Caraga Infocus - October 27 - November 2, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

October 27 - November 2, 2018

Volume II, No. 83

AgNor contenders champ in reg’l. consumer quiz bowl

SSS News: SSS extends monthly contribution deadline for 2018 until Jan. 2, 2019

DOE News: DOE to donate 200 e-trike units for Boracay drivers

ASEAN News: WPS to be tackled in Singapore ASEAN Summit: DFA

Regional News 9

Caraga GAD advocates set activities for 18-Day Campaign to end VAW

Provincial News 14

Consumers, biz sector join 2018 ConBiz Forum

Government agencies extend assistance to 96 former rebels in SurSur

Agusan Norte orders resting chairs inside establishments

PDI’s registered rural workers associations benefit DILEEP

Mindanao News

AFP, PNP sign joint action plan vs. terrorism

Mudslinging has no place in political arena: Bong Go

National News

Duterte suspends issuance of new permits to firecracker makers

Cash aid, tax relief sought for Boracay residents, businesses

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

News Briefs

• Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar was recently lauded by the National Press Club (NPC) for improving media standards and looking after the welfare of journalists. At the NPC’s 66th anniversary celebration Monday night, Andanar was presented with a plaque of appreciation recognizing his “unstinting support” not just for members of the press club but for journalists nationwide.

• Municipal Mayor Enrico Corvera of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte expressed his sincere appreciation to the pool of evaluators and to the participants of the simultaneous earthquake drill conducted at Northwestern Agusan Colleges and Nasipit National Vocational School. He also recognized the importance of capacitating the teachers and students with the correct measures and procedures in order for them to know how to react and what to do not only during earthquakes but also in all other emergency situations.

• Troops of 401st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, together with other government agencies participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. (Source: CMO Officer, 401st Brigade)

• PIA SURIGAO DEL NORTE: BGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 402nd Brigade commander, Lt. Col. Allen Raymumd Tomas, commanding officer of 30th Infantry Battalion & Cpt. Brandy Tangub, commanding officer of 402nd CMO Company led the conduct of KaPALAYapaan Expansion Meeting with the officers/representatives of the municipal government units of Bacuag, Claver and Gigaquit held recently at the 30IB Headquarters, Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte. (30IB, Phil. Army)

• In the’ IP Crisis Committee meeting held in Tandag City, 36IB Commanding Officer LTC Xerxes Trinidad emphasized that “Insurgency is not a military issue but a political issue.” The activity was attended by the PNP headed by Police Provincial Office Director PSSupt Francisco Dungo, Jr., IP Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) and Tribal Chieftains of Surigao del Sur. (Source: Capt F. Garello, 36IB CMO)

• The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Dinagat Islands conducted recently the Provincial Cave Committee (RCC) meeting held at DENR Training Center, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. The RCC members discussed the concerns on cave updates, cave assessment and on-going implementation of management plan for the protection, conservation and proper management of caves and its resources. (PIO-Dinagat Islands)

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cover story AgNor contenders cham Photos Courtesy of DXBN Butuan

BUTUAN CITY -- Contestants from the Cabadbaran City Division got 3rd place. province of Agusan del Norte dominated She was coached by Jehainie S. Ponce. this year’s Consumer Quiz Bowl. As top three winners both Arriba and Rodrigo J. Arriba, Jr. of Carmen National Tiempo received medals, certificates, High School who earlier topped the tokens and cash prices of Php 5,000.00 Agusan del Norte Division-Level Quiz, was and Php 3,000.00, respectively. hailed Regional 1st place winner. Butuan City Division Quiz winner This is a back-to-back win of Arriba Nicell Mae G. Socorro of Butuan City and his coach Mindalita S. Sodicta having School of Arts and Trades also joined gotten the top spot in last year’s contest, the regional tilt and placed 7th out of 12 as well. contestants. She was coached by Myra H. Trazares. Meanwhile, Jeanalyn T. Tiempo of Calamba National High School from the The division level quiz bowls were

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

mp in reg’l. consumer quiz bowl

held last October 12 (Butuan City Division), October 16 (Cabadbaran City Division), and October 17 (Agusan del Norte Division). The regional contest, on the other hand, was done October 30 at the Atrium of Robinsons Place Butuan. The annual consumer quiz bowl both at the division and regional levels were conducted in partnership with the Department of Education and the participating secondary schools. (DTIAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

