Golden Journal: 03 December 2006

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Fraudulently illegal, says Ledesma of Con-ass; Emano, Jaraula counter: Ignorant

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By Ben Balce, Joel Escol and Susan Palmes / Dec 9, 2006) -CAGAYAN de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma yesterday lashed at the House majority over its moves to convene a constituent assembly for Charter change, calling the efforts "fraudulently illegal and scandalously immoral."

But Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano and Rep. Constantino Jaraula, the chair of the House constitutional amendments committee, have this to say about critics of the Lower House’s efforts: ‘‘Ignorant.’’

Protest actions aimed at pressuring the House to drop its plan to effect constitutional amendments by way of a constituent assembly without the Senate’s participation would start tomorrow in the city.

Ledesma was set on presiding over an emergency meeting of residents opposed to ‘‘Con-ass’’ at the Archbishop’s Palace late afternoon yesterday.

Ledesma, in an interview, said he would issue an official statement against ‘‘Con-ass’’ on behalf of the local Roman Catholic archdiocese anytime soon like other bishops in the country.

"We have not favored Con-ass ever since," said Ledesma, referring to the position of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

A bigger ‘‘prayer rally’’ is being organized on Dec. 15 to stop the House juggernaut.

"It will be staged nationwide. The local churches, including those in other places in Mindanao, will participate," said Ledesma.

President Arroyo’s allies here said ‘‘Con-ass’’ critics ‘‘don’t know what they’re saying.’’

"It’s easy to say ‘illegal’ and ‘immoral’... Those who are saying that are all ignorant,’’ said Rep. Jaraula.

Over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, Emano singled out ex-vice mayor Antonio Soriano who has been criticizing moves to change the Charter through a constituent assembly.

"I don’t agree with Soriano," said Emano who has been advocating for Charter change.
Over ABS-CBN-Caga-yan de Oro, Vice Mayor Michelle said the matter would have to be decided by the Supreme Court.

Archbishop Ledesma said he disagreed with politicians pushing for Charter change by way of a constituent assembly.

"There is really a need to respond more collectively to the present crisis," said the archbishop.
‘‘The Catholic Churchs has to respond to this crisis produced by the prospect of Charter change by administration congressmen desperately bent on creating themselves into a constituent assembly."

Ledesma also called on citizens to be vigilant. "The temptation to manipulate and to hold on to power endangers the common good and the safety of the greatest number."

Meanwhile, a multisectoral group opposed to ‘‘Con-ass’’ would start street demonstrations in the city starting from the capitol grounds tomorrow, announced Soriano, the chair of the Black and White Movement here. Soriano is also the regional chair of the opposition PDP-Laban.

The local chapter of the human rights watchdog Karapatan headed by lawyer Beverly Musni and the group of Iglesia Filipina Indiependente’s Fr. Antonio Ablon are expected to join.

On Monday, noise barrage would also be staged at 5 pm to decry congressmen who were taking part in the House juggernaut.

"People should act now. We should be vigilant to protect the Constitution,’’ said Soriano.

Musni, for his part, said Karapatan would join the upcoming nationwide protest actions.

"We cannot let this pass. They (House majority members) are deceiving us,’’ said Musni.

IFI’s Fr. Ablon said his group was expected to issue an official statement against ‘‘Con-ass’’ today.

Meanwhile, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) strongly raised its opposition to the move of the House majority.

‘‘It was a cavernly act… a show of the tyranny of numbers for self-serving interests. The process is clearly wrapped in the agenda of those who want to further perpetuate themselves in power, including President Arroyo, who is facing serious doubts to the legitimacy of her rule,’’ said NCCP.

NCCP general secretary Sharon Rose Joy Duremdes said the move was ‘‘an obvious attempt to postpone the May 2007 elections, a con that will turn the people into big losers.’’

Duremdes said congressmen disregarded the true aspirations of Filipinos, hence the ‘‘desperate attempt to resurrect an unpopular initiative that was already junked by the Supreme Court.’’

‘‘We are reiterating that the NCCP is not against Charter change. Constitutional amendments are necessary in order for the Charter to ensure the welfare of the citizens. No doubt, the present Constitution stands in need of substantial improvement, but definitely not at this time and certainly not for the wrong reasons,’’ reads a portion of the NCCP statement.

The NCCP also called on its member churches to be vigilant and ‘‘not allow anyone... to ride roughshod on our God-given right to participate in political processes that directly affect us.’’

