The Philippines need your help

nancyk58 · January 3, 2010

UPDATES ON 3 JANUAR 2010

3 PRIORITIES SET FOR MAYON EVACUEES AFTER DROP IN ALERT LEVEL

(01/03/2010 | 09:17 PM - GMA News.TV)

Maintaining cleanliness in evacuation centers and normal resumption of classes top the priorities of the Albay provincial government on the first working day of 2010, two days after state volcanologists lowered the alert level around restive Mayon Volcano.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda also said a third priority would be to have provincial officials assess the extent of damage or disruption to the livelihood of residents evacuated from their homes since December 14.

“We will focus on three big things on Monday. First is cleanup. Second is damage assessment at the evacuation centers and villages. Third is ensuring regular classes will resume for both evacuees and students of evacuation classrooms," Salceda said in an interview on dzBB radio.

This developed as Malacañang lauded the Albay provincial government for ensuring zero casualty in responding to the threat of Mayon.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council under Salceda lived up to Palace expectations of efficiency.

"The PDCC headed by Governor Salceda lived up to our expectation. We have always considered the PDCC in Albay to be one of the best and most efficient in the country," Remonde said on government-run dzRB radio.

Some 47,000 people spent Christmas and New Year in some 29 evacuation centers in the province after Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level to “4" last December 20.

The alert level was lowered to “3" last Saturday as Phivolcs noted a drop in the volcano's activity in the past days.

Salceda said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is now cleaning up the evacuation centers and schools, while children at the schools had been trained to clean the classrooms.

He also said he would wait for the report of the municipal agriculturist on damage to agriculture, and the local social works department to report on damage to houses.

Salceda also commended the PDCC for ensuring zero casualty since the evacuation began last Dec. 14, when Phivolcs raised the alert level at Mayon to “3."

At least four people from the evacuation centers died, but Salceda said the deaths were not related to conditions at the evacuation centers.

KBK, GMANews.TV

96% OF MAYON EVACUEES DECAMPED – ALBAY GOV

(SOPHIA M. DEDACE, GMANews.TV01/03/2010 | 11:50 AM)

A day after state volcanologists reduced Mayon Volcano’s danger alert level, the Albay provincial government has so far sent home 45,000 of the 47,000 evacuees. Governor Joey Salceda on Sunday said only 2,322 from 510 families are in temporary shelters.

The remaining evacuees are those living in the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone and in the seven-kilometer extended danger zone in Mayon's southeast flank. This includes barangays (villages) in Legazpi City and in Daraga and Camalig towns.

Salceda earlier said the government found it more difficult to “decamp" evacuees who have relied on the government for daily food rations and health assistance than those who did not depend on any aid.

“Even with entitlements and enticements, many families found value in food and health security in their camps, tempering their natural predisposition for going home," Salceda said.

But on Sunday, Salceda said the government was able to convince the residents to return home through the “early recovery package, which consists of the following: 15 kilograms of rice per family for three days of ration, P1,400 in cash-for-work and livelihood programs, and P15-million farm rehabilitation package for affected agricultural communities.

Salceda said they had to assure the residents that the government would help them turn back to normalcy after almost 21 days of displacement. “They are Mayon victims whether in the camps or in their homes. Thus, they need the assistance of the state and the community wherever they are," Salceda said.

Last Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered Mayon Volcano's warning level to Alert Level 3, prompting the Albay government to send majority of the evacuees home because an eruption is less imminent.

Those in the six-to-seven kilometer danger zones still have to take temporary shelter in evacuation camps.

About P55.4 million has been spent for evacuees in the past two weeks, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council.

LBG, GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · January 4, 2010

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION ON 4 JANUARY 2010

PERMANENT RELOCATION OF MAYON's 6-KM ZONE RESIDENTS EYED – GOV

(01/04/2010 | 06:07 PM - GMA NEWS.TV)

The government of Albay province plans to permanently relocate more than 2,000 people who reside within Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone, Governor Joey Salceda said on Monday.

This, even after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)

lowered the volcano’s alert level from 4 and 3 last Sunday.

“We are after preserving their dignity as the conditions in evacuation centers are different," Salceda said in a phone interview.

About 2,322 people or about 510 families would be transferred from the evacuation areas to the resettlement sites as soon as the local government gathers enough money to fund the relocation, according to the governor.

Evacuees from upper barangay Pandag in Legaspi City would be transferred to barangay Taysan, while those from barangay Bañadero in Daraga would be moved to barangay Anislag, he said. Evacuees from barangay Anoling in Camalig town, meanwhile, would be transferred to barangay Baligang, he added.

In a separate phone interview, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the move was a “better option" as it was “more viable" in terms of disaster management.

As of press, Solidum said the alert level of Mayon remains hoisted at number 3 but Phivolcs is closely monitoring the volcano’s activities that could lead to the further lowering of alert levels.

Salceda tried to allay residents’ fears, saying they have nothing to worry because there are already available lots for the families and that the government would assist them in building core shelters. He added that resettlement areas have already “integrated eco-systems" and ample assistance, which include livelihood program, would be provided to the residents.

The transfer has yet to start, Salceda said, and the government is still studying options whether to let school children finish this school year before it begins.

Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV

NDCC: P55.4M SPENT FOR MAYON EVACUEES IN TWO WEEKS

(01/03/2010 | 09:23 AM - GMA NEWS.TV)

At least P55.37 million was spent for some 47,000 people evacuated from the danger zones around restive Mayon Volcano in the last two weeks, before state volcanologists lowered the alert level and allowed displaced families to go home.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said the amount includes assistance from the National Government, local government units and nongovernment organizations (NGO).

Of the amount, P9.31 million came from the NDCC. Another P4.88 million came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, P6.92 million from the Department of Health, P32.88 million from local government units and P1.39 million from NGOs.

More than 47,000 people were evacuated from danger zones since the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level there to 3 last December 14.

Phivolcs raised the alert level to 4 last December 20, but lowered the alert level on Saturday after noticing lowered activity from Mayon in past days.

As of 6 p.m. on Friday, the NDCC said 10,032 families or 47,563 people were staying in 29 evacuation centers.

