Caraga Infocus - September 15 - 21, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • September 15 - 21, 2018 • Volume II, No. 76

Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 76

15 - 21 September, 2018

Caraganons support Kalinaw Kultura campaign for peace, development

SSS News: SSS launches own mobile app

DOE News: Secretary Cusi Delivers Keynote in PEMCIEMOP Operations Agreement Signing

ASEAN News: ASEAN ready to help PH in ‘Ompong’ relief ops

Regional News 10

DOH 13 holds ‘La Fiesta Pelicula’ competition

Caraga core group inks MOU to enhance human rights situation

Provincial News

NC Butuan conducts entrepreneurship dev’t training to OFWs AgNor SHS students learn to start a business

Siargao to host 24th world surfing cup

AgSur farmers receive P2.5M economic benefits

1,305 motorbikes get clean rider stickers in SurSur

Mindanao News

BOC-10 official denies ‘holding’ rice imports in Region 10

PCG deploys add’l vessel in southern Philippines

National News 26

Guevarra appoints 353 prosecutors in media cases

PTFoMS condemns online attack on journo

Caraga Infocus • September 15 - 21, 2018 • Volume II, No. 76

News Briefs •The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga will be distributing Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and turning over farm machineries to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) on Oct. 5, 2018 at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City. The event will be graced by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte & Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Some 2,000 farmers will also join the President during the event.

• In view of the partnership of the local government of Butuan and World-Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines for a project called Financing and Integrating Renewable Energy in the City of Butuan, a Project Launching and Inception Workshop for the formulation of the City Power Development Plan is set to be conducted on Sept. 26, 2018 (Wednesday) in Butuan City. • The personnel of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office & ADS-PMFC led by PSInsp. Maricor Rivas, Chief, PCR Branch, actively participated in the Bloodletting Activity conducted by the Phippine Red Cross-Agusan del Sur Chapter in relation to National Peace Conciousness Month with the theme: “Mithiing Kapayapaan: Sama-samang Isakatuparan” held at ADS-PPO covered court, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

• The Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) joins with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte representing the private sector on the Provincial Capacity Assessment and Monitoring Workshop on Local Road Management and Public Finance Management initiated by the DILG - Surigao del Norte held recently in Surigao City. The initiative is one of the programs of the government that strengthens the involvement of the private sector on the identification and planning of infrastructure projects. This is also considered as one of the significant accomplishments of the CR+ID Project, implemented by SCCI all throughout the region, to widen the participation of the business sector in the implementation of road projects. (SCCI-SDN) • Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro, the host of the International Federation on Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) Asia - 3rd Organic Asia Congress, will share to the participants the “Organic Journey of Bislig City” . The city is envisioned to become a “model city for organic agriculture in the Philippines by 2020.” #piasursur

• The municipality of San Jose, Dinagat Islands ranks first in 2018 Cities and Municipalities Competiveness Index by the DTI and the Caraga Regional Competitiveness Committee during the awarding ceremony held recently in Butuan City.

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Cover Story

Caraganons support Kalinaw Kultura By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY -- After the grand launch of Kalinaw Kultura or Peace Culture in Iligan city, a campaign that aims to promote peace and to raise public awareness about the rich, diverse and dynamic culture and heritage in Mindanao, Caraganons were stirred with excitement with the second launching here in the premier and capital city of Butuan, Caraga region. The Philippine National the Arts

partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

On behalf of Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, city councilor Cherry Mae Busa welcomed all the guests and participants and applauded the PIA, NCCA and partners for initiating the Kalinaw Kultura activity to promote culture of ethnic/minority groups in various regions festive activity was led by of Mindanao. Information Agency (PIA), Commission for Culture and “Each of us has a significant role in (NCAA), and supported by promoting a culture of peace and unity to

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a campaign for peace, development boost the city’s economy and peace and development endeavors,” said Busa. In jump-starting the Kalinaw Kultura Launch through celebration of culture and arts, the respective hosts and special guests gathered together and entice the crowd in a symbolic banging of the large gong. All presentations showcasing the repertoir of talents of the performers coming from different provinces in Caraga were witnessed by hundreds of spectators. The vibrant and intricate designs of costumes worn by indigenous peoples; the

tribal and folk dances that spell peace and unity; and the instruments that produced a unique form of music captured the rich and colorful culture here and Mindanao. Meanwhile, Butuan City Tourism Officer Evangeline Peña-Dominese emphasized that the city government strongly supports the welfare of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and continuously reaching out to them, not only to address their needs and other concerns, but also to strengthen their culture in their respective IP communities.