SSS News

SSS extends monthly contribution deadline for 2018 until Jan. 2, 2019

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the Social Security Commission (SSC), the policy-making body of the pension fund, through SSC Resolution No. 728.s-2018 dated September 12, revised the deadline for the payment of contributions for 2018. “We have decided to adjust the payment deadline for our employers and individual members to accommodate those who are willing to pay their monthly premiums to SSS but were slightly affected by the birth pains of the pilot implementation of the Real-Time Processing of Contributions (RTPC) program, which requires them to update their information with SSS and generate a unique payment reference number (PRN)

before paying their premiums,” Dooc said. Dooc clarified, however, that the new payment deadline does not apply to OFWmembers, who can pay their January to December contributions any time within the same year and their contributions for the last quarter until January 31 of the following year. Based on SSS Circular 2018-022, the deadline of payment of contributions for regular employers is revised from the current schedule, which is based on the 10th digit of the 13-digit SSS number of the employer, to the end of the month following the applicable month. For example, an employer must pay the contributions of its employees for the month of October 2018

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

SSS News by the end of November 2018. On the other hand, household employers and individual members have until the end of the year to pay their monthly contributions. Since the last day of December 2018 is a non-working holiday, the payment deadline will be on January 2, 2019. Further, contributions for the fourth quarter of 2018 may also be paid on or before January 31, 2019.

posted real-time, thus, allowing them to avail of their benefits and privileges on time.

SSS members can generate their PRNs in three ways: (1) thru their My.SSS online account found in the agency website, (2) thru the PRN inquiry facility of the collection partners of SSS, or (3) thru any of the SSS branches nationwide. Once paid using the PRN, contribution payments of the members will be posted instantaneously and they will receive notifications via SMS that their “We hope that with the revised contributions have been posted. payment deadlines, self-employed voluntary members will be able to pay SSS earlier announced that it will their contributions accordingly. We are accept contribution payments even without also expecting that regular and household a PRN but only on exception basis, heeding employers will have no excuse for settling to the sentiment that not all members their obligations to SSS on time,” Dooc said. have access to the internet to get their PRNs. The SSS will request for the mobile Dooc further reminded members numbers of members paying without PRNs to and employers that in case of advance update their contact information in the SSS payments, only the contributions to the database. These members will then receive months prior to any contingency entitling their PRNs for the next payment schedule the member or his beneficiary to any benefit through the registered or updated mobile from the SSS shall be considered in the numbers. computation of such benefit, while the rest shall be refunded in case of a final claim or credited to his future accounts, in accordance with the existing rules. He also advised members and employers that while necessary enhancements to the application system for the revised payment deadline is still on-going, they may go to any Automated Tellering System (ATS) in SSS branches nationwide for payment transactions. Under the Real-Time Processing of Contributions (RTPC) program, a member needs to present his or her PRN before paying so that their contributions will be

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regional News

Caraga GAD advocates set activities for 18-Day Campaign to end VAW By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Committee Against Trafficking – Violence Against Women and Children (RIACATVAWC) Caraga dubbed “Panagtagbo” or gathering of VAW survivors in the region, which will be held in Surigao City. Here, RIACAT-VAWC will be giving out Noche Buena package to some 50 VAW survivors.

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Gender and Development (GAD) advocates in Caraga region led by the Regional GAD Committee (RGADC) have lined-up activities for this year’s celebration of the 18-Day Campaign to end violence against women (VAW) from November 25-December 12. The members of the RGADC agreed that the said campaign will kick-off on November 26 (Monday) since November 25 falls on a Sunday. It will start with the conduct of an ‘Advocacy Walk’ from the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol going to Guingona Park, this city.

A Community-Based Dialogue will also be conducted on December 5, 2018. It is a referral system of VAW cases with personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), local government units, barangay officials, and VAW survivors.

