Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Lessons from History:”The political side of counterinsurgency.”

Looking back at history one learns many lessons that those who came before. One can see solutions staring people in the face and read and find example for people willing look back and see situations in the world of fifty years ago that are not dis-similar.

One classic example is the current issues involving counter insurgency. Nearly fifty years ago a former US Army Colonel who acted as a advisor to the Philippine Government then dealing with a insurgent problem observed the problems posed by the mixture of political issues and perception in countering rebel gains in the field.

Also how Terrorism and labels often caused problems with the realities and images most people saw for themselves from Rebel groups who for the most part worked hard to build ties and help communities they influenced.

The classic story from 1957 told before the US Defense college was this:

[] “… If the people fear and hate the army, they will fear and hate the government . . Col. Lansdale cited communist military occupation policy to emphasize communist understanding of the above point. When a communist army or guerrilla unit initially enters a village . . . individual soldiers . . . lay aside their arms and offer their help ill chopping wood plowing, etc. They scrupulously respect property . . . and take nothing by force…. This is in marked contrast with the normal performance of governmental soldiery…. [In] the Philippines before 1950, government troopers probably killed more civilians unnecessarily than the Huk[balahap] did, despite the accusation that Huks obtained civilian support only through coercion and terrorism…” [] Then Col. Edward Landsdale USA, JUSMAG 1957

While later in his career he was often blamed for many things that went worng in the exesses of US Policies of direct military and indirect advisory excesses in South & Central America and Vietnam. His words as seen from comments he made then prove a point now almost elemental in several areas where the global war on terror is present.

Ideologies of the 1950’s and 1960’s may of course be seen from many perspectives as very different to todays current discord over a clash of civilizations and middle eastern and western views but the bottom line is still the same. War of a non-conventional nature are never won by force of arms alone. In particular when ideological issues are at forefront of the battles fought.

Iraq’s current situation is well for-told in many another conflict ranging back to the era of another ‘Adventurer’ of Imperialism - in this case of the British kind - who described the fighting in then Mesopotamia in terms that do not differ much from todays conflict in Iraq.

[] … ” The people of England have been led in Mesopotamia (Iraq) into a trap from which it will be hard to escape with dignity and honour. They have been tricked into it by a steady withholding of information. …. Things have been far worse than we have been told, our administration more bloody and inefficient than the public knows. It is a disgrace… and may soon be too inflamed for any ordinary cure. We are to-day not far from a disaster. …’”[] Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence, a.k.a. “Lawrence of Arabia” (1888-1935), British soldier and author, 1920 Sunday Time UK

The old lesson many do not remember and too often forget are those who fail to study history and lessons it teaches often are condemned to repeat the same. The fighting style of the insurgents then does not much differ from today’s and the infighting between groups also are not unfamiliar.

However there are external forces driving the situation - as in many other political and ideological conflicts of warfare. Overall there are parallels and conflicting issues from both periods. Then as now - the reasons for the warfare were both driven by a need to dominate and region and resources - but overall actions and failure to take action in many areas led to a major failure to secure the end of large scale conflict and victory that presented.

Are there solutions to what is happening now? Will this be just a repeat of history - that is Doubtful - But it will be long time coming for that region to rebuild government and peace.

The danger now present is of a post insurgency rise and return to a ’strongman’ control concept anew - instead of democratic institutions and choice. Only people there however will have the final say - one thing is certain - no-solution proposed by Washington or London or anywhere else will matter. What is needed is for Baghdad and Iraq to decide when and what Government they will end up with…. whatever the outcome of the present conflict - a conflict not just rooted fighting - but a War fueled by Political theory and power flowing out of barrel of a gun where bullets are ballots and voting is currently held by IED.

