President Aquino criticized anew over disaster response
Philippines ready for Ebola
Saudi OFWs face uncertain future
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MILF members linked to attacks
Elite Philippine police unit gets new training facilities
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What really happened when FVR and Duterte met ? by Jesus Dureza
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Italian man reported missing in Sabah sneaks into Zamboanga
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Sulu provincial photos show Philippine military chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang with Governor Totoh Tan during a public dialogue Friday, October 24, 2014.
Military chief apologizes for ignoring Sulu peace council, crisis committee
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hilippine military chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang has publicly apologized to the Sulu provincial government and other officials for not coordinating with the peace and order council in connection to the recent release of a pair of German yachters by the Abu Sayyaf. Last week, General Catapang, accompanied by dozens of senior military officials led by Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero and Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, flew to Sulu and attended a public dialogue where he made the apology. The dialogue was the offshoot of a meeting on October 20 by representatives of various civil society groups and different sectors with Sulu Governor Toto Tan, who heads the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and its ad hoc special action committee handling the hostage crisis. The Abu Sayyaf told a radio station in Zamboanga City that it had freed Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and Henrike Diesen, 55, on October 17 in exchange for P250 million ransoms. 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. The military insisted that no ransom was paid for
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the release of the hostages and even dared anyone to come up with evidence that ransom had been paid to the Abu Sayyaf. Governor Tan said the PPOC and the crisis committee only learned about the release of the hostages after the media broke out the news. “We were not informed about that the hostages were already rescued and it was only through media reports that we became aware that they were rescued and (already) in the custody of the Armed Forces (of the Philippines),” he said. “We would like to apologize to the people of Sulu for any shortcomings during the law enforcement operations in pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf group to retrieve the Germans and other hostages,” General Catapang said. He also apologized for not immediately informing the PPOC and the crisis committee about the release of the German hostages and vowed to work closely with the civilian authorities. Governor Tan praised General Catapang for his humility and sincerity when he apologized in front of a huge crowd. And Vice Governor Tan said that it was the first time that the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has apologized to the people of Sulu. “Umaasa kami na magiging maganda na ang sitwasyon (sa Sulu) sa mga darating na panahon,” he said. Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin also quizzed General Catapang on the impression that the military is abetting the enemy when reports of ransom pay-
ment to the Abu Sayyaf broke out. General Catapang said their only focus is the safe rescue of the hostages not involving any ransom. The German hostages were recovered by policemen in Patikul town, but were whisked away by soldiers and brought them to a military base in Jolo town and not even Mayor Hussin was informed about the release of the foreigners. General Catapang said a cease-fire with the Abu Sayyaf is possible, but the militants must first release all their hostages. “That is possible, but they need to release all hostages first. Sayang ang buhay ng mga batang iyan. Pagtulungan nating sila ay magbago,” he said after a Muslim teacher asked him whether the military is open to a truce with the Abu Sayyaf group. Mayor Amin suggested that Sulu province hold a peace and economic summit participated by officials both in local and national governments to tackle various issues and further unite development efforts here. General Catapang, in demonstration of his commitment towards peace and progress, pledged to solicit development projects for Sulu. He even cited the marketing potential of sweet mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and lanzones (Lansium domesticum) and other fruits in Sulu. He also directed military commanders to work closely with local government officials in identifying problems in their
Southern Mindanao
Davao
n italian businessman who was reported missing in Sabah in Malaysia has entered Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, but his whereabouts is unknown, Filipino immigration officials said. Malaysia’s The Star Online reported that the 52year old William Bocchi who is in the financial service business and a sales representative for a compressor distributor - was reported missing since October 13 and believed to have boarded the ferry Danica Joy in Sandakan on October 14 and since then have not been heard off. “We have confirmed that William Bocchi arrived on board (the ferry) Danica Joy and has legally entered Zamboanga City from Sabah,” Sitti Rubaina Lutian, the regional immigration head, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Lutian said they do not know the current location of Bocchi since he entered Zamboanga City as a tourist. “The mere fact that Bocchi entered Zamboanga City is a good development because the information now shows that he is not missing in Sabah and has travelled to Zamboanga City,” she said. She said tourists can stay for as long as three years and even apply for a permanent residency provided they comply with immigration requirements and do not violate Philippine laws. Philippine authorities communities and help them in development projects and other social interventions that will address directly the issues. Vice Governor Tan said the provincial government is ready to work hand in hand with different organizations to sustain peace and progress in the province. “We will do our part by working closely with different organizations. We also believe that we can solve these problems by helping each other,” he said. Another Abu Sayyaf faction is also holding a 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 Dis-
Missing Italian William Bocchi. (Photo by unionesarda.it) have launched a discreet search for Bocchi after news of his disappearance reached Zamboanga City. The Star Online reported that Bocchi, who arrived in Malaysia through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on October 12, flew over to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah the following day before making a connecting flight to Lahad Datu. Lahad Datu businessman Sia Yiik Huon had reported Bocchi’s disappearance on October 20 after being alerted by a friend in Kuala Lumpur who received an email from Bocchi’s colleague, known as Fabio, who said the missing Italian was due to return home on October 16. He said Bocchi was supposed to have met a client in Lahad Datu.
