Edge Davao 9 Issue 140 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

SUSPECT. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna shows a printed composite sketch of Roxas night market bombing suspect during a news conference at conference at Camp Quintin Merecido in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

TWIN-BOMBS USED IN DAVAO BLAST By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has bared that twin bombs caused the powerful blast at the Roxas Night Market that killed 14 people and injured at least 68 last Sept. 2, Friday. Senior Supt. Valeriano de Leon said that based on initial investigations, the bombs were placed inside a bag and left behind by an individual who stopped over at the night market for a message. De Leon said the DCPO has eight witnesses who have been able to provide information on the suspect, although he refused to reveal their identities. So far, he said, the police have identified three “persons of interest,” which include one man and two women, but did not give further details regarding the suspects. Investigators already have cartographic sketches of the alleged perpetrators, which are scheduled to be released anytime soon, De Leon said. “According to the witnesses,

the bomb exploded a few seconds after the person left the site,” he said. De Leon disclosed the improvised explosive device (IED) was more powerful than what the investigators had initially thought. “The culprit wanted to inflict maximum casualty,” De Leon added. Based on the report of the bomb squad, the IED was made using 60mm and 81 mm mortar rounds that were put together to create a single bomb. De Leon explained that what made the bomb deadly was the metal casing of the mortar rounds which became miniature projectiles when the IED detonated, thus inflicting maximum damage among the victims. “Even those plastic chairs that hit the victims added to the intensity of the explosion,” he added. Validating claims While the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has reportedly claimed

responsibility for the attack, de Leon said the PNP only “takes it at face value.” “We have our own way of validating if that claim is really authentic,” he said. However, based on recent developments, it now appears that a separate terror group was behind the attack. “This [suspected] group could have acted on its own,” de Leon said. The police official said that what is certain at this point is the explosive device was made by an expert who could have learned the skill from Marwan, a member of the Jemaah-Islamyah terrorist group who was killed during the Mamasapano encounter in January 2015. “Marwan’s expertise is terrorism through improvised explosives. He had a lot of students,” de Leon said. Islamic group condemns blast Meanwhile, a Davao-based Islamic group condemned Friday

night’s blast, describing it as a terror attack. Moro National Liberated Front (MNLF) Davao Chairperson Rolando Olamit referred to the blast as “an act of cowardice.” According toe Olamit, Islam forbids harming civilians, even during war. The MNLF chairperson explained: “Attacking innocent people is absolutely away from Islam [teaching]. It is not Islamic way to do like that,” the MNLF chairperson explained. Olamit also defended President Duterte from those who may want to sow chaos in Davao City. “He [President Duterte] has always defended Davao City, and he did a good job,” Olamit said. He emphasized “the attackers are trying to mock President Duterte’s capacity by attacking this city.” Olamit urged his fellow Muslims to support the President by uniting and rallying behind the national government in its fight against terrorism.

PH to accelerate infra spending for connectivity, econ growth By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Duterte said the Philippine government will accelerate its infrastructure spending to boost connectivity and economic growth in the country. The increase in infrastructure spending will also help the Philippines achieve inclusive growth and open more areas in Mindanao and the Visayas to business opportunities in other countries particularly with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he added. The President was the speaker during the ASEAN business and investment summit on Tuesday in Vientiane, Laos. The business and investment summit was one of the

major highlights of the on-going 28th and 29th ASEAN Summit in said country. President Duterte emphasized that in order for the ASEAN to become a global player, it must hasten the growth and integration of a sub-regional cooperation framework within its member countries. He recognized the existing sub-regional areas within the ASEAN, that include the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS); the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT); and the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The GMS sub-regional area is composed of Cambodia, the

F PH, 13

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

WELCOME TOAST. President Duterte accepts a toast from Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith during a welcome dinner at Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday evening. TOTO LOZANO/PPD

DSWD stress debriefings for Roxas bombing victims By RIA VALDEZ

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will conduct stress debriefing sessions for the victims and relatives of the Sept. 2 Roxas Night Market bombing. According to DSWD Disaster Risk Unit Head Edna Sampiano, the agency will hold stress debriefings for patients, watchers and family members who have difficulty communicating due to the intense trauma caused by the incident. Sampiano said the DSWD will closely coordinate with the Davao City government to assist the victims and their families recover from their traumatic experience. Earlier, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

Chief of Clinics Dr. Ricardo Auldan, in a press conference, announced the hospital would offer stress debriefing sessions. SPMC had already assigned personnel from the Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine to conduct the stress debriefings. During a press conference in Davao City, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said “the Department is ready to provide augmentation assistance to the Local Government Units in Davao.” The DSWD will continue to help monitor the security situation in the city, and is ready to respond to any emergency that may arise in the future.

300 El Rio homes given mosquito nets by CHO

S part of Davao City’s intensified campaign against dreaded mosquito-borne diseases, the City Health Office (CHO) on Tuesday distributed 300 mosquito nets at El Rio Day Care Center in Buhangin. According to Elizabeth Banzon of CHO’s Tropical Disease Division, there is no let up in the information campaign against dengue in all barangays and schools aimed at effecting behavioral change in every household as far as cleanliness is concerned. During yesterday’s activity attended by parents of day care students, Banzon stressed the 4 o’clock habit of cleaning their backyards and seek immediate consultation in nearby rural health centers even with fever symptom.

She said the city’s anti-dengue activities are futile if residents themselves do not maintain cleanliness in their surroundings because even mosquitoes mutate to keep up with their environment and survive global warming. There is no reason why people cannot and will not conform to climate change to prevent breeding of virus-carrying mosquitoes, she added. Banzon said the deadly Aedes and Culex mosquitoes thrive in dirty and clean stagnant water,. She added their team is scheduled for another anti-dengue drive in Barangay 22 on Wednesday morning, and in Buhangin Elementary School in the afternoon. CIO

Rody asks ASEAN countries to unite vs drugs, terrorism By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

PEAKING before the delegates of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Investment Summit on Tuesday in Vientiane, Laos, President Duterte urged ASEAN member-countries to develop a stronger resolve in combating transnational crime, particularly illegal drugs and terrorism. “Transnational crime is one of the most difficult and complex problems that we face in the region and a pressing concern for the Philippines,” the President said. He noted the illegal trade has emerged as among the most pressing problems among ASEAN member-countries, which has undermined social cohesion, the rule of law, and the socio-economic programs of member-states. The President added that recent events have shown ter-

rorism and violent extremism are also threatening ASEAN countries by “falling us back from our onwards advance to progress.” “We shall not be cowed. We must press on. We must redouble our efforts to concentrate on intelligence gathering, prevention, interdiction, arrest and prosecution,” President Duterte said. He asked the ASEAN member-countries to act in concert to ensure the economic gains they have made will continue to advance at full speed, and the ASEAN can confidently play its rightful role as a leading global player. Strong message vs. PH terrorists On Monday, President Duterte met members of the Filipino community at the Feungfar Convention Hall in

Ban Phonsinuane, Laos. The President told the Filipino crowd that he decided to proceed with his trip to the ASEAN Summit to show the terrorists that they cannot break the Filipino nation’s spirit. President Duterte was referring to the bombing of the Roxas Night Market in Davao City on Friday, Sept. 2, that killed 14 people and injured more than 70. The bombing, he stressed was in retaliation to the all-out operations of the government forces against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Jolo. “Alam mo kasi, kung hindi ko gawin ‘yan, we are being slapped every day, almost. Mag-hostage sila ng mga turista or kidnap people, then asking for money at pag hindi naibigay o nakabigay na at ipasa nila doon sa ibang grupo, dada-

gdagan, pinapatay nila sa harap ng mundo,” the President said. The Roxas Night Market bombing, he said, was not an isolated event, as he recalled the San Pedro Church, airport and bus terminal bombings. “But that will not stop us because I cannot go to them and say, ‘please stop and I am on bended knee, nakaluhod ako.’ I carry the burden of a country, a sovereign state and at all costs, I must uphold the dignity and the integrity of our country,” he pointed out. The President vowed the terrorists will pay, saying, “Magbayad sila. Ilang buhay pinatay nila, 15? Well, give me time. Pagdating ng panahon, talagang pupulbusin ko kayong lahat. You watch me.” He asked that he be given two to three months to deal with the terrorists and bring them to justice.

report to the police any suspicious packages or persons,” he added. Monilla asked the public to refrain from passing on misleading or unverified reports to avoid sowing confusion and panic. “We apologize for the inconvenience that it [the delays] has caused you, but please cooperate as we are locking down Davao City with checkpoints,” Monilla said. He added the PNP is developing a system that will facilitate the faster movement of

people and vehicles across the checkpoints. Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Valeriano de Leon assured the public that they are on top of the situation. “Our fellow kababayans do not need to worry when they visit Davao, we assure (you) that the men on the ground – both policemen and soldiers – have an idea on the threat and what they are addressing now,” de Leon said. Davao City had been placed on heightened after the bombing incident.

