KUWAIT CITY -- (UPDATE 3) Kuwait's supreme court on Tuesday confirmed the death sentence handed down on a Filipina maid convicted of murdering her employer.

“Sad news,” was how Vice President Noli de Castro prefaced his announcement at a press conference in Manila of the decision by the Cassation Court to uphold the ruling against Marilou Ranario.

“It appears that the 11-member Court of Cassation did not accept the doubtful aspects of the case as presented by Ranario's panel of five lawyers,” he said in Filipino.

The court ruling is final and cannot be appealed. Her fate is now in the hands of the ruler of the oil-rich emirate, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who will decide whether or not to sign the order for Ranario to be hanged.

Ranario was sentenced to death in September 2005 for killing her 46-year-old female employer, Najat Mahmoud Faraj Mobarak, over salary disputes and maltreatment.

De Castro said he would go to Kuwait shortly to deliver President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s personal appeal to the Kuwaiti ruler.

“If we need to kneel before the emir, we will do so in exchange for Ranario's life,” said De Castro, who described the emir as someone who is “close to Filipinos.”

Manila would seek "a full pardon, or if that is not possible, a commutation of the sentence," De Castro said.

At the same time, he said four of the five relatives of the victim have given their forgiveness (tanazul) and accepted the “blood money” (dia). Under Islamic law, a killer can pay “blood money” to the victim’s family to avoid execution.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the “blood money” already given to the victim's relatives were donated by “kind-hearted” Filipinos. He refused to divulge the amount.

If the Philippine appeal fails, Ranario will be executed within four to five months, De Castro said, quoting Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya.

Ranario, a teacher who left her two children (ages 11 and 13) in Surigao Del Norte in December 2003 to work as a domestic helper in Kuwait, alleged that her boss insulted her and people from the Philippines.

Some 73,000 Filipinos, mainly 60,000 women employed mostly as maids, work in the Gulf state.

-inquirer.net

Read rest of story...

The Department of Energy will offer new exploration contracts for geothermal, oil and gas and coal in the next bidding round next month, the fourth to be conducted by the government since 2004.

“We are now moving in that direction and my instruction is to have these people who are wanting to do exploration and development work to present to us,” Reyes said.

The department in 2004 opened promising sites for coal, geothermal and petroleum exploration and development to bidding under the so-called first Philippine Energy Contracting Round.

It offered in 2006 nine petroleum exploration contracts on 71,357.30 square kilometers in the prospective basins of East Palawan and Mindoro-Coyo, and in Cagayan, Central Luzon, Visayas and Agusan-Davao.

The department is offering three areas for geothermal exploration, development or direct utilization for power generation in the current round. These areas, located in Batangas, Biliran and Compostela Valley, have a combined potential power generation of about 100 megawatts.

Fourteen coal areas are also being offered for exploration, development and production. They are located in Quezon, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay with a total resource potential of 421 million metric tons of coal.

Reyes said the department wanted to hold the contracting round at the soonest possible time to ensure the country’s energy independence in the wake of high world oil prices.

“The sooner, the better. If we have some more applications before Christmas we will try to hold it,” he added.

The department has come up with a new ruling requiring exploration companies to make a presentation to the agency to determine their financial and technical capabilities prior to the awarding of a service contract.

“No service contract shall be awarded until formal presentation has been made to determine their financial and technical capability and their ability to comply with the imposed program of work,” he said.

-manilastandardtoday.com

************************************

Xpango is a website where users can earn credits (points) to exchange for the gifts or products they ever wanted. It is FREE and no charges apply( Delivery fees are Free too). Xpango offers international service where the gifts will be sent worldwide.

There are 3 ways to earn credits(points):
1. Refer friends (earn 1 points)
2. Participate in Xpango Offers (Optional. Earn 2-3 points)
3. Buy stuff from Xpango. (Optional. Points earn depends on stuff you buy.)

Get The Gift You Ever Wanted Free Here!

Read rest of story...

MANILA, Philippines -- Non-government organizations and the family of Marilou Ranario will hold a three-hour “Bantay Hatol [Decision Watch]” outside the Department of Foreign Affairs for the promulgation of the Kuwaiti Supreme Court over her possible death sentence.

Ranario, who left her two children (ages 11 and 13) in Surigao Del Norte in December 2003 for work abroad, had been sentenced to death by the lower courts in Kuwait for the killing of her employer in January 2005. The decision of the Kuwaiti Supreme Court scheduled for promulgation this Tuesday will be final and unappealable.

Maita Santiago, secretary general of Migrante International, said Bantay Hatol was an initiative of an alliance of groups composed of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in an effort to intensify actions to save Ranario's life.

The gathering will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the time that the promulgation in Kuwait will take place. (The Philippines is about six hours ahead of Kuwait.)

“Today is essentially Marilou’s final judgment day. We appeal again to the Kuwait amir to ensure that Marilou does not suffer a fate similar to Flor Contemplacion. We’re hopeful that Marilou’s life may indeed be saved,” said Santiago, referring to the celebrated case of an OFW in Singapore who was sentenced to death for the killing of her ward and another OFW.

Contemplacion's case had prompted the enactment of the Magna Carta for Migrant Workers.

Santiago said that with exception of the estranged husband and a brother of Ranario's victim, other family members have reportedly given their tanazul (forgiveness).

Ranario confessed to the crime, but Santiago said that when asked why she was confessing, the OFW on death row gave the vague answer of, “Yan ang gusto ni Madam [That's what Madam wants].”

“Her answer is not clear. We suspect that she's been abused long before her arrest. We would like to know the circumstances which led her to where she is now,” she said.

Santiago said Rosario Ranario (Marilou’s father) and brothers will join them at the DFA this afternoon.

“We hope for more than a commutation of her death sentence, [we hope] that she is released and repatriated soonest to the Philippines. Anything less means the Arroyo administration has failed Marilou and her family anew,” she said.

Top government officials, led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli De Castro, have sent an appeal for Ranario's clemency to the Kuwaiti amir.

Santiago said her group was hoping that “the appeal is not too late...We maintain that in critical cases like this, the intervention of the highest government officials should be at the very beginning and not towards the end of the OFW’s ordeal.”

