Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper June 25 - July 1, 2018 by Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper

OPINION:

‘3rd Telco is not dead’ by Jun Ledesma

THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION and Telecommunications Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio is in earnest to pursue the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to have a 3rd player in the telecom industry. Mind you, Rio knows what the public is clamoring for and he has the strategy to deliver what the crafty duopoly

Founded 2006

deprived the helpless public despite its stranglehold of the industry. The terms of reference in the search for the 3rd player had been changed a number of times leading to unkind speculations DICT deliberately delays the selection. Rio knows his turf but maybe the government does not want to go wrong that an

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oversight committee was created. The other day, the oversight committee in search of a new player scrapped the draft TOR anew. The committee is not sold to the so-called committed delivery of services from those who aspire to be the 3rd player. Continue on page 7

Ex-President Aquino sued over DAP mess

Clavite said the digitization of the database of displaced Marawi residents is now being explored by the Information Management and Strategic Communications Support Group (StratComm) of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM). Clavite co-leads the StratComm together with

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. “StratComm and TFBM field office are working on a centralized database system that will track thousands of IDPs (internally displaced persons) of the Marawi conflict. Continue on page 7

P10 June 25 - July 1, 2018

Civilians guard communities vs. Sayyafs A

RMED VILL AGERS continue to guar d their communities against the A bu VILLA guard Abu nP hilippine pr ovince of S ulu follo wing the successsouthern Philippine pro Sulu following Sayyaf in the souther ful rreco eco ver y of 2 hostages fr om the hands of militants ecov ery from militants.. Civilians, who are Sayyaf militants freed the quickly released Eddilyn fed up with the atrocities of daughter of a former Sulu Tulawie, 27; and her 57the notorious group, mayor and his ex-wife they year old mother, Addang, vowed to protect their kidnapped in Talipao town on the evening of June 20 communities and help po- after a group of armed vigi- near Talipao town where lice and military and local lantes seized the wives of the Abu Sayyaf abducted governments in securing their leader and threat- them in their house before dawn of the same lives and properties in the ened to execute them. The militant group day. Muslim province. Continue on page 2 Just last week, Abu tied to the Islamic State

Duterte wants peace talks with commies in Philippines, rebels say no way Benigno Aquino (Photo from Noynoy Aquino Facebook page)

Return to the fold of the law and live peacefully, Sayyafs told

BASILAN – Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM has called on members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf to lay down their weapons and return to the fold of the

THE MAN who oversees the national government's public information infrastructure said efforts are underway to digitize information of those forced to flee their homes after the conflict in Marawi. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold

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A photo released by the military's Western Mindanao Command on Thursday shows freed Abu Sayyaf hostages Eddilyn Tulawie, 27; and her 57-year old mother, Addang, in Sulu province.

THE OMBUDSMAN has indicted former President Benigno Aquino III for usurpation of legislative powers in connection with the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) during his time. O m b u d s man Continue on page 7

Digitization of database to help Marawi, other IDPs

law and live a peaceful life with their loved ones. “We are extending peace to the Abu Sayyaf. We want you to re-join society and live peacefully with your families. There is no reason to wage war; there is no rea-

son to fight the government because we are doing everything for the sake of peace, of our children and our future,” Hataman told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Continue on page 3

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte stood firm in holding peace talks with communist rebels in the Philippines, but rebel negotiators flatly rejected this, saying, many people will die if it is held in the country. Rebel peace negotiators said the talks should be held in Norway and not Manila, citing threats to security of communist leaders and their supporters. Continue on page 2

Joma Sison (Photo from Joma Sison Facebook page) and President Rodrigo Duterte. (Presidential Photo)

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The Mindanao Examiner

June 25- July 1, 2018

Civilians guard communities vs. Sayyafs

Continued fr om page 1 from Eddilyn‘s father, Tambrin Tulawie, was the town’s former mayor, whose son Nezar is the incumbent mayor. The vigilantes, mostly villagers, armed themselves and hunted down 3 wives of Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was behind the abductions, and took them captive to force the militants to free their hostages. The Abu Sayyaf released the victims safely after vigilantes - fed up with Abu Sayyaf atrocities in Sulu – threatened to behead one by one Sawadjaan’s wives. The militant group is still holding nearly a dozen

hostages, mostly foreign sailors it kidnapped at sea off Tawi-Tawi and Basilan provinces in recent years. There was no immediate statement from the mayor or other officials on the recovery of the hostages by the vigilantes. But the military’s Western Mindanao Command claimed the duo was rescued following an “intensified operation” by soldiers, policemen and civilians. “The intensified operations launched by combined troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu, BPATS (Barangay Police Action Team), and the Talipao Police led to the immediate release of the

two kidnap victims,” it said. It said the hostages were abandoned and “rescued” at a forested area near Kagay village in Talipao. “While scouring the area, the operating troops were able to rescue the two hostages in the forested area and were immediately brought to the residence of former Talipao Mayor Tambrin Tulawie,” the military said. “It is the peoples' participation and their resolve against the kidnappers that forced the bandits to abandon the victims in the area where they kept them for several hours.” (Mindanao Examiner)