According to the report, Bocchi was last seen arriving at the Lahad Datu airport on October 13 from Kota Kinabalu and police had since determined that the businessman had taken a bus from there to Sandakan the same day. In Sandakan, Bocchi checked into a hotel in the downtown area at about 9.25 p.m. on October 13 and left the following day. Sabah police said it was Bocchi’s first visit to Sabah. The Star Online said the Italian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur had been kept abreast of efforts to locate Bocchi. The Embassy has been keeping in touch with Bocchi’s family. (Mindanao Examiner. With reports from The Star Online.)
trict. 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). Just last week, the Abu Sayyaf freed an eight-year old girl in Jolo town after her family paid a still undetermined amount of ransom. The girl was kidnapped on July 25 in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Olutangga town. The militants are still holding hostage 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 TawiTawi province in 2012. And several Filipinos kidnapped in other provinces and brought to Sulu. The military said the militants are hiding in civilian communities and have moved their hostages from one hideout to another making it extremely difficult for security forces to track them down. (Mindanao Examiner)
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Manila
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The Mindanao Examiner
Nov. 3-9, 2014
President Aquino criticized anew over disaster response
Devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban City in central Philippine province of Leyte in November 2013. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
LEYTE – The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice has strongly criticized President Benigno Aquino for the government’s poor and inefficient handling of disaster response in the country. The environmental group said one example of the government’s failure was from Typhoon Haiyan that left a trail of deaths and destruction in central Philippines. “From the very start, the Aquino Administration has failed miserably. To sum up, the Aquino government was over-confidently, inappropriately prepared,” PMJ national coordinator Gerry Arances said. He said his group has already lined up series of
mass actions that will highlight the many injustices typhoon victims and survivors had incurred in the lead up to the November 8 commemoration of the Haiyan devastation last year. “After one year, without a clear people-centered rehabilitation plan, tens of thousands of typhoon victims are still living in tents and bunkhouses with no substantial economic activities and sustainable jobs, among others,” Arances said. Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator, said the government should be held accountable for neglecting the welfare of victims of typhoon Haiyan. “One concrete ex-
ample of government’s neglect is when it continued to push for extractive projects in the devastated areas instead of protecting the natural resources of the country and preventing the worsening of climate change impacts and disasters. Instead of making sure that rehabilitation efforts are on the way, the government agencies and local government units ensured that mining operations continues in mineral rich areas in Samar and Leyte,” he said. Various civic organizations have previously criticized Aquino on the same issues. There was no immediate reaction from the government on the latest allegations. (Cebu Examiner)
Foreigners with permanent resident status need to re-stamp passports
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MANILA - The Bureau of Immigration reminded foreigners and their dependents with permanent resident status in the Philippines to have their passports restamped to avoid penalty or cancellation of their Alien Certificate of Registration I-cards or risk deportation. Immigration spokesperson Elaine Tan said
the re-stamping scheme will also simplify the verification of the BI’s updated database and will surely help expedite their future transactions, including the processing of annual report and the renewal of their ACR ICard. She said applicants will have to pay P1,010 and also secure a BI clearance which also cost
P1,010. The processing for the re-stamp applications may be completed within three days. The filing period for the re-stamping started last September and will end on December 15 this year. “Such process may only be applied at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila,” she said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Mayor Beng Climaco engages with internally displaced persons at the Masepla, Mampang Transitory Site afternoon kicking off the second wave of information caravan in temporary shelters in a bid to bridge communication gap between service providers and IDPs.
Nov. 3-9, 2014
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The Mindanao Examiner
Philippines ready for Ebola MANILA - Philippine health authorities have strengthened the mechanism to fight Ebola virus, especially with the expected influx of Filipinos returning to the country for the Christmas season, a government spokesman said. "Pinapalakas pa ng ating pamahalaan ang paglatag ng epektibo at matatag na depensa laban sa Ebola virus. Palagiang binabanggit ng Pangulo na sa dami ng Pilipinong nasa labas ng bansa, ay inaasahan nating marami rin sa kanila ang uuwi sa panahon ng K a p a s k u h a n , kinakailangang palakasin natin at paigihin pa ang mga sistema para tiyakin na tayo ay hindi maaapektuhan o hindi lalaganap ang deadly virus na ito sa ating bansa," he Secretary Herminio Coloma told radio station
dzRB-Radyo ng Bayan. He said all concerned government agencies are doing the necessary preparations and precautions to prevent Ebola from affecting Filipinos. He said for instance, President Benigno Aquino instructed government agencies to prepare for the possible repatriation of Filipino peacekeepers from Africa, the hotbed of Ebola infections. The Philippines has a contingent of peacekeepers in Liberia, one of the African countries with highest number of infections. And for Filipinos coming from other destinations who could be possible carriers of Ebola, they will go through strict screening and quarantine, Coloma said. "Kung mayroon pong matutunton na mayroong
sintomas ng Ebola, ang tawag po dito ay flu-like symptoms, agad po silang dapat na i-isolate at ilagay sa proper facilities na kung saan ay agad na matutunton ‘yung kanilang kondisyon at maihihiwalay po sila para mailayo po sa panganib ang karamihan sa ating mamamayan," he said. Coloma said the government will carry out extensive contact tracing if there are individuals who will be tested positive for the deadly virus. "Kaya sa lahat po ng aspeto, pinalalakas natin, pinatatatag natin ang kahandaan ng ating bansa simula doon sa pinanggagalingan mismo ng Ebola na ang pinaka-hotbed nga ay ‘yung West Africa, at inihahanda na ang mga nararapat na hakbang," he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Customs seized Viagra pills PHILIPPINE authorities have seized 268 suspected Viagra pills discovered in a parcel sent from the United States. The blue color pills were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs. The parcel was declared as assorted pharmaceutical products and officials seized the anti-impotent drugs after it remained unclaimed since January 6. The parcel was addressed to Angelica Amor Vasquez at 171 Gomez Street, Barangay Addition
Sulu provincial photos show Philippine military chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang with Governor Totoh Tan and Vice Governor Sakur Tan following a public dialogue recently.