The DSWD distributed rice, family food packs, noodles, blankets, plastic mats, canned goods, water jugs, jackets, towels and sweaters to the evacuees.

Each displaced family will receive two kilos of high-energy biscuits from the United Nations World Food Programme.

Also, the DSWD's central office allotted P500,000 more as a standby fund for evacuees during the preemptive evacuation. The DSWD's Bicol office has P802,718 in standby funds and has stockpiled relief goods.

The DSWD likewise conducted entertainment activities as part of its psychosocial intervention program. It organized three psychosocial teams to debrief and counsel evacuees.

For its part, the DOH distributed drugs, medicines, face masks, emergency health kits, chlorine granules and drinking water containers. It also distributed anti-venom kits.

LBG/NPA, GMANews.TV

PHIVOLCS HINTS AT LOWERING MAYON ALERT LEVEL TO 2 IN FEW WEEKS

(01/03/2010 | 07:56 AM - GMA NEWS.TV)

A day after lowering the alert level for Mayon Volcano from “4" to “3," state seismologists hinted Sunday they may lower alert level further down to “2" in the next few weeks.

But Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) head Renato Solidum Jr. said it is still too early to relax, and that residents should be ready if Mayon acts up again.

“If the volcano’s activity continues to decline, we may lower the alert level to 2 in the coming weeks," Solidum said in an interview on dzBB.

He said they will still have to observe the volcano for at least one more week.

Under the Phivolcs’ classification, Alert Level 3 means magma is close to the crater, and eruption is possible within weeks.

Alert Level 2 indicates unrest probably of magmatic origin and could eventually lead to eruption.

On Saturday, Phivolcs lowered the alert level to “3" from “4," decreasing the area considered danger zones from 8 km to 6 km radius from the crater.

However, the danger zone is at 7 km radius at the southeast portion of the Volcano.

Solidum also reiterated his warning to residents and tourists not to get near the volcano’s danger zone, as rockfalls are still being recorded.

“Rocks and lava are still falling and there are still pyroclastic flows," he said.

“If there is a resurgence of activity, we want our residents to be ready. Mayon is a very active volcano," he added.

Otherwise, he said there were few quakes and little bulging at the volcano, indicating magma is no longer going up the summit.

LBG, GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · January 5, 2010

UPDATES ON 5 JANUARY 2010, part I

2 KILLED IN NEW YEAR's DAY LANDSLIDE IN DINAGAT ISLANDS

(01/05/2010 | 09:43 PM - GMA News.TV)

TWO people were KILLED while two others were injured after LANDSLIDES caused by HEAVY RAINS hit a village in Cagdianao town in Dinagat Islands last New Year's Day.

Citing belated reports, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) on Tuesday said the landslides also affected 100 families or 925 people. At least 20 families or 100 people were forced to stay at the village gym.

Cagdianao is a fourth-class town with a population of 12,886 people in 2,554 households.

In its report Tuesday, the NDCC identified the fatalities as May Dence Sibunga, 8; and Rodelio Sibunga, 7. It did not name the injured people.

At least eight houses were destroyed, the NDCC said. Damage to property - including wooden bridge and culverts and mangroves - was estimated at P1.3 million.

"As of reporting time, power lines are still cut off in Cagdianao," the NDCC said.

The NDCC said the Cagdianao Mining Corp. allowed its heavy equipment to be used to clear boulders and debris in affected areas.

- KBK, GMANews.TV

MAYON VOLCANIC ACTIVITY DECLINES, BUT RESIDENTS STILL WARY

(01/05/2010 | 01:07 PM - GMA News.TV)

Even as volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano continues to decline, some evacuees who have returned to their homes expressed fears over living around the restive volcano once more.

In its 7 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it recorded only three volcanic quakes and 21 rockfall events in the last 24 hours.

"Steaming activity and crater glow were not observed due to thick clouds that covered the summit crater," the Phivolcs said.

On Monday, the Phivolcs' seismic monitoring network detected seven volcanic earthquakes and 33 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes.

The Phivolcs lowered the alert level for Mayon from "4" to "3" last January 2 and allowed the return of several evacuated families to their homes. According to Albay Governor Joey Salceda, 96 percent of the 47,000 evacuees have returned to their homes.

Despite the lower alert level for Mayon, some residents fear the continuing volcanic activity, a report by GMA News' Cedric Castillo over Unang Hirit said.

"Sometimes we get scared when the wind is warm, and if the lava flow is strong. The first night we were here, the lava glowed so bright," said one resident who has returned to her home outside the Permanent Danger Zone.

Even though it has lowered the alert level, the Phivolcs said the public should remain on alert against sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows.

"People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions associated with post-eruption activity, such as rockfalls, pyroclastic flows, and ash fallout which can also occur anytime due to instabilities of lava deposited on steep slopes," it said in its bulletin.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon, which means that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity.

According to Capt. Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesman for the Joint Task Force Mayon, there are currently 11 checkpoints within the danger zone.

In a text message to reporters, Bansawan said eight checkpoints manned by the Philippine Army covers the southeast, southwest, and northwest sectors while three checkpoints within the east and northeast section of Mayon Volcano are manned by elements of the Albay provincial police.

Bansawan said Salceda has ordered the task force to "intensify its checkpoints and security patrols to deny the entry of tourists and their local guides as well as farmers" in the Permanent Danger Zone.

The Phivolcs said civil aviation authorities should continue advising pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircraft.

- with a report from Jam Sisante/RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV

Text TV on 4 January 2010: 2 earthquakes hit the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean, North-East of Australia. Tremors destroyed a considerable number of houses and triggered a minor tsunami that did not cause much damage. AP

nancyk58 · January 5, 2010

Update of the situation in the Philippines - 5 January 2010, part II

http://drk.dk/nyheder/nyheder/tyfonofre+evakueret+p%c3%a5+tredje+maaned

(website for Dansk Røde Kors, DRK = DANISH national RED CROSS)

Typhoon victims have now been evacuated for three months

Many houses in the Philippines are still under water after the typhoon "Ketsana" hit the country in October 2009. 300 families in the province "Laguna" are still living in evacuation centers and cannot return home for the time being

Responsible for the page: Laura Kjeldbjerg. Edited: 5 January 2010.

