Mindanao Examiner Newspaper May 27- June 2, 2013

Zamboanga students urged to be entrepreneurs PAGE 2

5 parak sugatan sa NPA ambush

Lalaki nagbigti sa Zambo Sur matapos na maka-alitan ang ama

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5 Reasons to Advertise Online

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao denies mauling village chieftain

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The 2016 Presidential Derby Begins PAGE 9

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hihinto sa open-siba PAREHONG nagkontra NPA at mas banta ang militar at lalo pa umanong rebeldeng New paiigtingin ito upang People's Army na mapuksa ang rebelmaglulunsad ang deng grupo. mga ito ng kaniBinansagan nakanilang opensiba sa man ni Lt. Col. Mindanao. Ito'y maLyndon Paniza, ang tapos ng kaliwa'ttagapagsalita ng 10th kanang paglusob ng Infantry Division, na mga rebelde sa mga kriminal ang katimugan. miyembro ng NPA Kamakailan ladahil sa kanilang mga mang ay inako ng karahasan at maging NPA ang hiwalay na mga sibilyan ay mga atake sa Tagum nadadamay umano.

City at sa bayan ng "These criminal Mawab sa ComNPAs have lost their postela Valley at ideology and now sinabing bahagi converted into fulllamang ito ng mas malaking opensiba sa Todo-bantay ang parak na ito sa bus terminal sa Kidapawan City sa North pledged criminals enCotabato upang masigurong ligtas ang lugar sa anumang banta ng gaging into kidnapMindanao. ping, hijacking, arson Ayon kay Rigo- terorismo. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Geonarri Solmerano) against the isang military armored ve- and other economic saboberto Sanchez, ang taga- fenses pagsalita ng rebeldeng Matigsalogs in Barangay hicle sa Barangay Tuburan sa tage," wika pa ni Paniza sa grupo, ay pinuri ng NPA Salumanay and Sitio bayan ng Mawab ay pinuri hiwalay na panayam.

Ito rin ang sinabi ni Southern Mindanao Re- Marahan in Marilog District ng pamunuan ng rebeldeng gional Command ang 6th and versus the Ubo Lumads grupo at sinabing patunay Col. Angelito de Leon, ang Pulang Bagani Company in Baracatan, Toril District, lamang ito sa kanilang commander ng 1001st Inng ComVal-Davao Gulf all in Davao City,” ani pa ni kakayahan na tumira fantry Brigade. Kinondena nito ang mga "barbaric anumang oras na naisin.

Sub-Regional Command at Sanchez.

“The Tagum City raid acts" ng NPA. Maging ang 6 na bihag ComVal-Davao East Coast "These desperate acts Sub-Regional Command mula DASIA na sinabi ng and ambush of reaction ang mga grupong nasa militar na hinila ng NPA ay troops are in line with the call of the NPA put innocent of the Central Committee of civilians in harm's way as likod ng matagumpay na pinalaya na rin.

“Caught by surprise, the the Communist Party of the they can no longer claim opensiba.

Matatandaang pina- enemy was only able to dis- Philippines to intensify tac- that they hit only military sok ng mga rebelde na patch its reinforcement tical offensives in order to targets. Nadadamay pati nakasuot ng uniporme ng troops after more than 10 seize more weapons and cre- mga inosenteng sibilyan," Philippine Drug Enforce- hours later. The successful ate more units of the People’s ani De Leon.

Maging ang pagment Agency ang Davao NPA offensive in Tagum City Army.”

“The intensification of gamit ng mga bomba ng Security and Investigation drew the enemy forces to Agency, Inc. (DASIA) sa NPA lair, thus making the en- disarming operations and NPA ay isa rin umanong Tagum City na pagaari ng emy reaction unit vulnerable ambush of enemy reaction paglabag sa ComprehenEscandor family at hindi ito to NPA ambuscades. Having troops aim to develop fully sive Agreement on Rekalayuan sa kampo at anticipated enemy reaction, the political and military spect for Human Rights the NPA operatives hit mili- strength of Red fighters un- and International Huhimpilan ng pulisya.

