Showing posts with label Toti Mesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toti Mesia. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Basilan gunbattle kills 23 government soldiers

8/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Twenty three (23) military men died in a recent bloody clash with Abu Sayyaf fighters in Basilan, Mindanao on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Government troops attacked the Moslem stronghold of Abu Sayyaf and engaged more than a hundred rebels in a day-long gunbattle leaving at least 21 militants dead.

Two young officers from the Army died among the 23 soldiers and another 22 were reported to have been wounded. The two were identified the junior Army officers as First Lieutenant Chester Barela of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2004 and First Lieutenant Dhel Jhun Evangelista (PMA Class 2006). The family of the officers have been informed.

The recent casualties bring to mind the fatalies on July 20, 2007 when 14 Marines were killed while trying to rescue Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi. Military men also died during attempts to rescue three Internatioal Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers kidnapped in Jolo, Sulu in January 2009. The three were eventually released by Abu Sayyaf captors after months of hostage negotiations.

The Abu Sayyaf is a notorious group of Islamic bandits with obscure socio-poliical objectives and mantains ties with the terrorist group Al Qaeda. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon 8 killed in fresh fighting with Abu Sayyaf

6/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


At least 6 Abu Sayyaf rebels and two military troops died in a recent clash between the Islamic militants and government forces last Thurday, June 11, 2009 in Indanan, Jolo, Sulu. Four other soldiers were reportedly wounded during the encounter.

About 100 terrorists led by Abu Sayyaf Albader Parad clashed with the military in a planned combat operation which sought to rescue Italian Eugenio Vagni, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian worker still being held hostage since January 15, 2009.

According to Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, the soldiers who suffered injuries and died were hit by sharpnels from booby traps set up by the militant bandits. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Even the birds must learn how to fish

5/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." ---Lao Tzu

What the Chinese proverb says about people also applies to the birds. In this stunning picture, an osprey shows dexterity in holding a meal tightly on its sharp talons. Truly, nature teaches the feathered creatures to take care of themselves.

The bird of prey is caught in glorious flight after a successful fishing trip in a stunning photo by Wilfredo Lee/ AFP as it flies over the Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Friday, May 8, 2009.

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PostHeaderIcon Filipinos take risk in allowing Pacquiao to go home early

5/08/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


"Better safe than sorry."

"A pound of prevention is greater than an ounce of cure."

This is in essence what the Department and Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) are telling the country when they advice Manny Pacquiao to postpone his triumphal return to Manila after his boxing victory in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But it appears, some people can’t be dissuaded until something horrible happens. If the Philippines need the proactive control against the H1N1 virus, it must be at this stage when no confirmed case has reached the country. But there are government leaders who don't believe so. The logistics of tackling a potential epidemic is hard and as a nation, Filipinos must cooperate.

I believe the risk of Pacquiao and the 50 congressmen who watched the boxing match in United States is small, but it’s there. There are more than 30 states affected by the swine flu. No one can quantify the exact chance that those who traveled in these places will bring the virus into the country. And no one is sure how the country will cope if the disease takes root among the people

Viruses are very tricky and we must respect them as they are. Health authorities are still on the process of learning about H1N1 flu which has the potential to cause widespread illness, overtax the ability of the health care workers to respond, dampen business, and cause economic hardship.

It’s the duty of the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to inform Filipinos of the dangers of the swine infection. But it is the Filipino citizens' responsibility to take the needed precautions. This is not the time to joke around. The threat of the swine infection must be treated as a health issue and not as a political matter.

Being a pathologist, I believe keeping Pacquiao, his entourage, and the 50 congressmen out of the country for just a few more days and allow the viral incubation period to elapse is the best. Health and government authorities must not compromise. They have the power to impose mandatory isolation on these possible carriers to safeguard the health the population. So far, DOH looks after at least 3 people in the country who may harbor the disease.

