The Majestic Sleeping Beauty (thefilipinoaustralian.com)
by Norma Hennessy (http://thefilipinoaustralian.com)
Abrenians worldwide have sought the social media to express their terror for their families and relatives about their fear that Abra is now beginning to rival Maguindanao for political blood thirst.
Judging from the killing rampage that’s going on of known candidates aspiring for local barangay positions or their allies, that fear is not unfounded.
The terror was precipitated by a series of slaying that’s taking on a weeding-like pattern that infers ‘political cleansing’ or ‘political purging.’
On September 16, 2013 Barangay Captain Arnulfo Madriaga was fatally shot in San Diego, Pidigan, Abra by motorcycle riding men. On October 7, Elmer Ermino Galera was shot in Sagap, Bangued, Abra. On the same day, Arnold Alvarez Bajo was fatally shot in Zone 5, Bangued. These two events were followed by a series of killings: on October 9, 2013, Farmer Crisencio Molina was fatally shot in Cabaroan, Tayum, Abra; on October 14, Barangay Captain Raymond Evangelista in Bangued was fatally shot; on October 16, Barangay Council aspirant Silvestre Donato Sr. was gunned down in Pulot, Lagayan, Abra; on October 18, Abrenian Lawrence Villano was slain in the neighbouring San Julian, Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Prior to 2013 May elections, in dubbing Abra as ‘Killing Fields of the North’, local media drew attention from the National Government, prompting the Philippine National Police headquarters to provide conscientious reinforcement on security in order to prevent deterioration of peace in the province. The extra vigilance of the military somehow debunked that negative image temporarily. However, if such move allayed frantic fears of Abrenians overseas who worried about their families, the much celebrated temporary peace merely reinforced nonchalant contempt among the local residents who have been benumbed by unmitigated wastage of lives in previous elections.
Nevertheless, with the overt and active presence of the PNP in the province before the May 2013 elections, there was none of the previous elections’ bloodshed that people had resignedly come to associate with local elections.
Right after the winners were declared by COMELEC in the May election, military presence disappeared. And Abra’s peace and order took to its old hilly-billy reality of ‘gun-rule’ for power play.
With the October 28 Barangay elections in sight, it’s come to a head.
Meanwhile, in a far cry stance from its previously vocal assertiveness, the local media has scrimped down to a squeak or merely making passing mentions about the deteriorated peace and order.
There was also an overt weather-like change of attitude amongst the now-safely ensconced local authorities in the province from being deeply concerned to being blasé . These same leaders who were previously keen on ‘peace keeping, ’ so much so that they even engaged high profile military presence in the province so as to ensure peace, have suddenly turned deaf and blind about the deteriorated post –election situation.
At this time of the ‘lowlier’ barangay elections, the small people (grassroots) who aspire for seats in the upcoming elections seem to be just falling like dominoes.
God have mercy to those who do not heed the quaintly delivered warning to forego any aspiration to serve and go against those endorsed by the powers above. Barangay positions, being crucial in tactical maneuvering for the political powerplay amongst the local ‘big boys’, have become cause of lives wasted. Yet, there seems to be no sign of the previous active presence of PNP or military vigilance. It is as if, the whole province has been left to its own devices with its own brand of rustic laws.
Abra it seems has been abandoned by the national government unto itself and for the authorities there to do as they please – no questions asked. It is a feudally–immersed province even up to this age of space travel where the people are either just slaves or autocratic masters.
The disadvantaged grassroots, half of whom are indigenous and are living in the now- environmentally wrecked and mining-pillaged uplands, are not only kept at bay from information, but they are also socially excluded from humanitarian benefits. They are kept ignorant of their civil and human rights while being further enslaved to serve the whims and fancy of the other class – the privileged sector of the populace.
Categorically, the ‘grassroots’ are the only other class of people in Abra apart from the political families, their allies and cohorts. And the grassroots make up a dehumanized social sector that time and again, the wider world has forgotten.
Abra forms part of the heart of the Cordilleras. It would be an untold tragedy if the National Government will not turn a concerned eye about the internal on-goings of the province and its neglected people.
And that time is NOW!
abrenian.com 
Ms. Norma, all of the above statement of yours truly reflect the present status of Abra. As per studies geographically abra is a landlocked place where isolation is the main elements. So if anyone will got hold on the top position, he can do whatever he wants without the intervention of the higher ups. Well corruption is no. 1 and to qualms any oppositions on corruption, here comes total elimination, where killings is involved. Take a look now, who cares if all the family will run on different government elected position, nobody cares. Due to prevailing poverty the common people of abra forget about dignity and sell their only right that is the right of suffrage. Now, Ms. Norma Henessy any solution on this present dilemma in abra, which I foresee was not mention on your above foregoing rhetoric.
Posted by Bodong | October 25, 2013, 5:40 amAbra province is listed first among the Phil provinces, but when it comes to national government’s priorities, it is as if the province doesn’t exist. The leadership of Abra (if there is truly one) must be replaced with strong and vocal leaders for the national government level to focus or divert their attention to the demise of our “poor” province and give assistance to the locals, first and foremost, peace and order.
Posted by Genti | October 25, 2013, 8:36 am-“strong and vocal leaders”-
Saw plenty of them,
But when they start talking,
No one supports them.
Why O why Abrenians?
Can’t you put your acts together,
In one bundle you can overcome,
And that time is NOW!
Posted by JOMA | October 26, 2013, 1:28 amReality hurts…hope the best is yet to come.
Posted by Bagnus | October 25, 2013, 10:03 amThe PRESIDENT of the Philippines, the Senators and the Congressmen doesn’t care about what’s going on in ABRA at all.
Posted by anak ka ng huweteng | October 25, 2013, 12:05 pmMs Norma Henessy, ang tanong mo the way I understand is you are comparing the Life of Maguindanao and Abra. I would like to tell you according to my Assessment Abra is better off comparing the Life in Maguindanao, just because over here in Abra, awan pay ti intabun tayo nga Tatta-o nga nabiag wen, Samantala idiay Maguindanao ay Apo Dios ko, Nakaadadu ti Tatta-o nga intanem diay ayan dagitoy nga AMPATUAN, Imagine 58 people were put in the GRAVE. May I asked you yourself how you compare this two situation Madam Norma, I believed no matter what, we still far better than those people in MAGINDANAO.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 25, 2013, 7:39 pmDitoy la Abrenian.com nga kasla maguindanao toy ili tay Nga Abra..naginawan nakayo ni nanang you ti sakit ti nakem…dakay nga poro scientist nga konam la no kalalaingan nga comentaryo nga comentaryo..apay nga kastoy metten ti inkay salsalawasawenen.saan kay met nga makatulong iti irarang ay toy ili tayon ..loksit yo amin idtoy ..why you dont come and visit us all here in Abra and enjoy your dollars
Posted by kapitan Tememus | October 25, 2013, 11:20 pmKasano ka met nga makaawis ti balikbayan ta ayan yo nga Abra ket pati sika ket Saan met nga nasayaat ti pangag sasa-om,Ania ngarud ti ipakitam ti Abra , ket maysa ka pay nga awan ti nassayaat nga panagpampanunot mo. GUYONG?
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 26, 2013, 8:45 pmSIKA NGA BARTEK TULENG POMANAW KADTOY ABRENIAN.COM SAAN KA MET GAYAM NGA TAGA ABRA..APAY SINNO KA NGA UMAY BASAKBASAK DITOY LOKO SO METLA NGA KASLA KALA SINNO TA SAAN KA MET GAYAM A TAGA ABRA..TAGA ANO KA LOKO TA UMAY KO IPALAMOT KENKA AMIN NGA INKA SALSALAWASAWEN DITOY
Posted by DoDo | October 26, 2013, 10:40 pmkapitan tememus, your name serves you right. TAMEME. you should shut up, the people in these thread are saying that the province is fast becoming just like mindanao. Open your eyes to what is really happening to abra or are you just blinded by the salary you are receiving now? You shod just stay TAMEME and not join the discussion if you have no good opinion. or you dont understand the discussion
Posted by mario bang | November 6, 2013, 3:03 amI beg to disagree.walang binatbat ang abra cmpared to Maguindanao before the infamous masaccre in terms of livelihood and properity among indvidual. There are plantations of banana, copra pineaple guavas whc are being exported to other country. Here what cn we find that abrenian can be lived for. No market at all.
Posted by eric shawn | October 26, 2013, 2:19 amAdayo nga nataltalna ti Abra ngem umasping siguro ti rigat gapu met laeng ti corruptions. Adda pangguep tay kallabes nga mangtulad ti maysa nga familya ngem napaayda ta nanaknakem ti Abrenio nga ‘kristyano” ngem dagiti Muslim. Masayanganak laeng Tay atty ta awan gasatna; nasaysayaat koma no isut nangabak ta maiparbeng nga maawagan ti lawmaker ken dakdakel ti namnama nga makaaramid linteg pagimbagan. Rigatna ti kinapangas ta dinadaelna ti kinatao nga nagbalin nga Last manipud 80 percent di rugi t survey. It is believed that the family is now nothing in politics in Abra. Ifocusda laengen tay kasoda?
Ngem rumrumuar ti ulo ti Ampatuan no saan mapasardeng ti umasping nga aramid ti ili nga Bangued, Pidigan(Natalna idi) , Lapaz ken Danglas. Adda dagiti Pammanek nga umasping ti kallabes nga rumusing ti Big Partisan ti PNP, ta liplipitinda ti Lagayan nga opposition, ngem awan met actionda ti nadakamat nga 4 nga ili nga ‘ apon ti laklakay nga sairo’ nga nakapapatayan ti dua nga capitan. Kuarta kadi ti gapu wenno gargari manen? History repeats itself? Ania ti pudno? Agsalsaludsod laeng?
Posted by TAGAMASID | October 26, 2013, 11:16 amDnt be stereo type tagamasid people like u who generalized ethnic origin of people are the cause of war in mindanao i doubt if u had gone in muslim mindanao for u to cmpare xtian and muslim.
Posted by eric shawn | October 26, 2013, 7:07 pmi agree with you tagamasid, the PNP is just any organization that waits for anything that would be advantageous to their organization. If i may quote erap, weather weather lang. the bernos and valera group are having fun now, they are having a spree, killing everyone who they think is a hindrance to their plans. Takit is taking also his time to counter this, but if you let me choose between the two, takit na lang ako. if you have seen all my posts, i dont like both, but i have to chose between to evils. let us hope a third party would be there.
i personally have sacrificed enough to do my share in my wish to change abra, but money speaks, i dont really have it, i had but now gone because of going against of all these greedy people who have no accomplishment to brag about at all but substandard projects or ghost projects to boast about.
try going to tayum, you will see3 what i mean.
