VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
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MINDANAO’S LAST CHANCE
CALL FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE. Officials and employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by Governor Mujiv Hataman (center) release balloons to call for justice and peace after the January 25 deaths of 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. (Contibuted photo)
2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
PRAYER. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by Governor Mujiv Hataman and other officials pray for peace and justice.
MINDANAO’S LAST CHANCE By AMIR MAWALLIL
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HE Moro land is once again under attack, standing right in the middle of an ocean of warmongers who are crying, capitalizing on the tragic incident in the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. The echoes of their screams for blood continues to ring even now as an investigation is being conducted in order to uncover the truth behind the
build their future. We have seen and experienced the repercussions when our leaders were ensnared by these warmongers’ machinations. We saw what destruction can result when they give up on peace and resort to violence. Since the 70s, over 120,000 have been killed in the Mindanao war – soldiers, rebels, civilians. But the guns were silent the past years, sig-
hope to spring and flourish in Mindanao, opening a beautiful space for people to live a life in peace, a life far from and contrary to the miserable life in cramped evacuation camps or makeshift shelters along the craggy roads or burning sun – without water, food, clothes; a life almost always without nothing but fear and uncertainty. And so what happened
FALLEN 44. The slain members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (SAF) arrive at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on January 29. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) tragic incident. As a Mindanawon, as a Tausug, I refuse to fall into the trap of these provocateurs whose intentions are as cruel and inhuman as the tragedy that befell all the victims of the Mamasapano incident. I and my family are living witnesses to how this devil called war can be so merciless on civilians, not sparing even the children who are yet to see the world, enjoy life, and
naling that peace is possible in Mindanao. As a Moro who lived a life in which I thought I would forever be trapped in the middle of armed conflicts, I have never given up on my belief that a miracle called peace could happen in Mindanao. And it did when the MILF and the government signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in March last year. It allowed
January 25, Sunday, still remains unthinkable. For how can a silent bright Sunday, one of those days supposedly spent on counting out for the great possibilities awaiting the Moro people once the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed, turn bloody? Yes, we mourn the death of the 44 members Police Special Action Force at the hands of MILF fighters. We mourn the death of the fighters of
the MILF at the hands of the police commandos. We share the grief of their families and we join in the demands for accountability and justice. However, accountability and justice cannot be achieved if we allow these warmongers to influence and corrupt us. These people, most of them not even Mindanawons, are apparently out to make Mindanao a garden of death and misery once again by breeding hatred and perpetuating war if only to serve their interests. These warmongers are now trying to crush the gains of the peace process, attacking the Bangamoro Basic Law and loudly beating the drums of war. As Mindanawons, we know better. The Moro people in Mindanao and all the peace-loving people of the island must stand against these warmongers. We appeal for help from civil-society groups, individual advocates, and the international community to help us and never give up on us the way our past governments did. Help us protect Mindanao and stand tall in defense of the gains of the peace process. We all know that the solution to the Mindanao problem is never war. We all know, as Mindanawons, the best solution is peace. For the past 17 years, the Moro people have never ceased to dream of that day when Mindanao becomes a free land, and us – a free nation. Over the past 17 years, this dream was never extinguished by the injustices committed against the Moro people – not by the countless
wars and the displacements, the deaths, the poverty, and everything that we are right now, what we have right now, and what we intend to become tomorrow. Instead, the aspiration continues to burn even more inside us as we wake up every morning and through the day. And the same aspiration has made our romance with the stars and the moon even more beautiful. A closer look at happened on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao brings a shiver into my spine. Am I scared? Yes, I am. But I cannot be paralyzed by fear forever. I am a brave Moro. We are a strong Moro people. For this, I trust that what happened on Sunday in Mamasapano in Maguindanao will not crush us or weaken our resolve to continue working for peace. The past 17 years saw the gains of the peace negotiations that proved how great we are as a people and as a nation. Are we not enjoying positive changes around us now? The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has succeeded in spurring development across the region – and although bit by bit, these
Amir Mawallil, 26, is the founding chairperson of the western Mindanao chapter of Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN), the largest non-governmental organization of Muslim professionals in the country. He is currently the director of the ARMM Bureau of Public Information.
developments are proof that the Moro people can make it and that we can stand on our own. These gains were collected because of our sincerity to our aspirations and dreams for a Bangsamoro that is free, a Bangsamoro that is ours. We are enjoying these gains now because we, the Moro people, our leaders, were brave and tireless in making the lines open for a negotiated settlement. These gains were the gains of peace and sacrifices. Now, I would like to appeal to the Moro leaders and the government of the Philippines not to give up on the Bangsamoro. I have said it before, and allow me to say it again: the Bangsamoro Basic Law will lay down a new horizon for the Bangsamoro people. We believe that the BBL will roll out endless possibilities for the young ones – for us and for the generations to come. This is our last chance. On Sunday morning, I was dreaming of that day when the government of the Philippines finally approves the BBL. I believe I was not alone that day.
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
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4 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
Several Mamasapano folk near clash site suffer trauma: DOH M
ANY residents of this sleepy town need medical and psychological intervention for the trauma caused by the bloody encounter almost two weeks ago between police commandos and Moro rebels, a health official said on Thursday. “We found out that aside from ordinary illness, many of the displaced families have been suffering emotional distress and trauma, especially elders and women,” according to Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, regional secretary of the Department of Health of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Sinolinding led a medical mission in Barangay Tukanalipao, where members of the PNP Special Action Force clashed with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last Jan. 25. Forty-four police operatives, 18 rebels and at least four civilian died in the clash which also forced thousands of residents to flee their homes. Among those who apparently suffered trauma was Pahima Akmad, 29, mother of four from Tukanalipao. “I cannot sleep well at night for fear armed men will
return and war will happen again,” she said while clutching one of her daughters as she and other villagers lined up for medical services. Akmad said her 70-yearold father had suffered hypertension as a result of the encounter. “He has blood pressure problem and he is weak,” she added. She recalled that early on January 25, she and the family were awakened by automatic gunfire forcing them to flee with only their clothes on. Sinolinding’s team distributed medicines and conducted medical consultations with the displaced families. “We are sending here DOH-12 personnel to conduct psychosocial counseling with the help of other government agencies,” Sinolinding told reporters at the end of the medical mission. “They experienced a very stressful experience,” he said, adding many of them could hardly sleep for fear of yet another round of violence. “Many have experienced post-traumatic stress. Our staff will attend to them to help them cope with the situation and move on,” he said. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)
TRAVEL TIME. A travel agent entertains a customer at one of the exhibitor’s booths during the second day of the 6th Davao Mega Travel Sale at the activity center of Abreeza Mall in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
NEWS
Manila investigators to probe burning of CDO Hall of Justice A
THREE-MAN team of arson investigators from Manila arrived here Saturday to conduct a probe on the burning of the Hall of Justice here, fire officials said. Superintendent Shirley Teleron, district fire marshall, said that the local fire department will submit all initial findings to the team, which will conduct a separate probe of the burning of the Hall of Justice here last week. Teleron said that a presidential memorandum allowed arson investigators from Manila to conduct a probe on government-owned buildings, razed by fires outside Manila. She said that the team would also coordinate with the local task force composed of other government investigative bodies in the investigation. Teleron said that the local investigators have yet to determine the cause of the
100 scholarships for IPs in Davao
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T least 100 scholarship slots are available for indigenous peoples (IPs) from the departments of Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture and Health and from the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), an Ata official said. In an interview Friday in Paquibato, Datu Jose Amban, chair of Paquibato’s indigenous political structure, said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has asked him for recommendations of students who are qualified for scholarships. The priority scholars should come from the beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), he said, without giving a figure. Amban said that Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also sought his recommendation for 100 scholars who are willing to take up agriculture courses. The Department of Health is also looking for one student beneficiary who would take up a medical course at the Davao Medical School Foundation, he said. Amban said the NCIP is also looking for IP students to support financially through its education assistance program. The NCIP can provide P10,000 monthly allowance for students with a grade average of 83% and above.
fire that gutted the Hall of Justice here Friday night last week. She said that the investigators adopted two approaches in the investigation: 1, whether the fire was intentionally done and, 2, to find out whether the fire was accidental. A fire of unknown origin gobbled up the Hall of Justice along the Hayes Street in Cagayan De Oro City Friday night last week, killing two persons and damaged to properties amounting to more than Php 28 million. Teleron said firefighters failed to penetrate the building because of series of explosions which could have been due to explosives kept in the building as evidences. At least, 25 government offices attached to the Department of Justice (DOJ), including 19 court ‘salas’ of the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) were burned, including all court records and evidences. (PNA)
NOW OPEN. Councilors Leo Avila (third from left), Mabel Sunga-Acosta (fourth from right), and Joanne Bonguyan-Quilos lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Dermax Laser Center at the third level of Abreeza Corporate Center yesterday. Witnessing the event are Dermax Laser Center chairman and
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chief executive officer Fred C. Reyes (second from left), president Carleen G. Reyes (third from right), director Gerard G. Reyes (leftmost), endorser 2008 Bb. Pilipinas International Patricia Fernandez (center), and Abreeza Mall deputy general manager Luigi Escano. Lean Daval Jr.