Inamin ni Sanchez sa tary troops with two attritive der the NPA Southern manitarian Law, ayon sa Mindanao Examienr na actions resulting to multiple Mindanao Regional Com- opisyal.

Ipinag-utos naman ni natangay nila ang anim na casualties,” pagla-lahad pa ni mand in order to reach the automatic rifles, dalawang Sanchez sa kabiguan ng mga strategic stalemate in the Major General Ariel shotguns, mga bala at bul- awtoridad na pigilan ang next few years,” ani Sanchez. Bernardo, commander ng Matagal ng nakikibaka 10th Infantry Division, let proof vests mula sa naturang paglusob kahit pa umano'y namumutiktik sa ang NPA upang maitatag ang ang paghahabol sa mga DASIA. rebelde. "I have ordered “The disarming of the mga sundalo at parak ang sariling estado sa bansa.

Ngunit sinigurado intensified pursuit operaDASIA Security Agency was naturang lugar.

Maging ang ambush na naman ng militar, partikular tions against the perpetraa punitive action against its owner, the Escandor family, ginawa ng NPA sa Tagum ang 10th Infantry Division at tors of these criminal acwho was responsible for City na ikinasugat ng 6 ang Eastern Mindanao tions," wika nito. (Minvarious land grabbing of- sundalo at ang atake nito sa Command, na hindi ito danao Examiner)

ARMM

Southern Mindanao

Davao

Manila

P10 May 27-June 2, 2013

Army soldiers install security cameras in polling precincts in Lanao del Sur province.

CCTVs play vital role in peaceful polls MARAWI CITY – The Philippine Army said surveillance cameras had played a vital role to the success of the country’s midterm polls in Lanao del Sur province where violence was synonymous with elections.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said prior to the May 13 polls, they initiated a series of consultative meetings with the representatives of the Commission on Elections, political groups, tribal leaders, civilian poll watchdogs and other stakeholders on the use of the surveillance cameras to closely monitor the elections in various polling places.

The presence of security cameras - installed by soldiers - prevented election frauds and irregularities and other poll violations.

“The idea was

unanimously taken positively by the political candidates. This was manifested by their acts of voluntarily providing the much needed cameras and other requirements to make the project possible,” Lucero told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said: “The Maranaos have always wanted clear and honest election in their province and their support to the idea (of putting up security cameras) was a clear indication of their aspirations for transparent and honest elections.”

Lucero also praised the Muslim elders and voters in Lanao del Sur for their vigilance and active participation to ensure safe elections.

“The result of the peaceful elections is something that they can be proud of,” he said.

(Mindanao Examiner)

A photo released by the NPA to the Mindanao Examiner shows DASIA weapons seized by rebels.

Zamboanga Peninsula

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The Mindanao Examiner

May 27-June 2, 2013

Zamboanga students urged to be entrepreneurs ZAMBOANGA CITY A well-respected business leader Pedro Rufo Soliven has inspired students in Zamboanga City to be entrepreneurs and set their goals and vision and translate these into reality.

Speaking to students of the Ateneo de Zam-

boanga University during the recent Product Launching of Entrepreneurship Students with the theme “New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs: Creating Value for Better Economy, Organization and People,” Soliven said: “Entrepreneurs should be

a risk taker, but the risk must be calculated, a reasoned and managed risk, because the biggest risk in life is the unwillingness to take one. All the twist and turns are just part of the journey. Focus on the destination, refused to be stopped, be unstoppable,

NPA rebels raid village in Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY – Dozens of communist rebels disguised as government troops raided a village in the town of Bayog in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur and carted weapons issued by the military to local militias, police said.

Police said some 40 New People’s Army also

seized communication equipment from village chieftain Reynaldo Villaver in Camp Blessing.

The rebels, armed with M14, M16 and Ak-47, escaped after the raid.

It was not immediately known why the police failed to detect the presence of rebels – who spent 45 minutes in the

area – before fleeing on foot. Security forces have launched an operation to track down the rebels.

