So true…
By Bambit | January 5, 2009
more animals
Topics: , Bloggie, Cuteness | Comments Off
The Xcelerator: longest zip line in Asia
By Blogie | January 5, 2009
The intrepid bloggers, Andrew, Ria, Winston and I, went to see what the buzz was all about at the Outland Adventure camp in Ma-a, Davao City. For nearly a decade, it’s been known for their ropes course, a corporate team-building facility out in the boondocks. Now there’s the Xcelerator — the longest zip line in Asia!
I’ll let the video tell the story. This is a home-made and -edited amateur vid, so please bear with me. 
The Xcelerator is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 8am to 5pm. They don’t accept reservations — just be there before 3pm to make sure you and your group can still be accommodated. See, if there are plenty of riders and it’s late in the afternoon already, you might be turned away. Call 224-5855 for inquiries.
To get to the jump-off point, we hiked for about 20 minutes (which included the photo stops) to the top of a steep hill. We also had to cross a lake on a raft — very nature-tripping. The whole experience from the camp to the trek to the zip line, and the waiting in line, took about two hours. The zipping itself is barely a minute… but it seemed to take forever because it was soooo high and long and fast!!
It’s an experience you must not miss in Davao City. The Xcelerator — experience some atmosFEAR!
The camp is located in Ma-a, along the diversion road, near and across from GAP Farm. Coming from Ma-a Road (and from Matina), turn right onto the Ma-a Diversion Road. I don’t remember how much farther on it is, but once you pass GAP Farm (on your left), you’ll see the Outland Adventure sign on your right after a few meters.
Make sure you and your group are in proper clothing. The folks at Outland Adventure say that the minimum height is 4 feet, so children below this height won’t be allowed to ride the kilometer-long zip line. The fee is P300 per person.
Topics: , Beaches & Mountains, Outland Adventure, Travel & Tours, ropes course, zip line | Comments Off
Feeding Five Thousand
By Momong | January 5, 2009
Topics: , Blessings, Miracles | Comments Off
It’s My Year
By jac velasco | January 5, 2009
Year of the Ox and this happens to be my year!It's seems like ages ago (ice age) since the last time i posted something in the internet.. I was literally and figuratively been stuck to a lot of things that i hardly even notice that holiday has passed by. IT IS ALREADY 2009!!!
I was sick on Christmas Day and just slept on New Year's eve because of my cough! Thanks to technology, i was able to at least see what my sister was doing and the rest of the people in the house that night.
Alex was also sick. Diego blamed me.
Anyways, I am not thinking of anything new this year. I will just continue what i started and hopefully pass the entrance exam at UPOU for a master's degree which Regz and I are planning to take up. Yes, school again! And just the thought of it excites me!
Nothing new. Just the same old me. Happy.
And here's a cute photo taken by Regz during the lighting of CICC's Christmas Tree. Gwapa si Denshang man gud ug murag wala 'blema si Catherine!
Failed Release Of POW Worries Interfaith Groups
By The Mindanao Examiner | January 5, 2009
Is the Arroyo government interested in the safe and expeditious release of NPA's Prisoner of War Lt. Vicente Cammayo? We at the IMPACT pose this question in response to the reported military operations in Laac town, Compostela Valley and the areas under the Special Forces Battalion. The fresh onslaught of military operations in these areas have apparently encumbered the impending release of the Lt. Cammayo which has been reportedly scheduled first week this month.
We are saddened that the militarization has been inimical to the whole release process of Lt. Cammayo. As reported, to effect Cammayo's safe release and turn-over to the authorities, there is a need for a Suspension of Military Operations or SOMO within the area of jurisdiction of the Army's 3rd Special Forces. The least that the Armed Forces of the Philippines can do is to observe this especially if we are to prevent a shooting war between their troops and the NPA in these areas.
Yet, we are dismayed that the AFP cannot exercise even such a minimum cooperation needed for Lt. Cammayo's release. The military's top brass seems to be unconcerned or unperturbed that their troop movement in the areas could affect Lt. Cammayo's safe release. They appear to be uncaring that the delays of Lt. Cammayo's release has increased the anxiety of his family, especially his pregnant wife. They appear to be insensitive that their non-implementation of the SOMO in the specific areas risk more lives and cause more anguish on the civilians in the affected villages.
