Philippine Canadian Inquirer #158

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VOL. 3 NO. 158

MARCH 13, 2015

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SAF officer's online drive takes off

Marwan's right-hand man betrayed him

Anti-terrorism bill could be used to target activists

Do you really need an Apple Watch?

Pacquiao/Mayweather 2 months away, talk starts early

WALK FOR SAF 44 Binay says dirty politics behind raps

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer

Some 1,000 active and retired police officers who are graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy and some civilians brave the morning sun as they make their way along Edsa on Sunday. The 44-kilometer march from Dasmariñas City in Cavite province to Quezon City was held to honor the Fallen SAF 44.

LYN RILLON

‘We’re not closer to truth’

Families of ‘Fallen SAF 44’ seek justice anew in march

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer “IT HAS been 44 days and each day has not been easier. We wake up daily to the realization that we lost them for good.

We wake up to the reality that 44 days since their deaths, we are not closer to knowing the truth.”

Holding back tears and her voice breaking, the young widow of Senior Insp. Ryan Pabalinas repeated an emotional appeal that was first voiced to President Aquino during the nationally televised necrological services for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos slaughtered in Mamasapano, Maguin-

How to defend yourself when you're charged with assault

VICE PRESIDENT Jejomar Binay sees “dirty politics” behind the move of the Office of the Ombudsman to open an investigation of allegations that he and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, were involved in the overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. But Binay said he and his son were ready to face the music.

“We said from the very start that we are ready to face it and explain what really happened in the proper forum. So, now here is the Ombudsman,” Binay said in a media interview on Saturday after he attended a conference of SeventhDay Adventists at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Last week, the Ombudsman formed a special panel of investigators to look into the complaint of graft and malversation against Binay, his son and 22 Makati government officials and private contractors for alleged irregularities in the public bidding and awards process of the Makati City Hall Building II, which is largely a car park.

❱❱ PAGE 24 ❱❱ PAGE 11 ‘We’re not’

❱❱ PAGE 4 Binay says

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

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SAF officer’s online peace drive takes off

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer NEARLY 3,000 people at press time have signed the online petition of a Special Action Force (SAF) trooper supporting the continuation of the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and rejecting calls for a return to war.

The SAF officer belongs to the Special Action Company (SAC) 84th Seaborne that took down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25.

While Marwan was killed, a big blow on global terrorism, the success of the mission was drowned in the uproar over the deaths of 44 SAF commandos, nine of whom were the officer’s comrades in the SAC 84th.

The MILF lost 18 fighters in the gun battle with the SAF commandos and five civilians were killed in the cross fire.

“Two thousand?” the astonished SAF officer said when

An online petition started by an anonymous officer of the Special Action Forces has reached over 5000 signatures calling for peace and talks in light of the recent tension between the government and the MILF over the Mamasapano incident that saw 44 SAF commandos get killed.

SCREENSHOT

told that his petition had drawn more than 2,600 signatures by 2 p.m. yesterday.

By 5 p.m., the petition had 2,914 signatures.

The SAF officer uploaded the petition to the global online petition site, Change.org, on

Thursday as a personal call for sobriety amid talk of an “all-out war” among citizens and public officials who blamed the MILF for the deaths of the 44 SAF commandos.

The Mamasapano clash broke a threeyear-old cease-

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fire between the military and the MILF, which signed a peace agreement with the government in March last year.

Widespread public anger over the deaths of the 44 SAF commandos has delayed passage of the proposed Bangsam-

oro Basic Law, which would establish a new autonomous region for Muslims in Mindanao to complete the peace process.

In his petition (Change.org/ CommandoCallsForPeace), the SAF officer urged the government not to abandon the peace process.

“We may not exercise power.

But together, we can convince national leaders to push for peace. Even as we seek justice for my fallen comrades, let us repeat: War is not the solution,” said the officer, who signed his petition as Jason Navarro, a pseudonym.

The SAF officer, who was born and raised in Mindanao, said he started the campaign for peace to protect the women and children, who suffer most in war.

“Clearly, those who have experienced war know fully well the consequences of a call to war. They know the importance of peace to the communities they have served and would ❱❱ PAGE 6 SAF officer’s

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FRIDAY

Poverty rises in Philippines due to higher food prices, lingering effects of Typhoon Haiyan THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Poverty worsened in the Philippines in the first half of 2014 due to government restrictions on rice imports and the lingering effects of a killer typhoon, an official said Friday.

Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said poverty incidence among Filipinos rose 1.2 percentage points to 25.8 per cent in the first half of last year from the same period in 2013.

Higher food prices, particularly of the staple rice, and effects of Typhoon Haiyan that devastated the central Philippines in 2013, wiped out gains in per capita income, he said.

Baliscan said the increase in poverty could have been avoided by better management of food supplies nationally,

particularly rice which accounts for 20 per cent of the budget of low income families.

He called for a review of the government’s rice self-sufficiency policy which involves restricting rice imports to encourage domestic production.

“Just at the time when the world price of rice was declining, the domestic price of rice was skyrocketing,” said Baliscan.

Philippine rice prices rose 11.9 per cent in the first half of 2014 as supplies tightened due to lean harvests and lower imports.

Poverty worsened despite 6.1 per cent economic growth last year that was the second fastest in Asia after China.

Balisacan said data in 2014 showed the government’s income redistribution program and policies to attract investment benefited the poor, but the higher inflation eroded incomes. ■

Binay says.. ❰❰ 1

The Ombudsman’s move against the Binays came after it conducted its own investiga-

tion.

Since last year, a subcommittee of the Senate blue ribbon committee is investigating the car park project and has yet to conclude its probe.

The probe has expanded to other alleged corrupt and questionable deals involving the Vice President when he was Makati mayor.

These included the security and janitorial services at City Hall, the construction of Makati Science High School Building, his ownership of various condo units, his agricultural estate in Batangas and the deal between the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and Alphaland Corp. to develop the BSP’s one-hectare property in Makati. Binay is a longtime president of the BSP. The Binays have denied wrongdoing attributed to them by their detractors.

tions.”

Tiangco griped about the “special” treatment the Vice President was getting from the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, a Commission on Audit team and the Ombudsman investigating panel.

“The word ‘special’ does not mean it is searching for the truth but it means a special mission to convict at all cost,” he said.

Diverting attention

Vice President Jejomar Binay said that "dirty politics" are behind the move of the Office of the Ombudsman to open an investigation of allegations that he and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, were involved in the overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Vilification drive

On Saturday, Binay took issue with the press release the Ombudsman issued the day before, saying the office made it appear that he and his son had being charged with graft. He pointed out that the Ombudsman merely created a factfinding body to investigate the allegations.

The Vice President said the press release was part of the vilification campaign against the Binays.

In a statement, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) yesterday slammed the Aquino administration for its “selective justice” in rushing corruption charges against Binay and his son while sitting

on the cases of Liberal Party members and allies.

UNA interim president Toby Tiangco said the Ombudsman’s preliminary probe of the Binays for the allegedly overpriced Makati parking building was a “high-level design to neutralize the political opposition before the 2016 elec-

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Asked whether the announcement that the Ombudsman was conducting a preliminary investigation was meant to divert public attention from the Jan. 25 Mamasapano debacle, the Vice President said, “That’s true.”

Various groups have called on President Aquino to step down, saying he must be held to account for the Mamasapano debacle.

Binay noted that while the nation was still grappling with the police operations targeting two terrorists that ended with the death of 44 police commandos, the Senate resumed the inquiry into the corruption allegations against him. “Now, the Ombudsman is doing an investigation,” he said.

Binay reiterated that he was a target of dirty politics because he had announced that he would run for President in 2016. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

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DAR bares list of 44 anti-CARP lawmakers

BY GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer THE HOUSE of Representatives has sat on the bill calling for the extension and reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) even though its backers outnumber those who oppose the measure, 67-44, according to data released by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) legislative affairs office.

Based on its “mapping list” as of Feb. 18 this year, the antiCARP 44 are made up of the House’s most powerful (Majority Leader Neptali Gonzalez Jr. and Tarlac Rep. Enrique Cojuangco), the richest (Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Negros Occidental Rep. Julio Ledesma IV, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar, Rizal Rep. Joel Duavit, Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Violago, Iloilo Rep. Oscar Garin Jr. ), most radical (Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Gabriela Rep. Emerciana A. de Jesus, Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, Anak Pawis Rep. Fernando Hicap, Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon), and other lawmakers mostly from Negros, Cebu and Davao.

A source from the DAR released the agency’s mapping list to show the battle lines in Congress after 81 bishops appealed to President Aquino to convince House leaders to pass House Bill No. 4296—which would extend the 27-year old agrarian reform program for another two years—and its complementary House Bill No. 4375—which would create an Agrarian Reform Commission—before the end of his term in 2016.

The mapping list showed 179 of the 290 members in Congress were undecided on CARP’s extension.

In a text message, Gonzales questioned the basis of the DAR’s mapping list, noting that he had no reason to oppose the measure. But he confirmed that House leaders were reluctant to lobby for it because of the broad opposition to the bill.

“My job is to give any measure reported out by any committee a chance of being approved in plenary. In fact I even

The House of Representatives has sat on the bill calling for the extension and reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) even though its backers outnumber those who oppose the measure.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

helped the committee last year to report out the HB that was certified by the President,” Gonzalez said.

He explained that the bill lost its priority status after the committee on agrarian reform reported out a substitute bill that was different from the original House bill.

“It not only lost the certification value [made] by the President, being a different bill, but it likewise met vehement opposition from various government agencies including CHEd (Commission on Higher Education), SUCs (state universities and colleges) and Department of National Defense,” Gonzales said.

He said he tried to have the committee come out with the original bill last year but it was submitted after Congress adjourned sine die last year.

“Considering that a lot of the members of the House, both from the minority and substantial number from the majority, have indicated their opposition to it, there was no way we can approve it on second and third readings,” Gonzalez said.

He said the CARP bill was facing the same stiff opposition as it did a year ago.

“Unless we see able bodies of the members of the House supporting it physically pres-

ent, guaranteeing the presence of the quorum each and every time it will be taken up, floor leaders will have a hard time to shepherd its interpellation, especially its approval,” said Gonzales, who noted that discussions on less controversial items, such as the antitrust bill, have been having difficulties forming a quorum.

He said Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had not been remiss in his duty to ensure that the bill would be taken in plenary, as he had been appealing to members to support the bill but to no avail.

Genuine reform

Colmenares explained that the Makabayan bloc members opposed CARP not because they wanted to end agrarian reform; they wanted Congress to adopt House Bill No. 252 or the Genuine Agrarian Reform (GAR) bill, to take over the fake CARP. “CARP is the longest, bloodiest and most expensive land reform program in the world.

This fake CARP creates an illusion of land reform but has so many loopholes that even if they extend it for another 27 years it will never be completed,” he said.

Colmenares said data showed that the number of landless www.canadianinquirer.net

farmers had increased in the last three decades from 70 percent to 80 percent as landlords refused to let go of their inherited properties.

“We are proven right when we said 27 years ago that CARP was fake because of its loopholes. We hope the government will listen now. It’s about time President Aquino admits its failure and pass the pending GAR Bill,” he said.

The other lawmakers belonging to the anti-CARP 44 are Pangasinan Rep. Carmen “Kimi” Cojuangco, Cagayan Rep. Salvacion “Sally” PonceEnrile, Isabela Rep. Napoleon Dy, Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap-Sulit, Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara, Guimaras Rep. Joaquin Carlos Nava, Iloilo Rep. Arcadio Gorriceta, Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Trenas, Negros Occidental Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva, Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, Negros Occidental Rep. Alejandro Mirasol, Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullars Jr., Cebu Rep. Wilfredo Caminero, Cebu Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Cebu Rep. Joseph “Ace” Durano, Cebu Rep. Gabriel Quisumbing, Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar, Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Iway, Negros Oriental Rep. George Arnaiz, Negros Oriental Rep.

Pryde Henry Teves, Leyte Rep. Lucy Gomez, Leyte Rep. Damian Mercado, Northern Samar Rep. Marlin Abayon, Zamboanga Rep. Celso Lobregat, Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony Del Rosario, Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Davao del Sur Mercedes Cagas, Davao Oriental Rep. Thelma Almario, and 1 Sagip Rep. Erlinda Santiago.

Failed program

“Why zero in on just us? It is not just the Visayan bloc that is against the extension of CARP,” Benitez said last week, referring to the 34 wealthy lawmakers from the region. He stressed that the same position had been taken by the Makabayan group.

He said the Visayan bloc should be convinced that CARP had been a success before it would agree to extend the program.

“We want to know if the program has succeeded or failed because why should we extend a failing program?” he said.

Benitez maintained that the group’s main objective was always the welfare of the farmers.

“Existing agrarian reform beneficiaries should be provided support mechanism facilities and capability-building to effectively manage farms,” he said. ■

Philippine News

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MARCH 13, 2015

You Are Invited this Holy Week, Easter & All Year Long To the Anglican Church of Canada Churches of The Diocese of New Westminster In Full Communion with Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan Church) & the Episcopal Church in the Philippines holy communion services 2015

FRIDAY

Philippine military kills 73 Muslim rebels, suspected foreign militant in 3 week offensive

St. Mary’s, South Hill • The Reverend Fr. Expedito Farinas

808 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver • 604.324.3365 • www.stmarysouthhill.com

BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press

holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10:30am • Palm Sunday (Domingo Ramos) • April 2 • 7pm • Maundy Thursday (Huwebes Santo) • April 3 • 10:30am • Good Friday (Biyernes Santo) • April 4 • 7pm • Holy Saturday (Sabado Gloria) • April 5 • 10:30am • Easter Sunday (Domingo Alleluia)

St. Michael’s, Surrey • The Reverend Fr. Louie Engnan

12996 – 60 Avenue, Surrey • 604.591.8323 • www.stmichaelschurch.ca

holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10am • Palm Sunday • Blessing of Palms • Liturgy of the Passion • April 2 • 6:30pm • Maundy Thursday • Ceremony of the Washing of Feet • April 3 • 12noon • Good Friday • April 5 • 10am • Easter Sunday • Renewal of Baptismal Vows St. Michael’s Multicultural • The Reverend Fr. Wilmer Toyoken

409 East Broadway, Vancouver • 604.876.8191 • www.stmikes-church.ca

holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10am • Palm Sunday • April 2 • 6pm • Maundy Thursday • April 3 • 10am • Good Friday • April 5 • 10am • Easter Sunday

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

SAF officer’s... be the last to advocate allout war,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message when sought for comment.

The SAF officer told the INQUIRER that he couldn’t describe how he felt after learning that nearly 3,000 people had expressed esupport for his campaign.

“This is unexpected. I was expecting only 100 signatures and to me that would have been enough,” he said.

He could not say, however, when he would consider his petition success.

But he said his goal was to see people, at the very least, calm down in the aftermath of Mamasapano.

The officer said he had friends who signed his petition not knowing that it was he who uploaded it. He said he was keeping his identity secret for security.

He stressed that what happened in Mamasapano should not affect the peace process.

“Whoever was accountable for the lapses should face the consequences.

But we need to continue with the peace process. We have to trust each other, the government and the rebels alike,” he said. ❰❰ 3

He stressed that the SAF operation was against a terrorist and not the MILF. He said he volunteered for the mission “for the country."

“This will benefit not only us but the future generations as well. Perhaps the terrorists will be afraid to come here because our country is serious in its fight against terrorism,” he said.

He said that if he had any complaint, it was the “failure of some MILF commanders to control their people on the ground.”

Perhaps this is one of the things that the MILF should deal with, he said.

The SAF officer said he had no grudge against the MILF leadership and the other commanders who did not join the fighting on Jan. 25. “They remained true to the peace process,” he said.

Another petition called “No to BBL” had been uploaded to Change.org before the SAF officer mounted his campaign to pursue the peace process.

The petition against the passage of the BBL had more than 4,000 signatures as of yesterday afternoon.

It claims that the BBL would not stop the conflict in Mindanao and that it would only give power to those “who want to ruin the Republic of the Philippines.” ■

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine forces have killed 73 hard-line Muslim rebels and a suspected foreign militant in a three-week offensive in the restive south, where 44 anti-terror police commandos were killed in January in a clash with insurgents, the military said Monday.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said six soldiers had been killed and 29 others have been wounded in the assaults that started Feb. 25 and have displaced about 25,000 villagers in a marshy region in the boundary of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

Military chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang ordered the assault against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement rebels after they attacked civilian villages. The rebels also have been implicated in the Jan. 25 killings of 44 commandos during a raid to hunt a suspected terrorist in Maguindanao.

Numbering a few hundred, the insurgents broke off a few years ago from the main Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a new Muslim autonomy deal with the government last year. The breakaway rebels vowed to continue fighting for a separate Muslim homeland.

“We have degraded their capability to conduct atrocities. They are running out of ammunition,” Cabunoc told reporters.

The breakaway rebels have played down such military reports of battle gains in the past, branding them as propaganda.

The foreign militant was killed by Filipino marines late Saturday in a gunbattle in Maguindanao’s Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, Cabunoc said. The military has said without elaborating that the breakaway rebels have provided sanctuary to foreign allies, including at least four Indonesian militants and a Pakistani insurgent.

The 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front has acknowledged that its forces clashed accidentally with the police anti-terror commandos but blamed police officials for not co-ordinating the assault in a Muslim rebel community that targeted a top Malaysian terror suspect.

The main Moro rebel group’s involvement in a clash that wrought the government’s largest single-day combat loss in recent memory has stalled the peace deal it signed with the Philippine government last year and sparked criticisms against President Benigno Aquino III, who approved the anti-terror commando raid.

Aquino blamed an ousted police commander, Getulio Napenas, for the huge combat loss, saying the latter launched the assault despite potentially fatal setbacks, including a three-hour delay that deprived the commandos of a night cover. Napenas also did not follow his order to co-ordinate with the military for backup, Aquino said.

“If I knew this is what he’ll do from the start, I would have rejected this mission,” Aquino said Monday. “What could have been a really successful mission, under the plan he crafted, turned up like mission impossible.” ■

A Philippine soldier takes aim while sitting in the brush during a training exercise. Philippine forces have killed 73 hard-line Muslim rebels and a suspected foreign militant in a three-week offensive in the south, where 44 anti-terror police commandos were killed in January in a clash with insurgents.

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Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

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Purisima nixes peek into phone records

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer RESIGNED PHILIPPINE National Police Director General Alan Purisima has declined to sign a waiver authorizing telecom firm Smart Communications to release the log of telephone numbers he was in touch with on the day of the Mamasapano incident, according to Sen. Grace Poe. Since Smart has said it would be unable to provide the Senate with copies of Purisima’s messages because it does not store its subscribers’ texts, Poe had asked if it could provide the cell phone numbers with which he had exchanged messages.

Smart told Poe that a waiver from the subscriber was neces-

sary. sima—if he wants to help the the Mamsapano incident.

Purisima, however, refused President and the President Still Poe’s committee on pubto provide a waiver when her sent him no other text messag- lic order wanted copies of the committee got in touch with es—he should bring these out,” text messages in order to verify him, the senator said.

Poe said. them. Smart, however, replied “We called up that its system General Puridid not store the sima. He did not contents of text want to give a messages, only waiver,” Poe said their dates and If I were General Purisima—if he in an interview the contacts’ wants to help the President and the over RMN Cebu numbers.

President sent him no other text last week.

The commitmessages—he should bring these “That’s the tee has crossout. problem.

Bechecked the text cause he said his messages subprivacy was not mitted by Purithe only thing concerned but She acknowledged that Puri- sima with those submitted by that of the President who has sima’s reluctance to sign a sacked Special Action Force executive privilege.” waiver might create doubt in (SAF) chief Director Getulio It would have sent a better people’s minds.

Napeñas, and found that they message if Purisima just signed Purisima, in a Senate hearing, matched. the waiver, she added. released a transcript of his text The Senate probe, as well “If I were General Puri- exchange with the President on as others being conducted by

other groups, is homing in on the questions of what President Aquino knew about the operation and when he knew it.

Some senators have said that based on his text exchange with Purisima, it appeared the President was given wrong information about the Mamasapano operation, particularly about military assistance being on the way to the police commandos who were set upon by Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters guerrillas.

After the fire fight, 44 SAF commandos, 18 MILF guerrillas and five civilians lay dead.

The Poe committee report on the Mamasapano incident is expected out in the third week of March. ■

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen says he’s found sunken Japan WWII battleship off Philippines

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI The Associated Press TOKYO — Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen and his research team have found the wreckage of a massive Japanese World War II battleship off the Philippines near where it sank more than 70 years ago, he said last week.

The apparent discovery of the Musashi, one of the largest battleships in history, comes as the world marks the 70th anniversary of the war’s end.

Allen and the team aboard his superyacht M/Y Octopus found the ship on Sunday, more than eight years after their search began, Allen said in a statement issued by his publicity agency, Edelman.

Detailed images captured by a high-definition camera mounted on an underwater probe confirmed the wreckage as that of the Musashi, it said. Allen said on his website that the video and still images showed a valve wheel with Japanese letters saying “main valve handle” which used to be in a lower engineering area, a catapult system used to launch planes, a large gun turret, and one of the ship’s two 15-ton

anchors. He said the team also found the ship’s bow.

Japanese experts said they were eager to study the images to try to confirm the ship’s identity.

Kazushige Todaka, head of a private museum specializing in the battleship Yamato, Musashi’s sister vessel, said the details in the images matched those of the Musashi, which was the only battleship that sank in the area.

