On Sayaf Ransom: Show Proof! PAGE 2
U.S. Marine in transgender slay detained in Camp Aguinaldo
Military orders probe on ‘accidental’ deaths of 2 civilians
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
Groups say no to dirty coal-fired power plants
Drive Safely, Avoid Accidents
NPA rebels say military detains humanitarian aid worker
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
FOR SALE FORD Fiesta Sport 2011 P450,000
Call 0917-7103642 Zamboanga City Founded 2006
mindanaoexaminer.com
P10
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
hind the investment trading were able to secure a per mit for a business name and that succeeding permits carried various names of owners. The Securities and Exchange Commission had issued a public warning about the Ponzi scheme, but many investors simply ignored this after being told by the company that they would be paid on time. The Mindanao Examiner was the first to break the news about the scam after some investors complained that they failed to get back their capital. The scheme is named after Charles Ponzi, who became notorious for using the technique in 1920. His operation took
in so much money that it was the first to become known throughout the United States. Ponzi's original scheme was based on the arbitrage of international reply coupons for postage stamps; however, he soon diverted investors' money to make payments to earlier investors and himself. It was also the same scheme that American stock broker and investment advisor Bernard Lawrence Madoff – who was arrested in December 2008 - used to lure thousands of clients to invest in his scam. As much as $65 million dollars were believed lost to Madoff ’s scam. (Mindanao Examiner)
FOR ADVERTISEMENTS, PLEASE CALL (062) 9925480
‘Ponzi King’ Philippines, Malaysia in tug-of-war over big time scam suspect Manuel Amalilio
M
anila and K u a l a Lumpur is in a tug-ofwar over a Malaysian fugitive who is wanted in the Philippines for large scale swindling and estafa. Scam suspect Manuel Amalilio was arrested in 2013 in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah for using falsified passport after fleeing from the Philippines following the collapse of his company Aman Futures. Amalilio was arrested after some of his Filipino victims caught up with him in Kota Kinabalu where he was trying to negotiate with them to pay back their
investments. He was recently released from jail and Malaysia said it will not hand over the fugitive to Philippine authorities because both countries have no extradition treaty. Amalilio introduced himself in Mindanao as a Malaysian businessman who was into stock trading and money markets and is being accused as behind the P12-billion Ponzi scheme in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province and other parts of the Metro Manila. He operated in Mindanao with his Filipino accomplices who were also arrested and facing criminal charges.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said they will try to convince Malaysia to hand over Amalilio so he can be tried in the Philippines. De Lima had previously sent a team of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents in Sabah to bring Amalilio back to the Philippines to face criminal charges, but Malaysia refused to hand over the fugitive. One of his victims in Pagadian, Jerome Luega, said the scam duped thousands of people and affected the local economy. “Many people were affected by this scam. It destroyed the lives of many people who were victimized by
Pagadian City coast. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Amalilio's scam. We like to see him jailed here in Pagadian so can stand trial and pay his crimes.” “We know that there is no way we can get back our investments, but to see Amalilio in jail gives us a sense of justice,” Jerome Luega, whose family invested in Aman Futures, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Investors said they put so much money into the trade after its Amalilio promised to pay them as much as 50% profit in just two weeks. The investment trading began in February 2012 in Pagadian City and news of its highyield, high-profit spread like wildfire and attracted even street hawkers and tricycle drivers who poured their hardearned savings into what they believed was an overseas stock and money trading. During the first weeks of its operation, investors were paid at least 31% and profits increased to 50% in the succeeding weeks – luring not only ordinary citizens, but politicians as well. The Department of Trade said the people be-
Manuel Amalilio
New act proposed to better combat terrorism in Malaysia
T
he Home Ministry has proposed the creation of a new act to replace the existing laws to combat terrorism more effectively, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the proposed new act would further strengthen the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and the Pre-
ARMM
vention of Crime Act. "Such a new act would not only further facilitate the fight against terrorism but would also enable early measures to be taken to prevent the recruitment of volunteer militants." Ahmad Zahid said this at a news conference after attending the Gempur Magic programme organised by the Selangor Youth Council and National Civics
Bureau at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He said the spread of Islamic militant activities to this country must be stemmed immediately, what more with the attempts by militant groups to recruit school students for such activities through the social websites. The minister said there would be continuous monitoring of social websites by the Malay-
Southern Mindanao
Davao
sian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the social media monitoring units of the Royal Malaysian Police and Malaysian Ar med Forces to curb militant activities. He said there would also be sharing of information with the MAF if there were militant training nests for recruits detected. "We are confident of arresting more people
and gathering information which all this while was very much needed to ensure that Malaysia is not turned into a training ground by militant groups for jihadists to be sent to fight in Syria, Iraq and other turbulent countries." He also said that hopefully, the meeting between the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front could resolve prob-
Western Mindanao
Cebu
lems in the southern Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, thus also checking the recruitment of future jihadists there. On the United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur reportedly putting pressure on Malaysia to repeal the Sedition Act 1948, Ahmad Zahid said the US should respect Malaysia's political and legal systems. (Bernama)
Manila
2
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
SHOW PROOF! Military dares anyone to come out and show proof ransom was paid to Abu Sayyaf President Benigno Aquino during the FOCAP forum held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City. (Photo by Michael Rey Baniquet)
Aquino renews commitment to stop media killings
MANILA - President Benigno Aquino again said his administration will continue to work to stop attacks on members of the press until this number reaches zero. Speaking to members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Aquino said things have changed since the martial law years, as the country has returned to democratic rule. "We no longer live in a country where the media is muzzled, or where the government tries to impose its will on journalists," he said. He said his administration has been in active pursuit of all those who have committed extralegal killings, including those involving media, and the public can already see the effects of the government’s efforts. "We have made highprofile arrests, recently, most prominently that of retired (army) Major General Jovito Palparan for alleged violations of human rights," Aquino said. He said there is also a significant reduction of recorded or validated extralegal killings, from a total of 168 during the Arroyo government to 42 in the four years of the present administration. "Indeed, one could consider this as progress, but make no mistake (because) our administration will not be content until this number reaches zero," he said. Aquino, in turn, requested the press to protect the truth. "As we continue our efforts to bring to justice all those who have resorted to violence or intimidation to skew or hide the truth, my only request is that the media fulfill its obligation of protecting the truth as well," he said. He also expressed hope that in making their news reports, the press would exert more effort in defining the problem and describing the situation accurately. "If there was a crime commit-