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

Duterte optimistic in signing peace deals with rebels, insurgents PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte expressed optimism in forging peace with rebels, saying, he cannot fight Muslim rebels and communist insurgents. “We have to strike peace. There is no other way to do it. I cannot fight for Muslims. I cannot fight for Christians,” Duterte said. He believes the nation can finally see “the light at the end of the tunnel” if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is enacted into law. “I’m talking to the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). The BBL is there. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed but hopefully if it will be passed, we can see the light at the end of tunnel,” Duterte said. He said even Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari has agreed to talk peace and end decades of conflict in Mindanao. “Then, I’m talking to

NM (Nur Misuari). Misuari said ‘Okay Rod’. We’re both from Mindanao. We share the same roof. Why do have to kill each other?” Duterte said. Duterte said he is also talking with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison. He reiterated his promise to guarantee Sison’s safety and security as the President insisted that peace talks between the government and the CPP’s National Democratic Front should be held in the country. “Why should I talk outside? We are talking about our country, my country, their country and they want to take over, overthrow government. Why should I go to other place? Let’s talk here,” Duterte said, adding, he gave Sison a 60-day window to talk peace in the Philippines. “Let’s talk for 60 days

and during the period you come home, I will pay for your expenses and then if after two months period, nothing will happened, I will see to it that you go out of the Philippines safely,” Duterte said. “I was chosen by the people with a task to find peace in my country. I will exactly do that,” he said. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the leaderships of the Senate and the House of Representatives promised that the bicameral conference committee will come out with final version of the BBL to be signed by Duterte before his third State of the Nation Address. “Well, the leadership of both the Senate and Congress promised that they would really have a final version that will be finalized by the bicameral conference committee,” Roque said. (Jelly Musico)

President wants peace talks with commies in Philippines, rebels say ‘no way’!

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Continued fr om page 1 from But Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it was Duterte himself who emphasized that peace talks should be done in the country since it is “a talk between Filipinos.” “The President has emphasized that this is a talk between Filipinos, (so this) should be held in the Philippines. Hindi naman po kinakailangan pa na mangibang bayan para makipag-usap ng kapayapaan lamang,” Roque said. Roque said the funds for peace talks in Norway could be better spent in providing for the needs of members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). “Gamitin na lang natin iyong perang iyon para sustentuhan iyong mga lumalabang NPA habang nagkakaroon tayo ng on-

going peace,” he said. Roque also said that there would no longer be a need for a third party facilitator, but is willing to welcome parties who want to help. “Wala na po siguro, nandito na naman tayo sa Pilipinas. Any party who wants to help and who’s been involved in the process can help,” he said. He also assured the public that Duterte has always given top priority to peace talks with both Muslim and communist insurgents, and has not given up on the process despite its delay. Roque stressed that any peace agreement must be inclusive and must pass the test of both legal and political scrutiny. “The delay thus in the talks with the CPP-NPA is indispensable if we have -- if we are to have an agreement that will pass these tests -- it would help if Mr. Joma Sison would allow the govern-

ment to be the one to brief the nation on any future developments,” he said. Sison said that Duterte insisting on the venue of the peace talks would mean the end of their negotiations. Roque said Sison would not worry about the venue since the government has shown sincerity in holding peace negotiations. “Duterte is dead serious about holding peace talks, noting that he has already asked the Department of Justice to file the necessary motions in Court to set free individuals who will be participating in the talks,” he said, adding this move is “the best evidence of good faith on the part of the government.” Duterte postponed the peace talks to give more time to stakeholders to learn more about the negotiations. (Azer Parrocha and Nicole de Leon.)

The Mindanao Examiner

June 25- July 1, 2018

Duterte first ‘casualty’ of anti-dynasty Return to the fold of the law and provision under federal government live peacefully, Sayyafs told

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte is likely to be the “first casualty” of the ban on political dynasties under the proposed Federal Constitution being drafted by the Consultative Committee (ConCom) to review the 1987 Constitution. Former Chief Justice and ConCom Chairman Reynato Puno made this remark during the 1st National Forum and Public Consultation entitled “Revisiting the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines”, stressing that there was no way for Duterte to extend his term or for any of his immediate relatives to succeed him. Speaking before lawyers at the Manila Hotel, Puno pointed out that although the ConCom failed to vote unanimously on many issues, the prohibition on political dynasties was not one of them. “The first casualty (in the regulation of political dynasties), if I may use that word, is no less President Duterte himself and his family,” he said. “For under this

