Caraga Infocus - August 25 - 31, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 73

25 - 31 August, 2018

PIA, NCCA to highlight cultural performances of Caraga ethnic groups

SSS News: SSS maternity beneﬁt releases jump to over P3B in H1 2018

DOE News: DOE Participates in ASEAN News: PH vows to LPG Philippines Summit 2018 bridge, protect WPS interests as ASEAN-China coordinator

Regional News 8

Caraga’s preparation for 2018 WCO underway

S&T programs, projects to highlight RST week in Caraga

Provincial News 15

DOLE-PDI conducts ‘Philippine Talent Map Initiative’ skills

Dureza urges Surigao del Norte rebels to return to civilian life

NC-Bayugan City invites more food, handicraft processors for

47 Talacogon biz operators learn

87 cops promoted to next rank in SurSur

DAR AgNor turns over P4.4-M hauling truck to abaca farmers

AgNor SP approves creation of dangerous drugs admin board

Mindanao News

4ID destroys close to 600 ﬁrearms seized from NPA

ARMM program to build 100 shelters in Maguindanao

National News 28

PCSO strengthens partnership with AFP

New ICC case vs. Duterte won’t prosper, Palace asserts

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

News Briefs

• The DOST Caraga will be celebrating its annual Regional Science & Technology Week (RSTW) on Sept. 5-8, 2018 in Butuan City. This 4-day activity aims to showcase the S&T initiatives implemented in Caraga & the available technologies & innovations of the various Research & Development Institutes & other agencies of DOST to support the Regional Development Council’s trust to become the “Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral & Eco-Tourism (FAME) Center of the Philippines.

• Troops from the 23rd Infantry Battalion operationally controlled by 402Bde spoils a Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) operation in Butuan City. At around 8AM, report received from a concerned citizen from Brgy Bit-os that five armed men in bonnet were sighted around the residence of their target (identity disclosed for security reasons). Immediately, troops were sent for rescue operations and upon seeing the presence of the soldiers, suspects immediately dispersed in different directions utilizing three (3) motorcycles. Joint AFP-PNP checkpoints are now being conducted to possible exit points of the suspects while target for liquidation is now in the safe condition. (Source: Cpt Al Anthony B Pueblas, CMO Officer 402Bde) • 110 members of the five associations engaged in food processing enterprises in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur have recently gained knowledge on food safety awareness (FSA) and good manufacturing practices (GMP) through a training held at Mabe’s Savory Place in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Dina Lyra Pantaleon, a Microbiologist resource person, discussed Food handling, Food safety hazards, Steps in Cleaning and Sanitation, Cooking, Packaging and Storing of food and proper wardrobe. • The newly-constructed LASICAM (Lahi, Sico-sico, Camam-onan) Bridge worth P210M is a 60 linear meter bridge with reinforced deck girder (RCDG) & a 180 linear meter pre-stressed concrete girder (PSCG) with a paveroad component connecting 2 bridges 1.4 km in length and with slope protection & drainage structures with concrete box culverts & stoned masonry lined canal.

• Around 2,000 participants from the 12 Divisions of the Department of Education Caraga have joined in today’s opening program of the 22nd Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) Refresher Course in Sports Ofﬁciating held at the Municipal Gymnasium of Madrid, Surigao del Sur.

• The Surigao del Norte Provl Police Ofﬁce conducts a 2-day Coastal Law Enforcement Training facilitated by the Cooperation for Coastal Law Enforcement of the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) held at the Function Hall of Islandersville Hotel, Dapa, Surigao del Norte. (PPO-SDN)

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

Cover Story

fPIA, NCCA to highlight cultural perf

by: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, (PIA) – To give value the different ethnic groups in Mindanao, especially in Caraga region, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partneship with the city government of Butuan will take center stage the cultural songs and dances of the region’s ethnic groups during the Kalinaw Kultura micro launch on August 31, 2018 at the Robinsons Place, this city. PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga said Kalinaw Kultura aims to raise public awareness about the rich, diverse, dynamic and colorful Mindanao cultural heritage. “In Caraga, we are home to several minority groups, rich in culture and traditions. We have here the Manobo, Mandaya, Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig, and Mamanwa as the existing tribal groups in the region,” he said. “Through this momentous event, we hope to develop deep appreciation of Mindanao culture through observation, instruction, and experience of local creative content and talents, as well as promote and encourage preservation of Mindanao’s crafts and creative arts,” Caga added. Caga also said that PIA Director-General Harold Clavite with invited guests from NCCA will deliver their messages during the event. Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie 4

