Edge Davao 8 Issue 196 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 196 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

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ACHIEVER. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte checks out the gold medals of Dabawenyo Paralympics swimmer Ernie Gawilan during the Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan where persons with disability (PWD) achievers were given recognition by the mayor. Gawilan won two gold medals and a silver medal in the recently concluded ASEAN Paralympic Games held in Singapore. Lean Daval Jr.

AFP HITS NPA FOR EXTORTION By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

INSIDE EDGE

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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) condemned the “extortion schemes” of the New People’s Army (NPA) against politicians who will be campaigning in areas it controls. “The NPA’s threats, intimidation, terror, and violence infringes upon the constitutional rights of the people to choose the best leaders who can bring real reforms

through good governance,” the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said in a statement. “These dirty tactics employed by the NPA are meant to delimit the candidates’ campaign activities in the countryside,” it added. The NPA has been collecting “permit to campaign fees” from candidates in areas it controls. Recently, the Armed

Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the NPA has raised the amount it collects from national candidates. The EastMinCom advised candidates against giviing in to the demands of the rebels, saying the money can be used “to sustain the armed struggle through violence and intimidation against innocent civilians and properties.” “Also as consequence, this

extortion scheme hampers the delivery of government services and causes underdevelopment or non-development of far-flung communities,” the statement said. The EastMinCom also said it has noted the “hype” delivered by the National Democratic Front (NDF)-Mindanao on the growing number of NPA members.

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Ambush on ABS-CBN news team condemned P2 INdulge!

Another Christmas party to remember A1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 196 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

THUMBS UP. Rody Duterte Solid Group (RDSG) led by chairman Boy Sarmiento (7th from right) and Musicians and Artist for Duterte’s Popong Landero (6th from right) flash the thumbs up sign after a press briefing at Seagrass office along Roxas Avenue to promote a concert to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s presidential bid dubbed Konsyerto Para sa Pagbabago set today at Rizal Park. Lean Daval Jr.

Lumads leave after holidays By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

Ambush on ABS-CBN news team condemned By JON JOAQUIN

HE last batch of visiting Lumads from different areas in Mindanao went home yesterday, the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) said. CSSDO assistant head Liwayway Caligdong told reporters during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday that her office recorded a total of 26,812 Lumads from 12,167 families from the districts of Paquibato and Marilog in Davao City and different areas in Davao del Norte. Of the nine shelter areas, Bunawan Gym housed the

most number of IP families totaling to 2,432. It was followed by Barangay 5-A Gym with 2,200 families; Buhangin Gym with 1,580; Mintal Gym with 1,570; Tugbok Gym with 1,220; Toril Gym with 1,131; Matina Shanghai Gym with 992; Riverside Gym with 884; and V.Duterte Agdao Gym with 158. During the almost threeweek stay of the visitors here, the CSSDO recorded a total of four vehicular incidents involving visiting Lumads. “Two of the four incidents

HE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Iligan City chapter condemned the December 26 attack on an ABSCBN news team led by outgoing NUJP Iligan chapter chair Ronnie Enderes at around 12:40 p.m. on December 26. The NUJP said Enderes and his news crew were on their way back from covering the toppling of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) transmission towers in Ramain, Lanao del Sur the

night before when they were ambushed in Banggolo, Marawi City. Although their crew cab was hit by two bullets, none of team members were hurt. The NUJP, however, said the news team members “are suffering trauma from the incident.” “The incident has cast a chilling effect among journalists who regularly cover Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, which used to be relatively safe places for media,” the NUJP said in a statement.

The group urged the police and military to take immediate action against the perpetrators of what it described as an “assassination attempt.” For his part, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the ambush showed the “inutility of the Aquino administration in the midst of continuing attacks and threats against the media.” “The sheer inutility of the Aquino government in stopping attacks and threats on journalists and critics of the government in the past five

years is the very culprit of this continuing state of impunity in our country,” Zarate, a former journalist based in Mindanao, said in a statement. He also noted that the ambush on the ABS-CBN news team occurred after the military-backed paramilitary group Magahat-Bagani openly vowed to ambush journalists covering the anniversary of communist rebels in Surigao del Sur. “This worsening state of

HE camp of Senator Grace Poe on Monday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that disqualified her to run in the 2016 presidential polls. Poe, through her legal counsel George Garcia, filed on Monday before the SC the petitions for certiorari and urgent motion for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Comelec decision.

One of the two petitions filed by Poe’s camp challenged the Comelec First Division ruling while the second petition assailed the Comelec Second Division ruling. Poe’s camp also asked the SC to issue a status quo ante order (SQAO) against the Comelec ruling in order that the name of Poe would still be included in the ballot for the 2016 elections. Last week, the Comelec en banc has cancelled the cer-

OVERNOR Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) condemned the attack on an ABS-CBN team in Marawi City last Saturday and ordered the Lanao del Sur police to “investigate this attack and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.” “We agree that the attack underscores the brazenness of armed groups to target even the media who are only out to do their duty as members of the fourth estate and perform

their profession in the name of press freedom,” Hataman said in a statement e-mailed to media outlets Saturday night. “The regional government of ARMM joins those who are calling to end media violence in the country as we stand with journalists and media organizations against these unacceptable attacks,” Hataman said. The ARMM comprises the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and the cities of

Marawi and Isabela. The ABS-CBN news team from Iligan was attacked by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Marawi City after their coverage of a bombed transmission tower in Lanao del Sur Saturday noon. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the news team – composed of Ronnie Enderes, reporter; Loloy Balansag, cameraman; and Gerry Montecillo, their driver – was chased by the motorcycle-riding gunmen

into Bangolo district, the heart of Marawi City. Enderes is outgoing chair of the NUJP Iligan chapter. NUJP national director Nonoy Espina said the gunmen fired at the ABS-CBN vehicle shattering its windshield. “They are all safe but shaken,” Espina said. Enderes and Balansag have been covering Marawi and Lanao del Sur for several years. Richel Umel, a member

Poe asks SC to stop ARMM governor orders probe Comelec DQ ruling of Marawi attack on TV crew T G F LUMADS, 10

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NEWS 3

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NDF says Oplan Bayanihan fails to curb insurgency in Mindanao

WAITING FOR RODY. Dabawenyos wait patiently just to see and hear in person Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte during the annual Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan in Taal, Bangkal. Lean Daval Jr.

PLAN Bayanihan, the centerpiece of the Aquino administration’s counterinsurgency program, has failed to contain the armed movement in Mindanao, Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said over the weekend. In a video message during the 47th anniversary celebration here attended by some 3,000 people, Madlos said the New People’s Army has maintained its stronghold in 46 guerrilla fronts in five regions in Mindanao despite intensified attacks by government forces. He said the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, launched over 500 tactical offensives against military, paramilitary and police targets in Mindanao in 2015. Speaking in Cebuano, he said there are now 60 battalions of government forces in Mindanao, 60 percent of which are deployed in NPA areas. He added the figure

doesn’t include police, the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit and other paramilitary forces such as BULIF, Alamara, Gantangan, Bagani, Magahat, and the Calpet group. Madlos said the number of tactical offensives this year is the highest since President Benigno Aquino III assumed office in 2010. “The number of tactical offensives in the whole of Mindanao continues to increase from 250 TOs when the US-Aquino III regime began its term in 2010 to 350 TOs in 2011, then 400 in 2012, more than 400 each in 2013 and 2014, and more than 500 in 2015,” he said. The NDF leader said their major offensives included the raid on Mayor Brilliantes’s “private army” in Compostela Valley; the raids against police headquarters in the towns of Tigbao in Zamboanga del Sur, Don Victoriano in Misamis Occidental and Alegria in Surigao del Norte. He also mentioned the raids against the Earth Savers

Repair works of bombed Police, bandits engage NGCP tower completed in gun battle in CDO T

HE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced on Monday it has completed repair works on a steel tower damaged by bomb attacks by lawless elements in a remote village of Aroman here on Christmas Eve. At the same time, the NGCP reiterated its appeal to local officials, residents where the towers were located, and police and military authorities to help secure the facilities. Melfrance “Bambi” Capulong, speaking for NGCP southern Mindanao, did not say how

much the repair works cost the power distributor. “We have completed the repair of bombed Tower No. 95 along the Kibawe-Tacurong/Sultan Kudarat 138 kV line in North Cotabato at 1:30PM on Sunday,” she said of the transmission structure in Barangay Aroman, Carmen town. NGCP Tower 95 was one of the two NGCP towers bombed by lawless elements on Christmas Eve. The other was Tower Number 25 in Barangay Gandamatu, Ramain, Lanao del Sur which was bombed at

