Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 73 | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09 , 2021

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A hawker peddles miniature Philippine flags along Tionko Avenue in Davao City days before the celebration of the country’s 123rd Independence Day. Edge Davao

PRRD supporters call on Mayor Sara to consider running for President

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Compound in Davao City on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

FATHER’S BACKERS I

Tagum’s vax campaign gets positive turnout

PRRD supporters call on Mayor Sara to consider running for President By MAYA M. PADILLO

upporters of President Rodrigo Duterte are now calling Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to consider seeking the presidency to continue the ‘Build Build Build” Program of the Duterte administration, a city official and a staunch Duterte ally disclosed to Edge Davao.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said the appeal was brought up during a recent Zoom meeting that was participated by attendees representing 200 groups coming from different areas in Mindanao as well as other

countries including Europe. “These are the groups who supported Mayor Rodrigo Duterte but these groups more numbers were added because 2016 as well as 2019 the group supporting President Duterte and these people

now are calling Mayor Sara to look at the possibility of considering running the presidency, but as a general rule we will respect whatever the decision of the President as well as of Mayor Sara Duterte,” he said. Dayanghirang said these people want Mayor Sara to run as president as they wanted to continue the “Build Build Build” Program and the peace and order approach of President Duterte particularly the insurgency concern where a lot of the members of the New People’s Army (NPAs)

are now surrendering to the government. “They also want to continue the fight against drugs as well as corruption and environment. They want that the next President will continue these projects and it is only President Duterte and Mayor Sara who has the clear vision and visà-vis with all these programs be continued in the future,” Dayanghirang said. Dayanghirang added that the call for Mayor Sara to run was brought about by the three surveys conducted

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n what was thought to be a difficult campaign, the vaccination drive in the City of Tagum got a positive turnout when thousands of frontliners and senior citizens volunteered to take their first shots during the first quarter to second quarter of the year. Tagum City recorded a total of 8,515 vaccinated frontliners and senior citizens who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 2,693 individuals completed the process by receiving their second dose. As of the record of the first week of June, the city accomplished 85% and 75% of first dose and second dose target, respectively, for frontliners which are both above the 70% required completion of the Department of Health (DOH) and had accomplished 30% for the

first wave of the first dose for senior citizens. This result is attributed by the Tagum City Health Office (CHO) to the willingness of the people to get vaccinated amidst the negative issues surrounding the vaccines. It can be recalled that Tagum was the first city in the Province of Davao del Norte to administer the first jabs and had been very active in promoting the Resbakuna Campaign of the DOH. In addition, the city’s local chief executive (LCE) was also the first LCE in the province to get vaccinated. This after the DOH announced the re-assignment of LCEs as part of the A1 priority group which includes our frontliners against the dreaded virus. In an interview after his inoculation, Mayor Allan L. Rellon urged the Tagumenyos to stop

Command (WESTMINCOM), to widen its reach in addressing common peace and security problems, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and it peripheries. The task force was conceptualized as an offshoot of President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to the AFP to assist local government units (LGUs) and the Joint Normalization Committee in ensuring the success of

the Bangsamoro Transition Authority parti-cularly on the normalization process of former MILF combatants. He said it will further develop and implement a contingency plan to defeat armed terrorist groups and other peace spoilers that would pose a serious threat to the smooth implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and the transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region as embodied in the

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57 establishments, 858 workers apply Joint Task Force Mindanao created for Programang Trabaho Dabawenyo T

t least 858 workers and 57 establishments applied for the City Government of Davao’s emergency employment assistance via the Programang Trabaho Dabawenyo as of June 6. They are those affected by the zero operational capacity under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Memorandum Circular 2119 Series of 2021 from June 5 to June 20, 2021 while the city is placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, during her Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) Special Hours program on Monday afternoon, June 7, said,

“Kini sila tanan atoa nang gidirect nga mag-coordinate sa Special Projects Office under the City Mayor’s Office, nga ang opisina naa sa Magsaysay Park, tungod kini nga opisina maghatag og emergency employment assistance para sa mga apektado nga workers tungod sarado ilang opisina o tindahan sa MECQ (We

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he Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has activated t a Joint Task Force (JTF) for Peace and Security in Mindanao to widen efforts in dismantling threat groups in the south. AFP chief of staff General Cirilito Sobejana said the creation of JTF-Mindanao aims to consolidate the efforts of the two Unified Commands, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) and Western Minda-nao

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

NEWS 3

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang discloses that supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte are urging Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to consider seeking the presidency to continue the programs of the Duterte administration. Edge Davao

Mayor urges private offices, firms to report Covid-19 positive cases

ayor Sara DuterteCarpio urged all private offices and establishments to report Covid-19 positive cases to avoid widespread transmission in their workplaces. The mayor issued the statement on Tuesday following reports that a number of establishments particularly BPO companies are uncooperative and still allowed employees to work even with symptoms of Covid-19. “Tungod kay ang kanang Covid-19 bisan unsang klaseng variant paspas gyud siya makatakod sa mga tao masirado gyud na ang ilang establishments kung ilang tagu-taguon ang mga positive cases nga naga panghitabo sa ilaha. Mas maayo nga sa sugod pa lang nga gamay pa lang ang affected, they cooperate

with the City health Office and the contact tracing team para ma-assist namo sila,” the mayor said. Last Monday, Davao City assistant city health officer Dr. Marjorie Culas disclosed that 403 call center agents in one of the BPO companies in Davao City tested positive of Covid-19, this was after 1,000 agents underwent surveillance testing. She added that there are 11 BPO companies in the Davao City with reported Covid-19 cases. “Let us use this as a lesson to all offices and establishments nga once nga may nag positive dinha sa inyong mga employees dili nila tagu-tago. Pag dili nila i-contain, modaghan gyud siya. In the end, ma lockdown gyud ang ilang offices and establishments because of the widespread of transmission sa Covid-19,” Mayor Sara said.

he elements of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confiscated P13.6 million worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation conducted Monday (June 7) at Barangay Lasang in Davao City. Capt. Rose Aguilar, the spokesperson of DCPO ,said that the operation led to the arrest of Jaber Mangotara Saranggani,24, resident of

Santo Domingo 2,Barangay Sasa. She said the operation was launched by the Special Operation Group and City Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at about 8 p.m Monday along Purok Gemini, Maharlika Highway, Lasang. Saranggani was arrested after a police officer who