More checkpoints set up in Davao City By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Philippine National Police (PNP), in collaboration with the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), have set up checkpoints throughout Davao City following the deadly Roxas Night Market explosion last Sept. 2. “One of the instructions is that checkpoints should be established all over the city and it is best that people cooperate,” said EastMinCom’s B/ Gen. Casiano Monilla during Wednesday’s AFP press briefing.

Monilla advised residents to comply with the guidelines set by the PNP, which include turning off car headlights and internal lights, rolling down windows, and being ready to present identification documents. “A thorough investigation is still being conducted to determine the cause of the explosion and checkpoints/ chokepoints were already established at all exit points in the city,” Monilla said. “We call on all the people to be vigilant at all times and

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

President to China: Adhere to rule of law P

RESIDENT Duterte stressed during the ASEAN-China Dialogue the importance of adherence to the rule of law and international governing bodies over the South China Sea even as China is pushing for a framework of the Code of Conduct, a Palace official said during a press conference in Vientiane, Laos. According to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar the President said “it is imperative to have people to people exchange, investment relationships should be fostered, tourism growth in the ASEAN region, international disputes should inspire us to work together with adherence to the rule of law and international governing bodies; put words into actions and be on the side of peace.” The President stressed the point in his speech during the dialogue between the heads of States of nation-members of the ASEAN and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The Malacañang official said that even though the South China Sea issue was not in the agen-

da, it was voluntarily raised by the ASEAN heads of State. “They all had their own positions but the most common position was to work in mutual trust and confidence building and work on the common goals of the ASEAN,” Andanar said. “But what was underlined by the countries like Singapore and the Philippines was the importance of the rule of law and adhering to international bodies that govern this,” he said. When asked about the Chinese Premier’s reaction, the Communications Secretary said Premier Li Keqiang was stoically but intently listening. “That should make everybody feel good inside the conference room,” Andanar said. He also described the mood during the meeting as serious but happy. “Everyone looked very serious but happy… well, some of them were smiling while they were onstage holding hands and having their photo opportunity. After all, it’s the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN and China relationship dialogue. No tension,” Andanar said. (PNA)

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday gave the assurance on Wednesday that the Philippine government is doing its best to address the problem on terrorist threats. ”I cannot give you the assurance na hindi makalusot but what i can assure you your PNP, military and Philippine government is doing its best to address this problem,” Dela Rosa said in an ambush interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City. ”Kapag sinabi mo na how sure are you na hindi malusutan, only God knows,” he added. The PNP chief was referring to the fact that even the United States was also a victim of terror attacks such that they were not able to prevent the bombings of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Likewise, Dela Rosa urged the recipients of text messages regarding alleged bombings

to “please don’t panic, don’t forward these messages right away.” He added that by forwarding such messages this will cause panic to people especially those who have low threshold level in fear, frightful, they are pitiful. It can be recalled that four bomb threats were recorded in Manila on Monday and another bomb threat was recorded at the Makati City Hall on Tuesday, all of which, turned out negative or “hoax”. ”For all you know, ito ay kagagawan lang ng mga estudyante na ayaw pumasok sa eskwelahan, gusto nila magclose yung eskwelahan para wala silang klase, so you must be very careful,” Dela Rosa said. The PNP chief further assured the public that if they will come across a very reliable and imminent threat, they will broadcast it right away through the legitimate media. (PNA)

TWIN BOMBS. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 deputy regional director for operations and Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) commander Senior Superintendent Valeriano De Leon shows a sample image of a 60 millimeter and 81 millimeter mortars similar to explosive used in the Roxas

night market bombing incident last Friday. De Leon gave updates on the investigation being conducted by various agencies during yesterday’s AFPPNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

Robinson relieved Bato: Gov’t doing its best to address terror threats as TF-Davao chief P

NARCO-TERRORISM? Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 director Adzar Albani says the agency is looking at the possibility that narco-terrorism is behind Friday night’s deadly Roxas night market

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army on Wednesday said it has already carried out the relief of Col. Henry Robinson Jr. as commander Task Force Davao. In a statement to the media, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th ID said Robinson was replaced by Col. Erwin Bernard Neri. Robinson’s relief order took effect on Tuesday, Sept. 6,

Batchar added. Neri, 52, is a member of Philippine Military Class 1988 and hails from Taguig City, Metro Manila. Batchar said Neri will lead the unit critically involved in ensuring the safety of Davao City, adding the task force is augmented with regular soldiers and Special CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (SCAA) tasked to conduct security operations within the city.

The ceremony for the change in command is expected to take place on Sept. 8 at the headquarters of Task Force Davao. Batchar said the ceremony will be presided over by Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10ID. He said the command is also looking forward to the presence of Mayor Sara Duterte as guest of honor and speaker during the ceremony.

“The relief and designation of officers in leading line units is normally done to carry out mission accomplishment above anything else,” Batchar said. “The unit commanders shall likewise steer and manage administrative, operational and logistical requirements of his unit,” he added. “They shall likewise take full responsibility for anything the unit does or fails to do.”

22, that left 14 people dead and more than 60 injured. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who convened members

of the Provincial Peace and Order Council in an emergency meeting last Sept. 5, said it is crucial that ‘we assure everyone of their safety’. He ordered the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police to intensify the province’s security measures. The Governor said he wants to tap military reservists, Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs), and purok leaders as force multipliers in monitoring activities in the barangays. He warned members of the PPOC that these terror attacks are not limited to only one target area. “Any place can be a target that’s why it’s imperative that we must prepare to protect our province against any threats,” said Governor Dayanghirang. Ensuring the province’s safety, the military and the police have strengthened their coordination. Col. Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr., Commander of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the military has augmented the forces of the police, especially in the City of Mati. The military has also deployed more personnel to augment police forces in manning

checkpoints at key areas, Datuin said. He added that all available forces will be utilized to closely work with the PNP. For his part, P/SSUPT. Harry Espela, provincial director of the Provincial Police Office, said police forces are focusing their efforts on preventing attacks and other criminal activities. Espella said they have mobilized police forces along with the BPATs. As the province is surrounded by water, he said the police are also mobilizing troops along coastal areas as open waters are often exploited by criminals as a means to move in or escape.

