Displaced children in Zamboanga immunized
Police hold intell training course for Sulu cops
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Aquino wants emergency powers PAGE 4
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Sept. 22-28 , 2014
Army gets custody of ex-general linked to abductions, killings
F
Former Major General Jovito Palparan
ilipino human rights groups and various civic groups have exp ressed disgust over the decision of a court in Bulacan province to transfer former army major general Jovito Palparan – accused of abducting two student-activists in 2006 from the provincial jail to the custody of the Philippine Army. Malolos Regional Trial Court Judge Teodora Gonzales ordered the transfer of Palparan due to alleged threats to his life at the provincial jail. The Philippine Army said there will be no special treatment for Palparan, who is staying in a tightlyguarded compound. Human rights group Karapatan said the decision of the Malolos Court to transfer Palparan to the custody of the Philippine Army “bode evil to the hundreds of victims of the retired general and his ilk in the Armed Forces of the
Philippines.” “The AFP moved heaven and earth to secure and bring back home their impunity icon Palparan. Although not surprising as it is packaged with Palparan’s supposed arrest, the transfer is nonetheless ominous for the case’s trial, eventual prosecution, and jailing of Palparan,” said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay. “Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang and former Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin have been building up towards this transfer, using the worn-out alibi, if not imagined, threat to the safety and security of Palparan,” she added. Palabay said the Aquino regime never thought of the safety and security of its citizens not only in terms of the per-
vading criminality but also in terms of the continuing rights violations. “Yet, the Butcher Palparan, with hundreds of victims of human rights violations, gets top priority for protection, not unlike the treatment the plunderers get in this rotten regime. The Aquino regime and the AFP will never ever allow the likes of Palparan be jailed because the arrest and jailing of Palparan is an indictment of the whole AFP, which abounds with Palparan clones,” she said. Vencer Crisostomo, of the youth group Anakbayan, said Palparan's transfer to military custody is “Daang Matuwid-style VIP treatment for human rights violators.” “This homecoming is a grave insult to the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings, human rights abuse, torture and disappearances. This shows that the arrest of Palparan was only a show staged to sal-
vage Aquino's popularity. The script: he was to be arrested only to be taken home again under the special care of his fascist barkada,” he said, accusing Aquino of coddling Palparan. Lorena Santos, Secretary-General of Families of Desaparecidos for Justice, said the last ray of hope for justice has just been doused. She said Palparan is essentially freed, and Malacanang welcomes it. Palparan was arrested in August this year in Santa Mesa in Manila after government agents raided his hideout. His capture came three years after a court ordered his arrest in connection to the disappearance of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño, both students of the University of the Philippines. Both women are feared dead, but their families believed they are still alive. Continue to P age 2 Page
Thousands flock to Sulu job fair
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Job-seekers flock to the first-ever Sulu job and career fair sponsored by the provincial government and participated by at least two dozen local and overseas recruitment agencies, and government agencies hiring local workers. (Photo by Franzie Sali)
housands of job seekers turned out in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where a threeday job fair was launched by the local government. Sulu Gov. Toto Tan and that at least two dozen said the recent job fair was private recruitment agenthe first in the province cies, companies and gov-
ARMM
ernment agencies have signed up for the event. He said the venue of the event, the Capitol Gymnasium, was packed with locals seeking employment abroad and in the country.
Southern Mindanao
Davao
The “1st Sulu Job and Career Fair 2014,”which coincided with the Foundation of Local Governance and Public Administration in the province, is sponsored by the Sulu govern-
ment is participated by Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, National Commission on
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Muslim Filipinos, National Statistics Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Continue to P age 5 Page
Manila
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The Mindanao Examiner
Sept. 22-28, 2014
Army gets custody of ex-general linked to abductions, killings Continued fr om P age 1 from Page Palparan denied all accusations against him. He said the two women were 'hard-core' members of the communist rebel group New People's Army and that neither he nor his soldiers were involved in the disappearance of Cadapan and Empeño. A farmer, Manuel Merino, who was abducted along with the two women,
was tortured and killed by soldiers and his body burned before being buried at an army detachment in Limay, Bataan province. Raymond Manalo, who escaped from a military abduction in 2008, said he saw soldiers, who were members of 24th Infantry Battalion burn Merino’s dead body and buried the corpse in the village called Bliss. Merino was killed
June 10, 2007. Manalo and his brother, Reynaldo, were allegedly seized by members of the 56th Infantry Battalion on February 14, 2006. They stayed in this Bataan detachment along with Merino, Cadapan, and Empeño from November 2006 to June 2007. Aside from Palparan, also included in the criminal charges were Colonel
Felipe Anotado, Staff Sergeant Edgar Osorio and Master Sergeant Rizal Hilario. Besides the Cadapan, and Empeño case, Palparan is also being linked to the killings of Southern Tagalog human rights defenders Eden Marcellana and Eddie Gumanoy in April 2003. Palparan is also implicated in many cases of extrajudi-
cial killings in Eastern Visayas, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog where he was assigned during the administration of President Gloria Arroyo, according to the Kapayapaan, a broad network of peace advocates. “Mabuti ka pa nga, General Palparan andito ka. Nadadalaw ka ng anak at asawa mo. Ang anak ko asan ngayon? (You’re in a
better position, Gen. Palparan. You’re in jail. Your children and your wife can visit you. How about my daughter, where is she now?)” Empeño’s grieving mother Connie said. Philippine authorities also vowed to investigate the people who provided refuge to Palparan, but so far nothing has been reported about it. (Mindanao Examiner)
Displaced children in Zamboanga immunized MASS IMMUNIZATION has began for thousands of young children from displaced families in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines to protect them against measles, rubella and polio. The immunization of children aged 0-5 years started this month and will run until October under the nationwide campaign to protect an estimated 11 million children from diseases. The International Committee of the Red Cross together with the Philippine Red Cross are supporting the primary health-care activities of the local government. “Through this suppor t, children of displaced families will be
fully covered by the campaign. This support is part of our continued assistance to displaced persons in Zamboanga, which includes improving the health of vulnerable groups like infants and young children,”said Beatriz Karottki, the ICRC’s health coordinator in the Philippines. Children of families displaced by rebel attacks last year have been staying in seven transitional sites are being vaccinated by four ICRC and PRC teams of volunteers, nurses and health staff augmenting the City Health Office immunization teams. September was declared national immunization month by the Department of Health. A na-
tionwide vaccination campaign called “Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio” (Safe Against Measles and Polio) has been launched to reduce and eventually eliminate cases of measles and rubella, and to maintain the country’s polio-free status, achieved in 2000. The ICRC has been providing assistance to thousands of people displaced in Zamboanga City since the onset of the crisis in September 2013, together with the National Society. It continues to improve access to clean water and sanitation at several temporary sites, and to enhance the health and nutrition of thousands of people who remain displaced.