“Judging from the location, it must be the Musashi,” Todaka told NHK public television.

The Musashi, commissioned in 1942, sank in October 1944 in the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, losing about half of its 2,400 crew members.

The ship was repeatedly hit by torpedoes and bombs dropped by planes from Allied aircraft carriers.

The naval battle, considered the largest of World War II, crippled the imperial fleet, cut off Japanese oil supplies and allowed the U.S. invasion of the Japanese-held Philippines.

Allen’s team found the battleship at a depth of 1 kilometre (3,280 feet) in the Sibuyan Sea using the autonomous underwater vehicle on its third dive after narrowing the search area

with detailed undersea topographical data and other locator devices, the statement said.

“The Musashi is truly an engineering marvel and as an engineer at heart, I have a deep appreciation for the technology and effort that went into its construction,” Allen said.

He said he is fascinated with World War II history after being inspired by his father’s service in the U.S. Army, and that he was “honoured” to play a part in finding a key vessel in naval history, and in honouring the memory of those who served aboard the ship.

Allen said he respects the wreckage as a war grave and plans to work with Japan’s government to make sure the site is treated properly in line with Japanese traditions. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that he had no immediate comment.

Suikokai, an organization that supports Japanese navy veterans and conducts research in maritime defence, said that if the discovery is confirmed, a memorial service could be held at the site.

Todaka at the Yamato Museum said the findings, especially during the 70th anniversary of www.canadianinquirer.net

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his research team have found the wreckage of the Japanese battleship Musashi, one of the largest battleships in history, off the coast of the Philippines.

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the end of World War II, were a “great achievement” that could inspire many Japanese to revis-

it the history of the war, whose memory has faded over the past decades. ■

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MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

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Zulfiki bin Hir aka. Marwan was the high profile target of the Special Action Forces this past January in an incident that led to the deaths of 44 SAF commandos. It's alleged that Marwan was betrayed by his right-hand man, which led to his eventual death, but Marwan shot his aide before he himself was killed by the SAF commandos.

Right-hand man betrayed Marwan Informer slain by terrorist himself

BY TJ BURGONIO Philippine Daily Inquirer

a cornfield in Tukanalipao village in Mamasapano, Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI, said.

“He was one of those immediately killed in the house of Marwan,” Mercado said in an interview in Tagaytay City, quoting his sources in the government

Front (MILF). When he was president of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City from 1992 to 2002, Mercado was drawn into the peace process in MindIT WAS the right-hand man of Zulkifli anao. He was also involved in interrelibin Hir, alias “Marwan,” who gave him gious dialogue and cooperation between away, according to a Catholic priest who Christians and Muslims. has knowledge of the Dr. Antonio J. Special Action Force Montalvan II, an IN(SAF) operation QUIRER columnist, against the Jemaah described Mercado Islamiyah terrorist in as a “tried and tested Mamasapano, MaguMarwan [became suspicious] of his aide. Why barometer for Mindindanao province, on was he going out early in the morning? And he anao peace.”

Jan. 25. was waiting for the return of the aide. When he Mercado did not But Marwan’s aide came back with the SAF, Marwan was awake identify Marwan’s did not live to coland he was able to shoot the informant. aide, who he said belect the $6-million came an asset of the reward offered by SAF and the contact the United States for of US security forces. the capture of one of He could not say, Southeast Asia’s deadliest terrorists. and the Moro rebel movement. however, whether the aide was a memMarwan shot and killed him before It could not be determined as of press ber of the MILF before he linked up with he himself was shot dead by the SAF time, if Marwan’s betrayer was a mem- the Malaysian-born Marwan. commandos in his hut in the middle of ber of the Moro Islamic Liberation According to Mercado, the aide had www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

been staying with Marwan for some time and was with the bomber minutes before the SAF commandos barged into the hut at past 2 a.m. on Jan. 25.

“He was with Marwan to make sure that Marwan was in the house, because the house of Marwan was already being monitored the night before,” Mercado said.

At 2 a.m., the aide went out, presumably to meet with the assault team from the 84th SAF Seaborne Company headed by Supt. Raymond Train and led the commandos to the hut, where they found Marwan, who was awake, he said.

“Marwan [became suspicious] of his aide. Why was he going out early in the morning? And he was waiting for the return of the aide. When he came back with the SAF, Marwan was awake and he was able to shoot the informant,” he said.

Named in Senate probe

Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the committee on public order that led the Senate investigation into the Mamasapano clash, confirmed that resource persons gave the identity of the informant during the closed-door sessions.

“It will be stated in our committee report,” she said in a text message, without giving details.

The commandos shot and killed Marwan, cut off his right index finger, and sent the terse text “Mike One, Bingo” to Director Getulio Napeñas, then the SAF commander, to inform him of the success of the mission.

Marwan’s bodyguards staying with his Filipino deputy, Basit Usman, in another hut 30 to 40 meters away had been roused by the gunfire, Mercado said.

As they were exiting Marwan’s hut, the commandos came under fire from his bodyguards and Usman, who later escaped, he said.

“As they were getting out, lo and behold, the bodyguards of Marwan were waiting for them. That was the second firefight between Marwan’s group and the SAF,” he said.

At daybreak, the withdrawing SAF forces ran into rebels from the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and a gun battle that would last for 12 hours began.

Forty-four SAF troopers, 18 rebels and five civilians were killed in the clash.

Sources said Marwan trained his aide in explosives before the man was arrested for a bombing.

While in jail, he became an asset of the SAF. Then he went back to Marwan.

US monitoring

Marwan’s finger was given to US security forces who kept tabs on the mission to capture him, Mercado told the INQUIRER. Quoting sources in the government, Mercado said two members of the US military monitored the operation with

Napeñas at the SAF tactical command post in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao.

The two Americans and Napeñas followed the operation from the departure of the 392 SAF commandos on the night of Jan. 24 to the raid on Marwan’s hideout in Mamasapano early on Jan. 25, Mercado said.

The three stayed long at the command post to monitor the gun battle between the SAF commandos and the Moro rebels, he said.

They monitored the fighting through “drone feed,” he said.

A drone that hovered over Mamasapano during the firefight was caught on cell-phone camera by a member of the assault team. It was believed to have originated from the US drone center in Zamboanga City.

In the afternoon of that Sunday, four more members of the US military arrived in a helicopter at the command post to check the bodies of slain troopers and the wounded, Mercado said.

“It was given to them,” Mercado said, referring to Marwan’s finger. “[T]hey carried it onto the helicopter, all six of them.”

The six Americans flew out of the SAF command post on the night of Jan. 25, bringing with them Marwan’s finger and their equipment, Mercado said.

“All of them evacuated. There were no traces anymore. The helicopter was there to obliterate any trace of the Americans. The main purpose was to extricate their personnel. Napeñas never mentioned that,” he said, referring to the testimonies at the Senate of Napeñas.

Ceasefire broken

Napeñas did not coordinate “Oplan Exodus”—the operation to take down Marwan and Usman—with the military or with the PNP officer in charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, until after the mission had been launched.

By the time Napeñas called for military backup, it was already too late. The military organized a rescue mission, but could not attack the rebels because of the ceasefire between the government and the MILF. Until the Mamasapano clash, the ceasefire had been holding since 2011.

The government and the MILF signed a peace agreement in March last year.

Widespread public anger over the deaths of the 44 SAF commandos has delayed the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which would establish a newand bigger autonomous region for Muslims in Mindanao.

Passage of the proposed Bangsamoro charter had been planned for this month, but discussions in the Senate and the House of Representatives were suspended to give way to inquiries into the Mamasapano clash.

Now Congress is looking to pass the BBL by the close of the regular session in

June, leaving a shorter transition period before the new Bangsamoro officials are elected in May 2016.

Proof of US role

The presence of the Americans at the SAF command post could be proof of direct US involvement in the operation, said Mercado, a faculty member of the Graduate School of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, teaching peace and development studies.

“The Americans provided intelligence, network and use of drone, as well as information on the whereabouts of Marwan and [Usman],” he said, citing government sources.

Besides cutting off Marwan’s finger for DNA tests, the commandos also hastily took pictures of the body as the gunfire had roused the terrorist’s bodyguards, Mercado said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that lab tests on the sample provided by the Philippine government matched DNA from Marwan’s brother Rahmat bin Hir, who is detained in the United States.

Poe confirmed that the matter of who received Marwan’s finger was tackled during the executive sessions.

“That was discussed. As to who handled and what was done with it will be in our committee report,” she said in a text message. “I cannot confirm also who discussed it with us in our executive ses-

9 sion.”

Resource persons who provided information during the closed-door sessions included the resigned PNP chief, Director General Alan Purisima, Napeñas, military officials and two SAF survivors.

The Senate committees on public order, peace and finance wrapped up the inquiry after five hearings.

Police officials requested closed-door sessions when asked whether Marwan’s finger was turned over to the FBI. US funding

An INQUIRER source said the United States funded Oplan Exodus.

The Americans trained personnel of the 84th SAF Company at La Vista del Mar Resort in Zamboanga, where the operation was planned, the same source said.

Napeñas acknowledged the US military’s role in intelligence gathering, training of forces, use of equipment and monitoring of the operation.

He confirmed that there were US counterparts at the tactical command post who were monitoring the situation, and that the US military sent in aircraft to airlift the wounded SAF troopers the next day. He denied the United States played a role in the actual operation.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the United States was not involved in the counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano. ■

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Philippine News

MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

Family of OFW executed in Saudi gets aid from gov’t agencies, LGU

BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ Philippines News Agency KORONADAL CITY — The wife and family of a Filipino overseas worker executed in Saudi Arabia Monday have received full assistance from government agencies and from local government unit.

Nerlyn Otero Esteva, 36, wife of OFW Joven Esteva, said she was surprised and stunned to hear the news from relatives about the death of her husband.

"We were shocked although we knew it was forthcoming, it came without me knowing it," Nerlyn said.

“I just talked to him at about noon (Philippine time) and he never mentioned he will be leaving us, maybe he was unaware about the execution,” Nerlyn said.

She said the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have been extending legal and consular assistance.

"In fact, me and our four children were to fly to Riyadh to personally appeal to the victim’s family for forgiveness," she said, adding that she was processing travel papers when the sad news came.

Mayor Peter Miguel of Koronadal City came to visit Nerlyn and her children to express sympathy and extend financial aid.

Miguel personally handed over cash assistance to Mrs. Esteva.

The city government will also

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said that the government provided all of the necessary legal support to an OFW in Saudi Arabia that was executed this week. The family of the executed will be receiving support from the government.

SCREENSHOT

provide scholarship for the Esteva children.

Mariloy Sumalinog, OWWA12 regional supervisor, said the family stands to receive burial assistance and other monetary and non-monetary benefits from OWWA. Nerlyn has four, all male, children aged 16, 14, 13 and 11.

Mr. Esteva, who killed his Saudi employer in 2007, was executed in Riyadh on at 9 a.m.

Monday (Saudi time).

Nerlyn said her husband, a family driver, has been in jail since 2007 and was convicted

for killing his Saudi employer and wounding his son.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said that the government had provided Mr. Esteva with all the necessary and appropriate legal and consular assistance, including providing a lawyer.

"Regrettably, despite efforts of the Philippine government, the family of victim refused to grant forgiveness," he said.

Nerlyn recalled her husband worked as driver of a Saudi university professor. He has been

treated well until he experienced insomnia and “health problem.”

“He admitted he stabbed to death his employer after an altercation and the employer’s son because he was not allowed to return home then by not providing him money,” Nerlyn said, adding that Joven also stabbed himself in an attempt to commit suicide.

Before the stabbing incident, Nerlyn said, her husband’s employer refused to give him money for his ticket home.

Nerlyn said his parents in

Koronadal City sent him Phpo 15,000 for his one way fare but the employer allegedly kept it.

That angered Esteva and confronted his employer which ended violently, she said.

“Every Ramadhan since 2010, we have been appealing and sent letters of apology to the family seeking forgiveness," Nerlyn said. Her husband has been converted to Islam while in jail.

Nerlyn said the victim’s other family members would agree for settlement through “blood money” but not his wife. ■

pleted similar projects within the last six years, successfully using the technology in an election in the Philippines or abroad.

“The bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary pass/fail criterion... Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided [in the implementing rules and regulations of the Government Procurement Reform Act],” the Comelec said in

the invitation.

There will be a prebidding conference on March 16 at 10 a.m., for discussion of eligibility requirements and technical and financial aspects, although submission of queries will be limited to those who had already bought bidding documents.

The Comelec emphasized that “bids [lease price plus option to purchase price] received in excess of the approved budget for the contract shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.” ■

Comelec sets new bidding

BY TINA G. SANTOS Philippine Daily Inquirer THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) has announced a new bidding for a P2.5-billion contract involving the lease of new voting machines for the 2016 elections.

The announcement came after the Comelec denied the motions for reconsideration filed

by Smartmatic-TIM and Indra Sistemas S.A., whose disqualification led to the failure of an earlier bidding.

“[The motions for reconsideration] of both Indra Sistemas and Smartmatic-TIM have been denied by the Comelec BAC (Bids and awards committee). [The] BAC reiterated its earlier ruling. Under the rules we now proceed with the second bidding,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a tweet yesterday.

Apart from the bidding for the P2.5-billion contract for the lease of 23,000 units of optical mark reader machines, the Comelec also announced the second cycle of bidding on a

P31.27-million contract for the lease of direct recording electronic technology.

The Comelec said prospective bidders may buy bidding documents starting March 6.

The deadline is March 30 at 9 a.m., after which the opening of bids would be conducted in the Comelec Session Hall at the Palacio del Gobernador Building in Intramuros, Manila.

The contracts budgets remained the same as announced for the first bidding late last year.

Bidders must have comwww.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

11

‘We’re not...’ danao province, on Jan. 25.

“Again, I say, Mr. President, please help us gain justice and know the truth. I say again, Mr. President, please serve us justice and truth,” Erica Pabalinas said during a Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City on Sunday, or six weeks after the bloodbath in Mamasapano that claimed the lives of her husband and his fellow commandos.

“Our cry for justice seems to be slipping from our grasp. We don’t seek to blame anybody, we seek justice. Why is that justice seem so hard to gain?” she said.

The 9 a.m. Mass was the highlight of a 44-kilometer march from Dasmariñas City in Cavite province, organized by the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Alumni Association. It was originally scheduled to be held at Quezon City Memorial Circle, but city authorities withdrew a permit for the event at the last minute.

Authorities in the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Camp Crame likewise turned down requests for permission for a march and a rally on PNP headquarters grounds.

Senior Supt. Jerome Baxinela, the president of the alumni association’s chapter at Camp Crame and one of the organizers of the march, sent a text message to its members before the weekend, dissuading them from attending yesterday’s activity.

“Whoever issued that warning, I ask, what is wrong about grieving? What is wrong about sharing the grief,” Catholic priest Robert Reyes, who celebrated the Mass, said in his homily. He said the group left at past 1 a.m. to recreate the commandos’ situation in Mamasapano: “It was dark. They were scared and vulnerable.”

“Let us not be afraid to be real people, to grieve and be angry when needed. Let us not be afraid to sacrifice our lives like the 44 SAF heroes,” Reyes said.

Pabalinas recalled her husband as a law enforcer who committed himself to ❰❰ 1

the service, delivering justice, upholding the law and helping out those in need.

“That is why it is so hard for us to understand why the justice they unselfishly served and delivered to those who needed it, seems to elude them. They serve for justice, but where is justice for them?” she said in remarks made on behalf of the widows and relatives of the Fallen 44.

The widow’s tearful plea to the President on Jan. 30 has been replayed countless times to introduce talk shows on radio and television dealing with Mamasapano, fueling widespread outrage over the incident that threatened to scuttle peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The SAF commandos were on a mission to take down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and his Filipino accomplice, Basit Usman.

Marwan was reportedly killed but Usman escaped and is now being hunted in a military operation in Maguindanao province. As they withdrew, the troopers were ambushed by forces of the MILF and other rebel groups.

No closer to truth

Pabalinas said waking up each morning was not getting any easier. The days are swiftly passing by and yet she still does not know who killed her husband and his 43 fellow officers in Mamasapano.

With Reyes holding her hand, the widow joined the march from Camp Crame to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City.

Wearing shirts with the logo of the SAF, the marchers—composed of the PNPA alumni, both active and retired, as well as some civilians—braved the morning sun as they made their way along Edsa.

The 1,000-strong group finished the 4kilometer walk in less than two hours, arriving at the church for the 9 a.m.

Mass.

Gabriela, led by Rep. Luz Ilagan, joined the march from Camp Crame,

with women wearing violet shirts to celebrate International Women’s Day, also yesterday.

Ilagan said Gabriela respected the PNPA alumni’s request not to inject antigovernment sentiments into the protest and that her group was supporting the widows and the other women who lost loved ones in the Mamasapano incident.

The marchers also came across a small group of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on East Avenue in front of Philippine Heart Center. However, the Bayan contingent—holding placards with antigovernment slogans—did not join the activity but said they supported the participants.

Personal belongings

Families of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos who died in the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash ask the members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 10, 2015) to reopen the probe on the deadly incident.

PNA

Pabalinas lamented that up to now, many of the families had not yet recovered the personal belongings of their loved ones.

While admitting that her husband’s job as a law enforcer was full of danger, she said she never imagined that he and his 43 comrades would die in such a tragic and brutal way—some of the wounded shot and killed at close range.

“Forty-four days later, we still don’t know who their killers are …. Forty-four days may have passed, but our hearts are still crying for justice for our brave men,” she said as she tried in vain to hold back her tears.

The families, she said, are eagerly monitoring the developments on the

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several investigations of the incident— but the waiting has burdened their hearts as the days pass by.

Not 44 months or 44 years

While thankful for the assistance, help and support given by the government and the private sector, the widow said relatives of the SAF 44 were not after blood money but justice and truth.

She expressed optimism that truth and justice would be served soon—“not 44 months, 44 years or forever.”

Similar marches were held yesterday in Zamboanga City and in Cagayan Valley.

The group of 10 runners and a couple of cyclists were joined by the families of the slain commandos after an almost six-hour run and walk—billed as “Walk with the Widows, Run for Our Heroes”— from Dasmariñas to Camp Crame.

The march pushed through despite the revocation of permits by authorities along the route from Cavite to Camp Crame.

Led by Father Reyes, the group left Central Mall in Dasmariñas at 1:30 a.m.

They did not carry any political placard or streamer, as Reyes had earlier said that the march was not a move to push President Aquino out of office. Some in the group of runners were civilians but many were active members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

In Las Piñas, a handful of activists lined the roadside with placards saying, “We call for truth, justice and accountability.” ■

12

Philippine News

MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

P-Noy can name new PNP chief–Ping

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer CONTRARY TO Malacañang’s assertion, there is no obstacle to President Aquino appointing a new Philippine National Police chief, former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said this week.

Lacson said Mr. Aquino must soon fill the position left vacant after Director General Alan Purisima’s resignation last month in the aftermath of the Mamasapano debacle.

Purisima was forced to resign after it was revealed that then Special Action Force (SAF) chief Getulio Napeñas had directly reported to him before and during the operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” even as Purisima was under suspension by the Ombudsman in connection with a graft case.

The SAF operation on Jan. 25 resulted in the deaths of 44 police commandos, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels and five civilians in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The lack of a new PNP chief has, among other things, stalled the promotion of police officers, according to Lacson, himself a former PNP director gen-

November when he turns 56.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the “position is vacant, but the rank is not.”

Different matters

To this, Lacson said a position and a rank were “different matters.” A rank is a consequence of a position but a position does not depend on a rank, he said.

He said there were many instances when a two-star or three-star officer was appointed to the top PNP leadership but had to wait a while until he received his fourth star.

Lacson cited the case in 1998 when President Joseph Estrada appointed Roberto Lastimosa PNP chief even as then chief Santiago Alinio had yet to retire.

Lacson said it was up to Purisima to retire for the sake of his “mistahs” such as Espina.

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson.

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eral.

Lacson expressed concern that those officers serving in acting capacity could not exercise proper leadership in their jurisdictions. The PNP is currently headed by an officer in charge ( OIC), Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.

No authority Phenomenon

Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III echoed Lacson, noting the “phenomenon” at the PNP where the leadership is riddled with officers in acting capacity.

Interviewed over dzBB radio, Lacson said he could not see the logic behind Malacañang’s explanation that its lawyers were studying the legalities of appointing a replacement for Purisima, who had resigned from the service but had not yet retired and, thus, continues to retain the four-star rank of the top PNP official.

Purisima is set to officially retire in

He said the PNP was “suffering” as the PNP officer in charge, Espina, had no authority to do certain things, such as promote police officers.

As a result, there are many OICs in the police force, including the provincial director of Compostella Valley. Lacson said these OICs could only exercise “limited authority” in their areas.

Pimentel expressed concern that many PNP regional directors were serving in acting capacity.

“My question is ‘Why?’” Pimentel said in the same dzBB program. ■

Philippine militants release Malaysian policeman after 8 months THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine military said the militant Abu Sayyaf group released a Malaysian police constable on Saturday, eight months after they kidnapped him from a Malaysian resort.

Zakia Aliep, a member of the Malaysia’s marine police, was brought back to Malaysia’s Sabah state early Saturday, said military spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc. He was quoting reports from civilian informants in Sulu province in the southern Philippines near Sabah.

