Thursday, March 31, 2011

CHINA EXECUTED 3 FILIPINO DRUG MULES ON MARCH 30, 2011



No time for miracle.

How does it feel to know that a few more hours you will be killed?

Sally Ordinario, one of the three Filipino OFW executed in China yesterday, doesn't know her future until she saw her family in Xiamen detention. She was surprised to see her family as she asked them "Bakit kayo nandirito? Mamamatay na ba ako?" After the execution, the Chinese authority let them see the body of Sally and they saw the tears falling from the eyes of the late Sally Ordinario. "Mainit pa ang katawan niya at may luha sa kanyang mga mata," Jason Ordinario, brother of Sally, during his interview.

From abs-cbnnews.com, here is the full story.



3 Filipino drug couriers executed in China

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – The 3 Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking were executed on Wednesday morning in China, Vice-President Jejomar Binay told ANC.

Chinese authorities carried out the executions of Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, Ramon Credo and Elizabeth Batain via lethal injection.

Villanueva and Credo were both executed in the city of Xiamen while Batain’s sentence was meted out in Shenzhen.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda confirmed the news. He said the entire nation sympathizes with the families of the 3.

"The nation sympathized with the families of the condemned, sharing their sense of looming loss. We sympathize with these families now. Their deaths are a vivid lesson in the tragic toll the drug trade takes on entire families," he said.

The 3 were arrested separately in 2008 carrying packages of at least 4 kilograms of heroin.

Smuggling more than 50 grams of heroin or other drugs is punishable by death in China.

They were convicted and sentenced in 2009. 

They were the first to be executed among the 72 Filipinos on death row in China due to drug-related cases, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

China, which has become a destination for drug traffickers due to its growing wealth, takes the drug trafficking problem "very seriously," Chito Sta. Romana, a journalist covering China, told ABS-CBN News. He said China is willing to bite the bullet and risk damage to Philippine ties as it considers the drug trafficking problem as more serious than its public image. 

The executions were carried out just days after Amnesty International slammed Beijing's sweeping use of the death penalty.

'End chain of victimization'

In the statement, Lacierda said the Philippine government took every available opportunity to appeal to the authorities of China for clemency in the cases of the 3. "In the end, however, the sentence was imposed," he said.

He said Malacañang "is resolved to ensure that the chain of victimization, as pushers entrap and destroy lives in pursuit of their trade, will be broken."

"Those who traffic in illegal drugs respect no laws, no boundaries, and have no scruples about destroying lives. Our response must be relentless, with government and the citizenry working together to ensure vigilance and mutual support to prevent our countrymen from being used by drug pushers as sacrificial pawns, whether at home or abroad," he said.

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III earlier ordered Vice President Binay and Justice Leila de Lima to probe as to why and how Filipino workers involved in drug trafficking can leave the country undetected by airport scanners.

With family

The 3 were with their families before the last hour.

Credo and Villanueva were with their kin Wednesday morning in Xiamen after the Fujian provincial government allowed the visit.

Villanueva's kin recounted to ABS-CBN that she was surprised to see them. In her final hours, she asked the Philippine government to ensure that her children have an education.

Batain's family visited her in Shenzen, and the promulgation of her sentence took place after the visit.




Villanueva's family saw her lifeless body at around 11:45 a.m., over an hour after the execution. Her kin said she had tears in her eyes.

Prayers

Family members and supporters of the 3 Filipinos stormed the heavens days before the execution day, hoping for a miracle even until the last hour. 

On Saturday, Villanueva’s family made their last appeal to the 
Filipino public to join them in their prayers. They flew to China the following day with a letter addressed to Chinese President Hu Jintao asking for clemency.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also organized a prayer vigil on Tuesday.

Before Wednesday, the 3 Filipinos had not been informed that the Chinese Supreme Court upheld their death sentence last week. Death row convicts in China are told of their fate an hour before execution.

Appeals

The Philippine government made several efforts seeking to spare Filipinos on death row in China.

In December, President Aquino did not send a representative to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonyhonoring a jailed Chinese dissident.

It also deported to Beijing last month 14 Taiwanese facing fraud charges in China despite protests from Taipei.

The executions were originally set for February, but these were deferred following a last-minute attempt to stop them. 

Vice President Jejomar Binay hand-carried a letter from President Aquino asking for clemency.

China cited humanitarian considerations in approving the deferment, which was a first given China's strict laws against drug traffickers.

This time, however, Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs were resigned to the fate of the 3 Filipinos when the Chinese courts announced its decision to proceed with the executions this March.

