Davao task force, police praised for security readiness PAGE 4
Sulu Pictures In The News
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A migrant worker’s journey ends with a coffin, and mourning PAGE 6
No to warlordism of Ampatuans and culture of impunity
Letters to the Editor – End to all-out war in Mindanao
PAGE 6
Benepisyo Ng Malunggay Payo ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
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Mar. 16-22, 2015
Rebel group will not release full report of ‘Mamasapano clash’ Read story on page 2
Farmers decry delay in proposed CARP laws Read story on page 3
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Mar. 16-22, 2015
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Rebel group will not release full report of ‘Mamasapano clash’ SULTAN KUDARAT – The Philippines is unlikely to get the full report of the investigation by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the deadly clash between rebel and police forces that left 44 commandos dead earlier this year in Maguindanao province in the restive southern Muslim region of Mindanao. The MILF launched its own probe into the January 25 clashes after lawmakers accused the separatist group of breaking the truce it signed with the Aquino government when its forces killed members of the elite Special Action Force in the remote village of Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town. The commandos had killed Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir in a top secret operation deep inside the MILF territory, but were ambushed by rebels that sparked daylong clashes that even President Aquino – who authorized the anti-terror mission – failed to stop. The fierce clashes also killed 18 MILF and 5 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Mohagher Iqbal, a senior MILF leader and the group’s chief peace negotiator, said they have completed the report and would submit an executive summary to the Malaysialed International (Ceasefire) Monitoring Team. The IMT is also composed of representatives from Japan, Indonesia and Brunei, and supported by the United States and European Union. The IMT will also forward the summary to Kuala Lumpur being the facilitator of the peace talks between the MILF and the Philippines, and also to the Aquino government through its government peace negotiator Miriam Ferrer, according to Iqbal. He said the full report of the MILF on the Mamasapano clash will not be made public. “Internal ang full report ng MILF sa Mamasapano clash at ang tanging maibibigay
namin ang executive summary. Sariling imbestigasyon ng MILF ito at hindi namin maaaring ilabas ito sa publiko,” Iqbal told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner, adding they would release the summary report soon. “This (executive summary) contains the substance of the MILF probe and I want to reiterate that what happened in Mamasapano on that fateful January 25 was a violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Philippine government because there was no prior coordination with the MILF as far as the SAF (Special Action Force) operation was concerned,” Iqbal said. Many groups are demanding Aquino’s resignation over his failure to prevent the fighting. Aquino called the daylong clashes between commandos and rebels as a “misencounter” between friendly forces. The MILF signed a peace accord last year, but the peace process is yet to be completed with passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law now pending in Congress following the carnage. Lawmakers shelved the BBL until investigations into the deadly clashes between SAF and MILF is completed. The BBL is important in crafting a new Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao. Aside from the multisectoral groups demanding Aquino to step down, lawmakers also wanted him to resign – accusing the President of covering up the deadly clash despite being told by the SAF about the fighting. There were also rumors of a coup d’état and widespread demoralization among members of the police and military. The Mamasapano clash drew widespread condemnation and is now threatening not only the peace process, but the presidency as public outcry for Aquino’s weak leadership continues to mount. Lawmakers also joined
the police in demanding the surrender of MILF rebels involved in the killing of SAF commandos. But the MILF said it will not surrender those that took part in the clashes. On Saturday, government troops killed at least 4 BIFF gunmen in fierce clashes in the village of Pusao in Mamasapano town and officials said one of the slain rebels was clad in a police uniform taken from one of the slain SAF commandos. Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers also recovered firearms and a mortar bomb from the slain gunmen. She said the military offensive is still going on in Maguindanao where the BIFF is actively operating. She said General Edmundo Pangilinan, the division commander, ordered troops to intensify the assault on the BIFF in the province. “General Pangilinan ordered troops to pin down the engaged BIFF forces that are now constricted in different encounter areas in Mamasapano and Datu Piang towns in Maguindanao,” Petinglay said in a separate interview. Petinglay said more than two dozen rebels had been killed in clashes in recent days and that at least 13 soldiers were also wounded in the fighting. Pangilinan has visited and pinned medals to wounded troops in hospital. The military launched an all-out offensive against the rebel group which has been largely blamed by authorities for the spate of bombings and ambuscades of soldiers in Maguindanao. The BIFF broke away with the larger MILF after its leader Murad Ebrahim opened peace talks with Manila. The group, which is composed of about 300 members, is now waging its own separatist war. (With a report from Mark Navales)
Troops bound for battle in Maguindanao province in the troubled Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines where security forces are battling Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. And army commander General Edmundo Pangilinan visits and pins medal to wounded soldiers in hospital. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Mark Navales)
