Malacanang said on Friday that the “Oplan Sagip Bayan” has received more than P58 million worth of donations in cash and in kind.

At the same time, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a media briefing in Malacanang the Oplan Sagip Bayan has sent relief packages containing food and non-food items to 163,476 families in seven evacuation centers.

”The relief goods have to be trucked from Kalayaan Hall in Malacanang Palace, where the Oplan Sagip Bayan is housed, to the evacuation centers. And that responsibility rests squarely on members of the Presidential Security Group,” Remonde said.

According to Remonde, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed the Presidential Management Staff to set up Oplan Sagip Bayan, big groups of volunteers immediately came to the Palace to help repack the relief goods. There have been 6,657 volunteers tallied so far.

Remonde said the relief goods packed in Kalayaan Hall originally were intended to benefit just the victims of storm “Ondoy” but unfortunately, typhoon “Pepeng” struck Northern Luzon just a few days ago.

”But I would like to give you this assurance that all concerned government agencies have already swung into action to mitigate the disaster. The Department of National Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have been at it since it was announced by PAGASA that the typhoon would likely wreak havoc in Northern Luzon,” the Press Secretary explained.

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chairman and Defense Secretary Teodoro has requested the United States Embassy to authorize a redeployment of US military forces to Northern Luzon to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which are already at work there, conducting disaster response operations and extending humanitarian assistance.

According to Remonde, the participants in the RP-US Balikatan military exercises, particularly the US forces, will now render humanitarian assistance to the calamity victims in Northern Luzon.

He said PMS Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. is now in Pangasinan, monitoring the rescue operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the support of the US Harpers ferry carrying two Chinook helicopters.

Remonde also said that the Philippine Navy has dispatched five teams — three teams in Pangasinan and two teams in Nueva Ecija. Each team is composed of an officer and 15 enlisted personnel, with a rubber boat with outboard motor for rescue and relief operation and a truck equipped with a chain saw, assorted tools, as well as first aid kits.

”Other AFP and PNP teams have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas of Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, La Union, Benguet, Batanes, and Tuguegarao,” he added.

He also noted that five helicopters — three in Nueva Ecija, two in Isabela and one in Baguio City — stand ready to rescue people in distressed situation.

”On relief operations, DSWD has distributed P15.2 million worth of assorted relief goods, in the form of food and non-food items. It has also, on standby, P95 million worth of commodities that may be drawn at a moment’s notice and P11.5 million in additional funds for the purchase of emergency relief supplies,” Remonde said. (PNA)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today local government units (LGUs) in the provinces that will be directly affected by typhoon ‘Pepeng’ to implement forced evacuation in vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of lives and identify temporary shelters for evacuees.

The President issued the order to local government executives of Camarines Norte, Aurora, Northern Quezon, Pollilio Island, Isabela and Cagayan.

At the same time, the President ensured that disaster relief response teams fielded in vulnerable areas are equipped with rubber boats, portable generators, M35 trucks, and life-saving kits.

In between the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) meeting in Cainta this morning, the President stressed to governors of provinces in the path of typhoon Pepeng the importance of preemptive and, if needed, forced evacuation.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said typhoon ‘Pepeng’ is expected to make landfall in Aurora and Isabela by Saturday morning.

As of 11 am today, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Northern Quezon, Aurora, Pollilio Island and Isabela are now under public storm warning signal #2.

The weather bureau said “Pepeng” could develop into a supertyphoon within the next 24 hours. (PND)

Rescue Operations Hotlines

National Disaster Coordinating Committee

911-1406

911-1873

911-1906

911-5061

912-0984

912-2665

912-3046

912-5296

912-5668

Help hotlines:

734-2118

734-2120

Bureau of Fire Protection, National Capital Region

729-5166

410-6254

413-8859

407-1230

Bureau of Fire Protection, Region III (Central Luzon)

Hotline (045) 9634376

Philippine Coast Guard

527-6136

Red Cross

143

911-1876

527-0000

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

136

896-6000

Taguig emergency hotline

1623

Meralco

16220

0917-5592824

0920-9292824

Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. emergency hotlines

for dumptrucks going to flooded areas for rescue of stranded people:

0917 4226800

0917 2414864

0927 6751981

Red Cross

Pasay Chapter 8542748 n 4343751;

Las Pinas Chapter 8734873 n 4689688;

Pasig Chapter 6350922;

Alabang Chapter 8097131/8506813

Bulacan Chapter 0446625388 n

NHQ Manila 5245787 n 5270864,

Caritas Mnl 5639298;

DSWD 9318101.