Duterte downplays poor showing in SWS survey

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) where he only ranked fourth didn’t bother him. “I do not lose sleep because of surveys. I do not die if I do not become president of this country. I have served my government for 40 years and I think that’s good enough,” said the standard bearer of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban) during his Sunday program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.” Based on the poll results released last week, Duterte only scored 20 percentage points, tailing Liberal Party’s Manuel “Mar” Roxas II who got 22 percentage points to place 3rd. Senator Grace Poe and Vice president Jejomar Binay

were statistically tied with 24 percent and 26 percent, respectively, while Senator Miriam Santiago placed 5th with 4 percent. The survey was conducted from December 12 to 14. “Mamili kayo sa apat. I’m not affected by the survey,” Duterte said. Duterte said he is “okay” with having served the government for 40 years by 2016, adding, “Whether I like it or not, I’m already in my sunset years.” “Time is running out for me so kanang presidency, problem to me internally, dili na ko ganahan magtrabaho og mamalikas, og dili na ko ganahan mopatay (that presidency is a problem to me internally, I no longer want to work and curse, and I do not want to kill

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10:47 p.m. It transmits 138 KV line from Agus 2 hydropower plants in Lanao del Sur to Kibawe in Bukidnon. The structure was not toppled but sustained serious damages that could trigger the collapse of the structure, Capulong said. On the other hand, NGCP Tower 25 in Carmen was toppled that led to the isolation of government owned generating facilities, namely the Agus 1 & 2 Hydro Electric Plants. As a result, 58 MW was lost from the grid, aggravating the exist-

ing power shortage in Mindanao. NGCP is calling on the public to report any suspicious activities at or around its facilities, to prevent further bombing-related power interruptions. It also appealed to the national and local governments to help stem this attack on transmission lines. NGCP funds the repair of damaged transmission towers but the cost of restoration will be passed on to consumers, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). (PNA)

OCAL police engaged in a 10-minute running gun battle with “bandits” in the hinterlands of this city on Monday. Inspector Dennis Edsulo said his team was serving a warrant of arrest in the hinterlands of Tignapolo-an, about 26 kilometers southwest of here, when they were waylaid by unidentified armed men. “One of my colleagues saw that the unidentified armed men were firing at us, which prompted us to duck for cover and returned fire,” Edsulo said after reporting to the police station Monday afternoon. He said his team went to

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the area in guise of conducting a “motorbike patrol” to serve the warrant of arrest on a wanted person who was reported to be around in the area. Edsulo said that the wanted person might have joined a group of bandits that conducted the ambushed to prevent the serving the warrant of arrest. According to Edsulo, his team recovered a .45 caliber pistol during a clearing operation, although the bandits were firing high powered weapons. “Except for minor bruises, no one was hurt in our team,” Edsulo said. (PNA)

MORE VIOLATORS. Davao City’s Anti- Smoking Task Force co-chair Dr. Domilyn Villareiz says the number of violators apprehended by the authorities increased from 4,000 last year to 5,000 this year. Villareiz and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) regional spokesman Fire Inspector Nestor Jimenez were guests in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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PAL to open direct Cebu-LA flights By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

EOPLE in the Visayas and Mindanao don’t have to go to Manila for their Los Angeles trip as national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the commencement of the Cebu-Los Angeles non-stop direct flight starting March 15 next year. “We wanted to cater to the growing market in the Visayas and Mindanao area,” Victor D. Suarez, area head

for PAL Mindanao Sales and Services, said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex. The new direct flight from Cebu to Los Angeles, California will take place three times a week using the 254-seat Airbus A340-300. It is part of the airline’s US route expansion and is also being done in time for the celebration of its 75th anniversary.

Malaysian traders eye meat processing plant in Cotabato

HERE’S no stopping of foreign investments coming to Cotabato City, the temporary host of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), officials said on Sunday. The latest group to eye this city as investment destination is a Malaysian business group which show keen interest in pouring in capital for various projects, specially on trading of “Halal” meat processing plant, a statement from the Cotabato City government said. Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said prospects of more investments to come are evident with several letters of intent from investors that his office received in recent months. Guiani and other Cotabato City officials were invited to a business meeting by Malaysian officials in Johor, Malaysia during a recent three-day visit. Cotabato City information officer Halima Satol-Ibrahim said Guiani and City Administrator Danda Juanday attended a business meeting called by Johor authorities. “The Malaysians were very interested in helping our economy so we came to Johor to lay down our investment potentials,” Guiani said, adding that the traders eye putting up the processing plant beside the modern halal slaughter

house in Cotabato City. Cotabato City hosts the biggest and most modern “Halal” slaughterhouse which will start operations in January. Guiani said the Malaysian traders wanted to ensure continued and steady supply of halal products to Johor and Malaysia. Guiani also announced that Malaysian traders are also interested to import coconut products from the Philippines, especially from the ARMM. Coconuts have been getting scarce in Malaysia after most farmers shifted to oil palm production. Guiani also told reporters that business groups from Singapore, Thailand, and India are also scheduled to visit the city for business meetings as they too are interested to pour in capital. The city and the autonomous region have been relatively peaceful the past years due to the Mindanao peace process and the ceasefire agreement between the government and Moro rebels. The cessation of hostilities led to the creation of a peaceful atmosphere conducive to investments, local and international. In the last three years, five malls have sprouted in the city and more are coming, Guiani said. (PNA)

PAL to increase air connections for Visayas, Mindanao markets

HE Philippine Airlines (PAL) will strengthen its Cebu-Davao connection by increasing the number of flights next year to address the growing number of travelers coming from Mindanao areas flying through Davao and Cebu. PAL has already added one flight between Cebu and Davao last December 15 in response to market demand. One of the reasons for increasing the Cebu-Davao connection is the increasing number of inbound and outbound travelers to PAL’s market in Narita, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan via Cebu. Victor Suarez, OIC/Area Manager of PAL, said PAL is

also expanding to Oceania region via Cebu, particularly Australia through Cairns and New Zealand through Auckland. He said PAL is looking at a big market in Auckland where there are 44,000 Filipinos. Currently, PAL has only one flight Cebu-Davao-Cebu being a management decision. It may be recalled that PAL has stopped flying Cebu-Davao-Cebu sometime ago following the airline’s reorganization, restructuring and integration. “But ever since, Davao has traffic (passenger),” he said, adding that PAL is targeting

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Suarez said Los Angeles will become the fifth international destination served by the flag carrier from Cebu after Tokyo (Narita), Seoul (Incheon), Osaka (Kansai), and Nagoya (Centair). He said with the addition of this flight, Los Angeles will get up to 14 weekly services from PAL, mostly from Manila. This also brings the total number of weekly flights the flag carrier has to the US to

38.

Suarez said PAL will be deploying the Boeing 777300ER aircraft by the last quarter of next year to serve flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and its other US routes. Meanwhile, Suarez said PAL has added more domestic flights. “We added one additional flight between Cebu and Davao and another addition-

al flight for Cebu-Cagayan de Oro. These additional flights started last December 15,” he said. PAL now also serves Zamboanga with its recently launched direct route between Cebu and Zamboanga City. Aside from Zamboanga, PAL also serves flights between Cebu and the cities of Bacolod, Butuan, Iloilo, and Tacloban through its subsidiary PAL Express.

Suarez said PAL is also targeting to establish direct routes between Cebu and the cities of Pagadian and Surigao next year. The growing number of leisure travelers from Visayas and Mindanao prompted PAL to open new routes. “We’re targeting to open more routes out of Davao,” he said, adding that it is one of the most important domestic markets of the airline.

HOMEWARD BOUND. Passengers start to arrive at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) yesterday to avoid the rush of people who will travel home for the New Year’s Day celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

Government OKs release of P1.5B for two road projects in S. Cotabato

HE national government has approved the release of around PHP1.5 billion for the development next year of two major road networks in South Cotabato province. South Cotabato second district Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has adopted upgrading of the Lake Sebu-Maitum road and the construction of

the Surallah-T’boli-San Jose road as among the top priorities for 2016. He said the agency has allotted around PHP800 million for the reconstruction of the Lake Sebu-Maitum road to all weather standards. Another PHP700 million has been set aside for the construction of the Surallah-T’boli-San Jose road, he said. “These projects are al-

ready in the pipeline for 2016 and we expect their preparatory works to begin soon,” he said at an alumni gathering of a public high school in Koronadal City on Sunday night. Hernandez said Surallah-T’boli-San Jose road will connect the municipalities of Surallah and T’boli in South Cotabato and Barangay San Jose in this city. He said it will serve as an

alternative route to the city airport in Barangay Tambler, the city fish port complex in Barangay Calumpang and other strategic areas in this city and nearby Sarangani province. The 75-kilometer Lake Sebu-Maitum road network connects the municipalities of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and Maitum in Sarangani. The PHP1.39 billion road

“The assurance is that the strategic infrastructure projects of DOT have already been embedded so it’s not as if the next administration can just stop this,” Bengzon said. “What is more important is that as a people, we are maturing and we all realize that the future does not just hinge on one election. The future of the industry does not line on who will run the DOT,” he added.