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Saturday, December 09, 2006

Typhoon Seniang (Utor): Severe Weather Bulletin 10:45am (+8gmt)

December 10th, 2006

Forcast: As of 10:45 am Manila time +8 GMT

Source

Severe Weather Bulletin Number TWELVE
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon “SENIANG” {UTOR}
Issued at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, 10 December 2006

Image: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/track.gif

Effect: Maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center
and gustiness of up to to 150 kph

Direction: west northwest at 17 kph

Early tonight:
to pass close to Coron, Palawan
Monday morning:
250 kms northwest of Coron, Palawan
Tuesday morning:
over the South China Sea

Signal No.3 (100-185 kph winds)

Southern Occidental Mindoro, Southern Oriental Mindoro, Calamian Group of Islands

Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds)

Rest of Mindoro, Lubang Island, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Cuyo Island

Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds)

Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Northern Palawan, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Burias Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Marinduque, Batangas, Southernn Quezon, Laguna, Cavite, Bataan, Metro Manila

Public Storm Warning Signals elsewhere are now lowered.

Residents in areas under Public Storm Warning Signals # 3, # 2 and # 1 are alerted against flashfloods and landslides. Those residing in coastal areas under Public Storm Warning Signal # 3 are advised to seek higher grounds due to possible storm surges or big waves. The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 p.m. today.

source: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Philippines:HAZMAT spill gear/training badly needed

A pair of incidents within 24 hours shows the dangers of hazardous chemicals in the Philippines. The first event took place in a countries richest municipality’s - the City of Makati where a spill cause problems for a local community after a local high school science lab had a major accident while people were looking over chemicals for end of the year experiments.

toxic substances were unreleased accidentaly - more due to neglect and error.

[] ” … ABC News Australia report:

Manila: Ten high school teachers and two security guards were hospitalised yesterday after they inhaled noxious chemicals in their school lab in Makati City, school authorities and officials said. They were taken to a government-run Makati Hospital for contamination testing after they vomited, developed skin rashes, could not breathe, and felt giddy when they went near the science section of the San Isidro High School yesterday, said Fire Chief Superintendent Sofia Mendoza.
Tests
“They have to stay in the hospital for about four days. We are still determining the types of chemicals that have affected them,” said Dr Joselito Pascual of the poison control centre of the University of Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. “We are looking at six to seven types of chemicals that were suspected to have affected the health of the patients,” said Pascual. …’ []

The second spill took place in a small town north of Manila - in the now semi urban area of Marilao - a once small town - now filled with subdivisions from the ever rapidly growing cities of Manila.

[]…”Chemical Fumes Sicken 31 in Philippines
Forbes, NY - 1 hour ago
Noxious fumes from chemical waste dumped into a Philippine creek forced thousands to flee their homes and sickened dozens Tuesday, officials said.
Philippines: Thousands evacuate after chemical spill CCTV
Philippine chemical spill sickens 31 Houston Chronicle
Philippine chemical spill sickens 20 people; 3,000 flee homes International Herald Tribune …” []

Here as international reports show from the wires- agonise, it was more sinister- a truck carrying chemicals from area factories or industrial sites dumped its waste into what perhaps a driver thought was a place where few people were. result 31 hospitalised and the chemicals caused severe damage to the local community.

But a email I got from a local security expert based here in Manila - who has worked internationally with major foreign law enforcement agencies says both spills show the risks and dangers HAZMAT cleanup, handling and investigation when events like these occur.

Most local government units do not have the proper equipment and or capability to handle things like this - the danger considering how much chemical use in manufacturing is so prevalent. The need for more Hazmat safety gear is bdly needed per my security expert.

Here’s an excerpt from the email.

[]”… ” Mike,
my former partners were the ones who responded with the bunny suits and SCBA breathing apparatus. all the gear of gov’t were deployed in cebu for the ASEAN summit. the gov’t should consider upgrading its hazmat and WMD capabilities. the one at san isidro was just a school accident, what if it were a terrorist act??? the gear that was brought to the site was from , the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in laguna. They were kind enough to respond with their equipment. ” - …[]

The need and demand is high and gear is limited. Perhaps DENR could get into the act and start equipping PENRO / CENRO offices in the country with HAZMAT gear- in HAZMAT emergencies - after all DENR Sec. Angie Reyes’s people would most likely be the lead agency when disasters like a HAZMAT problem occur in prosecution and later in enforcement and cleanup.