The Migrante official said in many cases such as these, the government only came in after a sustained campaign by the family and NGOs.

-inquirer.net

Read rest of story...

This few days, I'm trying out some ways to earn money from the internet but most of my effort is hopeless. Finally, I come to a website offering Free Gifts. It was very attractive and so I joined Xpango yesterday.


Xpango is a website where users can earn credits(points) to exchange for the gifts or products they ever wanted. It is FREE and no charges apply( Delivery fees are Free too). Xpango offers international service where the gifts will be sent worldwide.

There are 3 ways to earn credits(points):
1. Refer friends (earn 1 points)
2. Participate in Xpango Offers (Optional. Earn 2-3 points)
3. Buy stuff from Xpango. (Optional. Points earn depends on stuff you buy.)

I give a good deep consideration before joining Xpango and finally decided to join. I told myself, "It is not a bad thing to give it a try!".

So, what are the gifts offered by Xpango. It is as below:


The gifts I decided to get is Apple IPod Nano which cost 13 points. So, if you are interested, please kindly Sign Up using the referral link below and get the gift you ever wanted.

Get The Gift You Ever Wanted Free!

Read rest of story...

Manila (26 November) -- Ipinag-utos kamakailan ng Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kay Surigao Police Regional Director P/Chief Superintendent Jaime E. Milla, na paigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng batas na nagbabawal sa small-scale mining activities sa Surigao del Norte upang mapigilan ang patuloy na pagkalagas ng mga buhay at pagbaba ng pagkasira ng mga ari-arian sanhi ng illegal mining activities.

Ang nasabing kautusan ay ipinalabas ng Pangulong Arroyo kasunod ng pagkamatay ng limang minero na nagsagawa ng illegal mining activities at ng dalawang babaeng biktima ng landslides sa Brgy. Cagniog, Surigao City kamakailan.

Ang Surigao City at Surigao del Norte ay kinilala na bilang 'no mans land' o permanent danger zone sa isinagawang Geo-hazard mapping ng DENR-MGB kamakailan, kung kaya't ipinag-utos din ng Pangulo ang sapilitang pagpapaalis ng mga naninirahan malapit sa hazardous areas upang maiwasan ang naka-ambang panganib na maaari pang dumating sa mga residente ng Surigao.

-pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

AT least 15 new presidential appointees led by Coast Guard commandant Danilo Abinoja took their oath before President Macapagal-Arroyo last Nov. 14.

Eight undersecretaries, an assistant secretary, two members of the board of directors of government-sequestered RPN-9, two deputy presidential spokespersons and a commissioner were sworn into office.

The new appointees include Rizalino Segundo, commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples representing region 2; Danilo Mangila, assistant secretary of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group; and deputy spokespersons Anthony Rolando Golez and Ma. Lorelei Fajardo.

The new undersecretaries are Eleazar Quinto and Mary Ann Lucille Sering (a Surigaonon) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Lourdes melicor-Transmote and Arturo Sodusta of the labor department; Alberto Valenzuela Jr., defense; Francisco Delfin Jr., energy; Rosalina Bistoyong, agrarian reform; and Jose Vicente Salazar, justice.

William Tieng and Robert Rivera have been named board members of RPN 9.

-Journal Online

Read rest of story...

Surigao City (November 23) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent visit to Surigao ordered the Regional Director of the Philippine National Police, P/Chief Superintendent Jaime E. Milla to help reinforce the law which prohibits small-scale mining activities in Surigao del Norte to prevent further loss of life and reduce damage to properties caused by illegal mining activities in the province.

President Arroyo made the pronouncement following the deaths of five miners in Placer who were undertaking illegal small scale mining activities last November 19, 2007 and another 2 women-victims of landslides in Brgy. Cagniog, Surigao City.

"Small scale-mining has been prohibited in the province (Surigao del Norte) for some time now and therefore it is important that this law must be enforced and I am instructing the Regional Director of the PNP to help in enforcing the prohibition of small scale-mining," President Arroyo said.

Meantime, President Arroyo also asserted the areas in Surigao City and Surigao del Norte which have been identified as hazardous for landslide and tsunami in the recently conducted DENR-MGB Geo-hazard mapping be considered as 'no mans land' or permanent danger zone.

The recent landslide in Surigao City, which caused the deaths of two women in Brgy. Cagniog, Surigao City was the result of the stubbornness of the residents and the victims were believed to be informal dwellers.

The President said there is a need for a forcible eviction for those who were living in hazardous areas to prevent another tragedy. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

-pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

To eliminate lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, the Department of Health (DOH) is now conducting a month-long mass drug administration to some .6 million Filipinos infected with the disease.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the program would be implemented in 38 endemic provinces across the country as mandated by Presidential Order No. 369 signed by President Arroyo.

Its signs and symptoms include fever, cough, chills, wheezing and pain and swelling in the arms, breast, scrotum, penis, vulva and legs.

"The only effective way to eliminate filariasis is through a once-a- year mass treatment, using combination drugs Diethylcarbamazine Citrate and Albendazole. This treatment would be given to all (infected) population aged two years and above for five consecutive years," Duque said.

The provinces most affected by the disease include Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Palawan, and Romblon in MIMAROPA region; Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon in the Bicol region; Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Northern Leyte and Southern Leyte in Central Visayas; Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Sibugay Zamboanga in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The others are Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao; Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley in Southern Mindanao; Saranggani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat in SOCSKSARGEN; Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte in CARAGA; Sulu, Basilan and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It usually affects people living in remote and endemic rural areas and is considered the second leading cause of permanent and long-term disability in the world.

-abs-cbnnews.com

Read rest of story...

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sees renewed spirit as she visited Surigao City, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007 and lauds effort of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) – Caraga Region in delivering assistance and relief operations to the seven landslide victims.

After her arrival from Iligan City, the President convened a meeting with officials of RDCC and discussed relief programs and efforts in the disaster-stricken areas. Arroyo was overwhelmed with the quick response and the unified efforts from the member agencies of RDCC. “The damage to lives and property would have been worse were it not for the timely action of the Government. Congratulations to the NDCC, the LGUs of affected areas and all related agencies for their quick response,” the President said in her opening statement. She said further that NDCC will continue to coordinate with other line agencies for more assistance to the victims.