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Mar. 16-22, 2015
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Farmers decry delay in proposed CARP laws MANILA – Filipino farmers from Negros Occidental province who were demanding lands from the government trooped to the House of Representatives and have their heads shaved to protest the failure of law makers to immediately pass bills that will extend and overhaul the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Among those who joined the protest were 15 peasant women, who assailed the Visayan bloc in Congress for blocking the passage of House Bill 4296 and House Bill 4375. They accused House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II for refusing to schedule for plenary debate the proposed laws despite being certified last year by President Benigno Aquino as a priority measure with the Senate passing on third and final reading its counterpart bill in September 2014. “Ngayon pong buwan ng mga kababaihan ay nagpakalbo po kami para iprotesta ang mga bingi, bulag, at walang pakiramdam sa Kongreso. Ang mga hacenderopolitiko po sa Kongreso at ang kanilang mga pamilya ay ubod ng sakim. Nakakakain po sila ng m a s a s a r a p , nakakapamasyal po kung saan nila gusto, at napapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak sa magagandang eskwelahan dahil sobrasobra na po ang kinita nila mula sa aming pinagpaguran. Habang kami po ay nanatiling alipin, di nakapag-aral, at halos walang makain kahit kami ang nagpapagod sa bukid,” said Dorita Vargas, a farmer-leader belonging to national peasant federation Task Force Mapalad (TFM). “Nagsuot din po kami ng dilaw na t-shirt para ipaalala rin kay Pangulong PNoy ang pangako ng kanyang inang si Pangulong Cory na kami ay magkakalupa sa ilalim ng CARP. Bakit ang program para sa magsasaka na s’ya lamang aming sandalan para maahon sa kahirapan ang s’yang ginagawang dahilan na balakid kaya ayaw nilang ipasa ang HB 4296? Responsibilidad ng mga taga Kongreso na tiyakin ang maayos na implementasyon ng CARP. Kaya nga dapat din nilang isabatas agad ang HB 4375. Di kaya tumututol sila dahil tinatamaan na ang kanilang
pansariling interes?” Vargas further said. Vargas, a single parent of six, becamea sugarcane farm worker in Negros Occidental when she was 13 years old. In 1996, the Department of Agrarian (DAR) Reform started to cover under CARP the 126-hectare Hacienda CanticibilManalo in the village of Robles in La Castellana town where Vargas was working. But because of the DAR’s immediate action in distributing the landholding to Vargas and her fellow CARP beneficiaries, the landowner of the hacienda had managed to evade the program by splitting the ownership of the hacienda into nine titles and later into 52 titles, which almost left the DAR with no more land to distribute to Vargas and other beneficiaries. As a result, only five hectares of the 126-hectare property had been awarded to 17 farmer-beneficiaries of the CARP including Vargas or less than 3,000 square meters per beneficiary. Under the CARP, a beneficiary can own up to three hectares. “Kaya nga po ang gusto namin ay agad isabatas ang HB 4296 at HB 4375 para maayos ang implementasyon ng CARP at mapagbayad ang mga hacendero na lumabag sa CARP Law sa pamamagitan ng kung anu-anong porma ng pandaraya at pag-iwas sa programa,” Vargas said. HB 4296 seeks to renew for two years the DAR’s authority to issue notices of coverage and provide adequate funding for support services to agricultural landholdings that have not yet been placed under CARP. And HB 4375 seeks to create an independent Agrarian Reform Commission to review the actual accomplishment of CARP and investigate circumvention and violations of the CARP Law with a view to cause these landholdings to be redistributed to qualified beneficiaries. HB 4375 does not yet have a counterpart measure at the Senate and needs to be certified by the President as a priority measure. Another female TFM farmer-leader, the 68-yearold Salvacion Bravo, became among the stockholders of the 170-hectare Hacienda Anita-OSV Farm in the village of Concepcion in Talisay City starting in 1993. The sugarcane hacienda, managed by Rosario Cabral was placed under the stock
distribution option or SDO scheme in 1993, which was similar to what was done to the Cojuangco-Aquino clan’s Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. But after 22 years of being a stockholder of the hacienda, the life of Bravo and her 13 children did not improve. “Naloko kami. Kasama daw sa SDO ang libreng educational assistance para sa aking mga anak. Babahaginan daw kami ng kinikita ng hacienda. Pero hindi totoo ang educational assistance. At kung may ibinabahagi sa aming kita mula sa SDO, kakarampot lang, habang ang management ay milyon-milyong piso ang kinikita sa hacienda,” said Bravo, who started working in the hacienda when she was only 18years old. In the whole 22 years, each farmer or stockholder of the hacienda only received a stock share of about P1,600 yearly or about P133 monthly,” according to Bravo. She said the management had refused to give work to some of her children when it found out that the Bravo family was against the SDO scheme and were campaigning for the land to be directly distributed to farmer-beneficiaries. “CARP evasion ang nangyari sa pamamagitan ng SDO. Sobrang hirap at gutom ang inabot namin. May mga oras na pumapangos na lang ng tubo ang aking mga anak, mairaos lang ang gutom. Kung may pambili naman ng bigas ay di pa rin kasya para sa aming lahat. Kaya ako at ang aking asawa ay di na lang kakain para may makain angaming mga anak,” Bravo said. Vargas said peasant women were thankful that a woman President started a social justice program 27 years ago via the CARP. But she said they are afraid that Cory’s promise would just die under the term of her very own son. “Alam po namin Pangulong PNoy na matagal n’yo nang sinertipikahan bilang urgent ang HB 4296. Ngunit di po ito sapat para makunsenya ang mga CARP killers sa Kongreso. Nawalan na po sila ng konsensya dahil sa sobrang kasakiman. Sana po ay muli ninyo kaming samahan sa aming pakikipaglaban sa lupa dahil alam po naming ang nais n’yo ay katulad din ng nais ng inyong ina,” Vargas said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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During Women’s Month, landless peasant women led by farmers from Negros Occidental have their heads shaved on Monday, March 9, 2015 outside Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, to protest landlord-politicians’ blocking of the passage of CARP bills in Congress. (Photos by Jimmy Domingo – Task Force Mapalad)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 16-22, 2015
