Ang Peryodiko News Paper February 1st to February 15th Issue

VOLUME XIII NO. 3 February 1-15, 2015 WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

The Newspaper

MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) carry their fallen comrades killed by bandits in an encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. AP PHOTO

AQUINO TO MILF:

Name SAF killers,

show sincerity M ‘filled with love’ on page 6

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House won’t suspend BBL passage

MANILA (Jan. 29) - The House of Representatives will stick to its timetable in passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) amid mounting calls to suspend deliberations on the proposal following last Sunday’s clashes in Maguindanao that left 44 policemen dead.

“We might run out of time (to pass the BBL),” Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on calls to suspend deliberations of the House ad hoc committee on the BBL. Belmonte described as “abominable” the killing of the Philippine National PoliceSpecial Action Force (PNPSAF) operatives in Mamasapano town last Sunday.

Almost 400 SAF members had been sent to arrest Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

Zulkifli is a Malaysian bomb maker with a $5-million bounty from the US government.

He was the high value target, along with Basit Usman, of the operation.

The arrest turned into a bloodbath as the policemen were leaving the area and encountered rebels from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The MILF signed a peace treaty with the government in March last year but the BIFF, a breakaway faction, was not part of it.

Part of the deal with the MILF was to draft a law that would create a new autonomous region in Mindanao.

Belmonte said the final draft of the BBL being written by the panel, chaired by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, “could still be influenced by the outcome of the formal investigation” on last Sunday’s clashes.

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MJ Lastimosa

In a nationally televised address, the President said that at the minimum, the MILF must identify those who were involved in the slaughter of 44 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) who were trying to arrest two high-value terrorists last Sunday in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Calling the SAF men “heroes,” the President also said the guns and personal belongings of the dead must be returned.

The MILF must also “step aside” as government forces continue to hunt down Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Filipino Abdul Basit Usman, Aquino said, even as he noted that Marwan might have been killed by the SAF team.

Between the two of them, Marwan and Usman had at least 10 outstanding arrest warrants dating back to 2002 for various

terrorist attacks and plots, the President said as he emphasized that the operation to get them was a continuing one that did not require a specific green light from him.

He expressed confidence that the MILF “is studying how to demonstrate their sincerity in the peace process.”

The President asked the nation to suspend judgment until all the facts have been established by both the Philippine National Police and a probe team formed by the MILF. “I expect that in the soonest possible time, there will be more concrete proof of cooperation on the part of the MILF to go after peace, go after the truth and making those guilty responsible,” Aquino said in his speech delivered in Filipino.

Usman belongs to the Abu Sayyaf and is believed to have links with JI, a Southeast Asian terror cell linked to al-Qaeda.

Answering a question after his speech, the President said that since the MILF has areas under its control in Maguindanao, its men would have to “step aside to make the operations” against Usman and anybody else who would try to shield 

ANILA (Jan. 29) - The peace process must continue, but the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must show its sincerity in wanting peace, President Aquino said last night.

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Aquino declares national day of mourning after Mamasapano clash MANILA (Jan. 29) - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday declared a national day of mourning for the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNPSAF) that were killed in a covert operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Aquino made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, in which he described the fallen policemen as “heroes.”

He said the national day of mourning will be on Friday, January 30. The elite policemen were killed in a “misencounter”

with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday.

The commandos were supposed to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino Basit Usman, both bomb experts linked to the Jemaah Islamiya terror group. -Philstar

President Benigno Aquino III addresses the nation on the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 Special Action Force members were killed. Screengrab from RTVM video

PNoy admits knowing SAF operation in Mamasapano

MANILA (Jan. 29) - President Benigno Aquino III admitted on Wednesday that he knew about the covert operation of the Philippine National Police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 elite cops were killed.

In his televised address to the nation, Aquino said he repeatedly reminded relieved SAF chief Director Getulio Napeñas to have proper coordination before proceeding with the operation.

Napeñas has been relieved and replaced by his deputy pending an investigation by the government.

Aquino, however, was not satisfied with the SAF chief’s compliance with his reminder.

“Kung may compliance pong nangyari sa atas kong

siguruhing may sapat na koordinasyon, parang sinagad po itong very minimum compliance,” Aquino said.

He said the SAF chief informed military units operating in the same area about the operation when the SAF members were already retreating.

The SAF forces in Mamasapano were tasked to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino Basit Usman, both bomb experts linked to the Jemaah Islamiya terror group.

The operation, however, led to a deadly “misencounter” with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The retreating SAF men were also engaged by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. -Philstar

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Villagers: Rebels finished off SAF members with shots to the head MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao - Some policemen wounded in the fatal clash with Moro guerillas on Sunday would have survived if their attackers did not finish them off with rifle shots to the head, villagers said.

Folks from Barangay Tukanalipao said more than a dozen wounded members of the Special Action Force (SAF), who came to their barangay to search for two wanted terrorists, Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as “Marwan,” and his ethnic Maguindanaon cohort Basit Usman, were executed by rebels as they tried to crawl away from the scene.

“Pagkatapos silang barilin sa ulo isa-isa, pinulot ang kanilang mga baril at iniwan na ang kanilang mga bangkay,” said a peasant, who requested ano-

nymity for fear of reprisals.

Another source, who asked to be named only as Hamim, said some rebels even stumped on the heads of the slain policemen before firing shots to finish them off gangland style.

The cadavers of more than 40 members of the police’s elite SAF are now at the mortuary of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Police forensic experts said many of the slain policemen had gunshot wounds in the head with powder burns in the bullet entry points, indicating they were indeed shot at close range.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, who was at 6th ID’s morgue Tuesday, appealed for sobriety among the families of the SAF members killed in the encounter.

“I’m also appealing to people in other parts of the country to help us pray for a peaceful resolution of this incident. We don’t want this to affect the on-going peace efforts of the Aquino administration and the MILF. The peace process must continue,” Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu said he has directed his chief budget staff, Lynette Estandarte, to extend assistance and provide food provisions to relatives of the slain policemen who are now at Camp Siongco, waiting for the release of the victims’ remains.

Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of 6th ID, said there are even more “pressing reasons” now for the government and the MILF to pursue the peace process for tranquility in many flashpoint areas in Mindanao to fully take off. Philstar

PH stock market posts another record performance MANILA (Jan. 29) - The local benchmark index continued its bull run toward uncharted territories yesterday as it put on another record-setting performance behind upbeat markets abroad.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) broke past the 7,600 mark for the first time on Tuesday, posting a new record close and a fresh

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him successful.

He said there should be no more worries that government troops would run into another “misencounter” while pursuing terrorists.

“I expect – but they will have to discuss this among themselves – what is the extent that they will help us? Recovery of the firearms; identification of the people who actually did the acts; recovery of personal effects and things like that, I think, will be reasonable to expect from them,” he said.

“At this point in time, I am very, very confident that they will… and they are studying exactly how to demonstrate their sincerity in this peace process,” Aquino said.

“When I say they should show their sincerity, (government forces) can operate in that area relatively freely. They have access to informants that we may not have access to at this point in time,” he explained.

He said it would be easy

just to make a list of names without proof, only to see the suspects absolved later. “We are after finding out who are really accountable and make the real guilty responsible,” Aquino said.

He said the MILF had formed its own fact-finding team, and “we can expect that there will be that much more cooperation from them when we file the appropriate charges, once we have developed the necessary evidence.”

Lack of coordination The President said there was a lack of coordination among government forces before the mission was carried out.

He said all the details of the operation as well as the questions surrounding the clash with the MILF and the BIFF – including the supposed lack of coordination with the MILF – would be answered through the Board of Inquiry formed

by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. -Philstar

first 15 trading sessions of the year. US and European markets edged higher overnight, practically shrugging off the antiausterity party’s victory in Greek polls Sunday,” said Justino Calaycay Jr., analyst at Accord Capital Equities Corp.

Calaycay said markets in the region were racing to twomonth highs even as everyone waits for the direction the new government of Greece would take in addressing the pressing fiscal situation of the country.

Asian stocks were generally higher with Japan’s Nikkei improving 1.4 percent.

All three major indexes in Wall Street likewise closed out in the positive zone with the Nasdaq picking up 0.29 percent and the S&P 500 adding 0.26 percent.

Locally, counters ended in the green except for the mining and oil firms and the services firms which slipped 1.56 percent and 0.44 percent, respectively. -Philstar

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all-time intraday high.

