German hostages held by Sayyaf plead for their safe release
Military, Zamboanga City honor ‘fallen heroes’ in rebel siege
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SSS now offers provident fund for members PAGE 4
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bu Sayyaf militants holding a Malaysian fish breeder have threatened to kill its captive if ransom is not paid by his family, reports said. The Abu Sayyaf is Chan’s wife Chin Pek Nyen, demanding 3 million 42, as saying the Abu ringgits for the safe re- Sayyaf is getting impatient lease of Chan Sai Chuin, and has warned her that but his wife said they only enough time had been managed to raise 100,000 given for her to raise the ringgits mostly borrowed ransom and that any furmoney from friends and ther delay would put her relatives. husband in danger. The 32-year old Chan “They told me my husand an unidentified Fili- band is sick and is dying. I pino worker were don’t know if they are tellsnatched at gunpoint on ing me the truth but I’m June 16 this year from a very scared,” Chin told The fish farm in the town of Star, adding that the gunKunak in Tawau District men had allowed her husin the eastern Malaysian band to make fewer calls to state of Sabah and sped her. off on a speedboat to“It’s like putting a bet wards the southern Phil- on my husband’s life,” she ippine province of Tawi- said, adding that she was Tawi. now considering getting Malaysia’s The Star public assistance to raise Online also quoted the money to pay for her
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Just in May, The Abu Sayyaf released a kidnapped Chinese tourist, Gao Huayun, and Filipina resort worker Marcy Dayawan in southern Philippines in exchange for some 2.2 million ringgits or about 300 million pesos paid by Gao’s family. A leader of the Moro National Liberation Front, Nameh Sangkula, reportedly helped negotiate the release of the hostages. It was unknown who tapped Sangkula to secure the freedom of the hostages who were kidnapped on April 2 at the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort in the town of Semporna also in Sabah where Dayawan works. The Abu Sayyaf has been tagged as behind at least 6 kidnappings in
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Sabah since last year. In November last year, the alQaeda linked Abu Sayyaf group also kidnapped a Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei after killing her husband Hsu Li Min in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’s Pom Pom Island. The woman was eventually released a month later near the village of Liban in Talipao town in Sulu after paying ransom. The militant group just recently also threatened to behead the 71-year old German yachter Stefan Viktor Okonek, who was kidnapped at sea along with Herike Diesen, 55. The foreigners were en route to Sabah in Malaysia from a holiday in Palawan Island in western Visayas in the Philippines when the Abu Sayyaf intercepted them
on April 25 this year. The Abu Sayyaf demanded P250 million ransom ($5.6 million) from Germany and for Berlin to cease all support to US airstrikes against Islamic State or IS in Iraq and Syria. The Abu Sayyaf, which is harboring Jemaah Islamiya members, and another rebel group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter, have earlier pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State or IS. The Abu Sayyaf has resorted to ransom kidnappings to raise money for the purchase of weapons and to fund terror attacks and future kidnappings in the South. (Mindanao Examiner)
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husband’s release. “I have only been able to borrow about 100,000 ringgits from friends and relatives so far. I can’t get any more,” Chin said. Chin has appealed to both the Malaysian and Philippine governments to help secure the safe release of her husband. There were no reports about the other Filipino hostage, but the Abu Sayyaf is also holding Malaysian policeman Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26. He was snatched July 12 also this year by eight masked gunmen who also shot dead another Malaysian policeman Kpl Abdul Rajah in a failed raid on Mabul Water Bungalows off Pulau Sipadan in Sabah. The Abu Sayyaf demanded 5 million ringgits for Zakiah’s freedom.