It called Charter change through a constituent assembly ‘‘double jeopardy where the people are concerned.’’

‘‘We believe that every deed which disregards the well-being of people shall be brought under the stern judgment of our God,’’ it said.

Home

Friday, December 08, 2006

Opol mayor bags award for governance

CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (Ben Balce / Dec. 8) MAYOR Dixon Yasay of Opol, Misamis Oriental, received on Wednesday (Dec. 6) the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence on behalf of the Municipal government, which has been adjudged as the best managed local government in the country.

German Ambassador Axel Weishaupt, assisted by Klaus Preschle of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, presented the award.

Like Yasay, other awardees who received awards were Calbayog Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and barangay chairperson Carlos Ringor of Paco, Mankayan, Benguet.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Champagne Salon of the Manila Hotel.

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung is an international foundation that assists developing countries in various areas of governance, among are about best practices in local government management and administration.

They conduct visitations, workshops and conference among officials of local governments and even among members of the executive and legislative branches of government to assist them on the mechanics and implementation of democratic principles and institution.

Opol, Misamis Oriental Mayor Dixon Yasay delivering his acceptance speech during the awarding ceremony of the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence for the best-managed local government in the Philippines.

German Ambassador Axel Weishaupt (4th from left), assisted by M. Klaus Preschle (3rd from left) of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung presents the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence for the best managed local government in the Philippines to (from left) Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado Opol, Misamis Oriental Mayor Dixon Yasay (2nd from right) and Barangay Captain Carlos Ringor of Paco, Mankayan, Benguet. The Simple awarding ceremony was held at the Champagne Salon of the historic landmark Manila Hotel. The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung is an international foundation that assists developing countries in various areas of governance, among which are about best practices in local government management and administration. They conduct visitations, workshops and conferences among officials of local government units and even among members of the Executive and Legislative branches of government to assist them on the mechanics and implementation of democratic principles and institutions.

Home

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Normin’s top fugitive falls

FUGITIVE FALLS: Peter Herbito, region 10,'s No. 12 most wanted fugitive, with P140,000 cash reward for his capture was presented to the press by regional director C/Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan after his arrest at Quezon, Bukidnon. Herbito has a pending case for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act and for bolting out of jail.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE / Dec. 6) - Barely a week after assuming his post as northern Mindanao’s topmost police official, C/Supt. Teodorico Capuyan made his first haul.

Capuyan yesterday presented to the media an arrested fugitive who had eluded lawmen for the last eight years, tagged as 12 most wanted person in the region.

The joint operatives of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division (RCDG) and the Police Regional Office 10 based in Camp Alagar, this city, arrested a certain Peter E. Herbito, 32, married, on December 3 at Balangay 9 Quezon, Bukidnon.

Capuyan said Herbito is tagged as number 12 most wanted person in the region carrying a reward of P140,000.

"The suspect escaped from his cell at Misamis Oriental Provincial jail in 1998," Capuyan said.

Capuyan said Herbito was once a drug (marijuana) courier getting his supplies of prohibited drugs from Damulog and disposed it in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby places in Misamis Oriental.

"Herbito’s arrest boosted the morale of our policemen," Capuyan said.

Herbito was arrested by virtue of arrest warrant issued by Branch 19 Judge Evelyn Gomotin-Nery of 10th Judicial Regional Trial Court in Cagayan de Oro.

Capuyan said the case is docketed as Criminal Case Number 97-848 with no bail bond recommended.

Herbito was turned-over to the proper authority for proper disposition, according to Capuyan.

Home

Monday, December 04, 2006

11 PNP officials named; get new postings says Calderon

NEWLY assumed northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan (right) in pleasant conversation with PNP chief Director General Oscar C. Calderon (center) and the outgoing Chief Supt. Florante J. Baguio (left) during the turn over of command of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) at Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City.

CAGAYAN de Oro Journal (BEN BALCE / Dec. 5) - ELEVEN senior police officials including the newly assumed northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan were named and given new assignments due to the impending retirement of a number of other senior police officials.

PNP chief Director General Oscar C. Calderon said the reorganization was recommended by the Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board based on the review and evaluation of merit, seniority and competence of all the nominees.