(regulated) ban, the President cannot be succeeded in office by any member of his family within his second consanguinity or affinity.” Puno also emphasized that Duterte himself said in media reports that he respected the ConCom move to regulate political dynasties. “The President said, in black and white, that he has no complaint about the ban on succession,” he said. “Let us therefore diminish the unfounded thought that the move to change the ‘87 Constitution is a mere sophisticated ploy to prolong the term of the incumbent President.” On March 12, the ConCom voted to prohibit political dynasties to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, which means that an incumbent official’s parents, children, spouse, grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, parents-inlaw, and brothers- and sisters-in-law cannot run for office simultaneously or succeed each other in office. Puno, in an earlier press

conference, assured that there will be no holdover provision under the proposed Federal Constitution. “By the time we have shifted to a federal form of government, a new president will be voted,” he said. He pointed out that the limits under the 1987 Constitution will still be binding. He also assured that the transition period to a federal form of government will not go beyond 2022. “The transition period will not go beyond 2022, that’s the (end of the) term of President Duterte,” Puno said. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that although Duterte did not consider political dynasties as bad, the Palace respected and deferred to the wisdom of the ConCom. Duterte’s daughter, Sara Carpio, is the incumbent Davao City Mayor while his son, Paolo Duterte served as vice mayor.Before winning in the May 2016 elections, Duterte was mayor of Davao City for more than 20 years. (Azer Parrocha)

2 OFWs kill self in Saudi, Lebanon

TWO FILIPINA domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon had been reported to have allegedly committed suicide, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. It said Philippine embassies in Beirut and Riyadh are now closely coordinating with local authorities to determine if there was foul play in the deaths of the Filipinas whose names were withheld by the DFA for still unknown reasons. But it said one Filipina

worked who worked in Lebanon was from Cagayan province and who allegedly jumped from her employer’s sixth floor apartment in Beirut on June 11.The other woman was from Agusan del Sur province, who allegedly hanged herself inside her employer’s residence in Al Hasa, some 350 kilometers from Riyadh on June 12. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano made assurances the DFA will ex-

tend necessary assistance to the bereaved families, including the repatriation of the two OFWs' remains as soon as possible. “We are deeply saddened by the news that two of our kababayan reportedly decided to take their own lives while working abroad and away from their families. Our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones they left behind,” he said. (Joyce Ann Rocamora)

Continued fr om page 1 from Just recently, Hataman, along with security officials, led the distribution in Isabela City of food packs, rice and non-food items to nearly 200 mostly former Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered to the military in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the autonomous region. Those who received the aid were beneficiaries of the Program against Violent Extremism or PAVE, the regional government’s first model program – launched in April this year – in providing various interventions to former Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered to the government, and their families. It also caters to returnees from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF. Hataman also spoke to the former rebels and reminded them of their commitment in helping to promote peace and development in Basilan, just several nautical miles off Zamboanga. “We are happy to say that those (former Abu Sayyaf members) are very supportive of our peace advocacy and have become partners of government in this endeavour, and we shall continue this (PAVE) program in other parts of ARMM in partnership with various stakeholders until we finally

achieve peace in the region,” he said, who also led the celebration of the Eid al-Fitr with the Badjao community in Sumisip town where he distributed food packs and money to the indigenous tribe. Hataman said PAVE is recognized by the National Peace and Order Council and is now officially part of the national government’s reintegration program dubbed as CLIP or Comprehensive Local Integration Program aimed at achieving permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with rebel groups. He said the ARMM government is committed to do all the necessary measures to address violent extremism. The program’s core principles are to bridge social gaps, balance the military and non-militar y offensives, and attain justice. “Marami na tayong pinagdaanan pero walang sustainable na solution kaya inaasahan po natin na itong programa ay magiging daan at simula ng per manenteng kapayapaan dito sa ARMM,” he said. Hataman said after processing procedures by local governments and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the surrendering Abu Sayyaf members will be endorsed to the ARMM government for psychosocial, economic, educational and spiritual interventions.

“And we will allow them to live as normal and productive citizens in their communities, and they will be the advocates for peace against violent extremism,” he said, adding that the cycle of violence must end. The program also seeks to prevent returnees from going back, provide an opportunity to start anew, encourage more rebels to surrender, provide an avenue for healing, and increase grassroots suppor t to counter ing violent extremism. “Ang pinaka-goal naman talaga ng programang ito ay sumuko na lahat ng mga Abu Sayyaf, at naway dumating ang araw na wala ng mga rebelde sa buong rehiyon,” Hataman said. The returnees will automatically be the recipients of the regional government’s banner programs – ARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy and ARMM’s Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development with Growth and Equity. “We made sure na lahat ng mga sumukong Abu Sayyaf na may mga pending cases ay hindi magiging benepisyaryo ng programang ito,” Hataman said. (Bureau of Public Information and Mindanao Examiner)

The Mindanao Examiner

June 25- July 1, 2018

ARMM launches expo, shows Bangsamoro’s rich cultures and history COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is showcasing and promoting the region’s grandest mock tribal villages narrating the variety of cultures, traditions, history, and oneness of the Bangsamoro people. Launched on June 18, the ARMM villages’ expo is held inside the Office of the Regional Governor’s Compound here and is mounted to give the visitors a snapshot of the Moro’s vast cultural heritage. “People will experience the beauty of the culture of the Bangsamoro people. We will provide them a complete image of what ARMM has,” ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said. The exhibit focuses on celebrating the diversity of cultures of the region’s five component provinces that will form part of the 29th founding anniversary of the region. The villages will feature a wide array of traditional living, tribal communities, livelihood, heritage, arts, cuisines, and products. Through the villages, people will be able to recognize and appreciate the similarities and the differences of the Moro culture. Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Department of EducationARMM Secretary and a chieftain in a village in

