Illegal resort owners hiding under the robes of “environmental network” are trying anew to spread baseless and unproductive statements mocking the initiatives of the Provincial Government of Zambales as diversionary tactics to lure the residents’ attention from dredging activities. These illegal business owners, who are supported by a leader of a progressive people’s organization, and an individual with the capability to influence, again are trying to discredit the good intentions of the Office of the Provincial Governor by spreading baseless and unproductive statements that merely are hoping to get attention and trust of the local fishermen of Zambales. These owners, less than a handful in numbers, whose business were illegally constructed in the accretion area which was long ago the DENR has declared as danger zone, and that they were warned that sooner or later the soil will be “reclaimed” by the sea. And so it happened. And they are now blaming the government and the dredging or desilting projects in the rivers. The illegals are blaming the very government that warned them and informed them years ago that they are in danger zone. That is why the government cannot issue them land titles, more so building permits or environmental compliance certificates. But they failed to convince the people of Zambales and the fisherfolks they are trying to drag into the false cause. Hence, they look for allies in Congress who know nothing about the truth, and contacted skilled influencers who half heard the truth. Yes they found. MODERN FISHING BOATS. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. (center in red shirt, white cap) was flanked by happy leaders of fisherfolks after the Naming and Turn-over Ceremony for three 45-footer multi-million fishing boats (seen in the background) donated to fishermen as part of the province’s program to modernize fishing capabilities of the province. Two more boats will be delivered on March this year, including 92-footer and 100-footer Mother Boats. (RAV) Hears To Watch. There is no need to cover-up good projects which intentions are to help the Zambaleňos in need. Giving them strong and modern equipment to become competitive over foreing poachers, and to have a bountiful harvest of fish, and give them more chances to earn more. According to Engineer Domingo Mariano, the Zambales Provincial Consultant for Development and Infrastructure, the real score is that more that 200 fishermen groups in 13 towns of the province are supporting the efforts of the province with regards to rehabilitating the major river channels of Zambales. During the provincial congress of Pagkakaisa ng Bayang Zambaleňo (PABAZA) whose members are from sectors of farmers, fisherfolks, small-scale miners, drivers, its President Basilio Damaso Jr., urge the Zambalenos to instead of doing fault-finding or maghanap ng sisisihin, everyone should share something good for the community.          

Gov. Ebdane tells LGU chiefs to move together with courage, discipline, and unity Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is appealing to all municipal mayors and legislators on Monday morning to move and work together with courage, discipline and unity as the province has regained and sustained “First Class Province” status The appeal was made during the governor’s State of Province Address (SOPA) held at the new Legislative Building which was attended by all municipal chief executives, members of the provincial and municipal board members, provincial heads of agencies, and representatives of community organizations. In his SONA, Ebdane boasted. “Today, Zambales stands tall economically, socially, and culturally.” Adding that the province has sustained its first-class province status, driven by strengthened fiscal discipline and revitalized revenue generation which promotes the quality of life and opportunities of Zambaleños. “It is high time for a collective resonance, where our shared energy creates the impetus that will lead us to achieving significant milestone,” Ebdane said. Among the highlights of the SONA were Good governance where the governor mentioned that public trust was restored by establishing governance mechanisms in institutionalizing the open government partnership while promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation to bring the government closer to the grassroots. The access to quality care was expanded by upgrading provincial and district hospitals, investing in medical facilities, and increasing healthcare specialists, and improving the processing of claims and Zero-Balance Billing (ZBB) for government hospital patients, ensuring that health care is always accessible and affordable for every Zambaleño. Social development was also enhanced ensuring that no Zambaleño family is left behind. Through its “Hatid Serbisyo,” the Capitol brought social services directly to the doorsteps of the people, breaking barriers of distance, cost, and bureaucracy. Meanwhile, as major economic engine, Zambales Mango Industry Council and Zambales Maritime Development Council are receiving support by extending the provision of equipment, seeds, and fertilizers, while enabling our fisherfolks with boats and gear, fish landing sites, and the institutionalization of their associations into