Pres. Arroyo also urged the officials to quickly adopt necessary measures to lessen up the damage. “Be a climate baker rather than a climate maker. We cannot prevent disaster but certainly we can undertake adaptation measures to prevent the lost of life and reduce damage to property,” she said.

Meantime, Pres. Arroyo handed P127,000.00 to each of the victims family with funds coming from NDCC, DSWD and Presidential Social Fund.

From Surigao City, the President proceeded to Tandag City to inspect and turn-over some infrastructure projects in Surigao del Sur. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

-pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

MANILA, Philippines -- The father of domestic helper Marilou Ranario, who is on death row in Kuwait, pleaded Wednesday with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to do everything possible to save his daughter from execution with the final verdict on her appeal set for next week.

“I am calling on the government. I am appealing to the President, as a parent, to do everything to bring back Marilou by Christmas,” Rosario Ranario, 64, a farmer from Surigao del Sur, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) in Filipino.

Rosario said he had come all the way from Surigao del Sur to find out for himself the status of his 35-year-old daughter’s appeal to the Kuwaiti court that sentenced her to hang for killing her employer.

He recalled that when he went to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on November 13 to inquire, he was informed that the handing down of the final verdict had been moved up from December 27 to November 27.

“The DFA did not give me exact details on Marilou‘s case. The personnel there did not even explain why the scheduled final verdict was moved,” Rosario said, pointing out that as Marilou’s father he should be updated on his daughter’s plight.

He also made the plea to save his daughter’s life to Vice President Noli de Castro, DFA secretary Alberto Romulo, and Ambassador Ricardo Endaya.

Marilou is the fourth child in a brood of 10 and received her education degree at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges (NEMCO). But she immediately went abroad after graduating, driven by the need to alleviate her family’s poverty.

She and older sister Weng are the only members of the family who finished college.

Marilou left for Kuwait on December 10, 2003 and was found guilty of stabbing to death her employer Najat Mahmoud Faraj Mubarak, on January 11, 2005 in Salwa province. She claimed to have killed her employer for fear Mubarak had been planning to hurt her, a result allegedly of months of unfair labor practices, maltreatment and abuse.

It was reportedly only during the last week of December in 2005 that the Ranario family learned of their kin’s fate and it was 10 months later that they were informed by the DFA that Marilou had been sentenced to death.

Rosario said that their entire family worried about her and Marilou’s children, 13-year-old Raffy John and 11-year-old Roselle, are hoping they would still see their mother alive.

“They [Marilou’s children] told me before I left Surigao to try to save their mama and I promised them I would,” the 64-year-old farmer told the Inquirer, adding, “They are hoping their mother would be home by Christmas.”

-inquirer.net

Read rest of story...

Manila - At least 11 people were killed in landslides and flash floods triggered by several days of heavy rains in the Philippines, officials said Tuesday. The National Disaster Coordinating Council said more than 3,000 people have been displaced by the rains brought by Tropical Storm Lando.

Several cities in the eastern, central and southern Philippines have been flooded.

Five of the victims were buried when a mine tunnel collapsed Monday in Placer town in Surigao del Norte province, 965 kilometres south of Manila.

Two people were also killed in a landslide that buried several houses in Surigao City while three people drowned in a swollen river on the outskirts of Iligan City. A 10-year-old boy also drowned in flash floods on the edge of Cebu City.

The weather bureau said Lando with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 85 kilometres per hour was moving west to Palawan Island at 19 kilometres per hour.

The bureau warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to be on alert against landslides and flash floods. It also urged residents in coastal areas to be alert against big waves.

-EARTHtimes.org

Read rest of story...

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines -- Five people were killed when a mining tunnel caved in Monday morning in the village of Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte, officials here said.

Blance Gobenciong, director of the Office of Civil Defense in the Caraga Region, said search and rescue workers have recovered three bodies buried in mud.

The fatalities were identified as Diosdado Libroso, Malinci Macas and Rodolfo Toyor.

Gobenciong said they were still looking for the bodies of two others already presumed dead.

She said the tunnel was situated near the gold mining site of the defunct Manila Mining Corporation.

Days of incessant rains might have caused the top soil to soften which triggered the tunnel to give in, Gobenciong said.

"The root cause of the landslide could have been the incessant rains since Saturday," she told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.

A bad weather condition has prevailed throughout Caraga since Saturday brought about by an inter-tropical convergence zone

Officials were closely monitoring the situation and readying emergency responses for possible landslides and floods if the rains continue, swelling major rivers and its tributaries, Gobenciong said.

In Surigao City, Mayor Alfonso Casurra said evacuation was ongoing after the water along the river and coastal areas reached its critical level.

-inquirer.net

Read rest of story...

MANILA (Reuters) - Landslides caused by a tropical storm have killed nine people in the central and southern Philippines in the last two days, disaster and weather bureau officials said on Tuesday.

The tropical storm, known as 23W, dumped heavy rain before moving out to sea, causing landslides and flooding, cutting power supplies, closing schools and offices and forcing smaller carriers to cancel several flights.

"Most of the fatalities were buried in landslides in Surigao del Norte and swept by floods on Cebu and Lanao del Norte provinces," Glenn Rabonza, head of the office of civil defence, told reporters, adding five people were injured and two missing.

"Our rescue and emergency workers are working round the clock to restore power and help thousands of people marooned by floods and landslides."

The tropical storm, packing 65 kph winds and moving at 26 kph, was estimated at 230 km east northeast of western Palawan island and was expected to gain strength as it moved out into the South China Sea on Wednesday.

Tropical storms in the region gather intensity from the warm ocean waters and frequently develop into typhoons that hit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and southern China during a season that lasts from early summer to late autumn.

Rabonza said officials were rushing food, water and warm clothes to about 10,000 people brought to temporary shelters on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, parts of the central island of Cebu and villages around the slopes of Mount Mayon in Bicol province.

Rabonza said small fishing boats were warned to stay in port and cautioned residents of coastal and low-lying areas about storm surges and more rain in the next two days.

-reuters

Read rest of story...