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Hills, San Juan City. The package arrived at the San Juan Central Post Office on January 18, 2014 where it remained unclaimed for the last eight months, prompting authorities to open the package. The parcel were seized by Customs officials for violation of Section 2530 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. "All products that come into the country—whether by ship, balik-bayan box or even postal parcels, are subject to Customs inspection
and maybe charged with corresponding duties and taxes or are outright prohibit or require special permits." "Unscrupulous individuals sometimes try to use postal mail and express parcels to ship illegal or prohibited items to and from the Philippines because they think that there is minimal chance of being caught. Let this be a warning to the public that we are closely monitoring all mail, parcels, and packages," Customs Commissioner John Sevilla said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Nov. 3-9, 2014
Good Governance Dialogues held in Cagayan de Oro City
A photo sent by Migrante-Middle East to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows some of the protesting OFWs.
Saudi OFWs face uncertain future MANILA – The migrants’ rights group MigranteMiddle East has urged the Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to seek assistance from her Saudi counterpart to resolve the long standing woes by the 950 Filipino workers there. Riyadh-based John Leonard Monterona, M-ME regional coordinator, said the Filipinos working for Mohammed Al Mojil Group of Companies, a contractor for Saudi Aramco, are on their fourth month “stop work” protest after a deadlock in negotiations with their employer. They accused their employer of not complying to the terms and conditions of the OFWs employment contract. “The 950 OFWs were victim of contract violations such as delayed payment of salary, working without Iqama (residence ID), others who have been working for 10 to 15 years were not given entitlement such as end of service benefits, and
they were not allowed to go vacation though they already successfully completed their 2-year contract; some of them were deployed but no actual job assigned as per their respective job applied,” Monterona said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Monterona said the OFWs from 5 various job sites have stopped working since July 2014. Those at MMG - Jubail Camp 2 with 500 OFWs; MMG - Yanbu Camp site with 100 OFWs; MMG - WASIT SK Camp 150 OFWs; MMG - Shaybah Camp site 100 OFWs; and those at MMG - Dharan Camp site with 100 OFWs. Monterona criticized Baldoz for her alleged failure in solving the labor woes of the Filipino workers. “When it comes to peddling OFWs human labor as cheap as a commodity, Baldoz and her department are only willing to spend huge amount and devout their time, while in providing assistance to dis-
tressed and problematic OFWs due to numerous labor rights violations she failed to help solve the woes of our fellow OFWs.” “Baldoz and President Benigno Aquino have one thing in common. They’re both heartless and don’t really care for our OFWs,” Monterona said, adding that the families and dependents of the 950 OFWs have suffered a lot. He said many of the OFWs have completed their 2-year contract and in fact have extended for a year or two. “Baldoz should organize and send a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia and discuss the OFW labor woes and thereby find a solution to their labor problem,” he said. Monterona said the OFWs were also demanding for their 3-month unpaid salary and the 21-day paid vacation leave and end of service benefits, particularly for those who have completed their contract. (Mindanao Examiner)
Police hunt 2 shooters in Isabela City BASILAN - Police were hunting down two suspected hitmen who shot recently three people in a broad daylight attack in Isabela City in Basilan, mone of five provinces under the troubled Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Police said the gun-
men shot village leader Franklin Tan, near the port area and hit two other civilians Joseph Sumalpong and Myrna Sali. The assailants fled on a motorcycle after the shooting. The three victims were rushed to hospital. The motive of the attack is still unknown, but police said
Tan was the target of the assailants, who were armed with .45-caliber pistols. Gun attacks are not uncommon in Isabela City and most of the killings are largely blamed to guns-forhire who actively operate in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Over 100 local government officials and leaders of civil society organizations have participated in the recently concluded Good Governance Dialogues in Cagayan de Oro City in southern Philippines. Previously held in Manila and Cebu, the series of regional fora is organized by the Cabinet Cluster on Good Governance and Anti Corruption, in cooperation with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and INCITEGov. The regional forum aims to make governance accessible to the grassroots by bringing together national and local governments, civil society organizations, business, academe and development partners for meaningful engagement.
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, who opened the forum, spoke on reforms instituted under the government's Budget Transformation Agenda. Central to these reforms, according to Abad, is the policy of “spending within our means, on the right priorities, and with measurable results.” Among those who were in the forum panel were Mayor Evelyn Uy of Dipolog City; Vice Governor Maria Cristina Atay of Lanao del Norte; Councilor Melleanette Mercado of Gingoog City; and Councilor Kirk Asis of Bayugan City. The forum emphasized the importance of empowering CSOs and citizens to take part in the government so programs are responsive to needs, especially of sectors like persons with disabilities,
women and children, and youth. B u d g e t Undersecretary Richard Moya and Assistant Secretary Maxine Tanya Hamada and Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin, and Marie Labajo of the National Anti-Poverty Commission weighed in on the state of citizen engagement in the current government. The panelists discussed at length current government initiatives for citizen engagement, such as the award-winning Grassroots Participatory Budget Process and the bigger challenge of sustaining the positive gains in opening the government. The next Good Governance Dialogues will happen in Davao City and Baguio City in November. (Mindanao Examiner)
Amaing rapist naglaslas ng sikmura ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – Isang lalaki na lumapastangan sa dalawang anak ng live-in partner nito ang nag-hara kiri o naglaslas ng kanyang sikmura matapos na magsumbong sa pulisya ang ina ng menor-de-edad na biktima nito sa bayan ng Liloy sa Zamboanga del Norte province. Nabuko ng live-in partner ni Arcenio
Martonillas, 31, ang ginawa nitong panghahalay sa mga bata at nagbanta pa ang lalaki na magpapakamatay kung magsusumbong ito sa pulisya. Subali’t mas nanaig ang awa ng ina sa kanyang mga anak sa unang asawa kaysa kinakasama nito kung kaya’t agad na sumugod sa awtoridad upang isuplong ang
kahayupang ginawa ng amain sa mga biktima. Aarestuhin na sana ng mga parak si Arcenio ng ito’y magkulong sa kuwarto at doon naglaslas ng tiyan. Isinugod pa ng mga parak ang lalaki sa pagamutan upang masalba ang buhay ngunit patay na ito ng dumating sa ospital. (Mindanao Examiner)
