chemotherapy against cancer.
The kid, who just arrived with his widowed father from visiting his mother’s grave in Aringay, La Union, dreams of one day flying an airplane. Last August, he was diagnosed for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
His first two chemo rounds were bankrolled by former world karate champion Julian Chees, through Shoshin Kinderhelfe,. a humanitarian foundation he and his martial arts students established in southern Germany.
Chees, a former student of Edgar Kapawen of the Japan Karate Association, was here to visit his ailing mother when he learned of the boy’s medical plight and his dream of flight. Julian, originally from Maligcong, Bontoc, was back recently for the funeral of his mother Emilia.
Mary, elder sister of Jimmy and Pok Chan who used to host benefit concerts in the folk houses they managed, died while the Baguio boys in California were preparing for their reunion performance.
To save on the venue rental costs, priest and musician Leonard Oakes opened the doors of Holy Child-St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Daly. As did Amarillo proprietor Novie Balageo for the concert here.
Guitarists-vocalists Hector Cruz and Rene Aguinaldo drove all the way down from Canada to Daly to complete the cast with Estoy Aglit, Chat and Pendong Aban of Asin band fame, Janus Ananayo, Bryan Aliping, Miggs Meru, Kerri Somebang., Paula and Nadine Arandia, Fina Pengosro, Elana Aliping, Joshua and Heather Oakes and Kristen Pallano.
Arandia said they now call themselves, musically, “The Uncle Experience”. Whatever it means, they found uncles and aunts in California. Vic and Madeline Pengosro and Sobrena and Isabelo Somebang worked behind the scenes, Angche Sherpa offered his audio system expertise, and members of the BIBAK of Northern California and the Baguio Californians filled up the church.
Here, Fianza drew the talents of Cruise Control, Blue Graz, Shgakilan, Dalluyon, Munay, Mix Emotions, NTY Moves, performing lawyers Bubut Olarte, Rolly Vergara, Nes Mondok and Angie Cabrera, Sara, Alfred Dizon, Art Mina, Liza and Sumitra, Brix, Mike Santos and Co., Dick Oakes and home-coming Felix Tayaotao.
He found support from the DPS barangay council led by punong barangay Narcisa Laguitan, an anonymous donor-friend who bought P10,000 worth of tickets, friends in the police force, Cristy Angeles of SM Foundation, Jonie Itliong, sportsman Swanny Dicang and several others who came to donate.
To cut on costs, snacks were paid for from funds from Freddie de Guzman, another Baguio boy in Canada who has been supporting patients here since three years back.
Outside the concert halls, that same anonymous friend of March had P4,000 delivered to the mother of John Mark Enriquez, a toddler who afflicted with medduloblastoma, or tumor of the brain. The boy turned four last Thursday.
From Hawaii, a lady who read another patient’s story on the internet sent $110 to Josephine Almeron, a 41-year old solo parent and security guard who is battling breast cancer.
A multi-titled sportsman added P1,000, and an equal amount for Angelix Felix Yambao, a close-to-three-year old baby stricken with hydrocephaly and epilepsy.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
AFP bars groups from entering army camps in search of missing activist
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Armed Forces of the Philippines barred cause-oriented groups and the family of James Balao from searching for the missing Cordillera activist in Manila military camps like Camp Aguinaldo last week.
AFP officials said only personnel of the government’s Commission on Human Rights may do the search in AFP camps.
But at Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police, they were allowed to search the custodial center.
This, after a witness identified only as Jun told the Regional Trial Court Oct. 23 during the first hearing on the petition for a writ of amparo that men who looked like cops abducted Balao here at Barangay Tomay on Sept. 17.
Personnel of the intelligence arm of the AFP had been tagged as Balao’s abductors after a van whose plate number Balao texted to his family and AFP members which had been tailing him was found at the headquarters of the army at Camp Allen in Baguio.
A writ of amparo is an inspection order directing public officers who control military and police detention facilities where a detainee is allegedly kept to allow authorized persons “to inspect, measure and survey the property or any related object or operation.”
The second hearing on the writ was held Thursday.
The witness said the cops shouted to onlookers they were arresting Balao due to his “involvement with illegal drugs.”
The Cordillera People’s Alliance wherein Balao is a member however denied this saying he didn’t have a history of illegal drug abuse.
Chief Supt. Eugene Martin, Cordillera police director, said they did not take Balao, adding police were not interested in him.
Martin said they were still convincing Balao’s colleagues to identify the people with whom Balao had had direct contact with while he was supposedly traveling from Baguio City to Tomay.
Police earlier theorized wranglings within the CPA could be a motive behind his disappearance, but the CPA dismissed this, insisting that Balao was snatched by the police or military.
Members of the International Solidarity Mission and local non-government organizations urged the government to “release or surface” rights activist James Balao last week even as his group, the Cordillera People’s Alliance said there were strong indications he was still alive basing from reliable sources.
The court earlier subpoenaed President Macapagal-Arroyo to appear during the hearing. But the Ofice of the Solicitor General represented her.
The Commission on Human Rights has also started its investigation into Balao’s disappearance amid growing pressure on the government from both local and international organizations to immediately find him.
In a resolution Oct.10, the CHR pledged to investigate and monitor developments on the case of Balao, who it considers a victim of enforced disappearance.
“Based on the initial information we have gathered, James Balao and his family have been under regular surveillance by unidentified persons since the first week of June 2008, and (Balao) is allegedly listed in the dossier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Education Bureau in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions,” CHR Commissioner De Lima earlier said.
In the same resolution, the CHR asked the Philippine National Police to assist it in the investigation, and the AFP to help locate Balao.
The CHR said it would hold dialogues with top PNP and AFP officials to discuss Balao’s case and the disappearance of other people alleged to be CPP members.
Balao, a descendant of a large Chinese-Japanese clan in Benguet, is the president of the Oclupan Clan Association.
In 1984, he was among those who founded CPA, which advocates the protection and promotion of the rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, especially of indigenous communities.AD
AFP officials said only personnel of the government’s Commission on Human Rights may do the search in AFP camps.
But at Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police, they were allowed to search the custodial center.
This, after a witness identified only as Jun told the Regional Trial Court Oct. 23 during the first hearing on the petition for a writ of amparo that men who looked like cops abducted Balao here at Barangay Tomay on Sept. 17.
Personnel of the intelligence arm of the AFP had been tagged as Balao’s abductors after a van whose plate number Balao texted to his family and AFP members which had been tailing him was found at the headquarters of the army at Camp Allen in Baguio.
A writ of amparo is an inspection order directing public officers who control military and police detention facilities where a detainee is allegedly kept to allow authorized persons “to inspect, measure and survey the property or any related object or operation.”
The second hearing on the writ was held Thursday.
The witness said the cops shouted to onlookers they were arresting Balao due to his “involvement with illegal drugs.”
The Cordillera People’s Alliance wherein Balao is a member however denied this saying he didn’t have a history of illegal drug abuse.
Chief Supt. Eugene Martin, Cordillera police director, said they did not take Balao, adding police were not interested in him.
Martin said they were still convincing Balao’s colleagues to identify the people with whom Balao had had direct contact with while he was supposedly traveling from Baguio City to Tomay.
Police earlier theorized wranglings within the CPA could be a motive behind his disappearance, but the CPA dismissed this, insisting that Balao was snatched by the police or military.
Members of the International Solidarity Mission and local non-government organizations urged the government to “release or surface” rights activist James Balao last week even as his group, the Cordillera People’s Alliance said there were strong indications he was still alive basing from reliable sources.
The court earlier subpoenaed President Macapagal-Arroyo to appear during the hearing. But the Ofice of the Solicitor General represented her.
The Commission on Human Rights has also started its investigation into Balao’s disappearance amid growing pressure on the government from both local and international organizations to immediately find him.
In a resolution Oct.10, the CHR pledged to investigate and monitor developments on the case of Balao, who it considers a victim of enforced disappearance.
“Based on the initial information we have gathered, James Balao and his family have been under regular surveillance by unidentified persons since the first week of June 2008, and (Balao) is allegedly listed in the dossier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Education Bureau in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions,” CHR Commissioner De Lima earlier said.
In the same resolution, the CHR asked the Philippine National Police to assist it in the investigation, and the AFP to help locate Balao.
The CHR said it would hold dialogues with top PNP and AFP officials to discuss Balao’s case and the disappearance of other people alleged to be CPP members.
Balao, a descendant of a large Chinese-Japanese clan in Benguet, is the president of the Oclupan Clan Association.
In 1984, he was among those who founded CPA, which advocates the protection and promotion of the rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, especially of indigenous communities.AD
Breakthrough in crisis: Filipino scientist invents efficient, synthetic fuel
BAGUIO CITY – A Filipino scientist has invented synthetic fuel which could alter the geo-political state of the world largely dependent on Middle East nations for fossil fuel.
Victor G. Ayco, a chemical engineer, says he has found an opportunity for the country to tap the inexhaustible potentials that science can offer in finding alternatives to fossil fuel and ease the burden of high fuel costs with his invention.
Ayco says two important substances used in another invention of his, a gas-saving gadget are carbon and hydrogen derived from limestone.
These limestone-derived substance combined with water plus a catalyst, which he did not disclose saying it was a trade secret, can produce synthetic fuel which is much cleaner and more efficient than fossil fuels.