DILG and the PNP have gear but it is limited. Imagine the scene today in Bulacan which I saw unfolding on TV. I know personally the reporters who responded. Doland Castro of ABS-CBN at about 6:20 in the morning was reporting from an area near the spill and promptly came to the conclusion his gear a few masks were more needed by local emergency workers and gave up his filtered mask gear.

He later reported most people in the area - were sick nearest the spill and scores more were ‘walking to the site to see for themselves.” what the bad smell was.

Here the LGU could have and should have set up a safety zone and also cordoned off the area. HAZMAT training is clearly lacking at the Police and LGU level - the level of chemical danger and risk is not only smell in many cases but even mere exposure alone.

One need only be reminded of the tragic Bhopal chemical spill that killed thousands in India among them scores of ill-equipped first responders who rushed into the area to give aid only to fall victim to the very toxic cloud that was there.

Let both Bulacan and Makati be a lesson - there is a risk and danger. As well as a need. Perhaps this Christmas shopping list for local government and the PNP and the DENR should be HAZMAT equipment and training sessions. before something worse happens.



news, News and politics, war on terror, terrorism, Views, philippines, Filipino, Rants, Raves, Whathaveyou..., freedom of speech, Pinoy, Palawan, Makati, Jemaah Islamiah, President Arroyo, Guimaras Oil Spill

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

N. KOREA SAYS ‘Sanctions = WAR”

October 17th, 2006

A statement issued by the North Korean Central News Agency may seem ominous but considering that technically the Korean war never ended and there is only a armistice agreement along the border DMZ one truly wonders what it means.

One also remembers the famous speech at the canal of another leadership when Gen. Manuel Noriega declared war on the USA and world and threatened the Panama canal.

In a week he was in jail in US prison clothes.

But North Korea is afterall if anything a armed camp. Considering 80 per cent of North Korean resources have been built up to prepare for just such a thing- there is no way one can compare the two.

If past US military victories versus built up armies - Iraq for example, which in two wars had on paper five million men under arms and yet most fled.

While any war in Korea might be dangerous - I wonder if prosperous global economic leader - China itself might get fed up and just squash the mess in North Korea and install a more open minded leadership there. It would give the PLA something to do - and test its capabilities. It could even see a US-China allaince vs. North Korea. Amazing how history changes events context when it moves on.

[] ” … “deal merciless blows” if the nation’s sovereignty is violated, the North’s central government said Tuesday in its first response to the U.N. measures. The North wants “peace but is not afraid of war,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. …” []Wire agency reports

D eclaring war though is serrious statement to be made by a now nuclear armed state - and could just provide the very basis for action others might need to intervene. Japan and South Korea alone backed by China could effectively deal with problems the Nokors could raise if supported by the USA on a tactical level.

DEVELOPING….

Entry Filed under: news, News and politics, USA, News Of China, china, asia, war on terror, Views, war, Democrats, immigration, Filipino, Rants, Raves, Whathaveyou..., freedom of speech, Global Warming, border security, OFW, filipino-american, World War 3

Monday, October 16, 2006

Been a little more active on my wordpress site... here's a few from there. MIM


Manila on Alert vs. new JI terror spree

Authorities in the capital are edgy over reports that some form of new attacks might be targeting the capital anew - this time - linked to Islamic militant groups with ties to the abu sayyaf and al qeada terror network. Last time the problems were with Military renegades and group named after a popular cigar bar.
Charges have been filed versus Indonesian JI members police believe responsible for attacks on several targets in central Mindanao areas.

Meanwhile; On Luzon high on the military and police radar is focused to a group called the RSM or Rajah Suleiman Movement.

In the past this particular group - has carried out a few attacks in capitol - one of worst ever JI-ASG bombings came into being though logistical support given to ASG-JI operatives who carried out the Super 14 bombing that killed over 100.

Another being a bus bombing along Edsa on a bus on Valentines day February 14th and several other foiled attempts where devices were discovered beforehand. I met and interviewed the bombers last year while they were in ISAFP custody in Camp Aguinaldo.
Mind you not all Balik Islam groups are involved in activities of these groups - a large number of those in the balik groups - are often in the Military or Police service - most end up highly deocrated and pious good standing members of the community.