The PSEi gained 0.58 percent or 43.90 points to finish at 7,630.57 while the All Shares index climbed 0.42 percent or 18.75 points to close at 4,440.66.

An all new intraday high was also recorded yesterday at 7,631.85 “The local market rose to a new record, it’s fifth in the

The 75-member committee ended last week its public hearings on the BBL and is in the process of writing the final draft for plenary approval in March. Among its last resource persons were constitutional experts, representatives of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the MILF. The House leadership aims to pass the BBL by March even as Belmonte admitted that lawmakers’ support for the Malacañang-backed draft “has been somewhat eroded by the incident” in Mamasapano.

Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and JV Ejercito have withdrawn their support for the Bangsamoro law but Sens. Teofisto Guingona III and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV are not withdrawing support for the bill.

Aquino explained the Bangsamoro measure is still in the process of deliberations at the committee level of the Senate, and any amendments or revisions can still be introduced if needed. -Philstar

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PH oil production seen to rise 50% in 2019 MANILA, Philippines - Oil production in the Philippines could rise 50 percent or up to 39,000 barrels per day by 2019 from 26,000 bpd in 2013, according to data from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA).

In a recent report on the Philippines, EIA said the current exploration round launched by the Department of Energy (DOE) could boost the country’s oil production

and reduce its dependence on fuel imports.

Specifically, EIA said that the 11 oil and gas blocks in the Palawan Basin and nearby areas offered by the DOE for exploration could significantly boost production.

“This exploration bid could push oil production up to 39,000 bpd by 2019,” EIA said.

EIA said in 2013, total oil production in the Philippines was 26,000 bpd, while the

Supreme Court asked to stop Smartmatic deal

MANILA (Jan. 29) - The Supreme Court (SC) was asked yesterday to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from awarding a contract for the automated election system (AES) for next year’s polls to Smartmatic Corp.

Poll watchdog Citizens for Clean and Credible Elections (C3E) led other groups in seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the poll body from bidding out contracts for the 2016 polls involving Smartmatic.

The petitioners questioned last November’s Comelec decision denying their petition to blacklist the firm for at least two years for allegedly committing several “misrepresentations” and for violating its obligations under the 2010 AES contract.

They accused the Smartmatic-Total Information Management (TIM) consortium of misrepresenting certain information in its qualification statements when it submitted

the single largest contract in the name of Smartmatic International Holdings, B.V. and/or a subsidiary of the latter, Smartmatic Deployment Corp., and in claiming that Jarltech International Corp. was its subsidiary.

Petitioners said the firm violated its contract with Comelec when it failed to disclose that its supposed subsidiary, Jarltech, transferred the production of the precinct count optical (PCOS) machines from Kenmec Mechanical Engineering Co. to Quisda Corp.

“Smartmatic-TIM failed to comply with the provisions of its automation contract with Comelec when it grossly misrepresented that it can provide the Comelec with a customized system, upgrades to and replacement of systems because it was not the owner of the PCOS technology,” read the petition. “Smartmatic was a mere licensee which needed the assistance of Dominion.” – With Eva Visperas/Philstar

country consumed 299,000 bpd, with the rest sourced from imports.

“The Philippines is a net energy importer inspite of low consumption levels relative to its Southeast Asian neighbors.

The country produces small volumes of oil, natural gas, and coal. Geothermal, hydropower, and other renewable sources constitute a significant share of electricity generation,” EIA said.

EIA is a US Congress-funded office that collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.

The DOE launched its latest exploration round in May. Through the current round, the government is eyeing new investors to explore potential coal

and petroleum fields around the country.

A regular activity conducted by the department, the Philippine Energy Contracting Round is a transparent and competitive system for awarding service contracts.

The goal is to showcase the petroleum exploration opportunities in the country and to attract energy investors to develop the country’s indigenous oil and gas resources.

In 2011, the DOE launched its 4th PECR covering 15 blocks or an area of approximately 100,339 square kilometers (km). The blocks have an average size of 6,700 square km each, located mostly in the country’s frontier regions.

Investments in these service contracts are huge but the returns are attractive as well, depending on their respective petroleum potential. -Philstar

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What’s the BUZZ?

www.angperyodiko.ca February 1-15, 2015

Entertainment

‘filled with love’ despite Miss Universe loss

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ANILA, Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa said she is “filled with love” despite her failed attempt to win the Miss Universe crown.

The 27-year-old beauty queen failed to reach the finals of the 63rd Miss Universe, held in Miami, Florida on Sunday (Monday morning, Manila time). The title went to Paulina Vega of Colombia.

In an Instagram post a few hours after the pageant, Mary Jean said: “So proud to be a filipino! Man, cant express how grateful i am to everyone! Im filled with love right now! Love you all! Godbless us!

Mabuhay!”

In a statement sent to Philstar.com and other media outfits, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. commended Mary Jean’s performance in the pageant.

“The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated would like to congratulate Ms. Mary Jean Lastimosa for her performance in the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant held in Doral, Miami USA,” the statement said.

It added: “Title or no title, her participation in the pageant’s global discussions on peace, cultural exchange and other charity initiatives has beautifully showcased the Filipina’s beauty, intellect and compassion.”

The statements came amid local netizens’ cry of disappointment over the results, with some saying the pageant wanted to have a Latina winner. The pageant’s venue is perceived to be a Latin American territory.

A number of local celebrities also expressed shock over the results, including Ruffa Gutierrez and Vice Ganda. -Philstar

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PNoy goes to car plant opening as fallen SAF men arrive MANILA - Why was President Aquino a no-show at the arrival honors ceremony for the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) men in Villamor Airbase?

According to Malacanang, President Aquino was in Sta. Rosa, Laguna Thursday morning to attend the inauguration of the new manufacturing plant of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.

The Palace addressed criticisms about the absence of President Aquino in the arrival honors held at Villamor Airbase for the fallen members of the

Special Action Force.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President was not originally scheduled to attend it but that the President will be leading the necrological services to be held in Camp Bagong Diwa tomorrow morning.

In Laguna, the President thanked Mitsubishi Motors for its investment and expansion, helping generate jobs.

The new plant, located in a 21-hectare facility, has a capacity of producing 50,000 units annually.

A known car enthusiast, Aquino also viewed locally-

assembled classic models of Mitsubishi vehicles displayed in the plant Also in attendance were Mitsubishi chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa.

Meanwhile, an activist lawmaker slammed the President for his insensitivity in skipping the arrival honors ceremony.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Aquino’s absence in the arrival honor ceremony for the fallen SAF men “speaks volumes of the president’s lack of basic respect for his servicemen.” “Aquino’s cold, unfeeling

heart cannot even sympathize briefly to the families of the fallen SAF officers. It is truly despicable, especially for the commander-in-chief,” he added.

The President received flak on Wednesday when he said he was not informed of the Mamasapano operations.

Instead, Aquino cited lapses of the chief of the PNP-SAF in the deadly operation that was originally meant to arrest Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

In a televised speech on Wednesday night, Aquino said the operation against Marwan

and another terrorist, Bassit Usman, was an “actionable intelligence” signifying that security authorities needed to act immediately.

He said he was not informed of the specific operation that began on Saturday night, but that the SAF members had a job to serve the arrest warrants issued by the courts. “’Sir, can I proceed with the mission?’ I don’t think I was asked that question… but if they will have to wait for me for their every action, then they will have to contend with other things occupying my attention,” he said. ABS-CBN News

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Take a STAND www.angperyodiko.ca February 1-15, 2015

The Canada flag is 50 years old

anada became a nation back in 1867 but it took almost 100 years before we got rid of the British ensign flag and adopted our own unique flag. It was on February 15, 1965 when Canada’s maple leaf flag was raised for the first time in our nation’s capital. The ceremony took place on Parliament hill. Later this month, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of that particular event.

Our flag is now known in every part of the world as the red maple leaf is the most popular symbol we have as a nation.

When you see and think about our flag what comes to your mind?

I am interested in what people have to say about this question so I have come up with a contest and some prize money.

If you are interested in participating or just want to share your thoughts, please email me at kevin@mpkevin.ca.

Every year the federal government spends hundreds of millions of dollars on public advertising and I have made the suggestion that the Government spend some of those advertising dollars on promoting our flag’s 50th birthday.