For donations, you can drop-off or contact any of the following: (list courtesy of http://sourpolitics.wordpress.com)

Relief Aid and Donations

1. Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
2. NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.
3. Miriam Quiambao drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or messagehttp://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.
4. Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.
5. Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.
6. Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)
7. Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
8. Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy
9. Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
10. Philippine National Red Cross‘ different ways to Donate.
11. Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
12. Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)
13. Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)
14. TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypalhttp://is.gd/3GvuN
15. Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
16. Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.
17. Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at La Salle Greenhills Gate 2 tomorrow or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.
18. LUCA stores (Rockwell, Shang-rila, Eastwood, or GA towers): Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls).
19. “LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray”: Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email atluzonrelief@gmail.com
20. MOONSHINE boutique in Rockwell also accepting relief good to help Ondoy victims in Marikina and Cainta.
21. Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute!  Call for more details.
22. Manor Superclub, Eastwood City will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am.
23. Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)
24. MINISTOP IBARRA (Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc Manila) is also accepting relief goods, Food (non-perishable goods only) Clothing, Medicines, Beds, Pillows, Blankets, Emergency Supplies to help Typhoon Ondoy victims.
25. Whitespace 2314 Chino Roces Ave Ext as a Mkt drop-off for relief goods.
26. Tulong Bayan hotlines for donations and volunteers are (+632908-6579998) Marilyn, (+632939-3633436) Jenn (+632-9137122, +632-9136254 & +632-9133306).
27. AKBAYAN’s taking donations, call 433-69-33/433-68-31 to donate or volunteer.
28. Worldvision Foundation is also accepting donations/volunteers to pack relief goods in QC. For $donations, BPI:USDacct #4254-0050-08
29. Xavier School in San Juan is now accepting donations, please bring to Multipurpose Center (MPC).
30. ABS-CBN through Banco de Oro account number 56300-20111 account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporation
31. Move for Chiz is asking for volunteers at Bay Park Tent, along Roxas Blvd., beside Max Restaurant and Diamond Hotel in Manila, or at Gilas Minipark at Unang Hakbang St., Gilas Q.C.
32. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan is accepting donations @ AGS Bldg Annex, 446 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo. Contact Vina Vargas at (+632917-8081247)
33. Operation Rainbow (Zac Faelnar Camara) at Ayala Alabang Village needs Canned Goods, Ready-To-Eat Food, Bottled Water, Ready-To-Drink Milk/ Juice, Clothing, Blankets, contact (+632-4687991)
34. Relief Efforts for Pasig at Valle Verde 1 Village Park, contact (+632916-4945000, +632917-5273616)

Following his designation by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Ambassador for Peace, world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was also designated as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Justice.

In Department Order No. 344 signed by Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Pacquiao was designated as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Justice on intelligence matters in the interest of public service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws.

With his designation, Pacquiao, a reservist in the Philippine Army with the rank of Master Sergeant, may coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the enforcement of his mandate.

The Order takes effect immediately and shall remain in full force and effect.

The Order was signed on Friday, May 8, 2009, but was only made available to the media on Monday.

The weather disturbance tagged as “Emong” (international name: Chan-hom) has intensified into a typhoon as it continues to move towards northern Luzon.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has placed Manila under Storm Signal No. 1, as well  as in Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan.