For three months Jelita Ajes has lived in an evacuation center with her husband, children and grandchildren. They would prefer to return to their homes, but it is not an option.

"We came here because of the typhoon "Ketsana" and have lived here ever since. Our house is still under water, and right now the water is on a level with the hip," says Jelita Ajes.

The family managed to get a few household items out of the house, but they lost the rest of their belongings. At the evacuation center, the family received food and other necessities from the Philippine Red Cross.

Lack of funds for relief efforts

Jelita Ajes and her family are among the many thousands who had to flee their home when four typhoons hit the Philippines in October 2009. Nearly a thousand people died, and 300,000 homes were destroyed.

Now many people live in tents without proper toilet facilities, and that means poor sanitation and breeding ground for diseases. In addition, the situation is worsened by the lack of money for relief efforts.

"Lack of funds may prevent us from helping the vulnerable groups with for instance shelter. At the moment churches and schools that have served as evacuation centers are shut down, and the residents are evicted," said Graham Saunders, the IFRC's head of housing.

No privacy in the evacuation center

The flooding after the typhoon is so violent that the river water is not expected to withdraw before February or March this year. Yet Jelita Ajes and her family members hope that they can return home soon.

"We will return to the house as soon as the water level falls. It is very stressful to be here. There are so many people and so many children - no privacy. But we have no choice but to stay here until we can move back to our homes," says Jelita Ajes.

nancyk58 · January 6, 2010

UPDATES ON THE 6 JANUARY 2010

YOKO ONO DONATES P2.5M TO ‘ONDAOY VICTIMS

(01/06/2010 | 03:17 PM - GMA NEWS.TV)

Yoko Ono, widow of the late Beatles member John Lennon, has donated ¥5 million or P2.5 million for the thousands of victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy (international code: Ketsana), which hit the Philippines September last year, killing hundreds. A statement from the Philippine Embassy in Japan said Ono visited the Philippine Embassy in Fujimi, Tokyo before Christmas to personally pledge the donation.

"[Ono] learned about the very severe and continuing conditions of the "Ondoy" victims and decided to take action. As a mother herself, she feels deep sympathy and love for suffering children," the statement read.

A total of 464 people were killed when Ondoy brought a record rainfall in Metro Manila and several nearby provinces on Sept. 26, 2009. Thousands were left homeless by the floods it caused.

Ono, an artist herself who belongs to an aristocratic family, grew up in the Fujimi manor that now houses the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. The mansion was built by Ono’s uncle, who later sold it to the late President Jose P. Laurel.

After World War II, the Philippines bought the property from the Laurel family and is now called the "Jewel of the Philippines."

"The Fujimi residence is very close to my heart and I consider it my home sweet home in Japan. I am therefore very grateful to the Philippine government for maintaining the house in a good condition all these years," the statement quoted Ono as saying.

Ono and Lennon married in 1969 and collaborated on several projects. They have a son named Sean. John was shot dead Dec. 8, 1980 in New York by Mark David Chapman.

- Nikka Corsino/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · January 6, 2010

5 years have gone since an earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a giant tsunami. Ten countries were hit by the giant waves and around 230,000 people died and millions lost their homes.

Read an article describing this and what followed on the threads: "Updates of the Situation in Southeast Asia" and "Help Red Cross and Unicef Help Victims of Natural Disasters".

nancyk58 · January 6, 2010

5 years have gone since an earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a giant tsunami. Ten countries were hit by the giant waves and around 230,000 people died and millions lost their homes.

Read an article describing this and what followed on the threads: "Updates of the Situation in Southeast Asia" and "Help Red Cross and Unicef Help Victims of Natural Disasters".

nancyk58 · January 7, 2010

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES ON 7 JANUARY 2010

MAYON ACTIVITY UP ANEW; ALERT LEVEL 3 REMAINS

(01/07/2010 | 10:42 AM - GMA News.TV)

Mayon Volcano’s activity has intensified anew in the last 24 hours, but state volcanologists maintained on Thursday that alert level “3" stays.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that its seismic monitoring network recorded 20 volcanic quakes and 20 rockfall events.

“Weak emission of white steam at the summit crater was observed during cloud breaks. Crater glow last night was not observed due to thick clouds covering the summit. Aerial survey conducted yesterday revealed remnants of lava pile inside the crater," it said in its 7 a.m. bulletin.

But it added sulfur dioxide emission was lower in the last 24 hours, at 672 tons a day, compared to 1,914 tons recorded Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Phivolcs said its seismic system detected four volcanic earthquakes and 21 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes.

Phivolcs lowered the alert level to “3" on Jan. 2, after raising it to “4" last December 20.

Alert Level 3 means the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity because of sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows, it said.

“People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions associated with post-eruption activity, such as rockfalls, pyroclastic flows, and ash fallout occurring anytime due to instabilities of lava deposited on steep slopes," it said.

Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar-prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircraft.

LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · January 7, 2010

http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/indonesia-tsunami-feature-231209

INDONESIA: REMEMBERING THE TSUNAMI AND ITS AFTERMATH

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history, the ICRC recounts the aftermath in one of the most devastated of the tsunami-affected areas, the regional province of Nangroe Aceh Darusalam in Indonesia, or Aceh, as it is commonly known.

On 26 December 2004, an undersea earthquake, with an epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia, triggered a devastating TSUNAMI, inundating coastal communities with huge waves killing hundreds of thousands people. The regional province of Nangroe Aceh Darusalam (NAD) in Indonesia ended up at the heart of the tragedy.

To read more, then go to the threads: "Updates of the Situation in Southeast Asia" and "Help Red Cross and Unicef Help Victims of Natural Disasters".

nancyk58 · January 8, 2010

UPDATES ON 8 JANUARY 2010

MAGNITUDE-5.2 QUAKE ROCKS MINDANAO - PHIVOLCS

(01/08/2010 | 10:04 PM - GMA News.TV)

A magnitude-5.2 quake rocked parts of Mindanao Friday night, even as state seismologists warned of possible aftershocks.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake struck at 8:15 p.m. and was tectonic in origin.