The RSM is also tied to the HKT group and a small circle of extremists who work out of the capitol area too.

[] …”Philippines hunts militants planning to bomb Manila
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - Security officials said the Rajah Solaiman Islamic Movement has close ties with Abu Sayyaf, the most violent Muslim guerrilla group in the southern Philippines ” []

2 terrorists headed for Manila to stage attacks: military (4:30 pm
Sun.Star, Philippines - MANILA — Military intelligence agents are tracking down two bombers trained by the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf who are reportedly planning to

Philippines hunts militants planning to bomb Manila
Reuters.uk, UK - Security officials said the Rajah Solaiman Islamic Movement has close ties with Abu Sayyaf, the most violent Muslim guerrilla group in the southern Philippines

Meanwhile : This develops as part of the major exercises take place for Balance Piston and the new round Balikatan training drills involving thousands of US troops and Philippine Military personnel scattered across the country from WESCOM on Palawan to North of Manila in Fort Magsaysay to areas in and around the Southern Philippines.

[] … US-RP troops start war drills
INQ7.net, Philippines - held an opening ceremony for the exercises, which will include live-fire drills and air, ground and naval maneuvers in the northern and southwestern Philippines []

Arnold: He’ll be back in Sacramento!

The Governator seems to be performing well in media and elsewhere and if all things go as the Polls predict- Arnold will be back for a second term in California.

The very influentail LA times has in an editorial endorsed Arnie for re-election - something a little unexpected. But the LA times is afterall Hollywoods paper!
Arnold has also been adept at showing the way to others in the republican party by sticking to his own court and issues and making people see him as what he is - the Governor of California- a man trying to give service back to the people he became a part of as a young mussle builder on a beach who did good - went on to Hollywood - and lets face it lives the California dream.

[] “…The state of California under Phil
San Mateo County Times -DEMOCRAT PHIL ANGELIDES says his California would be kinder to its working families, more generous to its students and more welcoming to its immigrants, all while keeping its books in the black.
LA Times endorses Arnie for second term Peninsula On-line
Voters offered ‘three’ governor candidates Ventura County Star …” []

On the othr hnd Phil Angelides (who?) is trying to bring things back to terra firma and blance the book be good to families and make the students happy. All good things - but -this is the land of Hollywood - and - in a state where dreams are made or broken - the democrats cast the wrong man to fight a ‘Action Hero’.

Arnold is California - in many ways - the place people come to make things happen and live out the dreams and make the grade and become well… Hollywood. Phil may be a nice man, have better management skills, and more of the good government image but he is not MTV, CNN, ESPN, E! material sorry Phil - you were cast as a pansy - a poser perhaps - maybe if the governator screws up big time between now and election day you might get a break.

But like surfers know - when you are on wave and its cruising toward the beach and a rip tide can be seen pulling you in another direction - you go with the current and let it take you home to the bade on the blanket blanket Dude - sorry - but this wave seems to headed to mussle beach.

There is a geek factor for Phil- the sap factor too - the poor guy seems to have been setup to be a credible fight in forgone conclusion. So barring no major problems ahead.

Arnold and the Star set may still be in Sacramento for some time to come. Like I said- he’ll be back for another term. In a time of despair and depression many people are oging through with war, immigration problems, job issues, and a general lack of inspiring leadership - people will take any hero they can get.

Even a one from tinsle town. Who hasn’t done all that bad really…

UK school story: PC gone wild or more?

Political correctness it would seem has run amuck in a UK school it would seem at first glance.

While its not known exactly what else transpired between a school girl and teacher and what may have been said - I am assuming based on the news story only of a local news website in Lancashire, England.

The language report claims because she could not speak was Urdu. and wanted to change classroom groups she was arrested or so reports the website: “http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk”

But - could only one side of the story have been told? The young woman of 14 was detained under this law:

[] …”Section 5 (1) states that a person is guilty of an offence if he:
“Uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or displays any writing, sign or visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting, within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby…” []

While the news item is only a report it does seem a little extreme to not allow someone to be excused from a group they did not feel comfortable with.

if an investigation is called this is a most interesting issue at time of increasing Immigration related concerns in the UK.