Davao airport, seaport development projects get NEDA nod DAVAO CITY - The National Economic and Development Authority Board has approved Davao City local government’s project proposals worth P58 billion, specifically for the improvement of the Davao International Airport and maintenance and development project and the modernization of the Sasa Port. Maria Lourdes Lim, NEDA regional director, said the projects are pending preparations of the tender documents at NEDA’s Public-PrivatePartnership Center to solicit proponents from the private sector, since the projects are under the PPP scheme. “Once the tender documents are prepared, then it can be published for submission of bids,” Lim said in an interview during the roadshow activity of the Davao Regional Development Council concerning the Updated Regional Development Plan (URDP) for 2014-2016. She said the DIA improvement and Sasa port modernization projects, worth P18 billion and P40 billion, respectively, are the two major infrastructure projects allocated for Davao City as incorporated in the URDP. The other proposed projects under NEDA’s Pro-
grams, Activities and Projects for 2016 are the rehabilitation and improvement of the Malagamot road worth P50 million; the Mindanao International Airport Feasibility study worth P5 million; and improvement of ferry facilities from Sasa to the Island Garden City of Samal worth P100 million. The priority projects listed under the Davao City Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan that are intended to reduce poverty incidence, especially in the countryside, have reached to a proposed funding of P50 million. The projects also include the hiring of doctors, nurses and midwives under the Department of Health’s Human Resource Deployment Program for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs); community health teams mobilization in poor barangays in GIDAs; and capability building for doctors, nurses and midwives, and many others. “The project proposals will be put forward to concerned national government agencies so these will be aligned to their respective 2016 budget proposals,” Lim said, adding that the 2015 national expenditure program has already been submitted to the Congress for approval.
The priority projects of Davao City which are integrated in Davao Region’s URDP 2014-2016 , have been presented during the first leg of the second round of RDC-11’s roadshows that aim to widen the understanding and appreciation on the plan by the region’s stakeholders and development partners. RDC-11 chairman and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has emphasized the importance of holding the roadshow in Davao City being considered “the premier city and regional center not only of Region XI, but also of the whole of Mindanao.” “Likewise, Davao City is the center of education, science, health, tourism and livelihood activities in this part of the country and the seat of government regional offices and of major private and commercial institutions. Thus, given Davao City’s crucial role in socioeconomic development, strategic infrastructure and development projects have been earmarked to enhance the City’s capacity as Mindanao’s metropolitan growth center,” he said. The second leg of the URDP roadshow this year is planned to be conducted in Davao Oriental on November 28. (Carina Cayon)
5 Diabetic Persons Should Know the Glycemic Index of Foods - DOST
The Mindanao Examiner
Nov. 3-9, 2014
BIFF rebels in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
MILF members linked to attacks SULTAN KUDARAT – Police are verifying reports that some members of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front may have been involved in recent attacks by jihadist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines. The BIFF, a splinter group of the MILF, attacked
military and civilian targets in President Quirino town and nearby areas. The recent attack in the town killed a civilian and wounded two more in Katiku village. Police also relayed this information to members of the International Monitoring Team which is overseeing the cease-fire accord between the MILF and the
Aquino government. The MILF has signed a peace accord with Manila last year, ending decades of bloody fighting in the restive region. The BIFF has been fighting for independence in Mindanao and has pledged allegiance with the Sunni jihadist group ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (Mindanao Examiner - Rose Muneza)
Police told to arrest 'bomb' hoaxers MANILA - Rep. Roman Romulo, chairman of the House committee on higher and technical education, said law enforcement agencies need to develop their capabilities to swiftly apprehend pranksters who make phony bomb threats. “We are tired and sick of these hoax bomb scares. Whether the threats are made via a telephone call, text message, electronic mail, social media or any other means online, the authorities have to acquire the know-how to quickly identify and catch the culprits,” Romulo said. “These are no ordinary pranks. Bomb threats are disruptive, and can create significant anxiety, especially if they persist over a short period of time.” Romulo also said the alarms tend to dissipate law enforcement resources. “The police, as well as school authorities, have no choice but to respond to ev-
ery bomb scare, whether real or not,” he said. Just recently, another false bomb threat hit the University of the Philippines in Quezon City. The threat was received by the chairman of the College of Business Administration student council via a text message. “Mag-ingat sa bomb sa gusaling Virata. Oras na lang ang binibilang. Walang ligtas, estudyante man o guro," warned the text message. The threat turned out to be a hoax after the police searches the school and did not find any explosive device. At least four other Quezon City schools, the Miriam College, World Citi Colleges-World Citi Hospital, Claret School and Holy Family School and San Beda College in Manila also received false bomb threats. Romulo said he favors harder punishment on individuals behind fictitious bomb threats, whether they
target schools, offices, or vital installations such as airports. “There is a pending bill in the House proposing to jack up the penalty to six to 12 years in prison, plus a fine of one million pesos to five million pesos,” he said. The existing penalty for the crime of disseminating false information about an incendiary device threatening to kill people or destroy property is a maximum of five years in prison. “But no matter how harsh, the punishment is meaningless if enforcement is weak and if the police are incapable of quickly processing all the data associated with the threats and pinning down the perpetrators,” Romulo said. “Strong and highly responsive law enforcement is still the key to discouraging these hoax threats. The certainty of the capture remains our best deterrence.” (Mindanao Examiner)
Who killed Protestant pastor? ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – Police have failed to arrest the killers of a protestant pastor and his father who were ambushed in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte. Police said four other people were wounded in the October 22 attack which occurred in the village of Nasibac in Leon Postigo town. It said masked gunmen opened fire on the group of Pastor Ramil Ansong, 29, and his 50-year old father, Jose, killing both of them.
