Filipino soldiers rejoice over Pacquiao's feat

by Frencie L. Carreon

As Manny Pacquiao, a reserved master sergeant of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, won over Oscar dela Hoya in yesterday's so-called 'Dream Match', Filipino soldiers who were watching on and off duty, whether inside military camps in gymnasiums of military headquarters, or simply in their own respective homes, felt proud that the Armed Forces of the Philippines' reserved soldier did the country an honor by earning the World Boxing Championship Title in a well-deserved battle at the ring in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In a statement shared by AFP Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano with Zamboanga Today, he said, "We are one with the nation in celebrating the victory of People's Champ Manny Pacquiao. His triumph is a triumph for the whole Filipino people, whom we witnessed to have stood together as one nation to support, cheer and pray for Manny during his fight."

"M/Sgt. Manny Pacquiao's monumental victory has once again inspired the men and women of the AFP to perform their mission with priceless gallantry and courage as protector and defender of the people," Yano said.

Western Mindanao Command chief Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga said, "Pacman is indeed a super model for the soldier and for every Pinoy for his indomitable courage, ability and determination, along with his sincere preparation, even his faith and prayer. Talagang 'yes, we can!' Kayang-kaya ng pinoy na mag-excel kait saang larangan."

General Santos City-based 6th Infantry Division Commander Army Maj. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer said, "Manny Pacquiao made us really feel very, very proud not only as a Filipino soldier but as as Filipno nation. Indeed, we now have a real hero in Pacquiao. I am proud I am a Filipino."

Air Force spokesman Maj. Gerardo Zamudio shared, "Nakaka-relate ang mga sundalo sa kanya at ang buong Pilipinas dahil ang buhay ay inspirasyon sa lahat ng Pilipino (Soldiers and the entire Philippines can relate with him because his life is an inspiration to all Filipinos)."

The AFP Chief of Staff emphasized that "perceived vulnerability shall never dampen our spirit in accomplishing our mission. With sheer determindation in facing a formidable adversary, we can be victorious. These are the lessons we derive from Manny's victory."

"He also brings prestige and honor to the reserve component. He gives inspiration to all reservists in the AFP and the entire nation," 4th Civil Relations Group commander Maj. Gamal Hayudini shared.

The Pacquiao-dela Hoya match yesterday was watched by millions all over the world.

In Camp Aguinaldo, the match was shown live at the AFP Theater with a P500 viewing fee.

The Western Mindanao Command Gymnasium also set up viewing facilities at the Gymnasium, with no less than Sen. Mar Roxas and WestMinCom chief Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga leading the viewers. Mayor Celso Lobregat, a reserved Philippine Air Force colonel, joined them in camp during the first game between Medina and Juan Manuel Lopez. Lobregat left ahead though, to watch the dream game elsewhere.

Lt. Gen. Allaga then concluded, "'Pag nagkaisa tayo, uunlad din ang Pilipinas (If we would be united, the Philippines will eventually progress)."

"Mabuhay ka, Manny," General Yano said.

Mamauag addresses media on human rights in NUJP-WM forum

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Director Atty. Manuel Mamauag yesterday addressed some members of Philippine media who are based in Zamboanga City on human rights and international law in relation to conflict-sensitive journalism.
"You threaten the media; you threaten the people," Mamauag stressed, thus inspiring participating media.
The short discussion was done at the solidarity forum organized by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) Western Mindanao Chapter at the Solidarity Center along Roseller T. Lim Boulevard, this city.
The forum, which had the support of the Commission on Human Rights and the Peace Advocates Zamboanga, also had PAZ president Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF, and Zamboanga City Press Club, Inc. president Manuel 'Jerry' Lacastesantos as among those who shed light on the role and corresponding responsibilities of media men in reporting conflict.
Earlier, NUJP National Director Julie Alipala presented a statistical summary of human rights violations committed against journalists, citing the number of unsolved cases in Zamboanga (and nearby provinces) which involved the killing of journalists.
"The International Federation of Journalists has reported that the Philippines is the most dangerous country to work in as a journalist," Alipala said. "Media killings take place in the provinces and the highest noted are in Mindanao, with 41 cases," she added.
Alipala also mentioned that in Zamboanga City, the five unsolved murders are those of Gloria Martin, Greg Hapalla, Jade Ladja, Reynaldo Bancairin, and Candelario "Jun" Cayona.
Alipala likewise cited as among the examples the case of Al Jacinto, who was declared persona non grata by the City Government of Zamboanga, as well as the charges of libel filed by the City Jail Warden to this writer as editor-in-chief of Zamboanga Today. (Frencie L. Carreon)

Is Roxas running for the Philippine presidency in 2010?

Philippine Senator Mar Roxas arrives today in Zamboanga--a return, so to speak, after he has joined Wednesday our City Government leaders headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice-Gov. Manny Piñol in a ceremony that saw the furling of the streamers that voiced out the protests of some people against the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain.

