Caraga Infocus - November 17 - 23, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

November 17 - 23, 2018

Volume II, No. 86

PNP Caraga initiates wedding ceremony of former rebels

ASEAN News: Palace hails PH’s SSS News: SSS disburses more DOE News: Energy Investments are Top Priority – role in ASEAN-China ties than P442-M for EC pension Cusi benefit adjustments

Regional News 8

Caraganons urged to avail free surgical mission

Provincial News 12

P13.4M road turned-over to AgSur farmers

DAR project to open access road in Surigao Norte town

Agusan del Norte to construct halfway house for former rebels

Mindanao News LGUs to ink MOA for 17 DOTr, Mindanao railway funding 12

Maute remnant, NPA rebel surrender to military

National News 20

PRRD directs gov’t agencies to take active role in drug war

PCOO chief recognized for ‘outstanding’ work in gov’t

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

News Briefs

• PIA CARAGA: the Emergency Operations Center Training for volunteers in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte & Butuan City, with active members of the Caraga RDRRMC held in Butuan City, regional director Liza Mazo challenged all the participants to take said training seriously & to put into action all the learning that they gain from it when need arises. She also expressed her hopes that all will enjoy the 3-day training & work productively in its group activities.

• PIA AGUSAN DEL NORTE: As part of the capacity building and benchmarking activity, members of the Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Airshed Governing Board and TWG visited DOST-PHIVOLCS earthquake station of Bislig City. The station will record earthquakes’ data e.g. size, depth. • PIA AGUSAN DEL SUR: BGen. Andres Centino, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, presented the 43 former members of the CPP-NPA in 401st Brigade AOR in the southern part of Surigao del Sur to DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu, chairperson of Task Force Balik Loob, and Agusan del Norte Gov Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, chairperson of RPOC 13 during the recently held awarding of E-CLIP benefits in Tandag City. The FRs received cash, livelihood and other assistance from different government agencies during the event. • PIA SURIGAO DEL NORTE: An ‘Ugnayan’ activity was conducted by the National Food Authority-Surigao del Norte. The forum was aimed at disseminating information to all stakeholders especially the grains businessmen of the General Guidelines on suggested retail price (SRP) for milled rice and prescribed labelling of rice boxes and price tags. It was attended by 70 participants from different municipalities of Surigao del Norte including those in the province of Dinagat Islands. Apart from the Info Dissemination on SRP, the GAD Awareness and Panatang Makapalay recitation/Brown Rice tasting in Celebration with National Rice Awareness Month were also integrated during the event. • PIA SURIGAO DEL SUR: The provincial government of Surigao del Sur headed by Gov Vicente Pimentel Jr. will lead the Task Force Balik-Loob Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Interation Program awarding of assistance with DILG Sec Eduardo Año as Guest of Honor and Speaker held at the VML Hotel in Tandag City. •PIA DINAGAT ISLANDS: The members of the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Council of Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands attended the Roll Out Training on People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Online Database System (PODS) and Legal Skills Enhancement conducted at the Gateway Hotel, Surigao City. (Audie Dodz Alipayo, MIO-Cagdianao)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

PNP Caraga initiates wedding ceremony of former rebels BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga initiated the wedding ceremony of former New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels at the St. Ignatius de Loyola Chapel of PNP Caraga headquarters early morning Sunday. The couple tied the knot in a ceremony officiated by the Regional Pastoral Officer, PCInsp. Mark Virgil J. Ibardolaza in the presence of PNP Caraga Regional Director PCSupt. Gilberto DC Cruz, members of the regional staff and other police personnel. The newlywed were former members of the Guerilla Front 21, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and surrendered to Regional Intelligence Division last July 27, 2018. All expenses including the bridal gowns and accessories, ‘barong’ of the groom, floral decoration, wedding rings, cakes, and reception were sponsored by PNP Caraga in support of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. The region’s top cop congratulated the couple who have been blessed with two children. “We appeal to the active members of the NPA and Militia ng Bayan to give up their arms and avail the E-CLIP. Our government is sincere in giving them programs if they would choose the right path for peace,” RD Cruz added. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

