February 14-20, 2013

JUSTICE
for Noemi

LAST MARCH WITH NOEMI. The photo shows students from the Supreme Student Government of Greenville Elementary School carrying signages generally saying ‘Justice for Noemi’.

February 16, 2013 – The body of a rape victim was finally laid to rest at San Carlos Public Cemetery at 11: 00 AM.  It was attended by her family, neighbors, students and teachers from Greenville Elementary School who held posters shouting justice for Noemi Amolata.
Noemi, a five grader found unconscious covered with blood in a sugarcane field with sustained lips, bruise in the neck and chest and head injuries while her genital was badly ruptured, last Tuesday.
The victim was immediately sent to the hospital, but after several hours she was declared dead by her attending physician.
STORY BEHIND
In the morning of February 12, 2013, in Greenville Bato, Mrs. Amada Amolata woke Noemi for her class. The girl rose and told her mother she had to answer her call of nature and went to the sugarcane field around six in the morning.
The little girl’s older brother Neil followed after for the same call. The brother told us while he was there; he heard a shrugging noise but did not bother to look where it came from.
Neil came home and it was almost 7 AM. Mrs. Amolata was already starting to get worried where her daughter was, since the child would be late for her class. They started looking for her in the fields.
A few minutes of searching passed and the mother found her child’s stool and slippers 2-3 meters apart, she took a few steps and saw blood markings on the earthen floor, thinking Noemi was just nearby she continued to look. And there, beneath a pile of sugarcane grass was her unconscious daughter, with shattered clothes and her body was badly damage.
She was hurried to the hospital and was able to speak a few words with regards to the identity of the suspect:
    : “Ga sanina siya ug pula” “May kinamrasan siya sa likod,” Noemi’s revelation to her panicked mother. When sent to the x-ray room Noemi vomited blood then died around 8AM.
     Noemi was born on February 11, 2002 and died on February 12, 2013, a day after celebrating her 11th birthday.
OPERATIVES ACTIONS
Operatives from the intelligence Division and from the Investigation Division immediately responded and were able to gather information about the crime. The first suspect was from So. Trozo, Brgy. Buluangan. But the man had no marks on his body and no evidence proved him  guilty of the accuse so he was released after being detained.
The next day, February 13, 2013, the operatives caught another suspect. Again, no evidence proved him guilty and the second suspect was released.
With the help of the citizens, and basing on the information from the police department, the third suspect was caught. This time, basing on Noemi’s words, the man had marks on his body.
Last February 14 2013, the case was filed at the Prosecutor’s Office. On February 15, 2013, the Medico Legal Officer from RCLO 6, Camp Debulgado, Iloilo City arrived. The autopsy of Noemi’s body took place at St. Vincent Funeral Home. According to the findings of Dr. Noel M. Martinez, the child’s cause of death was hemorrhage due to traumatic injuries, head and trunk genital laceration due to genital penetration.

Conclave and 2013 elections

By Hernor De Asis

    The Filipino youth always give a cold shoulder about what’s happening to their nation but there are few who are wise enough to ask questions, give their views or even share their sentiments. Leaving all the things to our old folks, might lead us in dancing to a rhythm we can’t even grasp.
    This year of the snake seems to slither along winding paths and alleys of events that history shan’t forget. It is also a year of triumph after ‘surviving’ doomsday December 21, which most youngsters found more a farce than anything life-threatening. I can’t help but laugh about the viral text messages firing my mobile.
    This year embarks significant event since we will experience the transfer of great obligations and power to whomever will be the chosen individuals after the mid-term election to select new set of officials and the conclave for selecting the pope. The two existing laws are apparently believed to govern peace and justice using the Law of the Land and God’s Commandments.
    We can’t deny the fact that these existing powers are sometimes in contrast with each other.
    Teenagers are fond of making jokes out of what is happening, but what would you think is the stand of the young about the forthcoming conclave and 2013 election?
    Millions of Catholics and even Christians in other denominations were stunned following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope who resigned after 600 years since Gregory XII in 1415 and the first to have done so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294. He will be leaving his position as head of the Holy See (Episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome) on February 28.
    His health condition is his primary reason and in March we will be witnessing the arrival of a new pope. There are 117 cardinals (115 might participate since two cardinals will be turning 80) all over the world will gather and elect a new pontiff through the Conclave.
    2013 election is another challenge for the youth who reach their legal voting age. It is indeed a hard task to choose the right candidate for the government office, since some candidates are hiding behind their masks and intents filled with honey colored speeches.
    We are also blinded by their false promises stipulated in their platforms which will remain a dialogue to remember than an action to witness.
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    I’ve interviewed some young people on their views with regarding these two events and how they think such decisive moments will affect them.
    Sadly, the common, unwitting response is, “No comment! Go ask my parents, they might help you.”
    Some don’t even know the meaning of papal conclave or of their rights to suffrage.
    A few even joked if the election of pope has “fundings” then they might be paying attention. “Fundings,” a term you usually hear during elections. It is an amount given to the voters from some electoral candidates to gain more votes, in short, vote-buying.
    Many teenagers on the electoral roll are blinded on these diminutive amount even our old folks. We should bear in mind that using wealth to persuade people is a sign of being desperate. Thus, after they win, they will all have to get their investment plus interest!
    A point to ponder, a twenty-peso bill can be a bullet of dreadful motives; a single vote is priceless as it puts every life at stake. So let us all shout…
    “I’M NOT BUYING IT!”