In time also with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, the RGADC chaired by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will be spearheading a program, along with the ‘Anniversary Walk and Candle Lighting, Anniversary Dinner The opening program will then follow and Film Showing. highlighting the ‘Kikay Kit Bonanza’ where VAW survivors will be given hypoallergenic Meanwhile, as part of the culminating cosmetic items. Right after the program, all activity for the 18-Day Campaign to end participants will also be joining in the ‘Color VAW, the VAW Desk Officers will convene Me Zumba’ at the same venue. on December 11-12 for the RIACAT-VAWC’s Women’s Summit. On the same day, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga will be Lawyer Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang facilitating the press conference, where reiterated that the 18-Day Campaign media partners in the region will be aims to raise awareness among all updated on pressing gender issues in the stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of region, VAW cases, and other GAD-related national concern. “It supports the Philippine concerns. government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to On December 3, the RGADC has a address all forms of VAW,” she said. (JPG/ joint activity with the Regional Inter-Agency PIA-Caraga)

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doe News

DOE to donate 200 e-trike units for Boracay drivers By Karen Bermejo

Photo Courtesy of Boracay Informer

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -- The Department of Energy (DOE) will be donating at least 200 electric tricycles for Boracay in preparation for the phase-out of all gasoline-powered units on the island. Jerry Esquivel, general manager of EV Wealth Inc., the e-trikes supplier for the DOE, said on Tuesday that Malay, particularly Boracay, was chosen as one of beneficiaries of the e-trike program. At least 3,000 units of e-trikes are up for donation by the DOE and 200 of these will be for Boracay, Esquivel said during the regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay.

a resolution coming from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay to authorize the mayor or the vice mayor to accept the donation. Esquivel said while the e-trike units will be given free, the DOE has set conditions for the LGU and e-trike operators to comply to such requirement as paying for the cost of the fleet management to ensure sustainability of the electric vehicles program.

Under the program, e-trike beneficiaries will have to pay PHP649 for a three-year fleet management, which includes maintenance and battery services, but the cost is not yet final and may also go He said they are just waiting for down, Esquivel clarified.

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doe News Aside from being more environment- The total phase-out of motor tricycles friendly, tricycle drivers could save as much was supposed to be implemented by as half of their expenses. the end of September. However, it was postponed due to the existing road “If the drivers are spending PHP400 conditions on the island, said Sualog in an for gasoline daily, with the e-trikes, they will interview. only spend PHP200 for electricity,” he said. “Once our roads become suitable, He said part of the project is the eventually the phase-out will continue,” he installation of charging stations in the said. Out of the more than 500 franchise respective houses of the drivers or operators. tricycle franchise owners on the island, more than 200 have yet to shift. Vice Mayor Abram Sualog said on Thursday that the donation is welcome Once the donation pushes through, but the local council will still deliberate on Sualog said the units will be given to the proposed fleet management for the franchise owners who have not shifted to e-trikes, which will be shouldered by the e-trikes yet. drivers. Meanwhile, the Boracay Interagency The LGU-Malay is eyeing to phase out Task for Rehabilitation is eyeing to put up all gas-powered tricycles on the island and 16 designated stops for passenger vehicles replace it with e-trikes and other electric- along the main road. (PNA) powered vehicles.

Photo Courtesy of Panay News

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

photo

Project KaPALAYapaan gallery

Brgy. Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte 05 November 2018

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

Agusan del sur

Consumers, biz sector join 2018 ConBiz Forum

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - The consumers and business sector in the province actively participated in the recently-concluded Consumer-Business (ConBiz) Forum held at the Mabe’s Savory Place here. The forum covered topics on Effects of Tax Reform on Acceleration and Inclusion Act, presented by Rose Calo of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Bayugan City, Tips on On-Line Shopping and E-Presyo by Lorijane Sacote and Nunila Estareja of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Caraga Regional Office, Status and price trending of rice and other agricultural products by Josefa Gidacan and Clarence Malbasias of the Department of Agriculture

(DA)-Caraga, and Status of National Food Authority (NFA) rice and other grains in the province by Dennis Padura of the NFAAgusan del Sur. The ConBiz was attended by 120 participating beneficiaries of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of San Francisco, Talacogon, Prosperidad and Bayugan City, owners and representatives of business establishments, Agusan del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., food producers and processors, employees of national government agencies and members of consumer organizations. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

Surigao del sur

Government agencies extend assistance to 96 former rebels in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) - Different heads and representatives of government agencies, together with the heads of the security sector in Eastern Mindanao, gathered on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel here to formally welcome to the folds of the law the 96 Former Rebels (FR) and awarded them different transformation intervention packages during the Joint Regional and Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting. In a formal presentation ceremony, Secretary Eduardo M. Año of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) received the 36 high-powered firearms from the FRs .