ted, for instance, then media men must be clear about the facts, and the motivations of the culprits to solve the problem," he said. He also acknowledged that the media are part and parcel of society, and press people must always tell the truth. "That role also means accurately representing the national condition by striking a healthy balance between the positive and the negative," he said. Aquino also proposed to the members of the press a paradigm shift, saying they could continue criticizing the government but must provide the people uplifting news as well. "Back then, media taking an adversarial role to government was a symbol of bravery, social responsibility. It was a badge of honor, and rightfully so," he said. He, however, observed that despite the return of democracy and freedom of the press in the country, some veteran journalists have maintained their jaundiced eyes towards government. Aquino did not name these journalists, but he said this attitude is no longer compatible with the times, noting that while it is incumbent on the press to tell the truth, it also needs to strike a healthy balance between the positive and the negative news. "Negativism has driven some members of our media for far too long, and it might one day convince our people that a disproportionate amount of national events are negative; that all is lost and it is foolish to hope," he said. "By all means, criticize; dialogue has, in many cases, helped accelerate our nation’s development. My only suggestion is for you to make room in your reports for hope. After all, it is also one of the tasks of media to inspire our countrymen with uplifting news." Aquino said there is no shortage of positive and inspiring news in the country, citing the Mindanao peace
THE PHILIPPINE military has strongly insisted that no ransom was paid for the release of two German nationals kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf and dared anybody to come up with evidence that ransom had been paid to militants in Sulu province. Abu Sayyaf spokesman, Aboo Rami, told Radio Mindanao Network in Zamboanga City, that they freed the two German yachters - Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and Henrike Diesen, 55 – on October 17 after receiving the ransom. The Abu Sayyaf demanded P250 million ransoms from Germany in exchange for the freedom of the hostages. The duo was heading to Sabah in Malaysia on a private yacht from a holiday in Palawan province when militants who were returning to the southern Philippines from a failed kidnapping in Sabah spotted the Germans and seized them on April 25. Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, a military spokesman, insisted the foreigners were freed by their kidnappers due to pressure exerted by security forces – a line which the military have used many times in previous release of foreign hostages by the Abu Sayyaf. “Just wondering if anyone here personally saw the P250 Million cold cash in the hands of Abu Sayyaf? Let's not believe the word of Abu Rami as if he is Jesus Christ. Di na natin mababawi ang ating pinagsasabi kung mali tayo. Unless, may magsabi dito saksi sya mismo nag abot si Mr You ng pera kay Mr Abu, walang nakakasiguro,” he said in a reaction to Facebook commentaries by “netizens” on the reported payment of ransoms to the Abu Sayyaf. Sources in Sulu said a private jet delivered 12 trolprocess and the performance of the economy as examples. "Rest assured, the government will do everything in its power to produce even more of these developments to report," he said, appealing to the media to give these stories "their time in the sun." "Even as you retain a sharp critical eye… still look to inspire and encourage our people along the path to progress," he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Cops rescue Pagadian teeners from karaoke house PAGADIAN CITY – Police rescued 6 people, mostly teenagers, who were recruited to work in a karaoke house in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said the teenagers, who are residents of
Pagadian City, were recovered at the bar owned by Gloria Pacatang and Sita Mandano in the town of Pitogo. The parents of one of the teenagers sought the help of the police after learning their daughter, along with the others, were
lured to work in Pitogo town without their consent. The rescued victims were handed to municipal social workers for counseling before being reunited with their families. Police are investigating the recruiter of the teenagers. (Mindanao Examiner)
ley bags containing ransoms in Jolo and that several bags full of money had been left in the plane. Cabunoc branded the Abu Sayyaf statement as “propaganda” and even cited allegations in the past against the military that it delivered ransom to the militant group to buy the freedom of hostages in Basilan province in 2001. He said the military does not negotiate with terrorists. “Well, I’m used to shooting terrorists. We don't negotiate with those bastards when I was in the frontline. Soldiers like me have died fighting these bandits. Masakit din sa kalooban namin kung gawan ng kwentong ganyan. Kasuhan nyo kung sino may kasalanan. Kahit naman siguro kayo, kung nahuhusgahan sa social media ay di rin matutuwa kung pagtatawanan. Patas lang po. Tinatawanan din tayo ng mga Abu Sayyaf at ng mga kurakot at tiwali na dahilan di maubos ubos ang mga iyan,” said Cabunoc, who was previously assigned in Basilan where he fought the Abu Sayyaf. It was unknown what role the military played in the ransom negotiations, but Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, a spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said: “The AFP has no information on that (ransom payments) but suffice to say that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other security forces do not and will not negotiate with terrorists
and kidnappers.” The release of the Germans came hours after security forces launched an operation in an effort to capture Abu Sayyaf militants holding foreign hostages in Sulu. Officials said police and military, armed with arrest warrants, are presently intensifying law enforcement operations against the Abu Sayyaf, which recently pledged allegiance to ISIS. Officials also said troops have recovered abandoned encampments in Sulu’s Patikul town used by the Abu Sayyaf in hiding the German hostages. It was unknown why the military failed to take immediate actions against the Abu Sayyaf shortly after the release of the Germans and this gave the militants ample time to split into several groups and escaped despite the thousands of troops that surrounded their lairs. The military also kept the Sulu crisis committee and provincial leaders in the dark and was not even informed about the release of the hostages. The Germans were recovered by policemen near a checkpoint, but were immediately taken away by soldiers and brought to a military camp in Jolo town. The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) which formed a special adhoc crisis committee headed by Governor Toto Tan was not even informed by the military of the release of the hostages and no security officials have briefed the PPOC about it.
The military said the Abu Sayyaf gunmen are hiding in civilian communities and have moved their hostages from different hideouts and making it extremely difficult for security forces to track them down of rescue them. Another Abu Sayyaf faction also threatened to kill Malaysian fish breeder Chan Sai Chuin, 32, who was kidnapped along with a Filipino worker on June 16 this year from a fish farm in the town of Kunak in Tawau District. The militants are demanding 3 million ringgits (P41 million) for the safe release of the fish breeder. It is also holding captive a Malaysian policeman Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26, who was seized on June 12 also this year following a clash in Sabah that killed another policeman. The militants are demanding 5 million ringgits (P68.3 million) The Abu Sayyaf is also holding 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 in 2012. The Abu Sayyaf group now has hundreds of members in the southern Philippines, particularly in the Muslim autonomous region. The military failed to stop the growing influence and violent campaigns of the militant group because it did not sustain the combat operations needed to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf in the restive region. The US military is assisting the local military in anti-terrorism operation against the Abu Sayyaf, which previously attacked and killed American soldiers in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner)
Office Space For Rent Right in downtown Zamboanga City For more inquiries Call: 0929-2189937
3
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
Farmers begin campaign to complete agrarian reform program
A Philippine military photo shows AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio P Catapang, Jr., giving orders to his staff officers in Camp Aguinaldo headquarters.
