Tzu Chi Foundation and Private Companies Pool Resources to Help in Typhoon Odette Efforts

Tsu Chi Foundation Philippines have already done a lot in the past. Master Cheng Yen founded it in 1996 to inspire people, to put compassion into action. They initially had 30 housewives saving 2 cents from their groceries, but now has a seat in the UN. Tsu Chi reached the Philippines in 1994, and now has volunteers in different areas in the country. Tsu Chi and Master Chung Yen has had the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Presidential Award -Kaanib ng Bayan and more. For now they are doing charity efforts, to provide medical assistance, disaster relief, educational program, livelihood and vocational training. They have worked previously in the restoration of a Tacloban Church, Typhoon Yolanda work and response. 

This year, Typhoon Odette Ravaged the country, making 9 landfalls in Visayas and Mindanao, taking out electricity, water supple, and now they're working with people on ground in Cebu, Bohol and Leyte and with the government units so they could help where there are most affected. This involves isolated towns, coastal ones, where thousands of people are in dire need. Children, mothers, people are going out on streets to beg for food, shelter, so they could survive. They now live in tents and makeshift shelters in the same area where the typhoon hit them as well. Cebu, Ormoc and Palo Leyte Volunteers are serving hot meals and water, Manila is also sending help including blankets, water supply, gen sets. Tzu Chi are calling for donations of water, food and funds. They need construction materials, GI sheets, nails, to protect them from the weather. They are also in need of communications, logistics and support. 

Digital Pilipinas convenor and Geiser Maclang Founder Amor Maclang says "Thank you for all those who came this morning, we all were caught off guard with what happened with Typhoon Odette. One of the reasons of why we're asking for your help to support Tsu Chi Foundation. A few years ago, we were invited to Taiwan wherein I had the pleasure of meeting the founder. A lot of our advocacy areas are in Bicol, Leyte, CAR, and Zamboanga. Digital Pilipinas is working with Tsu Chi Foundation to help scale harness technology, help them move money, to bring help where it's needed the most. They are very transparent. We need leader volunteers for education, environment, and work with the CSR arm of Globe, fintech and payments, beyond just making a donation through digital wallets, repurposing donated electrical appliances and sell them to put profits in Tsu Chi and help people. We need help in logistics, the devastation is massive. We will be calling for meetings, to update you of what's happening on ground. You will hear how you can best help in this crisis. We will have January 2 and 3 some rice donations, we need volunteers to arrange that, work together. Thank you to our friends from the private industry who are here, I wish everyone, the rest of our country have a better Christmas."



If you would like to help, donations can be course through these channels:

Yoly Crisanto of Globe CSR says "This is a test for resiliency, and we need to make things better. Communication is key. The challenge is to respond and build things better next time. When Ondoy struck, Marikina valley was under water, we had to build towers higher after that. We need our cell sites to withstand even greater winds than ever before. We build cell sites that can do that, to hopefully invest and pour out more, and there's no donor fatigue in the country. We should never be in this position again, we need to have more resilient measures. We will be there to help, we need to put together our resources, to help coastal communities, to battle the pandemic and climate change. There is a challenge for everyone, and hopefully we can build on our network. The government is very open, the NDRMMC, the LGU's, Siargao, Cebu, Davao, we need to have a concerted efforts, not just work after the Typhoon and say it's done. Let us understand that we need to put new antennas when the roads are blocked, it's hard to work in disaster response. The power lines are down, you can only repair if there is power. That's the reality on ground and it's a concerted effort. We are doing everything we can right now, every single minute counts before, after disaster happens. It's not easy. I'm appealing to everyone to hopefully get back and be connected again after that strong typhoon."

Tsu Chi Foundation has been doing in environmental protection, we have done it in Taiwan. It's something we can replicate in the Philippines, to make sure we don't experience these climate change caused disasters.