The officers given new assignments were Chief Supt. Charlemagne Alejandrino as acting director for the Directorate for Plans; Chief Supt. Teodorico Capuyan, regional police chief of Northern Mindanao; Chief Supt. Andres Caro II as acting regional director of the Davao Region Police Office; Chief Supt. Pedro U. Tango as director of the Northern Police District; and Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales as acting district director of the Southern Police District;

Senior Supt. Fidel A. Cimatu as acting deputy chief of the Directorate for Plans; Senior Supt. Raul Castañeda as the new acting deputy director of the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development; Senior Supt. Orlando Mabutas as acting executive director of the DHRDD.

Senior Supt. Rolando Añonuevo, acting deputy director of the Intelligence Group and acting Task Force Commander of Task Force Sanglahi, the anti-terrorist unit of the PNP; Senior Supt. Edwin Corvera, deputy task force commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force; and Senior Supt. Atilano Morada, acting Airport Security Group director.

Former SPD acting director Senior Supt. Ricardo Padilla will have to wait in the wings to assume as Bicol region police director until current head Chief Supt. Victor Boco, who is retiring on Jan. 11, completes the PNP’s part in all relief and rehabilitation efforts for the typhoon-ravaged region.

Home

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

WHY do we have to care for our environment? Why does the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 care for “cinchona” trees in Bukidnon province?

These are two basic questions that cropped up after the DENR-10 hosted a three-day “Press Privilege Tour” which showcased some of the DENR projects in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

While people have different views in caring for the environment, observers say that there is a need to care for the environment because it is the life and legacy of the next generation.

On one hand, the government, especially the DENR, sees-to-it that forest lands are well managed, protected and wisely utilized thus it has implemented the “Cinchona Forest Reserve,” in Barangay Kaatoan in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

To give you a better idea on what “cinchona” tree is, here is what an official of DENR-10 tells me:

During the lecture on Expanded Forest Protection at Cinchona Reforestation Project, Regional Forest Protection Task Forest chief Ernesto L. Lezada of DENR 10 said the Cinchona Forest Reserve in the province of Bukidnon was first established sometime in 1929 by the defunct Bureau of Forestry.

Its first Project Manager Forester Altamerano whose objective is to produce cinchona bark or the so-called “bark wealth” for the purpose of producing anti-malaria drugs, according to Lezada, headed it.

The cinchona species, according to Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park protected area superintendent Felix Mirasol was introduced originated from Java, Indonesia. He said that the first trial planting showed suitability of the species to the area.

The next several years was engaged in the massive planting of the species that reached up to 500 hectares including nursery establishments.

With this encouraging development, on September 22, 1936 Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon issued the Presidential Proclamation no. 83 declaring the 1,994 hectares as the Kaatoan Forest Reserve for experimental planting of quinine, forest protection and timber production.

With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the planting was stopped.

Ecosystem Research and Development Division chief Danilo C. Cacanindin said that in 1943, the Kaatoan Forest Reserve including Barangay Kaatoan were made as Japanese garrison and took possession of the area until 1945. A year after, the Americans soldiers occupied Barangay Alanib, few kilometers from Kaatoan.

Cacanindin said that a joint American and Filipino soldiers coming from Talakag, Bukidnon engaged the Japanese soldiers in a fierce fight at Cinchona. Outnumbered and with so many casualties, the Japanese soldiers retreated and left the place. On the other hand, the Americans stayed for a while at Cinchona but left in the same year of 1945.

The following year, cinchona plantation establishment and nursery activities resumed under Forester Tadeo, who served as its project manager. Accordingly, the former project manager Altamerano was killed during the Japanese occupation along with a number of plantation workers and local residents of the area.

In 1956, the whole area was reclassified as alienable and disposable land by then President Ramon Magsaysay by virtue of Presidential Proclamation no. 364. This revoked earlier Proclamation no. 83. It meant that the whole area was opened for cultivation for agricultural purposes and titling to private individuals.

However, the Bureau of Forestry continued its management and protection the reason why not all of the forest reserve were occupied by private individuals and applied for titling.

In 1961 to 1962, the area was also planted with other fast growing tree species such as Falcata, Mahogany and Eucalyptus. Presently, these trees have attained over maturity and are now towering the cinchona compound with an average diameter from 120 to 200 centimeters.

In 1966 to 1968, Hucomad and Jiram companies conducted the First harvesting of the cinchona bark with raw materials directly exported to Brazil. The second harvesting was took place in 1972-73.Thereafter, the plan for harvesting has stopped for reason that malaria illness had been controlled and that other countries have already found alternative source of materials for the manufacture of Malaria drugs. Since then, the price of cinchona bark has gone down and harvesting was no longer feasible.