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
Duterte: Purisima still has to answer allegations HOPEFUL. A job seeker checks on the list of job vacancies posted outside the office of Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at City Hall on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.
By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA
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AYOR Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the resignation of Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Allan Purisima but said the latter still has to answer all the accusations hurled against him regarding Operation Wolverine which resulted in the deaths of 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF). “It is an honorable of him to do that, especially since all
the accusing fingers are pointing to him as the one who ran the operation,” Duterte said in an interview after the Regional Peace and Order Council Multi-Stakeholders’ Forum and Consultation Friday afternoon in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. Operation Wolverine targeted the arrest of alleged terrorists Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman in
Mission to probe US involvement in clash By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
TOTAL of 150 persons from various religious groups from different regions in Mindanao will conduct an in-depth investigation of the alleged involvement of US troops in the January 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF). The group, called People’s Fact Finding Mission (PFFM), will have a send-off ceremony on Sunday morning at Freedom Park in Davao City.
The four-day PFFM, which will be conducted from February 9 to 12, will be spearheaded by Kalinaw Mindanao, Suara Bangsamoro, and Kawagib Moro Human Rights Group. The conduct of the mission is a “display of solidarity towards the civilian community which has been directly affected by the encounter that happened in Mamasapano, Maguindanao,” Kawagib secretary general Bai Ali Indayla said in a statement.
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Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Marwan, a Malaysian, was killed in the operation but Usman, a Filipino, managed to escape. The operation, however, resulted in a gunfight between the SAF and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). “Even if the operation has
succeeded, it was still improper... because he (Purusima) was running a military or police action while he was under suspension,” the mayor said. He said being a suspended official, Purisima should not have handled the operation since PNP Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina who was the acting PNP chief should be in charge of it. Purisima has denied han-
dling the operation but said he was resigning so that the President “may have more room to act and move to address the situation which is affecting the whole nation.” “While we had a successful mission against terrorism in Mamasapano in Maguindanao, this came at very high cost. Allow me to express my sympathies to the families, to my fellow SAF policemen. Yes,
I once was a SAF member and I know the sacrifice each and every member devotes to his job,” he said. Duterte said although Purisima has resigned from his post, he is still has to answer the accusations against him and should be summoned to all investigating bodies. If he does not attend the hearings, he should be cited for contempt, Duterte added.
with the truth and nothing but the whole truth, so help us God,” dela Rosa told Edge Davao. The names of the members of the BOI were released on Friday by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, who heads the BOI, “in the interest of transparency.” Magalong said the BOI will “conduct an objective, impartial and thorough investigation into the Mamasapano incident.” Dela Rosa is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1986 and is a former CIDG investigator. He had a colorful stint in
Davao City highlighted by the successful rescue of Quezon City-based businesswoman Sally Chua at the Allied Bank branch along C.M. Recto Avenue on July 11, 2013. The operation led to the deaths of three of the kidnappers. One was arrested, while the rest were able to flee. Dela Rosa also sought alternate solutions to the problem of drugs in Davao City, including operation “tokhang” (a combination of the Visayan words toktok or knock and hangyo or plead) in which police officers would go to the homes of suspected pushers and try to convince them to stop their illegal trade. He ended his tour of duty
as DCPO director on October 25, 2013. Aside from Magalong and dela Rosa, the other members of the BOI are Director Catalino Rodriguez of the Directorate for Reseach and Development (DRD); Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO)-Eastern Mindanao executive officer Chief Superintendent John Sosito; PNP deputy public information officer Senior Superintendent Roberto Po; Senior Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag; Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr.; and Chief Inspector David Joy Duarteof the Center for Police Strategic Management.
Bato won’t back down on probe By JON JOAQUIN
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ORMER Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa yesterday said he will not back down from the task of investigating the January 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash as part of the eight-man Board of Inquiry (BOI) formed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough probe on the incident which killed 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF). “Lisod ni nga trabaho pero dili nako ni atrasan (This is hard work but I will not back down from it). The public holds very high expectations from us to come up
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
7 ECONOMY
Tagum expects 10K participants, tourists in founding anniversary By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
HE City Government of Tagum and its tourism officials are expecting more than 10,000 participants and tourists in each side events when they stage the 17thAraw ng Tagum from February 21 to March 7. Tagum City Tourism Council chairman Marlene Rellon-Alastra, speaking in Friday’s Kapehan sa NCCC Mall of Davao, said their two week-long celebration of the Araw ng Tagum last year was a huge success.
“We estimated that an estimated of 11,000 participants joined the opening of the event while another 13,000 participated our longest parade ever. It’s overwhelming,” Alastra said. Alastra said this year, the council and the local government of Tagum are seeking to gather more participants as well as the number of tourist arrivals. “We would like to overpass the number of spectators this year. We are tarheting
about 18,000 to 20,000 participants this year in our parade,” she said. The tourism official said she cannot give specific data on the number of tourist arrivals in last year’s celebration because accommodation units in the city haven’t submitted their reports. According to her, this year’s celebration is much more bigger than last year because of various lined-up events that will happened simultaneously.
Among the events for the 17thAraw ng Tagum are the Grand Opening Celebration on Feb 28 at the Tagum City Freedom Park, Musikahan Festival Trade Fair, Musical Outreach Performance, Tagum City Junior Symphonic Orchestra Concert; Rondal-Awit: Plucked Strings Competition; Kantahan sa Tagum Grand Finals, Himig Handog Choral Competition, Tagumenyo Bisa’g Asa Ka ka saTagum: Drum and Bugle Lyre Corps competition, Avenida Musika
Brass Band Symphonic Competition and TunogTagum. Alastra said the city government as well as the council allotted a total of P4 million in two of their major events. “We budgeted the Tagum City Musikahan Festival that has a total of 30 participants with P2 million and another P2 million for the Araw ng Tagumenyo which will be participated by more than hundreds of balikbayans,” she said.. Participants of Tagumen-
Biz leader still believes in BBL A
WHY MUNCHTOWN CAME TO BE. Restaurateur Carlo Lorenzana shares the concept behind Munchtown Diner during the Fast Fridays forum at Barrio Fiesta of SM Lanang Premier. He is joined by Munchtown Diner’s operations manager Gemma Herradura (middle) and Sales Supervisor Jazzy Pasagui.
Munchtown Diner eyes to hike sales By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY
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AVAO City’s gourmet restaurant Munchtown Diner is seeking to increase its sales by 20 to 30 percent this year with its offering of quality products headed by the black angus burger. Local restaurateur Carlo Lorenzana, co-owner of Munchtown, said they are the only restaurant in Mindanao to offer black angus burger, which is made of quality beef from the US, and relies on this advantage to attract customers aside from their good ser-
vice. “Kami lang sa buong Mindanao (We are the only one in Mindanao), if I’m not mistaken, that offers, or was the first one to offer black angus burgers,” Lorenzana said during the Fast Fridays forum last week at SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107 by: Barrio Fiesta. Lorenzana said their target market is A and B and that they have sacrificed on their pricing for the people of Davao, whose palate, he de-
scribed, as becoming sophisticated from the 80s. “We adjusted the pricing. Here in Davao, we are price sensitive,” he said. Munchtown Diner, which is located at the first level of SM Lanang Premier, also offers other kinds of quality food for its customers like pizza, hotdogs, french fries and the Mexican burritos. The restaurant accommodates from 60 to 70 customers at the same time. Operations manager Gemma Herradura said their milk
shakes are also of quality as they use ice cream to suit to the customer’s craving. Meanwhile, Munchtown supervisor Jazzy Pasagui they are now offering Pay Day Pizza, a buy one, take one promo on all their pizza products every 15th and 30th of the month for the clients to enjoy. Lorenzana, together with entrepreneur Marga Nograles, partnered with celebrity chef Robby Goco to establish Munchtown Diner in Davao City in August of 2014.
