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June 24-30, 2019
Malaysia holds 8 men in kidnapping probe ‘Search for 10 Sabah fishermen continues’
M
ALAYSIA HAS taken into custody 8 men - six of them believed to be Filipinos - in connection to the recent kidnapping of 10 fishermen off Lahad Datu in Sabah. Two of ers hijacked by gunmen They were being interrothem were the operator with suspected links to the gated by authorities and owner of the 2 trawl- pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf. Continue on page 2
Pamilya ng nasawing Kapa member, luhaan pa rin! A woman walks past wooden trawlers at a boat-building facility in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Angry Filipinos burn Chinese flags, protest sinking of trawler DOZENS OF ANGRY protesters urged President Rodrigo Duterte to act more decisively against increasingly common illegal activity by Chinese vessels in the South China Sea (or West Philippine Sea as Manila calls it), burning Chinese flags in response to the sinking of a Filipino trawler recently. Both Philippine and Chinese authorities agree that a Chinese ship rammed into and sunk a Philippine fishing vessel near Recto Bank, Continue on page 2
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
NORTH COTABATO – Isang linggo matapos na atakihin sa puso ang isang 76-anyos na miyembro ng Kapa-Community Ministry International Inc. ay hindi pa rin matanggap ng pamilya nito ang nangyari sa kanilang mahal sa buhay. Hindi umano matanggap ni Lolo Percival Alojado ang pagpapasara ni Pangulong Duterte sa Kapa-Community Ministry International Inc. na nasasangkot diumano sa Ponzi scheme. Nabatid na may Continue on page 2
Pastor Joel Apolinario (FB page)
Making dreams come true
Probe murders of activists, Human Rights Watch tells Duterte govt. DAVAO CITY - The government should promptly and impartially investigate the recent spate of killings of leftist activists, Human Rights Watch said. It said from June 15
to 17, 2019, unidentified gunmen fatally shot four members of leftist organizations. And on June 2, a gunman on a motorbike fatally shot Dennis Sequena, a labor organizer from Partido Manggaga-
wa (Workers’ Party), as he met with workers in Cavite province, near Manila. Human Rights Watch said with the session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Continue on page 3
Read Story on page 3
(Photo courtesy of Mayor Beng Climaco)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 24-30, 2019
Malaysia holds 8 men in kidnapping probe ‘Search for 10 Sabah fishermen continues’
Continued from page 1 which is investigating the daring hijacking of the fishing boats. Armed men on two speedboats intercepted the trawlers near Tambisan Island off Lahad Datu town as the boats were heading to Semporna town. The gunmen seized the crew members – four from one trawler and six on the other. Malaysian media reported that the attackers have escaped along with their hostages to Sitangkay Island in the southern Filipino province of Tawi-Tawi, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Sabah.
The hijacking occurred despite tight security being imposed by Malaysian police and military forces in Sabah due to persistent threats of ransom kidnappings and attacks by the Abu Sayyaf. The identities of the fishing crew were not immediately known, but the report said the victims could be all Filipinos who have been living in Sabah since the 1970s. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said they were aware of the kidnapping incident, but has yet to receive any official reports. News reports claimed
the trawlers were sailing during curfew hours without a permit and the crew members were heading to Semporna to renew their permits. Just recently, Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador, the Inspector-General of Police, warned that threats of kidnappings and cross-border raids by the Abu Sayyaf remain high, adding, attacks could happen any day at any time. He said the threats remain despite the establishment of Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and martial law in several areas in the state.
Angry Filipinos burn Chinese flags, protest sinking of trawler Continued from page 1 a formation in the Spratly Islands, on June 9. The crew of the sunken ship claim the Chinese vessel sunk their ship and fled, leaving them to die until a Vietnamese ship’s crew saw the men floating in the water. Chinese authorities claim their ship only left after ensuring that the men had been rescued, but have not provided proof for this assertion. Beijing has also not provided an explanation for what the ship was doing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands that Vietnam and the Philippines both claim parts of. A 2016 international court ruling found China’s claims to the region illegal, but China has largely disregarded the ruling and continued to construct illegal military and civilian facilities in the Spratly and Paracel Islands. The Philippine government initially reacted with outrage to the ship sinking and demanded justice. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo called the incident “barbaric,” and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. promised a formal protest at Beijing. Duterte himself, however, has refused to discuss the incident save to protest that those demanding action should wait for more information. The dozens of protesters who gathered in Manila complained that Duterte had been too “weak” with the Chinese. “Contrary to what Mr. Duterte projects against his critics, his weak positions against Chinese aggression and bullying have only exposed him as a pro-China, anti-Filipino president,”