Sara says IATF wants Davao City to flatten curve in 2 weeks By MAYA M. PADILLO

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she believes the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) wants Davao City to flatten the curve of Covid-19 cases in just two weeks. Mayor Sara cited the two-week Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until June 20, 2021 could be the reason why. The city government requested for MECQ status until June 30, 2021 but the IATF granted only up to June 20. “Wala naghatag ug reason ang IATF ngano hangtod June 20 lang ang MECQ but kung ako ang patag-naon kung ngano,

because they want us to flatten this curve in two weeks only,” the mayor said. It can be recalled that the city government of Davao has requested IATF to place Davao City under MECQ from June 5 to 30, 2021 to allow a circuit breaker in the surge of patients inside the hospitals. Mayor Sara said 15 days under MECQ is enough for the city if Dabawenyos will

only follow the minimum health protocols particularly staying home. “Enough na siya nga time kung musunod tanan ang mag tao sa kinahanglan nato buhaton sama sa stay home and come out only if we need to work and do business and kung magpabakuna mo but dili na siya enough na time kung ang mga tao dili na sila musunod sa guide sa MECQ,” she said. Mayor Sara added that it would only be known on June 20, 2021 if there is a need to request for an extension of MECQ in Davao City depending on the status of Covid-19 cases on that

day. “Ang MECQ nato was a product of the discussions of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force and sa mga nakita nato sa occupancy sa atong mga Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities and hospitals. Ginabuhat nato ang community quarantine because atong ginalikayan nga mapuno ang atong mga hospitals therefore daghan ang mamatay because dili nila makuha ang angay nga medical care na kinahanglan nila both for Covid-19 and non-Covid-19. Dapat masabtan sa mga tao na we are doing this so that we will not overwhelm our health care system,” she said.

suspected bomb maker of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was gunned down in a police operation in Basilan Province last on Saturday (June 5). Philippine National Police Chief (PNP) chief General Guillermo Eleazar identified the slain terrorist as Aroy Ittot alias Oroy, who was a top priority target of

the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR). Ittot was killed in a shootout while joint elements of police and military served an arrest warrant against him for murder issued by Presiding Judge Leo Jay Principe of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 9th Judicial Region, Brach 1, Isabela City, Basilan.

“During the service of Warrant of Arrest, the suspect fired upon the arresting team using his M16 rifle which prompted the operating troops to return fire that eventually led to the neutralization of Oroy,” Eleazar said. Operatives were able to recover in the encounter site an M16 rifle; M14 rifle;

Cops confiscate P13.6 M ASG ‘bomb maker’ worth of shabu in Lasang killed in PNP operation T A acted as poseur-buyer was able to purchas one medium size transparent knot tied cellophane containing suspected shabu from him worth P65,000 The operating teams confiscated illegal drugs weighing more or less 850 grams which has a standard drug price value of P13.6 million. A motorcycle, buy-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

Two fishermen prepare their net for another fishing trip in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Sunday (6 June 2021). MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

4.14M Filipinos jobless in April

nemployment hit 8.7 percent in April, the same level compared to the previous quarter or the data from January 2021, the state statistics bureau said Tuesday.

This translates to 4.14 million jobless Filipinos for the month, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in a virtual briefing. Unemployment in January 2021 was at 8.7 percent with 3.95 million jobless Filipinos, data showed. Unemployment in April 2020 hit a record-high of 17.6 percent. On a month-on-month

basis, April’s figure is higher compared to unemployment in March which was at 7.1 percent, equivalent to 3.44 million jobless Filipinos. The Labor Force Participation for the month is higher at 63.24 percent compared to 60.5 percent in January 2021, it added. U n d e re m p l oy m e n t is at 17.2 percent in April

2021, higher compared to 16 percent in January, data showed. Underemployment for the month is lower compared to 18.9 percent in April 2020. The Philippines recorded the “worst” unemployment rate in 2020 at 10.4 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSA earlier said. Based on revised data, unemployment in April 2020 ballooned 17.6 percent, translating to 7.2 million jobless Filipinos after the first COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in mid-

March last year. Despite imposing another lockdown at the end of March 2021, authorities have said the measure was less restrictive which means less jobs would be affected. During a pre-SONA economic forum, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said employment lost due to the pandemic has been restored. However, the Asian Development Bank said the pandemic has led to lower quality jobs and skills mismatch.

A4 vaccination ‘shot in the arm’ for workers, economic recovery: DTI

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the start of vaccination for the A4 group will boost the country’s inoculation program and economic recovery. During the ceremonial vaccination for A4 group in Pasay City Monday, Lopez thanked the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for expanding the definition of A4 priority group to include “almost all” workers. “We are really giving support to the backbone of our economy, our workers. So this is really a

shot in the arm to the economic front-liners, a shot in the arm to our economy. And this is really what we need as we are trying to continuously reopen,” Lopez said. Following the vaccination of healthcare workers, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities, economic front-liners can now get the jab against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). The expanded list in the fourth priority group has included self-employed individuals, house helpers, and business process outsourcing workers, among others, who work outside their

homes. Lopez added that as vaccines provide protection and lower the risk of getting severe Covid-19 cases and death, the inoculation for the A4 group will boost confidence to reopen the economy. “And with that, we will confidently reopen towards that path, and that’s the path towards recovery. And now we’re seeing such recovery, we will see more and better signs of that recovery moving forward,” the DTI chief said. Process simplified To fast-track, the inoculation process, National Task Force Against

Covid-19 (NTF) deputy chief implementer Vivencio Dizon said the process for the vaccination of A4 should be simplified. In the same event, Dizon said the IATF no longer added definitions for those who qualified for vaccination under the A4 list and it will also not ask for additional requirements for this priority group. “As long as they go outside of their residences to work and they are willing to get vaccinated (they will get the jab),” he added. Working with private sector

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BSP says PH ‘ready’ if US increases interest rates

he Philippines is ready should the United States increase its interest rates though it is likely to maintain current levels, the central bank said Tuesday. “I think because there’s a midterm elections next year in the US that the Fed (US Federal Reserve) will not rock the boat. In any event, if there’s an increase in interest rates in US, the Phil-

ippines is prepared for that,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno told ANC’s Headstart. “I think the Fed chairman is committed to keep interest rates low. I believe him. I think that’s the right thing to do because we’re not over the hop yet in this crisis... While a big chunk of Americans have been vaccinated, the whole world has

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Private sector welcomes vax of economic, gov’t frontliners

private sector coalition aimed at consolidating the business community’s COVID-19 response said it welcomed the government’s decision to start inoculating economic and government frontliners. In a statement, Guillermo Luz, Task Force T3 proponent and chief resilience officer of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, said the inclusion of the A4 priority group in the vaccine rollout will be a big help to the private sector in reopening businesses. “The private sector believes in vaccinating as many people in the soonest possible time so that we may safely reopen the economy. Thus, we support the expansion of the administration of

vaccines to the A4 priority sector this June and thank the IATF and the national government for this decision,” Luz said. Taskforce T3 also lauded National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez for ensuring the steady supply of vaccines for the country, paving the way for the inclusion of the A4 sector in the vaccine rollout. Government on Monday began a “phased” rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to essential workers (A4 category) as the Philippines received more vaccine supply. The country expects to get some 10 million COVID-19 shots this month, and 15 million more in August, Galvez said.