The month of May will have Palarong Pamabansa, the largest gathering of student athletes from all over the country. Alastra said they are expecting 18,000 to 20,000 athletes, delegates and other visitors during the event. This October the City will also be hosting the Boys Scout of the Philippines National Jamboree which is expected to equal or surpass the number of visitors coming to the
Palaro. Alastra said that Tagum City doesn’t have natural tourist spots like white sand beaches that could draw in tourists but she said having MICE events is a way of drawing them in. Tagum City also has local festivals such as the Musikahan, Araw ng Tagum, Santacruzan and the annual fiesta which draws in visitors. Alastra said that the city
has about 3,000 hotel rooms to accommodate visitors. There are about 15 main hotels in the city while the rest are hostels and inns. As for the Palaro, Alastra said the city is preparing 18 schools which will be used as billeting quarters for the participants. She said aside from Tagum several neighboring towns will also be hosting the accomodations of the athletes. (PIA/RG Alama)
Tagum City tourism to focus on MICE H
OSTING several large events this year, Tagum City is focusing on MICE (Meetings Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) events to attract its share of tourists. Marlene Alastra, Tagum City Tourism Council chairperson said that starting this year Tagum City is bent on MICE with two very large events which will be held in the city.
yo Bisa’g Asa event will have chance to experience either Day Safari tour, orchard tour or river cruise at the Hijo Resources- Banan Beach Resort. Alastra said the accommodationunits of Tagum City are all ready for the two weeks event. The city government of Tagum has already tapped Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for security personnel, according to Alastra.
BUSINESS leader in Mindanao still believes the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will bring Mindanao its dream of just and lasting peace despite the deadly clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25. Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) chair Vicente T. Lao told reporters that members of the council still believe that the BBL will bring substantial benefits to Mindanao. He said the proposed Bangsamoro area that will soon replace the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has a huge economic potential which will be developed once peace is achieved as investors can come in and create jobs for the people. According to Lao, the swampy area of Liguasan Marsh and Lake Lanao have huge potentials to be developed into fish ponds and duck-raising farms. These developments will boost the agribusiness sector of the Bangsamoro area, he added. Lao also said the proposed Bangsamoro area has a huge potential to be a major player in the power sector be-
Quips
cause of huge deposits of oil. However, the recent incident in Mamasapano that caused the deaths of members of the Philippine National Police, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) endangers the passage of BBL in Congress. “If the BBL will not pass, Mindanao will have its biggest war” which will affect all Mindanawons who have been suffering armed struggle for decades, Lao said. Lao said non-Mindanawons, specifically people from Luzon, are being too easily swayed by emotions. “We should not be swayed by our emotions here because if we do the benefits of the advocacy we’ve worked hard for quite some time will all go down the drain. Sayang naman (It will be such a waste),” he said. He said lawmakers and people in Luzon should “look on the bigger picture” and consider the decades-long armed struggle in Mindanao. “What we want here is peace so that everybody will benefit from the fruits of peace,” he said. Cheneen R. Capon
“Once completed by 2016, Megaworld’s first 16-story office tower in the DPD area will house some of the country’s biggest companies in the field of information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO).” – Megaworld senior vice president Jericho P. Go on their P1.5-billion state-ofthe-art Davao Finance Center (DFC) project on the 11.2-hectare Davao Park District (DPD) in Lanang, Davao City.
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EDGEDAVAO
VANTAGE
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
EDITORIAL Resignation is not absolution
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ESIGNED Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima did a Pontius Pilate when he washed his hands over the ill-fated Oplan Wolverine. After submitting his resignation to the President, he went on radio to tell the country that he had nothing to do with the operation in Mamasapano last January 25. He denied orchestrating that Special Action Forces (SAF) mission. Purisima’s fingers pointed to his ground commander SAF chief Getulio Napeñas as the one responsible for the Maguindanao mission. We cannot fault Purisima for doing a Pilate after all the storms he is battling. A man in such a troubled frame of mind either shuts himself off or points his finger elsewhere. We remember the case of former DILG Secretary Angelo Reyes who kept the truth of a storm of controversy to his grave. We do not surmise Purisima will do that. In his interview, he used words clouded with vagueness. He accepts responsibility albeit condi-
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tionally because he said he was serving suspension pending investigation of his involvement in a procurement controversy. Said Purisima in a radio interview and reported on www.abs-cbn. com: “Nung nasawi po yung ating gallant 44 SAF personnel, panahon po natin kahit tayo ay suspendido as chief PNP eh tayo pa rin po ang chief ng Philippine National Police and we feel responsible kumbaga tayo pa rin ang tatay nila kahit na suspendido tayo, we feel responsible kumbaga.” “Kumbaga” is a word that is loaded with uncertainty and connotes a hesitation to own responsibility for some act. Typical Pontius Pilate. Purisima’s resignation should not get him off the hook from an investigation. We need to find the truth behind the fate of the Fallen 44 and it should start from the top – hence, Purisima is an indispensable figure in this investigation. It’s not Purisima’s words that will absolve him, not even his resignation. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor
CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant
ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. KENNETH IRVING K. ONG CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:
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EDGEDAVAO
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READ with great interest a news item reporting that the daughter of Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte “was allegedly bullied by her classmate inside the school premises.” According to the news report, Duterte has already contacted the father of the “bully” but it seemed the latter didn’t do anything about it. He has also called the attention of the school authorities but was only told that the matter was already referred to the school’s guidance counselor. Duterte has asked his lawyer, Atty. Alexis Lumbatan, to write a letter and send a copy to the father, the school, and the Department of Education. “Bullying has never been given attention by the school,” Duterte was quoted as saying. “I think it’s about time. If won’t do anything now, who are you waiting for to act on this law?” Yes, it’s about time! I know the feeling of being bullied. When I was still in primary grade, I was also bullied by a classmate bigger than me. At first, I tried not to pay attention to it. But when he started getting nasty, I became alarmed. So I fought back -- not literally but figuratively. I befriended some classmates who were much bigger than him. I “bribed” my friends by giving them snacks (I usually asked my mother to prepare more than what I could eat). So every time the bully went near me, I told my friends that he (the bully) was pestering me. Since then, he stopped bothering me. Violence against children by their peers, in particular bullying, has received little attention in the Philippines, possibly due to the perception that bullying and fighting among children is part of school culture. “Away bata” is the common excuse for it – it’s “normal” or “a rite of passage” for children. In 2013, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the anti-bullying bill into law, Republic Act 10627. Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, one of the principal authors of the bill, called it “a huge step in protecting our children from the earliest forms of violence.” The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 requires elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address bullying. The law defines bullying as “any severe or repeated
I
HEAR the drum beats for war in any circle: in the news, in the faculty room, in the neighborhood store, in family gatherings, in meetings, even in church chats. My wife would exclaim in near frustration: why are these things happening, even if we just ushered the Pope’s pastoral visit (with a lot of message for peace, unity with the poor and oppressed). The Pope could have replied: “I do not have an answer.” Every time people around me speak about the Mamasapano stories, they are becoming more and more certain that botching the peace process and going to war is the answer. Me too, I have my questions for all parties to what happened. So when I hear people in my circle blame one party for their actions or the lack of it, I admire them (in my mind) for they express their humanity and concern as they react to media portrayals of the victims, their families, and the gymnastics after the incident. Sometimes, I realized they are more informed about the thread of events on the incident than I am. But as a newsman, they turn to me for one reason or another. Sometimes, I unlock my biases – I try to join them in brainstorming opinions. I tell them how I feel exactly. Sometimes, when I remember, I
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
VANTAGE POINTS
Kingdom of Sarangani
Child bullying use by one or more students of THINK ON THESE! a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of Henrylito D. Tacio actually causing henrytacio@gmail.com or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property, creating a hostile environment at school for the other students.” A 2009 study by Plan International and United Nations Children’s Fund on Violence Against Children in Public Schools in the Philippines showed that four out of 10 children in Grades 1 to 3, and seven out of 10 in both Grades 4 to 6 and high school have experienced some kind of violence in school. “Results of the survey show that peers perpetrate most forms of violence experienced by children,” commented Plan Philippines country director Michael Diamond. “Ridicule and teasing by peers are the most common experiences.” Dave (not his real name) used to be a consistent honor pupil when he was still in kindergarten. Then, the family moved to a city when his father became a supervisor of the company where he is working. It was the middle of school year and Dave, now 8, had to be transferred to a new school, a few distant away from where they are living. It was a totally different surrounding for Dave; new classmates, new teacher, and new friends. In the first few weeks, it was fine. Then, something weird happened. He felt sick in the morning. His grades started to drop. He had unexplained cuts or bruises. Then, one afternoon, after arriving from school, he told his mother: “I don’t want to go to school anymore.” What his mother didn’t know that the actions her son was doing lately were manifestations of a child being bullied. Aside from those experienced by Dave,
Peace in a piece REFLECTIONS BY WALTER I. BALANE
keep silent, I keep away – I am afraid to inflict more pain by sharing my ignorance. I do not have all the answers to their questions. I have questions, too. But as a reporter, a teacher, a father, a husband, a son, a neighbor, a student, a friend, a colleague, a resident of Mindanao, I remain convinced that war is not, was not, and will not be an option. I commit myself that as a journalist, I have a stake to what’s happening around. As a communicator and educator, I will do it to build, not to destroy. We have received so much blessings. We have learned a lot and scarred a lot from our experiences. We have had so much time to let the sun’s light help us see that war is there to be lost. This is not saying those who erred should go unpunished. Let’s pursue criminals. Let justice prevail so peace can come in. But peace is not only an end, peace is also a means.