Signal no. 2 was hoisted in Ilocos Sur, Ilocos  Norte, Abra, Benguet, Pangasinan, La Union and Zambales around 5 a.m. today.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita today said the Philippine government will continue building on the gains of its operations against terrorists even with the “flattering evaluation” of the country’s anti-terrorism initiatives by the US government in its 2008 report.

“We will not sit on our laurels yet, in our efforts against the Rajah Solaiman Movement, the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Jemaah Islamiya, the New People’s Army and other armed groups,” Ermita said in a press statement.

“With the combined actions of our military and police forces, the Philippine government will even intensify its efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of these assorted terror groups, deny them safe havens in any part of Mindanao and capture their leaders and their members,” he stressed.

Ermita said the total annihilation of these terror groups will be the over-arching national security objective and towards this end, the Philippine government will be unfailingly relentless and consistently vigilant.

Ermita said the Philippine government’s good showing in its counter terrorism campaign thus far lies in its “effective use of the logistical support and technical assistance the US government has provided the country, “a fact that should reassure the US government and inspire it to continue performing its auxiliary role.”

He said there are good reasons to think that the Philippine government will be able to impress upon the US and the international community, its earnestness as a strategic partner for peace-keeping in response to the threats of terrorism.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday allotted P25 million as initial fund for the government’s reward system to put an end to political killings in the country.

President Arroyo also asked the lawmakers to contribute P250,000 each from their Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) to build this fund.

“Political violence has been a scourge in Philippine politics long before our administration. We want to erase the legacy of political violence that haunted our nation for generations. We want to achieve a violence-free political culture in the Philippines once and for all,” the President said.

“Hence, I am allotting an initial 25 million for rewards to informants who provide information that foils political assassination attempts or leads to their solution especially identification of their masterminds. I invite lawmakers to contribute 250 thousand each from their CDF to build this fund,” President Arroyo also said.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has stepped up its rescue and relief operations in calamity-stricken Bicol provinces.

Typhoon “Dante” battered the region last week, leaving 22 casualties and more than 11,000 commuters stranded in Sorsogon and Albay due to impassable roads.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said at a media briefing this afternoon that 9,568 families or 54,838 persons, are now housed in 196 evacuation centers.

Sorsogon reported the highest number of casualties at 18 dead followed by Camarines Sur, two; and Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, one each.

As of 10 p.m. Sunday, Camarines Sur, Albay and Catanduanes were still under Signal Number 1.

The highway between Sorsogon and Albay remained impassable to all types of vehicles. Commuters could only reach Barangay Guinlajon in Sorsogon City by foot.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said P1.635 million has been released for rescue and relief operations in the typhoon-hit areas. Of the total amount, P133,315 came from Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero, barangay captains, councilors and local government units (LGUs) in the affected provinces.

View the NDCC update on tropical depression “Dante” (Kujira) in PDF format (PDF reader required)

A victory parade awaits Pacman when he comes home on Friday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo announced that the Office of the President’s Appointments Office is arranging the details of the festive homecoming and the courtesy call of Manny Pacquiao to the President.

Fajardo praised Pacquiao’s team for their efforts to help the People’s Champ achieve victory over Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton.

Pacquiao stunned the world Sunday when he knocked out the Hitman on the second round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Before his historic fall, Hatton kissed the canvass twice in the first round.

But Mega Manila is not the only one gearing up for the Pacman’s return.

General Santos City is keeping up the tradition of giving red carpet treatment to Pacquaio every time he comes home after a successful campaign overseas.

Last Sunday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo congratulated Pacquiao for a victory “that should inspire all Filipinos.”

“Manny Pacquiao continued to train and learn with great discipline to clinch the victory that has now, according to world boxing commentators, made him the greatest fighter ever,” the President said during her meeting with representatives of Filipino community in Syria, “as Manny Pacquiao taught us, discipline, tenacity, focus and pride in being a Filipino are vital to our success.”

Meanwhile, the best pound for pound fighter is the new crime buster.

The Philippine National Police gave Pacquiao a new moniker because criminal incidents went almost zero while the new International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight belt holder traded punches with Hitman Hatton.