Christian Lloyd Magsoy, a spokesman for the organizing group Defend Philippines Jobs, told the South China Morning Post. “China is not just robbing our waters, land, resources and sovereignty, but has long been taking our jobs away from us. What makes it worse is that our own government seems to be allowing these crimes against us to happen,” he added. The protesters held signs reading “End China Aggression” and burned 22 Chinese flags, one for each member of the crew of the sunken ship. And a recent poll has found that challenging China on its illegal claims in the region is extremely popular in the Philippines. The polling firm Social Weather Systems (SWS) found in November that 84 percent of respondents said it was “not right” for Duterte not to openly challenge China’s claims after the 2016 ruling. In March, SWS found a significant gap in support between approval of Duterte’s job as president overall versus approval of how he is handling the South China Sea dispute. Of those taking the survey, 81 percent said they were satisfied with Duterte overall, a “record-high satisfaction rating” according to SWS. Nearly 20 percent fewer people said they were satisfied with Duterte’s “defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.” The West Philippine Sea is a subregion of the South China Sea. The recent ship sinking, an unprecedented event, appears to have given fresh energy to Duterte’s opposition. Longtime opposition Sen. Leila de Lima, imprisoned on charges of involvement in drug trafficking, accused Duterte of “treason” for
not condemning China regarding the incident. Several Catholic bishops, who Duterte has encouraged Philippine citizens to “kill,” have also objected to Duterte’s silence. “The government has a duty to protect its citizens and its territory. It should not allow itself to be bullied and let its people suffer,” Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said. “Duterte is selective in dispensing justice,” Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon added. “This is a sign that his judgment cannot be relied upon on serious moral and social issues.” Duterte has said little about the attack, urging patience. His lack of outrage contrasts significantly to many in his administration, including his spokesman Salvador Panelo, who initially described the sinking as “barbaric” and has implied that Manila would seek to involve the United States militarily in the incident if it can confirm that it was, indeed, an attack. The United States is bound to counterattack in the defense of the Philippines, and vice versa, by treaty. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also condemned China, calling the Chinese ship’s retreat after the sinking “cowardly.” Panelo has since changed his tune, questioning the version of events the fishermen provided in a briefing. “There are circumstances that give doubt to the (fishermen’s) version, so we need to investigate it. A formal inquiry is needed here,” Panelo said. “It’s not a question of belief. What we are saying: Both sides should stop speculating. That’s what the president is saying. That’s why he called on everyone to keep quiet … Let’s not jump to conclusions.” (By Frances Martel, Breitbart News.)
“As such, Esscom will be restructured on the placement of security forces involving the Malaysian Armed Forces, police as well as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Among others, the restructuring will involve the structure of security in the areas and the change of security posts which have been taken over by police and MAF would be updated,” he said.
Abdul Hamid said the restructuring process is being carried out by the National Security Council (NSC) to further strengthen Esscom. “The threats to the islands of Sabah were there every day. This is because Sabah is very near to the Philippines and it only takes 15 minutes by speedboat to reach Philippines waters,” he said, noting that it is easy for the Abu Sayyaf to intrude into
Malaysian waters. He said the Philippine government earlier created an overall security control in Sulu (Archipelago) islands near Kunak, as well Lahad Datu in Sabah, and the new measure has eased our concerns,” Abdul Hamid said, but nonetheless, Esscom needed to be on the alert on any threats when conducting operation. (The Zamboanga Post)
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Pamilya ng nasawing Kapa member, luhaan pa rin! Continued from page 1 “donasyong” halos P1 milyon sa Kapa si Alojado at pamilya nito sa bayan ng Polomolok sa South Cotabato kapalit ng pangakong “blessings” o interest sa salaping ipinagkatiwala sa naturang grupo. Ayon sa anak nitong si Ambrose, labis umano ang pagalala ni Lolo Percival na hindi na maibabalik ang salaping inalay sa Kapa kung kaya’t dinamdam nito ng husto ang pangyayari. Nabatid na sa kagustuhang mabigyan ng “blessings” ni Lolo Percival ang mga
anak at apo ay inilagak pa nito ang kanyang makukuhang interest sa kanilang mga pangalan. Sinabi ni Ambrose na ang balitang pagpapasarado sa Kapa ang lubos na naka-apekto sa kalusugan ng kanyang ama. Mangiyak-ngiyak naman ito sa kanyang panawagan kay Duterte na pahintulutan ang Kapa na muling mag-operate dahil malaki umanong tulong ito sa kanilang kabuhayan. Ito rin ang panawagan ng libo-libong miyembro ng Kapa na pinamumunuan ni Pastor Joel Apolinario na
ngayon ay nagtatago na at hindi na mahagilap matapos na i-utos ni Duterte sa mga awtoridad na dakpin agad ito at kasuhan ng syndicated o large-scale estafa dahil sa panloloko sa mga miyembro nito. Kapa na pinaniniwalaang galing mula sa mga nag-invest ng malaking halaga ng salapi sa Kapa. Matatandaan na kumakalat ngayon sa social media ang mga ulat na marami ang nagpakamatay matapos na ipasara ni Duterte ang operasyon ng Kapa. (Rhoderick Beñez)
Iwasan ang droga, mag-bagong buhay na: PNP NORTH COTABATO – Muling nagbabala ang pulisya sa mga gumagamit ng ilegal na droga na itigil na ang masamang bisyo at magbagong-buhay at maging katuwang ng pamahalaan para sa ikauunlad ng bansa. Ito ay matapos na madakip si John Baring Ferolin, 42, na nagpakilalang
dati umanong pari at miyembro ng Mission Society of the Philippines ng Simbahang Katoliko. Nadakip ito kamakailan lamang sa isang buy-bust operation sa palengke ng bayan ng Matalam. Sinabi ni Matalam police chief Major Joseph Brian Placer na binentahan umano ng shabu ni Fer-
Ang suspek na si John Ferolin.