DavOr beefs up security measures D

AVAO Oriental has beefed up its security measures following the deadly blast in Davao City last Friday, Sept.

bombing which left 14 people dead and injured 67 others. Albani made the statement during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

CONCERTED EFFORTS Gov. Dayanghirang said he stands behind President Duterte’s declaration of a “State of Lawless Violence.” He said he strongly supports the national government’s call for all local chief executives “to back security efforts of the PNP and the Armed Forces in the establishment of necessary security mechanisms to protect the public from the threats of terrorists and lawless elements,” Gov. Dayanghirang said that

F DAVOR, 13

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

OATH TAKING. DPWH 11 Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza (far right) administers the oaths of office of the newly elected EARO-11 ( Employees Association of Regional Office) officers for CY 2016-2018 headed by its President, Alexander D. Turingan Jr. (2nd from right). The new officers also include (r to l): Robelian Ting - vice president; Teofanes

Approved investments increase by 98%: BOI I NVESTMENT approvals of the Board of Investments (BOI) from January to July this year increased by 98 percent to P210.37 billion from P106.08 billion in the same period in 2015, the investment promotion agency reported Wednesday. The investment pledges came from 192 projects registered with the BOI in the first seven months of the year which are expected to generate some 37,487 jobs. “Investments coming in are in sectors that will elevate our competitiveness such as in power and infrastructure,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said. Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning projects registered

the highest investment value of PHP108.06 billion. BOI noted that power projects in January to July 2016 has surged by 325 percent over a year ago. Among the big ticket power projects in January to July include Limay Premier Power Corp., Bayog Wind Power Corp., and Cordillera Hydro Electric Power Corp. BOI approvals of construction projects posted second highest investment value of PHP31.9 billion. This is followed by real estate activities with investment pledges of P26.76 billion, manufacturing with P18.66 billion, and transportation and storage with P13.32 billion. (PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Bernardino - secretary; Johnette Lee Celo, treasurer; Lovely Ann Credo - auditor; Dean I. Ortiz - public information officer; Peter Riel Roque, Arnel Bernardino, Ferdinand Rañosa and Eleanor Deliguer – board members; and Domingo Mates and Noel Magkilat – sergeant-at-arms. (DPWH 11 RPAIO)

PRDP trains brgy leaders on ‘grievance’ reporting A

ROUND 45 barangay officials in Region 11 were trained recently as grievance point persons (GPP) for infrastructure projects implemented under DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The training aimed to capacitate barangay officials in the monitoring and reporting of grievances that may arise during project implementation. “The barangay GPPs play a critical role as the foundation of our Grievance Redress Mech-

anism (GRM) to ensure that PRDP projects are implemented with utmost transparency and accountability,” said Social and Environmental Safeguards Officer Anacleto Hernando. He said the GRM structure shall be institutionalized at the barangay local government unit (LGU) level where citizen feedback will be used to “identify implementation concerns before they escalate to the point of harm or conflict.” According to Ricky Alcular of Brgy. Suawon in New Corella, Davao del Norte, problems

arising from projects such as road concreting are inevitable, mostly affecting households that are near the right of way (ROW). “Designating a GPP is really important so that concerns from the community would be properly addressed through the right channels particularly the barangay,” he said. Barangay Suawon is one of the barangays that will benefit from the approved 15-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) in New Corella, with a cost of P198 million.

He added that with the presence of a point person in the barangay, concerned persons do not need to go directly to the local planning office, which has been the common practice. “After this training, I will discuss the installation of the GRM with our barangay council so that a resolution can be passed designating a grievance point person,” Alcular said. Barangay officials from the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Compostela Val-

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has assured Bangladesh of the Philippine government’s “100 percent support” behind ongoing efforts to recover $81 million that cyber thieves had stolen from its central bank last February. But Dominguez pointed out to retired Maj. Gen. John Gomes, the Bangladesh ambassador to Manila, that the recovery efforts would have to go through the proper legal procedures for Bangladesh’s own protection so that no other party could contest its rightful claim to this stolen money in the future. Dominguez said the immediate objective is for Bangladesh to recover the $15 million of the $81-M that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila had already forfeited last July 7— subject to any claim that may be filed by any interested party— and ordered kept in the vault of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). “We want to assure you that the Philippine government, including all its instrumentalities from the Central Bank, the DOJ (Department of Justice), DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), and of course the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council), are 100 percent behind you, that we want to assure you that we will do everything that we can to assist you,” Dominguez said during a meeting with the Bangladesh ambassador at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) office in Makati City. Dominguez added: “We have, however, a legal system that has to be respected and this system has to be followed so that whatever claim you are

awarded, nobody can challenge that in the future.” To underscore the full support of the Philippine government for this recovery plan, Dominguez had asked representatives from the other agencies helping in the cyber-heist probe to attend the hour-long meeting. They were DOJ Chief State Counsel Ricardo Paras III, BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., AMLC Executive Director Julia Bacay Abad, and Jeffrey Salik, director of the South and Central Asia Division of the DFA’s Office of Asia and Pacific Affairs. Also present at the meeting with the ambassador was DOF undersecretary Maria Edita Tan. Probash Lamarong, Second Secretary and Head of Chancery of the Bangladesh Embassy and Abu Taher Mohammed Amanullah, CEO and chairman of the East West Placement Center had accompanied the ambassador to the meeting. In response, Ambassador Gomes thanked Dominguez. “It’s a blessing that you have been able to give us your time, especially you have brought the AMLC, DFA, and DOJ, all here. So I guess I’m surprised. I didn’t expect this, so thank you very much, sir, on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh,” he said. The amount of $15 million came in two batches—one totaling $4.63 million and the other P488,280, 000, which is roughly equivalent to $10.61 million— that the casino junket operator Kim Wong had turned over in the course of the Senate investigation into this cyber heist. The DOJ, represented by Paras, has filed a petition before the Manila RTC asking that the

$15 million be forfeited in favor of Bangladesh. Paras said the DOJ filed a petition in favor of Bangladesh on Aug. 26, after which the Manila RTC ruled on Aug. 30—or just four days later—that it was sufficient in form and substance. Under the Rules of Civil Procedure, the Manila RTC gave the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) 15 days to comment on the petition. The court will render a decision after the OSG files its comment, Paras said. “After filing their [OSG] comment, we will now wait for the judgment of the court for the $15 million,” Paras said at the meeting. The DOJ is assisting Bangladesh in recovering the stolen funds as provided under the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crimes, of which both the Philippines and Bangladesh are signatories, Paras added. Dominguez likewise assured Ambassador Gomes that “our legal team here [and] the AMLC, are protecting your interests in making sure that even when they turn [the money] over to you, there is no more question as to who’s going to get it.” “So what they’re doing is that they’re protecting you, actually,” Dominguez added. Another P107.35 million of the stolen fund, roughly equivalent to $2.3 million, was voluntarily frozen by Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. (Solaire casino), which could go through the same legal procedures undertaken by the DOJ in returning the $15 million in favor of the Bangladesh government, Paras said.

F PRDP, 13

Dominguez assures Bangladesh of‘100% support’

F DOMINGUEZ, 13

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Asian nations urged to attract capital in renewable energy

SIAN countries, including the Philippines, should do more to encourage pension funds, insurance companies and other institutional investors to pour in their ample assets into renewable energy (RE) projects, in a bid to help meet about USD 12.1 trillion in renewable energy investment globally over the next 25 years. A report released by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Seoul-based international organization promoting green growth, underscored the need for countries to attract new forms of private sector capital and participation in their respective RE markets, as the region accelerates its transition to a renewables-based energy system. “The Asian region as a whole is expected to see significant growth in power demand in the near future, as electricity consumption is forecast to double between 2016 to 2030, and with it, the market growth potential for the RE sector, thereby creating huge investment opportunities in this arena,” it said. Estimates suggest a needed RE investment of USD 12.1 trillion between now and 2040, almost double the “business as usual” expectation of USD 6.9 trillion over the same period. Increasing the global investment in RE will be paramount to achieving the 2 degrees Celsius global warming rise limit. To help meet the RE investments needed, the report identified various sources of private finance, including institutional investors, green bonds, yield companies, leasing, and crowd and community funding. Institutional investors include pensions, insurance funds, sovereign wealth funds and endowments. They typically provide a lower cost of capital than traditional bank lenders through inflation-linked yields. “For the Target Countries, mobilizing domestic institutional investors (e.g. local pension funds) would unlock significant new sources of growth. These could be invested directly into individual projects or financial instruments backed by pooled assets,” the report said. The report examined the current state of renewables

in Asia, with focus on Target Countries, namely China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. On the other hand, green bonds refer to bonds raised for the purpose of supporting “green” projects and are seen as a new way for companies to tap into new sources of private and consumer finance. “The market for green bonds remains small relative to corporate bonds but could grow if governments offer tax incentives to the buyers of green bonds (as they do in the US),” it noted. The report further said governments can rely on a host of policy measures to facilitate increased participation in RE market based on the conditions of their respective countries. In the short run, measures such as tax incentives, feed-in tariffs (FIT) and payment security mechanisms can be employed to cover off-taker risk. The Philippines has registered successes in wind and solar from its FIT framework, which is currently being renewed. The report cited the Philippines which only awards a FIT once a project’s construction is 80 percent; while in other target countries, FITs are typically awarded prior to construction commencement and securing financing. “The latter is generally more attractive to developers as it gives them the ability to source bank debt during construction, something that is typically only available once the FIT has been agreed,” it said. In the long run, the report urged governments to work towards implementing “more challenging measures” like streamlining approval processes and upgrading grid infrastructure. Meanwhile, the report was released Wednesday during the Asian Regional Policy Dialogue where high-level government officials from Asia’s energy and finance ministers, as well as experts and practitioners, discussed implementable policy options that address the challenges associated with the deployment of RE. The dialogue is one of the major events at the ongoing Global Green Growth Week 2016 here. (PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FE OCAÑADA CARILLO who died on October 17, 2015 in Davao City has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.92; Page No.19; Book No. I; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC IZABEL F. SERIÑA. 9/1,8,15