On July 11, 1988, former President Corazon C. Aquino issued presidential proclamation No. 283 declaring the whole area for “Quinine and Reservation and Experimental” purposes. The proclamation strengthens the status of the project existence and closes all legal issues on the intention of the area.

On November 9, 2000, Congress through the recommendation of the President passed Republic Act 8978 also known as the Mt. Kitanglad Act of 2000, which included the whole of Cinchona area as part of the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park.

The Cinchona plantation in the province of Bukidnon is the only plantation found in the whole country to date. The 7 cinchona species planted are calisaya, hybrid, kartamanah, officinalis, succirubra, tjinjiroan and ledgeriana. The present plantation manifests Filipino expertise in tree growing which now becomes the host to some endangered faunal species in the world.

Cinchona area is also host to 5 series of waterfalls of Kulasihan River and sacred ground to our brother Indigenous Peoples. In the recently built table and IP ritual building, giant bamboos and kilala had grown which manifest the activities of the earlier IP’s in the area.

The Kulasihan River is a wonder. In the upstream, the water is visible but further away downstream, the whole river is gone. Many believed that it is an underground river whose exit is the Matin-ao Spring in Barangay Bangcud, which are several kilometers away from the source.

Protecting the environment is not the responsibility of the DENR alone but the responsibility of all. The efforts of our foresters for they are continuously preserving the cinchona trees in Bukidnon through its project “Cinchona Forest Reserve,” in Barangay Kaatoaan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, is one way of caring the environment. (Ben Balce)

NORTHERN Mindanao Medical Center

Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), a center of wellness and excellence, DOH accredited tertiary hospital in Region 10, is a 300-bed capacity care institution. Formerly known as Northern Mindanao Regional Training hospital (NMRTH), it was renamed in its present classification as a Medical Center by virtue of RA 7938 on March 11, 1995.NMMC is located within the Provincial Capitol Compound in Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. It was now headed by NMMC (acting) chief of hospital Dr. Jose Chan. It is an 89 year old hospital that metamorphosed initially as a 20-bed Misamis Public Hospital in 1918 to a 50-bed Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital in 1945, then a 200-bed NMRTH in 1966 and finally, as the present 300-bed NMMC in 1995. As a tertiary heath facility, NMMC aims to serve and provide the highest attainable health care in the whole Region 10 and the neighboring provinces and municipalities.

By BEN EMATA
Editor, GetRight Bulletin, Fremont, California, USA
Internet ColumnistFormer President, Cagayan de Oro Press Club
Former President, Fil-Am Press Club of Silicon Valley of California

Gentlemen/Ladies,

Mapait nga balita ang midagsang kanatong tanan. Usa sa atong kauban sa radio ang gipusil didto sa dakbayan sa Iligan ug hangtud karong adlawa malisud ang kahimtang diha sa tambalanan.

Joe Pantoja, kanhi sa DXCO sa Cagayan de Oro atua na sa Iligan nanimpalad. Sakop siya sa COPC ug usa sa mga buotan nga bata sa media lokal. Karon nahitumpawak sa dautan nga kapalaran ug apiki usab ang kabutang sa pamilya. Pila raman lagi intawon ang sueldo niini.

Ang balaan nga kasulatan nagsugo kanato sa pagtinabangay. Mahimo man tingali nga kita dinhi sa America mag-usa alang sa pag-amuma sa usa ka igsoon sa buhat.

Si Don Primo Espina de Montebon mopadala sa atong panudlanan-tesorera, Dolly Ilogon, aron sa pagsugod pagtuyok sa ligid sa kapalaran.

Ako usa na ka retired apan dili pa gayud tired, mohatag usab sa mao gihapon nga kantidad. Si Senyorita Ilogon permi motabang ug mao usab si Senyora Ann Gorra de Rago.Kamo diha mga bantugan kanhiay nga sakop sa media sa Cagayan de Oro tingali motabang usab niini nga suliran sa atong igsoon.

Sa ngalan sa panagmahalay sa taga media, gitawag ko si Jay Valleser, Bramy Bayron, Rey Yanez, Gangging Lagman, Boy Guellena, Joe MacMang, Leonie Tan, Randy, ug uban pa sa pakig timbayayong alang ning atong kauban sa buhat.

Ato usab nga i-ampo si Jo Pantoja nga unta molungtad ang iyang pakigbisug sa kinabuhi ug maluwas siya niini nga katalagman.