A Philippine Red Cross volunteer administers polio drops to a displaced child in Zamboanga City. (ICRC photo by JC Pagaling)
Aquino in European swing
President Aquino arrives in Spain in this government photo released to the press.
MANILA - President Benigno Aquino arrived in Spain as part of his eight-day European visit and Manila said the government is spending around P31.9 million for his working visit to include Belgium, France and Germany. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Aquino's visit aims to bolster diplomatic and trade relations with Europe and the European Union (EU), Aquino is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala Jr., Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Press Secretary Herminio Coloma, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad, Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria, Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III and Undersecretary Rochelle Ahorro.
“Our Chief Executive is expected to meet government and business leaders in Madrid, Brussels, Paris, and Berlin, as well as members of the Filipino communities there,” Ochoa said. “We anticipate having stronger friendship and trade relations with Europe and the EU after this trip of the President.” In Madrid, Aquino met with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and His Majesty King Felipe VI to convey the Philippines’ gratitude for keeping the country in its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. Aquino will also visit and offer flowers at the Rizal Monument in the Spanish capital. In Belgium, President Aquino will meet with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, His Majesty King Philippe and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the EU is the Philippines’ primary source of foreign direct investments and is considered one of the major sources of tourists for the country. Foreign Affairs Assistant
Secretary Maria Zeneida Collinson said that one of the high points in Aquino’s working visit in Belgium is the policy speech he will deliver at the Egmont Institute to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Philippines-European relations. In Paris, Aquino is set to discuss bilateral issues with President François Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls, deliver a policy speech at an event organized by the French Institute for International Relations and witness the signing of the Philippines-France Defense Cooperation Agreement. In Berlin, he will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Federal President Joachim Gauck and among the issues they expect to discuss are maritime cooperation, hiring of Filipino nurses, and technical and vocational education and training between the Philippines and Germany. Aquino is likewise scheduled to deliver a major speech at a forum organized by the Körber-Stiftung and the Asia Pacific Association in Germany. In all four countries, Aquino will meet Filipino communities.
Tibo, natigok sa sobrang kalasingan ZAMBOANGA CITY – Isang 50-anyos na tomboy na lango sa alak ang nasawi matapos itong bumagsak sa kalasingan at hindi na magising sa harapan mismo ng mga istambay sa Zamboanga City. Inakala umano ng mga nakasaksi na lango lamang sa alak ang biktima
na nakilalang si “Lucia Tomboy” kung kaya’t pinabayaan lamang ito, ngunit ng matagpuan ito ng mga tanod sa Alejo Alvarez Street ay hindi na umano humihinga ang biktima. Tumawag pa ng ambulansya ang mga tanod upang madala sa ospital si Lucia, ngunit
patay na ito ng kanilang maabutan sa kalsada. Nabatid na may hypertension umano ang biktima at maaaring inatake ito kung kaya’t bumulagta na lamang. Walang pahayag na ibinigay ang pamilya ni Lucia sa biglaang pagpanaw nito. (Mindanao Examiner)
The Mindanao Examiner
Sept. 22-28, 2014
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Police hold intell training course for Sulu cops SULU – Governor Totoh Tan has welcomed the holding of 45-day intensive police intelligence training course in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. Senior Superintendent Romeo Ver, leader of the group that will train the provincial police force, arrived in Sulu and paid his courtesy call to Governor Tan andVice Governor Sakur Tan. Ver also discussed with the provincial officials the upcoming intelligence training which aims to further enhance the skills and capabilities of policemen and officers in all 19 towns in the province as part of a program launched by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Governor Tan said he is supporting the training and has even offered venues for the event. Ver and his group praised Governor Tan for his full support to the police program. The provincial police
force headed by Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, with the support of Governor Tan and other Sulu government officials, are active in various community civic actions in different towns here. Just recently, the Sulu police launched an orientation on “Lasanun Natuh in Lupag Sug” program in accordance with the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 which stands for “Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and upholding of the Ruleof- Law.” P.A.T.R.O.L. PLAN 2030 was formulated as the result of tedious analysis and review on previous PNP plans and programs, issues and concerns, challenges and inputs both from internal and external stakeholders which served as the basis of the technical working group in formulating its Transformation Roadmap 2030. It is basically the entire range of policing and strategies to keep