CACAO INDUSTRY ROADMAP. Cacao Industry Development Association in Mindanao, Inc. (CIDAMI) executive director Val Turtur (right) holds a copy of the 2016-2022 Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap while promoting the upcoming KakaoKonek 2016: Asia Pacific Cacao Conference 2016 with

ECONOMY 7

CIDAMI President Dante Muyco during yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. KakaoKonek 2016 is set on Sept. 15 to 17 at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City to host int’l cacao confab By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

NDUSTRY players, partner agencies, and foreign experts of the cacao industry will converge for the “Kakao Konek 2016: Asia Pacific Cacao Conference 2016” slated on Sept. 15 to17 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City. The three-day event will be spearheaded by Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc. (CIDAMI). CIDAMI Executive Director Valente Turtur said they are expecting about a thousand participants, including cacao growers and buyers from all over Asia and the Pacific, government agencies and industry experts from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Israel who will share their expertise on the industry. The event will feature lectures on climate change which has significantly affected the agriculture sector, particularly the cacao industry this year; determining ways to establish

a cocoa brand that will serve as a trademark of the Philippines in the international market; and a presentation on the Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap. Turtur expressed confidence that all the invited participants will attend the conference despite the cancellation of one speaker from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) following the recent Roxas night market bombing. He pointed out the City Police Office has put in place all the necessary security measures to ensure the safety of the participants. “The show must go on,” Turtur said.

in the sector’s production, equivalent to 3,000 metric tons which the organization recorded January this year. He said this is the reason why the conference will be introducing “smart agriculture,” particularly the process called “nutrigation” or irrigation with nutrients, cocoa sustainability, farming technology, market dynamics and others.

Impact of climate change The CIDAMI director explained the impact of climate change is now being felt by the local cacao industry. According to Turtur, the weather phenomenon has resulted in a 30 percent decrease

Standardization of cacao brand According to Dante R. Muyco Jr., president of CIDAMI and marketing director of Chokolate de San Isidro, the country’s top cacao producer, the conference will also highlight the National Cacao Council. “The National Council will serve as a policy-making body,” explained Muyco. He also pointed out the council will not only combat the effects of climate change, but also set up standards for propagating cacao among growers, and enable them to

CIDAMI Executive Director Valente Turtur said during yesterday’s Habi at Kape media forum at the Abreeza Mall that Piñol will be presenting the said roadmap to President Duterte. According to Turtur, the roadmap will include a strategy to develop a standard Philippine brand for Cacao that would enable the product to compete globally. The roadmap, he said, will also contain a proposal

to boost cacao production from 15,000 MT to 50,000 MT based on the target of the Department of Agriculture. “The roadmap must be signed by all government agencies involved,” Turtur said. Dante R. Muyco Jr., president of CIDAMI and marketing director of Chokolate de San Isidro pointed out the cacao industry the needs to increase investments in the sector in order to support farm-level

produce high-quality cacao products.

Ecuador Summit Turtur also shared his experiences during the World Cocoa Summit in Guayaquil, Ecuador last August 2016, wherein CIDAMI was the only Asian representative in the said event. “In the Philippines, we encourage intercropping but in Ecuador, they practiced mono-cropping and encourage pruning which addresses a lot of pests and diseases” he said. Turtur said this practice has increased the production levels of growers in Ecuador, enabling them to negotiate for higher prices due to the bigger volumes they produce. “That is why small farmers must be clustered for higher price. In Ecuador, their farmers are the one who set up the price unlike here in the Philippines wherein the buyers will be the one to give the price,” he added.

Cacao industry roadmap to boost production

E P R E S E N TAT I V E S from the government and private sector have crafted a Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap that will serve as the “bible” of cacao industry players. The roadmap will be submitted to Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during the “Kakao Konek 2016: Asia Pacific Cacao Conference 2016” on Sept. 15 to17, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.

production. Turtur and Muyoco also asked the help of media to help in educating the public on the current situation of the local cacao industry. Moreover, they encouraged SMEs to be involved in producing value-added products, now that the demand for cacao in the international market has increased due to the reported health benefits of the fruit. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

DASIA 44 YEARS

OF KEEPING YOU SAFE

We understand that safety everyone’s concern. For us, it a commitment. 44 years ag Davao Security and Investigatio Agency, Inc. (DASIA) pioneere the industry at a time whe Davao City was just struggling t its feet.

Established by a visionary Ret. Col. Emilio Escandor, DASI epitomized the struggles an rise of a home-grown enterpris into an industry byword tha has expanded to the rest o the country’s islands. For thre straight years, DASIA has earne the accolade of the Philippin National Police as Mo Outstanding Security Agency o the Year in 2012, 2013 and 201 The three consecutive award elevated it to its rightful place the Hall of Fame.

As a private security provide to major establishments in Dava City, DASIA takes pride in havin contributed to the city’s statu as the safest city in the worl That commitment, built aroun years of dedicated service an the strong resolve to power itse with modern equipment an training, is the solid foundatio DASIA’s name will be be know Today, DASIA is committed t the vision of President Rodrig Roa Duterte in making the entir country a safe place to liv DASIA will do its humble shar in bringing peace to every hom and to every business.

Greetings from:

DAVAO SECURITY AND INVESTIGATION AGENCY INC. A member of the Escandor Group of Companies

Matina Enclave exclusivity within reach

is is go, on ed en to

in IA nd se at of ee ed ne ost of 14. ds in

er ao ng us ld. nd nd elf nd on wn. to go re ve. re me

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

10 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

EDITORIAL

Not the time for jokes

FTER Friday’s bomb blast that claimed the lives of 14 people and left 71 others injured, there is fear creeping inside everyone’s subconscious. The trauma, no matter how strong you are, will be there to haunt you at every step and at every corner. It could happen. What you think will no longer happen with guarded surroundings, is never so certain. As Murphy’s Law would say, if anything wrong can happen, it will. So don’t blame Dabawenyos to cower in fear. Yes, Dabawenyos may shout out to the world that they are brave and strong, that cloak of bravery is easily worn down at the instance of a scare.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village. Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor SONNY L. MENDOZA Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS MEGHANN STA. INES RIA VALDEZ NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Reporters FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

That is why it is not surprising that anytime there is a bomb scare or a bomb report, people scamper for safety. Even the most hardened of guts will run for his own safety at the tick of a bomb warning, be it a joke or a mistake. Since Friday, a number of bomb scares have been reported and an undetermined number of bomb jokes have been said. The people are scared and you cannot deny that. Hence, we ask for people to stop the prank. Making bomb jokes is not proper and prudent at this time. It costs a lot of stress to the already stressed out people shocked by the bomb attack last Friday. It is not time for cracking bomb jokes when people do not take them as such. Being scared is not funny, and making bomb jokes is not funny either.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