The four, including the pastor’s mother, Rosaria, managed to escape from the attackers despite their wounds. Police said the young Ansong was a pastor at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the JudeoChristian week, as the Sabbath. Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, a regional police spokesman, said the victims were heading to the
town’s center to collect government pension on October 23 when gunmen attacked them from the bushes. He said policemen recovered bullet casings of M16 and M1rifles in the area. “We are still investigating the motive of the attack and those involved in the murders,” Samuddin said. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and the Seventh Day Adventist Church has not release any statement about the killing of its pastor. (Mindanao Examiner)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY The Department of Science and Technology said people who are suffering from diabetes should be aware of the glycemic index of foods they take. The lower a food's glycemic index or glycemic load, the less it affects blood sugar and insulin levels. It said recent studies on large numbers of people with diabetes show that those who keep their blood sugar under tight control best avoid the complications of diabetes like heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower extremity amputations. And experts agree that what works best for people with diabetes - and everyone - is regular exercise, little saturated and trans fatty acids, and highfiber diet. Carbohydrates break quickly during digestion and can raise the bloodsugar to dangerous levels. Glycemic index (GI) ranks foods on how they affect our blood sugar levels. This index measures how much your blood sugar increases after your eat. When diabetic pa-
tients make use of the glycemic index to prepare healthy meals, it keeps their blood sugar levels and weight under control. Many carbohydrate-rich foods have high glycemic indexes, and certainly they are not good in any substantial quantity for people with diabetes. Other carbohydrates like complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber break down more slowly, releasing glucose gradually into our blood streams and are said to have lower glycemic indexes which are good for diabetic patients. Studies on glycemic indexes by experts showed that many of the starchy foods produce the highest glycemic response and these are white bread, some breakfast cereals cornflakes, and baked cheesy potatoes. And low glycemic foods include beans, barley, pasta, oats, apples, oranges, peaches, peanuts, strawberries, sweet corn and carrots. Likewise, vinegar, and lemon juice help reduce glycemic load, the amount of carbohydrate in a serving of a particular food.
Many foods have few available carbohydrates in a standard serving. We call these the "free foods" because they are essentially free of any impact on your blood sugar. These foods contain less than 5 grams of available carbohydrate in a 100-gram portion. The rest of the portion is protein, fat, fiber, ash and water. Examples of these foods are vegetables - asparagus, beans, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, okra, mushrooms, tomatoes, radishes, spinach, turnips and peppers; fruits - avocados, raspberries, strawberries; eggs and dairy cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt plain; and beverages - coffee, diet soda, tea and water. The glycemic index should, however, not be the only criterion when selecting what to eat. The total amount of carbohydrate, the amount and type of fat, and the fiber and salt content are also important. Consider also, that, factors such as variety of foods, cooking methods, and processing may affect a food's glycemic index. (Mindanao Examiner, DOST)
Filipino cops bust drug dealers, seized P20 million of shabu POLICE authorities arrested four suspected drug dealers in a sting operation in Taguig City just outside the Philippine capital. Police said at least P20 million worth of shabu was seized from Larex Pepino, 35; Jayberne Ruiras, 33; Jhay-Ar Radin, 25; and
Nelson Conarco, 30. The operation was led by Senior Superintendent Benjamin Lusad and Superintendent Julius Caesar Mana. Police said the four men were arrested along Bayani Road near Heritage Park after they sold the drugs to undercover
agents. Seized from them were 10 plastic packs containing four kilos of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride and their car they used in delivering drugs to customers. The four suspects are facing criminal charges and are unlikely to get bail.
Philippines captures Sayyaf sub-leader SECURITY forces arrested an Abu Sayyaf subleader long wanted by authorities for a string of murders and kidnappings the past two decades, officials said. Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, a regional police spokesman, said Nasser Usman was arrested in a joint police and military operation in Lamitan City in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region. He said Usman was tracked down by authorities in the village of
Tandung Ahas before dawn in his hideout. He did not say if there were weapons or explosives seized from Usman's hideout. "Usman is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued for the crimes of kidnappings and serious illegal detention," he said. He said Usman, who was the head of the Abu Sayyaf's Islamic Propagation and Indoctrination group under their leader Ustadz Abdurajak Janjalani, was involved in the 1995 pillage of Ipil
town just outside Zamboanga City, and in the mass kidnappings of civilians in 2000 in Basilan's Sumisip town. Dozens of people were killed in the two Abu Sayyaf attacks. Samuddin said the militant leader is currently being interrogated by the police as security forces continue to hunt down other members of the Abu Sayyaf which recently pledged allegiance with Sunni jihadist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Nov. 3-9, 2014
Philippines remains vigilant over slowdown in global economy
Philippine police chief Alan Purisima and Special Action Force Director Director Getulio Napeñas lead the unveiling of markers of training facilities in Santa Rosa City in Laguna province.