other manifestations that a child is being bullied include the following: frightened of going to school and difficult to wake in the morning; doesn’t want to ride the school bus; begs to be driven to school; becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence; cries him/herself to sleep at night or has nightmares; feels sick in the morning; and comes home with clothes torn or books damaged. A child is also being bullied if he or she has possessions (like pens or pencils) that end up “missing”; asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully); comes home starving (money/lunch has been stolen); stops eating; and is frightened to say what’s wrong. A major red flag is when he or she attempts or threatens suicide or runs away from home. In the United Kingdom, it is reported that between 15 and 25 children commit suicide every year because they are being bullied. The word “bully” was first used in the 1530s, which means “sweetheart,” which was applied to either sex. It was coined from the Dutch boel (“lover, brother), probably diminutive of Middle High German buole (“brother”). The meaning deteriorated through the 17th century through “fine fellow,” “blusterer,” to “harasser of the weak.” This may have been as a connecting sense between “lover” and “ruffian” as in “protector of a prostitute,” which was one sense of “bully” (though not specifically attested until 1706. The verb “to bully” is first attested in 1710. “Bullying is the one thorn on the side of education that hardly gets noticed by the authorities,” wrote Joel Pablo Salud, editor-inchief of Philippines Graphic, in an article which appeared in Business Mirror. “Since those involved are children, society seems to find it rather a waste of time and public funds to address.” But “school bullying is everyone’s business,” pointed out Dr. Richard B. Goldbloom in an article which appeared in Reader’s Digest. “It is unrealistic to expect it can be totally eliminated: We can’t eradicate the conditions that turn some children into bullies and others into targets. But if everyone, concerned teachers, school authorities, police, parents and children is truly committed to zero tolerance, then there is solid evidence that the amount and the severity of bullying can be reduced dramatically.” Actually, dako kaayo ang gahum sa matag usa ug sa hugpong sa mga katawhan nga pugngan ang pagdagayday sa daghan pang dugo, sa dugang kagubot. Lapad kaayo ang hawanan nga ipatigbabaw ang kalinaw ug hunongon na ang pagpanglumpag sa unsa nala’y nabilin sa ato. We have lost so much, we have wept so long, we have ignored so many full moons. Only those who did not know and feel the pain of past and ongoing wars can let another war happen. My prayer: do not be war-freak. Check the way you cover news, the way you post on FB, the way you forward a text message, the way you react in small and big group discussions. When you were asked to choose peace, you were not asked to obtain a post graduate degree in Peace Studies or what. You were asked to watch your words, thoughts, and actions. You were asked not to rub salt on the wound. Lord that I may not act as if I do not see, hear, and feel the need for peace. Amen. (Walter I. Balane is reporter of MindaNews and editor of BukidnonNews.Net in Malaybalay City. He also teaches journalism and economics at the Bukidnon State University.)
9
FAST BACKWARD BY THE ARCHIVIST
B
EFORE Spain rediscovered it, Sarangani was already a regular stopover of Celebes (Sulawesi) and Maguindanao traders. When the Dutch took over most of the Portugueseheld territories in Indonesia and expanded their commercial engagements to Mindanao, the significance of the island as a trading destination was further enhanced. Tradition says Sarangani, which is associated with a bay, a cluster of islets, a headland and an active volcano, got its name from one of the pioneering elders of the place. Nothing in records can show a profile of the man, if indeed the place-name is patronymic in origin. The town’s name actually originates from sarang-ine, a Sangil term which means “this is our territory” or “we stop here.” Another school of thought suggests that the name comes from salangane, a swift that produces the edible bird’s nest. Antonio Pigafetta, Ferdinand Magellan’s Venetian diarist, wrote about Sarangani while marooned there for a couple of days in October 1521: “Continuing our voyage [from Batulaki island] we entered a port between the two islands Sarangani and Candigar (Balut), and cast anchor to the east, near a village of Sarangani, where pearls and gold are found… The inhabitants are Gentiles and go naked like the others.” In the 1554 woodcut done by cartographer Giovanni Battista Ramusio (1485-1557), also a Venetian, Sarangani was by now identified by its present name, and in the 1563 copperplate the island was marked as Sarangan, a misspelling. Sarangani’s colorful history includes its being a Dutch territory in 1682 and a slave center of Mindanao in 1862. The Dutch, through the Dutch East India Company, “staked their claim on Sarangani island by implanting there a stone tablet bearing the initials V.O.C. and claim[ed] the island as part of Ternate.” This event deeply concerned the Spanish sway. To Maguindanao slave-raiders, the atoll was a strategic a jump-off point for an island-hopping route to Celebes. The island and its maritime territory were also used as transshipment for military contraband. In a letter to Fr. Quirico More, S.J. dated September 27, 1882, Fr. Mateo Gisbert, S.J., known as “the apostle of the Bagobos,” expressed strong belief the Dutch and the British were selling firearms at Sarangani Bay and at Culaman coast, off the Malita waters in southern Davao, citing an observation that the Manobo people in the area possessed long arms or rifles. Davao governor Joaquin Rajal reechoed the same opinion, saying there was a clear alliance between Datu Utto of Buayan and Sarangani when it came to supplying firearms to the Muslims. In Exploracion del Territoria de Davao, published in 1891, the governor wrote: “The bay of Sarangani [is] the only one [place] much visited [by illegal traders from all over], where with impunity [the gunrunners] commit their outrages, bringing in those contrabands of firearms which are provided to the Moros of Mindanao who cannot pass through Cotabato because of our establishment [of a blockade] such contraband being transported through communications with the lake of Buluan.” Efforts to set up a permanent naval blockade at Sarangani in 1869 failed to get Manila’s approval. In 1521, the year Magellan rediscovered the Philippines, Sarangani made a historical splash as one of the first places in Mindanao that made direct contact, although by chance, with the Spaniards while they were in search of the Spice Islands (Maluku). Until this period, only sporadic Portuguese and later Dutch trading contacts were known to the Moro pioneers in the island. Pigafetta, Magellan’s chronicler, wrote an attention-grabbing account of the marooned Spanish crew at Sarangani, complete with high-seas drama and laced with religious flavor: “Sailing towards the southeast, we found four islands, [namely], Ciboco (Sibuco), Birahan Batolach (Virano Batolaque), Sarangani and Candighar (Balut). On Saturday night, October 26 [1521], while coasting by Birahan Batolach, we encountered a most furious storm.” Two years later, in October 1523, Santa Maria del Parral, the last of the seven ships of the Garcia Jofre de Loaisa expedition, after anchoring in the bay of Lianga, tried sailing for Cebu, “but once reaching the open sea of what might have been Punta Baculin and Punta Cawit (in the supposition of landfall at Lianga), strong winds and currents carried them eventually along Cape San Agustin (off Caraga, Davao Oriental) and Sarangani to the Portuguese in Maluco.” Sarangani was also visited by Spanish explorer Alvaro de Saavedra in 1528, while another voyager, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, whose expedition was haunted by numerous difficulties, made a forced landfall in the island in 1543 on his way to the Moluccas. Historically, no successful Hispanic settlement and colonization were made in the island, which was once considered a part of the Maguindanao sultanate.