U.S. Marine in transgender slay detained in Camp Aguinaldo MANILA – A US marine accused in the killing of a Filipino transgender has been transferred to a detention facility inside the main headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina is being suspected of killing the 26year old Jeffrey Laude inside Celzone Lodge on October 11. Laude's body was found inside the bathroom with his head slumped in the toilet bowl and believed to have been strangled to death. President Benigno Aquino III said Pemberton will undergo a preliminary investigation and will not be accorded special treatment. “He is not being treated with kid gloves and the Americans - may I reiterate - are conforming to the treaty wherein they have to make this person and others available for both the in-
vestigative and the judicial processes that are forthcoming,” Aquino said. The Philippine military said Pemberton remains in the custody of the U.S. as written in the Visiting Forces Agreement. Local authorities and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service are jointly investigating the killing. “The AFP merely provides a detention facility as agreed by both U.S. and Philippine government. Also, the AFP provides security augmentation at the facility. He will stay at this facility while the preliminary investigation is ongoing,” said AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. Pemberton, who is part of the U.S. contingent holding a joint military exercises in the Philippines, is being guarded inside a refrigerated bulk container. Herminio Coloma, a government spokesman, said Manila and Washington will follow the provisions of the VFA in seeking
justice for Laude’s murder. The VFA contains specific provisions on the legal processes to ensure that justice will prevail, he said. Coloma cited Article 5 of the VFA on criminal jurisdiction that the “Philippine authorities shall have jurisdiction over United States personnel with respect to offenses committed within the Philippines and punishable under the law of the Philippines.” He said Article 5, Paragraph 6 also states that the “custody of any United States personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with United States military authorities, if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.” The U.S. Embassy said: “The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation.” (Mindanao Examiner)
DO Y OU WANT T O YOU TO HA VE Y OUR O WN NEWSLETTER? HAVE YOUR OWN Are you in a corporation, a company, a club or organization, a school or institution, church or religious group, in government or cooperative? Make your own NEWSLETTER now! Why send your press releases when you can have your own NEWSLETTER just like this NEWSPAPER? No more expensive magazines as your quarterly or monthly NEWSLETTER when you can have a cheaper alternative just like this NEWSPAPER! Mindanao Examiner Productions offer NEWSLETTER printing at a very low price. And it comes with FREE LAYOUT and we can even make a digital copy of your NEWSLETTER also for FREE! We will also assist you in editing your articles for FREE! For inquiry, call us now at (062) 992-5480 or 0917-7103642 or email us at mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
BACOLOD CITY - Hundreds of farmers belonging to national peasant federation Task Force Mapalad kicked off a series of campaigns for the continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with implementation reforms. The campaign is part of a nationwide drive to push Congress and the present administration to speed up and complete the distribution of all agricultural landholdings to landless tillers nationwide before President Benigno Aquino steps down from office in June 2016. Dubbed “Pangatok sa Puertahan Sang Congressmen,” the Negros Occidental leg of the campaign was launched October 20 with TFM farmers’ march starting from the Bacolod Capitol to the residences and district offices of members of the House of Representatives in the province and a door-todoor delivery of appeal letters to the lawmakers to vote for the immediate passage of House Bill 4296 and House Bill 4375. House Bill 4296 seeks to renew the Department of Agrarian Reform’s authority to issue notices of coverage and provide funding for agricultural landholdings that have not yet been placed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). The HB 4296 was certi-
fied as urgent by Aquino four months ago but has not yet been passed by the House on third and final reading. The Senate has already done its part by approving last September its counterpart Senate Bill 2278 authored by Sen. Gregorio Honasan. House Bill 4375 seeks to create an independent Agrarian Reform Commission with legal powers of subpoena and contempt that would review the actual accomplishment of CARP and investigate circumvention and violations of the CARP Law. The same proposed measure would protect the interest of farmer-beneficiaries by compulsorily acquiring and distributing agricultural landholdings found to have circumvented the program. The HB 4375 was only passed by the House on second reading and needs a counterpart bill from the Senate. “Sa kabila ng sobrang paghihirap na aming dinaranas dahilan sa kawalan ng karapatang ariin ang lupang aming pinagyaman at magtamasa ng bunga ng aming pinaghirapan ay hindi pa rin po kami nawawalan ng pagasa. Ito po ay dahil sa alam naming may mga mambabatas na katulad n’yo na magtatanggol sa aming karapatan,” reads a portion of the letter that was delivered to Bacolod Rep. Evelio
Leonardia and Negros Occidental 4th District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer. “Ang pagsang-ayon po ninyo at pagboto na maaprubahan ang House Bill 4296 na inihain nina Congressman Teddy Baguilat and Cresente Paez at House Bill 4375 na inihain nina Congresswoman Kaka Bagao at Leni Robredo ay isang napakalaking hakbang po para matupad ang aming pangarap na ariin ang lupang aming sinasaka,” TFM told the lawmakers in the appeal letters. The farmers will deliver the same letters either to the residences or district offices of the following Negros representatives: Franz Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District); George Arnaiz (Negros Oriental, 2nd District); Alfredo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District); Leo Rafael Cueva (Negros Occ., 2nd District); Manuel Iway (Negros Or., 1st District); Julio Ledesma IV (Negros Occ., 1st District); Alejandro Mirasol (Negros Occ., 5th District); Pryde Henry Teves (Negros Or., 3rd District); and Mercedes Alvarez (Negros Or., 3rd District). Also, a separate letter with the same appeal was sent by the Social Action Center-Diocese of Bacolod to the same Negros lawmakers, which was signed by the SAC’s Director Fr. Ernie Larida.
4
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
Politician implicated in murder of journalist surrenders, denies all allegations
Todo-bantay ang sundalo at parak sa isang checkpoint sa Cotabato City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Droga nasabat sa Cotabato checkpoint COTABATO CITY – Hawak ng mga awtoridad ngayon ang tatlong katao matapos silang mahulihan ng mahigit sa isang kilong shabu sa checkpoint sa Cotabato City. Nadakip umano ang tatlo na sakay ng isang truck nitong Oktubre 20 ng gabi matapos na makatanggap ng impormasyon ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency na may kargang droga ang sasakyan. Hindi pinangalanan ng PDEA ang mga suspek dahil may
follow up operations pa ito. Hindi naman sinabi ng PDEA kung saan galing at patungo ang naturang droga at patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa mga suspek. Nabatid na kabilang sa iniimbestigahan ay magasawa, subali’t walang impormasyon kung ang mga ito ba ay drug dealer or courier ng isang drug syndicate. Kasama ang pulisya ng Cotabato sa naturang operasyon ng PDEA. (Mindanao Examiner)
Security forces capture bomber COTABATO CITY - Combined security forces in Maguindanao arrested a suspected bomber belonging to jihadist Khilafah Islamiyah Movement (KIM) with a P1.3 million bounty on his head. Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, police chief in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, identified the suspect as Abi Salman alias Sauman Usman and Nanam. Delos Reyes said the suspect is believed to be a nephew of most wanted Abdul Basit Usman, who has ties with Southeast Asian terror organization Jema’ah Islamiyah ( JI), citing intelligence reports. Salman sustained a wound in the right thigh when he resisted and tried to grab the M-16 rifle of one of the arresting operatives. He was brought to a hospital and was expected to be transferred to Manila on Wednesday. The suspect was arrested based on a warrant issued by Judge Rogelio R. Narisma of Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in Kidapawan City on February 9, 2009 for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and attempted murder.
Operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Intelligence Group, PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion and Maguindanao Police Provincial Office took part in the operation. According to intelligence community, the suspect is a member of KIM and JI. He also joined the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. KIM also known as Khilafah Islamiyah Mindanao-Black Flag Movement is striving for an establishment of an Islamic caliphate in the country and is linked to bombings in North and Central Mindanao. The KIM and BIFF along with Abu Sayyaf and Basit Usman’s group have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State that had established an Islamic caliphate or Khilafah Islamiyah in Iraq and Syria. Three months ago, the same lead group who arrested Salman, also successfully seized suspected KIM member Saad Giad, who is connected with AlKhobar Group and wanted for string of kidnapping cases in Central Mindanao. (Moh Saaduddin)
For all your publications and advertisements in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur, please call Richard Suarez 062-2142706 and 0910-7348600
DAVAO CITY - The local chapter of the National Union of Journalist in the Philippines welcomed the surrender of former Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas who is being accused in the murder of journalist Nestor Bedolido in 2010. Cagas, accompanied by his lawyers and supporters, surrendered to the police and denied all accusations against him. “This is, indeed, a positive development in the quest for justice for our fellow journalist, Bedolido. Governor Cagas, despite being implicated in Bedolido’s murder, continue to maintain his inno-
cence and he has his day in court to prove that he has nothing to do with the killing. Though Cagas’ surrender does not mean guilt on his part but we should keep an eye on the case to ensure that justice would be served for our slain colleague and the guilty should be punished,” the media watch dog said in a statement. The NUJP urged journalists and media workers to remain vigilant and follow the progress of the Bedolido case. Bedolido, who was 50 years old when killed by motorcycle gunmen, worked as a consultant for the weekly tabloid
Kastigador. He was fatally shot along Quezon Avenue in Digos City on June 19, 2010. Television network GMA 7 also reported that Cagas maintained his innocence and this is the reason why he submitted to the authorities. Quoting a report from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), GMA 7 said Bedolido, who previously worked for a provincial magazine of Cagas, transferred to the Mt. Apo Current magazine which was allegedly controlled by the political rival of the former governor.
It said the alleged gunman, Voltaire Mirafuentes, surrendered to the police in October 2010 and implicated Cagas, but prosecutors said testimony was not admissible as evidence in court. A witness to the murder, Ritchie Manapol, pointed to Mirafuentes as the gunman, but he was also shot in Davao City. According to CMFR, Cagas was cleared by the Prosecutor General and Investigating Prosecutor, but Justice Secretary Leila de Lima reversed the resolutions. (Mindanao Examiner, with additional reports from GMA 7, NUJP and CMFR.)
Military orders probe on ‘accidental’ deaths of 2 civilians THE PHILIPPINE military ordered an investigation into accusations by the communist rebel group New People’s Army that soldiers murdered 2 tribesmen in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao. Roel Agustin, a rebel spokesman, accused the 66th Infantry Battalion as behind the murder of farmer Rolando Dagansan, 43, and son Juda, 15, in New Bataan town on October 12. He said the two victims belonged to the Mandaya tribe. “The two Mandaya lumads came from harvesting corn in their farm in Kabityan and were on their way to their home in Taytayan at 3 a.m. when soldiers attacked them. Their bodies were badly disfigured with so many gunshot wounds and their heads were defaced while Rolando’s arm was amputated. They were killed by a ruthless Army unit who concealed its fascist operations by using as pretext a purported medical mission in Manurigao.” “Thus, it is only fitting that the tactical offensives launched by the New People’s Army Comval Davao East Coast Sub-Regional Command on that same day is revolutionary justice for the Dagansans and other victims of military fascism, like Gregorio Amancio who was killed by the 66th Infantry Battalion inside his house last July 19 also in New Bataan town,” he said. Because of the killings, Agustin said rebel forces ambushed members of the 66th Infantry Battalion in the town of New Bataan and that another NPA unit also attacked soldiers from the 67th Infantry Battalion in Baganga town in nearby Davao Oriental and in Trento town in Agusan del Sur province and killing 7 infantrymen. He said the rebels also seized several weapons from the army units. The military branded the killings of the 2 civilians as “accidental death.”
Army Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad has directed the 10th Infantry Division to conduct full investigation on the reported accidental death of 2 civilians. He said the military and police will jointly investigate the killings. He quoted Baladad as saying that the Eastern Mindanao Command will not tolerate any violations of human rights committed by the soldiers and directed all military commanders to strictly follow the rules of engagement and the protection of human rights in the conduct of combat and non-combat operations in the region. “We enlisted the support of the police in the conduct of investigation to ensure transparency and credibility of the result of the investigation,” Baladad said. Caber said Lt. Col. Michael Logico, commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion, has extended initial assistance to Dangasan family and that he will fully cooperate in the conduct of the investigation ordered by Baladad. Agustin said rebel
forces would continue offensive operations in the southern region, a known communist strong hold in southern Philippines. He also dismissed military pronouncement that many provinces were liberated from communist control or influence. “The NPA’s offensives give lie to the AFP’s pronouncement that the fascist troops are already done in clearing Davao Oriental and some parts of Compostela Valley of the revolutionary movement. Red fighters have engaged the 67th Infantry Battalion four times in Baganga, once in Trento in Agusan del Sur; another in Compostela, and conducted three sniping operations and one harassment operations, all resulting to platoon-sized fatalities and platoonsized casualties against the AFP unit over the last few months,” Agustin said. “The AFP is daydreaming if it can obliterate the NPA and stifle strong opposition of revolutionary forces and the masses against large-scale mining. As more army battalions are poured in the impoverished and typhoon-ravaged areas of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental under the (anti-insurgency campaign) Oplan
Bayanihan, the people's army escalates further its tactical offensives. Likewise, the revolutionary masses are ever prepared to intensify the people’s war against a fascist, corrupt and hated U.S.Aquino regime,” he added. The rebels are also holding two army soldiers - Privates Marnel Cinches and Jerrel Yurong – who are members of the 8th Infantry Battalion. Both Cinches and Yurong were unarmed and on their way to the village of Buntungon in Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon province, also in southern Philippines, when rebels captured them on August 22 and declared the pair as prisoners of war. Baladad earlier ordered security forces to pursue the rebels who are holding the two soldiers. The military said the NPA has kidnapped at least 21 soldiers the past four years in eastern Mindanao alone and used them as political propaganda. The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. The armed conflict in the Philippines is the longestrunning communist insurgency in the world. (Mindanao Examiner)
