SPECIAL REPORT: Grave violations on children during armed-conflict in EV continues

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA

AMID the existence of an international humanitarian law that supposedly protect the minors in armed-conflict situations, still, grave violations against children continue to be committed in the Eastern Visayas.

In this part of the region, number of civilians killed and displaced, mostly minors continue to increase due to rebels’ attacks or clashes with the government forces. With or without a truce, government soldiers and the rebels conducted its own offensives operations that, most of the time, resulted to the killings of civilians.

DISCOVER THE BEST SPOTS IN SAMAR ISLAND

The Island of Samar has its own share of nature’s bounty. Among the nature’s jewels which enchantingly lure tourists and local folks includes unexplored mountains and caves which are inhabited by exotic wildlife, pristine shores rimmed by unspoiled coral reefs, cloud-hidden lakes of blue surrounded by multi-colored flowers and beautiful beaches and waterfalls nestled beside a mountain.

Here are some of Samar Island’s beautiful spots I highly recommend to all of you!
(CREDITS: Some of the pictures were contributed by a blogger of www.istorya.net and not by anybody else as claimed)

Tarangban Falls, Calbayog City, Samar

3-tiered Pinipisakan Falls in San Jorge, Samar

Marine Rock Formations, Marabut, Samar

Amandaraga Falls, Lawaan E. Samar

Mantikawol Falls, Gamay N. Samar

Pinipisakan Falls, Las Navas N. Samar

The Marine Sanctuary of San Vicente N. Samar

Maharlika Falls, Taft. E. Samar

Lulugayan Falls, Calbiga, Samar

Langun-Gobingob Cave, Calbiga, Samar

Canmaaghit Cave Spring, Can-avid E. Samar

Historic Balangiga Church, Balangiga E. Samar

Binaloan Spring, Taft E. Samar

Camparina-Bito-Burabud Caves, Calbiga, Samar

Belat Pool, Biri N. Samar

KM3 Caves, Las Navas N. Samar

Bangon-Bugtong Falls, Calbayog City, Samar

MOUNT KINABALO TOUR UPDATE!

MOUNT KINABALU TOUR
For CLIMBERS: 2 Days 1 Night


Day 1: Journey by road through the countryside, along the ridges of the Crocker Range ends at the Kinabalu Park.

- registering for the climb, and in the company of a mountain guide, the trek begins at the Timpohon Gate
- The trek takes you through the Upper Montane Forest which gradually gives way to sparser vegetation corresponding to the harsher environment and altitude.
- Stop for your packed lunch along the trails. The trek for the day ends at Laban Rata.
- Overnight accommodation is in dormitories.

Day 2: Conquest of the summit, Low's Peak (4,095.2m) begins in the wee hours of the morning to beat the early morning mist and to catch the unforgettable kaleidoscope created by the sunrise from the summit if weather permits.

- A late breakfast at Laban Rata before the final descent back to the Park where successful climbers will receive a certificate to prove their conquest. After lunch and a short rest, depart for Kota Kinabalu at 4.00 pm.

Recommended items to bring for the climb:
- Sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, hat, sun block, warm clothing, a change of clothes, cotton gloves, torchlight and bottle for drinking water.
* Persons with high blood pressure, diabetes and weak hearts are advised not to attempt the climb.

MOUNT KINABALO IN MALAYSIA

Hi there guys, just an update lang po.

I am organizing an International Climb to Mount Kinabalo sometime next year, maybe on April's Holy Week's time. Just in case, anyone would like to join, you can inform me or contact me for more details about possible requirements, budget estimates, routes and other details. Of course, this matter is exclusively for those who love the outdoors and has healthy minds. hehehe!

Here's my number for direct access: 09207675444