Coronavirus Lockdown: Learning From Covid-19, Cardiologists, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Another group which exploded in growth during the pandemic is continuing to grow. This time its Overlanders. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/301236/born-to-roam-ph-igniting-the-spirit-of-exploration-through-the-first-philippine-overlanding-festival

A new era of adventure travel is rolling through the Philippines as Born to Roam PH (BTR), a growing community of overlanders, makes its mark with the successful completion of its first Philippine Loop Caravan and the launch of the country’s first-ever Roam Fest — a celebration of travel, camaraderie, and the Filipino spirit of discovery.

Born to Roam PH began as a small, consistent group of hobbyists around 2016 and grew during the pandemic – a time when travel restrictions shut down malls and limited destinations. “We just wanted to keep the overlanding hobby alive,” said Alex Perez, Lead Founder of Born to Roam PH. “That’s why we started monthly camps all over Luzon — to give people a consistent venue to continue exploring, one campsite at a time.”

The name “Born to Roam” itself originated from a global campaign by Front Runner, a premium overlanding gear brand in South Africa which is locally distributed by Premium Overland Outfitters established in 2014. What began as a local extension of that movement evolved into a true community — welcoming all kinds of rigs and enthusiasts eager to test their builds, connect with nature, and rediscover freedom on the open road.

The name “Born to Roam” itself originated from a global campaign by Front Runner, a premium overlanding gear brand in South Africa which is locally distributed by Premium Overland Outfitters established in 2014. What began as a local extension of that movement evolved into a true community — welcoming all kinds of rigs and enthusiasts eager to test their builds, connect with nature, and rediscover freedom on the open road.

That realization came to life with Roam Fest 2025, held from October 16 to 19, 2025, at Camp Forest Springs in Bacolod City. The event transformed the vast campsite into a vibrant, united community of overlanders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“Roam Fest is more than just an event — it’s a movement,” said Perez. “It’s about reigniting our love for the outdoors, promoting sustainable travel, and celebrating how our journeys connect us as one nation.”

At its core, Roam Fest aims to become a yearly gathering that brings together overlanders and campers from across the country — creating a venue to connect, inspire, and promote new camping and overlanding destinations. The goal: to grow the lifestyle of outdoor appreciation and adventure while fostering community and environmental responsibility.

What started as a hobby for many has evolved into a full-blown lifestyle. “We used to camp alone or with a few friends,” shared Perez. “Now, people bring their partners, kids, and even their dogs. Overlanding has become a way of life — about balance, adaptability, and sharing the outdoors with family.”

Each overlander designs their own rig to fit their needs — reflecting not just their gear preferences but their way of living and exploring.

Overlanding in the Philippines has grown significantly — especially during the pandemic when people sought freedom and open spaces. “There are many of us now,” Perez said. “It became a hobby because there was nowhere else to go, but it stuck because it gave us something more meaningful — connection, nature, and peace.”

Born to Roam PH stands at the heart of this movement — inspiring others to discover their own rhythm of travel and to experience the country’s diverse landscapes through the lens of freedom, resilience, and community.

With its successful debut, Roam Fest is set to become an annual tradition — one that will continue to champion Philippine tourism, environmental appreciation, and the spirit of adventure.

“If you want the ultimate Philippine adventure — one that challenges you, strengthens your bonds, and makes you fall in love with your country — this is it,” said Perez. “All you need is time, resources, and the will to roam.”

From South Africa to the Philippines the desire to be a rambling man cannot be stamped out. 

In Boracay cardilogists have decided to revive a life-saving initative. They are going to teach CPR! 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264534

The newly formed Capiz-Aklan chapter of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) will revive the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on Wheels and Wings (CWW) program in Boracay Island.

The initiative is a joint advocacy of the group of cardiologists and the Department of Tourism (DOT), which started back in 2016, but took a backseat during the pandemic.

The campaign targets to equip health workers and non-medical individuals — including drivers, students, resort staffand vendors — with hands-only CPR in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

“The PHA national council on CPR and Capiz-Aklan chapter will spearhead the revival of the CWW, aimed to transform the country’s tourist destinations into CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED)-ready communities and establishments,” said newly minted chapter president, Dr. Rommel Mosquete, in a statement released by the PHA on Wednesday.

He said cardiovascular disease is the leading health menace in the Philippines and around the world.

"A cardiac arrest victim has to be revived within four to six minutes to prevent irreversible neurologic or brain damage. That is why knowledge of hands-only CPR among bystanders or a witness is crucial to save a life while waiting for the ambulance to arrive,” Mosquete added.

The chapter targets to hold the training in February 2026.

During the three-day training in October 2016, around 550 participants were trained in partnership with the local government of Malay through its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Boracay Foundation and DOT.

Meanwhile, Mosquete took his oath as president of the Aklan and Capiz chapter before PHA national president Dr. Walid Amid in a ceremony in Roxas City on Sunday.

The chapter has 13 cardiologist members who previously served under PHA Western Visayas–Panay.

They now operate as the 15th provincial chapter of the PHA.

Knowing CPR should be standard for all health workers. This only reveals how backwards the Philippines really is. 