In the excitement of having Manny come home, Filipinos must understand. Erring on the side of caution has strong merits. Diseases don’t discriminate whether someone is a hot-shot victorious boxer or an influential rich congressman who can afford a ringside ticket in Las Vegas. Contagion is something that everyone must take seriously. (Photo Credit: Lalechededios) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: "Wasteful RP Congress holiday after 50 representatives watched the Pacquiao-Hatton boxing match" Posted by mesiamd at 5/06/2009; "Quarantine of 3 possible Swine flu sufferers in Cebu" Posted by mesiamd at 5/06/2009; "May 2, 2009: Update of swine influenza; Hongkong reports its first case" Posted by mesiamd at 5/02/2009; “The march of the pig virus “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/28/2009; “Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/25/2009

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PostHeaderIcon “Tea Party” as a venue for anti-Obama protests on tax day

4/16/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The parting words on page 195 of James Delingpole, the British political commentator, in his book, “Welcome to Obamaland--- I have seen your future and it doesn’t work” seem to sum up the ire and dread of the tens of thousands who attended the “Tea Party” today, April 15, 2009:

“Well, we’re nearly done and I know just how you’re feeling. Terrible. The land you love has been hijacked by a bunch of left-liberal fruitcakes. They don’t have much of an idea how to fix the economy. But they do know exactly how to ruin your life. And they will.”



As US citizens rush for the last day of filing of the 2008 income tax, a sizeable number of Americans across many cities held their “tea parties” to vent their anger and opposition to the tax increases and the astronomical spending of the Obama administration. A big crowd gathered right in Washington, DC close to the White House.

Barely a hundred days in office, Pres. Barack Obama confronts this opposition of Republicans and conservatives who may serve as the nucleus of a grassroots fight against massive bail-outs, heavy taxation, and spending which put taxpayers’ money on line and endanger the finances of children of the next generation.

Supported by conservative news media and radio talk shows, people gathered to vent their criticisms, doubts, and frustration on the direction the United States is going. They expressed anger over what’s going on in the government which was once thought to be too big to fail.

From New York to Washington, Miami to Boston, Sacramento, CA to Chicago, Nashiville to Denver and other cities, the tea parties materialized, taking inspiration from TV commentator Rick Santelli. The guy suggested a "tea party" to protest government bailouts which leave distrust and uncertainty over the heads of Americans.

Yet, the anti-Obama opposition is given little attention by liberal media people. That's partly because like the slobbering Obama fans, majority of Americans truly believe the president will come out triumphant with his prosperity plan through greater government control and massive spending.



“Gallup polls released this week found that 53% of Americans approve of the expansion of the U.S. government to help fix the economy, even if most of that group wants it scaled back once the crisis abates. And 48% think that the amount of federal income taxes they pay is "about right," a finding that shows anti-tax sentiment near a historic low for the last five decades.”---Los Angeles Times (04/15/09, Finnegan, M; Hook, J)

The Democrats and their liberal supporters who dominate the legislature are quick to be disparaging. They dismiss the leaders of tea parties as rabble-rousers wanting of significant public support. They can’t see (or pretend not to) the tea parties as upswells of opposition waiting for Obama to falter.

The president’s popularity is high at this time. He appears to be well in control to sway the support of the people. However, as the economy crisis drags on and public confidence persists to be low, he got only a small window period to prove that he can deliver what he promised. (Photo Credit: AP/ Seth Perlman; AP/ Paul Sakuma; AP/ Mark Humphrey) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Kinunot---Bicol’s shark food & the way to environmental conservation

4/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Bicolanos have a delicious way of cooking sharks.---fresh slices of the shark’s meat boiled with thick coconut milk, vinegar, chilies, and corns of black pepper. With a dash of salt, the native dish kinunot is accented with green pepper leaves or malunggay (Moringa.) They give the tropical cuisine its tasty flavor and smooth aroma when eaten with hot rice.

That’s what the fishermen of Donsol, Sorsogon did to a wayward rare megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) caught recently in the coast of Burias Island, a wildlife haven of whale sharks (Butanding,) dolphins. and giant manta rays. The sea hunters were out to fish for the usual bounty of the sea, but what they got last March 30, 2009 was an astounding surprise.

According to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF,) the huge shark was the only one so far found in Sorsogon-Masbate, a fascinating area located in southern tip of Luzon in the Philippines. Measuring 4 meters long and weighing about 500-kg, the impressive fish with blue-gray exterior could be the 41st of its kind reported in the world.

“The first specimen was caught off Oahu, Hawaii in 1976. So different was it from all other sharks that it necessitated the creation of an entirely new family and genus – prompting the scientific community to hail it as the 20th century’s most significant marine find – rivaling the rediscovery of the coelacanth in 1938,” ---WWF. Philstar (04/07/09 Andraneda, K)

Evidently, many people of Bicol didn’t know the significance of their unexpected catch which unfortunately ended up in the cooking pan. Kinunot is tasty and very nutritious. Other than being food in the dinner table, conservationists however were quick to educate the townspeople of megamouth shark's bigger importance.