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Cover Story

purity and simplicity of each person. “Go back, go home to where you came from - to the community where you belong, and see it through your heart the true value of your unique culture. Mindanao is not a land of confusion and conflict but a land of peace,” he said. Clavite also recognized the cooperation of the partner stakeholders nationwide.

He added that Kalinaw Kultura will also be launched in other key cities of In her message, Caraga National Mindanao. Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director lawyer Leslie Mae Plaza This event, according to him, is also encouraged all to immerse, mingle a manifestation that Mindanao has a and reach out with the IPs, as they also wonderful culture and peace-loving belong to the mainstream society. people. “We recognized the sincere efforts of the organizers of Kalinaw Kultura in promoting the welfare and culture of the IPs,” Plaza said.

With an aim to regain and infuse the ideals to bring lasting peace and harmony despite cultural divide, Clavite, along with NCCA representatives, local government officials, PIA-Mindanao regional heads, and other stakeholders also inscribed their commitment to promote and strengthen the culture and traditions of Mindanao through a peace covenant signing.

The guests also joined in the ceremonial wearing of peace band or authentic beaded bracelets made by Manobo weavers from Agusan del Sur which implied a shared bond and belongingness to a community among Mindanaoans. Adora Bandola, a blind singer rendered a song entitled “Tagumpay Nating Lahat”, while the guests had their arms crossed with the person beside them while wearing the symbolic bracelet which signifies oneness in achieving peace for Mindanao and the entire nation. Philippine Information Agency director-general Harold Clavite encouraged the participants to see the

“In the midst of confusion and turmoil,

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and public perception that Mindanao is an unsafe place, the Kalinaw Kultura would help lead the people in revisiting their roots and revive the purity of heart to embrace peace, unity and solidarity. This is the perfect time for us to build closer ties with Mindanaoans and to recognize and celebrate, not just the strong community within the region, but our willingness to embrace multiculturalism,” Clavite said.

local artists.

Cover Story

An audiovisual presentation showcasing the local products of Caraga including the parade of spectacular clothing creations made of indigenous and other locally derived materials was also played in between performances.

Locally produced food and non-food items, “sinamay”, stuff made of waterlily Meanwhile, NCCA Information and abaca, and traditional costumes Officer Anne Cabrera expressed her were also displayed in the exhibit area. appreciation to PIA for taking the challenge of assisting the Commission in promoting The guests had also their tour to view Filipino arts and culture as she encouraged the featured indigenous crafts. the citizens to understand more and take pride of their cultural heritage. The Kalinaw Kultura is also set to be launched in the cities of Koronadal, All throughout the event, the Zamboanga and Davao to promote a participants were also amused with the culture of peace and spread peace thru free henna tattoo painting courtesy of the culture. (PIA-Caraga)

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SSS News Caraganons support Kalinaw Kultura campaign for peace, development SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the mobile application was launched to provide members with more convenient means to view their personal records and other relevant information without the need to visit the SSS branches.

Among the SSS information that can be accessed via SSS Mobile App are contribution status; sickness, maternity, disability and retirement claim information; Employees Compensation (EC) Medical status; salary loan application status and outstanding balance; location of SSS branch offices; and documentary requirements for SSS membership, benefit claims application (i.e. sickness, maternity, EC Medical, disability, retirement, funeral and death), personal data amendment, and UMID Card enrollment.

“Based on recent studies, smartphone usage in the Philippines will increase by 70 percent this year. In that regard, we are taking advantage of this opportunity by creating this SSS Mobile App so that members can easily access SSS information and services right at their “As you can see, the features of the fingertips,” Dooc said. SSS Mobile App is almost the same with the Text-SSS facility,” Dooc said. The SSS Mobile App is a free service for members with smartphones and tablets “Members need not worry on any running Android 4.4 Kitkat or higher and possible data breach since the SSS Mobile IOS 8.0 or higher. The app is available for App has its own security features and download in Google Play Store, as well as requires the entry of user ID and password,” in the Apple App Store. Dooc explained. To start using the new SSS Mobile application, mobile users should log in using their existing My.SSS account’s user ID and password. Members who don’t have a My.SSS account yet can use the SSS Mobile App in creating an account by selecting “Register” located at the Apps’ sidebar. “They should be connected to the internet through mobile data or WIFI connection before using the SSS Mobile App. However, data charges may apply depending on their internet service provider or data usage plan,” Dooc added.