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formances of Caraga ethnic groups Vicente Lagnada will also share their messages. Prior to the formal opening program, a press conference is also set at the same venue. It can be recalled that the Kalinaw Kultura was first launched on July 26, 2018 at the Robinsons Place Activity Center in Iligan City. Right after Iligan City and Butuan City, it will also be launched in other key cities such as Davao, Koronadal, and Zamboanga. Other partner stakeholders of this event include the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga regional office, DepEd Agusan del Norte and DepEd Surigao del Norte Divisions; Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte; Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur thru its Provincial Tourism Office; Local Government Unit of Carmen, Surigao del Sur; Local Government Unit of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte; Butuan City Tourism Office; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); 402nd Brigade – Philippine Army; Robinsons Place Butuan; and Globe My Business. The Kalinaw Kultura is anchored on the theme “A Culture of Peace, Peace Thru Culture.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga) Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

SSS News SSS maternity benefit releases jump to over P3B in H1 2018 SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said maternity benefit disbursements jumped by 12 percent to P3.37 billion during the first half of 2018 from the P3.01 billion disbursements on the same sixmonth period last year.

members are still required to notify the SSS Of the total number of beneficiaries, through their employers,” Dooc added. more than 68 percent or 107,268 availees are employee-members with total disbursements To submit maternity notifications amounting to P2.85 billion. through Text-SSS, members should key in: SSS MATERNITYNOTIF <SSNumber> <PIN> About 38,724 availees are voluntary <Expected Delivery Date MM/DD/YYYY> members with total benefit disbursements <Total Number of Pregnancies (including this amounting to P411.36 million, followed by 7,279 pregnancy)> and send it to 2600. self-employed and 3,892 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with benefit releases worth Each text message costs P2.50 for P41.36 million and P71.63 million, respectively. Globe/Touch Mobile and Smart subscribers and P2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers. “As the only state-run institution that Members will receive a text confirmation provides maternity benefit to female workers once the maternity notification is successfully from the private sector, we are glad that more received by SSS. members were able to receive cash benefits for the past six months. In fact, maternity “This is to remind our members who benefit is now the third highest disbursement submitted their maternity notification via under the Social Security Program,” Dooc Text-SSS to submit their proof of pregnancy said. once they apply for maternity benefit reimbursement,” Dooc said. To qualify for maternity benefits, members should have paid at least three Aside from the Text-SSS facility, maternity monthly contributions within the 12-month notifications can be submitted through My.SSS period immediately preceding the semester portal in the SSS website. Members should of pregnancy or miscarriage, and should provide the necessary information such as immediately report her pregnancy through her expected date of delivery, number of delivery, employer or directly to SSS if she is a registered and date of last delivery or miscarriage. self-employed or voluntary member. “SSS has introduced innovative ways on “We just announced last April that how to facilitate hassle-free transactions so self-employed and voluntary members can that members can fully maximize their benefits conveniently send their maternity notifications and privileges. So I would like to encourage using the Text-SSS facility so that it would be our female members to make use of the Texteasier for them to comply with our benefit SSS and My.SSS facility to submit their maternity application procedures. However, employed notification,” Dooc concluded.

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Regional News

Caraga’s preparation for 2018 WCO By Robert E. Roperos underway

BUTUAN CITY -- The preparation for the conduct of the 2018 World Café of Opportunities (WCO) in Caraga is on its final phase, said Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Dr. Julius Sol O. Jamero. The development came after the Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting was held recently in one of the local hotels in the city attended by members of the different committees graced by TESDACaraga Provincial Directors and Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. The WCO primarily aims to help technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates find jobs specifically in the construction and tourism sectors, TESDA and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) scholarships, and possible availment of loan packages through identified financial institutions during the World Café of Opportunities.

Café of Opportunities is a jobs fair that will be held simultaneously in 17 regions of TESDA nationwide during the celebration of the National Technical-Vocational (tech-voc) Day on August 25. It can be recalled that on February 7, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10970 which declares August 25 of every year as National Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) Day nationwide. Moreover, TESDA Director-General, Sec. Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong said the WCO will now be held twice a year on a regular basis or once in every semester in the respective regions or provinces in the coming years.