Posted by mario bang | November 6, 2013, 3:20 ami blamed takit for what happening now, kahit ano kabuti yan si takit if wala sya gnawa na supposed to be e magagawa nya but he did nothing that is grave sin for me. evil triumphs if good men do nothing. worst he deliberately do nothing for his personal interest.
Posted by eric shawn | November 7, 2013, 6:50 amGago ka Eric Shawn no matakyan ta sapin mo ipabasol mo amin ken ni Takit! Inka ket kitaen tay Hilux diay municipyo ti Lagayan and by the way as of this time fully operational na ang New APH yeheeeyyyy! anya man ti kunayon agbirok kay man ti dillawen yo. Mga Ungas! kasano nga pumintas ti abra no puro kayo Negatibo!
Posted by Costa | November 7, 2013, 2:55 pmCosta gago ka rin mgtatapos na termino bos mu tel me kung san mu tau mgkta at ipalasap ko galit ko sa bos mu
Posted by eric shawn | November 16, 2013, 10:05 amTAGAMASID apay nga dimo iraman ti LAGAYAN KEN DOLORES?
Posted by Paos | November 8, 2013, 6:28 amNo problem. You are intitled to your opinion n also mine. That the essence of freedom of ………., as you mentioned once. Our problem is not on ideas but on criminality that hinders progress of Abra. Share whatever you have.
Posted by TAGAMASID | October 26, 2013, 7:56 pmUmay kay ngamin ag bakasyun ditoy Abra ta makita yo ti husto na ,apay nga kabuteng yo tay anniniwan yo ..bareng no agbaliw tay inkay salsalawasawen idtoy…adda aya rigat nga mariknayu ket dolyar met ti kuarta yo..tay peso ti kuarta na ti narigat ngem nabal balor sa pay metten dakam nga peso tay iggem nan..
Posted by DoDo | October 26, 2013, 8:12 pmDodo maturog kan gayyem dim ammo ti sassawem kaska la puta nga baket, inka maturogen GUYONG.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 26, 2013, 8:28 pmsika nga bartek tuleng agtalna ka loko sika ti ago uyong nga agin sisirib ditoy abrenian.com dika la mabain loko kasla kala saan nga taga abra awan ti respetum ti opinion ti maysa nga tao ..buakaw..sinno ka koma loko..pada kala nga potot ti ngir ngir a boto kasta ti adal na a konam longat.
Posted by DoDo | October 26, 2013, 10:18 pmdodo ka nga, your name speaks for itself. di ka dapat patulan, buti alam mo mag fb
Posted by mario bang | November 6, 2013, 3:22 amOkay Eric,saan met amin nga MUSLIM people are the same mentality, Now, I would like to make an example, like in the Middle East, Like Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the rest of the Muslim world,Adu met ti nasayaat nga Muslim,ngem ti kaaduan na awan a pulos ti pamati da ken Apo Dios ta sabali ti Dios da wen? Kasano nga agtalek ka ti Muslim ket pati Annak da, Assawa,ken diay Biag da ket ibuis da gapu ken ALAH.
Ngarud nakakita ka ti Christiano nga nag buis ti biag na? Daytoy gayyem pag sasa ritaan tayo laeng saan koma nga awan ti gura ti tumugal maysa katayo wen? This only a IKA NGa Exchange Ideas. Regards to all because I’m Bartec Tuleng and I love you all.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 26, 2013, 8:24 pmanya ket daytoy nga Bartek Tuleng ngen aya ..scientisen ka a talaga ta ammom aminen ay anyan abogadilyo pol pol ka nga talaga daytoy nga tuleng apay napan ka diay Ka muslimanen ta ammom met aminen loko..tarabitab ..ni ka anuman saan nga agtalna tay ili tayu no ni Bartek Tuleng la ti intay kasarsaritan…mental ka loko ..madakamat mo amin nga ka muslimanen…PANAG PROGRESSO NI ABRENIO TI SALAWASAWEM BARTEK MOLIMOL
Posted by DoDo | October 26, 2013, 10:27 pmPasensiya kan Dodo wen, saan ka nga kagura gayyem, ti kagurak la unay daytoy agdama nga agtuturay tayo ket KIMAREN da met amin nga kuarta nga agserbi koma toy probinsya tayo,Ta dagitoy Valera, Bernos ken Apo takit ket inkuribot da met aminen ti kuarta ti Probosya tayo, kasano ngarud nga umasenso tayo?
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 27, 2013, 4:09 pmProbinsya tayo.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 27, 2013, 4:11 pmWe cnt blame them if their lives are being offered to their allah that is their belief wc we cnt undrstand i.and mind u they have god dif name nga lng they called him allah. In the history, a lot of xtian who also offered their lives in the name of freedom
Posted by eric shawn | October 27, 2013, 8:07 amOkay Thanks Eric,I agree 100% with you.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 27, 2013, 4:02 pmABRA can never be a rival to MAGUINDANAO in terms of VIOLENCE. perhaps abra would be the number one contender ! BUT we can be at the top,if the current killing machine of abra politicians wont stop lighting the scoreboard !
Posted by KARASAKAS | October 27, 2013, 11:32 pmAgree so what now?
Posted by eric shawn | October 28, 2013, 4:08 amNothing much for now,thanks for your explanation between the Muslim’s and Christians with their own beliefs.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 28, 2013, 6:14 amFor a brief information about the history of Christianity establihed by the teaching of our Lord Jesus compared to Islam founded by Mohammad/Mohammed.: Both appeared in the Book at ages of 12. Mohammed begun his ministry at the age of 25; Jesus started at around 30 yrs. Mohammad who claimed who received vision of his God Allah in a cave, married at the age of 25 to a 40 yrs old EXTREMELY wealthy woman with caravan trade business. Mohammed was great great grandson of Shem, the third Son of Noah. Thru the leadership of Mohammed, the early history of Islam was full of violence of the bloodshed of both Muslims n Jews for power struggle . On the contrary, Jesus ministry is founded on Love to God ang fellow men. Violence n bloodshed was witnessed only when Christianity was spread around the world after the time of Jesus and His disciples. THIS JUSTFIES That CHRISTIANS ARE LESS VIOLENCe INCLINED THAN MUSLIMS.
Posted by TAGAMASID | October 28, 2013, 5:02 pmI beg to disagree again, if the constantine war against europians to establish xtianism is true then we are not far from the history of islam. We are speaking of genocide here to establish a religion.
Posted by eric shawn | October 28, 2013, 7:59 pmSir, I salute you for this explanation between Muslims and Christianity.Thank you.
Posted by Bartek Tuleng | October 28, 2013, 6:10 pmIslamic traditions consider Ishmael to be the ancestor of Arab people (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishmael). Ismael, the first son of Abraham from a household helper Hagar, is the elder half brother of Isaac, the son of Sarah, the legitimate wife of Abraham (Genesis 16:7-16). Abraham were born on earth 400 years from Noah through her first son Shem (Genesis 11). Mohamed as the forefather of Arab people and Islam religion came from the genealogy of Ismael the son of Abraham. This is the reason Christians and Muslims alike considers as brother because we both came from the Father of Faith “Abraham”. And the reason there were animosities between Christians and Muslim because of this historical conflict in the household of Abraham, when Sarah, the legitimate wife cast away the slave mother and son Hagar and Ismael to the wilderness (Genesis 21:1-15). Abraham’s descendants through Isaac gut the blessing of the first born. Even then God blessed this mother and son with material blessings (Arab oil deposits) to comfort them (Genesis 2:15:20). However, the descendants of Ismael remains odious to this days. Islam preaches peace and love as stated in the Koran just like Christians through the Bible. Islam religion abhors Islamic extremist because they go against the teaching of Mohammed. To compare Christianity and Islam is not right because both religions has their way to accomplish Gods Will. For God so loved the “world” that he gave his Son (John:316). So why be arrogant that we are Christians? Console the Muslim instead because we took away the blessings of the first born from them. I think this is the reason why our Government gives places of Islam religion in our national holidays.
Posted by naeling | October 28, 2013, 8:04 pmIsaac, the half younger brother of Ismael bore a second son Jacob (Genesis 25:19-28). Jacob who was named as Israel after conquering the angel at the Ford of the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22-28) bore 12 sons one of which was Judah (Forefather of the Jews) where Jesus genealogy was traced (Mathew 1:1-17). Christian faith was born out of the belief of Jesus as the Messiah. Hence, Christians (Spiritual descendants of Isaac) and Muslims (Descendants of Ismael) were brothers. To heal the blood filled history of Christians and Muslims, one must understand the origin and root cause of the conflict.
Posted by naeling | October 28, 2013, 9:46 pmi do agree that abra is the no.1 contender as a blood thirsty province.ordinary people who defy the gods will feel their wrath of vengeance, while the elite,the creme of the crop will act as spectators,not caring if the poor will suffer or die for their defiance! the only consolation is that,KABULYOG,TAGAMASID and NAELING will SOOTHE the PAINS of agony and despair through the teachings of CHRIST and verses from the BIBLE !
Posted by pagalsem | October 28, 2013, 11:21 pmIn yesterday’s election, PNP reports Maguindanao and Pangasinan as the most number of election related incidents. Abra is no where to found in the list of area of election violence. To equate Maguindanao with Abra in terms of peace and order situation is fictitious.
Posted by naeling | October 29, 2013, 12:19 amThat’s because the killings already happened before the election.
Posted by comli2013 | October 29, 2013, 1:19 amRight on the money comli.
Posted by Wah Effect | October 29, 2013, 10:01 pmDika agbasbasa ti news naelung? Mano ti natay including Brgy chief before the election? Daguitoy ibagbagam nga military are in cahoots daguiti agtuturay ditoy probinsya tayo nga Abra. Nabayadan da aminen to neutralize their alipores opponents su nga awan ti casualties during day of election. Example diay zone 2, pirmi ti military tapno makaruar la ni mado nga kayong ni Apo Dominic. Ni Apo Takit napan met naglemmengen diay manilan.
Posted by Wah Effect | October 29, 2013, 10:00 pmPagayam WaEf, what I have posted is a national news in the aftermath of the election. I am just happy that Abra was not mentioned in places throughout the Philippines where election related violence occurs. I am not a insider of Abra politics to feel the heat as you do perhaps. Crimes is an everyday news all around the Philippines, if ever it happened in the province, it reduced to a mere isolated cases. I am one of those who hoped for the best to our beloved province. To our newly elected barangay officials, congratulations. Let us all together make Abra a better place to live in for the sake of the next generation.
Posted by naeling | October 29, 2013, 11:59 pmUntil the three-snakeheads are sticking around, there’s no way our province will be a better place to live from hereon to the next generation to come. Replace or extinguish is the only solution.