5
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
Groups say no to dirty coal-fired power plants
Poor children sell fish to help their family earn a living in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Study shows child poverty in Philippines on the rise MANILA - Despite the country's economic gains in recent years, the number of children living in poverty in the Philippines has continued to go up, according to a study released by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The PIDS study titled "Child Poverty in the Philippines" also warned that population growth, the lack of inclusivity of economic growth and the country's exposure to natural calamities will worsen child poverty in the next few years. The PIDS said there were already about 13.4 million Filipino children living in poverty in 2009. "This number represents 36 percent or more than one-third of all Filipino children aged below 18. Being poor, they suffer from deprivations of food, shelter, health and education," said Dr. Celia Reyes, PIDS senior
research fellow and lead author of the study. Reyes said around 10 million children of those living in poverty face at least two overlapping types of severe deprivation of basic amenities while an estimated 750,000 face at least five kinds of deprivation simultaneously. The PIDS study said there were around 4 million children who did not have access to sanitary toilet facilities while 4 million did not have access to safe water. Another 260,000 kids did not have decent shelter. "There were 1.4 million children living in informal settlements, 6.5 million did not have access to electricity in their homes, and 3.4 million did not have means to access information," Reyes said. In the last 10 years, the study noted the percentage of students who were able to complete elementary and
secondary levels has hardly improved. "Largely because of poverty, 5.5 million children are forced to work in 2011 to augment family income. These children are unable to pursue their education and this affects their ability to find better work opportunities in the future," said Reyes. PIDS said poverty in the country is largely a rural phenomenon. The study estimates that three out of four children from income poor families while eight of 10 who are severely deprived of safe water and sanitary toilet are found in rural areas. Zamboanga Peninsula and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in southern Philippines and Eastern Visayas in central Philippines were identified by the study as the regions where the condition of children is "dismal" in many aspects. (Xinhua)
MANILA - Environmental group Philippine Movement for Climate Justice has vowed more mass actions against dirty coal-fired power plants in the country and strongly criticized President Benigno Aquino for insisting on seeking emergency power to address a perceived shortage of electricity next year. "The President does not need the emergency power he seek. That is why we are taking to the streets to register our resistance against coal and emergency powers. This is the message of the National Day of Action against Coal, our contribution to Reclaim Power, the global call to ban dirty energy projects which greatly contribute to climate change," said Gerry Arances, PMCJ national coordinator. He said this year's action is wider in spread and deeper in depth compared to last year's National Day of Action against Coal in the Philippines. In the National Capital Region, he said climate activists walked from Plaza Miranda to Mendiola carrying a giant effigy of a JanusFace monster the half-part of which was Aquino's and the other half was that of Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla. "This is to convey their stand that the Aquino administration is only using the contrived threat of a so-power crisis as a justification to run through their corporate-government-sponsored coal avalanche," he said. He said under the current administration, coal projects have steadily increased. From an existing 17 coal-fired power plants will be an additional 26 coal plant projects which are expected to be online by 2020. Also, from 2007 to August 2013, the total Coal Operating Contracts (COCs) awarded by the government almost doubled – from 39 COCs to 71 COCs with 15 other areas still up for offer. Lawyer Jose Aaron Pedrosa, Secretary-General of SANLAKAS, and head of the PMCJ Energy Working Group said the grant of
JUST SAY
NO! emergency powers to Aquino will ensure that any legal challenge against proposed coal-fired power plants will be effortlessly warded off thus ultimately guaranteeing that the spadework for their construction will be unhampered and unchallenged. He said all these intramural on the grant of emergency powers overshadow the real power crisis that has beset the sector for more than a decade now. He said at present, some 2.7 million households remain without access to electricity and the country’s power rates are the most expensive in Asia and rank fifth
in the world. James Matthew Miraflor, Vice President of Freedom from Debt Coalition, said market manipulation and collusion are at its worst with prices being manipulated in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), defying a cornerstone promise of Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA)– of providing affordable and reliable electricity to the people. More than 13 years after EPIRA was passed, five families control the power industry. "This is the real power crisis," he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Munisipyo ng Sirawai nasunog ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE - Naabo ang munisipyo ng Sirawai sa Zamboanga del Norte province matapos itong lamunin ng apoy at short circuit umano sa electrical connection ang sinisisi ng awtoridad sa naganap. Nagsimula umano ang sunog sa tanggapan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development at kumalat ito sa naturang
gusali hanggang sa madamay ang munispyo. Nasunog rin ang ibat-ibang sasakyan, kabilang ang isang dump truck at isang police patrol car at tatlong motorsiklo. Nabatid na nasunog rin ang isang caliber .30 machine gun at walong M16 automatic rifles at isang shot gun, kabilang ang dalawang M203 rifles at isang grenade launcher sa himpilan ng
pulisya. Nadamay rin sa sunog ang bahay na pagaari ni Benjamin Caragan na dating parak sa naturang lugar. Nagtagal ng higit sa dalawang oras ang sunog. Tumulong rin ang mga sundalo upang ma-secure ang kapaligiran habang inaapula ng mga bumbero ang apoy na kumalat sa iba pang mga gusali sa sentro ng bayan. (Mindanao Examiner)
NOTICE Please report to us any individual or persons who are illegally soliciting money or donations for or in behalf of THE MINDANAO EXAMINER REGIONAL NEWSPAPER. We have a strict company policy against solicitation in any forms and the Company shall not be responsible for illegal practice of unscrupulous persons, who pass themselves off as Reporter, Stringer, Correspondent or Sales Executive of The Mindanao Examiner. When in doubt, please call or SMS us at these numbers (062) 9925480 or SMS (0917) 7103642 or email us – mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
6
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
NPA rebels say military detains humanitarian aid worker
Three of the four suspected drug pushers arrested by the police at a neighborhood compound in Zamboanga City (eMedia TV - Ely Dumaboc)
Police arrest 4 in drug raid POLICE ARRESTED four suspected drug pushers following a raid at a neighborhood compound in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, reports said. According to the reports by eMedia Television, a fifth suspect managed to escape and bringing with him some amphetamine hydrochloride, also called shabu. Policemen, with guns drawn, chased the man, but he disappeared in the neighborhood. But an-
