Filipinos Helpful How To

The Mamasapano incident took its toll nationwide for making it the number one media frantic of Pnoy Adminitration. It created more views and opinions to all Filipinos who made them think differently and showered the media jobs into the zenith. Because of these, the lives of our leaders and the oppositions wrangled into another dimension of claiming the glory; in which the steps of negativity surrounded the ordinary citizens living condition a nearly damaged.

The President and his military leaders were among the most failed coordination that ever happened in Philippine history. The highest of cowardice and ingratitude to the Filipino people were made him the lame duck in history of Presidency. The points of Pnoy stand not to accept the blame of the death of 44 SAF members, but the Exodus Operation was the answer of much awaited change that many Filipinos had wished for.

It opened the entire system of governance in the Philippine society wherein finger-pointing was the fashion of this case. The opposition was ever ready to hurl the President any negatives that resulted to the fiasco to acquire the sentiments of the Filipino people.

Investigations were carried-out by many groups that wanted him down and succumbed to their wishes. It’s not very easy for Pnoy to do the action but the willingness to fight back was on his blood, that he had done the right thing only the military leaders had gone bad. Facing credibility crisis and public outcry for justice, President Aquino and his public relations team have resorted to their own version of the incident. Malacanang has branded as “subversive” anyone and anything critical of Pnoy Administration, particularly his lying and disowning his culpability for the Masasapano massacre.

Pnoy administration, along with its cronies at the Senate and the Congress, has lost its credibility and respectability in staging moro-moro probes of the incident for the entire world to see. It was a “box-office hit” in the making, at first, with the testimony erstwhile Special Action Force (SAF) commander Director Getulio Napenas.

Lately, the Board of Inquiry (BOI) released its finding that made this incident into a circus of doubts and hopes. But the fact still remains with the President to come out honestly and tell the truth about the true Exodus Operation. And, the thing that most Filipinos and political oppositions wanted the President to step down and give way to politicians with vested interests in administering their desire for money and power?

The incident that took place at Mamasapano have many angles to be considered from military, political, emotional, BBL, nationwide peace and order, leadership, lives, media, international terrorist and anything that a person may think. It’s very complicated to comprehend if you’re an ordinary Filipino citizen.

The families of the brave Fallen 44 had naturally reacted with the incident but feelings still embroiled with question why it happened to their brave military men. But they knew that military men assigned at Mindanao have 99 percent of their lives are in the grave.

The President as Commander-in-Chief President Aquino of the military should have the capacity to monitor first hand of the mission. He must have the control of its operation while Purisima is suspended and the military leaders under former PNP Chief Purisima. Well, failure in coordination, unclear mission and slow execution got them all to offer the front liner.

Because there were a lot of dead SAF men, and the military operation is confidential in nature, more published stories are circulating and speculating especially the television networks which have their own investigative reports. These TV reports made the whole incident a circus of different minds over the political greediness for some politicians.

In today's hearing, it really comes into the point where no stable coordination from AFP because of its confidentially of the mission. It's very understandable to military system. But, for ordinary citizens, the incident means different. Emotional outburst is not the answer of all these untrue published articles.

It was Napenas who decided to push-through the mission but PNP Chief Purisima has the knowledge of it. The mere fact is that the MILF leaders know the encounter around 6 in the morning but did not act at once to stop the encounter. The question is why Marwan lived beside the MILF stronghold and BIFF? Are they credible to put forward the BBL with the government?

Because of Purisima's resignation, the PNP-SAF Napenas pursued the Marwan operation "Wolverine" into Operation Exodus. But he made this mission secretly to avoid leakage to the MILF. The AFP didn't know this operation but their respond to a call took a longer time to take action. Proper coordination is needed.

PNP Chief Alan Purisima was involved in SAF's operations against Marwan and Usman since he was appointed chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). It was his decision to resign as the PNP chief, a position he held since December 17, 2012 until he was suspended on December 2014 by the Ombudsman over an alleged murky courier deal. The resignation, which is effective immediately, was made to allow President Aquino to freely work on the Mamasapano issue. He expressed his sympathies to the fallen 44 SAF troopers.

Military operation is very fragile in nature when it comes to targeting the subject which is an international fugitive. Marwan had caused so much damage in the past locally and internationally. The mission Exodus is executed with the aim to serve an arrest warrant but different event happened which constituted for the death of our brave Fallen 44.

Hoping that our leaders must take immediate action for the development of our military force now and in the future.

The Fallen 44 as what I’ve learned from different media; TV, radio, internet and my neighbors who deliberately condemned the killings in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province last 25th of January 2015. Some Filipinos called it massacre of Special Action Forces (SAF) in the clash with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF).

There are so many articles, photos, videos, news, interviews, FB postings, etcetera….who made this saddened news into a “raging bull” intended for Pnoy Administration, PNP leaders, MILF, BIFF, and again, etcetera.