Task Force Davao, police praised for security readiness
Task Force Davao photo showa policemen and soldiers (not in frame) during a bomb drill. (Mindanao Examiner) DAVAO CITY – Various sectors in Davao City have praised the Task Force Davao and the local police force and other agencies for their readiness not only in time of disasters, but in security aspect as well following a bomb drill that drew huge support from the public. Police and military authorities, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Central (emergency hotline) 911, among other support groups, recently conducted a bomb drill at different places in Davao City for the purpose
of the capability response time and interoperability of the different agencies involved during bomb threat at different scales and to ensure that safety of civilians ahead of the grand celebration of the “Araw ng Davao.” Col. Macairog Alberto, the task force commander, said they conducted five drills – one after another – to test the readiness of all government agencies, including their own and the police force. He said the exercise was successful in testing the
readiness of the agencies, adding, the key to this was the Community and Emergency Response Center Central 911, which serve as the command center of the drill. “We cannot afford to be complacent. Without 911, all our exercise will fail. 911 provided the command and control of the exercise. All response time fell under ten minutes despite the traffic,” Alberto said. Davao, whose mayor is Rodrigo Duterte, is one of the safest cities in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
Pasimple pa ang batang ito na nasa wheel chair sa kanyang pagsingot ng rugby habang namamalimos sa Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Modus ng ‘rugby’ boys nabuko NAGBAGO na ng style ang ilang rugby boys sa Zamboanga City sa kanilang paglilimos upang makapang-akit ng taong maaawa sa kanila at magbigay ng limos. Ito’y matapos na mabuko ng Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper ang modus operandi ng dalawang paslit sa kanilang pamamalimos at pag gamit ng rugby sa sentro mismo ng lungsod. Isa sa mga ito ay nasa wheel chair pa habang namamalimos sa mga
nagdaraan, ngunit sa loob naman ng kanyang kamiseta ay naroon ang isang plastic na puno ng rugby na pasimple nitong sinisingot. Nagsisilbing side kick naman ang isang bata at siyang tumutulong sa pagtutulak ng wheel chair sa ibat-ibang lugar sa downtown area, ngunit may baon rin itong rugby. Kalimitan ay galing sa mga limos ang ipinambibili ng mga ito ng rugby mula sa mga matatandang nagbebenta
nito ng illegal sa palengke na katabi lamang ng himpilan ng pulisya. Talamak ang problema sa pag-abuso sa rugby ng mga street children na madalas ay siyang ginagamit ng kanilang mga magulang sa paglilimos. Hindi rin regular ang kampanya ng Department of Social Welfare and Development sa mga naglipanang rugby boys at street children sa Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sibugaynon malipayong gisaulog ang ika-14 ka tuig sa maong probinsya
Zamboanga City is very proud to have two of its sons included in the Top 10 Sinaglahi PMA Class-Top 2 Genesis Salvador Dizon of Sta. Maria and Top 8-Steven Tali (extreme right) of Lower Calarian. Mayor Beng Climaco and husband Trifonio Salazar pose with Dizon and Tali. “Our message to them is to live by courage, integrity and loyalty as Zamboangueños, to be courageous in meeting their assignments wherever they will be sent. We live in a community where peace and instability is a challenge, carry on as ambassadors of peace,” says Climaco.
7 people feast on rabid dog meat, officials worry over infection ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 7 people, including two children, feasted on the meat of a rabid dog in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines and officials were worried over their health and urged them to immediately to undergo medical examination. The City Veterinarian Office expressed alarm over the consumption of the dog meat. It also warned residents to refrain
from eating dog meat to avoid carrying the risk of transmitting rabies. The dog was slaughtered for its meat in Cabatangan village after two of four animals it had bitten died on the spot. Officials said personnel from the City Pound were dispatched to hunt down the two other animals bitten by the dog to prevent the spread of infection. Citing reports from the website RabiesAlliance.org,
local health officials said the preparation and ingestion of raw animal products from a rabid animal are both considered a high risk, and that there has been documented cases of rabies transmission to butchers cutting meat from a rabid animal. Officials said the number of cat and dog bite cases in Zamboanga have reached 5,574 since last year. (With a report from Jasmine Mohammadsali)
Si Congresswoman Ann Hofer sa silibrasyon sa Araw ng Sibugay. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Rommel Munio) ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - pagbarog sa "Rotunda ing gikan sa mga barangay. Sa ika-14th silibrasyon sa Obelisk" nga anaa Dalangin, Anunang Araw ng Sibugay kon mahimotang sa lungsod sa ngadto sa Barangay adlaw sa pagkamogna sa Ipil sa nga maoy simbolo o Bangco sa Poblacion Titay p r o b i n s y a , landmark sa naasoyng nga usa sa mga dugayng m a p a s i g a r b o h o n g probinsya,birthing centers pangandoy sa maong congipaabot ni Congress- sa matag barangay, road re- gresswoman nga matoman woman Ann Hofer ang habilitation projects, cov- ang farm-to-market road mga nahimong mehoras ered court ug ang pinaka- projects alang sa mga niini. bag o niini ang 6 ka Si b u g a y n o n . ( R o m m e l Usa na niini ang kilometrong road concret- Munio, Ely Dumaboc)
