#Rappler Tag-Along

[writersthatinspireexcellence]

𝙍𝙚𝙙-𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝘼𝙣 𝙀𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙢

𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘖. 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘛. 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘻

On 3 July 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020”, which replaces the Human Security Act of 2007. Under the law, persons who propose, incite, conspire, and participate in the planning, training, and facilitation is an offence under the act, as well as those who provide support to ‘terrorists’ as defined under the act, or recruit members of a ‘terrorist organization’, could face life imprisonment without parole. The law allows suspects to be detained without a judicial warrant of arrest for 14 days and can be extended by 10 more days, and placed under surveillance for 60 days, that can also be extended by up to 30 days, by the police or military.

This bill sparked many human rights advocates, as well as law experts to petition against the bill and why it should be junked for constitutional violations. 13 representatives were given a chance to challenge at least 23 sections of the bill in an oral argument according to a cover story by CNN Philippines (2021). The petitioners claim that the bill is vague to define what terrorism is and with phrases that are ambiguous that would enable malicious criminal prosecution of innocent rights-holders. They also challenged section 29 of the bill that allows warrantless arrest without charges of suspected terrorist for up to 24 days, emphasizing the dangers of leaving detained persons in the custody of arresting officers for extended periods of time. The petitioners would also argue on the sections on surveillance that it violates the people's rights to due process, privacy of communication, right against unreasonable searches and seizures, and especially their right to freedom of speech.

“The only way to break a protracted deadlock between the Philppine government and New People’s Army and end incidents of red-tagging through the peace process.”

But the thing is the military that is working within an organization namely the National Task Force that was said to end the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). However, it was said that these are just hidden fronts by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to tear down the open structures with a massive budget of P19 billion which openly shows the objective of the said organization.

The result is that the military are planting weapons and explosives in each case just to justify their arrest. A mother is in jail with her month old baby, elderly couple with health issues are shot to death just because they are resisting arrest. Seven union organizers and journalists are arrested. Resulting in the increasing cost of red-tagging.

According to human rights groups, government supporters and state authorities in the Philippines are increasingly using "red-tagging," a method in which individuals are labeled as communists or terrorists based on a lack of evidence.

It’s like they are making use of these people with the red-tagging method as a replacement to their unsolved or uncaptured members of NPA's, which is a huge problem in our country. It’s like an escape to say that there's progress regarding the problem.

And this red-tagging should be eliminated to stop the involvement of people. Being victims of crime and injustice treatment. In fact, according to an article by Rappler (2020), last October 21, 2020 it was stated that Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. who happened to be the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Southern Luzon Command and spokesperson of the government-created (NTF-ELCAC) warned Filipino celebrity Liza Soberano in a Facebook post that she would “suffer the same fate” as Josephine Anne Lapira, who was killed in a clash in 2017 between government forces and alleged members of the communist New People’s Army.

“Liza Soberano, there's still a chance to abdicate that group. If you don't, you will suffer the same fate as Josephine Anne Lapira” says Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr.

And this is all because the actress is supporting women rights organizations including the political party Gabriella. Parlade even said publicly that former and current Congressional representatives of progressive party-list groups, including Gabriela, are under surveillance for being “card-bearing members of the Communist Party of the Philippines” (CPP), adding that the anti-terror law is now “in effect”.

This kind of incitement and threat by Parlade shows how people of power can be quick to red-tag anyone who is affiliated with political groups even if the actress was only giving a talk about women empowerment at a seminar by Gabriela, a political party. This blatant action of red-tagging should be stopped as it endangers lives of innocent people who are only voicing out their concern against a certain problem that they encounter. If Liza, a known actress here in our country, is being red-tagged by the spokesperson of NTF-ELCAC, we can only imagine how many innocent activists are also being red-tagged just by joining rallies that voices out their concerns.

Furthermore, red-tagging has been going on for decades and intensified since the Duterte Administration. After the government and the CPP failed to reach an agreement in 2017, The NTF-ELCAC was established as a result of Duterte's following Executive Order (EO) 70, which calls for a "whole-of-nation approach in combating the Local Communist Terrorist Groups."

However, in the eyes of the observers or the people together with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights along with human rights organizations this led to renewed campaigns against red-tagging, the threats and harassment against human rights defenders, political activists, lawyers, and trade unionists. Expressing concerns to immediately end this kind of approach because of the increasing number of human rights violations caused by the government's dangerously broad counter-insurgency strategy.