Elite Philippine police unit gets new training facilities PHILIPPINE police chief Alan Purisima unveiled markers of training facilities for members of the elite Special Action Force in Santa Rosa City in Laguna province, officials said. Officials said Purisima was accompanied by SAF Police Director Getulio Napeñas and other senior officials in the event. The new facilities included a mess hall, planning and classrooms, among others. “This holds great promise for the police students who are undergoing training and those who will attend future courses under the auspices of this school because they will stand to benefit from the improvements made in
this infrastructure,” Purisima said. He said the SAF facilities will also play an important role in the achievement of one of the key objectives of the Philippine National Police P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 and strategic initiative embodied in CODE-P, which is to develop highly competent, motivated and values-oriented and disciplined personnel. PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 stands for Peace and order Agenda for Transformation and upholding of the Rule-of-Law as enhanced by Purisima’s “CODE-P: 2013 and beyond.” CODE-P: 2013 and beyond is a program which stands for Compe-
tence, Organizational Development, Discipline, Excellence and Professionalism. The SAF Training Branch has been making huge strides in its bid to become one of the premiere training institutions in the country, and in line with the PNP’s modernization program, strengthening of its personnel capabilities through the conduct of training courses with good training facilities is one of the priorities of the organization. Purisima commended the past and present leadership of SAF for initiating reforms and bringing the institution in a class of its own within the PNP. (Mindanao Examiner)
On-going road project of Sulu Gov. Totoh Tan in the village of Bangkal in Patikul town. Tan says the provincial government has lined up various infrastructure projects in different areas in Sulu as part of peace and development programs aimed at hastening the economic progress of the province. (Photo by Franzie Sali)
MANILA – Significant declines in spending for imported raw materials and intermediate goods and mineral fuels and lubricants resulted in a 1.3 percent decline in merchandise imports in August 2014, offsetting the year-on-year gains in consumer and capital goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). "Although relatively in better condition than last year, the gradual softening in imports has been observed since the 24.7-percent growth seen last January, steadily sliding to its slowest growth as of August this year," said Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan. "Despite the gains from increased imports of consumer and capital goods, reduced purchases of imported raw materials and intermediate goods and mineral fuels and lubricants dragged down imports growth in August 2014." He said payments for Philippine merchandise imports decreased to US$5.5 billion in August 2014 from US$5.6 billion in August 2013. However, the total import payments in
the first eight months of 2014 increased by 4.0 percent to US$42.4 billion from US$40.8 billion in the comparable period in 2013. Given the faster growth in merchandise exports at 9.2 percent during the same period, the narrowed to US$1.7 billion from US$3.5 billion a year ago. "Domestically, the recent slowdown in imports may reflect market sentiment of sluggish demand due to seasonal factors. But we remain vigilant should this sluggish growth in imports turn out to be a signal of a more pessimistic condition of the global economy, which may spill over locally," Balisacan said. He said the issue on port congestion is still a big threat to imports and exports. "Although the truck ban has been lifted to ease congestion in Manila ports, cramped port yards remain an issue that may still have an impact on external trade. These should further be monitored and given ample solution to ease the flow of goods traversing Manila ports," he said. Meanwhile, payments for imported consumer goods posted a doubledigit expansion of 13.8 per-
cent to reach US$766.2 million in August 2014 from US$673.2 million a year ago. Similarly, imports of capital goods grew at a faster pace of 3.1 percent in August 2014 from a marginal increase of 0.3 percent in July 2014, following consecutive contractions since February to June 2014. "Overall, merchandise imports could possibly pick up in the succeeding months as suggested by the inventory drawdown in the national accounts," Balisacan said. The People’s Republic of China remained as the top source of Philippine merchandise imports in August 2014 with a 14.7 percent share to total import payments amounting to US$806.5 million. Second was United States of America with a share of 7.8 percent, followed by Singapore (7.4%), Taiwan (7.3%), Republic of Korea (7.0%), Japan (6.7%), Saudi Arabia (6.0%), Thailand (5.9%), France (5.3%), and Germany (4.2%). The value of imported commodities from other ASEAN-member countries accounted for 23.1 percent of Philippine merchandise imports amounting to US$1.3 billion. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Nov. 3-9, 2014
What really happened when FVR Paano Pinapababa Ang Cholesterol? Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong and Duterte met ? by Jesus Dureza WHEN FORMER PRESIDENT FIDEL RAMOS and Davao Mayor RODRIGO "Digong" DUTERTE met in Davao City a few days ago, the several events where they were seen together, their public body language and the reports that ensued were "combustible" enough to start a political fire. And kept political tongues wagging. Well, let me give you some "inside" story if I may to somehow clear the air. But first, a word of caution: I have not gotten the prior permission of FVR nor of Mayor Digong to somehow disclose what took place behind closed doors, but I'll take my chance anyway, so here goes. I got this call requesting if I could arrange a "one-on-one" between FVR and Mayor Digong during his overnight visit. This was no big deal because FVR, in the long time I knew him up close, would always seek "private time" with hosts, especially with close friends for re-unions and informal chats. So I requested BONG GO, the mayor's "man-Friday" to arrange things. In a jiffy, I got word that it was okay and so PAUL DOMINGUEZ, a former FVR" boy" like me and I were at the 17th floor of Marco Polo Hotel chatting with FVR ( who just met with one of his friends in the BIMP EAGA, MS SUSAN CHANG from Kota Kinabalu) when Mayor Digong walked in with a bunch of reporters trailing behind. Paul and I conducted them to the boardroom and when they both got seated, I and Paul headed
for the door leaving the two behind saying: "We're just outside." But, oops, FVR called out: "Where are you two guys going? I need you both here". It sounded like an order from a boss. So Paul and I stayed and shut the door, but only after the coterie of media men with cameras had their "photo ops"! Truth to tell, not anyone of us talked about any endorsement of Mayor Digong for the presidency nor did we egg him to run for president, as some quarters had been speculating. Although I must admit, a possible Duterte candidacy for the presidency was at the back of our minds. Instead, it was a friendly chat -- stocktaking and updating each other around the table -- and reminiscing. We threw around the table a few tidbits. But Mayor Duterte, for most of the time, was only intently listening. FVR talked about his own experience when he ran for president. He recalled how he even had no political party when he started. He even lost the presidential nomination of the administration party, the LDP to House Speaker RAMON MITRA. Then he ran -- and won -- against a phalanx of heavyweights like MONCHING MITRA, DANDING COJUANCO, MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO and IMELDA MARCOS. He recalled how he had to doubly work harder and had to leave Mindanao in the last leg of his campaign to focus on Metro Manila as he was losing heavily there. He talked about not relying totally on politicians, although they helped deliver the votes, but generate sup-
