One soldier wounded in encounter at Oras village

VOLUME 3 No. 39 JANUARY 10-16, 2010 Borongan City, Eastern Samar P 10.00

REPORTEREastern Samar

website: www.evmailnews.com

• Army believes they killed one, and wounded two on the enemy side

CIDG Eastern Samar chief Sr. Insp. Nelson Llaneta with two fishermen who turned over to his unit around 620 grams of cocaine that they reportedly found.

see sOLDIeR p. 3

30 more cocaine bricks turned over to PDEA

Former prov’l police director proud of achievements, says he has disbanded most crime groups except one

see COCAINe p. 3

Catbalogan City- One soldier from the 14th Infantry Battalion (IB) was wounded in an encounter at Sitio Tugop, Barangay Rizal, Oras, East-ern Samar. The soldier was identified as Pfc Ramon Entico who was hit on his right leg.

The spot report forwarded to PIA Samar by Col. Armand Rico stat-ed that a group of armed men, around ten people, attacked the troops led by Lt Antonio Dayag while on com-munity work at the abovementioned place. The soldiers’ attackers are believed to be members of the New People’s Army, Southeast Command of the Eastern Samar Party Commit-tee, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Command .

Government soldiers, on the other hand, believe that they have killed at least one rebel and wounded two more, based on the trail of blood they saw on the site of the encoun-ter.

The 14th IB team recovered M 16 rifle, one rifle grenade, two back-pack with voluminous subversive documents, one bandolier w 3 mag ammo, med kit I detonating cord with blasting cap

Major General Arthur Tabaque-ro instructed Lt Col Jaime Hidalgo, commanding Officer of the battalion to continue pursuit operations and intensify security operations in the area.

In related development, the 8th Infantry Division through Col. Ar-mand Rico, said that the army in the past year acquired a significant lead over the rebels due to the different activities conducted.

Rico reported that the govern-ment has conducted some 6,371 security operations where they had 70 encounters and in the process, killed 12 enemies. They were also able to capture/apprehend some 26 suspected rebels.

As they rounded off nooks and crannies of the rebels’ lair, some 159 surrendered and 145 firearms recovered.

The army, the report said, as a staunch supporter of the peace pro-cess has enticed 208 Rebel Returnees where 109 of them have applied for cash rewards and other livelihood benefits to the Social integration Program.

With a report from NILO BORDIOS

Tacloban City – Police Senior Superintendent Rey Lañada of the Police Regional Office 8 turned over another thirty (30) cocaine bricks to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 8 on January 11.

This is part of the continuous recovery efforts of the cocaine bricks believed to have been thrown at the shores of the Samar Islands.

The turnover which was held at the Conference Room of PNP 8 this week was attended by no less than the Officer In Charge of PDEA 8 Julius R. Navales who accepted the cocaine bricks from the PNP 8 Director.

After the short rite which was also attended by the PDEA 8 per-sonnel anfd the personnel from the PNP Crime Lab, the assistant city Prosecutor, members of the academe and media representatives, a press conference took place.

Director Lanada directed all police stations along the shorelines of the Region to monitor any similar recovery of cocaine bricks by the lo-cal fishermen.

He also called for the mobi-lization of the Bantay Dagat teams of the concerned municipalities and neighboring areas to monitor and help inform the public to turn over to the Philippine National Police recovery of similar items.

Earlier, about 218 cocaine bricks were turned over by the Philippine National Police under then Police Director Mario Rupinta Sandiego to PDEA on December 29. This brings the number of cocaine bricks turned over to the PDEA to 248, said to be worth P5-billion in its street value.

The cocaine bricks were first recovered by fishermen in a coastal barangay of Maydolong, which then spread to other areas. After the first batch, joint elements of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office with the 4th Alpha Coy of the Philippine Army and 52nd IB Delta Coy made a concerted effort to recover more along the shores of the municipalities of Balangkayan, Maydolong, San Policarpo and Llorente, all in Eastern Samar and in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Gov. Ben Evardone thanks PD dela Cruz for his crusade against brigands, and welcomed to Eastern Samar his new replacement.