The WWF are working with Sorsogon and Masbate to protect the habitat of the endangered sharks and other precious treasures of the sea. At the same time the evnironmental group helps in developing eco-tourism which which is friendly to the animals and brings livelihood to the residents of the area.(Photo Credit: WWF/ Philstar) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon DNA test disproves Alfie Patten as Great Britain’s youngest boy dad

3/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
After the controversy sparked by pubescent fatherhood, Alfie Patten, the kid-faced 13-year old British boy who admitted being the dad of the baby delivered by his 15-year old girlfriend was after all not the father. This was confirmed by DNA test.

Chantelle Steadman, the precocious mother of baby girl Maisie turned out to have shared bed with some older boys other than young Alfie before she got pregnant. (Photo Credit: Stringer/ AFP/ Getty) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Great Britain's 13-year old boy-dad" Posted by mesiamd at 2/18/2009


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PostHeaderIcon Finding the right term for the global war on terror

3/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




The Obama administration wants to retire the phrase “global war on terror” and replace it with “overseas contingency operation”—- This is political correctness pushed by critics who think the old term used by Pres. George W. Bush “justifies human rights abuses including detention and interrogation methods.”

In a directive to administrators and speechwriters, the Obama government seeks to avoid terms like “long war” and “war on terror.” Not everyone supports this fancy recommendation though. Those who know that “a spade is a spade” dismiss this as a wimpy change which lessens the real threat posed by terrorists.

Americans cannot protect themselves by "softening" the terminologies of war. It is dangerous to assume that their enemies will be kind to them by such naive gesture. (Photo Credit: MrMoonKe88; lonesome:cycler) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rebuffs Obama’s peace message" Posted by mesiamd at 3/22/2009

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PostHeaderIcon April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit

3/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




Controversy has been sparked by forthcoming auction of some 2,000 items of Michael Jackson’s interesting memorabilia from his once-glorious 2,800 acre fantasy estate, the Neverland. The sale pieces which have been exhibited in the Newbridge Silverware Museum in Ireland drew crowds of Jackson's curious fans and admirers.

Set in April in Beverly Hills in California, Darren Julien, president of the the Julien Auctions said it is moving ahead with the 4-day sale slated on April 22 to 25, 2009, in spite of demands from Jackson’s representatives and lawyers to postpone the sale because of “danger” posed on the auctioneers. The company handling the sale hopes it will prevail over in a lawsuit in which Jackson asserted he did not give permission to sell many of his personal belongings.

Included in the sale are Jackson’s personal items, decorative arts, and fascinating antiques which are estimated to raise $10 to $20 million---- cash that the legendary King of Pop badly needs at this time of financial difficulty. Five percent of the sale will be allotted to charity. (Photo Credit: LA Times/ AFP/ Getty Images x 2; European Pressphoto Agency)=0=



RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008

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PostHeaderIcon TB patients without treatment, lowered hunger rate & recent joblessness data

3/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


135,000

Tuberculosis, the chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has reportedly gone down in prevalence in the Philippines, but there are an estimated 450,000 people still suffering from the disease. Of this number, a staggering 135,000 don’t seek medical treatment offered by the government. In spite of free diagnostic and treatment programs available, about 30% with TB choose to ignore the disease until the condition becomes complicated and hard to treat. Cultural barriers and stigma are reasons offered for the people’s refusal for TB treatment.

P11.3 billion

For the full automation of the 2010 national election, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo signed the budget of P11.3 billion. Although it is unclear how the government will implement the modernization, the upgrade of the electoral counting system is hoped to prevent the rampant cheating in the election process. At the late hour of the Arroyo’s presidency, many still doubt her winning in the last ballot.

15%

According to the SWS, 15% of Filipinos (2.9 million families) reported of being hungry for at least once in a period of three months. The survey taken in February 20-23 was an improvement from December’s finding of 23.7% (4.3 million families.) It is unclear what kind of food poor Filipinos eat with their meager food budget.

$280-290 billion

The World Bank estimates this amount of remittance to developing countries by OFWs----gains from employment abroad. This is lower and less rosy than the expected amount of $305 billion---an effect of the global financial crisis. In 2008, 1.376 million Filipinos went abroad to work in more than 190 host nations. They sent back an estimated US$16.4 billion to the country, the highest in history so far.