The rebels have been fighting for decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and install a separate Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

every problem is a well disguised potential opportunity.”

Soliven, who is also the president of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., also quoted Donald Trump and told the students that budding entrepreneur starts with a vision. “Without vision nothing of consequence will happen. You should take the road less traveled and create your own path. Entrepreneurs make things happen, while others let things happen.”

A multi-awarded Atenean, Soliven was honored the Atenean Award for Entrepreneurship in 2006 and the Atenean of the Year in 2012. And during the Ateneo Alumni Centennial last year, Soliven was also awarded for his different advocacies and involvement, among which was the promotion of entrepreneurship among the locals.

(With a report from Albert Francisco III)

Pedro Rufo Soliven speaks during Monday’s Product Launching of Entrepreneurship Students in Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Father killed, baby wounded in Zambo Norte shooting DIPOLOG CITY – A man was killed and his baby seriously wounded in an attack by a lone assailant in their house in Zamboanga del Norte’s Liloy town, police said.

Police said Rene Cruz was carrying his baby when the gunman, who was outside the house, opened fire and hitting the

40-year old father in the face. The baby was also hit in the head.

The gunman escaped after the shooting, police said.

The motive of the attack is still unknown, but police said it launched an investigation into the murder. (Mindanao Examiner)

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May 27-June 2, 2013

5 parak sugatan sa NPA ambush CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Limang parak ang sugatan matapos itong makipagsagupaan sa mga rebeldeng New People’s Army sa bayan ng Tagbina sa Surigao del Sur province sa Mindanao.

Nagpapatrulya umano ang mga parak ng sila’y tambangan ng NPA sa

Barangay Santa Cruz, ngunit hindi pa inaako ng rebeldeng grupo ang naturang ulat na inilabas kahapon ng pulisya sa Caraga region.

Kilalang balwarte ng NPA ang nasabing rehiyon kung kaya’t madalas magsagawa ng patrulya ang pulisya. Base sa ulat ng

awtoridad ay tinatayang mahigit tatlong dosenang mga rebelde ang tumira sa grupo ng pulisya.

Inabot pa ng halos kalahating oras ang labanan bago tuluyang tumakas ang NPA.Hindi naman agad mabatid kung may natangay na armas ang mga rebelde.

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Ilang ulit ng nagbanta ang NPA na lalo nitong paiigtingin ang opensiba sa Mindanao dahil sa umano’y pagmamalabis ng pulisya at militar sa mga mamamayan at pagsisilbing security ng mga mapinsalang minahan sa naturang rehiyon. (Mindanao Examiner)

2 workers die from suffocation TWO WORKERS DIED after they suffocated inside a well they were digging in the town of Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental province in southern Philippines, police said.

Police identified the victims as Joseph Poleto and Will Naldo. The bodies have been retrieved from the 70-foot well in the village of Santa Ana. Two other workers were also rushed to hospital.

It was not immediately known whether the two fatalities were trapped inside the well, but police launched an investigation into the deaths of Poleto and Naldo. No other details were made available by the police. (Mindanao Examiner)

Two men get sea water at Zamboanga City's bay walk.

(Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Jeep crashes into street pole, 12 injured ZAMBOANGA CITY – Twelve people were injured after a passenger jeep crashed into concrete street pole in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said.

Police said the driver, Abelardo Enriquez, lost control of the jeep and rammed the pole before crashing into the bay walk along R.T. Lim Boulevard.

The 65-year old driver was

among those injured in the accident.

The injured were rushed to hospital and police identified them as Roderick Sevilla, Elaine Sumicad, Lolita Candanido, Socorro Las Piñas, Aira Saavedra, Shirley Toble, Epolito Almasa, Evelyn Fajardo, Joselito Bertulana, Fauji Tulawie, and Neshama Hamsain.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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May 27-June 2, 2013

Lalaki nagbigti sa Zambo Sur matapos na maka-alitan ang ama PAGADIAN CITY – Isang 28-anyos na magsasaka ang nagpatiwakal matapos ng mainitang pagtatalo sa kanyang sariling ama habang nagiinuman ang dalawa sa bayan ng Dumalinao

Gunmen free 3 captives in Sulu province Government soldiers clean a school in this photo released by the Western Mindanao Command.