Posted by comli2013 | October 30, 2013, 12:59 amJust like I said ma pren naeling, the military are in cahoots and are paid lapdogs to neutralize and to insure that the winners are all their alipores isu ng nagbuteng daguiti tattaon. This Brgy election was AGAIN to exercise the will of the money for 2016 whoever wants to run against these CROOKS traPO. There’s no more democracy in Abra ma pren naeling. Your hope for better Abra is just a hope and a dream. I stop long time ago.
Posted by Wah Effect | October 30, 2013, 3:48 amtsk tsk poor abrenian the governor did his favorite play again, Playing safe for him to be saint compared to others.
Posted by eric shawn | October 30, 2013, 4:36 amYou”re believable bro Wah Effect. Your radar is homing into 2016 elections. Parang Chess, naka-placing na lahat ang mga alipores. It bears yet to see, whether Ms Hennessy’s article will prove to be the omen for what bloodshed is yet to come when allies of this election will re-group and go head-to-head for power in 2016. Both will have had the three years preparation to loot money for machinery in 2016. He he he It’s a matter who will be more generous to buy the military and the PNP. Ano sa palagay mo WaEff? Bulgaran na rin lang, say your piece laengen for all to see.
Posted by Citizen Pinadis | October 30, 2013, 4:41 amAGREE.
Posted by eric shawn | October 30, 2013, 5:19 amThe best of the best strategy won’t have to buy the military and the PNP.
Posted by comli2013 | October 30, 2013, 1:16 pmYour opinion and suggestion to redeem Abra from its ugly image ,especially on the 3snakeheads,are the best lines you’ve ever posted ms Com. Hopefully, pres Pinoy with his determined fight against corruptions n injustices will help ‘clean’ Abra in his last years. Let us pray together that the best will start on his daang matuwid campaign will be felt in the province the earliest possible time.
Posted by TAGAMASID | October 30, 2013, 4:47 pmI won’t depend on the President.. . you know why? he would have done something to help our province if he wanted to. Abra has been labelled the killing fields of the north fo so long. I feel “civil disobedience” is required NOW. How long more do we have to take? How many more lives has to be sacrificed?
Posted by comli2013 | October 31, 2013, 2:09 amms omli you want war? it seems that you are instigating us to a civil war.to you might regret bec if we will win i inlude you in my list together with corrupt politicians in the gas chamber
Posted by eric shawn | October 31, 2013, 8:37 amAsenso Bangued, HELL NO!
Piman tayo latta nga taga Abra Rigat latta ti sagrapen tayo kakailyan. Kaanunto nga agriing tayo? Ngem ti dakes na ket nakamulagat tayo met amin. Kasatnu ngata nga mariing daguitoy kakailyan tayo nga matmaturog a simumulagat? It’s getting worse every election. Lalo tetta, very oppressive ken awan demokrasya ditoy ayan tayo nga Abra.
Posted by SUMELASO ADU UNAY | October 31, 2013, 6:25 amBangon Abra, HELL NO!
Same thing with the current GOVERNOR. Awan bibiang na basta adda IN as in maibulsa na. Kontenton ni apo gobernadoren.
Posted by SUMELASO ADU UNAY | October 31, 2013, 6:28 amDijy Lagayan, Mindanao. Rinabii nga putok. M203, M14 kada isu amin nga kita. Pati deloslos. ATa anya ngarud, ket adu met ti mayat nga mapatayyek ti utek na nga tattao. Ata no haan ka nga sumurot iti kayat da LUNA, hehe, agurnos a nga daras dagita dwa nga sakam ta ipalaod da ka. Kasjy lang ajy apo.
Posted by Pang-ot Babe | October 31, 2013, 8:34 amare you sure it is in lagayan only? i tell you no need to go to lagayan all your perceptions can be found in bangued alone. a capital town where innocent abrenian died bec no one can stop the brain behind the series of killings even the governor is helpless.
Posted by eric shawn | October 31, 2013, 8:42 amWhen the Lunas started to creep into in the Cabisera of Abra, This is the time that the overstaying Governor Vicsyd (Most of the Abrenian love this man though) started to make armed bodyguards. I remember a time when this two groups almost engaged in a fire fight when Vicsyd and and the Luna group cross encountered in a gallera. Situation gut worse for Vicsyd when a series of killings on the Bersamin happened. (Like Marcos at the death of Aquino). The Beramin and Luna made an unholy alliance to take advantage of the situation. It was a public knowledge that the Lunas has control on the local COMELEC when they dictates who will take the oath and who will not regardless of the outcome of the canvassing. Thus Vicsyd was unceremoniously kick out from power. The Lunas went on their way to control Abra by spreading out in all directions. Even the college campuses where not spared with the fraternity founded by a young Luna. During this period, another rising politico Dominic Valera was a dreaded Kapitan of zone 5. By the time Bangued was released in the care of the Vicsyd clan it became a war zone for the Luna and Dominic. A series of killings ensued during this period. PAGS were maintained by these clans in power. Other politicians became a small time maintainer of PAGS. That is how Abra was know to be a killing capital of the Coldillera and a stronghold of private armed groups. After a period of time, the Lunas were subdued from the center of power and back to the place of their origin. Many of the Abrenians thinks that they are the Ampatuan of Abra. To solve a problem we need to know the root cause. Local politicians are known to be an ex-seminaristas. Have you forgotten what the scripture have said? “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). You cannot buy your place into the high Heaven, only your good deeds do.
Posted by naeling | November 1, 2013, 6:09 amPEACE AND ORDER must be a PRIORITY AGENDA: Law and order is the foundation of any government. Its breakdown results to lawlessness.
Posted by comli2013 | November 2, 2013, 5:36 amit seems that you are nothing but a prophet with no name, NAELING. dont speak of things that you have no personal knowledge about. you should rely on facts and not fiction. The province of abra since time in memoriam had been ruled by at least only a few families,the barberos, the Valeras, the Bersamins, the Seareses, the Balbins and the Bernoses. There were other leaders but were unknown because they were either mediocre or they were just nobody. and to add to that they are relatives by blood or by consanguinity. You are very wrong in stating that the lunas creeped into the limelight, remember that the lunas are from the seares clan. Before the valeras, there were the paredes clan. dominic valera just happens to be valera but a far relative of these valeras, to say that the lunas started these wars is a big blunder by you, NAELING, actually naiiling na lang ako sa mga pinagsasabi mo, kasi your posts are nothing. The deadliest political wars in abra happened even before ths3e lunas were born, the time of the neighbors bersamin and valeras, their houses are adjacent to each other but the plaZA OF bangued would attest to that, hehe, there are other happenings but you are no one NAELING, not even one of your post is true. dont quote the bible if you yourself could not understand what it says
Posted by mario bang | November 5, 2013, 4:53 amPagayam Mario Bang, everybody knows that the Lunas are maternally related to the Seares clan. What I am referring to is the “Luna” perse. I have stated in my previous post that I wont speak of things that I don’t know. Facts can be draws through published books, interviews, and first hand experiences corroborated by others. Mine is a piece of Abra history in a particular period of time. Good that you share yours, another from Tagamasid. Putting together, then we have the history. Fellow bloggers are talking out the problems here in Abra. To solve the problem, let us know the root cause. Perhaps we can change direction if we can trace the root of these problems. In fact the real root of all these evils in our society is when the first man and woman turn away from God that brought so much pain in His heart. So much so that He have regretted He ever created man on earth (Genesis 6:6). All these will only be solve when man will go back to God’s fold (Revelation 21:3-4). A lot of good individuals came out in our history, those who spearheaded change with their blood as the payment. They do contribute to what we are now compared in the dark ages. But a genuine solution to all these problems is still to be presented. What I am sharing was nontraditional, it might be considered as nonsense by common intelligence, but in due time it will come true. Armed revolution is a thing of the past. It will no longer prosper in the community of man today. A true revolution that will change the course of humanity is a revolution of heart: from selfishness to unselfishness.
Posted by naeling | November 5, 2013, 9:05 pmNAELING, i myself am speaking of first hand information and experience. If i may say, i had a very small part in the downfall of vicsyd valera, which now i personally see as a mistake. We had a hand in the rise of the unknowing takit, the luckiest person on earth, to become governor. we had also a part in the rise of dominic valera in becoming mayor of bangued for the first time in 2007, which up to now am regretting for ever helping a so so mayor and his cohorts.
i didnt only worked hard but to mind you, i spent for these. I am now regretting these.
if in our hearts we really want change then, why dont we help together unseat these people in power.
i am not a bible man, but i know the bible.
Posted by mario bang | November 6, 2013, 3:41 amMario Bang and Naeling, your exchange of ideas is so nerve-breaking and fascinating! I think you are one of the few men which PA and RTA are looking for in their quest of turning the province upside down. The devils of this crocodile- infested province have all the overwhelming protection including the blood-sucking leeches on their side , but it looks like that you guys together with Tagamasid and others here who doesn’t know the meaning of Fear, never back down in giving up their hope and burning desire. It is very impressive, and I’m telling you that admiration is now raging in every heart of Abrenians with the hope bigger than life when someday you guys will change the history of our beloved province. Or. should I say, we don’t need Vigilantes anymore? We need to kiss ass the President then for the protection of the majority citizens in safeguarding their right of suffrage against vote buying and intimidation. Let’s emphasize to him that the emerging of new breed candidates for 2016 Election are die-hard believers on his advocacy towards “Matuwid Na Daan” and willing to fight and may die now than suffering forever with endless hunger and constant fear, that slowly causing imbalance physical and mental well-being in the hands of our ugly scary politicians.
I’m sorry, I forgot to include the fearless lady who obviously loves her province but obliviously a political-partisan in the person of Madam O. She might unknowingly playing fire on her hands but still the means meet the ends of her undying love and concern to the province. I’m still counting on her sincerity to make the lives of the underprivileged better and happier. Some of us might have some differences with her (who amongst us was borne perfect, anyway?), but unlike other high intellectuals or filthy rich individuals of Abra, she is swallowing her pride in socializing with us where the majority are just poor dirt and less-educated like me. Does she have a personal interest? I don’t think so, judging on how comfortable level of life she has, her age, and her remarkable humility and professionalism in hugging all kinds of insults or unkind words to her face. I’m still admiring you Ma’am, no matter what they say for I could feel the sincerity of your heart in making a difference to our life, if ever, will be given a chance.
Posted by bodowan | November 6, 2013, 12:00 pmThe governor is doing what he knows is best for his constituents. The thing is, kasapulan kadi nga umay na ibinsa-binsar dita bal-balay yo nga nangtedak iti kastoy para iti kastoy???? For me, He is the best!
Posted by Pang-ot Babe | October 31, 2013, 8:38 amI want to oppose those people who said that the military people are being paid off by politics. no sinno ti agreport, syempre isu ti mapan da kitaen. Alangan nga ag report jy maysa nga politiko no adda ar-aramiden na nga lino-loko.