Eyes Open 

By  Charmaine Sanchez

“Evil minds and evil people do not excuse anybody. All of us are at risk. All of us can be victims.”

I am just devastated with the Greenville rape case. Many people are. Parents and children all over town are grieving with the victim’s family.

San Carlos was once hailed as a ‘livable city.’ But this recent incident has thrown a cloud of doubt if the title is still appropriate. In our world today, no place is safe; a bitter fact. And we do not know when the world can ever be safe again.

As a young woman, this incident gave me goose bumps. What if the same thing happens to me? What if the same thing happens to my mom? To my sister? To my friends? Every time I try imagining the scenario that little girl went through… I end up cringing. Even thinking about what the poor child faced is unbearable. Can there really be such monsters?

“Mga anak, labi na ni akung mga dalaga, pag amping jud intawn mo pirme ha?”

This was what my father reminded us during a late night dinner and while we were talking about the incident. The situation did not only scare children and young girls, but also a lot of parents. It has indeed served as a flashing red warning to all of us. Well, we can never tell when, where and what incidents could happen, but we can always mitigate. Keep your eyes open, this is one good way in keeping yourself safe.

AVOID BEING ALONE IN SECLUDED AREAS. Usual victims (may that be in kidnapping, rape, etc.) are those who are alone. When you are all by yourself, you become an easy prey. I am addressing this especially to our young ladies. In going out, at night or early in the morning, it would really be better if you are with a group of people. Not only is it fun when you are with a number of pals, you also have enough pairs of eyes to watch out for anything that might call for an emergency situation. And this line may be scratched but it’s golden: As much as possible, AVOID TALKING TO STRANGERS.

GIVE YOURSELF A CURFEW. You don’t have to live on the streets all night. Staying up too late at home in front of your favorite TV show won’t hurt you. Partying till morning in streets might. Yes, it’s all about the fun and the drinks and the dancing when you’re still in bars, when you’re still with your group. But after all the noise and the laughter: “Mag bulag-bulag na lang ta ug uli mga inday, ha. Urban man gud ko, wala gyu’y mu hatod nato ug mag-ipon tang tanan.”

What could happen after that? I am not scaring people about night life here, I am giving everyone a sincere reminder to take care. Just make sure you can manage to have a safe ride home whenever you’re out late. A lot of things can really happen when you’re careless. And even when you think you’re safe, you can never be so sure.

AVOID WEARING CLOTHES THAT EXPOSE YOUR SOUL! Ladies, it might be harmless wearing sexy clothes or your favorite sports attire whenever we are taking strolls or jogging at the park during late afternoons since they make us feel comfortable but, in going out at night it would be better if you wrap yourself up a bit, particularly when you are on an errand or you just want some time alone. That won’t hurt you anyway. Wearing blouses with plunging neck lines and skimpy shorts can tempt saints, what more will there be if you’ll encounter people who are not-much-of-saints?

PARENTS, KEEP WATCH. CHILDREN, LISTEN. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to live in subdivisions. And there are those who live in areas where anything can happen outside. Our parents have this innate talent in predicting what could happen to us. There are really some instances where they might give us a “NO” or an early curfew when we want to spend some time outside our gates. Honestly, I have been bothered by that several times but we will eventually figure out why mom and dad can’t permit all of our actions. Consider yourself lucky if you have parents in the first place. Mind your safety the way they do.

Safety is a matter of being responsible and being responsible would be all up to you. The world has changed 360 degrees and we can never be sure about what could happen in every step we take and in every place we land on. So take care of yourself and keep your eyes open.