Borongan City – Former Phil-ippine National Police (PNP) Pro-vincial Director Sr. Supt. Prudencio Ancheta De la Cruz leaves Eastern Samar fully confident that the prov-ince would be at peace after he and his men had neutralized the robbery hold up gangs in the area during his stint.

This, de la Cruz said in his talk during the turnover ceremony held last week at the PNP Provincial Head-quarters, Camp Asidillo. The reins of the PNP provincial office were given to the new PD, Sr. Supt. Felixberto Marudo Castillo.

“Except for one last group in Borongan, which I admit has yet to be handcuffed, I am proud to say that I have done my homework in taking to pieces these menace of society, specifically the highway robbers,” he said.

He divulged that this one last group, which once in a while disrupts the peace and quiet of Borongan populace, is very slippery. He said they easily elude arrest whenever the police are out on an operation against them. He added that the group is headed by one Cris Parena who used to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), but later became a mili-tary and police asset. But, De la Cruz is hopeful the days of this Parena group are now coming to end.

The outgoing PNP director also was proud to report that he likewise was able to dismantled the so-called untouchable drug pushers in Quinapondan town, Oras, Guiuan and Borongan; it can be recalled that he and his teams in 2008 successfully raided and arrested a family in Oras town which used to enjoy trading the illegal drug.

In addition, shortly before he finished his term in the province, de la Cruz with his policemen was able to recover about 200 kilos of high

grade cocaine in the seas of Arteche, San Policarpo, Dolores, Borongan, Maydolong and Llorente. Police estimated the volumes of cocaine to cost billions.

Meanwhile, Governor Ben Evardone referred to de la Cruz as an “action man”.

“In behalf of the province, I would like to personally thank Supt. De la Cruz for helping us in Eastern Samar maintain peace as we moved

see DIReCTOR p. 3

PAGE 2 Eastern Samar REPORTER JANUARY 10-16, 2010

Trees that Wood

OPINION SECTION

Treasure Box

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.”

Then the second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.”

Finally the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.”

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, “This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter” ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, “I don’t need anything special from my tree so I’ll take this one”, and he cut it down.When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fish-ing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said “Peace” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was pos-sible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

WHICH VITAMINS DO YOU REALLY NEED

Presently, there are different vitamin and mineral supplement products on the market that are rising each year. Health officials set recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for vitamins and minerals that men and women of various ages require to maintain good health.

VITAMIN E. Studies showed that vitamin E may boost the immune system, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There are also evidences that vitamin E may promote heart health by reducing the oxidation of LDL(bad) cholesterol that can cause atherosclerosis, and also acting as anticoagulant. At supplemental doses above 1000iu per day, vitamin E may cause an increased tendency to hemorrhage, as an anticoagu-lant, those who have bleeding or clotting disorders should consult a doctor before taking vitamin E supplement.

VITAMIN C. There’s little evidence that vitamin C can prevent colds, but it indicates that taking doses each day at the onset of a cold, it lessens the symptoms and shortens its duration. Doses over 200mg. a day result in limited intestinal absorption. Regularly taking more than 2000 mg. of vitamin C daily can cause abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

B VITAMINS. Folic acid (the synthetic form of the B vita-min folate), B12 and B6 can protect our hearts, prevent birth

By ROSE LEE SEGURA

see VITAMINs p. 3

The Faces of Loyalty

IN THIS

CORNERBy BRUNO COLICO RUBIO JR.

LOYALTY, SIMPLY defined, is faithfulness. National-ism is the burning love of country. To quote the late President Manuel L. Quezon, “My loyalty to my (political) party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.” Let’s take note that before a government worker assumes office he first swears in an Oath (or pledge) of Loyalty, to the country, in general, and to the constitution, in particular. Section 5, Article XVI of the 1987 Constitution provides as follows, “(1) All members of the armed forces shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and de-fend this Constitution. (2)The State shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness of the military, and respect for people’s rights in the performance of their duty.” That is the reason why they undergo a series of lectures on Human Rights and are made aware that although it is not the Revised Penal Code and the different special penal laws that apply to them in a court martial proceedings but the Articles of War (Provided that two (2) circumstances- (1)a military status (his name is in the “plantilla”) and (2)the act for which he is being accused of is service connected, are present.), because Article III of the 1987 Constitution contains the Bill of Rights which is the source of human rights. The Constitution, by the way, is considered as a contract entered into between the government and the people, wherein the latter surrender their rights to the Government which is the defender and protector of the people.