other team of police officers recovered illegal drugs and a pistol inside the house of one of the young men arrested in the village of Tetuan. Those arrested have been identified as brothers Roden, 27, and Rondell Punzalan, 22; Mychelle Mistul, 36; and Arturo De Padro, 38. The drug trade in the compound was so rampant that neighbors were alarmed by the nightly presence of unidentified men in the area buying shabu. The illegal trade
in the area reportedly began early this year. Neighbors also complained of burglaries in the area and blamed them on drug addicts. Another hot spot for illegal drug trade in the village is an area known as “Cambodia” which is notorious for its gangs. Village chieftain John Dalipe praised the police forces under Superintendent Haywin Salvado for their continued operations against illegal drugs in Tetuan. (e-Media - Ely Dumaboc)
DAVAO CITY – Philippine rebels have accused the military of detaining a humanitarian worker after being tagged as a member of the communist front in Mindanao. T h e E a s t e r n Mindanao Command said security forces captured Dominiciano Muya on October 16 after policemen and soldiers intercepted him in the village of Mankilam in Tagum City. Muya was travelling alone on a motorcycle when security forces stopped him at the checkpoint. Capt. Alberto Caber, an army spokesman, said troops seized a pistol and a hand grenade from Muya, who is included in the government’s most wanted list for various murder cases that included the killings of policemen Marito Correos and Rey Ejercito in Agusan del Sur province in June 2004, and Lt. Lucresio Julampong, Jr, in Davao Oriental province in 2009. He said Muya, who has a P4.8 million bounty on his head, is a regional staff member of the New People’s Army Executive Committee and was a former staff of the New People’s Army in Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and former Secretary of Guerrilla Front 18 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee. But the NPA has strongly denied the militar y allegations. “The New People’s Army Southern Mindanao Regional Command assails the malicious and fake charges imputed against
Dominiciano Muya who was presented to the media by the 10th Infantry Division as a high ranking NPA official in the region,” said Rigoberto Sanchez, who spoke for the rebel group. “The orchestrated arrest in Tagum City - in an outrageous story line replete with standard planted grenade and .45 pistol in Muya’s possession - was not only implausible, it also showed the AFP’s mercenary scheme to siphon off the P4-million reward money at the expense of an NGO worker who had a legitimate profession as an educator and agriculture expert for indigenous peoples schools. Muya’s arrest was a shameless money-making plot of a corrupt Army unit,” he added. He said the military manufactured the criminal charges based on pure imagination - it accused Muya as part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Regional Committee to portray him as its enemy in order to discredit his work in the countryside as a committed educator of sustainable agriculture among indigenous peoples schools. Sanchez said the arrest and detention of Muya is part of the military’s crackdown against peace advocates, educators and nongovernmental workers who are serving poor and neglected tribes and peasants in Talaingod and Kapalong towns and other parts of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley
and other provinces in Mindanao. “Muya’s capture is the handiwork of a desperate Army that is fast running out of dirty tricks to harass NGOs who are closely working with the masses for basic education and other social services. The 10th Infantry DivisionEastern Mindanao Command is hell-bent in closing down indigenous peoples schools which it wantonly labels as NPA structures in order to stop genuine development in these areas.” “The military is allergic to far-flung private schools and any mass undertaking, seeing these endeavors as impediments to foreign largescale mining and capitalist incursions in the resource-rich forests and ancestral lands of indigenous peoples. By arresting, detaining, or harassing teachers in the countryside, they are scheming to instil fear among NGOs, activists, advocates and civil libertarians. The masses should see to these anti-people machinations and struggle against these gross human rights abuses,” he said. There was no immediate reaction from the Eastern Mindanao Command headed by Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, but he earlier commended security forces for Muya’s capture. He also ordered army forces to intensify the campaign against the rebel group which has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
A military jeep passes in downtown Isabela City in Basilan province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Tight security in Basilan POLICE HAVE tightened security in Basilan following the spate of bomb attacks in the restive province. Just recently, two improvised explosives were detonated in Isabela City, but authorities were quick to blame the attackson failed extortion. There were no reports of casualties in the explosions and police failed
again to stop the attacks. One witness said he saw a man left the bomb outside the staff house of Cargill Oil Mill and quickly escaped on a pick-up truck driven by his companion. In the second attack on a nearby village, another witness claimed he spotted a man left the improvised bomb outside a establishment which exploded minutes after the
assailant fled. Both explosives were assembled from mortar bombs. The latest blasts came two days after an improvised bomb also went off inside the residential compound of Engineer Soler Undug, of the Department of Public Works and Highways. No one was killed or hurt in that attack and police blamed the explosion to the Abu Sayyaf. (Mindanao Examiner)
7
The Mindanao Examiner
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
Power Generation in Bangsamoro PALAKASIN ANG KATAWAN POWER GENERATION in t h e p r o p o s e d Bangsamoro region is subjected to intense debates nowadays in relation to the deliberation and eventual passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress. On the side of some Moros especially the young and the idealists, they seem to want full ownership of the power-generations plants established therein even if they are owned and funded by private or public funds, while on the side of some politicians and businessmen who are non-Moros, they want to treat Lake Lanao, a major source of power in Mindanao, as no longer part of the Bangsamoro. Clearly, both groups have adopted extreme standpoints on their views and dispositions and are virtually talking out of context of what the Annex on Power-Sharing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the “AgreedVersion” of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) crafted by government and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC)-MILF explicitly said on the generation, transmission, and distribution of power operating exclusively within the Bangsamoro and when the same is connected to the national transmission grid, in which case, there shall be cooperation and coordination between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government through the intergovernmental relations mechanisms. Lake Lanao is part of inland waters of the Bangsamoro, which in the delineation of powers in the Annex on Power-shar-