the PNP responsive at all times to the needs of the community or society. Prior to Ver’s visit, Vice Governor Tan also attended the Area Public Safety Workshop in Zamboanga City participated by government representatives from Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Zambo-anga. The event was launched by the Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center under the Office of the President and also attended by Western Mindanao Command chief General Rustico Guerrero and Western Mindanao Police Director Chief Superintendent Edgar Basbas; and Tawi-Tawi Governor Nurbert Sahali, among others. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar addressed the participants in the workshop dubbed “Target Hardening: Operationalizing the Whole of Nation Approach against Terrorism and Criminality.” (Franzie Sali)
Sulu Governor Totoh Tan and Vice Governor Sakur Tan with Senior Superintendent Romeo Ver and other police officials at the Provincial Capitol. (Photos by Franzie Sali) And Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar addressing the Area Public Safety Workshop in Zamboanga City attended by Vice Governor Sakur Tan and other provincial officials from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga. (Photo by Joey Baustista)
The Mindanao Examiner 4 Davao PESO managers finish Labor Market Intelligence training DAVAO CITY - The Department of Labor and employment in Davao Region convened recently 35 Public Employment Services Officers in a twoday basic management training on Labor Market Intelligence. Virgilio Guillermo, Employment and Vocational Training Educator, served as resource person to the training to ensure that Public Employment Services Officers get a good grasp and understanding of the dynamics of labor market. Guillermo, a former Director of Bureau of Local Employment, emphasized that there is a need to address the dynamic and varying issues on underemployment and unemployment in the country to ensure that future entrants of the workforce are well-guided.
“By having the correct interpretation of labor and employment data we can help empower our future workforce for brighter and better career opportunities,” he said. The training also emphasized the significance of Career Guidance Programs for relevant career decision making of future labor market entrants especially the incoming college students. “The training program was conducted to ensure that PESO managers understand the basic operation of the labor market and help them identify and utilize labor market information to address existing labor and employment problems specifically, the job and skills mismatch,” said DOLE Davao Employment focal person Lariele Arce.
Negosyante itinumba sa harapan ng mga anak PAGADIAN CITY – Patay ang isang negosyante at sugatan naman ang isang crime watch volunteer matapos silang barilin ng isang di-kilalang salarin sa bayan ng Molave sa Zamboanga del Sur province. Kinilala ng pulisya ang nasawi na si Jonathan Gaviola, 27, at ang sugatan na si Eduardo Adayo. Nabatid na naglalakad pabalik ng kanyang bahay si Gaviola kasama ang kanyang mga anak ng siya ay lapitan ng isang lalaki at saka pinagbabaril sa ulo at katawan sa Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay Maloloy-on kamakalawa
lamang. Hindi naman nadamay ang mga anak ni Gaviola sa pamamaril, ngunit na-shocked naman ang mga ito sa nasaksihan na pagpatay sa ama. Tinanggka naman ni Adayo – na noon ay bantay sa isang outpost ng barangay – ngunit pati siya ay binaril ng salarin. Hindi pa malaman ng pulisya ang motibo sa pamamaslang o kung may kinalaman ba ito sa negosyo, ngunit nabawi naman ng mga parak ang 6 basyo ng bala mula .45kalibre pistol. (Mindanao Examiner)
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DOLE Davao regional director Joffrey Suyao encouraged PESO managers to take a more active role in the effort to lesson if not eradicate the employment problems in the region. “We are on a better position now, in terms of employment rate. But the challenge remains to further improve, sustain and capitalize on the gains of our efforts,” Suyao said. Jayson Sasutil, College of Technology Instructor and PESO Coordinator of University of Southeastern Philippines, said the discussions and workshop were relevant to further improve guidance counseling and curriculum development. “We learn beyond the statistics of labor and employment. More than that, I realized that an upbeat employment scenario is a result of the tripartite coordination and collaboration of the industry, the schools and its courses and the programs of the government,” he added. (S. Manual and M. Abellena)
Sept. 22-28, 2014
Regional Director Joffrey Suyao (4th from left) and Virgilio Guillermo (5th from left) lead the Labor Market Intelligence Training and Workshop for the PESO managers in Davao region. Also in photo are Employment Focal person Lariele Arce (3rd front row seated) and Assistant Regional Director Venerado Cebrano (6th, seated).
Philippines, Indonesia conduct joint patrol exercise THE PHILIPPINES has sent two navy ships to Indonesia to participate in a 10day joint coordinated patrol exercises, officials said. Commodore Joel Dela Cruz, commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, said crew members of the Filipino ships BRP Magat Salamat (PS20) and BRP Iloilo (PS32) – are joining the CORPAT PHILINDO XXVIII-14 Exercise which would run until September 25.