Government authorities should cease from ‘red-tagging’ legitimate organizations, or branding them as “communist fronts” which, according to these organizations, have led to increased harassment and attacks by unknown individuals against them. Peaceful activists should not be targeted based on their political views. The authorities must also carry out a prompt, thorough, impartial and effective investigation into the killings, and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible for the killings. They must take proactive steps to ensure, protect, and promote the human rights of defenders and activists in the country, and guarantee the right to an effective remedy and access to justice to victims and their families.

Accusations without a clear and strong basis are wrong and unjust. Activism is not terrorism. One does not need to be a communist to criticize and hold officials in the government accountable for their acts. One does not need to be a communist to assert the rights, and uphold the dignity, of the people. If the reckless red-tagging against activists, and private institutions continues, it becomes a threat to the rights of the people and even to our democracy. Red-tagging must not be used by our leaders against critics of the government. Public officials should instead face and accept criticism from the public. This is how they can address the real issues of our society.

[andreataguines]

COMELEC dismisses “frivolity”, Manila Hotel not final

Commission of Elections (Comelec) Spokesman James Jimenez slammed frivolity claims against the commission on Wednesday, April 6, in defense of Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista’s proposal to hold the canvassing of votes at the Manila Hotel.

“As with any process like this, you’re not just looking at the cost… So if people think that it’s all about frivolity then perhaps it would be enlightening if they would inquire deeper into the thing that they’re commenting on rather than just engaging in knee-jerk reactions,” Jimenez said in a press conference at the Palacio del Gobernador.

This was in response to criticisms that the Comelec keeps allocating funds on unnecessary expenditures –like the P26.55-million ‘bib vest’ uniforms (READ) they were previously planning to buy for election-day volunteers.

And now, as confirmed by Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, Bautista is eyeing the Manila Hotel as venue for the canvassing of votes instead of the government-owned and traditionally used Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

But according to Jimenez, the Manila Hotel Tent City is larger and may even be the cheaper option as opposed to the PICC.

“It’s very easy to stroke outrage using a few keywords. Just use words that people normally equate with luxury – for instance, like Manila Hotel. ‘Hotel, ergo luxury, ergo expensive.’ That’s not fair, right?” he added.

Securing the venue

Jimenez also assured the public regarding the security of a private facility like the Manila Hotel.

According to him, unauthorized people can approach the PICC from three different directions whereas “the only access to the public for the Manila Hotel would be through a gated entrance, and then a driveway, which is easily secured because that’s just the one entrance.”

He also stressed that if ever the canvassing does take place in the Manila Hotel, it would be on its tents and not in the hotel itself, which is something he thinks the people might not know.

“So kung wala naman masyadong detalye, or kulang sa detalye, sana na lang wag na lang masyadong maging eager din to suddenly lash out,” he advised.

(So if they don’t know all the details, or there they don’t know enough, I wish people were not so eager to suddenly lash out.)

But amidst all the talking, he clarified that the decision for the venue is still not final and is still being carefully thought out –from who will be part of the National Board of Canvassers to the space needed to accommodate them.

(Listen to soundbite here.)

Where are the GIs, ballots?

Jimenez also announced April 9 as the release of the amended general instructions for the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) during the presscon.

The Supreme Court’s decision to activate the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail, or the voter receipts, forced Comelec to revise its general instructions to properly guide the BEIs on the added feature of the vote counting machines.

But considering the decision came out a month ago, concerns were raised on what was taking the Comelec so long and whether they will be able to reach their set date.

“The GI (general instruction) has to be comprehensive. It has to be able to foresee as many possible permutations of events as possible. Hindi yan madali,” he said. (That is not easy.)

“It is our responsibility to do whatever we can to do this right; that’s why it’s taking a little time,” he added.

Still, he was confident that this wasn’t an “insurmountable problem”.

He said even without the general instructions, the BEIs have already gone through several refresher courses that have to do with the receipt.

These are general procedures like being alert in yanking receipts off from the machine, providing receptacles for the receipts, and making sure none of the receipts leave the voting precinct.

Meanwhile, ballot printing is estimated to finish by April 10 –two weeks earlier than the April 25 target.