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Zamboanga City Opens Pink October, 2014 Hermosa Fest
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sea of people, mostly wearing pink shirts, m a r c h e d t hrough the streets of Zamboanga City on Wednesday demonstrating their unity and support to breast cancer patients and during the observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month that coincided with the start of the month-long 2014 Fiesta Hermosa Festival here. Despite the inclement weather, people from all walks if life, participated in the program held in front of the City Hall where a zumba dance party capped the opening program of the Hermosa Festival. Mayor Beng Climaco said she was elated over the well-attended event that displayed people’s
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Residents participate in the opening of the Fiesta Hermosa Festival which coincides with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Zamboanga City. concern for breast cancer patients as well as eagerness to participate in the myriad of activities prepared for the Fiesta Hermosa, the city’s grandest festival. Jointly organized by the Gender and Development and the Local Council of Women, the Pink Oc-
tober is a yearly undertaking intended to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the benefit of the Oncology/Cancer Center of the Zamboanga City Medical Center. The Fiesta Hermosa also reflected the resiliency of Zamboangueños as
Southern Mindanao
Davao
highlighted in its celebration theme “Levanta Con Fuerza y Fe; Marcha Con Alegria, Devocion y Unidad,” which is in honor of the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint. Sponsored by the local government, the Fiesta Hermosa celebration leads
to the feast day of the La Virgen del Pilar on October 12. The festival also showcase “Las Cruces, Nuestra Vida y La Gloria”, un exposicion de Diseño Por Señorito Gerry Atilano at the Garden Orchid Hotel; Conferencia de Cultura, Artes y Historia del Zamboanga at Paseo del
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Mar Park; Cosechas de Zamboanga, an agri-trade fair at the Plaza Pershing; Pet Parade in Pasonanca Park; Servicio Medical na Fiesta Pilar at the City Health Office and Festival de Musica Chabacano also at Paseo del Mar Park. Also the sardine-eating spectacle called Wow Sardinas at the Paseo del Mar and Balikbayan Night and Mascota de Zamboanga, an activity that pays tribute to returning Zamboangueñosat Paseo del Mar. The Regatta de Zamboanga, Baile de Festival, Danza la Vida at Pasonanca where the Chabacano Music Band Festival will also be held. And the Copa del Alcalde (Torneo de Golf) at the Zamboanga Golf Course in Upper Calarian village. (Sheila Covarrubias)
Manila
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 6-12, 2014
German hostages held by Sayyaf plead for their safe release MILITARY officials in southern Philippines remain silent on two German yachters being held by the Abu Sayyaf in the restive southern as the hostages appealed to Manila and Berlin to secure their safe release. The Abu Sayyaf is holding 71-year old Stefan Viktor Okonek and Herike Diesen, 55, after being abducted at sea on April 25 while en route to Sabah in Malaysia from a holiday in Palawan Island in western Visayas. The militants have demanded P250 million ransom ($5.6 million) from Germany and for Berlin to cease all support to US airstrikes against Islamic State or IS in Iraq and Syria. The Abu Sayyaf, which is harboring Jemaah Islamiya members, and another rebel group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter, have earlier pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State or IS. The Radio Mindanao Network has aired recently the appeals of both hostages, but it was unknown where the calls originated although the police said it launched an operations to rescue the duo in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. Okonek, who is a physician by profession, said they came to the Philip-
pines for a holiday, but ended up taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf. He said his health condition is deteriorating and always fear for their safety. He said they have to lay and sleep on the ground guarded by heavily armed men and appealed to the Germany to do all it can to secure their release. Diesen also appealed to both countries to free them, saying, they are much stressed and living dangerously in the jungle. Manila has sent over 1,000 soldiers to Sulu, but this was to replace marines who are being shipped to another province in central Mindanao. The soldiers will have to be briefed and oriented about the situation in Sulu, and have to undergo familiarization of the terrain in the province before they can be used to any mission to rescue the German captives and other foreign hostages, including a 64-year old Japanese treasure hunter Katayama Mamaito, who was kidnapped from Pangutaran Island in July 2010; and two European wildlife photographers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, from Switzerland, who were taken captive in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town in the southern Tawi-Tawi province two years ago. The terrorist group has set a deadline until Octo-
ber 10 for Germany to comply with its demands or it will behead one of the hostages – most likely Okonek. The demands were contained in a letter released by Abu Rami together with three photos of the hostages, and a copy was posted on the websites worldanalysis.net and SITE Intelligence. The letter reads: “The Abu Sayyaf is warning the families of the hostages and the German government, and the Philippine government – first, you give us our demand of P250 million up to October 10, 2014 – or we will behead one of the hostage; secondly, Germany must cease its support to America on the killings of our brother Muslims in Iraq and Sham (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine), and our brother mujahedeen.” There was no immediate statement from the German Embassy in Manila up to this writing, although there were unconfirmed media reports that a ransom negotiation is going on in an effort to free the two hostages. The Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City has not issued any official statement on the Abu Sayyaf threat to kill one German captive, but it released a media statement about an upcoming football clinic to be held in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)
ISO seeks comments on draft International Standards MANILA - The 163 member-countries International Organisation for Standardisation is calling all sectors to have its say on the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 draft International Standards on Quality Management Systems and Environmental Management Systems. The ISO lays down on the table the ISO/ DIS 9001–Fundamentals and Vocabulary and the ISO/ DIS 14001–Requirements with guidance for use, for the review, comments and inputs of standards officers, regulatory bodies, systems experts, industries, consumers, and, academe. The ISO reviews its standards every five years to establish if a revision is required to keep it abreast and relevant for the marketplace. The ISO 9001 is one of ISO’s most famous international standards. It specifies the terminolo-
gies and fundamentals for QMS. ISO expects that the revisions on ISO 9001 will respond to the latest trends and be compatible with other management systems such as ISO 14001. The ISO 14001 is also a widely used international standard. It provides the requirements for an EMS to manage an organization’s environmental impacts. Similarly to ISO 9001, the ISO intends to develop a new copy that will complement other management standards such as ISO 9001. Moreover, ISO expects that the new version will include a requirement to understand the organization’s context in order to better manage risk, with more emphasis made on leaders within organizations to promote environmental management. In addition there will
be a shift towards improving environmental performance rather than improving the management system. The new ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are due for publication prior to the end of 2015. The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards is the Philippines’ full member to ISO. The BPS urges all sectors to provide their reactions on the draft International Standards so the Philippines can have their say. The BPS said it will accept submissions of technical views and comments on or before October 1, 2014 for ISO 9001 and on or before October 5, 2014 for ISO 14001. The BPS will also accept notifications that the drafts are acceptable. These inputs will be referred to the ISO Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland for consideration.