The FRs were formally presented by BGen. Andres Centino and BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal of the 401st and 402nd Infantry Brigades of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, who received and facilitated their surrender. Prior to their formal presentation, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee of Surigao del Sur and the DILG Provincial Office subjected the FRs in a validation and processing for their enrollment and award of benefits of the E-CLIP being implemented through Inter-Agency Task Force Balik Loob headed by USec Reynaldo Mapagu of the Department of National Defense.

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Surigao del sur Aside from the cash assistance that they will receive, the FRs will be receiving other assistance and interventions under the program depending on the needs assessment survey report to be conducted by TF Balik Loob.

Commanding General Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. emphasized the cooperation of every sector and agency not only in the intervention to bring the rebels to the mainstream but also in ending insurgency. “Insurgency is a multi-dimensional problem, which requires a multi-sectoral solution. Not only the government but also the community, the business sector, media, and other sectors,” Gen Madrigal Jr. said.

These may include skills training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, housing under the National Housing Authority, and other socio-economic interventions. Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año turned-over during the program the The 96 FRs are part of the 831 who check amounting to Php5 million for the surrendered from November 2017 to construction of a halfway house intended November 10, 2018. for the province of Surigao del Sur and was received by Gov. Vicente Pimentel Jr. (Maj. During the press briefing after the Ezra Balagtey, EastMinCom/PIA-Surigao del ceremony, Eastern Mindanao Command Sur)

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

Agusan del norte

Agusan Norte orders resting chairs inside establishments By: Jessica O. Mellejor

BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte strictly required all business establishments in the province to provide resting chairs for their employees.

problems such as but not limited to varicose veins, frequent contusions and swelling of the legs and feet, rheumatism, and other foot problems.

This was embodied under Provincial Ordinance No. 499-2018 authored by Provincial Board Member Salutario B. Cuasito.

The affirmative vote of the lawmakers was also anchored under Section 7, Rule 1 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code (Book III) that states that each employer will provide his employees with Cuasito pushed for the approval of a reasonable rest for one hour for regular the ordinance considering the need for meals. such move. Said ordinance was approved by Accordingly, a number of medical the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its researches and social studies conducted 101st Regular Session through Cuasito, who within the country and abroad disclose that chairs the Committee on Environment and individuals spending most of the day on Natural Resources. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/ their feet every working day are likely to PIA-Agusan del Norte) be at greater risks of experiencing health Photo Courtesy of Vigattin Tourism

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surigao del norte

PDI’s registered rural workers associations benefit DILEEP

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Labor and Employment Province of Dinagat Islands (DOLE-PDI) in collaboration with the local government units of Basilisa, San Jose and Libjo handed over three checks worth P749,000 to the beneficiaries of livelihood assistance under DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) 2018.

P246,000; Sta. Cruz Fisherfolks Community Workers Association with 30 members for their rice trading project amounting to P300,000; and Salvador Women’s Association with 15 recipients for their ginger production amounting to P203,000.

A re-orientation on the guidelines of the DILEEP was also conducted for the beneficiaries to be reminded of their duties The beneficiaries came from the three and reportorial responsibilities under the municipalities in the province of Dinagat project. Islands namely, Tubajon, Basilisa and San Jose. The DILEEP is the DOLE’s contribution to the government’s agenda of inclusive DOLE-PDI program focal Arnaldo growth through massive job generation A. Anito turned-over the checks to Imee and substantial poverty reduction. (DOLEWomen’s Association with 15 beneficiaries Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) for their rice trading project amounting to

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

asean

WPS to be tackled in Singapore ASEAN Summit: DFA By Jelly Musico

Photo Courtesy of straitstimes.com

MANILA – The West Philippine Sea (WPS) is one of the issues to be discussed in the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits slated in Singapore, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Friday.

Summit held on April 27-28 this year in Singapore.