olin ang isang undercover agent ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency kung kaya’t natimbog ito. Residente si Ferolin ng Barangay Lower Katingawan sa bayan ng Midsayap dito at nakulong na rin diumano ito noong 2016 dahil sa kasong may kinalaman sa droga. (Rhoderick Beñez)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 24-30, 2019
Probe murders of activists, Human Rights Watch tells Duterte govt. Continued from page 1 began on June 24 in Geneva, UN member states should ensure an international investigation into the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines, including the thousands of unlawful killings under the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs,” the killing of activists, and other serious human rights violations, it added. “The recent killings underscore that attacks on leftist activists is a serious human rights problem in the Philippines that has never gone away. The Philippine authorities should fully investigate these killings and bring those responsible to justice,” said Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher at Human Rights Watch. On June 17, unidentified gunmen shot dead Neptali Morada in Naga City in Camarines Sur province. Morada, 40, was affiliated with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (or Bayan), an alliance of leftwing organization and was a former staff member of a local politician. A day earlier, gunmen on motorbikes shot Nonoy Palma, 57, a member of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Peasant Movement of the Philippines),
in Bukidnon province. On June 15, gunmen killed Ryan Hubilla, 22, and Nelly Bagasala, 69, volunteers for the human rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon province. Local groups confirmed for Human Rights Watch a number of details about the attacks. In previous years, Human Rights Watch documented the killing of numerous leftist activists, peasant leaders, and labor organizers. Many of these killings occurred in the context of the government’s 50-year-old armed conflict with a communist insurgency. Leaders of indigenous peoples, religious workers, and environmentalists have also been targeted. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have linked many of these killings to alleged members of the military, police, or security force-backed militias. Very few of the killings of activists over the years have been seriously investigated, and hardly any have resulted in convictions. Often, the military and police accuse the victims of being either members or sympathizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines or its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
Government officials have recently accused leftist groups that operate openly and legally of being communists, a label that can place their members at grave risk. Journalists and lawyers’ groups critical of the Duterte administration have also been subjected to this “red-tagging.” The “drug war” killings – which have continued unabated with near zero accountability – require a long overdue international investigation, and the attacks on leftist activists and other serious human rights abuses, including attacks against human rights defenders and civil society, should also be urgently scrutinized, Human Rights Watch said. On June 18, authorities said more than 6,600 people have been killed in the past three years during what they call legitimate police operations against drug suspects. However, nongovernmental groups as well as the national Commission on Human Rights estimate that the death toll is several times higher. “UN member states should not let another session of the Human Rights Council go by without adopting measures that will put serious human
rights violations in the Philippines under scrutiny. It’s clear that Duterte’s
administration will not credibly investigate abuses in the ‘drug war’ and
against activists on their own,” Conde said. (Mindanao Examiner)
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
Making dreams come true From page 1 TEN-YEAR OLD Nathaniel Kyle Blen, who is suffering from cerebral palsy spastic diplegia and hip dysplasia, has his dream come true, finally and that was to meet President Rodrigo Duterte in person. The boy’s dream was made possible by Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, who arranged for the meeting when Duterte came for a visit recently. Climaco quickly told Nathaniel of the visit of the popular Filipino leader in Zamboanga and the duo met at the Edwin Andrews Air Base of the Phil-
ippine Air Force in Santa Maria village. And here is the narrative of the kind Mayor: “I met Nathaniel Kyle Blen, a 10year old boy with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia with Hip Dysplasia, months ago when he presented to me in a youth forum, the World’s Best Mayor Commendation Award. I met him again during our house-to-house campaign in San Jose Cawa-Cawa and he told me that it was his dream to personally meet President Rodrigo Duterte. That wish was made a reality last June 11 when I brought
him and his mom to Edwin Andrews Airbase to meet the President together with Senator Bong Go. When I started my journey into politics, it was my vision to make our children’s future a reality today, and his story inspires me…that we can make things happen by listening to the little voices of our children. Their innocent hopes and dreams can shape the actions and decisions that we take as adults to make Zamboanga City and our country better and brighter. Vaya con Dios!” (The Zamboanga Post)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 24-30, 2019