One of the major programs under the NTDP is the DOT and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Convergence Program which includes the implementation of the Tourism Road Infrastructure Project Prioritization Criteria (TRIPPC). TRIPPC involves the construction and repair of roads leading to tourist destinations. The roads under TRIPPC include the Ternate-Nasug-

bu Road in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, access roads to the Puerto Princesa Underground River system in Palawan, the Ambangeg Junction National Road to Mount Pulag in the Cordilleras, acccess roads to Donsol, Sorsogon and the Samal Circumferential Road in Davao del Norte. Right now, Bengzon said that the overall framework is intact and that the depart-

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DOT confident tourism infra projects to push through after Aquino admin

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) is confident that its tourism infrastructure projects under its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) will push through even after the Aquino administration. In an interview with reporters, DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said he believes that the transition from the current administration to the next will be “smoother.”

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NEW FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines area manager for Mindanao sales and services Victor D. Suarez announces the new international routes opened by the airline in

EDGEDAVAO

2015 and promises that more routes will be offered next year. Suarez graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Stop selling cigarettes, 7-Eleven owners asked By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE city government has told international convenience store chain 7-Eleven to either stop selling cigarettes or risk the revocation of its business permit. Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ASTF) head Dr. Domilyn C. Villareiz said during an inspection by the task force, 7-Eleven was found to be selling cigarettes as well as selling and serving food in its premises which is a violation of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City. 7-Eleven is classified as an accommodation and entertainment establishment under City Ordinance No. 0367-12 or the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking

Ordinance of Davao City. “The task force has already sent the management of 7-Eleven a letter and the owners are expected to comply as soon as possible,” Villareiz told reporters during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday. In the letter addressed to all 7-Eleven establishments in Davao City, ASTF chair and city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain said the franchisers failed to comply with E.O. No. 4, Series of 2014, Section 7 (e) which states that “selling of cigarettes or any tobacco products shall not be allowed inside the accommodation and entertainment establishments, and public

buildings.” Quitain told the franchisers to “cease and refrain from selling cigarettes in your establishments, otherwise, the City Government of Davao shall cause the revocation of your business permit.” Villareiz said the problem arose only recently because no other convenience store in Davao City sells and serves cigarettes and food at the same time. To avoid hassle, she advised owners of 7-Eleven outlets that are still being constructed to change the design of the structure and remove the refreshment parlor if they want to sell cigarettes.

ceived were very encouraging so we’re now working on the additional deliveries, which we hope would become regular by next year,” Datukan said in a press conference. The official said they are currently assisting the MIDC12 in consolidating mango harvests from other parts of the region to meet the demands of the buyers and other potential export markets. Aside from North Cotabato, this city and the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat also produce quality carabao mangoes. Datukan said that they are also coordinating trial shipments for other farm products like achuete, organic rice, as well as lakatan and saba bananas. She said the second shipment included samples of fresh banana from this city and Tampakan town in South Cotabato.

The mango trial shipments were the result of the participation of local producers, through the DA-12’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), to the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) held in Dubai in early November. MENOPE is a major trade fair that features organic products specializing in food, beverage, beauty products, among others. AMAD personnel helped link up local mango producers import firm Elite International, a consolidator of various Philippine products based in Ras Alkhaimah in the UAE. “We bring our farmers and producers to more international trade fairs next year to expose them to possible export opportunities and help them understand as well the arrangements in international trading,” Datukan added. (PNA)

Mango shipments to Dubai eyed

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12 is targeting regular shipments by next year of high-quality mangoes from the region to top markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Amalia Jayag-Datukan, DA Region 12 executive director, said they are currently arranging additional deliveries of fresh mangoes to Dubai in the UAE following the two “successful” trial shipments by producers based in North Cotabato in the last four weeks. She said the shipments were facilitated by DA-12 in coordination with the Region 12 Mango Industry Development Council (MIDC-12). An initial one metric ton (MT) of carabao mango variety was shipped to Dubai last Nov. 29 and was followed by an additional 1.5 MT last Dec. 17, she said. “The feedbacks we re-

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 196 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

EDITORIAL On the NPA’s permit to campaign fees

HAT the New People’s Army (NPA) imposes so-called “permit to campaign” fees on political candidates during election period is no longer news. This has been an issue for decades now, with the NPA reaping a bounty every three years as candidates who have potential constituents in the hinterlands make the necessary trips there in order to court their votes. The campaign fees are an open secret, something candidates are exposed to and are forced to agree to in many instances — but it is also something no one would acknowledge. In fact, it is only through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NPA itself that we find confirmation about the activity. No candidate has publicly admitted paying the NPA for the right to campaign in rebel-held areas. The NPA calls it a fee, but the military, of course, calls it sheer extortion. And why not? What else does one call the collection of money by a group that uses it for its own end, whatever that may be? In the case of the NPA, the amount certainly goes to its own operations, perpetuating an insurgency that has dragged on for decades and has claimed the lives of countless innocent people. This is why the military periodically urges candidates not to pay the NPA’s permit to campaign. Not only is it illegal, it also makes the candidate a party to the rebels’ activities. Politicians

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who give in to the NPA’s demand are seen as having blood in their hands since the money contributes to the rebellion. Wittingly or not, such candidates whittle away at the very foundation of the government they want to serve. It is an irony that seems to be lost on many people. However, it is not just the candidates’ fault that they are often forced to pay the fee to the rebels. It is also a failure on the part of the government and the military which have so far failed to address the insurgency in a realistic and lasting way. It is not enough for the AFP to tell candidates not to pay the permit to campaign fees; it must also make sure the candidates are safe when they venture into areas held by the rebels. It is one thing to warn politicians against being unwitting parts of the rebellion, quite another to secure them from the rebels. The permit to campaign fee, therefore, is but a small part of a bigger problem that government must resolve. As has been pointed out time and again, the insurgency is much more than just a band of men mounting a rebellion; it has deep roots that the authorities for the most part ignore. Let us hope that this election is the last in which there is such a thing as an insurgency; let us hope our people vote into power those who will truly address this problem.

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LOST health food” -- that is how some people think of brown rice. “Before the advent of the rice mills, Filipinos ate rice with only the hull removed, leaving the nutrient-rich brown coating of the resulting grain intact. The unpolished brown rice or pinawa contains more vitamins and minerals than its polished white counterpart,” said a news report. Actually, brown rice and white rice have similar amounts of calories and carbohydrates. The main differences between the two forms of rice lie in processing and nutritional contents. “Ang white rice na kinakain natin, walang sustansya iyan. Kapag pinoproseso ang white rice, lahat ng sustansya, natatanggal na,” explained film and television actor Mikael Daez, a brown rice ambassador. “Brown rice is unpolished rice, so ibig sabihin nun, buong-buo pa ang grain. Naririnig naman siguro natin, whole grains are better than normal, processed grains.” During the polishing process, several vitamins and dietary minerals are lost. A part of these missing nutrients, such as vitamin B1, vitamin B3, and iron are sometimes added back into the white rice making it “enriched,” as food suppliers in the United States are required to do by the Food and Drug Administration. But one mineral not added back into white rice is magnesium; one cup (195 grams) of cooked long grain brown rice contains 84 milligrams of magnesium while one cup of white rice contains 19 milligrams. Shereen Jegtvig in an article which appeared in about.com shares this information: “Since brown rice still has the bran intact, it has more fiber than white rice. One cup of brown rice has 3.5 grams of fiber while the same amount of white rice has less than one gram of fiber.” Nutritionists said that all of us need from 25 to 38 grams of fiber in our diet each day.