“My car actually runs on this synthetic fuel,” he says.
He invented his synthetic fuel in the 1980s and had sought government to help to protect and mass produce it. But government agencies were lukewarm to his invention.
“This is understandable because Ayco invented something which can change the course of civilization,” says Bob Roldan, one of the marketing executives of Ayco. “You can just imagine the implication over those who control the oil industry.”
Ayco says with enough investment money, they would produce their synthetic fuel for mass distribution.
The versatile scientist has also invented a device that “converts ordinary nitrogen (a noncombustible substance) in the atmosphere into combustible nitro-gas, and serves as gasoline and diesel additive in gaseous form for efficient engine combustion.”
The 70-year-old inventor says with efficient engine combustion, a vehicle can run more kilometers with less fuel and emits almost zero toxic pollutants. “Fossil fuel is not the only source of cars and other machines. There are other inexhaustible alternatives to it.”
He got a vital clue from one of the geniuses of the 20th century – Albert Einstein – the theory of relativity, or E=mc2, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the velocity of light.
The Mandaluyong-based chemical engineer says Einstein’s theory helped him perfect his
gas-saving product, which he demonstrated recently before Baguio motorists. “Einstein’s relativity theory states that from matter we can produce energy.”
His invention called “aero-nitro power injector” took 15 years of research and experiment. Patented on Dec. 11, 1985, the device has been marketed only through Energy Philippine Inc., a private firm, which Ayco co-owns with other partners.
Ayco, in introducing his product demonstrated how an internal combustion engine performs two processes. One is the chemical process, which involves combustion or burning. The other is mechanical, which involves motion.
The combustion process for gasoline or diesel involves burning hydrogen and carbon. Incompletely burned fuel leads to the formation of three chemicals-hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen, all of which have been proven hazardous to health and the environment.
He says incompletely burned or un-burned fuel can cause harm because carbon gets stuck inside the engine and can lead to “spark knock” or detonation, which can destroy an internal combustion engine.
Detonation occurs when, after spark fires, it creates a small fireball that spreads across the cylinder.
Unburned carbons sticks to the engine chamber walls and are emitted form the exhaust pipes as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
With unburned carbon, a car engine runs roughly, fuel easily runs out, power gets lost during acceleration, toxic black smoke gets emitted, and carbon deposits are formed within the combustion area and intake valve.
Noxious wastes, Ayco says, deprive a vehicle of fuel economy and performance, leading to costly repairs.
Ayco’s “aero-nitro power injector” is encased in a stainless steel cylinder, measuring five inches long and two inches in diameter, which can be attached to the intake manifold of any diesel or gas engine.
He says the gadget enhances engine performance, eliminates smoke-belching, provides stronger engine power, and saves on fuel.
Activated chemically during fuel and air intake, the invention harnesses the air’s potential elements by producing up to 99.5 percent burning efficiency of fuel in the combustion chamber of an engine.
Ayco says he is processing how to get credits through what is called carbon trading because his invention prevents by 30 to 40 percent the formation of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide-substances that are ruining the ozone layer.
Using a chemical catalyst, which Ayco also refused to identify calling it a trade secret, the gadget converts unwanted carbons and other volatile elements present in the atmosphere into combustible gaseous form.
Since the invention helps a car attain perfect fuel burn with near-zero nitrous oxide emission, which gives more power to a vehicle, using the gadgets is like converting low octane fuel into high octane gasoline, he says.”
The gadget also increases engine power by a maximum of 25 horsepower and increases torque by a maximum of 1,000 RPM (revolution per minute).
Torque, also called moment of a force in physics, is the tendency of a force to rotate the body to which it is applied.
Ayco says his invention is “like a catalytic cracking reactor using a catalyst material reaction but does not take part in it, thus giving greater gasoline yield.”
Based on tests by government agencies, including the departments of energy, science and technology and environment and natural resources, Ayco’s invention can increase engine power by 35 to 60 percent mileage by two to four km to a liter, and engine life span by six to 10 years.
The tests also show that the gadget can cut down maintenance costs by up to 50 percent, can prolong life span of spark plugs and glow plugs, can decrease frequency of tune-ups and oil changes, and can reduce carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions by 99.5 percent.
Ayco also says his gadget is not bulky and easy to install as it can just be attached to the engine air intake manifold.
Suitable to most types of stationary and mobile combustion engines, the gadget can also last six to eight years and can be recharged after maximum use.
Ayco says two important substances used in his gas-saving gadget are carbon and hydrogen derived from limestone.
In the meantime, Ayco and his business partners are busy marketing the aero-nitro power injector not only locally but also in Canada, Belgium and other countries.
At P9,000 per unit and a 10-year warranty, payments may be returned if one is not satisfied with the performance.
Ayco’s invention is now making brisk sales in urban communities seeking to reduce air pollution
Victor G. Ayco, a chemical engineer, says he has found an opportunity for the country to tap the inexhaustible potentials that science can offer in finding alternatives to fossil fuel and ease the burden of high fuel costs with his invention.
Ayco says two important substances used in another invention of his, a gas-saving gadget are carbon and hydrogen derived from limestone.
These limestone-derived substance combined with water plus a catalyst, which he did not disclose saying it was a trade secret, can produce synthetic fuel which is much cleaner and more efficient than fossil fuels.
“My car actually runs on this synthetic fuel,” he says.
He invented his synthetic fuel in the 1980s and had sought government to help to protect and mass produce it. But government agencies were lukewarm to his invention.
“This is understandable because Ayco invented something which can change the course of civilization,” says Bob Roldan, one of the marketing executives of Ayco. “You can just imagine the implication over those who control the oil industry.”
Ayco says with enough investment money, they would produce their synthetic fuel for mass distribution.
The versatile scientist has also invented a device that “converts ordinary nitrogen (a noncombustible substance) in the atmosphere into combustible nitro-gas, and serves as gasoline and diesel additive in gaseous form for efficient engine combustion.”
The 70-year-old inventor says with efficient engine combustion, a vehicle can run more kilometers with less fuel and emits almost zero toxic pollutants. “Fossil fuel is not the only source of cars and other machines. There are other inexhaustible alternatives to it.”
He got a vital clue from one of the geniuses of the 20th century – Albert Einstein – the theory of relativity, or E=mc2, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the velocity of light.
The Mandaluyong-based chemical engineer says Einstein’s theory helped him perfect his
gas-saving product, which he demonstrated recently before Baguio motorists. “Einstein’s relativity theory states that from matter we can produce energy.”
His invention called “aero-nitro power injector” took 15 years of research and experiment. Patented on Dec. 11, 1985, the device has been marketed only through Energy Philippine Inc., a private firm, which Ayco co-owns with other partners.
Ayco, in introducing his product demonstrated how an internal combustion engine performs two processes. One is the chemical process, which involves combustion or burning. The other is mechanical, which involves motion.
The combustion process for gasoline or diesel involves burning hydrogen and carbon. Incompletely burned fuel leads to the formation of three chemicals-hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen, all of which have been proven hazardous to health and the environment.
He says incompletely burned or un-burned fuel can cause harm because carbon gets stuck inside the engine and can lead to “spark knock” or detonation, which can destroy an internal combustion engine.
Detonation occurs when, after spark fires, it creates a small fireball that spreads across the cylinder.
Unburned carbons sticks to the engine chamber walls and are emitted form the exhaust pipes as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
With unburned carbon, a car engine runs roughly, fuel easily runs out, power gets lost during acceleration, toxic black smoke gets emitted, and carbon deposits are formed within the combustion area and intake valve.
Noxious wastes, Ayco says, deprive a vehicle of fuel economy and performance, leading to costly repairs.
Ayco’s “aero-nitro power injector” is encased in a stainless steel cylinder, measuring five inches long and two inches in diameter, which can be attached to the intake manifold of any diesel or gas engine.
He says the gadget enhances engine performance, eliminates smoke-belching, provides stronger engine power, and saves on fuel.
Activated chemically during fuel and air intake, the invention harnesses the air’s potential elements by producing up to 99.5 percent burning efficiency of fuel in the combustion chamber of an engine.
Ayco says he is processing how to get credits through what is called carbon trading because his invention prevents by 30 to 40 percent the formation of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide-substances that are ruining the ozone layer.
Using a chemical catalyst, which Ayco also refused to identify calling it a trade secret, the gadget converts unwanted carbons and other volatile elements present in the atmosphere into combustible gaseous form.
Since the invention helps a car attain perfect fuel burn with near-zero nitrous oxide emission, which gives more power to a vehicle, using the gadgets is like converting low octane fuel into high octane gasoline, he says.”
The gadget also increases engine power by a maximum of 25 horsepower and increases torque by a maximum of 1,000 RPM (revolution per minute).
Torque, also called moment of a force in physics, is the tendency of a force to rotate the body to which it is applied.
Ayco says his invention is “like a catalytic cracking reactor using a catalyst material reaction but does not take part in it, thus giving greater gasoline yield.”
Based on tests by government agencies, including the departments of energy, science and technology and environment and natural resources, Ayco’s invention can increase engine power by 35 to 60 percent mileage by two to four km to a liter, and engine life span by six to 10 years.
The tests also show that the gadget can cut down maintenance costs by up to 50 percent, can prolong life span of spark plugs and glow plugs, can decrease frequency of tune-ups and oil changes, and can reduce carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions by 99.5 percent.