In Caraga Region, the activity will The TESDA Chief added, the training be conducted on August 25, 2018 at Butuan Grand Palace Hotel, this city and program aims to capacitate the ofﬁcials the registration for jobseekers starts at 7:00 and employees of the agency as well as its TESDA Technology Institutes in industry a.m. coordination to better prepare them On August 26, the activity, which will for the implementation of this bi-annual be conducted at TESDA-Caraga Regional event. Ofﬁce at G/F, Balibrea Building, Pili Drive, World Café of Opportunities in a Butuan City, will start at 7:00 a.m. sense, will open job opportunities and According to Dir. Sunico, the World other employment support interventions

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Regional News

which shall be offered and will be placed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their in various stations within the event area, qualified beneficiaries. where the jobseekers could roam around and pick the opportunity of their choice. Among the services offered under World Cafe of Opportunities are job The twin benefit strategy is one of opportunities; basic/upgrading skills the twists, where jobseekers are not the required for employment of TVET graduates sole beneficiaries but even the partner and industry workers; technical assistance agencies/companies. for TVET graduates/entrepreneurs so that they could avail of loan for their business; Its target beneficiaries are TVET and training for OFW returnees and their graduates, entrepreneurs, companies/ qualified beneficiaries. (TESDA-Caraga/ industries with job vacancies, and returning PIA-Caraga)

S&T programs, projects to highlight RST week in Caraga BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Various science and technology (S&T) programs and projects, technologies from several Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), and Research and Development outputs from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) will highlight the celebration of the annual Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) in Caraga region on September 5 to 8 here. According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga, the four-day event will showcase the S&T initiatives implemented in the region and the available technologies and innovations of the various RDIs and other agencies of DOST to support the Regional Development Council’s thrust to become the “Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral and Eco-tourism” (FAME) Center of the Philippines.

mayors for CommunityEmpowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Upgrading Program and the launching of the Food Establishment Inspection and Grading System (FEIGS) and DOST Caraga’s weekly radio program #TechnoAsenso will be conducted, said Mallonga.

Mallonga further said that the 2017 During the event, the signing of the Best SETUP Adoptor and Graduated Small memorandum of agreement with Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program

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Regional News (SETUP) clients will also be awarded during (DRRM), and SETUP and testimonials will also be held during the four-day event. the event. Various projects in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Norte will also be visited during the celebration, to include the Eel Farm in Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte, Hillsview and VPO Enterprises in the municipalities of Trento and Rosario in the province of Agusan del Sur.

Also, exhibits, ﬁlm showing, video wall presentations, Balik Scientist program orientation, Science for Change Program (S4CP) workshop, and different S&T contests like logo making, extemporaneous speech for elementary and high school levels, and robotics demonstration and lego making contests form part of the four-day celebration.

The forum on the Science and Technology Academic and ResearchThe 2018 RSTW will be graced by Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations DOST secretary Fortunato de la Peña and (STARBOOKS), Pursuing a Career in STI; other ofﬁcials of the department, Mallonga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management added. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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DOE News DOE Participates in LPG Philippines Summit 2018

The Department of Energy - Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) Assistant Director Rodela I. Romero delivered the opening remarks of Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III yesterday (30 August) at the launching of the twoday LPG Philippines Summit 2018 at the SMX Convention Center Aura, BGC, Taguig City.

contentment that they deserve,” said Pulido in his speech delivered by Romero. The DOE also took the opportunity to encourage the participants to take part in the E-Power Mo movement. E-Power Mo has four principles, namely:

E-POWER MO - to develop and utilize energy resources available to Filipinos for The LPG Philippine Summit is a venue wealth creation and global competition. for the government and the private sector E-SAFETY - to undertake safety to share valuable information and unified strategies in addressing the numerous and savings measures through energy concerns of the growing Liquefied efficiency. Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry in the E-SECURE - to secure the delivery of country. quality, reliable and affordable energy “The DOE calls on our LPG industry services. players to be guided by the existing E-DISKARTE - to empower consumers government rules and policy directions to provide fair competition and consumer through a wide range of options in utilizing protection. Our goal is to help the conventional, renewable and alternative consumers get a good deal and the energy sources.