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ECONOMY

A laborer sleeps on a cart after curfew hours to catch a few hours of sleep before going back to work at the Cogon public market on Monday (7 June 2021). MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

PH urged to hone, upskill cybersecurity experts

he country needs to train new cybersecurity experts and upskill current practitioners as threats escalate and expertise remains “disproportionately inadequate,” the Philippine Institute of Cyber Security Professionals (PICSPro) said Monday. A study showed that Philippine firms spend millions to recover from ransomware attacks, PICSPro said in a statement. Costs of ransomware attacks on Philippine firms have also risen by 42 percent compared to 30 percent last year, PICSPro said, citing a UK-based study. Honing Filipino talents

DOF chief orders tighter watch on rice imports following tariff cuts

to become globally competitive “has never been as relevant” today, the group said. “PICSPro’s commitment is anchored on our vision, which is to advocate for the highest level of cybersecurity here in the Philippines. The best way to do that is to make cybersecurity more accessible and train professionals and hone their skills, to the point where they become globally-competitive,” PICSPro Chairman Angel Redoble said. COVID-19 has helped increase dependence on digital channels but it has also attracted bad actors as online scams surged.

ing in Congress. For example the Public Service Act will open up some of these things Education and corporate ownership can be opened up more, said Diokno. “We can open the educational system. I would like to see the day when American or UK universities can establish branches here so our countrymen don’t have to go abroad to get superior education,” he said. “Even media, I think we have to open media so we don’t have monopoly of news here.” When asked if the 60-40 share of ownership stated in the Constitution is a hindrance, Diokno said: “I think so because if you want to

invest in a big way here you want control of public corporation, you don’t want to be in the minority.” House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who filed the resolution, said it aims to “purely help our country rise above this pandemic through liberalizing the restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution.” Restrictive provisions prevents the Philippines from being “fully competitive” with its neighbors, according to Velasco. “As global economies slowly bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines must be ready to ride the wave or risk being left behind by its Asian neighbors,” he said.

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inanace Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has directed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to keep a tighter watch on incoming rice shipments to ensure the proper collection of taxes following the issuance of an executive order (EO) harmonizing the tariff rates on imports of the cereal to a uniform 35 percent for a period of one year, whether these originate within or outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Opening up PH economy ‘good,’ says BSP after approval of economic cha-cha

pening up the country’s economy to foreign investors is “by and large good,” the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday on proposals to loosen restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution. Lawmakers last week passed on final reading the Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 (RBH 2), which seeks to amend the regulation of limits to foreign investments in the country. “Opening up the economy is by and large good for the Philippines. It’s not necessarily cha-cha but opening the economy,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said. “But there are some measures right now pend-

Dominguez issued this directive after President Duterte issued EO 135 last May 15 to temporarily modify tariff rates on rice imports to offset the effect on consumers of the continuous increase in the price of rice from other countries, particularly those coming from ASEAN countries, and thereby reduce inflationary

pressures. EO 135 would enable the country to diversify its market sources for rice and maintain the stable supply and affordable price of the cereal for Filipino consumers. Dominguez said that, given the increase in rice prices from ASEAN countries, “I think there will be

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

On supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte calling for Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to consider seeking the presidency:

These are the groups who supported Mayor Rodrigo Duterte but these groups more numbers were added because 2016 as well as 2019 the group supporting President Duterte and these people now are calling Mayor Sara to look at the possibility of considering running the presidency, but as a general rule we will respect whatever the decision of the President as well as of Mayor Sara Duterte.” COUNCILOR DANILO DAYANGHIRANG

EDITORIAL Drug trafficking galore Trafficking of illegal drugs is very much active in Davao City and other areas of Mindanao despite the dangers that the clandestine activities pose to the lives of the traffickers.

This can be gleaned from police reports about a series of buybust operations which have been successful in lassoing a number of shadowy characters engaged in the narcotic trade. Headlining the achievements of joint police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operation is last Monday evening’s confiscation of P13.6 million worth of shabu in a sting operation laid out by enforcers in Lasang, Davao City’s last barangay in the boundary with Panabo City.

According to Capt. Rose Aguilar, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the trap led to the capture of one Jabar Mangotara Saranggani, 24, of Purok Sto. Domingo2, barangay Sasa. The operation was launched by the Special Operation Group and City Drug Enforcement Unit of the DCPO in coordination with PDEA Monday night along Maharlika Highway in Purok Gemini.

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In nearby Bukidnon , a woman and her two relatives were arrested by the police and PDEA agents for attempting to sell about 300 grams of shabu with an estimated value of more than P 2 million.

The suspects identified as Sittie Mandok, 28, Jabir Dacula Mandok, 19,a construction worker and Jucair Mandok, 30, farmer were arrested in Poblacion West Kalilangan, Bukidnon last Saturday, June 5.