Ayco also says his gadget is not bulky and easy to install as it can just be attached to the engine air intake manifold.
Suitable to most types of stationary and mobile combustion engines, the gadget can also last six to eight years and can be recharged after maximum use.
Ayco says two important substances used in his gas-saving gadget are carbon and hydrogen derived from limestone.
In the meantime, Ayco and his business partners are busy marketing the aero-nitro power injector not only locally but also in Canada, Belgium and other countries.
At P9,000 per unit and a 10-year warranty, payments may be returned if one is not satisfied with the performance.
Ayco’s invention is now making brisk sales in urban communities seeking to reduce air pollution
MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY
OFWS abandoning families in Cordillera now declining
BAGUIO CITY – The number of cases of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Cordillera has gone down
To date, 30 percent abandoning their loved ones have reportedly been recorded which resulted to existence of dysfunctional families in the community.
While it is true that some OFWs are abandoning their families for reasons known only to them, most of the families of OFWs in the different parts of the region turn out to be successful in their endeavors.
Manuela Pena, regional director of the overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Cordillera, said abandonment of families is one serious negative impact of overseas employment but the agency is doing all possible interventions to reduce such incidents and sustain the existence of a wholesome family relationship even if one member of the family is away from home.
According to her, overseas employment brings economic progress to a lot of families but there are social costs which they have to pay such as cases of abandonment.
However, Pena disclosed the cases of abandonment of families of OFWs have gone down from 50 percent last year to 30 percent this year which could be attributed to the various interventions instituted by OWWA in their quest to preserve meaningful family relationships.
Among the cases being brought by family members of OFWs to their office are non-remittance, delayed remittance, lack of or no communication and reports on the alleged involvement of a third party.
Despite the prevalence of these cases, Pena said they have instituted various innovations in the pre-departure orientation seminar through the incorporation of a three to five days cultural orientation to acquaint the OFWs and their family members of what is expected in their points of destination to avoid the usual culture shock.
Moreover, the OWWA has launched the Search for the Model OFW Family nationwide to serve as an avenue for family members of OFWs to strive hard in maximizing their time for productive endeavors to help in the country’s economic growth.
In fact, she cited the criteria for the search was revised whereby 50 percent will be for the wholesome family relationship of the OFW and his or her family members while the economic success, which had a heavier weight in the previous searches, is now only 10 percent of the criteria.
Pena, a former welfare officer based in Lebanon, said while it is true that OFWs play an important role in the country’s vaunted economic growth, the OWWA is also doing its part in trying to preserve the wholesome family relations so as not to greatly affect the morals of their children and continue the bonding of the OFW and his or her family while they are away from their loved ones.
She aid with innovations they are introducing to cater to the welfare of the OFWs and their family members, cases of abandonment will go down while admitting there are cases which are considered to be irreconcilable despite efforts to mend the relationship being exerted by the concerned agencies and their own family members and relatives. -- Dexter A. See
P5.6 billion allotted for Cordillera road projects
BAGUIO CITY – The national government has earmarked at least P5.6 billion in next year’s 1.4 trillion budget for the Cordillera to rehabilitate and improve its various road networks to help spur economic development especially in the remote areas which were previously left out in the development thrusts of previous administrations.
Next year’s allocation for the region is at least twice more than the P2.89 billion allocated for various projects in the different parts of the region under the P1.227 national budget this year.
State of the Nation Address (SONA) projects make up at least 95 percent of the programmed projects under the Department of Public works and Highways to ensure that the commitments of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the region will be completed on or before 2010.
Mariano Alquiza, regional DPWH director, said Kalinga will get the highest allocation next year which amounts to P1.77 billion worth of projects while Mountain province, which usually gets most of the funds for infrastructure over the past years will receive P1.44 billion infrastructure projects.
Ifugao is expected to get a total of P224.5 million for its SONA projects while Benguet will be getting at least P721 million in terms of foreign-assisted projects, which includes the on-going rehabilitation of the Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes secondary arterial road which has a total project cost of P673 million.
Alquiza, who is the chairman of the Regional Development council’s infrastructure committee, added Benguet will also get P438 million worth of projects for the rehabilitation and construction of damaged national roads, P127 million for road upgrading, P116 million roads to enhance tourism and P20 million for roads to enhance tourism and another P20 million for various infrastructure including local projects.
Ifugao is set to get P518 million for SONA projects, road upgrading, road opening and construction of missing links of national roads, roads to enhance tourism, rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged national roads and various infrastructures including local projects.
Abra stands to receive P501.8 million, Apayao – P471.1 million, Baguio City – 80 million and P18.5 million for the regional office for the various road projects in the region.
Since 1989, the RDC had been constantly lobbying for national recognition of the need to rehabilitate its circuitous road networks to bring development to the far flung communities of the region, thus, it crafted the Cordillera road Improvement Project (CRIP), the blueprint of the region’s infrastructure development, which serves as a basis for funding by foreign and local funding agencies.
President Arroyo has prioritized the infrastructure development of the Cordillera to improve the
tourism, agriculture and economic development which is geared towards improving the lives of poor Filipino families in the countryside.
Alquiza cited the RDC’s all-out support for the recognition of the region’s desire for better roads to attract the influx of investors in economically viable areas especially in terms of tourism development. – Dexter A See
AIM survey: Baguio 18th in competitiveness list of 25 medium-sized cities
Dexter A. See
BAGUIO CITY – Despite the intensified efforts of city officials to uplift the image of this mountain resort city, Baguio continued to slide down in the list of competitiveness among medium-sized cities all over the country.
This developed after the Asian Institute of Management ranked Baguio City No. 18 among 25 medium-sized cities nationwide. This was based on a competitiveness study AIM conducted in 2007.
The city was given a rating of 6.27 percent or above-average rating in competitiveness based on the survey and group discussions with proponents of local small- and medium-scale enterprises and some members of the Baguio-Benguet Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
Researchers said the 6.27 percent rating is an all time high for the city, noting that it was given a rating of 5.81 percent in 1999, 6.14 percent in 2001, 5.87 percent in 2003 and 5.82 percent in 2005.
The AIM study reflects the state of the city in 2005 and 2006 when the data were gathered.
The criteria for rating and ranking of the cities are based on the cost of doing business, dynamism of the local economy, human resources and training, infrastructure, responsiveness of the local government units to business needs, and quality of life.
Baguio had some strong points, chalking up a perfect score of 10 for having a very low rate of business taxes and easy access to commercial banks.
The other strong points included an excellent police force, access to an airport, minimal existence of informal fees or bribes in government offices, access to government banks, membership in local business chamber, access to potable water supply, overall quality of workers and reliability of telephone services.
The AIM study shows the city’s weak points due to the very low number of universal and commercial banks, low ratio of doctors and hospital beds per 100,000 population, and low number of registered businesses, high electricity and water rates, lack of membership in any other business groups, provision of investment incentives, enforcement of land-use regulations such as zoning, and transparency of the city government in its dealings.
The AIM competitiveness study conducted last year covered 90 cities which were classified into metro, medium-sized, and small, based mostly on population.
The top-performing medium-sized cities last year included Cabanatuan, General Santos, Lucena, Olongapo, San Pablo, Tagum, and Tarlac.
The Philippine Cities Competitiveness Report is a biennial independent study conducted nationwide. Its goal is to rank cities on the basis of economic performance and responsiveness to business enterprises.
BAGUIO CITY – The number of cases of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Cordillera has gone down
To date, 30 percent abandoning their loved ones have reportedly been recorded which resulted to existence of dysfunctional families in the community.
While it is true that some OFWs are abandoning their families for reasons known only to them, most of the families of OFWs in the different parts of the region turn out to be successful in their endeavors.
Manuela Pena, regional director of the overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Cordillera, said abandonment of families is one serious negative impact of overseas employment but the agency is doing all possible interventions to reduce such incidents and sustain the existence of a wholesome family relationship even if one member of the family is away from home.
According to her, overseas employment brings economic progress to a lot of families but there are social costs which they have to pay such as cases of abandonment.
However, Pena disclosed the cases of abandonment of families of OFWs have gone down from 50 percent last year to 30 percent this year which could be attributed to the various interventions instituted by OWWA in their quest to preserve meaningful family relationships.
Among the cases being brought by family members of OFWs to their office are non-remittance, delayed remittance, lack of or no communication and reports on the alleged involvement of a third party.
Despite the prevalence of these cases, Pena said they have instituted various innovations in the pre-departure orientation seminar through the incorporation of a three to five days cultural orientation to acquaint the OFWs and their family members of what is expected in their points of destination to avoid the usual culture shock.
Moreover, the OWWA has launched the Search for the Model OFW Family nationwide to serve as an avenue for family members of OFWs to strive hard in maximizing their time for productive endeavors to help in the country’s economic growth.
In fact, she cited the criteria for the search was revised whereby 50 percent will be for the wholesome family relationship of the OFW and his or her family members while the economic success, which had a heavier weight in the previous searches, is now only 10 percent of the criteria.
Pena, a former welfare officer based in Lebanon, said while it is true that OFWs play an important role in the country’s vaunted economic growth, the OWWA is also doing its part in trying to preserve the wholesome family relations so as not to greatly affect the morals of their children and continue the bonding of the OFW and his or her family while they are away from their loved ones.