People as a whole do not know the history of our flag and why and how it was adopted as our national flag. How designs and colors of flags are decided really vary, some are born out of revolutions, while others during times of peace and reflection.

For example, the flag of the Philippines which was designed in 1897 and first flew on May 28, 1898 has not only been around for a longer period of time but its creation and design was made under totally different circumstances. Understanding national symbols

Editorial

mp kevin lamoureux

Straight up (www.mpkevin.ca) gives us a better understanding of a country’s heritage and its history.

The most common word that comes to my mind when I think about the flags of both Canada and the Philippines is the word independence. If you study or investigate, you will find two very different paths but both will lead to how each flag contributed towards the issue of independence.

I like to think our flag is a symbol of hope and opportunity. As one of Canada’s former immigration critics, I have met thousands of people who see it that way. As one who has lamoureux, 22

Nais ng Diyos Ibigay ang Pangalan Niya sa Iyo

iniwento ni Michael Shannon ang patungkol sa kanyang dalagitang anak na humingi ng alagang pusa ng siya ay nasa junior high. Hindi ito ipinagkaloob sa kanya. Ngunit inanunsyo niya na siya ay mananalangin pa rin na magka pusa. Huwag na huwag nating mamaliitin ang kapangyarihan ng panalangin ng isang bata. Sa malaunan ay may dumating na ligaw na pusa sa likuran ng bahay. Pinasimulan ng anak ni Michael pakainin ang pusa. At marahil alam na natin ang kasunod. Tinanong niya ang ama kung puwedeng papasukin sa garahe ang pusa dahil lumalamig na ang panahon dahil magwiwinter na.

Pumayag naman ang ama.

Pagkatapos ay muling humiling ang dalagita na kung puwedeng mag istay sa kanyang kuwarto ang pusa dahil hindi komportable sa garahe.

Pagkatapos ay malaya na ang pusa na gumala at mamuhay sa loob ng bahay ng mga

The most common word that comes to my mind when I think about the flags of both Canada and the Philippines is the word independence. If you study or investigate, you will find two very different paths but both will lead to how each flag contributed towards the issue of independence.

May katulad na nangyari sa mga nagsuko ng kanilang buhay sa Diyos, sa mga tumanggap kay Hesus na kanilang panginoon at tagapagligtas. Ibingay ng Diyos ang kaniyang pangalan sa kanila. Dahil dito ay binubuhos ng Diyos ang kanyang pagibig at pagpapala sa kanila.

Shannons. Lubos na nangyari ang gusto at pinanalangin ng bata ng bumili na ng metal na tag para sa kwelyo ng pusa.

Ang pangalan ng pusa sa isang tagiliran ng metal tag at ang pangalan ng dalagita sa kabila.

Hindi alam ng pusa kung ano ang bago niyang kalagayan ng ibinigay ng bata ang kanyang

Undermining trust

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fter losing 44 men in Sunday’s clashes in Maguindanao, the commander of the slain Special Action Force members was relieved of his post on January 27. The government appears to agree with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s justification for the massacre of 44 SAF members: failure of coordination.

So far no medal has been awarded by the government to the MILF and its supposed breakaway faction, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the attack. Following a spate of bombings in Mindanao, the SAF team was hunting down two high-value terrorists believed to be enjoying the protection of the BIFF and MILF. Should the SAF have told the coddlers that the arresting team was on its way?

PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE

The MILF and BIFF not only lacked remorse but also gloated over the attack, putting on display boots, uniforms and personal belongings that were stripped from several of the slain policemen.

Some of the corpses were mutilated. The widow of a slain Muslim SAF member lamented that when she called the number of her husband’s missing mobile phone, the woman who took the call gloated that her husband had killed the widow’s husband.

Agent 777 pangalan sa pusa. Hindi na niya kailangang magpakalat kalat at maghanap ng pagkain ang pusa. Bukal sa loob at maligaya na pinagkakaloob ng dalagita ang pangangailangan ng pusa.

Lagi siyang ligtas, maayos ang tirahan at punong puno ng pagmamahal at nakakasama. At ng lumipat ang buong pamilya sa panibagong tahanan ay sinama pa rin ang pusa. At ng nagasawa ang anak ni Michael ay kasama sa kasunduan ang pusa. Kasama rin niya ang pusa hanggang sa

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Opinion

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In the light of the attack, there have been calls for circumspection as the fate of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law hangs.

The MILF leadership warned yesterday of “complications” if the passage of the BBL is delayed as a result of the slaughter in Maguindanao.

In fact rushing the passage of the BBL at this point, without first establishing the circumstances behind the attack, could prove to be a costly mistake. Among other things, the government must determine the true nature of ties between the MILF and BIFF, a group supposedly composed of rogue MILF elements. Is the MILF talking peace while maintaining an armed component outside the coverage of the peace process – a group that is free to pillage communities, kidnap civilians for ransom and attack government forces?

The most important commodity in a peace process is trust.

And trust is what the despicable attack in Maguindanao has undermined. -Philstar

Publisher: Editor in Chief:

TE Brothers, inc.

JONATHAN C. MONTEMAYOR

Columnists:

MP KEVIN LAMOUREUX, PASTOR FRED SEBASTIAN, Rev. Ruel Calitis Camia, PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE and TONY SANCHEZ

Entertainment Columnist:

RICKY LO

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TESS AVISO NEWTON, GEMMA DALAYOAN, Mel Talastas Soriano, Fernando Carranza, and Jeff tumbokon

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Opinion

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www.angperyodiko.ca n February 1-15, 2015

Phl peace panel should ask MILF the Pacquiao question

The initial breaking news pointed to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as the ones that engaged the SAF men in the firefight. The SAF battalion was sent to serve the warrant of arrest against a “high-level target” when they launched their early morning operation at 5 a.m.

The SAF target: Zulkifli bin Abdul Hir, alias Marwan, a Malaysian bomb maker who has a $5-million bounty from the United States government.

Marwan, identified with the Muslim extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), is among the international terrorists in the most wanted list of the US. He is the principal suspect in a number of deadly bombings that took place in Central Mindanao. So this should explain the American GIs seen assisting in airlift evacuation of the wounded SAF men.

After the dust of the firefight settled, it turned out the site of confrontation was an area claimed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Obviously, it was part of the peace and ceasefire agreements they forged in March 2013 with the Philippine government.

I

f there’s no coordination, it’s OK to slaughter 44 people.

This is the message we’re getting from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the attack that killed 44 members of the elite police Special Action Force last Sunday in Maguindanao.

A similar disregard for life gave us the massacre of 58 people also in Maguindanao in 2009 – 19 years after the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was officially inaugurated with high hopes for peace.

The 2009 massacre was ordered because a family had dared challenge the near-absolute rule of the Ampatuan clan over the ARMM. Esmael Mangudadatu thought that sending his wife and other female relatives to file his certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor, with 32 media workers in tow, would spare them from the wrath of the Ampatuans.

We all know that Mangudadatu guessed wrong, with grievous consequences. His rival in the race, Andal Ampatuan Jr. – reputed to be the most violent member of the clan – is on trial for personally leading the mass murder.

If you were given 30 seconds to deliver a message to a global terrorist, what would you say?

While admitting their men were involved, the MILF leaders blamed it on a “mis-encounter” with the SAF battalion of 392 policemen. When the gunfight was over, 44 dead bodies were left strewn in the battlefield, several were beheaded and undressed, robbed of their mobile phones and other personal belongings. And worst, these butchers also took away all the government-issued highpowered firearms of the slain SAF men.

But the MILF leadership headed by Mohager Iqbal, as expected, insisted his followers merely responded in “self-defense” when the SAF battalion entered their territory “without prior coordination” through the joint ceasefire monitoring committee. By what laws of the land did the MILF get to claim territory in this part of Mindanao? The last time I checked our geography, Mindanao is still part of the Philippines.

This latest incident reminded of the Al Barka incident in Basilan, another stronghold of the MILF, the BIFF and Abu Sayyaf.

At least 19 Special Forces (SF) of the Philippine Marines were killed, a number of whom were also beheaded and their government-issued high-powered firearms looted.

On that fateful day on October 18, 2011, these jungle warfare-trained SF men were ambushed while conducting law enforcement operations

Marichu A. Villanueva

against Abu Sayyaf leaders and kidnapping heads Long Malat, Laksaw Asnawi and Nurhasan Asnawi. An MILF commander, Asnawi was an escapee from Basilan provincial jail.