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Regional News DOH 13 holds ‘La Fiesta Pelicula’ competition By Nora L. Molde

blood donors to donate blood freely or demonstrate a blood donor’s selfless act to be a hero and help others. Winners will receive Php20,000 for the 1stprize, Php15,000 for the 2nd prize, Php10,000 for the 3rd prize, and Php3,000 for consolation with a maximum of five listed infomercials only.

BUTUAN CITY, (PIA) – With the aim to develop and raise community awareness and to provide information through the involvement of students in Caraga region, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region will hold an integrated healthy lifestyle advocacy awareness competition entitled “La Fiesta Pelicula.” According to DOH Caraga assistant regional director Dr. Gerna Manatad, the “La Fiesta Pelicula” will involve Senior High School students of the region.

For the Global Handwashing Day (GHD) Category, entries should be in 15 seconds only and should encourage school age children to regularly wash hands to avoid diseases (e.g. Before and after meals, before and after toilet use), where the winners will receive Php8,000, Php5,000, Php3,000, and Php2,000 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and consolation (maximum of three short listed infomercials only), respectively. On the other hand, the video material for the World Toilet Day (WTD) Category should be in 15 seconds and should encourage school age children to use the toilet regularly and avoid defecation in public to avoid diseases, where the winners will also receive Php8,000 (1st); Php5,000 (2nd); Php3,000 (3rd); and Php2,000 for the consolation prize(maximum of three short listed infomercials only).

It is an infomercial making contest or a video clip making competition that will focus on the four themes, these include Global Handwashing Day, World Toilet Day, World Blood Donor Day/Voluntary Blood Donation and Prevention of Kidneyrelated Diseases or Taking Good Care of The category on the Taking Good Your Kidneys. Care of Your Kidneys (TGCYK) should also be in 15 seconds only and should The National Voluntary Blood encourage school age children to adapt Donation (NVBD) Category is open to all healthy lifestyle practices to avoid kidneyprofessional video editors in the region. related diseases (e.g. avoid junk foods, eat healthy, drink water regularly) and The video clip should be in 30 seconds the winners will receive Php8,000 for material and should encourage eligible the 1st prize; Php5,000 for the 2nd prize;

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Regional News

Php3,000 for the 3rd prize; and Php2,000 WTD/TGCYK; your Name; Address; Contact for consolation with a maximum of three Number; and attach resume of produced listed infomercials only. infomercials/films, joined competition/s. Submission of entries will be on September 27 to 28, 2018 only and the video clip must be submitted at dohroxiiipu@gmail.com with the following details: SUBJECT: LA FIESTA NVBD/GHD/

The list of winners in the competition will be posted at http://www.facebook. com/ caraga.doh.gov.ph. (NCLM/PIACaraga)

Caraga core group inks MOU to enhance human rights situation By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, (PIA) – Human rights advocates led by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday aimed at addressing the issues and concerns on human rights violations as well as on security, peace and development concerns in the region.

of the Community-Based Dialogue (CBD) Core Group at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga regional office in Butuan City.

CHR-Caraga regional director lawyer Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang said the goal of the CBD Core Group is mainly to contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation Witnessed by the local media partners, in the Philippines primarily through the the MOU signing was led by the members enhancement of the relationship between

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Regional News

the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local communities and civil society organizations in the common effort to promote human rights.