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The Abu Sayyaf is holding 71-year old Stefan Viktor Okonek and Herike Diesen, 55, after being abducted at sea on April 25, 2014 while en route to Sabah in Malaysia from a holiday in Palawan Island in the Philippines.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 6-12, 2014
Military, Zamboanga City honor ‘fallen heroes’ in rebel siege THE Philippine military and the Zamboanga government honored soldiers and policemen who died fighting rebels in last year’s deadly siege in the city. The attack by Moro National Liberation Front rebels sparked three weeks of house-to-house fighting and street battles that displaced more than 120,000 people. Over 400 people were killed and wounded in the battle. Defense Chief Voltaire Gazmin, accompanied by Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., and Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, together with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas joined Mayor Beng Climaco in the ceremony that honored 20 soldiers
and five policemen who perished in the fighting, including 13 civilians. They laid a wreath on a marker which Climaco unveiled and on it was this engraved “In remembrance of the 38 fallen heroes of the Zamboanga siege, September 2013, who laid their precious, lives to the cause of upholding on flag, one nation, one Zamboanga. Your memories and sacrifices will forever be etched in the heart of every Zamboangueno.” Soldiers presented to Climaco the Philippine Flag “that was never lowered down during the Zamboanga siege. Battlescarred yet resplendent, it continued to unfurl until victory was declared on September 28, 2013.” Climaco led other military, police and govern-
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ment officials in visiting the sites of the deadly battles in the villages of Mariki, Rio Hondo, Santa Barbara, and inspected ongoing housing projects for those displaced by the fighting. Catapang and Guererro later spoke to soldiers at the Western Mindanao Command, and attended a peace and order council meeting at the City Hall, where a photo exhibit of the siege was also held. “The victory of Zamboanga will always remind us of the heroism and sacrifices of our soldiers. They risked their lives to defend the city and save innocent civilians from lawless elements selfishly trying to grab power. Rest assured the AFP will continue to guard against those who attempt to destroy or harm our way of life. Be it Zamboanga or
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng siege last year. anywhere else,” Catapang said. For his part, Roxas praised the vigilance of the local people and their
Climaco is presented with Philippine flag that survived rebel commitment to peace. “We are here to remember, to reflect, and to recommit on what Zamboanga is for all of us - Zamboanga
Hermosa. The siege brought out the best of the Zamboanguenos,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Probe on for brutal murder of farming family POLICE said it is investigating the brutal murder of of three members of a farming family found dead last week inside a kiln in Isabela City in Basilan province in the restive Muslim autonomous re g i o n in Mindanao.
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Police identified the dead as Ro t i l l o G onzaga, 57; his wife Lucia, 47, and their 11ye a r o l d s o n V i rg i l i o whose bodies were discovered at Campo Barn in the village of Kapayawan. An investigation was
launched by the police to determine who was behind the grisly murders. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the killings as police questioned several people in the area to aid them in the investigation.
Relatives of the victims condemned the killings and demanded justice for the murders. The news of the brutal killings quickly spread in the village and sent shivers to many people in the area. (E ly Dumaboc – Mindanao Examiner)
4 NPA claims new offensives DAVAO CITY – New People’s Army rebels took responsibility for recent attacks on state troopers in Davao City in southern Philippines. Ka Parago Sandoval, a spokesman for the NPA’s 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion, said rebel forces attacked soldiers in Paquibato and Calinan districts where at least 6 infantrymen were killed. He said rebels also ambushed an army vehicle transporting troops in the village of Malabog that left many casualties. Two soldiers were also slain in sniper attacks in Sumimao and Dominga villages last month. He said earlier in September, NPA fighters killed a government soldier and wounded three more in Fatima village and seized military backpacks and vests, including munitions, from a detachment of the 69th Infantry Battalion near Mapula village.“The Army's rights abuses, ranging from harassment, red tagging, psychological warfare, encampment in civilian populace and intimidation,
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 6-12, 2014
have earned them the ire of the masses. Despite being hated by Paquibato peasants and Lumads, and despite suffering from a high number of casualties, they continue to serve their corrupt and fascist masters in the AFP echelons and the landlord-bourgeois comprador class.” “Their blind allegiance to corrupt generals and superiors at the 10th Infantry Division-Eastern Mindanao Command only makes them more easy targets of the New People's Army, people's militia and the revolutionary movement,” Sandoval said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Minda-nao Examiner. There was no immediate statement from the Eastern Mindanao Command on the NPA claims. The outskirts of Davao City are known stronghold of the communist rebel group. The rebels have been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a separate state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
SSS now offers provident fund for members MANILA - The Social Security System (SSS) has opened a voluntar y provident fund program that offers its members an additional way of saving for their retirement, according to its President Emilio de Quiros, Jr. He said the new retirement savings scheme called the SSS Personal Equity and Savings Option (SSS PESO) fund is an alternative and taxfree investment that would help members accumulate adequate income in retirement and earn a reasonable rate of return.