cooperatives. Gov. Ebdane proudly reported that the Capitol is fast tracking the completion of infrastructure projects, including the new Capitol Building, Capitol Multi-Purpose Building, the new Zambales Sports Complex Track and Football Stadium, the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital Annex, and hundreds of linear kilometers of roads, water systems, barangay halls, covered courts, school buildings and other facilities. The expanded “Handog Edukasyon” provided thousands of students the educational assistance, while teachers were provided educational resources, learning tools, and digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, the province is preparing to bid for the 2027 Palarong Pambansa, noting that Zambales is confidently ready with all the facilities to host this prestigious event, as proven by the successful hosting the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree participated by 25,000 scouts in December 2025. For environmental stewardship and peace and order, and Gov. Ebdane urged the local officials to be ready to face climate risks, infrastructure gaps, health system pressures, and the realities of poverty in vulnerable communities. Officials must embrace emerging tools and new approaches for better service, and ensure that governance remains responsive, relevant, and worthy of the people’s trust. Hear’s to Watch: Zambales Gov. Ebdane urged elected officials to conduct research related to the interpretation of the law vis-à-vis the intention of the ordinance/resolution; determine the requirements of the province and come up with a proposed resolution to cover those requirements; improve activity of each committee and align with the defined governance objectives of the province; review and amend outdated ordinances. Photo: Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. delivering his State of the Province Address at the New Legislative Building on Monday, 19 January.

Subic General Hospital, A Mystery Solved The mystery that is haunting the completion of the hospital which was long been promised by the local government of Subic, Zambales was finally given resolve. Workers fast tracking the finishing touches of the P349 Million three-story Subic General Hospital in Cawag, Subic, Zambales. The hospital will be operated and manage by the national government thru Department of Health.  In an effort to clarify the misleading and disinformation telltales surrounding the construction of the hospital, representatives from the local government of Subic, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Health (DOH), met with local media on Tuesday. During the said meeting, it was clarified the allegations of critics that the construction of the hospital has already reaching ten years, that the hospital is merely a “ghost project”, that it is an open example of graft and corruption of the administration, and so forth. The hospital was originally planned as infirmary hospital with a capacity of only 20 beds with a budget of P10 million and to be constructed in 1.5 h.a. land donated by Fiesta Community developer Willy Tan. The ground breaking was in 2022 near WEA in Barangay Cawag. However, in 2023, the proposal was redesigned to become 75-bed capacity, causing to temporarily halt the construction and fundings. However, upon inspection of the officials from the DOH: its strategic location being the nearest for Hyundai Shipyard in Redondo Peninsula, and Seatrium Shipyard in Bgy. Cawag; and the expected beneficiaries from Olongapo City and Zambales- in May 2024, the proposed hospital was upgraded to Level 2 facility with 100-bed capacity. The budget also rose to ₱289.5 Million. Then, in 2025 another adjustment was made by expanding the bed capacity to 150, thus the budget allocation received an additional ₱50 million, and the land area was expanded to 15,000 sq.m. The total budget allocation has reached ₱349 Million. The changes in bed-capacity means adjustments in structural design of the building from single to three-storey: its foundation become bigger, the land area has to be expanded, and the budget also has to be adjusted. Thus, these adjustments, not corruption, significantly caused the delays in completing the hospital. It was also clarified that the Level 3 Hospital to be named Subic General Hospital will be funded, manage and operated completely by DOH, with no single peso coming from LGU Subic. Accordingly, a Level 3 hospital is described as “a tertiary-level, teaching/training hospital offering highly specialized care, including residency programs, advanced labs (like histopathology), blood banks, dialysis, physical rehab, and often larger bed capacities (200-1500), providing comprehensive services beyond basic and secondary care levels.” DPHW officials expected that the completed and finished physical structure of Subic General Hospital (SGH) will be transferred to DOH on November this year. Hence, the operational budget, medical equipment, furnishing, and personnel and other necessary compliments for the hospital shall be filled by the national government. Hear’s to watch: If all these facts are the reasons for the delays in the completion of the long dreamed hospital for Subic, let me quote one official who said it all, “It’s worth the hassles!”      