While the responsibility of Lt. Cammayo's life and safety lies on his NPA custodians, the sole responsibility of Lt. Cammayo's expeditious and safe release lies ultimately on the AFP and the civilian authorities. But with their envigorated counter-insurgency operations in the areas reportedly since January 1 this year, the AFP, it seems, is out to frustrate or sabotage or hamper Lt. Cammayo's freedom.
We urge the civilian authorities, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Gov. Arthur Uy and other public officials to exert all effort for the Army to implement the SOMO and stop moves that would preclude Lt. Cammayo's release. The AFP should step aside now if we are to finally see a positive resolution of this case.
Bp. Delfin Callao
Philippine Independent Church
Convenor
Topics: , Interfaith Movement for Peace, Lt. Vicente Cammayo, NPA | Comments Off
Philippine Government Should Sever Ties with Israel
By The Mindanao Examiner | January 5, 2009
STATEMENT ON ISRAEL'S WAR CRIMES
Stop the War Coalition-Philippines
5 January 2008
We at Stop the War Coalition Philippines, a broad coalition of civil society organizations, social movements, labor unions, political parties, human rights, women's, students, religious and other organizations, strongly condemn Israel's war crimes against the people of Gaza and the international community.
These latest attacks are not only disproportionate, they are completely unjustifiable.
At the root of the continuing tragedy in the Middle East is the continuing illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. That Israel is able to continue this occupation and that it is able to bomb and kill indiscriminately without restraint points to the incapacity of the international community, including the United Nations and the world's governments, to uphold peace and justice. It is this unwillingness to act that will ensure that more blood and tears will flow from this escalating war.
We in the Philippines must help stop this war not only because thousands of Filipino migrant workers are caught in the crossfire but because we have a stake in creating a world with peace and justice.
We at the Stop the War Campaign demand that Israel should immediately end its war crimes in Gaza and end the occupation of Palestine.
We demand that the United States immediately stops arming and funding Israel's war.
We call on the international community, the United Nations and all responsible international government and civil society organizations, to stop Israel from continuing its attacks and to support a just resolution to the crisis.
We demand that the Philippine government begins the process of severing all diplomatic ties with Israel until it complies with international law and ends the occupation of Palestine. At the same time, we also call for immediate relief and evacuation plans for Filipino workers in the region. We demand more jobs for Filipinos at home so that they will not be forced to seek employment in outlaw states.
As our elected representatives, our government should take a stand in favor of international law and justice, summon the Israeli ambassador to protest, and expressly condemn Israel for its actions.
We demand that Manila and other government units revoke their "sister city" ties with Israeli cities.
We call on our parliamentarians and diplomats to likewise denounce Israel's actions.
In solidarity with the Palestinian, as well as Israeli people opposed to war, we call on trade unions, universities, cultural organizations, political parties, and other social movements and civil society groups to be part of a global boycott and sanctions campaign against Israel.#
STOP THE WAR! COALITION- PHILIPPINES
1 October 2008
MEMBERS:
Akbayan! Citizens' Action Party
Akbayan! Youth
Alab Katipunan (AK)
Alliance of Genuine Labor Organizations (AGLO)
Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
ALMANA
Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Kabataan (ALYANSA)
Alyansa ng Sambayanan para sa Agarang Reporma (ASAP)
Anak Mindanao (AMIN)
APPRA
ASSALAM Bangsamoro
ASSALAM Party
Bagong Kamalayan Collective, Inc (BKCI)
Balay Rehabilitation Center Inc.
Bangsamoro People’s Solidarity
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP)
Coalition Against Trafficking of Women Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
Community Organizing and Rural Development, Inc. (Billah Islam)
Filipino Democratic Movement (FILDEM)
FOCUS on the Global South
Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
Gathering for Peace (GfP)
GZO Peace Institute
Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD)
International South Group Network (ISGN)
Juan Makata
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission-AMRSP
K! Kalayaan NCR-BLC
KAAKBAY AFDM
KALAYAAN!