She aid with innovations they are introducing to cater to the welfare of the OFWs and their family members, cases of abandonment will go down while admitting there are cases which are considered to be irreconcilable despite efforts to mend the relationship being exerted by the concerned agencies and their own family members and relatives. -- Dexter A. See
P5.6 billion allotted for Cordillera road projects
BAGUIO CITY – The national government has earmarked at least P5.6 billion in next year’s 1.4 trillion budget for the Cordillera to rehabilitate and improve its various road networks to help spur economic development especially in the remote areas which were previously left out in the development thrusts of previous administrations.
Next year’s allocation for the region is at least twice more than the P2.89 billion allocated for various projects in the different parts of the region under the P1.227 national budget this year.
State of the Nation Address (SONA) projects make up at least 95 percent of the programmed projects under the Department of Public works and Highways to ensure that the commitments of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the region will be completed on or before 2010.
Mariano Alquiza, regional DPWH director, said Kalinga will get the highest allocation next year which amounts to P1.77 billion worth of projects while Mountain province, which usually gets most of the funds for infrastructure over the past years will receive P1.44 billion infrastructure projects.
Ifugao is expected to get a total of P224.5 million for its SONA projects while Benguet will be getting at least P721 million in terms of foreign-assisted projects, which includes the on-going rehabilitation of the Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes secondary arterial road which has a total project cost of P673 million.
Alquiza, who is the chairman of the Regional Development council’s infrastructure committee, added Benguet will also get P438 million worth of projects for the rehabilitation and construction of damaged national roads, P127 million for road upgrading, P116 million roads to enhance tourism and P20 million for roads to enhance tourism and another P20 million for various infrastructure including local projects.
Ifugao is set to get P518 million for SONA projects, road upgrading, road opening and construction of missing links of national roads, roads to enhance tourism, rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged national roads and various infrastructures including local projects.
Abra stands to receive P501.8 million, Apayao – P471.1 million, Baguio City – 80 million and P18.5 million for the regional office for the various road projects in the region.
Since 1989, the RDC had been constantly lobbying for national recognition of the need to rehabilitate its circuitous road networks to bring development to the far flung communities of the region, thus, it crafted the Cordillera road Improvement Project (CRIP), the blueprint of the region’s infrastructure development, which serves as a basis for funding by foreign and local funding agencies.
President Arroyo has prioritized the infrastructure development of the Cordillera to improve the
tourism, agriculture and economic development which is geared towards improving the lives of poor Filipino families in the countryside.
Alquiza cited the RDC’s all-out support for the recognition of the region’s desire for better roads to attract the influx of investors in economically viable areas especially in terms of tourism development. – Dexter A See
AIM survey: Baguio 18th in competitiveness list of 25 medium-sized cities
Dexter A. See
BAGUIO CITY – Despite the intensified efforts of city officials to uplift the image of this mountain resort city, Baguio continued to slide down in the list of competitiveness among medium-sized cities all over the country.
This developed after the Asian Institute of Management ranked Baguio City No. 18 among 25 medium-sized cities nationwide. This was based on a competitiveness study AIM conducted in 2007.
The city was given a rating of 6.27 percent or above-average rating in competitiveness based on the survey and group discussions with proponents of local small- and medium-scale enterprises and some members of the Baguio-Benguet Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
Researchers said the 6.27 percent rating is an all time high for the city, noting that it was given a rating of 5.81 percent in 1999, 6.14 percent in 2001, 5.87 percent in 2003 and 5.82 percent in 2005.
The AIM study reflects the state of the city in 2005 and 2006 when the data were gathered.
The criteria for rating and ranking of the cities are based on the cost of doing business, dynamism of the local economy, human resources and training, infrastructure, responsiveness of the local government units to business needs, and quality of life.
Baguio had some strong points, chalking up a perfect score of 10 for having a very low rate of business taxes and easy access to commercial banks.
The other strong points included an excellent police force, access to an airport, minimal existence of informal fees or bribes in government offices, access to government banks, membership in local business chamber, access to potable water supply, overall quality of workers and reliability of telephone services.
The AIM study shows the city’s weak points due to the very low number of universal and commercial banks, low ratio of doctors and hospital beds per 100,000 population, and low number of registered businesses, high electricity and water rates, lack of membership in any other business groups, provision of investment incentives, enforcement of land-use regulations such as zoning, and transparency of the city government in its dealings.
The AIM competitiveness study conducted last year covered 90 cities which were classified into metro, medium-sized, and small, based mostly on population.
The top-performing medium-sized cities last year included Cabanatuan, General Santos, Lucena, Olongapo, San Pablo, Tagum, and Tarlac.
The Philippine Cities Competitiveness Report is a biennial independent study conducted nationwide. Its goal is to rank cities on the basis of economic performance and responsiveness to business enterprises.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Baguio taxpayers can now avail of amnesty
By Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY – Taxpayers may now avail of amnesty on fines, interests, surcharges and penalties surcharges on delinquent tax payments.
The city council last Monday approved on third reading an ordinance authored by Councilor Nicasio Aliping Jr. for this purpose.
Under the measure, a “general amnesty” would be given to real property taxpayers who are delinquent in the payment of real property taxes as of December 31, 2007.
“The amnesty shall pertain to the condonation of the entire amount of fines, interests, surcharges and penalties, provided that the taxpayer pays all the delinquent taxes,” the measure noted.
The amnesty shall be availed of only within three months upon its approval by the city mayor.
“The application of amnesty under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Office of the City Treasurer on the form prescribed therefore,” the measure noted.
“Further, in order that said amnesty be granted the taxpayer shall explain in the form of affidavit stating the reasons such as: acts of man such as hold up and financial crisis; and fortuitious event.”
“Any taxpayer who avails of amnesty under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be exempted from any civil, criminal and administrative liability arising from the violation of the Real Property Tax Code and the Revised Revenue Code of Baguio City. The exemption shall cover only properties declared under amnesty;
“No public auction of delinquent real properties shall be held during the period of amnesty.”
Aliping said allowing taxpayers to settle their obligations without the burden of surcharges will help ease their financial woes in this time of economic crisis faced by the country.
“Taxpayers are hesitant to pay their tax delinquencies due to imposition of fines, interests, surcharges and penalties (thus the grant of amnesty) will encourage effective tax collection,” Aliping said.
BAGUIO CITY – Taxpayers may now avail of amnesty on fines, interests, surcharges and penalties surcharges on delinquent tax payments.
The city council last Monday approved on third reading an ordinance authored by Councilor Nicasio Aliping Jr. for this purpose.
Under the measure, a “general amnesty” would be given to real property taxpayers who are delinquent in the payment of real property taxes as of December 31, 2007.
“The amnesty shall pertain to the condonation of the entire amount of fines, interests, surcharges and penalties, provided that the taxpayer pays all the delinquent taxes,” the measure noted.
The amnesty shall be availed of only within three months upon its approval by the city mayor.
“The application of amnesty under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Office of the City Treasurer on the form prescribed therefore,” the measure noted.
“Further, in order that said amnesty be granted the taxpayer shall explain in the form of affidavit stating the reasons such as: acts of man such as hold up and financial crisis; and fortuitious event.”
“Any taxpayer who avails of amnesty under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be exempted from any civil, criminal and administrative liability arising from the violation of the Real Property Tax Code and the Revised Revenue Code of Baguio City. The exemption shall cover only properties declared under amnesty;
“No public auction of delinquent real properties shall be held during the period of amnesty.”
Aliping said allowing taxpayers to settle their obligations without the burden of surcharges will help ease their financial woes in this time of economic crisis faced by the country.
“Taxpayers are hesitant to pay their tax delinquencies due to imposition of fines, interests, surcharges and penalties (thus the grant of amnesty) will encourage effective tax collection,” Aliping said.
MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY
Retailers assail NFA for slowdown in buying palay
BAGUIO CITY — Concerned rice traders and retailers assailed here the National Food Authority for the alleged slowdown in the purchase of palay from thousands of rice farmers in Northern Luzon.
This is contrary, they said, to an order of President Arroyo to the NFA to conduct massive buying of palay during this current harvest season.
Aside from the reduced buying frequency, the traders said the NFA is buying palay from the farmers at only P11 per kilo, which is way below the P17 per kilo ceiling set by the Department of Agriculture.
It is also lower than the P20 price proposed by the agriculture stakeholders.
It was reported the NFA has not complied with an order of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to establish more palay buying stations in rice-producing provinces.
The retailers and traders said the NFA is buying the palay only when the farmers deliver their produce to its warehouses.
A big-time trader, who requested not to be identified for fear of losing his rice quota, said the P11 per-kilo buying price of palay is no longer sufficient to cover expenses for production because part of the amount is used to pay for the transport of the palay to the NFA warehouses.
The same trader said he had learned that the NFA has slowed down the purchase of palay from the farmers because its warehouses are still filled with stocks of imported rice which are not being released to the market.
If the government is sincere with its pronouncements on the reduction of the high prices of rice in the market, the trader said, it should flood the market with its stocks of imported rice. This would force commercial rice traders to bring down their prices, he said.
At present, commercial rice traders are dictating market prices because they know that the NFA is not releasing its rice stocks in its warehouses.
Despite a promise of DA officials that prices of rice will stabilize during the harvest season, the trader said, rice farmers prefer to sell their palay produce to commercial traders rather than to the NFA because of the higher buying prices although it is still below the P17 per-kilo ceiling.