Tiliwala sa hulga sa media, gihagit ko ang tanan sa pagbarug kanunay sa katungod sa katawhan ug sa pagsumpo sa mga kaaway sa media. Ipatindog nato ang bandila ug ipakita nato nga hangtud karon mas mahait ang gahum sa prensa kay sa armas de puego sa mga tonto, gago, loko ug mga talawan nga tawo sa kalibutan.

Manghinaut ako alang paglampus sa media sa tibuok kalibutan. Mabuhay and Long Live Press Freedom.

In Mindanao, they called him "Ben". In Luzon, they called him...Benjie, Bondying, and Benj. Anyway, Ben is a native of Capalonga, Camarines Norte; it was the place in the Southern part of Bicol region, wherein hundreds of catholic and non-catholic faith believers lodged during the celebration of the Feast of Jesus of Nazarene.

In his younger age, he spent mostly playing to his elder brother Alex. Ben and Alex were good friends and brothers. Carpentry like making "Bancas" or fishing boats was their fathers usually do. This was also the usual place for Ben and Alex to have more time to play. They also both accompanying their father catching fish and do farming.

At the age of 20, Ben played his role as the eldest brother to his 7 sisters and a younger brother Alvin when Alex accidentally died while studying in Manila. Ben treasured much his brother.

Ben was now married to Alona Viador Castillo with whom he has two children: Christine Joyce 13, and Dianne Angela 7. Ben finished his four-year course (Bachelor of arts major in Political Science) at the University of the East, Manila in 1992. Before he entered U.E., Ben was a former seminarian as he took up AB Philosophy (2nd year) at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City.

In 1996, he joined to Malaya, a national newspaper that circulating throughout the Philippines and Abante, a tabloid newspaper with also has a widely circulated copy not only throughout the Philippines but also in some countries in Asia.

His assignment in Mindanao brought him to cover the severe kidnapping incidents made by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) including some lawless elements and the government-confessed terrorists... the Abu Sayaff.

Ben was among the reporters like Manila-based Rommel Bagares of Philippine Star and Manny Timonera of Philippine Daily Inquirer who completely covered the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF in Marawi City and signing of an agreement for general cessation of hostilities between government and the MILF at the Pryce Plaza in Cagayan de Oro City.

Before the final signing of the agreement, he has been given the opportunity to met and interviewed privately Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs and Mohammad Alhaj Murad, MILF military affairs chief at Camp Abubakar in Butig, Lanao del Sur. He also met other MILF's high ranking officials like Lanao del Sur commander Salappudin Mimbantas, MNLF commander of the two Lanao provinces Abdul Jialil Narra, and Commander Bravo of Munai, Lanao del Norte.

He also covered two separate abduction of two foreign priest missionaries Msgr. Desmond Hartford and Fr. Johnham Robert Maez. Hartford was an Irish priest who was abducted by disgruntled members of the MNLF on October 27, 1997.

The kidnappers have been asking the government through National Program for Unification Development Council (NPUDC) to release livelihood funds amounting to P5 million in exchange for priest' release. Ben was among the seven local and national correspondents who covered Hartford's release early Saturday in Tangkal, Lanao del Norte after 13 days' captivity by former commanders of the MNLF's 3rd Mobile Army in Mindanao.

He also covered the kidnapping incident of Robert Johnham Maez, a Columban priest and missionary who were abducted by the MNLF rebel returnees while doing his mission in one of the town in Lanao del Sur. Maez was kidnapped by the MNLF rebel returnees to pressure the government, specifically the NPUDC, who holds their livelihood funds.

In 1997 to 2001, the raging war in central, southern and western Mindanao between the government forces and the MILF, as well as the continued attacks and encounters of the CPP/NPA in Bukidnon and Agusan provinces against the elements of the Army's 4th Infantry Division based at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City gave with him another great contribution as his name repeatedly by-lined in said newspapers. His stories were used as headline banners and kept front-pages in Malaya and Abante including in Mindanao Gold Star Daily, a local community newspaper in Mindanao.

Ben was also the first correspondent who took footage at Cebu Pacific's wreckage. He made shots the plane's remains as he was boarded at the Napocor's chopper together with the NAPOCOR's president and AFP's Civil Relations Service head Colonel Nestor Castillo.