Posted by Pang-ot Babe | October 31, 2013, 8:40 amtakit is the best for abrenian like popoy. evil triumphs if few good men do nothing!
Posted by eric shawn | October 31, 2013, 8:46 amania la ketdi daytoy nga berna’n. kasla aso nga taol a taol. awan met mamati kanyana ditoy lagayan. inja ketdi ulawen ni takit.
Posted by gm | November 1, 2013, 5:09 amThe bloodiest history of politics in Abra happened during the reign of Vicsyd. We were with him with the lateyoung Bernos during his 1st yr as prov. executive. When he used both the military n NPA to his evil goals, that’s the time we separated directions. I supported the late cong. Jeremias but outmoneyed and outmanuevered, he failed- that’s a drawback of being too honest under phil political settings. Like most who opposed him, I was also a victim of his tyranny and wrath, but I was a little luckier for being spared with ‘is ang bala ka lang’. His problems were both as user and heavy drinking. When fully loaded, he behaved like a hungry lion who seeks his prey without mercy. He was a pretender as shown when ex mayor Ryan. a brgy capt. then,confronted him in front PNP PD when he made fun of Roger Luna, his challenger that time. Nagidda uneg luganna idi umarayat ti Dominic, Bernos, Luna pags combined idi agbuatit nga agawid ti butengna.
Political tandem changed many times in 25 yrs. We had Visyd- Zapata, vicsyd- bernos, Luna-bersamin, Bersamin- Bernos. Takit for his good luck or some skillful guidance reaped good fortune for the last years. Adu naaramidan na saan nga malibak, ngem kaaduanna substandard gapu ti kickback??????. Sleeping saint???? Tarkok??? Saan nga blood thirsty????Money, money,money?.??. Only God knows. What you think maybe as good as mine. But only God knows what is everyone’s heart.
Posted by Tagamasid | November 1, 2013, 3:55 pmKabsat nga Tagamasid, nasayaat unay no adu ti naaramidan ti maysa nga agturay dita Abra. Ngem dagita nga naaramid ket deta laeng met adda dita ayan ti dadakkel nga ili ti Bangued ken dagita adda dita ar-arubayanna. Dagidiay taga-ad-adayo nga lugar ket dida met piman maparamanan iti panagdur-as a kas tattao iti sosyedad ti Abra. Bay-bay-an met ti gobyerno ti probinsia dagita adda dita sur-surong ket mapalubosan met dagita abusador nga agtuturay kadagita nga lugar nga pulos nga awan gapuananda. No pudno, apo, nga adda panagisakit da Apo Takit kadagiti umili, ay ket, gapuanan da nga pasayaaten ti panagbiyag dagita taga surong. Ti rigatna pay a maysa apo ket awan pay met ngamin ti nsayaat nga dalan nga apan idiay. Awan pay nasayaat nga eskuwela. Anya koma ngarud ti mamaay dagita makitkita nga progreso dita ruar no ad-adu met nga umili ti agrigrigat ti panagbiag da?
Posted by Taga Macarcarmay | November 1, 2013, 6:53 pmano ba ginawa ni gob sa pg asenso ng abra? inutang nya mga project na yan worst d nga mapakinabangan? mas worst pa he let ordinary abrenian died in the street by his allies and foes for him to be saint compared to them. this is my opinion rebutt if you want mga alipores ni takit.
Posted by eric shawn | November 2, 2013, 4:42 amNabayagen nga sagsagabaek ti saem ti panakaipaidam ti imbag ti banbantay T Mmccarmay. Isu nga maasianak kadagiti kakabsat nga NPA ken military nga agpipinnatay gapu laeng ti panangaaramat ni mananggundaway nga politico gapu ti kuarta. Ingganat saan nga mataliaw ti rigat ti kaaduan nangruna ti banbantay, saan nga agballigi ti democrasya, saan nga magun-od ti talna. Dagitoy koma abusado nga politico ti rumbeng nga pagtinnulongan daytoy dua nga puersa nga ‘pagtalnaen’ saanda ket isuda ti victima. Babbalawenda daytoy nga kapanunotak ta umasping ti naaramid diay Japan ken China sabay nga rimmang-ay da. Ngem ti Japan ita, nalblabes pay ngem Pilipinas nga kristiano nga adda Diosna, ta nupay subra ti apitna ti pagay, aggatang pay laeng ti adu ti tinawen nga itulongna kadagiti nation nga masalkaw ti rigato ken didigra.
Saan ko koman nga ibinsabinsa ti pappapanan ti kuarta nga pangpasayaat koma ti dalan tayo ti banbantay ken ili long-aw ti rigat ta namin adun nga naisurat ditoy. Ngem Ulitek ta amangan no saan mo nga nabasa. PANAGIMAS TI BIAG TI FAMILYA DAGITOY UTEK DEM….ken bagi- mansions, nangingina nga lugan, pasiar, babae, sugal (tadi, casino). Mapanka dita Agtangao ken gallera ti ilocos sur n la union, ket makitam dagiti mamayores t Abra ti agsasango.
Agkararag tayo ti Apo ta lunagenna koma ti timmangken nga puso ni agturay sakbay nga aggaraw ti military-NPA combined nga ‘ mangpatal na kadakuada.
Ket dakayo nga agtuturay, padasenyo man nga usaren ti 10 laeng nga minutos nga mangbasa ti libro ni Ezekiel 18:1-31 nga nangbaliw ti kinatao ni Champ Pacquiao- dalan manipud kinadakes nga agturong ti biag nga awan kaaspingna ( Revelation 21- 1-4), lallalo kanyayo kabsat Andres, Dominic, Takit. May the power of the Holy Spirit bless and guide you undrstand and obey the wonderful message of these 31 verses.
Posted by TAGAMASID | November 2, 2013, 8:07 amCorrection:The whole chapter of Ezekiel 18 covers 32 verses not 31 as mentioned.
Posted by TAGAMASID | November 3, 2013, 12:35 am@Eric Shawn…Civil disobedience is a watchword of the great Mohandas Gandhi and also Martin Luther King. It implies that “non-violent non-cooperation” can create conditions where a specific evil can be corrected: e.g. occupation of one’s country by a foreign power (Gandhi) or the realization of civil rights (King).
This might not be successful in Abra, because the evil is so entrenched, there is so little regard for human life, and such a non–violent effort could be very costly. Of course, there’s alternative ways to achieve a good end but whatever course taken needs analysis of the situation, and viable working solution A thinktank of experts might be necessary. Building a consensus among like-minded people seems to be the best chance but how can we do this if we don’t even know everyone’s identity?
These are just thoughts off the top of my head, which may help us to formulate a plan for the Abrenians, which I hope will help make a difference!
Posted by comli2013 | November 2, 2013, 4:37 amThe military with the approval of the President should start cleansing the thorns of his “Straight Path” by not through slow-paced legal system alone. It takes forever to reach that path because some if not most judicial authorities are in cohort with the perceived devils in the government. Like they say, same feathers flock together.
I’m not implying the secret formation of inside “Vigilantes” here, but if it’s the only remaining hope for the country to erase its ugly face, why not? Davao is the most peaceful and prosperous place and God didn’t punish them yet, so what are we worrying for? Binababoy na rin ng mga ibang lawmakers (both upper and lower house) ang gobierno natin pagkatapos hinayaan ng ating Supreme Court ang pambababoy ng mga naunang Presidente sa ating gov’t. and its majority helpless citizens, why not try to just side-step/circumvent a little bit the law for the attainment of real democracy in our country?
Bakit nga ba gagawin nila ito o papayagan ng mga thief lawmakers or other thieves that allied to the President, di wala na silang pagbaknangan ng madali? So, wala na talagang pag-asa lalo na kung bumaba na si Aquino, lalong kawawa na naman tayo. Sana tuloy-tuloy na lang siya by shifting our easily abused type of government into parliamentary one like in Japan and Europe, baka mahalal pa rin siya as our forever Prime Minister at mararating na rin natin ang kanyang pinagyayabang na “Matuwid Na Daan”.
Posted by cassava | November 2, 2013, 6:12 pmES, if you want to comment/rebut my stupidity, please type your words in full. I got a hard time understanding your abbreviated style. Sorry…….
Posted by cassava | November 2, 2013, 6:34 pmmahirap intindihin pag ayaw mo intindihin. dont readif you dont understand!
Posted by eric shawn | November 3, 2013, 2:42 amMadam Comli, civil disobedience can only be successful into urbanized areas like Metro Manila where the citizens are highly informed. Sometimes those calls for spontaneous movement by civil societies fizzles like the one million march because people are uninterested to the issues brought upon them. There are groups that seeks solutions to problems besetting our province organized by the catholic church. The CCAGG for example was founded with ambitious goal, to neutralized corruption in the government. Their radio stations, their colleges and seminaries, all are aimed to inform and educate people and leaders on good citizenship and governance. But we cannot even hear anything from them. Afraid of their life? yes, and so we are. Good, that we have a.com. where comments and ideas free flows.
Posted by naeling | November 2, 2013, 6:49 pmSince the opening of the thread “Road to Boliney”, I wanted to sign on again. But procedures I have to undergo everyday to fight my ailment leaves little time and energy to post my comments and observations on the issues that have bedevilled Abrenos for far too long. The messages posted by Taga Macarcarmay and Cassava proved to be the last straw, so to speak. I found the messages of our people in Boliney and Taga Macarcarmay too much for me to bear.
Many of us lament how almost all of our leaders seem to find great difficulty with genuine public service, honesty, consistency and plain common sense. Instead what we see is brazen corruption and ineptness.
By signing on, I know I will be pillaged, insulted and ridiculed because of my untiring exposure of corruption at all levels of government as well as my fight for honest, competent and resolute governance. There is pervading graft and corruption in almost all levels in all agencies of government. Mine is just to raise the level of public consciousness of corruption.
I don’t know how much time I have left but I will try my level best to help inform our people so they will be in a better position to fight for their rights. I have had enough of the robbers masquerading as public officials. I see conditions worsening by the day. In many instances many of us write about endemic corruption in different levels and agencies of government. Some of us even frame opinions with a sense of resignation that nothing good will come out of the cases of crimes committed against our people even as these are exposed one after another. It has become very tiresome for many of us.
When our people see their future in terms of just the next meal, when some of our women sell themselves for a little amount of money in order to get medical care for a family member in need (Read: The Road to Boliney); when people in far-flung areas of our province complain of lack of roads and schools, when people in the hinterlands of Abra feel they have been neglected and forgotten (Read: Message of Taga Macarcarmay posted Nov. 1, 2013 at 6:53PM), it is difficult not to see the sense of desperation of the long-suffering masses of our people. You know something is terribly wrong and somebody must be held accountable.