VP Debate

Jimenez invited the public to catch the rare face-off between the vice presidential candidates on Sunday, April 10, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavillion.

CNN Philippines, the organizers for this leg of the #PiliPinasDebates2016, said it will feature key topics like corruption, poverty, human rights and connectivity.

[thehavenofadreamer]

A year in the job

It has been a year since I started working for the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, and within this timeframe, a lot has changed in my perspective.

As a Communication Major in college, a career in journalism would have been an ideal choice. After graduation, I decided to give it a try - writing news and feature stories for local publications (Mindanao Daily News, Gold Star Daily), as well as Philippine-based media outlets that circulate on social media (Rappler, The Manila Times). This endeavor has been fulfilling, as this was what I and my batchmates were trained to do. It was a privilege to meet the most inspiring of individuals and share their stories through published pieces - from the rallyists who cried foul over the burial of a former dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani to a travelling educator who teaches street children in the places he sojourns.

But after I passed the Civil Service Examination in April last year, I was given the opportunity to work in public service. A call from my professor in college opened its doors for a new chapter that made me realize that public servanthood is worth the try. Although I still write for publications on the sideline (tagging feature stories along since journalism and literature will always stay in my heart, but I don’t criticize what’s not broken), a full-time career in the local government unit has allowed me to see my hometown in a more vivid sight. I’ve met people dedicated to serving the community, and I’ve learned not to be cynical about the system.

I believe every institution has its flaws and every profession can be vulnerable to unpleasant motivations. But it is always one’s responsibility to maintain competence while experiencing (and witnessing) obstacles along the way. I’ve met a journalist who plagiarizes and writes for propaganda for a living, as well as a politician who keeps posting his brand of wealth on social media.

It may be a given fact that media and government do not always coincide, but in my experience in treading both fields, integrity paves the way. This is where media and government share common ground - the responsibility to reveal the truth and the accountability to serve the people.  A career in any profession is always met with challenges. But whatever we do, we should always remember that the world is ingrained with problems, and we should be working to address them as we pass along. And since we are not meta-humans like what most comic-based movies depict for pop culture heroism, we have to stay grounded on what we’re capable.

I thank God for granting me the grace to experience what I have been through and for all the blessings (my family and loved ones most of all) He has provided. He allows us to make choices and guides us to choose what is right. There may be miles to go, but it is important to not forget to live - for the people we know and love, for those who need our help, for those whose help we need, and most importantly for God who gave us life.

[phgq]

Jevilyn remains desecration claims just propaganda: Parlade

#PHnews: Jevilyn remains desecration claims just propaganda: Parlade

MANILA – Claims that the dead body of 22-year-old Jevilyn Cullamat was desecrated by government troops following the November 28 clash in Marihatag, Surigao Del Sur with the New People's Army (NPA) that the former is affiliated with, are only propaganda, a ranking military official said Tuesday.

This, according to Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief,  Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Tuesday.

"I strongly deny accusations made by the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc that our troops desecrated the body of Jevilyn Cullamat alias 'Reb'. How could they make that claim when even Jesryn Cullamat, the elder brother of Jevilyn, expressed his thanks to our troops for respecting and taking care of Jevilyn's remains, along with their family," he said in Filipino.   

Parlade, who is also a spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), said this desecration claim is being turned into a propaganda piece by party-list representatives connected with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)  as the incident involved the younger daughter of Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Eufemia Cullamat.

"This is another propaganda of the CPP's representatives who are liars, especially that the incident involved the child of a Bayan Muna official. What is clear here is they do not have any explanation yet as to why (Rep.) Cullamat has a child who sacrificed her life to the NPA while their children are studying in exclusive schools or living in luxury in Europe and other countries. They should explain it. Who knows, the people might listen to them," he added.

In dismissing Makabayan bloc's desecration claim, Parlade said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has no record of human rights violations to taint its reputation during the past seven years.

Maybe this why the CPP-NPA is using the incident involving Jevilyn as propaganda to smear the good reputation of AFP, he added.

If the Makabayan bloc is really looking for incidents of desecration involving remains of fallen NPA combatants, Parlade said, then militant lawmakers should try investigating the NPAs as communist terrorists have a record of just leaving the bodies of their slain members on the field or hurling them off cliffs especially when tasting defeat from government forces.