Troops join “Brigada Eskwela” in Zamboanga del Norte GOVERNMENT TROOPS HAVE joined parents and students in cleaning up schools in Zamboanga del Norte province ahead of the opening of classes.

Dubbed as “Brigada Eskwela” or the National Schools’ Maintenance Week, troops put away their rifles and armed themselves with brooms and dust pans, and paint brush and helped clean selected government schools in the province.

Col. Apolinario Alobba, commander of the 10st Infantry Brigade, said troops were happy to help in the program which was initiated by the Department of Education and engages the voluntary

participation of teachers and faculty members, parents, students and other stakeholders to help clean public schools and provide students with an environment conducive for learning.

“These are non-traditional roles that our soldiers regularly do and we are doing this advocacy as part of our community service not only as protector of the people, but also their partner in the conduct of civic actions and other community services particularly to the needy.

The activity highlights and advocates the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Internal Peace and Security Plan called Bayani-

The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Ahmed Baldomero Joanna Valerie Wee Graphics/Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales ARMM

Giovanni Solmerano Eastern Mindanao

Merlyn Manos Iligan City

Geonarri Solmerano Southern Mindanao

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Asa Madale Lanao Provinces Ely D. Umaboc Zamboanga Sibugay/Zamboanga del Sur/Zamboanga del Norte The Mindanao Examiner Newspaper/Business Week/Mindanao Daily is published weekly/daily in Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao, Philippines.

The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in Skycable 54 in Zamboanga; Lupah Sug Cable in Sulu province and Basilan Cable in Basilan province.

Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: 062- 9925480 Mobile: 0917-7103642 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

han,” Alobba said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Suspected thief killed in Zambo ZAMBOANGA CITY – A man who was suspected as behind the series of thievery had been found dead at a village in the southern Filipino port city of Zamboanga, police said.

It said the body of the 31-year old Abdul Bensali, 31, was found in the village of Rio Hondo. The body had two gunshot wounds, police.

Bensali’s family had claimed the body, but police said no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the killing. Police said Bensali was a known thief in Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner)

SULU – Three people held captive in the southern Philippine province of Sulu were released after a series of negotiations, authorities said.

It said truck driver Sali Espada and his helper were freed in the town of Patikul after weeks in captivity. Both had been seized by armed men in the province.

Gunmen also released restaurant owner Renato Yanga in Jolo town after weeks in captivity. It was not immediately known whether ransom was paid for the release of the captives. (Mindanao Examiner)

sa Zamboanga del Sur province.

Sinabi ng pulisya na iniimbestigahan pa ang naturang pagpapakamatay ng biktima.

Nabatid na nagbigti ito sa isang puno na katabi lamang ng kanilang bahay sa Barangay Malasik nitong Sabado.

Base sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng pulisya ay nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan ang biktima ang ang ama nito at naawat lamang ng pamilya ang pagtatalo ng dalawa, ngunit huling sambit ng anak sa ama ay

sinabi nito na “Dili Naku Ninyu Makita Ugma (hindi na ninyo ako makikita bukas).”

Ngunit hindi naman ito pinansin ng ama sa pagaakalang naka-inom lamang ang anak at sumama ang loob sa kanilang pagtatalo. Ngunit laking gulat na lamang nito ng madiskubre ang bangkay ng anak na nakabitay na sa puno.

Problema sa pamilya at salapi ang sinasabing ugat ng pagtatalo ng ama at anak. (Mindanao Examiner)

Dumaguete man killed in Dipolog City DIPOLOG CITY – A native of Dumaguete City in central Philippines was shot and killed in Dipolog City in the southern Zamboanga del Norte province where he was visiting a friend, police said.