Nauman Mustafa of Coins.ph says "I've experienced the Typhoon while I was in the BPO sector at that time. People have come together and there are many companies who want to do this. We decided to put our own business partners to have their proceeds be given to those who need it most. I am a firm believer that we should help others. We are here to support Tsu Chi, we'll ask our partners to also support the foundation in our capacity. We just have to take this challenge an fight with it."

There were tons more from the private sector, it was really nice to see them connecting and trying to help in their way, so please help if you can in your own capacity.

"When the poor cannot come out, the blessed ones should go in and help." -Master Yeng Chen

What Does It Take to Have a #WorldWithoutWaste?

A couple years ago, Coca Cola launched a global campaign with a very bold and ambitious goal. The aim was to collect and recycle a bottle or can of what the company sells by 2030. Year after year, they stepped up, become successful, and that also included the Philippines. Their movement in the country has spawned different models including this NGO called Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI). A component of what they did in 2019 called Blastik made use of recycling centers that is funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation. In it, they learned to spread awareness about environmental efforts, earn and provide for themselves, and recycle a lot of plastic. As you may know, a lot of companies make products with packaging and these efforts would hopefully make a dent on that challenge. Coca-Cola currently is recycling over 93% of their waste in bottling plants and now utilize plant based renewable material called PlantBottle.

Blastik's success as a pilot project continued in a partnership wtih PeacePond Farmers Organization based in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Farmers from this organization have empowered their community and provided environmental education so they would learn waste segregation, recycling and putting up livelihood projects via workshops, webinars which they host in a regular basis. The Blastik Project taught them how collecting, recycling used and clean plastic bottles would be beneficial and create opportunities for townsfolk so they could earn from re-using plastics in projects, so they could feed their families. Beneficiary Jo Guanco (who's a 53yo farmer from the same place) says "The Blastic Project showed us how important it is to teach our neighbors about segregation and recycling. We are also working with other communities these days so they too can coordinate and schedule collection of plastic bottles in towns, nearby areas and offices, of which some personally call us so we could collect it for them. We continue to be Blastic Eco Rangers til now."

The movement has gone to other communities like Bakyas Community in Oringao, Kabankalan Negros Occidental, Elite Ads Corp in Paranaque City, and Elite Ads Corporation in Carmona Cavite. They also have active partnerships with Seda Hotel in Bacolod City plus Southland College in Kabankalan also. During the pandemic, they continue to process almost 17 tons worth more or less of mixed bottles, bottle caps, plastic sachets and labels too. As of now, Coca-Cola Foundation is supporting over 40 zero waste communities around the countries, and are continuing to grow more in the next few months. Ms. Cecile Alcantara puts this as Blastik's initial success, and says "we are really happy and excited about it."

If you want to know more about their initiatives, just head on to coca-colacompany.com/reports/business-environmental-scoal-governance-report-2020 or their social channels and be part of that change, make the #WorldWithoutWaste possible today! 

REEF Holds "Free The Sea Movement 2" in Baler

I missed this event because of my Dad's birthday but that doesn't mean I shouldn't tell you about it. You see, our friends from surf and lifestyle brand REEF just held "Free The Sea Movement 2" last September 29 to October 1 in Baler to promote responsible tourism and environmental conservation in the Philippines. The majestic seascapes in Aurora proved to be an unbelievable backdrop for this cause which they've done with WWF Philippines, I was envious of them because they cleaned up Sabang Beach while my fellow bloggers and volunteers were there.

This campaign has been in line with Reef's "We Heart" campaign as part of their global outreach efforts. Through this, they want to educate travelers and leave a positive impact for all the communities they visit. According to the Marketing Head for Reef Marnelli Gaerlan, they also want to make sure people see how to work together and maintain the adept ecological conditions of it so it could be enjoyed by future generations. A noble cause. 

During the 3 day event, they also got to enjoy a few surfing lessons at the Nalu Surf Camp and later on have a wonderful time with Soundcloud Philippines' Ann Clerigo and indie musicians Banna Harbera. They also had an afterparty with Eazyhead, DJ Doms Badwolf and DJ CC. They also had a beginner surfer competition, and announced Reef's donation to WWF so they can further push for the organization's environmental programs.