Seven towns in Surigao del Norte province were placed under state of calamity, after landslides triggered by heavy rains brought by tropical storm “Lando" killed seven people in the province.

GMA’s Flash Report said the state of calamity was declared in the following towns, allowing municipal officials to tap into their respective calamity funds:

• Clavier;
• Gigaquit;
• Malimono;
• San Francisco;
• Alegria;
• Mainit; and
• Placer.

According to the 11 p.m. Monday report of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), separate landslides claimed the lives of two people in Placer town and three others in Tagana-an town.

The fatalities were identified as Diosdado Leproso, 42, and Melencio Macas, 29, both of Magsaysay village.

Although two people also died and at least six houses were destroyed by a landslide in Surigao City, the local government is not keen on placing the city under a state of calamity.

Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra said they are not considering on declaring a state of calamity as weather in their area is already improving.

- GMANews.TV

Read rest of story...

Nine people were killed, five were injured and two others remain missing in landslides and flashfloods triggered by heavy rains brought by tropical storm “Lando," the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) on Tuesday said.

In its latest update as of 12 noon, NDCC said seven fatalities were recorded in the Caraga region, one in Lanao del Norte and another in Cebu due to landslides. They are:

Fatalities

Placer, Surigao del Norte:
• Diosdado Leproso, 42 (resident of Brgy. Magsaysay)
• Melencio Macas, 29 (resident of Brgy. Magsaysay)

Tagana-an town, Surigao del Norte:
• Rodolfo Toyor, 45 (resident of Brgy. Laurel)
• Luigi Manto, 27 (resident of Brgy. Laurel)
• Rodolfo Regas Sr, 53 (resident of Brgy. Laurel) recovered bablyn paclino

Surigao City:
• Leah Salvador, 23 (pregnant, resident of Brgy. Cagniog)
• Tita Salvador, 26 (resident of Brgy. Cagniog)

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte:
• Bablyn Paclino, 13 (resident of Brgy. Abono)

Cebu City:
• Agnes Tabay, 10 (resident of Brgy. To-ong)

In its update, NDCC also said five were injured, including three people in Cebu and two in Caraga.

Injured

Cebu:
• Marivic delos Santos
• Two (2) unidentified sons of Marivic delos Santos

Surigao City:
• Ricardo Ganzon, 41 (resident of Brgy. Cagniog)
• Gloria Ganzon, 50 (resident of Brgy. Cagniog)

Also, NDCC said search continues for the two unidentified people who remain missing in Placer town, Surigao del Norte.

In an interview on dzBB radio, Glenn Rabonza, NDCC Administrator, noted that all the casualties recorded by the agency were all landslide victims. He added that heavy rains started pouring in affected areas over the weekend even before the typhoon made landfall.

"Yung siyam na namatay, karamihan po doon ay biktima ng landslide. Even before nag-landfall yung Lando, nag-uulan na kasi talaga ," Rabonza said.

However, reports from various sources reaching GMANews.TV indicate that aside from the casualties included in NDCC’s list, two additional fatalities were recorded in Agusan province, one in Misamis Oriental, and one in Cebu.

In its report, Sunstar said two died in a landslide in Agusan province. No other details on the two fatalities were provided in the report.

In the same report, Sunstar said remains of a lady was found floating at the river in the Municipality of Opol, Misamis Oriental. Authorities later identified the fatality as Liza Arancon who was reported missing early morning Monday, the report said.

A dzBB radio report also said aside from the girl that drowned in Cebu City, another fatality was recorded in Cebu. The report only described the fatality as a mother who was crushed to death.

In its update, NDCC said at least 3,276 families or 16,463 people were affected by flooding and landslides. Of this number, 2,470 families were displaced and have sought refuge in various evacuation centers in Bicol, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.

In the Bicol and Northern Mindanao Regions, some roads were either rendered impassable or damaged, including:

Bicol:
• Road section in Libon-Pantay Road - not passable

Northern Mindanao:
• Misamis Oriental Highway along Magsaysay - temporarily closed;
• Provincial Road along Barangay Paniangan, Manticao town (Misamis
Oriental) - partially damaged; and
• Tubod Bridge in Tubod town (Lanao del Norte) - one lane passable.

-gmanews.tv

Read rest of story...

MANILA, Philippines — Following reports of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo seeking clemency for Marilou Ranario, the OFW on Kuwait’s death row, an alliance of groups composed of overseas Filipinos and their families say they hope the appeal is not too late.

“Although the appeal should have been made two years ago, we hope and pray that it’s still not too late. Government intervention at the highest levels should have been undertaken immediately for Marilou and all other OFWs on death row,” says Connie Bragas-Regalado, Migrante International Chairperson.

Marilou, 35 years old, was sentenced to death by hanging on 28 September 2005 by Kuwait’s Court of First Instance of the Criminal Circuit Court for allegedly killing her employer. Prior to her employer’s death, Marilou complained of being abused and maltreated.

Despite the issuance of a tanazul or letter of forgiveness by the victim’s family in November 2006, Kuwait’s Court of Appeals upheld the death sentence. Marilou’s case is now before the Supreme Court and oral arguments were heard last November 13. The promulgation of the final verdict is set for December 27.

“The lack of transparency from the DFA and other agencies regarding these types of issues is also problematic. During a recent inter-agency dialogue with the family that was organized by the Save Marilou Ranario Movement, the representative from the DFA explained that there was already blood money available but he failed to mention that this had already been refused. Conflicting and vague reports by the DFA only worsen the anxieties surrounding this case,” said Bragas-Regalado.

Marilou is among the approximately 35 OFWs on death row with one in Brunei, two in China, one in the US, four in Kuwait, nine in Saudi Arabia and 10 in Malaysia. Under the Arroyo administration, 5 OFWs have already been executed.

Action plan needed for all OFWs on death row

“A comprehensive and concrete public action plan regarding these cases is imperative – for the sake of these OFWs and the many others who continue to toil in vulnerable and slave-like conditions around the world,” added Bragas-Regalado.

“Along with the appeal, it is also high time for the Arroyo administration to review its extremely exploitative Labor Export Policy (LEP). Given that the LEP’s main objective is the commodification and export of Filipinos in exchange for much-needed dollar remittances – the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers will never be truly protected,” she added.