Many rice farmers had earlier warned they would no longer plant palay in the next planting season if the government fails to fulfill its commitment to lower the prices of farm inputs and to increase the buying price of palay. – By Dexter A See
Help needed for indigents; Amarillo concert set Tuesday
By Ramon Dacawi
BAGUIO CITY -- The intermittent afternoon rain hit immediately hard Wednesday, before Josephine Almeron could fully explain her medical plight.
The sudden sound of the downpour startled her. She grabbed her umbrella and hastily begged leave, saying she had left her youngest child - alone at the Rizal Monument.
Earlier, the 41-year old mother of three had fetched eight-year old Frances Dane from her Grade II class at the Mabini Elementary School.
They walked for sometime until the kid complained she was tired. Josephine told her to wait at the park while she would deliver a city social welfare document to support her appeal for help.
Social worker Florecita Tul-prepared the document called “social case study report”. She noted that Josephine looked better than when she first saw her last year. “She has gained weight, her hair has grown back and seems happier this time,” it said.
Josephine made it through six cycles of chemotherapy last year, with support from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the congressional fund of Rep. Mauricio Domogan and the city social welfare office.
With three kids to feed, a P2,000 room rental, plus P400 in city services pay monthly, Josephine had to return to work last December, a little over a year after the solo parent was diagnosed for breast cancer.
She’s now on the seven-to-three day shift as security guard beside the emergency room of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
The center has applied charity status on her case to sustain her post-chemo treatment. It means P1,500 instead of P5,000 for the cobalt planning and P130 instead of P300 per session of her on-going 30-day radiation treatment.
The generous discounts notwithstanding, it’s still a tall order. As Tul-an noted in her report, Josephine stopped her maintenance medication last month. She’s midway through her cobalt therapy, on credit to give her time to source out P5,400 for the complete, 30-day session. After that, she must be on a five-year maintenance dose.
So she returned to the city social welfare office last week. At the back of Tul-an’s report, Josephine scribbled her permission to have her plea for support written, hoping Samaritans out there would respond. She declined the idea to have her identity withheld in the news item, even if it would intrude into her privacy.
She and her children have been living apart from her husband for sometime now, she told the social worker. She admitted it had something to do with domestic violence. Her in-laws, however, committed to shoulder the education of the estranged couple’s eldest child, 23-year old Jayson, a senior nursing student. Carla Mae, their second child, finished high school but didn’t enter college because of her mother’s tight budget.
Josephine can be reached at cellphone number 09217936655.
Another 41-year old mother also sought help last week, for her toddler afflicted with multi-disability due to congenital hydrocephaly and epilepsy.
Marie Yambao, a housewife, said doctors told her that her two-year and eight-month old Angelix Marie, could no longer be treated through shunting to drain extra fluid in the brain.
The baby will never become a normal child, but her family is doing its best ease her suffering, wrote social worked Nelly Ayochok. Easing means regular medication, which the baby’s parents can’t sustain through her father’s earnings as a taxi driver.
People wanting to help may ring up Marie’s number (09202923865) or visit the family at 44 Engineer’s Hill.
Thanks to regular Samaritans, others in dire need of support for their medical deliverance are fighting on.
Rose Ann Cordova, a former day care worker and mother of three from Outlook Drive, recently had her post-chemo check-up for breast cancer with a P7,000 donation from Baguio expatriate Freddie de Guzman in Canada.
De Guzman also allotted P2,000 from his latest remittance of P12, 000 for another kid stricken with cerebral palsy, care of journalist Glo Tuazon,. Another P2,000 was used Thursday for the dialysis session of kidney patient Filbert Almoza. The remaining P1,000 will be for incidental expenses in a concert-for-a-cause this Tuesday.
Three years ago, de Guzman, an architect, teamed up with an Ibaloi woman and Guy Aliping in New Zealand, teamed up for Cordova’s chemotherapy. De Guzman also bankrolled the six chemo treatments of Linda, a 49-year old widow and mother of nine who also survived the big C.
A banker’s P1,500 enabled Nora, a mother of three on a daily maintenance for mental illness, to buy her one-year old son three cans of infant formula and food for her family. Her drug maintenance prevents her from breast-feeding her baby.
On Tuesday evening, folk musicians, tapped by singer-turned-columnist March Fianza, will do a concert at the Amarillo Folkden (former Spirits Disco). It will be for 10-year old Hodgkin’s lymphoma patient Mark Anthony Viray of DPS Compound.
Their counterparts in Northern California led by Joel Aliping, Conrad Marzan and Richard Arandia, also belted out country last Oct. 11 in Daly City Proceeds will be for a 26-year old girl suffering from vasculitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of blood vessels.
“Like in California, we hope for a crowd at the Amarillo, as it doesn’t rain evenings here,” Fianza said. – Ramon Dacawi.
DENR permit on ‘earthballing’ of 497 pine trees in Baguio hit
By Mike Guimbatan and Dexter A. See
BAGUIO CITY — Some 500 Pine trees in a four-hectare area in the Camp John Hay reservation here will have to go.
The clearance to remove the 497 trees was issued by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza who signed a two-page "no-cutting" permit issued last Oct. 6 to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, through Tesoro Panga, zone administrator.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office said the trees obstructed the development of the area by Moog Control Corp. which has leased the property.
Villamor Bacullo, forester of the Forest and Watershed Management Division of CEPMO, said that the permit signed by Secretary Atienza was found by the DENR office here to be "meritorious, considering the site development and construction of two production buildings at the area."
It was noted, however, that the permit has stipulated a condition that "we are of the position that subject trees should be saved from cutting, and instead, a permit to earthball the affected trees is hereby granted."
Some residents said that Secretary Atienza has just signed the "death certificates" of the 497 trees.
They said the trees might eventually die considering the process of earthballing or the transplanting of trees.
A former worker involved in the earthballing process said the survival rate of earthballed trees, specially large sand matured trees, is very low.
"Many factors are considered in earthballing like the kind or specie, roots system, diameter, age, height, habitat, and time. Once one of these factors is affected, this would complicate or affect the survival of the tree," Forester Bacullo said.
During the balling operation, authorized representatives of CEPMO and DENR will directly supervised the work until the earthballing process ends in April 2009 or 150 days after the issuance of the permit.
The earthballed trees will be transplanted in open spaces, of lots 14 and 15 of the John Hay reservation.
Pro-environment groups also cited the low survival rate of transplanted matured trees, saying the process is tantamount to retiring the trees.
Earlier, PEZA officials said the expansion by Moog Controls Corp. will be done in such a way that only a few trees.
It turns out, however, that 497 trees, which serve as wind buffer in the area, "are to be retired."
Bolt-cut gang ransacks church-based school
By Mike Guimbatan Jr
BAGUIO CITY – The bolt-cutter gang struck again, this time ransacking a church-based school in the wee hours of Thursday carting away computers, cash and valuables.
Robbers upon gaining access inside the church premises of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines forced themselves in the UCCP-Baguio Educational School by cutting a section of a steel window using a bolt-cutter and when inside, ransacked the offices of the principal, registrar and the cashier.
The robbers used a crowbar to open the cashier’s vault carting away cash contents approximately amounting to P15,000 cash according to cashier Maribeth Tiongan.
The cashier said she was glad most cash collections were already deposited in the bank.
Four brand new slim computers and accessories valued at P27,000 each were spirited away from the building.
Two of the computers were left at the church lawn by the robbers. Lost cash and properties were estimated by UCCP- BEC principal Ruben Puguon at around P52,000.
Puguon who was last to go home Wednesday evening said he did not notice anything unusual at around 8 p.m. when he closed the lights and opened external lights.
It was around 5:30 a.m. pf Oct. 23 that Samuel Balacang, stay-in driver of the church noticed wrapped things at the church garbage area.
He opened one and was surprised to see two units of computers and accessories.
The robbers only brought out two units computers.
Police led by SPO2 Juan Piggangay said perpetrators were more than one based on several hand prints in the area.
This is the fourth incident of bolt cutting in the city after three computer shops were cleared of all their computers last July by robbers.
BAGUIO CITY — Concerned rice traders and retailers assailed here the National Food Authority for the alleged slowdown in the purchase of palay from thousands of rice farmers in Northern Luzon.
This is contrary, they said, to an order of President Arroyo to the NFA to conduct massive buying of palay during this current harvest season.
Aside from the reduced buying frequency, the traders said the NFA is buying palay from the farmers at only P11 per kilo, which is way below the P17 per kilo ceiling set by the Department of Agriculture.
It is also lower than the P20 price proposed by the agriculture stakeholders.
It was reported the NFA has not complied with an order of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to establish more palay buying stations in rice-producing provinces.
The retailers and traders said the NFA is buying the palay only when the farmers deliver their produce to its warehouses.
A big-time trader, who requested not to be identified for fear of losing his rice quota, said the P11 per-kilo buying price of palay is no longer sufficient to cover expenses for production because part of the amount is used to pay for the transport of the palay to the NFA warehouses.
The same trader said he had learned that the NFA has slowed down the purchase of palay from the farmers because its warehouses are still filled with stocks of imported rice which are not being released to the market.
If the government is sincere with its pronouncements on the reduction of the high prices of rice in the market, the trader said, it should flood the market with its stocks of imported rice. This would force commercial rice traders to bring down their prices, he said.