Cover Story

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

SSS serves arrest warrants to delinquent employers in Iloilo

SSS

By Perla Lena

“We were hoping we could do more and effect more pending warrants of arrests against these employers. Based on intelligence supports, and police operatives, negative,” said Atty. Cuisia. Coo was charged for non-remittance of premium contribution on behalf of their covered employees. However, the operating team found out that a different business name was already occupying the address but its employees are the complainants of the previous occupant. “Apparently, it has changed its business name,” he said. The violator he said will be given another chance to comply as he has an obligation to pay PHP96, 619.70 including Photo Courtesy of Panaynews.net the principal and the penalty as of ILOILO CITY -- The Social Security System December 2017. Otherwise, the owner will (SSS) committed to intensify its coordination face additional charges. with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and concerned sector to locate the whereabouts Meanwhile, Cuisia said that what of two employers, who were subjects of they are doing is part of the SSS’ Run After arrest warrants for non-remittance of the Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign. premium contributions of their employees. “There are legal obligations that all A team led by SSS Assistant Vice employers must comply with at the risk of President for Operations Legal Services subjecting themselves from both civil and Divisions, Atty. Renato Cuisia, in coordination criminal penalties,” he said. with the PNP here, failed to locate employers Mark Anthony Ong Chua and Billy Lu Coo, Since January to October this year, owners of the Gizmo Cellphone Accessories SSS has served about 40 warrants of arrest and Changxing Cellphone Merchandising, in Iloilo; 10 of those erring employers have respectively whose places of business are already posted bail bonds; eight have both on Ledesma Street in this city. settled their dues and 22 others are still at large. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

regional news

Outstanding LGUs on population program cited

BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Population (POPCOM)-Caraga honored the local government units (LGUs) on their outstanding contributions in achieving the primary thrusts of the country’s population program during the Awards and Fellowship Night held recently here. the vital contributions and tireless effort of the population program workers in the Dinagat Islands bagged the 1st implementation of the population program place for this year’s achievers for the at the local level. Publicly recognizing the Best Population Management Program institutions which embodied the POPCOM’s Implementer Award (provincial category); core values is the key to their serving as followed by Surigao del Norte as 2nd Place; great examples and inspiring others,” and Agusan del Sur, 3rd Place. However, said POPCOM Caraga regional director for city category, only Butuan emerged as Alexander A. Makinano. awardee having the score of more than 50 percent as per criteria set by POPCOM Makinano also hoped that these Caraga. performing local implementers should never cease in giving their best to help every Said structures were among those individual to have a better quality of life who really topped in the implementation by providing them necessary reproductive and promotion of the population program health information and services they need. to their respective areas after a thorough assessment and validation done by As continuously advocated by POPCOM Caraga. POPCOM, the PPMP seeks to position itself as a key strategy for human and economic The criteria for evaluation are: Core development to support inclusive growth Function – 10%; Responsible Parenthood through well-managed and well-planned and Family Planning – 40%; Adolescent Filipino families. Health and Development – 25%; Population and Development Integration – 20%; and It specifically aims to contribute to the Submission on Entry – 5%. creation of an enabling environment for couples and individuals to manage their As the winning LGUs, Butuan City fertility goals effectively in the context of received one unit motorcycle while the responsible parenthood, and to promote province of Dinagat Islands received one maternal and child health, thereby enabling unit Starex van from POPCOM-Caraga. them to achieve their well-being and development. (VLG/POPCOM-Caraga/ “It is very important to recognize PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

doe

DOE, LGUs strengthen renewable energy cooperation By Kris Crismundo

MANILA -- The Department of Energy (DOE) has ramped up its efforts to build partnerships with local government units (LGUs) towards promoting the use of renewable energy. DOE said in a statement Thursday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the provincial government of Palawan for the launch of the Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability or DREAMS project in the province.

efficient and reliable energy resources, particularly by developing indigenous and clean sources of power. It also aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Under the National Renewable Energy Program for 2017-2040 of the DOE, it targets to increase renewable energy installed capacity to at least 20,000 megawatts.

It also aims to implement renewable energy policies to promote the use of clean Palawan is the second LGU to ink sources of power. an MOU on renewable energy planning with DOE. Prior to this, DOE also forged an From 2009 to 2017, local investments agreement with the local government of in renewable energy have amounted to Iloilo. PHP34.04 billion. These include biomass, solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal The DREAMS project targets to provide power projects. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus â&#x20AC;˘ November 17 - 23, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume II, No. 86

Province of Dinagat Islands

Provincial news

Dinagat Islands holds 1st provincial rural based org summit SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- The provincial government of Dinagat Islands thru the Provincial Agriculture Office recently conducted the 1st Dinagat Islands Provincial Rural Based Organization (RBO’s) Summit at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol Compound, here.

development of agriculture and fisheries in the province.

With the theme, “No Farmers. No Food. No Future,” around 100 members from the different fisherfolk associations, rural improvement clubs, and Magsasakang Siyentipiko from the municipalities of Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, Cagdianao, Basilisa, Dinagat, and San Jose participated in the said summit.

He then imparted some of his knowledge on making alternatives to earn during the non-cropping season.