“SSS PESO savings can be used to supplement the benefits available under the regular SSS program. It offers guaranteed earnings based on rates higher than those at brick-andmortar banks,” De Quiros said. The SSS PESO fund is open to all members below 55 years old with six consecutive SSS contributions within the last 12 months prior to enrollment and have not yet filed final claims with the SSS. Qualified members can participate for a minimum contribution
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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Ely Dumaboc/ Jun Feliciano Zamboanga Peninsula The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines. The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in KISMET Cable TV and Pagadian Cable Television Channel 63. Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: 062- 9925480 Mobile: 0917-7103642 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
of P1,000 up to a maximum of P100,000 per year. “One's membership will start upon receipt of first contribution. Succeeding SSS PESO Fund contributions can be made anytime as long as there is a corresponding SSS contribution on the month of contribution,” De Quiros said. He said self-employed, voluntar y and OFW members should be paying the maximum SSS contribution to qualify. “They will also need to pay the maximum SSS contribution for the month they are to save in the SSS PESO Fund,” he said.
Savings in the SSS PESO Fund are invested in sovereign guaranteed investments, where 65 percent of the total fund is allocated for retirement, and 35 percent is for medical and general purposes. He said SSS PESO accounts will be charged a one-percent administration fee annually. “The portion for retirement is guaranteed to earn income based on interest rates of five-year Treasur y yields, while earnings of the fund allotted for medical and general purposes will be based on 364-day Treasury bill rates,” De Quiros said.
Aside from the guaranteed earnings, De Quiros said SSS PESO Fund members may also get excess earnings, which will be credited automatically to their accounts, depending on the actual year-end performance of the SSS PESO Fund. Savings in SSS PESO fund can be withdrawn upon the member’s effective date of retirement or total disability with the SSS either in monthly pensions over a minimum period of 12 months and P1,000 payment per month, in lumpsum, or combination of both. “In case they incur a
need to withdraw funds early, they may only touch the portion of their equity allocated for medical and general purposes, and it will be subject to penalties and service fees if withdrawn earlier than five years,” De Quiros explained, adding that if a member died before the maturity of his SSS PESO savings or expiration of the pension period, the member’s beneficiaries will receive the savings in the form of death benefit to be paid in lump sum. Launched on September 25, the SSS PESO Fund was created in accordance to Sec.4(a)(2) of the Social Security Law.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 6-12, 2014
Zamboanga mayor appeals for aid for fire victims MAYOR BENG Climaco has appealed to public for food and blankets for victims of a conflagration in a neighborhood that claimed the life of an elderly man in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. “Con todo ta apela kame ayuda para con el
maga victima de quema. Si tiene vosotros ropa, comida y manta favor lleva na Pasonanca Elem(entary) School. We also pray for the 80 y.o. victim who perished. 1,000 people approximately left homeless. Favor ayuda. Gracias y bondad de Dios esta con ustedes,” she
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco in the aftermath of fire in the village of Pasonanca that left over 1,000 people homeless. (Photos by Joey Bautista)
said. (We are appealing to all for victims of fire, if you have clothes, food and blanket, please bring it over at the Pasonanca Elementary School. We also pray for the 80 year-old victim who perished (in the fire). Approximately 1,000 people were left homeless. Please help. God bless you.) Climaco rushed to the area and spoke to village officials and fire victims. The fire razed at least 100 houses at Lacaste Ville in the village of Pasonanca last week that killed octogenarian Virgilio Nunez. Police said the fire, which started in the house of Roberto Calapiz, was due to an electrical short circuit. Most of the fire victims were brought to the Pasonanca Elementary School which served as temporary shelter. (Mindanao Examiner)
President Benigno Aquino arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, from his successful working visits to Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, and the United States. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan)
Aquino trumpets gains in overseas trips MANILA - President Benigno Aquino trumpeted the gains of his fivenation official trip abroad and said this has generated US$2.35 billion worth of investment. Aquino returned to Manila after the 12-day swing in Europe and the Unites States. "Aabot po ng 2.35 bilyong dolyar ang halaga ng nakalap nating mga panata at tiyak na investment, na tinataya namang lilikha ng 33,850 trabaho," he said, adding, this is the fruit of his meetings with 22 corporations in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and the United States. He also noted that Coca-Cola has already ex-
panded its investment in the country. "Nariyan po ang CocaCola. Ipinangako nila sa atin noon ang pagpasok ng karagdagang isang bilyong dollars sa bansa bago sumapit ang taong 2015. Sa biyaheng ito, iniulat nilang naipasok na ang lahat ng puhunang ito, at hindi pa tayo umaabot sa 2015," he said. "Ang Volkswagen din po, halimbawa, inengganyo nating dito magtayo ng kanilang global manufacturing hub; malaking bentahe ang lumalaki nating middle class, pati na rin ang maganda nating lokasyon at ang husay ng ating manggagawa, at ipagpapatuloy po natin
ang pang-eengganyo sa kanila," he added. He declined to give more details of all these, but most of the investment Aquino was talking were only pledges. “Hindi na po natin idedetalye ang bawat isa sa kanila at baka po mausog, pero ang masasabi ko lang po: Nagkakaisa sila sa kanilang tiwala sa gumaganda nating ekonomiya at sistemang panlipunan. Alam nila ang bunga ng ating mga reporma; at umaasa sila sa patuloy nating pagangat,” he said, assuring that these investment would turn into more opportunities for the Filipino people.