KANLUNGAN
Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD)
Kongreso ng Mamamayan Para sa Kalayaan (KOMPAK)
Laban ng Masa (LnM)
League of Urban Poor for Action (LUPA)
Liga Manggagawa (LM)
Lolas Kampanyera WW II Filipina "Comfort Women" Survivors of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery
MAKABAYAN Pilipinas
Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)
Mindanao Peoples' Peace Movement (MPPM)
Moro Human Rights Center
Movement for the Advancement of Student Power (MASP)
Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan para sa Inang Bayan (KAISA-KA)
Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (PKMP)
Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid (PKMM)
Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK)
Partido Manggagawa (PM)
Peace Women Partners
People’s Task Force for Bases Clean UP Philippines
Philippine Peace and Security Council (PPSC)
Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
Pinay Kilos! (PINK!)
Progresibong Alyansa ng Mangingisda (PANGISDA)
Progressive Organization of Worker Advocates (PRO-WORKER)
Resource Center for People’s Development (RCPD)
Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan (SDK)
SANLAKAS
Solidarity of Unions and Labor Organizations for a New Government (SULONG)
Strategic Initiatives of Pinoys Abroad - Bangkok (SIPA)
Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP)
Task Force Food Sovereignty (TFFS)
Task Force Subic Rape (TFSR)
Teatrong Bayan
Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women (TW-MAE-W)
Tulung Lupah Sug, Inc.,
UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA)
UP Assabiyah
WEDPRO Inc.
Women and Gender Commission AMRSP
Women and Gender Institute (WAGI)
Women’s Legal Bureau, Inc (WLB)
YES to Change
Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN)
Youth for Nationalism and Democracy (YND)
ENDORSED BY:
Jihad al Akbar
Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)
Ranaw Disaster Response & Rehabilitation Assistance Center
SALAM, Incorporated
Sumpay Mindanao
TRIPOD Foundation, Inc
WomanHealth Philippines
Topics: , Carnage, Human Rights Violations, Israel, Israeli, Jews, Palestinian, Terrorism, War Crimes | Comments Off
Back to school..
By arlene | January 5, 2009
Not so under anymore
By arlene | January 5, 2009
A Safer way
By arlene | January 5, 2009
The game
By arlene | January 5, 2009
Holiday Blow-out Giveaways
By betterthanezrah | January 5, 2009
This is only a teaser. Visit my blog for full links, other content, and more!
Topics: , Internet Finds, contests | Comments Off
Litratong Pinoy: “Que sera sera” (Freestyle)
By cheH | January 5, 2009
“Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.”- unknown
“Maraming tao inasam asam ang pagdating ng bagong para makapag simula ng panibago sa mga dating gawi”-unknown
Topics: , Litratong Pinoy, Photography | Comments Off
better short than never a post
By chinocilei | January 4, 2009
Topics: , randoms | Comments Off
Meet the natives
By Vanessa | January 4, 2009
Topics: , South Pacific Islands, Tanna, Vanuatu | Comments Off
Adee’s Latest Photo
By leira | January 4, 2009
20 Things You Didn’t Know About Hygiene
By texas_sweetie | January 4, 2009
1. Hygiene comes from the name "Hygieia," the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness and ... the Moon. Ancient Greek gods apparently worked double shifts.
2. The human body is home to some 1,000 species of bacteria. There are more germs on your body than people in the United States.
3. Not tonight dear, I just washed my hands: Anti-bacterial soap is no more effective at preventing infection than regular soap, and triclosan (the active ingredient) can mess with your sex hormones.
4. Save the germs! A study of over 11,000 children determined that an overly hygienic environment increases the risk of eczema and asthma.
5. Monks of the Jain Dharma (a minority religion in India) are forbidden to bathe any part of their bodies besides the hands and feet, believing the act of bathing might jeopardize the lives of millions of microorganisms.
6. It's a good thing they're monks.
7. Soap gets its name from the mythological Mount Sapo. According to legend, fat and wood ash from animal sacrifices there washed into the Tiber River, creating a rudimentary cleaning agent that aided women doing their washing.
8. Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs rubbed urine on their skin to treat cuts and burns. Urea, a key chemical in urine, is known to kill fungi and bacteria.
9. In a small victory for cleanliness, England's medieval king Henry IV required his knights to bathe at least once in their lives -- during their ritual knighthood ceremonies.
10. That's their excuse, anyway: Excrement dumped out of windows into the streets in 18th-century London contaminated the city's water supply and forced locals to drink gin instead.
11. A seventh grader in Florida recently won her school science fair by proving there are more bacteria in ice machines at fast-food restaurants than in toilet-bowl water.
12. There's no "five-second rule" when it comes to dropping food on the ground. Bacteria need no time at all to contaminate food.
13. The first true toothbrush, consisting of Siberian pig-hair bristles wired into carved cattle-bone handles, was invented in China in 1498. But tooth brushing didn't become routine in the United States until it was enforced on soldiers during World War II.
14. Please don't squeeze the corncob. In 1935, Northern Tissue proudly introduced "splinter-free" toilet paper. Previous toilet paper options included tundra moss for Eskimos, a sponge with salt water for Romans, and -- hopefully splinter-free -- corncobs in the American West.
15. NASA recently spent $23.4 million designing a space-shuttle toilet that would defy zero gravity with suction technology at 850 liters of airflow per minute. That's a lot of money for a toilet that sucks.
16. In 1843, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. campaigned for basic sanitation in hospitals. But this clashed with social ideas of the time and met with widespread disdain. Charles Meigs, a prominent American obstetrician, retorted, "Doctors are gentlemen, and gentlemen's hands are clean."
17. Up to a quarter of all women giving birth in European and American hospitals in the 17th through 19th centuries died of puerperal fever, an infection spread by unhygienic nurses and doctors.
18. TV kills! University of Arizona researchers determined that television remotes are the worst carriers of bacteria in hospital rooms, worse even than toilet handles. Remotes spread antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus, which contributes to the 90,000 annual deaths from infection acquired in hospitals.
19. It is now believed President James Garfield died not from the bullet fired by Charles Guiteau but because the medical team treated the president with manure-stained hands, causing a severe infection that killed him three months later.
20. What on earth made them think manure-stained hands were remotely acceptable to treat anyone?
Lifted from MSN Encarta
Topics: , Health, hygiene, information | Comments Off
website hosting
By texas_sweetie | January 4, 2009
If I continue using the free hosting, I don't know what is going to happen for my blogging or I have no idea what my future will be if I don't buy my own hosting. I guess I may have to do some research on website hosting before I decide to do that. Good thing though that there is a website that helps people when it comes to choosing for the best web hosting company. Its good name is www.webhostingreport.com where you can compare pricing, know the plan features and most of all read their reviews on the top hosting companies. This way, you will know which one to choose and buy your own hosting.
They also provide articles to learn about web hosting that is very useful for all of us who are planning of buying a hosting for our blogs. So I better end this post now and go to the website so I can start my reading. You guys have a nice day out there!
Topics: , Technology | Comments Off
Happy
By MANDAYA MOORE: Ang bayot sa bukid | January 4, 2009
Filipinos’ Appetite for Social Media
By Likke | January 4, 2009
While Americans are using the internet for marketing, SEO, and other money making purposes, the population of Filipinos using the internet solely for entertainment purposes.
Filipinos' appetite for Social Media is not the same with the Americans. So, what do Filipinos do when they get that sweet time in front of a computer with an internet connection?
Trends for 2008 shows these as the top searched items in the Philippines:
- lyrics
- friendster
- games
- youtube
- mp3
Filipinos are very hardcore users of social media. That is, when you say social media is Friendster, Youtube, Facebook, Yahoo messenger. They spend hours and pesos using the internet either on their own laptops or PCs or using a rented PC at a shop. And usually it stops there.
I must say that I am disappointed at the fact that not much Filipino internet users are consuming the internet to make money. I still have to see a Filipino in Technorati's Top 100.
But wait, I do know a Filipino making it to the top! Familiar with Busby SEO Test that will end soon? I do know Ms. Janette Toral is making it to the top ten with her www.garyviray.com.