It seems that police officers and PDEA agents are doing a good job together. They ought to be lauded and rewarded with promotions , citations and monetary enticements and encouraged to expand their collaborative work to bag bigger fishes involved in the deadly drug trafficking trade. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

Over the weekend at Palanca Village in Matina Crossing, it was the turn of a Davao City traffic enforcer no less to fall into another trap laid down by Talomo Police Station elements under the leadership of Maj. Sean Logronio. Collared was Djan Labor Escoton, 42, a member of the City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTO0) . He was nabbed while allegedly selling a sachet of shabu to a police undercover agent.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE VALUE OF CRITICISM “It is much easier to become a father than to be one.” – Kent Nerburn in “Letters to My Son: Reflections on Becoming a Man” (1994) ***

Tobey Maguire is one of Hollywood’s well-known actors. He was catapulted to fame when he portrayed the role in the Spiderman series. He has two kids – a boy and a girl – with Jennifer Meyer, a jewelry designer. “I have a lot less free time,” the actor told Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Ruben V. Napales. “I can’t watch as much TV. Life changes. The biggest turning point in my life is having kids. It just changes how you manage your time. All of that time is really precious, so it puts a great urgency on prioritizing.” Maguire considers his kids as terrific. “They’re just great,” he enthused. I have a blast with them. I face challenges as a parent. I have to figure it out and enjoy that. I also feel the weight of that responsibility. I want to do everything I can as a father.” Unknowingly, to be a father is one of the hardest parts a man will undergo. At one time, a close friend of American president Theodore Roosevelt asked him why he did not take a more active role in supervising his free-spirited daughter, Alice. Roosevelt purportedly replied, “I can be president of the United States, or I can attend to Alice. I can’t do both.” Such is the quandary of most fathers. They can’t have both

worlds; one can be neglected over the other. “To be a successful father,” advised American author Ernest Hemingway, “there’s one absolute rule: when you have a kid, don’t look at it for the first two years.” But Sigmund Freud contradicted that idea. “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection,” he once said. William Shakespeare, the father of English literature, agreed: “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” Joe Kennedy knew this. For all his shortcomings, his loyalty to his children was absolute. “My business is my family and my family is my business,” he said. At one time, he told Steve Smith, “You know, when I was just trying out for the freshman team for some of those swimming meets, my dad was always there. He was always there. He did the same for all the kids.” Spending time with your kids as they grow is one of the best things a father can give to them. When Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a Canadian developmental psychologist, became worried about his 13-year-old slavish imitation of her peers’ language and bearing, he booked a week-long vacation with her at a rented cottage. Predictably, his daughter balked at the plan, “but we gradually rediscovered the closeness we’d had when she was younger,” Neufeld recalls. “When the week was over, we both agreed that it had been a great idea.” Of course, children can learn so many things from their father.

Famous inventor Thomas Alva Edison had given his son, Charles Edison, one of the most remarkable lessons in life when he lost almost everything to fire. But Thomas was able, literally, rise from the ashes. Here is the story: On the night of December 9, 1914, the great Edison Industries of West Orange was virtually destroyed by fire. Thomas Edison lost two million dollars that night and much of his life’s work went up in flames. He was insured for only US$238,000, because the buildings had been made of concrete, at that time thought to be fireproof. “My heart ached for him,” Charles said of his father. “He was 67, not a young man anymore, and everything was going up in flames. He spotted me. ‘Charles,” he shouted, ‘where’s your mother?’ ‘I don’t know, Dad,’ I said. ‘Find her,’ he told me. ‘Bring her here. She will never see anything like this again as long as she lives.’” The next morning, walking about the charred embers of all his hopes and dreams, Thomas said, “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God, we can start anew.” And three weeks after the fire, his firm delivered the first phonograph! “The best gift a father can give to his son is the gift of himself – his time,” wrote C. Neil Strait. “For material things mean little, if there is not someone to share them with.” Another advice, “Live so that your son, when people tell him that he reminds them of you, will stick out his chest, not his tongue.”

Ah, to be father. “That is the thankless position of the father in the family – the provider for all, and the enemy of all,” deplored J. August Strindberg. And oftentimes, children have a hard time understanding this role. Consider this story, which was sent to me by through an e-mail: A young man from a wealthy family was about to graduate from high school. It was the custom in that affluent neighborhood for the parents to give the graduate an automobile. Bill and his father had spent months looking at cars, and the week before graduation they found the perfect car. Imagine his disappointment when, on the eve of his graduation, Bill’s father handed him a gift-wrapped Bible. Bill was so angry, he threw the Bible down and stormed out of the house. He and his father never saw each other again after that incident. Years later, it was the news of his father’s death that brought Bill back home again. As he sat one night, going through his father’s possessions that he was to inherit, he came across the Bible his father had given him. He brushed away the dust and opened it to find a cashier’s check, dated the day of his high school graduation -- in the exact amount the car they had chosen together. However successful your father is and how famous he becomes, he will find himself old one day. When was the last time you have talked with your father or listen to his moaning? You can’t

remember anymore? This story will tell you how much your old father needs you now: It came to pass that a little boy and an old man meet in a hospital. There, the two talk on anything . “Sometimes, I drop my spoon,” the boy said. “I do that, too,” the old man seemed to agree. The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.” The old man laughed, “I do that, too.” “I often cry,” the boy said. “So do I,” the old man nodded. ‘But worst of all,” the little boy deplored, “it seems grown-ups don’t pay attention to me.” The old man touched the hands of the little boy as if he wanted to assure him. “I know what you mean,” the old man said. Ah, to be father. “That is the thankless position of the father in the family – the provider for all, and the enemy of all,” deplored J. August Strindberg. And oftentimes, children have a hard time understanding this role. In The Bonfire of the Vanities, author Tom Wolfe wrote this statement in of his characters: “Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

POLITICAL HARAKIRI “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.” - Margaret Thatcher ******* The above quote is by no means a reference to the women who are touted to be eyeing the highest post of the land vis a viz the 2022 presidential polls. I believe that Filipinos today are now well aware of the political conditions compared to their counterparts some twenty years or more ago.. Somehow, even if still undeclared, the individual body language of presidential wannabes give themselves away. I would say that a few overly ambitious personalities may be committing a political harakiri because they have either very slim winning chances or virtually none at all. Todate, the most talked about is Inday Sara Duterte, the lady mayor of Davao City, who has been at the top of the surveys

since mid of 2020. Banners of “Run Sara Run” are sprouting in many places. Others who presume themselves to be competent and qualified are now gradually surfacing because the political season has arrived, with fanfare or without. There are as many as you observe them salivating. As early as 2019 before the midterm elections, Alan Peter Cayetano has been flexing his political muscle, employing his friends in the media and eventually collared the Speakership of the House of Representatives in a peculiar rotational arrangement with now Speaker Lord Alan Velasco. Just as he did in 2016, Cayetano has been making noises to be heard nationwide and has announced his intentions in the hope of finding a suitable partner and political machinery. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno just recently threw some hard diatribes at somebody we all know. I think his handlers are also