Cabunoc credited Philippine military operations in Sulu with the hostage’s release.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen wearing military fatigues ambushed several Malaysian www.canadianinquirer.net

marine police officers guarding the Mabul Water Bungalow Resort in Sabah resort on July 12, killing one policeman and seizing Aliep as they escaped.

A Philippine intelligence report said the constable was taken to an Abu Sayyaf jungle camp in Sulu’s Indanan township.

The raid was one of several on resorts in Sabah staged by the Abu Sayyaf to seize hostages for ransom.

The group, which has an estimated 400 members, has had links with al-Qaida. It has turned to ransom kidnappings and extortion to survive following years of setbacks from U.S. military-backed offensives.

The group is still holding a Dutch birdwatcher who was seized in southern Tawi-Tawi province, farther south of Sulu, three years ago. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

13

Filipino among 9 foreigners seized, 8 guards beheaded in oil field attack by Libya’s Islamic State affiliate

BY ESAM MOHAMED AND TERESA CEROJANO The Associated Press TRIPOLI, LIBYA — Militants from Libya’s Islamic State affiliate beheaded eight Libyan guards in an attack on a central oil field last week during which the extremists abducted nine foreigners, a Libyan spokesman said Monday.

In the Philippines, authorities said Monday that four of their nationals were among the nine abducted from the oil field.

An Austrian, a Czech, a Bangladeshi and a Ghana national were also taken while one hostage remains unidentified.

Friday’s attack on the alGhani oil field near the town of Zalla, some 750 kilometres (470 miles) southeast of the capital, Tripoli, was part of a series of deadly assaults on Libya’s oil lucrative infrastructure by the Islamic State group.

The attacks in recent weeks have forced Libya to declare 11 fields non-operational, including al-Ghani, and invoke a force majeure clause that exempts the state from contractual obligations.

Libya’s military spokesman, Ahmed al-Mesmari, warned that Islamic State militants’ long-term goal is to take over Libya’s petroleum industry.

“This is the lifeline of the Libyan people,” he said Monday, adding the consequences of such a loss would be dire.

During the attack on alGhani, an employee watched the beheadings of the eight oil guards and subsequently died of a heart attack, al-Mesmari also said. He not elaborate on how the army knew about the beheadings but the force serving as oil guards is closely allied to the Libyan military, which

An attack on a Libyan oil field last week by Libya's Islamic State affiliate resulted in the capture of 9 foreigners, including a Filipino. Eight security guards were also beheaded in the attack.

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answers to the eastern-based 4,000 Filipinos still in Libya to there, he added. government, one of Libya’s two get in touch with the Philippine On Sunday, Philippine diprival governments. embassy and avail of the gov- lomats met with 52 other FiliIn the Philippines, Depart- ernment’s mandatory repatria- pino employees of VAOS Oil ment of Foreign Affairs spokes- tion program which covers the at the company’s headquarman Charles Jose said Manila cost of travel back to the Philip- ters in Tripoli. Jose said 36 of was working the 52 Filipinos with the employhave said they er of the nine, want to go home Austrian-owned and more are VAOS Oil SerThe attacks in recent weeks have expected to sign vice, the Libyan forced Libya to declare 11 fields nonup for repatriagovernment and operational . . . and invoke a force tion in the comembassies of the majeure clause that exempts the ing days. other foreigners state from contractual obligations.

The Philipabducted. pines is among The incident the world’s top brings the total labour exportnumber of Filiers with about a pinos missing in Libya to seven. pines. tenth of its 100 million people Three others were snatched in The Al-Ghani oil field had working abroad another oil field on Feb. 3 and suspended operation for two Three years after Libyan dictheir whereabouts also remain weeks prior to the attack and tator Moammar Gadhafi was unknown. most of the workers had left by overthrown in an Arab SpringJose also appealed to around the time the gunmen arrived inspired uprising, Libya is bit-

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terly divided between two rival governments and a wide array of militias. The internationally recognized government and parliament were forced to relocate to the country’s far east after Tripoli fell to Islamist-allied militias last summer.

Al-Mesmari, the Libyan army spokesman, said that following the attack on al-Ghani, fighter jets took off from the Ras Lanouf port on Libya central coastline and targeted the militants. Earlier, Tripoli-based militias said their own fighter jets tried to stop the attack on al-Ghani but failed.

The Libyan turmoil has provided fertile ground for militants allied with the Islamic State group, which is fighting in Iraq and Syria to expand its self-styled caliphate. The Libyan IS affiliate now controls the eastern city of Darna and also Sirte, and has carried out several deadly suicide bombings across the country.

In January, militants from Libya’s IS affiliate stormed a luxury hotel in Tripoli, and in February, they released a video showing the beheading of 21 captured Egyptian Christians. The Egyptian military launched airstrikes on Darna in retaliation for the horrific slayings.

Also Monday, Gen. Khalifa Hifter, a veteran general leading a campaign against Islamist militias, was sworn in as Libya’s army chief in a ceremony before lawmakers at the parliament based in the eastern city of Tobruk.

The internationally-recognized parliament appointed Hifter to the post last week. He was a former army chief under Gadhafi who decades ago defected to the opposition and returned to Libya after the 2011 uprising. ■

Philippine News

14

MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

Pope Francis appoints Manila Archbishop Tagle as President of Catholic Biblical Federation

BY FERDINAND G. PATINO Philippines News Agency

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MANILA — Pope Francis has appointed Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as President of the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF).

The head of the Archdiocese of Manila is set to assume the post during the 9th CBF Plenary Assembly to be held on June 18 to 23 in Nemi, Italy.

He will be holding the post until 2021.

According to an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’

3 Filipino health workers infected with MERS while working in Saudi Arabia hospitals THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Three Filipinos have contracted Middle East respiratory syndrome while working at separate hospitals in Saudi Arabia, the Philippine government said Friday.

Two are nurses and the third is a medical technician, said Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose. They are in the early stage of the infection after being exposed to MERS patients, Jose said.

He said an emergency room nurse is isolated in staff housing and the other two in their respective hospitals.

MERS was discovered in 2012 and the illnesses have been centred in the kingdom. It belongs to the family of coronaviruses that includes the common cold and SARS, and can cause fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.

Jose said 10 Filipinos have died of MERS since 2013 — eight in Saudi Arabia and two in the United Arab Emirates.

Hundreds of Filipinos work in hospitals and health care facilities in the kingdom.

The Saudi Health Ministry last month reported that

Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website, the 57-year old Filipino cardinal will succeed Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who served the position since September 2002.

On March 5, the Holy Father announced the appointment at the Vatican, several months after Tagle was elected to head the Catholic fellowship of international and local organizations committed to the Biblical-pastoral ministry last October 2014.

Prior to his new appointment, Tagle is already holding different posts in the Roman

China activities on disputed Islands fuels fear of military buildup - Psaki PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

An electron micrograph of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) particles.

Three Filipinos have contracted the syndrome while working at separate hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

385 people have died of MERS among 902 cases discovered in the kingdom.

The Philippines has had one confirmed MERS case — a

nurse who returned from Saudi Arabia last month and who has since recovered, Health Department spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Curia, which has been the subject of reform by Pope Francis.

He is a current member of the Pontifical Commission for the Family, Pontifical Council for the Laity and for Pastoral Ministry to Migrants and Travelers.

Tagle also belongs to the congregation responsible for all concerns of institutes of consecrated life and of the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education.

Likewise, he is among the members of the Permanent Council of the Synod of Bishops. ■

struction around the Spratly Islands, and called on all claimants within the region to avoid provocative actions.

WASHINGTON — China’s de“We [the United States] are velopment activities on disput- watching these developments ed territory around the Spratly closely, and will continue to Islands are feeding suspicions raise our concerns with China that Beijing aims and urge all parto establish milities to avoid detary bases across stabilizing acthe South China tivities,” Psaki Sea, according to concluded.

US Department China’s terof State spokesChina’s land ritorial claims person Jen Psareclamation around the ki. and Spratly Islands “China’s land construction contradict those reclamation and activities are of Taiwan, Maconstruction fueling laysia, Brunei, activities are greater Philippines and fueling greater anxiety Vietnam. The anxiety within within Spratly Islands the region about the region. hold potentialChina’s intenly significant sions amid conoil and gas recerns they may serves. militarize outOn Sunday, posts in disputed Chinese Foreign land features in Minister Wang the South China Sea,” Psaki said Yi said construction on reefs on Monday. that China controls near the Psaki noted the United States disputed islands, are lawful and are aware of recent reports pose no threat to other counabout China intensifying con- tries. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

15

Binay, son face graft raps 22 execs also included in Ombudsman complaint

BY DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer VICE PRESIDENT Jejomar Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, will undergo a preliminary investigation by the Ombudsman for the alleged irregularities in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. A special panel of investigators formed by the Ombudsman has filed a complaint of graft and malversation against the Vice President, the Makati mayor and 22 Makati government officials and private contractors for alleged anomalies in the public bidding and awards process in the car park project.

The special panel of investigators also recommended that the Makati mayor and the other incumbent Makati officials be placed under preventive suspension while they face administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The Vice President was not included in the administrative case. According to a statement issued by the Ombudsman last week, the Vice President, the mayor and the rest of those named in the complaint will be formally investigated for malversation, falsification and violations of Section 3 (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (causing the government or any party undue injury, or giving any private party unwarranted benefits or advantage in government concessions) and the Government Procurement Reform Act. Joey Salgado, spokesperson for the Vice President and Makati mayor, said: “The Ombudsman PR is misleading. Either they are careless or simply

Vice President Jejomar Binay (right) and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, will undergo a preliminary investigation by the Ombudsman for alleged anomalies in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. TWITTER PHOTOS

want to create the impression that a case has been filed when such is not the case. What the Ombudsman special panel did was to start its preliminary investigation into allegations, which means all parties will be asked to submit their formal comments. It is no different from a preliminary investigation conducted by the fiscal’s office.”

“While we have not received a copy of the recommendation of the special panel of the Ombudsman, any charge of impropriety against the Vice President regarding the Makati City Hall Building II is clearly frivolous and has no basis in fact and in law,” Rico Quicho, Binay’s lawyer and spokesperson, said in a statement.

“We are optimistic that the complaint will be ultimately dismissed by a fair and impartial tribunal. This is again a

glimpse of how desperate the critics of the Vice President have become in order to fuel their own personal interests,” Quicho said.

“Politics has indeed really turned to its worst form,” he said.

The Ombudsman’s move against the Binays came following its own investigation into the alleged irregularities in the procurement and awarding of contracts in the construction of Makati City Hall Building II. The car park construction was also investigated last year by the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, which has since pursued other allegedly corrupt and questionable deals involving the older Binay, who has declared that he will run for president in 2016.

The subcommittee’s main witness is former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, an

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erstwhile Binay ally, who has alleged that Binay collected kickbacks from the car park construction.

The complaint did not mention overpricing and kickbacks in the car park project, as alleged by Mercado.

According to the complaint filed by the Ombudsman special panel, the Binays and other Makati officials awarded an P11.9-million contract for the design and architectural services of the car park project to the MANA Architecture & Interior Design Co. (MANA) group without public bidding.

It said periodic payments were released to MANA without the corresponding deliverables under the contract.

The complaint also alleged that the bidding and the construction for Phases I and II (out of the five phases of the project) of the car park building

proceeded without a detailed engineering plan from MANA, contrary to procurement laws and regulations.

The complaint also alleged irregularities in the procurement and award of the construction contract to Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., such as the use of falsified documents to show purported publications of notices to bid and the supposed participation of two other bidders when one of these denied participating in the supposed bidding while the other supposed bidder cannot be found.

The others included in the complaint are former city administrator Marjorie de Veyra, city legal officer Pio Kenneth Dasal, city budget officer Lorenza Amores, former Central Planning Management Office (CPMO) chief Virginia Hernandez; Former city engineer Mario Badillo, former city accountant Leonila Querijero, former acting city accountant Raydes Pestaño, city accountant Cecilio Lim III, acting city accountant Eleno Mendoza, city treasurer Nelia Barlis; CPMO engineers Arnel Cadangan, Emerito Magat and Connie Consulta, CPMO chief Line de la Peña, bids and awards Committee (BAC) secretariat heads Giovanni Condes and Manolito Uyaco, technical working group (TWG) chair Rodel Nayve, BAC member Ulysses Orienza, General Services Department (GSD) OIC Gerardo San Gabriel; and GSD staff member Norman Flores.

Orlando Mateo of MANA and Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp. were also included in the complaint. ■

Opinion

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MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

AS I SEE IT

Why is the MILF submitting its report to Malaysia?

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer MARCH IS International Women’s Month. Thank God for giving us women. Can you imagine how life would be so lonely, sad and boring without women? Even Adam, already living a life of leisure in Paradise with all his needs at his fingertips, was lonely without a companion. So God created Eve to be his companion and that started the human race. We wouldn’t be here today were it not for women, our mothers.

The most important women in my life are my mother, my wife, my two daughters, my two granddaughters and my women friends. My mother died when I was just starting grade school, but even now I still dream of her, still looking like the smiling woman in the only existing photograph of her. And in our senior years, it is our daughters and granddaughters who take care of us.

Some of our best senators are women. (I can’t say the same thing about the House of Representatives.)

Our best executive officials are women (Leila de Lima, Conchita Carpio Morales, Grace Pulido Tan, Kim Henares and, of course, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno).

Most of the teachers who taught us for the MILF fighter. So how can the Sulu out of gratitude for the latter’s how to read and write, how to think, Philippine government’s boxer win or help in quelling a rebellion in Borneo. read and pray were women. Most of even battle to a draw?

When the Federation of Malaysia was the nurses who take care of us in the I do not understand why our peace formed, Sabah was annexed as part hospitals are women. In fact, half of negotiators—and the President—are of the federation. Sabah is believed to the world’s population is composed so naive as not to see the underhand have rich oil and natural gas deposits. of women. Thank God for giving us of Malaysia in the rebellion and But Sabah belongs to the Philipwomen. the peace negotiations. The draft pines or, to be more precise, to the Today, the Philippine National Bangsamoro Basic Law may have Sultan of Sulu, a Filipino. There are Police’s board of inquiry will submit been written with the aid of Malaysia. 1.5 million Filipinos in Sabah who its findings on the Mamasapano masMalaysia has the motive to have a are treated poorly by Malaysia. Its sacre to President Aquino. But why semiautonomous Bangsamoro with government provides free basic is the Moro Islamic education to chilLiberation Front dren—but only to I do not understand why our peace negotiators—and submitting its inMalaysian children. the President—are so naive as not to see the underhand of vestigation report The children of FiliMalaysia in the rebellion and the peace negotiations. to Malaysia, not to pinos in Sabah are the President? That excluded. So Filipiis an insult to the President and the a parliamentary system of govern- no children in Sabah are growing up Filipino people. ment just like Malaysia’s and unlike without any schooling.

The cat is out of the bag. The MILF’s its home country’s presidential sysThe Philippines has proposed taking sponsor in the rebellion against the tem. It would then be easy for the the Sabah claim to the United Nations national government is Malaysia. For Bangsamoro, with its territory in but Malaysia refuses to participate. The years, the MILF has been getting its southern Mindanao and the groups UN requires both sides to agree to ararms from Malaysia. The earlier peace of Sulu and Tawi Tawi islands very bitration. Because if one side refuses to agreement that was declared uncon- close to Malaysia, to decide to join participate, there can be no agreement. stitutional by the Supreme Court was the Federation of Malaysia.

Back to the Mamasapano massahurriedly and quietly signed in Kuala Why would Malaysia like that? Be- cre and the PNP board of inquiry’s Lumpur—not in the Philippines— cause of the Philippine claim to Sabah. report on its own investigation. What with the American ambassador to the Malaysia knows that if the claim is tak- really happened in Mamasapano?

Philippines in attendance. Malaysia is en to the United Nations, the evidence That is the question everybody wants also the referee in the current peace will be against it. Historical records answered, and answered truthfully. talks. If this were a boxing bout, the clearly show that Sabah was given by That is also the primary concern sponsor, promoter and referee are all the Sultan of Brunei to the Sultan of of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas who

has stressed his commitment to a truthful and timely report on the Mamasapano incident.

Roxas, along with PNP officer in charge Deputy Director Leonardo Espina, was kept out of the loop in the operation to arrest Malaysian terrorist Marwan and his Filipino cohort Basit Usman in Mamasapano.

Specifically, Roxas wanted the board of inquiry created to investigate the incident and find answers to five nagging questions: 1. Was the plan well-thought-out?

2. Was everything done to ensure the safety of our troops?

3. Were the orders of President Aquino followed?

4. Was there American participation, and if there was, what was the US role in the operation?

5. Did the radio sets, bulletproof vests, firearms and ammunition of the troops work properly?

“Never hesitate to pinpoint the accountabilities in each of these concerns. It is important for the public to know the truth,” Roxas told Police Director Benjamin Magalong who heads the board of inquiry.

In other words, let the chips fall where they may.

We should know all that later when the board of inquiry submits its report. ■

LOOKING BACK

Rape of cultural heritage

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer THIS YEAR is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, as well as the end of the brutal Japanese occupation of the Philippines. While most people and textbooks memorialize February 1945 as the “Liberation of Manila” (from the Japanese), many others, like the writer Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil who lost family and friends in those horrible last days, insist that “Liberation” is better remembered as the “Battle for Manila.”

To this day we recall in our minds how the cornered Japanese forces (including Korean recruits) went on an orgy of robbery, rape and murder of non-combatants. They spared no one—seniors, women, children, and the infirm. However, often overshadowed by the loss of life during the war, is something equally important: the loss of our cultural heritage, art, and the primary sources required to piece Philippine history together.

Intramuros was destroyed. The old Legislative Building, which housed the National Library and Museum, looked like a wedding cake that had fallen from the banquet table; in the rubble were irreplaceable works of art, books and manuscripts that his-

torians only know today from faded and repeated: “Well, Mr. Ocampo, Rizal and about 600 more written by photographs, catalogues, bibliogra- you have to blame the Germans for great Filipinos in history. phies and, sometimes, citations in the loss of that book.”

The Filipiniana collection had prewar articles or footnotes in books.

One of these days, with the bless- not been fully settled at the PhilipWe are not alone in mourning the ing of National Library Director An- pine Normal Hall when, on Jan. 15, loss of heritage. I remember request- tonio Santos and the help of the staff 1945, the National Library was given ing some rare 18th-century work in the rare book section, I will plow one afternoon to vacate the Noron the Philippines in the British Li- through the materials that survived mal School. So the staff hurriedly brary and receiving my slip with the the war and see how much was really moved the important holdings from notation that the book could not be lost. Not all, it seems, not all. to vaults in Manila City Hall. In two located. Undaunted, I requested the The prewar National Library used weeks the Battle for Manila began same book the next day—and got to be housed in the Legislative Build- and kept the city in flames long afthe same result. So ter the fighting was I asked a reference over. National Lithere should also be a group to remind the present librarian, who went brary officials were generation of the loss of cultural heritage during the Battle into a back room saddened to learn for Manila, because it is only in remembering the horrors of to check and who that all the materiwar that we can resolve never to repeat it. returned saying: als moved to Manila “Well, Mr. Ocampo, City Hall were gone. you have to blame the Germans for ing, to serve, like the Library of Con- The vaults were forced open, their our inability to serve your request.” I gress in Washington, DC, as a refer- contents looted. asked why and she explained: “There ence for legislation, and to provide Everyone thought all was lost unwas a German air raid over London in a grand setting for scholarship and til they found the Philippine Nor1944, and one of the bombs pierced learning. On Dec. 27, 1944, the Japa- mal Hall intact. There, on March 16, through the British Library and hit nese gave the National Library em- 1945, two boxes overlooked by the a shelf destroying all the books in it, ployees 48 hours to leave the build- janitors in the mad rush to Manila including the one you requested.” ing that the invading force wished to City Hall were found. The boxes conI said: Then why is it still listed in occupy. With this tight time frame, tained, among other things, the origithe catalogue if it doesn’t exist any- 23 National Library employees nal manuscripts of Rizal’s “Noli Me more? Can’t you at least put a note in transferred to the third floor of the Tangere,” “El Filibusterismo” and the catalogue that clearly states “De- nearby Philippine Normal Hall: the “Mi Ultimo Adios.” Also in the boxes stroyed by Germans in 1944” so I will Tabacalera collection of Philippine were the letters between Rizal and not expect to read it and then be dis- rare books, as well as major historical Ferdinand Blumentritt. Contrary to appointed? The librarian shrugged manuscripts, including those by Jose popular belief, about 3,000 volumes

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were recovered: As much as 80 percent of the rare books that comprised the Tabacalera collection survived, together with parts of the Pardo de Tavera and Zulueta collections.

After the war, H. Otley Beyer reported: The Legislative Building “was the most completely destroyed of any of the larger government structures, and in addition to being blown up by shells and dynamite, the interior was wholly burned out. Total salvage of library property from this building amounted to less than half a truckload. The only objects of great value saved were chiefly in the nature of documents and letters which had been stored in a damaged iron safe [burst open by a shell subsequent to the fire]. These included some original letters by Juan Luna and Eduardo de Lete. The main collection of the National Library and Museum was almost wholly destroyed by the fire which had gutted the entire interior of the building.”

We do not want for groups like Memorare 1945 that commemorate the loss of life in the closing days of the war. But there should also be a group to remind the present generation of the loss of cultural heritage during the Battle for Manila, because it is only in remembering the horrors of war that we can resolve never to repeat it. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

17

PUBLIC LIVES

Marwan

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer NEARLY EVERY Filipino must know the name “Marwan” by now. If this nom de guerre did not exactly ring a bell when its owner, Zulkifli bin Hir, was alive, it has definitely acquired unprecedented notoriety after his death.