“Respect for human rights and rule of law have been an imperative of the Philippine Army. With the Community-Based Dialogue Core Group comprising various government agencies and civil society organizations, we welcome community Bacang added that the CBD Core visits and fact-finding mission in the region,” Group was already presented during the he added. recent Regional Development CouncilDevelopment Administration Committee Also, NEDA Caraga regional director Mylah (RDC-DAC) Meeting and has endorsed Faye Aurora Cariño said that development CBD to RDC to be one of the mechanisms is a human rights dimension and NEDA is that will address the human rights violations, one with the other members that would security, and peace and development want to ensure that commitments for the issues and concerns in Caraga region. welfare of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable sectors are Meanwhile, 401st Brigade commander delivered. BGen. Andres Centino said that constant communication among stakeholders is Meantime, Concepcion Asis of the People important and with the CBD Core Group, Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) said issues and concerns on human rights that the challenge now is to bring forth violations as well as on peace and security the sincerity of the CBD Core Group to will be thoroughly discussed and will be the different communities and show them given appropriate responses. that the group is willing and ready to assist “We should take away our biases and and address the issues and concerns of individual prejudices and promote the the stakeholders. welfare of the vulnerable, minority sector,” he said. The members of the CBD Core Group in Caraga region include the 401st Brigade BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 402nd and 402nd Brigade of the Phil. Army, PNP, Brigade commander, also underlined that Department of the Interior and Local the Philippine Army does not only protect Government (DILG), NEDA; Carrascal, the lives of the people, but also promotes Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza their welfare. Baywatch Association Inc., PPVR, and CHR Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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DOE News Secretary Cusi Delivers Keynote in PEMC-IEMOP Operations Agreement Signing

PASIG CITY - Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi delivered the keynote address during the signing ceremony for the operating agreement between PEMC and IEMOP at the headquarters of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) on Wednesday, 19 September 2018. In his speech before the board members of the Philippine Electric Market Corporation (PEMC) led by Chair Noel V. Aboboto, and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) headed by Chair Ralph A. Villanueva, the Energy Chief said, “From the very start of my term as DOE Secretary, it was the Department’s priority for PEMC to be independent from the DOE and to create a fully-independent market operator. Bearing the public’s interest in mind, I believe this transition will expedite the growth of the country’s electricity market.”

The signing of the operating agreement between the PEMC and the IEMOP was made possible due to Secretary Cusi’s initiative of relinquishing the chairmanship of the PEM Board to the very first chairman of the PEMC from the private sector. The operating agreement triggers the transition of the energy market’s operations from the PEMC to the IEMOP, as indicated in the Independent Market Operator transition plan jointly endorsed by the DOE and the electricity industry participants, and in accordance with Department Circular 2018-01-0002. “While the DOE will remain steadfast with its role as a policy making body, it is my belief that in the hearts of the leaders of IEMOP is the welfare of the people,” Sec. Cusi said.

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Photo Gallery Federalism Infocus

Regional Development Council Caraga Region, Federalism Infocus, Almont Inland Resort and Convention, 17 September 2018

Caraga Infocus • September 15 - 21, 2018 • Volume II, No. 76

Photo Gallery Federalism Infocus

Regional Development Council Caraga Region, Federalism Infocus, Almont Inland Resort and Convention, 17 September 2018

Caraga Infocus • September 15 - 21, 2018 • Volume II, No. 76

Agusan del Norte Provincial News NC Butuan conducts entrepreneurship dev’t training to OFWs BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 19 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and OFW dependents recently participated in the Enhanced Entrepreneurship Development Training (EEDT) conducted here. Engr. Renato Corvera, DTI Agusan del Norte Provincial Coordinator for the Small and Medium Enterprise Roving Academy (SMERA) and Negosyo Center (NC) Butuan Manager, facilitated the entrepreneurial mind setting.

In addition, Corvera presented common mistakes encountered by some businessmen and how they overcome them.

Since they will be applying for a loan to finance their business, the participants The training covered the concept were given bonus topic on how to manage of business, how to understand a business business money. venture, and how to differentiate “poor mind and rich mind”. As a follow-through, the participants agreed to email the final draft of Corvera also helped them their business plan for comments and determine their personal entrepreneurial suggestions. competencies to check their strengths and possible weaknesses in handling a The training is an implementation of business. OWWA’s partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in order to help Engr. Corvera also asked the OFWs understand the world of business participants to present their business and obtain other inputs as required by the ideas. After validation and clarifications, EEDT. the participants filled out their respective draft business plans. EEDT is part of the social preparation given by OWWA to applicants of the OFW The business plan preparation session Enterprise Development Loan Program was a hand-holding activity where the (OFW-EDLP), an enterprise development entries were discussed in detail with the intervention and loan facility of OWWA. business plan owner. The format used was This is in partnership with LBP that intends to fitted to the requirement of the financing support enterprise development among institution which the Overseas Workers OFWs and their families. Welfare Administration (OWWA) also partnered with, in this case Land Bank of The activity was held at the OWWA the Philippines (LBP). Conference Room, Butuan City. (DTIAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Agusan del Norte Provincial News AgNor SHS students learn to start a business

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- Negosyo Center (NC) Buenavista conducted a briefing on “Negosyo Center Services & Operations cum How to Start a Business” to senior high students of Saint James High School (SJHS) last August 10 here.

the near future such as owning a bakery, piggery, and commercial stores.