I bet it will be a bigger one next year, congratulations REEF! Thank you for doing this gig together with WWF. Your care for nature is evident, I hope this means bigger and better waves for you, and pristine beaches for Filipinos and the citizens of the world! To know more about the cause and the brand, please visit https://www.reef.com/ and WWF's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WWF.Philippines.

P.S. I look cute with this cap, thanks for this!

Restaurants Against Hunger Philippines

This is a passion not just for food but the passion for sharing, this is Restaurants Against Hunger. This is the first public act in the Philippines and it started with Action Against Hunger (1979) to once feed Afghan refugees during the Russian and Afghanistan war. They have 40 years experience and started in the Philippines during the year 2000, helping in central Mindanao with food programs. Hunger exists everywhere, not just malnutrition but how to detect and treat it is done by prevention. Access to clean water, not just food security is done so it could reduce malnutrition for children. They want to make sure it sustains the community, they are an NGO and converge during conflicts and help the population recover. They provide water and sanitation, and they will be able to do more with your help says Javad Amoozegar, the Country Director for Action Against Hunger Philippines. 

Today, the Philippines is following the footsteps of UK, US, Canada and Spain by launching Restaurants Against Hunger. Joining various restaurants on their belt, and the Chefs in between, Chef Rolando Laudico is the ambassador for this cause and with the act of putting proceeds of particular dishes served in over 103 restaurants in the Philippines called DISHES THAT FEED MORE that will give life saving impact for kids with malnutrition. They will transform villages, do healthcare, educate and deal the things that stand in their way.

There are children that have low height for their age, kids that have stunted growth. That means 4 Million Filipino kids we are talking about. The country is ranked 9th in the world when it comes to stunting, undernourished kids doesn't just mean physically, but also mentally. Malnourished kids are bound to be caught in a cycle of poverty 20% of the time but in all these challenges, we can overcome it. We can help kids survive just by going and ordering these food items on their menu. It's time to put them on your list this 2016 as it will run from November 15, 2016 to January 15, 2017. You can register your restaurants too until November 30 at www.restaurantsagainsthungerphilippines.org or like their Facebook page @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH, follow them on IG @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH and on Twitter @EndHungerPH or their official website www.accioncontraelhambre.org/es/filipinas.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Caritas Manila's SEGUNDA MANA in Marikina City

Have you heard of Caritas Manila? Yes, it's the official Church of the Poor. They have just opened shops around the country to do just one thing, do charity. They are achieving this through their pet project SEGUNDA MANA - a charity store where anybody could donate 1) Used and pre loved items that may benefit others, 2) Slow and non moving inventories and 3) Goods that consume space in your closets, cabinets and garages. 

As a matter of fact, they just opened a new one in Marikina Riverbanks Mall which aims to support Caritas Manila's Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program. This is their 13th store!

There's over a hundred companies that are regularly donating for their cause and they have over a thousand less fortunate kids as their scholars now, there will be more soon. The help that they have been getting from individuals is tremendous. Even this branch was given free by the mall owners as a way to give back to the community. It was attended by Vice Mayor Dr. Jose Fabian I. Cadiz, Riverbanks Center's Owners Meneleo Carlos Jr and his daughter Rosario, plus the Caritas Manila board of trustees Rosario Villar and Francisco Hugo . From the diocese of Antipolo there's Father Mabini Caldo and Father Bienvenido Miguel who also officiated the store's blessing. 

The SEGUNDA MANA Charity Store also has branches in Caritas Manila head office in Pandacan, Makati Square, San Roque Cathedral, Harrison Plaza, Sta. Lucia Mall, Farmers Plaza, Isetann Cinerama Complex in Recto, Victory Central Mall in Caloocan, Starmall Edsa Shaw and Alabang, Victory Shopping Center in Alabang and Victory Pasay Mall in Pasay City. There's a thousand ways for you to help our less priviliged kababayans and just by donating or shopping in this establishment, you can do just that! 