[] …” A SCHOOLGIRL was arrested for allegedly making racist remarks to Asian pupils because some of them did not speak English. Codie Stott’s family, who live in Grosvenor Drive, Walkden, said she was kept in custody in a police cell for three and a half hours. The 14-year-old was reported by teachers at Harrop Fold High School, in Worsley, after she refused to study with her Asian classmates. …” []

I doubt has it become a crime to speak only English in the UK schools? And express a desire to do so? Oh well - this one worth watching.

Gallup:Democrats have edge on the terrorism & morality issues

Well, it was expected to be others areas where the Democrats would have gains in the lead up to congressional elections.

But- for the first time, the Democrats have an edge on the issue of terrorism and yes- unbelievable as it seems to a party leadership filled with scandals of the not so recent past - the Dems have Morality on their side too!

Amazing, Political perception is seen often from events that occur and how the events are reported and presented. Hence the Foley Follies - took away much of the credible high ground the administraition party had - by not acting swiftly enough.
It looks like tough times ahead for the White House too, Bouyed new strength in poll numbers; some circles of Democratic power are already looking closely at races and among the things being brought forth are issues like accountability and a possibility of raising numbers of votes towards things like impeachment and indictments in a Democratic majority house. At issue - irony - lies told on the war path to war in Iraq.

A fast paced action plan is reportedly, also in place, to seek accountability for mistakes down the line and attempt to grasp back more congressional control of actions in Iraq and elsewhere to full oversight and consultation with congress. But first the democrats would have to win. In such a situation facing it the republican party - now is facing more than just miderms for congress but an issue of it’s ability to still represent a constituent base that by recent events seems to feel increasinlgy betrayed.

After nearly six years and a almost no end in sight to a growing conflict - perhaps it is time indeed for a change at helm of the ship of congress - at least - and perhaps- even the entire ship of state.

Which at least in Political terms, seems to keep running aground. Clearly i the least, new minds are needed to seek a clear relevant end to this conflict that is diverting so much of American resources and attention from many other non-security issues like immigration and trade related issues.

As horrible as the threat of terrorism and the danger of new attacks -are- has by giving it so much focus, has the USA given rise to a bigger foe than just this extremist criminal murderers who hijacked a religion in a lust for power they have in the middle east?

Some analysts see that while one organization has indeed been cut off- the orignal al qaeda - the new spin-off’s and copycats across the globe seem emboldened to emulate and create a larger more dangerous foe for the future. I.E. Iraqi and foreign fighters in that conflict- the Opium financed and backed Taliban - creating a narco-funded fundamentalist group. These are long term issues though - perhaps just one opinion.

Yet a issue not discussed - as all sides rush to find politcal issues to hang on or make voters see themselves as best for the country at is now somewhat divided on issues to a point where politcal actors are plaing on a dangerous stage using issues they may indeed not have better answers to than anyone currently in place, really.

It is far fetched to see Impeachment talks going ay further than talk - I heard this while I was Nevada - that control of both houses of congress was high on the democratic agenda and impeachments and graft issues surrounding reconstruction expenses - were planned to be raised by - if indeed the numbers stay as they are - a Democratic majority house and US senate.

So as even the benchmarks that were strong areas of support for the Bush administration security and morality - fall to the other party in the USA one wonders what next comes if poll numbers hold through,

Ironically - a major influence on the US elections and preservation or removal of the Bush administrations republican allies in congress to stay in power lies in two groups - Iraqi insurgents and with Al Qaeda.

If some form of normalcy returns to Iraq in the next few months and some stability is restored - then the Democrats might have a tougher time with war and violence less of an issue. With Al Qaeda - if attacks take place on the USA - or major attacks happen around the world then - the Democrats position would be ironically strengthened. As failure to prevent such activities would be blamed on the Bush republicans in part.

Al Qaeda knows all too well how to use terror to influence elections carrying out attacks in Madrid days before Spanish parliamentary votes. influencing voters towards a more pacifist movement in place.