Every Filipino seemed to be affected by the killings that forming groups to investigate the case. Some media people were investigating by their own, adding chaos than helping the situation. Everybody wanted to condemn anybody without thinking the consequences when the President gives his statement about this incident.

Political opposition was happy that the Pnoy Administration got embroiled with his governance. Almost, majority felt the killings affected their hearts. What’s the difference when we have to give our leaders an ample time to do their jobs and to trust them to investigate the case?

I think, maybe, just maybe, you already knew the risks to be SAF member, soldier, police or any government forces in combatting bad elements of our beloved country, the Philippines.

The killed 44 elite police commandos in the clash with Moro guerrillas in Maguindanao province sent the government’s agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the establishment of an autonomous Bangsamoro substate in Mindanao to the brink of collapse amid recriminations over who was responsible for the carnage. The encounter, in which government forces were killed with savage atrocity, took place inside a territory held by the MILF and inflicted the heaviest casualties in more than a decade of desultory talks on the proposed ancestral domain for a Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). The clash erupted despite a ceasefire agreement between government forces and Moro guerrrillas.

The Aquino Administration declared a period of mourning for the slain policemen, extolled as heroes, but as the corpses in coffins draped in the Philippine flag arrived in Manila for necrological services, the sight ignited public indignation and clamor to scrap the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) amid accusations of treachery by the MILF and that the government sent the policemen to be slaughtered in hostile territory in operations marked by blunders described by the government and its apologists as mere “misencounter.”

The encounter unmasked the fragility and imperfections of the MOA-AD that calls other politicians to review the present agreement that could entirely be given to the peace process. The incident of Fallen 44 results the government officials to address the issue with MILF.

There can be no peace without justice, a leader of the House of Representatives wants multiple murder cases filed against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) responsible for the bloodbath.

But, if all of us could think it over for hundredths of times, maybe, we could come up something useful for this case. We could devise other ways to solve this case, move forward for the future without pointing fingers to our leaders or anybody else until proven guilty.

On Nov. 8, 2013, the typhoon Yolanda ravaged the country’s Central Visayas region with so much damaged to the lives of the Filipino people. It’s the most killer typhoon that made a landfall for almost three days especially in Tacloban. Every Filipino mourned to what happened for the typhoon’s aftermath.

The government leaders were not ready for this kind of natural disaster, in which it gave negative image to the Aquino Administration. Chaos ensued that Filipino culture are showing in time of emergency situation. Even the media showed uncompromising news wherein citizens looted other business establishments for food.

The National Government is very slow to react or take action with this kind of provincial disaster. It’s a fact that the Philippines considered as typhoon-prone country, and every Filipino cannot decipher in advance or not ready for killer typhoon like Yolanda.

More relief organizations around the world contributed much to the Filipinos, to help them rebuild their lives and with the aid of the government. The relief and rehabilitation efforts of President Aquino to the Yolanda victims of Tacloban gives much hope to them. Their needs are mostly identified but the projection to build their lives showed after a year.

The Catholic Group of the Philippines is more concerned with the Yolanda victims and not in tune with the Aquino Administration. On Nov. 8, 2014, the Filipino nation will commemorate the anniversary of typhoon Yolanda that has ravaged the country’s Central Visayas region. Thus, we declare Nov. 8 this year as a National Day of Prayer, especially for the victims and survivors of the typhoon, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said.

The Catholic Church in the Philippines has spent about P563 million to help over 2 million people directly affected by Yolanda through the church’s integrated recovery assistance program, with funds coming from 41 Caritas member-organizations in six continents.

On the eve of the anniversary, Plan International, a humanitarian relief and child rights group, said much work remains to be done in terms of providing survivors with housing and livelihood.

The slow reaction of the government leaders especially the DSWD made this action hard for them to manage and distribute the relief goods. The DSWD contribution to Yolanda victims of the Visayas region, P736.3 million out of the P740.2 million in cash donations for Yolanda survivors remained unused and deposited in the bank account of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as of Dec. 31, 2013.

Most of COA’s adverse findings had to do with poor inventory, storage and transport of relief goods, which in some instances, resulted in relief goods getting wasted and much-needed help getting delayed. Officials of DSWD, the lead agency in the relief operations, limited manpower and equipment hampered some aspects of the relief operations in Cebu.

The government effort to rebuild the Yolanda victims failed in some ways which resulted in disagreement and demonstration. It’s not even completed the other planned projects to the damaged communities. But, President Aquino has other ways to rebuild the infrastructure in a long term.

The Yolanda victims and damaged places are really in need right now. It’s the government task to help them rebuild their lives. Also, they need their livelihood to enjoy life as a gift by God. Preparedness is needed and love for our country.