In Cebu City thousands of health workers still have not received their pandemic allowances. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/p431m-allowance-still-unreleased

THOUSANDS of health workers in Cebu City reportedly remain unpaid for their service during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a councilor.

Years after the height of the crisis, Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. is urging immediate action to release the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA). Despite the National Government allocating funds, administrative failures and the dissolution of pandemic-response offices have left nearly 4,000 former frontliners without the benefits mandated by law.

Why is the distribution of HEA stalled

The delay persists due to a breakdown in record-keeping following the disbandment of temporary pandemic offices and the lack of designated personnel to manage the payroll lists. While funds are reportedly available, bureaucratic hurdles and redundant requirements have prevented the money from reaching the beneficiaries. 

Availability of funds

The funds required to pay these workers are reportedly already in the possession of the local government. Records from the City Treasurer’s Office indicate that Cebu City received P431,324,718 intended for HEA disbursement.

Councilor Mikel Rama noted that the Department of Budget and Management released P6.767 billion nationwide for HEA allocations in November. This contradicts any claims that the City is waiting for the National Government to download the funds. Rama emphasized that the delay contradicts the intent of Republic Act (RA) 11712.

Allowance tiers and legal basis

Under RA 11712, the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, eligible workers are entitled to a monthly HEA based on their risk exposure. These mandated minimum rates are P3,000 for those in low-risk areas (office-based personnel), P6,000 for medium-risk areas (field workers) and P9,000 for those deployed in high-risk areas (hospitals and areas involving direct contact with infectious agents).

These benefits are applicable retroactively to July 1, 2021, and remain in effect for the duration of the declared public health emergency. Eligible recipients cover a broad range of public and private health care and non-health care workers, regardless of employment status (including contractual and job order personnel). This includes nurses, midwives, medical technologists and support staff, as well as registered barangay health workers who are part of the Department of Health’s response efforts. The prior law, RA 11494 (Bayanihan to Recover as One Act), provided similar but temporary benefits that expired before RA 11712 took effect.

Disbanded offices and missing records

A significant cause of the delay is the dissolution of specific units created to handle the pandemic response. These include Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), the Cebu City Quarantine Center, the City Health Department and the Emergency Operations Center.

When these offices closed, many personnel resigned or moved to other jobs. Consequently, there were no “focal persons” left to consolidate and track the lists of qualified recipients. This led to late or incomplete submissions of names to the Department of Health (DOH).

“This issue has been going on for a very long time. The problem is that our offices submitted their lists to the DOH late. Many offices only existed during the pandemic and have since disappeared, which is why the processing became disorganized,” Alcover said.

Redundant requirements

Despite validation processes conducted by the DOH and the City, some offices continue to demand additional documents from workers, such as office clearances, service records, computation sheets and signed undertakings.

Alcover argues that these requirements are unnecessary for workers who have already been validated and included in the master list. He contends that presenting an identification card should suffice and adding more prerequisites only prolongs the wait.

“Yet up to this day, wa gihapon sila makadawat sa Health Emergency Allowance nga gisaad sa balaod,” he said.

Consequences and next steps

The City Accounting Office and the treasurer’s office have committed to releasing the allowances by Dec. 24. However, the City Council has requested an executive session to clarify the exact status of the payroll, the amount of unutilized funds and the specific steps required to ensure lawful disbursement.

Failure to meet the December deadline would mean that thousands of workers still have to wait. The City Government must now focus on determining exactly who remains unlisted and how to process the payroll through the Management Information and Computer Services system immediately.

“This is not just delayed paperwork. This is justice… It is only right that this government fulfills its obligation to them,” Alcover said.

So much red tape for people to get what they are owed!

One journalist has recounted her harrowing experience covering the pandemic. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2152650/covering-and-learning-from-covid-19

The Philippines, like many other countries, was not immune to the initial shock waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reports of rising influenza-like illnesses in the past months pushed Filipinos to be more careful—yet again. Some were again seen wearing face masks.

Given the years of living under the shadow of COVID-19, such reaction to sickness is, I guess, expected.

During the pandemic, journalists played a crucial role in keeping people informed, while also experiencing difficulty delivering information about COVID-19 from government officials, some of whom were reluctant to answer queries.

Reporters worked remotely as government press conferences were held online. This led to many unanswered questions, including why the COVID-19 crisis was escalating amid class suspensions and travel restrictions.

Scary experience

The Philippine Daily Inquirer had adjusted to the pandemic to ensure that coverage continued while the safety of employees was also protected. The work arrangements included shuttle service to pick up and drop off employees, as well as the implementation of the work-from-home option.

There were instances when reporters exposed to people who tested positive for COVID-19 feared they had caught the virus, too.

I repeatedly cried out of fear that I might have brought the virus to my parents, who are both senior citizens, and my daughter, who was still a minor.

While the experience of covering the pandemic was both exciting and instructive, I must admit that it was often scary most of the time.

But I also knew that despite the fears that came with the job, journalists needed to present accurate news to the public so they would know what to do, especially when more and more people began catching the virus.