If Al Q attacks - and scores a major blow - the position of the democrats would be strengthened even if the battle cry they had when in power was get Osama - but a democratic majority - instead - focused more on economic issues and other concerns.

It is hard to call this early what the impact would be on if terrorism were to wave its ugly head and become an issue.

On the Morality side of things - so long as - Jay Leno’s advice is heeded - and they lock up the Kennedy’s till election day - the democrats seem destined to sweep control of congress back to their fold.

Lastly - politics or political parties are meaningless to who wins or ends this current war or conflict it is driven by issues far from the US political spectrum. But indeed; one might see a more divided Washington than it even is today. Which to some at least is good - for when Political hawks and doves are at each other on issues usually a better government is seen in DC. Because as designed by the framers of the U.S. constitution, each branch watches the other closer and is less lenient of mistakes?

But putting things into perspective; it doesn’t matter who is in congress and or the white house really - those against America will try and attack it regardless of political color and no terror attack or rogue state actions vs. the USA has ever come because of domestic political concerns.


The Marines have landed

The US Marines’ have landed, ” Aircraft and personnel from three U.S. Marine Corps squadrons arrived at Clark Air Base starting Oct. 11 and 12, for bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007.” the Press release says from the U.S. Marine Corps:. .

“The flying squadrons from Marine Corps Air Stations Futemna and Iwakuni, Japan came with a variety of aircraft. There are KC-130 Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR 152), F/A-18C Super Hornet jets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA 122), and CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM 262).” Most are up at Clark Airbase in Pampanga for the excercises which do allow the AFP a chance to get skills upgrade training on much new equiptment available.

The press release goes on to say - ” The aircraft are attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and will be used in joint training with the Philippine Air Force.” adding further that,
” The Philippine and U.S. pilots will be flying their respective aircraft, in close air support missions for ground forces during the exercises, according to Major James Travor, the assistant operations officer for VMFA-122..”

Major Tayloe r says, “Our goal is to increase our capability to conduct combined operations with elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to improve professional bilateral relations between Marines and the Philippine Air Force,” adding Maj. Travor.
to much needed skiills matchup between, “Pilots with VMGR-152 will be using KC-130 Hercules to support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and, to perform fixed wing aircraft and helicopter refueling operations, and to perform low level tactical insertion drops for U.S. Marines and members of the AFP.”

While none of this is going on in any combat environment - the mission does have benifits to the PAF as much of the inflows costs and training operations fuel expences are covered by the US governemt thus - training missions often left to class room of computer simulation can now be at least for the course of the excercise done in real flying conditions - which per PAF sources of late has been limitd because of high fuel costs in the last few months, - ” in support of the bilateral exercises.”

The Marine Corps press release goes on say - ” According to Maj. Ken Asbridge the operations officer for VMGR-152. - “There’s a lot we can do here in the Philippines, taking advantage of the unique training environment and it’s terrain will help us increase our overall combat capabilities,” Asbridge said.

The aircraft and crews of HMM-262’s main mission will be to support the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab’s advanced warfighting experiment, Sea Viking 2006. Subject matter expert classes will also be held for members of the Philippine Air Force, and they will get to work on various aircrafts along with Marine maintenance crews.”We’re giving them the opportunity to see the way we do business,” said Capt. Thomas Savage the weapons and tactics instructor for HMM-262.

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - A CH-46E Sea Knight and a KC-130 Hercules sit on the flight line of Clark Air Base after arriving from Okinawa Oct. 11. The Sea Knights belong to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 and the KC-130s belong to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152. Both Squadrons are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released) Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - A CH-46E Sea Knight and a KC-130 Hercules sit on the flight line of Clark Air Base after arriving from Okinawa Oct. 11. The Sea Knights belong to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 and the KC-130s belong to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152. Both Squadrons are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released) Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - A row of CH-46E Sea Knights sit on the flight line of Clark Air Base after arriving from Okinawa Oct. 11. The Sea Knights belong to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 and are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released)  Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - A row of CH-46E Sea Knights sit on the flight line of Clark Air Base after arriving from Okinawa Oct. 11. The Sea Knights belong to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 and are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released)
Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - F/A-18C Super Hornets taxi off the runway of Clark Air Base's flight line after arriving from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan Oct. 12. The Super Hornets belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released)  Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - F/A-18C Super Hornets taxi off the runway of Clark Air Base’s flight line after arriving from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan Oct. 12. The Super Hornets belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released)
Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - An airfield management specialist with the Philippine Air Force pays respect to the pilot of an F/A-18C Super Hornets from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan that arrived at Clark Air Base Oct. 12. The Super Hornets belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released)  Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES - An airfield management specialist with the Philippine Air Force pays respect to the pilot of an F/A-18C Super Hornets from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan that arrived at Clark Air Base Oct. 12. The Super Hornets belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and are currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft are here as part of bilateral exercises Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) FY 2007. The exercises will take place Oct. 16 - 31 and are designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)(Released)
Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Rogers