10 NEWS
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
2 ranking NPAs in DN arrested By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA
T
WO high ranking officials of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted by the law were apprehended in a joint operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) on Friday afternoon in Davao del Sur. The two were identified as Raunil Nudalo Mortejo, alias “Nestor/Angkol” 27, native of Adakor Kaputian, Samal, Davao Del Norte, and his wife Jasmin Castor Badilla, alias “Antali”, 38, a resident of Arakan, North Cotabato. The two were arrested in their rented house in Barangay Sinarangan, Matanao, Davao del Sur at around 3:20 PM. Police said Mortejo has a standing warrant of arrest for the crimes of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province. The AFP said Mortejo was the leader of the NPA group that took Staff Sergeant Bienvinido Arguilles Jr. of the 25th Infantry Battalion in June
2010. He was also involved in the killing of Corporal Oliver Parcon and Private Adan Mamalinta in October 2014, the military added. The AFP said Badilla was involved in robbery with violence against or intimidation of Efren Cagumbay, Chairman of Mampising CARP beneficiaries. The AFP said Mortejo also functions as the commander of the Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 8 while Badilla was the head of the Regional Medical Staff of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC). Recovered from their possession were one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), M33 fragmentation grenade, and a caliber .45 pistol loaded with seven live bullets. Both are now under the custody of Matanao Municipal Police Station. The PNO said it will file a case of illegal possession of firearms on Monday against the two NPA leaders and will return the warrant of arrest to the Nabunturan RTC.
ON GUARD. Task Force Davao operatives stand guard in front of one of Davao City’s vital installations along San Pedro Street. Security remains tight in the city especially after a bomb exploded inside a passenger bus in Surigao del Sur last week. Lean Daval Jr.
Rody tells soldiers, cops to stay loyal to President By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
Region 12 tourist arrivals D hit over 2 million in 2014
T
OURIST arrivals in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region surged to a record 2.38 million in 2014 as the local tourism industry continued to gain momentum with the area’s enhanced tourism development, promotion and marketing initiatives. Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 director, said the total tourist arrivals in the region last year was around 2.04 million more than the recorded figures in 2013, which only reached 345,328. She said it also exceeded the agency’s target of 1.9 million tourist arrivals for the period by about 22 percent or around 426,000. “This only shows that Region 12 tourism is booming and on the rise,” she said at the regional launching of the DOT’s Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign here on Thursday afternoon. Region 12 comprises the
provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Dillera said this city posted the highest number of visitors in 2014 at 672,960 for both day and overnight visits. She said it was followed by Sarangani with 643,729, South Cotabato with 384,296, Kidapawan City with 229,350, North Cotabato with 162,457, Tacurong City with 105,062, Sultan Kudarat with 75,193, Koronadal City with 56,492 and Cotabato City with 59,577. This city recorded the most number of overnight tourist arrivals at 385,506 while Sarangani topped the day arrivals at 595,790, she said. She said South Cotabato placed second in both overnight and day tourist arrivals at 79,026 and 305,270, respectively. (MindaNews)
Indayla said the mission was organized to help civilians, especially the children, who have been traumatized through a series of psychosocial activities. She also said one purpose of the mission is “to reach out to civilians particularly the Moro people who have never experience real peace and whose lives have been mostly a succession of wars.” Suara Bangsamoro national president Amirah Lidasan said President Benigno Aquino “should be held liable for allowing the US troops’ participation in the operation as this
violates the sovereignty of our country.” “They (members of US troops) will be held responsible also to the reports of human rights violations that resulted in their botched operation in Mamasapano against the Jemaah Islamiya terror suspects,” Lidasan said. The data that the PFFM will collect will be forwarded to the truth and accountability body organized by Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women’s Party. The data will be also used in a forum in Davao City after the mission.
Mission... FFROM 6
abf@edgedavao.net
AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte asked all the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to stay loyal to President Benigno Aquino as the Commander-In-Chief despite the Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident which resulted in the deaths of 44 members of Special Action Force (SAF). Duterte made the state-
ment when asked by reporters about an alleged destabilization plot by retired AFP and PNP officials following the January 25 incident. He said he believes some high-ranking officials are now working on a coup because so many police officers were killed in the incident. “I would like to advise the men in uniform... just understand the situation and you have to keep your loyalty to
the commander-in-chief,” he said. “It is too early to judge. If the coup attempt is intended to oust (President Benigno) Aquino, I would say no,” he added. Duterte urged the police and military not to mount a coup because the one who will succeed Aquino – apparently referring to Vice President Jejomar Binay – might not be accepted by the ma-
jority of Filipino. “Huwag niyong gawin yan, kasi magkagulo lang (Do not do it because it might cause more trouble),” he said. Duterte said the police and military should wait for the result of the investigation. “Somebody committed a serious error but that should not be corrected by another wrong like coup d’etat,” he said.
teams have signified to participate in the event, which is slated on March 27 to 29 in the coastal village of Siguel in Maasim town. Sarangani Province, which hosted the 1st International Paragliding Competition in August last year, bagged the hosting of the event through a bid submitted by the Air Sports Association of the Philippines. The paragliding site in Maasim town is within the mountain ranch of San Andres Fishing Industry Inc. (SAFI) in Barangay Siguel, which boasts of a grand view of the Sarangani Bay for pilots as they glide down to the landing site about 700 meters below. Oropeza, who introduced the VPY 2015 campaign during its regional launching at the SM Mall here on Thursday afternoon, said they expect that more major events in the region would be added soon in the campaign calendar. He urged local government units (LGUs) and other tourism stakeholders to enlist or register their upcoming events into the campaign through its website www.visitph2015.com.
Events that may be included in the VPY 2015 calendar are music, arts and entertainment shows; lifestyle, sports, adventure and ecotourism activities; and, business, historical and cultural showcases. Oropeza said events that would be registered by proponents will undergo an internal vetting process before they will be officially included in the campaign calendar. He said an event may be accepted or included in the VPY 2015 calendar if it passes a set of criteria, which includes the projection of positive image to the country and local residents, should encourage the participation of foreign attendees and should highlight the country as a viable tourism destination. The official said the inclusion of any local event to the campaign would bring tremendous benefits as they would be aggressively promoted by the agency both locally and abroad. Nelly Nita Dillera, DOT Region 12 director, said they are currently coordinating with LGUs and local tourism stakeholders for the inclusion of other major events in the area into
the VPY 2015 campaign. She said they are also evaluating several regular and new events in the region that can be added into the campaign calendar. “There are a lot of activities here in Region 12 that can be included in VPY 2015. We have festivals and cultural events here that have huge potentials of drawing foreign tourists,” she said. She said these include Sarangani Province’s Sarangani Bay Festival in May, South Cotabato’s T’nalak Festival in July and this city’s Tuna Festival in September. VPY 2015 is a year-long, events-driven campaign that aims to highlight tourism events and activities nationwide that are ready for local and international exposure. The initiative, which seeks to “refresh” the banner “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign, focuses on the promotion of a year-round calendar of events that would compel foreign and domestic tourists to visit and go around the Philippines and actively participate in the lined up activities.