These days, every time the flu season comes around, I always think that the simple act of wearing a mask is not just about safekeeping oneself or others, but is also about preventing history from repeating itself.

During the pandemic, journalists had to find alternatives and adhere to safety measures to gather news once lockdowns and compulsory social distancing measures were implemented.

Invisible subject

Reporters had to strategize when it came to news gathering, especially in verifying information and interviewing sources.

Philippine media organizations took unprecedented steps to ensure the well-being of employees while delivering timely updates to a public starving for information.

Compared to other assignments, the danger for journalists this time was that the deadly subject was invisible.

In July 2023, President Marcos lifted the “state of public health emergency” declared due to COVID-19. But while the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the country’s health-care system, the Department of Health believed it also paved the way for “transformative improvements” in health-care response.

The COVID-19 may have upended our lives, but it also encouraged us to see things in a different light, to find creative ways to thrive in the new normal and to appreciate our homes and our loved ones.

Staying positive

The pandemic forced all of us to quickly bounce back from challenging times. It allowed us to adapt in many ways—in the way we connected and engaged with people, the way we worked and the way we took care of our health.

I learned that staying positive was key. I had the opportunity to exercise, eat healthier meals and spend more time talking to my family.

But more than protecting one’s health to fight illness, I also learned pandemic survival tips that I practiced with my family.

It helps to be equipped with the right information to allow you to make cautious yet rational decisions. Thus, getting facts from verified media outlets is important amid the spread of fake news.

It also pays not to be overconfident or too complacent because of other people around us.

While we may think of ourselves as having strong immune systems, we have to be considerate of others, like our senior citizen parents, who are more vulnerable.

Taking care of oneself also means taking care of others, particularly in our own households. For many of us, it took a pandemic to drive home that truth.

Too bad she wasn't courageous enough to speak out against the experimental vaccines or to question the government's unnecessary and economically crippling lockdowns. Hoo-ray for Filipino journalism. 

NLEX Flooding Leads To So-Called Filipino Resiliency

Here is another story that, on its face, seems like a tale of resiliency. A tale of overcoming the odds. But a peep behind the curtains reveals the rot at the bottom. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/07/22/vendors-sell-instant-noodles-biscuits-to-stranded-motorists-in-nlex

The Filipinos' entrepreneurial spirit will always prevail, even during calamity situations.

At the height of heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon along the stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) near the Mindanao Avenue exit, vendors sprouted and started selling instant noodles and biscuits to motorists and their passengers who were stranded in the flooded expressway.

A video posted by a netizen showed vendors offering cup noodles for P50 and biscuits for P30. They were also seen carrying pots of hot water to cook the noodles with.

The uploader said they were stranded for seven hours, prompting many to buy food just to get by.

The incident drew mixed reactions online. 

Some praised the vendors for helping people in need, while others criticized the prices as too high.

One netizen said, “Still, thanks to them. Your goods were a big help.”

“That’s the right thing to do—better than gambling or doing something wrong. It’s much better to work hard the right way. Great job, guys. Kudos to you!,” another commented.

Heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat) have led to major flooding and traffic in Metro Manila.

There are two aspects to this story that need to be broken down. 

1. The flooding along NLEX. Built between 1968 and 1989, the NLEX is geared to handle lots of traffic. But it appears they did not build flood solutions into the roads. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/953432/nlex-working-closely-with-gov-t-agencies-lgus-on-long-term-flood-solutions/story/

NLEX Corp., the operator of the North Luzon Expressway, on Tuesday said it is working closely with relevant government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to provide long-term solutions to the flooding as adverse weather conditions brought by Typhoon Crising and Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) rains rendered the major thoroughfare impassable for several hours.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said safety remains its top priority as it encouraged motorists to monitor official weather bulletins and avoid non-essential travel during this time.

The toll roads operator said that on July 21, 2025 continuous rains brought by Crising and the Southwest Monsoon caused the surrounding rivers and creeks in Valenzuela and Meycauyan to overflow. 

“It resulted in flooding at certain portions of NLEX, despite the continuous operations of pumping stations,” the company said.

“These led to the temporary closures of Balintawak Cloverleaf and the Valenzuela Northbound and Southbound portions, including several expressway entry and exit points,” it said.

NLEX Corp. said it immediately deployed teams to monitor the situation, assess water levels, and provide on-site assistance. 

Patrol and emergency teams were mobilized to open U-turn slots and redirect vehicles to safer routes, it added.

“At around 8 p.m., both directions at the Balintawak Cloverleaf were passable to all types of vehicles,” the company said.

NLEX Corp. said it provided drinking water and snacks to assist stranded motorists. 

Why are they working on long time flood solutions now? Shouldn't they have done this earlier? Everybody knows the Philippines floods during the rainy season. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/07/22/very-old-drainage-system-hampers-metro-manila-flood-controldpwh

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday, July 22, raised concern over Metro Manila’s flood control capability, saying the region’s “very old” drainage system is no longer sufficient to handle the volume of rainwater during heavy downpours. 

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said nearly 70 percent of the capital region’s drainage network can no longer channel floodwaters to pumping stations, even though these facilities remain fully operational. 