(mistakenly) convinced their handsome matinee idol is already ripe for the presidency. I doubt it. Yorme Moreno is a creation of pure media hype, especially in the social media. Manila has barely risen from the ruins of mismanagement and misgovernance. This is nothing to brag about. Isko-Manny or Manny-Isko is possible to challenge a Sara-Bongbong alliance. Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the Sarangani senator, gave himself away too early in the game. His erstwhile promoter Bob Arum pre-empted him by announcing loudly that his former ward will run for president even before the Pambansang Kamao beat Keith Thurman for the WBA super welterweight in 2019. Grace Poe, the woman blessed by her extremely popular family name, is quiet but the rumor mills say she might make a go for it the second time if she is able to make agreements with a vice presidentiable. Her previous tan-

dem with ex- Sen. Chiz Escudero was a big flop. Who knows? A Poe-Pacquiao or (Pacquia-Poe) deal is not farfetched. Ping Lacson has been patiently waiting in the wings for 17 years. A loser in the 2004 presidential battle, he sees no one formidable among the would be aspirants so he will cast his fate anew. Lacson, an astute former PNP chief, is rumored to partner with SP Tito Sotto, who, per media reports, already signified his intent to vie for the VP post. Antonio Trillanes III, who insinuated VP Leni Robredo may run instead for Camarines Sur governor instead, has presented himself as a viable candidate to the coalition being formed by 1Sambayan convenor retired SC justice Antonio Carpio. Bongbong Marcos is running but for what post is unclear. His recent personal visit to Mayor Sara (with sis Imee) some days

ago elicited eyebrows from political observers. I think something is cooking. Bongbong will not stubbornly foray into another losing battle after being cheated. Neither will Sara ride a losing horse. Together, this duo is visibly a conquering twosome. If 1Sambayan and the Yellows come to a pact and enlist the support of anti-Duterte groups, Carpio might end up being himself a candidate. They could be backed by media giant ABS CBN. Watch out for Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos and Angel Locsin who might just figure in the factoring for VP and senatorial bets. At any rate, let those who have ambitions come forward and woo the public. Let those who are incompetent and brazenly thickskinned be exposed for who and what they really are. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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LIFESTYLE

REDEFINING COFFEE EXPERIENCE Coffee shops are among the businesses that were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic leaving a number of baristas displaced.

After restrictions were gradually eased in Davao City, some coffee shops still remain closed while some scaled down operations, which resulted for local baristas to face challenges of very low income or no income at all. The days of lounging in comfy chairs and tables inside coffee shops while sipping your favorite latte and tapping on your laptop appeared to be a thing of the past, at least for now.

But Ayala Land Inc.’s Abreeza Mall has found a way to redefine the coffee drinking experience and at the same help local baristas continue to enjoy their passion and earn a living. This is through Street Brews, a mobile coffee pop-up that opens daily from 4p.m. to 6p.m. near the Abreeza Fountain. Street Brews is the new “destination” for coffee lovers where they can enjoy a cup of high-end but affordable hot or cold coffee blends. Merchants such as Grind Coffee Mobile Bar, Kanto Coffee, and Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee, converted their motorycles into coffee bars serving delicious hot coffee, iced drinks, and cold brews outdoor while physical distancing and wearing of face mask are observed. Through Street Brews, the baristas behind these small businesses have gained a place where they can earn income at a high-traffic location that attracts a significant number of shoppers, bikers, and commuters daily. Not only that, they are also helping the local coffee producers by selling their coffee beans. “We offered them a space with free rent under Alagang Ayala Land Program in support to local social enterprise,” said Shimea Caro, associate manager of Abreeza Mall. Street Brews offers convenience, safe, and picturesque location wherein customers who prefer the safety of an outdoor spot and treated with light breeze and nice view as they enjoy their cup in the afternoon sun. Some can also relax by sitting on Abreeza’s manicured lawns after a tiring day from the office or work or bring their pets along to walk them in the grounds. Alagang Ayala Land program provides selling opportunities for local small businesses at Abreeza at the same time giving mall customers something new to enjoy when they visit. Through these initiatives, Abreeza Mall hopes to help segments of the community hard-hit by the pandemic to rebuild their livelihood and empower themselves to grow their businesses even further.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

JUNE 9: CORAL TRIANGLE DAY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

f there’s Bermuda Triangle in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, there is Coral Triangle in the western part of Pacific Ocean But while Bermuda Triangle has been known for the various disappearances of ships and planes which have been attributed to the paranormal or activity by extraterrestrial beings, Coral Triangle is famous for its marine treasure. If the Amazon is the symbol of the world’s rainforests, the Coral Triangle is touted to be the center of global marine diversity. In this region that’s half the size of the United States and passes through six countries, there are more marine species than anywhere else on the planet. The region covers the exclusive economic zones of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and East Timor. It is considered as one of the 3 mega ecological complexes on earth, together with Congo Basin and the Amazon Rainforest. Every year, on June 9, the Coral Triangle Day is celebrated to raise awareness of ocean conservation and protection in the countries which are members of the Coral Triangle. It was first held

as a regional interpretation of World Oceans Day in 2012. Since then, it is simultaneously celebrated by all Coral Triangle countries annually. Numerous activities are being held during the Coral Triangle Day which include but are not limited to beach clean-ups; sustainable seafood dinners and exhibitions; bazaars; and beach parties, among others. What’s so special about the Coral Triangle? For one, most of the coral reefs can be found in this region. “The Coral Triangle occupies just 1.5% of the world’s total area, but represents 30% of the world’s coral reefs,” says the website, earth.org. “The area, covering over 130,000 square kilometers, has nearly 600 species of reefbuilding corals – 75% of the world’s coral species.” This means the region has the highest coral diversity in the world. “The epicenter of that coral diversity is found in the Bird’s Head Peninsula of Indonesian Papua, which hosts 574 species (95% of the Coral Triangle, and 72%

of the world’s total),” states the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). “Within the Bird’s Head Peninsula, the Raja Ampat archipelago is the world’s coral diversity bull’s eye with 553 species.” Not only that. “The Coral Triangle has 15 regionally endemic coral species (species found nowhere else in the world), and shares 41 regional endemic species with Asia,” says the WWF. Because of its huge coral reef areas and diversity, it contains 37% (2,228) of the world’s coral reef fish species (6,000) and 56% of the coral reef fishes in the Indo-Pacific region (4,050). At least 8% (235 species) of the coral reef fishes in the Coral Triangle are endemic or locally restricted species. Within the Coral Triangle, four areas have particularly high levels of endemism: Lesser Sunda Islands, Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands, Bird’s Head Peninsula and the Central Philippines. “Healthy reefs act as natural barriers that soften the blow from typhoons, storm-generated waves and tsunamis,” earth.org says. A study done in 2018 showed that damage to coastal communities in the Coral Triangle caused by flooding would nearly double with the ecologicallyfragile coral reefs. “Additionally,without the