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What Is a Holding Cross and How Can It Help You? #HelpfulHowTo

A holding cross, or a comfort cross, as it is sometimes called, is an asymmetric cross that is made to fit ergonomically into the palm of one's hand and is used during prayer. It is thought that the holding cross is based on an ancient design found in ancient European chapels. Although the origin of the holding/comfort cross tradition is not known, it is thought that it dates back to the early Christians.

Holding crosses are made out of many different types of wood, but in my opinion, none is more appropriate than a cross made out of the olive wood pruning of trees that grow in the very region that Jesus was born - in the area around Bethlehem. Olive trees have scattered the landscape there since biblical times, where they grow both in terraced groves and on the hilltops. The oil from the fruit of the Olive Tree has been used for religious rites since biblical times. Since the olive tree is a protected species in Israel and cannot be cut down, all olive wood artifacts are made only from the trees pruning. Olive wood items are imbued with spirituality, and do not require much care since olive oil is naturally protecting them from corrosion and changes of color. In time the holding cross will develop its own patina from frequent handling. No two crosses will ever look the same due to the variations in the grain on the wood.

Who should have a Holding Cross?

Anyone who is in a time of struggle or loss and is looking for guidance.

Anyone who needs to find comfort and is looking for solace.

Anyone who is struggling to cling to their faith.

Anyone who is looking for a companion for their prayers and meditation.

If you or someone you know is ill simply holding the cross may be the best way to pray.

The cross, as a symbol has a very meaningful and deep message of faith, belief and hope. Although as a jewellery trend it somewhat losses it true essence, however, whether one wears it for religious belief or as a style statement, someone keeps it as a cherished Jewellery item or as a blessing from Christ, in my opinion it is still a very powerful symbol and for centuries to come will be known to mankind as a symbol for hope, beauty, power and GOD. Cross Pendant is such a gift that any one that gets it or buys it will cherish throughout their life.

A holding cross is the ideal gift to mark most gift giving occasions such as a baptism, confirmation, birthday, Easter, Christmas or just to give to someone to say Thank You. It is recommended to keep a supply of these crosses ready to give to your loved ones in their times of need.

Sorry to hear that the Pinoy Administration are experiencing between a rock and a hard place; the truck ban of the Manila Mayor Estrada caused port congestion and traffic problems. Not only that, businesses were affected and the employees too.

This implementation did not improve the situation but make it worse. I think change the plan if needed? There's nothing wrong with trying another solution until you succeed, isn’t it?

Manila passed an ordinance without thinking its consequences to neighboring cities and the entire Metro Manila. Mayor Estrada version of TRUCK BAN included the BANNING of travel of EMPTY CONTAINERS during the allowable hours, that led to the port congestion as many empty containers were not loaded to departing ships. That 60% of the cargoes are intended for Metro Manila, but he Mayor banned many of the main arterial roads some even 24/7 from port to these neighboring cities and even from port to inner Tondo and Binondo.

But since it caused problems, the government must have to take immediate solutions to iron out while minimal damages were being undertaken. A mistake of its components must be undertaken by its major leaders in preventing to spread the problems nationwide.

There’s no use of apologizing to the people because, Filipinos needs instant action and solution. And, those implemented actions must be in a long-term to prolong the usage with positive effect to our society.

However, not only the stakeholders are affected but also the working people. The government must also consider other businesses that are affected by traffic. Look what’s happening, there is enough movement to push for this ordinance. Manila, in essence, decided to fight back by drawing a line on traffic whether it is building a new port, fixing BOC release permits or another possible long term solution. The President has to take the port congestion seriously and not rely on Manila to accommodate to clog its lanes forever. So far Mayor Estrada is willing to talk, but pointing fingers is not going to solve the problem. The Pnoy Administration should force BOC to change its ways for the betterment of the whole problems.

Many Filipinos who do not understand the logistics of cargo transport suggested the use of Batangas and Subic ports; maybe at present situation, now that the PPA had decreased their rates in these 2 ports. Batangas is starting to experience congestion already. But prior to this crisis, it’s cheaper to import even for Calabarzon locators via Manila ports even at the height of ports congestion with tons of charges like port congestion fee, demurrage, container imbalance, and storage.

The truck ban affects the entire nation as far as trade movement is concerned. Likewise, it affects ordinary commuters when traffic is stalled.

Another major crisis at present is the traffic caused by this MRT3 maintenance and management problems. The riding public is to sacrifice their time, energy and money just to make sure the train system in EDSA is secured. Not only is the MRT3, the traffic congestion along the main road of EDSA’s also growing that our government must take immediate action.

There should be a meeting between the MMDA and the Mayors of neighboring cities for these problems through the initiative of the president. This should be immediate and no option for Pinoy Administration to apologize to the Filipino people.