The Philippine government said it respects the laws of China against drug trafficking, a heinous crime that has been rising rapidly in Asia through drug mules who hop from one country to the next.

Binay, however, was persistent. "Habang buhay pa, may pag-asa," he previously said. On Tuesday, he sent a second appeal letter, which he authored, to President Hu. 

Binay, who was in Qatar on Wednesday, is the President’s adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns.























CREDITS
tv patrol. abs-cbnnews, google


IN PICTURE: THE OFFICE






This is Grace (I forgot her last name). She's from Marilao (not sure). Ahead ako sa kanya pero naging close kami. Nakakalungkot nga when she resigned in December 2008. Sabi niya, she will pursue her nursing career. San na kaya siya?

IN PICTURE: THE OFFICE





I guess this was exactly Thanksgiving Day in 2007. Nagkayayaan kaming mga midshift na magdala ng kani-kanilang mga food during our shift. Nakakamiss!

IN PICTURE: THE OFFICE





Old officemates and co-trainees from TP, ACS and Ascend.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

IN PICTURE: COLLEGE





NSTP Outreach Program (ACLC-Iriga). I guess this was second trimester of 2002. Loc: somewhere in Buhi or Iriga, Cam Sur. From the lady in white sitting: Cristina Lomeda, (I forgot the name of that yellow guy), Mary Jane Pascua, Rosalyn Rabino, Me and Marife Pacturanan.

IN PICTURE: ME, MYSELF AND I






Taken during the day of my college graduation. I was 19.

IN PICTURE: PAMANGKIN





My first pamangkin - Nina Rose. This was taken during the wedding of Kuya Ron some time in 2006. I think, she was just 4years old.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

MGA KARANASAN SA JEEP: ANG BASAHAN


Isang hapon, pauwi naman ako mula sa trabaho. Mula Shaw Boulevard, sumakay ako ng jeep papuntang Altura Sta. Mesa (biyaheng Pasig-Quiapo).

Sa kahabaan ng V. Mapa, may sumakay na batang lalaki na nagpupunas ng sapatos o sandalyas ng mga pasahero.

Kung ang ilan sa mga namamalimos ay gumagamit ng sobre, may ilang bata naman na para makahingi ng kahit barya, ay maglilinis ng window shield ng mga sasakyan. Nakikipagpatintero sa gitna ng kalsada kapalit ng baryang kanilang makukuha.

Nasa entrada ako ng jeep at ang batang ito ay kaagad na pinunasan ng kanyang bahasan ang aking sapatos. Isang napakabilis na dantay ng bahasan sa sapatos at sa kabilang pasahero naman siya lumipat.

Hindi mo nga malaman kung linis ba talaga ang ginagawa ng batang ito at ng ipa pa niyang kaparehas o naghahatid ng dumi sa sapatos.

Datapuwa't, kahabag-habag nga naman ang ganoong eksena. Isang batang walang muang na dapat ay nasa silid-aralan para mag-aral; ang damit ay hindi tinahi sa karangyaan; tila gutom at uhaw dahil sa pagal; at waring mapagkumbabang nagpupunas ng sandalyas ng kanyang panginoon.

Nang dumantay ang kanyang basahan, kaagad kong inilayo ang aking sapatos at nagpatuloy siya sa ibang pasahero.

Tila sa kamalasan, kahit piso'y walang nagbigay sa bata. Nagdesisyon siyang bumaba na lang ng jeep.

Ilang hakbang na lang at tatalon na siya sa jeep nang bigla ba namang apakan nito ang aking sapatos. Ibinunton ng bata sa sapatos ko ang kanyang kamalasan. Kung tinadyakan ko kaya siya pababa ng jeep?

MGA KARANASAN SA JEEP: ANG TINEDYER



Madaling araw naman at papasok ako sa trabaho. Ang daan ko ay mula Altura Sta. Mesa papuntang San Miguel Ave sa Ortigas.

Bago umalis ng bahay, minabuti kong iwan na lang ang aking wallet. Wala na rin namang masyadong laman iyon. Tutal kritikal na ang mga araw na iyon.  Ibig sabihin, paubos na ang pera at naghihintay na lang uli ng sahod. 

Habang naglalakad ako sa taas ng tulay ng Altura, nasulyapan ko ang ilang mga kabataang tila may inaantay sa kalsada. Bumaba ako ng tulay at dumiretso sa may sakayan. Ilang minuto rin akong naghintay bago ako sumasakay sa jeep.

Palinga-linga ang mga nasabing kabataan at palakad-lakad sa gilid ng kalsada. Nang pasakay na ako ng jeep, nakasunod pala ang isa sa mga kabataang iyon sa aking likuran. Hanggang sa makaupo ako sa loob ng jeep, mga ilang upuan mula sa entrada ng jeep.