“The pumping stations are working. The problem is, floodwaters can’t flow to them because the drainage system is not adequate to convey floodwaters,” Bonoan said, noting that much of the system is outdated and heavily silted. 

He also cited that areas previously not prone to flooding, including Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, are now experiencing water buildup due to clogged inlets and disconnected waterways. 

A comprehensive assessment by the DPWH showed that the region’s drainage network can no longer cope with present-day rainfall levels. 

In response, the department has partnered with the World Bank to update Metro Manila’s flood management master plan 

The updated plan includes the rehabilitation of 32 existing pumping stations and the construction of two additional facilities in the Metro Talon area. 

While operations and maintenance are under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the DPWH is leading infrastructure improvements. 

“This has to be done immediately. It’s only the start of the rainy season, and already we’re seeing serious flooding issues,” Bonoan said. 

The agency will also review MMDA’s report attributing flooding along Commonwealth Avenue to the ongoing construction of the MRT-7 station. 

Bonoan said technical recommendations will be issued following a detailed assessment. 

Meanwhile, more than 20,000 residents across 55 barangays in Quezon City were evacuated due to severe flooding caused by garbage-clogged drains and rising waters from the San Mateo, San Juan, Tullahan, and Meycauayan rivers. 

Quezon City spokesperson Peachy de Leon said the city’s drainage system was overwhelmed by improperly disposed garbage and the overflowing La Mesa Dam, which contributed to flooding in several low-lying communities. 

To address long-term flood risks, the DPWH is pursuing the Pasig-Marikina River floodway program, which includes the construction of retarding basins and potential flood-control dams to manage runoff from the Sierra Madre mountain range. 

Bonoan said President Marcos has directed a “holistic approach” to flood mitigation, integrating engineering solutions with land use planning, environmental protection, and solid waste management. 

“Flooding is not just an engineering problem. It’s also a problem of environment, land use, and garbage. We need an all-of-government strategy,” Bonoan added.

The real reason the pumps are not working is because of garbage. That is a government problem.  They know garbage is being littered and they wait until flooding happens?

2. Filipino resiliency. 

This is the second part of the article.  Filipinos sell food to stranded motorists. Why?  Well, because they need money. But if they had jobs that paid they would not need to risk thier lives by wading through floodwaters to make a few pesos. This so-called resiliency is often paraded as a virtue when in fact it is indicative of the dire straits in which some people live. 

https://opinion.inquirer.net/177869/stop-romanticizing-resilience

Resilience is the most abused and overused term to describe what helps Filipinos survive calamities. The word has started to sound like a backhanded compliment because being resilient for many simply implies that it is the only way for them to survive difficult situations in the absence of long-term, sustainable solutions.

As Albay Rep. Joey Salceda found out when he wrote on his Facebook page in a now-deleted post, “Good day Global Albay. We are resilient,” resiliency is no longer viewed positively especially when it only exposes and highlights the abject failure of the government to address perennial problems such as heavy flooding during typhoons. And then there was Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte who said residents in his jurisdiction—one of the areas hardest hit by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine”—were already “accustomed” to typhoons.

Kristine dumped two months’ worth of rain in several provinces affecting 2.3 million Filipinos; over 40 have been reported dead and about 250,000 displaced. The Department of Agriculture estimated damage to crops amounting to P143 million. Many areas including Cavite, Quezon, Samar, and Bicol have been placed under a state of calamity. No one should be accustomed to such disasters.

That the Philippines is the most disaster-prone country in the world has been established by the World Risk Index, which has ranked it at the top for the third consecutive year due to its exposure and vulnerability to natural disasters, as well as the lack of coping and adaptive capacities. But aside from these factors, Katrin Radtke, a senior researcher specializing in disaster preparedness at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, said poverty and high levels of corruption hugely contribute to the country’s risk ranking.

As Kristine battered Luzon and the Visayas, viral social media posts laid bare the plight of many Filipinos: desperate appeals for help by affected residents trapped in their homes or forced to climb to the roof to escape the rising floods, many more braving waist-deep or even deeper waters to save family, property, or pets—scenes reminiscent of many previous typhoons that had hit the country. At one point, Bicol’s Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council announced that its rescuers could no longer respond to the numerous calls for rescue due to the shortage of rubber boats and advised residents to look for safe areas (“humanap muna ng puwedeng ligtas na lugar”). Even President Marcos said he felt a “little helpless” and that all the government could do was “sit tight, wait, hope, pray that there’s not too much damage, that there are no casualties.”

The government, given the resources it has at its disposal, is the last institution that should feel helpless. It has billions of funds allocated for projects that are meant to avoid the very situations Filipinos found themselves in during the onslaught of Kristine. But, as cited in last Tuesday’s editorial, an Oxfam report has found that 70 percent of funds meant for mitigating disasters are almost untouched. This reflects the reactionary mindset prevalent among government officials, which must change.