Topics: , Filipino, online, social media | Comments Off
Bahrain and Qatar “Friendship Causeway”
By Buddy dela Cruz | January 4, 2009
The causeway, it’s hoped, will spark a new era of cooperation and friendship through improved economic activity and increased tourism between Bahrain and Qatar. Feasibility studies are complete and approved with construction expected to last five years. The causeway will commence near Manama and make its way along Bahrain’s eastern coast out over Gulf waters and ending at Ras Ashiraj, Qatar. When finished, it will be the longest fixed link causeway in the world.
The Friendship Causeway is part of a broad initiative of infrastructure improvements being planned and commissioned by the Bahraini government to solidify the Kingdom’s place as “Gateway to the Gulf.”
“U.S and other international businesses operating from Bahrain will benefit greatly from projects like the Friendship Causeway that provide modern access to regional markets. Bahrain will continue to lead the GCC in infrastructure developments that make our nation more attractive to business and tourist alike,” added Ambassador Belooshi.
For further information, please Click Here
Topics: , Qatar, bahrain, bridge longest causeway, friendship causeway | Comments Off
Bahrain and Qatar “Friendship Causeway”
By Buddy dela Cruz | January 4, 2009
The causeway, it’s hoped, will spark a new era of cooperation and friendship through improved economic activity and increased tourism between Bahrain and Qatar. Feasibility studies are complete and approved with construction expected to last five years. The causeway will commence near Manama and make its way along Bahrain’s eastern coast out over Gulf waters and ending at Ras Ashiraj, Qatar. When finished, it will be the longest fixed link causeway in the world.
The Friendship Causeway is part of a broad initiative of infrastructure improvements being planned and commissioned by the Bahraini government to solidify the Kingdom’s place as “Gateway to the Gulf.”
“U.S and other international businesses operating from Bahrain will benefit greatly from projects like the Friendship Causeway that provide modern access to regional markets. Bahrain will continue to lead the GCC in infrastructure developments that make our nation more attractive to business and tourist alike,” added Ambassador Belooshi.
For further information, please Click Here
Topics: , Qatar, bahrain, bridge longest causeway, friendship causeway | Comments Off
WQ: In 2009
By betterthanezrah | January 4, 2009
This is only a teaser. Visit my blog for full links, other content, and more!
Topics: , Memes, Ramblings of a Deranged Mind, Weekly Questions | Comments Off
samtang ga-rosaryo sa pikas
By bananas | January 4, 2009
Ug iyang gitakla...
Una mikitiw-kitiw
Ang iyang dila nga naputos sa laway
Nga susama sa lawot—init nga bugnaw
Ug hinay nga midagayday
Iyang gigukod hangtod sa ubos
Perte! Ang dila misutoy!
Wa man gani natandog,
Wa gyud natarog!
Bisan gamay nga kahadlok wa mipakita
Sa unod nga dugay nang naghulat
Sa mainitong pagpulpog.
Padayon...
Padayon...
Daw wa gikapoy
Padayong nagmadasigon
Sama sa wait nga lagum.
Usa ka minuto…
Duha ka minuto…
Hangtod baynte-singko ka minuto…
Hangtod nga ang oras mikuyog sa kalimot
Ug mipahuway sa kalami
Sa dihang iyang gilimugmog
Ug iyang gitakla...
Milurat akong mata.
Thank You EC Droppers for This Day
By texas_sweetie | January 4, 2009
Topics: , perfumes | Comments Off
Resveratrol on Symmetry Product “Genesis”
By Buddy dela Cruz | January 4, 2009
What is Resveratrol? Why there is a lot of study for this molecules?
According to study drinking Red wine is the key for the said French Paradox. What is French Paradox? FRENCH PARADOX is a scientific observation to all French people who suffer a very low of conorary heart disease while consuming food with high in saturated fats.
Now the main key for the said paradox is the resveratrol that the Red wine have?
Where to find and get this Resveratrol?