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

Photo Gallery LASICAM Bridge Blessing and Turn over Ceremony Aug. 28, 2018 LASICAM, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

Photo Gallery

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

surigao del norte

Provincial News

DOLE-PDI conducts ‘Philippine Talent Map Initiative’ skills assessment SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Province of Dinagat Islands ( PDI) satellite ofﬁce successfully conducted the assessment on the Philippine Talent Map Initiative (PTMI) to 63 participants from May 25 to June 26, 2018.

Participants were provided with relevant information and evaluated based on the 21st Century Skills Assessment, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the learners, developing their desired career pathways and understanding the skills and competencies of the workforce. The activity aims to assess the Resulting information provides relevant competencies of the participants through and current labor market information focus on what training the policy makers/ standardized assessment and survey. human resource developers will prepare The 27 employees of Water Ups Multi- for employees in the industry. Purpose Cooperative, job order personnel The result of the assessment will and CLP-enumerator of DOLE-PDI, 31 unemployed individual and ﬁve trainees serve as a vehicle in addressing the of Gaspar Rodriguez Educational and job-skill mismatch and labor market Training (GREAT) Center, Inc. were among information (LMI) gaps in a particular area and therefore increase the employability those who underwent the assessment. of workforce, creating more relevant DOLE-PDI personnel worked programs to address workforce issues. together to easily attain the given target (VLG/DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) and to supplement the limited resources by applying good practices.

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Provincial News

surigao del norte

Dureza urges Surigao del Norte rebels to return to civilian life

The bridge passes through the GIGAQUIT, Surigao del Norte - Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza urged three barangays of Lahi, Sico-Sico, and local rebels here to stop fighting so that Camam-onan in the Municipality of Gigaquit — known stronghold corridors development can continue in the area. of local insurgents in Surigao del Norte for “Ang gusto ng ating Presidente decades. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, kung pwede ‘di na The project will benefit more than tayo mag-away. ‘Di na tayo magpatayan. Magkaisa na tayo (What President Rodrigo 3,000 residents by giving them access to Roa Duterte wants is for us to stop fighting. socio-economic services carried out by Let’s stop killing each other. Let’s be united the national and local government. instead),” Dureza said in his message at The bridge will also give local farmers the inauguration of the LASICAM Bridge in and residents better access to market Barangay Sico-Sico on Aug. 28, 2018. sites. “Magbalik na kayo nang bukal sa Dureza said the bridge is part of inyong puso. Malaki ang suporta sa inyo ng Presidente (Come back to the folds of government’s emphasis on working on the law wholeheartedly. The President is peace and development simultaneously. giving you a lot of support),” he added. “You cannot sustain peace if you

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surigao del norte

Provincial News

do not improve the lives of people. the town proper. Conversely, you cannot also sustain “Dati, pag papunta kaming bayan, development without peace. Dapat iyan, hand-in-hand,” he said. magkalakad kami nang isang araw. Ngayon, dahil may kalsada na, sandali For her part, Surigao del Norte lang makakarating na kami sa bayan (We Governor Sol Matugas extended her used to spend a whole day walking to the gratitude to the Ofﬁce of the Presidential town. With this road, we can reach it in a Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) short time),” Jede said. for funding the project through the 2015 All in all, a total of Php210 million was PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program – calling the allocated for the implementation of the completed project “Bridge of Hope” project. OPAPP tapped the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) (Tulay nan Paglaum). as implementing partner. “Itong tulay ang magsisilbing daan The inauguration, which coincided para sa mga bisita. Maraming mga proyekto ang darating upang ang mga with the launch of Caraga Peace and nakatira dito ay maging mapayapa at Development Zones that includes Surigao masagana (This bridge will serve as the del Norte and Surigao del Sur, attracted way for visitors. Many projects will be nearly 300 attendees, including locals from brought here so that residents can live in Barangay Sico-sico and representatives from OPAPP, DILG, National Economic peace and prosperity),” Matugas said. and Development Authority (NEDA), and Speaking on behalf of the Mamanwa the local government units. (OPAPP/PIATribe within the community, Datu Emilliano Caraga) Jede recalled how their people endured walking for one whole day just to reach

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Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

NC-Bayugan City invites more food, handicraft processors for product enhancement services, programs

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur - The Negosyo Center (NC) here under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continuously encourages handicraft and food producers in the city who need product enhancement assistance to visit the ofﬁce and avail of the programs and services.

producers and promoting these products thru trade fairs and other marketing initiatives.