He said the island has a big potential and opportunity in farming. He also inspired the participants on how to attract tourists through the resources within a farm.

Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Oswaldo T. Borja emphasized that the increase in the agricultural output and income of the farmers and fisherfolks throughout the province have greatly Agricultural Training Institute contributed to the economic progress of Caraga Center Director Samuel Calonzo the province. (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIAexplained the RBOs’ role in the sustainable Dinagat Islands)

Photo Courtesy of Benglen B. Ecleo

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

Provincial news

Surigao del Norte

PCW holds Cine Juana film screening, VAW forum in Surigao City By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) – The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in partnership with the provincial government of Surigao del Norte spearheaded a film screening and forum on gender-based violence against women and girls dubbed as “Cine Juana Film screening and Forum on VAW” held recently at the Surigao City Gymnasium.

The event featureed the independent shall provide a venue for the participants film “Bagahe,” which is a story of an overseas to understand VAW and the difficult Filipino worker (OFW) who happens to be a experiences of VAW victim-survivors. rape victim. More than 300 participants from the Part of the activity is a forum involving academe, government agencies, nonnational and local government service government organizations civil society providers that tackled the legal remedy organizations, and other stakeholders and other recourse a VAW survivor may joined the said event. undertake. The activity was part of this year’s “Bagahe” line producer Jed Medrano observance of the 18-Day Campaign To and production designer Alfred Santos are End VAW that anchored on the theme, likewise served as resource speakers during “VAW-free community starts with me.” the forum. The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, PCW Corporate Affairs and annually observed from November 25 to Information Resource Management Division December 12, aims to raise awareness Chief Honey M. Castro said that using film among stakeholders that VAW is a public as a springboard for discussion, the “Cine issue of national concern. (SDR/PCW/PIAJuana Film screening, and Forum on VAW” Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

Agusan del Norte

Provincial news

May declared as farmers, fisherfolk’s month in Agusan del Norte By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Agusan del Norte recently declared the month of May as the Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month in the province of Agusan del Norte. This after the SP approved Provincial Ordinance No. 495-2018 declaring such month, authored by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr., during its 100th regular session.

The approval of said ordinance was anchored on Presidential Proclamation No. 33, series of 1989, declaring the month of May of every year as Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month in the province of Agusan del Norte to give due recognition to these sectors for their efforts and their exemplary contribution in providing sustainable food supply in the province, as well as in its economy and development. the farmers and fishermen in the province to improve their agricultural and aquatic Provincial Board Member Escasinas production. said that through this activity, the province can fulfill its thrust to protect the life and There will also be recognition and advance the rights of its citizens for food awards for top farmers and fisherfolks sufficiency and sustainable livelihood in for their exemplary performance and harmony with nature. contribution in the community during the awarding ceremony. The month-long celebration, in collaboration with concerned national The provincial government shall line agencies, shall provide capability appropriate funds in the amount of development training, technology PhP500,000.00 to support the said demonstrations on organic agricultural celebration starting next year 2019 and products, agri-trade fair, fish exposition and every year thereafter. (LGU-Agusan del other related activities that shall capacitate Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

Provincial news

Surigao del Sur

Former rebels get Christmas gifts in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- A total of 40 former rebels (FRs) received early Christmas gifts from the 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army in an activity dubbed as “Pamaskong Handog para sa mga former rebels” held at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur. Captain Francisco Garello Jr, CivilMilitary Operations Officer, said the activity is in collaboration with the Linungao Tandag City Eagle’s Club, and Tago Pacific Eagles Club. Garello added the gift pack contains assorted goodies for the Noche Buena of former rebels currently undergoing the process of reintegrating to the mainstream society.

“Thru this program, each enrollee has an individual integration plan that would assess and evaluate the essential needs and concern that will serve as the instrument to ensure a peaceful and productive life ahead,” said Capt. Garello. In a statement, Lt. Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad, Commanding Officer of the 36th IB, said, “the gift packs are minimal compared to what you all essentially need but what matters here is the heartfelt giving and commitment to support the FRs.” “You have seen the futility of the armed struggle and now cherishing the fruit of your decision to surrender and go back to the folds of the law,” he said.

“I urge all of you to be productive and The beneficiaries are enrolled under never look back on the path of violence the Task Force Balik Loob Enhanced- and continue to choose life in peace with Comprehensive Local Integration Program your families,” he added. (NGPB/36IB/PIA(E-CLIP). Surigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

asean

ASEAN labor ministers to promote green jobs, inclusive growth

was closed by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The 25th ASEAN Labor Ministers’ Meeting and its Related Conferences that concluded three outcome documents: the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting Green Jobs for Equity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN Community, the Action Plan to implement the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, and the List of ASEAN-OSHNET initiatives to implement the ASEAN Labor Minister’s Statement on improving Occupational Safety and Health for Sustainable Economic Growth.