Apparently, some of the students were not aware that a Negosyo Center exists especially in Buenavista. They were thankful knowing that there is a A total of 113 students, mostly from the government agency which is committed Accountancy and Business Management to support would-be entrepreneurs like strand, attended the said briefing. them. During the briefing, some students The activity was facilitated by NC shared that they already have a business Buenavista personnel – Elyn Rose Ranario, of their own. Honey Arriola, Liberty Fortun and Metchelo Gocotano. The team got the full support Some are reportedly engaged in of SJHS Principal Merly Abiva. (DTI-Agusan online selling and the e-loading business del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) while others plan to have a business in

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Provincial News

Surigao del Norte

Siargao to host 24th world surfing cup By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, (PIA) – The province will once again host the biggest international event - the 24th World Surfing Cup from September 28 to October 4, 2018 at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island.

revealed that the national government has allocated some Php15 million as support to the local government, covering major highlights and side events. House speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo and Davao del Norte 1st district representative Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez are expected to attend the opening ceremony together with other delegates from the tourism department.

Around 150 professional surfers and big names from the international surfing circuit from Australia, England, France, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Tahiti, and United States are expected to vie in the universally-acclaimed biggest WQS3,000 A prize money amounting to $75,000.00 is ranking. in store for the reigning champions. (SDR/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) A report from the Department of Tourism

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Agusan del Sur Provincial News AgSur farmers receive P2.5M economic benefits

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, – Years of waiting is finally over for some 45 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of the NDC Guthrie Estates Incorporated (NGEI) cooperative after the recent distribution of economic benefits held in this province.

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Undersecretary for Field Operations lawyer Karlo S. Bello, together with DAR Regional Director of Caraga Leomides R. Villareal, PARPO II Leoncio C. Bautista Jr, PARPO I Allan N. Mundala, as well as the representatives from the two cooperatives, NGEI coop chairman Cirino Caipang and FPPI Chairman Jesus Simbajon, attended the ceremonial distribution. A total of Php2.5 million economic benefits earned from the company accumulated for eight long years since 2009 was finally released to the farmers of the Caipang Group.

have yearned for a long time,” he said. The distribution was realized through the commitment of DAR Agusan del Sur management together with the effort of the Task Force NDC who never stopped helping these deprived ARBs. Bautista said that before the distribution happened, the task force are yet to validate the authenticity of these ARBs from the original farmer group which is the NGEI cooperative as well as to identify the exact computation of benefits due for them, thus the delay.

The economic benefits consisted of This Caipang farmer group is one of lease rentals from their lands and profits the breakaway groups from the original earned from enterprises operated by the NGEI Multi-Purpose Cooperative formed cooperative. in 1988. These were not released to these Villareal, in his message, told the ARBs in the previous years when they ARBs to make use of the money very well. disaffiliate from the NGEI coop and formed their own breakaway group. (Rechel D. “Eight years is long enough, I am Besonia, DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan glad that finally after fighting for your rights del Sur) as an ARB, you will now receive what you

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Surigao del Sur Provincial News 1,305 motorbikes get clean rider stickers in SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, (PIA) - A total of 1,305 motorcycles in the Surigao del Sur were registered and received clean rider stickers, as of Sept. 13, 2018, a police official here said.