“Oplan Exodus,” the secret operation launched against him and Basit Usman, took the lives of 44 highly trained commandos belonging to the Philippine National Police Special Action Force. Its aftermath has triggered a firestorm of recrimination that has strained relations between the police and the military, and seriously dented President Aquino’s credibility as a leader. It has put in grave doubt the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose members figured flagrantly in the Mamasapano carnage. It threatens to derail the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. There can be no doubt about the valor and heroism of the young police officers who fell in the service of the nation. But, was getting Marwan equal to their sacrifice? Was the Malaysian-born jihadi the “high-value terrorist” he was touted to be? What exactly was he to the MILF? These are some of the questions that the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Anal-

ysis of Conflict (Ipac) tries to answer Marwan in Mindanao,” disputes geration. One of those interviewed for in a recent paper. The 14-page study certain claims about Marwan’s pre- this study sees him as “a little snake draws extensively from interviews sumed leading role in the foreign who has been blown up into a dragon.” with Indonesians who knew Marwan terrorist network in Mindanao that “Marwan by all accounts was not a in Mindanao, and may be accessed do not square with the facts as re- leader in Mindanao and had no speat: http://file.understandingconflict. counted by people who saw him up cial bomb-making skills; those he had org/file/2015/03/IPAC_17_Killing_ close. In his first speech after the were in sharp-shooting. A tendency Marwan_in_Mindanao.pdf Mamasapano incident, President to panic in crisis situations made him It is my first time to encounter Aquino offered a glimpse of the SAF unwanted in battle.”

Ipac’s work, but I know some of the mission’s high-value target: “MarHow then did he land in Ameripeople on its board—like the promi- wan is part of the Central Commit- ca’s list of the world’s most wanted nent human rights lawyer Mulya tee of the Jemaah Islamiyah, which terrorists? Three possible reasons: Lubis. The institute is headed by Sid- was responsible for the Bali bombing First, the foreign jihadis he rubbed ney Jones, who has done solid schol- in Indonesia.” Ipac says that, in fact, elbows with in Mindanao included arship on Southeast big names like Bali Asia for the Internabomber Umar Patek There can be no doubt about the valor and heroism of tional Crisis Group and the explosives the young police officers who fell in the service of the nation. and was herself at expert Dulmatin But . . . Was the Malaysian-born jihadi the “high-value terone time the direcwho were both with rorist” he was touted to be? tor for Asia of Huthe Jemaah Islamiman Rights Watch. Founded in 2013, Marwan was never a member of Je- yah. “Marwan’s stature may have Ipac operates “on the principle that maah Islamiyah, nor was he in Bali been a reflection of theirs.” Second, accurate analysis is a critical first step at the time of the October 2002 Bali he might have been confused with toward preventing violent conflict.” bombing. He was then already living another Malaysian, Zulkifli Marzuki, I’m saying this because even as we in Mindanao. a close associate of Hambali, the Inshould not take the entire report as The scariest depiction of Marwan donesian terrorist now detained in gospel truth, we cannot dismiss it ei- is that of a bomb expert who ran a Guantanamo. Third, in the 14 years ther as pure hearsay. The conclusions bomb-making workshop and trained that he lived in Mindanao, mostly it draws have a profound bearing an entire generation of jihadis in this under the protection of the Abu on prevailing attitudes toward the lethal craft. At the Senate hearing, Sayyaf and the breakaway group of MILF, and on the government’s effort dismissed SAF chief Getulio Napeñas Umbra Kato, Marwan was the target to balance its counterterrorism poli- called him “the most notorious bomb of countless operations by the pocy with its quest for a peaceful and expert not just here in Southeast Asia lice and the military. His legendary just resolution of armed conflicts. but in the entire world.” Marwan’s In- elusiveness made him the ultimate The Ipac article, titled “Killing donesian associates laugh at this exag- catch in the eyes of the SAF.

There might also have been an “institutional factor” at work, says Ipac.

“The more fearsome his reputation, the more Philippine authorities and their US allies may have believed that extraordinary measures were required to deal with him.” Four hundred commandos were thus deployed to go after him and Basit Usman on Jan. 25, with no thought of taking either of them alive. Working on an intelligence packet presumably supplied by the US Joint Special Operations Task Force, the SAF leaders seemed so sure they would get their man this time that they didn’t bother to coordinate with the armed forces in the area.

This debacle has cast the MILF in the worst possible light—as terrorist coddlers. This is so ironic, says Ipac.

“Marwan’s career shows clearly how MILF leaders rejected the presence of foreign jihadis and tried to ban any activities that could threaten negotiations. They were not always successful and there were occasionally rogue commanders who provided refuge and other forms of support, but the message was clear that terrorists were not welcome. In the future as in the past, the only possible strategy for managing extremism in the southern Philippines is to work in partnership with the MILF.” ■

GET REAL

PH and perceptions of electoral integrity

By Solita Collas-Monsod Philippine Daily Inquirer YOU WANT to know how the latest (2013) Philippine election compares with other countries in terms of “electoral integrity” (defined as adhering to international standards and global norms governing the appropriate conduct of elections)? Comes now the Electoral Integrity Project, an independent academic study with a research team based at the Department of Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Its just-released report (Feb. 15), titled “The Year in Elections 2014,” tells us what we want to know.

The report presents the results of a rolling survey of expert evaluations for all national legislative and presidential elections held in independent nation-states (population greater than 100,000) between July 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2014. There were 127 elections during that period, involving 107 countries (some countries had more than one election in that period). And the performance of each country for each election was measured by 49 indicators grouped into 11 subdimensions corresponding to

the components of the electoral cy- in 2014 ranked 45th. The United the complete list: Macedonia, Malawi, cle. Countries were ranked according States, among the western democra- Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Swato their overall PEI (perceptions of cies, showed the lowest PEI index, ziland, Iraq, Mauritania, Armenia, electoral integrity) index (100 being lower even than Italy, for heaven’s Guinea, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, the best score). But since the data are sake. Brazil and Chile also had high- Madagascar, Turkmenistan, Togo, made available, one can presumably er scores than the United States. So Bangladesh, Malaysia, Angola, Egypt, rank them according to each com- much for using it as a model of elec- Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Afghanistan, ponent (e.g., electoral laws, electoral toral integrity. But what brought the Belarus, Cambodia, Congo, Tajikistan, procedures, district boundaries, vot- United States so low? It had its low- Syrian Arab Republic, Bahrain, Djier registration, party and candidate est scores in electoral laws, district bouti, and Equatorial Guinea. You will registration, media coverage, cam- boundaries, voter registration and say either “Thank God we are better paign finance, voting process, vote campaign financing. than these countries” or “My God, we count, results, electoral authorities).

But back to the Philippines. Among really are at the bottom of the barrel!”

Everything being transparent, we the 107 countries that were surI cannot resist pointing out that go to the $64 quesVenezuela is among tion: How did the those below us.

Of the 127 elections held worldwide in that 30-month 2013 Philippine That’s the country period, the Philippine 2013 election ranked 91st, with a election compare? where Smartmatic PEI index of 58.8 out of a possible 100.

Of the 127 (the firm that is elections held worldwide in that veyed—in other words, if we get the running our elections) got its start, 30-month period, the Philippine PEI by country, instead of by elections and where it claims to have run 10 2013 election ranked 91st, with a PEI (so that we combine multiple elec- elections. What a record. By the way, index of 58.8 out of a possible 100. tions)—where would the Philippines it also claims to have eight US elecThe top scorer was the Norwegian be? We would rank 76th out of the 107. tions (presumably local) under its 2013 elections with an index of 86.6. Among the Asean countries that had belt. And the 2010 and 2013 PhilipBut the surprising thing was that elections during the period, Indone- pine elections. It might be interestLithuania, the Czech Republic, and sia was 52nd, and Thailand was 71st, ing to dig deeper into the data of the Costa Rica (Yes! A Latin American with PEI indices of 65 and 61, respec- Electoral Integrity Project. country!) came after Norway and be- tively. Better than us. But we can deLet us summarize: As far as the fore Sweden and Germany, who were rive some comfort from the fact that PEI is concerned, the Philippines fifth and sixth.

Malaysia was 94th and Cambodia was ranks 91st among 127 elections conIf it is any comfort to us, the US 101st, with PEI indices of 48 and 45. ducted worldwide between July 1, 2012 presidential election ranked What countries are “worse” than 2012 and Dec. 31, 2014. It ranks 76th 42nd, and its congressional election us (with lower PEI indices)? Here’s among 107 countries that conducted

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elections during that period. With respect to regional PEI indices, the Philippines’ index, at 59, makes it much closer to South Asia (59), North Africa (59), and East and South Africa (58) than to East Asia and the Pacific where it belongs (67).

Are we happy with that performance? No? Then let’s do something about it. I have some suggestions: 1. Let us clamor for the return of Gus Lagman to the Commission on Elections. For those with short memories, he was the only Comelec commissioner with IT experience, and he was kicked out (by P-Noy, unfortunately), allegedly because then Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and also then Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes did not like him. Well, JPE and Brillantes are now out. So get Lagman back in!

2. Fill in the other Comelec vacancies as soon as possible, with professionals, not political hacks, preferably good managers. Those seats have been vacant for over a month now.

3. Insist that the Automated Election Law’s safeguards against computerized cheating be followed. I don’t know why the House and the Senate seem so lackadaisical about these aspects, and why the Comelec is no better. Without those safeguards, garbage in, garbage out. ■

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FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Canada News

Anti-terrorism bill could be used to target activists: Amnesty International

BY JIM BRONSKILL The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A prominent human-rights group says the Conservative government’s antiterrorism bill could be used to target environmental activists and aboriginal protesters.

In a brief made public Monday, Amnesty International Canada added its voice to those who say the bill would go beyond genuine security threats to ensnare those who mount demonstrations that fall outside the strict letter of the law.

The Conservatives brought in the bill — which would broaden the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s mandate — following the murders of two Canadian soldiers last October.

The legislation would give CSIS the ability to disrupt terror plots, make it easier for police to limit the movements of a suspect, expand no-fly list powers, crack down on terrorist propaganda, and remove barriers to sharing security-related information.

The new disruptive powers do not apply to “lawful” advocacy, protest and dissent, but Amnesty fears they could be used against activists who protest without an official permit or despite a court order.

Canada must not slip into the pattern — seen elsewhere in the world — of leaving human rights behind in the name of protecting national security, Amnesty warns.

“It is absolutely vital that terrorist threats be addressed through measures that are in keeping with international human rights obligations,” said Alex Neve, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada.

The House of Commons public safety committee plans to hear more than 50 witnesses on the bill beginning Tuesday.

The bill and legislation tabled last fall dealing with CSIS

Protestors with the Siksika Nation at an "Idle No More" rally in 2013. Amnesty International says the Conservative Government's anti-terrorism bill could be used to target environmental activists and aboriginal protestors who protest without official permits or despite court orders.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

source protection and foreign- warrants to track two Canadi- still playing out, as the Supreme spying powers amount to the ans with technical help from Court of Canada recently most comprehensive reform the Communications Security agreed to hear the case. of Canada’s security laws since Establishment, Canada’s elecStill, Public Safety Minister 2001, Amnesty notes. tronic spy agency.

Steven Blaney told the Senate CSIS has always been able to CSIS failed to disclose to national security committee operate overseas to counter se- Mosley that CSE’s foreign Monday the bill would help curity threats to Canada. counterparts in the Five Eyes track Canadians who travel to However, train and fight long-planned with terrorist legislation groups overseas. brought forA federal reward in OctoIt is absolutely vital that terrorist port published ber would give threats be addressed through last year said the spy service measures that are in keeping with the government more latitude to international human rights obligations. knew of more obtain a courtthan 130 individordered warrant uals with Canaauthorizing sedian connections curity investigawho were abroad tions abroad. intelligence network could be and suspected of supporting The amendment flows from called upon to help — some- terror-related activities. It said court judgments that took is- thing the judge called “a delib- the government was aware of sue with CSIS’s powers to oper- erate decision to keep the court about 80 such people who had ate outside Canada — including in the dark about the scope and returned to Canada. a biting one by Federal Court extent of the foreign collection Though he has done so in the Justice Richard Mosley that efforts.” past, CSIS director Michel Coucriticized CSIS for requesting The legal proceedings are lombe was reluctant to provide

updated figures, saying only that “there are more and more people” seeking to join militants overseas.

“It is growing incrementally,” Coulombe said. “So it’s not in the thousands today.”

Updating the figure continually could “reveal where we have to deploy resources,” he added.

Blaney backed Coulombe, arguing that releasing numbers just begs further questions about whether the individuals are in Canada or abroad.

Senate committee chairman Daniel Lang asked Blaney to reconsider and offer “at least some way of informing Canadians” so they understand the scope of the homegrown extremist threat.

That way, they will be encouraged to support suspicious activity, Lang said. Otherwise, “you might not get that phone call.” ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

19

Massive snowfalls, early spring ice drive up winter costs in Atlantic Canada

BY SUE BAILEY The Canadian Press

AN AMIRAH STYLE HIJAB. Stephen Harper has doubled down on his aversion to

face-covering veils, calling them the product of a culture that is "anti-women."

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Harper calls Muslim face covering veil ‘anti-women,’ unacceptable

BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Stephen Harper doubled down Tuesday on his aversion to face-covering veils worn by some Muslim women, calling them the product of a culture that is “anti-women.”

The prime minister ratcheted up the rhetoric against the niqab even as Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau accused him and his ministers of stoking prejudice against Muslims.

Among other things, Trudeau pointed to Immigration Minister Chris Alexander calling the hijab — a head scarf worn by some Muslim women — a perversion of Canadian values, and New Brunswick MP John Williamson, a former Harper com-

munications director, referring last weekend to “whities” and “brown people.”

Harper ignored those examples and returned instead to his assertion last month that it’s “offensive” for someone to wear a face-covering niqab while taking the oath of Canadian citizenship.

“The leader of the Liberal party continues to bring up his position on the niqab,” Harper told the House of Commons, although Trudeau had not actually mentioned it.

He said Trudeau doesn’t seem to understand “why almost all Canadians oppose the wearing of face coverings during citizenship ceremonies.”

“It’s very easy to understand,” ❱❱ PAGE 22 Harper calls

effect, for sure.”

Out on the water, thick ice has moved in early and is now adding to severe weather delays ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — From masracked up earlier this winter, sive snowfalls that blocked said Darrell Mercer, spokesbusiness districts to early man for the Marine Atlantic spring ice wreaking havoc with ferry service between Sydney, ferry travel, the costs of a brutal N.S., and Port aux Basques, N.L. winter are adding up in Atlantic “Every time we miss a crossCanada. ing or are delayed, it backs evKevin Rice can attest that it’s erything up.” no ordinary season. He overMercer said dozens of crosssees road and sidewalk clearings have been affected since ing in Saint John, N.B., frozen January, with an economic imground zero for one of the worst pact that’s tough to estimate. winters anyone can recall.

Marine Atlantic vessels are a “That’s the multimillionvital commercial link for the dollar question,” he said with island of Newfoundland, bringa weary laugh ing everything when asked from fresh projust how badly duce to medical the city’s usual supplies. $ 5. 7- m i l l i o n “We do our snow budget is We don’t get all that upset when best, but of blown. we get volumes of snow like this course operatOver the last but there has been an effect, for ing in the North five years about sure.

Atlantic is one 2,700 truckloads of the most chalwere hauled lenging enviaway on averronments in the age each winter, world,” he said. said Rice, deputy Nova Scotia’s commissioner of transporta- February was 384 centimetres marine waters normally stay tion and environment service instead of the typical 218 centi- above freezing most winters, for Saint John. metres, he said. but the province’s Fisheries This year?

For Cow Head, N.L., a volun- Department said this season’s “To date, about 33,000,” Rice teer weather observer reported chill drove temperatures to said. “Talking to people that 548 centimetres compared to -0.7 Celsius, at which point have lived in Saint John for the usual 260, Foote added. fish blood freezes. As a result, many, many years, I haven’t Weather chaos has meant a three aquaculture sites reheard from anybody who can slow start to the year for many ported fish deaths, the departremember a winter like this. It retailers that don’t offer win- ment said. has been a major challenge.” ter-related gear, said David Back in Saint John, Rice The city on average has had Duplisea, CEO of the Chamber knows his work won’t end with about 216 centimetres of snow representing more than 1,000 winter. a year over the last decade, he businesses in the Saint John “When all this is over, we’re added. area. going to get ready for street This winter, crews have “We’re hardy people,” he said. sweeping, potholes and floodworked around the clock since “We don’t get all that upset ing. I’m hoping, by maybe June Jan. 26 when the first of a rap- when we get volumes of snow or July, I might be able to take a id-fire series of storms tracking like this but there has been an breather.” ■

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northeasterly over the Gulf of St. Lawrence dumped 320 centimetres in just over a month. A local state of emergency called Feb. 4 lasted a week to help clear what some have dubbed “snow-pocalypse.”

Extra costs for overtime, fuel and reinforcements are still being calculated, Rice said.

Dale Foote, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, said parts of P.E.I., western Newfoundland and southeastern Labrador have also been buried.

Snowfall in Charlottetown from October to the end of

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MARCH 13, 2015

FRIDAY

Privacy watchdogs say anti-terrorism bill unduly exposes personal info

BY JIM BRONSKILL The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The scope of the Conservative government’s anti-terrorism bill is “clearly excessive” and puts the personal information of Canadians at risk, the federal privacy commissioner warns.

In a submission to the House of Commons public safety committee, Daniel Therrien says measures in the bill to guard against unreasonable loss of privacy are “seriously deficient.”

In their own brief to the committee studying the bill, Therrien’s provincial and territorial counterparts say the provisions significantly expand government powers to monitor and profile ordinary, law-abiding Canadians.

“Such a state of affairs would be inconsistent with the rule of law in our democratic state and contrary to the expectations of Canadians,” they say.

The federal government brought in the bill — which would significantly expand the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s mandate — following the daylight murders of two soldiers last October.

The legislation would give CSIS the ability to disrupt terror plots, make it easier to limit the movements of a suspect, expand no-fly list powers and crack down on terrorist propaganda.

It would also remove many barriers to sharing security-related information, raising grave concerns on the part of the privacy commissioners.

Therrien says the bill could make available all federally held information about someone of interest to as many as 17 government departments and agencies with responsibilities for national security.

The legislation sets the threshold for sharing Canadians’ personal data far too low, he says.

In addition, Therrien is concerned the bill sets no clear limits on how long the information would be kept.

“While the potential to know virtually everything about everyone may well identify some new threats, the loss of privacy is clearly excessive,” Therrien’s brief says.

“All Canadians would be caught in this web.”

For instance, in an effort to identify people who may have become foreign fighters abroad, the Canada Border Ser-

vices Agency could be asked to provide information on all individuals, including tourists and business people, who have travelled to countries suspected of being transit points to conflict areas, Therrien says.

The privacy commissioner published his submission to the committee Friday in advance of hearings slated to begin next week. MPs plan to hear from more than 50 witnesses.

Opposition MPs have repeat-

edly criticized the government for boosting security powers in the legislation but not giving watchdogs more bite.

Fourteen of the 17 agencies empowered to receive security information under the bill have no dedicated watchdog looking over their shoulders, Therrien said in an interview. “So I think the problems we have with review currently are exacerbated by the bill.”

Therrien said while he can

look into complaints about information exchanges, all he can do is make recommendations to the government if he finds a practice to be unauthorized or illegal.

Canadians would not be able to ask a court to review the information-sharing made possible by the bill, he added. “There is no judicial review of these activities and I think that is something that is clearly a flaw in the system.”

Therrien recommends allowing information to be shared only out of necessity, not because it is merely relevant to an agency’s interest.

He also urges a second look at the notion of sharing related to “activities that undermine the security of Canada” to ensure the wording captures only real security threats.

In their letter to the committee, the provincial and territorial privacy commissioners say the Harper government has yet to produce evidence the new information-sharing measures are needed.

They call on Ottawa to withdraw the bill or, failing that, make amendments to ensure new powers are limited and protect Canadians’ constitutional rights and freedoms. ■

Tory MP apologizes for ‘offensive’ language about temporary workers program

Tories worried about base finding out how much they spend helping immigrants

THE CANADIAN PRESS

BY STEPHANIE LEVITZ The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — A Conservative MP has apologized for using “offensive and inappropriate language” related to Canada’s temporary foreign workers program.

Media outlet iPolitics is reporting that New Brunswick MP John Williamson told delegates at a conference in Ottawa that it makes no sense to pay “whities” to stay home while

companies bring in “brown people” as temporary foreign workers.

Williamson posted a series of tweets Saturday to apologize for language he used in reference to the controversial federal program, but he did not elaborate on what he said.

“Today I used offensive and inappropriate language regarding the Temporary Foreign Workers Program,” he wrote on ❱❱ PAGE 37 Tory MP

OTTAWA — A briefing note for a Conservative MP suggests the government is worried about how spending on immigration programs is going over with its base.

The House of Commons immigration committee is currently studying how government-funded settlement services can better help the www.canadianinquirer.net

economic integration of immigrants.

A note which appears to have been prepared for Costas Menegakis, the parliamentary secretary for immigration, says the party’s base will learn as a result that the government spends close to $1 billion a year on those efforts.

The note says the other risk of undertaking such a study is that the government’s relationship with Quebec may surface as an issue.