Loyalty is akin to a magnetic force that pulls one’s actions and decisions to support, uphold and protect the entity to which he is loyal. Needless to state, there is no place for betrayal. There is a so called loyalty check. Did you know that a lifestyle check is actually a test of loyalty to one’s pledge to live a frugal life and observe integrity and honesty in the performance of his duties? Have you heard of the so called loyalty test firing? It is quite risky because, from a distance, a soldier is made to shoot an object placed on top of the head of his comrade-in-arms. The Armalite rifle to be used is first zeroed (the bullet hits to where the aligned rear and front sights point), but there’s a lot of factors that increase the risk of a misfire (unintentionally hitting the hu-man being) which includes the strength of the wind, mechanical malfunction and nervousness of the firer, to mention some.

Loyalty is applicable everywhere. It is usually applicable between a superior and a subordinate(s) wherein the latter should be loyal to the former. In return, the subordinate is given rewards, or at least, the benefits and privileges to which he is entitled to are given to him intact by the superior who has control of them. Loyalty is also applicable in business, in politics and even in re-ligions. By the way, in an old issue of the Lawyers’ Digest, there was one article which states that seniority is applicable in three institutions, namely, (1)the military, (2)the judiciary and (3)the clergy. In the military there is the so called “chain of command”, which, according to a Supreme Court decision, such Doctrine does not apply to civilians. Section 6 of Article XVI of the same Constitution provides as follows, “The State shall establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in character, to be administered by the national police commission.” There was one Supreme Court case wherein the appointment by the president of the then PNP Director General Lastimoso was being questioned because, according to them, the Constitution provides that a presidential appointment in the

military establishment from the rank of full pledge colonel to the rank of full pledge general needs the confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The highest Court of the land decided that there is no need for such confirmation in the case at bar because the PNP is not military, but civilian in character. Let us take note that it is more favorable to the people at large because the police forces are made more accountable to the people that they are serving and protecting. Furthermore, such a situation enhances mutual loyalty. Take note that in a criminal case what is stated is “People of the Philippines versus…(name of the accused)” Ac-cording to my former law professor, Atty. Artemio Apostol, “In one American case, after the accused heard of the phrase “People of the United States versus…” he remarked, thus: “What a vast majority!” By the way, Section 3 of Article II of the Constitu-tion provides, as follows: “Civilian Authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the state. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national ter-ritory.” The first sentence is (made) realized by the fact that the Commander in Chief (the President) of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines has a civilian status. Regarding the last sentence thereof, a Senator at one time commented that in the event of an external aggression, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will surrender in less than 24 hours. But I recall one defense secretary making a statement that in case the disputed Spratley Islands were invaded, “Certainly, the response shall be there.” By the way, here is also one measure of loyalty by the Filipino people to the “Call of the Motherland.” Section 4 of Article II of the Constitu-tion provides as follows, “The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.”

The true measure of loyalty to the people is the immedi-ate effect/s of an individual’s and/or a group’s activities to the people. We should also look at the medium term and the long term effects, if any, of our activities to the welfare of the people. On the other hand, blind loyalty disregards the consequences. To quote Carl Schurz: “My country right or wrong; when right, to keep her right, when wrong, to put her right.” Love is another face of loyalty. According to a song, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”

There are also some faces of loyalty that would be put to test in the upcoming elections. Before the day of judgment comes (what) May 10, 2010, the loyalty of the voters would be tested whether to vote because of the “Hukip [who keep]” (grease money given to voters) or for good governance. On the other hand, by the time the winning candidates start exercising power in their respective positions, they would undergo a test of loyalty whether to enact laws/ordinances and/or implement them either in favor of the sovereign Filipino people or the busi-nessmen/contractors and other sectors (or forms) of kingmakers (whose personal interests are usually in conflict with public interest) who had helped them and/or contributed (so much) to their election campaign funds.