This compromised military operation resulted in the relief of senior military commanders and subsequently underwent court-martial. All were meted punishment but were not dismissed from the service.

In the name of the Mindanao peace process, none of the suspected attackers was brought to answer for the murderous attack on 19 SF Marines. On the same pretext, the attackers allegedly belong to “lost commands” beyond the MILF leaders’ control.

Two days before this latest SAF incident, a car bomb exploded in the middle of a busy road in Zamboanga City and killed two persons and injured 54 others. Probers have tagged local kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf group as behind the bombing. Intelligence reports earlier claimed Marwan was spotted in Basilan, also a known stronghold of the MILF, BIFF and Abu Sayyaf.

The MILF leadership has consistently denied any links with the BIFF as well as with the banditry activities of the Abu Sayyaf that earlier admitted their direct links with the international al-Qaeda terror network. But the MILF has com-

COMMONSENSE mon, or should we say familial tie that closely binds them with these BIFF, Abu terrorist groups: they are family and kin.

The Malaysian-brokered peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF are still continuing to finalize the so-called Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). A major part of this CAB is the passage into law of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which is undergoing public hearings at the 16th Congress.

Incidentally, the MILF split from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after the latter forged a final peace pact with the government in 1996 during the administration of ex-President Fidel Ramos. The MILF continued its secessionist bid in Mindanao when former President Joseph Estrada succeeded Ramos into office.

Instead of accepting peace overtures, the MILF stepped up its attacks in Mindanao. Estrada decided to declare all out war against them until government forces captured their stronghold Camp Abubakar and regained 49 other encampments once under MILF control.

However, it was short lived after Estrada was ousted in January 2001 when former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took over the government.

She resumed peace talks with the MILF. Her administration nearly signed with the MILF the infamous MOA-AD, or Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain. Then Sen. Mar Roxas II and others succeeded to stop it through Supreme Court injunction.

The MILF broke off from the negotiations after SC junked MOA-AD as unconstitutional.

When the new administration came into office, President Aquino flew all the way to Japan and convinced top MILF leaders to resume the peace talks. It was then the BIFF was born as another breakaway faction of the MILF. The MILF subsequently signed CAB that is now going through its final phases, the penultimate of which is Congress approval of the BBL. Critics of the BBL decry this Marwan incident as something that would hopefully open the eyes of people pushing for its approval posthaste.

It would be prudent for our government negotiators to pose this question before resuming peace talks with their MILF counterparts. Actually, it is a takeoff from our very own world boxing champion, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao who threw this question to the US bet who ended first runnerup in the Miss Universe: “If you were given 30 seconds to deliver a message to a global terrorist, what would you say?”

Bad faith Ana Marie Pamintuan

SKETCHES Before the massacre, Andal Jr. reportedly liked unleashing his inner monster particularly on MILF members, with decapitation allegedly his signature – the reason the national government tolerated the clan’s activities when the MILF was still a big headache and not part of a peace process. You know what they say: he may be an SOB, but as long as he’s our SOB… Now we have 44 families grieving over the brutal killing of their loved ones. All because (as the MILF leadership explained) of an “unfortunate” misunderstanding and lack of coordination.

As more details of last Sunday’s massacre emerge, however, it’s looking more like a

If there’s no coordination, it’s OK to slaughter 44 people. This is the message we’re getting from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the attack that killed 44 members of the elite police Special Action Force last Sunday in Maguindanao. lack of good faith on the part of a group that claims to be ready for peace. *** Why did the police Special Action Force send a team to that area? Because there were deadly bombings recently in Mindanao, and the SAF believed a Malaysian member of the Southeast Asian terror cell Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) was providing training in bomb-making to brigands if not directly participating in the attacks.

Police also suspected that the JI member, Zulkifli bin Hir, a.k.a. Marwan, and his Filipino cohort Basit Usman were being harbored by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The BIFF is supposed to be a breakaway group of the MILF, but the two groups remain linked by blood ties and long friendship.

Certain MILF members also have links with the Abu Sayyaf

and all the factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

JI, tagged in the 2002 Bali bombings as well as the deadly bomb attacks on the Light Rail Transit in Manila in 2000 and the SuperFerry in Manila Bay, has long enjoyed the protection of the MILF. Why should the SAF “coordinate” with the MILF and tip it off about the manhunt for Marwan and Usman? If the MILF is truly acting in good faith and speaks for the violent elements in the Muslim region, it should be able to hand over to the government the two wanted terrorists. *** Several foreign observers have asked me why there seems to be cynicism and low public interest in the peace process.

My guess is that Filipinos are aware that this conflict has

gone on for centuries, and there is already a formal peace treaty in place with the original secessionist group, the MNLF. After another treaty is hammered out and funds and a self-governing territory are handed over to the MNLF’s breakaway faction the MILF, will the government again negotiate with the MILF’s own breakaway group, the BIFF, for yet another peace treaty?

A former top security official – one of the best in the position – told me that a possible approach is to pick a small area within the ARMM as a pilot community that will be sufficiently secured to allow development to proceed without disruption. Resources can be poured into this area and basic services delivered efficiently, with special emphasis on education and health care.

Agriculture and tourism will be developed for livelihood opportunities. Teenage students can be sponsored for overseas exchange programs in prosperous, multicultural, free societies.

Once neighboring communities see the quality of life improving in the pilot area, it will be easier to preach the dividends of peace and get wider 

L

ast Sunday’s firefight in the town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao where 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were killed in action was nothing but a butchery. Though armed to the teeth and supposedly trained in military tactics, the SAF men ended up dead in their skirmish with jungle battle-experienced enemies in the open fields of Mamasapano.

pamintuan, 22

February 1-15, 2015

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According to Winnipeg food safety expert Rick Holley, water that tests negative for E. coli on Wednesday is not necessarily safe.

Winnipeg’s boil-water

advisory remains in place (Sarah Penton/CBC)

Test results show Winnipeg water is safe for drinking, but residents will remain under a precautionary citywide boilwater advisory until results of further sampling are received Thursday afternoon.

City officials provided an update at 3 p.m. local time and announced that recent sample tests were negative for harmful bacteria, including E. Coli. But the city said it will wait for word from Manitoba’s chief medical officer before it lifts the boil water-advisory.

Geoff Patton, acting director of the city’s water and waste department, said it is too soon to lift the advisory.

“In terms of why the precautionary boil-water advisory is still in effect is there’s a decision tree, there’s a requirement to go through a process, there has to be a second set of resampling at those locations,” said Patton.

While water must be boiled before drinking it or using it for food preparation, tap water is still safe for hand washing, he said early Wednesday morning.

Abnormal test results, including the ones that confirmed the E. coli that prompted the advisory to be issued on Tuesday night, are rare for Winnipeg.

Winnipeg’s first citywide boil-water advisory is not the same as a ‘no water event,’ according to city officials. They say people can still wash their hands, but should use bottled water or boil tap water before consuming.

The boil-water advisory instituted Tuesday marked the first for the entire city, Patton said.

“They just don’t add up,” Patton said of the test results.

“We need to get to the bottom of this.”

He noted that it takes time to grow bacterial samples for testing, and if Wednesday’s tests come back negative, there will be a consultation before the

boil-water advisory is lifted.

Mayor Brian Bowman also added that regardless of the results, the whole water system will be reviewed.

“We’re going to assess all of the processes, not just how water is dealt with but also emergency preparedness here at city hall and with the administration, as well as communication with various stakeholders including the province,” said Bowman.

“Contingency plans are being made in the event that we get different outcomes, because Winnipeggers, this is one of our core services providing safe and clean drinking water and so it’s being treated with the priority that it demands.”

Bowman acknowledged the advisory was having an impact on Winnipeg businesses, but emphasized his priority was to ensure the safety of the city’s residents.

“This really highlights the need for all organizations to have contingency plans, the same way you would have for power outages,” said Bowman.

“At this point in time we’re simply asking people to boil the water and any talk about compensation will have to go to council.”

The city also said that it was the same employee who conducted the original tests it now believes were false positives.

Abundance of caution Lisa Richards, the chief medical officer of health for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), said she was relieved, but added the additional round of tests are also a necessary part of federal requirements before a boil-water advisory may be lifted “[It] is reassuring,” said Richards. “However, in accordance with Health Canada’s guidance for issuing and rescinding boil-water advisories,

two sets of negative samples are required 24 hours apart to rescind the advisory.”