Phivolcs traced the epicenter of the quake to 128 kilometers southeast of Mati, Davao Oriental. It said the quake was felt at Intensity III in Davao City and Intensity II in General Santos City and in Marbel, South Cotabato.

While no damage to property was expected from the quake, Phivolcs warned of possible aftershocks.

- GMANews.TV

DESTRUCTIVE TSUNAMI CRASHES OVER SOLOMON ISLANDS

(01/05/2010 | 12:12 PM - GMA News.TV)

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — Authorities in helicopters flew over remote coastlines in the Solomon Islands on Tuesday assessing the damage from a LARGE EARTHQUAKE and TSUNAMI that crashed ashore a day earlier, devastating at least one village.

No injuries were reported some 24 hours after the biggest in a series of quakes churned a tsunami wave that was up to 10 feet (3 meters) high as it plowed into the coast.

Locals said residents were lucky the event happened during the day when many people were awake and able to flee easily, and noted they were better prepared since a deadly tsunami in the region three years ago.

The provincial capital of Gizo was badly damaged in April 2007 when a 8.1-magnitude quake unleashed a tsunami that slammed into the island, killing more than 50 people.

The "general rule in villages and Gizo" is that "if there's anything more than 20 seconds of shaking or any sea water recedes, head for the hills," said dive shop owner Danny Kennedy, adding that the tsunami had not reached Gizo this time.

Solomon Islands' police commissioner Peter Marshall said hundreds of villagers had been affected.

"But it would appear that the Solomon Islands has gotten away comparatively lightly," with no deaths or injuries reported so far, he told New Zealand's National Radio.

A MAGNITUDE-7.2 QUAKE sent a TSUNAMI crashing into the shores of Rendova Island and nearby Tetepare Island about 9:30 a.m. local time Monday. Eight other quakes greater than magnitude 5.0 have rocked the region since.

A police boat and two helicopters patrolled Tuesday to check the coastline, where many homes are at sea level and close to the coast, making them vulnerable to tsunamis, said Julian Makaa, a spokesman for the National Disaster Management Office.

"Two damage assessment teams have been sent to Rendova to walk through and conduct damage surveys, but no casualties have been reported," Makaa told The Associated Press.

Another disaster management official, Loti Yates, said earlier at least 16 houses were destroyed and 32 damaged in Baniata village on Rendova, an island some 190 miles (300 kilometers) from the capital Honiara, where some 3,600 people live.

"One report from police was that one village was hit by a 6 to 10 foot (2-3 meter) wall of sea water," Yates said. "It was a total inundation police saw in a flyover."

Makaa said the village, Retavo, had a population of about 20 and no deaths or injuries were reported yet.

One helicopter was checking the southwest coast of Rendova, where the wave could have caused serious damage, he said. A government boat arrived in the area Tuesday with emergency food, water and tarpaulins for survivors.

Ten foreign tourists were staying on Tetepare Island, an uninhabited eco-tourism site, and the four Germans, four Britons and two New Zealanders were evacuated.

The U.S. Geological Survey has recorded nine earthquakes greater than magnitude 5.0 in the region since late Sunday. The magnitude 7.2 was centered 64 miles (103 kilometers) southeast of Gizo, and followed a magnitude 6.5 tremor less than two hours earlier centered 54 miles (90 kilometers) southeast of Gizo at a depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers).

The Solomon Islands lie on the "RING OF FIRE" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones that stretches around the Pacific Rim and where about 90 percent of the world's quakes occur. - AP

1,000 PEOPLE HOMELESS ON SOLOMONS AFTER TSUNAMI

(01/05/2010 | 05:19 PM - GMA News.TV)

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — A disaster management official says an earthquake and a tsunami have destroyed 200 homes on one island in the Solomons leaving about one-third of the population homeless.

Disaster management office director Loti Yates says visual assessments from the air Tuesday show extensive damage after a 7.2-MAGNITUDE TEMBLOR struck.

No injuries have been reported some 30 hours after the biggest in a series of quakes churned a tsunami wave that was up to 10 feet (3 meters) high as it plowed into a remote region in the nation's west on Monday.

Yates says more than 1,000 people have been affected after some 200 houses were destroyed.

Only 3,600 people live on Rendova, one of the Solomon Islands some 190 miles (300 kilometers) from the capital Honiara.

- AP

nancyk58 · January 9, 2010

The Philippines need help

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION ON 9 JANUARY 2010

Pagasa: LPA MAY CAUSE FLASH FLOODS, LANDSLIDES IN VISAYAS, MINDANAO

(01/09/2010 | 06:14 PM - GMA News.TV)

A low-pressure area (LPA) threatens to trigger landslides and flash floods in parts of Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, state weather forecasters said on Saturday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also said the tail-end of a cold front is affecting Luzon.

"Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods or landslide. Luzon will be mostly cloudy skies with light rains," Pagasa said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.

It said moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast would prevail over Luzon, eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao.

Coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough, it added.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the Northeast to North with slight to moderate seas.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said strong to gale force winds might affect seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon.

It advised fishing boats and small seacraft not to venture out into the sea, and large vessels to be alert against big waves.

- GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · January 12, 2010

The Philippines

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA - 12 JANUARY 2010

Weather in the PHILIPPINES today: (23°C to 30°C). At 5 p.m. Tuesday, a northeast monsoon affects Luzon while a trough of a low-pressure area (LPA) extends across Eastern Visayas and Mindanao. PAGASA

EARTHQUAKE JOLTS METRO MANILA ON TUESDAY NIGHT

(Mark D. Merueñas, GMA News.TV - 01/12/2010 | 07:28 PM)

(Update 2- 8:44 p.m.) A MAGNITUDE-5.0 EARTHQUAKE jolted the central part of LUZON on Tuesday night, even as state forecasters warned against POSSIBLE AFTERSHOCKS.

The earthquake took place at 6:54 p.m., Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said.

According to the USGS Earthquake Hazards website, the earthquake's epicenter was located 50 kilometers west of Manila, in the vicinity of Bataan province, with an estimated depth of 112.4 km below the earth's surface.