He said included in the CORPAT PHILINDO are different shipboard exercises and that participating units will conduct Flashing Light Exercise, Replenishment at Sea Approach, Flag Hoist Exercise and Tactical Maneuver Exercise. “The main objective of the exercise is to strengthen the enforcement of laws at sea and to conduct effective border patrol operations as deterrence against illegal activi-
ties such as human trafficking, illegal drugs smuggling and the likes.” “This will also enhance the good relations between the two countries through the development of joint operational patrol doctrines and naval tactics practices,” Dela Cruz said, adding, the joint exercise will also give the Filipino navy men an opportunity to learn the Indonesian culture and tradition. (Mindanao Examiner)
Aquino wants emergency powers MANILA - The Aquino administration said it will coordinate closely with the members of Congress on the emergency powers wanted by the President to address the need of the energy sector. "We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Senate and in the Lower House to make sure that everybody has a clear footing on what the President wants to do in terms of the emergency powers that he spoke of yesterday para malinaw po ang parameters nitong hinihinging emergency pow-
ers," Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said. Valte was reacting to reports the Palace may not be able to get the emergency powers needed by Aquino because Congress has other pressing issues to attend to like the national budget and the Bangsa-moro Basic Law. It was reported that the Palace expects to have that authority for Aquino by the end of September. Some quarters were saying that there must be actual shortage in the supply of electricity before the
President is granted such powers. But Valte said the President is not a person that gets spooked easily and when it comes to the concerns in the energy sector, he consults the energy secretary and other stakeholders to see the projections. She said that even Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla mentioned an impending energy shortage situation next year and the country must prepare for that. "So siguro mas mabuti na pong magpakasi-
gurado tayo dahil mahirap na kapag nandiyan na ay doon pa lang gagalaw ang pamahalaan," Valte said. Another issue on Aquino's emergency powers is sovereign guarantee, which became problematic in the past. Valte said that as the President asks for this kind of authority, there must be limitations. "Just please be rest assured that the matter has been studied, and studied well, and that what the President is asking for has a very clear set of delineations and delimitations," Valte added.
The Mindanao Examiner
Sept. 22-28, 2014
Thousands flock to Sulu job fair
Continued fr om P from Page age 1 Azizzah International Manpower Services, Kenmore International Placement Agency, International Manpower Agency, United Placement Philippines, Inc., LBS Recruitment Agency, Zontar Manpower, Jenerick Recruitment Agency, SMC Manpower Agency, FilGulf Manpower Agency, MMML Recruitment Agency, among others. Gov. Tan, accompanied by Vice Governor Sakur Tan, also encouraged locals
to excel in their job if they got hired and work hard so they can help their families and save money for their future. “We are so happy with the outcome of the firstever job fair in Sulu and with the participation of so many recruitment agencies and government agencies hiring our professionals is an indication that we are ready to compete not only locally, but globally as well. Our people are hard-working and honest,” Vice Gov. Tan told the regional news-
paper Mindanao Examiner. In his speech, Gov. Tan admitted that Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, is among the poorest region in the Philippines based on the poverty rate as compared to other areas in the country. Poverty, he said, is one of the main reasons for mass action, including rebellion and other upheavals. “Ang kumakalam na sikmura ay hindi po nakakaunawa ng katahimikan. Peace is meaning-
less to empty stomachs. Ang kakulangan ng mga oportunidad na makatagpo ng marangal na trabaho upang maibsan ang kahirapan ng marami sa ating mga mamamayan ay nagtutulak sa iba na gumawa ng mga paraan, kahit labag sa batas, upang masustentuhan lamang ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay,” he said. “Bagama’t ang Sulu ay malayo mula sa sentro ng pamahalaang pambansa,
patuloy po ang aming pagsisikap na mapalapit ang serbisyong-bayan sa mga mamamayan. Kung maari lamang, dadalhin natin sa mga tao ang iba’tibang mga ahensya at departamento ng pamahalaan nang sa ganun hindi na kailangan pa nilang tumawid ng karagatan upang maayos ang mga papeles na kailangan nila sa paghahanap ng mapapasukan at mapagkakitaan. In our small way and with the resources available at our disposal, we will con-
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tinue to assist and support any effort leading to the economic advancement of the people,” he added. Gov. Tan also brought to Sulu the review and licensure examination for teachers and other professionals, and one-stop processing of passport and clearances from various government agencies, among others, so those applying for jobs would not need to travel to Zamboanga or Pagadian cities, or as far as Manila to avail of these services. (Franzie Sali)
Job-seekers flock to the first-ever Sulu job and career fair sponsored by the provincial government and participated by at least two dozen local and overseas recruitment agencies, and government agencies hiring local workers. (Photos by Franzie Sali)
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Sept. 22-28, 2014
Ombudsman dismisses top PRC executives MANILA - The Office of the Ombudsman said it has dismissed Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chairwoman Teresita Manzala and Commissioner Alfredo Po for failing to follow procurement rules as required by Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act). They are facing charges of Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. It said in addition, charges for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) was also filed against Manzala, Po, and Cesar Sanqui Jr. and Mary Grace Villacorta, president and first vice president, respectively, of New San Jose Builders, Inc. (NSJBI) Aside from being dismissed from service, Manzala and Po were also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding office. Investigation shows that in the first quarter of 2012, the PRC discussed plans to relocate its Executive Offices from Manila to Quezon City pending completion of the construction of the PRC Building in Pasay City. PRC Resolution No. 2012-700 dated November 20, 2012 authorized the Budget Division to allocate P12,200,000 as basic yearly rental inclusive of value added tax and common area maintenance/operating costs. In addition, P13,954,992 was allocated for the installation of office furniture and fixtures. The