reefs, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines would see the costs of flooding events tripled; the reefs that encircle these countries could save, on average, more than US$400 million each year.” The Coral Triangle is not only known for its coral reefs but also for its marine turtles. There are only 8 marine turtles known to man and six of them can be found in this region. The Philippines, for instance, is home to five of them: Green Sea (known in the science world as Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Leatherback (Dermocheyls coriacea). There are several other marine species swimming in its waters. “Whales, dolphins, porpoises, dugongs and whale shark feed, breed and migrate in these waters,” earth.org says. The Coral Triangle also supports large populations of commercially-important tuna: over 120 million people live in the region and rely on tit for food, income and protection from storms. “Tuna spawning and nursery grounds support a multi-billon dollar industry, while the tourism industry associated with the Coral

Triangle is valued at over US$12 billion annually,” earth.org reports. Despite their importance and the economic opportunities the region brings, Coral Triangle is not spared from destruction and environmental woes. For one, there are issues

of overfishing and the employment of destructive fishing methods. “Overfishing and methods of harvesting fish and other resources are unsustainable at current levels and place this vitally important region at risk of breakdown,” earth.org points out. Dynamite fishing and the use of cyanide are the two destructive fishing methods being employed in the region. “Blasting destroys over 200 square feet of coral reef at a time, while cyanide stuns fish without killing them, leaving them unable to move and easy to catch,” earth.org says. “Bycatching is also an issue, where non-target fish species are caught.” Earth.org further states: “When large, predatory fish are sustainably caught, the reef can rebound. Often though, the area’s largest predators are pulled from the reef in high numbers, shrinking their populations and allowing destructive fish populations to weaken the coral reef ecosystem.” The rising ocean temperatures are also threatening the region’s coral reefs. “Coral reefs cannot survive if the water keeps warming; corals rely on algae living inside them to supply them with food,” earth.org explains. “The algae, which give the coral its colors, die if the water gets too hot. The loss of this algae leaves the coral bleached.” Additionally, plastic pollution is threatening the reefs. “Marine animals consume small pieces of plastic, and these plastics sometimes act as vectors for disease, spreading contagions like ‘white syndrome’ from sick to healthy corals,” the earth.org says. The Philippines, being part of the Coral Triangle, also plays an important role. For one, more than 500 species of coral and 2,000 species of fish live in the waters of the Philippine islands, according to

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FATHER’S... FROMP2 where Mayor Sara was consistently on the top spot. “The message is very clear. These people are just crossing their fingers and look at Mayor Sara as an agent of continuity,” he said. He also said that these individuals are now complying the request of Mayor Sara to instead of spending for tarpaulins, they give food to those who are affected with the lockdowns in Davao City. “What they are doing now they are giving food

for those who are lockdown because of Covid-19 at the same time support the other programs of Mayor Sara,” he said. It can be recalled that President Duterte recently named his options on who to endorse as next top leader of the country, which includes his daughter Mayor Sara, his loSenator Christopher “Bong” Go, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Manila City Mayor Franciso “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and ex-senator Bongbong Marcos.

have already directed them to coordinate with the Special Projects Office Under the City Mayor’s Office located at Magsaysay Park as this office will provide emergency employment assistance for affected workers whose offices or establishments were temporarily closed due to MECQ).” The early registrants included RM Body Massage with four personnel, Ilash Extension (six workers), RLG Swimming Pool (five), Deety Salon (eight), Eonia Wellness and Beauty Center (six), Lamee Cha Milktea Shop (six), Pacific Spa (21), Fire Dragon 76 (six), Thai Boran Cabantian (10), Helping Point Blind Massage (19), London Aesthetics (11), Qui Body Massage (five), Amarathus Spa (19), G Port Internet Cafe (one), Sherg Janitorial and Allied Services (16), Breathe Spa (four), Sebo Massage and Spa Calinan (12), Donna and Nicole Salon (14), Phil Jag Salon (three), Philosophy Salon and Spa (24), JC Mejos Agri-Ventures (29), Mates Orthotics and Prosthetics Fabrication Center (three), Thai Boran Mintal (five), and Bee Fit Fitness Gym (19), among others. Establishments not allowed to open under MECQ based on DTI’s guidelines are indoor noncontact sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas, or other leisure centers or facilities; indoor sports, courts or venues for

contact sports, scrimmages, games, or activities; indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits; outdoor tourist attractions; venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Also prohibited to operate under MECQ are other personal care services, which include make-up salons, medical aesthetic clinics, cosmetic or derma clinics, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic centers, and similar establishments; acupuncture and electrocautery establishments, and massage therapy including sports therapy establishment; and establishments providing tanning services, body piercings, tattooing, and similar services as well as cinemas, amusement parks or theme parks, casinos, horse racing, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments; recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues. DTI Region 11, on its website, clarified on June 5 that only beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops, and nail spas are allowed to operate at 30 percent of their maximum capacity provided that wearing of face mask and face shield is observed at all times.CIO

bust money, and a cellular phone were also confiscated. Aguilar said police police operation have beenconstantly monitoring the suspect’s illegal activities prior to the conduct of the operation. According to DCPO chief Colonel Kirby John Kraft the suspect was placed under surveillance since last year..