A magnitude-5 earthquake is classified as a strong earthquake generally felt by most people indoors and some people outdoors, according to the Phivolcs website.

"It was a strong earthquake so having aftershocks is possible," Solidum said.

However, he added that the earthquake is not expected to cause much damage since the center was deep in the earth's crust.

"It could have been due to the movement of the South China Sea Plate into the Manila Trench," Solidum added.

Based on Twitter reports, the earthquake was felt in Makati, Quezon City, Taguig, Caloocan, and as far as Los Baños, Laguna.

- RJAB, Jr./JV, GMANews.TV

PHIVOLCS: MAGNITUDE- 2.1 QUAKE ROCKS N LUZON

(01/12/2010 | 07:59 AM - GMA News.TV)

A "MILD" MAGNITUDE-2.1 QUAKE rocked parts of Northern LUZON Monday night, but state seismologists said there was no initial damage to property.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter was located 2 km southeast of La Trinidad in Benguet province. It said the quake was recorded at 10:07 p.m., and was tectonic in origin.

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity II in Baguio City. It added it does not expect any damage or aftershock.

- LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

-----------------------------------------

News note (from UNICEF.org)

UNICEF GEARS UP RELIEF EFFORTS TO TSUNAMI-STRUCK SOLOMON ISLANDS

GIZO, SOLOMON ISLANDS, 5 January 2010 – UNICEF PACIFIC is providing immediate support to the victims of a tsunami that hit Rendova and Tetepare Islands in the Solomon Islands on 4 January.

UNICEF Pacific was already working in Gizo on reconstruction of schools affected by the 2007 tsunami. Following reports that Rendova Island has been severely affected with hundreds of houses damaged and large areas completely inundated the children’s agency dispatched a rapid assessment team to Rendova and Tetepare Islands by boat.

There are 3600 people living on Rendova Island.

Emergency supplies that had been pre-positioned following the 2007 Tsunami are poised to be utilized. These supplies allow access to adequate sanitation, safe water and basic health care. UNICEF is also preparing materials and staff so that children, tremendously vulnerable during natural catastrophes, are protected. UNICEF materials and advisors will assist so that children are able to continue learning and studying, and be provided safe recreation areas while their caretakers turn to rebuilding their lives.

“This is the second major disaster affecting Western Province of Solomon Islands in the course of three years,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative Dr. Isiye Ndombi. “Although it is still unclear how great the devastation has been this time, it is clear that the psychological trauma for children and adults experiencing two tsunamis in such a short period will be significant.”

“Fortunately UNICEF Pacific is already on the ground in the area and able to provide immediate support to the people of Rendova and Teperare and other islands possibly affected. It will take several days however until we know the full extend and consequences of this tsunami because these islands are very remote and difficult to access.”

On Rendova Island itself UNICEF Pacific is in the process of reconstructing 19 schools affected by the 2007 Tsunami and has pre-positioned emergency supplies in the capital Honiara to address water, hygiene, health, education, child protection and psycho-social recovery issues in emergencies. In addition to the rapid response team already dispatched to Rendova and Tetepare Islands, two Emergency Specialists from UNICEF Pacific are travelling today from Fiji to Solomon Islands to provide additional support to relief efforts.

UNICEF Pacific has been working with reconstruction of schools and sanitation infrastructure in Western Province of Solomon Islands since April 2007 and is on track to complete reconstruction of 110 schools in the province by the end of 2010. The 2007 Tsunami in Solomon Islands affected more than 37.000 people including 18.000 girls and boys, left 54 dead and caused heavy damage to thousands of homes, more than 200 schools, 2 hospitals and several health facilities in Western Province.

For more information, please contact:

Tomas Jensen, Communication Specialist

Tel + 679 9925606,

E-mail: [email protected]

UNICEF distributes school supplies in typhoon-affected Philippines

By Silje Vik Pedersen (article updated 5 January 2010)

PANGASINAN, Philippines, 4 January 2010 – Puelay Elementary School in Villasis was one of many schools flooded when Typhoon PEPENG (known internationally as PARMA), hit the region in October.

“Three of our classrooms were totally destroyed, as well as tables, chairs, blackboards and computers,” said Principal Belen Bautista. “The play area was covered in mud and both the children’s and the teachers’ books were damaged.” With help from parents, students and the community, the school was able to reopen.

Children lined up in the courtyard, ready to receive their backpacks containing the notebooks, pens, crayons, glue, slippers, a drinking bottle and scissors that UNICEF handed out to all 1,145 students.

Tricia Mae, age eight, is in third grade and her house is located right next to the school.

“We were awake when the water came. My aunt said we should go to the church, but I don’t remember how we got there. When we came back to the house the next day all my clothes were gone and my school books were wet and muddy. I also lost my shoes,” she said as she eagerly opened her new school bag. “I am happy that I am back at school and that I have new notebooks and pens.”

‘EVERYONE HAS RETURNED'

“Everything in the school was damaged. It took us over a week to clean the school, but now the classrooms are full of students again and everyone has returned,” said teacher Gloria Orena.

UNICEF has distributed school packs to 23 schools in the affected areas of the country, enough supplies for 30,659 school children. However, there are still many more schools in need of help. Two of these are situated on the other side of the Agno River, in Rosales.

Carmen Elementary School and Robert Estrella National High School were both affected by flooding. There is still mud in the courtyards and along the pathways, and several of the classrooms have lost their walls. Damaged books lie outside, their titles barely readable.

MORE HELP NEEDED

The central office for the Department of Education has made Carmen Elementary School their first priority for repairs, but more assistance is needed.

“We lack food and school supplies for the children and the teachers,” said Principal Arturo de la Cruz. “We also have a problem with children dropping out of school because they have lost their books.”

Many of the students come from Carmen East and Carmen West, two of the worst affected regions. Several hundred families lost their homes and many are living with relatives or are in tents at a relocation site in nearby San Pedro. Some of these children, lacking books or money for transport, are finding it hard to return to school.

‘I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO GO’

Marjon, 14, is living with his family in a tent in San Pedro.

“I have only been to school once since we were evacuated here. When we lived in Carmen I went to school every day and it makes me sad that I haven’t been able to go,” he said.