Resilience is not bad in itself, but only when there are established systems that prepare communities for disasters, prevent them from suffering huge losses, and help them restore and rebuild stronger for future extreme events. The government must take decisive action and shift its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) policy from being reactive and hyper-focused on relief and rescue to one that is proactive and aimed at mitigation. This could include tapping technology to help communities anticipate the amount of rainfall and determine hazardous and flood-prone areas, provide vulnerable households with survival kits, and build better flood-control infrastructure, stronger dwellings, and permanent shelters so there won’t be any need to resort to using schools or basketball courts as temporary evacuation centers.

It must also stop development projects that are destructive to nature, specifically, forests and mangroves, which act as shields against typhoons and tsunamis. Sierra Madre, for example, an Isabela official believes, spared the province from the brunt of Kristine’s wrath. This makes the protection of mountain ranges and forests from denudation and deforestation of paramount importance.

Filipinos are not helpless either. In the coming midterm elections, they can choose to vote for leaders who have clear environmental platforms. Do they have sound DRRM plans or will they ride their version of Noah’s Ark to distribute cash to their desperate constituents in the middle of the floods to cover up for the lack of disaster preparedness? Ecological issues are as equally important as economic matters and those running for public office must be scrutinized on where they stand on them. This vicious cycle that enables politicians to exploit and romanticize people’s resilience must end.

Resiliency says less about the people and more about the corrupt government which does little to prevent very preventable calamities such as flooding.

Insurgency: NPA Strength Down to 780

The NTF-ELCAC has given an official update as to the remaining NPA strength. Now there are only 780 fighters left. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264624

From tens of thousands during their heyday, the number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels all over the country has dwindled to less than 1,000, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Thursday, citing a "recent report."

"A recent report that we have received [indicates that] there are only 780 NPAs all over the country," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a media briefing marking the 7th founding anniversary of the task force.

"That's relatively small because at their peak [in the 1980s], they numbered to about 25,000," he added.

Torres did not identify the source of the report nor give additional details regarding its contents. But according to him, these NPA remnants are holed up in the mountains, with some curious about the various programs the government is offering to former rebels.

"That's why we need the support of the media, for us to tell the public in general so that it (programs) would reach 'yung mga kapatid natin na nasa bundok pa (our countrymen who are still in the mountains)," Torres said.

Among these government initiatives are the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which assists former rebels in their reintegration into mainstream society, and the amnesty program.

"The Barangay Development Program (BDP), which is our flagship initiative, stands as the clearest proof that development is the most enduring path to peace," Torres said, referring to the task force's initiative aimed at bringing development to conflict-affected communities.

"Over the past seven years, we have seen how communities once isolated by conflict are now emerging as centers of hope, partnership and opportunity," he said.

Torres said there are more than 4,800 formerly conflict-affected barangays that have benefited from BDP in the form of roads, classrooms, water systems, electrification, health stations, and livelihood support.

"The gains we celebrate are real, but they must be protected. We cannot afford complacency," the NTF-ELCAC official said. "Sustaining peace requires unity of purpose, good governance and continued support from all sectors, especially from the communities who stand to benefit the most." 

Lots of things to note here. First of all is this new count is only down 331 men from the estimated 1,111 during the last official count released in November, 2024. 

(In terms of the strength of the New People's Army, they are really weak. So they only have about 1,111 fighters left from the 2,200 last year. So that is a big reduction in their manpower. And in terms of firearms, the reduction is the same, about 1,000 firearms have been reduced.)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/926473/afp-npa-4-weakened-fronts-1-100-rebels/story/

Since that last count thousands of supporters and rebels have surrendered. But this new count, if accurate, reveals that only 331 rebels have surrendered in the last year. That means the numbers the AFP releases about surrenderees are both conflated and inflated. 

The second thing to note is that the NTF-ELCAC "did not identify the source of the report nor give additional details regarding its contents." Why should we believe them? 

The third thing to note is that this report is very sure "these NPA remnants are holed up in the mountains, with some curious about the various programs the government is offering to former rebels." The scared rebel remnants are cautiously sticking out their heads to see what programs the government is offering and testing the winds to surrender at the right time. However, a COA audit says the DND has barely tapped millions of funds intended for use by the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/12/02/2491413/coa-flags-dnd-barely-tapping-millions-ntf-elcac-funds

The Department of National Defense only used roughly a third of the funds it received for programs under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) from 2020 to 2024, leaving most of the money unspent and forcing the return of more than P7.6 million to government coffers. 

This was one of several observations by the Commission on Audit for the DND in the annual audit reports it released on Monday, December 1. 

Since 2020, COA said the DND has been allotted a total of P14.3 million in NTF-ELCAC funds. But the department obligated only P4.6 million, or 31.8%. The remaining P9.8 million was left untouched, with P7.6 million eventually reverting to the national treasury. 

In its report, COA said DND's “low over-all utilization rate… indicates inefficiencies in fund administration” and delays in carrying out programs intended to support counterinsurgency efforts.

he Duterte-era task force has faced sustained criticism under the Marcos administration, with progressive groups and opposition lawmakers saying it has been used primarily to red-tag activists rather than carry out development projects. They have pressed for its abolition and for its budget to be realigned to education and social services. 