Mar. 16-22, 2015
The Mindanao Examiner
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Sulu Pictures In The News
Malaking tagumpay ang pagdaraos ng 2015 Women's Month ng Sulu Provincial Women's Council sa pangunguna ni Hajja Nurunisah Tan sa Kapitolyo ng lalawigan sa bayan ng Patikul. Naroon rin si Sulu Vice Gov. Sakur at mga opisyal ng ibat-ibang bayan at dinagsa ang selebrasyon ng daan-daang kababaihan. Nagkaroon pa ng parlor games ang naturang event na may temang "Juana, desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawa't isa. Ikaw na!" (Franzie Sali)
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The Mindanao Examiner - FOREIGN
Mar. 16-22, 2015
A migrant worker’s journey ends with a coffin, and mourning DHANUSHA, NEPAL (CNN) – At Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, hundreds of migrant workers line up daily at the immigration counters, clutching newly printed passports and boarding passes. Many of them, though, are clueless as to where they’re headed. As a frequent traveler to the country, I’ve been approached many times by these men, asking me to help fill out their departure forms. Usually, when I ask what countr y they’re traveling to, I get the same answer: “I’m not sure.” They seem weary and lost but still hopeful that they can make their lives better. This time, however, I’m at the airport to follow up on the repatriation of the most unfortunate of these migrant workers — far too many of them make the return journey in caskets. Almost every day the remains of three or four workers arrive back in Nepal from the Middle East. Every other day, at least one dead body ar-
rives from Qatar. Worst exploitation “Nepali migrant workers have the lowest per capita income in Qatar,” says Suryanath Mishra, who served as ambassador to Qatar from 2007 to 2012. “They get exploited the most out of all the migrant workers.” He cites lack of education and technical skills as the main causes. We are waiting for the body of Kishun Das, who left Nepal for Qatar only eight months ago. The 38-year old was his family’s breadwinner and the father of five children. His younger brother, Bishun, is at the airport to receive the body. He also works in Qatar and is currently in Nepal on leave. I ask him why he’s alone. “ We don’t have money to bring other family members to receive the body,” he says. “But they have been calling me ever y other minute asking for the update.” His phone rings. “I’m at the administration filling out the paper work.” he tells the caller on his phone.
“No, he isn’t getting any compensation.” With over more than 350,000 migrant workers, Nepalis make up the second biggest community in Qatar, after Indians, the embassy in Qatar claims. We contact Qatar’s labor ministry, trying to find a reason for the alarming rate of deaths of Nepali workers, as well as details of measures taken since 2014 to improve working conditions. They refuse to comment. Migr ation soars thanks igration to Q atar World C up Qatar Cup As we wait at the airport, a Qatar Air ways plane lands. At 7:40 pm, it is the last of three that depart and arrive every day. Before Qatar won the right to stage the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and embarked on a hugely ambitious, holistic construction plan to support it, it was a single flight a day. Hundreds of passengers disembark from the plane. “They are mostly migrant workers returning home,” an airport official tells us. We spot a cargo worker transporting a
(US) Madison Tense as City Deals With Police Shooting of Unarmed Teen EMOTIONS were raw at a church service to mourn the death of an unarmed 19-year-old black man shot by a white Madison, Wisconsin, police officer, but demonstrations on the city’s streets were tense but peaceful. Protesters faced off with police outside the house where Tony Robinson was shot Friday night, and marchers carried banners saying “Black Lives Matter.” A community group planned to gather this afternoon to discuss the shooting. Organizers encouraged the community to bring children and crayons for a discussion about the events of the weekend. A balloon memorial had been placed near the site of the shooting this morning. Friends and family who gather Saturday night in front of the home where Robinson was shot told ABC News they were concerned about safety in their community. “I worry about my kids even walking down the street,” Lynn Robinson, a neighbor of Tony Robinson’s, said. “Us being teenagers
and you know African American teenagers, you know it can happen to us,” Darian Grant, a classmate of Robinson’s, said. Madison Police Chief Mike Koval identified the officer who shot and killed Robinson Friday night as Matt Kenny, 45, a 12-year veteran of the force. Kenny was involved in a shooting in 2007, but was exonerated, Koval said. Robinson’s mother Andrea Irwin said she was shocked by his violent death, saying the teen was never a “violent person.” “It baffles me,” she said. According to court documents obtained by ABC News, Robinson pleaded guilty to charges of being a party to armed robbery in April 2014, and was under supervision when police responded to a complaint about him Friday night. Robinson was jumping in and out of traffic last week and allegedly responsible for a recent battery, Koval said. In recordings of the 911 calls, police dispatchers discussing the suspect “yelling and jumping in front of cars” call him
“Tony.” Kenny went to an apartment where he thought Robinson had gone, Koval said. The officer heard a disturbance inside and entered, where an altercation with Robinson began, the police chief said. Koval said Kenny then shot Robinson, who later died at the hospital. Kenny was also injured, said Koval, but he did not describe the extent of his wounds. The officer, who was involved in a police-involved shooting in 2007 and was exonerated of any wrongdoing, was placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, Koval said. After Robinson’s death late Friday, demonstrations condemning the shooting began. A crowd gathered at the house where the shooting happened and then left. Some people then headed to the downtown building that houses the Madison Police Department’s Central District offices. Robinson’s family has urged demonstrators to remain peaceful in his honor. (By Dean Schabner. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