ing of the FAB falls with the competence of the Bangsamoro. As long as the Bangsamoro Government exercises its powers and authority granted to it by law, in this case, the BBL, it is legally free to do so and shall remain uninfringed, but when it strays out of this way or limitation, then the intergovernmental relations mechanism will apply. The same principle applies to the Central Government in its exercise of reserved powers on the Bangsamoro territory; meaning, it cannot, except in exceptional circumstances like rebellion, overstep the principle of autonomy granted by law to the autonomous entity. In such a case, similarly, the Bangsamoro Government can invoke or resort to the intergovernmental relations mechanism to resolve the issue, or in special situation, the same shall be brought to the President through the chief minister of the Bangsamoro Government for resolution. This is the essence of the observance of the “Principle of Parity of Esteem”, indicated in Article VI, on Intergovernmental Relations, of the proposed BBL now entered as House Bill 4994, to wit: “The Central Government shall respect the exercise of competences and exclusive powers of the Bangsamoro Government. The Bangsamoro Government shall respect the exercise of the competences and reserved powers of the Central Government. It is on this premise that such claim that the regulation of existing hydropower plants in Lake Lanao will remain primarily under the concerned national government agencies is not accurate, and, therefore, should be corrected at once. One can never find any support-
The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions
Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Don Micael Moleño Graphics/Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales Central Mindanao
Alan Navales North- South Cotabato Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat
Richard Suarez Pagadian City Zamboanga del Sur 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
ing provision both in the FAB or its annexes and the Agreed Version of the BBL. More prominently, it is not one of the 14 powers to be concurrently exercised by the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government. In this proposed bill, in Article XIII on Economy and Patrimony, Section 22, on Inland Waters, it runs thus: “The Bangsamoro shall have exclusive powers over inland waters, including but not limited to lakes, marshes, rivers and tributaries. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws on the regulation, management and protection of these resources. It may create a Bangsamoro office and authorities for specific inland waters that shall exercise management powers over these bodies of waters. The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure that the utilization of these waters shall primarily be for the benefit of the people of the Bangsamoro and shall ensure that communities in the Bangsamoro in whose territory these waters are found are given an equitable share from the revenues generated from such utilization.” In the Annex on Power-sharing of the FAB, to restate, the Bangsamoro Government shall have authority to regulate power generation, transmission, and distribution operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro. It shall promote investments, domestic and international, in the power sector in the Bangsamoro. Power plants and distribution networks in the Bangsamoro shall be able to interconnect and sell power over the national transmission grid to electric consumers. The Bangsamoro may assist electric cooperatives in accessing funds and technology to ensure their financial and operational viability. When power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities are connected to the national transmission grid, the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental relations mechanisms. Where, therefore, lays these unfounded fears that the Bangsamoro Government would deprive the rest of Mindanao of power generated from Lake Lanao? Would the cutting off the flow of the lake submerge the lowlands of the Maranaos and put them collectively in harm’s way? Is it good business when only those in the Bangsamoro buy power from this power generation when, as a matter of fact, that under current situation, there are more money and buyers outside of the Bangsamoro than inside it? Come to think of it! h t t p : / / l u w a ra n . n e t / index.php/editorial/ item/521-power-generation-in-bangsamoro
Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
MARAMING SAKIT sa paligid: pulmonya, TB. May mga bagong sakit pa tulad ng Ebola Virus at MERS-CoV. Heto ang magagawa natin bilang proteksyon. Sabi nga ng iba, “Bawal magkasakit!” Paano ba tayo iiwas sa sakit? Magagawa ito kung mapapalakas natin ang depensa ng katawan. 1. Kumain ng maberde at mapupulang pagkain tulad ng mga gulay, carrots, kalabasa at kamatis. Masustansya ang prutas at gulay. 2. Mag-ehersisyo ng regular pero huwag din sosobra. 3. Mag-relax at magpahinga. Mag-aral ng iba’t ibang paraan para mag-relax. Puwede ang yoga, masahe, meditation at pagbabakasyon. 4. Magkaroon ng kaibigan o kapamilya na susuporta sa iyo. Malaki
Dr. Willie T. Ong ang maitutulong niyan sa pag-iwas sa sakit. 5. Matulog. Kapag may sakit na, kailangan ng katawan ang pahinga. Ang mahimbing na tulog ay talagang nagpapalakas sa ating katawan. Dito inaayos ng ating katawan ang mga nasirang selula. 6. Huwag masyadong magpa-araw. May tulong ang kaunting araw (morning sun) sa paggawa ng Vitamin D sa katawan. Pero ang sobrang pag-
papaaraw ay nakasasama sa immune system. 7. Uminom ng 10 basong tubig. Basta may sakit, kailangang uminom nang maraming tubig para mailabas ang toxins at init sa katawan. 8. Huwag agad-agad uminom ng antibiotics. Karamihan ng mga sipon at trangkaso ay galing sa virus. Hindi ito mapapagaling ng antibiotics na pumapatay lang ng bacteria. Magtanong muna sa doktor. 9. Puwede uminom ng isang multivitamin araw-araw. 10. Magpabakuna. Sinasanay ng bakuna ang paglaban ng katawan sa impeksyon. Sa mga edad 50 pataas, kailangan ng pneumonia vaccine at flu vaccine. Sa mga bata, kailangang kumpleto ang bakuna. Magtanong sa inyong doktor.
Drive Safely, Avoid Accidents PAGADIAN CITY – Police and Land Transportation authorities have warned drivers of public vehicles to be extremely careful on the road following a series of bus accidents in Zamboanga provinces. Just recently, three people were killed and 18 others wounded in two separate road accidents in Zamboanga del Sur, police said. Police said a provincial bus crashed in a house before falling in a creek killing its driver and a female passenger in Tigbao town. It said the driver, Macario Omac, 46, apparently lost control of the bus in Maragang village while negotiating a slope and hit the house before falling on its side and resting in the creek killing him and Baharan Aurea Maulod. “The bus was heading to Pagadian City from Zamboanga City when the accident occurred and killing the driver and a passenger,” said Senior Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, a regional police spokesman. The bus operator, Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. did not release any statement on the accident, but photos provided by the police showed the heavily damaged bus and the fatalities. Samuddin said 17 passengers were also injured in
the crash late Wednesday and had been rushed to hospitals by policemen led by Senior Inspector Norbert Velonza, of the local police force. He said no house occupants were hurt in the crash. The injured were identified as bus conductor Rolando Simbahon, 30, of Pagadian City; Rosally Curaza, 32, of Lanao Del Norte; Robert Alvin Balahim, 26, of Zamboanga City; Rodeza Ferrer, 22, of Zamboanga City; Rodolfo Alfaro Jr., 33, of Zamboanga City; Gregorio Robin Salazar, 26, of Zamboanga City; Engr. George Jocutan, 38, of Zamboanga City; Alberto Soria, 64, of Iligan City; Leokin Lim Kalbi, 65, of TawiTawi; Saida Lapasaran, 35, of Pagadian City; Jose Tan, 25, of Zamboanga City; Efraim Mecines, 25, of North Cotabato; Luis Dogoc, 51, of Zamboanga Del Sur; Lizabel Caoile, 50, of Zamboanga City; Leizyl Divinagracia, 28, of Zamboanga Del Norte; Rey Bentoy, 41, of Lamitan City; and Yury Gagarin, 34, of Samuddin said another Rural Transit bus driven by Ariel Lador, 46, hit two students killing one of them and the other in critical condition in Pagadian City. He said the students Daryl Perio-Perio and Alberto Fiel, both seven years old – were trying to cross the