Roxas has an itinerary programmed by his followers and supporters in the city, some of whom are already sharing their opinions on the likelihood that Roxas will be the man to beat come 2010 presidential elections.

At this point, one may ponder, if the time is not too soon to speculate that indeed the most eligible bachelor in the country is eyeing the presidency, and that these public appearances in the provinces are already the first steps of a six-year journey as the Philippines' Chief Executive.

There is so much to consider and a lot to assess. Roxas for one has not yet made his intentions public and specific--something that is also expected. Supporters of other probable hopefuls are also thinking and re-thinking now over what could be assailed of against Roxas.

Today, Sen. Mar Roxas is in Zamboanga to join the Blue Eagles, as they return to their nest, the Ateneo De Zamboanga University, and to join the Filipino soldiers at the Western Mindanao Command.

Whatever his other intentions are, whatever the answer is to the question on his running for the presidency in 2010, Mar Roxas remains welcome to Asia's Latin City. (Frencie L. Carreon)

Iligan SK chair wins VoM’s Mindanao-wide writing tilt

ZAMBOANGA CITY--16-year old Iligan City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Chair Erika Rae Cruz bagged the championship in the Mindanao-wide feature writing competition organized by the Voice of Mindanao.

"Mindanao can be likened to a caged bird. It cannot spread its wing and fly. It can't hover above the trees and sing. It can never be free, unless we do something about it. We Mindanaoans can set the bird free. We can make a change. It's not too late," Cruz said, when asked what her vision of peace in Mindanao is.

Cruz bested 14 other finalists in the competition, which kicked off in Zamboanga City with the holding of Concurso de Escritos in the first week of October. It ended after more hundred entries from all over Mindanao had been evaluated by different judges from the education and media sectors.

All winners received their awards from Mayor Celso Lobregat, City Councilors Rudy Lim and Nonong Guingona. The city officials were assisted by Carousel Concepcion of VoM.

Coming close to the youth leader from Central Mindanao are Leah Mariel Reyes of Dipolog City, at second place; and Saima Kabalo of Cotabato City.

Cruz is presently a fourth year high school student of Integrated Developmental School, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. Reyes is also in her senior year at the Zamboanga del Norte National High School. Kabalo is likewise a candidate for graduation in March 2009 at the Kutawato Institute of Technology Foundation, Incorporated.

The SK Chair is the daughter of Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz and First Lady Gina Cruz.

Reyes at second place is a lawyer-journalist's (the late Atty. Ferdinand Reyes) surviving daughter—a fact she did not attempt to hide as she penned her winning piece.

"As an intellectual consumer, I extend my deepest concern for Mindanao's peace. I had envisioned the unity of every Filipino and the harmonious spread of love and peace towards Miindanao. To take a leap of success for the futureand as we face the unstoppable time, Filipinos unite, whatever happens. No more shouts, no more killings, and no to war," Reyes said.

Kabalo, a Maguindanaoan, and among the top honor students in her school, was accompanied by her school principal, Lumilis Pananguilan. "An atmosphere of understanding and peace through dialogue is a necessity to salvage the vague future of Mindanao and its people," she said.

Other finalists are Rogelio Garcia, Jr. (Mindanao State University-Marawi City) of Marawi City, 4th place; 5th place; John Philip Eijansantos (Basilan National High School) of Isabela City, 5th place; Tricia Celine Ventura of Sulu (Mindanao State University-Sulu); Herold Guadalupe (Colony National High School) of Lamitan City; Raiza Estino (Pilar College) of Zamboanga City; Kurt Russel Peconada (Kidapawan National High School) of Kidapawan City; Farr Krizza Tangkusan (Mindanao State University – TCTO Science High School) of Tawi-Tawi; Leah Mariel Reyes, Al-Habbyel Yusoph, and Lovely Bacara (Zamboanga del Norte National High School), all of Dipolog City.

"The 2008 Mindanao-wide Feature Writing Competition is a celebration of peace through the might of the pen," Voice of Mindanao program director Marquez stressed. "This event started was launched in the last week of September this year, and culminated as the Mindanao Week of Peace concluded," he added.

The Voice of Mindanao is an organization under the tutelage and guidance of the Mein College Language Center. (Frencie L. Carreon)

Soccer equipment, school supplies for Jolo school—from PAF, US

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Airmen of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operations Group-9 and US military service members last weekend presented soccer equipment, school supplies, clothing, and toys to the first and second graders of the Sheik Mustafa Elementary School in Bus-bus, Jolo, Sulu.

“AFP’s PAF TOG-9 Airmen visited their “adopted” school, Sheik Mustafa Elementary School, to emphasize the importance of education to young students. Teaming up with US service members, the Airmen joined the students in several activities, including the donation of clothing, toys, and soccer equipment,” said Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTFP) Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Joseph Allegretti.

In an interview with admiring primary graders, they said they want to become pilots when they grow up, telling the AFP Airmen they would one day like to be able to fly a helicopter. The young boys’ spontaneous sharing warmed the airmen and heightened the excitement of the children. A few boys were allowed to have a simulated pilot training at the controls of a flight simulator under the tutelage of a PAF pilot.