"They do not spare anybody, whether it is a child or spouse of a ranking CPP-NPA official. If we remember it correctly, Ka Insay, the wife of Ka Roger Rosal who was killed in an encounter in Laguna, the NPA carried her remains to a high hill and pushed it towards the center of two big rocks, damaging her skull. What kind of desecration is that? Who are they calling as pigs again?" he said.

He also scored the CPP-NPA and its allies for insisting on the observance of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) and other international laws and conventions to suit and magnify their propaganda piece.

Medic with a gun

But this, he said, seems not to be getting any momentum as Jevilyn, whom they described as a medic, was carrying an M-653 at the time of the clash.

"Now, they are insisting CAHRIHL and whatever international laws and conventions. Can they explain why their medic alias 'Reb' was carrying an M-653 when it is clear that they cannot be combatants? Why can't they explain why is it always that landmines and explosives are seized from the NPA during clashes? Can they explain what Joy James Saguino or Ka Amihan said before that they slit the neck of the soldier that they killed in an encounter?" Parlade said.

He also urged the CPP-NPA and its allies to explain the desecration and rape of women cadres among their ranks and the minors they forced to join their ranks.

"Isn't this their biggest atrocity as they turn them into goons of the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc? Now, you make it appear as these are being committed by the AFP as part of your wild imagination and propaganda?" he added.

High trust rating

Parlade said committing abuses and atrocities against the Filipino people is not the work of the AFP that is sworn to protect the country and its people, adding that its troops are too well disciplined and trained to commit such infractions.

"That is not the work of the AFP and the Special Forces. Our AFP soldiers are disciplined, hence the high trust rating from the people. Can the CPP-NPA boast of a 78 percent trust rating even if Rappler would commission such a survey? I know the rigorous training undertaken by the SF members because I myself experienced it. I know the discipline of the SF because I’ve been with them for 14 years. Ask Ka Satur (Ocampo) and (Karapatan Secretary-General) Tinay Palabay how we respect and take care of our rebel captives when I was still an SF commander," he added.

Not poverty

Parlade also dismissed claims that it is poverty that is pushing many people to join the NPA ranks, adding that there are people being recruited to such a senseless cause due to the posturing of the CPP.

"You claim that poverty is the reason why the NPA exists? No. There are poor people in Batanes, Camiguin, Romblon, Marinduque, and other areas but there are no NPA members there. It is because there is no CPP who lures the people into joining their armed struggle," he added.

He said there are more than 50 countries in the world that are much poorer than the Philippines and yet these nations don't have any insurgency problems.

"Why? Because they do not have a communist party that aims to overthrow their government, hence, they are now inching closer to the Philippines in terms of economic growth. Why are we ranked 10th in the world’s terrorist index? It’s because of the killings committed by the NPA. They kill fellow Filipinos, which is even worse than the victims of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) and Muslim secessionists," he added.

Misinterpretation of revolution

Parlade slammed the Makabayan Bloc for misinterpreting and disgracing the revolution and nationalism espoused by Gat Andres Bonifacio and his patriot followers.

"Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc, you are blind. We have been commemorating the anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s heroism but it is saddening how his revolution and nationalism are being marred by your own interpretation for your own agenda. Your crooked principles and ideology disgrace the nationalism of Gat Andres and other heroes who put their lives on the line for peace and freedom. The battle against the Spaniards, Americans and the Japanese is over. Why are we forcing our fellow Filipinos to fight against one another?" he added.

He said the reckless propaganda being spewed by the CPP-NPA is dangerous as it misleads the youth and leads to danger and has the potential to destroy the country,

"How many Jevilyn Cullamats have to die for a senseless purpose? It’s time for your foolishness to end, (former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy) Casiño, Renato Reyes, (France) De Castro, (Carlo Isagani) Zarate, (Ferdinand) Gaite and (Carol) Araullo, unless you would include your children in the armed struggle. Follow now, (Neri) Colmenares, (Sarah) Elago, (Sister Mary John) Mananzan and the others, except if you yourselves would climb up the mountains and leave the comfort of your condominiums and convents," Parlade said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

''You cannot be considered as honorable. You are horrible and if Gat Andres Bonifacio was alive, he himself could have red-tagged all of you and would cut off all your heads, for the sake of the freedom of our beloved nation and our flag. Now, I just want to ask? What flag are you waving? Is that the one with a sickle, mallet, and hammer?'' he added. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Jevilyn remains desecration claims just propaganda: Parlade." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123479 (accessed December 01, 2020 at 11:11PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Jevilyn remains desecration claims just propaganda: Parlade." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123479 (archived).