One nice therapy to get the people’s loyalty is for one to presume that he would run in an elective position someday, so that he would always try to do good, look good and feel good. In the process, he would become people-oriented. This also ap-plies to our faith and belief in the existence of the Almighty God and in life after death. It makes a difference because it makes us God-fearing since one day we shall be judged accordingly. To quote a passage from the Holy Bible: “What does it profit a man to enjoy all the wealth on earth and suffer eternally in hell?” By this moment, you should have already put your loyalty in the proper place and you are now worthy to be considered an asset and wealth to the Motherland. Otherwise, with misplaced loyalties, you remain to be a burden and a liability.

LALAINE MARCOS-JIMENEAPublisher

NILO BORDIOSEditor/Bureau Chief

NITA BAGASMarketing Executive

website: www.evmailnews.com

Contributors:Lance Alberto Clarito Acampado• Boyboy Evite

• KC Collado • PIA – Eastern Samar • Jo Fabile• Louie Guarin • Vic Apura • Atty. Reymund Boco Gunda • Jose Sanro Jimenea • Lirio Baldestomo

Office Address:Brgy. Balud I, Borongan, Eastern Samar

Tel. No. (055) 560-9670

defects and keep us mentally sharp as we age. All three are possible to lower the incidence of heart disease, because they help return to normal the blood levels of a substance called HOMOCYSTEINE. Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to an increase risk of heart disease and other vascular disorders. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatique, nerve damage and dementia. The main sources of B12 rich foods are found in meat,fish and chicken.

CALCIUM. We need plenty of this mineral to maintain strong teeth and bones and reduce our risk of osteoporosis. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1000 mg for adults age 50, and 12000 mg og ages 51 and older- equivalent to 3 or 4 glasses of skim milk a day.

More than 2500 mg of supplemental calcium per day may cause constipation and lead to kidney problems.

VITAMIN D. “Sunshine Vitamin,” which enables the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Sources of vitamin D are milk, butter, eggyolks and fortified breakfast cereal. Daily doses of 1000-2000iu over time may cause nausea, headache, fatique and heart irregularities.

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EASTERN SAMAR REPORTERCall: 560-9670

JANUARY 10-16, 2010 Eastern Samar REPORTER PAGE 3

SOLDIER ... from p. 1

Eastern Samar police registers zero gun confiscation on first day of Gun Ban

Two alleged security guards arrested for violation of gun ban

Just this year, some Kalayaan sa Barangay Program (KBP) Projects were also completed in barangays that the army believes are NPA influenced.

The army engineers also constructed some nine farm to market roads, 55 school buildings, ten barangay water system, 44 health centers and has provided eight barangays in Samar with electricity.

As the army also supports DENR in ‘bantay gubat’ with some 11,964 board feet of logs confiscated; government soldiers have also continuously planted trees. As to their socio-civic activities, the army has also extended medical/dental services to some 12,250 patients all over their area of responsibility. By Ninfa Quirante/PIA

The International Police said the cache is part of some 1,500 bricks of cocaine be-lieved to have been thrown to sea by a group of drug smug-glers who were being pursued by Hongkong police.

The PDEA has also is-sued a stern warning to persons who want to profit from finding the bricks of cocaine, to turn it over to them immediately or face the stiff sanctions of the law.

In a related development, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group here headed by Sr. Insp. Nelson Llaneta recovered some 620 kilograms of suspected cocaine in a buy bust operation they did on the

afternoon of January 9 at the town of San Policarpo.

The items were volun-tarily turned over to the CIDG by Mateo Ongaya, 40, single, a fisherman and Isagani Caspe, 38, married, both residents of Brgy. 5, San Policarpo.

According to their infor-mants, the cocaine was part of those thrown into the sea.

The turnover was wit-nessed by Brgy. Captain Lour-dio T. Nicart.