N our daily life, we are often recognized or associated with the expressions we utter as part of our lingual habits that subsequently form part of the street people’s vocabulary Thus, “P…….a” is an expression mouthed not only by the lower stratum of our society but also by many who are expressing a certain degree of frustration, disappointment, disgust, anger, in jest or whatever. It is an utterance not so much as to debase or disparage another person’s character. Actually, “P…….a” is maybe annoying to some sectors of the society. But just as it is annoying, it sometimes serves as a point of emphasis to describe a person’s appreciation of a certain situation or dilemma or circumstance. But how do you differentiate this “P……a” against this expression uttered in the midst of the tragic destruction of property and sweeping deaths of thousands in the aftermath of the supertyphoon Yolanda in Leyte, Samar and elsewhere? Would’nt “bahala kayo sa buhay nyo” be

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Brown rice: To eat or not to eat Fiber is benefiTHINK ON THESE! cial for digestive system health and following a high-fiber diet may help a person lose weight. “White rice is still the usual rice found in restaurants, so you will proba- Henrylito D. Tacio bly have to get henrytacio@gmail.com most of your brown rice at home,” Jegtvig said. “Brown rice takes longer than white rice to cook, so increase the amount of water slightly. Brown rice doesn’t have the fluffy texture of white rice, but its nutty flavor and chewy texture makes brown rice a tasty way to get fiber into your diet.” By switching to brown rice, Filipinos would become healthier and less sickly. A National Nutrition Survey done in 2008 showed that 26 out of every 100 pre-schoolers were malnourished. Twenty-five percent of children ages 6 to 10 years old were underweight. “While Filipinos have been conditioned to eating rice, the required nourishment that the body needs to arrest malnutrition is inadequate because of the loss or reduction of important nutrients in the milling process,” observed a policy advocacy, which appeared in The PCARRD Monitor. Brown rice is, indeed, healthier than white rice. The health-promoting properties of brown rice can even more enhanced by a simple germination process. It is very simple: The raw brown rice is soaked in water for 12 hours, drained, and then wrapped in cheesecloth for 24 hours. The resulting germinated brown rice (GBR) is cooked and can then be used as alternative to white rice or as an ingredient in food products. The finding was based from the study, “Development and Evaluation of Functional Bev-

erage with Germinated Brown Rice as Base Ingredient,” conducted by Rodel Bulatao, Jody Chaves, and Dr. Marissa Romero from the Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). “We know that brown rice is nutritionally superior than white or milled rice. Yet, drawbacks on its cooking time and texture discourage the public to consume it. And so we thought of germinating it to help address these concerns,” Bulatao said. Previous studies confirmed that germination improves the cooking, eating, and nutritional qualities of brown rice. “We found out that GBR from pigmented rice has better phytochemical, antioxidant, and functional properties than GBR from white rice varieties. It also has higher protein (8.5-9.5%), fiber (0.7-1.0%), fat (3.0-3.1%), and ash (1.5-2.1%),” Romero said. Aside from being nutritious, brown rice has several health benefits. For instance, eating a serving of brown rice at least 6 times each week is an especially good idea for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A 3-year prospective study of over 200 postmenopausal women with CVD, published in the American Heart Journal, shows that those eating at least 6 servings of whole grains each week experienced both: slowed progression of atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque that narrows the vessels through which blood flows) and less progression in stenosis (the narrowing of the diameter of arterial passageways). A Harvard University study found out that brown rice can lower the risk of developing diabetes. Researchers drew on data from over 200,000 subjects and found that those who ate five or more servings of white rice a week had a 17 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who rarely ate white rice. What’s more, they found that those who ate brown rice regularly were overall less

likely to develop diabetes. “When we refine rice, we strip away the majority of many of the nutrients,” says Dr. Walter Willet, a co-author on the study, “including magnesium, chromium and other minerals and vitamins. You’re left with a form of starch that is rapidly broken down, leads to greater spikes in blood sugar, and increases the demand for insulin. Over time this exhausts the pancreas and leads to diabetes.” Eating foods high in insoluble fiber, such as brown rice, can help women avoid gallstones, shows a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Studying the overall fiber intake and types of fiber consumed over a 16 year period by over 69,000 women in the study, researchers found that those consuming the most fiber overall (both soluble and insoluble) had a 13% lower risk of developing gallstones compared to women consuming the fewest fiber-rich foods. Those eating the most foods rich in insoluble fiber gained even more protection against gallstones: a 17% lower risk compared to women eating the least. And the protection was dose-related; a 5-gram increase in insoluble fiber intake dropped risk dropped 10%. Brown rice helps protect women from breast cancer. A cohort study conducted in United Kingdom hosted 35,972 women who were pre-menopausal. These women ate a diet rich in fiber and fruit. The fiber came from brown rice and other whole grains. The pre-menopausal women that consumed the most fiber reduced their risk of breast cancer by about 52 percent compared to women who consumed a diet with the least fiber. Women who had high-fiber diets supplied mostly by whole grains had the most protection against breast cancer. “Fruit source fiber also offered women protection from breast cancer,” wrote R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen in an article. “This gave women about a 29 percent reduced risk. So, brown rice and other whole grain sources still win out.”

a much more SPECKS OF LIFE annoying utterance as declared by someone in government who was responsible to bring in government support for the tens of Fred C. Lumba thousands of victims of Yolanda folks who lost not only their houses and dwellings but also the lives of their immediate families and relatives? If the clergy is now foist to censure the person who casually utters foul expressions of this type, shouldn’t it censure more the person seated and cloaked with government authority who, with aristocratic temerity and callous boldness, dressed down the LGU officials of Tacloban City in the midst of their utter helplessness with the insensitive “ba-

hala kayo sa buhay nyo” comment? This comparison in the proper use of language distinctly separates Digong Duterte and Mar Roxas as to who is really “decent” and “educated.” Roxas seems to prop himself proudly with his Wharton economics degree while Duterte ironically humbles himself by showing his low struggling educational attainment in high school and seldom even waives proudly his San Beda law degree. So what if you are a Wharton graduate? Does that automatically qualify you for the highest post in the land? I, too, graduated from the UCLA Ext. with a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism. Does this qualify me to be an anchor at a major broadcast organization? Maybe, maybe not. But if you recall, in one of the protest rallies against former President Gloria Arroyo held in Makati some years back, Roxas belted out a snickering “P……a” worded verbal attack directed against GMA herself for which the media sensationalized it as uncharacteristic of the LP standard bearer

who badly wanted to become Chief Executive. Roxas’ media handlers came to the rescue and promptly rectified the situation because by then he was already being groomed by the Liberal Party to be its 2010 candidate for President. Now, do you see if there is some kind of similarity with Duterte’s casual utterances of the “P” word? Our society is truly a cultural paradox with a mixture of satire and exaggeration as found in our figures of speech. A great majority of Filipinos don’t usually discern comparisons of this kind. They would rather take them at face value. As Sen. Grace Poe receives the final blow from the Comelec, the political terrain is a-changing. Definitely, her supporters are now thinking deeply, just to be sure they are counted in. As Onyok, the young, street-smart sidekick of Coco Martin in the telenovela would always quip: “Ay, naku…Chiz. Ikaw kasi, eh!” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). God bless the Philippines!

Expressions

10 NEWS AFP... FROM 1

“It remains clear that in 2015 alone, there is a significant reduction in their capability in all parameters,” the EastMinCom said. It said the number of regular NPA members in Eastern Mindanao was reduced by 17 percent or 344, majority

through surrenders. It also said the number of affected barangays was reduced by 27 percent or 152. The EastMinCom said in the same period, the NPA’s high-powered firearms were reduced by 148 and five guerrilla fronts were dismantled.

involved two indigenous people from Tugbok Gym, while the other two were Lumads from Barangay 5-A Gym in District 1 and Buhangin Gym,” Caligdong said. No one was killed in the incidents, she added. Six Lumad women gave birth during their stay. Caligdong said four women gave birth to their healthy babies days before Christmas in Barangay 5-A Gym, another one in Buhangin Gym, and another in Tugbok Gym. Last year, the CSSDO recorded a total of 23 birth deliveries in eight shelter areas.

“Most deliveries were recorded in Buhangin Gym with 12 deliveries, followed by Calinan Gym with four, Bunawan Gym with three births, and Matina Shanghai and Barangay 5-A Gym with two each,” Caligdong said. The babies were delivered in the shelter and recommended to Central 911 afterward. Every shelter has one midwife to assist women who are about to deliver their child. Last year, four Lumads – three of them minors – were killed in separate vehicular accidents during the holidays.

tificate of candidacy (COC) for president of Poe because of the issues on her citizenship and residency. Garcia expressed hope that they would get the SC order on Tuesday because they were only given a period of five days to appeal since the Comelec decision was promulgated in connection with the two disqualification cases against Poe.