For more information on how you can help, email them at cm@caritasmanila.org.ph or call 562-0020 to 25 ext. 22 or 23. Else, you can visit their website at www.caritasmanila.org.ph

Ciao!

KUMAGCOW

Men's Lifestyle Redefined!

For more information about their stores:

Caritas Manila Inc

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.caritasmanila.org.ph

The Philippine Quill Awards and Student Quill Awards 2013!

A few days ago, we were invited to a small gathering of bloggers in Metro Manila. This event was for The Philippine Quill Awards 2013. This is the yearly search for the best business communicators in the industry duly supervised by International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines and has been going on for years now. I have projects of my own and when they discussed this that evening, I see some of it fit for some of the criteria they have set that can also apply for other corporations, individuals and organizations throughout the country. There is also a Philippine Student Quill Awards search that may qualify some of the best schools in the country. Last year, we saw companies such as Smart, ABSCBN, Stratworks, DLSU who won top Quill Awards divisions and they have made headway winning anew in the main International Golden Quill Awards in the US. They are now regarded as best in the industry, a feat that corporations worldwide would envy even those that are based in North America. 

Just like you I had a few questions in mind and might have to take a look at past projects so I would know how to present something standardized as Quill. They will be holding seminars to get you acquainted in how to write and put together nominations. You will also get valuable tips and guidance on how to submit entries, learn how judges pick, what their mindset are and how decide choosing winners. They will also employ international standards so if you plan to join internationally, it'll be a great way to test out your projects as you step up to the plate and share Filipino excellence with the world!

For the "How to write a winning student Quill" Seminar, it will be held on July 19, 2013 at the Unilab Bayanihan Annex Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City. This is going to be from 8AM to 12 noon. For corporations, organizations and what not, they will also hold a "How to write a winning Quill" Seminar from 1-5PM on the same day, same venue. To register, please contact the IABC Philippines Secretariat at (+632)756-0441, (+632)756-0424. You can also email them at philippinequill@iabc.com.ph or visit their main website http://www.iabcphilippines.com. 

The Philippine Quill Awards has got 42 categories covering four divisions namely Communications Management, Communication Research, Communication Skills, Communication Education and Training. Two new divisions will be also introduced namely the Communication Research and Education and Communication Training which covers internal and external training. Every division will garner a Top Award if you receive the highest scores from their board of judges. You can win this too but you need to prepare as early as now. Get acquainted with the standards, enter your projects and have it bill as the best in the industry in this year's Philippine Quill and Student Quill Awards 2013!

For more information

Please visit their webiste

http://www.iabcphilippines.com

Or follow them on Twitter

@iabcph

HERO Foundation: It's time to be HEROES for our HEROES' CHILDREN!

I went to Trinoma a few days ago to attend the launch of the new donation boxes that the HERO Foundation was putting up in strategic locations nationwide. These new boxes actually contain something evidently touching because on the half part of it are dog tags. It symbolizes the soldiers who have donated their lives for the country. Now it's your turn to help them out!

You see, we have men and women working in the Armed Forces to keep our country safe from those who want to wreak havoc or occupy it. Some also are insurgents in the South or communists rebels too. In the battle field, there are heavily armed men and these soldiers can either get hurt or slain while serving their country. What happens is that they leave their families and relatives behind. Who's going to take care of them? Who's going to pay for their education? That's where the HERO Foundation comes in to help.

HERO Foundation has helped hundreds of kids to go to school and they continually are getting huge corporations as sponsors so these kids who had their parents killed in action or disabled still have a chance to finish their studies and help their own families too.

Take for example this gallant solider who nearly lost his life to an ambush by rebels in Mindanao. He couldn't work anymore and he has kids who are still studying. He wanted to have himself killed even so the enemies won't get information from him. God and some of his fellow soldiers helped him and after he has survived, HERO foundation helped him to get his daughter be sent to school.