At present, commercial rice traders are dictating market prices because they know that the NFA is not releasing its rice stocks in its warehouses.
Despite a promise of DA officials that prices of rice will stabilize during the harvest season, the trader said, rice farmers prefer to sell their palay produce to commercial traders rather than to the NFA because of the higher buying prices although it is still below the P17 per-kilo ceiling.
Many rice farmers had earlier warned they would no longer plant palay in the next planting season if the government fails to fulfill its commitment to lower the prices of farm inputs and to increase the buying price of palay. – By Dexter A See
Help needed for indigents; Amarillo concert set Tuesday
By Ramon Dacawi
BAGUIO CITY -- The intermittent afternoon rain hit immediately hard Wednesday, before Josephine Almeron could fully explain her medical plight.
The sudden sound of the downpour startled her. She grabbed her umbrella and hastily begged leave, saying she had left her youngest child - alone at the Rizal Monument.
Earlier, the 41-year old mother of three had fetched eight-year old Frances Dane from her Grade II class at the Mabini Elementary School.
They walked for sometime until the kid complained she was tired. Josephine told her to wait at the park while she would deliver a city social welfare document to support her appeal for help.
Social worker Florecita Tul-prepared the document called “social case study report”. She noted that Josephine looked better than when she first saw her last year. “She has gained weight, her hair has grown back and seems happier this time,” it said.
Josephine made it through six cycles of chemotherapy last year, with support from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the congressional fund of Rep. Mauricio Domogan and the city social welfare office.
With three kids to feed, a P2,000 room rental, plus P400 in city services pay monthly, Josephine had to return to work last December, a little over a year after the solo parent was diagnosed for breast cancer.
She’s now on the seven-to-three day shift as security guard beside the emergency room of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
The center has applied charity status on her case to sustain her post-chemo treatment. It means P1,500 instead of P5,000 for the cobalt planning and P130 instead of P300 per session of her on-going 30-day radiation treatment.
The generous discounts notwithstanding, it’s still a tall order. As Tul-an noted in her report, Josephine stopped her maintenance medication last month. She’s midway through her cobalt therapy, on credit to give her time to source out P5,400 for the complete, 30-day session. After that, she must be on a five-year maintenance dose.
So she returned to the city social welfare office last week. At the back of Tul-an’s report, Josephine scribbled her permission to have her plea for support written, hoping Samaritans out there would respond. She declined the idea to have her identity withheld in the news item, even if it would intrude into her privacy.
She and her children have been living apart from her husband for sometime now, she told the social worker. She admitted it had something to do with domestic violence. Her in-laws, however, committed to shoulder the education of the estranged couple’s eldest child, 23-year old Jayson, a senior nursing student. Carla Mae, their second child, finished high school but didn’t enter college because of her mother’s tight budget.
Josephine can be reached at cellphone number 09217936655.
Another 41-year old mother also sought help last week, for her toddler afflicted with multi-disability due to congenital hydrocephaly and epilepsy.
Marie Yambao, a housewife, said doctors told her that her two-year and eight-month old Angelix Marie, could no longer be treated through shunting to drain extra fluid in the brain.
The baby will never become a normal child, but her family is doing its best ease her suffering, wrote social worked Nelly Ayochok. Easing means regular medication, which the baby’s parents can’t sustain through her father’s earnings as a taxi driver.
People wanting to help may ring up Marie’s number (09202923865) or visit the family at 44 Engineer’s Hill.
Thanks to regular Samaritans, others in dire need of support for their medical deliverance are fighting on.
Rose Ann Cordova, a former day care worker and mother of three from Outlook Drive, recently had her post-chemo check-up for breast cancer with a P7,000 donation from Baguio expatriate Freddie de Guzman in Canada.
De Guzman also allotted P2,000 from his latest remittance of P12, 000 for another kid stricken with cerebral palsy, care of journalist Glo Tuazon,. Another P2,000 was used Thursday for the dialysis session of kidney patient Filbert Almoza. The remaining P1,000 will be for incidental expenses in a concert-for-a-cause this Tuesday.
Three years ago, de Guzman, an architect, teamed up with an Ibaloi woman and Guy Aliping in New Zealand, teamed up for Cordova’s chemotherapy. De Guzman also bankrolled the six chemo treatments of Linda, a 49-year old widow and mother of nine who also survived the big C.
A banker’s P1,500 enabled Nora, a mother of three on a daily maintenance for mental illness, to buy her one-year old son three cans of infant formula and food for her family. Her drug maintenance prevents her from breast-feeding her baby.
On Tuesday evening, folk musicians, tapped by singer-turned-columnist March Fianza, will do a concert at the Amarillo Folkden (former Spirits Disco). It will be for 10-year old Hodgkin’s lymphoma patient Mark Anthony Viray of DPS Compound.
Their counterparts in Northern California led by Joel Aliping, Conrad Marzan and Richard Arandia, also belted out country last Oct. 11 in Daly City Proceeds will be for a 26-year old girl suffering from vasculitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of blood vessels.
“Like in California, we hope for a crowd at the Amarillo, as it doesn’t rain evenings here,” Fianza said. – Ramon Dacawi.
DENR permit on ‘earthballing’ of 497 pine trees in Baguio hit
By Mike Guimbatan and Dexter A. See
BAGUIO CITY — Some 500 Pine trees in a four-hectare area in the Camp John Hay reservation here will have to go.
The clearance to remove the 497 trees was issued by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza who signed a two-page "no-cutting" permit issued last Oct. 6 to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, through Tesoro Panga, zone administrator.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office said the trees obstructed the development of the area by Moog Control Corp. which has leased the property.
Villamor Bacullo, forester of the Forest and Watershed Management Division of CEPMO, said that the permit signed by Secretary Atienza was found by the DENR office here to be "meritorious, considering the site development and construction of two production buildings at the area."
It was noted, however, that the permit has stipulated a condition that "we are of the position that subject trees should be saved from cutting, and instead, a permit to earthball the affected trees is hereby granted."
Some residents said that Secretary Atienza has just signed the "death certificates" of the 497 trees.
They said the trees might eventually die considering the process of earthballing or the transplanting of trees.
A former worker involved in the earthballing process said the survival rate of earthballed trees, specially large sand matured trees, is very low.
"Many factors are considered in earthballing like the kind or specie, roots system, diameter, age, height, habitat, and time. Once one of these factors is affected, this would complicate or affect the survival of the tree," Forester Bacullo said.
During the balling operation, authorized representatives of CEPMO and DENR will directly supervised the work until the earthballing process ends in April 2009 or 150 days after the issuance of the permit.
The earthballed trees will be transplanted in open spaces, of lots 14 and 15 of the John Hay reservation.
Pro-environment groups also cited the low survival rate of transplanted matured trees, saying the process is tantamount to retiring the trees.
Earlier, PEZA officials said the expansion by Moog Controls Corp. will be done in such a way that only a few trees.
It turns out, however, that 497 trees, which serve as wind buffer in the area, "are to be retired."
Bolt-cut gang ransacks church-based school
By Mike Guimbatan Jr
BAGUIO CITY – The bolt-cutter gang struck again, this time ransacking a church-based school in the wee hours of Thursday carting away computers, cash and valuables.
Robbers upon gaining access inside the church premises of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines forced themselves in the UCCP-Baguio Educational School by cutting a section of a steel window using a bolt-cutter and when inside, ransacked the offices of the principal, registrar and the cashier.
The robbers used a crowbar to open the cashier’s vault carting away cash contents approximately amounting to P15,000 cash according to cashier Maribeth Tiongan.
The cashier said she was glad most cash collections were already deposited in the bank.
Four brand new slim computers and accessories valued at P27,000 each were spirited away from the building.
Two of the computers were left at the church lawn by the robbers. Lost cash and properties were estimated by UCCP- BEC principal Ruben Puguon at around P52,000.
Puguon who was last to go home Wednesday evening said he did not notice anything unusual at around 8 p.m. when he closed the lights and opened external lights.
It was around 5:30 a.m. pf Oct. 23 that Samuel Balacang, stay-in driver of the church noticed wrapped things at the church garbage area.
He opened one and was surprised to see two units of computers and accessories.
The robbers only brought out two units computers.
Police led by SPO2 Juan Piggangay said perpetrators were more than one based on several hand prints in the area.
This is the fourth incident of bolt cutting in the city after three computer shops were cleared of all their computers last July by robbers.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
CHR starts probe; Judge to GMA: Appear on hearing of missing activist
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – President Macapagal-Arroyo has been subpoenaed to appear here Oct. 23 when the court will hear the petition for a writ of amparo filed by the family of Cordillera activist James Balao, 47 who has been missing since Sept. 17.
The hearing was earlier scheduled Oct. 16 at Branch 63 of the Regional Trial Court here but presiding judge Benigno Galacgac got sick so the hearing was moved this week wherein government counsels will be pitted against human rights lawyers.
This, as the Commission on Human Rights has started its investigation into the disappearance of a Cordillera activist amid growing pressure on the government from both local and international organizations to immediately find him.
During the amparo hearing, the government panel will include the Office of the Solicitor General, lawyers from the military’s Judge Advocate Group Services, who will stand on behalf of President Arroyo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano and Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, to answer allegations that government security forces seized Balao, 47, of the left-leaning Cordillera People’s Alliance.