41,000

The number of workers who lost the jobs, raising the unemployment rate to 7.7% in January, 2009, according to Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. This adds up to the 2.9 million of jobless individuals which rose by 0.3% from last year’s data. As a cost-saving measure, the president announced the cancellation of the independence parade this year which costs P30 million to stage. (Photo Credit: =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Broadway star Natasha Richardson died of brain injuries in a ski accident

3/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post



Forty-five year old Natasha Richardson, daughter of well-known actress Vanessa Redgrave died on March 18, 2009 in Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York following a ski accident in Montreal Canada. The acclaimed movie personality was with her husband Liam Neeson and two children in the resort.

"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," the statement said. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."---- Yahoo News/ AP (03/18/09, Italie, H)

The star of the Tony award-winning Broadway revival Cabaret, Natasha apparently suffered head injuries during a ski training fall in Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec.

Richardson was not wearing a protective headgear during the accident last Monday. The movie celebrity was initially asymptomatic, but was admitted at a local hospital in Canada after complaining of headaches. She was later flown to New York City for further treatment, but died not long after hospital confinement. The granddaughter of reknown British actor Sir Michael Redgrave and the niece of actress Lynne Redgrave, her death was announced by Alan Nierob, her husband’s publicist. (Photo Credit: AP/ Joel Ryan) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Iraqi shoe-thrower gets 3 years in jail

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
30 year old Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the Iraqi journalist who rose to notoriety and fame for interrupting a Bush-Maliki conference in Baghdad in December 2008 has been sentenced to 3 years in jail on Thursday, March 12, 2009. He went on a shoe-throwing rampage which targeted, but missed visiting US president George W. Bush.

Swearing innocence to the charge of assault he said, "what I did was a natural response to the occupation,” referring to the US-led Iraq war against Saddam Hussein. For violating journalistic ethics and endangering the life of a dignitary, al Zeidi got the minimum sentence (max.15 years) to the charge which he can appeal. Upon hearing the sentence, some of al Zeidi's relative's fainted.

In a world where the boundary between right and wrong is often disputed, many in the Muslim world who laud the journalist's action was disappointed with the verdict. Others who look at his misplaced display of anger and think of the assault as an immature tantrum think the sentence serves him right. =0=
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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA holds Lenten Recollection

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Associaton (OLPDA) of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut invites Ina’s devotees to a day of prayer at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Jersey City, NJ on Saturday, March 21, 2009.

Boy Cabaero, chairman of the association extends the free invitation to all and requests those attending to call him at 201-566-8424 or Genevieve del Rosario at 201-424-4435 on or before Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The whole-day religious event has the following schedule: (Photo Credits: Groenling x 2) =0=


PROGRAM

I. HOLY MASS – 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.

II. STATIONS OF THE CROSS – 11:00 – 11:45 A.M.

III. LUNCH – 12:00 – 12:45 P.M.

IV. FIRST TALK – 12:50 – 1:20 P.M.

V. BREAK – 1:20 – 1:30 P.M.

VI. SECOND TALK – 1:30 – 2:00 P.M.

VII. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – 2:00 – 2:30 P. M.

VIII. CONFESSIONS – 2:30 – 3:00 P.M.

Presider, Homilist, and Speaker: Rev. Joe Saltarin, Pastor, St. Anne’s Church, New Jersey



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PostHeaderIcon Survey says a rising number of Americans have “no religion”

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The poll made by Program of Public Virtues of Trinity College in Hartford, CT between February and November last year reported that only 76.7% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, a 9.5% decline from the 86.2% in the 1990’s. Most of the attrition comes from non-Catholic denominations. The percentage of Catholics has significantly increased in the Southwest, greater than in the Northeast, shifting attention to the needs of Hispanics in the Roman Catholic Church.