FOOD. MERRIAM WEBSTER DEFINES AS THE THINGS PEOPLE AND ANIMALS EAT; a material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrates and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair and vital processes and to furnish energy. However we interpret the word, one thing is for sure. Food is love and love is food. Celebrations in the city, during the Kadayawan, was made even more memorable with the recently concluded South by Mouth: Kadayawan Food Fair that showcased a plethora of delectable food finds the city has to offer. South by Mouth, the first region-wide food festival, is set to invade Mindanao from August to September 2016. The food fest aims to promote the region’s delectable and sumptuous food culture through outdoor food fairs in three key cities in Mindanao: Davao, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos. In Davao, what took place was a display of the most delicious food that created a gastronomic adventure for everyone night after night. The event was held in two separate locations – SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier. Days apart, the timing was indeed perfect. Why? More times to enjoy the smorgasbord…one day at a time. First stop was the South by Mouth: Kadayawan Grill Fest last Aug. 12 to 14 at the SM City Davao wherein the air was filled with the scent of freshly

grilled meat. Stall after stall offered their best sellers and some other new items on their menu. Live bands provided entertainment that delighted the goers. From grilled juicy steaks to grilled tuna to beers, there was no reason for the tummy not to growl and ask for more. The selection of sweets that were offered were a perfect recap to a sumptuous meal with family and friends. The second stop was the South by Mouth: The Davao Gourmet Collective from Aug. 19 to 21, 2016 at the Fountain Grounds of SM Lanang Premier. On its fourth year, the food bazaar offered a gastronomic feast of the best local cuisine and other emerging food concepts (online sellers) in the city. A group of 18 local and Manila-based sellers gave everyone a reason to momentarily say good bye to their diets. The selection was exhaustive. From sweet, to savoury, to cold treats - everything was on hand for a guaranteed gastronomic experience. And all worth the calories! Participants included Back-

yard Burgers (grilled to perfection burgers), B. Wings, Café el Gato, Jam Foods and Co. (thinly sliced Angus beef tapa that melts in your mouth), Cucina Ilocana, Alibaba shawarma (oozing with Mediterranean goodness), Ka-

kimkris Lechon, Stellina’s Lemonade (best thirst quencher), Kai Artisan Chocolates (chocolate-y goodness with a twist), Sugarcane Bar (refreshingly good), Crocodile ice cream (exotically delicious), Maamboss Café, JR

Pastry (love in every a bite), The Griddle Burgers & Sandwwiches (meaty goodness in a bun), Bangkok Wok (taste of Thailand in every plate), Sea Green Café and Lifestyle shop (healthy hearty meals), Soul Kitchen (sinfully healthy nibbles and drinks) and The Fatboy’s Kitchen. With all the food offerings at the six-day South By Mouth events, eating truly became a celebration. Go explore Davao, even after the Kadayawan. I know I will. So, what’s your Kadayawan food story? Thank you SM and Ms. Carmina del Rosario for allowing us to taste the many flavours of Davao. For more years, cheers! Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com and on Instagram at @iamleebai.

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

TRAVEL

Catching up with Mar

HONG KONG COULD ASIA WITH ITS URBAN THE BLINK OF AN EYE when we walked from the sea. Today, the view is fram

Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour as seen from my room at the Marco Polo Hong Kong.

To keep Dabawenyos within the dynamic loop, the marketing and communications team of Marco Polo Hong Kong ably led by its Director of Communications, Samantha Poon, recently held a dinner roadshow for its media and blogger friends from Davao and Cebu at the Polo Bistro of the Marco Marco Polo Hong Polo Davao featuring Kong’s Samantha Poon its Oh! Pomelo sig(2nd from right) and nature fruit-based set Angel Wong (3rd from left) together with menu. “We wanted to upMarco Polo Davao’s Josef Ledesma, Pearl date everyone on the Peralta-Maclang, Dottie exciting offers and Würgler-Cronin, and packages of the Marco Sarah Dayrit.

2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

rco Polo Hong Kong

BE ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC CITIES OF N LANDSCAPE EVER – EVER CHANGING IN E. I remember visiting the territory a few years back e Star Ferry terminal at Central to have a view of the med by a park and a gigantic Ferris Wheel.

Oh! Pomelo’s Briased Beef Short Ribs with truffle mashed potato, pomelo salad and beef jus reminded me of Cucina, Marco Polo Hong Kong’s singature Italian restaurant with its tender beef and rich aromatic sauce.

Media and blogger friends from Cebu. got more exciting for travelers. Share your travel sto-

ries with me on Twitter or on Instagram at @ kennethkingong.

Serving a seamless society

venient way to get to Hong Kong’s Central district,” explained Samantha. “They just simply need to book the Marco Polo Hotels and Star Ferry Offer at least three days in advance, staying at Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Gateway Hotel or Prince Hotel for two consecutive nights or more.” Guests also get complimentary daily breakfast for two; a complimentary room upgrade to the next higher room category; a complimentary extra bed applicable to rooms with three guests; guaranteed late check-out until two in the afternoon; a welcome fruit platter; and a hefty 20% discount on food and beverages at designated restaurants of the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel. Hong Kong is definitely a dynamic place to visit, and with the new, exciting offers of the Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong, things at the Fragrant Harbour just

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

Polo Hotels in Hong Kong,” said Samantha, adding, “Guests staying at the Marco Polo Hong Kong, Marco Polo Gateway, and Marco Polo Prince hotels enjoy exclusive discounts when they shop at select stores at Harbour City, Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall.” Samantha also showcased the signature Handy smartphone which I was able to use during my last trip to the former British Crown Colony. Marco Polo’s Handy smartphone allows guests to enjoy unlimited international calls to the US, UK, Japan, China, as well as the Philippines all for free. It also serves as a pocket Wi-Fi from which you can tether your gadget to enjoy fast and unlimited internet connectivity. “We are also delighted to announce that hotel guests who book with us using their Philippine MasterCard get an unlimited pass for two persons on the Star Ferry, the quickest and most con-

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! EVENT ENTERTAINMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto 27 AUGUST 2016, THE ROYAL MANDAYA HOTEL, AT THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DAVAO – It’s awarding season once again. The men and women of Matina Enclaves glammed up and painted The Royal Mandaya Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in specks of blacks and golds.

Stunning. Everyone came in dressed to a tee. The room was bursting with a festive mood – from every corner, everyone came in prepared and was in high spirits. The night was no ordinary night; it was a celebration -- a night of giving back to everyone who helped Matina Enclaves become one of the most sought after real estate company in the city. Welcoming everyone was Neil Marion Bacquiran, Sales Admin Supervisor, who was brimming with excitement. Afterwards, an inspirational message was delivered by the ecstatic Sir Gerald Kent Garces, Project Director of Matina Enclaves. Reminiscing the past and seeing how far the company has gone heightened the crowd’s festive mood even more. The night was not just about handing our plaques and certificates; it too highlighted the many talents of the people behind the success of Matina Enclaves. Yes,

intermission numbers delighted everyone in attendance. Nope, not by professionals but by the agents, managers and brokers themselves. Romero Realty surprised everyone with a song number, while the Davao Dragon Vibe Realty jived and swayed in a dance number. Not to be outdone, Leuterio Realty also showed everyone that they too can own the dance floor. As everyone enjoyed the sumptuous feast laid before them, one by one the awardees were called. Certificates, plaques and cash incentives were awarded. Combo and sellers incentives were also given. And the most anticipated special award - Best Dressed Male and Female of the Night – was awarded to the most stylish attendees of the night. In between awarding, a generous raffle draw brought everyone to their feet. The prizes included an overnight stay for two at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, lunch or dinner buffet at the hotel, Mesa

Top performing brokers. spot on impersonations and witty punch lines made everyone roar with laughter. The event was hosted by Rey Bargamen-

Top performing sales manager.

Project director Gerald Garces.

Sales Excellence Award Leuterio Realty & Brokerage

Top performing sales agents.

Cash incentives awardees.

Stars of the night.

gift certificates and cell phones. The night was capped by special guest and celebrity host of the night, Daniell Aliermo (Vice Ganda Kalokalike Phase 3 Grand Winner) whose

to, Alayka Diva and Daniell Aliermo. Again, to everyone, cheers and congratulations!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

Reforms beyond the first 100 days: Agriculture policy

E cannot deny that changes have been taking place. Consider these: The tax reforms proposed, the budget proposals and the new efficiencies with which government services are delivered (passport and license validity extensions), and the refocusing of certain priorities, the drive to end “endo” contractualization and other policies that affect the daily lives of the quieter majority. Of late, we seem to seeing a sea change in our foreign policy perspectives. Many Duterte pronouncements ought to be followed through with policy advocacies since they require change. How fast and thorough it will be depends partly on our ability to advocate and participate in policy discussions, and monitor their implementation. Agriculture not sexy An urgent sector needing change is agriculture. It has been a laggard and needs to become robust if we want development to be inclusive. After all, high DGP figures and higher food prices means little change in poverty. Sadly, an antiagricultural bias has pervaded our policy circles. Farming and the ageing farmers (average age of 57) is not considered sexy in policy circles.