According to the WRHA, the boil-water advisory will not affect surgeries because they don’t require the use of tap water.

“But out of an abundance of caution, we are following the city’s advice where we have made sure all of our water fountains and ice machines are not being used,” said Helen Clark of the WRHA. Clark also said young patients or those with weakened immune systems in facilities are being given bottled water, because they could be at risk of “bad water.”

The WRHA has been in contact with a bottled water supplier to ensure sufficient supplies for patients, Clark said, and an action plan was put in place on Tuesday night.

“Oh, it will be tens of thousands, if not more,” Clark said, referring to the number of bottles of water the WRHA ordered for patients. “You look at the size of Health Sciences Centre, for example. They ordered a significant quantity of water as a backup to the supply they already had.”

There have been no known reports of anyone getting sick from consuming city water.

But the city is emphasizing that Winnipeggers should keep boiling their water and not panic.

Food safety expert weighs in According to Winnipeg food safety expert Rick Holley, water that tests negative for E. coli on Wednesday is not necessarily safe.

Six out of 39 samples tested positive for bacteria on Tuesday, triggering the citywide boil-water advisory.

Holley, also a professor at the University of Manitoba,

said it is hard to believe testing errors are the reason for the results.

“If we gloss it over again saying it is lab error without conclusively establishing that that is the situation, we are heading down a dangerous road,” Holley said.

Holley said that people don’t have to worry about boiling water they aren’t ingesting, but he added those who are immunocompromised, the very young, and the very old should take extra precautions.

Schools turn off taps Schools throughout Winnipeg turned off their taps after the boil-water advisory came into effect.

Parents were asked to send their children to school with bottled water, or water that has been properly boiled and cooled at home.

Megan Turner with Making Roots Matter Montessori Centre said she was concerned the preschool could run out of water to give kids.

“My biggest fear isn’t that we can’t handle it, it’s that we’ll run out of water,” said Turner. “We can only boil water so fast. Is it safe to be asking staff to boil water and bring it into school?

How does that work?”

Turner said the school was

boiling water Wednesday, but it also got its hands on a few cases of water Tuesday night.

“We’re also constantly boiling water,” said Turner. “We’re using this to wash the dishes just as an extra precaution and we’ll also use it to do any kind of food prep.”

The main valves for all fountains and sinks in the school were shut off at the source just to be safe, she said.

At the University of Winnipeg, plastic wrap covered a water fountain in the soccer complex.

Water fountains and bottlefilling stations have also been turned off at Red River College, where food services are limited as a result of the advisory.

Staff have provided residents with bottled water at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, where culinary, hospitality and baking programs are held.

Companies work to keep supply available Bottled water has been scarce in Winnipeg after a run on stores on Tuesday night.

Winnipeggers bought up huge numbers of bottled water from stores across the city Tuesday night after a boil-water advisory was issued.

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14 www.angperyodiko.ca February 1-15, 2015

Written by: Melanie Talastas-Soriano CAT(C) Athletic Therapist, CFT Fitness Trainer

Exercising with your partner:

A Valentine’s

Day

W

ith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, here are some ideas to get physical with that special someone!

Exercising with your partner is a great way to connect with each other, while enjoying the health benefits that come along with staying active. The exercises and activities shown here are only a few of the ways you can include a partner into your workouts, and can be a great option to stay active together all year round. Remember to warm up properly before doing any exercise, and to take the time to cool down and stretch after.

Partner exercises -Leg Throw Downs Lie on your back while your partner stands at your shoulders facing your feet.

Raise your legs (with your feet together) in the air so that your feet are near your partner’s chest while they stand above you.

Then have your partner gently push your feet down and away from them. As they do so, use your hip and abdominal muscles to control your legs and bring them back up without touching the ground. Make sure you keep your feet together during the movement. Once you bring your feet back up, have your partner push them again, and repeat this 5-10 times before switching spots.The harder they push, the harder you need to work, so start gently and work up to an intensity that works for you. Each partner should do 2-3 sets of this exercise.

Training Program

- Medicine Ball Pass/Twist Sit across from your partner with your feet facing each other, in a sit up position (feet flat, knees bent, upper body at 45 degree angle). Partner 1 starts with the ball held in both hands at stomach level.

They will engage their stomach muscles and twist to touch the ball down beside them, once on each side. Then they will bring the ball back to neutral position and pass the ball to Partner 2 across from them who is holding the sit-up position.

Once they receive the pass, Partner 2 can perform the twists before passing the ball back to Partner 1, and so on.

Repeat this until both partners have had the ball 5-10 times each. Depending on your fitness level you can use any ball, from a basketball in your garage (for an easier version) to a weighted medicine ball at the gym (advanced). Once again, completing 2-3 sets of this exercise is a good goal.

- Assisted Squat Stand facing your partner with your feet shoulder width apart.

While holding their hands for balance, slowly bend your knees and squat down, as if you were sitting in a chair. Try to keep your knees in line with your feet, and do not allow them to pass over your toes.

Repeat the movement 10-15 times before trading positions. Holding your partners hands for support will assist the movement as they support some of your weight(You can adjust the difficulty by having them support you more or less).

Aim for 2-3 sets each. For an extra challenge, try performing singlelegged squats.

Fitness Quote:

“Working out with a partner increases the chance of success” –Insahyu Training & Therapy

- Patty Cake Push-up Start on all fours facing your partner with your hands shoulder width apart.

Walk your feet straight back so that your weight is supported on your toes in a push up position (or on your knees for an easier version). While keeping your spine in line (as best you can), reach across with one hand and give your partner a high-5. Pause and hold before reaching across with the other hand. Target as many times as you can before you or your partner can no longer keep prop make this exercise more difficult do a full push-up in between each high-5 with your partner!

- Partner Relay A great way to keep your heart rate elevated while also doing strength training is this relay style workout. One partner can run or walk a lap, while the other completes a set of exercises. For example, Partner 1 performs 12 bicep curls, while Partner 2 jogs down a hallway and back.

Get creative! Include a variety of different exercises and challenge each other to see who can complete their task first.

It may be tempting to skip the gym in favor of chocolates and a romantic movie this Valentine’s Day. However you don’t have to let your love life affect your fitness this February. There are a number of benefits to exercising together with the one you love. Including quality time together, added motivation and support, and taking steps to improve your health together. After all the symbol of Valentine’s Day is the heart!

Services we offer at Insahyu Training & Therapy: 250 Saulteaux Location 636 Notre Dame Location Athletic Therapy Athletic Therapy Massage Therapy Massage Therapy Kinesio-tape Kinesio-taping Athletic Taping Athletic Taping Custom Fitted Orthotics Custom Fitted Orthotics Personal Training Rehab programs Group fitness classes Core strengthening program For more information, visit our website at www.insahyu.com We are located at 250 Saulteaux Crescent and 636 Notre Dame Avenue.

We direct bill to MPI, WCB and Manitoba Blue Cross.

Call 204-999-0933 to book your appointment today!!!

February 1-15, 2015

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Ex-’Voice PH’ contestant tries luck in ‘American Idol’ MANILA – Former “The Voice of the Philippines” contestant Dave Lamar has auditioned on the hit international talent show “American Idol.”

In his Twitter account on Tuesday, the 23year-old singer shared a photo of him during his “Idol” audition to prove that he indeed joined the American singing contest.

“Guys! I swear this isn’t PhotoShopped! tell your friends, family, dogs and cats! Hit that RT and spread the love,” he said in the tweet.

The photo shows him playing a guitar with the blue “American Idol” backdrop.

While he did not reveal what he performed before judges Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez, it caught the attention of a lot of Twitter users including “The Voice of

the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga.

Aside from retweeting Lamar’s post, Salonga also sent the Filipino singer a message. She wrote, unedited: “IKAW NA!!!!!!!!!

Ipapalaganap ko ito sa buong mundo!!!!!!!

Wow!!!!!”

Originally from Sariaya, Quezon, Lamar first joined “The Voice of the Philippines” in 2013. He was on the team of Sarah Geronimo but he got eliminated during the battle rounds.

It remains to be seen whether Urban, Connick and Lopez gave him a golden ticket which will send him through the next round of the competition.