The Migrante leader concluded that, “with only 40 days left before the issuance of the final verdict, we commit to escalating even further the campaign to save her life so that she may soon be reunited with her family.”

Efforts by Migrante International to save the life of Marilou have been ongoing since 2005. The campaign intensified this year with the launch of a Save Marilou Ranario Movement and the holding of an international day of action on November 13. Filipino groups led by Migrante, in different countries including Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong organized vigils and dialogues with the Kuwait embassies in their areas on this day. In the Philippines, there were also coordinated actions from Baguio to Butuan City. Marilou hails from Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

-pinoypress.net

Read rest of story...

Due to days of excessive rain, another landslide hit in the municipality of Placer, particularly in Barangay Magsaysay, a few minutes away from the town proper where the mining site of Manila Mining Corporation is located yesterday dawn, Nov. 19, 2007 and killed 5 miners.

The victims were identified as Malenci Makas, Diosdado Leproso, Luigi Manto, Rodulfo Tuyor and Rodolfo Ragas.

It was learned that the victims were sleeping in a bunkhouse and was swept away by a flashflood.

RDCC reports bared that a continuous heavy rains starting on Saturday until early Monday might have loosened the soil and caused the tunnel to collapse.

Rescue 44 of the province retrieved 5 dead persons and 2 survivors. As of press time, the dead bodies were already turned-over to Placer Mayor Chary Mangacop.

-pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

BUTUAN CITY (November 19) -- Fifty two Rotarians, including spouses, representing 11 Rotary Clubs from Zones 3B-1 and 3B-2 of District 3860 attended the Rotary Academy held at the Luciana Convention Center here on November 17, 2007 with the theme "One Dream... One Team... One District."

Said 11 clubs that practically cover the entire Caraga Region are the Rotary Clubs of Bislig, Butuan, Butuan North, Downtown Butuan, Metro Butuan, Central Cabadbaran, San Francisco, Central Surigao, Metro Surigao, Surigao City, and the Surigao Midtown Jewels.

Basic and intermediate subject matters were learned during the academy-such as history, organization, programs and activities of Rotary; including topics such as "Why Join Rotary", Rotary Protocol, and Rotary Foundation-riveted the participants' attention and provided them with fundamental knowledge and insights about what's up and on with Rotary as an organization of businessmen and professionals.

Asst. Governor Wilfredo Sinco, who banged the gavel to signal the opening of the Rotary Academy, provided the historical backdrop down memory lanes, wherein he shared: "Rotary, being the world's first organized service club, was founded on February 23, 1905 by Paul Harris, who is a lawyer by profession. It all started when Paul Harris and his friends met initially, then decided to hold weekly meetings at each member's place of business on a rotation basis. From that rotation scheme, the term Rotary was eventually adopted to be the name of their club. Their club, known as the Rotary Club of Chicago, was the very first ever to be established."

He made mention also of "Carlos P. Romulo as the first ever Filipino to serve as the 3rd Vice President of the Rotary International during the Rotary Year (RY) 1937-1938."

Senior Asst. Governor for Service Projects Gerard Rikken, who is a Dutch, traced the background of Rotary Academy as having been started by the "Rotary District 3830 in RY 1999-2000 to cover the basic needs of Rotarians" - and that is to learn the ropes and nitty-gritty of Rotary as a civic organization.

As an overview, he pointed out that the Rotary Academy has three modules-such as New Members Education, Continuing Education for Rotarians, and Leadership in Action-which the participants need to cover. "This particular module," he clarified, "is the first installment in the series.

"For those who will complete the development cycle, by taking up the three modules," he explained, "they will be accorded a Certificate of Graduation from the Academy during the District Conference."

Club President Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of the Rotary Club of Surigao City (RCSC), who dwelt on the topic "Why Join Rotary" shared that businessmen and professionals have joined the organization for many, splendid reasons. He enumerated among other things that "we joined to enlarge our network of friends. We joined Rotary for business connections, for personal growth and development, for leadership development, for fun and entertainment," and for many other reasons.

Just an example, he shared to the group about one thing that freshly stood out in his memory. Being the current Club President of RCSC, "I have strategic and sensitive responsibilities to do. But when my duty as a civil servant called me to transfer from Surigao City to Butuan City to assume as Officer in Charge-Regional Director of TESDA Caraga Region, I have to go. Surprisingly, I was met with a tarpaulin banner welcoming my arrival and assumption to duty here in Butuan City. I was very much touched with that gesture coming from Rotarians headed by President 'Bong' Malayao of the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan. And that's just one of the tangible reasons why I join Rotary."

The top gun in the gathering was Past District Governor (PDG) Bert Dormendo, who shared about Rotary International's (RI) Programs and its Foundation. According to him, RI's programs and service opportunities are designed to help Rotarians meet needs in their own communities and reach out to assist people in need worldwide.

His main focus was on the Menu of Service Opportunities wherein RI recommends that clubs planning service activities should consider nine major needs or concerns: "Children at Risk, Disabled Persons, Health Care, International Understanding and Goodwill, Literacy and Numeracy, Population Issues, Poverty and Hunger, Preserve Planet Earth, and Urban Concerns."

Quoting from a Rotary document, PDG Dormendo indicated, as a kind of challenge, to the participants: ""No one can tell us what Rotary will be tomorrow, but one thing is certain: what Rotary will be depends upon the Rotarians of today."

Rotary is actually known for its Four Way Test and its mottoes such as "Service Above Self", which was coined in 1950, and "He Profit Most Who Serves Best", which was minted way back in 1911.

Organizers of the event were thankful that with the backing of KIA Motors of Butuan City as a major sponsor the academy proceeded slickly and ended smoothly. (TESDA-13/PIA-13)

-pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

Surigao City (November 19) -- Flooding brought about by continuous rains is now being experienced in Surigao City and in several other municipalities of Surigao del Norte and claimed 2 casualties in Surigao City due to landslide.

The victims were identified as Tita Angob Salvador, 26, female and 3-months pregnant Leah Salvador, 20 both resident of Purok 8, Teachers Village, Sitio Cayutan, Brgy. Cagniog, Surigao City.