Bids and Awards Committee was also directed to proceed with the procurement for the project. Only NSJBI attended the November 27, 2012 pre-bid conference and on December 3, 2012, its bid was considered as the Lowest Calculated Bid, being the lone bidder for the project. During post qualification, the BAC found discrepancies in the bidding documents submitted by the bidder. Earlier, however, Manzala sent a Letter of Intent (LOI) addressed to NSJBI Sanqui and Villacorta regarding the three-year lease of office space in Victoria Towers Commercial Center at Timog Avenue in Quezon City. In reply, Villacorta formalized its acceptance of the LOI in a letter dated May 16, 2012. Upon inspection by the Field Investigation Office in November and December 2012, it was determined that the area was already reserved for the PRC with the transfer scheduled in January 2013. The Office of the Ombudsman ruled that “the bidding process was rigged and simulated,” and “undertaken only to make it appear that the transaction with NSJBI is valid and legal as the lease agreement was already perfected even before the bidding was held.” In finding probable cause, Ombudsman Conchita Morales ruled that “the pieces of evidence clearly show that respondent Po was at the helm of the scheme to manipulate the procurement process and gave undue favor and preference to NSJBI,” adding that “this is not without the knowledge and consent of respondent Manzala who
willingly allowed respondent Po to orchestrate his fraudulent acts.” Morales further stated that “the presence of these irregularities already existing prior to the issuance of the LOI should have been easily detected by respondent Manzala had she not turned a blind eye on the red flags covering the said transaction.” In so far as the administrative case is concerned, the Office of the Ombudsman ruled that the PRC BAC should be held liable for Simple Neglect of Duty for failing to notice the patent flaws in the bidding process. Suspended for six months without pay are BAC officials and members - Sarah Edna Tabije, Gina Consignado, Nilo Martin, Emma Francisco, Aurora Mendoza and Lord Louis Valera. It will be recalled that in May 2013, the Ombudsman found Po liable for Grave Misconduct and violation of Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and imposed upon him the penalty of dismissal from the service, in connection with the entrapment operation where he was caught receiving bribe money from the owner of the building leased by the PRC in Baguio City. Additionally, in December 2012, the Office of the Ombudsman filed with the Sandiganbayan four separate charges indicting Po for direct bribery; violation of Section 3(b) of R.A. No. 3019; solicitation or acceptance of gifts under Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 6713; and simple robbery.
Parak niratrat ng ‘riding-in-tandem’ DAPITAN CITY – Isang parak ang itinumba ng dalawang armado na sakay ng motorsiklo sa Dapitan City sa Zamboanga del Norte province. Kinumpirma ito ni Insp. Dahlan Samuddin, ang regional police spokesman, at sinabing patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa kaso. Kinilala rin nito ang biktima na si PO3 Ardie Galleposo,
43, at naka-destino sa bayan ng Mutia, ngunit residente ng Dapitan. Naganap ang pamamaril sa parak kamakalawa ng hapon habang bumibili sa tindahan si Galleposo sa Barangay Polo. Nakasuot lamang ng asul na bull cap ang mga salarin na pawing armado pa ng nikiladong .45-kalibre pistol, ayon sa mga
nakasaksi sa pamamaslang sa parak. Malapitan umano ng tinira ng mga salarin si Galleposo at mabilis na tumakas sakay ng Honda XRM. Nabawi sa lugar ang 3 basyo ng bala, sabi ni Samuddin. Hindi pa mabatid kung may kinalaman ang rebeldeng New People’s Army sa atake o sindikato. (Mindanao Examiner)
Bel Yenko, president of the Alpha Phi Omega, Southern Zamboanga Alumni Association and prime mover behind Project BOSS, during a meeting recently with Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the 1st Infantry Division.
Army ‘Tabak’ Division partners with Project BOSS for humanitarian mission in South PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division is partnering with Project BOSS or Brotherhood Operation Surgical Services for free cataract and cleft lip and palate operation in southern Philippines. Bel Yenko, president of the Alpha Phi Omega, Southern Zamboanga Alumni Association (APOSOZA-ALAS), and prime mover behind Project BOSS, met recently with Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, the Di-
vision commander, and discussed the joint humanitarian project. He said Col. Victor Tanggawohn, chief of the Division’s G7, served as focal person for the Project BOSS. “They will start taking census, before we could set up schedule, which might be most likely towards the end of the year or early next year,” Yenko told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Barrientos, a decorated commander, is a staunch
advocate of mercy mission and active in pro-poor programs. And Yenko and his wife, Babes Rota, are known humanitarian workers and have been helping many patients in Mindanao and other parts of the country in partnership with various organizations. Yenko also worked closely in the past with previous commanders of the 1st Infantry Division based in Zamboanga del Sur’s Labangan town. (Mindanao Examiner)
Safety of Chinese citizens in Philippines assured THE Philippines has assured Beijing that it can protect its citizens in the country following a foiled bombing at the Chinese Embassy in Manila by a small group of disgruntled Filipinos. China has warned its citizens not to travel to the Philippines and said it was worried because of plots by criminal groups planning to attack the Embassy, Chinese companies and public venues such as shopping malls.
"The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) has already reached out to the side of China to reiterate our commitment that their citizens will be protected here in the Philippines just like any visitor who comes to our shores," Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said. The Philippine-China relation has engagements on several different levels and these tie up has been continuing, according to Valte.