Slow Internet speed, poor telco services under scrutiny
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MANILA - The Department of Justice has reminded telecommunications companies to be clear and truthful in their advertisements and at the same time advised consumers of their right to be informed of the details of the mobile or Internet services for subscription. "Truth in advertising is an access issue. Economic justice requires that those who possess the information duly and timely dis-
close them," Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima said. De Lima has issued an Advisory calling on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to monitor, enforce and implement sanctions on erring telecommunications companies under the Consumer Act and the Public Telecommunications Policy Act. Assistant Secretary
Geronimo Sy, head of the Office for Competition of the DOJ, said slow and expensive Internet service needs to be addressed for development to happen and it starts with fair pricing and fair use. "Broadband speeds must be stated in the minimum rather than 'up to' with the level of service reliability in the same manner as telecommunication companies expect prompt payments," he said.
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Ombudsman orders investigation on MRT 3 deal MANILA - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered an investigation on top executives of the Department of Transportation and Communications for allegedly entering into an anomalous maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit 3. It said nearly two dozen people are being investigated and among them were DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, for mer MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol III, DOTC Bids and Awards Committee members Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, Undersecretary Rene L i m c a o c o , Undersecretar y Rafael Antonio Santos and Assistant Secretar y Ildefonso Patdu, Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin, and LRTA Administrator Honorito Chaneco; members of the Negotiating Team Misael Narca, Engr. Joel Magbanua, Arnel Manresa, Natividad Sansolis, Engr. Gina Rodriguez, Eugene Cecilio, Engr. Raphael Lavides, Atty. Geronimo Quintos; and representatives from the joint venture of the Philippine Trans Rail Management and Services Corporation- Comm Builders and Technology Philippines Corporation Wilson De Vera, Arturo Soriano, Marlo Dela Cruz, Manolo Maralit and Federico Remo. Additionally, Vitangcol, De Vera, Soriano, Dela Cr uz, Maralit and Remo face a separate set of charges for violations of Sections 3(e) and 3(h) of R.A. No. 3019, and violation of Section 65(c)(1) of Republic Act No. 9184 (Gover nment Procurement Reform Act). Aside from the criminal charges, the Ombudsman said administrative charges for Grave
Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, have also been filed against Abaya, Lotilla, Limcaoco, Santos, Patdu, Lantin, Chaneco, Narca, Magbanua, Manresa, Sansolis, Rodriguez, Cecilio, Lavides, Quintos including Arturo Soriano who is now Provincial Accountant of the province of Pangasinan. The complaint filed by the Field Investigation Office alleges that a maintenance agreement for the trains was entered into in December 1997 between the MRT Corporation as facility owner and the Sumitomo Corporation for its safe and proper operations, including the provision for labor and supervision. The original maintenance agreement between MRTC and Sumitomo expired on June 21, 2010 and had undergone four extensions until October 2012. Documents gathered by Ombudsman investigators showed that 15 days prior to the expiration of the last extension, the BAC adopted a resolution undertaking the procurement of an interim maintenance provider for six months and to negotiate its terms and conditions. In October 2012, the Negotiating Team recommended that the project be awarded to PH Trams - CB&T joint venture in the amount of US$1.15 million monthly. And on October 20, 2012, the project was awarded to PH Trams - CB&T without public bidding. The field investigators also found no emergency situation that would justify the negotiated procurement, given that as early as 2010 the MRTC transferred the responsibility for the procurement of the technical maintenance to the
DOTC. Records from the Securities and Exchange Commission reveal that PH Trams was barely two months old when the project was awarded, having been incorporated only on 06 August 2012 with a paid-up capital of only P625,000. National Statistics Office records also established that Vintangcol is related by affinity to PH Trams incorporator Arturo Soriano, being his uncle-in-law. The complaint adds that as early as October 1, 2012, Sumitomo wrote DOTC regarding the technically critical issues that require urgent and immediate action focusing on parts shortage in the automated fare collection system, signaling system, and passenger overload. Joint venture member CB&T also has a separate criminal case pending with the Office of the Ombudsman for underdelivery of labor input required in the LRT Line 1 system. It will be recalled that in June 2014, preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication were also initiated against Vitangcol and De Vera for Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, and violations of Section 3 (b) of R.A. No. 3019 and Section 7(d) of R.A. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), in connection with the P3.76 billion MRT3 Capacity Expansion Project, wherein Inekon Group CEO and Chairman Josef Husek and Czech Ambassador Joseph Rychtar allege that Vitangcol and De Vera attempted to extort money in exchange for the service and maintenance contract.