His “Idol” audition, which took place in San Francisco, California, will supposedly air this week. ABS-CBNnews.com

Ai-Ai looks forward

to kissing Richard Yap live It’s but apt that comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas is kicking off her 25th anniversary in showbiz with a concert that will feature actor Richard Yap, her partner in the hit TV series “My Binondo Girl” a few years back.

While Ai-Ai and Richard’s Binondo characters had a much talked-about kissing scene, their reunion project (“Ai Heart Papa: A Romantic Comedy Concert” on Thursday, February 12, 8 pm at Solaire Resort and Casino’s

The Theatre), is repeating history by featuring a live kissing scene between them.

“I’m so excited kasi live na ang kissing scene dito!” exclaimed Ai-Ai during a recent chat with the press at The Food Club in Blue Bay Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City.

The gift The humor shows Ai-Ai’s natural flare for punch lines.

“It’s a gift. Laki ako sa singalong and natural na sa akin

ito,” she said of her brand of comedy, which never puts down others just to extract laughter.

Do old clips of her less shining self -- when she was still the butt of jokes of the likes of Rene Requiestas – make her uncomfortable?

“Actually, nakakatuwa isipin na noon support lang ako.

Tapos ngayon, thank you kay Lord, nagbida na ako. Masarap ang feeling na nakikita mo ang sarili mo how you were,” Ai Ai

Ai Ai de las Alas celebrates 25 years in showbiz with a concert. (Contributed photo)

replied.

Comedy scene The singer-comediennehost observes that the current comedy scene “a little bit complicated.” ”Ngayon kasi madami nang ibang comedienne. Noon ako lang halos. Stick pa rin ako sa alam kong comedy kahit may mga instances na nagmumura na ang mga tao makapagpatawa lang.”

“Ai Heart Papa: A Romantic Comedy Concert” is presented by Showbiz Mansion Entertainment, is directed by GB

Sampedro. It also features G-Force Dancers, Becky Belo, Club DJ David Ardiente, and belter Faith Cuneta.

Ai-Ai is set to have a major concert at the SM MOA Arena late this year.-By Yugel Losorata

Richard Yap reunites on stage with Ai Ai delas Alas in ‘Ai Heart Papa: A Romantic Concert’, at Solaire’s The Theatre.

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Is Jake

Vargas and Bea Binene’s relationship in trouble?

Is Jake Vargas and Bea Binene’s relationship in trouble?

Actions speak louder than words. The press sensed something was amiss with the reel and real-life tandem of Bea Binene and Jake Vargas the minute they stepped into the function room of Max’s Restaurant, where APT Entertainment held a presscon for their upcoming movie, “Liwanag sa Dilim” on Wednesday, January 28.

The tattoo on Jake’s right arm with Bea’s name on it is still there. But the actor and Bea did not greet each other when they entered the room separately. A reliable source says they didn’t even talk to each other while they had lunch before the presscon started.

‘May pinagdadaanan’

Yes, they sat beside each other at the presidential table.

But Ja-Bea, as fans call them, did not relax in their respective seats. They literally didn’t rub elbows, and they glanced at each other only when needed -- to answer the press’ questions

about their tandem.

The couple of three years didn’t want to admit it at first.

“Okay kami,” Jake insisted.

And Bea meekly said Jake is speaking for her.

But she finally gave in to persistent questions from the press.

“Kung ano man yon, maayos din yon.”

Jake took this a sign that he, too, should let the press in a little bit on what’s happening.

“Opo,” he replied, someone asked, “May pinagdadaanan ba kayo ngayon?”

‘Gusto may liwanag’

Still, Jake and Bea are willing to solve their problem –whatever it is.

“Syempre gusto ko may liwanag,” Bea said. And Jake seconded the motion.

Their co-star Sarah Lahbati would like to believe the couple still loves each other.

“They’re always together.

They’re very much in love. Nagugulat ako. Iba ang pagmama-

halan nila -- very mature.”

Challenges in their relationship, she points out, are “very normal.”

Feeling pressured

Meanwhile, the challenges in doing “Liwanag sa Dilim,” Jake and Bea’s biggest break as a tandem, are something else.

The two, who play teenagers chancing upon a mysterious woman’s (Sarah) secret, dabbled in action scenes.

“Doing this movie is a different kind of experience. This is a big opportunity for me and Bea to show what we’ve got as actors We play very challenging roles. We did several scenes that are difficult to do but our fans will also see kilig scenes,” Jake said.

Since most eyes will be on them as the lead stars, Bea admits she feels the pressure of living up to expectations. But she looks at the bright side because “the movie is something to be proud of; maganda talaga.”

The special effects for one, were done abroad.

Tiring scenes

Its director, the award-winning Richard Somes, is the man behind the acclaimed film “Yanggaw.”

No wonder Sarah didn’t mind her tiring scenes.

“Doing this film is an awesome experience. The role is very exhausting but since I have complete trust in my

director, I just did what I was supposed to do, no questions asked.”

“Liwanag sa Dilim” also stars Dante Rivero, Sunshine Cruz, Igi Boy Flores, Julian Trono, Freddie Webb and Rico Blanco. It will be shown in theaters nationwide starting Wednesday, February 11. -By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark

Jake Vargas, Bea Binene, director Richard Somes, Sarah Lahbati, Igi Boy Flores and Dante Rivero of the movie ‘Liwanag’.

‘Pinoy Big Brother’ returning for 10th year The ABS-CBN program, which is based on the Endemol-owned format that premiered in Netherlands in 1999, has so far produced 12 “big winners” in the Philippines since August 2005.

Apart from the regular editions, which feature housemates 18 years old and above, celebrity and teen editions were also held in the past decade.

Among the past winners are Kim Chiu, James Reid, Ejay Falcon and Melai Cantiveros.

Notable former housemates in-

clude Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Bianca Gonzalez, Jane Oineza, John Prats and Rustom Padilla.

“PBB’s” latest iteration, which was won by Daniel Matsunaga, marked a first across franchises

of “Big Brother” internationally, as it combined adult, teen, and celebrity housemates in one season.

No further details about the 2015 season have been announced.-abs-cbnnews.com

Love the GAME www.angperyodiko.ca February 1-15, 2015

Sports

17 Ang Peryodiko

Mayweather visits Pacquiao at hotel; megafight on?

MANILA, Philippines – Will the boxing world finally see the light at the end of the tunnel?

A radio report said that Floyd Mayweather Jr. visited Manny Pacquiao in his suite in Miami on Wednesday.

Bernard Cloma, Pacquiao’s close friend, claimed that the two boxers had a “long” chat in the hotel hours after they met during the halftime of Miami Heat and Miwaukee Bucks NBA game in Miami. “Pumunta

si Mayweather dito sa hotel ni Manny,” Cloma said in his interview with dzMM. “Yes binisita niya, nag-usap sila ng matagal.” Though admitting that he wasn’t inside the room, Cloma said that Pacquiao and

Mayweather talked at the sala where Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, her twin sister Janet Jamora and adviser Michael Koncz were present. The close friend of Manny and Jinkee also belied reports that Mayweather asked

Pacquiao and Koncz to stop telling lies about the supposed “contract” for the May 2 bout.

He added that he met a different Mayweather, far from the boxer’s arrogant character to the public. AJ Bolando/Philstar

Mind Sports Manitoba to hold Marathon Blitz Chess Tourney, March 14 A Marathon Blitz Chess Tournament simultaneous with an Open Scrabble tournament will be held on March 14, 2015.

The tournament is spearheaded by Mind Sports Manitoba, a newly formed non-profit organization whose main aim is to promote, teach and develop mind sports like Chess and Scrabble for both the young and old enthusiasts.

Steve Udarbe, Founder/Director of Mind

Sports Manitoba, said the one-day eventwill be held in Sinclair Park Community Center located at the corner of Arlington and Church Avenue and accessible by bus route 71 (Portage-Sinclair).

These tournaments are open to all. For registration contact phone: 204-599-6680 or 204-930-7468. For more details, visit mindsportsmanitoba.weebly.com.

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THE FILIPINO CAN

Pinoy-made

Salamander amphibious

trike can tackle land and water “I’ve already achieved so much in the car business,” Llave shared.

“Now, I want to leave behind a legacy. I want to produce something that will help people.”

