Army official says insurgency a losing game

by Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO, May 23 (PIA) – The insurgency situation in Panay has long been contained as there are only about 120 insurgents left and most are losing faith in the local communist movement.

Philippine Army Major and Deputy Chief of Staff, Civil Military Operations Antonio Tumnog of the 3ID Infantry division here said many of those who joined the movement have become disillusioned.

“The 40 years time frame for the group to change government through people’s protracted war has ended,” Tumnug said in a broadcast interview.

He added that movement leaders like Joma Sison and Luis Jalandoni are getting old, and the latter is in the forefront of peace negotiations.

Moreover, Tumnug said, student recruits have decreased that is why they cannot come up with good cadres anymore.

“They are just into extortion as a means of survival now,” the Army officer said.

Tumnug said government is giving the rebels the chance to go back to having a normal life in a community.

The government’s special integration program under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) educate, train and help the returnees and their dependents live normal lives again.

Tumnog also said that in areas where conflict has been intense and those which are highly affected by insurgency, government agencies extend social services and protection programs.

“With the administration of President Aquino, we believe there is a great possibility the rebels will abandon their armed struggle and engage in peace negotiations,” Tumnug added.

Tumnug said the Philippine Army in Panay remain true to their mandate of protecting the people and serving as catalyst of peace and order. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Kin of disaster victims in Southern Leyte to get financial assistance -OCD

By Bong Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) — Surviving families of those who lost their lives in tragedy caused by continued pounding of rains in various parts of Southern Leyte province, including those who were injured, are due to receive financial help from the national government, according to Marichu Tan of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The amount of P 10,000.00 each has been set aside as cash assistance for those who died, and P 5,000.00 each for the injured, has been allotted by the Office of the President (OP) which was coursed through the OCD, said Tan.

Asked when these monies would reach their intended recipients, Tan said this would depend on how fast and efficient are the ones concerned in preparing for the required papers to support the claim.

For dead persons, the usual requirements for tragedy-related claims included birth certificates, proof of filial relationship, barangay certification, and Police report, Tan said, adding that processing the papers can be initiated by concerned families, concerned citizens, or the local DSWD.

No specific criteria was cited for those injured.

So far, five children have been reported killed — three in Saint Bernard, one in Tomas Oppus, and one in Sogod — on January 2, Sunday, as cascading earth and floodwaters caused by endless hours of pouring rain swept their separate locations.

In Saint Bernard, a landslide in barangay Bolod-bolod resulted in the deaths of Maria Discaryal, 5 years old, her younger brother Rodel Discaryal, 1 year old, and Jordan Lakipon, 3 years old, whose body was found buried in mud Monday, January 3, 9 am. Lakipon was earlier declared missing.

In barangay Maanyag, Tomas Oppus town, 10-year old Ricabelle Montederamos drowned to her death while crossing a flooded rice field.

Another drowning victim, Patrick Pelaez (his name is Romnick in the Police report), 11 years old of barangay Pancho Villa, Sogod, gave way to strong currents while crossing a river on his way home.

But Tan said her list of dead victims was only four, since the one in Sogod was still missing as of yesterday, January 4, quoting her telephone conversation about 3 in the afternoon yesterday with the municipal DSWD officer in Sogod, a certain Mrs. Recto, who reported Pelaez as still missing.

As to the injured, Tan said she had three in her list: PO3 Noel Talisic, who fell from the patrol car when they were hit by falling materials while responding to a landslide call in Libagon, Rowena Libres, 23, and Stephanie Libres, both of Sogod.

PO3 Talisic is still confined at the Sogod District hospital, it was learned. (PIA-Southern Leyte)