Governor Mujiv Hataman during the launching of the ARMM Villages Exposition. Lanao del Sur, said that to capture the feel of his province, the mock village built the Plaza Cabili, a landmark at the Islamic City of Marawi, which was ruined during last year’s fighting between militants and security forces. The Lanao del Sur village, which carries the tagline, ‘Sarimanok Rising’, also features the Torogan, or House of the Sultan, that displays different artifacts of Maranaos. “We also emphasize the Maranao’s entrepreneurial side that’s why we built a Padian, or market. We will also have the replica of the Bacolod Grande Mosque,” Atty. Mitmug said. The Tawi-Tawi village,

or the Island Paradise as described by its chieftain, Secretary Dyan Sangkula Jumaide of ARMM’s Agrarian Reform department, is the simplest village among the participating provinces. “We prefer to depict the real life of TawiTawians, which is peaceful and simple,” Sec. Jumaide said. The village has set up the Sheikh Makhdum mosque and mimics the scenery of the province with its white sand beach – Panampangan, Bud Bongao, and Tabu, or the public market. Tagged as the Pearl of Sulu Sea, the Sulu Village highlights the Astanah Darul Jambangan, a

wooden life-size replica of the royal palace of the Sultanate of Sulu. Don Mustapha Loong, Public Works and HighwaysARMM Secretary and Sulu Village chieftain, said the Astana Darul Jambangan narrates the fact that the Sulu Sultanate already exists prior to the arrival of the Spaniards and the creation of the Philippine government. The Sulu Village is the largest structure among the five villages built by far. It features the different cultures, arts, flags, handicrafts, swords, and food and information areas. For the province of Maguindanao, two of its

well-preserved artefacts were featured in its village — the Lantaka (cannon) and the largest Kampilan (sword). A replica of Tulugan, or the House of the Sultan, was also built as the main attraction inside the village, which symbolizes the government of Maguindanaons. Inside the Tulugan are various ancient instruments of the Maguindanaon tribe, which include Gandigan and Kulintang and the traditional weaves such as Inaul, Tudung, and Galang. Also in the Maguindanao village is a replica of the Quirino Bridge and Padian, or market. In Basilan’s tribal village, Yakan cloth, or Tennun, is seen all over. “The Basilan village uses the tagline ‘Weavers of Peace’ as the Yakans are basically weavers of peace,” said Executive Secretary and Basilan village chieftain Atty. Laisa Alamia. Villages symbolize legacy, good governance of the Bangsamoro “When I learned the intention of this day’s event, there are only two things I would like to emphasize the legacy and good governance of the Bangsamoro,” Marian Pastor Roces, an independent curator, writer and researcher, said in her speech during the launching of the region’s tribal villages expo.

Roces said (ARMM proved that the Moro’s lifestyle and heritage remain alive and relevant in the country. She said the Moro has left her fully inspired to learn more and appreciate its unique and distinguished history. “Hindi kayo natinag nang digmaan o anumang kaguluhan dahil hanggang ngayon andito kayo para ipakita ang tunay na ganda at kahalagahan ng kultura ng Bangsamoro,” she said. Governor Hataman noted that the villages were not meant to be built just for celebration but to show the unity of the Bangsamoro people. “Ang mga villages ay hindi lamang itinayo para magsaya, itinayo ito upang mas maunawaan ng ibang mga tao ang kulturang meron tayo dito sa ARMM,” Governor Hataman said as he urged the Bangsamoro people to give value and share to others what the ARMM can uniquely offer. As a symbol of unity, representatives from each of the five ARMM provinces performed their traditional dance during the launching ceremony. ARMM comprises Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The public can visit the villages until the end of December to appreciate the pride of the Moros. (Bureau of Public Information)

The Mindanao Examiner

June 25- July 1, 2018

Trikes cannot not be used as school transport service THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said tricycles are not allowed to be used as a school transport service. It said that vans, minibuses, coasters, coaches and buses are the only types of motor vehicles that are allowed to transport students. “Tricycle is not one of the above stated al-

lowed types of vehicle for School Transport Service,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said. “Noteworthy is that the passengers of tr icycles used as school transport service are not covered by the mandator y comprehensive insurance being mandated by the LTFRB,” he added.