World paragliding tournament Region 12 tourism banner event T
HE Department of Tourism (DOT) has adopted the first leg of the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup (PGAWC) slated next month in Maasim town in Sarangani as the banner event for Region 12 of its Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign. Milo Oropeza, marketing specialist of the DOT’s Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), said the PGAWC is the first-ever event in the region that they included in the VPY 2015 calendar and the promotion and marketing activities they lined up this year. He said the event is currently among the major activities listed under the campaign’s sports, adventure and ecotourism component. “We’ve joined the promotion of the paragliding world cup through the campaign website and the social media, and we’re also including it in our upcoming tourism roadshows,” he said in a press conference here. Around 200 top paragliding pilots and crew from 15 countries are expected to join the first leg of the 2015 PGAWC. At least 15 paragliding
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EDGEDAVAO
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY
EJF-REM CASE NO. 14,995-14
HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Mortgagee -versus-
MARIO F. GALLEGO, JR. Mortgagor/s.
x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE
Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned morgagee against above-mentioned mortgagor with postal address at Lot 32 blk15 DECA HOMES SUBD., Cabantian, Buhangin Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of July 24, 2014 amounted to ( Php 578,832.90 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 27, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 444149
“A parcel of land (Lot 32, Blk. 15xxx), situated in Barangay of Cabantian, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao…xxx Containing an area of EIGHT ONE (81) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 27, 2015 without further notice.
Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the condition of the property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, JANUARY 13, 2015
FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF:
(SGD.) CONRADO P. MACUTAY, JR. Sheriff IV (1/26,2/2,9)
NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 25905 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 390847-2 issued to Anita M. Zamora was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 2/02,09,16
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12 CLASSIFIED
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VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
INdulge!
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
STYLE
A new year and new trends at
ABREEZA FASHION FORUM I
T was a gathering bathed in the robust hue of marsala as Abreeza Mall’s monthly Fashion Forum welcomed its guest speaker M Magazine Fashion & Beauty Editor Otoi Mercado to the podium to speak on the trends for 2015. The interactive styling presentation given by Otoi, a stylist, makeup artist, and former fashion designer, was hotly anticipated by the crowd that gamely arrived in clothing and accessories in the earthy wine red that was proclaimed by the Pantone Color Institute of New Jersey as the current color of the year.
Otoi’s “live mannequins” took to the stage one at a time, each dressed in what is currently being heralded as the trends to incorporate into your wardrobe such as chambray, basic geometric patterns, and standout casual footwear. The ensembles were pooled from the event’s partner merchants – namely Dorothy Perkins, Gap, Morellato, Original Penguin, Sneaker Club, Snoe Beauty, SOUL Lifestyle, The Optical Shop and Yosi Samra. He kept the mood very vivid, much like the way he tastefully brought out marsala’s wear-
A NEW YEAR A4
Scarves will hit the streets this year.
Black and white--shown here with a bright pop of red--will never go out of style.
A2 INdulge!
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
FOOD
ENTERTAINMENT
Torchon of
FOIE GRAS:
Chynn LJ Rey
The best thing that happened to me By Diana Lhyd Suelto THE White House Fusion Cuisine is like a good book; you discover something new every time you pore over its pages.
My new discovery from White House is its Unagi Torchon of Foie Gras. Quite a mouthful to say, but believe me when I say you have to engrave its name in your heart and order it the next time you go there. It is the best thing that happened to me this week. This melt in your mouth sushi was an explosion of flavors with every bite. The unagi (eel) was so soft and flavorful. The foie gras gave it a more sophisticated taste and a silken texture that glided through my palate. The popping sensation of its caviar topping gave the dish a playful edge. The bit of cream cheese in it perfectly delivered the final knock out punch. After my first bite, I momentarily forgot who I was. I heard harps playing and angels singing. I was floating, lost in food heaven. Ok, I’m exaggerating, but it is really that good. Plus I love sushi. Unagi Torchon of Foie Gras is now my official favorite dish at the White House. Another discovery at the White House is its Yema Durian Cheese
Kim, Maja draw thou
Unagi Torchon of Foie Gras
Yema Durian Cheese Cake
Cake. The White House is famous for its Yamamomo Cheesecake, which is really good, but you have to try its Yemma Durian Cheesecake. It combines two of the most delicious desserts in the whole wide world – durian and cheesecake. I should say Cathy Binag, the restaurant’s owner and chef, has outdone herself with this one. She should get an award – Intergalactic
Best in Dessert Award, with a matching blue ribbon. Other dishes served that are worth noting are the White House Kinilaw, Binagoongan, Duck Confit, and Kare-Kare made from scratch. Cathy cooked a mean Salmon Head Sinigang sa Miso when we dined there, but unfortunately it is not included in their menu. I mentioned it just to make you readers
envious If you think dining at the White House will cost you an arm, you are wrong. Just a pinkie. Kidding. Just a tip of your finger. No, really, it’s not as expensive as you think. Just a tiny bit pricier than what an average restaurant charges, but then again, they don’t have the same ambiance and service that the White House offers.
THOUSANDS of Cebuano, Ilonggo and Batangueño fans warmly welcomed Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Richard “Ser Chief” Yap, and other Kapamilya stars who joined ABS-CBN Regional’s “Kapamilya Karavan” in three of the biggest and most colorful annual festivities in the country: the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo, and Lipa City Festival in Batangas. Kim, Maja, Enchong Dee, and Zanjoe Marudo joined forces to delight almost 7,000 people who filled up The Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu. ABS-CBN Regional also took part in the Sinulog 2015 Grand Parade that showcased Kim, Maja, and Enchong in a colorful float. Meanwhile, Kapamilya stars also visited Iloilo ang Batangas to thank the Ilonggos and Batangueños for making ABSCBN the undisputed number one TV network nationwide. Almost 5,000 Ilonggo fans gathered at Robinsons Iloilo for the “Kapamilya Karavan”
th S A M B L
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VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
INdulge! A3
na Ortaleza, Ervic Vijandre, yes sign contracts with GMA KAPUSO artists Chynna Ortaleza and LJ Reyes renewed their exclusive contracts with GMA Network as well as with GMA Artist Center.
Ervic Vijandre on the other hand, is the newest addition to the GMA Artist Center family as he signed a management contract with the Network’s talent management arm Present in the contract-signing were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara and GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer. Chynna has been with Artist Center for 14 years now, and she is filled with gratitude and high spirits as she remains to be part of the GMA family. “Mahirap iwanan yung kung saan ka nagsimula nung bata ka pa. Yung
ganong klaseng bonding, ganung klaseng
pamilya,” she shares. New to the Artist Cen-
ter family is Ervic who is very excited for his upcoming project, Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali. During the contract signing, he expressed that he’s happy to sign up with GMAAC. “Kapuso talaga ako. Wala akong balak na pumunta kahit saan kung hindi doon sa pinaka the best na station, GMA Network.” And LJ, who has also been a faithful Kapuso, treats GMA Network as her second home. “Ang sarap kasi siyempre, parang pamilya ko talaga ‘tong GMA. Feeling ko dito na ‘ko tatanda. Parang yung signing, celebration lang ng new chapter ulit ng career ko, ng relationship ko with the network,” she reveals. Lilybeth Rasonable feels happy for another set of artists who continues to improve their craft and build stronger ties with the network. She has high hopes and full support for the three Kapuso stars who signed with GMA. “Ervic is just starting out. But we want to train
him more, give him acting workshops, although he is doing very well. He’s very willing to attend the workshops so we want to do it for him so that he can be better at his craft,” confirms the GMA Executive. “For Chynna and LJ,
mga established actresses na ‘yan. They’ve proven themselves to be very good at what they do, so tuloy-tuloy lang ang support ng network at Artist Center sa kanila, para mas mag-grow pa sila sa kanilang career,” she adds.
a, Ser Chief and other Kapamilya stars usands in Cebu, Iloilo, and Batangas
hat was graced by Maja and Sam Milby; while Ser Chief, Angeline Quinto, and Joseph Marco joined more than 4,000 Batangueños in celebrating the Lipa City Festival. After conquering the Sinulog, Dinagyang and Lipa City festivals, ABS-CBN Regional is all set
February 5-10, 2015
JUPITER ASCENDING Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum PG 13
11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS
PROJECT ALMANAC Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D'Elia
for its next stops: Baguio City for the Panagbenga on March 7 and Davao for the Araw ng Dabaw on March 15. ABS-CBN Regional (formerly known as the ABS-CBN Regional Group) is the nationwide TV and radio network of ABS-CBN Corporation.
PG 13
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
WILD Reese Witherspoon
Prepare to go places with The SM Store’s Luggage Sale happening until February 28, 2015. Score amazing discounts of up to 50% OFF on the widest selection of travel bags, backpacks, suitcases and travel accessories from your favorite brands! Get FREE Travel Basic - Travel Accessories for a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 3,000. Check this out in all SM Stores nationwide!