[the-martial-law-thingy]

How to help Marawi evacuees through DSWD

Published 3:50 PM, June 01, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – As the Marawi crisis enters its 10th day, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is willing to facilitate donations in cash and in kind for residents affected by the armed conflict.

As of Wednesday, May 31, the number of affected residents in Marawi City has increased to 92,628 people or 18,609 families. Of this number, 13,194 people or 2,722 families are staying in 22 evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. (READ: DSWD: Improvements needed in shelters for Marawi evacuees)

The crisis in Marawi City started with a military raid on May 23. Clashes erupted between soldiers and terrorists from the Maute Group, driving away thousands of families.

The DSWD has provided P36,377,610 worth of relief assistance to the evacuees as of Wednesday. The department's Central Office has also provided a total of P60,055,000 to its field offices in Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

More help needed

The public can send in-kind donations to the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC) along Chapel Road, Pasay City. Of priority are halal food (beef, chicken, or fish) such as instant noodles in chicken or beef flavors, as well as corned beef and sardines. Those interested to help are also encouraged to donate hijab, taqiyah, and other Muslim clothing, toiletries, and bottled water.

Cash donations can be deposited to the following accounts:

DSWD Dollar Saving Account for Foreign Donation

Account Name: DSWD FOREIGN DONATION

Account Number: 3124-0055-81

Swift Code: TLBPPHMMXXX

Bank Address: Land Bank of the Philippines, Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City

Peso Current Account

Account Name: DSWD DONATION

Account Number: 3122-1011-84

Bank Address: Land Bank of the Philippines, Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City

Donors should notify the DSWD Finance Management Service (FMS) or Cash Division (CD) of their donation through phone or email. Kindly send the validated deposit slip together with your information (name, nationality, and address) to finance@dswd.gov.ph and cash@dswd.gov.ph or fax to 9318127. 

If you want to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City or if you have reports about their humanitarian needs like temporary shelter, relief goods, water, and hygiene kits, post them on the Agos map, text to 2929 (SMART and SUN), or tag MovePH on Twitter or Facebook. You may also link up with other organizations that called for donations.

Source: [Rappler]

[andreataguines]

Erap: Poe is my President

Former President and now Manila mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada officially declared his support for Presidential candidate Grace Poe on Monday, March 28, in his Proclamation Rally at Liwasang Bonifacio.

“Ang aking, at marahil magiging kandidato niyo rin bilang pangulo ay isang mabuting at mapagkakatiwalaang tao… Tulad ng kanyang ama, siya’y mahal ko rin at bahagi ng aking buhay,” the reelectionist mayor said.

(My candidate, and will probably be your candidate for President too, is a good and trustworthy person… I love her like I do her father and she is also a part of my life.)

Estrada previously admitted that he was torn between Poe and his then running mate in the 2010 elections, Vice President Jejomar Binay (READ).

Ultimately, he said he followed his heart and stood by his “inaanak” (goddaughter) and daughter of his best friend, the late Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ).

According to Estrada, he and FPJ had similar fates –while Estrada was “unconstitutionally removed” from his office as President, the King of Filipino Movies was “robbed of his presidency” in 2004.

With that he urged his orange-clad supporters to help the Partido Galing at Puso standard-bearer to continue the legacy of her father.

He also recalled how FPJ never left him in his past battles, political or otherwise, which eventually led him to endorse Grace Poe for the upcoming May elections.

“Hindi ako iniwanan niyan [FPJ], paano ko iiwanan ‘to?” he said. (He didn’t leave me then, how could I leave his daughter now?)

Poe was grateful for her godfather’s endorsement, and joked that he might only be scared of being haunted by FPJ’s ghost. (Watch video)But all jokes aside, she  acknowledged that it was a hard decision to make.

“Ninong, maraming maraming salamat po para sa inyong pag-endorso sa akin. Nakakataba po talaga ng puso. Alam ko ito ay isang desisyon na pinag-isipan ninyong mabuti. Alam kong mahal mo ang aking ama, pero alam ko na ang mga desisyon na ganito ay para rin sa bayan,”said the  independent candidate.