Oct. 6-12, 2014
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NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE DAVID C. ANG Pursuant to the provision of Sec. 1 of Rule 74 of the Rules of Court, notice is hereby given that the Estate of the late DAVID C. ANG, who died on July 22, 2014, in Mandaluyong City, was extra-judicially settled in a public document executed by his heirs on September 13, 2014, before Atty. Ernesto S. Go, a notary public for and in the City of Zamboanga and entered into his Notarial Register as Doc. No. 43; Page No. 9; Book No. 57; Series of 2014.
HEIRS OF DAVID C. ANG BY: DOMINIQUE JEANNE TE ANG Daughter
PICE Awarded ISO 9001:2008 Certification – Highest Recognition for Quality Management
Arrested 'Acetylene Gang' members. (Rose Muneza)
Manila-based ‘acetylene gang’ members arrested POLICE and soldiers arrested 8 members of the so-called “Acetylene Gang” at a checkpoint in Tacurong City in southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said a .45-caliber pistol was also seized from those arrested who were mostly operating in Manila. They are being investigated by the police to determine if they were involved in burglaries in South Cotabato province and nearby areas.Those arrested were identified as Elvis Lawe,
52; Jonathan Cabradilla, 31; Christopher Tayao, 23; Palog Apalet, 43; Allan Dawan, 28; Rodolfo Nasapne, 28; Jun Ramos, 35; and Dario Payanyo, 31. Police said it also confiscated from the group various drilling equipment and an acetylene cylinder they use in cutting through steel. The men were travelling in a van when stopped by the police and soldiers. Superintendent Junny Buenacosa, the city police
chief, and Chief Inspector Joan Maganto, of the South Cotabato police force, said they are still verifying reports about the involvement of the gang in several burglary cases. Gang members usually rent a house or room near pawnshops or other commercial establishments and secretly dig their way through, sometimes in underground canal and flood way, and steal whatever they can. (Rose Muneza)
THE PHILIPPINE Institute of Civil Engineers announced that it has successfully achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification for its quality management system. This recognition from the International Organization for Standardization validates that PICE’s quality processes and systems meet specific criteria for ensuring consistent and continuously improving quality systems that fulfill stakeholders’ requirements. “We are pleased to achieve this internationally known recognition for our quality systems and processes. PICE's commitment to the ISO 9001:2008 framework demonstrates quality is our priority, from processes to support and services delivery. Our members can be confident that we will work even harder to exceed their quality expectations and continue to analyze and improve our processes,” Engr.