Recently, LGU-Bayugan City organized the 11th Charter Day Mega Jobs Fair 2018 thru Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK). The Local companies who joined the event to satisfy their requirements for Bayugan City has many processed additional staff are: Hervic Commercial, products that need proper labeling Gaisano Marketplace, Ace Hardware, and packaging in order to enhance Taytay sa Kauswagan, Butuan Doctors Hospital, Saint Francis Xavier College, RMA marketability. Manpower Corporation. In partnership with the local The participating overseas government unit (LGU) of Bayugan City, the center has been introducing various companies include I-Excel Manpower skills enhancement trainings to those who Corp., Starworl Int’l, Jenerick Int’l are interested to start business, facilitating Manpower Inc., Placewell Int’l Manpower trainings for the food and handicraft Services.

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Agusan del Sur TNK facilitated a total of 188 applicants and hired on the spot 47 workers. The Agusan del Sur DTI Provincial Director, Jose T. Baron, encouraged job-seekers to be prepared when attending jobs fair and the employees to save money and invest it in business.

Provincial News DTI staged a technology demonstration on karlang chips processing attended by the TNK participants.The activity was one of the initiatives of the LGU in partnership with the Provincial Employment and Services Ofﬁce, Department of Labor and Employment and the DTI. (JPG/DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur)

47 Talacogon biz operators learn importance of business name registration

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - The Negosyo Center-Talacogon, Agusan del Sur and the barangay Del Monte recently capacitated some 47 business operators in the locality through a seminar on pricing and costing. Engr. Rowena Sotelo, an accredited Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) mentor, facilitated the said seminar. Prior to this assistance, the participating business operators had no formal training on the basics of pricing and costing.

cost, reasonable price, cost of business operation and income. The seminar included topic on green economic practices, some of which will have positive effect on business income and proﬁtability.

The possible effects and contributions to climate change of a consumption behavior were also explained, as well as the business name registration, its importance and requirements were also discussed. (JPG/DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAThey needed inputs to guide Agusan del Sur) them in the determination of product

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Provincial News

surigao del sur

87 cops promoted to next rank in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – A total of 87 policemen from Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Ofﬁce (SDS PPO) were promoted to the next higher rank during the Mass Oath-taking and Donning of ranks held at the Police Regional Ofﬁce (PRO) in Butuan City on Monday

Superintendent , one for Police Chief Inspector, three for Police Senior Inspector, and one for Police Inspector.

While for for the PNCOs, two were promoted to Senior Police Officer (SPO) 4, four for SPO3, eight for SPO2, three for SPO1, 54 for Police Officer (PO) 3 , and Of the 87 promoted cops, seven of nine for PO2, Tersona said. those were Police Commissioned Officers The promotion was a result of the (PCOs) and other 80 were Police NonCommissioned Officers (PNCOs) who were merit system to give recognition to the assigned in the different police units of this PNP uniformed personnel, not only a way to add responsibilities but a major form province. of boosting police force motivation and In a press statement, PSupt Ramil morale, Tersona added. (SDS-PPO/PIATersona, police community relations officer Surigao del Sur) of SDS PPO, said that of the seven PCO, two of them were promoted to Police

Photo Credit to Surigao del Sur PPO

Caraga Infocus • August 25 - 31, 2018 • Volume II, No. 73

Agusan del norte

Provincial News

DAR AgNor turns over P4.4-M hauling truck to abaca farmers By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte, through the Project Convergence on ValueChain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE), recently turned over Php4.486 million worth 10-wheeler hauling truck to enhance the transport and handling of abaca ﬁber enterprise of San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) here.

hauling truck will give way to improve the delivery of abaca fiber to a large scale manner that would spur economic productivity for the rural workers as well as to the SIUFMULCO as the lead proponent group of 20 agrarian organizations in TUJAKITSAN Cluster comprises of four municipalities of Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago. “It will improve inbound and outbound logistics of abaca fibers from the cluster of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) members through the marketing and selling into different distribution channels that include Davao, Leyte, Iligan and Albay,” Atega said.