Reports coming from the City Government thru City Mayor Alfonso Casurra revealed that the incident happened early this morning, November 19, 2007. Several houses were also damaged in the area.

Meanwhile, the continuous heavy downpour also resulted the major streets in the city unpassable.

The flooding has already affected the municipalities of Tagana-an and Placer but as of press time, the total number of families affected and the conditions of the road networks have not yet been determined.

The City and Provincial Disaster Coordinating Councils have been in full of activity since this morning to see to it that vehicles who are stranded in the streets are rescued.

-from pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice President Noli de Castro and Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo have sought executive clemency for Filipino domestic helper Marilou Ranario as she appeals her death sentence in Kuwait.

Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya said in his report to the Department of Foreign Affairs that all three Philippine leaders had made representations with the Kuwaiti ruler to grant Ranario clemency as the Supreme Court there starts hearing her appeal of the lower court’s decision sentencing her to hang for killing her employer.

Ranario lost the case in the Kuwaiti Court of Appeals. Her employer’s family, however, refused to accept her blood money in exchange for her life.

The 33-year-old teacher from Tubod, Surigao del Sur went to Kuwait on December 10, 2003 to work as a domestic helper. While there, she had complained of repeated maltreatment from her employer, prompting her to kill him on January 11, 2005.

Ranario is among the 35 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) presently on death row in foreign countries, including one in Brunei, two in China, one in the US, four in Kuwait, nine in Saudi Arabia and 10 in Malaysia.

Endaya said that Kuwait's highest court, the 11-member Court of Cassation, heard oral arguments on the Ranario case last November 13.

At that hearing, two highly respected Kuwaiti defense lawyers, Ahmad Qurban and Abdel Majid Khuraibet, argued Ranario's case at the instance of the Philippine government. The court has set the promulgation of its decision for December 27, 2007.

Endaya said that throughout Ranario’s detention and the judicial proceedings, from the Criminal Circuit Court to the Appellate Court and the Court of Cassation, the Philippine government had spared no effort to assist Ranario and her family.

He said Philippine embassy officers have regularly visited and counseled her and attended court proceedings.

On the other hand, the DFA and the embassy assisted Ranario's parents in their travel to Kuwait in April 2006 to visit her at the Sulaibiya Central Jail.

Also, Ranario's two children are provided counseling by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and scholarships by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Already, five seasoned and highly respected Kuwaiti lawyers have so far been provided by the government to defend her.

Endaya said that through the efforts of the Office of the President, the department and the embassy, tanazuls (affidavits of forgiveness) have been secured from the family of the victim.

Endaya said he and Foreign Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos were personally overseeing efforts to save Ranario’s life.

-inquirer.net

Read rest of story...

SURIGAO CITY (November 16) -- The 3rd National Philippine-Australian Alumni Association, Incorporated (PA3i) Assembly would be held on Nov. 22-23, 2007 at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

Carrying the theme "Linking PA3i Expertise to Community Development," the assembly aims to strengthen relationship and camaraderie between and among members of PA3i chapters throughout the country, enrich the experiences of members through active sharing and interaction and provide opportunity for implementation of developmental initiatives and productive endeavors.

Gov. Robert Ace S. Barbers is set to welcome the more than 700 delegates coming from all over the country. Moreover, some dignitaries from the Australian Embassy are expected to grace the event.

PA3i is the umbrella organization for scholars and graduates of formal degree and training programs offered by Australian universities and training institutions. It was organized by the Public Affairs Section of the Australian Embassy on September 20, 2000 with the purpose of strengthening Philippine-Australian relations, supports AUSAID programs, reaching out to different chapters of the Association within the country and transcend territorial boundaries towards linkages with Australian Universities and institutions. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)

-pia.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- In contrast to the largely negative reaction in the Visayas, the pardon given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to ousted president Joseph Estrada drew mostly favorable comment from politicians in Mindanao, including a visiting opposition senator.

Senator Loren Legarda said during a brief visit here that the pardon "will send a signal of healing of some wounds."

She told reporters that the former president has suffered enough and it was time to end that suffering.

"He will now have a time for himself and his family," said Legarda, who ran but lost as running mate of Estrada’s bosom buddy Fernando Poe Jr. in the 2004 presidential election.

Another opposition figure, Lanao del Norte Representative Vicente Belmonte said the pardon was a step toward national reconciliation.

"Estrada can still be a king-maker," Belmonte said when asked if the continued incarceration of the former president could affect the Arroyo administration's grip on power.

In Butuan City, eight lawmakers allied with Arroyo said they supported the granting of executive clemency to Estrada.

In a joint statement, Representatives Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (1st district, Surigao del Norte), Francisco Matugas (2nd district, Surigao del Norte) , Edelmiro Amante (2nd district, Agusan del Norte), Jose Aquino (1st district, Butuan City-Agusan del Norte), Rodolfo Plaza (lone district, Agusan del Sur), Glenda Ecleo (lone district, Dinagat Island), Philip Pichay (1st district, Surigao del Norte) and Florencia Garay (2nd district, Surigao del Norte), said the grant of pardon to Estrada would usher in national unity and reconciliation.

"It's high time to grant him (Estrada) pardon for the sake of national unity and reconciliation," the lawmakers said.

They said with the freedom of Estrada, the acknowledged leader of the opposition, Arroyo's economic and development programs could now finally take off.

In Zamboanga City, Estrada’s close friend, Lepeng Wee, said the Filipino masses have long waited to see the end of the disgraced leader’s ordeal.

"We rejoice at his freedom and we are truly happy for his family that is once more complete and reunited. May this day also bring the healing of our nation," Wee said.

Local officials in Southern Mindanao also praised the granting of pardon to the former president.

In Davao del Sur, Governor Douglas Cagas, another Arroyo ally, said the presidential pardon was proof of President Arroyo's determination to pursue national reconciliation.

Digos City Vice Mayor Joseph Peñas, Bansalan Mayor Edwin Reyes and Malita Mayor Benjamin Bautista said even if she knew that the pardon would cause an uproar among those who wanted Estrada in jail, Arroyo wanted to show that reconciliation could be achieved only through forgiveness.

-Inquirer.Net

Read rest of story...