The acts of nature should not be blamed on men   This was the Zambales Foreshore Development and River Restoration Management Council or the ZFDRMC advised a group of critics after throwing another the latest tirade of disinformation over the on-going River Restoration Program in the major river channels in this province. The latest of these disinformation tirades came from militant group PAMALAKAYA which claimed that more than 300 agoho (Casuarina equisetifolia ) trees along the shoreline of San Felipe of this province were deliberately uprooted by the ongoing dredging operations. In a conversation with Zambales Provincial Engineering and Infrastructure Development (ZPEID) Consultant, and concurrent head of the ZFDRMC, Engineer Domingo Mariano, he asked why this group is blaming man for the acts of nature, which man has no control? Engr. Mariano explained that the uprooted trees and structures that were destroyed in the area were actually built over the accretion land which has long been declared as danger zone by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This was due to erosion caused by strong waves during typhoons, and not by dredging activities that save the greater number of lives and properties. After eruption in 1991, the Mt. Pinatubo deposited billions of tons of lahar into major river channels and into the sea. These sand deposits were scattered along the shorelines and later form part of the extended shorelines on an average of 500 meters from the original lines. DENR planted fast growing agoho trees, sometime in 2011, to help hold the soil and minimize, if not prevent, the erosion during typhoon, forbid the erection of any permanent structures inside the accretion area because of the danger of tidal erosion that could destroy everything, including trees and buildings above it, usually aggravated during storms. Another disinformation was from Zambales Ecological Network (ZEN) which claim that fishermen near the river of San Felipe lost their livelihood due to dredging activities. The truth is fishermen are now catching more fish by the tubs, thanking the provincial government for the continuous clearing of the river channel in their area. Another truth, almost all of the resort owners in Santo Niño, San Felipe, Zambales are illegal, with no land title, no building permit, but only deed of sale from questionable persons claiming to be land owners. Representatives from DENR, EMB and MGB and the office of Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., have assured the worried owners that the government will extend help to them to resolve their concerns. Groups with unknown interests should not interfere with the government projects, instead they should resort to dialogue, a win-win solution where no group was left behind. In dialogue problems are easily resolved, development is easily achieved.

Merely a week away before the much awaited midterm elections, candidates for various elected positions are doubling their campaign sorties in an effort to reach and solicit votes from the most of the voting population. At the same time, trolls and ghost accounts are swarming the social media platforms posting unbelievable stories, bitter tirades, or hurling dirty and muddy, but fake perhaps, accusations against rival candidates, while putting into limelight certain candidates who give them favor, or more rightly to say, give them payroll. In Olongapo City, there are for mayoral candidates: the incumbent Rolen “LenJ” Paulino Jr.: Barangay Gordon Heights chairperson Echie Ponge, and businessman/ showbiz promoter Arnold Vegafria, and Vice-Mayor Jong Cortez. Being an incumbent mayor, we will not talk about Mayor Paulino, as the voters can review his performance through his accomplishments in the past six years in office. Rather, we discuss the three aspirants who are vying to dethrone the former. Kap Echie, as she is called by Olongapeños, is capitalizing on her platform that prioritizes good governance through “Zero Corruption” where government projects are scrutinized by multi-sectoral committee before approval; transferring of James Gordon Hospital under the management of DOH. She also promises to provide free education and meals for the students to ensure their health. Serving his last term as city vice-mayor, Jong Cortez’s political platform promises, among others. to develop a retirement farm facility with free care givers to cater abandoned senior citizens providing comfortable living quarters, and space for gardening. in a land to be donated should he wins the election. He will also provide uniforms to the transport drivers He is an active volunteer of OCDRRM. The third, Arnold Vegafria, on the other hand, showed a clearer platform. Adhering to people’s clamor, Vegafria realized that residents wanted change; the city needs change, and the people is ready for a change. A change in leadership, in vision, in purpose and in system. And if given a chance to become city mayor, he will prioritize four major programs: Transform Olongapo City into Green City, rehabilitate fishing industry, set up medical specialists’ hospital, and boost tourism industry to bring back the iconic name of Olongapo as “Entertainment Capital of the Philippines. All these are to increase job opportunities for the local residents. As part of the tourism program, Vegafria said that within his first 100 days in office, he will start the rehabilitation of coastal areas and river sides of Olongapo