About sixty students benefited with the donations which were jointly collected by the PAF and U.S. service members.

The visiting forces of the United States are in the Philippines upon the invitation of the Philippine Government, and are working on several humanitarian programs in close partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Frencie L. Carreon)

US military docs train Red Cross, Zambo, Jolo medics on life-saving series

(ZAMBOANGA CITY)--Some US military medical personnel recently teamed up with members of the Philippine National Red Cross-Zamboanga (PNRC) Emergency team, the medical professionals from Notre Dame Jolo College, the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital, and the Jolo Rescue Network colleagues for back-to-back sessions of the Basic Life Support and the Advanced Cardiac Care Course.

The visiting forces’ team consisted of the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines JSOTF-P’s Surgeon and Critical Care Evacuation Team as well as the USNS Stockham Surgical team, whose surgeons and healthcare professionals conducted the training at the Zamboanga Red Cross facility and the AFP’s Surgical Center, Camp Bautista, Jolo, on November 24 and 25, and on the 26th and 27th, respectively.

The Philippine teams of medical professionals and emergency rescue team members actively joined in said

“For each locale, the course covered of 16 hours of instruction, exposing attendees to the latest emergency cardiac life-savings techniques. Eight hours were dedicated to instructional lectures and eight hours of hands-on training, using mannequins to teach life-saving techniques in a pre-hospital setting. For many of the attendees, such a formal cardiac life support course was a first,” said JSOTFP public affairs officer Lt. Col. Joseph Alegretti.

The course, the US military spokesman said, enhanced the ability of local healthcare professionals to treat life-threatening cardiac events in the greater Zamboanga community.

Said training on life-saving support is among the programs provided by the JSOTFP to Filipino counterparts. Its mission is to “support the comprehensive approach of the AFP in their fight against terrorism in the southern Philippines. At the request of the Government of the Philippines and the AFP, JSOTF-P helps the AFP bring humanitarian assistance to conflict-afflicted communities; shares information, and builds capacity through tactical training programs. The JSOTF-P mission and activities are fully integrated into the overall U.S. government’s support to the Philippines. JSOTF-P leadership sits as a member of the U.S. embassy country team, led by the U.S. Ambassador. Close partnerships between JSOTF-P, US AID and other agencies results in integrated approach that greatly enhance U.S. support to the Philippines.” (Frencie L. Carreon)

US Army soldier earns medal for saving drowning Zambo students

(ZAMBOANGA CITY--29 November 2008) A U.S. Army soldier temporarily assigned to the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines here was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for risking his life to save three college students from drowning on September 30, 2007.
When calls for help were heard that day along the shores at Naval Station Zamboanga in the Southern Philippines, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ruben D. Gonzalez sprang into action.

Arthur M. Atilano, an eyewitness said, “One of the kids got pulled by the current and brought him in the deep area below the pier. Then, two teenagers tried to save the kid. The two teenagers were also pulled to the deep water. That was when they started calling for help.”
Students and staff of Zamboanga’s MEIN College were then enjoying a day at the beach, celebrating the college’s “Foundation Day,” when the three students got caught in the dangerous current and were dragged into deep, unsafe water.
“The water current that day was incredibly strong; even the LCT [a 65 ton naval vessel] could not dock at the pier,” recalled Sergeant Sausha T. Jones, formerly of the JSOTF-P.
Gonzalez was on duty in the area. Seeing and hearing the situation begin to unravel, he quickly dove headfirst into the water and went for the most exhausted swimmer first. Grabbing the victim around the chest, Gonzalez swam him to the nearest pier piling, which served as a makeshift life-preserver. Telling the student to hold the piling as tightly as possible, Gonzalez swam back out for the other two distressed swimmers, pulling them both through the current to the nearest pier piling.
“I was so tired and exhausted, I could not hang on [to the piling] and accepted that I was going to die,” said the first swimmer Gonzalez rescued.
Seeing Philippine Navy personnel throwing floatation devices down to the distressed swimmers, Gonzalez shouted out words of encouragement to hang on a little longer.
Upon reaching the beach, Philippine Navy medics tended to the victims. After it was clear the students were ashore and in good hands, Gonzalez left the growing crowd of onlookers, unnoticed. He got back in his vehicle and, despite several cuts on his arms, hands, legs, and feet, returned to duty.
“Knowing the danger on putting his life at risk to rescue my students is a heroism act that forever will be embedded in our hearts, for without him that very moment, my students would have died,” said MEIN College teacher and eye-witness, Margie Janda. “Thank God for giving us Mr. Gonzalez.”
The rescue happened on September 30 last year, but Gonzalez received his Soldier’s Medal in a solemn award ceremony just recently.
The Soldier’s Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, including Reserve Component Soldier’s not serving in a duty status, as defined in 10 USC 101(d), at the time of the heroic act, who distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The same degree of heroism is required as that of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life. (Frencie L. Carreon)