LTFRB Memorandum 2015-007 also states that vans with front-facing seats with individual seatbelts for passengers, mini-bus, coaster, coach and bus are the types of vehicles allowed as school transport service. Side-facing passenger vans are needed to be phased out and replaced with vehicles that have front-facing seats. (Aerol John Pateña)

Duterte to ‘tambays’: No arrest, just don’t loiter PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte said that his campaign to apprehend bystanders was for public safety, stressing that a little discipline would greatly benefit the country, despite widespread outcry from human rights groups. “ Wala namang inaaresto. I just don’t want you using the streets to loiter. Yung utos ko sa pulis na yun mga tambay. Sundin lang ninyo ‘yung utos ko,” he said, citing his hometown Davao City as an example that has benefited from the strict implementation of rules. “You know, Davao province used to be one huge territory. And you can see what a little discipline can do to a place,” Duterte said, adding, all Filipinos would live a comfortable life if everyone followed orders. “Look at Davao. Kung masunod ko lang ‘yung Davao sa lahat, okay na. Komportable na tayo,” Duterte said. “I mean that’s the kind of life that I want every Filipino. You can walk around, park or rural road.” However, Duterte warned criminals from loitering the streets or even showing their face at all otherwise, it will be the last time they get to do so. “Huwag kayong magpakita diyan kasi kayo ang walang katwiran na magpasyalpasyal kasi ‘pag makita kita, madampot pa kita. Iyon na ‘yung last pasyal mo,” he said. Presidential Spokes-

Zamboanga nearly doubles abaca fiber output in first 4 months

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA has almost doubled its January-April abaca fiber production as compared to last year, according to latest data released by the Department of Agriculture. It said that among other regions in the country, the Zamboanga Peninsula registered the highest increase of 89.7 percent in abaca fiber production for the first four months of the year. For the January-April period, Zamboanga produced 2,036 abaca fiber bales each weighing 125 kilograms,

nearly twice its 1,073 bales production in 2017. The 2018 output of Zamboanga also accounted for 1.2 percent of the 164,827.6 bales of abaca fiber produced nationwide for the four-month period. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority said abaca - a plant prized for its fiber - is known worldwide for its mechanical strength, resistance to saltwater damage, and length that can be stretched up to three meters. Cordage, specialty pa-

pers, textiles, furniture and fixtures, handicraft, novelty items, meat casing, cosmetics and skin care products, grocery bags, and even composites for automotive and construction are some of the products using abaca. The data also showed Northern Mindanao accounted for the second highest increase in abaca production for JanuaryApril, registering a 72.1 percent growth to 13,262 bales this year from 7,707 bales in 2017. Other regions with higher outputs in 2018 are

Soccsksargen (48.5 percent), Central Luzon (42.7 percent), Caraga (31.9 percent), Davao (27.5 percent), and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (5.7 percent). Bicol Region remained the country's top abaca producer, turning out 47,197.5 bales or 40.8 percent of the nationwide production in the first four months of the year. Bicol's output, however, is lower this year by 30.8 percent, compared with last year's 68,177 bales abaca fiber production in the same period. (Catherine Teves)

man Harry Roque also allayed fears that the anti-loitering campaign is a prelude to martial rule in the whole country following Duterte’s threat to take drastic action against criminality and illegal drugs by declaring a state of national emergency. He said that martial law is currently imposed in Mindanao and that there was no need to expand its coverage to Luzon and Visayas and that this was also what Duterte claimed. “May martial law po sa Mindanao. So hindi na kailangang mag-prelude to martial law ang—sa Mindanao iyan,” Roque said as he strongly reiterated that Duterte himself said that it would be “complicated” to declare martial law in the entire Philippines. “Malinaw po ang sinabi na ng Presidente (that imposing) martial law in the entire Philippines will become very complicated,” Roque said. “He has absolutely no intentions right now unless there would be reasons to do so. Wala naman pong nakikita si Presidente sa ngayon.” Most of the police operations were concentrated in the National Capital Region where thousands of people had been rounded up.

Roque said police officers will only apprehend or arrest bystanders when they have legal basis to do so. “Ang mga ina-accost naman diyan ay iyong mga lumalabag ng mga ordinansa ‘no at saka iyong mga alam ng mga pulis na posibleng mayroong mga nilalabag na mga batas iyong mga umiinom sa kalye, iyong mga nagsusugal sa kalye, iyong mga ganoon,” he said. He also said that there were legal remedies available for those arrested without basis such as the Writ of Amparo which can be filed when any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity. Roque described the new anti-crime strategy as part of its efforts to ensure that the public feel safer through police visibility. “Importante rin na bantayan ang mga tambay para maiwasan din ang paggawa ng krimen. So, in other words, it’s really police visibility and trying to take steps to ensure that the public knows that the police are present,” he said. “If they are engaged in any conspiracy to commit crimes, nandiyan po ang ating kapulisan.” (Azer Parrocha)