R16
R-16
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
THAT THING CALLED TADHANA Angelica Panganiban, JM De Guzman PG13
12:25 | 2:20 |4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS
EDGEDAVAO
A4 INdulge!
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
STYLE
Denim will be big in 2015.
A NEW YEAR A1 ability when paired with both neutral and punchy colors. Much like the style savant he is, he made sure that the conversation
The columnist and Otoi Mercado.
Otoi Mercado, seated with host Hannah Cano, demonstrates fashion trends for both men and women. was anything but onesided as he chatted up guests in the audience and asked them about their own style stories. Lifestyle press, bloggers, designers, insiders, and enthusiasts along with students from the Fash-
ion Institue of Design and Arts and the Philippine Women’s College of Davao’s Fashion Design Program listened intently to this local fashion personality who has consistently made a name for himself in
Silhouettes are looser, and flat footwear is in.
Host Hannah Cano and makeup artist Vanni Luague. Students from the PWC Fashion Design Program.
conjuring the stylish and beautiful. He made sure that the different facets of creating and updating your look was touched, with segues on the topics of makeup and grooming. Otoi demonstrated how important it is to stay attuned to trends but still emerge as your own person, as style is
very much personal. It is certainly good to know what is current as staying abreast with the times is always valuable style currency however you may choose to use it. This was the central message of the January edition of Abreeza Mall’s monthly forum, which is a notable convergence for brands,
ideas,s and more. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www. facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
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14 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
Girl scouts to hold 38th encampment T
HE Davao del Norte Girl Scouts Council will host the 38th National Encampment of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) with the theme, “I Imagine, I Achieve, I Serve” from April 11 to April 15, 2015 in Camp Alano in Toril, Davao City. “Yes, the girls can do,” GSP 1st national vice president Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson said as she summed up the self-development return that each girl-participant would be bringing with them when they go home after attending the encampment. “We want our girls to look ahead too what they can do to serve,” she said in an interview during her interaction and meeting with officers of GSP Eastern Mindanao Region and with GSP Davao del Norte
Council. Yuson also expects the girls to build relationships during the encampment, which will also feature outdoor activities that used to be for boys only. “The girls say they can do it and yes, they can!” she said. Based on the recently released preliminary schedule of activities, the participants will do adventure activities at D’ Leonor Resort where they will experience the wave pool with raging water, the hanging bridge, and the wall climb facility of the resort. They will engage in “Rope Challenges with Disaster Risk Reduction Management Training” to include spider web, obstacle course, lazy commando, rappelling, and monkey bridge.
They will also experience “A Walk Through My World” adventure which will take them to an IMAX 3D movie, among others. In a separate interview, Girl Scouts Encampment Promotions and Publicity Committee chair Norma R. Pereyras said each of the 97 Girl Scouts Councils in the Philippine will be sending 16 participants to the encampment, reaching a total of 1,552 expected participants. GSP Eastern Mindanao Region chair Lolita Garcia, however, said the total number of participants will reach 1,838 to include the adult chaperons and staff. The figure could even be more as “others would possibly register on-site,” she added. Davao del Norte Girl
aspiring business people can build and grow their own ventures. In the case of ARC Refreshments Corporation, this is very much evident in the standards of excellence, discipline, perseverance and hard work that it requires of its would-be dealers and partners in dealership. Perhaps it is because the company similarly went through small but sure beginnings more than a decade ago— when it brought back the famed RC Cola brand of soft drinks in the Philippine market despite tough competition—that it is attuned to the needs of budding
entrepreneurs. Fifty-year-old Henry Rabillos Sr. of Davao City appreciates this and highlights the strong sense of partnership that ARC extends to RC Cola dealers like him. “They have been very supportive to us,” he readily states. “Lagi silang nagtatanong na ‘Kamusta na diyan?’ Tinitignan pa rin nila ang aming kalagayan [They always ask, ‘How are you doing?’ They always check on us].” Rabillos admits that getting into the soft drinks business was not easy at first. Previously based in Midsayap, North Cotabato, he was engaged in appliances and motorcycle dealership. Since he has a degree in agriculture, he also dabbled in farming. When his children started college in Davao, he decided to close shop and move to the city. He was actually turned down at first when he went to apply as a dealer of RC Cola products. He persisted and talked to one of the truck drivers of RC Cola, who helped him contact the district manager. He expressed commitment and strong desire to do whatever it takes to succeed. To ensure the growth of his business, he likewise invested in an Isuzu Forward truck so that he can directly sell soft drinks to eateries and sari-sari stores in his area. Since starting his RC Cola dealership in 2010, Rabillos says the business has grown steadily over the years. He was able to invest in a three-story house in Davao City which he shares with his wife and three children. Rabillos adds that he already has six employees, three trucks and three tricycles that deliver RC Cola products within the 40 barangays of Poblacion District in Davao City—where the City Hall is located—as well as back in his former hometown of Midsayap, North Cotabato. Apart from being able to provide for his family, Rabillos takes pride in being able to pay success forward through employment of his staff and by supplying goods to retailers. “Madami din ako natutulungan [I’m able to help a lot of other people],” he beams. With determination and drive having been instilled in him, he continues with his dreams of further achievement and says he plans to expand his business by buying another truck to increase his distribution network.
Solid entrepreneurial success I
T could be said that the true test of successful entrepreneurship is creating a solid foundation upon which other
Henry Rabillos Sr.
INVESTITURE. GSP 1st National Vice President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson leads the investiture of media practitioner-members of the Promotions and Publicity Committee of the 38th GSP National Encampment. Scouts Council President Prov“We want to make sure food, transportation and tours, idencia P. Nunez has been on that every girl will go home reception-meetings-send off, the thick of preparations since satisfied and happy,” she said. health and sanitations, promolate last year, being the chair She has formed commit- tions and publicity, security, of the 38th GSP National En- tees on physical arrangement, and safety. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive campment Committee. program, ways and means, D. Abangan)
Prepare for your child’s future the easy way
T
HE moment a child is born, every parent begins to think of how to give him or her a promising future. A bright future, by Filipino definition, starts with a good education. But due to the regular increase in tui-
tion fees, it is difficult to predict the amount needed for parents to provide a good future for their children. Thus, parents ask these questions to themselves: “When is the right time to save?” and “How much do I have to save for my child’s education?” The answer is simple, save NOW and be PREPARED tomorrow! With Insular Life’s College Provider plan, your savings will earn more and secure your child an education he truly deserves. Your child is GUARANTEED to receive a college cash fund at age 17. It also provides
JAPANESE ROTARIANS VISIT TADECO. Officers and members of the Rotary Club of Noda Central in Japan learn and enjoy during their recent visit to the plantation of Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (Tadeco)
a life insurance benefit for your child equivalent to the college fund until he reaches age 21. This plan can be paid in 5 short years with flexible premium payment of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually. Plus! It is Guaranteed Issuance Offer. No medical examination required and health questions asked. No rejection regardless of health condition! To find out more about College Provider, please visit Insular Life’s Davao office at G/F Insular Life Bldg. C.M. Recto Ave., Davao City, Davao Del Sur or call telephone numbers (082) 2223465, (082) 305-5670 and (082) 305-6389. You may also e-mail us at: idirect@ insular.com.ph or check-out: www.collegeprovider.com. ph.
in Panabo City. The group is a sister club of the Rotary Club of Tagum Golden Laces led by president Arlene King and past president Normskie Pereyras, who heads the club’s committee on promotions and publicity. (Contributed)
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SPORTS
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BATTLE OF NBA’S BEST Hawks pull away to beat Warriors 124-116 T
HE high-flying Atlanta Hawks staked a claim to the title of NBA’s best team on Friday with a 124-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors. In an exciting clash between Eastern Conference leaders Atlanta and Western Conference pace-setters Golden State, the Hawks connected on 15 of 27 attempts from three-point range to beat the sharp-shooting Warriors at their own game. Seven Hawks players scored in double figures, with Jeff Teague leading a balanced and potent attack with 23 points. Kyle Korver paced the Hawks’ long-range display with five three-pointers in a 17-point effort, while Mike Scott hit three-of-three from three-point range in delivering 17 points off the bench. Paul Millsap added 21 points and Al Horford had 12 along with 14 rebounds and six assists for Atlanta, who notched their 21st win in their last 22 games. The surprising Hawks are hoping they can keep the momentum going as they seek their first NBA title since 1958, when the franchise was based in St Louis. As usual, the Warriors got a big contribution from the “Splash Brothers” duo of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, who combined for 55 points.