Additional findings of the American Religious Identification Survey include:
1. Americans claiming “no religion” is up from 8.8% in 1990 to 14.2% in 2001 and 15% in 2008
2. Between 2001 and 2008, 4.7 million Americans claimed to have “no religion”
3. Northern New England is ahead of the Pacific Northwest as the least religious section of the country, with Vermont, at 34% with “no religion” leading all other states by 9 points.
4. 90% of the decline among Christians comes from the non-Catholic segment of the Christian population, mostly from mainline denominations, including Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians/Anglicans, and the United Church of Christ. Source: http://usnews.com/ (03/09/0, Gilgoff. D)

This may represent a changing culture---- the rising secularization of United States where having “no religion” has turned to be more socially acceptable than a decade ago. The demographic shift among believers and non-believers may affect the way Americans think, vote, and live on issues like abortion, stem cell research, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and education among others as liberals, leftists, and secular progressives veer away from the Judeo-Christian tradition which is the cornerstone of the moral and cultural values of America since it was established. (Photo Credit emardaalvinbabista) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Fearless economic forecasts

3/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Dominique Strauss-Khan

In a warning delivered by IMF Managing Dir. Dominique Strauss-Khan during a conference of African finance ministers and central bank governors, the International Monetary fund (IMF) speaks of the deepening global financial crisis and the possibility that the world's economic growth will be zero.

The financial meltdown can cause massive suffering, social displacement, and chaos in vulnerable countries.

The effects of the downturn may not be fast in reaching Africa, but Srausse-Khan said, “continued deleveraging by the world's financial institutions, combined with a collapse in consumer and business confidence, is depressing domestic demand across the world."----Philstar (03/10/09)

Warren Buffet

On the other hand, American billionaire Warren Buffet who has the common sense of living "below his means" believes America will bounce back even though “it has fallen off a cliff.” The “Oracle of Omaha” who predicted the worst case scenario in the last 6 months, watches a nation swept with a housing slump, high unemployment, and inflation. He sees lack of confidence, confusion, and fear are defining consumer behavior at this time.—The Washington Times/ AP (03/09/09, Funk J)

Harry S. Dent

Similar gloomy predictions have been made by American economist Harry S. Dent in his book “The Great Depression Ahead : How to Prosper in the Crash Following the Greatest Boom in History.” The book is a good read. He speaks of this year as a bad season---ushering economic turmoil that none of the current generation has seen.

Nouriel Roubini

Nouriel Roubini, professor of NYU’s Stern School of Busicness believes the US recession could last up to 36 months. With no hope of ending the recession this year, "Dr. Doom" said,, "Growth is going to be close to zero and unemployment rate well above 10 percent into next year."----CNBC (03/09/09, Wells, J)

Pres. Barack Obama

But President Barack Obama offers bright economic forecasts with his proposed $3.55 trillion budget. He predicts that the economy will shrink by only 1.2%, and will recover in 2010 with a growth of 3.2%. However, non-partisan analysts believe this is overly-optimistic.---McClatchy Newspapers (02/26/09, Hall, K)

The public is less upbeat than Obama, but people are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Midway in the 100-day honeymoon period after assuming presidency, he gets a 67% approval rating, a very good grade at this time when Americans are fearful and disconsolate over the financial ruin they are dealing.(Photo Credit: Atsibatsi)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Finding a William Shakespeare portrait

3/10/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Believed to be the only portrait of William Shakespeare (1564-1616,) the image of the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon will be displayed for several months in London. England’s most celebrated playwright is represented as a handsome well-dressed wealthy youngish gentleman with pink cheeks, light red-brown beard, and smooth wrinkleless skin.

It’s just the right depiction of the prodigious poet credited for writing the most exquisite and inspiring words of the English language. The alleged portrait thought to have been done almost 400 years ago belongs to the Cobbes family who for years didn’t know of the gentleman’s identity until it was authenticated after three years of rigorous research.

Dated to be 1610 when the portrait was made, Shakespeare would have been 46 years old at that time. His exceptional literary works included 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. (Photo Credit Clyde Fitch Report/ Shakespeare Birthplace Trust) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Muslim religious leaders must also seek the release of Red Cross workers

2/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Islamic religious leaders have climbed the mountains of Sampinit in Mindanao to seek the freedom of Umar Jaleel, a peaceworker from Sri Lanka who was abducted by nine armed men believed to be part of the notorious Abu Sayaff group led by Puruji Indama.

“Because the victim is also a Muslim preacher, the Muslim religious leaders went to the mountains to negotiate for his release,” according to the member of the group trying to solve the crisis." ---Philstar (02/25, 09, Pareno, R)

Basilan Vice Gov. Al Rasheed Sakalahul who heads the provincial crisis management committee says Ulamas who believe hostage-taking is against Islam are out to seek the release of Jaleel, a Muslim.