In the upcoming summit, West said ASEAN leaders will also discuss the progress of the region’s relations and deepening cooperation with their dialogue partners “We are quite sure that the South on a number of priority areas during the China Sea, as I’ve mentioned before, would related summits. be one of those regional developments that would be taken up in the summit,” She said among the priority areas DFA Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum- are infrastructure development; economic West in a pre-departure press briefing in cooperation; development of micro, small, Malacañang. and medium enterprises; connectivity; nontraditional security issues like countering She said the Rohingya and the Korean terrorism and violent extremism; illicit drugs; Peninsula are other issues that would be and trafficking in persons. brought up in certain meetings during the summit. “Other areas of cooperation include: women and youth; disaster management; “I think ASEAN is ready to answer this climate change; and people-to-people (Rohingya) issue,” West said. exchanges,” she added. West said President Rodrigo Duterte will participate in the summit upon the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

West said the ASEAN Summit will also be an opportunity for leaders to see the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Community blueprints and the work in moving community building Duterte attended the 32nd ASEAN forward, as well as bringing ASEAN closer

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asean to the realization of a rules-based, people- documents are expected to be adopted, oriented, and people-centered ASEAN issued and noted by the leaders at the Community. ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Plus Three Summit and East Asia Summit. “Of course, we would expect an outcome document on the rights of migrant “The leaders will also hold the second workers as well which has been shepherded summit on the Regional Comprehensive by the Philippines since the beginning,” she Economic Partnership or RCEP to look into said. the progress in the negotiations of this very She said the ASEAN leaders will meet important document,” she said. individually with Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, She said at least five leaders have Russia, and the United States. expressed interest to meet with Duterte on the sidelines of the summit. Aside from the Philippines and Singapore, the other ASEAN member Due to the President’s hectic countries are Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, schedule, West said Duterte might not be Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and able to accommodate a meeting with the Brunei. Filipino community in Singapore. (PNA)

West said a number of outcome Photo Courtesy of Inquirer.net

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mindanao news

AFP, PNP sign joint action plan vs. terrorism

By Edwin Fernandez

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) and the Police Regional Office for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) on Monday forged a collaboration to ensure their areas of jurisdiction are safe from terrorism. Military and police officials who have operating troops on common areas of jurisdiction signed the Joint Implementation Plan (Implan) to address bombing incidents in areas of the ARMM.

units, government agencies, and local government units to reduce the incidents and vulnerability of ARMM from terror bomb attacks. “It also includes actions to be taken in case of improvised explosive device explosion,” Encinas said.

PRO-ARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur where the 6th ID operating units are also deployed. Bombings believed to have been carried out by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6ID Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have occurred commander, and Chief Supt. Graciano mostly in Maguindanao and parts of Lanao Mijares, PRO-ARMM regional director, del Sur. signed the Implan on Monday (Oct. 29) at this camp, which is the 6th ID headquarters. BIFF, which pledges allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, are Maj. Arvin John Encinas, speaking operating mostly in the second district for the 6th ID, said the Implan provides of Maguindanao and had set off bombs for the guidelines and procedures to be targeting both civilians and military undertaken by PRO-ARMM and 6ID in personnel. (PNA) coordination with other law enforcement

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

mindanao news

Mudslinging has no place in political arena: Bong Go

DAVAO CITY — The political arena deserves only fair election campaigns and should discourage mudslingings, former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go said Saturday. “I personally discourage mudslinging. If the facebook pages were to derail other people, ayaw kong nagkakasiraan (I don’t want throwing shades at each other),“ Go said in his speech during the Mindanao Media Safety and Security Summit, as he appealed to candidates and supporters to avoid mudslinging particularly in social media platforms.

Responsible social media use

He said the responsible use of social media is part of democracy. “It is democracy in action. Okay lang na tanggalin (It’s okay to remove them) if Facebook thinks it is used to derail other people,” he said.

Go made this call after social media giant Facebook recently took down Meanwhile, President Rodrigo accounts, some of which are supportive Duterte’s former aide also called on the of the Duterte administration. media to “help raise awareness and protect

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83

mindanao news the democracy.”

on Media Security.

“Gusto kong sabihin na kayo ang isa sa aking tulay para malaman ko ang mga hinanaing ng sambayanan. Kayo ang nagsisilbing taga-dala ng impormasyon na pwedeng magamit para masolusyonan ang mga problema ng bayan (I just want to say that you are one of my bridges to be able to know the people’s concerns. You bring information that is used to solve issues in the country),” he added.