Ilang segundo pa lang nang makaupo ako ng biglang sumigaw ang isang babaeng nurse. Nakaupo siya sa kabilang hilera ng mga upuan, marahil pangalawa mula sa entrada ng jeep.

Ang tinedyer na nakasunod sa'kin kanina ay bahagyang umakyat sa jeep at lakas-loob na inaagaw ang bag ng nasabing babae. Buti na lang at mahigpit din ang pagkakahawak ng babae sa kanyang gamit at nabigo ang tinedyer sa kanyang balakin. At buti na rin lang, hindi ko dinala ang aking wallet na kalimitang nakalagay sa aking likuran dahil maaaring nang paayat pa lang ako ng jeep, siguradong hahablutin ng tinedyer na iyon ang aking wallet. 

Sa sarili ko'y nagpupuyos ako sa galit. Marahil kung ako ang katabi ng babae o nasa malapit sa entrada, ang sarap sigurong tadyakan o sipa-sipain ng tinedyer na iyon palabas ng jeep. Sobrang lakas ng loob na kung iisipin ay ilang metro lang ay istasyon nang pulis.

MGA KARANASAN SA JEEP: MAGKAPATID


Sa isang pang pagkakataon, gabi at galing ata ako noon sa SM North. Sumakay ako sa isang jeep mula North Edsa papuntang Espanya. Ilan sa mga pasahero ay isang lolo na nakasuot ng pormal (white long sleeve), isang lalaki na mas matanda sa'kin (siguro sa pagitan ng 26 hanggang 29 at may magandang pangangatawan), isang babae na naka-skirt at isang lalaki na kuya pala ng una.

Habang binabagtas ng jeep ang West Ave papuntang Quezon Ave, nagkaroon ng tensyon sa loob ng jeep.

Hinipuan daw ng lolo ang babaeng naka-skirt at agad na nagsumbong sa kanyang kuya. Sumaklolo naman si kuya para sitahin ang lolo.

"Ikaw na matanda ka, umayos ka! Parang wala kang pinagkatandaan!" Pagalit na sambit ng galit na galit na kuya.

Mahinahon naman ang lolo. Matanda na rin siya (siguro edad 80). Sa mahinahon at mahina niyang boses, sinubukan niyang magpaliwanag ngunit nilamon lang siya ng umuusok sa galit ng kuya. Kaya naman, wala na ring nagawa ang matanda at tinitigan na lang ang magkapatid.

Ang nagpalubha sa tensyon ay nang may binunot sa kanyang tagiliran ang kuya ng babae at sabay tutok sa matanda. Pinagbantaan nito ang huli. Hindi naman natinag ang lolo at nanatiling walang kalaban-laban sa magkapatid. Tahimik at walang bahid ng anumang silakbo.

Kinabahan na rin ako nang sandaling iyon. Natatakot akong madamay sa away na iyon at kung mamalasin pa'y, baka matamaan pa ako ng armas nang nagngangalit na kuya. Sa aking tabi, ang lalaking mas matanda sa'kin at may magandang pangangatawan ay dali-daling pinara ang jeep at tumalilis sa pagbaba ng sasakyan. Mas natakot pa sa lolo at sa'kin ang binatilyo (kung wala man siyang asawa pa) na kung tutuusin ay mas malakas pa sa'min ng lolo.

Gustuhin ko man sanang bumaba na rin ng naturang jeep ngunit hindi ako makakilos dahil na rin sa takot. Nanatili ako sa loob ng jeep hanggang sa makababa ako. Buti na lang at walang ibang nangyari sa biyaheng iyon.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

MGA KARANASAN SA JEEP: ANG BAG



Bihira na akong sumakay ng jeep mula nang malaslas ang isang bag ko nang minsang sumakay ako dito. Simula noon, hangga't maaari, hinding-hindi ako sasakay ng jeep; que se joda ng maghintay ng fx. 

Weekend ng umaga galing ako sa isang house party (graduation namin mula sa training) nang sumakay ako ng jeep mula sa North Edsa papuntang Espanya. 

Sumatutal, sa pagkakaalala ko, mga anim hanggang pito lang ang sakay ng naturang jeep. Sa kabilang upuan, nakaupo ang mag-ina; isang estudyante sa kolehiyo kasama ang kanyang ina. 