In a ceremony held, DAR Caraga Regional Director Alejadro S. Otacan, together with Provincial Agrarian Reform Project Officer II (PARPO II) Andre Atega, led the turnover of hauling truck to the officials of SIUFMULCO represented by the Board of Director Chairman Papias G. SIUFMULCO Manager Leonora Mila thanked the agrarian reform Project Bernados and Manager Leonora B. Mila. ConVERGE for the support that it benefitted According to PARPO Atega, the to more than 2,000 abaca farmer-members

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Provincial News

Agusan del norte

and 454 indigenous peoples in TUJAKITSAN abaca pulping companies abroad. Cluster. Mila also said that the new 20-tonner “We are indeed thankful for the hauling truck has been a decadetimely arrival of new hauling truck since we long dream. But now, through Project were struggling with our old truck prone ConVERGE, it became a reality, even if it to breakdown and does not last long, went a several processes and pathways cannot load large volume, compared along the way. to the newly arrived which we can save “Daghan salamat sa DAR Project thousands of pesos from commissioning diin nahatagan og some units from other transport services,” ConVERGE Mila said. katumanan ang among gidamgo nga 20-tonner hauling truck (We thanked According to Mila, the arrival of the efforts of DAR provincial ofﬁce hauling truck brings more opportunity thru project ConVERGE in realizing our to supply more abaca ﬁbers to different dreamed of 20-tonner hauling truck),” markets. As it continues to expand its Mila added. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIAoperation, aside from local buyers, Agusan del Norte) SIUFMULCO also plans to venture other big

AgNor SP approves creation of dangerous drugs admin board By Justine Lumonsod

RTR, Agusan del Norte - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently approved the Municipal Ordinance No. 316-2018 creating the Dangerous Drugs Administrative Board (DDAB) in the Municipality of RTR, this province.

activities which are inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the municipality.

The municipal ordinance authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Carlos E. Martinez, is in accordance with Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as The DDAB is tasked to receive The Comprehensive Dangerous Drug complaints for the abatement of drug- Act of 2002. related nuisances and has the power to declare and abate a place or premises The ordinance was approved by the SP throughSanggunian Resolution a drug nuisance. No. 210-2018 pushed by Board Member The ordinance seeks to prevent Dick Victor B. Carmona. (LGU-Agusan drug addiction, maintenance of drug del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) dens, drug pushing and such other 22

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asean news

PH vows to bridge, protect WPS interests as ASEAN-China By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora coordinator

MANILA -- As the new country coordinator tasked to bridge the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, the Philippines will play a constructive role in promoting good ties between the two parties, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

“As far as our being a country coordinator, very... Very clear naman ‘yung kinommunicate natin na we wear two hats: one as country coordinator tayo ang taga-bridge ng ASEAN at tsaka ngChina. And when you say ‘bridge’, two ways ‘yan: kung anong gustong sabihin ng ibang ASEAN member states at kung anong gustong sabihin ng China (As far as our being a country coordinator (is concerned), it’s very clear that we are wearing two hats: one as country coordinator, we bridge ASEAN and China. And when you say ‘bridge’, there are two ways there: what ASEAN member states want to say and what China has to say),” Cayetano said on Wednesday.

“It will be challenging, but it will be good for us kasi at least sure tayo na sa all of the negotiations, protected ang ating claims (It will be challenging, but it will be good to us because at least we’re sure that in all the negotiations, our claims are protected),” he said, referring to the creation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). The 10 ASEAN member states take turns in serving as a country coordinator for the bloc’s numerous dialogue relationships. In August 2018, the Philippines was assigned to the ASEANChina Dialogue Relations.

Currently, the two parties are Cayetano also assured the working towards the early conclusion Philippines will protect its interests in the of the COC, which is aimed at defusing West Philippine Sea. tensions in the strategic waterway,

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asean news where China, Malaysia, Vietnam, on the same day, Walter Douglas, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines have deputy assistant secretary at the State overlapping territorial claims. Department, said US, as an old figure in the region, will maintain its presence in On the draft COC, China has the South China Sea in accordance with reportedly proposed the conduct of international law. regular joint military exercises in the South China Sea, excluding countries outside “The United States has been part the region “unless the parties concerned of this region for 200 years. We’re not are notified beforehand and express no going to change that. We’re not going objection.” away, so what’s important is that our role be recognized that we’re here,” he told Professor Richard Javad Heydarian, reporters on Wednesday. geopolitics and economic affairs expert, described this as China “trying to limit if When asked to comment on not cut off maritime security cooperation China’s suggestion, Douglas said “ASEAN between ASEAN claimants, on one hand, has to make a decision where it wants to and external powers with a direct stake go as a body.” in freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.” Earlier, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely also said any document Cayetano did not give any detail that deprives non-signatory states on this proposed provision in the draft but their rights under international law, relayed Beijing is interested in a document particularly in working with partners in the that dispels “misunderstanding” and region, would be a cause of concern for “dispute” in the region. Canberra. “There’s an agreement among the ASEAN member states (and China) not to disclose what is found in the single draft, precisely, because the negotiation starts getting complicated when we discuss it in public,” he said. “I was told that China, of course, is sincere and interested in a COC and in all and any ways to transform the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea from an area of dispute and misunderstanding to a zone of peace, cooperation, and development,” he said. In