Kula said an action plan to implement the creation of avenues for policy formulation and governance at the regional level in promoting and creating Green Jobs and Green Skills will be worked out soon. Malaysia, as chair of the ASEAN Labor Ministers, will spearhead this action plan. The ASEAN labor sector should enhance the capability of its workforce by attracting more skilled workers, in particular, those relating to green jobs, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said.

She noted that the promotion of green jobs would include the creation of decent The theme chosen for this year is employment opportunities, enhancement Promoting Green Jobs for Equity and of resource efficiency, and the production Inclusive Growth of ASEAN Community. of low-carbon societies. Human Resource Minister of Malaysia, M. Kula Segaran, who chaired the twoday meeting, said all three documents were unanimously agreed on by all Labor Ministers from all ASEAN member states and the bloc’s Plus Three Dialogue Partners -China, Japan, and South Korea. “Promoting Green Jobs will include producing decent employment opportunities, enhancing resource efficiency, and creating low-carbon societies. This is a very good achievement, and a win-win for ASEAN and Malaysia,” he told a press conference after the meeting

It is also crucial for ASEAN to engage governments, trade unions, and employers’ associations to strengthen social protection and to improve occupational safety and health at the workplace, which supports the commitments in the Action Plan to implement the ASEAN Consensus and the List of ASEAN-OSHNET initiatives. For more information, parties may contact Selvarah Ramasamy Abdullah at telephone no. 03-8886 5041, email r.selvaraj@ mohr.gov.my, and the International Division of the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia. (Bernama-AsiaNet)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

mindanao news

30K Maguindanao indigents avail of ARMM outreach programs By: Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez COTABATO CITY – More than 30,000 indigent families from Maguindanao availed of health and other services extended during the four-day Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) People’s Day that ended Friday. Myrna Jo Henry, speaking for the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART), said 11 more humanitarian missions are in the pipeline for implementation within the remaining days of 2018.

Photo Courtesy of Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion

Day to offer their respective services to anyone in the communities, where the event is being held.

Through the Peoples Day, residents were extended free medical and dental services, including minor surgery and optical Henry said the ARMM People’s Day services, livelihood training and distribution is a convergence program of the ARMM of livelihood packages. regional government envisioned by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman for the region’s Henry said the Department of indigent families, who are hardly able to Health-ARMM also extended free reading avail of government basic services. eyeglasses, medicine and vitamins, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene kits to “The main idea of this program is to patients. bring government basic services to the people right at the doorstep of their homes The region’s Department of in communities,” Henry said. Agriculture and Fisheries and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Workers of various ARMM government meanwhile, distributed farm seeds and tree agencies converged during the Peoples seedlings to farmers. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

mindanao news

Go bats for more tourism gains in Mindanao

MARASUGAN, Compostella Valley – Former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go on Sunday said celebrating festivals help in enriching and preserving cultural heritage, thus pushing tourism as a tool in bringing better livelihood to Filipinos. “Tourism has a significant impact on national development primarily because it generates income and jobs for the people. This is why the government is always keen in investing on necessary infrastructures to support and further develop the tourism potential of places in Mindanao such as the Municipality of Maragusan,” Go said in his speech during the 41st Araw ng Maragusan & 23rd P’yagsawitan Festival here.

are able to spread awareness about our cultural heritage. Once again, thank you for preserving the tradition and culture of the Mansaka tribe,” he added. Go encouraged citizens to continue their support and involvement in enriching their culture as he lauded around 3,000 barangay officials, municipal officials, teachers, students, and civil society organizations who organized and attended the event. The event was a twin occasion for the celebration of the founding anniversary of Maragusan and the culmination of the Pyagsawitan Festival.

The festival is Mansaka-Mandaya “It is through festivals like this that we Tribes’ thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

mindanao news of the year.

“Iba’t-ibang programa at proyekto na malaki ang magiging impact dito sa ating probinsya. Malasakit po ang aming ibinabahagi, nais namin na mas giginhawa ang daloy ng inyong komersyo at transportasyon,” he said.