Police said Christian Paul Carillaga, 33, traveled to Dipolog City with his wife Letiza Mae Suan

to meet his friend Agaw to whom he was borrowing a gun.

Carillaga was shot repeatedly in the village of Santa Isabel. The motive of the killing is still unknown or whether his friend had anything to do with the murder.

Police is investigating the killing. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

May 27-June 2, 2013

The huge Maimbung Park in the southern Sulu province is a favorite among serenaders and families to relax. The beautiful park which comes complete with children’s playground and a colorful fountain was built by Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan and Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan. The town now is one of the most beautiful places in Sulu and has many infrastructures and Internet access. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Philippines to profile 4M Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao denies mauling village chieftain out-of-school youths QUEZON CITY - The National Youth Commission and the Department of Education launched an ambitious project aimed at listing and profiling all Out-of-School Youths throughout the Philippines for direct servicing by government and private organizations.

Dubbed ABOTALAM, the nationwide program targets OSYs aged 15 to 30 years old. It aims to create a comprehensive database of OSYs in the country and to ensure that they are reintegrated to their communities through programs and services of the government.

“Nais nating ibahagi

sa 3-4 milyong kabataang OSYs sa buong Pilipinas ang biyaya ng kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng AbotAlam Program. Kaya inumpisahan na ng mga iba’t-ibang barangay ang pagpapalista ng mga OSYs,” NYC Chairman Leon Flores said.

The first phase of the program is to identify and collate information on OSYs at the barangay level. While the second phase is the Community Reintegration Program which aims to reintegrate the listed OSYs back into the education system whether through formal or alternative modalities.

“Marami tayong modalities kung paano matutulungan ang isang

OSY, pwedeng sa DepEd Alternative Learning System, TechVoc Education naman sa TESDA, at pwede ring bumalik sa pormal na pag-aaral. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay malaman natin kung nasaan ang mga OSYs sa buong bansa, mahalaga na maipalista natin sila sa Abot-Alam program. Sa ABOT-ALAM walang maiiwan na OSY, lahat ay kasali, lahat ay dapat mabigyan ng serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng Public at Private Partnerships,” Flores said.

ABOT-ALAM was simultaneously launched in the cities of Cagayan De Oro, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.

denied by the poliG E N E R A L tician.

SANTOS CITY Once source, The camp of who was privy to Sarangani Conthe incident, said gressman Manny Belgica hurled Pacquiao had stones at the van strongly denied c a r r y i n g news reports that Pacquiao’s followhe mauled a village ers and then fired chieftain following his gun in the air. an altercation in The source General Santos said Pacquiao, City two days bewho was informed fore elections. about the incident Sources in rushed to the vilPacquiao’s camp lage with his lawsaid the boxing suyers and conperstar has filed fronted Belgica charges against Rep. Manny Pacquiao (Photo by Joseph and accused the Fatima village Jubelag - Mindanao Examiner) village leader of chieftain Alfredo Belgica, who allegedly harassed 9 of the harassment. The lawmaker, according to politician’s followers who were trans- the source, was also dismayed by the porting rice for their group’s consump- failure of the police to arrest Belgica for tion. firing his gun and for harassing his folBelgica claimed he was mauled by lowers. Pacquiao has reportedly threatPacquiao after he accused him of vote ened to file charges also against the pobuying. He alleged that Pacquiao’s fol- licemen. Belgica is a known supporter lowers were giving away rice to residents of Pacquiao’s political opponents. in exchange for their votes, an allegation (Mindanao Examiner)

Senador JV Ejercito Estrada nagpasalamat sa publiko

Si Julio, anak ni Senator-elect JV Ejercito Estrada, habang naghihintay na mai-proklama ang ama.

MANILA – Todo ang pasasalamat ni Senatorelect JV Ejercito Estrada sa kanyang pagkakapanalo sa katatapos lamang na midterm elections sa bansa.