Returning children to school as quickly as possible is the best to restore a sense of normalcy in children’s lives.

Marjon and his friends are hoping to return to school in the near future. “I just want to finish school so I can find a job to support my family,” he says.

---------------------------------------------

UNICEF’s five-year tsunami report (Tsunami Report 5 Year Anniversary) highlights goals reached in relief and recovery efforts

GENEVA, 18 December 2009 - Five years after an earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered a massive tsunami that spread throughout the Indian Ocean, UNICEF issued a report summarizing the results of its relief and recovery programmes in the eight affected countries.

The tragic events of December 26, 2004 caused destruction on an unprecedented scale. Nearly 230,000 people were killed – the majority of them women and children. Communities were devastated, livelihoods destroyed, homes, schools and heath facilities washed away. Yet the sheer scale of the Tsunami’s destruction – as well as the massive mobilization of resources received from international relief – provided many opportunities to restore basic services and build back better than before.

The international community pledged over USD 14 billion for the relief and recovery of tsunami-affected countries, and UNICEF funds received for the Tsunami stand at USD 694.7 million, of which three quarters was raised from UNICEF’s National Committees.

As the report indicates, the opportunities to build back better presented themselves not only in the sphere of basic services – such as health, education and water and sanitation – but also in improving the security of communities vulnerable to natural disaster or violent conflict, and in providing greater security to vulnerable children.

In INDONESIA, for example, “the unprecedented international response to the Tsunami created a unique opportunity to bolster the PEACE PROCESS between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement,” the report states, citing the PEACE AGREEMENT that was signed between the two parties in August 2005.

Beyond the effort to address immediate needs following the Tsunami, UNICEF’s reconstruction efforts focused on both Tsunami- and conflict-affected areas, a strategic decision designed to consolidate the peace reached in the aftermath of the Tsunami.

And in THAILAND, recovery efforts have been instrumental in building national systems to STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION. A model Child Protection Monitoring System was initially established in 2007 to identify and monitor the situation of children orphaned by the Tsunami, as well as other at-risk children. The model was expanded from 27 sub-districts in 2007 to 36 sub-districts in 2008, and is now being considered for national replication.

The report also highlights some of the important lessons learned from the Tsunami relief and recovery operations – not the least of which is ensuring that governments, international agencies and NGOs partners coordinate their relief activities, complementing each other rather than overlapping their efforts. Another is ensuring that all stakeholders are better prepared to deal with emergencies as they occur.

In MYANMAR, for example, lessons UNICEF learned from the Tsunami response have positively influenced preparedness and response to other emergency situations, the report indicates. Following cyclone Mala and other emergencies in 2006, UNICEF was able to quickly mobilise and deliver emergency relief goods, including family kits, insecticide treated bednets, and essential drugs for local health centres, in the affected areas. Following cyclone Nargis in 2008, UNICEF distributed child survival kits to help treat up to 600,000 episodes of diarrhoea, 300,000 cases of pneumonia and 60,000 cases of post-partum haemorrhage prevention, and 6,200 cases of neonatal sepsis and severe pneumonia. UNICEF also provided support for therapeutic feeding programmes to respond to identified pockets of severe acute malnutrition.

Recovery programmes in some countries have now drawn to a close, with ongoing recovery work handed over to the national authorities or integrated into existing programmes carried out by the UNICEF country offices. Due to the scale of the recovery required in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, UNICEF will continue to support reconstruction activities through the end of 2010.

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help CHILDREN survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of VACCINES for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For more information, please contact:

Veronique Taveau, UNICEF Media, Geneva,

Tel + 41 22 909 5716,

E-mail: [email protected]

nancyk58 · January 14, 2010

UPDATES FROM GMA NEWS on 14 JANUARY 2010

Mayon evacuation cost Albay P26M in damages

(01/14/2010 | 06:34 PM - GMA News.TV)

The recent activities of Mayon Volcano had cost the Albay government some P26.2 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure, Governor Joey Salceda said Thursday.

In a statement, Salceda estimated the worth of agricultural damages at P17 million. The figure was based on the 1,500 farmers who were unable to tend to hundreds of hectares of land during the 20-day evacuation period from December 14 to January 2.

At the time, volcano was threatening to erupt, prompting the provincial government to evacuate more than 47,000 residents in five provinces and three cities located within Mayon danger zones.

Mayon’s ash fall and lava flow also damaged farmlands situated in the said zones.

Salceda also pegged at P9.2 million the worth of damages to schools that served as evacuation centers for the displaced families. The amount was on top of the P1.5 million the provincial government spent daily during the evacuation period.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday lowered Mayon’s alert status to Level 2, prompting Salceda to order the remaining 2,000 residents to return to their homes within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.

- Sophia Dedace/KBK, GMANews.TV

Magnitude-5.1 quake rocks Mindanao

(01/14/2010 | 08:05 AM )

A magnitude-5.1 quake hit parts of Mindanao Wednesday night, but state seismologists said no damage to property was initially reported.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) head Renato Solidum Jr. said Thursday the quake was recorded at 8:42 p.m.

"It was felt in some areas in Mindanao including Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and South Cotabato," Solidum said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said the quake was particularly felt at Intensity IV in Isulan in Sultan Kudarat.

On the other hand, the United States Geological Service said the quake's epicenter was traced to 65 km south of Cotabato, 110 km west-northwest of General Santos City, 150 km west-southwest of Davao, or 960 km south-southeast of Manila.

- LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

Albay to send remaining Mayon evacuees home

(01/13/2010 | 05:17 PM - GMA News.TV)

Following the lowering of Mayon Volcano’s alert level in Albay province, Governor Joey Salceda on Wednesday gave the go-signal for the 2,000 remaining evacuees to return to their homes.

"The PDCC-Albay hereby orders the full decampment of evacuees from Anoling, Camalig, and Bañadero, Daraga effective today," Salceda, concurrent chair of Albay’s Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), said in an emailed statement.