Celebrities and bands like SixCycleMind and Callalily also attended the event so they could show their support for HERO Foundation. This is Kean Cipriano's birthday so it was really special for him to finally get to help a foundation such as HERO. These bands know how important education is for these kids and they didn't hesitate to help when they were asked. They even performed for the crowd and made it even more special by dedicating songs to the cause. Here's an excerpt of their performances that afternoon!

The Red Whistle Project

I'm a budding Fashion Photographer; but that's not my day job. I envy people who do this professionally but I'm so happy I still get to do high fashion shoots in my spare time. I'm inspired to say the least with some of the country's greatest Fashion Photographers... with the likes of my Sensei Xander Angeles, Boss Niko Villegas teaching me the tricks of the trade; I became so passionate about what I'm doing. I think differently because of them; and in the process discover why I had this passion behind the lens too. In an industry like ours there are only a few of them that admire; one of them is Niccolo Cosme.

There is no contest to what he can do behind the lens but what I was most impressed was the thought of him and quite a number of people doing something else. I admire his work to say the least but I met him for different reasons a couple of days ago. It wasn't for a workshop or photography lessons but it was for a cause that was very dear to him. In an off the wall pub called Blackbird in Makati, he and a couple of activists for this cause took the time to talk with us about how and why they support The Red Whistle project.


Have you heard of The Red Whistle?


The Red Whistle

I knew someone a few years back. He was a friend I barely knew but HE WAS A FRIEND anyhow. I didn't know where he lived or what his work was because we usually meet at places like The Fort, Makati or QC amongst some of the poshest club in those cities. We had common friends, went out with different people; but I knew he did sleep with some of them (according to their accounts). Foreigners or local it didn't really matter but he did really kinda went ahead of me since I laid low a couple of times. Then like a thunder roaring one day he suddenly stopped partying; he did it cold turkey.

Fact is, his lifestyle was almost the same as mine. He was a good friend and we were kinda close given the situation... even though we barely knew each other. He opened up to me one day and said he was HIV+. He acquired it from having multiple partners and unprotected sex. Honestly he didn't even know where he got it from. It was a sad day for both of us.

Though he passed away a year ago (August 2010) I didn't think he wasted his life for nothing. I didn't fail to be there for him when he needed me. I tried to help him out in one way or another. He was lucky though that he had very supportive parents, friends and family. But it's not a pretty picture all the way. It didn't end like what I imagined it would be but I'm so proud he fought for it till the last day. He made sure a couple of our friends know the consequences of doing it. It was so close to me, I wouldn't want to even confront the thought or let my other friends know then. Believe me I had smart ones, but I think telling it straight to their face didn't hurt either. They needed it!

It was the same case with Niccolo Cosme. He had a friend who passed away from it too. It was that true to him; the situation and the reality... that's why he's so passionately supporting this cause. The Red Whistle project wants each and everyone of us to Blow Now and Blow Harder. The Philippines report about 6 new infections recorded every day and this wasn't the case a few years ago. This is very alarming. That friend, family member or loved one might get it soon, it knows no title or status... it's no joke! If you and I take the necessary steps to make everyone raise awareness about this it can snowball into something bigger. Your community, your people would know about the circumstances and learn from the experience of individuals who really had it. It was a wake up call for him and he knew he had to do something about it. You should too!

It's time to STOP it now! We need to SPREAD awareness! NOT the VIRUS!


Survivors

We even got the chance to listen to one survivor. He's survived it for 7 years and continues to help people to understand what it means to have it first hand. He's spent 4 years in the Philippines doing this. He's fighting one thing after another. Although he understands, he tries to educate people one by one in order to stop the stigma, the ostracism. He wishes to see people who have the virus be seen still fit to work. Most of those who acquire it are breadwinners and people must realize it's not a curse. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn about it.