While present in other plants, such as eucalyptus, spruce, and lily, and in other foods such as mulberries and peanuts, resveratrol's most abundant natural sources are Vitis vinifera, labrusca, and muscadine grapes, which are used to make wines. The resveratrol content of wine is related to the length of time the grape skins are present during the fermentation process. Thus the concentration is significantly higher in red wine than in white wine, because the skins are removed earlier during white-wine production, lessening the amount that is extracted and Grape juice, which is not a fermented beverage, is not a significant source of resveratrol.
But not all of us drink wine specially the young ones so how they will be benifited of this Resveratrol... The answer is Genesis a product Symmetry...
Genesis™ is a delicious combination of highly standardized fruit juices and whole fruit extracts, infused with a proprietary blend of herbs and other powerful foods. The renowned antioxidant properties of whole fruit pomegranate and whole fruit red grape combine with the healing and restorative nature of whole fruit apple, olive leaf and Aloe Vera for a heavenly-tasting 100% juice product.
Symmetry has chosen to use the slow but powerful infusion process with Genesis to create the greatest concentration of protective anthropalexins (literally, "protector of humankind"), age-fighting antioxidants and powerful phytonutrients imaginable.
Infusion is the lost art and science of coaxing maximum benefits from botanical materials without adding damaging heat or nasty chemicals. Infusion has been practiced for thousands of years and has been the basis for nearly all medications.
Topics: , genesis, red wine, resveratrol | Comments Off
Iskul Bukol
By leira | January 4, 2009
If you want to see what happened to Philippine Movies that movie
could explain what's wrong. First was really Bad Acting second
was slapstick comedy third was terrible imitation of Hollywood
movies and last but not the least Unrealistic and Impossible
Story lines. Was really very disappointed because I was looking forward
to watching that movie and it was a waste of money and a total
waste of 2 hours of my life. My sister wise as she is told me
what did I expect? great acting from whom? Tito Vic and Joey. Indeed
a word from the wise. Enough said
Topics: , movie thoughts | Comments Off
Happy birthday, Mama!
By Z'riz | January 4, 2009
Topics: , Family, Milestones | Comments Off
skeletal
By f. jordan | January 4, 2009
While Rico Blanco is busily screaming about crabs and mechanical rabbits from hell which is then followed by Gnarls Barkley suggesting everyone to run away, I just can’t seem to pull everything in and make a coherent thought out of the chaos floating in my mind. And wait. Never blame Rico and Gnarls for the malnutrition of my project, a project that I must finish before the month of Valentines, because I work more efficiently with noise. For a sole creative writing major in a big university, whose classmates never go beyond the number of seven, it is seriously what I need.
Topics: , Life, graduation, hits, literature, silliman university | Comments Off
Some of the things parents have to go through aside from cleaning toilets
By Soy | January 3, 2009
This evening, after a lot of chitchat about how spiders would disappear on earth if he continues to wee in his nappy, he decided to ask.for.his.potty! He did a good 'number two' as well, which was very impressive. We all gave him lots of praise and hugs and told him to pull his pants up. He asked, 'like Nana does?' We said yes, although we don't really know how his grandmother pulls her knickers up. And I must say, it's difficult to imagine as well!
NPA rebels postpone release of captured Special Forces commander in Mindanao
By The Mindanao Examiner | January 3, 2009
Rigoberto Sanchez, a spokesman for the New People’s Army, blamed the military offensive for the failed release of First Lieutenant Vicente Cammayo.
Cammayo was captured Nov. 7 after rebel forces attacked his unit and killed two soldiers and a government militia in a fierce firefight in Casoon village in the town of Monkayo in Compostela Valley province.
“The volatile ground situation due to the ongoing AFP troop deployment and current offensive military operations has made the safe and orderly release of POW 1Lt. Vicente P. Cammayo not feasible,” he said.
He said troops, from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, resumed offensive operations since Thursday in Compostela Valley.
“Due to this ground situation, the scheduled release of POW Cammayo on the first week of January is hereby affected. POW Cammayo's release will be reset until such time that all offensive military operations are ceased,” Sanchez said.
The NPA last week said it would free Cammayo as a gesture of goodwill. It ordered the release of the prisoner on Dec. 28. “The continuing AFP offensive operation is a big impediment to the safe and orderly procedure of POW Cammayo's release and eventual reunion with his family,” he said.