bright red box carrying the body of Kishun. Even in a country where even a fight between two stray dogs can gather a sizable crowd, coffin arr ivals don’t seem to attract many spectators. The scene has become all too common. The coffin is loaded on to a jeep provided for free by the Nepali government. We follow it on the journey to the family’s village in Dhanusha distr ict — a seven-hour drive from Kathmandu. “Normally, vehicles are not allowed to drive on this highway after 8 p.m. because of the dangerous condition of some of the roads at night but since I’m carrying a coffin, the police let me go,” the driver of the jeep tells us. The Nepali government has eight vehicles designated to deliver coffins. They’re kept busy. “They call me the coffin guy,” the driver says with a dark smirk. In mour ning mourning At around 1 a.m. we stop at a roadside shack. All of us eat except for Das’ brother. “I’m mourning. For religious purposes, I need to remain pure. So, I can’t eat anything,” he says. I see him buying alcohol shortly after. “I’m too stressed because of my brother’s death. I need to comfort
myself.” Back in Qatar – where alcohol is banned — he and his friends manage to fulfill their needs courtesy of the local black market, he tells us. “It (the alcohol) is of very poor quality but that is our only option,” he adds. Even before we arrive at the village just at the break of dawn, we hear the howling. Dozens of villagers have already gathered at Das’ home. His father cries out in agony, “Hey Lord, what have you done?” Then he faints. All the family members shout at the coffin. The wailing and shouting is almost deafening. And it goes on for hours. As a journalist working in South Asia, I have seen a lot of desperation and misery. But the screeching was so intense; it’s something I will never forget. S ole br eadwinner breadwinner “He alone was taking care of his parents and his family, how will they survive now?” a villager asks. Most of the spectators are women. Most of the men from the village have gone to the Middle East to work. The few who are left behind start preparing for his cremation. Mishra, the former ambassador, says 55% of Nepali migrant workers
deaths in Qatar are from “sudden” cardiac arrest, 20% die from work-related accidents, 15% from traffic accidents, and an alarming 10% commit suicide. Nepali government records show more than 290 workers have died in the Gulf state in the last 420 days. Put another way, two Nepali workers die in Qatar every three days. These are young men dying in the prime of their life. “The cause of deaths needs to be investigated properly, and urgently,” Mishra says. “In general, it is due to tension led by exploitation, adverse climate, poor working and living conditions and alcoholic intoxication.” In Das’ village, almost all the men we meet have spent time working in the Middle East. Many had recently returned from Qatar. They tell stories of hardship, and of the deaths of their coworkers. Time and again, none of them seems to be convinced with investigations into their friends’ and compatriots’ deaths. And again, amongst the keening and wailing of his distraught family, no-one is sure how Kishun Das, brought back home in a red coffin along hazardous roads, met his end in Qatar. (By Sugam Pokharel, CNN)
No to warlordism of Ampatuans and culture of impunity DAVAO CITY – Local council member Leah Librado said the recent release from jail of Sajid Islam Ampatuan, one of the suspects in the brutal massacre of 58 people in Maguindanao province in 2009, was blatantly unjust as thousands of poor offenders all over the countr y, including political prisoners who are victims of trumped-up charges could not even be allowed to post bail as the system has apparently criminalized rebellion. Librado was reacting on the news of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 ordering the release of the young Ampatuan, a son of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. He posted P200,000 for each of the 58 counts of murder via Travellers Insurance and Surety Corporation. “This is blatantly unjust as thousands poor offenders all over the country, including political prisoners who are victims of trump-up charges could not even be allowed to post bail as the system has apparently criminalized rebellion. And here comes an Ampatuan, being granted bail, to the detriment of those seeking justice for the victims of the massacre many years ago.” Librado said that everyone is entitled to the right to post bail and in
the case of Ampatuan, he is now allowed to be on temporary liberty, but the act should have been considered in terms of the crime committed and how we are thriving on a culture of impunity. “Clearly, Ampatuans are warlords, who have ruled it over Maguindanao for the longest time and we have to be careful as they will again sow terror and ride on the susceptible situation we have in Maguindanao right now. The mere act of granting him liberty is a cause for alarm. It tells us that something is very wrong with our penal and justice systems.” Librado encouraged the people of Davao to condemn the impunity being granted to the rich and privilege few politicians of this country. “How can even a president allow this?” she asked. More than 200 armed men, many of them militias and policemen, taking orders from the alleged mastermind, Ampatuan, Sr., abducted at gunpoint on a highway in Shariff Aguak town the 58 victims, including over 30 journalists, and bru-
