Golden Journal: 25 March 2007

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Capuyan raises alert in Northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Ben Balce/April 3) - Northern Mindanao police head Chief Superintendent Teodorico Capuyan on Tuesday placed the entire region on heightened security alert under the celebration of the week-long observance of the Holy Week.

“Additional personnel will be deployed in crowded places in observance of the Holy Week,” said Capuyan.

POLICE Regional Office 10 regional director Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan talks to his men for the deployment of additional police personnel in churches, beach resorts and tourism spots in the entire Northern Mindanao during Holy Week.

Capuyan said a directive came from Camp Crame was also part of the 75-day summer security plan “Oplan-Bantay-Lakbay.”

Capuyan said he already instructed the directorate for operations to relay for immediate implementation the implementing guidelines of Oplan-Bantay to police provincial and city directors and heads of the PNP regional support units.

“This Holy Week, all policemen should be alert and visible at all times,” Capuyan said.Capuyan said that the said security plan of the PNP started nationwide since last week.

Deploying of additional police personnel in churches and venues during Holy Week already started since last week.

“We will deploy more men to air, sea and land transportation,” he said adding in anticipation of the heavy commuter and motorist traffic in the region.

The plan is to coincide with closing of the school year when the most students are expected to flock home to the provinces for the Holy Week and summer vacation.

The 75-day security plan covers the last week of March until the second week of June when regular classes resume.

As part of the security plan, Capuyan said police personnel will conduct security checks at air, sea ports and bus terminals to guard against criminals and terrorists who may take advantage of the holiday season.

ADDITIONAL police force in NorMin, shortly after PRO 10 regional director C/Supt. Capuyan deployed additional cops in the region for the observance of the Holy Week.

“Police units will conduct patrol operations, particularly in beach resorts and tourism spots in region 10,” Capuyan said.

Capuyan also instructed his men to coordinate with the ships owners and personnel in a move to impose additional security measures at the seaports in cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Ozamis.“Our men will be deployed also along national highways, primarily in places where the people want to observe Holy Week,” Capuyan said.

Meanwhile, Camp Alagar’s spokesman P/SSupt. Rolando Dela Vega said police assistance centers will be established along the highways.“During Lent, several police assistance will be seen including volunteer groups.

These centers will serve as quick reaction points for security and medical assistance,” Dela Vega said adding that the centers would also the advance command post for traffic and security operations.

Cagayan de Oro Journal / Home

Monday, April 02, 2007

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE RAMPANT EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, COMMENDING THE SUPREME COURT FOR ITS QUICK AND DECISIVE ACTION, AND DEMANDING CONCRETE ACTION ON THE PART OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT

WHEREAS, occurrence of extrajudicial killings, of lawyers, judges, political activists, and journalists all over the Philippines has reached condemnable proportions as blatant examples of utter disregard for human rights and due process of law.

WHEREAS, this fact has been confirmed by findings of international bodies and even by the government-initiated commission headed by retired Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Jose Melo;

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court, under the leadership of the Chief Justice, Hon. Reynato S. Puno, has acted immediately and decisively to address the problem by designating nearly a hundred Regional Trial Courts as Special Courts hear, try, and decide cases of extrajudicial killings particularly of political activists and members of the media;

WHEREAS, the Executive Branch of the government, is widely perceived to be doing little to effectively act on the problem. On the contrary, representatives of the administration have publicly brushed the matter aside by generalizing the spate of killings as products of a purge in the ranks of the communist insurgency, by giving a blanket denial of perceived military and state involvement in the killing, and, even worse, by casting aspersions upon the those who brought the matter to light;

WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies, in particular, have been reported to be citing the trite and unacceptable excuse of having no witnesses or the absence of complainants to justify their marked inability to produce a resolution of these killings;

WHEREAS, the continued failure of the state to address the matter and cause an end to this problem will have grave and dire consequences as it seriously undermines the rule of law, exemplifies the government’s inability to maintain peace and order, and seriously degrades the general public’s trust in the justice system.

NOW THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, it is HEREBY RESOLVED as IT IS RESOLVED in this Plenary Session of the 11th National Convention of Lawyers in Cagayan de Oro City, as follows:

a. THAT the Integrated Bar of the Philippines condemns in the strongest possible terms, the blatant and wanton disregard of the value of human life, of the most basic of human rights, and of the rule of law exemplified by the unabated wave of extrajudicial killings of lawyers, judges, political activists, and journalists all over the country;

b. THAT the Supreme Court of the Philippines be HIGHLY COMMENDED for it’s exemplary leadership in immediately recognizing and responding to the gravity of situation by designating Special Courts and promulgating special rules mandating the speedy resolution of cases involving extrajudicial killings;

c. THAT the Integrated Bar of the Philippines CALLS upon the Executive Branch of government to put a stop to the perceived indifference of it’s agents and representatives to the plight of the victims of extrajudicial killings and their families and, further, to cause the resolution of these so-called “UNSOLVED KILLINGS” with accountability on the part of the leadership of law enforcement agencies and other state forces who are shown to be unable to perform their duties and functions; and

d. THAT all chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines be enjoined to assist the families of victims of extrajudicial killings by providing needed legal assistance and, further, to closely monitor the actions taken by law enforcement and other government agencies in addressing such cases;

Let a copy of this resolution be furnished the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines and all chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines .

Done this 31st day of March, 2007 at Cagayan de Oro , Philippines

PROPONENT:

ATTY. CAESAR S. EUROPA
President
IBP – Davao City Chapter

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Friday, March 30, 2007

Acosta sister faces off with ‘Hello Garci’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Nelson Constantino and Ben Balce / March 30) - Bukidnon’s first district has become an interesting battleground between a virtual political neophyte and one with quite a reputation.

Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Acosta, the youngest daughter of former congresswoman and now the incumbent Manolo Fortich Mayor Socorro Acosta filed her certificate of candidacy under the Liberal Party (LP) Wednesday afternoon, shortly after her opponent, former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, was officially registered before the Provincial Comelec Office in Malaybalay City earlier in the day.

Her older brother and three-termer Rep. Nerius Acosta who is running for governor of the province would leave the seat vacant.

Relatively unknown despite the Acostas’ political stronghold in the province’s 1st District, Malou Acosta, at the University of the Philippines, was mobbed by both local and national media right after her certificate of candidacy was officially received by provincial election assistant Felicitas Adiong.

Asked for readiness, to slug it out with the man allegedly behind the controversial “Hello Garci” scandal, the young Acosta blurted out: “Ako’y handang handa na.”

Running for public office for the first time, she said she is aware of Garcillano’s reputation as the alleged architect of the so-called “Dagdag-Bawas” operations and other elections frauds in the past.

“I know what he’s capable of doing,” Acosta said, but quickly pointed out that the people’s vigilance would make it difficult for Garcillano to succeed.

Garcillano filed his candidacy as an independent, but many believe he is being backed by the Malacañang.

Garcillano launched his bid for the congressional seat of Bukidnon’s 1st District with much fanfare in Malaybaly City. In his motorcade were members of the famous Viva Hot Babes.

It was a show of force as some 50 vans and luxury vehicles lined up in a parade to the Comelec office in Malaybalay City. On the vehicles were placards with the markings: “We love Garci.”

Garcillano denied that Malacañang behind his candidacy.

“I am running on my own as an independent candidate and I am not supported by the president,” said Garcillano adding the President has not even called him since the Garci scandal broke out.
He said it was his right to run for public office and he did not need to ask the permission of anyone.

Cagayan de Oro Journal

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Administration bets increasing forward momentum

MORE TEAM UNITY BETS NOW IN 'WINNING CIRCLE'

TEAM Unity is sustaining the forward momentum midway through the campaign season as the latest tracking polls indicate that five of its candidates are statistically in the Magic 12 list and four more are within striking distance of the winning circle.

Unity team candidates Kiram and Magsaysay.

According to Tourism Secretary and Team Unity Spokesman Ace Durano, who voiced optimism of a high probability that most, if not all, of the Team Unity bets will make it come May 14, said the results of the latest SWS poll show that "Team Unity is increasing its momentum as Election Day draws closer. The solid economic performance of the Arroyo administration and the formidable grassroots network supporting the slate nationwide are definite positive factors in this development."

The latest survey conducted by SWS last 15 – 18 March showed TU bets Ralph Recto, Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo and Tito Sotto landing in the winning circle. Mike Defensor, in 15th place, is also considered to be statistically in the winning column with the survey's margin of error.

Juan Miguel Zubiri, Vicente Magsaysay Jr., Cesar Montano and Prospero Pichay are within striking distance of the Top 12 list, according to the latest SWS poll, while the rankings of Tessie Aquino Oreta and Jamalul Kiram have gone up by one to three rungs.

Durano noted that other surveys show that Chavit Singson is on the winning list, such as the one conducted recently among the academics in Pangasinan, where 8 of the Team Unity bets were on the Magic 12, including the Ilocos Sur governor.

"A bigger surge is expected in the weeks ahead," Durano said as he expressed confidence that the administration candidates will be able to gain substantial ground against the opposition with the start on Friday (March 30) of the official campaign for local posts, which will likely be dominated by candidates belonging to the ruling coalition.

"We still have one-and-a-half months to go before Election Day. Rankings may variably change depending on the dynamics of the political situation, especially when the local candidates begin their campaign," Durano said. "We expect a sure and steady climb of all our candidates with the strength and cohesiveness of our local network."

He noted that the significant five percent jump in the satisfaction rating of President Arroyo, from 34 percent last November to 39 percent in February "will translate into immeasurable gains for Tam Unity's 12 administration candidates" whose "platform of government seeks to sustain and even accelerate the pace of economic growth—so that she can make good on her promise of social payback for the marginalized sector."

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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.