Judge Galacgac earlier subpoenaed Ms Arroyo, Teodoro, Puno, Yano and Verzosa to attend the hearing.
A writ of amparo is an inspection order directing public officers who control military and police detention facilities where a detainee is allegedly kept to allow authorized persons “to inspect, measure and survey the property or any related object or operation.”
Maj. Rosendo Armas, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command, told the media the military will cooperate in the ongoing investigation into Balao’s disappearance, though insisting that they are not keeping the missing activist.
The CHR had joined different groups in condemning the disappearance of Balao, a founding member of the Cordillera People’s Alliance.
In a resolution Oct.10, the CHR pledged to investigate and monitor developments on the case of Balao, who it considers a victim of enforced disappearance.
Balao’s family and colleagues at CPA believe military men were behind his disappearance in La Trinidad, Benguet on Sept. 17.
“Based on the initial information we have gathered, James Balao and his family have been under regular surveillance by unidentified persons since the first week of June 2008, and (Balao) is allegedly listed in the dossier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Education Bureau in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions,” De Lima said in an article emailed to the Northern Philippine Times..
“The CHR, pursuant to its constitutional mandate to investigate all forms of human rights violations, involving civil and political rights… will continue our investigation and monitoring of this case, as we also strongly condemn the enforced disappearance of James Balao,” she added.
In the same resolution, the CHR asked the Philippine National Police to assist it in the investigation, and the AFP to help locate Balao.
The CHR said it would hold a dialogue with top PNP and AFP officials to discuss Balao’s case and the disappearance of other people alleged to be CPP members.
On the morning of Sept. 17, Balao left Baguio to go home to his family in La Trinidad.
He reportedly informed his family through a text message about his homecoming that day. But he did not show up, and his family and friends have had no contact with him since then.
Balao, a descendant of a large Chinese-Japanese clan in Benguet, is the president of the Oclupan Clan Association.
In 1984, he was among those who founded CPA, which advocates the protection and promotion of the rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, especially of indigenous communities.
The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said allegations that military men were behind Balao’s disappearance were “mere leftist propaganda.”
“If the court will direct us to open our camp, then we will comply,” said Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo, commander of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela that has jurisdiction over all military forces in northern Luzon.
Domestic and international pressure has mounted on the government over the disappearance of Balao, president of the Chinese-Japanese Oclupan clan in Benguet and an alumnus of the University of the Philippines-Baguio.
Cordillera police intelligence agents are zeroing in on various angles in Balao’s disappearance: the involvement of the military, police intelligence operatives or common criminals; personal dealings; or internal purging in the communist movement.
The hearing was earlier scheduled Oct. 16 at Branch 63 of the Regional Trial Court here but presiding judge Benigno Galacgac got sick so the hearing was moved this week wherein government counsels will be pitted against human rights lawyers.
This, as the Commission on Human Rights has started its investigation into the disappearance of a Cordillera activist amid growing pressure on the government from both local and international organizations to immediately find him.
During the amparo hearing, the government panel will include the Office of the Solicitor General, lawyers from the military’s Judge Advocate Group Services, who will stand on behalf of President Arroyo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano and Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, to answer allegations that government security forces seized Balao, 47, of the left-leaning Cordillera People’s Alliance.
Judge Galacgac earlier subpoenaed Ms Arroyo, Teodoro, Puno, Yano and Verzosa to attend the hearing.
A writ of amparo is an inspection order directing public officers who control military and police detention facilities where a detainee is allegedly kept to allow authorized persons “to inspect, measure and survey the property or any related object or operation.”
Maj. Rosendo Armas, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command, told the media the military will cooperate in the ongoing investigation into Balao’s disappearance, though insisting that they are not keeping the missing activist.
The CHR had joined different groups in condemning the disappearance of Balao, a founding member of the Cordillera People’s Alliance.
In a resolution Oct.10, the CHR pledged to investigate and monitor developments on the case of Balao, who it considers a victim of enforced disappearance.
Balao’s family and colleagues at CPA believe military men were behind his disappearance in La Trinidad, Benguet on Sept. 17.
“Based on the initial information we have gathered, James Balao and his family have been under regular surveillance by unidentified persons since the first week of June 2008, and (Balao) is allegedly listed in the dossier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Education Bureau in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions,” De Lima said in an article emailed to the Northern Philippine Times..
“The CHR, pursuant to its constitutional mandate to investigate all forms of human rights violations, involving civil and political rights… will continue our investigation and monitoring of this case, as we also strongly condemn the enforced disappearance of James Balao,” she added.
In the same resolution, the CHR asked the Philippine National Police to assist it in the investigation, and the AFP to help locate Balao.
The CHR said it would hold a dialogue with top PNP and AFP officials to discuss Balao’s case and the disappearance of other people alleged to be CPP members.
On the morning of Sept. 17, Balao left Baguio to go home to his family in La Trinidad.
He reportedly informed his family through a text message about his homecoming that day. But he did not show up, and his family and friends have had no contact with him since then.
Balao, a descendant of a large Chinese-Japanese clan in Benguet, is the president of the Oclupan Clan Association.
In 1984, he was among those who founded CPA, which advocates the protection and promotion of the rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, especially of indigenous communities.
The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said allegations that military men were behind Balao’s disappearance were “mere leftist propaganda.”
“If the court will direct us to open our camp, then we will comply,” said Maj. Gen. Melchor Dilodilo, commander of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela that has jurisdiction over all military forces in northern Luzon.
Domestic and international pressure has mounted on the government over the disappearance of Balao, president of the Chinese-Japanese Oclupan clan in Benguet and an alumnus of the University of the Philippines-Baguio.
Cordillera police intelligence agents are zeroing in on various angles in Balao’s disappearance: the involvement of the military, police intelligence operatives or common criminals; personal dealings; or internal purging in the communist movement.
City execs file charges vs folks for stopping garbage dumping
By Isagani S. Liporada
BAGUIO CITY - Three government officers filed a joint affidavit-complaint Sept. 12 against Barangay Irisan, Asin and Tadiangan folks for allegedly preventing the former from performing official functions at the Irisan dumpsite.
City Environment and Parks Management Office chief Colleen Lacsamana and her staff Jimmy Pugoy and Anthony Saguco in the sworn statement said, on Aug. 18, a city dump truck was on its way to Irisan waste facility when about 20-persons blocked the main gate.
The protesters were allegedly led by Leonardo Taganas, John Siloy, and Amadeo Binwag, all barangay officials from Irisan and Asin, respectively.
The private complainants recalled, on or about 8am to 9:00am of said day, they tried pleading with the protesters to allow the truck to enter the premises.
Instead of hearing their pleas, they were met with resistance as the gate to the facility was chained and padlocked.
“Taganas and Binwag,” they claimed even threatened, “We will bring tribal war in Baguio if the government will open a transfer station here at the lime kiln.”
The closure of the Irisan Dumpsite as a controlled dumping facility currently remains in effect by virtue of an order from mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr.
However, an identified area within the facility was opened “strictly for purposes of a sorting bay for garbage going to the Capas dump facility.”
As a result of the closure, private complainants claimed, “the operations of CEPMO have been paralyzed causing great damage to the city’s constituents.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Dick Mark Dinamiling representing the protesters filed a motion for inhibition, asking the City Prosecutor’s Office to inhibit from conducting preliminary investigation on the case. “The CPO is receiving additional emolument and compensation from the City Government of Baguio.In view of avoiding any color of bias and partiality in the investigation of the case, the respondents believe that the CPO should inhibit itself from investigating the case.”
As of press time, the protesters have yet to file a counter-affidavit refuting the allegations of the private complainants.
Earlier, assistant prosecutor Gloria Agunos inhibited from the case. Sources said her inhibition was due to the fact that some of the respondents were known to her.
The case was reassigned to assistant prosecutor III Raymond Tabangin. who, according to a CPO staff, “will appreciate the complaint and counter-affidavit based on evidence presented by the parties.”
Tabangin is currently on leave. If, after Tabangin finds prima facie evidence warranting a court case, the protesters may find themselves as accused in a suit for “grave coercion” and “tumults and other disturbances of public order,” with maximum prison terms of up to six years each.
BAGUIO CITY - Three government officers filed a joint affidavit-complaint Sept. 12 against Barangay Irisan, Asin and Tadiangan folks for allegedly preventing the former from performing official functions at the Irisan dumpsite.
City Environment and Parks Management Office chief Colleen Lacsamana and her staff Jimmy Pugoy and Anthony Saguco in the sworn statement said, on Aug. 18, a city dump truck was on its way to Irisan waste facility when about 20-persons blocked the main gate.
The protesters were allegedly led by Leonardo Taganas, John Siloy, and Amadeo Binwag, all barangay officials from Irisan and Asin, respectively.
The private complainants recalled, on or about 8am to 9:00am of said day, they tried pleading with the protesters to allow the truck to enter the premises.
Instead of hearing their pleas, they were met with resistance as the gate to the facility was chained and padlocked.
“Taganas and Binwag,” they claimed even threatened, “We will bring tribal war in Baguio if the government will open a transfer station here at the lime kiln.”
The closure of the Irisan Dumpsite as a controlled dumping facility currently remains in effect by virtue of an order from mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr.
However, an identified area within the facility was opened “strictly for purposes of a sorting bay for garbage going to the Capas dump facility.”