Earlier in the day, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered Mayon’s alert status from Level 3 to 2 after noting the further decline in the overall activity of Mayon, the country’s most active volcano. [see: Phivolcs lowers Mayon alert level to 2]

The Phivolcs raised the alert status to Level 3 last December 14, and to Level 4 last December 20. But after a lull in volcanic activity, state volcanologists lowered the status to Level 3 last January 2. The lowering of the status prompted the decampment of about 96 percent of the evacuees, or about 45,000 of the 47,000 displaced residents.

PERMANENT RELOCATION

In a related development, Salceda said the government’s relocation efforts are ongoing for residents living within the six-kilometer permanent danger zones.

Earlier, Salceda said they are mulling permanent relocation for those residing in the said danger zone.

A total of 2,322 people or about 510 families would be transferred from the evacuation areas to the resettlement sites as soon as the local government gathers enough money to fund the relocation, Salceda said.

Evacuees from upper barangay Pandag in Legaspi City would be transferred to barangay Taysan, while those from barangay Bañadero in Daraga would be moved to barangay Anislag, he said. Evacuees from barangay Anoling in Camalig town, meanwhile, would be transferred to barangay Baligang, he added.

Salceda, however, said the total number of residents within the six-kilometer zone who will permanently be relocated is yet to be determined.

Based on GMA news research data, the permanent danger zone spans 20 barangays (villages) in 6 towns with a combined population of 12,803 persons or over 2,700 families.

- Sophia Dedace/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV

HEADLINES about the HAITI EARTHQUAKE on 13 JANUARY 2010

» Haiti quake: Survivors struggle while awaiting aid

» One of four Filipino soldiers trapped in Haiti rescued - AFP

» Wife of Pinoy medical staff in Haiti turns to Facebook for comfort

» World nations rush rescue, relief workers to Haiti

» Obama promises all-out relief effort in Haiti

» AFP: 4 RP soldiers remained trapped in Haiti after quake

» Stiller, Hilton, other celebs urge quake relief

» Tens of thousands feared dead after Haiti quake

nancyk58 · January 15, 2010

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION IN the PHILIPPINES on 15 JANUARY 2010

MAGNITUDE-5.3 QUAKE ROCKS PARTS OF MINDANAO

(01/15/2010 | 12:36 PM - GMA News.TV)

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake rocked some parts of Mindanao early Friday but no one was reported injured, state seismologists said.

In its 10:26 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the earthquake occurred 8:07 a.m., with the epicenter traced to 32 kilometers east of Tagum in Davao City.

The quake was felt at Intensity IV in Davao City; Intensity III in Tagum City and President Roxas in North Cotabato; Mati, Davao del Norte, and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

It was felt at Intensity II in Matalam, Makilala, and Kabacan towns in North Cotabato; Kidapawan, General Santos, and Digos Cities; and Matan-ow and Taragona in Davao Oriental. Caraga in Davao Oriental felt the tremor at intensity I.

Phivolcs said that no damage is expected but aftershocks may be possible.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake rocked parts of Mindanao Wednesday night. It was felt in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato at North Cotabato, but no damage was reported.

- Nikka Corsino/RSJ, GMANews.TV

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION IN HAITI on 15 JANUARY 2010 from the Filipino GMA News.TV

SECOND FILIPINA SAVED FROM HAITI RUINS, 5 STILL MISSING

(MARK D. MERUEÑAS, GMANews.TV - 01/15/2010 | 03:44 PM)

(UPDATE 2 - 8:26 p.m.) A second Filipina was rescued from the ruins of a supermarket in the quake-torn Hatian capital of Port-au-Prince, Philippine authorities reported Friday, leaving five more Filipinos either missing or trapped in establishments that were brought down by a magnitude-7 tremor that hit Haiti on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines).

Rescued from the rubble of the Carribean Supermarket in Port-au-Prince's Delmas 95 District was Grace Fabian, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement Friday night.

Upon hearing the good news, Fabian’s family could not help but get emotional. They embraced each other as they shed tears of joy for Grace.

The Fabian family has been suffering sleepless nights and losing their appetite since the powerful tremor struck Haiti, GMA News’ Joseph Morong reported on Friday.

Arturo, the Fabian patriarch no longer wants his daughters, Grace and Roselyn, to stay in Haiti.

“I don't want you to be there anymore. Just stay here with us. I can take care of your needs. Go home," said a weeping Arturo.

He also called on the Philippine government to immediately repatriate Filipinos staying in the Caribbean country.

Earlier, rescuers saved Aurora Aguinaldo from the wreckage of the same establishment.

THIRD FILIPINA

The third Filipina, Geraldine Lalican, remains trapped in the supermarket. The DFA said that Lt. Col. Lope C. Dagoy, commander of the 10th Philippine Contingent in Haiti, told the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations that "rescuers continue efforts to extract" Lalican.

"Commander Dagoy said that a task force continues to search for, and make an accounting of, Filipino Community members. Filipinos who were able to contact the Philippine Contingent reported that they are all safe albeit suffering minor injuries. Filipinos in the neighborhood of Delmas 41 and 42 are also safe," the DFA said .

Over at the collapsed UN headquarters along Theoowle Bourdon Street, three UN peacekeepers remain trapped, namely Army Sergeant Eustacio Bermudez, Air Force Sergeant Janice Arcena, and Navy Petty Officer 3 Pearlie Tanagi.

Philippine authorities identified the sixth missing Filipino as Jerome Yap, one of about 35 to 40 international staffers of UN based in Haiti. Yap is an administrative officer of the principal deputy special representative of the UN secretary general in Haiti. Authorities could not say where Yap was last seen before the quake

Meanwhile, the Philippine government remains optimistic that the three peacekeepers are still alive, especially after signs of life were detected in the rubble.

"The arrival of new rescuers from the US, France and China with equipment has given us some hopes of the early rescue of our elements," said Col. Gregory Cayetano, commanding officer of the military's Peacekeeping Operations Center based in Camp O'Donnel, Capas, Tarlac.

The remaining Filipinos residing in other parts of the Caribbean country have already contacted the Philippine contingent in Haiti to tell them that they did not sustain serious injuries due to the quake.

Dagoy communicates with military officials in the Philippines through a satellite equipment provided to him by the UN. The military in the Philippines is also communicating with Philippine officials in Haiti through the Internet, whose connection was often “unstable," according to Cayetano. The powerful quake had brought down communication lines in Port-au-Prince.