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port from private groups, NGOs, volunteers. He talked about the parable of an oil drop in a big lake. Not one drop but many drops then a thousand drops can make a difference. He talked about former Indonesian President LUCILO BAMBANG, his colleague at the West Point Academy in the US during their cadet days who called on him and sought his advice on his (Bambang's) presidential plans. Paul Dominguez shared what he learned about the results of a deep study where it was established that most people or voters choose candidates on the basis of what the officials can do -- or are perceived to be able to do --to them personally or how the candidates handle things that personally matter to them (the voters) and not on the basis of whether or not they are corrupt or are perceived to be corrupt or for other factors. I recalled that in my recent travels (Iligan, Butuan, Surigao, Cagayan de Oro) ordinary folks or the "masa" whom I talked with, still had not changed, thus far, on their support for Vice President Binay as their candidate for president in spite of the frequent media bashing he was getting. I recalled what one political analyst in Iligan told me his theory or estimation that "the political fates of Binay and Duterte are now closely linked and intertwined; that they are inversely proportional to the other". Meaning, if Binay further drops in the next surveys, Duterte will
1. Kumain ng tama. Mahal ang gamutan sa cholesterol at posibleng may side effects pa. Dahil dito, piliting isaayos ang iyong pamumuhay bago uminom ng gamot. Kung kayo ay sobra sa timbang, kailangan nating magpapayat. Kapag ika’y pumayat ng 5 pounds, bababa din ang iyong cholesterol. Subukan ang madalas na pagkain ng high fiber na pagkain tulad ng oatmeal, beans (monggo) at gulay. Makapagbabawas ito ng malaki sa iyong cholesterol. Kung dati ay mahilig ka sa taba ng baboy, mantika at pritong pagkain, subukan mo
naman ang taba ng isda. Tapyasin din ang taba ng baboy bago ito lutuin. Iwasan ang pagkain ng mga cakes, pastries, croissant, ensaymada, mantikilya, cookies at iba pang mamantika na pagkain. Kung dati ay hilig mo ang sinangag o fried
rice, piliin na lang ang sinaing na kanin. 2. Mag-ehersisyo. Mag-ehersisyo ng 3 hanggang 5 beses kada linggo. Gawin ito ng 30 minutos hanggang isang oras. Malaki ang maitutulong ng ehersisyo sa pagpapababa ng iyong cholesterol. 3. Subukan mag-oat meal araw araw. Nakakababa ito ng 10% ng iyong cholesterol. 4. Ito ang tamang paraan sa pagpapababa ng cholesterol niyo. Subukang mag-diyeta at mag-ehersisyo muna ng 2 buwan. Kapag hindi nakuha sa natural na paraan ay doon pa lamang tayo iinom ng gamot.
have a good chance of becoming the next president; if Binay however recovers or stabilizes and arrests the fall, Duterte will have a hard time winning. It was his political calculus that smacks right into today's realities. It remains to be validated though but it's interesting. Then there was a discussion on how times have greatly changed due to technological advances in cyberspace with the swiftness and almost instantaneous transmission of information to the big, wide world in a flash by a flick of a touch. Hence, even political decisions to run and campaign for public office can be communicated much later in the day and candidates who are ahead in announcing their candidacies much earlier need not necessarily enjoy a big advantage over a johnnycome lately guy. So there's no urgency of any early announcement as yet for the 2016 Elections.
There were other intimate items that need not be disclosed here. Of course, obviously those talking points had some cogency to Duterte's reported run for the presidency. -- which we all know Mayor Digong continues to quickly deny at every turn. But there were subliminal and symbolic instances that kept the Davao public enthralled by FVR. Example No.1 -- when FVR emerged from the closed door meeting and when he was asked for a statement what the meeting was all about, he merely said: "The best is soon to come". He did not elaborate. Example No. 2 -- When FVR was asked whether it was time for someone from Mindanao to be in Malacanang, his categorical answer was: "Yes, it's about time!" Example No. 3 -- When FVR attended the BIMP EAGA dinner hosted by Mayor Digong, he ( FVR)
wore a t-shirt emblazoned "DIGONG" with FVR's signature thumbs up sign and caused the adding of the letter "s" to the phrase ATO NI 'PRE" hence suggesting "this is our president". Example No. 4 -- FVR publicly disrobed and removed his shirt emblazoned at the back with the word "PHILIPPINES" and made Mayor Digong wear it to show that he ( Duterte) was for the country and not only for Davao. Yes, Dabawenyos and the BIMP EAGA foreign guests did not have enough of a former president who still captivates and who subliminally suggests that yes, he may consider to run again but not in 2016 (hinting that he has someone else already in mind for that) but in 2022, another Presidential election year. And he hurriedly adds: "But I have a problem with that. I may win! “ (info@advocacymindanow.org)
Dr. Willie T. Ong
Philippine Army kills 2 commies in fresh clashes in Davao province DAVAO CITY – Government troops killed two communist insurgents in a clash Wednesday in the southern Philippine province of Davao del Norte, an army spokesman said. Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted in the village of Gupitan in Kapalong town. He said troops from the 60th Infantry Battalion were sent to hunt down members of the New People’s Army when they encountered a group of rebels and a firefight ensued. He said the fighting lasted almost an hour and stopped only after the rebels broke into smaller groups and escaped to the hills. He said soldiers recovered four automatic rifles and an improvised explosive device, including a binocular. “There was no casualty on our side and the pursuit operations still continue,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. The fighting was the
second in the remote village in three days where two rebels were also killed by soldiers. Caber said Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, the regional military commander, has ordered mili-
tary units to intensify the operations against the NPA and at the same time urging the rebels to surrender peacefully. The NPA rebels have been fighting for decades for the establishment of a sepa-
rate state in the country. The military has branded the NPA as kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, extortionists and other malevolent tags in propaganda war with the communist group. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Nov. 3-9, 2014
Mandaue opens children’s facility