David G. Sanchez, PICE president, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. To maintain its certification, PICE has committed to continuously assess its quality management systems and processes and undergo follow-up audits annually. “In PICE, we take the ISO standards very seriously and have instilled the ISO 9001 requirements into our everyday processes,” Sanchez said. As part of a family of standards overseen by this international organization, ISO 9001:2008 sets out the criteria for a company’s quality management system, and includes a strong customer focus, involvement of top management and a process for continuous improvement. The ISO standards are recognized in nearly 200 countries around the world. “PICE underwent an extensive audit of its quality
management practices in light of these ISO requirements. The audit showed that the organization fulfilled the requirements of and applies a quality management system for professional civil engineers registration, administration and operations. The organization was commended for its high performance, processes, and comprehensive KPI evaluation. Therefore receiving this certification is of great importance not only to us, but also to our members”, explains Engr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, PICE National Director and ISO Committee Chairman said in the same statement. The ISO 9001:2008 certificate was officially awarded to the PICE by Tristan Arwen Loveres, Chief Operating Officer, TUV Rheinland Philippines during the PICE ISO Success Celebration held recently at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 6-12, 2014
Breast Cancer FAQs: Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer? Exercise boosts the immune system and helps you to keep your weight in check. With as little as three hours of exercise per week, or about 30 minutes a day, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer. This doesn’t require going to a gym either. Power walking is more than sufficient! Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer? A nutritious, low-fat diet (30 grams or less) with plenty of fruits and green and orange vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet increases the risk because fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth. Does smoking cause breast cancer? Smoking is a confirmed risk factor for many types of cancer. Recent research in the last year (2012) has confirmed that smoking is a contributing risk factor for developing breast cancer. Additionally, second hand smoke is also a risk factor for cancer. So if you are a smoker, help yourself in a significant way and join a smoking
cessation program to help you stop. The day you stop smoking the healing can begin and each week in which you are smoke-free, you give yourself increasing advantages for a healthier life. Smoking also directly contributes to heart and other lung diseases, too. Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer? Moderation is key. One drink per day has been shown to slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Having more than one drink per day has shown to be a more significant risk factor, and the alcohol content doesn’t matter: wine, beer or a mixed drink. Alcohol also increases estrogen in your bloodstream. Although we know that more than one drink per day increases risks, to date there are no studies that demonstrate directly that the more a person drinks, the greater their risk for cancer. And in some cases, drinking one glass of wine a day can offer hearthealth benefit. If you drink alcohol, this is an important topic to discuss with your doctor so that you will know what limits are best for you to observe. Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
There is an increased risk of breast cancer for women who have been using birth control pills for more than five years. However due to the low amount of hormones in birth control pills today, the risk is relatively small. But if a young woman has a significant family history of breast cancer, her gynecologist may recommend taking a break for a year from the pill at the 5-year time frame then resuming again for another 5 years. Although evidence-based research data does not offer strong support for this standard of care, it has nevertheless become an increasingly common practice. Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer? Yes, there is. HRT was added to the carcinogenic list by the American Cancer Society in the early 2000s. It is recommended that women with known risks not be placed on HRT to control of menopausal symptoms. They should instead seek other safer alternatives. How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)? Give yourself a breast self-exam once a month. Look for any changes in breast tissue, such as changes in size, feeling a
palpable lump, dimpling or puckering of the breast, inversion of the nipple, redness or scaliness of the breast skin, redness or scaliness of the nipple/areola area, or discharge of secretions from the nipple. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. Though 8 out of 10 lumps are benign, all require evaluation to confirm that they are not cancerous. Women should perform their breast self exam 7-10 days after their menstrual period starts which is also when their breasts are the least tender and lumpy. If they are no longer menstruating, then she should select the same day of the month (first of the month for example) and mark it on the calendar to remind herself when to perform this self exam. What to look for is a change from last month’s exam to this month’s exam. It is not unusual to have lumpy or bumpy breasts. All women should know the geography of their own breasts. If having trouble remembering, draw a diagram of where the lumps, bumps, grooves, and other findings are felt so that this can be used as a reminder from month to month.
There is no added value in doing breast self exams more often than monthly. Also the findings may be different as well, in relationship to where a woman is in her menstrual cycle. Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk? Although women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. Statistically only 510% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease. Are mammograms painful? Mammography does compress the breasts and can sometimes cause slight discomfort for a very brief period of time. Patients who are sensitive should schedule their mammograms a week after their menstrual cycle so that the breasts are less tender. Your doctor may say it is fine to take acetaminophen an hour before the x-ray is performed to prevent discomfort too. How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks? Women who began their menstrual cycles before age 12, have no biological children, or had
their first child at 30 or older, or began menopause after 55 are at a higher risk. This means that research has proven that the number of menstrual cycles a woman has over time influences risk. How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up? You should have a physical every year which should include a clinical breast exam and pelvic exam. If any unusual symptoms or changes in your breasts occur before your scheduled visit, do not hesitate to see the doctor immediately. What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer? In 2012, some research studies have shown that factors such as traumatic events and losses can alter immune system functions, and when immune functions are altered cancer cells may have an opportunity to get themselves established within one’s body. What has been shown is that it is not the fact that a major life crisis has occurred but instead how the individual reacted to this event and coped (or didn’t cope). Therefore, identifying ways to keep your stress level in check is wise. (nationalbreastcancer.org)
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Oct. 6-12, 2014
Cebu observes 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'
Cebu province observes 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month,' an annual global campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.
Mandaue City honors oldest residents
T
he local government honored three centenarian residents here and awarded them with a plaque of appreciation and P50,000 each as financial assistance as Mandaue City in Cebu province celebrated the Elderly Filipino Week. Mayor Jonas Cortes led local officials in the awarding of the plaque held at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex which was attended by some 3,000 senior citizens from various organizations here. “Kamo kabahin sa greatest generation tungod kay nalagpasan ninyo ang daghang problema ug natukod ninyo ang mga pamilya bisan sa kalisod. Celebrating the Elderly Filipino Week is an opportunity to return to you - our elders - the sacrifices you’ve made, and the opportunity for us to show that all of you are still a big part of our productive community,” he told the elderly and their families.