And while the study only began last month and the committee has only just started hearing from witnesses, the briefing note also lays out five recommendations for its the eventual report.

A copy of the note was obtained by The Canadian Press.

Menegakis’ office declined to comment specifically on the note’s contents. ❱❱ PAGE 23 Tories worried

Canada News

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

21

RCMP allege Wallin misrepresented personal business as Senate work

BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press

However, Munk told the RCMP he was in Switzerland at the time and did not meet with Wallin, although he could have talked to her by phone.

OTTAWA — Pamela Wallin misrepreThe documents also allege that Walsented corporate board meetings, din- lin filed an expense claim for a Toronto ner with a former lover and even a per- meeting with Michael Decter in Februsonal medical appointment as Senate ary 2010. She told the external auditor business in order to claim reimburse- that Decter was an investment manager, ment for her expenses, the RCMP says Harvard-educated economist and “leadin new court documents. ing Canadian expert on health systems” The allegations are spelled out in doc- whom she met to discuss “business, uments seeking a court order to compel finance and health care issues, specifithe companies on whose boards Wallin cally the federal government’s role.” used to sit to produce all documentation She further told the auditor that Decrelated to her expenses. ter wanted to talk to her about a “fundThe documents, filed by Cpl. Rudy Ex- ing issue.” antus in late January and publicly released However, Decter told the RCMP that Monday, allege that the disgraced Conser- he used to be in an “intimate relationvative senator defrauded the Senate by ship” with Wallin, which had ended a demaking 150 “suspicade earlier, although cious” expense claims. they remain friends No charges have and get together half yet been laid against a dozen times a year, Wallin, who was susSen. Wallin, when usually for dinner. pended from the Senconfronted by an He said they have ate last year, and none external audit, wide-ranging conof the allegations has [fabricated] meetings versations “about the been proven in court. which the RCMP was world.”

Among the suspiable to determine He had no recolcious expenses were (through interviews) lection or records to claims for 24 events to have never taken confirm the particuWallin attended in her place. lar meeting for which capacity as a member Wallin filed an exof the boards of Porter pense claim with the Airlines and Gluskin Senate.

Sheff. The RCMP alleges that Wallin fraudThe documents include summaries of ulently received almost $27,500 in Senate police interviews with people who orgareimbursements for those meetings. nized various Toronto events for which Wallin’s lawyer, Terrence O’Sullivan, Wallin filed expense claims. In several insaid expense claims for those meetings stances, there was no evidence Wallin atwere inadvertently submitted to the tended those events but the police did find Senate, instead of to the companies, due evidence she’d actually been at other events an “administrative oversight.” Wallin, for Porter, Gluskin Sheff or the University who has reimbursed the Senate for more of Guelph, where she was chancellor. than $150,000, was not trying to pad her “Sen. Wallin, when confronted by an own pockets since she would have been external audit, misrepresented the nareimbursed by Porter and Gluskin Sheff ture of these trips to Toronto, and at time in any event, O’Sullivan said. (sic), fabricating meetings which the Wallin explained all that to external RCMP was able to determine (through auditors hired by the Senate to review interviews) to have never taken place,” her expenses and they concluded there Exantus says in the documents. had been no fraud, O’Sullivan added.

He adds that he believes her conduct O’Sullivan could not, however, imme- represents “a serious and marked dediately explain other allegations con- parture from the standards expected of tained in the court documents. a Canadian senator.”

The Mounties allege Wallin filed an The Mounties have been investigating expense claim for an eco-cardiogram at Wallin for 18 months. the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at ToThey have already charged two other ronto General Hospital in March 2010.

Conservative senators, Mike Duffy and She described the meeting to external Patrick Brazeau, and one retired Liberal auditors as a meeting with Peter Munk, senator, Mac Harb, with making fraudufounder and chairman of Barrick Gold, lent expense claims. All three maintain “for a briefing on the state of his industry their innocence. and to discuss Canada-U.S. relations.”

Duffy’s trial begins April 7. ■

B.C. man convicted of human trafficking in nanny case gets new trial THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — An appeal court has ordered a new trial for a British Columbia man who is alleged to have lied to get his Filipino nanny into Canada and then treated her like a slave.

Franco Orr was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 18 months in jail for human trafficking, illegally employing a foreign national and lying to immigration officials.

He was charged along with his wife, Oi Long Nicole Huen, who was acquitted after the couple’s jury trial.

Orr appealed, and the province’s top court sided with him Tuesday on one of four grounds — that the trial judge was wrong to allow the testimony of an expert witness — and ordered a new trial.

Yvon Dandurand was called by the Crown to testify about “victimology,” a discipline focusing on how victims react to situations they face, and was asked a series of hypothetical questions in front of the jury.

Justice Peter Willcock, writing for the three-member B.C. Court of Appeal panel, said the jury should have never heard Dandurand’s testimony because

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his qualifications had not been tested.

“There was insufficient evidence of the probative value of the expert’s opinion to justify its admission,” wrote Willcock. “There was a clear risk that its admission would be wrongly relied upon as oath-helping.”

The judges dismissed Orr’s other arguments that it was unreasonable for the jury to convict him while acquitting his wife, and the judge erred in instructing the jury on one of the counts.

They also dismissed Orr’s claim that he suffered a “miscarriage of justice” because the jury should have heard statements made by the complainant to an officer that were inconsistent with her testimony during the trial.

Orr had been charged with bringing Leticia Sarmiento into Canada from Hong Kong on false pretences, paying her $500 a month to take care of his three children.

Sarmiento worked for 22 months before calling 911 to file a complaint.

When B.C. Supreme Court Judge Richard Goepel handed down his sentence in 2013, he said the Crown didn’t prove that Sarmiento was subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, but did prove that the man profited by paying low wages. ■

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FRIDAY

B.C. to have mandatory online tribunal to settle small claims, strata disputes THE CANADIAN PRESS VICTORIA — An estimated 40,000 British Columbians who are fighting small claims or strata disputes each year will soon be able to use their laptops or handheld devices to access a government system that aims to resolve legal matters quickly and cheaply.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton said Tuesday the government is set to introduce Canada’s first mandatory online tribunal system to settle minor disputes involving small claims court and strata councils without setting foot in local courthouses.

She said amendments to the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act will make online justice the first stop to settle disputes, but the parties still have the option to take the matter to court.

“Our goal is to make these cases start off in the tribunal itself,” said Anton.

“This is very new technology. We’re actually the first in the world to be doing this.

You can start your claim at midnight from your desktop at home.”

She said the online tribunal will involve a three-stage process, starting with attempts by both sides to resolve the issue on their own, progressing to

The B.C. government is set to introduce Canad's first mandatory online tribunal system to settle minor disputes involving small claims court and strata councils, a move which should be cheaper, more accessible, and less time-consuming for all parties involved.

mediation and concluding with a tribunal member with powers to decide the matter.

Anton did not have an exact timeline for the program’s implementation, but she said it would start later this year with a voluntary online system.

She said people with strata

disputes currently end up in B.C. Supreme Court or trying to settle their differences in other ways.

“Everybody knows somebody who’s been in a strata nightmare,” said Anton. “Often, it’s about something fairly minor like a tree or a parking spot.”

Tribunal chairwoman Shannon Salter said in a statement issued the Ministry of Attorney General that the online tribunal will increase access to justice for British Columbians “by helping them to resolve strata property and small claims disputes fairly, quickly and afford-

ably, from the comfort of their own home.”

Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association president Sandy Wagner said in a statement issued by Anton’s ministry that the online method offers cheaper, accessible and timely resolutions to disputes. ■

ism,” he added. evening in which he warned 40s.

“This is the crassest kind of that the Harper government The Centre for Israel and politics.” is employing the same kind Jewish Affairs took issue with NDP ethics critic Charlie of rhetoric that led to some the comparison to former reAngus accused strictions on Harper of charJewish immigraacterizing “an tion, which cenentire religion” tre CEO Shimon as anti-women.

If I was a Muslim Canadian, Koffler Fogel “If I was a I would be very, very, very concerned noted was the Muslim Canaabout where our prime minister’s product of “exdian, I would be goingwith this kind of hot-button, tensive social very, very, very race rhetoric. and institutional concerned about discrimination” where our prime faced by Jews at minister’s going that time. with this kind of Jewish Canahot-button, race rhetoric,” An- of Canada’s most shameful dians then faced quotas for unigus said. displays of racism in the past, versity admission, were barred But Trudeau faced his own including the “none is too from social clubs, corporations accusations of fear-mongering many” policy towards Jewish and even some public parks, after giving a speech Monday immigration in the 1930s and Fogel said, arguing that the

bigotry Muslims and other minorities face today simply can’t compare.

In his speech Monday, Trudeau said Canadians, presumably including Harper, are free to believe the niqab is “a symbol of oppression.” But using the state’s power to compel Muslim women to give it up indulges “the very same repressive impulse.”

“It is a cruel joke to claim you are liberating people from oppression by dictating in law what they can and cannot wear.”

Harper has vowed to appeal a court ruling which struck down the ban on wearing a face-covering veil during the citizenship ceremony. ■

Harper called...

Harper added. “Why would Canadians, contrary to our own values, embrace a practice at that time that is not transparent, that is not open and, frankly, is rooted in a culture that is anti-women?”

Harper’s response shows the Conservatives are “indeed doubling down on the politics of fear,” Trudeau said later.

Repeatedly talking about niqabs and hijabs as though they were the same thing shows the government “is willing to confuse and conflate the issues in ways that encourages ignorance ... and quite frankly stokes fears and anxieties at a time where people are worried about terrorism and extrem❰❰ 20

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Immigration

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

23

Canadian Immigration Questions and Answers with Attorney David Cohen EVERY MONTH, Attorney David Cohen will answer a few general Canadian immigration questions. Here are this month’s questions and answers.

1. If someone has a great CRS score, is an excellent candidate, and is subsequently invited to apply for Canadian immigration through Express Entry, but unfortunately has medical complications . . . would he or she be considered admissible for immigration to Canada?

A medical condition may affect an application for permanent residence in Canada. Applicants for permanent residence may be refused if Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) thinks that a medical condition will cause excessive demand to the Canadian health care system or may be a danger to public health and safety.

Whether a candidate may be found to be medically admissible will turn on an individual analysis of his or her health condition and medical requirements.

In particular, CIC will look at whether the medical test results are abnormal at the time of the medical exam. It will also depend upon what care, services, and/ or special education he or she requires, which medications he or she takes, and whether those services are covered by public health care in the province where he or she wishes to reside. Moreover, the candidate’s ability to obtain private social services or pay for his or her medications and treatment are important factors.

2. Do I need to get my wife’s educational credential assessed? Will this give addi-

tional CRS points?

You are not required to have her education assessed. However, if your wife has a secondary or post-secondary education that is deemed equivalent to Canadian educational standards, you may be awarded additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. This ranges from an additional two points if she has a secondary school credential to 10 points if she has a Doctoral Degree (PhD).

3. I submitted my Express Entry Profile on January 1, 2015. Is it really necessary that I apply again directly to Nova Scotia just to increase my chances?

If you are in the Express Entry pool and eligible to apply for the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream, then the short answer to your question is that it may be beneficial to apply directly to that stream.

What the early stages of Express Entry have revealed is that it is a competitive system. So far, every candidate who has been issued an invitation to apply for permanent residence has obtained either a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination. Therefore, proactive candidates who make efforts to obtain either a job offer or a provincial nomination are more likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence and settle in Canada. ■ © 2015 CICnews All Rights Reserved.

Reprinted with permission. www.cicnews.com

Tories worried...

“Committee members are overhauled the immigration system masters of their own proceed- which they’ve said is partially motivated ings,” said an emailed state- by concerns raised from within the newment. “As always, we look forward to comer community. hearing testimony Part of the overfrom all witnesses.” haul has been shiftLiberal MP John ing the focus to McCallum, who sits so-called economic on the committee, class immigrants, called it “chilling” to those coming to see the reference to Canada for work the party’s base in the It’s as if they purposes. document. are concerned The briefing note “It’s as if they are their own suggests, among concerned their own supporters other things, that supporters would would be employers ought to be aghast at the idea aghast at be more engaged in of spending money the idea of the settlement proto help settle immispending cess. grants,” McCallum money to But it’s clear what said in an interview. help settle those witnesses say “It’s good not immigrants. doesn’t matter, said only for the immiLysane Blanchettegrants, it’s good for Lamothe, the NDP’s the country if the immigration critic newcomers settle and also a member of quickly and work the committee. and not be receiv“They already have ing welfare and become productive their lines, and whatever the witnesses Canadians.” are bringing to the table, they already The Conservatives credit much of want to go forward with certain things,” their electoral success in recent years to she said. the inroads the party has made among “That’s not my view about what should new Canadians. They’ve also massively be the work of a committee.” ■ ❰❰ 20

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Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

24

MARCH 13, 2015

FRIDAY

TANONG MO KAY KUYA BOY

How to defend yourself when you’re charged with assault KUYA BOY, I was falsely charged with domestic assault. I cannot afford a lawyer and I was declined by legal aid. How can I defend myself without a lawyer?

- Arnel from Squamish BC ARNEL, I want to refer you to a guide published by the Legal Services Society, “Defending Yourself – Assault”. This guide is being reprinted with their permission. This guide is for people who want to plead not guilty to a charge of assault. Use this guide if you don’t qualify for legal aid, you can’t afford a lawyer, and you plan to represent yourself (be your own lawyer) in court.

You should represent yourself only if you don’t qualify for legal aid and you can’t afford a lawyer. If you choose to do this, be sure to talk to a lawyer before your trial for advice. Some legal help is better than none.

What is assault?

Assault (also known as “common assault”) is the intentional use of force against another person, without that person’s consent (agreement).

Assault can range from mere touching to violent punching.

Assault can include kicking someone, shoving someone out of your way, or patting someone’s bottom.

Indirect use of force can also be an assault. An example of this is throwing a stone to hit someone. Spitting at someone is also considered assault.

Threatening to use force can be an assault if you’re close enough to carry out the threat.

Trying to use force can also be an assault. An assault can occur even if the victim isn’t hurt.

Could I go to jail?

Depending on the details of what happened, the prosecutor (the lawyer who presents the case against you) can choose to charge you with either a summary or indictable offence. You could get a jail sentence for either type of offence.

A summary offence is a less serious crime. If the prosecutor proceeds “summarily,” the maximum sentence a judge could give you is six months in jail. But the judge could give you a shorter sentence or a sentence that doesn’t include jail at all, especially if you don’t have a criminal record.

An indictable offence is a more serious crime. If the prosecutor proceeds “by indictment,” the judge could give you

a longer jail sentence of up to five years.

The first time you are in court, ask the prosecutor if he or she is proceeding “summarily” or “by indictment.” The prosecutor may also say whether he or she is asking for a jail sentence.

What to do if your sentence could be strict

If the prosecutor says he or she will: (a) proceed “by indictment,” or (b) ask for a sentence that includes jail, or (c) ask for a sentence that will have other serious consequences for you, immediately ask the judge to adjourn (delay) your case so you can get legal help.

If the prosecutor proceeds “by indictment,” you’ll usually have a

better chance of getting legal aid — so be sure you understand how the prosecutor will proceed. Legal Aid may change its decision to not cover your case.

You can ask the court to appoint a government-funded lawyer to your case (a Rowbotham application) if: (a) you can’t afford a lawyer and were denied legal aid, or (b) the prosecutor says that he or she will seek a jail sentence if you’re convicted, or will seek any other type of sentence that will have serious consequences for you, and (c) you feel that your case is too complicated for you to handle.

Before the trial your defense

- Preparing

When you prepare your de-

fense, think about what evidence (information about the crime) you can use. Evidence includes documents, witnesses, or your own personal testimony (telling your story).

Make sure the prosecutor has given you all the evidence that he or she will use (called the disclosure), such as security videotapes or witness statements. The prosecutor should also tell you who he or she will call as a witness.

Use any kind of evidence only if it helps you more than it could hurt you. It can hurt you because, once you offer something as evidence, the prosecutor can use it against you to help fill in weak spots in the Crown’s case.

To defend yourself against a charge of assault, you may be able to argue one (or more) of the following five points: (1) “I didn’t intend to do it.”

You can use this defense if you touched the other person accidentally. For example, perhaps you were in a crowd and tripped. Or you lost your balance and bumped into a stranger, but it was an accident and you didn’t mean to assault the person. If you didn’t intend to hit someone, you haven’t committed an assault.

(2) “I was acting in selfdefense.” You can use this defense if you were assaulted (or threatened) and you used force to protect yourself. You can also use this defense if you were protecting someone else from an assault.

You can say that you acted in self-defense, if: (a) it was reasonable to think you were being assaulted or that you were in danger of being assaulted. (b) you only intended to defend yourself. For example, if you continued to use force after

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the threat ended, you can’t argue that you did that to protect yourself. (c) your actions were reasonable in the situation.

To decide if your actions were reasonable in the situation, the judge will consider: (a) the type of threat you faced and if you had any other options, (B) your history with the other person, (c) how the incident started, (d) the size and strength of the people involved, and (e) whether your actions were appropriate for the threat.

For example, it probably wouldn’t be reasonable for you to pull a knife on someone who threatened to punch you. Or, it may not be reasonable to use force if you’re much larger than the other person and could easily have walked away.

You also can’t use this defense if you used force against a police officer, unless you had a good reason to think the officer was acting illegally.

(3) “The other person consented.” You can use this defense if the other person agreed to the physical contact. If you were arguing with someone and you both decided to settle it outside with a fist fight, you agreed to assault each other.

But you can’t use this defense if you pulled a knife and the other person agreed only to a fist fight. And you can’t use the defense of consent if you hurt the other person. This defense also won’t work if you have special training or skill in fighting, and the other person didn’t know that.

If you’re going to say that the other person consented, both of you must have had the same idea about what you were getting into. The agreement wasn’t real if it was based on a trick or lie.

(4) “I was defending my property.” If someone tried to take or damage your property and you used force to prevent it, you can argue that you were defending your property. However, the force you used to do this must be reasonable.

For example, if you see a strange man taking your bike from your porch, you can try to stop him or get the bike away from him. But you can only use reasonable force to do so. The judge will look at the facts and decide what was reasonable in the situation.

You can’t use this defense if you didn’t have the property at the time of the incident; for example, if you go to someone’s house and use force to take back something he or she had stolen

Seen & Scenes: Toronto or borrowed. You also can’t use of assault, the prosecutor must tim, along with anyone else who this defense if the other per- prove the following: was present, to give evidence son was the legal owner of the (1) Identity - The prosecutor about the force you used (or tried property, even if by mistake you must prove that you’re the per- to use) or the threats you made. thought you were. son who committed the crime.

(4) The other person didn’t (5) “My Charter rights were To do this, the prosecutor will consent - The prosecutor must violated.” If the police got evi- call witnesses, including the in- prove that you used force (or dence by violating your rights vestigating police officer, to give tried or threatened to do so) under the Charter of Rights and evidence. The witnesses will against the victim without his Freedoms, the judge might not probably describe the person or her consent. let the prosecutor use that evi- they saw committing the crime.

The prosecutor might argue dence. And if that happens, you Then the prosecutor will ask the that the victim consented out of can ask the judge to dismiss the witnesses to say if that person is fear, or that you tricked the viccharge against you. in the courtroom. The evidence, tim into consenting. In either Under the Charter, the po- either from the witnesses or case, the prosecutor would arlice must do the following when from other sources (such as fin- gue that there was no real conthey arrest you: (a) tell you gerprints or videotapes), must sent. If you think the prosecuimmediately what they’ve ar- show that you’re the person who tor might say there was no real rested you for, (b) tell you im- committed the crime. consent, ask a lawyer for advice. mediately that you can talk to a (2) Jurisdiction - The proslawyer, and let you do so in pri- ecutor must prove: (a) that the Presenting your case vate before questioning you, (c) crime happened in BC, (b) the After the prosecutor finishes give you access to a phone, and date of the crime, and (c) the presenting the Crown’s case, it’s (d) tell you that you can get le- specific location where it hap- your turn. gal help for free. (Legal Aid has pened.

Remember that the proslawyers available 24 hours a day These details are included ecutor needed to prove all the to talk over the phone for free on the Information (the offi- parts of the crime of assault. If to people in police custody.) cial court form listing the date, you think the prosecutor didn’t If the police didn’t do all of place, and type of offence). The prove all the parts of the crime, these things, you can argue that prosecutor will give this to you tell the judge you want to make they violated your rights. You before the trial. a no-evidence motion. Tell the would then argue that the prosUsually the prosecutor will judge what parts the prosecuecutor shouldn’t tor didn’t prove. be able to use any If the judge statements you agrees with you, made or other you’ll be found evidence that the Threatening to use force can be an not guilty and police got by vioassault if you’re close enough to carry the trial will lating your rights. out the threat. Trying to use force end. If the judge However, the can also be an assault. An assault can doesn’t agree judge won’t autooccur even if the victim isn’t hurt. with your nomatically throw evidence motion out the evidence (or if you don’t in question. You make one), the must also show that accepting call a witness to give evidence trial will continue. These mothe evidence will reflect badly about the date and place of the tions often don’t work because on how justice is carried out in crime. This witness will likely the prosecutor usually has Canadian courts. be the victim. The police officer some evidence for each part of If you plan to argue that your who investigated the crime may the crime — so be ready to deCharter rights were violated, also be a witness. fend yourself. talk to a lawyer before your tri(3) You intentionally used You’ll now have your chance al. Judges expect you to tell the force (or tried or threatened to to argue the points you’ve preprosecutor in advance if you do so) - The prosecutor must pared to use as your defense. plan to use this type of an argu- prove that you intended to use You can use documents, call ment. force, and that the assault wasn’t witnesses, and, if you like, give an accident. An attempt to use your own personal testimony.