Why is it that if we take to task our so-called government leaders for their neglect, plunder of public funds and other abuses, they take it as a personal assault on their persons? The sycophants and lapdogs are quick to heap venomous and foul words upon us. Are citizens and taxpayers not within their rights to seek redress of their grievances? We still live in a democracy, don’t we?
Sad as it is, plain, simple people who act as agents of genuine change and reform have a long history of pain. Many of them do not just die. Many of them are murdered. Agents of genuine change and reform challenge the tyrants and agents of the status quo. They hold a mirror, as it were, to the faces of tyrants and tyrants do not like what they see. But instead of mending their ways, they react violently. They take the easier path of eliminating the voice of genuine change and reform, first through threats and intimidation, and if it doesn’t work, through murder most foul.
This must not stop us in our tracks. Our people in Boliney and all parts of our beloved Abra need to be assured that they have not been forgotten before thay resort to desperate measures. I am deeply concerned about the messages posted by Tagamasid (Nov. 2, 2013 at 8:07AM) and Cassava (Nov. 2 at 6:12 PM). Sawang-sawa na ang mga mamamayan sa kasalahulaan ng mga namumuno sa Abra. The messages of Tagamasid and Cassava are righteous indignation at its purest. The sense of desperation is palpable. “IT IS THE OPPRESSOR WHO DEFINES THE NATURE OF THE STRUGGLE AND THE OPPRESSED ARE OFTEN LEFT LEFT WITHOUT ANY CHOICE BUT TO USE METHODS THAT MIRROR THOSE OF THE OPPRESSOR. AT A CERTAIN POINT, ONE CAN ONLY FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE”. Those were the words of NELSON MANDELA, freedom fighter, Nobel Prize winner for peace and ICON OF DEMOCRACY.
I dread to see the day when Abrenos will rise and take out the tyrants who have plundered, maimed and murdered many of our people rather than wait for justice and genuine change they feel will never come. Sa mga naghaharing uri na manhid at bingi sa mga panangis at hinaing ng nakararaming Abreno na namamatay na sa gutom at lugmok sa kahirapan, sa mga nagpapanggap na opisyal ng pamahalaan sa lalawigan ng Abra na walang hanggan ang kasakiman at pagkagahaman sa salapi at kapangyarihan, panahon na ng pagbabago. Makinig na kayo sa pagmamakaawa ng nakararaming maralita dito sa atin. Sana di pa huli ang lahat.
Posted by pedro abreno | November 3, 2013, 1:37 amyou forgot to mention a project na ni isang abrenian walang nakinabang except for the couple and the contactor.
Posted by eric shawn | November 3, 2013, 2:46 amMy apologies, Eric Shawn. The help I can give by way of information is limited, hobbled as I am by a lingering illness and age. That is the reason why the movement for genuine change and reform needs people like you, Bodong, Mario Bang, Tagamasid, Manallon, Rimat Ti Abra, Kanaig and others I may have unwittingly missed. You guys have a firm grasp of realities on the ground. The information you can provide is critical to the realization of our dreams for a better life for our people. Eternal vigilance is the price we pay for democracy. God bless.
Posted by Pedro Abreno | November 3, 2013, 4:01 pmWelcome back Pedro Abreno. I know you would soon realize we need your ideas and incites. I just hope you good health in continuing to enlighten us with your idealism.
Posted by brookside | November 3, 2013, 6:32 pmThank you very much, Brookside. You are very kind. God bless.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 3, 2013, 7:41 pmWelcome back to doing what you’ve been doing best Sir. Keep inspiring & enligthening us with your timely observations, wit & critical thinking. We are on d same fold. And may we find success in what we are advocating and figthing for, a genuine change for a better Abra. Like many other advocates on this thread, hindi ka nag-iisa…
Posted by Rimat T. Abra | November 3, 2013, 11:00 pmLet us keep the fire burning, my friend. Let us all unite for a cause greater than ourselves. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our people. Genuine change beckons. Let us keep our people informed so they will be in a better position to fight for their freedom – freedom from hunger, freedom from fear and freedom to choose their rightful leaders. Like you, my friend, I did not bother to vote in the barangay “selection”. What a farce! Democracy died last Oct. 28, 2013. But there was a silver lining, the voter turnout was low. Sawang-sawa na ang mga Abreno sa pangbababoy ng mga politico sa kanilang mga karapatan. Kaibigan, kapit-bisig tayo. Mabuhay ka Rimat T. Abra at mabuhay din ang Abreno.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 4, 2013, 3:10 amWelcome back Sir PA!
Posted by Neil | November 4, 2013, 3:06 amThank you very much, sir. God bless and more power to you, Sir Neil.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 4, 2013, 3:13 amit is a real pleasure hearing from a good man again for so long. i myself distanced from this group but i have to log in sometimes because i just could not take the words of their cronies talk blatantly how their bosses are doing very well. i am really annoyed with the results of the elections, but we have to accept facts, and really a hard pill to take, many of our people were bought in the past elections. principle has no more place in this god forsaken municipality. look at the people who were voted in as barangay captains or kagawads, who are they.? The wife of the mayor, the daughter of the mayor, the katulong of the mayor, the son of the barangay captain of another barrio is the kapitan, if these happens, then we will be all idiots, the dog of the mayor is the kapitan, the cat of the mayora is the kapitan and worst of all when people say that your sister is the kapitan because she is the kabit of the mayor or the kabit of the mayors son. . i really abhor the kind of politics we have here, sometimes i am tempted to join them, but conscience dictates that i should not and i should not and will not. So I say, WE SHOULD FIGHT TOGETHER NOW OR WE SHALL BE FOREVER BE DAMNED!
Posted by mario bang | November 5, 2013, 5:24 amI SAY, WE fight the tiranny of these kurakots and alipores.
Posted by Gising Na Ako | November 6, 2013, 2:42 amDagita elected nga opisyales ket puonay nga arogante ken mapangmata da iti dida panangikankano iti ania man nga complaints nga mangngeg da, Apo. Ania koma ti gapu nga dumngeg da kadagiti sasainnek ti nakakaasi nga umili maipanggep iti kinaawan serbi ti panangiggem ti liderato iti gobyerno no dayta media, hustisya ken law enforcement ket iggem da? These are all at their disposal and at their pleasure to twist and distort! Datayo nga minamaag nga common tao apo, kasta met da kakabsat nga mannalon ken marigrigat nga taga lap-lapog kas kada sur-surong, ket matultuloy latta nga pagbalbalinenda nga bambanti. Ket dagiti kakabsat nga marigrigat ken isang kahig-isang-tuka ket kapilitan danto latta nga agisalda iti kararua da kadagit adda dita puwesto. At bakit nga namang ibahin ng mga may kapangyarihan ang sistema ng buhay ng komon tao – di hindi na sila titingalaing parang Diyos niyan. Wen la ngarud, let’s hope and pray kakailian. Agnobena tayo pay para iti isasangbay ti panagsayaat ti probinsiya nga ABra. Ngem ti kiaagpaysona, agkurang to pay la deta. . Ms Omli’s tri-headed snake must self-implode. Ken dagiti komon tao ket masapul nga ma-ikkanda iti tsansa nga rumang-ay nga saan nga tagikuaen ti siasino nga tumulong kaniada dagita piman nga kararwa da. Ata ti nanumo nga dies sentimos ti kapanunotak Apo.
Posted by Johnny J. | November 4, 2013, 3:15 amWelcome home sir PA! The Lord is really good; He answered our prayers for your coming back. I’ ll help pray for God’s bounty love for giving you a Better health and peace. Talagang kailangan ng Abra ng ka tulad ninyo upang tumulong sa pagpatnubay sa atin kababayan sa pag-unawa ng dahilan ang matinding pang-aabuso ng mga pinuno na nagdudulot ng gulo at kahirapan.
Parang lumala ang problema ng lalawigan. Tuloy ang utang para sa kapanan sana ng karamihan, peru di nakikinabangan ng bayan. Daang million na utang na babayaran ng mamamayan ngunit lumalabas na ilang tao lang ang nakikinabang. I don’t really understand why money is considered more of value than respect and decency to be the living legacy of people whom we gave our trust. Life is so short in this world, and as Chritian, we are supposed to share God’s blessings to others, especially to the less fortunate. But most leaders are hypocrites; they are shouting for sincere public services, campaigning for peace, love and honesty, but their actions proved only for self serviced.
Barangay elections were just over. It is claimed to be very peaceful and orderly, but compared to the May election, this barangay level which is supposed to be apolitical was marred by several violent deaths which are all unsolved. Many chairmanship positions were noted unopposed due to threat or money. IF we try to consider the prevailing scenario at present, it appears that the ugly head of PNP partisan is coming ou again.Two or three municipalities have mostly unopposed candidates .Pags in these areas are invicible, while an opposition mun.of Lagayan was raided. That’s why I suggested in this forum that PNP leadership in Abra should be overhauled/changed to insure a peaceful and authentic elections by 2016.
Posted by TAGAMASID | November 4, 2013, 11:00 amThank you very much, my friend. I share your concern about the sea change in politics and security in our beloved province. Madam Norma Hennessy was right in more ways than one. In the third paragraph of her article, she accurately wrote about the murders that have once again visited us. It is indeed a “political cleansing” of sorts because the Valera-Bernos group is in the process of consolidating its position for a head-on collision with the group of Gov. Takit. It may be important to note that in the towns of La Paz and Danglas all candidates for barangay captain ran unopposed. In Bangued, Mila Valera ran unopposed in Zone 5 and Sylvia Valera likewise ran unopposed in Lipcan. Almost all of the other candidates for barangay captain in Bangued either ran unopposed or won and they all belong to the Valera camp. Jorobots Bersamin of Zone 7 stuck out like a sore thumb, the only pawn on Gov.Takit’s camp. The same sad thing happened in Lagayan town. The unwritten rule was “run against the wishes of the tyrants and die”.
Madam Norma Hennessy, in the ninth paragraph wrote about how local media lost its voice and if ever deteriorating peace and order was mentioned, it was mentioned just in passing, buried behind the headlines. We cannot fault the local media for this because they are vulnerable. This is the reason why Abrenian.com is a blessing to Abrenos. Netizens can post their comments and observations because they can always use a pen name or a nom de guerre if you will. Ours are the justifiably angry and completely reasonable voices. We need to defend the purity and integrity of public service. This is people power displayed in cyberspace to show that people are always there and everywhere watching every move of these tyrants. Thanks to Eric Bringas, chief architect of Abrenian.com because this forum he has provided is an immense contribution to democracy in Abra.
In the tenth paragraph, Madam Norma noted the change in attitude of local officials after they won reelection in the May elections. They engaged high profile PNP and military presence to ensure peace. After the elections, we noted a sea change in the security situation. It is not difficult to see why. Before and during the May elections, the PNP and military presence was there not so much as to ensure the safety of our people but to ensure the safety of provincial and municipal officials allied with Gov. Takit. Having won another term, why should they care if people are once again slaughtered?