tally killed in a remote location in Ampatuan town. The journalists were just covering the political convoy of Esmael Mangudadatu, who was challenging Ampatuan, Sr. who is the patriarch of a clan that long held power in the province. His son and namesake, Andal, Jr., then mayor of Datu Unsay town, and another son, Zaldy Ampatuan, the former regional governor, and several other clan members along with dozens more who are now in jail, had been implicated in the massacre. The accused have all denied the charges against them. And many witnesses to the gruesome crime had been killed while others were bribed to prevent them from testifying. The slow progress of the cases is also putting a stress – both psychologically and spiritually – to the families of those who perished in the massacre. Various local and international media groups and organizations have repeatedly appealed to President Benigno Aquino to stop the continued murders of journalists and end impunity in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
Balita at Kamera Ni Mark Navales SA GOVERNMENT ng ARMM, alam ko namigay na kayo ng relief goods sa may Shariff Saidona Mustapha ng 3 kilong Bigas, 3 lata ng Sardinas at 3 piraso ng Noddles sa 297 na pamilya SALAMAT po... Pagkaraan ng 10 araw wala ng sumunod pa...sa isang pamilya merong 7 anak, 5 anak at pinakamaliit ang 3 anak, ang sabi ng isang evacuees and 3 noodles isang kainan lang tapos umabot na ng sampung araw wala ng sumunod pa...salamat din sa taga Maguindanao Province namahagi naman sila ng gamot malaking bagay ba un para sa kanila ngunit pagkain parin ang kanilang hinihiling sa amin... Una po ang all-out offensive ay may basbas sa Gobyerno para supilin ang mga kalaban ng pamahalaan lalo na ang BIFF, subalit obligasyon ng Gobyerno na suportahan ang mga inosenteng sibilyang
biktima ng giyera sa Maguindanao. Kwento ng isang evacuees dahil sa sobrang gutom, ilang araw ng nakalipas narinig nila na may mga namimigay ng relief sa isang kalapit barangay at agad silang tumungo at baka sakaling mabigyan sila ng tulong, nagulat sila ng sabihan sila ng isang kagawad na may "VOTERS ID BA KAYO?" kung wala p a s e n s y a nlang....WHAT?????? may ganon? Napansin ko naman ang isang babaeng buntis na nagbabalat ng saging na saba na nakuha nya lang sa likuran ng eskwelahan, at ang sabi nya ngayon gabi ang saging na ito ay magtatawid ng gutom sa kanyang pamilya at sa kanyang limang anak. Meron din isang buong pamilya hindi na matiis ang gutom sa evacuation center, pinilit nilang bumalik sa kanilang bahay subalit ng araw din iyon muling
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The Mindanao Examiner - EDITORIAL
Mar. 16-22, 2015
Alan Navales North- South Cotabato Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat Jeng Fernandez Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City
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 main 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
sumiklab ang putukan, sa takot nila muli silang bumalik ng evacuation center at sila’y pagod, gutom at nanginginig sa takot ang kanilang mga anak at dumating sila sa center alas 12 na ng gabi... Ang akin lang naman po ay maparating sa ating Gobyerno na sana tuloytuloy ang pagtulong sa kanila dahil po sila’y maayos na namumuhay sa kanilang bukirin kasama ang kanilang pamiya at bigla nalamang silang palilikasin dahil sa all-out offensive na mangyayari laban sa mga rebeldeng BIFF...ang ilan dyan kung makadala ng MEDIA talagang todo ang coverage yun pala hanggang umpisa lang lang ang bigayan ng relief goods, kahit isang sakong bigas na ibigay sa isang pamilya kayang kaya naman talaga yan... Ito po ay kwento nila hindi po galing sa amin, kami po ay nakinig lamang sa kanilang hinaing at pinarating namin sa inyo ang kanilang kwento...Sana Huwag tigilan ang pag suporta sa kanila, Maraming Salamat po...
Benepisyo Ng Malunggay Payo ni Dr. Willie T. Ong ALAM ba ninyo na napakasustansya ng malunggay? Bukod sa gulay ng malunggay, marami din ngayong nagbebenta ng malunggay bread, malunggay noodles at iba pang pagkain na may sangkap na malunggay. Very healthy ang malunggay at madali lang itanim. Ang sabi nga ng mga negosyante ay baka malunggay ang magpalakas ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Alamin natin ang galing ng malunggay. Madaming B itamina Bitamina Ang dahon ng malunggay ay punongpuno ng calcium at iron. Ang calcium ay nagpapatigas ng ating buto at panlaban sa osteoporosis. Kung ikaw naman ay anemic o kulang sa dugo, sagana ang malunggay sa iron na nagpapadami ng ating dugo. Mataas din sa protina, potassium, vitamin A at vitamin C ang malunggay. Ang mga bitaminang ito ay tinatawag na anti-oxidants. Ito yung lumalaban sa stress at nagpapabagal sa pag-
Dr. Willie T. Ong edad ng ating katawan. Kumpara sa ibang prutas at gulay, ang malunggay ay may mas maraming bitamina. Super-gulay talaga ang malunggay. Ang problema lang ay dapat masanay ang bata na kumain nito. Ang prutas ng malunggay ay masustansya din at mataas sa carbohydrates, calcium, iron at phosphorus. At dahil sa bitamina nito, ang malunggay ngayon ang pinapakain sa mga payat at malnourished na bata. Mura at masustansya ang malunggay. Puwedengpuwede sa mga feeding program ng gobyerno at mga volunteer groups. Par a sa M aysakit ara Maysakit 1. Pampalakas ng katawan – Kumain ng 1
tasang dahon ng malunggay araw-araw para mapunuan ang bitaminang kailangan ng katawan. 2. Pampadami ng gatas ng ina – Kapag kulang ang gatas ng ina, kumain ng 1 tasang dahon araw-araw. Puwede din pakuluan ang dahon at gawing tsaa at inumin. 3. Para sa constipated – Kapag ika’y tinitibi, kumain din ng 12 tasang dahon sa gabi. Makatutulong ito sa pagnormal ng iyong pagdudumi. 4. Itapal sa sugat – Kapag ika’y may sugat, puwedeng ilagay ang dinurog na malunggay leaves sa sugat. Hugasan muna ang dahon at durugin ito. Lagyan ng konting tubig at initin. Pagkatapos ay ilapat ang malunggay “paste” sa sugat. Marami pang galing na tinatago ang malunggay. Kaya magtanim na ng malunggay sa inyong bakuran. Alamin kung paano gagawing negosyo ang malunggay. Good luck. (Salamat Dok via Mindanao Examiner)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: End to all-out war in Mindanao AS we celebrate the International Women’s Day, we call for a cessation of the military operations in Maguindanao. No other call may be relevant in the spirit of pursuit of the betterment of women’s status in society today. AFP Chief General Gregorio Catapang’s declaration of all-out war against the BIFF and Aquino’s disregard of such actions consequence for women in Moro areas is the clearest manifestation of the government’s indifference towards women’s rights and those of children as well. It also serves as the primary reason to call for his ouster today, as allowing to keep him in power means allowing women to endure greatersuffering ev-