in preparation for the establishment of other tourism-related water activities. He will also look into the possibility of constructing cable car system around the Kalaklan Ridge and coastal areas as means of transportation and tourist attraction. The former “Jungle Area” (part of Rizal Avenue), will be turned into Fashion District where you can find beauty salons and shops, gallerias, arts centers, coffee shops, and anything about fashion. He revealed that there are already eight foreign companies who are willing to start investing in these tourism projects if he wins the election Meanwhile, Vegrafria said he would push for the transfer of management of the JGMH to DOH to guarantee the improvement of the equipment, apparatus and manpower of the hospital, and to utilize the allocated ₱1-Billion fund for social services and free medical treatment. Hear’s to watch.  This election is actually round two between Paulino, Vegafria and Ponge, with Cortez as the new card. Paulino has the edge being in the power with logistics and machinery. Kap Echie is known for her undaunted passion and dedication to public service without stain of corruption, while Cortez is known for his “Always Prepared” to help in times of emergency. And Vegrafria is offering new vision and approaches to progress. The voters will decide, and let’s hope that they will decide for the future of the Olongapo, and not merely for who they get favor from.  

The FPRRD’s Arrest By ICC   The arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 for the allege crime against humanity committed during his bloody “war on drugs” from year 2011 up to 2019 is seemingly a jigsaw puzzle seeking an answer to whether it was legal or illegal. The war on drugs that allegedly killed thousands of suspected drug addicts, peddlers, users and runners may put FPRRD to become the first former head of state to go on trial. From a family vacation in Hong Kong, the former president was arrested at NAIA on warrant by the ICC, course through the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol, and brought to Villamor Air Base where a chartered Gulfstream G550 jet plane was waiting and later brought him to The Hague, Netherland where the headquarters of ICC is located.   While FPRRD was held inside the plane, a social turmoil was heating up. Mixed reactions was beginning to stir among citizenry. Comments of two sides of the coin were and still echoing over the radios, televisions and social media platforms: questioning the legality of the arrest of a Filipino citizen in his own country by foreign ICC, and the legal order or the process of the arrest of the former president; while others expressing their relief and approval. Vloggers are feasting the event, uploading their contents to express support or to counter the arrest. National figures are in the lime lights: condemning or commending the actions of the ICC and the people executing the order of arrest. Since the arrival of Duterte in The Hague, Netherland, supporters organized protest rally here and abroad condemning the allege illegal arrest of the former Philippine leader, and urging the Philippine government to order the ICC to bring back home Duterte. Even the Presidential Sister Senator Imee Marcos started a Senate inquiry regarding the arrest. In a live streaming, Senator Marcos, head of the Senator Committee on Foreign relations, has started an investigation into the matter, which she said has divided the nation. In response, the government expressed its willingness to extend full cooperation and there “will be no effort from the Malacañang to prevent such proceedings.” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration will fully cooperate in the investigation. Former president Duterte questioned his arrest saying that the Philippines has long withdrawn its membership from ICC. But the Department of Justice clarified that while the Philippines had withdrawn its membership from ICC, the nation remains a member of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), which executed the arrest with the cooperation of the Philippine National Police. President Marcos earlier explained that the assistance provided by the government for Duterte’s arrest was not in compliance of the ICC arrest order since we are already withdrawn or membership from the International Court. However, we have to comply our commitment to the Interpol, which we are active member, which was tapped by the ICC to implement the order. The President recognizes that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the Philippines. Hear’s To Watch: The arrest and bringing of former president Duterte to Netherland, whether legal or illegal, clearly induced disunion among Filipinos, and this is dangerous to national security and stability. There is also a great danger that the issue may be utilized as political campaign material to solicit votes for the coming May elections this year or in 2028, or even support to create destabilization. One could say that this is no longer an election of platforms covering economic recovery, developmental policies or social issues; and instead, an election of pro-Duterte against anti-Duterte. And one could provoke the other to start what is unwanted. But the people may still help the Mother Country. The people should learn better, analyze the story, understand the issue and not the person. Then decide, which party will you support? Or Who you will vote to save our nation?