Security officials and the DND itself — the task force member most responsible for internal security operations — have defended the task force as it purportedly roots out rebels through barangay development programs, among others.

But the audit report released Monday shows that even within the defense department, NTF-ELCAC funds have gone largely unused.

According to COA, the unspent allotments translated into “missed opportunities” to carry out projects aimed at peace and development in conflict-affected communities — the task force’s core mandate under Executive Order No. 70, issued in 2018 under former President Rodrigo Duterte.  

Restructuring. The DND initially created an NTF-ELCAC core group in 2019, but later abolished this through a March 2023 department circular that set new counterinsurgency policies and established the DND NTF-ELCAC Management Office. COA noted that this office is supposed to oversee all programs and activities tied to the task force’s goals.

Despite this restructuring, auditors said the department still failed to carry out and obligate most of its allotted funds. 

Next steps. COA recommended the DND to maximize the utilization of NTF-ELCAC funds by "identifying programs and projects, ensuring their alignment with the objective of attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, and ensuring that they are implemented to achieve intended impact.

The department, COA said, agreed with the recommendation during its exit conference on March 31, 2025.

This is very important information the public should know about. Yet, it will likely not provoke any outrage from the public or government officials. How can the NTF-ELCAC claim rebels are ready to surrender when the very programs meant to support them are barely funded? As of this writing no one has offered a comment. Despite this severe underutilization of funds the NTF-ELCAC is touting its Barangay Development Program and urging the public to help sustain the gains. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264650

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has called on the public to help the government maintain and protect the hard-won gains against the communist insurgents and its allies.

"The gains are real, but they are fragile if we grow complacent. Peace is not the job of one agency. It is the shared responsibility of a whole nation,” NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said as the anti-communist body celebrated its 7th year anniversary Thursday night.

He also called on all Filipinos for sustained unity and vigilance.

“If we want conflict never to return, if we want communities to remain safe, if we want our children to grow up free from fear, then we must all defend unity, protect peace, and sustain inclusive development," Torres stressed.

He highlighted the Barangay Development Program (BDP) as a cornerstone of the government’s peace strategy in achieving these gains.

Since 2021, the BDP has delivered PHP36.82 billion worth of projects to 4,830 formerly conflict-affected barangays, benefiting more than 15.8 million Filipinos.

“Development – not terror – wins. These are real roads, classrooms, water systems, health stations, and livelihood projects that extremists can never provide,” Torres said.

Responding to calls to defund the program, Torres clarified that NTF-ELCAC does not handle BDP funds.

“Barangays identify their needs, local governments implement the projects, and we ensure transparency and strict monitoring,” he said, stressing that “attacking the BDP is an attack on the poorest communities.”

Torres also reported significant gains in reintegration through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the government’s Amnesty Program.

From 2019 to 2025, a total of 50,907 individuals from various threat groups have returned to the fold of the law, including 15,670 New People's Army members, and over 10,000 firearms were surrendered nationwide.

“Thousands of former rebels are choosing the path of peace. They are returning to society with restored rights, livelihood, and renewed hope," Torres said.

“These are not negotiations on paper – these are concrete collapses of armed structures,” he said.

Just as concerning as the 31% utilization rate of funds since 2020 are the numbers of alleged NPA surrenders.  The NTF-ELCAC claims that  15,670 NPA members have surrendered between 2019 and 2025. That is number is preposterous. In 2021, the AFP said 3,684 NPA had surrendered between 2016 and 2021

Navy Captain Ferdinand Buscato, executive director of the government’s Task Force Balik-Loob, said the 17,958 returnees from July 1, 2016 to May 28, 2021 include 3,684 New People's Army (NPA) regulars, 2,039 members of the Militia ng Bayan, 1,736 from underground mass organizations, 636 from Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, and 7,074 communist mass supporters.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2021/06/insurgency-kill-terrorism.html

That same year the NTF-ELCAC claimed there were only 4,000 NPA regulars left. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1439527/esperon-sees-police-leading-counterinsurgency-if-npa-numbers-fall-by-1500-fighters

The police could take the lead role in dealing with communist insurgency once New People’s Army (NPA) strength has declined by 1,500 fighters, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon on Monday (May 31).

There are still currently 4,000 regular NPA members, according to Esperon, who is also vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

“Personally, this is just personal, if we could reduce the strength by another 1,500 then they can become a concern for the police, like they are already bandits,” Esperson said at an online press briefing.

If there were only 4,000 NPA regulars in 2021 then the surrender of 15,670 between 2019 and 2025 is impossible! Every time I have examined the numbers of alleged surrenders versus alleged remaining NPA the numbers have come up short. 

Again, the government, via the NTF-ELCAC, claims they want to keep cleared villages free from NPA influence. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264485

The government has moved toward ensuring that barangays formerly controlled by the New People's Army (NPA) remain free of the communist rebels' influence.

"This ensures that hard-won peace is irreversible and that communities once trapped in fear now move toward stability, governance, and development," the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the anti-communist body said this is a "decisive new phase" of its peace campaign aimed at securing, sustaining, and insulating the barangays from NPA influence.