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Health (DoH) has declared six more provinces as malaria-free, bringing to 22 the number of provinces which have eliminated the mosquito-borne disease.

In a statement, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Marinduque, Sorsogon, Albay, Eastern and Western Samar, Surigao del Norte were declared malaria-free in 2007. This, he said, reduced the number of malaria infested provinces in the country to only 57 this year.

"These results are encouraging especially in view of our Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing the incidence of malaria and other diseases by 2015,” added Duque.

The absence of local malaria cases in the past five years served as the main indicator of a malaria-free province, said Cristy Galang, program manager for malaria elimination at the DoH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC).

The DoH started the assessment of the six latest malaria-free provinces in the first quarter of 2007, said Galang. Through epidemiological surveillance, the DoH found that the six areas had no more local transmission of the disease despite the possible existence of the environment, which could bring about the disease, she said.

Of the country’s 79 provinces, Galang said, 16 provinces were previously declared free of the disease. Thirteen of the 16 eliminated malaria in the 1990s. These are Aklan, Biliran, Bohol, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar and Siquijor.

Three of the 16 -- Benguet, Masbate and Cavite -- beat the disease in 2006, according to the DoH.

Malaria is usually transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, which is infected by parasites known as Plasmodium. The malaria disease could also be passed on through blood transfusion, sharing of intravenous needles, and from an infected mother to her unborn child.

Infected persons show such symptoms as chills, fever, heavy sweating after the fever subsides, and headache.

DoH data show that malaria cases in 2005 among affected provinces in the country reached 46,342, and resulted in 150 deaths. In 2006, the DoH said, malaria cases declined to 33,852, with resulting deaths falling to 89.

-Inquirer.Net

Read rest of story...

The mutilated body of a seven-year-old child was recovered in a creek in Basilisa, Dinagat Province after being reported kidnapped, ABS- CBN Regional Network Group reported Thursday.

The body of 7-year-old Cedie Estoconing was recovered at a creek in Barangay Diegas in Basilisa town. The body was found without the head, left knee, and his internal organs removed.

Escotoning's mother, Rosemarie, said that the boy has been missing since October 21.

Senior Police Officer 2 Ruben Piodo, Basilisa police deputy chief, said two suspects in the killing, Narciso Barrientos, 54 years old, and Fermin Abear, 23 years old, admitted that they kidnapped the victim.

According to the suspects, they planned to hold the child ransom for P 10,000, but the child died while inside a sack of charcoal. It was then that they allegedly got the internal organs of the child, which was believed to be intended for use of a certain Allan Nadunza as a charm.

A few days prior to the recovery of the body, a ten-year-old child witnessed the suspects covering the body of the child with banana leaves near the house of the suspects.

The two suspects are also believed to be members of a group who use charms.

Police said the suspects will face charges of kidnapping with homicide and additional cases of robbery after the suspects were also tied to hold-up cases in different parts on the province.

-ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

Read rest of story...

SURIGAO del Norte Gov. Ace Barbers yesterday wrote and appealed to the Emir of Kuwait to spare the life of Filipino overseas worker Marilou Ranario who was sentenced to death by the Court of Appeals of Kuwait last February for allegedly killing her employer in January 2005.

Barbers, a former congressman of Surigao del Norte, sent a personal letter of appeal to the Emir of Kuwait to pardon Ranario, a native of Tubod, Surigao del Norte, on humanitarian grounds.

He said Ranario is a school teacher in the Philippines but was forced to work as a domestic helper in Kuwait because of poverty.

Ranario, 35, has two very young children while her husband is a jeepney driver with no regular income. Ranario is the only hope of her family, Barbers said in his letter.

Earlier, Barbers wrote to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo asking for all possible assistance for Ranario, including legal, to ensure a strong representation for her appeal in the Supreme Court of Kuwait.

Different religious denominations in Surigao, led by Catholic Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, Aglipayan Bishop Rhee Timbang, Protestant Minister Jovenal Bagdol and Abdulmalik Sultan of the Surigao Muslim Association have made an ecumenical call to the government to save the lives of Ranario and other OFWs in death row in several countries.

The family of Ranario and her employer, including Barbers, hoped that their “letter of forgiveness” would help in overturning the Kuwait Appeals Court decision and the granting of pardon by the emir.

-Manila Standard

Read rest of story...

MANILA, Philippines -- Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap has appealed to local government units and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to keep a tight watch on migratory birds during the months of October to December.

To keep the Philippines one of the only three countries in Southeast Asia still free of the dreaded avian influenza, Yap also urged the public to help protect the P150-billion poultry sector, which employs over 150,000 Filipinos.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is an infectious disease caused by the H5N1 virus.

All birds are believed to be susceptible to the virus, although some species are reported to be more resistant to infection than others. Some forms of bird flu may be transferred to humans.

According to Yap, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has intensified its information campaign in 20 areas at risk of bird flu infection as well as around the country’s coastline and areas with high concentrations of ducks.

The migratory birds are expected from Indonesia, Taiwan and China.

The critical areas are Lake Mainit in Agusan del Norte; Agusan del Sur; Aparri, Cagayan; Olango Island, Cebu; Ligwasan Marsh, Kabacan, Cotabato; General Santos City; Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Magat Dam, Isabela; Naujan Lake, Mindoro; Himamaylan, Negros Occidental; Quezon, Palawan; Candaba swamp, Pampanga; Roxas and Capiz on Panay Island; Sibugay province; Surigao del Norte; Bulan and Matnog, Sorsogon; Surigao del Sur; Zamboanga City; Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur.

Duck farmers have been advised not to graze their flocks near the critical areas to avoid contact with migratory birds.

The DA has also set up task forces at the municipal level to deal with any outbreak.

“If anyone spots a sickly-looking bird in their area, they should immediately report it to the nearest BAI office,” Yap said.

Avian influenza diagnostic laboratories were set up early this year to pinpoint outbreaks and carry out the appropriate measures.

The BAI is also conducting table-top exercises as well as preparedness and response planning workshops.

A BAI team of veterinarians is carrying out a nationwide educational campaign for poultry and livestock growers on the threat and perils of bird flu.

In the event of a suspected outbreak, local task forces have organized rapid action teams that could be deployed within 24 hours.