The rebels last month freed a captured policeman Eduardo Tumol, who was also seized Nov. 5 at a checkpoint in the village of Baogo in Davao Oriental's Caraga town.
Sanchez earlier said that the NPA could suspend the release of Cammayo, commander of the 11th Company of the Army's 3rd Special Forces, if military forces continue its operations that would endanger the safety of the prisoner.
"The implementation of the order of release shall be based on the NPA custodial unit's assessment of the ground situation particularly the movement of AFP troops. The NPA custodial unit has the authority to suspend the release of POW Cammayo if enemy movement continues since the safety of the said prisoner of war and the receiving party is of utmost importance," he said.
Sanchez previously said that both Tumol and Cammayo were investigated for possible human rights violations and other crimes related to the operations of the Special Forces and the Provincial Mobile Group in Mindanao.
Aris Francisco, spokesman of the NPA's Alejandro Lanaja Command, accused the 3rd Special Forces Battalion to which Cammayo's unit belongs, as responsible for the series of violations to human rights, protocols of war and international humanitarian law in Compostela Valley province.
The NPA, armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting the government the past four decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. Peace talks between Manila and the CPP-NPA collapsed in 2004 after both sides failed to sign an agreement ending hostilities in the countryside. (Mindanao Examiner)
Topics: , Compostela Valley, Lt. Vicente Cammayo, NPA | Comments Off
7 wounded in bomb explosion in Southern Philippines
By The Mindanao Examiner | January 3, 2009
It said the bomb exploded on a roadside. Seven civilians were wounded in the blast and rushed to the Tamondong hospital in Tacurong.
Authorities did not say what type of bomb was used or the motive of the attack, but suspicion fell heavily on the rebel group called the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is fighting for a separate homeland in Mindanao.
The MILF denied the accusation and said it has nothing to do with the explosion.
“Why do the authorities always put the blame on us every time there is bombing, why? The MILF is not a terrorist group, we want peace and we are for peace,” said Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader.
Last month, two people were also injured in a grenade attack on another roadside eatery.
In September, a homemade bomb exploded at a market in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat and another explosive disarmed at a market in Tacurong.
No group claimed responsibility for the latest bombing.
Peace talks between the MILF and the Arroyo government collapsed after the failed signing of the Muslim ancestral domain in August. The aborted signing triggered a series of deadly rebel attacks in Mindanao.
The MILF is the country's largest Muslim rebel group which is fighting the past three decades for a separate homeland in the troubled region. (With a report from Geonarri Solmerano)
Topics: , Bombing, MILF, Tacurong | Comments Off
Nature Strikes Back
By Amadeo | January 3, 2009
A local eco-system long ignored and grossly violated reacted quickly and without notice. Unleashing flashfloods fueled by torrential rains, and as some feared coupled with the deadly effects of a waterspout crashing into denuded mountainous areas close to the city.The usually lazy river traversing through the city becomes a roaring and rushing blur of dirty brown water, curdling and ripping through everything standing on its way and angrily catapulting flailing catches into the sea.
And the hapless human victims are those who live close to its banks, including those squatting on government lands technically part of the riverbanks. And worse for those who had allocated for themselves the underside of bridges and anywhere close to them that provided shelter and privacy. These areas for the meantime are no more, but merely annexed parts of an overgrown river.The rustic scenes pictorialized in a previous blog entry have turned watery and ugly, with the makeshift structures mostly underwater and their occupants scampering to higher ground with their meager belongings on their backs.
After revisiting the same areas, here are the results of the flooding and the devastation wrought as seen in pictures.
Topics: , Cagayan de Oro, travels... | Comments Off
New Year’s Resolution
By betterthanezrah | January 3, 2009
This is only a teaser. Visit my blog for full links, other content, and more!
Topics: , Ramblings of a Deranged Mind, Thoughts, resolutions | Comments Off
The Lamb of God
By Momong | January 2, 2009
Topics: , Salvation | Comments Off
Epiphany of the Lord (Year B)
By Fr. Stephen, MSC | January 2, 2009
Topics: , Homilies, epiphany, gospel, homily, liturgy | Comments Off