eryday. Under Aquino, no efforts to uplift women and attend to their general needs have been made by the government. Such impotence in public responsibility deserves no greater condemnation than removing him from power and installing a better form of governance, one that recognizes the role of women in society and their significance in history. Women are not only the bringers of children into this world; they are also the movers of history. As an oppressed sector, they have the potential to become powerful agents of change, to transform the inequalities that affect society as whole into relations that provide peace
and security among the people. Early this year, women from all over Mindanao have stood up to the challenge of resisting Aquino’s anti-people Oplan Bayanihan campaign. From Bai Bibyoon of Talaingod, who demanded accountability for the injustices done to her by the fascist troops of the 68th IB, to the nuns in Agusan del Sur who called for the pullout of soldiers from civilian communities, to the Moro women who acknowledge the importance of their participation in overthrowing the administration that for so long has not heard their cries for peace and better living conditions, women in Mindanao continue their struggle that
contributes to the struggles of other oppressed sectors as well. As Aquino’s rotten nature continues to unfold and the nation is plunged into greater instability, there is no other recourse but to remain in adamant in our calls for accountability for the injustices wrought by the administration. To choose to remain silent is not just to be blind to these depravities; it is to betray other women as well. From the evacuation centers in Maguindanao, Moro women will rise up to the occasion and extend efforts to show that the fight has not ended, that they have not been silenced, that the force of women grow stronger as every day goes by. The struggle today is not just against abuse and other forms of violence easily perceived by the senses, but the systemic problems affecting the nation as a whole. Aquino’s subservience to US imperialism, remains at the top of these, alongside the culture of impunity for those committing human rights violations against the people, as is the case in the all-out war of the AFP in Central Mindanao. Today, we call for an end to the agony of women. In doing so, we call for the ouster of Aquino, in order to end the war in Mindanao. No other call shall be shouted today nor any other reason that the Moro women will raise clenched fists. With women all over the country and the world we shout, “Long live the women’s struggle!” Jerome Succor Aba – Suara Bangsamoro (Cotabato City – peoplescouncil2015@gmail.com)
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Mar. 16-22, 2015
Cebu hosts forum on West Philippine Sea issues
M
ore than 100 people attended a forum in C ebu City about the Philippines’ historical claims on the scattered islands on West Philippine Sea also known as the South China Sea which is now being occupied by China and other nations. The forum – jointly conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Information Agency -
was part of a series of information drive launched by the Aquino government in an effort to further bolster the country’s claims on the area which is believed to be rich in natural gas and oil. Organizers said the objective of the forum is to raise awareness among Filipinos on the issue and to get public support for policies and actions of the government in addressing the issues pose by claimants in West Philippine Sea.
Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, commander of the military’s Central Command, said there is tension in the West Philippine Sea which the Filipinos need to be aware of. “It is no longer a domestic problem, but it has become a global problem. We have to know the historical facts and also our historical rights,” Vivar said. The 3,500-square kilometer area west of the Philippines was then called South China Sea
until the issuance of Administrative Order 29 by President Aquino in 2012 officially naming it as West Philippine Sea. During the forum, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Jose also explained the historical background of the tension in West Philippine Sea. “We have to raise awareness and gain support of the people on the current moves of the government in addressing the problem,” Jose said, adding China’s claim over
the territory and its aggressive behaviour are just some of the concerns raised by the Aquino government. He said China and the rest of the claimants used to "co-exist quietly" until 2009 when Beijing submitted a map showing a nine-dash line which had enclosed the territories in the entire South China Sea. “China’s claim has been excessive, expansive and no basis under the United Nations Conven-
tion on the Law of the Sea,” Jose said. He said they recorded several instances of China’s aggression, including its establishment of Sensha City, which is a sign of administering powers over the entire region and the barring of logistics to soldiers guarding the Scarborough Shoal. Jose said the Philippines is now awaiting the result of an arbitration filed at the United Nations. (Ferliza Contratista)
3 ka disaster response centers, gitakdang itukod sa nasud sa WFP
G (Cebu City Public Information Office)
Boracay, gi-ilang ‘Favorite Beach Destination’ sa 2015
G
i-ila sa Malaysian Tourism Fair ang isla sa Boracay isip pinakapaboritong beach destination karong tuiga. Matud pa ni Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, gideklarar ang Boracay isip “Favorite Beach Destination 2015 sa Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents alang sa tinuig nga MATTA Fair nga ipahigayon sa Marso 13 hangtud 15 sa Putra World Trade Center sa Kuala Lumpur.