“Yong mga customer niya dito sa Davao City ay pinapapunta na lang niya sa Panabo City, dahil ito umano ang utos ng boss niya na huwag pumasok ng Davao,” Kraft said. The suspect is now facing criminal charges in violation of Sections 5 and 11 of the Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./AMA

SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said the company stands ready to work with the government for the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine by allowing SM malls to be used as vaccination sites. As of June 5, Tan said 50 SM malls are being used as vaccination sites with over 250,000 indi-

viduals inoculated inside SM malls and 61,000 completed the two doses of Covid-19 vaccine. NTF chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said vaccine orders from the private sector will start to arrive by June 30 kicking off with the arrival of the 250,000 doses of Moderna vaccine. (PNA)

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fearing the vaccine and get vaccinated since it would lessen the effects of the symptoms and decrease the mortality rate among the most vulnerable citizens of the country. Furthermore, some leaders of the various sectors of the society voiced out their support to the campaign and encouraged their fellow Tagumenyos to pre-register at the online link available at the official Facebook pages of the City Government of Tagum and City Health Office Tagum and/or at their respective barangay halls and health centers. Meanwhile, the CHO of Tagum is gearing up for

another wave of vaccination this June 7 to 28 for the senior citizens who are the second priority of the campaign. Another vaccination site is being eyed to cater the said clients as well and a text confirmation scheme is going to be implemented so as to minimize the influx of people at the venues. Tagumenyos are reminded to bring their QR codes, ballpens, IDs, and food and drinks to allow for smooth transaction. Minimum health standards such as wearing of face mask and face shield, and using of hand sanitizers are still being strictly implemented. (PR-Ziyarah Manalo/CIO Tagum)

Bangsamoro Organic Law. Sobejana added that JTF is also tasked to synchronize the operations of EASTMINCOM and WESTMINCOM in the holistic whole of nation approach to restore peace and order in conflict-affected areas as well as prevent conflicts in vulnerable areas. This will be done in collaboration and cooperation of field offices of the national government agencies and the LGUs. Sobejana delegated former Philippine Army acting commanding general Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr. to lead the unit as he has all the knowledge

and expertise as well as his high level of expertise to oversee the operations of both commands. Faustino had been the commander of battalion and brigade in Western Mindanao particularly in Basilan and Sulu; also served as commander of 10th Infantry Division covering Regions 11 and 12; and eventually became chief of EASTMINCOM securing Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13. AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana presides over the activation ceremony of JTF Mindanao held at the General Headquarters Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo last Friday./AMA

not been vaccinated. Nobody’s safe until everyone’s safe.” US President Joe Biden last week announced plans to raise corporate taxes to finance a massive $2 trillion infrastructure and jobs pro-

gram. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had also proposed that nations adopt a global minimum corporate tax to stem the erosion of government revenues.

In the US, a ransomware attack on one of its main fuel pipeline networks caused a temporary shutdown and has sparked fears of a shortage in supply. As of February this year, the Philippines was at 6th place in the global

list of countries with the most web threats recorded, according to Kaspersky’s 2020 Security Network (KSN) report. There were 44.4 million web-borne threats in computers in the Philippines, the report said.

several magazines of M14 and M16 rifles; four Grenade Rifles M76; three Grenade Rifles M75; 1.5 Liters ANFO believed to be Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components; M16 spent cartridge case; Bandoliers; and Cellphones. According to Eleazar, Ittot was involved in a roadside bombing incident in Tuburan, Basilan sometime in 2018 targeting the convoy of the town Mayor Durie Kalahal. He was also implicated in the harassment incident victimizing the group of Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho of Mohammad Ajul, Basilan while conducting community service in Tuburan town. Ittot was also linked with the Local ASG bombers in Basilan who were also involved in Vehicle Burning/ IED attack in Barangay

Colonia, Lamitan City, Basilan and several IED roadside bombings in the province. The body of the slain suspected terrorist was handed over to the Barangay Chairman and his immediate family for traditional Muslim burial rites. Eleazar emphasized that the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes is becoming more complex but the PNP stays in control to stamp out this challenge which is one of the operational thrusts under the PNP’s Intensified Cleanliness Policy. “Rest assured that we remain steadfast in enhancing our operational capability to keep our citizens safe from crime and terrorism,” Eleazar added./ AMA

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coraltrianglecenter.org. About 10% of the world’s marine protected areas – more than 500 – are in the Philippines. Of these, less than 200 have been assessed as “effectively managed.” Marine protection has a long history in the Philippines; tribal customs dating back hundreds of years prescribed marine resource use. As early as the 1870s, collection areas for milkfish (locally known as bangus) were regulated. The Hundred Island National Park is considered to be the first marine park in Southeast Asia.

Donsol, at the south of Luzon Island, is the most significant whale shark interaction site in the world. Whale sharks are the world’s biggest fish; they are considered vulnerable and are protected in the country. The waters of Davao Gulf is regarded as one of the most diverse cetacean habitats in the country, being home to at least 10 species of toothed whales and dolphins such as sperm whales and beaked whales. In addition, whale sharks and dugongs are seen frequently. – (Photos from WWF and NOAA)

ally iced the match for China after slotting in a 65th-minute goal from a tough angle off a short cross from Zhang Xizhe. With a huge gap in goal difference (plus-20 for China and minus-2 for the Azkals), China, which moved up to 13 points off four wins, one draw, and one loss, has essentially sealed the second spot in Group A. However, China still needs to beat Maldives early Saturday (Philippine time) and group

leader Syria on June 16 (Philippine time) if it wants to join Syria in the third round of the WCQ. Qualifying for the next WCQ round will also mean an automatic spot in the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup. The Azkals, on the other hand, must beat Guam on Friday and Maldives on June 15 to seal the third spot in Group A, which would mean qualification to the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. (PNA)

a shift in the imports of Thai and Vietnamese rice, and Burmese (Myanmar) rice, to rice from other countries where the value is much lower. Just keep an eye on that,” Dominguez told Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero during a recent Department of Finance (DOF) executive committee (Execom) meeting. A former agriculture secretary, Dominguez cited India as a possible source of cheap rice imports. Guerrero reported during the Execom meeting that the BOC is now reviewing the valuation of rice shipments from Vietnam after noticing that most of the imports from there were declared with values lower than the published prevailing prices for such exports from that country. “We discovered that many of these importations are under a tentative assessment so we are reviewing the payments,” Guerrero said. Guerrero said the average value of rice imports, coming mostly from Vietnam, dropped 12.7 percent to P19,312 per metric ton (MT) in May 2021, compared to P22,119 per MT in the same month last year. The average value of rice in May was also lower than the P21,066 per MT recorded in April and P22,119 per MT in March. In previous Execom meetings, Guerrero had reported increasing tariff collections despite lower import volumes because of a steady improvement in the BOC’s valuation system. Preliminary data showed that from Janu-

ary 1 to April 30, a total of 804,360 metric tons (MT) of rice shipments worth P17 billion entered the country, representing a 9.2-percent decline from the 885,645 MT valued at P16.4 billion that were imported during the same period last year. BOC revenues collected from the January 1-April 30 imports amounted to P5.67 billion, which was 3.7 percent more than the P5.46 billion collected during the same period in 2020, despite lower import volumes of the cereal this year. From an average of P18,508 per metric ton (MT) recorded from January 1-April 30 in 2020, the average value of rice imports rose to P21,096 per MT during the same period in 2021, which is an increase of 14 percent, Guerrero said. In September last year, the BOC subjected several rice importations to “post-modification and post audit” to ensure that undervalued shipments are properly assessed and subsequently paid with the correct amount of duties and taxes. At the height of the strict quarantines imposed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BOC allowed traders to avail of the Provisional Goods Declaration in processing their shipments to help ensure the stable supply of rice in the market. But the BOC later found out the valuation of several rice shipments with provisional goods declaration to be low compared to the prevailing market prices, prompting the Bureau to conduct a post-audit on these imports. (PR-DOF)

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SPORTS 11

Alex Eala has been bundled out in the opening round of the French Open.