Pikpik sa Abaga
By Henry Sandoval

11 anyos nga bata Gilugos, patay

     Usa ka onse anyos nga bata nga samtang mipaguwa sa iyahang hugaw diha sa katubhan sa Sta.Ana gilugos ug gibokbok pa gayud nga maoy usa sa mga hinungdan nga namatay ang maong  bata dinha na sa City Hospital. Si Noemi Amolata y Ugabong onse anyos,anak nila ni Noe Amolata ug Amada Amolata taga Bato, Greenville Subd., Barangay Rizal niadtong milabay nga petsa 12 sa Pebrero nakit-an sa inahan sulod sa kampo sa Sta. Ana nga wala nay sapot ug nagkadugo.
    Sa asoy sa inahan sa biktima matud pa niya  mga alas sais pasado sa buntag nga nananghid ang iyahang anak (ang biktima) nga moariya usa sa iyahang hugaw. Ang maong kampo nga ilahang ariyahanan mulabang pa ug sapa sa sugilon pa sa inahan. Mga alas siete na gikan sa pagpananghid  si Noemi wala pa gihapon makabalik. Sa kabalaka sa inahan iya kining giapas uban sa duha pa niya ka anak nga nangita sa sulod sa kampo. Matud pa sa inahan samtang gasulod misulod siya sa kampo nagsiyagit siya sa ngalan sa iyahang anak ug sa sa sulod sa katubhan nakita niya ang sinelas ug may hugaw pa sa bata. Gawas sa iyahang nakita adunay dugo nga maoy iyahang gisubay ug sa unahan nakita niya ang iyahang anak nga gitabunan na ug dahon ug nagsampit usab sa iyahang ngalan sa hinay na kaayo nga tingog.
    Sa tabang sa mga silingan nadala ang bata sa hospital ug matud pa niya nga sa nagdagan pa ang motor bisan pa nga  sa kakapoy sa bata nakaasoy pa kini nga silingan ra nila ang nag among among kaniya ug wa lang siya kaila. Ang pinaka importante nga nasulti sa bata nga may kinambrasan ang maong suspetsado. Sa didto na sa hospital nagsugod na ug guwa ang dugo sa iyahang baba. Sumpay pa sa inahan nga sa dihang dad-on na unta ang iyahang anak sa X-Ray room mibugwak kini ug dugo sa iyahang baba.
    Ang mga operatiba sa Intellegence Division ug sa Investigation Division abtik nga milihok ug anang adlawa nakakuha sila ug mga impormasyon mahitungod sa maong krimen. Usa ka suspetsado ang ilahang nakuha didto sa So. Trozo, Barangay Buluangan. Apan walay nakita sa lawas sa maong suspetsado basi sa deklarasyon sa bata sa wala pa kini mamatay nga may kinambrasan. Sa sunod nga adlaw lain na usab nga suspetsado ang nakuha sa Operatiba ug mao ra gihapon walay mga timailhan sa lawas sa maong suspek basi sa gipamulong sa bata sa wapa mamatay. Pero nagpakabana ang katawhan sa maong krimen ug pinaagi sa mga impormasyon nga nakalap sa kapolisan nakuha nila ang ika tulo nga suspek ug sa ilahang pagtan-aw sa lawas ug sa mga kamot adunay timailhan sigun sa asoy sa bata nga nakambras niya ang maong galugos kaniya. Niadtong milabay nga petsa 14 sa bulan sa Pebrero 2012 na file ang kaso didto sa Fiscaliya. Petsa 15 sa Pebrero 2013 naabot ang Medico Legal Officer sa RCLO 6, Camp Delgado, Iloilo City,RCLO. Didto gihimo ang autopsy sa St. Vincent Funeral Home. Dugaydygay ang maong gihimong autopsy ug sa pagguwa ni Dr. Noel M. Martinez M.D. naka higayon ko ug pangutana kaniya kun unsa ang cause sa pagkamatay sa bata nga gilugos. . Ug sa iyahang finding ni Dr. Noel M. Martinez nga pinirmahan niya kini akong nabasa na ang cause sa pagkamatay sa bata mao ang” Hemorrhage due to traumatic injuries,head and trunk and genital laceration due to genetal penetration.
    Dili lang ang pamilya ang gibatyag ug dakong kalagot sa maong hitabo .Halos ang tanang tawo sa San Carlos naglagot pag-ayo sa maong hitabo. Si Noemi Amolata grade V, student sa Greenville Elementary School. Nga sa iyahang pagka batan-on mitabang na sa pagpanginabuhi para nga sa ugma damlag makatabang ug mausab ang dagan sa ilahang panginabuhi. Naputol ang tanan sa binuhatan sa usa ka salbahis nga linalang nga miamong-among kaniya. Hinaut pa unta nga kaning hitaboa dili na mausab ug mahimo kining ehemplo sa mga katawhan nga  walay aso nga makomkom moguwa gyud ang kamatuoran.