OOPS. He did it again. This time, no less than President Barack Obama was at the receiving end of President Duterte’s acerbic tongue, as the later warned his American counterpart not to question him on the spate of extra judicial killings (EJKs) in the Philippines. “I do not respond to anybody but to the people of the Republic of the Philippines. I do not care about him. Who is he?” a fuming Duterte said during a press conference shortly before he left for Laos to attend the Association of South East Asian Nations Summit (ASEAN) Summit there. Apparently, the Philippine President was reacting to a statement from White House officials that Obama was planning to raise the issue of EJKs during their scheduled bilateral talks at the sidelines of the summit. Although President Duterte said he had no plans of picking a fight with Obama, the former seemed averse to the idea that the US President would be questioning him on his war against the illegal

Thailand has strong agriculture that keeps its poverty levels lower This is about just the same as it has in

Agricultural advocacy is weak and fragmented One of the factors that created this is a weak advocacy for strong production. Farm advocacy is popularly associated with agrarian reform and the welfare of farmers, less on the need to produce enough. Media loves blood, more than rice. This is exemplified by the Kidapawan massacre, where media coverage highlighted the many who were killed and injured rather than the underpinnings of the equality and prejudice they face. What advocates are present are too commodity centric to have an impact on larger agricultural policy. For instance, the larger lobbyists in policy are

the livestock and poultry sectors, vocal in their participation in policy debates. The corn and coconut producers, on the other hand are not as popular. Reality , though, is that corn and livestock producers need to band together to advocate for strength. Moreover, weak public participation in agricultural policy helped weaken production as a whole. The last ten years under Yap and Alcala have seen the gradual, sustained weakening of our agricultural production to where we are now, where we have achieved a 4% reduction (correct me if I am wrong) in total output from the early 2000s. This only shows that not much has changed from the fertilizer fund scam and the excessive importation of rice and continued importation of commodities such as beef, coffee and chocolate which we can very well supply for ourselves had the government made a deliberate effort to substitute these for locally produced stocks that could also employ thousands in the rural areas. Now, more than ever, we need strong agricultural advocates who will argue to policies that ensure adequate production, food security and sustainable, profitable farming. Otherwise, we just import our food from Thailand.

drug trade, VIEWPOINTS which has resulted in the death of around 1,900 drug suspects. “I am a president of a sovereign state and we Sonny L. Mendoza have long ceased to be a colony. I do not have any master except the Filipino people,” he said, stressing that his country is not a “vassal state.” Reacting to President Duterte’s strongly-worded remarks, President Obama reportedly decided to cancel his meeting with the former firebrand mayor of Davao City, whom he described as a “colorful guy.” This is not the first time that President Duterte has trained his guns on highly-influential personalities and organizations who have earned his ire, one

way or the other. To recall, he cursed Pope Francis last year for causing a traffic gridlock in Manila, rebuked the United Nations this year for not being able to resolve the Middle East conflict, and called the US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg “gay.” President Duterte’s latest tirades against Obama therefore didn’t come as a total surprise for foreign policy analysts who view the Philippine President as a maverick who seems unmindful of conforming to the norms of international diplomacy. Richard Javad Heydarian, a political science professor of the De La Salle University and Rappler columnist, may have made an astute observation when he noted that President Duterte “is launching a foreign policy revolution.” “His open expression of skepticism – a remarkable departure from his predecessors – seems to have gained growing support among the Philippine public as well as intelligentsia, even though America

enjoys astronomically high approval ratings in the country,” Heydarian said in his latest column. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) had issued an apology last Tuesday, stating that President Duterte regretted his “strong comments to certain press questions that elicited concern and distress” came out as a “personal attack” on President Obama. “We look forward to ironing out differences arising out of national priorities and perceptions, and working in mutually responsible ways for both countries,” Duterte said in the statement. The Palace said the highly-anticipated meeting between the two world leaders has been re-set to a later date, although the White House has not given any confirmation on the said dialogue. Perhaps, President Obama is just waiting for his counterpart to cool down so that the two can finally sit down and have a meaningful discussion on a broad range of pressing issues – sans the angry rhetoric.

T h e MY TWO CENTS’ city-centric investment promotion regime of the past two governments (Arroyo and Aquino) placed a premium on urban investJohn Tria ments such as the Busi- ecisouth@gmail.com ness Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, and promoting manufacturing investments in industrial zones such as Subic, Clark and Calabarzon only make it worse, as it becomes a magnet for immigration from many areas such as Bicol and the Visayas, thereby bloating the population of mega manila. The rest of the Philippines never had the same opportunity for the same growth, exacerbating the inqeuality. Add to this the constant reality of insurgency and banditry in many of our rural areas and you have a people averse to this vital economic sector.

Thailand, where rural folk flock to Bangkok’s outskirts for work. The only difference between us and Thailand is that the farmers are not as poor. Going home to the villages for them means eating more food. In the Philippines, it’s the reverse. We are now importing a lot of rice and, presumably, other crops. Thailand has kept its agriculture sector robust and exporting (means it has a surplus), where as the Philippines has become an attractive market for all kinds of commodities, with its large population and expensive food.

No puppet

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

Saving endangered coral reefs

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

There are just too many fishermen. They overfish the reefs, and even if they use nondestructive fishing gear, they still stress the coral reef ecosystem. Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, one of the country’s most noted marine scientists

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO (Second of Two Parts)

N land, the ecosystem that supports the greatest number of plant and animal species is the rainforest. In the sea, it’s the coral reef. Most of the coral reefs are found in the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn -- in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and South Pacific. They also thrive where warm currents are found -- off Florida, Bermuda, southern Japan and Australia. The richest reefs, however, are located in the so-called “coral triangle,” which spans eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. Covering an area that is equivalent to half of the entire United States, it is considered “the epicenter for marine biodiversity.” About 600 of the 700 or so corals known to man have been this discovered in this region touted to be as “the Amazon of the Sea.” In the Philippines alone, more than 400 coral reefs are found. There are three major types of coral reefs, according to Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. These are fringing type (those found on the edges of islands and which constitutes 30% of the country’s coral reefs); the barrier type (best exemplified by the Dajanon Reef of Central Visayas); and the atoll (of which the Tubbataha and Cagayan Reef in the Sulu Sea are ideal examples). Corals which most people

see are actually the dried and bleached skeletons of soft-bodied animals that live in the warm, sunlit waters of tropical seas and look more like plants and rocks than animals. The main part of the real coral is the polyp – the extraordinary flower-like animal with a tube-like body and finger-like tentacles. “Coral polyps get nutrition in two ways,” explains Lindsay Bennett, author of globetrotter island guide, “Philippines.” “They catch their food by means of stinging tentacles that paralyze any suitable prey – microscopic creatures called zooplankton – and also engage in a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae that live within the polyp structure.” Coral polyps reproduce in two ways: asexually (by the division of existing individual polyps) and asexually (by combining egg and sperm from two different polyps). “This results in a free-swimming polyp that will be carried by ocean currents to find a new colony and commence a new reef,” Bennet writes. The coral reef is the world’s most diverse marine ecosystem, and one of the most productive. It is home to some 4,000 species of fish (approximately one-quarter of all marine fish species), along with a vast array of other life forms. In the Philippines, more than 40 million people live on the coast within 30 kilometers of coral reef. Approximately, two million people depend on fisheries for employment, with about one million small-scale fishermen directly dependent on reef fisheries. The country’s reefs yield 5 to 37 tons of fish