At the trial - What must the force or a threatening act or gesprosecutor prove? ture can be an assault, but only if Closing your case At the trial, before you can the victim had reason to believe After you’ve finished presentpresent your defense, the pros- you would be able to carry out the ing your defense, you’ll close ecutor will present the Crown’s threat. (Threatening someone your case. Tell the judge why case against you. The prosecu- who isn’t nearby is still a crime; it you think the prosecutor didn’t tor must prove beyond a rea- just isn’t considered assault.) prove that you’re guilty beyond sonable doubt that you’re guilty For example, if you said to a reasonable doubt. Mention if of all the parts that make up someone on the phone, “If I you think the prosecutor’s case the crime of assault. To do this, were there, I would hit you so was weak or inconsistent in any the prosecutor will present evi- hard…,” that wouldn’t be an area. This summary is called dence to the court, using wit- assault because you weren’t your submission. nesses or documents. there. But if you said that to You can cross-examine someone in the same room, it What if the judge finds me (question) the prosecutor’s could be considered an assault guilty? witnesses. But you’ll normally if the other person could reaOnce you and the prosecudo so only if you disagree with sonably believe that you were tor have finished speaking, their information. going to use force. the judge will decide if you’re For a judge to find you guilty The prosecutor will ask the vic- guilty or not. If the judge finds www.canadianinquirer.net

25 you guilty, you’ll receive a sentence. The sentence you get will depend on the details of the offence and your criminal record.

It could be any of the following: (a) an absolute discharge (your record won’t show a conviction) (b) a conditional discharge (your record won’t show a conviction if you meet conditions that the judge sets) (c) probation (including, for example, community service) • a restitution order (you must pay money to the victim) (d) a fine (e) a conditional sentence (most often means house arrest, which is like a jail term, but you serve it in the community) (f ) a jail term (up to six months for a summary offence; up to five years for an indictable offence) Speaking to the judge before you are sentenced

You get a chance to speak to the judge before he or she decides your sentence. (This is called speaking to sentence.)

The judge will give you a chance to explain why you committed the crime, whether you’ll do it again, and whether you need help for any problems you may have that were connected to the crime. Speaking to sentence is important because it gives you a chance to explain your situation to the judge.

Paying a fine

The maximum fine for a summary offence is $5,000. If the judge fines you, you can ask for time to pay. Tell the judge how much you can pay each month.

Later, if you find you can’t pay on time, get the brochure If You Can’t Pay Your Court Fine on Time. Do this as soon as possible.

You’ll also have to pay a victim surcharge fine. The amount of the surcharge is based on a percentage of your fine. If you didn’t get a court fine as part of your sentence, you’ll still have to pay a set amount for the surcharge. Ask the judge if there’s any way you can avoid paying the victim surcharge. ■ We invite you to tune in to our weekly legal advice program “Tanong Mo Kay Kuya Boy” every Saturday from 130 pm on JUAN RADIO 96.1 FM. Every week, we will feature various professional lawyers who will discuss and give advice about different legal topics.

If you have any legal questions, send an email to kuyaboycanada@gmail.com

26

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

MARCH 13, 2015

FRIDAY

SIDE A'S JOEY G. Joey Generoso, lead vocalist of pop rock group Side A, visited Juan Radio in Vancouver, after a successful concert in Calgary, AB.

UNITED FILIPINO-CANADIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF BC The newly-formed United Filipino-Canadian Associations of BC under the leadership of Joel Castillo and former Consul General Jose Ampeso as adviser, is tasked among other things, to oversee the Philippine Independence Day activities in Metro Vancouver. (Photos by Salve Dayao).

JUSTIN TRUDEAU Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau reached out to the Filipino-Canadian community to drum up support for the coming elections.

ISS OF BC JOB FAIR The first ISS of BC Hiring Fair Event in Langley was held on Feb.27, at the Douglas Recreation Centre. Organized

by Employer Solutions of ISSofBC in coordination with Settlement and Maple 2.0, this event was supported by well known employers namely, Arc’teryx, Tim Horton’s, Pizza Hut, Comfort Keepers, Bayshore Home Health, Royal Janitorial Services, Starline Windows, Scouts Canada and IRemit Ltd.

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Seen & Scenes: Toronto

27

DUAL CITIZENSHIP Filipino-Canadians in Greater Toronto take their oaths as dual citizens at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto (Photo

by Ariel Ramos).

'PARANGAL' Parangal for departing Philippine Consul General to Toronto, Junever Mahilum-West presented by UP Alumni Association of Toronto, led by President Fred Gamboa and VP Beth Ruivivar, assisted by past presidents of the association.

The event was graced by Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia (Photos from Congen Junever Mahilum-West’s FB).

PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TORONTO Newly-elected officers of Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT) with Steve Pagao as president. The general election was held Mar. 1, at FV Foods - Dufferin Branch (Photos by Ariel Ramos).

www.canadianinquirer.net

28

Community News

MARCH 13, 2015

FRIDAY

Helijet begins Nanaimo Express Service

PAL flies to New York ASIA’S FIRST airline, Philippine Airlines, is flying to the Big Apple on Mar. 15, marking the carrier's much-awaited expansion to the US east coast in over a decade.

In announcing the inaugural New York service, PAL Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Lucio C. Tan said, "This auspicious start of regular flights to New York will coincide with PAL's 74th founding anniversary." The national flag carrier turns 75 years old in 2016.

The four-times-a-week service – Manila-Vancouver-New York – will operate at Terminal 1 of New York’s JFK International Airport. PAL will have full traffic rights between Vancouver and New York.

The addition of New York will bring to five the total US destinations, following Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Guam.

The flight to New York , a distance of 14,501 kms. or 16.5 total flying hours, will be PAL's longest route.

Flight PR 126 departs Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:50 p.m.

Arrival in Vancouver is 8:50

p.m. on the same day. After a two-hour transit stop, the service continues on to New York at 10:50 p.m., touching down at Terminal 1 of JFK International at 7:00 a.m. the following day.

For the return service, PR 127 departs New York at 11 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Vancouver at 1:50 p.m. It departs the Canadian city at 3:20 p.m. and lands back in Manila at 8:35 p.m. the following day.

PAL will utilize the Airbus A340-300 jets, which seats 36 passengers in business class and 218 in economy.

On board, passengers can expect to be pampered with PAL’s signature “at home” inflight service, which features business class seats that convert to full-flat beds; in-flight entertainment system such as audio-video on demand in business, and gourmet cuisine designed by top international guest chefs.

The New York service will have the added benefit of boosting PAL’s Canadian operation. From Mar. 15, the current daily service between Manila and Vancouver will spike

to 11 flights weekly with three departure times from Manila – mid-afternoon, early evening and late evening – providing wider schedule choices to passengers.

Manila-Toronto will add a fourth weekly frequency, increasing capacity on this longhaul route in time for the peak summer travel period out of Manila.

PAL’s return has been keenly anticipated by the huge Filipino-American communities along the U.S. eastern seaboard ever since the flag carrier pulled out of the region in 1997. About half a million ethnic Filipinos reside on the East Coast, with over 253,000 in the New YorkNew Jersey metropolitan area, 90,000 in Virginia, 75,000 in Washington, D.C. and environs, and 31,000 in the Philadelphia metro area. Overall, Filipinos on the East Coast account for 15% of the estimated 3.4-million-strong Filipino population in the U.S., comprising a natural base market for PAL. PAL, according to its website, has a wide route network covering 29 domestic and 36 international destinations. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

ALREADY-KNOWN AS the fastest way to get between the Lower Mainland and Victoria, Helijet International’s passenger helicopter service begins its new harbour-to-harbour service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver on Mar 18.

Travel time is just 18 minutes, and Helijet’s familiar 12-passenger, twin-engine, two-pilot Sikorsky helicopters are equipped to operate in both daylight, and after dark, thus capable of offering 14 scheduled flights (seven return flights) weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Flights will operate between downtown Vancouver, and Helijet’s Nanaimo Harbour Heliport at the Cruise Ship Welcome Centre, just minutes from Nanaimo’s city centre.

Complimentary vehicle parking, downtown shuttle service, taxi and rental car services will be available at both check-in terminals.

“Helijet has the edge by being able to take off and land pre-dawn and after sunset, which allows us to offer a wider range of flight times each day,” said Danny Sitnam, president and CEO of Helijet. “Our quick flight time over the water, and our reliability, reduces the trip to little more than a short hop. We know commuters, business travelers and tourists alike will find exceptional value in being able to travel to and from Vancouver in just 18 minutes.”

Seat reservations for the new Nanaimo service are now available, with an introductory fare of $109 one-way, including taxes (regular fare will be $129). Full schedule and booking information is available at www.helijet.com or by calling Helijet Reservations at 1-800665-4354.

“The Nanaimo Port Authority is pleased Helijet is ready to begin its service to and from the port’s Nanaimo Cruise Ship terminal, providing a fast new transportation option for Island residents and travellers to Vancouver Island,” added Bernie Dumas, president & CEO, Nanaimo Port Authority. “This new link between the central Island and the lower mainland provides more choice for business travellers and tourism, and is a positive addition to our local business community.”

Helijet International is a Canadian-owned company and North America’s largest scheduled helicopter service carrying well over two million passengers in the past 29 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is a major service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters to the BC Air Ambulance Service of British Columbia.

Helijet provides exclusive use helicopter and business jet services to world renowned Sport Fishing Resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the West Coast of British Columbia and Pacific Northwest. ■

29

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS Every week, the Philippine Canadian Inquirer celebrates the unwavering Filipino spirit through a feature called “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

The feature recognizes the achievements of Filipinos living in Canada who have shown concern for the community, success in spite of trials, and the uniquely Pinoy practice of “bayanihan.”

This year, we are welcoming nominations for the next subject of “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

MECHANICS: - All nominees must have (a) Filipino heritage/ancestry - All nominees must be residing in Canada at the time of nomination - Nominees from all industries are welcome (e.g. medical/health, politics, community service, business, entertainment, charity institutions, etc.)

- Who can nominate? Anybody.

Fill up the nomination form by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Immigration

30

MARCH 13, 2015

FRIDAY

PANGARAP : SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

So, What is a Warm Call? Cold Call?

BY BOLET AREVALO THE LOWLY TELEPHONE SITTING IN YOUR HOME CAN ACTUALLY BE YOUR VERY INSTRUMENT IN FINDING THAT ELUSIVE JOB. One nice thing about writing is you are forced to read widely about everything so that your readers can learn from you. In the process, however, you are the one really learning and discovering things you thought you knew all along.

Until this topic, I did not know how much controversy was stirred by the very invention of the telephone, including a real court battle among the protagonists. In the end, the world ended up recognizing Alexander Graham Bell as the inventor of the practical telephone, the one that made possible its mass production and later commercialization.

That was only because, according to a story, he (well, his lawyer) beat the other one on

paying the filing fee with the if you already have a landline. to make a warm call or a cold patent office, even though the Yes, it is true. Sometimes, the call. So, that keeps me wonderother one got to the office ahead most ignored assets are those ing how you can ever find a job. of him by a few hours. Never- which are nearest to us or closTo differentiate, a warm call theless, it was a long-running est to us, be those people or is making a call to somebody battle not only among the two, things. How many times do we whom you may know from a refbut with many other equally plan or intend during the day erence or who may be expecting brilliant scientists and inven- to call a friend or call to inquire your call as a result of previtors who delve into this voice and never really do so? We for- ous introductions or referrals. communications wonder. get, we procrastinate, we do Making a warm call should be While technology has been something else, or we think that more desirable and easy. so revolutionary, with so many was easy because the phone is A cold call is calling from out inventions that have made so always there anyway. Yet, how of nowhere with no previous inmany things so troduction at all accessible and to whoever will convenient to happen to take people, Bell’s the call. It’s more telephone takes Sorry, but I do not understand how like a chance concredit for makyou can brave a job interview if you versational ening possible that cannot manage to make a warm call counter between connection so or a cold call. two people, but fast while still with an element being a bit perof deliberate will sonal. from the one who In your job initiated the call hunting, one of the fastest ways many jobs do you think you because they have an agenda by which you can move a step have missed by not doing so? to take up. Cold calling may be closer to a prospective employOr, probably, we were afraid understandably uncomfortable, er is through the use of the tele- it was not really that easy to call but I guess the worst that you phone. You can do it in the con- anybody from out of nowhere may get is a rejection to be convenience of your home, with the or without having anything in nected to anybody (whom you convenience of your own time common and to tell your bit of do not know anyway). and at the convenience of your story. Sorry, but I do not underWhether warm calling or own budget, because it will not stand how you can brave a job cold calling, you will find that cost you any additional expense interview if you cannot manage the telephone becomes your www.canadianinquirer.net

best friend because it is instrumental in creating the bridge between you and the possibility of being able to get a job or may lead to getting a job without even leaving the comfort of your home. Any failure or rejection does not cost you anything, as long as you managed your call right from your end.

1. Befriend the phone that sits around your house. Use it to discover jobs in the hidden market.

2. Because the phone is always there, fight the tendency to procrastinate in making those important calls.

3. If you cannot manage to make a cold call, it may even be harder to face a job interview. ■ Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion.

She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts.

Please check out https://www.amazon.com/ author/boletarevalo

31

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Entertainment

Ellen Adarna: ‘I don’t feel sexy at all’

BY ANGIE DUARTE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Envied and admired for her bombshell body and sultry looks, actress-model Ellen Adarna says she “doesn’t feel sexy at all,” especially after her separation from live-in partner of two years, businessman Raoul Olbes.

“Since the break-up, I gained a lot of weight kasi inom lang ako nang inom, alis ako every night (I kept on drinking, I went out every night), of course kasi I’m lonely. I don’t feel sexy at all. Wala, hindi ko na iniisip.

Hindi ako sanay alone, so ‘yun…

(I don’t think about it anymore.

I’m not used to being alone...)”

Adarna confessed during a live interview on Thursday’s epi-

sode of “Aquino & Abunda Tonight.”

The 26-year-old actress noted, however, that she is “okay now,” and explained that she somehow already knew that the break-up was imminent.

“It’s just that may mga issues kami na hindi na talaga nasolve (Its just that there were issues that we were not able to resolve)… It’s not [as difficult as my previous break-ups], because I was ready na. Kasalanan ko rin, kasi hindi ko in-address sa kanya ‘yung mga problema ko (It’s also my fault for not telling him about my problems),” she said.

Olbes and Adarna had been friends for seven years prior to their relationship. The couple broke up in September 2014. ■

Jam of Jamich dies

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

ing sobrang ganda and happy ng birthday celebration mo sa Heaven. (I’m sure you will have a blissful celebration in heaven.) Sana madream kita na ipaalam mo lang samin na masaya ka na and healthy ulit with God. (I hope to dream about

“Pray tayo ulit. But this time mag thank you tayo kasi magiging happy na si Jam with God. Di na siya mahihirapan. Let’s MANILA — Jam Sebastian, 26, pray na mapuno siya ng love and of the online Youtube sensapeace. Angels of God, embrace tion, Jamich, has died of stage 4 Jam. Protect him. Lead him, lung cancer.

God.” Maricar, Se(Let’s pray bastian’s mother again. But this confirmed his time, let’s thank death saying (God) because that he passed Jam will be away at 10:30 This time, let’s thank (God) because happy with him. a.m. on WednesJam will be happy with him.

Let’s pray that day. he may be filled S e b a s t i a n ’s with love and fiancee Mich peace. Angels of Liggayu posted God, embrace on her FaceJam. Protect book account saying that you telling that you are happy him. Lead him, God.) no words could explain his and healthy with God.) Thank Fans, meanwhile, expressed grief. you for everything… No words their condolences to the pair “We love you Jam Fernando can explain. Until we meet and Sebastian’s family through Sebastian. I’m sure magig- again…” she said. social media. ■

32

Entertainment

MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

Rufa Mae Quinto talks about cancer scare, and why she is ‘Booba’ no more

BY ANGIE DUARTE Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Ariella Arida, third runner-up in the Miss Universe 2013 pageant, says that a good number of aspirants for the 2015 national pageant are ready for the big leagues.

OFFICIAL MISS UNIVERSE 2013 PHOTO

‘Sexiest’ batch of hopefuls yet

BY ARMIN ADINA Philippine Daily Inquirer

These aren’t the 15 for coronation night, just those who stood out today.”

Familiar faces and seasoned contestants are among the hopefuls vying for the titles Miss Universe Philippines, Bb. Pilipinas-International, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational and Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism.

Former runners-up Pia Wurtzbach and Hannah Ruth Sison are on their third attempt at snagging a crown. Former semifinalists Toni Alyessa Hipolito, Patricia Lae Ejercitado and Mae Liezel Ramos are also

Some other “crossover beauties” (from other national pageants): 2013 Miss Bikini Philippines Janicel Lubina, 2013 Miss THE COUNTRY can expect anWorld Megan Young’s runnerother strong showing in interup in the national search; Brennational beauty contests with na Cassandra Gamboa, 2012 this year’s batch of Binibining Miss World Philippines fourth Pilipinas hopefuls, according runner-up and 2011 Miss Philto two local beauties who made ippines-Earth semifinalist; Rewaves in the Miss Universe pagnee Soraya Hassani, 2014 Miss eant.

Diversity Culture International For 2010 Miss Universe first runner-up and 2011 Miss fourth runner-up Venus Raj Philippines-Earth contestant; and 2013 Miss Universe third Ina Dominica Guerrero, 2014 runner-up Ariella Arida, a good Miss World Philippines seminumber of the aspirants for finalist and 2012 Miss Philipthe 2015 national pageant are pinesEarth contestant; 2011 ready for the big Miss World Philleague. ippines semifi“A lot of them nalist Rogelie are beautiful and Catacutan; 2012 We were instructed to choose our tall,” Raj told the Miss World Philbest 15. These aren’t the 15 for INQUIRER on ippines contescoronation night, just those who the media pretant Paula Rich stood out today. sentation day, Bartolome; 2013 Feb. 17, at Hotel Miss PhilipSofitel’s Sunset pines-Earth conPavilion. “This testant Caneille batch is gorFaith Santos; and geous,” said Arida, a judging chasing their dreams again, 2014 Century Tuna Superbods panel member alongside Raj, along with returnees Ria Raba- first runner-up Alaiza Malinao. several Bb. Pilipinas Charities jante and Anabel Christine Tia. Reigning Miss Iriga City and Inc. (BPCI) officials and other Christi Lynn McGarry—2010 Miss Camarines Sur Marvi Ann personalities. For fashion di- Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific de Lima is also making her narector Raymond Villanueva, it’s International, 2012 Top Model tional pageant debut. the “sexiest” batch. of the World semifinalist and The rookies: professional The Sofitel event was one of Queen of Asia and Oceania at models Ann Lorraine Colis and many where the 34 contestants the 2010 Miss Intercontinen- Kylie Verzosa, national athletes will be placed under scrutiny tal—is also in the race, along Anja-Vanessa Peters and Mia prior to the selection of the Top with former Miss Philippine- Allyson Howell, and television 15. sAir titleholders Kimverlyn personality Teresita Ssen MarRaj explained: “We were in- Suiza and Nancy Lee Leonard. quez, niece of 1979 Miss Interstructed to choose our best 15. This is Suiza’s second attempt. national Melanie Marquez. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

IT HAS been ten months since comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto — know for her sexy brand of humour and for her “well-endowed” areas — had her breast implants removed. On Friday’s episode of “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” she spoke of what prompted her to make the decision.

“Kasi last year, diba, nagkacyst ako sa breast… left… naramdaman ko parang ang b i g a t lagi, hindi ko alam kung likod ko, o ano, basta masakit. Tapos parang namaga siya hanggang sa, ‘yon, naningas na siya (Last year, a cyst was discovered in my left breast…

It always felt heavy, I didn’t know if it was my back or what. It hurt.

Then it became swollen until it hardened).”

Rufa Mae recounts that she went to see an oncologist, who discovered two cysts in her left breast. After removal of the cysts — which turned out to be benign —

her body rejected the gel implants which were put in.

The actress says she was subjected to a total of four surgeries in all, to correct the situation.

“Karera ang pinaguusapan, kahit maraming pera (We are talking about a career, one that really gives), but you have to be healthy,” Abunda opined, as Rufa Mae detailed her new found passion for sports and athletic activities since her cancer scare. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

33

Doctor who helped Harrison Ford after plane crash shocked to find actor he grew up watching

BY JUSTIN PRITCHARD The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Dr. Sanjay Khurana was close to finishing a golf game when a vintage plane clipped a tree and “dropped like a rock” onto the next hole’s green. He rushed to the crash, finding a pilot bleeding from a deep gash in his head.

When the surgeon got a closer look, he was stunned to see the pilot was Harrison Ford, the actor he grew up watching in the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” movie franchises.

“I’m a child of the ‘80s,” Khurana said Friday. “I’m a big fan.”

One of Hollywood’s pre-eminent stars, who is also an experienced pilot, crash-landed his World War II-era plane Thursday, but he was conscious and able to talk when witnesses pulled him from the wreckage.

Soon after Ford took off from Santa Monica Municipal Airport near Los Angeles, he radioed that the single engine of his 1942 Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR stopped working and he was going to make an immediate return.