BantayBanat
Ni Rics Cañisarez

Wala matumbok

    Wala pa gayud matumbok sa mga kapolisan sa  lungsod sa  Calatrava  kon si kinsa gayud ang suspetsado kon mga suspetsado  nga nag bungkal sa vault diha sa sulod mismo sa treasurers office kaniadtong nakalabay nga semana.
    Sa akong paghinabi sa mga kapolisan kon pila gayud ang sulod nga kuarta sa maong vault nga gilungkab, sigon nila nga dili pa silang katubag kon pila gayud kay padayon pa nila ang pag kuha sa mga finger prints sa tanan kawani diha sa treasurers office (kon mao tanan mga suspetsado?)
    Aron mahibalo-an kon pila gayud ang cash sa sulod sa vault, akong gisuwayan si  Mrs. Nory Onasa ang tresorera sa Calatrava kon pila ba gayud ang kuarta sulod sa vault nga gilungkab sa suspetsado pero, busy siya kaayo kay may meeting daw kuno siya. Tungod kay siya ang tresorera syempre nahibalo gayud siya kon pila ang nasulod nga kuarta (kinsa pa man di-ay ang mahibalo)
    Ang akong pangagpas niining suspetsado nga diha gayud siya pagsulod sa kuarta sa vault kay nganong sa kadaghan sa mga vault sa treasurers office kini man gayud ang direkta nga gibungkal sa suspetsado (hinumdumi kuno Mrs. Onasa kon kinsa ang tawo diha sa imong opisina sa dihang gisulod nimo ang kuarta.
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     Duna ra bay nag-ingon nako nga kon dili kini masulbad mahisama lang kini sa ubang kinawatay nga hangtud karon wala pa gayud masulbad. Kana kunong kawat diha sa mga batteries ug krudo/gasoline wala gayuy kasulbaran (tinuod ba kini, kawat nga walay nangapreso?) So, panahon na sulbaron sa mga hingtungdan kining pagbungkal sa vault diha sa buhatan sa tresorera.
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    Naunsa na man ning panahon sa politika dinhi sa ato karon duna nay uban diha sa kabukiran nga nag reklamo nga duna na kunoy pipila ka tao nga mokampanya sa ilang Sitio nga dala ang panghulga nga kon dili mobotar sa ilang kandidato may mahitabo kanimo. Matud nila nga wala man kuno ni mahitabo kaniadto pero, karon mora lahi na man. Kaniadto bisan ug mag unsa ka ug yaw-yaw walay tawong mohulga kanimo. Akong panghinaoton sa mga politiko nga dunay malain nga tumong nga kon mahimo ayaw ninyo ug buhata ang malain nga handum kay ang mga tao sa San Carlos dili gusto ug samok nga pinili-ay. Busa karon mga higala sugdi na ninyo pag ila-ila kining mga kandidato nga mogamit sa ilang gahum sa panghulga para lamang makapatong sa puesto.
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     Kita nga mga botante kon magpili sa mga kandidato ato gayung pasulabihon kadtong mga kandidato nga service-oriented. Sa line up sa mga senador ato gayung hashasan kon si kinsa kanila ang matinud-anon mo-alagad sa katawhan. Ang atong senado karon morag gubot pa sa lukot kay inay mopanday ug balaod nag personalay na man hinuon. Ang usa motirada sa kauban niyang senador nga kuno bayot ang usa usab mo-ingon nga ang iyang mga katabang sa panimalay ang sueldo diha kuhaon sa senado. Naunsa na man ning atong mga senador karon. Hala magpili na ta ug mga dekaledad nga mga tao.
    Ako ,pabor ining proposal nga lugwayan ang termino sa mga local officials extension of terms from three to four years. For a maximum of three terms. Ang tulo ka tuig nga termino or siyam ka tuig nubo ra para sa mga maayong politiko. Mao kini ang plano ni Mayor Edward Hagedorm nga nagpapili sa pagka senador karong umaabot nga pinili-ay. Plano pa lang kini niya pero kon mahitabo malugwayan ang termino sa mga local executives, mabulahan gayud ang taga San Carlos.
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        Karong umaabot nga pinili-ay wala na ang pagya-pagya nga adobo na pero, ang nakasukwahi kay duna nay pustahanay nga ma ten-zero. Ni-ay hagit sa pustahanay, imagine usa kuno ka milyon ka pesos pabor sa ten-zero ug daku-daku gayud ang para sa 15-zero. Ah! Bahala namo kon pila ang inyong ipusta kay ang ako basta tawhay lang nga pinili-ay. Para sadya-sadya lang hain man ang mas maayo, pustahanay kon si kinsa ang mo number one ug laing pusta pa gayud kon kinsa usab ang makapatong sa number ten. Inamigo lang gud.