It is not clear at this point in time if the two would be charged for possession as the whether they kept the drugs for profit or was just waiting for the opportune time to turn it over to the police was not

COCAINE ... from p. 1

On January 12, 2010 at around 1:00 in the afternoon, elements of the Salcedo municipal police led by Insp. Brigido Malate Tingzon, together with PO3 Edencio Duraneo Felicen and PO2 Manuel Felix Mike, while conducting routinary patrol at the vicinity of Brgy. Cagaut, apprehended/arrested one Cidez Duarte and Alex Mulo, all of legal ages, for having in their possession unlicensed firerarms.

The firearms were a Cal. 9mm Berretta with serial number Me05681Z, a 12 gauge Armscor shotgun with serial number A6485471, Colt cal. 45 pistol with SN 568259 and another 12-gauge Armscor shotgun with Serial No. 10488451. The two suspects alleged that they were security guards em-ployed at Terrestrial Mining Corp. situated at aforesaid place, but failed to present pertinent documents pertaining their allegation as security guards and to support the legitimacy of the their firearms. Additionally, suspects were in civilian attires when arrested. By Nilo Bordios

Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office was happy to report that the first day of Gun Ban implementation did not record any violation of Com-mission on Elections (COM-ELEC) Resolution #8714.

Police Superintendent Mario Cristino Lucero, Assis-tant PNP Provincial Director reported that two teams con-ducted the 24-hour inspection of all the municipal police

office on January 10 after they were ordered to establish COMELEC checkpoints and police visibility in connection with Gun Ban.

“No firearm nor deadly weapon was confiscated from our plying motorists, so far on the first day of the Gun Ban, and we are happy about this and ofcourse thankful to our policemen in the field,” the young Officer said. “But

the checkpoint and inspection continues until the last day of election period in June 7, but random checkpoints and inspection can be expected in the next few weeks of imple-mentation ,” he added.

Early on, Senior Supt. Felixberto Marudo Castillo had cautioned the public on air over Radyo ng Bayan DYES not to be bringing along even toy guns nor air-soft guns lest police authorities spot them and face a problem.

Total gun ban only al-lows authorized personnel to bring their issued firearms (FAs)..even PNP and military men are required to be in proper uniforms when they are supposed to carry, with appro-priate documents at hand.

As to previously report-ed election hot spots which was flashed over the TV lately, that referred Eastern Samar as one, Mr. Aquilino Dulfo, a former long-time serving ba-

rangay chairman of Campesao, aired his reaction over Caloy Capito’s DYES radio pro-gram, in his effort to belie the report.

“That is an unfair report,” Mr. Dulfo a.k.a. Akling’s rebuttal fumed on air. “I hope, the report is not in any way a form of condi-tioning the public to justify future deployment of armed men in the province,” he cautioned.

According to Man Ak-ling, Eastern Samar is rela-tively peaceful so why include it in the list of election hot spots?

Supt. Lucero however mentioned of five munici-palities in the province which COMELEC placed under Elec-tion Watch List; the towns of Dolores, Taft, Arteche, Can-avid and Oras, and hot spots and watch list may connote two different meanings. PIA-Eastern Samar

to progress. He is an action man as he would perform pronto a task requested even only through text messages,” Evardone said.

“Goodbye Supt. De la Cruz and welcome Supt. Cas-tillo,” the Governor closed.

Finally, de la Cruz beamed likewise with pride when he announced that two new buildings costing P10-million and P5-million respec-

DIRECTOR ... from p. 1tively for the PNP Provincial Headquarters will soon be built inside Camp Asidillo. With the help of the local leaders, the new buildings which will house police and non-uniform personnel will ground break this January to replace the age-old one-storey office that the Provincial Command is occupying at present. By Alice Nicart/PIA

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Eastern Samar

City/Municipality: Borongan NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby serve to the public that RIC B. BALIBALOS has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from “GERIEL” to “GERIEL MOSES” in the Birth certificate of GERIEL GAVILAN BALIBALOS who was born on 20 Janu-ary 1994 at Borongan, Eastern Samar and whose parents are RIC B. BALIBALOS and LOURDES D. GAVILAN.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this Office not later than 18 Jan 2010.

(Sgd.) MA. LUISA AZUL- ALIDO III Civil Registrar

ESR Jan. 3- 9, & 10- 16, 2010

PAGE 4 Eastern Samar REPORTER JANUARY 10-16, 2010