Leyte, Bohol placed under state of calamity

By Mario J Mallari

The Daily Tribune, Saturday, March 19, 2011

The provinces of Leyte and Bohol were placed under the state of calamity after massive flooding hit the areas due to continuous heavy rains in the Visayas region that already claimed the lives of nine persons.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the two additional fatalities came from Leyte and Bohol provinces where widespread flooding was reported, prompting local officials to declare state of calamity.

Reports from the NDRRMC identified the two latest fatalities as 65-year-old Armando Buticarlo, who died of drowning in Bohol, and Leo Espina, of Palo, Leyte who was electrocuted.

The NDRRMC said that some 3,130 families or 15,398 people from Bohol, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, and South Cotabato.

Of these numbers, 2,878 families or 14,138 people have been evacuated.

Last Thursday, a landslide buried alive seven members of a family in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City, they were couple Marlon and Jenita Jordan, both 35, and their children Marieta, 16; Angelica, 14; John Paul, 13; John Rey, 4; and Heyrex, 3.

NDRRMC executive director and Office of the Civil Defense Administrator Benito Ramos said that local disaster management councils are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further rise in casualty figures.

In a related development, the Navy reported yesterday the rescue of 80 residents in two barangays in Palo, Leyte at the height of heavy rains and strong winds since last Wednesday.

Naval Forces Central Command, through its Naval Station Dioscoro Papa, based in Tacloban City dispatched a team of Disaster Rescue and Response Unit after report of massive floods from the provincial coordinating council.

Last Wednesday evening, the Navy team rescued 19 children and seven adults from Barangay San Antonio, Palo town and brought the victims to an evacuation center.

The following day, at about 6 a.m., the Navy team proceeded to Barangay Cangumbang and rescued an infant, 29 children, and 24 adults. Among those rescued was a woman who just gave birth.

Noy to choose AFP deputy chief of staff

By Mario J Mallari

The Daily Tribune, Saturday, March 19, 2011

The military’s Board of Generals (BoG) has already submitted its recommendation to the Commander in Chief, President Aquino, for the appointment of the deputy chief of staff (TDCS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines vacated by newly installed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr.

Oban said that the BOG’s recommendation was submitted for the approval of the President.

“That would be dependent on the approval of the President. We already have recommended the full time deputy chief of staff and it will have to go through the process,” said Oban as he refused to reveal the names of those short-listed by the BOG.

Reliable sources, however, said that Navy Fleet commander Rear Admiral Luis Alano is among the strongest contender for the number three post of the AFP.

Alano is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979 where Oban also belonged.

A battle-tested Navy officer Alano was appointed Navy Fleet commander late last year after serving to various command and administrative positions in the military. He led the successful Navy operation against a group of rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels who sow terror in an island-town in Masbate also last year.

Meanwhile, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations or J3 Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista was tapped as acting TDCS while awaiting the President’s approval.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said that as the most senior J-staff, Bautista was named as acting TDCS.

“J3 (Bautista) has been designated acting TDCS while higher authorities are still in the process of formally designating one for the position. Selection of key positions in the AFP goes through a tedious process where merits, professional competence and service reputation are among the criteria,” said Mabanta.

Mabanta said that Bautista will remain acting TDCS until the President makes his choice for the AFP’s number three position.

Akyat, Gapang, Talon

By Jonas Sulit

Abante, Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Ito ang naransan nang mga sumabaksa isang pagsasanay ang mga babaeng bagong recruit ng Philippine Marines sa kanilang Marine base camp sa Ternate, Cavite. Ayon sa nasabing pamunuan, dumadami na ang mga kababaihang pumapasaok sa kanilang hanay sa ngayon.

Navy opens PPPO to leaseits assets for AFP modernization

By Mario J Mallari

The Daily Tribune, Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Navy leadership yesterday formally opened its Public-Private Partnership Office (PPPO) as part of the efforts to lease out some of its assets, which was supported by no less than the Commander in Chief President Aquino, to generate funds for its modernization.

Commodore Edgar Abogado, chief of the Naval Staff, presided over the formal activation of the PPPO, Naval Human Rights Office (NHRO), and the Navy’s Protocol Office (PNPO). Representatives from the Department of Finance joined the Navy command team during the ceremonies.

Navy spokesman Capt. Giovani Carlos Bacordo said that the PPP Office is in line with the Navy’s initiative of leasing out some properties at the Navy Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio and other real estate in naval bases and stations in the country, to generate funds for its modernization.

It can be recalled that during his first State of the Nation Address in July 2010, President Aquino advocated the Navy’s plan for public-private partnership.

“Funds generated from this venture will finance the acquisition of modern ships and equipment for sailors and marines,” said Bacordo.

On the other hand, Bacordo said that cognizant of the importance of human rights and its preservation, the Navy also activated the HRO as called for by the military’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” for the promotion of human rights.

“The office aims to safeguard and ensure that human rights of the people and Navy personnel, as well as of its stakeholders are well-respected and preserved,” said Bacordo.

Before yesterday’s ceremony, Bacordo said that the HRO has already distributed copies of the HR handbook among PN personnel to educate them on human rights issues.

Meanwhile, the PN Protocol Office will be handling protocol and etiquette matters. It is envisioned to preserve customs, traditions, and ideals of the Navy.

“The discipline and high character it promotes will ensure precision in personal habits and daily living worthy of naval profession,” said Abogado.

In his keynote speech, Abogado congratulated the new heads of the three offices and expressed his confidence on their performance.

“I know there will be difficulties and birthpains in handling these offices but with the managerial expertise and competence that you embody, I am certain that you will surpass them all,” he said.

Abogado also exhorted Navy personnel to accord their support and coordination to the newly created offices. “Let us all remember that we are all working for the attainment for a similar goal, which is to have a strong and credible Navy that our maritime nation can be proud of.”