Voters’ registration resumes THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) has called on legitimate voters to register for the May 13, 2019 midterm polls. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the registration will begin on July 2 until September 29.He said city, district and municipality offices of election officers shall be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, including holidays, to accept registrants. Applications for new registration, transfer or transfer with reactivation, reactivation, change and correction of entry and inclusion or reinstatement of records in the list of voters, will be accepted during the more than two-month activity. Jimenez said there will, however, be no registration in Marawi City. “It is the mandate of the Commis-

sion to conduct regular registration in order to enfranchise those lost qualified voters nationwide, with the exception of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, in light of the current situation in the area,” he said. Marawi was attacked by militants last year and many residents have yet to move back to their homes following the destruction of the city in fighting that lasted 5 months. The poll body official said they will also conduct satellite registration during the period, wherein field officials will go to villages, public plazas, schools, and other public places to register voters. “In such off-site registration, preference shall be given to members of the vulnerable sector such as indigenous peoples, senior citizens and pregnant women,” Jimenez said. (Ferdinand Patinio)

The Mindanao Examiner

June 25- July 1, 2018

Acr oss: cross: 1. Foreman 5. Spring mo. 8. Prod 12. Demonic 13. Shad delicacy 14. Inspiring one 15. Got worse again 17. Pinnacle 18. Cavern 19. Miscalculate 21. Aardvarks 26. Pretends 30. Submerge 31. Chess piece 32. Commercials 33. Conserve 34. Oval 36. Chef's units (abbr.) 37. Speaks to 40. Bombshell ___ West 41. Capital of the Philippines 46. Artist Salvador ___ 49. Unsealed again 51. Bullring shouts 52. Explosive initials 53. Pimples 54. "Gone ___ the Wind" 55. Opposite of NNW 56. Darn it! Do wn: Down: 1. "Titanic" foe 2. Completed 3. Grain tower 4. Bed support 5. Fiery felony 6. "The Raven" poet 7. Restores the honor of 8. Most brainy 9. Young seal 10. Exploit 11. Tyrannosaurus ___ 16. school gp. 20. Lamb's father 22. Ocean currents 23. Historic periods 24. Invitation letters 25. Notices 26. Zone 27. Chilly 28. Narrated 29. Minor battle 32. Maintains

Answ er to last w eek osswor d: Answer week eek’’s cr crosswor ossword: 35. Green vegetable 38. Overact 39. Tree fluid 42. Close 43. Machu Picchu native 44. Fasting season 45. Summer coolers 46. ___ Jones Industrial Average 47. Boxer Muhammad ___ 48. Lease 50. 14th letters

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OPINION:

‘3rd Telco is not dead’ by Jun Ledesma

Continued fr om page 1 from I simply understand this to mean that promises or commitments are meaningless and in fact elicit caution. Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, an investment savvy businessman is correct. There are aspiring telecom firms who do not have a single service installation or a modicum of perceptible operations but by sheer publicity via cute PR strategy make the public believe they are the preferred telco to compete with the duopoly. There is nothing wrong with news dispatches except that these can inveigle investors from buying stocks from what could be just paper corporations! But this just one bone of contention. Between promises or commitments and demonstrated deliver y of telecom services at this point, it is only Acting Secretary Rio who can name the players outside of the duopoly – PLDT/ Smart and Globe – which, aside from congressional franchise, have existing resources like frequencies, facilities and accessories, operational and technical organizations and clientele to prove their commitment and programs of expansion. If DICT and the

oversight committee have a primordial responsibility to the public at this crucial stage of the search for the 3rd player it won’t harm the public or the government if they now identify the aspirants who have track records and those which have yet to start with the proverbial cornerstone. Certainly we do not want to have a repeat of the BW Resource scandal and Secretary Dominguez is correct in this, assuming that I am correct in my assessment why the oversight committee would not buy commitments. On the other hand, Rio’s DICT should be given an elbow room to deliver on Duterte’s agenda to have a 3rd Telco. When you have a situation where 45% of the country’s geographical area is not served or underserved and the rest of the 55% is hankering for an internet speed that is still trying to graduate from the Jurassic dial up the din of clamor will not cease. While the delay in the search has accorded the duopoly to shape up their service or equipment if any have yet to be felt. Definitely a 3rd player can catch up as it will not be hobbled by heavily capitalized investments which have yet to be fully subscribed.

Without the challenge the duopoly can sleep comfortably in the absence of a lullaby. Remember that PLDT for one only had P1.5-billion in paid up capital so a telecom player with an initial P10-billion plus financial backing and several billions more in assets and on-going financial transactions can be a big nightmare to these big guys. For now, that player is not expected to be in the categor y of Globe and PLDT/Smart which had long controlled the telecom industr y and fleeced their subscribers despite the despicable service and free-wheeling rate that is notoriously known as the most expensive in the world. But in time, given the rapid evolution in the internet of things, the duopoly will not actually matter that much. In the meantime, there ought to be a synergy between DICT and DOF/Transco. Between the two agencies they can deliver the Duterte promise and in the process makes the Philippines to leap frog from the “kangkungan” pond to the clouds. He who says the 3rd Telco player is dead must be out of sync or singing the discordant and nervous tune of the duopoly.