SSS tells members not to deal with fixers
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Social Security System has strongly urged its members to transact directly with the agency and avoid dealing with fixers or report unscrupulous transactions to SSS officials or authorities. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora Ignacio said they received reports last month from their Bacolod branch that 15 pensioners were victimized by unscrupulous fixers whose modus operandi was to advance portions of their approved SSS pension loan then ran away with the pensioners’ cash cards. She said the pensioners filed a case against the suspects with the National Bureau of Investigation last April 24. “We urge our retiree-pensioners to be vigilant. Do not transact with non-SSS employees. Those who want to avail of the pension loan must personally apply in our branch offices nationwide,” Ignacio said. She said loan releases hit P1 billion since they implemented the Pension Loan Program (PLP) in September last year. Ignacio said while the program has met its objective to provide immediate financial assistance to its pensioners for their
short-term and emergency needs, she reiterated her appeal and urged pensioners to be vigilant and avoid transacting with people promising quick loan fixes or assistance in exchange for money, especially for the PLP. “We are pleased to note that our pensioners are now relying on SSS for their immediate financial needs instead of going to loan sharks. But sad to say, there are people who take advantage of our pensioners during their times of need. This has to stop. And this will only stop if our pensioners will no longer entertain any deal with these individuals who exploit them,” she said. As of May, PLP releases reached P1.006 billion with 41,926 pensioner-borrowers for the nearly eightmonth period of its implementation, according to Ignacio. SSS started offering PLP in celebration of its 61st founding anniversary and is set to provide emergency loan assistance for retiree-pensioners. Data showed that Bacolod branch has the most number of approved loan applications at 2,696 and the highest amount of disbursed pension loan at P56.76 million. This was followed by Diliman
branch with 2,177 approved loan applications for P56.09 million amount of pension loan; Cebu branch with 1,547 availees for P38.42 million pension loan releases; and Victorias branch in Bacolod City with 1,733 availees for P36.48 million pension loan. She said of the total number of approved loan applications, majority of the pensioners or 92.16 percent preferred to pay their pension loan for 12 months followed by some 6.25 percent who chose to pay within six months
while the remaining 1.59 percent opted to pay within a three-month period. In March, SSS relaxed its guidelines for more than 1.2 million qualified retiree pensioners so that those who are receiving their monthly pension even for just a month and is already posted in the system, is already qualified to avail of the SSS pension loan. Previously, a retiree pensioner must be receiving his monthly pension for at least six months to qualify for the pension loan. The new guidelines
for PLP application also allowed the presentation of other government-issued identifications cards aside from the Social Security Card or Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card as a form of identification. According to Ignacio, members may also present the following cards as a form of their identification: Alien Certificate of Registration issued by Bureau of Immigration; Driver’s License issued by Land Transportation Office; Firearm Registration, License to Own and Process Fire-
arms, and Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence from the Philippine National Police; National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance; Passport; Postal Identity Card, Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (Seaman’s Book); and Voter’s ID Card. “In absence of a primary ID card or documents, the filer shall present, submit any two valid ID cards or documents, both with signature and at least one with photo,” she said. (With a report from Mindanao Examiner)
PNP Counter-Intelligence Task Force, gipulihan na! DIPOLOG CITY - Ang Philippine National Police (PNP) naglusad ug bag-ong unit para maghimo ug operasyon batok sa mga pasaway nga police personnel. Ang Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) maoy ni puli sa Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF) nga duha na ka tuig nga nagserbisyo batok sa mga pasaway nga pulis. Ang IMEG mao kini ang manguha ug impormasyon batok sa mga mga pulis nga naghimo ug dili maayo ug sila sab ang mahimo ug opensiba batok sa mga pulis nga nalambigit sa mga illegal nga binuhatan.
Si Col. Romeo Caramat Jr, ang bag-ong director sa kanhi CITF ug karon IMEG mao una ang temporaryong officer-in-charge. Kini nga grupo gilangkuban sa 306 ka mga uniformed personnel, 55 ka mga 55 police commissioned officers ug 251 police non-commissioned officers. Ang 72 ka buok nga myembro sa PNP Special Action Force ang mohatag ug tactical support sa bagong na establisar nga unit. Ang CITF naumol kini human si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte mimando sa kapulisan, ilawom sa pagpanguna ni former PNP chief Ronald Dela Rosa, nga mag