Sa hilera nila, ay isa o dalawang mama ang nakaupo. Ako naman ay sa kabilang upuan at napapagitnaan ng dalawa o tatlong lalaki na kasamahan pala ng mama sa kabilang upuan. Nasa hustong gulang na ang mga naturang lalaki na ang mga hitsura ay tila mga de pamilya na. May dala silang mga back pack at nakapatong sa kanilang mga hita. 

Dahil wala ako sa tamang wisyo dulot na rin ng walang sapat na tulog, wala akong masyadong naging pakialam sa mga katabi kong mama. Habang binabagtas ng jeep ang ruta papuntang Espanya, napansin kong tila masyado naman akong sinisiksik ng mga naturang mama na kung susumahin, napakalawak pa ng espasyo ng upuan. Dala ko noon ang isang body bag na kakabili ko lang sa Mossimo. Medyo may kamahalan pa man din ang halaga ng naturang bag. Hindi ko naman inaasahan ang mga ganoong pangyayari lalo na sa mga ganoong oras (malapit ng magtanghali) kaya naman yung bag ko ay nakalagay lang sa aking tagiliran. Kinakabahan na rin ako ng mga sandaling iyon kaya naman inilatag ko ang aking bag sa aking hita. 

Ngunit hindi pa rin ako nakalusot. Naisip ko na tila may hindi kagandahang ginawa ang mga gagong iyon sa'kin. Masyadong praktisado at magaan ang kamay ng mamang nasa kaliwa ko kayat hindi ko namamalayan na hinihiwa na niya pala ang aking bag at sinisimulan ng kapain ang mga laman nito. 

Tila nakaramdam o nakita ng babaeng estudyante ang ginagawa sa'kin ng mama kaya naman ura-urada, kahit malayo pa ang dapat nilang babaan, pinara niya ang jeep at niyaya ang kanyang ina na bumaba. Nakita ko yung mamang kahilera nila sa upuan at tila ngumisi doon sa mamang katabi ko. Napornada ang balak nila doon sa mag-ina kung meron man. Ngunit sa'kin, nasimulan na nila ang kanilang plano. Hindi ko malaman ang aking gagawin. May takot na akong naramdam dahil kung iisipin, ako na lang ang pasaherong naiwang sakay ng jeep at katabi ko pa ang ilan sa kanila at magagawa nila ang kahit anong naisin nila. 

Ilang sandali pa, bago pa man dumating sa may Welcome Rotonda, naglakas-loob na akong bumaba ng jeep. Pagkababa, nangangatog ako sa takot. Hindi ko magawang maglakad nang maayos. Nang makalayo na ang jeep, tinignan ko ang aking bag. Nanlumo ako sa aking nakita. Ilang laslas ang tinamo ng aking bag. Agad kong tinignan ang mga laman ng aking bag. Buti na lang at hindi nakuha ang wallet at cellphone ko. 

Mga gagong iyon! Ang lalakas ng loob! Sa totoo lang, yung binabaan ko noon ay malapit na rin sa istasyon ng pulis. Gusto ko sanang sumigaw o magsumbong sa pulis ngunit hindi ko na rin ginawa.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

JAPAN QUAKE AND TSUNAMI: IMAGES OF THE AFTERMATH



CREDITS
google. newshopper.sulekha.com. geot.civil.metro-u.ac.jp. national geographic.




In this photo released by Nexco East Japan, a worker inspects a caved-in section of the Joban Motorway near Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in Japan slammed its eastern coast Friday, March 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Nexco East Japan via kyodo News)


Houses and others burn in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture (state) Friday night, March 11, 2011 after Japan was struck by a strong earthquake off its northeastern coast earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)


In this video image taken from Japan's NHK TV, a tsunami surge sweeps cars, boats and other debris against a building in Miyaku City, Iwate Prefecture Japan Friday March 11, 2011 following a massive earth quake. A magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's northeastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland. Fires triggered by the quake burned out of control up and down the coast. (AP PHOTO/NHK TV)


Earthquake-triggered tsunami waves sweep along Iwanuma in northern Japan on Friday March 11, 2022. The magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's eastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)


Tsunami waves swirl near a port in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture (state) after Japan was struck by a strong earthquake off its northeastern coast Friday, March 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)


Houses are shown in flame while the Natori river floods over the surrounding area by tsunami tidal waves in Natori city, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, March 11, 2011, after strong earthquakes hit the area. (AP Photo/Yasushi Kanno, The Yomiuri Shimbun)


Houses swallowed by tsunami waves burn in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture (state) after Japan was struck by a strong earthquake off its northeastern coast Friday, March 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)


Light planes and vehicles sit among the debris after they were swept by a tsumani that struck Sendai airport in northern Japan on Friday March 11, 2022. A magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's eastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)