"Siyempre, gusto nating i-assure ang ating mga kaibigan na kapag bumisita sila rito sa Pilipinas, bilang ating mga bisita, at ayon na rin sa kultura at tradisyon nating mga Pilipino, ay gagawin natin ang ating makakaya para naman maging maganda ang kanilang pagbisita rito," she said. Both countries are also locked in a bitter word war after China occupied several islands in the contested Spratly Islands.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Sept. 22-28, 2014
Sulu gets Philippine Standard Time clock from DOST SULU - The Department of Science and Technology has turned over a Philippine Standard Time Clock to the Sulu provincial government as part of its campaign to synchronize all time in the Muslim autonomous region and the rest of the Philippines. Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan received the digital clock on behalf of Governor Totoh Tan. He said the clock would be displayed at the Provincial Capitol. Vice Governor Tan also thanked the DOST for the clock. Vice Governor Tan said prior to the arrival of the clock, provincial employees are known for being early in reporting for work, a trait they learned
from the official himself who is known for his outstanding work ethics just like his son, Governor Tan and Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan, who are all "workaholics." The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is mandated by law, as the government agency which is tasked to keep and disseminate the Philippine Standard Time (PhST) which was enacted through Republic Act 10535 or the Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013, signed into law by President Benigno Aquino on May 15, 2013. DOST’s PhST campaign, dubbed as Juan Time (Pinoy Ako On Time
Ako) aims to synchronize all timepieces in the country and promote the new definition of "Filipino Time" which is on time. Government and private television stations are also using the PhST and passing on to the general public, through their regular time checks and their clocks shown on the television screen, derived and synchronized time with PAGASA's clock. Radio stations, through the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, also copy the time being broadcast by television stations, to provide an accurate and timely nationwide coverage of the PhST. (Franzie Sali)
Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan and DOST representatives during the hand over of the Philippine Standard Time clock.(Photos by Franzie Sali)
It’s time to get your happy shoes on, and be amazed. Come this October, experience the best, the razzle and the dazzle of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014, a one of a kind fiesta for the bold and the passionate.Embrace the fiesta spirit as we march to the beat of one flag, one nation, and one Zamboanga!
Mayor Beng Climaco receives a personalized message from one of the students of the newly established Pasonanca National High School during her visit Wednesday for a school bag distribution among Grade 7 students. (Photo by Joey Bautista)
Sinuyod ni General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera ang lugar na kung saan sumambulat ang bomba na kung saan ay 8 katao ang sugatan na binisita rin ng opisyal. (Kuha ni Russel Delvo)
Bombing sa Gensan, tinututukan GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Iniimbestigahan ng maiigi ng mga awtoridad ang pagsabog ng bomba sa General Santos sa labas lamang ng City Hall na kung saan ay 8 katao ang kumpirmadong sugatan. Itinanim ang bomba sa rebulto ni national hero Jose Rizal ng sumambulat ito Martes ng gabi at ipinag-utos ni Mayor Ronnel Rivera samilitar at pulisya na agad resolbahin ang naganap. “I want to pin down immediately whoever are behind this explosion. I don’t want these people to create more havoc to Gensan,” ani Rivera. “Gensan is steadily progressing. This blast will somehow be a deterrent
to the vibrant economy of the city, especially to the entry of investments.” Umapela rin ito sa mga residente na maging mahinahon at huwag matakot dahil ginagawa na umano ng mga awtoridad ang lahat ng paraan upang hindi maulit ang naganap. “I want all residents to be strong in these times. Let us not blame and point fingers because that won’t really help. Let us be vigilant, let us help one another because Gensan is our home,” wika pa ni Rivera. Dinalaw pa ni Rivera ang mga sugatan sa pagamutan matapos na personal nitong pasadahan ang lugar ng pinangyarihan ng pagsabog. Kinilala nito ang mga
biktma na sina Sarah Arquiza, 18; Christian Paul Amimong, 20; Jay Ar Magnanao, 17; Marlon Pasada, 23; Joanne Michelle Abranilla, 10; James Ralph Abreo, 23; Andy Galapen, at Sheena Mae Maquinda. Walang umako sa krimen, ngunit naganap ang atake habang kalat ang balita na maraming mga gr upo ang sumisimpatya sa ISIS o Islamic State na nakikibaka sa Iraq at Syria na kung saan ay mahigit sa 100 Pinoy ang sumanib sa naturang grupo. Maging ang Abu Sayyaf at Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters ay kumampi na rin sa IS at alarmado dito ang Estados Unidos. (Mindanao Examiner)
6 NPA rebels yield to military in Bukidnon province DAVAO CITY – Six communist rebels surrendered to the military in the southern Philippines, army officials said. Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebels, who belonged to the New People’s Army, also yielded a rifle, a shotgun, two pistols and two revolvers, and were being interrogated by the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Talakag in Bukidnon province. He identified the rebels as Ramil Tun-an, Yonifin