roundtable

discussion

According to Heydarian, the Philippines should be able to lead in efforts to reject such “exclusionary” proposal in the COC as the ASEAN-China country coordinator. “The ASEAN, with the Philippines now serving as the new country coordinator with China, should resist such exclusionary demands. They have to make it clear that Southeast Asian claimant states will preserve their sovereign autonomy to maintain robust security cooperation with all major powers for the interest of stability and prosperity in the region,” he added. (PNA)

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mindanao news

4ID destroys close to 600 ﬁrearms seized from NPA By Jigger Jerusalem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Nearly 600 assorted firearms either seized or surrendered by communist insurgents were decommissioned by the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) at its headquarters here Wednesday morning. 4ID inventoried a total of 593 firearms that were captured, confiscated, surrendered and recovered from the New People’s Army (NPA) and are part of at least 1,040 assorted guns that are now in the possession of the Army’s Eastern Mindanao Command.

operations conducted by the 4ID within its area of responsibility - particularly in Bukidnon and some parts of the Caraga Region – where soldiers engaged NPA units operating in those areas.

Among the destroyed weaponry included AK-47, M-16 and M-1 rifles, M-60 Of the 593, about 79 of these, machine guns, shotguns, and various classified by the military as “non-standard,” types of side arms. The firearms were cut into pieces and some parts were burned were sawn off and set on fire. so they could not be used again. Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, the Aside from neutralizing the weapons, 4ID commander, said the weapons were destroyed so these could no longer pose Villanueva said many of the firearms that a threat to the public. were not subjected for demilitarization were also used as evidence in court or “One firearm may harm a lot of turned over to the police and other law people,” Villanueva told reporters on enforcement agencies. the sidelines of the decommissioning Some, especially those used ceremony at the 4ID grandstand. by insurgents who had surrendered, Villanueva said the collection of were placed under the Enhanced firearms was the result of a series of military Comprehensive Local Integration Program

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mindanao news

(E-Clip) of the government.

that were buried on the ground.

Meanwhile, Villanueva said the 4ID’s “relentless combat offensives” had resulted in the dismantling of some 300 rebel camps, seizure of weapons, food supplies and medicines, and explosives

The 4ID jurisdiction is the second area in the country with the most number of NPA rebels - with about 800 ﬁghters still engaging government forces. (PNA)

4ID destroys close to 600 firearms By Noel Punzalan seized from NPA COTABATO CITY -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), through its Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) program, is set to build 100 core shelters for poor families in the coastal town of Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman on Wednesday, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, with local officials headed by Mayor Raida TomawisSinsuat and the 100 family-beneficiaries in attendance. “The first time I went here, all I saw was the municipal covered court. Now I can see many developments taking place, like the modern town hall and the continuous concreting of roads connecting one barangay to another,” the governor said.

completed, each shelter would come with a water system connection and solar panel for lighting as added amenities. On the same day, the beneﬁciaries also received supplies, including a sack of rice and other essential food items, and hygiene kits that would last for a month. With a budget of PHP2.5 billion, the ARMMBRIDGE program aims to improve the living condition of 7,000 families in the region this year.

The program package includes providing decent homes and food to poor constituents of the region under the “Apat na Dapat” framework, where each beneﬁciary shall receive a core shelter, access to clean water, light source, food, once and livelihood. (PNA)

“This is the taxes you paid to the government, and it is being returned to you through development projects and services,” Hataman said. The

governor

said

that

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national news

PCSO strengthens partnership with AFP

MANILA -- The Philippine Charity life.“I can still vividly remember my long Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will continue conversation with the junior officer sending to partner with the Armed Forces of the all his appeals Philippines (AFP) for the smooth delivery of medical assistance to victims of calamities, PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan said on Tuesday. “I really appreciate AFP chief General Carlito Galvez Jr. for paying a courtesy call to PCSO. I didn’t expect him to come to our office and say thank you to all the assistance that PCSO extended to the AFP specially during the Marawi crisis. He was then the commanding general of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) in charge of fighting the Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah and Maute terrorists,” Balutan said in a statement.

to me during lull moments in battle asking for ﬁnancial assistance for his baby boy. I’m teary-eyed reading all his messages and prayed hard he will live for his kid and wife who didn’t know he was in Marawi for a very critical and dangerous mission. I said yes to all his appeals and assured him to save the life of his baby boy while praying hard also for his safety and his men doing the daring assaults to the well-entrenched positions of the terrorists,” Balutan said.