I

f you’re into car customization, the name Atoy Llave will certainly ring a bell. The man behind A-Toy Bodykits and the company’s aftermarket ex terior designs is quite popular among Filipino car lovers. The curious thing you see here—the Salamander amphibious trike-- is Llave’s latest creation. He made this in partnership with a new company called H2O Technologies, developing it in particular with the firm’s technical head, Lamberto Armada.

Because it is amphibious, the Salamander can travel both on land and in water. It stemmed from Llave’s desire to do something really useful for the benefit of his countrymen. That and his wish to put the Philippines on the global automotive map.

“I want to show the world that the Filipino can,” Llave told TopGear.com.ph.

As you read this, Llave and his par tners are launching the thing somewhere in Mandaluyong (near our office, actually).

It’s a big night for the group. They have been toiling day and night in order to seamlessly roll out the Salamander before the critical eyes of the motoring press.

Last month, Llave gave us exclusive access to the Salamander. It was for a full-length magazine story that will appear in our February issue. Writer Niky Tamayo was able to test it for himself, and you will read his initial impressions in our nex t issue.

The Salamander has two powerplant choices: one electric and one internal-combustion. Boasting a six-person seating capacity (four in water), the amphibious tricycle is powered by either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc gasoline motor.

We assume these are the target specs for the production version, because the provisional spec sheet still mentions a 3kW electric engine and a 200cc motor.

“I’ve already achieved so much in the car business,” Llave shared. “Now, I want to leave behind a legacy. I want to produce something that will help people.”

Llave, of course, is referring to our country being floodprone. Imagine having an amphibious vehicle like this when the water rises. The Salamander will also be practical as a shut tle vehicle in between small islands all around the archipelago.

The only hurdle? As with any brilliant Filipino idea, there is currently a lack of funding, which Llave hopes to get as soon as word spreads about his newest brainchild. We hope a wealthy businessman with patriotic and philanthropic intentions is reading this. The Salamander is waiting to be developed, polished and marketed to the world.

Atoy Llave is right: The Filipino can.

(By Vernon B. Sarne/Photos by Christian Halili)

February 1-15, 2015

n www.angperyodiko.ca

JM admits he was

intimidated by Angelica

M

ANILA – During their first shooting days, JM De Guzman admitted that he was scared that he would be replaced in the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana.”

De Guzman added that he also thought the project will not push through.

“Akala ko nga po hindi na matutuloy. Nag-pray talaga ako

na huwag akong mapalitan sa movie. Noong mga unang araw ng shooting, hindi po maalis ’yung kaba. Siyempre, nandoon yung na-starstruck ako and may konting intimidation,” he said.

De Guzman, however, got through this with the help of his leading lady, Angelica Panganiban.

“Na-intimidate ako at first, pero hindi naman niya pinaramdam sa akin, so gumaan ‘yung pakiramdam ko nung nakatrabaho ko na siya,” he said. “Kinabahan ako pero sobrang masaya siyang katrabaho and marami kang matutunan sa

kanya. Hindi siya selfish katrabaho.”

Originally released as an entry to the Cinema One Originals, De Guzman said he feels honored that the movie is slated to have a nationwide release.

“Thankful ako kasi nung una, masaya na ako na nabigay sa akin ‘yung role. Alam ko lang sa Cinema One festival lalabas. Ngayon may wide release na so mas nadoble po ‘yung saya,” he said. ABS-CBNnews.com

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Pinoy indie musicians to hold forum MANILA – An open forum will gather independent Filipino musicians on Saturday in Pasig City to discuss issues surrounding the proposed bill that seeks to make foreign artists pay taxes before performing in the country.

Musicians Against House Bill

4218 Alliance invites interested musicians to the forum, which will be held at 4 p.m. on January 31 at Tiendesitas.

The forum dubbed “The 1st Independent Musicians’ Open Forum on Rights and Welfare” is expected to discuss how the bill will impact Filipino musicians,

determine its salient points, and create a united stand.

Authored by Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, HB 4218 was proposed in the lower house on March 18, 2014 and has the full support of Filscap, AMP and OPM. While the bill seeks to promote, protect and develop

the Philippine Music Industry, no consultation was ever conducted with the independent music community.

The forum is organized jointly by Heart of Music, Indie Pinoy, Pinoyhiphoppaz Organization, Malayang Ugnayan sa Industriya ng mga Komposer ng

Awit (MUSIKA), Musicians For Peace, Concerned Artist of the Philippines (CAP), Songwriters Philippines, Bandstand Pilipinas, SiningBugkos, Alternatribu Indie Artists Community, FILCOMDEC, and League of Authors of Public interest songs (LAPIS). -Philstar

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Meg Imperial says she is still good friends with JC de Vera

Meg Imperial shared that she still keeps in touch with former leading man and Moon of Desire co-star JC de Vera. “Hindi na kami nagkikita-kita pero nandon pa rin ‘yung message, binati niya ako nong birthday ko and on Instagram lagi naman akong nagco-comment kung may nakita kaming bago sa kanila “ she said in an interview with Push.com.ph. JC is currently dating actress LJ Reyes.

Meg is currently busy working on an upcoming movie. “Right now I’m doing a movie with Coleen (Garcia) and Sam Milby so far ‘yun pa lang naman and other guestings, sa Singing Bee they are going to see me,” she said.

Meg said that she wants to do more challenging roles this year.

“Siguro mas challenging, mas mature na ngayon talaga, level up na when it comes to acting. Mas pagbabubutihan ko pa at asahan nila na every time nilang makita ako onscreen may makikita silang bago sa performance ko.”

The actress recently appeared on It’s Showtime as one of the judges for the PINAsikat grand finals. She remarked that Spyros truly deserved the winning the grand prize. “’Yung Spyros kasi jinudge ko at in-expect talaga namin na sila ang mananalo magkapatid kasi ang galing naman talaga kasi ng

performance nila parang hindi ko in-expect parang in-underestimate ko sila at first kasi parehas silang yoyo pero kakaiba pala ‘yung performance nila.” abs-cbn.com

horoscope ARIES (March 21-April 19): For now, the top of your priority list belongs to the ones you love — but you’d never admit to it! They know how you feel, though, and that’s really all that counts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ve been dealing with an awful lot lately, especially when it comes to secrets and those who keep them. You’re done trying to keep anything inessential under wraps at this point. In fact, you’re ready to blow the lid off of anything that’s asked of you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ve recovered from an old or recent trauma, but it wasn’t easy, and you don’t want to go through anything like it ever again.

Fortunately, events like those that took place then are quite rare in your world — as will what you go through today, for entirely different reasons.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your talent for making nice with everyone is legendary. You can keep the peace, even when you’re not sure whose side you’re on. That trait comes in handy today, since at least two people you care for are playing tug-of-war, and need someone to mediate.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ve never been short on charm, and you know exactly how to use that gift of to the utmost. Today, when a loved one pops up and silently asks you to help them out in some new way, you do it without uttering word — and you do it so well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): For most of us, anything that even comes close to balancing the checkbook or getting our finances in order is so stressful or boring that we’d prefer having neck surgery. When your checkbook and bills need to be done, however,

How Gerald, Julia Montes handle their earnings

MANILA -- They’re young and already making a lot of money.

But “Halik Sa Hangin” stars Gerald Anderson and Julia Montes swear that a big chunk of their earnings from showbiz actually goes to savings.

For Anderson, 80% of the money he makes goes to “mandatory savings.”

“Ako ‘di ko sinisilip ‘yung bank account ko. I wait two, three years,” Anderson said in an interview on “Kris TV” on Thursday, adding that he usually gets surprised when he sees the figure.

The actor, who is known for his penchant for flashy cars, said he buys the vehicles from the remaining 20% of his earnings.

“Downpayment then racket, racket, then I just buy. Pero hindi pa ako quota,” he said.

For her part, Montes said half of her money goes to mandatory savings as an artist of Star Magic.

“Sa akin, ang ginawa ko po ay 50-50 lang kasi kailangang i-balance. Pero doon sa 50% na ginagalaw ko, mayroon ding naka-save doon in a way -- 10% or 20% lang ang nagagastos ko monthly,” said Montes.

The former child star also personally handles her finances and keeps a logbook to keep track of her expenses. “’Yun ang hobby ko. Kahit inaayusan ako sa set, naglilista na ako, ng ginastos sa ganito, pinambayad sa parking, pinambayad sa ano. At the end of the month or the week, chini-check ko na ‘yan,” she related.