(Godfather, thank you so much for your endorsement. It fills my heart. I know that you really thought this out. And though I know you love my father, I also know that you made this decision for the good of the country.)

However, Estrada chose Bongbong Marcos to be his Vice Presidential candidate and not Poe’s running mate, Sen. Francis Escudero.

Estrada said it was a sign of gratitude to Bongbong’s mother, Imelda Marcos, for the good she has done as former Manila governor.

Other national candidates who joined the Proclamation Rally were senatorial bets Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchallian, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, and incumbent Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

“Mas ikabubuti ng Maynila kung maipagpapatuloy ni Mayor Estrada ang kanya ng mga nagawa,” said Moreno in support of his partner.

(It will be better if Mayor Estrada can continue with the things he has already done for Manila.)

Also in full support were some of Estrada’s family members: his wife Loi Ejercito, and sons Senator JV Ejercito and Jake Ejercito.

Watch Erap dance to “Dessert” with the Kalyeserye star:

“Erap Pa More!��

Estrada, who is running under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino political party, kicked-off his campaign for re-election, along with his vice mayoralty running mate former 4th District Councilor Dr. Maria Sheila “Honey” Lacuna, and their candidates for Congress and the City Council.

The event showed the 3000 people in attendance Estrada’s accomplishments during his three-year term as mayor –from infrastructure projects like hospitals and low-cost housing, to additional streetlights throughout the six districts of Manila.

Liwasang Bonifacio was the same venue where Estrada held his Proclamation Rally in 2013. He said that is where he first presented to the Manileños his urban renewal platform, with the aim of reclaiming the capital city’s lost glory.

Now he vows to build on the successes of his first term, especially in peace and order and social services, ensuring the continued forward march of Manila towards genuine progress.

Estrada is up against Manila 5th District Rep. Amado Bagatsing and former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim who also had his proclamation rally at Plaza Miranda on Monday afternoon, just a bridge away from Estrada’s.

The event was hosted by Eat Bulaga stars Jose Manalo and Ruby Rodriguez, and featured celebrity guests Tirso Cruz III, April Boy Regino, and Andrew E who performed and gave away freebies.

But to the dismay of the environmental advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition (READ), tons of trash like Styrofoam containers and campaign posters were left scattered all over the venue after the crowd dispersed.

[the-martial-law-thingy]

How a father fled Marawi to save kids, wife in labor

by  Voltaire Tupaz | @voltairetupaz Published 8:08 PM, May 27, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – From a village in crisis-hit Marawi City, he called for help.

“From the mosque, take the narrow road going to our house. About 100 meters. There are no house numbers, and the road is dark and armed ISIS elements lurk in the distance,” 51-year-old Said Usop told Agos, powered by eBayanihan, in Filipino. His voice on the other line was cracking.

Agos, Rappler’s crowdsourcing platform during disasters and emergencies, has been monitoring the humanitarian situation on the ground since the clashes between the military and the ISIS-inspired members of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups broke out on Tuesday, May 23. Agos closely monitored and reported about the distressed social media post from the Cebu-based group of young volunteers named Tabang Sibilyan (Help Civilians).

On day two of the crisis, Usop, a driver, desperately looked for ways to immediately leave his village. The military has already called on the residents to evacuate.

"Ang problema doon, Sir, lahat wala; zero. Kahit may pera ka, wala kang mabibilihan, wala kang mapapalitan. Walang lights, walang tubig, no contact. 'Yung mga tao doon napakahirap, Sir. Naglakas-loob akong umalis doon dahil yung misis ko manganganak. Ayun, putukan doon, putukan sa mga kalsada. Naglakbay kami dahil natakot ako, baka doon manganak yung misis ko,” he later told Rappler in a phone interview.

(The problem we had there was that we feel helpless. There was nothing; zero. Even if you have money, you can’t buy anything. There’s no electricity, no water, no contact. People there are very poor. I had the courage to leave our village because my wife was in labor. We evacuated because I feared my wife might give birth in the middle of heavy fighting.)

Agos reported Usop’s call for help to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which heads the Response Cluster group of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRRMC).

Due to the urgency of the situation, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo personally asked Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial’s help to at least assist Usop’s pregnant wife in case she gives birth in Marawi City.