Garcia said that if the TRO is not issued to meet the Comelec’s five-day deadline, the SC may still issue a SQAO. SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Theodore Te earlier said the SC can immediately take action on the case of Poe even if the SC en banc is on recess because it is an urgent case. (PNA)

anymore),” he said. Duterte served as government prosecutor for 10 years before he was named OIC Vice Mayor in 1986, mayor from 1988 to 1998, representative of the city’s first district from 1998 to 2001, mayor again from 2001 to 2010, and vice mayor from 2010 to 2013. In 2013, Duterte was elected as mayor with son Paolo

Duterte as vice mayor. The mayor, who is turning 70 in March, said: “You do not look at your ambition when you reach this age because physically you know you can only do so much. At this age, you should have already known your ambition and be clear about what you want in life.” (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

more flights out of Davao. PAL has more flights for Manila with eight in a day. “PAL is looking at Mindanao under the Cebu hub operations,” Suarez said during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw held at SM City Annex. Suarez also disclosed that PAL will establish more connections from Cebu to serve Mindanao market such as the Cebu-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu and Cebu-Surigao-Cebu. On the table is the Manila-Pagadian-Manila wherein airport issues are under review particularly “safety” issue which is always a consideration. Internationally, Suarez said PAL is expanding to the United States east coast by March 15 next year when it celebrates its 75th anniversary. He said it will be flying non-stop to Los Angeles, California via Cebu to serve Visayas and Mindanao markets. In March, it will also open its 7th destination to China in Fujian province where Filipi-

no-Chinese go back and forth. Last April, PAL launched a three-times-weekly service to Quanzhou in Fujian province, China, the ancestral homeland of most Filipino-Chinese families. Suarez said it is also opened flight to Papua New Guinea targeting Filipino workers. He noted that there a lot of Filipinos working in mining companies there. “This year is a good year for PAL,” Suarez said. In its website, PAL disclosed that in May 4 it continues its financial turnaround with a total comprehensive income of US$ 85 million for the first quarter (January to March) of 2015. It reverses a US$ 20.7 million loss incurred in the same period of 2014. The profit is attributed to the increase in passenger traffic following the opening of several domestic and international destinations, as well as aggressive sales campaigns that resulted in improved yields. (PNA)

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INCREASE. City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) assistant head Liwayway Caligdong says there was a 20 percent increase in the number of lumads who went down from the hinterlands to celebrate Christmas in the city. Caligdong was a guest of yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

ARMM... FROM 2

of NUJP Iligan, said Enderes and his companions had just come from Ramain town in Lanao del Sur where they did a follow-up story on the transmission tower of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines which was bombed on Dec. 24. Umel said that as they entered Marawi City, the news crew noticed two motorcycles following their vehicle. Sensing danger, Umel said Montecillo honked the horn of their vehicle and blinked the emergency lights to call the

attention of residents. “Still, the gunmen fired at the vehicle when they reached Bangolo district. They were really brazen despite the presence of many people,” Umel said. Police Superintendent Siegfred Ramos, Lanao del Sur PNP director said investigators found spent caliber .45 empty shells on the street in Bangolo district. Ramos said they are still conducting an investigation on the incident. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

project was earlier endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 as among the region’s priority development initiatives. The RDC-12 cited that the road project will provide a shorter link between the coastal towns of Maasim and Maitum in Sarangani and Palimbang and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat to the regional center in Koronadal City via Lake Sebu and Surallah towns in South Cotabato. It said the road project will open up a rich agricultural area between Maitum and Lake Sebu, which also hosts huge volumes of coal deposits. With the municipalities of Lake Sebu and Maitum presently being developed as top ecotourism destinations of Region 12, the council said

the road project will eventually make the two areas as twin eco-tourism destinations. “We’re continually lobbying for the approval and release of additional funding for several other major road projects, including the Norala-Banga road,” Hernandez said. In the last three years, the official said the government has poured in around PHP5 billion worth of infrastructure projects in South Cotabato’s second congressional district. He said these projects, which his office helped lobby for approval, included road construction, upgrading and widening; construction of barangay or community gymnasiums and related facilities; and, the construction of school buildings. (PNA)

ment is already working on the next phase of NTDP 20162022.The NTDP 2011-2016 is meant to plan, develop, regulate and promote the tourism industry as a major socioeconomic activity and spread the benefits of tourism to more people. Under the plan, the department has come up with a strategy to develop and market competitive destinations and products, improve

connectivity, access and infrastructure and enhance human resources capability Simply put, the plan is meant to position the Philippines as a must experience and fun destination. By 2016, it aims to acquire 10-million foreign tourists, share 8.1 percent to gross domestic product (GDP), employ 6.8 million workers and contribute a 17 percent share to national employment. (PNA)

Government... FROM 4

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Ambush... FROM 2 impunity and lawlessness is now becoming a hallmark of the exiting Aquino administration,” he said. “In particular, the Magahat-Bagani group are no different from the terrorist group Abu Sayaff by openly uploading a video in social media directly threatening members of the press,” he added. Zarate also said contrary to his campaign promise, President Aquino “reneged on the revocation of Executive Order 546, issued in 2006 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which allows the arming of paramilitary groups.” He said it was the same EO cited by the Ampatuan family “to justify the existence of its private army to consolidate its dynastic hold of Maguindanao and the ARMM but in the guise of supposedly fighting the Moro rebels.” “As it is now, Executive Order 546 is still an available tool for warlords, powerful politicians, and the military to justify arming these militias for political and economic ends. The Philippines is now ranked as the fourth worst spot where journalists have been murdered without a single perpetrator being convicted, according to the Committee to Protect

Journalists’ 2015 Global Impunity Index,” he added. Zarate said since September 2005, at least 44 journalists were murdered “with complete impunity” in the country, including seven under the administration of President Aquino. Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said the ambush on the ABS-CBN crew and the threats issued by the Magahat-Bagani group is “emblematic of the dangers posed by private armies, militias, and paramilitaries.” “This lends credence to the existence of government’s policy, tacit or otherwise, of allowing the burgeoning of private armies as pawns of the military and police in the government’s counter-insurgency campaigns,” Colmenares added. “As a result, human rights abuses – particularly those directed to opposition members or critics of government and its policies – have apparently become part of the political environment because of the failure of the government to bring those responsible to justice. The Aquino administration, he said, is not serious in addressing the problem posed by paramilitary or private armed groups,” he said.

Security in Butuan City, military and Cafgu units, as well as a mining company in Surigao del Norte and a plantation in Bukidnon. He said the NPA confiscated several firearms from government forces and expanded its guerrilla units. Madlos claimed that in 2015, the NPA inflicted casualties on government forces numbering over a battalion and suffered minimal casualties. He said they captured at least 61 “prisoners of war” who were treated based on the Geneva Conventions.

The CPP was founded on Dec. 26, 1968, the birth anniversary of Mao Zedong. Three months after, the Party formed the NPA whose fighters numbered less than a hundred. The “re-established CPP”, as its founders called it, spurned the pro-Soviet leanings of its predecessor, the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, and adopted a Maoist line. After President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in September 1972, the CPPNPA grew in number and spread to most of the country’s provinces. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

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Crimson

SPARKS By Kenneth Irving Ong OF ALL THE COLORS one can wear for the holidays, red has to be the most symbolic of Christmas as well as of the New Year. The bright hue is always a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and Plains and Prints’ Wild Cherries collection gives Davao’s fashionistas more chic crimson options. A collection inspired by the luscious red tones of Wild Cherries in classic chic silhouettes, tthe Wild Cherry Collection features unique prints and blocking patterns which make pieces from the collection a classic

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YEARENDER

More enthic cuisine restaurants are opening with Korean restaurants charging in the lead.

2015 through my looking glass Davao now has more airline options and more flights in 2015.

FROG Kaffee’s computer-controlled coffee roaster.

Nay for traffic Although not as bad as Manila’s infamous traffic jams, Durianburg’s road traffic situation is becoming worse by the month. Although it is understandable that there are many road and drainage projects this 2015, it cannot be disputed that there are no new roads connecting the suburbs of the city to downtown. The roads of downtown would have been wider but with unfinished/unpaved road shoulders, lack of sidewalks and illegally parked cars, the traffic situation is exacerbated. Aside from a rise in the number of cars, motorised sidecars and pedicabs, whose drivers do not know or follow basic road laws, clutter the city streets. All this makes me wonder what the newly formed City Transportation and Traffic Management Office is doing when the violations are often done in front of the officers. Although it is understandable that it is a relatively new office and I understand that the office may be lacking funds or personnel, it does not mean that the CTTMO should just sit on its hands.

The sign along Roxas Ave. says “No Parking” but no one is there to enforce it. weekly Davao - Singapore route. bawenyos are falling in love with the brush and pen, re-learning creHooray for analog living ative ways to write or draw. Although electronic gadgets are Another analog trend for 2015 still the rage, many Dabawenyos in is the rediscovery of board games. 2015 are embracing a more analog Friends playing classic games such life to keep entertained. Coloring as Scrabble, Boggle, Jenga and the books have taken store shelves by like now seen in more and more storm. Featuring elaborate pat- places. There is also a rise in newer terns and illustrations, these adult kinds of analog games that require colouring books are now haloing more critical thinking and less of Dabawenyos unplug from the digi- mere luck. tal storm. With Durianburg’s safety record, Aside from coloring, some Da- Dabawenyos are now walking more

Nay to uncomfortable travel The Davao International Airport may be the newest aerodrome in the country, but it cannot be disputed that the airport’s terminal is becoming tired and dated. I had the misfortune of being on a flight on the hours when the airport is most busy and since only one x-ray machine is working, it took the better of 15 minutes to just get cleared to enter the airport. The queue situation was compounded by another long line to get into the passenger lounges because another x-ray machine was also not functioning and once you get through hell, you stayed in hell as the air-conditioning of the airport was non-existent for majority of the year. There is hope, however, as the Davao International Airport is now up for privatisation and from the improvements I saw when in transit at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, I cannot wait.