“Boracay has consistently been part of the list of the best beaches in the world, as evidenced by awards bestowed on it by major travel magazines and organizations. It is our pleasure for Malaysians to discover the island, with its pristine white sands and breath-taking beaches, which captivated many visitors for nature tripping, water sports and beach hopping,” matud pa ni Malaya. Giingong tungod kini sa talagsaong kanindot ug puti nga mga balas sa
maong isla. Sa gipahigayong press conference sa MATTA headquarters sa Kuala Lumpur, gipasigarbo usab sa Ambassador ang uban pang maanindot nga lugar sa Pilipinas sama sa Bohol ug Cebu. Dungan sa pagpasigarbo sa nagkalain-laing maanindot nga dapit, mga piyesta ug mga panagtapok sa Pilipinas, gi-aghat usab ni Ambassador ang mga Malaysian sa pagbisita sa nasud. (RMN, ECB)
Gobyerno, nigahin og P3 bilyon alang sa mga bag-ong gamit sa PNP
H
alos P3 bilyon ang gigahin sa Department of Budget M anagement (DBM) alang sa pagpalit og mga bag-ong high-powered firearms ug radio equipment sa Philippine National Police (PNP). “Despite the challenges facing the PNP, the National Government fully supports the police force in fulfilling their mandate to prevent crime and maintain peace and order," matud
ARMM
pa ni DBM Sec. Butch Abad. Matud pa nga unahon sa PNP ang pagpalit og 743 sub-machine guns nga mokabat sa kapin P133 milyon ang kantidad ug 34 units sa high-frequency base radio nga nagkantidad og P17 milyon. Pagapondohan usab sa DBM ang kapin sa 200,000 basic assault rifles ug magazine nga nagkantidad og P1 bilyon. Apil pa sa gastohan sa gobyerno ang 945 motor
vehicles, 133 firearm testing equipment, 23 water bullet recovery system ug 110 cotton bullet recovery system. Pasabot pa sa tigpamaba sa PNP nga si Generoso Cerbo, wala kini kalabotan sa Mamasapano clash tungod kay wala man nakabutang nga ihatag kini alang lamang sa Special Action Force. Giseguro usab sa PNP nga dili mamantsahan og korapsiyon ang proseso sa pagpalit sa mga bag-ong armas. (RMN, ECB)
Southern Mindanao
Davao
i t a k d a n g magtukod og tulo ka disaster response centers sa nasud ang World Food Program (WFP) aron masiguro ang paspas nga pagtabang kun adunay mga kalamidad. Matud pa ni WFP Phil-
ippines Country Director Praveen Agrawal, ang tulo ka hubs ibutang sa mga lugar nga adunay access sa air, sea ug land transportation. Apil sa mga gitun-ang himuong logistics hubs ang Clark International Airport, Mactan-Cebu In-
ternational Airport ug General Santos International Airport. Gidugang pa ni Agrawal nga pinaagi sa mga nasud nga miyembro sa WFP, nakagahin kini og $10 milyon nga pondo alang sa proyekto. (MBCN, ECB)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOS: On the recent Musashi shipwreck exploration and discovery THE PROVINCE of Romblon welcomes the recent discovery of World War II Japanese battleship Musashi shipwreck by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his team in Sibuyan Sea which may be within the territory of the province of Romblon (exact location has not been disclosed by Mr. Allen’s team). Historically recorded, Musashi, the largest and most heavily-armed warship ever launched, was sunk by American forces during the Battle of Sibuyan Sea which led to one of history’s largest naval battles, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. For years, the province of Romblon in collaboration with civic organisations and local government units in Tablas and Sibuyan Islands has been commemorating this event to promote peace, unity and prosperity among Americans, Japanese and Filipinos in remembrance of the fallen soldiers and civilians during the war. World War II memorials have been erected, as well. In fact the government of the Philippines,
through Proclamation No. 45, s. 2010, declared 24 October 2010, and every year thereafter as ‘Battle of Sibuyan Sea Day’ ordering ‘the Department of Education, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and all other pertinent government agencies to rectify history herewith in their respective institutional capacities’. There have been initiatives of the private sector, local and national governments to preserve the historical integrity and significance of the Battle of Sibuyan Sea for all concerned to embrace reconciliation and peace through historical tourism, cultural exchange and international cooperation. In relation to the recent discovery of the the battleship Musashi wreck, the provincial government is unaware of the presence of Mr. Allen’s vessel and his team at Sibuyan Sea. Claiming that they have been searching for Musashi for more than eight years, there has been no information shared nor coordination with the local authorities. We have known that even the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Navy were also unaware about the exploration conducted. Since there may be artefacts which are historically significant, government institutions like the National Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines must also be informed. Being a Japanese vessel, it is also proper to inform the Embassy of Japan. As reverence to their fallen soldiers, there may also be ways how to regard the issue with utmost traditional sensitivity. We hope that national laws and international protocols be observed for proper coordination and collaboration. Again, we welcome this historical discovery by Mr. Paul Allen and his team. EDUARDO C. FIRMALO, MD-Governor Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Capaclan, Romblon, 5500 Romblon E - m a i l : romblonprovPICO @gmail.com
Manila