In the eleventh and twelfth paragraphs, Madam Norma Hennessy accurately wrote about prospective candidates for the barangay positions being intimidated, threatened and murdered because they failed to heed the warnings coming from the warlords.
In the fourteenth paragraph, Madam Norma Hennessy lamented the fact that majority of our people are kept ignorant of their civil and human rights and denied social services. The message of Taga Macarcarmay and Johnny J validates this. I cannot really say if the lack of schools is intended to keep the people ignorant and vulnerable to evil machinations and vote-buying but can anybody fault me if I think that way?
In the 15th paragraph, Madam Norma Hennessy noted that at the grassroots level, what we can see is a dehumanized sector that time and time again the world has forgotten. Again Taga Macarcarmay and Johnny J complain of this same thing, a people neglected and forgotten.
It is a crying shame that Filipinos abroad with roots in Abra seem to be more concerned about the miserable and sad plight of majority of our people than some Abrenos who live in Abra. When Abrenos abroad express their concern for family members left here, there can be no doubt whatsoever that something is very wrong and that we must do something about it. There is a very ugly picture of Abra that the rest of the world sees. It is both sad and unfortunate that we have allowed a few violent and greedy clans to paint that picture.
My friend, Tagamasid, we must do all we can to change that picture. Most of our people had no part in it and we should not suffer for it.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 4, 2013, 5:23 pmLet me guess that these past and present elected crocodiles have still the nerve to continue their evil plan when 2016 Election comes. They are no different from a roaring lion who doesn’t want to stop devouring anything and everything just to the show the whole world that they are still the greatest thieves on earth the province has ever produced. If there’s a little bit of shame or decency left in their butts (because it’s so obvious that they have no heart with the exception of maybe just one or two), they should quit and give way to other crocodiles who are waiting for their turn to devour what’s left for our unborn generation. Why crocodiles? I’m telling you, if only our local COA did their job on the first place by coordinating with the concerned legal authorities for the prosecution of these thieves the moment they have discovered corruption or anomalies, do you think we are still crying here for the miserable life we are presently suffering from their arthritic hands? So, no matter how lucky we are in producing the best leaders in 2016 Election if these pests will not be fumigated at once, they are more than happy again to serve as catalysts for the proliferation of more crocodiles in the province.
Posted by cassava | November 4, 2013, 5:28 pmI agree, Cassava. I have written several times in my previous posts about the evil that COA auditors do. They are tasked to be the guardians of public funds but they partake of the loot. You have to be blind not to see how lavish their lifestyles are. I know a couple of them by face and I see unmistakeable signs of ill-gotten wealth. There is a husband and wife tandem who have amassed wealth clearly beyond their means. Our so-called leaders and the auditors of the COA will always deny wrongdoing. Their mantra is always, “Prove it”. There is a saying “I can forgive a thief because he may be stealing out of necessity. But a lying thief, he steals for greed. You can’t trust his words as much as his hands”. Not one of our public officials has admitted dipping his hands in public coffers. It is a sad refrain but all of them deny any part in the looting of public funds. “The true hypocrite is the one who denies with sincerity”, Andre Gide wrote. I read the message of Johnny J. and it really broke my heart.. In the past, I have been insulted and derided for writing about widespread abuses of the powers that be. Messages of people from all walks of life can be read all over the various threads on Abrenian.com. It is the ordinary Abreno who is crying for help. It is the ordinary Abreno expressing his displeasure and disgust at the way our officials are conducting themselves. Sawang-sawa na ang masa sa lahat ng klaseng pangaabuso. May panahon pa para magbago kayong mga namumuno dito sa Abra. Maawa naman kayo. Makonsiyensiya naman kayo. Namamaga ang mga tiyan ninyo sa walang tigil na paglamon ng galing sa nakaw habang ang nakararaming maralita ay dilat na ang mata sa gutom and lawit na ang dila sa hirap. Sana bigyan kayo ng liwanag ng Panginoon.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 4, 2013, 10:35 pmThank you Sir PA! You’re the only one so far that could understand why these crocodiles have no satisfaction at all because of the blessings or connivance of these equally leach that keep sucking the blood of poor and underprivileged Abrenians. I know for a fact that any cash advances could not be released by their counterpart Budget department if there’s no go signal from the COA. In other words the releasing of further fund should be stopped once the COA discovered anomalies on their financial/accomplishment Reports. But why on earth they still let them eat all they can eat? I will retract my assumptions if there’s a COA rep that will expose here the action/s they have taken against these thief crocodiles.
Posted by cassava | November 5, 2013, 10:26 amEven if few of the COA personnel are doing their job honestly, i don’t think the Ombudsman/Sandigan Bayan will arrive to a fair final judgment at the right time if no string attached to it. They could be influenced by the power of strong connection especially if the price is right. Forgive me, but it seems that real justice is not existing in the province of Abra anymore. So, what alternatives we still have left?
Posted by vigil | November 5, 2013, 1:48 pmThank you very much Mario Bang for your kind words. Your immense knowledge of things happening on the ground is very valuable to the cause of good governance. I understand your dismay and disgust, as I too understand the grave concerns of Cassava and Vigil.
Indeed, there seems to be a failure of government in Abra. We cannot trust the SB and SP because legislative positions are used for individual gain by sucking up to the principals rather than the crafting of worthy laws, laws that will be implemented. We have an SB and SP where in the name of perfidious camaraderie and abused parliamentary courtesy, truth and wrongdoing are covered up. We cannot trust the local and provincial executives because in implementing the budget, ingenious ways are employed to shield rather than prevent corruption. Political patronage has become the standard practice. We have a judiciary where some cases are decided not in accordance with law but in accordance with personal connection, power and material consideration; a judiciary where decisions are deferred to eternity; where evidence is distorted, mangled beyond recognition in order to fit the “required decision”. Those who try to do what is right are muzzled, intimidated, threatened, treated without dignity and even murdered. We cannot even repose our trust in the PNP/military because instead of protecting the citizens, the protection of the tormentors of the people appears as a more viable and profitable option; because in some situations they are the violators of the law. We have a failed political and electoral system where the honest and capable people cannot win the elections while the incompetent and dishonest people are voted into office with the aid of the PNP/military and tons of plundered funds to buy votes; where the sacred mandate to uphold the people’s will is treated as a commodity for sale. Sad to say, we have a clergy that accepts criminally-sourced funds disguised as contributions from plunderers.
What is the alternative left for us? In countries that are truly democratic, people’s presence is felt. They are there, shaping public opinion and weighing in on events in daily life. They are there in everything, from writing to venting their ire in the Net, making sure the reviled are exposed so they do not win the votes of thinking individuals and the enlightened citizenry.
We can speak with one voice. We must respect our differences. One does not need to be a member of any political or cause-oriented group to initiate genuine change and reform. Today Netizens are taking part in governance through the Net. The speed of sending out information is phenomenal. The Net is the greatest equalizer against the vast power and resources of corrupt government officials and politicians who lord it over the poor masses, manipulating and deceiving them.
The critical battleground for the hearts and minds of our people is in the Net. We have Abrenian.com, thanks to Eric. The thieves and violent powers that be know this and they will desperately try to control it with the use of lap dogs who react to our comments and observations using obscene and foul language – gutter language. Failing in that, they will use intimidation and force. We must remain steadfast. Let us find inspiration in the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, “He who has a WHY to live for can bear almost any HOW”. We must all come together to defend all our freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom from hunger, freedom from misgovernance and plunder, and most importantly freedom to choose our leaders.
Whether the tyrants believe it or not, whether the tyrants like it or not, GENUINE CHANGE is coming. There is a lifestyle check being conducted on the members of the judiciary – SC justices, CA justices, Sandiganbayan justices, and judges of the lower courts. The national and local officials and auditors of the COA will have their time. SAWANG-SAWA NA ANG TAONG-BAYAN! It is simply time.
This is where people who have massive information about whatever is happening on the ground (Rimat T. Abra, Mario Bang, Eric Shawn, Cassava, Tagamasid, Bodong, and a host of others) can contribute by way of critical information our people need to know so they will be empowered to make the correct decisions. Your help is invaluable to our cause of good government. Let us keep our people informed. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. IT IS SIMPLY TIME.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 5, 2013, 6:23 pmto sir PA, it is indeed a great task in trying to change abra, especially with what we have now. thanks to this forum where we could vent all our wishes and aspirations for our dear province. we have to bear with all these people, whether we like it or not until 2016, a very tiring 2 years and very long months, but at least we have a chance to wait to change what we have now. i am now involved in helping people away from my home but still in abra, and i will be doing my part that our aspirations of a new abra would be realized. i have been threatened and was even attempted, but that will not deter me from trying to make a difference in abra. let us make a difference. long live abra,
Posted by mario bang | November 6, 2013, 3:59 amMay God be with you, Mario. I wish you all the best.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 6, 2013, 5:12 pmThe COA reports – the latest of which having been released on August 6 2013, have a format that can be revealing of inconsistencies and discrepancies when the data reported (whether they have been doctor-ed or not) are analysed against other government departments’ reports that have been made public, e.g. DBM (Department of Budget and Management) and other publicly made-statements from various related sectors. So often, a government department acts on its own and does not tally-up its data against that of others that it is directly or indirectly linked with.
The key is vigilance on current information and events. It is a cumbersome task to research using available public pronouncements, documents or records but inconsistencies of data (which most often hint out anomalies) have a way of rearing their ugly heads at every possible corner in formatted reports.
Freedom of Information being crucial to the democratic process is currently being pushed for adoption in a bill at the lower house. (The FOI bill seeks to lift the shroud of secrecy over government dealings, and to make transparency a state policy.) If this gets to be enacted into law, and when used in conjunction with other instruments of justice then it could very well help streamline/minimise corruption.
Times have changed too, and changes could happen in cultures and societies steep in tradition via unexpected means. Hope is not lost.
Posted by N.Hennessy | November 5, 2013, 5:14 pmThe approval of this bill/law is next to impossible or a long shot. The odds is so astronomical for it allows the general public to access all government records except for national security including how good our government thieves stole people’s money. But if the approving majority lawmakers have nothing to hide, if they are clean and compassionate like our President, now it’s their time to prove to the whole world that we are wrong on our perception of their uselessness or nothingness but merely addicted thieves. Therefore, let’s pray like we have never done before for them to listen to the voice of the impoverished many and approve this bill without further delay or unnecessary hesitance from the outnumbered corrupt members of both house.
Those who are causing the delay or eventually voting “Nays” for the death of this bill, will be remembered forever as traitors to the economic security of the Nation and they will be hanged upside down by the red or white army who will soon annihilate us because of our stupidity.
It is written, now it shall be done!