However, Usop’s village was a restricted area, according to local authorities. The military augmented its presence there and responders could not reach the village due to security risks.

Usop thought it would be safer to leave the next day with his wife who was due to give birth, and his 3 young chidren; one with a disability. With a lighter in his pocket and a cellphone in hand, he watched over his family in the dark and waited until sunrise.

Fleeing Marawi

On Thursday morning, May 25, Usop and his family set off for Iligan City with 20 other families who swelled to thousands along the way. Most of them walked for almost 3 hours in the rain until they were able to ride a jeepney, Usop said. They arrived in Iligan City at around 2 pm.

His family’s journey to Iligan City was the longest and most most difficult one that they had ever experienced, Usop said.

"Yung sa daan, noong nag-abot kami doon, 'yung putukan, Sir, masyadong marami, tapos takot 'yung mga anak ko. Kinakarga ko pa 'yung panganay na anak ko na special child kasi di makakalakad,” Usop said.

(While on the road, we witnessed heavy gunfire. My children were very scared. I was carrying my eldest, a special child, who couldn’t walk.)

They had to pass through several military checkpoints. At the time, President Rodrigo Duterte has already placed the entire Mindanao under martial law.

"Masyadong mahigpit ang daan, Sir, dahil sa mga checkpoints. Mga bata naranasan nila na lahat ay umiiyak. Walang meryenda at nagugutom. Lahat kami gutom, eh, dahil walang pagkain,” Usop said.

(The roads were heavily guarded by the military. There were many checkpoints. The children were crying because they had no snacks. We were all hungry because we had no food.)

Clashes erupted on Tuesday as the military moved to hunt down Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was spotted in Marawi City. Hapilon, who reportedly has direct links to international terrorist group Islamic State (IS or ISIS), joined the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur supposedly as part of a bid to establish an Islamic caliphate in Central Mindanao.

Face-to-face with the Maute Group

Nothing could be more harrowing than encountering an armed group that has associated itself with an international terrorist network, according to Usop.

The Maute group earlier attacked facilities in Marawi City, including a public hospital, holding up to 72 civilians captive. It also looted groceries.

At one point during their 3-hour walk, the Usop family and other evacuees bumped into the Maute Group. They were wearing black headbands printed with the acronym “ISIS,” Usop recalled.

Usop begged to be allowed to proceed, citing his wife, who was about to give birth. The group of less than 10 heavily armed men in their 20s eventually allowed the evacuees to continue their trip.

Born away from the battle ground

On Friday night, May 26, Usop’s wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy in a public hospital in Iligan City. A kind woman in the hospital gave the baby a cloth diaper to wear because the Usop family only managed to bring a plastic bag with blankets.

With DOH’s recommendation, Agos referred the Usop family to the hospital. The office of the governor of Lanao del Sur will shoulder the hospital bill, the chief nurse told Agos. The province will also provide financial assistance to other evacuees who seek medical help.

Usop is thankful that his family is now safe. "Masayang-masaya sa tulong na natanggap. Masaya na walang nagyari sa aking pamilya. Sana malutas ang kaguluhan doon. Paano na ang bayan namin doon?”

(I’m grateful for the help that we received. I’m grateful that nothing happened to my family. I hope the conflict there will be resolved. What will happen to our community there?)

As of Saturday morning, May 25, more than 9,000 families or about 44,000 people have been displaced in Northern Mindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"Mayroon kaming tutuluyan na mga kamag-anak namin dito sa Iligan City kasi mahirap na kapag nasa ibang lugar kami sa evacuation center dahil mas safe kami sa mga kababayan namin, mga kamag-anak namin na taga dito."

(We will stay in the home of our relatives in Iligan City. This is better than in evacuation centers. We feel safer with our relatives.)

Like the Usop family, most of the evacuees – at least 8,200 families or 41,000 people – are staying with their relatives or friends in Iligan City and in two towns in Lanao del Sur, according to the DSWD. More than 1,000 families or or about 2,800 people are in 13 evacuation centers. – Rappler.com

If you want to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City or if you have reports about their humanitarian needs like temporary shelter, relief goods, water, and hygiene kits, post them on the Agos map, text to 2929 (SMART and SUN), or tag MovePH on Twitter or Facebook.

Source: [Rappler]