Ex-President Aquino sued over DAP mess Continued fr om page 1 from Conchita Morales approved the resolution approved only last week after a special panel granted the motion for reconsideration filed by complainants Carlos Zarate, Renato Reyes, Benjamin Valbuena, Dante Jimenez, Mae Paner, Antonio Flores, Gloria Arellano and Bonifacio Carmona Jr. In the same resolution, the special panel denied the motion for reconsideration filed by former Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, affirming Abad’s earlier criminal indictment for the same offense and his administrative liability. The case stemmed from the unlawful issuance of National Budget Circular No. 541 to implement the DAP involving P72 billion, which authorized the withdrawal of unobligated allotments of agencies with low levels of obligations as of June 30, 2012. In its resolution, the Ombudsman said “a reevaluation of the case establishes that the individual actions of respondent Aquino and respondent-movant Abad showed a joint purpose and design to encroach on the powers of Congress by expanding the meaning of savings to fund programs, activities and projects under the DAP.”

The Mindanao Examiner

June 25- July 1, 2018

“Abad’s act of issuing NBC 541 cannot be viewed in a vacuum. The evidence on record shows that an exchange of memoranda between [Aquino] and [Abad] precipitated its issuance. Verily, without the approval of the said memoranda by respondent Aquino, NBC 541 would not have been issued,” it added. The Ombudsman added in the memorandum dated June 25, 2012, “respondent Aquino, by marginal notes, specified his unqualified approval on the following requests: Grant of omnibus authority to consolidate fiscal year 2012 savings/ unutilized balances and its realignment; and grant of authority to withdraw unobligated balances of national government agencies for slow-moving projects/expenditures as of 30 June 2012 and its realignment.” The anti-graft body said Aquino had the authority and the duty to look into each item on the memorandum before signifying his approval. “An examination of the Memorandum would show that respondent Aquino made marginal notes on several expenditure items and on the approval page. Such marginal notes show meaningful discussion between respondents and not mere reliance of a superior on a subordinate.

Thus, respondent Aquino cannot rely on the Arias doctrine,” it added. “It is thus clear that respondent-movant Abad sought the approval of respondent Aquino on both the request for authority to pool savings to fund the DAP and the request for omnibus authority to pool savings/unutilized balances. In both instances, respondent Aquino knowingly gave his approval. His approval prompted the issuance of NBC 541 which directed the withdrawal of unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations and their declaration as savings, which is contrary to law,” the Ombudsman said. In 2014, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the following acts committed in pursuance of the DAP: Withdrawal of unobligated allotments from the implementing agencies; and the declaration of the withdrawn unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations as savings prior to the end of the fiscal year without complying with the statutory definition of savings contained in the General Appropriations Act; and the cross-border transfers of the savings of the Executive to augment the appropriations of other offices outside the Executive Branch. (Perfecto Raymundo,Jr.)

Digitization of database to help Marawi, other IDPs Continued fr om page 1 from During an Execom meeting early this year, the Department of Trade and Industry raised the issue of a lack of a centralized tracking system, so TFBM Chair Eduardo Del Rosario directed PIA to look into the matter,” he said. TFBM Field Office Manager, Assistant Secretary Felix Castro, is leading discussions with agencies on the matter. “Right now, the government is doing it manually and we want to look at available options to make it easier for workers of all agencies involved in the work. A web-based database system will allow the task force and the NGAs (national government agencies) to track the needs of IDPs as well as food and non-food assistance being provided. We will continue our discussions with the agencies involved including the local government units as we develop this tracking system,” he added.

Currently, to validate the status of affected families, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which chairs government’s response cluster, uses the Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC). The DAFAC also serves as a reference for the provision of additional and appropriate interventions. It records the names of family members and the assistance that they have already acquired from the DSWD or other humanitarian agencies. “It relies on manually recording family information, reporting and checking data [by hand] and it can be time consuming at times. Due to the frequent change of location of IDPs, for example, there’s a need to recheck possible cases of double entries and to sanitize the master list of IDPs, which will be used as a basis for those who will receive further interventions. Of course, the LGU and agencies do the validations,” Clavite said.

“The current system might be less efficient and taxing to our workers. That’s manually managing tens and thousands of records. We are creating this tool to economically and quickly help more families not only in Marawi but also in future scenarios,” he added. Data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said the Marawi conflict "forcibly displaced 98 percent of the total population of the city, as well as residents from nearby municipalities, who were compelled to leave due to severe food shortage and/or constriction of local economies.” The PIA, an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), has been involved with the Task Force Bangon (Rise up) Marawi since its creation by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28, 2017, through Adminstrative Order No. 3. (Alice Sicat)