Posted by bodowan | November 5, 2013, 8:13 pmThe Freedom of Information bill must be passed. Before PNoy became president he supported the passing of this bill. I don’t see any reaon why this bill will not be passed unless the lawmakers have something to hide. The passing of this bill is a giant step in ensuring that government officials stay honest. How many times have we elected idealistic men and women only for them to be swallowed up by a system that is corrupt to the core? It is not enough to elect honest men and women, it is imperative to have a system that will keep them honest. Change is coming. There is always hope. Kailangan palitan na ang bulok na sistema. Walang puwang para sa mga kawatan sa gobiyerno. And yes, eternal vigilance is the price we pay for honest and competent governance.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 5, 2013, 11:06 pmi completely agree with you sir PA, the freedom of information bill should be passed to answer all these hullabaloo in government. I dont think the present congressman of abra would not agree to this. I know and we know, by the media coverage during the SONA of Pinoy, that Joy Bernos is one of the favorites of the President or Belmonte, why? hehe, i could only guess.
These are the reasons why, Cong Bernos would not sign the freedom of information bill.
1. That would run in contradiction to what they are doing now. She would not incriminate her family. why? she has control of all projects in abra now. And mind you, all these projects are completed, but, substandard. ask the people of Abra. 2. Her father is the mayor of Bangued. What is her father doing in bangued now? puttting his interest before anyone elses. Let us look at this scenario. Every pig that enters bangued will have to pay 500 pesos to be aBLE TO ENTER BANGUED, as inspection fee. Why? Dominic valera has the biggest piggery in abra, in lusuac, penarubia. Smell something fishy no its piggy hehe, siya lang dapat makapagbenta sa bangued, bullshit.
there are other things that need to be exposed. 3 . look at the appointments in the municipality of bangued. The accounting head of bangued, henry bodano, yes, a consultant, a person who lost as councilor of bangued,is not qualified for the position, first, because there is an election ban against him because he was a candidate, and most of all, he is not qualified, he does not possess a civil service eligibility. there are many more. Jr Go, Mark Miguel, Rexon festejo, danny gonzales and many more are employed in the municipality of bangued as either consultants or casuals but taking the salaries of the dept heads are employed by the father of the congressman.
the government is shortchanged by these actions.
CALL IT ASENSO BANGUED, is it so? how? take the life of another, yes, by hook or by crook! Let us look at who is the only one’s making asenso. their cronies.
The freedom of information bill would put a stop to this practice of patronage politics. This would professionalize the ranks of the LGU. The heads not kissing the ass of the mayor to stay in his or her position.
Posted by mario bang | November 8, 2013, 3:46 amMy response in reference to BODOWAN’s comment of November 6, 2013….Thank you for your kind words and your recognizing my devotion to Abra! I will continue doing work for the poor people of Abra and that any political solution will have to be a grass-roots effort which I will ally myself side-by-side with my fellow abrenians. I am just touched to know that someone is able to see the mere obvious to see into my heart and it is encouranging indeed to know that someone understands what COT is all about. Thank you for that faith in me.
Posted by comli2013 | November 8, 2013, 12:18 amms omli, please see my post in another thread, i am not going to discuss it here bec i may be accused of using another thread to accuse you. its about abreco.
Posted by mario bang | November 8, 2013, 2:43 am@Mario Bang (Syd)….I am working with Sysop how to post all the information here in abrenian.com. It is a large file and I am NOT a computer savvy. I am thinking of meeting wiith him personally (again at my own expense as always) so we can both extract what information the abrenians needs to know. REMEMBER?, I was going to meet with you to show you all the files had I had the chance to come back for a visit in Manila lately? Trust me, I have the files.
Posted by comli2013 | November 8, 2013, 6:36 amI would be tavelling to Sand Diego, Ca from Hawaii if that’s the case.
Posted by comli2013 | November 8, 2013, 6:39 amtravelling, I should say.
Posted by comli2013 | November 8, 2013, 6:45 amms omli, i am not syd hehe, i am much better than him, i know him, please see my posts in the thread about abreco.
Posted by mario bang | November 8, 2013, 11:25 pmBkt ganyan ka comli genio ka ba para mg gues ka dto
Posted by eric shawn | November 13, 2013, 6:08 amThis proposed bill on Freedom of Information is really significant to our crusade against shadowy transactions/projects if ever beapproved into a law. But I believe that laws are not the problems, we have many good laws focused for development, especially to uplift poverty problems, for check and balance purposes, election guidance etc, mostly patterned from US. The problem is in the honest implementations of these laws which are commonly abused by money and power. Magagandang mga batas,peru maganda lang para sa may kapangyarihan at may kaya.
Our main problem is our culture, our rotten culture as mentioned in Philippines com. Editorial- Culture of Graft and Corruption. Senator m. Defensor was right when she said that there is a need to reeducate everybody, for a renewal of values. Most Filipinos are miseducated. The value of money is supreme,above decency and even life itself. Our country, our province down to barangay levels are governed by thieves and liars. Part of that ugly culture is the law of the jungle where dog eat- dog is the law everywhere . It is parallel to ‘ men like beast, fight for food(money), the winner, the loser, until one day, he himself is killed and eaten’. This editorial also mentioned the general attitude and mentally of our people to prefer burying their heads in the sand at the first sign of danger. Again, it’s similar to the the turtle strategy, retreating its head when something wrong is felt nearby. Our problem is how to help church leaders in the different sects to reeducate and instill the desired values among our people, especially the poor and less educated, because these church leaders (and schools) failed miserablywith their prime missions- pilipinos to be true Christian where love, compassion humility, sharing and brotherhood should reign supreme.
Posted by TAGAMASID | November 8, 2013, 4:19 pmYou are absolutely right, Tagamasid. Maraming magandang batas ang naipasa pero hindi naman naipatutupad ng tama. Mayroon din mga batas na sadyang nilagyan ng butas ng ating mga mambabatas para makalusot pa rin ang mga katiwaliang ginagawa nila. Indeed, a renewal of values is necessary because a breakdown in moral values is evident. Archbishop Socrates Villegas, the new president of the CBCP was right in admonishing the clergy because of the propensity of some of the members of the clergy to solicit funds from politicians and from other people with dubious backgrounds. Archbishop Villegas was completely right when he said that if the members of the clergy accept money from politicians and government officials it may result in their silence when these politicians’ shenanigans are exposed. I vividly remember the deafening silence of the clergy during the illegitimate reign of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. We all know how several members of the CBCP requested and got SUVs from the plunderer which not only bought their silence but even canine devotion to an illegitimate president who went down in history as the most-hated president. If a moral recovery is to happen, the clergy must begin to act as genuine shepherds of the people. I see almost a hundred percent of parishioners receiving Holy Communion during Mass. I can only wonder if all of them are in the state of grace because confession is not made available to parishioners on a regular basis. I do not want to judge people but even the Pope confesses daily, how much more us mere mortals? Horror of horrors, politicians and government officials clearly living lives beyond their means even rush to the front so they will be the first to receive Holy Communion. I will not say if the clergy failed in their duty, it is up to the people to decide.I hear the bishop and members of the clergy lavish praise on politicians and government officials to the consternation of the ordinary folks who are negllected and at times abused. What message do these heads of the clergy send to us? We need total transparency in governance. That is the only cure to a culture of corruption, greed and murder.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 8, 2013, 6:34 pmI totally agree with you, Mario. I am totally amazed at the wealth of information that you give and continue to give. Yes, why would Cong. Joy put her signature on the FOI bill when she and her family have so many skeletons in their closet? Their control over all infrastrructure projects and the substandard quality of these projects are common knowledge. The imposition of a 500 peso fee for every pig that will be sold at the public market in Bangued is another onus on the already over-burdened people. It affects not only the dealers of pork but the general public as well because the price of pork will definitely rise. Tama ka, Mario, talagang binababoy na tayo. Ano ang magagawa ng sambayanan para mapigil and walang-hanggan na kasakiman ng pamilyang ito? Just how much money and wealth does a person need in this world?
I am not surprised if people who are barred, without qualification and without civil service eligibility are hired. All of these politicians and government officials do it. What really bothers me is the fact that the people of Bangued end up as losers because these people do their jobs lousily. For instance, Jun Go. He is a friend. But I always draw a line between friendship and competence. Ever since Mayor Dominic took over the helm, Bangued has become a big stinkhole. it takes more than a week at times before garbage is collected. I have no political allegiance to anyone except to honest, competent and resolute governance. Anybody who says otherwise ought to have his head examined. But during the past administrations, garbage is collected at least twice a week regularly. As a matter of fact in the previous administration, garbage was collected thrice weekly. Now if the past administrations can do it, why can’t the present administration do it? I am very sorry, but my friend, Jun Go is doing a lousy job. That is the result of hiring people using connection rather than competence and eligibility as a measure.
Asenso Bangued? Bangon Abra? Ang tanong ko lang po ay “sino ba talaga and umaasenso?” at “sino ba talaga ang makakabangon?” Baluktot na ang mga katawan ng nakararaming mamamayan sa hirap. Nagugutom na rin sila. KaIlan ba matatapos ang kanilang paghihirap? Kailan ba sila makakakain ng tatlong beses isang araw? If the FOI bill is not passed it will be business as usual for these greedy crocodiles, my sincere apologies to the crocodiles.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 8, 2013, 7:09 pmSpot on, Tagamasid. There can’t be only just one solution. Indeed we do have good laws but they are not implemented as they should be. We have good people but so often they are passed over for dubious characters. We have a sophisticated system of government which our religious-shaped culture often comes in conflict with and thus creates cracks for perfidy – i.e. implementation of the untoward. We created an unrealistic psyche for us as a people that’s imitated from our subjugators. ( To stress this point -we, in truth would rather be brown-americans or pseudo-europeans, etc.) We did so at the loss of pride and confidence in our own innate cultural true identity and therefore we continue to find ourselves at a loss on how to be our own respectable self-governing nation. Truly, we need re-assessment of our values, as Sen. Miriam Defensor said. We need an overhaul in our mindset as a people. It is not a process that is achievable overnight nor one that can be gained only by drastic means, such as man’s best behaviour and his exemplary sense of humanity after a war . Upliftment of people’s lives under the reign of peace and justice will always demand people’s awareness and sense of check and balance but it is not a hopeless endeavour. It is therefore crucial that we keep aware and vigilant to stand up for our freedom of voice without fear. (In the instance that we are voicing against people with too much power, we use the available means that is at our disposal – the net and the social media. We just have to be tenacious in our advocacy and in our disclosures). It is vital that we stand by the side of right conduct, good governance and fair justice system. It is important that we set perimeters around our own personal agenda and prioritise the common good over all else. In other words, considering that our social system and people’s psyche has deteriorated into a resigned state of retardation, we need to enliven the people’s spirit to aspire for a quality life, a just place and a quality socio-economic environment. Tough? My oath, it is indeed. But no other aspiration can be nobler for the soul.