As a result of the closure, private complainants claimed, “the operations of CEPMO have been paralyzed causing great damage to the city’s constituents.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Dick Mark Dinamiling representing the protesters filed a motion for inhibition, asking the City Prosecutor’s Office to inhibit from conducting preliminary investigation on the case. “The CPO is receiving additional emolument and compensation from the City Government of Baguio.In view of avoiding any color of bias and partiality in the investigation of the case, the respondents believe that the CPO should inhibit itself from investigating the case.”
As of press time, the protesters have yet to file a counter-affidavit refuting the allegations of the private complainants.
Earlier, assistant prosecutor Gloria Agunos inhibited from the case. Sources said her inhibition was due to the fact that some of the respondents were known to her.
The case was reassigned to assistant prosecutor III Raymond Tabangin. who, according to a CPO staff, “will appreciate the complaint and counter-affidavit based on evidence presented by the parties.”
Tabangin is currently on leave. If, after Tabangin finds prima facie evidence warranting a court case, the protesters may find themselves as accused in a suit for “grave coercion” and “tumults and other disturbances of public order,” with maximum prison terms of up to six years each.
Sentenced to 147 years for illegal recruitment: Jailed prosecutor vows to get back at detractors
By Dexter See
BAGUIO CITY — A prosecutor assigned in Agoo, La Union who is now in jail here after he was sentenced to a jail term of 147 years for large-scale illegal recruitment vowed to fight his case in court and go after his detractors.
In a 59-page decision, Regional Trial Court Branch 3 Judge Fernando Vil Pamintuan found lawyer Catalino Pepi guilty of simple illegal recruitment, large-scale illegal recruitment, and 10 counts of estafa in 15 cases filed against him by 13 persons.
The decision arose from complaints of the 13 individuals who were allegedly offered employment in Holland, South Korea, Japan, and Brunei.
The same decision stated the promise of employment in a certain destination was eventually moved to different places until recently when the complainants, all residents of this city, were told they were bound for South Korea.
Court records showed Pepi, vice president of Transcend Employment Services, was not able to deploy the 13 persons abroad. This led to the filing of the complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation whose agents later arrested the lawyer.
The court noted that Pepi did not deny recruiting the 13 persons as well as the receipt of the payment for overseas employment. Moreover, he could not deny issuing receipts of payments written in yellow pads as well as the claim of the complainants that he had told them he is a prosecutor in La Union.
Pepi’s defense was that although he has no license to recruit in this city and the Cordillera, his agency, Transcend Employment Services, has a license in Manila and that he is acting as an agent and representative of the corporation, being its vice president.
He presented a decision of an RTC judge in San Fernando City, La Union who acquitted him of a similar charge.
A testimony of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration personnel in the Cordillera stated that although the license of Transcend to recruit was issued in Manila, the same license was subsequently revoked.
POEA testified that a license cannot be used in any place other than the place stated in the license and the establishment of an additional office anywhere is subject to approval by the Department of Labor and Employment.
The court ordered Pepi to pay to the 13 complainants P1.73 million in moral and actual damages
BAGUIO CITY — A prosecutor assigned in Agoo, La Union who is now in jail here after he was sentenced to a jail term of 147 years for large-scale illegal recruitment vowed to fight his case in court and go after his detractors.
In a 59-page decision, Regional Trial Court Branch 3 Judge Fernando Vil Pamintuan found lawyer Catalino Pepi guilty of simple illegal recruitment, large-scale illegal recruitment, and 10 counts of estafa in 15 cases filed against him by 13 persons.
The decision arose from complaints of the 13 individuals who were allegedly offered employment in Holland, South Korea, Japan, and Brunei.
The same decision stated the promise of employment in a certain destination was eventually moved to different places until recently when the complainants, all residents of this city, were told they were bound for South Korea.
Court records showed Pepi, vice president of Transcend Employment Services, was not able to deploy the 13 persons abroad. This led to the filing of the complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation whose agents later arrested the lawyer.
The court noted that Pepi did not deny recruiting the 13 persons as well as the receipt of the payment for overseas employment. Moreover, he could not deny issuing receipts of payments written in yellow pads as well as the claim of the complainants that he had told them he is a prosecutor in La Union.
Pepi’s defense was that although he has no license to recruit in this city and the Cordillera, his agency, Transcend Employment Services, has a license in Manila and that he is acting as an agent and representative of the corporation, being its vice president.
He presented a decision of an RTC judge in San Fernando City, La Union who acquitted him of a similar charge.
A testimony of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration personnel in the Cordillera stated that although the license of Transcend to recruit was issued in Manila, the same license was subsequently revoked.
POEA testified that a license cannot be used in any place other than the place stated in the license and the establishment of an additional office anywhere is subject to approval by the Department of Labor and Employment.
The court ordered Pepi to pay to the 13 complainants P1.73 million in moral and actual damages
MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY
Musicians set concert at Amarillo for ailing boy
By Ramon Dacawi
BAGUIO CITY -- Newsman-folksinger David March Fianza is striking up the country bands for a benefit concert dedicated to a 10-year old ailing boy on Oct. 28 at the Amarillo Bar and Restaurant here.
At least 15 individual soloists and group performers have signed up for “Songs for Mark Anthony”, a four-hour evening treat supported by the DPS Barangay where the boy lives in a rented room with his widowed father and elder sister.
His dad, 50-year old Ernesto Viray, a part-time taxi and family driver, said the kid was supposed to be in the fifth grade, but quit after his ailment – Hodgkin’s lymphoma – was confirmed by biopsy last August.
Taking on his fight, Fianza rang up the bands, hoping the could raise some amount to help keep the boy’s dream alive. Mark Anthony dreams of becoming a pilot one day, his father said.
“Idi pay laeng tallo tawen na, panpanunoten nan ti agsakay ken agsuro nga agpatayab idi nakakita ti eroplano (Since he was three, he has been dreaming of riding and learning to fly a plane when he saw one),” Ernesto said.
Performing with Fianza are the Cruise Control, Blue Graz, Shakilan, Dalluyon, Munay ( bamboo flute artist from Bolivia), Mix Emotions, NYT Moves, musician-lawyers Bubut Olarte, Rolly Vergara, Nes Mondok, Angie Cabrera and Sara, publisher-editor Alfred Dizon, Art Mina, Liza and Sumitra, Brix, Mike Santos and Co., Dick and Libnah Oakes.
The DPS barangay council headed by village chief Narcisa Laguitan gave its blessings to the musicians’ effort in a meeting with Fianza and the boy’s father. The medical case was referred to Samaritans by DPS councilman Boying de Guzman, a brother of expat Samaritan Freddie de Guzman.
Mark Anthony is due for his third chemotherapy. His first two sessions were supported by former world traditional karate champion Julian Chees and other donors. Chees, head of the Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind) Karate School in Southern Germany, contributed P20,000.
Just last week, the boy received a gift package from expat couple Paul and Jenelyn Balanza in Midland, Michigan. It included a model airplane.
Marichu Sarmiento, director of PAL Foundation, also called up Friday, saying the airlines is willing to have him on a simulated plane ride once doctors clear him for it.
By Ramon Dacawi
BAGUIO CITY -- Newsman-folksinger David March Fianza is striking up the country bands for a benefit concert dedicated to a 10-year old ailing boy on Oct. 28 at the Amarillo Bar and Restaurant here.
At least 15 individual soloists and group performers have signed up for “Songs for Mark Anthony”, a four-hour evening treat supported by the DPS Barangay where the boy lives in a rented room with his widowed father and elder sister.
His dad, 50-year old Ernesto Viray, a part-time taxi and family driver, said the kid was supposed to be in the fifth grade, but quit after his ailment – Hodgkin’s lymphoma – was confirmed by biopsy last August.
Taking on his fight, Fianza rang up the bands, hoping the could raise some amount to help keep the boy’s dream alive. Mark Anthony dreams of becoming a pilot one day, his father said.
“Idi pay laeng tallo tawen na, panpanunoten nan ti agsakay ken agsuro nga agpatayab idi nakakita ti eroplano (Since he was three, he has been dreaming of riding and learning to fly a plane when he saw one),” Ernesto said.
Performing with Fianza are the Cruise Control, Blue Graz, Shakilan, Dalluyon, Munay ( bamboo flute artist from Bolivia), Mix Emotions, NYT Moves, musician-lawyers Bubut Olarte, Rolly Vergara, Nes Mondok, Angie Cabrera and Sara, publisher-editor Alfred Dizon, Art Mina, Liza and Sumitra, Brix, Mike Santos and Co., Dick and Libnah Oakes.
The DPS barangay council headed by village chief Narcisa Laguitan gave its blessings to the musicians’ effort in a meeting with Fianza and the boy’s father. The medical case was referred to Samaritans by DPS councilman Boying de Guzman, a brother of expat Samaritan Freddie de Guzman.
Mark Anthony is due for his third chemotherapy. His first two sessions were supported by former world traditional karate champion Julian Chees and other donors. Chees, head of the Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind) Karate School in Southern Germany, contributed P20,000.
Just last week, the boy received a gift package from expat couple Paul and Jenelyn Balanza in Midland, Michigan. It included a model airplane.
Marichu Sarmiento, director of PAL Foundation, also called up Friday, saying the airlines is willing to have him on a simulated plane ride once doctors clear him for it.