Ford, who received his pilot’s license in the 1990s, glided his plane onto a fairway near the airport in what aviation experts characterized as a skilful landing given a total loss of power above a densely populated area.

Ford’s publicist, Ina Treciokas, said the actor’s injuries were “not life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery.” Ford’s son Ben tweeted Thursday from the hospital: “Dad is ok. Battered, but ok! He is every bit the man you would think he is. He is an incredibly strong man.”

No one on the ground was hurt.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators hoped to speak to Ford but had not done so as of Friday morning.

“We definitely want to know what he knows,” investigator Patrick Jones told reporters.

Safety board experts will look at the airplane’s engine, flight controls and records, Jones said. A final determination of what happened will take about

A World War II-era Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR, the same model of airplane that famous Hollywood actor Rob Ford crash landed into a golf course last week.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

a year. small planes, the PT-22 can Ford’s flight described the landWhat was immediately clear roll over and plunge straight to ing as remarkable. to fellow pilots is that Ford the ground unless it is driven “He made the correct turn did a remarkable job guiding down and forward to keep up that the plane was designed for his crippled plane away from its speed. with an engine out,” Relativity homes and, without enough alLee managed to land his Media CEO Ryan Kavanaugh titude to reach the airport, onto plane in a soft area between told The Hollywood Reporter. the golf course’s relatively flat pine trees although “I left my “Ninety-nine per cent of pilots ground. wings in the trees,” he said. would have turned around to go “I would say that this is an Ford, an experienced pilot, back to the runway and would absolutely beautifully execut- did the right thing in the emer- have crashed.” ed — what we would call — a gency, Lee said.

The fact that a spinal surgeon forced or emergency landing,” “Keeping the plane under was playing a round of golf after said Christian a morning opFry of the Santa eration gave the Monica Airport crash-landing its Association. own movie-like The plane, quality. which was called Keeping the plane under control...

K h u r a n a the PT-22 Resaved his life and the lives of people didn’t realize the cruit when it on the ground. actor who played was used as a Han Solo and InU.S. Army traindiana Jones was ing aircraft, was at the plane’s intentionally decontrols until signed to mimic the flight char- control...saved his life and the Ford lay about 10 yards from acteristics of larger warplanes, lives of people on the ground,” the plane. Fellow golfers who making it a tougher flying chal- Lee said. rushed to the pilot’s aid helped lenge, said Larry Lee, 68, of AtFord is not the only Hol- remove him from the open lanta, Georgia. lywood heavyweight at Santa cockpit, fearing leaking fuel Lee lost his own PT-22 last Monica’s airport, which sits might ignite. summer when the engine failed amid million-dollar homes After hitting a tree, the plane as he was 130 feet above ground near the Pacific Ocean. “kind of spun a little bit and approaching a grass field.

A studio executive who pilots belly-flopped” with such force Unlike Cessnas and other his own aircraft and said he saw it felt like a small earthquake, www.canadianinquirer.net

Khurana said. He estimated it fell “like a rock” about 100 feet.

After dropping his clubs and rushing about 50 yards to the plane, Khurana found a bloodied pilot groaning, complaining of pain below his waist and “trying to get a sense of where he was and what had happened.”

It took several golfers to hoist Ford away from the wreckage, Khurana said.

“My initial fear was this was going to be one of those very serious, very tragic injuries right away. Fortunately, he was remarkably intact,” Khurana said.

As the doctor checked Ford’s breathing, circulation and other vitals, Khurana’s optimism grew. Then he realized he was treating the man who brought to life heroic characters of his youth.

It didn’t take long for paramedics to arrive and for Khurana to reflect on what had happened.

“I don’t think I would have ever imagined waking up that morning, that after an early day of surgery, I’d see an airplane crash,” he said. “It’s a very odd scenario. But I’m glad I could have been of help.” ■

Entertainment

34

MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

Sean Penn has “no apologies” for his green card joke

BY LAURAN NEERGAARD The Associated Press BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA — Sean Penn opened up about the green card joke heard `round the world on Saturday in Beverly Hills during a promotional tour for his new film “The Gunman,” saying that he has “absolutely no apologies” for his comment.

The actor-director also offered up choice words for those who didn’t recognize the irony in his remarks.

On Feb. 22 at the 87th Academy Awards, Penn, tasked with presenting the best picture award, made waves when he opened the envelope and first asked “Who gave this son of a bitch his green card?” before announcing the winner as “Birdman.”

Directed by the Mexicanborn Alejandro Iñárritu, many wondered whether the joke was distasteful. The term “green card” refers to a document that confers permanent residency on immigrants in the United States.

“I found it hilarious,” Iñárritu said after the ceremony. “Sean and I have that kind of brutal

Sean Penn.

FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK

(relationship) where only true friendship can survive.”

Iñárritu directed Penn in the 2003 film “21 Grams” and the two remain close to this date.

“I make on him a lot of very tough jokes that I will not tell you,” Iñárritu added.

While Iñárritu’s casual dismissal of any perceived offense

helped to temper the public response to the comment, Penn has remained largely silent on the topic.

“I’m always surprised by fla-

grant stupidity. I keep having more hope,” said Penn of the widespread outrage that followed the moment.

“The fact is that I understand it. I see it all the time.

When somebody sees the opportunity to frame something in the comfort that it will be common-that they can do that and they can get a group to look at them and that they will take on those positions and never really think about what it was,” he added.

“I have absolutely no apologies,” Penn said with calm resolve.

“In fact, I have a big (expletive) you for every…anybody who is so stupid not to have gotten the irony when you’ve got a country that is so xenophobic,” he said. “If they had their way, you wouldn’t have great filmmakers like Alejandro working in this country. Thank god we do.”

Penn also clarified that the order of his comments were intentional.

“There’s a little inside humor with he and I where I know, and wanted to know, that he would be the first person in that room to know that his film won,” he said. ■

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

You have been feeling emotionally ill because of that past encounter but today, you free yourself from this stress.

“Forgiveness” is the only way. Learn to accept that you cannot live with that feeling of anger forever, so let it go, and give yourself a chance to feel better.

Every action does not necessarily have to go with an equal reaction. Your temper may not do you any good, so hold it in. Your friend may be suffering from a problem that is way greater than yours.

Stay calm and be patient.

You’ll make a good leader if you learn how to follow. You may not be able to lead the group you are in for now, but by becoming a very good follower, you are getting one step closer to leading the group and the path of life you are taking.

TAURUS

LEO

SCORPIO

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

You have been avoiding interacting with friends lately. But today, you’ll find that somewhere in your life, you need others to help you and guide you in your work. Remember that life is better shared with people who will always be there to accept you.

GEMINI

You will be getting a rare opportunity to be financially capable. Do not let this opportunity pass. And once you have achieved it, manage it wisely and you will never have to worry anymore!

This week you will learn the value of working with your friends and workmates. Finally, you will realize the importance of unity and working not alone, but with those who believe in you and your abilities.

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21) Despite the criticisms you will be receiving today, you will eventually realize that you can actually benefit from them. Use their words as a challenge to better improve your work. Remember that everyday is a day of making mistakes and of learning.

(NOV 22 - DEC 21) You will be hearing a lot of negative feedback this week. That’s why you have to have that ears that ignore those words of discouragement from friends who will try to dissuade you from pursuing your passions. You do not have to live by what they think is right for you, so have the will to decide on your own.

Keep that persistent spirit, Capricorn. Destiny always has the most surprising way of telling you that this may not be your day, but tomorrow, you will be crowned for being courageous in your journey.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18) Yesterday may have been a troublesome experience but you will be able to face this day by believing in yourself. Whatever storm you may encounter today, the rainbow will always be waiting for you after the rage, because you are stronger now, than you were in any other days in your life.

PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20)

A person will come to you today and will make you realize that seeing is not always the way to believe.

The tides will change and you will be encountering a person that will make you believe in something you’ve always doubted.

www.canadianinquirer.net

The stars have conspired to help you make this day better than any other days in your life. Trust and build that spark of confidence and you will end this day with a smile.

35

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Lifestyle

Flu misery winding down but time to start next winter’s vaccine, aiming for better protection

BY LAURAN NEERGAARD The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The miserable flu season is winding down but not quite over yet, health officials said last week, even as the government picked what it hoped would be a better vaccine recipe for next fall and winter.

If it seems early to worry about the next flu season, well, producing 140 million doses of vaccine requires starting months in advance.

It’s a process that’s part science, as researchers track what flu strains are spreading in different parts of the world to predict what may come here.

And it’s part luck, as this year showed when a surprise new version of an aggressive flu strain — one that arose too late to be added to the vaccine — swamped the country.

Wednesday, advisers to the Food and Drug Administration in the US urged officials to explore ways to improve how each year’s flu vaccine is created.

“It’s hard for me to believe that we cannot do better,” said Dr. Pedro Piedra of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Meanwhile, the panel recommended that next winter’s flu vaccine be sure to include the new H3N2 strain, as influenza cases around the world suggest it’s still spreading.

The flu season peaked in January and is steadily declining but there’s still a lot of illness around the country, Dr. Lisa Grohskopf of the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

This year’s flu vaccine was hardly effective against the strain of flu that was being spread around. Officials hope that next year’s batch of flu vaccines, which must be made months in advance, will be more effective against next year’s strain of flu.

tion said Wednesday.

The vast majority was caused by a nasty version of Type A flu, the so-called H3N2 branch of the viral family that tends to trigger more pneumonia and other complications than other forms of influenza and is particularly risky to seniors. Indeed, this winter’s flu-related hospitalizations of people 65 and older were at their highest since the government began tracking that in 2005, Grohskopf said.

And while it’s too soon to know the death toll, the CDC does closely track flu-related child deaths, now at 92, close to the yearly average of 100.

Part of the problem: This year’s vaccine was only about 18

per cent effective against that H3N2 strain, Grohskopf said.

Why? Flu viruses constantly mutate, and the vaccine is changed yearly to keep up based on what scientists see circulating in other countries.

Each year it contains protection against two Type A strains — a version of H3N2 and a version of H1N1 flu, such as the swine flu that was so common a few years ago — and, depending on the brand, protection against either one or two versions of milder Type B flu.

Last February, FDA’s advisers recommended the recipe for this year’s vaccine. Then in March, the CDC noticed a few cases of a slightly different H3N2 strain

starting to circulate, a strain just different enough that the vaccine wouldn’t provide protection against it — but no one knew if enough would spread for that to matter.

The so-called drifted strain slowly grew more common over the summer. By late September, it accounted for half the strains in a global count, but U.S. vaccine production was already finished.

It’s the fourth time in 20 years there’s been an important mismatch with the vaccine. Wednesday, FDA’s advisers asked how to better guard against that happening again.

“Were there any signs we could have picked up that it was drifting?” asked Dr. Pat-

rick Moore of the University of Pittsburgh.

Not in time to change vaccine production, responded CDC acting deputy flu director Jacqueline Katz. A few flu strains pop up every year that don’t react well to the flu vaccine, but most fade away and there’s no good way to predict which may be a real threat until they spread more widely, she explained.

Since H3N2 is the harshest type, why not postpone a decision on which strain to include in the vaccine while manufacturers get started brewing the rest? That would take a lot of co-ordination to work, Katz cautioned. ■

36

Lifestyle

MARCH 13, 2015 FRIDAY

Demand for locally produced beef is surging as never before, but the butchers who for generations have prepared and sold meat to customers and markets are dwindling in number as younger generations opt for modern jobs, such as engineering.

Interest in local beef is rising but fewer people want tough job of slaughtering, cutting meat

BY SCOTT MCFETRIDGE The Associated Press DES MOINES, IOWA — Kent Weise loves his work, but after 38 years slaughtering cattle, lugging carcasses that can weigh more than 1,000 pounds and slowly, methodically slicing cuts of meat, he understands why few people want to go into the business anymore.

“It’s killing cows. It’s blood and guts,” said Weise, who runs a small meat company here with his wife, and whose own three children have no interest in following in his footsteps.

Demand for locally produced beef is surging as never before, but the butchers who for generations have prepared and sold meat to customers and markets are a dwindling profession.

Thousands of butchers are approaching retirement age across the country.

And owners of small meat companies tell similar stories about the difficulty finding younger people willing to take over, or even to work in the

businesses. Farmers with small operations now often have to truck their cattle 50 or 100 miles to be processed. Higher transportation costs are being passed along to customers at farmers markets, restaurants and groceries that specialize in locally grown meat.

Weise, 58, dressed in a bloodsmeared white jacket as he cuts fat from a slab of beef, says that when he retires, his business likely will close.

Meat-cutting businesses have been sprinkled across the country for generations. In 1990, there were 1,200 federally inspected livestock slaughterhouses in the U.S., but by 2010 the number had dropped to 800. State-licensed operations have also declined.

In Iowa, there now are 140 or fewer small meat processors, compared to about 450 in the 1960s, said Marcia Richmann, executive director of Iowa Meat Processors Association.

With purchases of natural, organic and grass-fed beef up 20 per cent over a two-decade

period, the gap between demand for meat and butchers to process it may only grow.

An analysis in Minnesota showed about two-thirds of the people who own small meatprocessing businesses in the state are nearing retirement age, with no succession plan.

The butchers and small processors who are still in business are swamped with demand.

“We’re booked like four to five months in advance,” said Mike Jessee, who owns DeeJays Custom Butchering in Fredericktown, Ohio. Meanwhile, “finding anyone to help to work is harder and harder.”

Many processors said they began the work soon after high school. The job was hard but dependable. Meat-cutters made a median of $13.75 an hour in 2012, according to federal data, but owners of small meat-cutting businesses can make significantly more.

“It’s all I know what to do,” said Weise.

There is plenty to keep him busy.

Working out of an 87-yearwww.canadianinquirer.net

old brick building, within sight of the state capitol’s gold dome, Weise slaughters about 15 animals a week and then hangs the carcasses to age for a couple weeks, increasing their tenderness. On most days, he and several employees work around a table, cutting meat with knives kept razor-sharp by files that dangle from their waistbands.

There’s a little conversation as the workers, some with their sweatshirt hoods pulled up to ward off the cold, slice through the beef, toss fat into a bin, put the meat onto a tray and then grab another section.

Processors say that younger people now have less grueling work options.

“Our son said, ‘Dad, I’m going to be an engineer,’ and he is an engineer,” said Richmann, who ran a meat market with her husband in Clarence, Iowa, for decades.

Lauren Gwin, a professor at Oregon State University who co-ordinates the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, said the demand for specialty

meat is prompting some new businesses to open, but that getting started is costly and difficult.

“It’s a complex business,” said Gwin, whose group was formed to help overcome such issues. “You have to know a lot of things to run a business like this.”

As businesses close, ranchers like Mike Holden in Scranton, Iowa, worry they’ll need to travel farther to process their animals. Holden now trucks his cows about 80 miles to be butchered.

Would the resulting price increases be enough to scare away customers who prefer local suppliers over the larger and more distant slaughterhouses that supply supermarkets?

Kathy Davis, who buys meat for her family of six just a few miles away from her home in Collins, Iowa, said she’s not sure.

“If there was a huge price difference between the grocery store and what I paid, I might stop buying it,” she said. “I hope not, but I might have to.” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Tory MP...

Twitter. teraction with employment insurance, “For this I apologize unre- and it makes no sense from my point of servedly.” view — I’m going to put this in terms of Williamson, a former communica- colours but it’s not meant to be about tions director for race — it makes no Prime Minister Stesense to pay ‘whities’ phen Harper, also to stay home while wrote he believes we bring in brown different parts of the people to work in country have differthese jobs,” he reent labour needs. portedly said during He said employers the Manning Netin his riding should working Conference. try to fill job openIt makes no “When I have 10 ings by giving Canasense to pay to 12 per cent unemdian workers prior‘whities’ to stay ployment rates in ity. home while we my province, I’m not iPolitics reports bring in brown going to abide by a that Williamson people to work policy that encourmade the remarks in in these jobs. ages people to stay response to a queshome and collect an tion at a conservative EI cheque and bring policy conference people from overseas about the shortage to fill these jobs. of workers in meat “I know it is difpacking and processferent in Western ing plants.

Canada, but I’ve also The report says seen cases in WestWilliamson respondern Canada where ed by saying he realized labour shortag- companies were putting in Mandarin es have been a bigger problem in West- as a requirement for a job requireern Canada than his own region. ment, thereby bringing in Chinese “My part of the country, I deal with workers. temporary foreign workers and the in“That is unacceptable.” ■ ❰❰ 20

www.canadianinquirer.net

37

38

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Business

Asean growth seen to pick up pace in ‘15

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE ECONOMIC ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) expect the region to grow at a faster pace of 5.1 percent this year given the healthy economic recovery of the United States and rising domestic consumption.

The group, however, was quick to caution about falling global oil prices, which could weigh down the growth of some Asean members.

“We expect Asean’s economic performance to improve in 2015 to 5.1 percent, above the 3.5 percent global growth projection. We based this on the stronger demand in advanced economies, energized by the robust US recovery and several policy stimulus measures in the Eurozone and Japan.

Also, the region’s domestic demand could get a further boost from falling oil prices with higher purchasing power for consumers, lower input costs for producers and greater fiscal space,” the ministers said in a statement issued on the last day of the 21st Asean Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Malaysia.

According to the ministers, falling oil prices could also affect export earnings and government revenue for net oilexporting economies in Asean.

The ministers further highlighted other concerns posed by currency volatility, including possible capital flow reversals within the region.

To help shield the region from such volatility, the Asean ministers emphasized the deepening economic integration.

“This is where the imple- implemented,” the Ministers globally. Intra-regional FDI acmentation of Asean’s regional noted. counted for a significant share economic integration can “Similarly, total foreign di- of 17.4 percent of total FDI help member states overcome rect investment (FDI) inflows flows into the region in 2013,” the challenges they added. posed by global So far, the economic volameasures being tility. In 2013, implemented intra-Asean We expect Asean’s economic under the Asean trade amounted performance to improve in 2015 to Economic Comto $608.6 bil5.1 percent, above the 3.5 percent munity bluelion, accounting global growth projection. print have alfor 24.2 percent ready generated of total trade crucial benefits, of the region, which are alcompared with ready flowing to $458.1 billion in 2008, when to Asean amounted to $122.4 Asean businesses and consumthe Asean Economic Commu- billion in 2013, representing the ers. nity (AEC) Blueprint was first highest FDI flows into a region, These benefits include sig-

EXCHANGE RATES

nificant tariff liberalization; progress in trade facilitation measures such as self-certification; simplification of customs procedures; and the Mutual Recognition Arrangements on the movement of skilled professionals in the region.

Asean has also put in place legal structures on competition, consumer protection and intellectual property, contributing to an improved environment for business, the Ministers noted.

“The formal establishment of the AEC by end-2015 marks a major milestone in Asean’s effort to fulfill the goal of an integrated region, encapsulated under the rubric of One Vision, One Identity, One Community. The implementation of the AEC measures does not mean that Asean will become a single economic entity by Jan. 1, 2016. Rather, it sends a strong signal that positive measures have been put in place towards a more liberalized and integrated economic region,” the Ministers further explained.

For this year, the Ministers have agreed to focus on simplification of Customs procedures; harmonization of standards; further liberalization of services; enhanced trade facilitation; and conclusion of the services and investments portion of the Asean-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The Ministers also discussed the progress in developing the SME (small and medium sized enterprises) Strategic Action Plan, with a specific focus on micro and small enterprises, and the promotion of globally accepted regulatory practices. ■

As of March 11, 2015, from finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CND / USD

1.2682

-0.0006

-0.0473%

CND / PHP

34.9929

+0.0150

+0.0428%

CND / EUR

1.3568

+0.0015

+0.1093%

Business

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

39

Do you really need Apple Watch?

Apple stresses convenience as well as design

BY BRANDON BAILEY The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Apple wants to move the Internet from your pocket to your wrist.

Time will tell if millions of consumers are willing to spend $350 on up — there’s an 18-karat gold version that starts at $10,000 — for a wearable device that still requires a wirelessly connected smartphone to deliver its most powerful features.

But CEO Tim Cook is selling the Apple Watch as the next must-have device, able to serve people’s information needs all day long, like no other tool has quite been able to do.

“Now it’s on your wrist. It’s not in your pocket or pocketbook,” Cook said before unveiling the new line on Monday.

“We think the Apple Watch is going to be integral to your day.”

Apple wants this wristwatch — which piggybacks on a nearby smartphone’s Internet connection through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth — to be seen as so revolutionary that it requires its own new lingo.

So while the watch face provides most of the same information as smartphones do, the back of the watch sends “taptic feedback,” tapping the wrist to remind the wearer to get up and burn more calories.

“It’s like having a coach on your wrist!” gushed Cook, touting the potential health uses of a computer that sticks to your skin all day.

The gadget also introduces “digital touch,” a new way of messaging that enables people to draw and send little figures with their fingertips and have them arrive on a friend’s watch face dynamically, in the same way they were drawn.

Convincing consumers they can’t live without an expensive new device isn’t easy, but Apple’s strongest selling points include “convenience and immediacy,” along with high-end design features and some useful new apps, said Carolina Milanesi, a tech analyst with Kantar Worldpanel.

“If you don’t have to be fumbling around for your phone, that can make a difference,”

Apple unveiled the Apple Watch this week, the next "must-have" device according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. The watch is intended to be a companion and supplement to your mobile device, while adding additional functions via. sensors on the watch back that can relay information to the unit.

agreed analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights and Strategy.