“Tunay nga na ang Pilipinas ay biniyayaan ng mga tourist spots at festivals, gaya dito sa Maragusan. At tulad ng inyong selebrasyon sa masaganang ani ngayong taon, pangarap ko po na mas maging maunlad pa ang inyong bayan at ang In the same event, Go added that he buong Pilipinas,” Go said. plans to push for measures that will make it easier for Filipinos to access government Go, who is running for senator in services in line with his ‘Malasakit para sa the 2019 elections, vowed to continue to tao’ platform. support infrastructure programs that will strengthen tourism, such as the Mindanao First on his agenda, he said, is to Railway Project, as it will bring opportunities provide each and every Filipino quality to the community. healthcare programs by establishing more Malasakit Centers all throughout the nation. The Mindanao Railway Project of the government is an expanded railway The Malasakit Center is a ‘one network to provide faster and more stop shop’ where indigent patients can convenient transportation between Davao ask for financial assistance from various and Caraga regions. government agencies, such as the Department of Health, the Department The government is fast-tracking the of Social Welfare and Development, feasibility study for the project. Philhealth, PAGCOR, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (PR)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

national news

Hundreds join campaign to end violence vs. women

By: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA -- More than 200 participants joined the United Nations Women Philippines and the Belgium Embassy in Manila during a cycling event campaigning for the elimination of violence against women in the Philippines on Friday.

Health Survey, Versoza said 24 percent of Filipino women aged 15 to 45 have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional violence committed by their husbands or partners. “They’ve been doing this survey since 2008 and the figure then was 29 percent, so from 29 to 24, that’s not a lot, that’s very slow, therefore we need such campaigns rallying different groups to join this campaign,” she said.

Despite the rain, Belgian Ambassador Michel Goffin, Philippine Commission on Women executive director Emmeline Versoza, together with activists and human rights defenders cycled their way inside the walled-city sporting bright orange shirts to commemorate the 2018 International “The numbers give us an alarming Day for the Elimination of Violence Against figure, and this continues to happen,” she Women and Girls on November 25. added. “We should stand up and say no to this feudal macho culture.” (PNA) Orange is the color designated by the UNiTE campaign to symbolize “a brighter future without violence.” Expecting only a few dozens to attend, Goffin was satisfied at the turnout of the embassy-led event, “Pedal Your Way Towards A Violence-Free World for Women and Girls.” “We are proud to have so many people in orange. At first, I was saying we’d be happy with 30 people, now we have 200 registered,” he said. Belgium has dedicated its efforts and resources to combat gender-based violence as it considers the issue as an essential element in the equality between women and men. Citing the 2017 Philippine Statistics Authority’s National Demographic and

Photo Courtesy of Explore Your City On a Bicycle - Philippines

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

national news

NCRPO press club hails PCOO chief for contribution to PH media

MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Press Club presented a plaque of distinction to Communication Secretary Martin Andanar, recognizing his and the Presidential Communications Operations Office’s (PCOO) contributions and assistance to the media industry.

The awarding took place during the (PTFoMS) headed by Undersecretary Joel NCRPO Press Club’s third anniversary in Egco. Quezon City on Friday. “After that incident in 2009, the The plaque of distinction cited the Philippines is one of the most dangerous PCOO chief’s assistance to the media countries, second actually, for journalists, industry, particularly to the NCRPO Press according to the Committee to Protect Club, other press corps, and media Journalists, an organization based in New organizations, as well as his advocacies York,” he said. towards freedom of expression. “Since President Rodrigo Duterte The celebration was supposed to be signed AO (Administrative Order No.) 1 held two weeks prior to the actual awarding on the Presidential Task Force on Media on November 23. Security, it has been two years from (rank) 2, 3, 4, and 5. The Philippines’ standing Coinciding with the 9th anniversary has improved and has ensured that our of the Maguindanao massacre, Andanar environment is safer for journalists,” he said recalled the brutal killing of 58 people, 33 in Filipino. of whom were journalists. Andanar congratulated the NCRPO “That singular incident undermined Press Club for the successful event. our press freedom,” he said, as he enjoined the audience to offer prayers for the victims. “It is good to give awards because it inspires the person. They say, if you let A n d a n a r a l s o e x t e n d e d h i s a person shine, then you will allow these appreciation to the work done by the officers to shed the light to his neighbor,” Presidential Task Force on Media Security he said. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

photo gallery 3rd Gender and Development Resource Pool Assembly, Hotel Oazis, Butuan City, 22 November 2018

Caraga Infocus â&#x20AC;˘ November 17 - 23, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume II, No. 86

Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

PRO - 13 POPCOM CARAGA PCW LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE 36 IB BERNAMA-ASIANET PERLA LENA KRIS CRISMUNDO AIMEE B. SIENES NOEL PUNZALAN EDWIN FERNANDEZ JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA

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Caraga Infocus • November 17 - 23, 2018 • Volume II, No. 86