Inamin rin ni JV na nagkaroon rin ito ng agamagam sa posibleng kalabasan ng eleksyon matapos na maglaro ito sa puwestong 9 hanggang 11 sa Magic 12 o "winning circle" ng mga kandidato sa Senado sa buong bilangan ng boto.

Inaasahan kasi ng lahat na baka pumuwesto ito sa Top 3 dahil sa laki ng suporta ng publiko sa kanya at sa palagiang una nito sa mga ibat-ibang pre-election surveys.

"Kinabahan din ako.

Hanggang hindi ako napoproklama baka totohanin yung 12-0. Medyo nagulat din kami sa naging results kasi naging very consistent ako sa survey. Average is 56. Pinakamababa ko number 9. Nung March naging 34. At yung exit polls nung Election Day mismo nasa

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The Mindanao Examiner

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number 5-6. Marami lang nagtaka at nagulat sa nangyaring results," ani JV. Sa kanyang victory

statement ay ito naman ang sinabi ni JV: ""I am grateful to the support given to me by the Filipino people.

Thank you for trusting me; I am indebted to you.

"This election was tough for me. I had to deal with various intrigues sown and dirty tactics undertaken by those who sought to discredit me. I am fortunate to have supporters who continued to believe in me.

Their loyalty has brought me this far.

"I also wish to thank the various groups that endorsed me. Your invaluable support had proven that all those issues fabricated by our detractors are not true.

You can count on me to be your voice in the Senate.

"Once the Congress opens, you can be sure that I will waste no time in pursuing our platform centered on jobs and education in the Senate. I intend to stay true to my word to help Filipinos improve their lives.

"My victory is the victory of the Filipino people who believed in what I stand for. I hope you will continue to support our efforts to pursue a legislative agenda aimed at providing jobs, expanding the access of poor students to quality education, and fighting poverty.

"Sa Senado, sisikapin nating isulong ang Ginhawa ng Bayan. Muli, maraming pong salamat." (Mindanao Examiner)

Ang larawan ng buong mag-anak - si Senador JV, ang amang si Manila Mayor Joseph 'Erap' Estrada, ang inang si San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, at asawang si Cindy, at kanilang anak na si Julio.

The 2016 Presidential Derby Begins

By Perry Diaz (California) THE DAY BEFORE ELECTION Day, the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) proclaimed Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay as its candidate for President in 2016. Now that’s what you call preemptory move against anyone who might be toying with the idea of running for president.

At UNA’s final rally – “miting de avance” – in Tondo, Manila, last May 10, Binay was introduced as “the next President of the Philippines.” The candidates took turns in addressing him as “President Binay.” For some reason, it seems that everybody in the opposition is jumping into Binay’s bandwagon long before the 2016 presidential election began. Indeed, as UNA campaign manager Toby Tiangco said, “Binay is still the man to beat for the presidency in 2016.” If so, what’s Binay game plan?

In my article, “Unholy National Alliance” (April 18, 2012), I wrote: “And this brings to the fore the nagging question: Why did Binay form UNA while the impeachment trial was ongoing? He could have waited until July 2012 after a verdict [on Corona] would have been passed.

With six of the senator-judges running for re-election in 2013, five of whom might end up on UNA’s ‘Magic 12’ senatorial line-up, the timing of the unification effort is riddled in suspicion. I think [former Senator Ernesto] Maceda opened a can of worms when he said ‘a vote to acquit Corona is a vote of support for Binay in 2016.’ And I’m sure that P-Noy has the political savvy to decipher Binay’s game plan.

“But in Binay’s attempt to unify all the diverse political parties under his umbrella, he may be creating a political machine similar to the Lakas-Kampi-CMD (LKC) merger prior to the 2010 presidential elections.”

Spr uce G oose pruce Goose Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s creation of the largest political party since the time of Ferdinand Marcos turned out to be like Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose.” On it’s maiden test flight on November 2, 1947 with Hughes piloting it himself, the humongous airplane flew for only a mile at 70 feet above the water. It’s mediocre performance forced Hughes to abandon the project.” And like the Spruce Goose, Gloria’s LKC broke apart by its sheer size. And like Gloria’s LKC, Binay’s UNA broke apart in the 2013 mid-term elections with only three of his candidates winning while nine Team PNoy candidates won.