“Tutok po ako, even ‘yung bank account ko lagi ko pong chini-check kung pumasok na po ba ‘yung sweldo,” Montes added.

ABS-CBNnews.com

not only do you not whine.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may be trying not to let your feelings show at the moment, but there’s only one way for you to pull it off: Try putting some serious distance between you and whomever you want to avoid oversharing with. Otherwise, there’s just no way you can hide them long enough for it to matter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’re famous for your love of discovering new (and old) secrets, it’s you — in most, if not all, circumstances. At the moment, your intensifying investigation is even more appealing to you, though the nature and seriousness of the issue don’t matter at all.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When someone close needs a charismatic, well-spoken ally, they immediately think of you — as well they should! Your gift of gab is shining brightly right now, so it’s likely you end up standing next to a friend, arms crossed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’re famous for your work ethic, so if you’re under extra pressure right now to get a big job done quickly, not to worry — nobody else is! The tricky part might be getting others to work with you — or at least, it would be tricky for anyone else.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you have any doubts about a loved one right now, don’t let anyone talk you into letting those doubts slide. You have remarkably good instincts, especially when it comes to those closest to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar 20): You’re one of the most sensitive people in your world, so when something seems to be a bit off today, you’re the first to know.

One tiny, inconvenient little fact that’s out of place may be bothering you, and whether or not you know it.

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Sofia Andres

JOSUE... 

From 9

kahulihulihang hininga nito.

Nabago ang buhay ng pusa ng may nagbigay ng kanyang pangalan sa kanya.

May katulad na nangyari sa mga nagsuko ng kanilang buhay sa Diyos, sa mga tumanggap kay Hesus na kanilang panginoon at tagapagligtas. Ibingay ng Diyos ang kaniyang pangalan sa kanila. Dahil dito ay binubuhos ng Diyos ang kanyang pagibig at pagpapala sa kanila. Gaya ito ng iniutos ng Diyos kay Moises na gawin ng mga pari sa mga Israelita ang piniling bayan ng Diyos sa Lumang Tipan. Ito ay nasa Bilang 6:22-27, pakinggan natin:

says she is open to doing more kontrabida roles cated character of Kate, Liza commented, “Si direk Cathy nag-motivate sa akin sabi niya, ‘Iniwan ka, kailangan mo magrevenge, kailangan mong kunin kung ano ‘yung para sa ’yo,’ so okay very serious kailangan ko mag-focus pero helpful naman sila, very supportive rin sina Enrique (Gil), Yves (Flores).”

But she admitted that she was really surprised when she learned that her character would go crazy. “Hindi ko alam na magiging baliw na so medyo na-shock ako na kung papaano ko kukunin ‘yung ganong role.”

Contrary to what happens on screen, Sofia relayed that the cast has a good off screen relationship. “Off cam we were bonding at tsaka hindi kami awkward kasi nong una medyo eh, kuya Enrique pa nga tawag ko sa kanya sabi niya, ‘Sofia bakit mo ako kinukuya so ‘yun siguro nakatulong ‘yung bonding namin at tsaka hindi naman kami nagkaka-anohan, away or something.”

When asked if she is open

to doing more kontrabida roles in the future, Sofia replied, “Oo naman kahit ano, nong una nga tomboy ngayon naman crazy and kontrabida. Challenging, gusto ko ‘yun.”

With the success that she is enjoying right now, she is attributing it all to her faith and hard work. “Unang-una I want to thank God dahil gina-guide niya ako don sa mga paths na gusto ko kasi hard work talaga, very passionate, gusto ko ‘yung ginagawa ko.”

pamintuan...

From 10

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Sofia Andres shared with Push.com.ph what it was like doing the sampalan scene with Liza Soberano in Forevermore which aired recently and trended on social media. Sofia plays the role of Kate who is the rival of Agnes (Liza Soberano) for the affections of Xander (Enrique Gil).

The young actress said that Liza and director Cathy Garcia-Molina have been really helpful to her. “It was kind of easy kasi nag-usap na kami ni Liza before namin gawin ‘yung scene and tinulungan kami ni direk Cathy. And thank you rin don sa mga fans don sa mga nag-comment about me kasi without them hindi ko naman talaga malalaman kung ano ba ‘yung performance ko ganyan, siyempre kailangan ko rin ‘yung mga comments nila and then sa bashers di maiiwasan and then nag-advise din si Liza sa akin na ganyan talaga, kasama talaga okay lang naman ako,” she said in an interview Push.com.ph.

When asked if she had any difficulties playing the compli-

public support for the peace process, the former security official said.

The development of a model community will of course take time, with credit for its success – if it proves successful – going to the next administration.

This may not suit the needs of daang matuwid, especially with the approach of the general elections.

There’s a perception that the administration wants a Bangsamoro Basic Law passed during President Aquino’s watch, regardless of perceived flaws and the steep cost of rushing a peace process. The government’s initial reaction to the slaughter in Maguindanao is reinforcing this perception.

No one will disagree with the admonition to give peace a chance. Who doesn’t want peace? It’s indispensable for development, for attracting jobgenerating investments, creating livelihood opportunities and lifting people from poverty.

There’s a risk that if this atrocity goes unpunished in the name of a costly peace, the perpetrators will start believing that they have a license to do it again – maybe not in the immediate future, but if ever they are handed their own territory on a silver platter.

With this slaughter in Maguindanao, it’s not peace but the cynics’ scenario that looks more likely: ask MILF leaders if they renounce violence, and they will say yes, with the same ease that they sign a peace agreement. They will be lionized and receive a lot of financial support.

Then they will leave the nation holding a piece of paper, with no peace.

Inalay ni Hesus ang kanyang buhay sa krus para mapasa natin ang dakilang kabutihan nang pagibig ng Diyos. Para mapatawad tayo sa ating mga kasalanan at maligtas sa impyerno at magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Lahat ng ito ay sa pagiging anak ng sinumang mananalig kay kristo at mananampalataya sa kanya.

Ito ang pangako ng Diyos at kapamaraanan na inihayag niya para mapasa natin ang pangalan ng Diyos. Pakinggan natin ito sa pagtatapos sa Juan 1:12-13 – “Datapuwat ang lahat ng tumanggap sa kaniya ay binigyan niya ng kapamahalaan maging mga anak ng Diyos. Sila ay ang mga sumampalataya sa kaniyang pangalan. Ipinanganak sila hindi sa dugo, ni sa kalooban ng laman, ni sa kalooban ng tao. Sila ay ipinanganak mula sa Diyos.”

Nawa ay gawin mo ito kaibigan nang ma enjoy mo ang pagpapala na dala dala ng pagiging miyembro ng pamilya ng Diyos. (Junie Josue, Lead Pastor, International Worship Centre, 1077 St James Street, Winnipeg Manitoba, 204-774-4478).

LAMOUREUX...

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But when the government gives peace a chance, it must be matched by a sincere commitment by the other party to give up armed violence and submit to the nation’s laws.

Nothing – least of all a supposed lack of coordination – justifies the massacre of 44 people on a legitimate law enforcement operation, and the subsequent looting and desecration of their bodies.

“Sinabi ng Diyos kay Moises, ‘sabihin mo kay Aaron at sa kanyang mga anak na ito ang sasabihin nila sa pagbebendisyon nila sa mga Israelita. “Pagpapalain ka nawa at ingatan ng Diyos. Nawa’y kahabagan ka niya at subaybayan; Lingapin ka nawa Niya at bigyan ng kapayapaan.” Ganito nila babanggitin ang pangalan ko sa pagbebendisyon sa mga Israelita at pagpapalain ko sila.”

traveled to many parts of the world, I see the flag often used as a symbol of peace, kindness and more.

People will wear our flag to show their sense of pride; companies will use it to sell their merchandise around the world.

Our flag is flown in times of war, state visits, funerals, sporting events, on homes, schools, government buildings and so much more.

It is important that we recognize that our flag will be 50 years old on February 15. I would ask that you reflect on what our flag means to you. If I can be as bold, I suggest that you take the time to google or study in some way. Better yet, get your son or daughter or your apo to send me an email explaining why Canada chose the maple leaf and why there are eight rays on the Philippine flag. I will have a special gift for those who respond correctly.

Email your answers to: kevin@ mpkevin.ca.

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