Additional deployment

The Philippines will be deploying a fresh set of 155 peacekeepers to Haiti in February to augment rescue forces in the Caribbean nation, according to Cayetano.

Residents of the impoverished Caribbean nation could experience shortage in food and water supply, Cayeteno said.

"The utilities are down, so we expect that their food supply will be affected. Refrigeration of food will also be affected," Cayetano said in an interview with GMA News on Friday.

"We expect they will really have some belt-tightening while at the same time doing their functions, this is a huge sacrifice," he added.

There are 462 Filipinos in Haiti composed of 290 are civilians and 172 military and police peacekeepers, according to the DFA.

Haiti is having an extremely difficult time picking up from the disaster, reports said. Bodies remain scattered along capital Port-au-Prince’s streets, while civilians have started building makeshift shelters and sourcing food themselves.

Other survivors fled as far as 1,000 kilometers from the capital, including crossing the border to the Dominican Republic, to seek medical help.

A total of 17 UN personnel were found dead, while 50 remain missing. Several countries have already sent their contingents to assist the remaining UN peacekeeper, while relief goods and rescue workers were sent from China, Taiwan, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

- with reports from AIE BALAGTAS SEE/ARCS/GMANews.

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RP TO SEND MEDICAL TEAMS, ADDITIONAL PEACEKEEPERS TO HAITI

(01/15/2010 | 05:52 PM - GMA NEWS.TV)

The Philippines will send medical teams and more peacekeepers to Haiti to to assist in relief operations following this week's devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people.

During the inauguration of the Caticlan Airport in Aklan on Friday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said she has instructed the Department of Health to form medical teams that will be sent to aid in humanitarian work in the Carribean country, which was rocked by a magnitude-5.7 earthquake Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday morning in Manila).

"We are more than ready to give a helping hand as we were victims ourselves -- Ondoy, Pepeng and Frank -- and a few months ago, about a year ago, we have also been a recipient of international assistance, now it is our turn to the give back," President Arroyo said.

At the same time, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the President has also given orders to the military leadership to prepare to deploy more peaceekeepers to Haiti.

Brawner said 155 soldiers would be sent to assist in relief and recovery operations.

"We are just waiting for the approval of UN (United Nations) and the pertinent documents like visas and then the vaccines and other necessary requirements for postings," he said.

Medals, recognition

Mrs. Arroyo said she would grant medals and other forms of recognition to the Filipino peacekeepers already in Haiti who are assisting in rescue and recovery operations even though they themselves were victims as the United Nation headquarters they were staying at collapsed because of the earthquake.

"It is especially close to our hearts because we have peacekeeping troops on Haiti who are doing a good job. To once again rise to the occasion, we have risen to the occasions here in the Philipines each time, so we will give them medals when they return," she added.

Three Filipino peacekeepers remain trapped inside the UN headquarters. They have been identified as Perly Tanagui of the Philippine Navy, Sgt. Jermis Arcena of the Philippine Air Force, and Sgt. Estacio Bermudez of the Philippine Army.

Data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) show that there are 462 Filipinos in Haiti — 290 are civilians, while 172 are military and police peacekeepers.

On Thursday, Cpl. David Catacutan was rescued after being trapped in the Montana hotel since the earthquake rocked the country.

"We are glad to hear that one of them has already been rescued and, moreover, there is a strong likelihood that the three others have survived the temblor. The only thing to do is clear the rubble to get to them," said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Remonde assured that Philippine authorities are ready to cope with such disasters should they occur in the Philippines.

"Heaven forbid that a similar tragedy should befall the Philippines. However, if it does, our National Disaster Coordinating Council is at a level of preparedness to meet that contingency," he said.

-with additional report from Johanna Camille Sisante/RSJ, GMANews.TV

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FILIPINA RESCUED FROM HAITI SUPERMARKET, 6 STILL MISSING

(MARK D. MERUEÑAS, GMANews.TV - 01/15/2010 | 03:44 PM )

A Filipina was rescued from the ruins of a supermarket in the quake-torn Hatian capital of Port au-Prince, Philippine authorities reported Friday. But six more Filipinos remain either trapped or missing in establishments that were brought down by the magnitude-7 tremor that hit Haiti on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines).

The rescued woman was identified as Aurora Aguinaldo who, along with two other Filipinas, were trapped inside the Caribbean Supermarket in Delmas 95, according to Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ed Malaya.

Malaya assured that Aguinaldo was already in a "safe and sound" condition. The two remaining women trapped in the establishment were identified as Geraldine Calican and Grace Fabian.

Over at the collapsed UN headquarters along Theoowle Bourdon Street, three UN peacekeepers remain trapped, namely Army Sergeant Eustacio Bermudez, Air Force Sergeant Janice Arcena, and Navy Petty Officer 3 Pearlie Tanagi.

Philippine authorities identified the sixth missing Filipino as Jerome Yap, one of about 35 to 40 international staffers of UN based in Haiti. Yap is an administrative officer of the principal deputy special representative of the UN secretary general in Haiti. Authorities could not say where Yap was last seen before the quake.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government remains optimistic that the three peacekeepers are still alive, especially after signs of life were detected in the rubble.

"The arrival of new rescuers from the US, France and China with equipment has given us some hopes of the early rescue of our elements," said Col. Gregory Cayetano, commanding officer of the military's Peacekeeping Operations Center based in Camp O'Donnel, Capas, Tarlac.

Meanwhile, Filipinos residing in Haiti's Quest Department districts of Delmas 41 and 42 have all been accounted for and are in safe condition, according to Malaya.

The remaining Filipinos residing in other parts of the Caribbean country have already contacted the Philippine contingent in Haiti to tell them that they did not sustain serious injuries due to the quake.

Lt. Col. Lope Dagoy, Philippine contingent commander to Haiti, communicates with military officials in the Philippines through a satellite equipment provided to him by the UN.

Cayetano said the Philippine military was also communicating with Philippine officials in Haiti through the Internet, whose connection was often “unstable." The powerful quake had brought down communication lines in Port-au-Prince.