2015 was an exciting year as it gave Dabawenyos new and exciting experiences. Thanks to the city’s rapid growth, the lifestyle of Davao’s urbanites has changed by leaps and bounds, some offering Dabawenyos better options to experience life while some, sadly, needing to be addressed and fixed. Here are some of my personal Hoorays and Nays for 2015. Hooray for good food Davao’s food scene culture is growing by leaps and bounds. This is thanks to Dabawenyos who are passionate about food. Even the big malls have taken notice of this and now have regular gourmet markets featuring small local purveyors who bring quality food to the table. Aside from the food markets, food fairs which feature indigenous specialty agricultural products such as cacao, durian, pomelo and coffee give Dabawenyo urbanites a better understanding of the city’s rich agricultural present as well as ideas for the development of its future. Even the restaurants in the city are levelling up. Filipino restaurants like Filipino Comfort Food, Rekado, and Cafe Tavera which serve homey Pinoy fare but with a creative twist are all the rage in 2015. There is also a Korean invasion of Durianburg with the sprouting of more and more Korean restaurants with their own unique specialty dishes. Hooray for coffee Dabawenyos love their coffee and finally the third wave of coffee shops that roast their own beans have arrived. Sporting freshly brewed custom roasted coffee and quirky interiors, stores such as Cafe Blooming Days at JJ’s Commune and Frog Kaffe at Prime Square are reshaping the city’s coffee drinking habit. Hooray for more flights If there is one thing that was lacking in Davao’s airport, it is the choices of destinations and carriers. Budget carrier AirAsia Philip-

Artisan’s April San Pedro shares tips on watercolor lettering. pines relaunched in Davao this year after consolidating with Zest Air and now offers three daily flights to Manila. Philippine Airlines also reopened its Davao - Cebu route which now connects Davao to a more viable airport for international travel. PAL also reintroduced Business Class seats on their Manila route those travellers who want a more space and perks. Cebu Pacific on the othr hand recognised the need of more direct international flights and just recently launched its two-times

and thanks to the many street markets a street culture has developed. Specialised groups such as bikers and skateboarders regularly meet up and hang out on the city’s sidewalks. Student also use the city’s parks to practice dance numbers or just to hang out and have a good time.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ring in the New Year at SM Lanang Premier SAY GOODBYE to 2015 and raise a toast to the New Year! On December 31, 9pm till midnight, celebrate this festive occasion at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court for the Countdown to 2016 New Year’s Party.

Hit the party and rave to the hottest mixes of Davao-based DJs Niel Recinto and Pae Dobles. Dance to the beat of Latin, tribal and progressive house music with live percussions from DJ Elmer Dado and Gruppo Tribale. You can also enjoy songs from local band, Next Option. Admission is free. On New Year’s Eve, dine with your loved ones at The Fountain Court for a chill-out alfresco experience while enjoying an enchanting view of the 122-meter musical dancing fountain.

with Manic Nightnings Productions and GMA Davao (Regional TV). Now on its third year at SM Lanang Premier, the event is set to draw tourists and locals alike to a fun party sans fireworks at the city’s premier lifestyle destination. Don’t miss this big bash on New Year’s Eve! For more information, call 285-0943 to 45 or check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Restaurants are open from 9pm to 1am. For a perfect afterparty getaway, book a

hotel room at Park Inn by Radisson Davao located just beside SM Lanang Premier. Call (082) 272-

7600 for reservations. The Countdown to 2016 New Year’s Party is organized in partnership

Felipe Gozon, Alden Richards share stories of faith for book GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and Pambansang Bae Alden Richards are among the known personalities who share their stories of faith in the book titled “Beyond All Barriers: Coincidence or Miracle? V” written by Flor Gozon-Tarriela and Butch Jimenez. The fifth installment in a series, the book is a collection of 100 true stories of personal faith journeys and how lives were moved by miracles. “What we want to convey is that life is a journey. It’s not always sunny. But after each night there’s always morning,” Tarriela said in an interview on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali at the recently held book launch. “We all have barriers. We all have challenges but we can overcome through Jesus Christ,” Tarriela added. Among the other prominent personalities included in the book are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Philippine Entrepreneur of the Year Nix Nollado.

ABOVE: Contributors to the book, as well as the authors’ family and friends attend the launch of “Beyond All Barriers: Coincidence or Miracle? V” LEFT: Pambansang Bae Alden Richards with Flor Gozon-Tarriela, co-author of “Beyond All Barriers: Coincidence or Miracle? V.”

December 26-30, 2015

BEAUTY AND THE BESTIE Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, James Reid, Nadine Lustre PG

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 |10:00 LFS

WALANG FOREVER Jennylyn Mercado, Jericho Rosales PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 |7:40 | 10:00 LFS

HAUNTED MANSION Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel, Jerome Ponce

R-16

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

MY BEBE LOVE #KILIGPAMORE Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vic Sotto, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 |10:00 LFS

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day-to-night piece, perfect in glamming-up for the New Year or any festive occasion. The Plains and Prints Wild Cherries collection is available at the Plains and Prints Store in Felcris Centrale, Abreeza Mall, and SM City Davao.

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Children and the sex trade By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A victim of child prostitution (Photo from Wikipedia) (Second of Two Parts)

“S

EX has become a multi-billion dollar industry, and today children are being bought, sold, and traded like any other mass-produced good,” wrote Aaron Sachs in a special report which appeared in Worldwatch. In the Philippines, most of the children engaged in the sex trade are usually between the ages of 13 and 15 years, according to one study. At 16, they become pimps because they are considered too old to be entertainers or prostitutes. A 1994 Newsweek article identified several kinds of child prostitution. One is the brothel-based kind where children are contracted or bought from their parents who are given advance cash which the children have to pay off through their services. Another is the informal street-based prostitution, where children migrate on their own or with adults, from poor communities to areas frequented by tourists or customers. “A significant number of children have suffered from some sort of abuse in their homes,” the Newsweek story said. “They have either run away or have taken to the streets because they felt they have lost their value and dignity.” In recent years, however, some young girls have become more creative in selling sex. They are using mobile phones for their clients to contact them. “They no longer have to be out on streets or in the brothels, they now wait in their houses where they will just be texted,” said an offi-

cial of Talikala (Chain), Inc., a non-governmental organization assisting commercial sex workers, including children, within the Mindanao region. Text prostitutes, as they are called, are considered freelancers – which mean they are not registered and mostly rely on pimps. But girls are not the only child prostitutes doing so. Even boys can be “ordered” in such a manner. Brian, a first year college student, said he has a friend, who is a male hustler, who contacts him if his customer wants more than one. “Usually, we meet in a bar and afterwards we go together to the hotel,” he says, adding that he receives from P500 to P1,000 per sexual tryst. Others use the social network, particularly Facebook, to entice customers. Nineteen-year-old Jefferson posts his photos where he wears skimpy outfits like briefs. “Some people would add me and later on ask me if I am available,” he informs. “If the price is right, I would go with him or her.” Actually, Jefferson is a college students and a fashion model. He has joined some bikini open contests so that if he would win, he can increase his price. “If those customers see me that I have win such contests, they are willing to pay for what I ask from them,” he says. “The increase in child prostitution (in developing countries) is directly linked to the increase in tourism and sometimes caused by it directly,” argues the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World Tourism. It may be recalled that

a former American government official in a controversial statement said that 40% of the male foreign tourists who come to the Philippines come for sex tourism. (He asked an apology later on for saying the statement.) However, a study by the Women’s Education, Development, Productivity and Research Organization says while there are a “substantial proportion” of foreign customers due to sex tourism, “Filipinos are the main users of Filipinas forced into prostitution.” One reason why child prostitution has become a “popular sex industry” is because of fear of being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Clients, mostly adults, think children are AIDS-free. “With the growing fear of HIV infection, many people are always on search for younger and younger victims and (the demand) has been unfortunately met by the ever-eager middlemen,” notes the United Nation’s Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Unlike their adult counterparts, children don’t object and complain. “Most men I know want younger girls,” Tisay, a 16-year-old child prostitute in Cebu, said. “Older girls can set price, can set conditions, but younger girls can’t do that.” Ironically, minors are more susceptible to AIDS. “I prefer safe sex,” Tisay said, “but it’s hard to insist that a man wear a condom. I’m small and I’m alone and I can’t do anything about it if he doesn’t

want to (use a condom).” Shocking it may be but there is more to child prostitution than meets the eye. It is just one facet of the horrors daily served to children working in what the International Labor Organization (ILO) calls “the worst form of labor,” be it on the street or in the sea. The causes of child prostitution are complex, according to WVI’s Laura Montgomery. In industrialized countries like the United States, the major forces driving children into sex trade include family dysfunction, alcoholism and an ineffective or absent parent or parents. In the Philippines, as in most developing countries, the root cause is poverty. An ILO study found that many Filipino child prostitutes were street workers from urban slums, who started out by

selling cigarettes and other goods, or shining shoes. They were eventually enticed into prostitution by leaders of sex rings or by other children engaged in the activity. “They became involved largely because prostitution pays well,” the study concluded. To some child prostitutes, there is no way out. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in East Asia and Pacific, published by UNICEF, explains: “Once in sex trade, it is difficult – if not impossible – to get out. Mentally scarred, the child prostitutes become street-wise, cynical, hardened and embittered. Sex becomes a commodity to be traded. It also becomes their only means of financial support.” A 1998 survey of child prostitutes in the Philippines found that up to three quarters wanted to leave their work

and more than half wanted to return to school. But six out of 10 thought this would depend on “having enough savings.” According to psychologists, the impact of prostitution upon the children is physical, emotional, social, and spiritual devastation. Many children have died at the hands of pimps or customers. That was the fate of a 12-year-old Rosario who, writhing in agony, was brought to Olongapo City General Hospital. The doctors found part of a broken sex toy in her uterus. It was several inches long and had a rusty screw at one end. The doctors who examined her estimated that the object may have been inside Rosario’s uterus “for as long as five months,” according to a news account. Despite the removal of the object, she did not survive.