If kidnapping is against their beliefs, these religious leaders must work for the freedom of other innocent victims---like Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, the three International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) humanitarian workers being held in Sulu, Mindanao since they were forcibly snatched in January 15, 2009. At the time of kidnapping they were doing charity work for prisoners in the area. (Photo Credit: AmUnivers) =0=

UPDATE:“Please tell them, if possible, if they can, to quicken the process. It has become very hard and truly painful. Physically and emotionally, it’s really very, very hard,” said Mary Jean Lacaba, the Filipino captive in the ICRC kidnapping said in a phone interview last Feb 25, 2009.---PDI (02/28/09, de la Cruz, A)

RELATED BLOG: "Three kidnapped Red Cross workers still missing in Mindanao" Posted by mesiamd at 1/21/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Manny Pacquiao receives a doctorate degree

2/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Southwestern University conferred a doctorate to outstanding boxer Manny Pacquiao for his excellence in sports. The honorary degree in humanities was given at the Grand Ballroom of the Cebu City Hotel to the most famous Filipino pugilist who is an inspiration to many Filipinos.(Photo Credit: Philstar/ Freeman) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon The danger of keeping a chimpanzee at home

2/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
There is that report of octuplets born to a jobless, unmarried, emotionally unstable woman on welfare in California with already 6 children. A 13-year old boy in Great Britain became a father after his 15 year-old girl friend gave birth to a newborn baby girl. On Monday, February 16, 2009, a rampaging chimpanzee owned by a 70year old lonely widow mauled a lady-friend who sustained severe facial injuries and body mutilation before the animal was gunned down by policemen who responded to an emergency call for help.

These are three recent incidents which make us think of what must be done with our society. Are we ready to accept a woman’s decision to have 14 babies even if she can’t afford raising them? Who is to take responsibility when a boy who has no inkling of what fatherhood is all about sires an infant? Why do we allow ordinary citizens to keep dangerous pets like this chimpanzee that savagely attacks people?

Sandra Herold took care of Travis like her own child until the 14-year old chimp turned violent almost killing 55 year old Charla Nash of Stamford, CT. Herold’s husband and daughter died years ago and she had been so bonded to the chimpanzee, a 176 lbs. hairy animal so dangerous to keep at home.

“Authorities have not said whether Herold will face criminal charges. Connecticut state law allowed her to own the chimp as a pet, though several state leaders are calling for tighter restrictions in the wake of Monday's attack.”---AP (02/19/09, Christoffersen, J)

The distraught and grieving widow said she gave her primate friend all-out love, offered him the best food, droved him to enjoy car rides, served him wine in tall glasses, and shared a bed to sleep together. However, the unusual bond between the two is worrisome. It makes us seriously consider the human limits in dealing with animals. Wild animals deserve to live in the wild. With the gory incident, it is time to enact laws against raising dangerous pets at home. (Photo Credit: Claire Middsy) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Tardy war compensation comes at the sunset of WWII Philippine heroes

2/20/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The $787 billion spending package signed by US Pres. Barack Obama on February 17, 2009 has a special goody for the Filipino World War II veterans. After a long-drawn campaign to get compensation for fighting in the American-Japanese war, an estimated 15,000 war heroes will have a part of the $198 million earmarked by the US government.

“Only 15,000 surviving Filipino and Filipino-American WWII veterans whose names are in the Revised Reconstructed Guerrilla Roster (RRGR) of 1948 are qualified to receive the tax-free lump sum payment. The RRGR is kept in the state of Missouri although certified true copies are available in other official sites."---Malaya (02/16/09, Ilustre, J)

The US Embassy in Manila is preparing to process applications next week that will give $15,000 for each elderly survivor (average age: 85 years) who is a US citizen and $9,000 for the non-US citizen. The cash reward doesn’t include the widows, children and dependents of veterans.

Of the 250,000 who fought with the US forces, about 6% (15,000) lived long enough be eligible for benefits. This opens the heart-breaking memories of the suffering Filipinos went through during the war and the injustice caused by the delay in the granting of compensation for the veterans.

Though the tardy award seems a victory of justice, one can sadly recall the thousands who valiantly fought, offered their lives, and died without seeing the liberation of the country. The horror of Bataan March must be an indelible reminder for all Filipinos. Let us pause and remember the heroism of those who died without seeing the fruits of the war effort. For them, we must pay respects and be eternally grateful. (Photo Credit: wtop) =0=

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