buhat ug special group nga mo lantaw ngadto sa mga pasaway nga pulis ilabi na kadtong nalambigit sa droga, human daghang mga pulis ang nalambigit sa kidnapping ug usa na niini ang pagkamatay sa negosyanteng Korean nga si Jee Ick-Joo. Kung kahibaloan usa sa taas nga opisyal sa PNP dinhi sa probinsya sa Zamboanga del Norte ang napatay sa operasyon sa CITF niadtong Nobyembre 5, 2018 tungod matod pa, misukol kini sa taga CITF human gi operasyonan tungod sa gikaingong pagkalambigit sa guinadiling droga
Ang napatay nga opisyal mao si Col. Santiago Rapiz, head sa Logistic branch sa Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office, didto sa Camp Hamac, Sicayab. Niadtong Pebrero 1, usa ka myembro sa Highway Patrol Group nga nakabase didto sa Dapitan City ang nahulog sa kamot sa taga CITF human giulan ug reklamo tungod matod pa sa extortion. Sikop sa taga CITF si Juvie Dalogdog, ang gi aresto sa CITF ug gipasakaan ug kasong robbery-extortion ug paglapas sa gun ban sa Commission on Elections.(RMN Mark Bacroya)
June 24-30, 2019
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The Mindanao Examiner
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given to the public that an extrajudicial settlement among heirs has been executed by the legal heirs of the late Felix M. Wagas Sr. namely; surviving spouse DEMETRIA C. WAGAS, widow, and a resident of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; ILLUMINADA W. YAP, widow, with residence address at Cebu, Philippines; GERVACIO C. WAGAS, married, with residence address at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; HEIRS OF SILVINO C. WAGAS, represented by Marissa Wagas per Special Power of Attorney executed before Atty. Marti Gregorio, Notary Public of Zamboanga City under Doc. No. 399, Page No. 80, Book No. I, Seiries of 2019; FLORITA W. MONTECILLO, married, with residence address at Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay; JOE MARLOU C. WAGAS, married, with residence address at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; FELIX WAGAS Jr., married with residence address at Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; MERSALYN W. GREGORIO, of legal age, married, with residence address at Tetuan, Zamboanga City; and EVERLIE W. ADOLFO, married with residence address at Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; all of legal age, Filipino citizens, over parcels of land all situated in the Municipality of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur more particularly described as: 1. TD No. 00031 consisting an area of 4 hectares more or less; 2. TD No. 00032, Lot 408 consisting an area of 5 hectares more or less; 3. TD No. 00047 consisting an area 4 hectares more or less; 4. TD No. 00061 consisting an area of 3 hectares more or less; 5. TD No. 00090 consisting an area of 4 hectares more or less; 6. TD No. 00091 consisting an area of 4 hectares more or less; 7. TD No. 00432, Lot 12,270 consisting an area of 378 square meters more or less; Adjudicating said real properties between themselves per deed executed on May 22, 2019 at Zamboanga City before Notary Public Atty. Marti Gregorio per doc. No. 401, page no. 81, book No. I series of 2019. Demetria Wagas, surviving spouse of the late Felix Wagas Sr. covenanted and agreed to waive and renounce her shares, rights, and participation over the above-described real properties in favor of her legitimate children and heirs per deed executed on May 22, 2019 at Zamboanga City before Notary Public Atty. Marti Gregorio per doc. No. 403, page no. 81, book No. I series of 2019.
Zamboanga hospital parries accusations in death of patient ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Zamboanga City Medical Center has strongly denied accusations by the family of a Muslim boy who died recently there was due to neglect. The five-year old Edzhar Damasani, who was attacked by a pack of dogs in Basilan province last week, died in the hospital after he was brought here for emergency care. The victim’s family blamed the Zamboanga City Medical Center for allegedly failing to immediately attend to the boy despite repeated pleadings until he expired. The boy was mauled by stray dogs, numbering about 10, in Isabela City. His family transferred him to the state-run hospital after he received emergency care at a hospital in the province. The boy’s grandmother accused the hospital of neglect leading to the death of the victim. “Hindi nila ginamot at check-up lang nila dahil gusto nila alas-sais pa bago nila ginamit. Ang sabi ko naman ay lumipat kami dito (Zamboanga City Medical Center) dahil malaki ang sugat, dapat lang maki-awa lang, m agalit po siya at hindi nila ginamot at hindi nila dinalaw at hindi nila, kahit kalat na kalat yan hindi nila pinakialaman yan at pinagalitan pa ako at naiyak-iyak na ako.” “Sabi ko naman doon, ganoon pala kayo, maki-awa lang po (pero ang sagot nila) sabi ng hindi puwede at busy kami. Ano ba yan, walang kwenta sila, wala silang pinag-aralan at walang awa sa mga pobreng tulad namin,” the woman told radio station dxNO in Isabela City after they brought the boy’s body back home for burial. The interview was also uploaded on the Facebook page of Ronde del Basilan. Doctor Nida Tan, head of the Zamboanga City Medical Center, said all the allegations against them were untrue. “While we empathize with the family, we cannot accept the statement that the hospital has been remiss in its duty. We, the administration and staff of Zamboanga City Medical Center, have been working above and beyond our responsibilities to give medical care to indigent members of society.”