Ped-Ak, Rene Tun-an, Angelo Ped-Ak, Reynaldo Ped-ak; and Toto Guilay. Caber quoted Lt. Col. Lynart Castisimo, the battalion commander, as saying, that the surrender of the six men was the result of the army’s so-called community organizing and peace and development program. Castisimo said the rebels would be placed under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program to help them return to the society. Maj. Gen. Aurelio
Baladad, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, commended the battalion for the surrender of the rebels. “Our soldier’s job is all about peace and development through Bayanihan, and our most important role is to redeem our people especially the indigenous peoples from the manipulations and exploitation by rebels in their own ancestral domain areas.” The NPA has been fighting for a separate state in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
2 cops arrested for raping teenager PAGADIAN CITY – Two policemen were arrested after allegedly detaining and raping a teenage student and forcing her to use illegal drugs in the southern Philippines, police said. Police said the two cops PO1 Bedeti Gani and PO1 Jul Kaiser Hayudini both natives of Sulu province and living in Zamboanga City - are detailed in separate stations in Zamboanga Sibugay province. They were accused of repeatedly raping their 18-year old victim for three days inside a boarding house in Ipil town until the young woman managed to escape on September 10 and re-
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The Mindanao Examiner
Sept. 22-28, 2014
ported her harrowing ordeal to the local police force. The duo reportedly befriended the victim - introduced to them by another student - who was also arrested by the police for allegedly pimping the woman. The victim said the house owner helped her escaped and she immediately reported this to the police. The two cops were arrested after local policemen, accompanied by local government officials, swooped down the boarding house and caught up with the suspects. Police also recovered drug paraphernalia inside the room where the victim was detained by the two
cops, who are facing charges of rape and serious illegal detention, and probably additional charges if they are proven to have used illegal drugs. They are currently being detained at the municipal police jail. The Philippine National Police has been trying to cleanse its ranks of rogue cops after at least a dozen policemen, including several officers, were recently implicated in a highway robbery and kidnapping of two Filipinos along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue in Manda-luyong City, and a Chinese national in Bulacan province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tips para Gumanda Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong Hindi kailangan gumastos ng malaki para gumanda. Mayroon akong mga simpleng payo para maging mas malusog at maganda tayong lahat: 1. Uminom nang maraming tubig – Uminom ng 8 basong tubig araw-araw para manatiling malambot ang ating balat. 2. Magbawas ng stress – Sabi nga, “Huwag kang magalit, at tatanda ka agad.” Ang madaling magalit ay mabilis pumangit di ba? Nagsasalubong ang kilay at nakangiwi ang mga labi. Tumawa ka at ika’y gaganda. 3. Matulog ng 7 o 8 oras – Kailangan mo ang beauty sleep para hindi magka-eye bags. Sa mga problemado, subukang mag-relax bago matulog. 4. Umiwas sa araw – Alam kong marami sa ating kabataan ang mahilig mag-beach, pero masisira
ang kutis niyo diyan. Ang araw ay nagpapakulubot ng balat, nagdudulot ng freckles at posibleng magka-skin cancer pa dahil sa UV light.
Dr. Willie T. Ong 5. Gumamit ng sunblock – Payo ng dermatologists ang paggamit ng sunblock araw-araw. Hanapin ang may nakasulat na SPF 15 o mas mataas pa. 6. Umiwas sa usok at alikabok – Ito ang malaking problema natin - polusyon. Kung may budget, magaircon bus ka na lang. 7. Iwas sa sigarilyo at alak – Ang paninigarilyo,
tulad ng usok, ay nakatatanda sa ating mukha. Ang alak naman ay nakapagpapakulubot din ng balat. 8. Mag-lotion sa gabi – May tulong sa pagpapakinis ng mukha ang moisturizer o lotion. Maghugas muna ng mukha, tapos maglagay ng lotion. Hindi naman kailangang bumili ng mamahaling brands. 9. Healthy eating – Kumain ng tama at masustansya tulad ng prutas at gulay na sagana sa vitamins at minerals. Umiwas sa pagkaing matataba, mamantika at sitsirya. 10. Healthy living – Mag-exercise. Magkaroon ng libangan. Maging abala sa magandang gawain. 11. Magdasal at tumulong sa kapwa – Kapag maganda ang iyong saloobin, lalabas ang iyong “inner beauty”. God bless po.
Missing teen found dead ZAMBOANGA CITY – A teenage girl who was reported missing by her family in Zamboanga City was found brutally murdered – her hand chopped off – and police were investigating whether she was raped and then killed. Her relatives said Marlyn Mariano was last seen together with a group of
teenagers, who were allegedly spotted sniffing solvent, but it was not immediately known whether they had something to do with the killing of the 18-year old victim. Her decomposing body was discovered by her aunt Manuela Atilano not far away from their house in the village of Sinunuc, and told the police about the cadaver.