We need to inform more people about this cause. I strongly support The Red Whistle. I would like to enjoin private and public corporations to do their share. Niccolo Cosme just held a headshot clinic, he's been doing this for three years. He's using his craft to spread awareness to help this cause. It's been very good mileage for the project but we need all the help we can get!

There is a need for more donors and on the 31st of August The Red Whistle will be holding it's first Charity Auction. Be at the Bonifacio High Street at 9PM. It's time you do your thing, it's time you make a difference.

P.S. I had 2 extra whistles and a Blow Hard packet from the event. One went to a Gay friend who slept with a record 250++ men. He was informed of his duties to spread awareness. The other went to a female friend who works in the adult entertainment industry. That's GRO to some of you guys. They are happy I got them into it and no matter how indulgent they are in what they do, they'll always keep this in mind! Their active lifestyle doesn't exempt them from the reality that this is TRUE. We all must do our share so make sure you do your part NOW. Blow NOW, Blow HARDER!



P.S.#2 Special thanks to Blackbird who hosted us in Makati, you can visit this quaint resto if you love good music, grub and cold beers. The iced tea and nachos are to die for. They've got lots more in the menu so you should check them out! Kamagong Street in Makati has never been better! Go there or be square!

===============================================

For more information please like them on Facebook!

The Red Whistle

Blackbird Makati

Credits to ORANGEMAGAZINETV.COM for the photos from the event! :)

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF MY AUNT MILET MENDOZA (-_-)"

I beg for your prayers, for the safety of my Auntie Milet.
She got kidnapped and no news yet from the abductors.
Only these articles from Inquirer is what we have as information.
Please continue to pray for her safety and release!

This morning her mother called us at home and cried. I only hope she's okay and safe...

UPDATE:

3 abducted aid workers freed in Basilan--military
By Katherine Evangelista
Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 09:46:00 09/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Three aid workers believed to have been abducted by members of the Abu Sayaf have been freed by their captors, military officials said.

The victims were released in Al Barka, Basilan Monday night, said Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Ludivina Dakit, Romy delos Reyes and Jun Estandarte are now in the custody of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Isabela City, Basilan, Philippine Navy spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Edgard Arevalo, said.

Two other aid workers, Esperanza Hupida and Milet Mendoza, remain with the kidnappers, who have not yet made any demands for their release, Arevalo added.

The five were part of a 12-man humanitarian team onboard two vehicles that was blocked by 10 armed men near Tipo-Tipo town.

The navy identified the seven NGO workers who were able to elude capture as Jerson Imamil, Sahida Alasa, Hapira Alasa, Nenita Sanchez, Nifra Abdulkadir, Amina Saladdin and Lina Grace Balamo.

The kidnapping was carried out by supposed Abu Sayyaf rebels under the command of
Furuji Indaman, Torres said.

The aid workers who worked for the Christian Children's Fund and the Nagdilaab Foundation, a Christian-Muslim charity.

Marayag, navy commander in the southwestern Philippines, said the women were recovered by pursuing government forces near Tipo-Tipo and were undergoing a military debriefing.

He did not say whether they were harmed by the kidnappers.

Arevalo said a crisis committee composed of local government units, the Marine brigade commander and the Basilan Philippine National Police was formed Tuesday morning "to determine how to facilitate the situation."

"We are open to any opportunity that would ensure the safe release of the victims," said Arevalo, adding that negotiations are possible.

However, Arevalo clarified that the "no ransom policy" will be strictly implemented in the situation.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF MY AUNT MILET MENDOZA (-_-)"

I beg for your prayers, for the safety of my Auntie Milet.
She got kidnapped yesterday and no news yet from the abductors. Only this article from Inquirer is what we have as information.
Please pray for her!

From Inquirer:

Gunmen seize 4 peace workers in Basilan
By Julie Alipala
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 04:41:00 09/16/2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Gunmen Monday seized four peace advocates in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, in an assault on humanitarian workers helping poor communities in an area known as a hotbed of lawless violence.