Surigao del Sur Police Community Relations Officer PSupt Ramil Tersona, in a press statement said, the clean rider program is a nationwide campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) aimed to ensure the safety and security of motorcycle PPO chief PSSupt Francisco Dungo Jr., riders as well as prevent the impounded/ Provincial Director, urged the public stolen motorcycles to be used for criminal particularly motorcycle owners in Surigao activities. del Sur to support the said anti-criminality campaign and apply for a clean rider The clean rider sticker will be given free to sticker to the nearest city or municipal all legitimate motorcycle owners. police station provincewide. The motorist only needs to fill up a Dungo added the program was registration form with 2×2 picture, present successfully launched in the province at Original Receipt/Certificate of Registration the Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. Boulevard in of Motorcycle, Deed of Sale if applicable, Tandag City last August 18, 2018. Driver’s License, and Government Issued IDs, said Tersona. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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ASEAN News ASEAN ready to help PH in ‘Ompong’ relief ops By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA -- The Philippines can seek help from Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) should Typhoon Ompong cause significant damage to parts of the country. “In the event that the capacity of the government is overwhelmed, we can also seek international assistance, first under the One ASEAN, One Response wherein the President was a co-signatory,” National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ricardo Jalad said during Thursday’s command ceremony presided over by President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance has already expressed its intention to provide help in case the country asks for aid. “ASEAN member countries will come to the aid of the Philippines and in fact the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance already expressed intention to help us in the event that we will ask for assistance,” the NDRRMC chief added.

Meanwhile, Jalad said 1,742 evacuation centers have been readied to Jalad said the One ASEAN, One help people who might be displaced by Response accord refers to the close “Ompong”, while another 3,079 primary cooperation among members to help schools are available within the typhoon’s Southeast Asian nations hit by calamities. path. (PNA)

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Mindanao News BOC-10 official denies ‘holding’ rice imports in Region 10 By Jigger Jerusalem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A Bureau of Customs-10 (BOC-10) official denied Monday any intention to put on hold imported rice supplies for Northern Mindanao.

issue.”

“Why hold it when its import papers are in order? If they lack the papers we would have already seized them. In fact, we wanted to have the imported rice A BOC-10 official, who requested released because they are perishable anonymity as he was not authorized to goods,” Lapeña said. issue statements to the media, blamed the delay in the processing of papers due Hazel Belacho, National Food to the sheer volume of container vans Authority-10 (NFA-10) information officer, that arrived at the Mindanao Container in a separate interview Monday, said the Terminal (MCT) sub-port in Tagoloan, imported rice supplies in question are not Misamis Oriental over the past few days. owned by the agency but are intended for commercial purpose. The official said that, there was a valid reason why the 220,000 sacks of Belacho said the rice importers have rice from Vietnam and Thailand, currently already secured permits as required by stored at the MCT warehouse, were not the NFA and other government agencies. released right away by the Customs. NFA’s role in this type of procurement “They were not held. There was just a process, she said, is to revalidate the delay in the processing due to the volume import papers of the private importers prior of the container vans that came in at the to issuing them a certificate of eligibility, MCT,” the BOC-10 official said, adding which they will then submit to BOC before that there is no exact date yet on when paying the duties and taxes to the Land these imported items will be discharged Bank of the Philippines. (PNA) from the MCT. Essential supplies such as rice and sugar from other countries, he said, are put on the priority lane at the MCT’s designated examination area per the directive of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña. In a statement posted on social media last week, Lapeña ordered “all district collectors to expedite the processing of essential food such as rice, sugar, pork, and chicken to aid the supply

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Mindanao News PCG deploys add’l vessel in southern Philippines By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

The BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410) is the third Parola-class patrol vessels of PCG deployed in this part of the country. The other two are BRP-Malabrigo (MRRV-4404) and BRP-Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408). Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, who was the guest in the arrival of BRP-Bagacay, said the MRRV will truly enhance the capability of the Coastguard in the region. Dela Vega said the deployment of the new vessel will be of big help to the Westmincom “in securing our sea waters.”

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has strengthened its maritime force with the deployment of another newly-acquired Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) here in the region.

“I am truly proud to be part of this milestone in Philippine Coastguard. BRP-Bagacay will truly contribute in the enhancement of public safety and security in conflict areas,” dela Vega said.

“For and in behalf of our Armed Forces here in Western Mindanao Command, BRP Bagacay is very much welcome to be part of our strong forces here in the waters of Southern backdoor,” Deployed to the area of the PCG- he added. Southwestern Mindanao District is the BRPBagacay (MRRV-4410), headed by Capt. BRP-Bagacay arrived in the Joseph Coyme. It arrived here on Tuesday. Philippines on May 31 this year and was commissioned into service on August 23. Lieutenant Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coastguard Station The ship is a law enforcement vessel Commander, said on Tuesday the BRP- and is designed to conduct environmental Bagacay is the ninth of the 10 MRRVs the and humanitarian missions, as well as PCG has acquired through a soft loan maritime security operations and patrol from Japan as part of the latter’s Maritime missions. (PNA) Safety Improvement Project.