Pick up girl (Photo taken from the net)

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 196 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

Globe exec bags major award A

SIA Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2015, the region’s most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs, has chosen Globe Telecom executive Glenn Estrella as winner in the Most Promising Category. Estrella’s selection was based primarily on his performance as Vice President for Globe Digital Media and his accomplishments as member of the board of directors of Yondu, Inc., a Philippine provider of IT and mobile services. Yondu started as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe before its majority stake was sold to Xurpas last September. “The award is a recognition of the culture we have in Yondu and Globe. We have a culture that promotes an environment of true camaraderie (mutual trust and friendship). We know the value of having fun in what we do, we correct each other when needed, we depend on each when faced with challenges, and when the day is done or the task is done we say thank you and congratulate one an-

other. I know how to do my job, but I love it because of the people I work with,” Estrella said. The research and analysis carried out by the team of APEA 2015 analysts noted that Estrella’s excellent business

foresight and managerial style, particularly in turning around Yondu Inc., was one of the key factors for him being considered a winner. “Not everyone can turn around a struggling business, and what

Mr. Estrella did at Yondu is undeniable. He hauled the entire organization, from a failing business into one of the most profitable units of Globe Telecom. Yes, there were tough decisions and choices which had to be made, be it managing the manpower or resources. Mr. Estrella took these decisions head on and what we see today is in no small part down to his astute managerial and man management skills,” the team said in their report. APEA provides a real platform for companies and governments to recognize and be recognized for entrepreneurial excellence so as to spur greater innovation, fair practices and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, APEA is able to group together leading entrepreneurs across the region as a powerful voice for entrepreneurs and a crème of- the-crop networking opportunity. APEA has a network of over 2,000 award winning business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Asia since its conception in 2007.

14 CULTURE & ARTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 196 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

HISTORY OF DAVAO

Opium and marijuana in Davao By Antonio V. Figueroa

O one knows exactly who introduced marijuana or Indian hemp, or cannabis sativa, in Davao, and the ones who first propagated it. For all we know, the natives could have their own narcotics the baylans, the tribal priest, smoked during ceremonies. The Europeans could have brought along during their expeditions to the Philippines medicinal marijuana but certainly not the Chinese traders whose mandarins, or political rulers, prior to the 19th century, classified the export of the hempseed, a native of central and eastern Asia, as a capital offense. The propagation in the archipelago of cannabis sativa is largely not documented. The 1930 report made by the United States government entitled “Traffic in Opium and Other Dangerous Drugs with Respect to the Philippines” categorically declares that the “Government of the Philippine Islands has nothing to report with respect to this drug [marijuana].” Opium has a high-profile treatment in historical records although Customs Collector records in drug confiscation at the time were not clear and only generalized.

Domestic laws In domestic legislations, one of the oldest edicts to mention marijuana is Section 102 of Republic Act (RA) 1937, which dwells on its importation. The Commonwealth-period law states: “Marihuana, opium poppies, coca leaves, or any other narcotics or synthetic drugs which are or may hereafter be declared habit forming by the President of the Philippines, any compound, manufactured salt, derivative, or preparation thereof, except when imported by the Government of the Philippines or any person duly authorized by the Collector of Internal Revenue, for medicinal purposes only.” Over two decades later, RA 3720, also known as the ‘Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’, was signed into law on June 22, 1963. The

act was enacted “to ensure the safety and purity of foods, drugs, and cosmetics” that were made available to the public but, more importantly, mandated the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to administer and enforce the laws related to it. Section 19 (d) of RA 3720 stipulates that a drug is deemed misbranded “If it is [prescribed] for use by man and contains any quantity of the narcotic or hypnotic substance alpha-eucaine, barbituric acid, beta-eucaine, bromal, cannabis, cabromal, chloral, coca, cocaine, codeine, heroin, marijuana, morphine, opium, paraldehyde, peyote or sulfonmethane; or any chemical derivative of such substance… [that is] habit forming…” The passage of the 1963 law, presumably, was influenced by nagging reports of the increase use of marijuana which started to infiltrate campuses. This was affirmed by an official Palace account that reported the presence of a dope racket in Pasay City.

On Jan. 9, 1959, Buenaventura Ocampo, head of the Presidential Committee on Administration Performance and Efficiency (PCAPE), sent a request to all educational institutions warning students against the harmful effects of smoking marijuana cigarettes. A day earlier, a marijuana dope racket was in Pasay by a combined Constabulary and PCAPE team, which led to the arrest of a number of persons that included a former U. S. Army enlisted man who grew weed and sold the seeds and the cigarettes.

US influence Historically, marijuana use in the US was first legalized in 1619 at Jamestown Colony, Virginia, when farmers were ordered to conduct trial growing of the Indian hempseed. Twelve years later, another mandatory-planting edict was passed in Massachusetts, followed by another similar directive in Connecticut in 1632. The compulsory

growing of marijuana in 1631 was linked to the use of the plant as money, a legal tender that was in used in the Americas until the early 1800s, and as tax. Two American presidents, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were known to cultivate cannabis on their plantations. By 1850, hemp plantations in the US, mostly in the southern border states and averaging 2,000 acres per farm, reached 8,327 but the yields were primarily used for cloth, canvas and cordage for baling cotton. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin, one of US Constitution signatories, opened one of the first American paper mills with cannabis, allowing the US “to have a free colonial press without having to beg or justify the need for paper and books from England.” Later, from 1842 to the 1890s, marijuana and hashish extracts became the most-prescribed medicines in the US and its medicinal use continued legally through the decades. By 1905, according to a bulletin issued by the

US Department of Agriculture, there were already at least twenty-nine states with mentioned cannabis in their laws.

Opium probe There is no document (as far as we have gone) implicating the US government in the spread of marijuana in the islands. Opium arrived in the islands through a monopoly sponsored by the Spanish colonial administration. William Howard Taft, then the country’s civil governor, thought of reinstituting the control with the profits from the opium monopoly used to help educate Filipinos. He did just that in 1903. But the opium income, labeled as “tainted money,” was opposed by the missionaries in the US and Manila, prompting them to seek the intervention of US President Theodore Roosevelt who ordered the use of opium be restricted to the Chinese for purposes of recreational. In reaction to Roosevelt’s veto, Taft appointed an Opium Investigation Committee, headed by Bishop

Charles Henry Brent, the Protestant Episcopal bishop of the Philippines, to study the ways Asian territories were handling the opium problem. As a result of the probe, the committee came out with two recommendations, namely: (1) male opium smokers over 21 years old were required to register before they could receive opium under the reinstituted monopoly and (2) the amount of opium given to smokers, after three years, was slowly reduced until they were weaned from the drug. In reaction, Congress issued a 1903 legislation immediately prohibiting the distribution of opium prohibition for all Filipinos, except for medicinal purposes, while non-Filipinos were granted a three-year reprieve in the use of the drug. Also established under the law is the opium dispensing stations, the first American narcotic clinics in the country, whose purpose was only for registration and detoxification.

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EDGEDAVAO

Thunder crash Nuggets

SPORTS 15

NES Kanter is listed at 6-foot-11 but is known as an ‘’under-the-rim’’ player, teammate Kevin Durant says. He sure overpowered the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Kanter, Oklahoma City’s backup center, scored 11 of his 21 points in a five-minute span that featured two powerful dunks that gave the Thunder the momentum and helped lift them past the Nuggets, 122112. ‘’I just want to help my team win,’’ Kanter said. ‘’It doesn’t matter, off the bench, play one minute or 48. When I’m out there, Coach tells me to bring energy and just go after rebounds and I’m just trying to do that.’’ Russell Westbrook had 30 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, just missing what would have been his fourth triple-double of the season, as the Thunder rallied from an 11-point, second-half deficit. Durant recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 26 points and 10 assists for the Thunder, who have won 10 of their last 12 games but were coming off a Christmas Day loss at home to the Chicago Bulls. Oklahoma City shot a season-best 57.8 percent from the field. The Thunder trailed as late as the 8:13 mark of the fourth quarter before taking control with an 11-2 run. Kanter’s tip-in of a miss by Serge Ibaka put the Thunder ahead for good at 98-97 with 7:50 left.