“We would like reiterate that health is a shared responsibility. While the health sector of the government provides medical care, parents and relatives must also take responsibility. While the health sector of the government provides medical care, parents and relatives must also take responsibility for health by ensuring the safety and security of their children,” she said. Tan explained that the boy was already admitted in the hospital and being prepped for surgery, but due to the extensive nature of his injuries, he was not able to survive. There was massive trauma to the body. She listed the following observation of the boy’s injuries: Soft tissue avulsion (muscle was torn off) of the right parieto- temporal area (head); Lacerated (jagged and torn soft tissue) wound on nasal bridge; Multiple puncture wounds on the right maxillary region (jaw); Avulsed wound, right outer ear; Contusion hematoma (black eye) right periorbital area; Puncture wounds, left arm; Avulsed and puncture wounds at right shoulder and suprascapular area (shoulder blade); Avulsed wounds, right arm lateral (side) aspect; Avulsed wound, right leg, lateral (side) aspect; Multiple crusting and non-bleeding lacerations and abrasions on the posterior (back) aspect on both thighs and Healed crusting abrasions with puncture wounds on right thigh, lateral (side) aspect. She said the boy was endorsed to the Surgery Unit and oxygen was quickly administered and subsequently admitted to undergo emergency wound debridement. “The staff explained the procedure to the parents who verbalized their understanding and consent was subsequently obtained. The patient was stabilized and hydrated, while Anti-Tetanus Serum. Tetanus Toxoid, anti-rabies serum and immunoglobulin injections were given,” Tan said. Tan further explained that intravenous pain medications, including paracetamol and ketorolac (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) were properly administered to the boy and so was other laboratory work and a pediatric risk assessment also
conducted. “Once this was done the chart of the patient was forwarded to the operating room for the anesthesia preoperative orders. While waiting for the surgery, as there were two other emergency cases ahead of him, an incarcerated hernia and an appendectomy, the child was constantly being checked on by the staff.” “In fact the child was placed near the doctor’s table for frequent observation and easy access. At around 12:15 AM of June 18, the child became unresponsive and while resuscitation was initiated, the child succumbed to his injuries,” she said. Tan expressed their sadness for death of the boy. “The Zamboanga City Medical Center would like to express their sincerest condolences to the Damsani Family in their hour of grief. No parent should ever have to bury their own child. Our hearts and minds are with you on this most difficult of times,” she said. Mayor-elect Djalia Hataman said she received reports that more 300 people had been bitten by stray dogs in Isabela City. “The news of a child being the latest of more than 300 victims injured by stray dogs in the city is truly alarming,” she said, adding that during her recent visits and consultations in the villages, some sectors raised the problems caused by stray dogs and aside from attacks by the animals they also get into garbage which poses hazards to human health. Because of these problems posed by stray dogs, Hataman said they will have to review Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act and responsibilities of a pet owner. “This latest incident strengthened our resolve to ensure strict and effective implementation of and compliance with aforementioned law. As mayor-elect, this incident calls our attention to the urgency of the issue,” she said. The law provides for the mandate of the local government to protect the public from the nuisance and dangers of stray dogs while upholding animal rights. (The Zamboanga Post)
Zambo Norte village chieftain facing charges for shooting teener PAGADIAN CITY – A village chieftain who shot and wounded a 16-year old student in Zamboanga del Norte province is facing charges for after being arrested by the police. Officials said the victim, Melquisedec Moncida, was seeking help from the village hall after a group of men attacked him at a disco party in the village of New Sicayab in Polanco town. The incident occurred just recently. Monsida told police investigators that when he arrived at the village hall, Marianito Paalisbo, chieftain of New Sicayab, suddenly pulled
out his gun and hit him behind his head even though he told him he was only seeking help. The victim said he crawled outside the village but Paalisbo followed him and shot him in the left leg. The village official fled after the shooting, leaving behind the bloodied teenager who was rushed by civilians to the hospital. It was unknown why Paalisbo shot the victim instead of protecting him from those who were threatening the teenager with harm. “The victim sustained a gunshot wound in his left leg… and was rushed to Zamboanga
del Norte Medical Center in Dipolog City while the suspect Barangay Captain Marianito Paalisbo left the to evade arrest and was eventually tracked down and arrested by the police,” said Major Helen Galvez, a regional police spokesman. Galvez said policemen who responded to the shooting recovered two shells of a 9mm pistol from the area. “The suspect is now temporarily detained at the Polanco municipal police station,” she said, adding, police also seized a 9mm pistol and bullets from Paalisbo. (The Zamboanga Post)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 24-30, 2019
Across : 1. Belly 4. British baby carriage 8. Pub brews 12. Fire remains 13. Loony 14. Not common 15. Zodiac lion 16. ___ transmission 18. Nabs 20. Build 21. Pal (Fr.) 22. Pallid 23. Competitor 27. Stairs 30. Have being 31. Poet’s eternity 33. That female 34. Canvas covers 37. Bank transaction 40. Actress ___ West 41. Tuna container 42. Flaming 44. Ill-fated ship 48. Napoleon ___ 50. Picnic beverage 51. Burden 52. Lima or kidney 53. Male heir 54. She, in Bordeaux 55. Highland Scot 56. Key near Ctrl Down : 1. Festive event 2. Client 3. Norse thunder god 4. Blood component 5. Standard procedure 6. Drama divisions 7. Barnyard sound 8. Biblical mount 9. Tardiness 10. Rock’s ___ Clapton 11. Church group 17. Kitty sounds 19. Lobe locale 23. Chow down 24. Gun rights group (abbr.)
Answer to last week’s crossword:
25. 26. 28. 29. 32. 35. 36. 38. 39. 42.