In this video image taken from Japan's NHK TV, a tsunami surge sweeps boats, cars and other debris over a highway in the Sendai City area, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan Friday March 11, 2011 following a massive earth quake. A magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's northeastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland. Fires triggered by the quake burned out of control up and down the coast. (AP PHOTO/NHK TV)


In this video image taken from Japan's NHK TV, a tsunami surge throws boats against a building in Hachinoche, Aomori Prefecture, Japan Friday March 11, 2011 following a massive earth quake. A magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan's northeastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland. Fires triggered by the quake burned out of control up and down the coast. (AP PHOTO/NHK TV)


Workers inspect a caved-in section of a prefectural road in Satte, Saitama Prefecture, after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in Japan slammed its eastern coast Friday, March 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Saitama Shimbun via kyodo News)


MORE IMAGES, CLICK THE LINKS BELOW



Tuesday, March 15, 2011

JAPAN QUAKE AND TSUNAMI: IMAGES OF THE AFTERMATH



CREDITS
google. totallycoolpix.com.





A combination photo made of still images from video footage March 14, 2011, shows the explosion at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power complex. A hydrogen explosion rocked a crippled nuclear power plant in Japan on Monday where authorities have been scrambling to avert a meltdown following Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami. REUTERS/NTV via  Reuters TV


Earthquake and tsunami damage is shown at the Fukushima-Daini Nuclear Power plant in this handout satellite image obtained March 13, 2011. According to news reports, this is the largest earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history. Analysts believe the powerful earthquake moved Japan's main island eight feet (2.4 meters), shifted the Earth on its axis four inches (10 centimeters), and unleashed a devastating tsunami. REUTERS/Digital Globe/Handout



Police officers wearing respirators guide people to evacuate away from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant following an evacuation order for residents who live in within a 10 km (6.3 miles) radius from the plant after an explosion in Tomioka Town in Fukushima Prefecture March 12, 2011. Japanese authorities battling to contain rising pressure in nuclear reactors damaged by a massive earthquake were forced to release radioactive steam from one plant on March 12, 2011 after evacuating tens of thousands of residents from the area. Tokyo Electric Power Co also said fuel may have been damaged by falling water levels at the Daiichi facility, one of its two nuclear power plants in Fukushima, some 240 km (150 miles) north of Tokyo. REUTERS/Asahi Shimbun



An official scans for signs of radiation on a woman in Nihonmatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture March 13, 2011 after radiation leaked from an earthquake-damaged Fukushima Daini nuclear reactor. Japan battled to contain a radiation leak at an earthquake-crippled nuclear plant on Sunday, but faced a fresh threat with the failure of the cooling system in a second reactor. REUTERS/Yomiuri Shimbun


A man looks out over an area swept by a tsunami following an earthquake in Sendai City, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo



A building swept under a bridge following a tsunami and earthquake is seen in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo



A car is buried in mud and debris following an earthquake and tsunami in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo



A large number of cars swept by a tsunami following an earthquake are seen in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo



People make their way through a street clogged with debris in Sendai city, Miyagi prefecture March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Yomiuri



A factory facility burns following an earthquake and tsunami in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo




Smoke rises from a burning factory following an earthquake and tsunami in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Houses swept by a tsunami are seen as residents walk in Kesen Numa, Miyagi prefecture March 12, 2011. The biggest earthquake on record to hit Japan rocked its northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that killed hundreds of people and swept away everything in its path. REUTERS/Kyodo



A factory facility burns following an earthquake and tsunami in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Residential homes damaged by an earthquake and tsunami are seen in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Dark black smoke rises from a town after an earthquake and tsunami in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Cargo containers scattered by a tsunami following an earthquake are seen in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


A ship tossed ashore by a tsunami following an earthquake is seen in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Fire department staff watch smoke rise above a town struck by a tsunami following an earthquake in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000  people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Smoke rises from houses damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak


Roads and villages damaged by an earthquake and tsunami are seen in Sendai, northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. Japan scaled back its tsunami warning for much of the country on Saturday, nearly 24 hours after a massive earthquake struck and set off a succession of tsunami, NHK television said. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak


A damaged train is seen after an earthquake and tsunami in Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Yomiuri


Debris of houses and other structures float in the harbour near Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Cars swept by a tsunami are seen after an earthquake in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Yomiuri


Smoke rises in the distance behind destroyed houses in Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo


Fire boats battle a blaze at the Cosmo Oil facility in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo March 12, 2011. Japan confronted devastation along its northeastern coast on Saturday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that likely killed at least 1,000 people. REUTERS/Kyodo