Those honored were Cristita Velasquez del Mar, from Sitio Nawanao in Subangdaku. She was born on October 4, 1914 and the eldest daughter of Florencia and Tomas Velasquez. She was married to military man Pedro Suico del Mar whom she had 6 children. She now has ten grandchildren. “Mahilig ko og utan, dili ko masukanon, ang pag-ampo sa Ginoo gyud akong gisaligan (I used to eat vegetables, I don’t get easily angry, prayer to God is my ony weapon),” Cristita said when asked by journalists about her secret to long life. Her son, Amadeo, 60, said their mother is very lovable and selfless, adding, she would not eat her meal until all the siblings finished and that she prays every day before going to sleep. She also goes to church daily. The second centenarian, Serapio Lumapas, who hails from Casuntingan, was born on September 3, 1914. He was married to Quirina Flores and the couple had 7 children and
T Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and two of three centenarians who were awarded with a plaque and P50,000 each during the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week. 15 grandchildren. Serapio, a vegetarian, has difficulty talking and seldom speaks, according to one of his grandsons, Jake Montecillo, 31, who described his grandfather as business-minded who ran a small convenience store M.C. Briones Street with his wife, now deceased. Both Cristita and Serapio are 100 years old. And the third awardee was 106-year old Dolores Ermac, from Casuntingan. Her family said she was born
on April 5, 1908 and was married to Marcos, an electrician. Although she was not able to physically attend the awarding, Dolores was represented by her 51-year old daughter Emalinda Catal. “She still loves to talk and her favorite foods are vegetables and pork adobo,” Emalinda said of her mother, who now has 26 grandchildren, including a dozen great grandchildren. (Cebu Examiner, MNS)
Sibonga tops in cattle artificial insemination program
F
or eight years now, the municipality of Sibonga has maintained as the top producer of cattle using artificial insemination in Cebu province. It has so far produced at least 142 offspring and already hit its target of 72 heads for this year with a rating of 197% which is far more from what was expected from the artificial insemination program. The municipalities of Barili and Argao followed
ARMM
with 97 and 92 heads, respectively. There are now 47 of local government units who have availed of the program. Victorino Lañojan, Sibonga Municipal artificial insemination technician, said the successful program was started by the Provincial Government.“Dili na secreto, naa na sa mga demand sa among (It is not because of a secret but that is because of the demand of) artificial insemination services. I became an artificial insemination techni-
Cebu Bus Rapid System gets WB funding
cian ten years ago, ang mga resulta ra ang nanabi ug ang (it’s the result that markets itself and the) commitment to serve,” he said. Leonito Manzanades, Argao municipal artificial insemination technician, also said that their goal is to have all their breedable animals artificially inseminated to further increase their cattle production. Argao also is the only town in Cebu that assigned one artificial insemination technician for the production
Southern Mindanao
Davao
of carabaos. He said this is necessary as not all towns and cities are viable for carabao production, but artificial insemination services in carabaos have lower success rate. This is because the animal’s warmer body temperature destroys the semen before it can fertilize, he said. Carabao owners are advised to dip their animals first for hours in the water before insertion of semen to its reproductive gland. (Stanley Cin)
he Philippines received a new financial grant worth $141 million from the World Bank and is intended for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System. “Malugod na tinatanggap ng pamahalaan ang pag-apruba ng World Bank Board Executive Directors ng isang financing package na nagkakahalaga ng 141 milyong dolyar para sa pagpapatupad ng proyektong Cebu Bus Rapid Transit o CBRT,” a government spokesman Herminio Coloma said in a recent radio interview. He said the CBRT will run from the town of Bulacao to Talamba in Cebu City and is expected to deliver a fast, reliable, safe and climate-friendly transport system. “Ang nasabing financial package na kinabibilangan ng 116 milyong dolyar mula sa World Bank at 25 milyong dolyar mula sa Clean Techonology Fund ay gugugulin upang itatag ang isang dalawampu’t
Western Mindanao
Cebu
tatlong kilometrong rapid bus transit system sa siyudad ng Cebu,” Coloma said. The financial package includes the construction of transit ways, terminals, stations, depots and other facilities, according to Coloma, adding, the Aquino government will put in at least $87 million as counterpart funding. “Inaasahang mahigit sa tatlong daang libong pasahero ang makikinabang sa rapid bus transit system na ito araw-araw na naglalayong ibsan ang polusyon at tiyakin ang kaligtasan at ginhawa sa pagbabiyahe ng mga residente ng Cebu,” he said. “Ang CBRT ay isang sistema na nagtatampok ng pampasaherong bus na tumatakbo sa sarili at hiwalay na mga lanes at kayang magsakay nang higit na maraming manlalakbay kumpara sa ibang uri ng pamp u b l i k o n g transportasyon,” Coloma added.
Manila