Airport section Mogul ___ Turner Greek letter Gel Music performance Formal procession Trickle ___ leather ___ roll (2 wds.) Ready, willing, and ___ 43. Trick 44. Forest plant 45. Space gp. 46. Object of adoration 47. Lincoln’s coin 49. NBC’s rival
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 24-30, 2019
Qatar Airways now flies to Davao City DAVAO CITY – Qatar Airways has launched its inaugural flight to Davao City in southern Philippines and will operate once a week with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. Alan Timbayan, the Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, and Marwan Koleilat, Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, joined the inaugural flight to Davao. Koleilat said: “The Philippines is an important destination for us, with 50 weekly passenger flights to and from Qatar and we are delighted to now be able to connect travellers directly to Davao, one of the busiest in the Philippines. We are confident that leisure
travellers will find much to enjoy in this charming city.” Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “Qatar Airways is very proud to extend its reach into the Philippines by launching our third gateway into this beautiful country. The inclusion of Davao into our global network further demonstrates our commitment to the Far East region, a highly important market for Qatar Airways. With 50 weekly passenger flights to and from the Philippines, we take great pride in our role of enabling trade and connecting international businesses.” Rex Obcena, Davao International Airport Manager, has welcomed the inaugural flight. “We look forward to welcom-
Malou Cablinda, Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper Advertising Executive, poses with Qatar Airways crew during its inaugural flight to Davao City last late last week.
ing all passengers on Qatar Airways’ weekly return flights,” he said, adding, the local airport is one of the busiest in the country. With numerous beaches and resorts, Davao is the largest city outside of Manila and the fourth largest in the country in terms of population, with over 1.4 million residents. The Philippines is an important air freight market for Qatar Airways, with the carrier’s cargo arm offering a weekly capacity of 350 tons each way on the Doha-Manila-Doha route and 70 tons on the Doha-Clark-Doha route. With the introduction of flights from Doha to Davao and Doha-Clark-Davao-Doha effective June 18, travellers and exporters now have direct connection to destinations in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas via Doha. A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organization Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’. Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide. In addition to its service to Davao,
Qatar Airways has launched an array of exciting new destinations recently, including Mombasa, Kenya; Izmir, Turkey
and Malta to name just a few. The airline will add a number of new destinations to its extensive route network in the
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second half of 2019, including Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia and Langkawi, Malaysia. (Malou Cablinda)
Pilot project for National ID starts this year THE PHILIPPINES is set to roll out a new national identification system that will contain all personal information of every Filipinos in an effort and ensure the efficient delivery of services and ease transactions with government agencies. The pilot test for the ID system is set from September to December this year. And Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, the principal author of the Philippines Identification System Act (PhilSys Act), assured that it has enough safeguards to protect the privacy of Filipinos, even as he stressed that the law’s main objective is to enhance the delivery of basic services to the public. “The law has enough safeguards to protect the sanctity of the individual’s information and protect their right to privacy. It protects against unlawful disclosure of information and punishes those who will subvert the system for unlawful ends,” Drilon said. He noted that the law not only ensures the privacy of the
individual but also ensures the efficient delivery of services and ease transactions with government agencies. “With a national ID system in place, it would be easier for individuals seeking basic services from the government to identify themselves and for agencies, both public and private, to verify the information,” Drilon pointed out. Drilon said in crafting the PhilSys Act, lawmakers have provided a balance between enhancing the system of legal identification for better service delivery and protecting the right to privacy. He said the data that will be included in the national ID system would not be different from the information that is present in all government-issued IDs. “The type of information collected and the purposes for which they may be used is limited,” he said, adding, the law would not affect data privacy as the pertinent provisions of the Data Privacy Act will still apply. Under the national ID system, a common reference
number (CRN) will be given to all Filipinos containing essential information such as full name, address, date, and place of birth, sex, civil status, signature, CRN and date of card issuance, along with a recent photo. Filipinos living and working abroad can register at the embassy or consular offices in their countries of the location to get their assigned CRN. Drilon said the CRN/ID can be used by a citizen in its transactions with all branches of the government, making it more convenient for Filipinos to avail of government services.He said the national ID will also be honored when transacting with certain private institutions, like banks. “Today, you open a wallet and you will find a driver’s license, a voter’s ID, an SSS or GSIS ID, PhilHealth ID, Tax Identification Number card, among others. Once the National ID is distributed to every single Filipino here and abroad, transactions will be made easier and faster,” he said. (Jose Cielito Reganit)
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June 24-30, 2019
Killings continue in Cebu Cebu underpass finally opens to traffic
Mambaling underpass in Cebu City. (Photo by John Rey Saavedra) CEBU CITY - The Department of Public Works and Highways has finally opened to the public the P638-million Mambaling underpass project and will greatly ease the flow of traffic here. Edgard Tabacon, DPWH regional director, said the underpass, which began construction in 2017, became controversial when parents of school children ranted on social media about the terrible traffic that had affected their children’s travel time to