IMF to RP: keep up reforms

While Political and rights issues still take the mainstream of philippine media’s reporting much is often under-reported about a high level of investments flowing into the country. Just looking purely at ecconomic numbers, investment inflows, and the over all picture of growth in the country as far the business sectors rapid growth in many new and some old key areas - to many things seem to be going well for the Philippines.

It’s not so much a political thing - it’s more a global economic demand issue - thus there is a need - also to keep up with attempts to keep the new inflows in investment and encourage those who seek to locate here to feel secure in the in the choices they make to get business moving. But other issues outside those figures do raise some concern over issues as well as implimentation of reforms - which international groups call on government to keep up with.

IMF urges Philippines to stay course on reforms
[]…’ Philippine Information Agency, Philippines - WASHINGTON (13 October) — The International Monetary Fund on Thursday urged the Philippines to stay its course on economic reforms…’[]


Thursday, September 14, 2006

Philippine Dengue upsurge:21 Dead 1,400+ cases in one Week

The news is something most people might take in as part of the normal season bursts of information about dengue until the tally becomes clear. There is a large number of people infected perhaps beyond official figures who choose not or cannot afford to go to the hospitals or doctors primarily in poor urban communities so these figures could be much higher than official ones.

It is not because anyone is deliberately trying to downplay this - it is because some people do not know what dengue is as to most people it seems like a normal high fever. I know of one case of in a high end subdivision near Ortgas center - not far from Wac-Wac golf and country club where in a home five cases came suddenly - and was thought to be only caused by season flu’s.

Dengue can be treated at home - but is best treated with medical attention and diagnosis - hospitalization is the only way the highest lecels of infection or when the deasase is at a critical level.

[]”….”Dengue cases up 1,447 in a week in Philippines People’s Daily Online, China -The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported 1,447 new dengue cases and 21 related deaths a week after it sounded the alarm on the disease’s. …”[]

On the news Mike Enriquez is reading a report about a group of shops near a pair of schools the shops small sidewalk stalls were demolished- the center of controversy - the vendors items being confiscated by the MMDA. The demolition was based on reports the stalls were the source of Dengue mosquito’s. Understandably the situation became tense the stall owners defending their livelihood - the Government needing to clean up a source of the decease. Rightfully so - GMA7 led with te story on the newscast - Political issues can wait when a killer is on the loose like this. Whats needed is more information - no wonder they’re number one.

The Country’s tourism programs also face a major risk to the situation unless massive efforts are taken some countries may issue advisories on the destination some travel agencies and services have already raised alarms:

[] …” [3 dengue fever cases, infected during a group tour to the

There have been reports of Japanese travelers who visited dengue endemic countries, Philippines Travel* Substances Antibodies, Viral Immunoglobulin M
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12508479&dopt=Abstract

Travel Health Service Year 2006Philippines: Dengue fever. City health officer in Zamboanga City disclosed that there were a total of 125 Dengue fever cases registered, with 2 deaths
www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/2006/ond04june2006.html - 28k
“….[]

Reports in the past few days show the extent of the problem:

Rains bring out squadron of airborne killers
Manila Times, Philippines - Sep 10, 2006
the Philippines brings with it a variety of mosquito-borne diseases that pose a serious threat to the health of all Filipinos. One of these diseases is dengue
Being clean is dengue deterrent
Manila Times, Philippines - Sep 10, 2006
to Dr. Lyndon Leesuy from the Infectious Diseases section of the Department of Health, there were a total of 16,162 dengue cases in the Philippines in 2002.
Philippine health department raises alert against dengue fever
Monsters and Critics.com, UK - Sep 10, 2006
can be checked at once.’. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is endemic to the Philippines. Its symptoms are high fever that
Philippine Health Department Raises Alert Against Dengue Fever
Playfuls.com, Romania - Sep 10, 2006
can be checked at once.”. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is endemic to the Philippines. Its symptoms are high fever that
Philippine health department raises alert against dengue fever
Raw Story, MA - Sep 9, 2006
can be checked at once.”. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is endemic to the Philippines. Its symptoms are high fever that
Fogging operations worsen dengue spread: Philippine authority
People’s Daily Online, China - Sep 7, 2006
The Philippines‘ health authority warned on Friday that fogging operations against mosquitoes carrying dengue virus should be stopped, because the method could

Overall the dengue problem is something that is growing concern in particular because of the overall impact and spread of the disease is highest in the capital. It raises serious concerns about public cleanliness and effective basic services needed in a mega city like Manila :

Dengue/dengue haemorrhagic fever

- Impact of Dengue
- DengueNet
- Dengue activities
- Information resources

Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease of humans that in recent years has become a major international public health concern. Globally, 2.5 billion people live in areas where dengue viruses can be transmitted. The geographical spread of both the mosquito vectors and the viruses has led to the global resurgence of epidemic dengue fever and emergence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (dengue/DHF) in the past 25 years with the development of hyperendemicity in many urban centers of the tropics.

Transmitted by the main vector, the Aedes aegytpi mosquito, there are four distinct, but closely related, viruses that cause dengue. Recovery from infection by one provides lifelong immunity against that serotype but confers only partial and transient protection against subsequent infection by the other three. There is good evidence that sequential infection increases the risk of more serious disease resulting in DHF.

DHF was first recognized in the 1950s during the dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand. By 1970 nine countries had experienced epidemic DHF and now, the number has increased more than fourfold and continues to rise. Today emerging DHF cases are causing increased dengue epidemics in the Americas, and in Asia, where all four dengue viruses are endemic, DHF has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in several countries.

Currently vector control is the available method for the dengue and DHF prevention and control but research on dengue vaccines for public health use is in process. The global strategy for dengue /DHF prevention and control developed by WHO and the regional strategy formulation in the Americas, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific during the 1990s have facilitated identification of the main priorities: strengthening epidemiological surveillance through the implementation of DengueNet; accelerated training and the adoption of WHO standard clinical management guidelines for DHF; promoting behavioral change at individual, household and community levels to improve prevention and control; and accelerating research on vaccine development, host-pathogen interactions, and development of tools/interventions by including dengue in the disease portfolio of TDR (UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases) and IVR (WHO Initiative for Vaccine Research).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

- WHO fact sheet
- Disease Outbreak News: dengue fever
- Disease Outbreak News: dengue haemorrhagic fever
- International travel and health: dengue

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

SMS Text Scam alert: Brunei warns

The Borneo Bulletin put out a warning versus a text and email based scam that has been victimizing residents of the Sultanate in Northern Borneo where a charity sends a message seeking information and bank details to victims.

The person gets a message saying they won in a contest and upon response seeks details or a asks for small fee to be sent to cover bank transfer expenses.

But the key warning here is this charities’ usually ask or seek donations. Most do not engage in contests or give out money. There is an old rule that states no one that something too good to be true usually is just that not true!

[] …” Beware Of New Easy Money Scam
By Kartika Rahman Bandar Seri Begawan - A conman is on the prowl offering people big money for a small fee. The scam artist apparently calls random numbers and informs them that they have won $350,000 from an American Charity Foundation. After convincing the victim, he then asks for their account number, identity card details, and a tax fee of $500.The tax fee is then requested to be sent to the association’s account in the Philippines. The public is reminded to be wary of scams that promise easy money. – Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin …” []

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