Which party are you attending: Christmas or Year-End? Listening to TV for news and events, and even co-workers or students are busy talking about the special occasions that they are soon to attend or have attended, the party which everyone knows about. During the early days, it was simply called Christmas Party, because it held before the school break for Christmas holidays. However, as time passed by, the party’s name was gradually changed. It is now referred to as Year-End Party, and sometimes with “and Thanksgiving Party.” But why the change, and what are the differences between the two names which refer to the same party, in essence? According to one explanation the HTW found in the internet, “A Christmas party; specifically refers to a celebration focused around the Christmas holiday, while a “year-end party” is a broader term encompassing the end of the year, which could include Christmas but is not limited to it, making it a more inclusive option if not everyone celebrates Christmas.” There, clearly, “if not everyone celebrates Christmas”, meaning if not all attendees are believing in Christmas- the Birth of Jesus Christ, or they are not Catholics. Connecteam.com, meanwhile, said “Christmas party is a workplace celebration at the end of the year, held around or near Christmas days, to commemorate the season.” It also added, “It can also be combined with a year-end company review, bonuses, gifts, and other forms of company reflection or employee recognition.” Evidence of these are the wrapped gifts at the stage of the party venue, the big and surprise prizes waiting to be claimed by raffle and games winners. And of course, the exchange gifts, wherein to remember the three kings that offered gifts for the newly born Child Jesus. A year-end party is a social gathering to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the next one. They are often held by businesses, organizations, schools, or social groups. eduTinker said, the purpose of a year-end party is to bring people together to celebrate the end of the year and to reflect on the events and experiences of the past 12 months. It can be formal or informal, and they may be held in a variety of locations, including homes, restaurants, hotels, or other venues. The size and scale of a year-end party will depend on the group organizing the event, the budget, and the number of people attending. Christmas Party or Year-End Party both have the same purpose, to be happy for the coming Christmas season. And no matter how one celebrate: as year-end party or as the traditional Christmas Party, is basically not an issue anymore. As long as the people attending the party carry in their heart the essence of camaraderie, love and support for the company, organization or school they belong, the true meaning of all shall always be for the Lord, God we praise and adore. Hear’s To Watch is greeting every one Merry Christmas. May our Year-End be worth our hardship and perseverance to accomplished our goal for the year.

  SBMA opposes PNR railway project in Subic Last month, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) celebrated its 132nd Anniversary with a presentation of its upcoming projects that would expand and maximize the potentials of the railway system in boosting the economy of the country. One of the particular projects that PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal highlighted during his speech was the proposed integration of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), a cargo train component, with the existing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. Also known as the Clark–Calamba Railway, the NSCR is primarily designed to transport 800,000 passengers daily across its 147-kilometer stretch from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, to Calamba, Laguna. It would cut the travel time from Clark to Calamba from four hours to only two hours. The Clark-Valenzuela phase of the project is expected to finish in 2027. As for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), Chairman Macapagal, who is the son of the former Olongapo City mayor Atty. Teddy Macapagal, described the project as one that would revolutionize the transportation system of products and people across Luzon. According to the young Macapagal, SCMB which will begin construction in 2027 with a budget of US$3.2 Billion, is expected to provide the commuters and producers reliable, fast, efficient, but affordable cargo system. Hear;s to Watch: While the government is supporting the SCMB-NSCR, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the management of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, is rejecting the entry of the railway into its territory. This was announced on Thursday by a senior official of the SBMA during a media briefing “Talakayan sa Freeport” which was also attended by the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño and other senior officials. SBMA Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer F. Roman explained why the Authority is refusing or rejecting the proposed SCMB railway system to enter into the port areas of Subic. According to him (Atty. Roman), if the railway was allowed to be constructed in Subic Freeport it would mean cutting trees, there will a need to reclaim and destroy the healthy biodiversity of large mangrove areas. The proposed railroad will also disturb the serenity of the residential areas which is the major reason why it is a favorite among vacationers and retirees. Another main concern is that, the railway will traverse through the industrial parks, disrupting the operations of many industries and businesses. Instead, SBMA is proposing to construct the SCMB station at Barangay Mabiga in Hermosa, Bataan, or somewhere near but outside of the Freeport. When asked about the reaction of the government, especially the PNR and the Department of Transportation for objecting the railway to Subic, the SBMA official said that they understand the SBMA position, and they accepted it. This is a classic example of a debate between environment conservation and economic development. Let’s see what result the future will show us about this SCMB project.