Initial consumer reactions ranged from die-hard Apple fans vowing to buy the watch immediately, to naysayers who don’t see the point of paying so much to see updates on their wrist instead their smartphone.

“I think it’s a tough market they are trying to get into, and I don’t see much promise that is going to come out of it,” said Joshua Powers, 21, a junior at Emerson College in Boston who owns an iPhone, an iPad and a MacBook computer.

As expected, the previously announced starting price of $349 is only for the entry-level Sport model. Prices range from $549 to $1,100 for the midrange watch. That’s not out of line for a high-quality watch, analysts said.

But Cook did not answer a key question for price-conscious consumers, Moorhead noted: How will Apple update the watch when it releases new models?

Apple did answer another vital question, promising an estimated 18-hour battery life

before the watch needs to be taken off and attached to a magnetic recharger.

Numerous tech companies are already selling smartwatches, from the Samsung Gear and Motorola’s Moto 360 to the Pebble Steel and other models made by smaller startups.

Many run on Android Wear, the software platform from Google, and range from $100 to $500 or more.

But most don’t have as many features as the Apple Watch, and they have not been big hits with consumers.

Apple executive Kevin Lynch walked through a simulation of a typical day, checking the watch for messages and calendar items, responding to a WeChat message, scrolling through some Instagram photos and speaking with Siri, Apple’s voice-activated digital assistant, through the microphone on the watch.

More impressively, Lynch presented an airline app with a bar code that acts as a boarding pass, another app that opened a garage door by remote control, and still another that promises to enable wearers to check out at the grocery store with a sinwww.canadianinquirer.net

gle tap on the watch face.

Cook also showed off features that can be found on many fitness bands already on the market, such as a heart rate monitor and accelerometer that can track a wearer’s movements and log daily exercise.

But some design functions seem uniquely Apple: Twist a small knob, and the wearer can quickly select the face of a friend, then sketch an image with a fingertip that shows up dynamically, just like it is being drawn, on the friend’s watch face. Swipe the watch face to bring up an email, then with a single tap, turn that email into a calendar item.

Cook hinted at bigger goals when he announced Monday that Apple has worked with leading medical institutions to develop an open-source software platform for iPhones to assist with medical research.

He stopped just short of saying that Apple Watch, in combination with the iPhone, could be a key conduit for two-way delivery of health care information, sending data about a person’s metabolism to researchers while also reminding wearers to take their medicine or go ex-

ercise.

For example, Apple executive Jeff Williams showed a new iPhone app that can track indicators of Parkinson’s disease by using a phone’s accelerometer to measure a user’s walking gait and its microphone to test for voice tremors. The watch also has both an accelerometer and microphone, so extending the app to the wrist would not be a major leap.

Apple reportedly studied the possibility of adding more sophisticated medical sensors to the watch, but held off because of technical and regulatory hurdles. If the watch catches on, however, Apple and medical device-makers will undoubtedly find ways to measure skin temperature, glucose levels or other indicators, said Murray Brozinsky, chief strategy officer at Healthline, an online health information service.

“If you’re building those sensors right now, you’re building them for hospitals. But you’d like to build more of them for 25 million Apple Watches,” Brozinsky said.

Apple Watch will be available for viewing at Apple stores on April 10 and go on sale April 24. ■

40

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Travel

The ‘Find Your Light’ music video for Disneyland Hong Kong, created by a pool of Filipino talents, was tailor-made to attract the Filipino market to the world-famous resort. SCREENSHOT

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort lights the path for Filipinos

BY THERESA S. SAMANIEGO Philippine Daily Inquirer IT IS THE MAGIC that will unleash the child in you and let you find your light.

With timeless tales of happy endings, magical journeys, and endless adventures, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort truly opens up to a world beyond imagination, where limitless possibilities allow one to rediscover that youthful innocence and rekindle the flame of a once carefree vibe.

This in essence is what showing your Disney side is all about: to be in touch with that spontaneous, childlike side in you, as you step into the gates of Hong Kong Disneyland and let the magic work its wonders on you.

And to further inspire guests to show their Disney side, Hong Kong Disneyland continues to come up with a number of activities and programs, the latest of which was the release of the Find Your Light music video, featuring a song that had been tailor-made for the Philippine market.

Filipino pride

Created and performed by a pool of Filipino talents, the Find Your Light music video is aimed at inspiring Filipino guests to share both the joy and pride of having so many of their talented countrymen working their magic at Hong Kong Disneyland.

The creation of this song was also meant to enable Filipino guests to unleash their energy and passion, and create a moment that is uniquely theirs at Hong Kong Disneyland.

David Lightbody, Entertainment and Costuming Director at Hong Kong Disneyland, disclosed that there is currently a strong contingent of Filipino performers at Hong Kong Disneyland and their work was deemed “very critical for the whole entertainment team.”

As a director, Lightbody is responsible for all aspects of development, production and operations for Hong Kong Disneyland’s world-class performances and shows, as well as its costuming.

“I’ve worked for entertainment theater for more than 20 years, and working here is my most recent adventure. In

my previous life in the musical theater, Filipino performers, I think, are already globally respected. Filipinos are different and have that amazing quality when performing. Certainly, their being a large part of Hong Kong Disneyland has reconfirmed for me that Filipino performers have a very special quality in how they perform and how they approach work,” Lightbody related. Lightbody noted that world-class, state-of-the-art entertainment shows and performances are at the heart of the Hong Kong Disneyland experience. And this is why they treasure Filipino talents and their passion for music, and why they have decided to recruit potential cast members from the Philippines even before the park opened a decade ago.

“Filipinos have that great amazing commitment and dedication for work. I really feel that there is that inner passion in every one of them that kind of burst out in every performance. You see that in their smile, their faces, their eyes and with the way they perform on stage. Filipino performers are exceptional and I think it is that

energy, commitment, happiness, positivity and professionalism that you can see whenever they perform,” Lightbody further noted.

Believing in magic

Musical director Rony Fortich meanwhile added that the idea behind the Find Your Light music video centered on how Filipinos love both Disney and the art of performing, as evident in the large number of Filipino cast members and Filipino guests at Hong Kong Disneyland.

The song, produced by an all-Filipino cast and written by Fortich himself, speaks of the beauty of believing in magic, one’s capacity to dream, and the importance of finding one’s light. Its lyrics encourage one to continue discovering the beauty in realizing their dreams, and in finding one’s light, happiness and joy along the way.

“The theme would be about the happiness you feel when you step out and show the world what you can do, something that is very Filipino. I eventually decided to go with the title ‘Find Your Light’ which is a phrase

used often in theater to tell actors to perform where the spot light hits the stage and not in the shadows,” Fortich explained.

“It was the perfect phrase for a song about stepping out and showing your Disney side, and that dreams do come true if you just go for them. Writing it, I was very much inspired by the upbeat ’70s and ’80s songs in the Philippines,” he added.

Hong Kong Disneyland, along with its officials, believed that the song has captured and is able to communicate the essence of having Filipinos as cast members and how they make every world-class performance in the park utterly enjoyable.

“I remember very clearly when Rony Fortich came into my office and played me that music for the first time. I actually did love the song from the moment I first heard it and hearing it again I realize how fantastic this music was and how great to see it come together with the music video, which I think is really fun and really captures the energy and the essence of the music and of the cast members,” Lightbody concluded. ■

Travel

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

41

Jungle ride: Google Maps gives tree top glimpse of what it’s like to ‘zip’ through Amazon

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — For its next technological trick, Google will show you what it’s like to zip through trees in the Amazon jungle.

The images released this month are the latest addition to the diverse collection of photos supplementing Google’s widely used digital maps. The maps’ “Street View” option mostly provides panoramic views of cities and neighbourhoods photographed by car-mounted cameras, but Google also has found creative ways to depict exotic locations where there are no roads.

In its latest foray into the wilderness, Google teamed up with environmental protection group Amazonas Sustainable Foundation, or FAS, to explore a remote part of an Amazon rainforest. Google Inc. lent FAS its Trekker device, a camera mounted on an apparatus originally designed to be carried like a backpack by hikers walking on trails.

FAS, though, sent the Trekker down a zip line. Google is renowned for going out on a technological limb, but even

Through Google's Trekker camera, a panoramic camera rig mounted on the back of a trekker, Google has opened the way to letting people see parts of the world that would be normally inaccessible.

ELI DUKE / FLICKER

this project made the company nervous at first, said Karin Tuxen-Bettman, who oversees Google’s Street View partnerships.

The setup required FAS

workers to tread through the rainforest to find a place where they could string the zip line so the Trekker wouldn’t bump into tree trunks and branches as it zoomed through the thick

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canopy. With the help of some monkeys who joined their scouting expedition, FAS workers found just enough room to erect a zip line for the Trekker’s trip.

“One of the things that I love about working at Google is that if a partner comes to us with a crazy idea, we will probably try it,” Tuxen-Bettman said.

Since Google developed the Trekker camera in 2012, the device has been dispatched on other unusual journeys.

The Trekker went scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands to take underwater photographs of the preserve, and travelled on a dog sled in the Canadian Artic to photograph the tundra.

Google’s Street View feature has raised privacy concerns through the years because its photographs have occasionally captured images of unsuspecting bystanders engaged in embarrassing activities or near places where they didn’t want to be seen. Cars carrying Street View cameras also secretly vacuumed up emails and other personal information transmitted over unsecure Wi-Fi networks from 2007 to 2010, sparking outrage and legal action around the world.

Privacy issues shouldn’t be an issue in any of the photography taken by the zip-lining Trekker. Birds and insects are the only visible forms of life in the pictures it took. ■

Long term forecast taken from: www.weathernetwork.com

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FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

Sports

Hype limbers up: Pacquiao-Mayweather bout is still 2 months away, but the talk starts early

BY TIM DAHLBERG The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Armed guards patrolling the gym where Manny Pacquiao trains. Stealthy attempts to disrupt Pacquiao’s sparring. And a bit of trash talking just to spice things up two months before the big fight.

Freddie Roach made plenty of noise before his return to Los Angeles on Sunday to train Pacquiao for his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. The talk is as old school as Roach, who seems to be giving early notice to the Mayweather camp that the buildup to the fight will be as intense as the bout itself.

“Floyd is so disrespectful,” Roach said by phone from China. “Manny is the perfect role model for this fight and Mayweather is not. I told Manny we’ve got to beat him for the whole world. There’s no way we can’t win this fight.”

Forgive Roach if he’s early with the talk, but he’s just warming up. He has to, because he’ll carry the dual role of trainer and chief provocateur for Pacquiao, who tends to shy away from making any inflammatory comments about fighters he’ll meet in the ring.

There’s two more months of this to come. Reality television couldn’t begin to even think of the plot twists that will take place between the Hollywood gym where Pacquiao trains and The Money Team’s digs in Las Vegas.

Leave it to Roach, widely acknowledged as the best trainer in the sport, to offer up a few tantalizing morsels to keep the hype going.

He doesn’t much care for Mayweather, and believes that at age 38 he’s slowing down. He thinks Mayweather might even be lured by the magnitude of the fight into doing things that will get him in trouble.

“Floyd’s legs don’t move like they once did,” Roach told The Associated Press. “He’s very

World-famous boxing trainer Freddie Roach (right) standing with Manny Pacquiao. Roach will train Pacquiao for the upcoming mega fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather on May 2.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

clever but the fight is so big he corner.”

Roach hired seven guards for may feel like he has to take a risk Big fights are nothing new his Wild Card gym in Hollyand exchange with us. If he does to either boxer, but already wood, where in the past people that, that’s the best thing in the this one is proving different. milled about in the parking lot world for Manny in my mind.”

The buildup to the actual an- hoping to get a glimpse of PacAnd if the fight comes down nouncement of the fight cre- quiao and anyone with even a to cornermen, remote connecRoach believes tion to the fightMayweather er could usually will be in real manage to get trouble if he’s Manny is the perfect role model for inside for worklistening to his this fight and Mayweather is not. I outs. father, Floyd Sr., told Manny we’ve got to beat him for “With guns,” who took over as the whole world. There’s no way we Roach said, “so his son’s trainer can’t win this fight. people respect from uncle Rogthem.” er Mayweather That’s not the last year. only change in “Going against the Pacquiao Floyd Sr. is a little disappoint- ated hysteria in boxing circles, camp for the fight that will aling,” Roach said. “He just isn’t and the buzz about the biggest most surely define his career. very good, especially during the fight in years shows no sign of Instead of doing much of his fight itself. One of our advan- abating. early training in the Philiptages is having him in the other To prepare for the frenzy, pines, Pacquiao will spend his

entire camp in Southern California. He’ll spar less, likely 90 to 95 rounds instead of the usual 150, because Roach wants to keep his legs fresh at age 36.

First, though, he’ll make a music video to go with a new song the erstwhile singer has recorded for his walk into the ring.

“Manny asked if he could do it and I said OK,” Roach said. “I don’t see it as a distraction because his work ethic is so great.”

Roach, who played a big part in getting the fight made by bringing promoter Bob Arum and CBS chairman Les Moonves together for talks, said he and Pacquiao have a higher calling than just winning a fight.

“Manny will be performing a public service for boxing when he beats Floyd,” Roach said. ■

Seen and Scenes

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

DAVID POMERANZ IN CALGARY

VICTORIA FILIPINO CANADIAN CAREGIVERS ASSOCIATION

Balladeer David Pomeranz made a lot of people believe in the magic of music with his popular hits. On Mar. 6 and 8, the internationally-acclaimed singer serenaded adoring fans in Edmonton and Calgary during his concert dubbed, “A Musical Evening with David Pomeranz”. The event was presented by MY780 Creative Solutions, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.

2015 Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association board members.

MALAYSIAN YEAR OF THE GOAT Senator Enverga enjoyed the evening celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Goat with friends from the Malaysian Association of Canada (Photos from Senator Enverga’s FB).

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net

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Sports

MARCH 13, 2015

FRIDAY

Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman likely out for year with torn knee ligament THE CANADIAN PRESS DUNEDIN, FLA. — The Toronto Blue Jays suffered a body blow Tuesday with the news that young starter Marcus Stroman is expected to miss the entire season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a fielding drill.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos said the 23-year-old right-hander will seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, and surgery is likely.

Anthopoulos said Stroman was participating in bunting practice when he was called off by third baseman Josh Donaldson. Stroman planted his feet to stop, then felt a pop in his knee.

An MRI confirmed the tear.

“Beyond devastated,” Stroman tweeted. “Not being able to compete with my brothers each and every day is extremely disappointing. Still can’t believe it.”

It was the second significant training camp injury for the Jays. Canadian outfielder Michael Saunders tore the meniscus in his knee in a freak accident when he stepped into a sprinkler head indentation while shagging fly balls.

The prognosis was better than expected for Saunders after having 60 per cent of his meniscus removed. He could be ready for Opening Day. Stroman is expected to take much longer to heal.

“It’s one of those things,” Anthopoulos said. “(It was) not expected and bad luck I guess.”

His injury leaves a void in the Jays rotation, which had looked to be R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Stroman, Drew Hutchison and a pitcher still to be determined.

And it may push the Jays into using Aaron Sanchez as a starter rather than closer. Other starting options are Daniel Norris and Marco Estrada, who were battling for the fifth spot in the rotation.

“No doubt to lose a guy like Stroman is a significant loss for us,” Anthopoulos said. “But you move forward and it’s going to be an opportunity for some of the other guys that are here.”

Former Cy Young Award

The Toronto Blue Jays suffered a massive blow this week when they learned that young starter Marcus Stroman is expected to miss the entire season after tearing a ligament in his knee during a fielding drill.

TWITTER PHOTO

winner Johan Santana is a training, you can’t really be “We all know the energy longshot to be in the mix. He yourself,” he said recently. “And he brings and how badly he is trying a comeback with the I’m pretty flashy, I talk a lot. wants to win and be a part of Jays, but is still some time This year I’m able to do that.” this team,” Anthopoulos said. away from seeing if he still has And with six pitches in his “It’s just one of those things. the goods. repertoire including a newly He’s probably the best athlete Stroman, a 2012 first-round minted sinker, Stroman has on the team and is in as good pick, appeared of shape as anyin 26 games for body you’re gothe Blue Jays ing to have. He’s last season. He the last guy you went 11-6 with a It’s one of those things . . . (It was) not would expect for 3.65 earned-run expectedand bad luck I guess. that to happen. average and 111 “Again, it’s just strikeouts in 130 a freak thing. But 2/3 innings. we move forThe native ward.” of Medford, N.Y., had been plenty of weapons on the The Jays were looking for big all smiles in camp this year, mound. things from Stroman in 2015. more at ease with in the clubHe was off to a good start this “He’s that good. And he’s that house after a year in the major spring. Stroman had not given confident.” manager John Gibleagues. up an earned run in 4 1/3 in- bons said last week.

“Last year being a young guy nings over two pre-season apA muscular five foot eight and coming into your first spring pearances.

180 pounds, the outgoing Strowww.canadianinquirer.net

man is very comfortable in his own skin.

“I feel a lot different, I feel much more relaxed,” he said last week. “I’m focused, I know what I have to do rather than doing everything in my power to go out there and trying to make the team, doing more than I had to.

“I’m relaxed, I’m motivated, I’m ready to go.”

The Blue Jays dropped a 5-3 decision to Minnesota in preseason action Tuesday. Stroman was not available after the game but posted another tweet later in the afternoon.

“Appreciate the love,” he tweeted. “Don’t be upset though. I promise to be back even stronger with a bigger smile. Faith and confidence define me!” ■

Events

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre

By WelcomePack Canada Inc. WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355 Tagalog Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto

day, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-9289355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.

Congen Junever Mahilum-West Dinner, Dance & Entertainment

By Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m. to 12 mn, Mar. 21, St. Ohrid Clement Macedonian Banquet Hall, 76 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: $40

CANADA EVENTS

Homework/Tutorial Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Satur-

YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

NUNAVUT

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

ONTARIO

QUEBEC

Parokya ni Edgar Bente+ North AmericaTour WHEN/WHERE: Mar 27, TCU Place Centennial Hall, 35-22nd St., E. Saskatoon, SK MORE INFO: Call 306-716-9906; 306-380-0818

Queering the Filipino Diaspora in Canada: Film Documentary Screening and Panel WHEN/WHERE: 4 to 6 p.m., Mar. 17, Liu Institute for Global Issues, Case Room, UBC 6476 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver Unceded Musqueam Territory MORE INFO: Discussion featuring the documentary "StandStill" by Joella Cabalu

http://bit.ly/ PCI-Events

Parokya ni Edgar Bente+ North America Tour WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., Mar. 28, Club Regent Casino Event Centre, 1425, NEWFOUNDLAND Regent Ave. West, Winnipeg MORE INFO: With special guest Wency Cornejo

NEW BRUNSWICK

Canadian and Philippine Family Law

By Options Community Services WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 4:30 p.m., Mar. 14, Rm. 418 4th Flr., City Centre Library, 10350 University Dr., Surrey B.C. MORE INFO: To register: call Cynthia Tamondong, settlement worker – 604-572-4060 ext. 1132 or email at cynthia.tamondong@options.bc.ca

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

Lea Salonga with Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra WHEN/WHERE: 8 p.m. Mar. 21, at Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave. W. Winnipeg, MB

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

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MORE INFO: Call 604-664-9009 Parokya ni Edgar Bente+ North AmericaTour WHEN/WHERE: Mar. 13, Fortune Sound Club, 147 E. Pender, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Special guests: Mara, Dramamo, Octovibes. Tickets $55 advance; $60 at door.

Winter-Spring Training 2015

By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: 14 Saturdays till Apr. 18, at the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., Royal City Centre – Rm. 280 610 – 6th St., New Westminster, B.C. MORE INFO: Contact Liza at 604-395-8000 ext.

1706 or email: liza.delarosa@issbc.org

Vancouver International Dance Festival WHEN/WHERE: Daily up to Mar. 28, 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-662-4966 or go to http:// vidf.ca

Drop-in Conversation Circles for Work Permit Holders (Burnaby)

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m., till Mar. 21, at Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-292-3907 for details.

Spring Break at the Cannery-Richmond WHEN/WHERE: Daily up to Mar. 29, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave., Richmond B.C.

Burnaby Seniors’ Club Free Activities for Immigrant Seniors

By Mosaic Settlement Services www.canadianinquirer.net

OPM Legends & the Jukebox Queen With Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison & Eva Eugenio

By RJP Entertainment Productions WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., Mar. 14,Club Regent, 1425 Regent Ave. West, Winnipeg MORE INFO: Call Dennis – 1-204-9637868; Ernesto 204-801-6051

WHEN/WHERE: (Burnaby North) Taichi – Till Mar. 27, Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

English Conversation Circle – Till Mar. 27, Fridays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave., Burnaby B.C. (Burnaby South) Upper Beginners’ English Practice – Till Mar. 23, Mondays, 9:30 to 11:30 Beginners’ English Practice – till Mar. 27, Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Knitting Club – till Mar. 27, Tuesdays, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Jose Mari Chan: A Timeless Romance Post-Valentine & Spring Concert WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., Mar. 21, Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave., New Westminster, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Kuya Alvin Relleve 604-7736641. For the Benefit of Barangay North Vancouver Filipino Community Centre Meet & Greet Dinner and Dance

By Luzvimin Bisaya Association WHEN/WHERE: 5:30 p.m., Mar. 28, Victoria Drive Community Hall, 2026 E. 43rd Ave. Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: For ticket call 604-771-8145.

FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015

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CANADA

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