“I was gathering firewood when I noticed that smell and I thought it was a dead animal only to find out that it is a body of a girl,” she said. Police said the victim left home last month and was never off again until her body had been found on September 15. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Sept. 22-28, 2014
Cebu to intensify anti-drug campaign Naga, Talisay implement
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overnor Hilario Davide III has ordered the police to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs following reports that the province has become a transshipment point for drug syndicates. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has urged Cebu government officials to improve security measures in airports, seaports, wharves and bus terminals to solve drug-related problems. PDEA Deputy Regional Director Esperidion Javier said the proliferation of illegal drugs is the main problem of Cebu. "Ang mga nababalitaang patayan, barilan, nakawan indicators lang yan. Anong kadahilanan? Naka-drugs (Reported killings, shootouts, robbery and others are just indicators of the real problem. Identified cause of crimes is illegal drugs.) So the real problem in Cebu is drugs, crimes are sub-problems only," he said. This was also raised during the recent Cebu Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting presided by Davide. According to Javier, the solution to the drug problems in Cebu is to "contain and constrict all ports, seaports, wharves, bus terminals and even town boundaries so illegal drugs cannot enter the province." With this, the PPOC agreed to conduct seminar and workshops for town and city mayors and their
out-of-school youth programs
T Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III speaks during a recent peace and order meeting. representatives in an effort to further enhance security measures in their respective areas. Davide ordered to gather all town and city mayors and their representatives to attend the workshop. "We are going to set the date for the workshop for mayors and representatives on how to enhance further our security measures here in Cebu especially in ports because of reported illegal drugs coming in from Manila," he said. Javier reported told the PPOC that illegal drugs in Cebu are being smuggled through private couriers from different parts of the country, and even from as far as Malaysia. Davide, who was alarmed with the report, said: "Cebu has become a transshipment point for drugs because of its ports that make it convenient for suppliers to bring in illegal drugs in the province." "Mao na nga importante kaayo nga duna ta security measures dinhi para ma-control nato
(That’s why it’s very important to have security measures in ports so we can control the entry of drugs.) If we cannot totally eliminate it, then we can at least lessen drug entry in Cebu," he said. Davide also admitted that the province still lack police personnel. "Apparently, kulang pa gyud ta ug mga police. So we’ll make a representation at the Provincial Board and request for more police personnel in the province," he said. He said the PPOC will request the Philippine National Police for additional personnel to be assigned in the province. In light of the series of town hall burglaries in Cebu in recent weeks, Provincial Board member Sun Shimura also requested authorities to increase police visibility in Cebu and conduct random checkpoints in every town. The Treasury’s offices of Compostela, Carmen, Sogod and Pinamungajan lost thousands of pesos due to burglary.
Shimura also urged municipal government to install surveillance cameras. "It’s very useful especially when crimes happen in our towns. We can identify the perpetrators of crimes through the video recordings of closed-circuit television cameras,"check through CCTV the suspects’ entrance and exit points as well as where they are heading to," Shimura said. However, other town officials said they have not enough funding to put up CCTVs. Davide said one of the things to be discussed in the workshop is how the provincial government can assist towns in procuring CCTVs. "If necessary, the province will assist with the procurement of these CCTVs for the towns. According to Board member Shimura, dili ra man daw kaayo mahal basta importante adunay (they’re not that expensive as long as there are) cameras in town boundaries," he said. (Lianne Llesol)
wo cities in Cebu province Talisay and Naga - have implemented the Unlad Kabataan Program program for the out-ofschool youth, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Eppie Partosa, DSWD's focal person, said Naga and Talisay are concrete examples for the UKP program because of the implementation of the project. She said the UKP is a program of the DSWD together with Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, which aims to help the OSYs and other disadvantaged youth to become self-reliant, economically productive and socially responsible citizens able to contribute to the development of their family and community. The unemployment of youth in the region has become a big problem for
the local government. “The worst problem of the youth today is the unemployment. This problem should be given an immediate action by the government,” Daniel Cuda, PYAP President of Minglanilla, Cebu, said. Doniciano Alforque, of Naga City Social Welfare and Development Office, said it is really hard to handle the OSYs in the community. "You need to be more patient and ask assistance from the barangay officials to support their snacks during monthly meetings,” he said. He said they already conducted practical skills training program for the OSYs in Naga, which include beauty care and basic spa services, candlemaking, basic electronics, and mobile phone repairs. “In fact, there are trainees who already have their own business that made them successful entrepreneurs,” Alforque said. (Lee dela Cerna)
Architects launch mural project in Mandaue City
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group of Filipino architects has painted walls here with in Mandaue City in Cebu beautiful murals depicting human concern to the environment and promoting "green" technology. The group belongs to the Datu Lapu-Lapu Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and in partnership with local village officials, they put up the mural painting on the wall along Lopez Jaena Street near the Subangdaku flyover, as part of their effort to continue the work of art and a means of creating public concern on the environment. Some members even brought along their fami-
ARMM
lies who also helped in painting the murals. "This is part of the our social responsibility in promoting concern for the environment and green technology," said Architect Richard Abella, UAP President. "I enjoy painting," said the 9-year old Allysha Lim, who is the daughter of Architect Philip Khan Lim. Architect Miko Espina
also brought his two-year old daughter Sace and wife Christine. But for the 16-year old Christopher Fulache, mural painting has become his hobby after having been influenced by his uncle, Architect Joseph Codilla. "It's good to paint murals because we can express ourselves and advocate a lot of good things," he said.
Southern Mindanao
Davao
Artist A.G. Sano also painted a mural of dolphin on the flyover as part of his advocacy in protecting this extinct marine species. Subangdaku village chieftain Ernie Manatad said many organizations were inspired by the advocacy of Sano. Now, he said, the village is known as "mural capital" of Mandaue, and probably Cebu. Manatad said they would inaugurate the project of making Subangdaku as the first flyover art of the country when Sano comes back next month. "I am happy with this development because this has stopped vandalism which shows that the vandals respect their effort and hard work," he said.
Members of the Datu Lapu-Lapu Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines paint mural on the wall along Lopez Jaena Street near the Subangdaku flyover in Mandaue City in Cebu province as part of their effort to continue the work of art and a means of creating public concern on the environment.
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Manila