Priests, religious leaders now seek permit to carry firearms OVER 240 priests and religious workers have applied for firearms licenses following recent attacks on Catholic priests in the country. Police said it has so far received 246 requests for firearms licenses from religious leaders, mostly Catholic priests, pastors and leaders of various religious denominations. Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said 188 applications were from Catholic priests and said the permits would be handed down to applicants who are duly qualified and subject to compliance with requirements. Albayalde also reiterated his call for priests, as well as other private individuals at risk, to report threats to their safety and coordinate with local police units. He also said the police is willing to provide firearms proficiency training for those who interested. He said priests are entitled to own up to two firearms depending on the category applied just like other private citizens applying for a license to own and possess firearms and permits to carry the weapons outside their homes, but automatic rifles are not covered by the permits. A Catholic news agency, UCAN, said a priest who used to serve as chaplain of

the Philippine National Police was wounded after a gun attack in Calamba City, about 60 kilometers from Manila, on June 6. Father Rey Urmeneta, 64, a priest at St. Michael the Archangel parish in the city, was on his way to a church meeting when two gunmen shot him. A police report obtained by ucanews.com said the priest was in his car with secretary Remedios de Belen when the shooting occurred about 9.40 a.m. Father Urmeneta suffered wounds to his left upper back and left arm. He was rushed to hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition. An investigation was ongoing to determine the motive for the attack, although the priest has already told police that the incident might have something to do with people who owed him money. In April, Father Mark Ventura from Gattaran town in the northern Philippines died after being shot by a lone gunman shortly after celebrating Sunday Mass. On Dec. 4, 2017, Father Marcelito Paez was also shot and killed in the town of Jaen, Nueva Ecija province. Faith-based social development network Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) has expressed "lament" over the

death of the priests who were known to be human rights defenders. Yoly Esguerra, coordinator of PMPI, described the killing of Father Ventura as "senseless." "To kill a priest who has chosen to live a life with simple people in distant and forgotten places to make up for the lack of government presence in the area is preposterous," said Esguerra in a statement. Father Paez, meanwhile, was shot after visiting a jail to help free a political prisoner. Human rights groups said the killings of the priests and the attacks on human rights defenders in the country have become "a source of our deep concern." "We can't help but ask, is this the way to silence critical voices of a sector that can potentially challenge and oppose the rules and policies of those in power?" read a PMPI statement released in May. The group said the church, "despite many internal odds and challenges," has been a "consistent moral compass" for past leaders and governments. According to Global Witness, a London-based non-government group, the Philippines was the second deadliest country for activists in 2017. (Benjamin Pulta and Joe Torres)

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P10 June 25- July 1, 2018

Czech Republic opens Cebu visa center THE EMBASSY of the Czech Republic has formally opened its new visa application center in Cebu City in partnership with VFS Global, an i n t e r n a t i o n a l outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments. “The launch of the Czech Republic Visa Application Centre in Cebu City reflects the (Czech Republic) country's genuine commitment in continuing to bolster people-to-people network between our two friendly nations through tourism, business and culture,” said Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olša. “As a result of this policy, the Czech Republic will continue to emerge as one of the top European destinations for Philippine tourists.” Olša said the newly-

Czech Republic Ambassador to Manila Jaroslav Olša Jr. poses during the inauguration of their visa application center in Cebu City in this photo from the Czech Republic Embassy. (Photo courtesy of Czech Republic Embassy in the Philippines) launched visa center will accommodate the growing demand for visas to different Central European countries among tourists from the Philippines, particularly those going to the Czech Republic. The Cebu visa application center, inaugurated on June 20, is located at Keppel Cen-

ter, Samar Loop corner Cardinal Rosales Avenue. The embassy also said it is promoting Czech Republic’s visibility in Cebu, through travel promotions event, highlighting the tourism destinations of Czech Republic in Radisson Blu Hotel. ( Joyce Ann Rocamora)

Farmers, fishermen now have easy access to agri loans CEBU CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is now easy for farmers and fishermen to avail of its loan program to help them improve their productivity. Dr. Gerry Avila, Central Visayas Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief, said the program, called Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA), is a special credit facility designed to address the financial needs of marginalized farmers and fisher folk. Through PLEA, farmers and fisher folk can secure loans of up to P50,000 at a low-interest rate of 6 percent per annum, or 0.5 percent per month, depending on the project requirement. The program is man-

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aged by the Agricultural Credit and Balancing Council and entrusted to lending conduits. Initially, the DA has allocated P20 million from the PLEA program for the town of Dalaguete also in Cebu province. Avila said at least 2,000 households in Dalaguete can avail of the loan package, but only 150 households have so far availed of it since early April this year. PLEA offers non-collateralized loans for agri-fishery production through cooperative banks, cooperatives, farmers and fisher folk organizations, and nongovernment organizations as credit delivery channels or lending conduits. The program instils credit discipline and focuses on the marginal

farmers and fisher folk. According to Avila, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol wants all marginal and small farmers and fisher folk in the country to avail of the PLEA program. One of the conduits in Cebu province is the People's Multipurpose Cooperative, where interested farmers will just go and present their proposed plans. After evaluating the proposed project, the coop will decide if the farmer is eligible for release. The DA and the People's Multipurpose Cooperative urged all small farmers and fishermen to avail of the PLEA program, which also aims to contribute to President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal to reduce poverty in the country by 2022. (Luel Galarpe and Bebie Jane Casipong.)

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