As of July 11, the World Health Organization reported that 192 of 318 people infected with the AI virus have died since a strain resurfaced in Southeast Asia in 2003.

-Inquirer.Net

Read rest of story...

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines -- The military has announced the deployment of additional troops to Bukidnon province and the Caraga region, saying it was stepping up operations against the New People's Army (NPA).

Major General Jose Barbieto, chief of the 4th Infantry Division, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) that the redeployment of forces is part of the military's internal security campaign.

"Our priority now is to deter the liquidation of innocent civilians," he said.

Barbieto said that since January, NPA fighters have already executed 39 people-- including tribal leaders and civilians -- in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Northern Mindanao is composed of the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte; Caraga is made up of the two Agusan provinces, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

Barbieto said the deployment of additional forces would also deter other abuses committed by the communists.

-from Inquirer.Net

Read rest of story...

Surigao del Norte (November 14) -- Prevent the population increase and spread of Janitor fish in Lake Mainit.

This was the appeal of the people to the officials and leaders of the municipalities surrounding Lake Mainit that include municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Santiago, Tubay, and Jabonga.

Aptly called the 'janitor fish' (Pterygoplichthys pardalis and P. disjunctivus), this imported specy of freshwater catfish native of Amazon in South America was introduced in 1990 by the local ornamental fish industry to be used by aquarists for cleaning up the sides of aquaria which the fish feeds on.

Although it did not pose any direct threat to people and other fishes, the move to prevent the pervasive Amazonian janitor fish was due to an excellent documentation of GMA7's i-Witness recently wherein this rough, exoskeleton-skinned creature wrought havoc to the river's ecosystem in the Agusan Marsh and a possibility that it might reach Lake Mainit.

In an open letter by the citizens of Lake Mainit, addressed to the Local Chief Executives and SB members of the five municipalities, urged the leaders "to act on this potential devastation and mobilize resources and communities to create a comprehensive community response."

Meantime, an online community of Mainitnons and Surigaonons, through the Pidjanga Blog (http://pidjanga.blogspot.com) has offered possible solutions for the consideration of the local officials. According to them, a Comprehensive Multi-Municipality Information and Education Campaign is necessary through the help of the Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) purposely to raise awareness about the reality of janitor fish, how it can potentially destruct the ecosystem of Lake Mainit, and how the communities can prevent this. Furthermore, they urged the local legislators to create a municipal ordinance to support the IEC campaign, and identify sanctions to those who will be caught putting janitor fish in the lake or in the rivers surrounding the lake.

The blog also encouraged the local LGUs to organize a community citizens watch groups to conduct regular surveillance activities around the lake and its tributaries. Lastly, a joint Surigao and Agusan Provincial Surveillance will be formed to conduct province wide inspections of Pet Fish Stores and disallow the sale of Janitor Fish.

The group is hopeful that if the local officials can act together as one community, they can prevent janitor fish from entering Lake Mainit. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte) Read rest of story...

Surigao City (November 7) -- The City Health Office here warned the public of a possible dengue epidemic in the coming weeks after a number of infections in the city continue to rise. Recently, the dreaded dengue disease claimed a three-year old child.

City Health Officer Dr. Aldine Morales said, his office had detected a sudden increase from January to September with the average number of dengue cases in the city jumping to about 90 cases this year from 76 of the same period last year.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Alfonso Casurra convened the Local Health Board recently and assured the public that the local government is currently doing its best to at least lessen the problem. He also divulged that the city government is currently dispensing enough funds to combat the growing menace.

Dengue has now become a major health issue in the city and the local government has stepped up its public awareness campaign and efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds.

Casurra highlighted the importance of families regularly eliminating possible mosquito breeding sites in their households, such as disposing unused objects and containers that can collect water; emptying of bottles, tires, and tin cans; and constantly replacing the water in flower vases.

Dr. Morales on his part, is advising people to practice the 4S in defeating dengue – Search and Destroy, by destroying breeding places of mosquitoes; Self-protection measures – by increasing one’s body resistance; Seeking early consultation by going to health centers and hospitals once fever has set in for two days; and saying no to indiscriminate fogging.

The use of insect repellant, mosquito netting, and insecticides can also help minimize the presence of mosquitoes in households, he added. He also urged the media and the health authorities to coordinate their efforts in giving out information about health situations so as not to confuse the public. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte) Read rest of story...

Surigao City (November 7) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Surigao del Norte have joined various, organizations and individuals to intensify measures to save Marilou Ranario from death row in Kuwait.

In a resolution passed recently by the SP, presided by Vice Governor Noel Catre, the province of Surigao del Norte earnestly asked Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to intercede on behalf of the family of Marilou Ranario and other OFW prisoners for their exoneration and immediate release.

It may be recalled that Ranario, 37, a native from Tubod, Surigao del Norte, is an OFW worker in the Middle East, unable to bear further abuse from her employer, allegedly stabbed her female employer to death in 2005.

Ranario, who is also a former teacher, is known to her friend as a person with a good heart and a lending hand, But with the sudden twist of fate, her comrades who were witness of her good deeds were saddened that despite her kindness, she seemed to be helpless behind bars and languishing in death row in a foreign country.

Meantime, Rosario and Encarnacion Ranario, parents of Marilou, are thankful to the assistance given to them by the local government.

Ranario has been scheduled for execution in January or February next year. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte) Read rest of story...

Surigao City (November 7) -- A fire razed business streets of this city leaving the entire block of Kaimo-Ginema and Kaimo-Borja streets almost to ashes leaving the Claejesan family building and the building occupied by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with their contents unfazed.

Initial investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection showed that the fire started at the residence of Brigido Guyano in the interior part of the block due to an attended candle. It then quickly spread to nearby houses made of wooden materials, a fire official said.

The fire engulfed about 12 houses in the area with flames reaching up to 40 meters high and thick, black smoke billowed from the structures.

Moreover, a considerable number of firefighters fought the blaze all night and prevented the fire from spreading in other blocks particularly in Rizal St., the main thoroughfare of the city.

Fire investigator FO2 Bolonia said that the two-hour fire caused a total damage of three million pesos. (PIA-Surigao del Norte) Read rest of story...