per square kilometer, making them very important to the productivity of fisheries. Despite their economic importance, the country’s ecologically-fragile coral reefs are on the brink of extinction. “The World Atlas of Coral Reefs,” compiled by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), reported that 97% of reefs in the Philippines are under threat from destructive fishing techniques, including cyanide poisoning, over-fishing, or from deforestation and urbanization that result in harmful sediment spilling into the sea. But the Filipinos themselves are the primary culprit. “Life in the Philippines is never far from the sea,” wrote Joan Castro and Leona D’Agnes in a report. “Every Filipino lives within 45 miles of the coast, and every day, more than 4,500 new residents are born.” The Philippines is now home to more than 100 million people. “Human activities are the major cause of coral reef degradation,” said a document that was released during the International Coral Reef Initiative held in Dumaguete City. Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, one of the country’s most noted marine scientists, agrees. “If asked what the major problem of coral reefs is, my reply would be: ‘The pressure of human populations.’” A visit to any fishing villages near a reef will quickly confirm this. “There are just too many fishermen,” Dr. Gomez pointed out. “They overfish the reefs, and even if they use nondestructive fishing gear, they still stress the coral reef

ecosystem.” The Philippine government made and introduced many laws in an attempt to protect the natural environment on the islands and in the national territorial waters. Among these is Presidential Decree 1219 as amended by Presidential Decree 1698, which regulates the exploitation of ordinary corals and restrict the sale of precious and semiprecious corals. PD 1698 prohibits the gathering, harvesting, collecting, transporting, possessing, selling and exporting of ordinary corals, either in raw or processed form. The law also prohibits the use of corals and materials in buildings, and other man-made structures such as, but not limited to, piers, dams and dikes. “Our country has good laws protecting corals, but the enforcement needs some work,” someone commented. “Despite considerable improvements in coral reef management, the country’s coral reefs remain under threat,”

“Over time, the rehabilitated reefs will be re-inhabited by fish aquatic life. The restoration of reefs has other major positive economic impacts. It improves the productivity and sustainability of municipal fisheries and at the same time enhances the beauty and value of the area for the underwater tourism industry.” -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Coral reefs have survived tens of thousands of years of natural change, but many of them may not be able to survive the havoc brought by humankind,” the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) points out in its website. As a response to the coral degradation in the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the Filipinnovation on Coral Reef Restoration Program. Started in 2012, the program seeks to roll out coral transplantation technology using asexually reproduced corals to improve productivity of coral resources for sustainable fisheries. Corals asexual reproduction technology for reef restoration involves the collection of dislodged live coral fragments or “corals of opportunity” (COPs) and attaching them to coral nursery unit (CNUs) for quick recovery and regeneration to increase survival

rates upon transplantation in degraded coral reef sites. Each CNU is designed to hold 500 COPs per batch and can be used several times a year. Varua, who is part of a team at Bataan Peninsula State University that’s restoring the reefs, reported in his presentation that about 90% of the corals survived. “Over time, the rehabilitated reefs will be re-inhabited by fish aquatic life,” the DOST said in a press statement. “The restoration of reefs has other major positive economic impacts. It improves the productivity and sustainability of municipal fisheries and at the same time enhances the beauty and value of the area for the underwater tourism industry.” The endangered coral reefs must be saved now. “We are the stewards of our nation’s resources,” said Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, “we should take care of our national heritage so that future generations can enjoy them. Let’s do our best to save our coral reefs. Our children’s children will thank us for the effort.” Photo courtesy of underwater photographer Shane K. Beary

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

PH... FROM 1

People’s Republic of China, specifically the Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. The sub-region is considered a natural economic area situated within the Mekong River basin covering an area of around 2.6 million square kilometers and populated by an estimated 300 million people. The IMT-GT, on the other hand was formed in 1993 as a sub-regional cooperation initiative of its member counties with the purpose of accelerating economic transformation in their less developed provinces. The BIMP-EAGA, on the other hand, was created in 1994 to hasten economic development among its member-countries. BIMP-EAGA member countries are working to increase trade, tourism and investments by facilitating the free movement of people, goods and services; making the best utilization of common infrastructure and natural resources; and taking the fullest advantage of economic complementation. “Hailing from Mindanao, I commit to promote BIMP-EAGA. We intend to open up our other major islands like Mindanao and the Visayas with high quality backbone infrastructure,” President Duterte said. Pushing forward to open the major islands in the country would require the acceleration of infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges such as the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network (MLIN) and other network master plans, including the inter-island linkages, the President

added. MLIN is a long-term development plan of the road network in Mindanao first published in 2014 and updated last year. The development plan includes new constructions, the upgrading and improvement of existing national and local roads. The plan specifically identified improvement of access to major ports in Mindanao particularly in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Surigao, General Santos, and Davao. President Duterte is also planning to further expand the countries roll-on-roll-off to Davao, General Santos and Betung in Indonesia.

Implementation of agreements The President also emphasized the importance of how laws are crafted and implemented to bring good governance and order, and to provide an enabling environment for the country’s progress and prosperity, He also urged the members of ASEAN to ensure the effective implementation of various agreements concluded through the years. “I note that since establishment of ASEAN in 1967 several key economic agreements have facilitated regional economic integration of natural persons and mutual recognition arrangement of certain professions,” he said. “It certainly took an immense amount of efforts and compromises as member states share their commitment and political resolve to accommodate and reconcile national interests with the regional aspiration of one nation ASEAN community,” he added. The President said the Phil-

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO ippines, for its part, will focus its economic efforts towards the promotion of inclusive growth through innovations and for areas of micro, small and medium enterprises, e-commerce, youth and women entrepreneurship.

Support to MSMEs President Duterte also urged the ASEAN member countries to provide support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We will work and collaborate with ASEAN in helping the MSMEs look to connect them in countries of the ASEAN and the world,” he said, adding the Philippines will also focus its efforts on enhancing its policy and regulatory environment by providing entrepreneurs with affordable and innovative digital platforms and access to financial resources. He also called on the ASEAN to engage the world in a robust way, saying that the region is making progress in fulfilling its ASEAN free trade commitments. The President also lauded the existing free trade agreements (FTAs) of ASEAN with Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India and Korea. These FTAs, he added, are mutually beneficial that signified ASEAN’s ability to carry its weight in the area of economic partnership. “With the establishment of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP, we are now gaining further momentum in November 2016. The Philippines will host the RCEP senior officials to further improve the phase on substance of our negotiations and conclude the comprehensive and high quality RCEP agreement in timely manner,” he said.

DavOr... FROM 4

while the national government is doing its best to assure the people of their safety, supporting these efforts is the least local governments can do. “This is everybody’s concern and it is our responsibility to help the national government in keeping the people safe,” he said. Encouraging the people to unite, Gov. Dayanghirang

stressed the importance of vigilance among the various sectors of the community. He urged the citizens to do their share in protecting the community by reporting suspicious activities to authorities. “Everybody must become a watchdog,” he said, adding that public safety is everybody’s concern. Gov. Dayanghirang likewise

encouraged the province’s LGUs to support the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Masa Masid which is a barangay-based anti-criminality program. Primarily designed to counter illegal drugs and corruption, the Masa Masid’s mass-based and multi-sectoral approach can also be tapped to help fight terrorism. (By Karen Lou Deloso)

Dominguez said another target of the immediate recovery effort is the amount of $17 million, which, according to the Bangladesh ambassador, has been pinpointed in the Senate probe to be in the hands of the remittance firm PhilRem Service Corp. Abad said the $17 million with PhilRem is what “we’re still working on” and that the AMLC is looking at the assets of the firm’s owners for possible forfeiture. Dominguez said: “The im-

mediate objective right now is …the $15 million plus the $2 million. We can assist you 100 percent on that. The AMLC, as they mentioned, is continuing the investigation for whatever balance there is. Maybe there’s another $17 million, but we’re going to continue seeking that and hopefully recovering that on your behalf.” The discussion, Dominguez learned, turned out to be a “preliminary meeting” of sort for this matter, as he was informed by the ambassador that Bangla-

desh Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith is visiting Manila on September 28 to 29. Ambassador Gomes said his government has formally requested for meetings between the Bangladesh Finance Minister and Dominguez, the Secretary of Justice, the BSP Governor, the AMLC chief and the Senate President. Ambassador Gomes said he was supposed to meet the previous Philippine finance secretary at the height of the controversy, but this did not push through.