Balutan, a retired general from the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983; while Galvez, of the Philippine Army, is a member of PMA “Sandiwa” Class ’85.

He said he personally delivered medicines and bottled water worth millions of pesos to the evacuation centers in Marawi and Iligan City during the height of the military campaign against the terrorists, including the donation of a drone that ground troops used to penetrate enemy For his part, Galvez said the AFP- positions. PCSO partnership is not only beneﬁcial to people who needs immediate medical “These medical services and other assistance in times of calamities, but also forms of assistance fall under PCSO’s to soldiers and their dependents in times Calamity Assistance Program which is part of crisis. of the 30 percent Charity Fund allocation,” Balutan said. Balutan recalled the case of baby Gabe, a son of a Scout Ranger ofﬁcer In December 2017, Balutan said battling the terrorists in Marawi, who PCSO donated PHP102 million for medical needed equipment upgrade in selected military hospitals in Mindanao. immediate operation to save his

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He said the agency also donated in November 2017 an amount of PHP20 million for the purchase of medical equipment for the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame.

national news

Aside from these programs, Balutan said there is also the Endowment Fund program, the Medicines Procurement program and the Integrated for Health Overall Productivity and Empowerment (I-HOPE).

“All these donations fall under Just recently, PCSO gave PHP5 million PCSO’s Institutional Partnership Program that we’re strengthening all throughout worth of endowment fund to the Veterans the years,” Balutan said. Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City. (PCSO PR)

New ICC case vs. Duterte won’t prosper, Palace asserts By Azer Parrocha MANILA -- Malacañang on Tuesday shrugged off the new communication ﬁled against President Rodrigo R. Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, noting that it will not prosper because local courts are still willing and able to exercise jurisdiction over them.

Photo Credit to VOA News

Reports showed that the National anything,” Roque said in a Palace briefing. Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) had filed “Again, my fearless prediction is a communication before the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC accusing Duterte of it will not prosper dahil nga po dun sa committing crimes against humanity. konsepto ng complementarity. Hindi po dapat gumalaw ang ICC(The ICC should Presidential Spokesperson Harry not do anything) unless local courts Roque said the communication filed by have proven to be unable or unwilling to the NUPL “doesn’t mean anything.” exercise jurisdiction on these complaints,” he added. “That’s not a complaint that’s a communication because it’s still to be This is the second case filed against acted upon by the ICC. Procedure is Duterte before the ICC. different. Anyone can file a communication. He is also facing a communication Even the Pope has a communication filed against him. So that doesn’t mean filed by lawyer Jude Sabio. Senator

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national news

Antonio Trillanes IV and Rep. Gary Alejano treaty creating the ICC. filed a supplemental complaint to Sabio’s Duterte cited “baseless, case in 2017. unprecedented and outrageous attacks” Sabio, in his communication, cited against him and his administration as a the number of people allegedly killed reason to withdraw as a state party. by the so-called Davao Death Squad in Roque earlier emphasized that the Davao City and in the war on drugs, which President is not evading liability with his began in June 2016. decision to withdraw from the ICC, noting Meanwhile, Trillanes and Alejano that it can still proceed with its preliminary also cited Duterte’s pronouncements on examination despite the withdrawal. killing drug addicts. Citing Duterte, Roque said the ICC Last February, the ICC Office had “no jurisdiction” over him as the treaty of the Prosecutor bared that it would is “not effective or enforceable in the begin preliminary examination on the Philippines.” crimes against humanity linked to the Roque said had the ICC respected administration’s drug war. the principle of complementarity, The following month, Duterte due process and the presumption of announced that he has decided to innocence, the President would not have withdraw the Philippines’ ratification of decided to withdraw. (PNA) the Rome Statute, a United Nations (UN)

Photo Credit to Sputniknews.com

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