Thompson scored 29 and Curry shook off a sluggish start to score 26. Warriors forward Draymond Green contributed 12 points and a career-high 20 rebounds in defeat. “We already know that we are a good team,” Teague said. “We believe in ourselves. We come out every night and believe we can win every game. This was just another game.” But before the game, Golden State’s Green spoke about the significance of the clash, a marquee match-up between two teams that have seized the spotlight as such glamor clubs as the Lakers and Celtics have languished this season. “We can sit here and say, ‘Oh, it’s just another game,’” Green said. “And for the standings it is.” “But it’s the two top records in the league. That means a lot.” With the win, the Hawks improved to 42-9, while Golden State fell to 39-9. The Hawks snapped a fivegame losing streak to the Warriors. They are 13-3 against Western Conference teams this season. “It feels good,” Korver said. “That is a really good team. That’s a really dangerous team. They can get hot. They can get cold. They can get really hot all in the same game. They are really hard to prepare for. We knew we had to play a good 48-minute game to beat them.”
Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague is fouled by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry on a steal attempt in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. (Jason GetzUSA TODAY Sports)
Filipino cyclist bags silver in key Asian race V
ETERAN Jan Paul Morales clinched a silver medal in the men’s scratch race of the 2015 Asian Cycling Championships at the Nakhon Ratchasima track in Thailand on Friday to earn points for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. Morales, 29, finished sec-
Q
pion? If you answer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, you are wrong. Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is the newest holder of that record. Seven years, three months, and counting. Nietes, a silent and humble warrior from Negros Occidental who lets his fists do the talking, took over that distinction from Flash Elorde after he finished off Mexican challenger Carlos Velarde last November in Cebu. He officially rose to that record a month after the fight and was fitting-
annual race was in 2001 in Kaoshiung where Paulo Manapul and Arne Quirimit bagged silver medals in the scratch and road events. A scratch race is a race where riders start together with the objective of simply crossing the finish line first. The distance is 15 kms for
the men and 10 kms for the women. It is also called the devil’s or elimination race and it is considered as one of the most exciting events in track cycling. Morales will also compete in the points race along with Alfie Catalan and Arnel de Jesus on Friday evening.
HE success of his fights on pay-per-view over the last seven-plus years has given Floyd Mayweather the kind of clout within his sport that few athletes in any sport enjoy. When Mayweather says jump, virtually everyone in boxing asks how high. He loves playing the puppet master and making people wait and bend to his will. That’s what one can do after appearing in the two biggest pay-per-view fights in history and being the unquestioned No. 1 draw in the sport. At one point, Oscar De
La Hoya was in that position. The six-division former world champion, now the president of Golden Boy Promotions, was the sport’s biggest star when he agreed to a deal to fight Mayweather, who then was only breaking into pay-per-view. Mayweather had fought three times on pay-perview prior to facing De La Hoya, and those bouts sold slightly over 1 million units combined. He did 369,000 buys against Arturo Gatti; 378,000 against Zab Judah; and 320,000 against Carlos Baldomir. For years he wanted to fight De La Hoya to prove his
superiority, but didn’t get the chance. For one thing, De La Hoya was trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. for many of those years, and De La Hoya’s public stance was that he didn’t want to disrespect Mayweather Sr. by fighting his son. But when negotiations commenced in late 2006 for a De La Hoya-Mayweather bout, nearly all of the leverage was on De La Hoya’s side. De La Hoya told Yahoo Sports on Friday that he believes Mayweather now holds the leverage in talks to fight Pacquiao, but said the situations aren’t exactly the same.
nior Lightweight Champion in 1960. In 1963, he was installed as WBC and WBA champion. He still holds the junior lightweight division record for longest title reign, and is considered as the greatest junior lightweight champion in history which spanned for seven years. I was in high school when Elorde died of lung cancer in 1985. I was with Donnie when he defeated Velarde last November in Cebu and I told him it’s his time to shine. Donnie, ever the modest champion, said everything depends on the plan of his manager. He is ready to fight anyone.
Donnie, who graced last Saturday’s Pinoy Pride 29 in Davao City, has an impressive 34-1-4 record and with his stature, should be raking in millions of dollars given the breaks in the big stage. Donnie won the WBO minimumweight title against Thailand’s Pornsawan Pornpramook in 2007 before going up in weight to win the WBO lightflyweight crown over Ramon Garcia Hirales of Mexico in 2011 before his hometown in Bacolod City. Donnie is a ripe 32 but he told me he feels like a young prizefighter. “Malakas at mabilis pa ako. Parang ito pa lang ang peak ko,” he told me at
De La Hoya offers insider look at Floyd-Manny talks
T
Oscar De La Hoya has fought Floyd Mayweather and promoted several of the pound-for-pound king’s bouts and has a keen insight into what may be going on inside the talks to make a Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
UICK here. Who is the longest reigning Filipino world boxing cham-
ond behind Iran’s Benham Khalili Khos Roshani in the 15km event where 12 of the continent’s best riders competed. The pride of Marikina City ended a 14-year medal drought in the Asian championships. The last time the Philippines clinched medals in the
Donnie deserves a break
ly feted by ALA Promotions. A day before he was to surpass Flash Elorde’s record, Donnie visited Elorde’s grave in Cebu. Donnie’s feat is no miniscule achievement. In these days in boxing, it takes a tough champion to reign long. Not so many champions these days have extensive reigns as titleholders. Flash Elorde, for his part, was a global boxing icon of his time. The Cebuano legend is considered as one of the greatest Filipino boxers of alltime along with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and flyweight champion in the 1920s, Pancho Villa.
LET’S GET IT ON
Neil Bravo Elorde deserves his place in history. He is the first Filipino international boxing champion since middleweight champion Ceferino Garcia. He won the World Ju-
the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu right after his seventh-round stoppage of Velarde. Donnie is now 12 years as a pro and has 39 fights with 265 rounds of boxing to his name. It’s about time Donnie gets his big break. Maybe a fight in the undercard of a Pacquiao-Mayweather card is what he deserves. How about that, boss Michael Aldeguer? Postscripts: Belated happy birthday to my pareng Chito Malabanan in Saudi Arabia… Listen to “LET’S GET IT ON WITH NEIL BRAVO” every Saturday, 8-10 a.m. at 105.9 Balita FM.
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VOL. 7 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - 9, 2015
LOOKING BEYOND MANNY Aldeguer wants the world to see other talented Pinoy fighters A
LA, the known godfather promoter of boxing in the country, wants the world to see Filipino fighters beyond Manny Pacquaio. Michael Aldeguer, president and CEO of ALA Promotions, said that the country has thousands of boxers and training them to be professional and worldclass champions could make the Philippines follow what Mexico and Brazil have earlier made as established country-producers of boxing champions. “We feel we have the opportunity and capability to do that,” together with ABS-CBN, he said during Thursday’s press conference at The Royal Mandaya Hotel where Aldeguer presented the 16 boxers who would duel for Pinoy Pride 29: Fists of Fury boxing bouts. Aldeguer did not hide his appreciation to Pacquiao saying that the country’s current boxing icon and legend “has done a wonderful job of promoting Filipino fighters in the world... but the world must see beyond Pacquiao.” He added that ALA
besides drawing out best Filipino fighters from all over the country to be trained in the company’s top-class boxing gym in Manila they have been bringing best Filipino fighters in the US besides tapping and promoting Fil-Am boxers there. He said there is a prospect of putting up an ALA gym in Davao City and a plan to bring Pinoy Pride fights all over the country not only in Manila, Cebu, Bacolod and Davao City. “There is a good reserved pool of fighters in Davao region,” Aldeguer said. He is the son of Antonio L. Aldeguer better-known as “ALA”, a businessman, philanthropist, founder and chairman of the ALA Boxing Group, which started in 1985, “molding hundreds of young boys into national champions.” ALA Promotions is considered to be the premier and the biggest boxing promotional company and is the only organization in the country to be associated with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, two of the biggest boxing promoters in the world.
ALA Promotions president and chief executive officer Michael Aldeguer