In unity of the typhoon victims, a little slash in party budgets will go along way The Christmas Season is very fast approaching. Many municipalities and cities had already held their Christmas tree lighting events. The employees and schools, and other organizations and corporate world are noticeably excited talking about their plans for the Christmas parties, although other sectors opted to use “year-end party” to avoid, escape or delete the use of Christ in this very special event of the year. In some big corporations, private or government, event organizers plan fabulous parties allocating millions of pesos for Christmas parties: hotel and resort accommodations, sumptuous foods and drinks, big raffle prizes and surprises, parlor games, bonuses, and entertainment packages, and take-home packages. Others, those in the middle-class offices, suffice themselves partying in the offices with simple but exciting games and prizes, concluding with exchange gifts. But these excitements and grand planning had yet to be “dream comes true” as not-so-expected typhoons visited the country in the least expected months: October, November, and probably December! And unfortunately, these downpours entered the country in almost the same path: Bicol Region, and northern Luzon. According to PAG-ASA, in September, Tropical Cyclone “Julian” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and delivered so much rain water causing communities to flood and crops destroyed. However, haven’t have enough rest, people was to endure another disaster with the entry of Tropical Storm “Kristine” as it entered the PAR in October 25 until Oct. 25 severely affecting the province of Isabela, and the rest of Region II, IV and V. TS Kristine was immediately followed by Super Typhoon Leon which passed near Batanes Group of Islands. And With almost without a break to breath, on November 7, TS Marce with wind speed equal to Signal #4 devastated Northern Cagayan, Babuyan Islands (again!). And worse, Aurora and Northern Luzon was again soaked in by TC Nica on November 11. TS Ofel followed immediately in Nov 12, and was immediately turned super typhoon by Thursday, November 14, before hitting Cagayan at 1:30 p.m., while being reinforced another TS Pepito. The full extent of the damage or impact of the multiple storms is still to be determined as they are still ongoing. The NDRRMC reports that more than 207k houses were damaged across 17 out of the 18 regions in the country. Damage to infrastructure has reached US$179 million (PHP10.56 billion) however the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reports that field validation is still needed. While most of the critical lifelines have been restored access may be impeded by the incoming storm. The occurrence of seven typhoons in less than two months had brought millions of Filipinos to, seemingly, helplessness ground. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of 14 November, more than nine million people or around 2.4 million families were affected by the storms, displacing more than 600,000 people, of which 160,000 people still remain in evacuation centers (EC). The “storm train” damaged at least US$119 million (PHP 7 billion). Reports said that the province of Camarines Sur incurred the highest agricultural damage estimated at $39 million (PHP2.3 billion), damaging 33,145 hectares, and affecting 34,260 farmers and fisher folks. Hear’s To Watch. President BongBong Marcos, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, appealed to the Filipinos, especially the government agencies and offices “to refrain from having a grand Christmas celebration this year, following the onslaught of multiple typhoons in the country.” The call is in empathy, compassion and solidarity with the millions of Filipinos, directly and indirectly affected and continues to grieve over lives, homes and livelihoods lost during the typhoons that pounded us in a span of less than a month” The call is very timely, and indeed reasonable. It is time to be sensitive to the feelings of those suffering. And in the spirit of Christmas, maybe the government agencies may consider donating even a tiny part of their allotted budget for the party to the victims of the recent storms. Also, Hear’s To Watch is inviting everyone to pray for the souls of those who perished.(HTW)