school. The DPWH and the Cebu City Traffic Office (CTTO) both maintained that the project is the solution to the traffic congestion in the area, which has two supermarkets, a fast food restaurant, and other business establishments, as well as the city’s oldest main thoroughfare before the Cebu South Coastal Road. Joselito Sayson, chief of the DPWH construction division, said: “The decision to open it to traffic was reached by stake-
holders. We intend to ease traffic along that junction,” Sayson told the Philippine News Agency, adding, traffic lights were also installed in the underpass. There were suggestions that passenger buses should not be allowed to use the underpass because these vehicles would continue to ply the Cebu South Coastal Road - South Road Properties route in ferrying passengers to and from southern Cebu to the south bus terminal. (John Rey Saavedra)
BOC-Cebu posts P123-M surplus collection CEBU CITY – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Cebu said its revenue collections last month had a surplus of P123.41 million and is on track for the current month. BOC-Cebu Collector Elvira Cruz said the port posted a collection of P3.06 billion, which is 4.20 percent higher from P2.94 billion. “It means a total surplus collection of P123.41 million,” Elvira said. In his collection report addressed to Cruz, BOC-Cebu cash division chief Conrado Abarintos said the May revenue collection in Cebu port
was substantially higher than the amount collected in the same month of 2018. He said the May revenue collection was higher by P442.16 million compared to the Cebu port collection of P2.62 billion during the same month last year. “This collection performance is made possible, kudos to the men and women of the Port of Cebu for their unrelenting effort to help the government in collecting the revenue needed in order for it to continue serving the Filipino people,” Cruz said. As the economy of Cebu
and Central Visayas remains bullish, Abarintos is hoping that more volume of imported goods will arrive via Cebu port and translate such activities with more revenue collection out of duties and taxes paid by importers. “We, in the Port of Cebu, are hoping that we will have a better volume of entries filed in the remaining half of the month of June,” Abarintos said. He attributed the May revenue collection to the volume of oil importation that arrived in the first few days of June. (John Rey Saavedra)
C
EBU CITY – Extrajudicial killings continue in the central Philippine province of Cebu with the latest victim murdered inside a hospital room in a daring assault by over a dozen masked gunmen. The attack- tained in prison, was ad- hospital had been spared ers killed the 55-year mitted recently in the hos- by the killers. No group or indiold Ricky Ramirez, a for- pital after he complained vidual claimed for the mer mayor of Medellin of chest pains. He was executed in- murder and police said town who is facing drug charges, at the Bogo-Me- side the comfort room it is still investigating the where he hid upon hear- killing. Dozens of peodellin Medical Center. Police said the gun- ing the commotion out- ple, mostly linked to illemen ordered hospital side his room. Gunmen gal drug trade, had been staffs to drop on the floor disarmed a lone jail guard murdered in Cebu by and herded a nurse to before barging in the room motorcycle gunmen. The Commission on guide them in Ramirez’s and killed the former mayHuman Rights in Cebu is or. room. Ramirez’s son and silent on the spate of killThe former politician, arrested two years and de- girlfriend who were at the ings. (Cebu Examiner)
Subscribers may keep mobile phone numbers starting July 2 MOBILE PHONE subscribers may now keep their numbers even after they changed their network providers starting July 2, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced. NTC has released a memorandum circular (MC) which sets the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on Republic Act No. 11202 otherwise known as the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last February. “The MC promotes easy and expedient mobile phone/device usage by allowing the convenient transfer of a mobile post-paid or prepaid subscriber from one service provider to another, or change the type of subscription from post-paid to pre-paid or vice-versa, without changing the subscriber’s mobile number,” NTC said, however, it clarified that while the order takes effect on July 2, telecommunications companies (telcos) are given six months after the date of effectivity to implement the implementing rules
and regulations. MC No. 03-06-2019 states that subscribers applying for mobile number portability must have the following qualifications: No outstanding financial obligation with the donor provider; mobile number used in a device is not locked to any mobile service provider; 60 calendar days must have lapsed from the date of activation of the ported number; no pending request for transfer of assignment of the mobile number; no order from a court of law stopping the mobile number porting; and must not be blacklisted by a service provider due to previous fraudulent activities. Post-paid and pre-paid subscribers within the same mobile network may avail mobile number portability and shall be changed within 24 hours upon submission and acceptance of application and subject to existing policies of the mobile service provider. No fees and charges shall be collected from the applicants for mobile number portability. Furthermore,
no interconnection fee or charge shall be imposed by any mobile service providers for domestic calls and SMS made by a subscriber. Meanwhile, major telco firms assured that they will comply with the rules on mobile number portability. PLDT Inc. said it supports the Mobile Number Portability Act and will work with the government and industry partners for its implementation. “We have, however, expressed our reservations on constitutional grounds regarding the rider provisions in the law, which removes interconnection fees between operators,” PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto told reporters. Globe Telecom said it will comply with the NTC’s implementing rules and regulations on mobile number portability. “Our team is working closely with the government and other telcos to put in place systems for the new law’s smooth implementation,” Globe said in a separate statement. (Aerol John Pateña)
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