"This new phase signals a clear national resolve: no liberated barangay will fall back into fear. No hard-won peace will be surrendered," it said.

This step is included in the Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF) Operational Plans that National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chairman Eduardo Año approved during the task force's Inter-Regional and Inter-Cluster Summit held in Quezon City on Nov. 27 and 28.

Año's approval, the NTF-ELCAC said, affirms the plans' alignment with national peace and development priorities and authorizes their synchronized nationwide implementation.

During the event, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. challenged participants – leaders of all JRTFs and National Clusters – to anchor the implementation of the plans on integrity, unity, and accountability.

"Treat these plans not as mere documents, but as our shared pledge to the Filipino people. Let us be honest in our assessments. Bold in our ideas. Firm in our accountability. And united in our commitment to Build Peace Better," Torres told the participants.

But with a 31% utilization rate over the past five years cumulatively that does not pan out. Where is the money going? The NTF-ELCAC needs to be audited.

Another non-existent NPA leader has been killed in a firefight.  This time in Negros. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/02/npa-leader-killed-in-negros-occidental-clash

A squad leader of the dismantled Central Negros 2 (CN2) of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday morning, Dec. 2.

Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban, 94th IB commander, identified the fatality as Ka Marcos, a resident of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Tayaban said that Ka Marcos was allegedly involved in the killings of civilians in Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, and Binalbagan in Negros Occidental.

Tayaban said troops responded to a report from relatives of an NPA couple alleging that some communist rebels were extorting from farmers in the hinterland barangay.

While the soldiers were scouring the area, they encountered at least five NPA rebels past 7 a.m. No injuries were reported on the government side.

Recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, several ammunition, grenades, subversive documents, NPA flag, and personal belongings.

Tayaban said the body of the slain rebel is still at the encounter site. They will be coordinating with the local government. Pursuit operation is ongoing against the fleeing rebels.

He said that no civilians were harmed or affected in the firefight.

Tayaban said the death of Ka Marcos will affect the rebel group in their attempt to regain the support of the community. He said this may serve as warning to those who are still with the armed struggle to surrender.

Funny how the allegedly leaderless NPA keeps giving up leaders to the fight. The AFP is also passing this off as a big blow but that's what they always say. 

In Samar two soldiers were killed in a firefight with the NPA. The Army has said they will not let up.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264560

The Philippine Army (PA) has vowed relentless operations against New People's Army (NPA) "remnants" following Wednesday's clash in Samar that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

In a statement Wednesday night, PA chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete called on the remaining NPA members to "abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful reintegration."

"We will have no letup as troops continue to track down and pursue communist terrorist group remnants," he warned.

Nafarette issued the statement following the clash between the 46th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar on the wee hours of Wednesday where two soldiers were killed.

Initial information revealed that the two fatalities are both technical sergeants, but the PA has yet to officially release their names.

The clash was triggered by reports of NPA presence in upland Barangay Babaclayon where the insurgents forcibly occupied private properties and used them as hideouts.

"Our fallen soldiers served with courage and dedication, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten," Nafarette said of the two fatalities.

"Security operations will continue, to ensure the protection of local communities."

The PA commander also assured the families of the two soldiers of the military's full support during what he described as a "difficult time."

The fourth-class San Jose de Buan town with a population of nearly 8,000 is one of the NPA’s strongholds in Samar Island, considering its strategic location within the tri-boundaries of Northern, Eastern and Samar provinces.

And as they say this another year comes to a close.  Another year full of the same promises and swagger. Another year full of the dead. 

No More Hell Run By Filipinos 16: It's All About The Legacy

One of the things that holds the Philippines back and transforms it into a hell run by Filipinos is the lack of dedicated service by politicians to the people. Politicians are dedicated to one thing only, their legacy. Also power. Former Bacolod City Mayor and now Bacolod City Lone District Representative Abelardo Benitez exemplifies that awful trait. Recently he has decided to convene a flood control summit to address the flooding in the city. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1256749

Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he will organize a flood control summit to tackle solutions that would address the recurring floods in this highly urbanized city.

“To address the flooding in our city, we are spearheading the convening of a flood control summit to discuss and to resolve to adopt real, doable solutions,” Benitez said in a statement over the weekend, but did not announce the date yet.

The former mayor of Bacolod said he will bring together residents and those from surrounding areas, as well as national and local government officials, contractors, and experts.

Last month, monsoon rains caused floods in the northern part of the city, affecting more than 5,000. Adjacent Talisay City also experienced flooding that affected 15,605 persons in 16 villages.

“Given the continued risks posed by flooding to our home, it is only right to demand accountability and ensure that those behind failed or inadequate projects are punished,” Benitez said.

In the “Isumbong sa Pangulo” (Report to the President) website, a number of multi-million flood control projects in Bacolod have been listed with completion dates from 2022 to 2025.

“To solve this recurring problem, we must recognize that accountability alone will not keep our communities safe. This summit is not about pointing fingers. It is about rolling up our sleeves and putting our heads together to find concrete ways to protect lives, homes, and livelihoods,” Benitez said.