Posted by N. Hennessy | November 8, 2013, 7:38 pmPA, your balanced weighing of situations make it easier to discern the distinct impact of a mess of scenarios. Lucidly put, concerns (e.g. cleanliness, moral conduct) which have become minutiae to others after having been desensitized by not knowing otherwise, reflect the state of self-disrespect that most of the common umili have succumbed into. This signifies that not only the government is failing to govern its constituents but also that the government officials are failing and losing themselves as leaders and representatives of a people. Where has their delicadeza and sense of decency gone? It looks as though the leaders need to relearn the very basic of morals, humanity and self respect.
Posted by N. Hennessy | November 9, 2013, 1:26 amMadam Norma, I am not surprised if many of our people have lost self-respect. Our so-called leaders have kept our people uninformed and ignorant of their basic rights making them vulnerable to offers of money to buy their votes during elections. Some of our people are even forced to sell their votes at the point of a gun. The evil practices don’t stop there. People from barangays controlled by the opposition are blocked on their way to the voting precints and are prevented from casting their votes in order ensure victory for the tyrants. In the process, our people are not only deprived of their basic right to choose their leaders, their dignity and self-respect are taken away too.
Abra has been languishing in Club 20 (20 poorest provinces in the country) for as far as I can remember. A barangay in the remote town of Tineg has of late grabbed the dubious distinction as the poorest and most neglected community in the entire country. There have been many changes in the political leadership of Abra. Sad to say, the more things change, the more they remain the same. In truth and in fact, only the faces change. The leaders we had for the past several decades bear the same old worn-out names in Abra politics.
At the provincial level, we have Takit Bersamin as governor and Chari Bersamin, his niece as vice-governor. One need not be a rocket scientist to know that check and balance has flown out of the window as a result. I will not say Chari Bersamin is not qualified. She may be. But is she the only one qualified for the position? Of course not.
Gov. Takit’s cousin, Patrocinio Abaya is Lagangilang Mayor and Takit’s niece, Mary Anne Bersamin is Bangued councilor. Add to that, Takit’s nephew, Jorobots Bersamin as barangay captain of Zone 7.
At the municipal level, we have Dominic Valera as Bangued Mayor, Jansen Valera as Pidigan Mayor, Domino Valera as Pidigan councilor, Mila Valera as barangay captain of Zone 5, Sylvia Valera as barangay captain of Lipcan and Joy Valera as Congresswoman of Abra. Again, they may be qualified but definitely they are not the only ones qualified. Likewise, we have Ester Bernos as Danglas Mayor, her son Joseph Bernos as La Paz Mayor and Joseph’s wife as La Paz Vice-mayor. Again check and balance has flown out the window.
I will not touch on the remaining positions of the Luna family because their ranks have been decimated by several key losses in the May elections
Gone are the days when it was the political party that decided who the candidates for various positions will be. Today we see the sad spectacle of political families treating positions of power as their own, to be passed on to other members of the family. What is evident is unmitigated greed. Today, political families expand their hold on power to other municipalities. It seems that Abra has become simply too small for any of these political families to satisfy their greed.
Are we supposed to just grin and bear it? To be blunt about it, there is a failure of government in Abra. Most of our people have lost their respect for almost all our government officials. While majority of our people wallow in poverty, they see their leaders amassing wealth that is disproportionate to their legitimate income. There is a sense of weariness among our people and that can be validated by the low voter turnout in the barangay (elections?).
I submit that all of us have to change, but more than anybody else, our so-called leaders must be the first to show genuine change. I know it is very difficult to teach our leaders values they should have learned a long time ago in their homes and in school. But time is running out. There is a hoary adage that says, “You cannot talk to an empty stomach; it has no ears”.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 9, 2013, 5:16 pmThe ire of Nature had just claimed the lives of innocent people in the Visayas in the tune of 1200. My heart goes out with them with my prayers that on their next destination, an skillfully designed better plan by our LIFE GIVER is waiting. Typhoon and tsunami were the culprits but made it worse by rampant mining and logging all over the place. And the question is, who would be next? If our turn comes, are we prepared in spite the on-going disturbances of soil integrity in the upland areas coupled by the moral decaying of our politicians’ christian values?
How I wish and pray that they and other wicked Abrenians will reform their ways now that we might still be spared from the wrath or cleansing of Nature. Like Norma says: “No other aspiration can be nobler than the soul” Present young generation, I beg you to ponder that and don’t be like with the old and present generation that are just worthless and corrupt. Save your own and future generation while the ire of Nature is still threatening us. Grab the neck of these thief politicians and force them to eat the pages of the Bible if you MUST..!
Posted by thunderlolo | November 9, 2013, 1:01 pmWhile we are in the subject that is the cause of our disappointments, I have just received a message in my inbox by a concerned voice, which, continues to advocate and fight for the day that Abrenians achieve a fair and just system of governance.
The information states that a text message is going around Pidigan that the sound system and lighting in Pidigan plaza was contracted by a certain Mr Jeffrey Peralta. It cost P265,000.
However the lighting in the basketball court has been removed and was replaced with ordinary lights that would have just cost around P20,000. (Let’s do maths: 265,000 minus 20,000= 245,000 difference!).
Jeffrey is a government employee and should NOT have been allowed to contract such work. Jeffrey’s brother Jesfer who works at the Heart Center in Manila has also contracted the landscaping of the plaza…
These two brothers are first degree cousins of Lala Pilar who is claimed to be the closest to the Mayor of Pidigan.
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If the above information is true, then:
This STINKS from the very onset – the awarding of contract at the exclusion of everybody else! ANOMALOUS with the service delivery!
It is blatant subverting of the laws. IS the provincial governance just sit by and watch?
Posted by N Hennessy | November 9, 2013, 6:43 pmWe get the government that we deserve. This is the price people of Pidigan pay for selling their votes for a measly 3,000 pesos. I understand that many people are really in need but selling your votes is tantamount to mortgaging your future. I doubt very much if the provincial leadership will do anything about this. I am sorry but I believe no government official in Abra possesses the moral ascendancy to act on complaints of graft or iniquity of whatever kind. We must find imaginative ways to seek redress of our grievances. Perhaps it is time to look beyond Abra for the help we need to purge our province of dishonest and violent leaders. There is simply no way we can get justice in our benighted province.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 10, 2013, 4:32 pmMadam N: If my memory serves me right, I think somebody posted here the COA website where we can vent our grievances whenever we spotted anomalous transaction committed by any public servant anywhere in the province. No need to divulge our identity and just provide all the information you got in the earliest possible time before they could find ways to cover it. Please don’t ask me what’s the name of the website though.
Thanks for your continued input or concern of keeping us aware to any development that deserves public attention.
Posted by thunderlolo | November 10, 2013, 5:53 pmGreed of wealth, fame, and power, most political families specially in our province are after with. We have to accept it, this greed is the root of all evils that are accouring in Abra. May I ask everyone, what can you do or what have you done to “cure” this sickness. I for one, can’t even recommend a single person that can beat these families in any position in the upcoming elections. Whoever these greedy politicians field in certain electoral positions will be the ones to win, due to their “influence” with the Abrenian electorates. Give me the names that you can think of that can beat them, and with what plan do you think will beat these greedy polotical clans.
Posted by Giron | November 10, 2013, 10:45 amGood question Giron and this applies to any town in the province. Hopefully our godly die-hard Abrenians in this dot com could provide us the answer.
Posted by thunderlolo | November 10, 2013, 5:59 pmsic: “accourring” in Abra, should be, “occurring” in Abra…..
Posted by Giron | November 11, 2013, 9:33 amThe nation of America has a great history when they put God first in everything they do. The Puritan who settled in the American soil, build a church and school before they build their homes. The first road was a road going towards the church. Their faith in God was inscribed in their monies where we read, “In God we Trust”. When Abraham Lincoln has to make important decisions for his people, he has to pray earnestly for hours, seeking for enlightenment from the Almighty. With these, God blessed America. The Puritan went to North America seeking for God, they found gold. South American settlers on the contrary went there to seek gold, and they found no gold neither God.
To our political leaders back home, we only live once. When you do great things you will be remembered and so your descendants will prosper. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (wealth) will be given unto you as well” (Matthew 6:33). We need not to seek another leaders, if you do things rightfully and righteously while you are there in power, surely you are the leader the people of Abra is yearning for.
Posted by naeling | November 11, 2013, 1:54 amA most prominent victim of blood-thirsty savages, SP James Bersamin was assassinated several years ago at this very same date, Nov. 11. He was on his early morning jog at the Bangued plaza when he was shot several times in the face and head. It was a cowardly and dastardly act perpetrated by savages. SP James Bersamin was the embodiment of everything a good public servant was. He fought for the rights of the consumers against abuses of the management of Abreco, then headed by the incumbent mayor of San Juan, Marco Bautista. He could have been the best bet for mayor of Bangued. He had no mean bone in his body. He was eminently qualified for the position. Most of all, he was a good and decent man. To this day, his family is still waiting for true justice. But although human justice may be delayed and denied, Divine justice will definitely come. Rest in peace, my good friend.
Posted by PEDRO ABRENO | November 11, 2013, 4:03 pmEvery killing is tragic. Every loss of life has its own weight of sadness. But it is doubly tragic when a good person who could have done so much good for a people and for his corner of the world, is slain. There can’t be no acceptable excuse to rationalise such loss, much less justify that it happened. Innumerable cases of slaying have been wind-swept away. Forgotten. It is as if those once robust human lives were merely motes or debris tossed in water under crumbling bridges. The cases have turned cold, intended not to be solved. Still, it just can’t be that there is no hope. Justice may take time but it has its way of re-awakening to prevail.
Posted by N. Hennessy | November 14, 2013, 2:22 pmSpeaking on good governance, I think only our president and few provincial n mun. Executives deserved the word ‘honorable’. To be fair, I give our governor a passing grade of 75 because of his failure to uplift the socioeconomic life of the majority poor, his lack of desired courage to eradicate crimes, and his continued substandard projects.
Let me share the results of a kind of informal survey thru FB about presidentiables by 2016 for a possible continuity of the tuwid na daan ni Pinoy. Vp Binay, b. Marcos, Roxas, m Difensor received something like 35 to 60 percent. Mayor Dutarte of Davao received almost 100 percent approval! I myself have agreed because Davao is one if not the most peaceful city in Pinas today by his iron hand policy. Again, during Martial Law, there was zero criminality in Manila for the first week because this is the kind of mentality of Filipinos, respect of the law only by muzzled imforcement of the law. Maybe after, Dutarte, we will hope for our pride boxer icon Paquiao, the only God fearing Pilipino politician today. Let us dream dreams for a better philippines
Posted by TAGAMASID | November 19, 2013, 8:20 am