“You have to be protected because you uphold the truth. There are a lot of people who want to abuse this power of the press and abuse your ability to spread truthful news,” Go said. “It is indeed important for us and the rest of the Filipinos to read credible, accurate and fact-based news. The truth must prevail, always,” he added.

Given the crucial role of the media, Go is running under the senatorial he said, members of the press have to be slate of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino– protected. Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). He added that he plans to strengthen media security through legislation if elected in the Senate, by supporting his political mentor’s first administrative order — the establishment of the Presidential Task Force

The administration ally formalized his bid for the 2019 senatorial race after he filed his certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Oct. 15, 2018. (PR)

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national news

Duterte suspends issuance of new permits to firecracker makers By Jelly Musico

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer.net

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended the granting of new licenses and permits to manufacturers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. Duterte signed Memorandum Order No. 31 last Oct. 29, instructing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies to strictly implement laws and regulations on the sale, manufacture and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Republic Act No. 7183 authorizes the PNP to process applications for the issuance of licenses or permits.

Under his memorandum, Duterte ordered the PNP to conduct inspections, confiscate and destroy prohibited He said the processing of new licenses firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, and and permits will be suspended pending strictly prohibit the import of such devices. review of existing licensees’ and permittees’ compliance with laws and regulations. The PNP has also been directed to strictly prohibit the sale of firecrackers to “The suspension herein ordered “anyone under 18 years of age.” shall remain in effect until declared lifted by the Office of the President upon In June 2017, Duterte issued recommendation of the PNP Chief and Executive Order No. 28 regulating the his submission of a report on the review use of firecrackers and fireworks due to undertaken on existing licenses and “firecracker-related injuries and deaths.” permits,” the memorandum read. According to the Department of Duterte has also directed the PNP to Health, the prohibited “Piccolo” is the top revoke licenses and permits of those found cause of firecracker-related injuries. (PNA) violating existing laws.

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national news

Cash aid, tax relief sought for Boracay residents, businesses By Filane Mikee Cervantes and Ecological Sustainability Act of 2018. Under the bill, there shall be a one-time allowable extraordinary operating loss deduction equivalent to 50 percent of audited operating losses incurred in taxable year 2018 for corporations, proprietorships, partnerships, and cooperatives based and operating in Boracay Island and the municipalities of Malay and Caticlan in the Aklan province.

MANILA -- A party-list lawmaker on Monday cited the need to provide financial assistance for households and businesses affected by the six-month shutdown of Boracay Island.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall also be mandated to extend a special monthly cash grant for residents or families of Boracay Island -- PHP700 for every household member of families already enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Meanwhile, PHP500 shall be granted for every household member of families not enrolled in the 4Ps, but whose income are derived purely from monthly compensation income of less than PHP20,000.

1-CARE Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta said cash grants and tax relief are necessary considering that the carrying capacity of the island would be limited to 19,000 tourists per day, or about 55,000 people, including residents and workers. The Pantawid cash grant shall be sourced from the President’s Social Fund, 1 He also said that the Department of percent of the lotto income of the Philippine Tourism accredited only 157 establishments Charity Sweepstakes Office, and from in Boracay with 7,300 total combined taxes of the national government earned rooms. from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and “With all these limitations, the financial Inclusion (TRAIN) law. health of Boracay businesses, employees, and residents will certainly be troubled this The bill also proposes the creation of year and in 2019. Giving them urgent tax a Boracay Ecological Sustainability Fund, relief will ease the pain they are suffering,” which shall be derived from a Boracay Uybarreta said. Sustainability Fee of PHP20 to be paid by every passenger of airlines and passenger Uybarreta filed House Bill 8537, or the ships traveling to and from Boracay, Boracay Cleanup Shutdown Assistance Caticlan, or Malay. (PNA)

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte Twitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

DTI AGUSAN DEL NORTE DTI AGUSAN DEL SUR EASTMINCOM LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DOLE CARAGA PNA KAREN BERMEJO MAJ. EZRA BALAGTEY JESSICA O, MELLEJOR JELLY MUSICO EDWIN FERNANDEZ FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur

Caraga Infocus • October 27 - November 2, 2018 • Volume II, No. 83