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National News Guevarra appoints 353 prosecutors in media cases By Jelly Musico

MANILA -- A total of 353 prosecutors in different parts of the country have been appointed to lead the investigation of media-related cases being handled by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary and PTFoMS chairman Menardo Guevarra issued a department order on Aug. 28, directing the 353 prosecutors to become concurrent prosecutors under Administrative Order No. 01 (AO1) that created PTFoMS.

the 353 prosecutors serves as another solid manifestation of the Duterte administration’s commitment to bring the perpetrators of media violence to justice. “We will bring our enemies to justice, or we will bring justice to our enemies; either way, justice will be served,” Guevarra The prosecutors had been previously said. designated to investigate cases assigned to the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra- The PTFoMS, under the supervision Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, of its executive director, Undersecretary Torture and other Grave Violations of Joel Egco, has been conducting seminars the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of on AO1 and the task force’s functions in Persons, which, former President Benigno different regions of the country. Aquino III created by virtue of AO No. 35 in 2012. Aside from prosecutors, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Under their new assignment, the 353 Investigation and media practitioners prosecutors will spearhead the Special have attended the previous PTFoMS Investigation Task Groups (SITGs) tasked seminars. through AO1, which President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued in October 2016 in a bid to Egco, a media practitioner, has solve media killings in the country. promised to leave no stone unturned in going after perpetrators of the media Guevarra said the appointment of related cases. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • September 15 - 21, 2018 • Volume II, No. 76

National News PTFoMS condemns online attack on journo By Jelly Musico

MANILA – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has strongly condemned the online attacks against Inquirer Mindanao Bureau reporter Julie Alipala.

Egco said NBI-Cyber Crime Division head Manuel Antonio Eduarte and PNP AntiCyber Crime Group Director Chief Supt. Marni Marcos Jr. will lead the investigation and the eventual arrest of the perpetrators “We strongly condemn this malicious behind the post. meme, which was posted and shared multiple times by several Facebook users,” “On account of the damage and the PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary consequent threats to her person which Joel Sy Egco said in a statement. clearly arose in connection with her work as a journalist, Ms. Alipala sought the help Alipala became the subject of hate posts of the Task Force,” Egco said. and death threats on social media after her story “7 Young Tausug Men Killed by Since Alipala’s case was not the first Military, Not Abu Sayyaf Bandits” was online harassment against media posted on inquirer.net on Sept. 16, 2018. practitioners, Egco said the PTFoMS has also sought audience with the Philippine The post drew negative comments from representatives of Facebook “to discuss netizens with some of them unleashing a possible long-term collaboration” to outright threats to Alipala’s life. prevent the proliferation of dubious social media accounts. A certain Rhoel Dispo commented: ‘Dpat barilin na yan sa ulo’ (She should be shot in “The digital age has ushered in a new the head) while Bong Medina said: ‘dapat adversary in the form of online trolls/fake ito ang na aambush’ (she should be the accounts geared toward spreading hate one ambushed). in the online community. This doubles the risk for members of the Fourth Estate A netizen who posted Alipala’s article whose zeal and passion for their work may made a comment: “Magkano kaya ang be curtailed by fears of actual physical binayad kay Julie Alipala? Pati teroristang attacks preceded by online threats,” Egco Abu Sayyaf pinagtatanggol niya! Certified said. bayarang kolumista” (How much money was paid for Julie Alipala? She is defending “At this point, we call on all stakeholders to even the terrorist Abu Sayyaf! A certified be vigilant and increase public awareness paid columnist). on the global campaign to end online harassment of journalists as the PTFoMS The incident prompted Egco to immediately reiterates its full commitment to exhaust all coordinate with the National Bureau of means to fulfill its mandate of protecting Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine the life, liberty, and security of media National Police (PNP) in accordance with workers,” he added. (PNA) the PTFoMS protocols.

Caraga Infocus • September 15 - 21, 2018 • Volume II, No. 76

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