The question is: Would UNA survive and become a viable opposition coalition in the 2016 elections? While it may be too early to tell, one thing is certain: it will not be the same as the one that participated in the 2013 mid-term elections. In 2016, there will be a new set of senatorial wannabes. But because of UNA’s anemic performance in the 2013 elections, these wannabes might gravitate around the Liberal Party (LP) hoping that P-Noy and the LP standard bearer – whoever he or she might be? -- would include them on the administration slate.

Kingmaker Many believe that because of P-Noy’s popularity, he’d have a strong hand in filling the LP’s 2016 senatorial slate – including the presidential and vice presidential candidates -- with his own “people.” The problem though is that he’d be a “lame duck” by then. However, if he earns tons of political capital and amasses invaluable goodwill with the people in the next three years of his presidency, his endorsement in 2016 might translate to a virtual “command vote.” If that were the case, he would become the ultimate kingmaker.

But P-Noy’s problem is that the Liberal Party is perceived as a weak party and doesn’t have star powers of its own. There are no heavyweights that the party could field against Binay. Mar Roxas is probably the only presidentiable from the LP’s ranks. But Roxas said that he was not interested in running for president in 2016. However, he might run if the LP could build a formidable organization capable of defeating the popular Binay. P-Noy’s personal charisma is the only one that can match Binay’s star power. Unfortunately, P-Noy can no longer run for office.

If Roxas were really firm in his decision not to seek the presidency, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero could jump into the Liberal Party. Placing third behind Grace Poe and Sen. Loren Legarda in the just concluded mid-term elections, Chiz – who is an Independent – would be the LP’s best bet to field against Binay. He played his cards right when he stuck with the LP Coalition as a guest candidate and distanced himself from Binay’s UNA who had put him on their slate as a common candidate.

But he was removed together with the two other common candidates, Grace Poe and Loren Legarda, from the UNA slate when the three didn’t appear in UNA campaign rallies because Team PNoy forced them to abandon UNA. Big surpr ise surprise It is interesting to note that from the start of the campaign season until Election Day, Loren held the Number One spot in all the surveys.

But on Election Day, Grace Poe – who is Independent -- sprinted to the Number One spot and Loren slid down to Number Two spot while Chiz moved down to Number Three Spot from the second spot. What is intriguing is that the LP coalition’s guest candidates took the top three spots, two of who are Independents.

Surprisingly, of the three Liberals handpicked by P-Noy – Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Jamby Madrigal, and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. – only Bam Aquino, P-Noy’s cousin, won. A political neophyte with only his last name to his credit, Bam couldn’t have won on his own account.

With that kind of performance at the polls, it makes one wonder if the LP could attract winnable candidates in 2016?

In the past several months, there were talks about a possible entry of Kris Aquino into politics. However, nobody could pinpoint what office she would be running for? Governor? Representative? Senator? How about Vice President? Heck, she paid more taxes than any of the Chinoy taipans last year. That would endear her to the poor masa. Indeed, a Mar-Kris or Chiz-Kris tandem might just do the trick to craft a Liberal Party victory over a Binay-Jinggoy tandem or “Binggoy.”

Battle rro oyale Of the 12 senators whose terms end in 2016, Juan Ponce Enrile is retiring and Miram Defensor Santiago might not run for reelection due to her pending appointment to the International Criminal Court while Bongbong is expected to run for president and Jinggoy Estrada is expected to run for vice president. That leaves eight probable reelectionists in 2016: three Liberals (Franklin Drilon, Teofisto Guingona III, and Ralph Recto); two Lakas (Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla); one Nacionalista (Pia Cayetano); one Nationalist People’s Coalition (Tito Sotto); and one Independent (Sergio Osmena). Except for the three Liberals, the other five reelectionists would most likely run as guest candidates of either the Liberal Party coalition or a Binay-led UNA. It is very likely that Osmena and Sotto – who both have made praising post-election remarks about Binay -- would run under UNA while Cayetano could possibly run under Marcos’ Nacionalista Party or on the Liberal Party’s coalition slate. Lapid and Revilla – who are allies of Gloria -- would most likely run under Binay’s UNA or Marcos’ coalition as guest candidates.