Eala bows out of French Open P inay teen tennis sensation Alex Eala is out of the French Open after taking an upset loss to Matilda Mutavdzic of Great Britain, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-1, in the opening round at Roland Garros on Monday in Paris, France. The match between two gutsy 16-year-olds went wire-to-wire until the second seeded Eala succumbed to the aggressive play of the Mutavdzic. World No. 624 and Juniors No. 3 Eala and World

No. 865 and Juniors No. 19 Mutavdzic had a close fight in the first set where they leveled at 3-3 after breaking each other’s serves in the first four games and then holding serve in the next two games.

Eala broke to lead at 4-3 with a forehand approach shot winner but Mutavdzic replied with a break to even at 4-4. At 5-4, the Brit earned three set points on Eala’s serve and clinched the opening set, 6-4, due to a double fault from the Filipino. Eala bounced back in the second set, where she sealed a 4-0 advantage with a backhand down the line winner. She continued to lead at 5-1, before Mutavdzic inched closer and equalized at 5-5. Prior, Eala had two chances

to serve for the set at 5-2 and 5-4. Eala managed to break to lead at 6-5 and serve for the set for the third time, but Mutavdzic broke with a passing shot to force a tiebreak. In the second set decider, the Brit breezed to a 4-1 lead and the Filipino fought back to win the next six points to claim the second set, 7-6(4). Mutavdzic opened the third set by breaking serve and Eala did the same in the following game. Mutavdzic continued to fire winners to

extend her lead to 5-1. With Eala on serve, Mutavdzic caught up to deuce, earned her match point, and successfully converted it, 6-1, to move on to the second round. Also on Monday, No. 1 seeds Eala and Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva will see action against Evialina Laskevich of Belarus and Alina Shcherbinina of Russia. Eala and Selekhmeteva will seek to replicate their success at the W25 Platja D’Aro tournament in Spain where they

were finalists in May. In 2020, Eala made it to the Roland Garros junior girls’ semifinals, 35 years after a Filipino became a junior grand slam semifinalist — Felix Barrientos at the 1985 Wimbledon Championships. The Rafa Nadal Academy scholar, who won the 2020 Australian Open junior girls’ doubles championship with Indonesian Priska Madelyn Nugroho, bagged her first professional title in January at the W15 Manacor tournament in Spain.

he Philippine Azkals lost steam midway in the second half and fell prey to China, 0-2, in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) on Monday (local time) at the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Despite a solid first half that saw the Azkals’ defense led by newcomer Jefferson Tabinas frustrating China’s offense and Mark Hartmann getting two huge chances at goal, China made the proper adjustments at halftime and was rewarded with the victory through the help of keeper Yan Junling, Wu Lei put China on the board after scoring a penalty against Bernd Schipmann in the 56th minute. Wu Xinghan then eventu-

hris Paul scored 14 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and also contributed 11 assists and six rebounds to help the Phoenix Suns record a 122-105 victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets in the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night. Mikal Bridges scored 23 points, Devin Booker notched 21 points and eight assists, and Deandre Ayton contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds for the second-seeded Suns. Phoenix outscored Denver 59-33 over the final 19 minutes, 34 seconds. Nikola Jokic registered 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots for the third-seeded Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon scored 18 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 15 points, Facundo Campazzo tallied 14 points and JaMychal Green had 10 points and 11 rebounds for Denver. Game 2 will be Wednesday night, also in Phoenix. Jae Crowder added 14 points for the Suns, who shot 54.1 percent from the field, including 13 of 34 from 3-point range. The Nuggets connected on 46.7 percent of their shots and were 14 of 40 from behind the arc. Denver held a 72-63 lead after two free throws by Austin Rivers with 7:34 left in the third quarter before the Suns exploded for 16 straight points en route to controlling the remainder of the contest.

Azkals lose match vs. China Suns win series opener vs Nuggets at World Cup qualifiers C T

Azkals captain Stephen Schrock tries to outmaneuvre his defenders.

FAZKALS, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 73 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 09, 2021

US OPEN CHAMPION. Malacañang on Monday (June 7, 2021) hailed golfer Yuka Saso for becoming the first Filipino to win the US Open golf championship on Saturday (Philippine time).

FILIPINO PRIDE Palace hails Yuka Saso for winning US Women’s Open

alacañang on Monday congratulated Filipino teenager Yuka Saso for her historic win in the 76th US Women’s Open golf championship at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. “Today is a great day in Philippine sports. The Palace greets Yuka Saso for bringing honor to the Philippines by winning the 2021 US Women’s Open,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement. Roque recalled how President Rodrigo Duterte met Saso at Malacañan Palace when she was awarded a Presidential citation after winning the gold medal in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. “She is indeed the pride and glory of our country. We are all proud of you. Congratulations,” he added. The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco also issued a congratulatory message for Saso. “The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco congratulates 19-year-old Filipina golfer Ms. Yuka Saso for winning the 2021 76th US Women’s Open in San Francisco! Mabuhay” the Consulate said in a statement posted on its official Twitter account.

Saso bested Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in the third hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the title. Her 10-foot putt for birdie on the third playoff hole Saturday (Philippine time) helped her edge out Hataoka and become the second teenager to win the US Women’s Open. The 19-year-old Saso overcame early back-to-back double bogeys to make the playoff and then became the first player from the Philippines to win a golf major. She modeled her golf game after former World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, spending hours watching videos of his swing before going to bed each night to perfect her own. Saso has yet to meet McIlroy personally, though she has said that she hopes to do so at the Tokyo Olympics. She is provisionally qualified for the Games as she is currently ranked 22nd in the Olympic Golf Rankings, where the top 60 will earn tickets to Tokyo. (PNA)