Since last month, Mayor Greg Gasataya has been initiating the clearing and dredging of the major waterways as part of the city’s flood mitigation efforts targeting vulnerable areas.

Where was Benitez between 2022 and 2025 when he was Mayor? Was he not searching for flood solutions? Was he not ordering the rivers and waterways to be dredged and cleared of litter? Was he not enforcing the anti-littering laws? It seems not because the current Mayor, Greg Gasataya, has announced his administration will be doing those exact things. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1256604

Mayor Greg Gasataya on Thursday pushed for the strict enforcement of the anti-littering ordinance to sustain the city’s flood prevention and mitigation efforts after a huge volume of garbage had been collected from major waterways in the past weeks.

“We’re studying the penalty aspects of the anti-littering ordinance. We need to implement this. We can’t just clean up every day and let those who throw garbage anywhere get away with it,” the mayor said in an interview.

City Ordinance 531, or the Anti-Littering Ordinance of Bacolod City, which was passed on March 23, 2011, prohibits the littering of plastics, papers, or any other refuse in open or public places, waterways, and recreational areas and provides penalties thereof.

Any person caught violating the ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined PHP500 for the first offense and PHP1,000 for the succeeding offenses, and shall render community service for not less than one day to not more than 15 days.

In the clean-up operation for Banago River alone, at least 10,995 kilograms of garbage have been collected, and almost 500 tons of silt have been extracted from July to August.

Gasataya ordered the clearing and de-clogging of the city’s major waterways after floods caused by monsoon rains affected more than 5,000 Bacolodnons in early July.

The clean-up drive in waterways is part of the city’s flood mitigation efforts targeting vulnerable areas, including Barangays 2, 8, and 10, which are located in the city proper.

“This needs the support of everybody. I am asking for everyone’s support, not just for residents of Bacolod, but even for those who come to the city every day,” Gasataya said. 

Benitez left office at the end of June 2025. 10,995 kilograms of garbage didn't accumulate overnight. That happened on his watch. Where was he for the past three years? The Benitez  allocated 11 million pesos for the MassKarra festival in 20204 alone. How much was spent on dredging the waterways and removing garbage? Not enough, that's for sure. 

The problem here is that these politicians do not care about their constituents. They float from office to office biding their time until their term runs out. Then float to a new office even if it is lower on the totem pole. In 2022 Benitez went from being a Representative of Victorias City to Mayor of Bacolod City. Then in 2025 he and Gasataya switched posts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235059

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya here switched posts, running for congressman and mayor, respectively, under Team Asenso Bacolod in the May 2025 elections.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is challenging Gasataya for the mayoral post as both are set to finish their three terms after the elections next year.

“I thank Mayor Albee and the Team Asenso for the trust they have given me. It’s not that Mayor Albee is going to leave us; it’s only that when you’re in a team, you have to play different roles with one common objective. That is, do everything that we can to make Bacolod a super city,” Gasataya said during a press conference at SMX Convention Center after filing their certificates of candidacy before the Commission on Elections on Tuesday.

Benitez’s move is expected to pave the way for his return to the House of Representatives after serving as congressman of the neighboring Third District of Negros Occidental from 2010 to 2019. 

“At this stage, I will make sure that all the legislations and congressional acts that I’ll be doing are aligned with ensuring the acceleration of the mission to make Bacolod a super city,” Benitez said.

Benitez will have a rematch against former mayor Evelio Leonardia, who is also running for congressman, after losing his reelection bid to the incumbent mayor in the 2022 elections. 

Greg Gasataya began his political career in 2001 as a councilor. In 2013 he was elected as Vice Mayor and served as acting Mayor between 2015-2016. Since then he has been a member of the House. Now that Gasataya's term is ending he is running for Mayor while his party mate, the current mayor, is running for Gasataya's seat in the House. 

Benitez began his political career in 2010 winning a seat in the House for the fourth district of Negros Occidental. His term ended in 2019. After changing his address from Victorias to Bacolod in 2021 he ran for Mayor of Bacolod in 2022. He is also an American having been born in Palo Alto, California. 

Benetiz's son Javi is currently mayor of Victorias and is also in the running for a seat in the House. His mother had some illuminating words.

Third District Congressional Bet Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez was accompanied by his mother Nikki Lopez-Benitez with all the mayors under the district showed their support for him and trooped to the Comelec Provincial Office.

"We will continue the Benitez's legacy. I will quote the late President Ramon Magsaysay, those who have less in life should have more in law, and that's what we'll push for in the legislative position.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/major-political-figures-in-the-province-file-coc 

What's all this "We" stuff? She's not running for office. She won't be pushing for any legislation. But the fact is when one member of the family is in office all members of the family are in office. The family legacy is of the utmost importance to these people. 

So you see all the political merry-go-round happening just in these two situations. House members can only serve three consecutive three-year terms while Senators can only hold two six-year terms. After sitting out a term they are free to run again. These term limits are what enable the constant switching in the Philippine government. It's the same old faces coming back around again. It's the same old Philippines subject to their whims and it is why this nation remains a hell run by Filipinos.