In the same year of 1996, He joined in Gold star daily, the biggest newspaper in Mindanao, based in Cagayan de Oro City. Except of being a city reporter, after 3-months, he was appointed by Ernesto G. Chu, the Gold Star Daily's publisher to be the editorial cartoonist. Ben was a newspaperman and an editorial cartoonist for more than ten years now. He was also commissioned as the Executive Editor of the Quarterly Newsletter of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) of the Philippine National Police since 2002 at present (2007).

Ben loved most writing poetry and playing guitar. Ben has wanted to do this since he was in high school. His writing skills caught the ear of a late University of the Philippines (UP) professor Ephraim C. Romero, handling courses in International Law, International Relations, International Organizations, Comparative Governments, Sociology, Economics and History courses. Ben can be seen as one of the researchers and the book cover designer of International Relations, a Philippine textbook in Political Science, Economics, Business, Sociology and Law authored by Romero, Prof. Edgar V. Rosero and Prof. Roman R. Dannug. The book was foreword by Jose David Lapuz, a 1971 T.O.Y.M. Awardees in Political Science.

Ben was a regular member of COPC, Cagayan de Oro Press Club. He was elected as one of the members of the board in 2006 and was re-elected in 2007. He was a regular member of the National Union of Journalist in the Philippines (NUJP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter and elected as auditor in 2006 - 2007. Ben was also a member of Pecojon, (Peace and Conflict Journalism Network).

Ben is now keep busy updating three on-line websites as the on-line team manager: the Cagayan de Oro Journal (http://cagayandeorojournal.blogspot.com/), the Jacnet, “Journalists against Corruption Network” (http://jacnet.blogspot.com/), the official website of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club and the Radical Urban Big Bikers (http://radicalurbanbigbikers.blogspot.com).
For Ben, being a provincial correspondent assigned in Mindanao made him a difference!

Statement of PECOJON
on the Arrest of Journalists
at The Peninsula Manila Hotel

In democracy, we, as journalists, cannot neglect our duty to keep the public informed about events and processes which concern the public interest.

Our duty does not diminish when we, as journalists, face dangerous or uncomfortable situations such as an upcoming engagement of PNP-SWAT operatives aiming to forcibly remove from The Peninsula Manila Hotel a group of soldiers and civilians who demand for the ouster of the President.

As eyes and ears of the public, it is our job to seek information from those inside the hotel as well as from the forces aiming to remove them. It is our task to keep the public informed about what is going on.

We, as media practitioners, are not supposed to join the parties of a conflict, neither by reporting in favor of any side nor by joining them handcuffed in arrest.

In behalf of our member journalists in the Philippines and around the world, PECOJON strongly questions the act of arresting media personnel in The Peninsula Manila Hotel on November 29, 2007. We remind those in charge that access to information and the freedom to report to the public is a pillar of democracy.

Legitimate journalists can be quickly and easily identified without arrest or “processing.” Harassment of journalists, questioning of press freedom and limiting public access to relevant information mean questioning democracy as such.PECOJON-The Peace and Conflict Journalism Network

*National Secretariat Philippineswww.pecojon. org
Nov. 30, 2007
Cagayan de Oro City

* PECOJON is an international network of journalists committed to improving the quality of reporting of conflict, crisis and war through mainstreaming conflict sensitive reporting, improving journalists’ security and providing training and education.

Moreno condemns botched coup bid

Statement of
Gov. Oscar S. Moreno
on the Magdalo Episode II (November 29, 2007)

Today’s actions of Sen. Antonio Trillanes and his Magdalo colleagues must be condemned for they directly strike at the heart of our constitutional order. These actions are despicable and have no place in our society. They are pure and simple anarchy.

We are a government of laws and not of men, and it is imperative and compelling that all of us must at all times uphold the rule of law. The actions of Sen. Trillanes and his Magdalo supporters actually disregard these fundamental principles that our people hold so dear.

Military adventurism not only directly contravenes our constitution; it also destroys our constitutional order, sets a very bad example to our people, conveys a wrong message to the international community, and sets back the hard-earned gains of our country.

It cannot be denied that people at times may encounter or face frustrating situations. All of us go through these moments. Yet, there are constitutional remedies. Some may take time, others may be difficult to many.

But certainly, there are remedies that our constitutional regime allows. Military adventurism can never be justified. Neither the gun nor popularity can provide the justification for a person or his cohorts to take the law in their own hands.

We fully support the constitutional authorities of our country, and the fundamental principle that civilian supremacy over the military must at all times exist.