Kanter then took a pass from Westbrook and dunked over 6-foot-10 Nikola Jokic while being fouled. Kanter hit the ensuing free throw, then two more free throws with 6:38 left. His final dunk came with 4:33 left and made it 109102. He also grabbed eight rebounds, five offensive. ‘’Kanter was their MVP tonight,’’ Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. ‘’He dominated us. Every time we play this team, he dominates us. We just have to get in the weight room and get a little bit stronger.’’ Kenneth Faried had 25 points and 11 points for the Nuggets, who have lost five of their last six games. Denver has lost six straight trips to Oklahoma City. ‘’We didn’t defend at all tonight,’’ Malone said. ‘’Our offense was terrific, but that is a losing proposition if you try to outscore the Thunder on their home court with the firepower they have. . We left our defense in the locker room at halftime.’’ The Thunder started slowly for the second straight game and trailed 61-53 at halftime. Kostas Papanikolaou’s 3-pointer to start the second half extended Denver’s lead to 11 points, but Westbrook and Durant fueled a 20-9 run that pulled Oklahoma City even at 73-all with 5:07 left in the third quarter. Randy Foye gave the Nuggets their last lead at 97-96 with 8:13 left. Will Barton scored 19 points and Joffrey Lauvergne added 18 for Denver.

Trail Blazers dethrone Kings

Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Thomas leads Celtics past knicks

SAIAH Thomas took off for the basket, just what the Boston Celtics needed with the game tightening up. Thomas had consecutive key baskets and finished with 21 points, Evan Turner scored 19 and the Celtics won their fourth straight with a 100-91 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday night. With the Celtics clinging to a 90-85 lead and just over three minutes to play, Thomas came up with his timely driving baskets to push the lead back to nine. The first came on a drive down the lane and the second he easily beat everyone down the floor after grabbing the rebound. ‘’Super quick because he loves to score,’’ Turner said of Thomas. ‘’He was tenacious and I think he knew we needed a couple of plays and stepped up.’’ The Celtics had opened an 88-78 lead on Turner’s driving basket with 6:11 to play before New York made its charge. Thomas’ plays

made sure the Celtics were never in danger of losing. ‘’We need him to be a good playmaker for us,’’ Boston coach Brad Stevens said. ‘’I think he would tell you it wasn’t his best day, but again, he did make the biggest plays to push the lead from five to nine. That gives you a little bit of a comfort level.’’ Thomas added eight rebounds and six assists. Jae Crowder defended Knicks star Carmelo Anthony tough and scored 18 points, and Kelly Olynyk added 11 points and nine rebounds for Boston. ‘’He’s tough. I mean, he’s tough,’’ Anthony said of the 5-foot-9 Thomas. ‘’Little guy with big heart out there. Hard to stay in front of him, got to stay in front of him. Draws a lot of attention. If he don’t have it with the way that they space the court, when guys (are) making shots, it’s kind of tough to kind of stop him.’’ Anthony led the Knicks with 29 points despite shooting just 11 of 26. Kristaps Porzingis had 16 points and

12 rebounds. New York, which shot just 37.1 percent, lost its fourth straight. The Knicks committed 13 turnovers. ‘’Turnovers always swing the momentum, especially on the road,’’ New York coach Derek Fisher said. ‘’That’s where we really got ourselves in trouble.’’ Boston pushed its 10-point halftime lead to 59-

44 on Crowder’s 3-pointer from the left wing 4:11 into the third quarter. The Celtics led 77-65 after three quarters. Thomas made a behindthe-back pass to Jonas Jerebko, who nailed a 3 from the right wing to cap an 18-6 run that gave Boston a 47-33 edge late in the first half. The Celtics led 51-41 at halftime.

New York Knicks Robin Lopez and Boston Celtics Jared Sullinger reach for the loose ball during the first half of the game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on Sunday. (Baloncesto, Estados Unidos) EFE/EPA/CJ GUNTHER CORBIS OUT

VERSHADOWED the last two years when he played behind a pair of seasoned guards, CJ McCollum has blossomed into a rising star for the Portland Trail Blazers. McCollum had 35 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists to lead the Blazers to a 98-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. No Blazers player in the past 29 years had put up numbers similar to McCollum’s near triple-double. Clyde Drexler had at least 34 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists on five occasions. ‘’CJ worked very hard his first two years here. But he learned the NBA game and put in a lot of time to have the type of success he is having right now,’’ Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. A shooting guard most of the season, McCallum has moved over to the point the past four games in the absence of injured All-Star Damian Lillard. McCollum did a little of everything against the Kings, making 14 of 28 shots, directing the offense and also picking up four steals and a block. McCallum entered the game averaging 20 points and was shooting nearly 40 percent from 3-point territory. His 35 points were two short of his career high. ‘’They have some good young kids and McCollum got it going great,’’ Kings coach George Karl said. The Blazers outscored Sacramento 18-14 in the fourth quarter to claim their second straight victory. They were coming off a convincing 105-76 win Saturday over the Cleveland Cavaliers. ‘’This was a huge win. Number one, it came on the road, it was a back-to-back, and it came after all the excite-

ment last night,’’ Meyers Leonard said. ‘’This season we haven’t had this type of win where we executed down the stretch so well in the fourth quarter. It was the first time we’ve won when we didn’t score 100 points or more.’’ DeMarcus Cousins had 36 points and six rebounds for the Kings. Omri Casspi had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo finished with nine points and 15 assists. But Rondo also committed eight of the Kings’ 23 turnovers that led to 28 Portland points. Karl was denied his 1,155th victory, which would have tied him with Phil Jackson for fifth place on the career list. ‘’On our home court, fundamentally, we gave up the turnovers and the rebound. That’s a nightmare,’’ said Karl, who ended his press conference quickly and departed with, ‘’I’m done. I’m frustrated.’’ Leonard made four 3-pointers and had 16 points and 11 rebounds. He also played tough defense on Cousins in the fourth quarter with starting center Mason Plumlee on the bench with five fouls. Maurice Harkless added 13 points. McCollum got a rebound and scored despite the presence of Cousins, putting the Blazers ahead by four points. McCollum followed with a midrange jumper to put the Blazers ahead 93-87 with 1:27 left. Cousins cut the lead to 9592 with a 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining. The Blazers made three free throws in the final 20 seconds to preserve the win and snap a fivegame road losing streak. The Kings missed 19 of 22 shots in the fourth quarter and had five turnovers.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 196 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

PACQUIAO VS BRADLEY III?

Veteran trainer believes motivated Bradley can stun Pacquiao in trilogy fight

ILIPINO boxer Manny Pacquiao has remained tight-lipped regarding the identity of his opponent for his farewell fight in April, but that has not stopped pundits, trainers, and other boxers from analyzing the possibilities. Among the top contenders to land the Pacquiao fight is reigning WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley Jr., who has fought the “Pacman” twice before. He controversially beat Pacquiao when they first fought in June 2012, but lost in their April 2014 rematch. For veteran trainer Robert Garcia, who has previously worked with fighters including Nonito Donaire, Brandon Rios, and Mikey Garcia, this is Bradley’s chance to gain a legitimate victory over the “Pacman.” “Bradley has a shot, this time, of beating him (Pacquiao) for real,” Garcia said in an interview with Boxing Scene. “We all saw the first two fights and thought Pacquiao won, but this time, with Teddy Atlas, Bradley looked different, Bradley looked motivated,” he added. This year, Bradley parted ways with his longtime trainer, Joel Diaz, and hired the well-respected Atlas

ahead of his fight against Brandon Rios. He wound up stopping “Bam Bam” in the ninth round of their WBO welterweight title fight in early November. Having Atlas in his corner may just make the difference for Bradley, Garcia noted. “He might have that extra push to pull it off,” he said. It also helps that Pacquiao is coming off a long lay-off, having had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff that he suffered while training for his May 2015 “Fight of the Century” against Floyd Mayweather Jr. “Pacquiao might not be the same anymore,” Garcia pointed out. “So this time, Bradley has a better chance to pull it off.” Of course, Bradley is not the only fighter who is being considered. Also on the list is WBO light-welterweight champion Terence Crawford. Garcia, however, does not think Crawford will be selected by Pacquiao and his team. “I’d say he’s fighting Timothy Bradley for a third time,” he predicted. “That’s just my guess. I think Crawford is just too risky, to end his career with maybe a loss.” Manny Pacquiao lands against Timothy Bradley Jr.in their April 2014 rematch.