Church officials immediately appealed to the abductors to free their captives in the spirit of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, saying all that the four peace advocates wanted was to improve the lives of impoverished people.

Police identified the four as Merlie “Milet” Mendoza, Ludy Borja, Esperancita Hupida and driver Dionisio Estandante.

Their two companions, identifed as Romeo delos Reyes and Sahida Alasa, escaped, according to initial reports received by the authorities.

The six peace advocates were on their way to Isabela City when their vehicle was flagged down by at least 10 armed men, according to Senior Supt. Salik Macapantar, Basilan police chief.

Macapantar said the abduction happened at around 11:45 a.m. in the village of Kabangalan in Tipo-Tipo.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said the abductions were confirmed to him by Dedeth Suacito, executive director of the Nagdilaab, a nongovernmental organization based in Basilan.

Nagdilaab is a “Grameen-type” of NGO implementing a new kind of bank lending involving loans to poor people to help them start small businesses. “Grameen” is a word in Bangladesh which means “village” or “rural.”

The bishop told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Hupida, 42, a program director of Nagdilaab, “was on her way to Tipo-Tipo to assess projects.”

Borja works for a group called Sustainable Health Improvements through Empowerment and Local Development (SHIELD).

Appeal to kidnappers

The name Ludy Borja was supplied by the police. The name which the bishop gave to the Inquirer was Ludy Dikit. Presumably, they were referring to the same person.

The bishop described Mendoza as a Manila-based humanitarian volunteer who helps the local NGO look for funds for relief and rehabilitation, and assess possible projects.

Claretian Fr. Angel Calvo of Peace Advocate Zamboanga confirmed the abduction of the four but said he and his group still “don’t have any details at this moment.”

Calvo called on the kidnappers to “free the four captives in the spirit of Ramadan,” the fasting month for Muslims.

“The victims are peace advocates who spend their whole lives to bring peace to areas in Mindanao where (government) services are often lacking,” Calvo said.

Sanctuaries of gunmen

Basilan is a small island off the Mindanao mainland where various armed groups operate, including the Abu Sayyaf bandits, guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and criminal bands.

There was no word from the authorities about who the gunmen were or what group they belonged to.

Mendoza was a former executive coordinator of Tabang Mindanaw, which was considered to be the biggest multi-sectoral humanitarian movement to deliver relief and rehabilitation services to strife-torn communities in Mindanao.

The Inquirer has also worked with Mendoza, who has documented the plight of war evacuees in Sulu.

Victor Taylor, who was formerly with Tabang Mindanaw, described Mendoza as “a freelance NGO worker who has spent time in Mindanao to source out funds for humanitarian work.”

Mendoza was also a former senior executive officer of Assisi Foundation, a social development nonprofit organization.

A number of kidnapping incidents have occurred in Basilan this year.

On June 10, two Marine soldiers went to Albarka, Basilan, to negotiate a supposed planned surrender of an MILF rebel. The “surrender” turned out to be a ploy and the two soldiers were seized. They were released unharmed three days later.

Rescued by police

On July 11, Abu Sayyaf bandits released the four linesmen of the Basilan Electric Cooperative after holding them captive for 15 days.

The Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the linesmen if their demand for a P1-million ransom was not met, but eventually freed them in exchange for an unspecified amount for the “board and lodging fees” of their victims, officials said.

Two employees of the Cagayan de Oro City-based Power City Company were kidnapped by Moro extremists on July 16. The abductors demanded P3 million but police rescued the victims two days later after a gunbattle. The kidnappers escaped.

The most highly publicized case of kidnapping in Mindanao this year occurred in nearby Sulu on June 8, when ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her two cameramen—Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama—and Prof. Octavio Dinampo were taken at gunpoint by suspected Abu Sayyaf men.

Four days later, Valderama was released. On June 17, Drilon and the two others were freed. Their releases followed payment of ransom amounting to millions of pesos.