How about the presidentiables? With Binay already declaring his intention to run for president and Roxas or Escudero running under the Liberal Party coalition and Marcos forming a third party, the 2016 presidential elections might turn out to be a battle royale among the country’s powerful dynasties.

But in politics, strange things happen. What if the Liberals and Nacionalistas joined forces in 2016 like they did in 2013? Can it be within the realms of probability – or absurdity -- for Bongbong Marcos and Kris Aquino to team up? Hmm… Like they say, “Anything goes in politics.” Indeed.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

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SAFETY OF CITIZENS ASSURED IN BASILAN

BASILAN – Authorities have assured the safety of government workers and civilians against kidnappings in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

This assurance from the military and police came after gunmen freed last week a social worker, Jennelyn Luna Enpera, who was abducted in the town of Ungkaya Pukan.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the woman was freed unharmed by her captors in the town of Sumisip.

The woman, who works for the DSWD, is said to be in-charge of the government’s anti-poverty alleviation program called Pantawid Pamilya, whose objective is to provide financial support to poor families for the children’s health and education.

Another group of gun-

men are also holding Lucio Gonzales, a skipper of a fishing trawler seized off Lantawan town in Basilan province.

Police said at least a dozen gunmen in two speedboats were involved in the kidnapping of Gonzales.

The captors have demanded P15 million for the freedom of Gonzales.

No individuals or group have claimed responsibility for kidnappings.

Basilan is one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and is notoriously known for its kidnappings and ambuscades.

Provincial government officials rarely release any statement about local abductions and are hardly accessible for media interviews.

Even cats ar e no longer are safe Kidnappings and ab-

ductions are so rampant in Basilan that even domesticated animals are no longer safe in the province.

This after two motorcycle men snatched a purebreed Persian cat in the provincial capital of Isabela City. The cat, named Macky by its owners, was taken while the animal was outside the house in Calle Posporo.

The cat’s owner has appealed to the public to help them find the feline.

“Assalamu Alaykum.

Please help us find Macky.

He is Persian-breed and was taken yesterday by two unidentified XRM motor riders alongside our home in Calle Posporo Maba-rakat shortcut road. Pls pass. Thank u and Godbless,” the owner said in an appeal posted in the Facebook social media group Basilan! Basilan!

The cat was eventually recovered near Akbar Farm in Sumagdang village.

An aerial view of Isabela City in Basilan province and photos of the stolen Persian cat.

Zambo school collecting fees from enrolling students ZAMBOANGA CITY – A government school in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines is collecting various fees from high school students despite a strict policy against collections of contributions during the enrollment period.

A television report said the collections of various fees in Don Pablo Lorenzo High

ARMM

School were being tolerated by Pilar Gregorio, the principal.

Among the fees being collected from students are allegedly for identification card pictures, funds for the ParentsTeachers Association, and for various projects of the Supreme Student Government.

The fees ranged from P50 to P300 per student and the collec-

Southern Mindanao

tions were not covered by an official receipt. One student, who was collecting fees, said the contributions are not compulsory, but a sign on her table reads “required.”

The collections of fees were also recorded by the TV11 news crew.

The report said the school principal also refused an inter-

Davao

view requested by the television news crew about the illegal collections, saying she was not available.

Pedro Natividad, the Assistant Schools Superintendent, was apparently disgusted with the illegal collections of fees in Don Pablo Lorenzo School and said he will investigate the reports.

Manila

The Department of Education said only collections may be collected on a voluntary basis for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees (P50), Philippine National Red Cross (P35), Anti-TB fund drive (P5), school publication (P60 for elementary students and P90 for high school student). (Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga Peninsula