BARANGAY BULIOK, Pagalungan, Maguindanao (MindaNews / February 12) – The rubble, the bullet-riddled walls, the bomb craters have remained. And though not visible, the wounds of war have yet to heal for thousands of residnents who were forced to leave their homes when government forces bombarded this village during the Eid’l Adha congregational prayer on February 11, 2003.
A village official narrates their hardships at the evacuation center in nearby Pikit town in North Cotabato, some 15 kilometers from here.
Villagers recall the incident as “treacherous attack against the Moro people,” happening as it did on Eid’l Adha, the Islamic feast of the holy sacrifice. (more…)
“Remember When…”, a photo exhibition by Rene B. Lumawag at the Event Centre of SM City Davao has been extended until November 21. Adto na!
Days after Ondoy hit Metro Manila and other parts of the Luzon, I have’t heard any “big” news on government’s effort to extend aid to the victims of the typhoon’s wrath. Instead, it’s the support from the private sector is overwhelming than from those who should really provide.
Millions of pesos have been spent in foreign trips and even in provincial sorties of the President but why the government cannot allocate some funds for ‘disaster preparedness’ since Philippines is in the typhoon belt? And the typhoons are getting worst. If the government can afford to charter some choppers for the Presidential visits in the provinces, why it cannot afford to buy a new one for the NDCC? Or why it did not initiate to hire choppers to rescue flood victims on the first day or second day of the tragedy?
The Palace has earlier made a ‘gimmickry’ by opening the gates of the Palace for relief operations and even as temporary shelters. But now they are taking it back?! Such a shame.
Also, Arroyo and her Cabinet would extend financial help by donating their two-month salaries. Naunahan na kayo ni Mayor Duterte! Gaya-gaya? Sabagay, better late than nothing at all!
Also read:
The Manila Floods: Why Wasn’t the City Prepared?
Late June this year, these families were displaced due to flash flood in Talomo, Davao City. According to them the City Government of Davao handed P10,000 financial assistance to each family. One of them said that they used the money to buy lumbers to be able to reconstruct their washed-away houses. But when they left the lumber at the site, another flash flood hit the village and washed away the lumber.
Until now, they are homeless and languishing at the evacuation center inside the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish compound in Talomo. Sadly,the parish also charged them for at least P200 each family their water consumption. There are around 20 families who are temporarily staying at the parish compound.
Some are waste pickers, construction workers and some women are also doing laundry services to meet their daily needs.
Preparing for the “Samabyang.”
On Thursday, Sen. Noynoy Aquino visited their family friend and political ally Jesus Ayala in Davao City. Aquino was in Davao City for his “spiritual retreat.” The Palace calls it a ‘gimmickry’… or they are just threatened?