Dominguez... FROM 6

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All unredeemed items pawned during the month of April 2016,if not redeemed/renewed on August 31, 2016 will be put on Auction Sale September 9, 2016 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan Abril 2016,kung dili malukat sa Agosto 31, 2016 isubasta sa bulan sa Setyembre 9, 2016 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon. DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION

Davao City: 252 San Pedro St., 167 San Pedro St., G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., 2nd Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, Gaisano Grand Mall of Toril G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Ave.,

Centerpoint Plaza Matina Fronting San Pedro College Guerrero St., Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.,Agdao NCCC Mall Matina Saavedra St., Toril Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St., Km. 13 Panacan Boulevard Buhangin Cabantian

Cabaguio

Davao del Norte Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Norte Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Davao del Sur Gaisano Grand Mall of Kidapawan

PRDP... FROM 6

ley and Davao Oriental attended the training. PRDP Mindanao Cluster Director Lealyn Ramos said that since GRMs are implemented at the local level and rely on local people and institutions, it can help create a sense of local ownership for the projects. It will also “improve project outcomes at a lower cost, with the focus on corrective actions that can be implemented quickly and at a relatively low cost to resolve.” (Jay M. Rosas/ PRDP Mindanao)

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

IN THE SAME WATERS

Ernie proud to swim in same waters with world’s best By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

OMPLETING another day of practice at the Olympic pool in Rio on Tuesday, Pinoy parathlete Ernie Gawilan couldn’t hide his excitement on swimming in the same waters as the world’s best swimmers.

“Lipay kaayo sir kay malangoyan nako ang gilangoyan sa mga famous na mga Olympian na swimmer (I am so happy sir that I could swim in the pool where the famous Olympic swimmers also swam),” Gawilan told Edge Davao in an online interview. Gawilan singled out American star Michael Phelps who won three gold medals in Rio to jack up his total to 23. On Thursday, Gawilan, born with underdeveloped arm and legs, will compete in his first of three events— the 400-meter freestyle in the quadrennial showpiece for athletes with disabilities, the equivalent of the Olympic Games for regular

athletes. Ernie said there will only be two heats for the 400-meter freestyle. In the 100-meter freestyle event, there will be three heats owing to the bigger number of entries. Ernie also shared his experience with food served at the Olympic Village. “Lami ang pagkaon sir pero wala gihapon makalupig sa Pinoy (Food tastes good sir but nothing beats Pinoy food),” he said. Gawilan is the first Dabawenyo parathlete to compete in the quadrennial showcase. Orphaned at an early age and raised in a monastery, he will compete in the 400-meter free-

style,100-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke in his category. He qualified to the Rio Paralympics after winning two gold medals in record-breaking fashion and a silver in last year’s Asean Para Games in Singapore. Five athletes compose the Philippine delegation who arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. With Ernie in the Philippine delegation are his coaches Antonio Ong and RRal Rosario and fellow parathletes Josephine Medina (Table Tennis), Adeline Dumapong Ancheta (Power Lifting), Agustine Kitan (Power Lifting), and Jerrold Pete Manglinaw (Athletics). The lean delegation will

continue the country’s fruitless hunt for a gold medal in the quadrennial showpiece. The first Paralympic Games took place in Rome, a

week after the 1960 Summer Olympic Games were held there. About 400 athletes with spinal-cord injuries from 23 countries competed in eight

disciplines. In 2001, it was officially agreed that all future Olympics and Paralympics would be held at the same venue.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Azkals stun Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in friendly

HE Philippine men’s football team leaned on a strong start to stun Kyrgyzstan, 2-1, in an international friendly in the opponent’s turf on early Wednesday morning in Bishkek. The Azkals turned to Kevin Ingreso and Misagh Bahadoran to get ahead before weathering an onslaught by the 105th-ranked team in the world to prevail on the road. Ingreso finished a free kick from Phil Younghusband to score his first international goal late in the first half, before Bahadoran, tranlsating his sizzling form from domestic to international play, doubled the lead with a header early in the second half for

the visitors. Kyrgyzstan pulled a goal back in the 60th minute and took the fight to the Azkals to no avail no thanks to the defense of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who was named Man of the Match, center-backs Amani Aguinaldo and first-time starter Dennis Villanueva, and wingbacks Daisuke Sato and Martin Steuble. Manny Ott pulled the strings with Ingreso at midfield, Iain Ramsay was on the left wing opposite Bahdoran, while James Younghusband completed the starting lineup up front in the match that jumpstarted the Azkals’ preparations for the Suzuki Cup.

SPORTS15

Gilas 5.0 off to Iran for FIBA Asia Challenge Cup

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team on Tuesday night departed for Tehran, Iran where they will compete in the FIBA Asia Challenge this week. Members of the Gilas Pilipinas 5.0 boarded Emirates Airlines right before

midnight. They will have a short layover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates before arriving in Tehran on Wednesday, two days before the tournament tips off on Friday. The Filipinos will open their Group B campaign against India on Friday

evening (early Saturday morning in the Philippines) before taking on Chinese Taipei on Sunday. Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Josh Reyes will be calling the shots for the squad composed of some of the country’s top amateur players led by Mac Belo and

Kevin Ferrer. Also part of the team are Von Pessumal, Almond Vosotros, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, Arnold Van Opstal, Ed Daquioag, Jonathan Grey, Alfonzo Gotladera, Carl Bryan Cruz, Chris Javier and CJ Perez.

Aussies blank UAE 1-0, Japan defeats Thailand 2-0

LEADING THE AZKALS. Misagh Bahadoran delivers anew for the Philippine football team.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DOMINADOR FIEL CARILLO who died on June 19, 2015 in Davao City has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.51; Page No.11; Book No. I; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC IZABEL F. SERIÑA. 9/1,8,15

IM Cahill came off the bench to give Australia a 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in the third round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday. The 36-year-old midfielder drilled home a Brad Smith cross from close range with 10 minutes remaining in Abu Dhabi. The Socceroos made it two wins from two games to go top of Group B, ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference. “We justifiably took the three points in difficult conditions,” said Australia coach Ange Postecoglou, referring to pre-match temperatures of almost 40 degrees Celsius. “It was a good performance.” The top two teams in Groups A and B will qualify automatically for the

World Cup, with the two third-place teams going to a fourth-round match to decide which of them makes the intercontinental playoffs.

IRAQ 1, SAUDI ARABIA 2 Nawaf Al Abid scored twice from the penalty spot in the last nine minutes to give Saudi Arabia six points from two matches. Mohanad Abdulraheem scored early for Iraq, which also lost in Australia, and was still searching for a first point after two matches. The game was held in Malaysia because of security issues in Iraq. THAILAND 0, JAPAN 2 Japan successfully bounced back from its opening loss at home to the United Arab Emirates in

Group B. Genki Haraguchi headed the dominant visitors into a first-half lead, and striker Takuma Asano sealed the win in the second half. “It was a very important victory,” Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic said. “But it wasn’t easy. I was worried a little bit about the mental condition of the team, but we just really threw ourselves into this game with the desire to win.” Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang was impressed with the visitors, predicting Japan would qualify for a sixth successive World Cup. “We saw tonight that Japan is a strong team,” he said. “They are on the right track now. I really believe that they can win the rest of their group matches.”

CHINA 0, IRAN 0 China picked up its first point in Group A, holding Iran to a scoreless draw in Shenyang. China lost 3-2 to South Korea in Seoul in the opening Group A game last week.

SOUTH KOREA 0, SYRIA 0 The Group A game was also played in Malaysia due to the ongoing security situation in Syria. South Korea dominated possession but was frustrated by a hard-working Syrian backline. “This is not a satisfactory result for us,” said South Korea coach Uli Stielike, who also complained about Syrian time-wasting. QATAR 0, UZBEKISTAN 1 In Doha, defender Egor Kremits’ 86th-minute header gave Uzbekistan its second consecutive win and moved it to the top of Group A, two points ahead of Iran and South Korea. Kremits, who missed his team’s 1-0 win over Syria last Thursday because of a suspension, headed Alexander Geynrikh’s free kick from the right past Qatar goalkeeper Oumar Barry. Qatar is in last place in the group after two losses to begin the third round.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS. Asano Takuma of Japan tries to get past Tanaboon Kesarat of Thailand at Rajamangala national stadium in Bangkok. AP

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 140 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016