pedestrian lane in front of the Camp Abelon Elementary School in Lumbia District when the bus hit them. The victims, both residents of Tiguma village, were rushed to the hospital, but Perio-Perio died along the way. Samuddin said the driver was immediately arrested by the police and is facing criminal charges. In April, at least 6 people were killed and more than a dozen injured when a Rural Transit bus also overturned and crashed on a highway Aurora town in Zamboanga del Sur. The bus, driven by Biato Dumpa, was travelling to Cagayan de Oro City from Pagadian, when it overturned on a curve and landed on a banana plantation. Earlier in February this year, a chartered Rural Transit bus overturned following a near collision with another vehicle injuring at least 20 passengers on a highway in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Siay town. The bus, which came from the regional school sports competition in Marawi City, was carrying mostly teachers from Basilan province and heading to Zamboanga City when the mishap occurred on the village of Monching. The bus firm is one of the biggest in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
Advertising Department Tel. (062) 9925480
Founded 2006
mindanaoexaminer.com
FOR ADVERTISEMENTS, PLEASE CALL (062) 9925480
P10
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2014
Titulo sa luna sa 103 ka mga kabus nga pamilya
M
Mokabat sa 103 ka mga molupyo sa dakbayan sa Sugbo ang nakadawat og titulo sa luna nga ilang gipuy-an sa dugay'ng panahon human gipangapod apod kini sa pagpangulo ni Mayor Michael Rama diha sa ganghaan sa City Hall Legislative Building sa Plaza Sugbo. Kabahin sa nakadawat sa ilang Original Certificate of Title mao ang mga residente sa Barangay Tinago nga may 16 ka mga benepisyaryo ug Barangay Duljo Fatima nga aduna usab kiniy 16 nga pulos pinaagi sa Residential Free Patent program. Samtang nakadawat usab sa ilang Transfer Certificate of Titles ang 17 ka molupyo sa Barangays Kasambagan, ingun man ang 34 ka mga residente sa Barangay Bulacao og kini pinaagi sa socialized housing program nga pinaagi sa Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor. Nakadawat usab ang19 ka mga residente gikan sa Barangay Pasil ug laing tulo gikan sa
Barangay Mambaling nga mga benepisyaryo sa slum improvement and resettlement program. Gipadayag sa pangulo sa Land Management Council nga si Atty. Jade Ponce nga ang maong pagpang-apod apod sa titulo kabahin kini sa pagtuman sa kamanduan sa mayor ubos sa "land to the landless" program nga manghatag og usa ka libo ka titulo karung tuiga ngadto sa mga kabus nga pamilya nga dugay nang nagpuyo sa mga luna nga gipanag-iya sa gobyerno kun public land. Gibutyag ni Ponce nga aduna pay laing kapin sa 200 ka mga applications ang kasamtangang gi proceso diha sa Department of Environment and Natural Re-
sources ug sa Register of Deeds kinsa mao usab ang partner sa dakbayan sa pagpatuman sa maong programa. Malaumon si Ponce nga makuha ra ang orden sa mayor nga usa ka libo ka titulo kun walay masugatang mga kakulian sa proseso hilabi na sa mga rekisito niini.Nidugang si Ponce nga mag-agad usab ang LMC sa kooperasyon sa mga aplikante hilabi na pagbayad sa mga regulatory fees niini sa mga ahensiya ug ubang mga rekisitong gipangayo sama sa approved plan sa maong mga luna. Nasayran nga nakapang-apod apod na ang dakbayan og 62 ka susamang mga titulo niadtong Pebrero sayo ning tuiga. (Cebu Examiner, Elite)
Batakang Serbisyo Dalhon ngadto sa Ganghaan sa mga Sugbuanon: Cebu Mayor Rama
K
abahin sa misyon sa panggobiyerno ni Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama mao ang pagdala sa batakang serbisyo sa City Hall ngadto sa ganghaan o kaugalingong tugkaran sa mga Sugbuanon. Dili man kini literal nga tugkaran sa ilang mga panimalay apan ngadto gayod sa ilang mga barangay.
ARMM
Agig pag tuman niini, gimandoan ni Mayor Rama ang Frontline Cluster Services sa City Hall sa pagpahigayon ug senemana nga community outreach nga mas nailhang ‘City Hall at Your Doorstep,’ kon 'Piyesta sa Pagpangalagad,' diin matag adlawng Biyernes dalhon ang mga serbisyo sa 22 ka mga departamento sa City Hall ngadto sa mga
kabarangayan niining dakbayan. Kanunay nga gibalikbalik sa Mayor nga: “Ato kining buhaton lukop ning dakbayan, kamong katawhan angay gayod hatagan sa tim-os nga pangalagad sa ngalan sa tiunay nga serbisyo. Ako lang hangyo nga tabangan ko ninyo diha sa pagtul-id sa hiwi, pagnindot sa bati, paglimpiyo sa hugaw,
Southern Mindanao
Davao
Some of the graduates strike a pose with their certificates of course completion.
Free sign language course attract more students
M
ore and more people are availing of the sixmonth course on Filipino and American Sign Language which is being offered for free to all willing students. Just recently, a total of 99 students have graduated from the course which has five levels. It is being of-
fered 3 hours every Sunday and 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.The latest batch of graduates included City Hall employees, college students, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Michael Allan Pielago, focal person of the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS) for PWDs, said local
government employees who took the course can now effectively communicate with deaf people. He said free course is project of the Mandaue City Association of the Deaf in coordination with the CSWS. “It is one way of eliminating the barriers between PWDs and other persons,” Pielago said. (Cebu Examiner - MNS)
Honest cabbie praised
A
40-year old cabbie earned praises and accolades after he returned a baggage left behind by his passengers in Cebu City. Loreto Anthony Zapatalo, who works for the Yudaima Taxi, said three passengers took his cab at the Cebu International Airport in Mactan town and disembarked in the village of Lataban in Liloan town. The cabbie, a resident of the village of Sambag, said he only discovered the baggage - which was at the car’s compartment - while cleaning the vehicle at the taxi depot. He said he was more worried about the owners of the baggage because he knew how important it was for them. He said the baggage
consisted of a large trolley bag and several doll houses. “Ako ning gi turned-over sa among garahean kay basin naay mangita ani,” he said. Zapatalo said he decided to turn over the baggage to the Cebu City Public Information Office and sought assistance so the owner can claim them. The Cebu City Public Information Office said it found a name and an address on the bag and contacted the village officials in Lataban so they can help find the owner of the baggage. And it was only recently that the owner, Mischelle Lusterious, finally claimed the baggage. The 32-year old woman, who presented her identification cards and passport to prove her ownership of the baggage, has
praised the cabbie’s honesty and all those who helped in locating her. Lusterious said the bag contains her personal belongings and some documents. Zapatalo, a father of three, said he was elated that the owner finally claimed the baggage. “Naa man koy anak ug gipadako mi nga tarong, maong ako ning e-uli kay dili man ni ako, dalhon pod ni sa akong konsensya kung dili nako mauli,” he said. It was not the first time that the cabbie has returned items left behind by his passengers and over a period of 10 years, Zapatalo returned various valuable things from cell phones to laptop computers to their owners. (Greggy Jiggs Senados)
pagwagtang sa baho, ug paghan-ay sa gubot.” Kahinumduman nga miabot ngadto sa kapin sa 500 ngadto sa liboan ka mga lumulopyo kada barangay ang naka benepisyo ning libreng mga batakang pagpangalagad nga gidala sa maong outreach program. Ang maong programa nagahatag ug batakang panerbisyo sa katawhan
sama sa libreng kosultasyon sa rehisro sa pagkatawo, pagpakasal, ug pagkamatay; libreng tuli alang sa mga kabataan; libreng medikal nga konsultasyon, ug pagibot sa ngipon; pagpang limpyo sa mga kanal ug drainage; pagpanaod ug pagpang-ayo sa mga street lights; libreng rehistro, kapon ug bakuna sa mga iro ug iring; libreng laboratory ser-
vices sama sa blood-typing ug blood sugar testing; libreng feeding sa mga kabataan; libreng pagpanghatag ug mga seedlings ug nagkadaiyang mga tambal; ug libreng seminar sa epekto sa pagamit ug ginadiling druga, traffic rules, mga kalambuan sa dakbayan, ug uban pa. (Greggy Jiggs Senados)
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Manila