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A two-storey building on a 3,200 square meter of land now sits the Hope of Mandaue Enhanced Children’s Center or HOME and the P8 million facility in the village of Basak here is the brainchild of First Lady Sarah Cortes, who heads the Mandaue City Council for the Protection of Children. Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and his wife inaugurated the facility. “This is a dream come true,” said Mrs. Cortes, adding, she brought up the idea of building HOME when her husband took over as mayor in 2007. She said the development of the site cost P4 million and another P2 million for the concrete fencing. She said the Phase 2 which covers the girls’ quarter will follow and the
last phase would consist of a building for abandoned, neglected and abused children. “This will enhance our program for the children who are presently housed at Social Development Center,” social worker Maricel Yu said. One street child named Jason said they are happy with the new facility. “Dako jud namo kalipay nga gitagad jud mi sa kagamhanan (We are very happy that the government cares for us.),” he said. Jason is only one of many street children now studying under the Alternative Learning System of the local government. The mayor said this new facility will provide for a better shelter for children who need guidance and protection. To improve method of teaching, the local govern-
ment equipped elementary and secondary school teachers with laptops, LCD projectors, printers and tablet computers, among others. Cortes said the local government’s feeding programs is also on top of his priority in an effort to improve the health of children. He said scholarship programs were also granted to poor, but deserving students and street children who want to continue their education. He said psychosocial therapy sessions and values formation, skills and leadership trainings, among others, were regularly being undertaken by the City Social Welfare and Services Department, especially to victims of child trafficking. “Every success of the children determines the future of our City. I am Mandaue. I am for good governance, I am for Education,” he said. (Cebu Examiner - MNS)
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and First Lady Sarah Cortez inaugurate the Hope of Mandaue Enhanced Children’s Center.
AIDS kills 113 Filipinos in 8 months
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Mark Lapid, TIEZA’s Chief Operating Officer, and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.
Hyperbaric chamber now available in Mandaue City
T
he Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or T IEZA has opened the first-ever hyperbaric chamber in Mandaue City which could provide life-saving therapy to scuba divers and hobbyists and others who need it in Cebu and nearby areas. Hyperbaric chamber is used to treat decompression sickness – a sometimes fatal disorder that is marked by neuralgic pains and paralysis, distress in breathing, and often collapse and that is caused by the release of gas bubbles in tissue upon too rapid decrease
ARMM
in air pressure after a stay in a compressed atmosphere. The equipment, which consists of two chambers, is worth P20 million, and is largely use to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. “I would like to thank the Mayor (Jonas Cortes) for donating the lot to us. The location is very ideal since it is located in the city’s center and near the hospital,” said Mark Lapid, TIEZA’s Chief Operating Officer. Jethro Lozada, assistant COO of TIEZA, said they will be charging P36,000 for each session and would give 50% off to divers who are members of
the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving. Mayor Jonas Cortes, for his part, said the coming of TIEZA in the city is a welcome development since it gives a room for improvement. He said in exchange for donating the lot, TIEZA in return gave the local government P17 million grant for the construction of a new building at Labogon area for use by the Department of General Services. TIEZA, formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority, also provides the needed infrastructure as well as support facilities to tourism industries. (Cebu Examiner)
Southern Mindanao
Davao
W h i l e health authorities are scrambling t o build up the country’s Ebola preparedness, another disease - the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV - is claiming the lives of more Filipinos every month. From January to August this year alone, a total of 113 deaths - 109 males and four females were repor ted among Filipinos with HIV, according to House Assistant Majority Leader and Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas. The 113 deaths in the first eight months of the year brought to 1,052 (862 males and 190 females) the cumulative number of known AIDS deaths in the country since government began passive surveillance of the disease in 1984. Gullas said the highest number of fatalities from January to August occurred in the 25-29 age bracket, with 46 deaths or 41%. The number of known AIDS deaths in the country has been on the rise since 2012, when the Department of Health established an official reporting form. Only 68 AIDS deaths were reported in 2011. The number jumped to 176 in 2012 and 179 in 2013. Gullas said like Ebola,
HIV still does not have any known cure. However, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) may slow down the ailment. He said a total of 7,380 Filipinos living with HIV were on ART in 19 treatment hubs across the country as of August 2014, according to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry. A total of 3,908 new HIV cases were discovered countrywide from January to August, up 24 percent versus the 3,154 detected in the same eight-month period in 2013. Central Visayas, which includes Cebu province, has the thirdhighest concentration of newly diagnosed HIV cases. Some 37% of all new HIV cases are being spotted in Metro Manila; 19% Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon; 10% in Central Visayas; and 9% in Central Luzon. As of August, the aggregate number of cases in the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry has already reached 20,424 of which some 93% or 18,999 cases were infected through sexual contact. The rest were infected on account of needlesharing among injecting drug users (5% or 962 cases); mother-to-child transmission (less than 1% or 65 cases); contaminated blood transfusion (less than 1% or 20 cases);
Western Mindanao
Cebu
needle prick injury (less than 1% or three cases). No data was available for 2% or 375 cases. HIV causes AIDS, or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which destroys the human body’s biological defenses against disease. Already approved by the 125-member appropriations committee, House Bill 549 sets increased public funding and forceful new strategies to suppress the spread of HIV, Gullas said, adding, the new strategies include the establishment local AIDS councils with focused prevention plans at the regional, provincial, city and municipal levels. “The bill also mandates specific agencies to provide definite programs to alleviate the conditions of the growing number of Filipinos living with HIV. Under the bill, a case-management mechanism will be in place for every person living with HIV. Affected families, including children orphaned by AIDS, will also be afforded ample care and support,” he said. The country’s existing AIDS Prevention and Control Law - Republic Act 8504 - is 16 years old, and has become outdated, he said. (Cebu Examiner)
Manila