RP wins 'New Frontiers Award' for typhoon rebuilding efforts
Elections photos sa Lanao Sur lumutang PAGE 2
Foreign Affairs launches own Facebook page PAGE 4
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1 soldier, 3 others wounded in NPA clash
Commies enter Zambo village, take weapons from civilians PAGE 7
Julia Barreto, bida sa 'Cofradia'
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hilippine military officials have defended themselves from criticisms in sending young soldiers to a dangerous test mission to rescue the wife of a marine sergeant kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sulu province. The test mission resulted in the killings of 7 marines in an Abu Sayyaf ambush in Patikul town last. Security officials said the soldiers were sent to rescue Casilda Marcos as part of their test mission. Marcos, who works as a medical technologist at the provincial hospital, was seized May 18 while on her way to work in Jolo town with her daughter who managed to escape from the kidnappers. The military has ordered an investigation into the deaths of the soldiers - 2nd Lieutenant Alfredo Lorin VI, Private First Class Jay Alasian, Private First Class Jayson Durante, Private First Class Andres Bogwana, Private First Class Rene Gare, Private First Class Roxan Pizarro, and Private First Class Dominador Sabejon, Jr. to determine if there were lapses in the operation that also left many marines wounded. Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin also defended the military. “What’s wrong with test mission? Test mission is important to the soldiers,” he told reporters in Manila. Finish off the A bus Abus But for Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin, the military investigation into the possible lapses in security operation is not necessary and security officials should instead focus on running after the Abu Sayyaf.
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“No more probe into deaths of marines in Sulu, wipe out Sayyaf...”
A goverment photo shows President Benigno Aquino as he pays his last respect to fallen soldiers. “It is unfair to investigate whether there were lapses or none, the brave soldiers who died in the battle had sacrificed their lives for the interest of the many, and the best thing now to do is for the military to launch an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf,” Amin told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. He said even citizens, who are fed up with the atrocities of the Abu Sayyaf, have joined the hunt for the Abu Sayyaf. “I am supporting our police and military in putting a stop to Abu Sayyaf atrocities. I have put up rewards
for the capture of Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Jolo,” he said. Tr ibute President Benigno Aquino also paid his tribute to the slain soldiers and spoke to their grieving families, assuring them that the government will run after the Abu Sayyaf responsible for the killings. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the military is making certain that full benefits are received by those entitled, including pensions, college scholarships, and cash assistance from military financial institutions. She said Aquino also
Southern Mindanao
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released P250,000 for each to the bereaved families, and P50,000 each to the wounded. The fund came from the Presidential Social Fund. “The Aquino administration joins the country in mourning the passing of the seven men who gave their lives to build a safer and more peaceful Philippines.” “As we mourn, we vow to pursue justice on all fronts, as this is integral to achieving our ultimate goal of winning the peace. The challenge of building a Philippines that is truly prosperous and secure remains, and we will do ev-
Manila
erything in our power to meet it, recognizing that it is the greatest tribute we can offer to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” she said. Coor dination oordination The military rescue operation was allegedly launched even without the knowledge of the municipal crisis management committee which is handling the kidnapping case. It was unknown whether the municipal or the provincial police had been informed of the operation. Abu Sayyaf rebels have previously bombed the capital town of Jolo and kidnapped dozens of
wealthy Muslims and murdered Christians in the province over the years. The Abu Sayyaf is a small, but the notorious rebel group whose original members were mostly fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front which signed a peace accord with Manila in September 1996. The group is now joined by Indonesian and Malaysian members of the Jemaah Islamiya which has been blamed for the spate of terror attacks in their own countries and the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
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AFP: No plan yet to augment military presence in Ayungin Shoal MANILA - The Philippine military said it has no plan just yet to deploy more forces in the contested islands in the South China Sea now called West Philippines Sea by Manila despite the presence of Chinese ships and fishing boats near the Ayungin Shoal in Spratly Islands. State media also quoted Lt. Cheryl Tindog, of the Western Command, as saying that there is still no order from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to augment its strength in the contested region despite reports of Chi-
nese harassment of Kalayaan Island Mayor Joel Bito-onon. “According to the higher headquarters there is no need to add forces in the area we claimed, particularly in the West Philippines Sea,” she said. The politician said he was harassed by two Chinese vessels recently while sailing at sea inside the Philippine territory. The military continues to monitor the situation in the area and patrol the Philippines exclusive economic zone.
“This is what we’re exactly doing in the area,” Tindog told the Philippine News Agency. She said the military is supportive of the government’s diplomatic action regarding the presence of the Chinese navy vessels in the disputed island chain. “At this point, what we can do best is to support the government in its desire to pacify the situation in the area. Let us be patient that something positive will be done,” she said. (With a report from Celeste Anna Formoso)
Most wanted criminal, 2 others arrested
Ilan lamang ang mga ito sa larawan na lumutang sa Facebook group na Media Resources Center na umano'y kuha ng mga concerned citizens sa mga presinto sa Lanao del Sur province.
Elections photos sa Lanao Sur lumutang MARAWI CITY – Lumutang sa Facebook ang mga larawan na kuha sa ibat-ibang presinto sa kasagsagan ng halalan sa Lanao del Sur province at dito ay kapuna-puna ang mga diumano’y paglabag sa Omnibus Election Code. Nagmistulang palengke ang ilang presinto dahil sa hinihinalang bilihan ng mga boto ng mga tagasunod ng kanyakanyang kandidato doon. Nagkalat rin ang mga kodigo ng pangalan ng mga tumakbo sa halalan. Kaliwa’t-kanan rin ang akusasyon ng mga umano’y pre-shaded ballots sa lalawigan at ayon sa Facebook group na Media Resources Center at ARMM Watch ay talamak ang naging dayaan sa halalan at hindi lamang sa Lanao, kundi maging sa Maguindanao. Umani rin ng sari-saring batikos ang mga naturang larawan na kuha umano ng mga concerned citizens. Meron pang
larawan ng isang Precinct Count Optical Scan machine na tinangay umano ng isang parak at dalawang sundalo sa bayan ng Pagayawan at ibinalik bago matapos ang halalan. Maging si governor-elect Mujiv Hataman ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, at ang kanyang vice governorelect na si Al Rasheed Lucman ay hindi rin pinatawad sa mga akusasyon ng anomalya. Matindi rin ang mga binibitawang komento ng ilang mga kritiko ni Hataman sa kanya. Mariing pinasinungalingan naman ni Hataman ang lahat ng bintang sa kanila at sinabi na ang kanyang pagkapanalo sa halalan ay sa kagustuhan na rin ng mga bumuto sa kanya. “Mga talunan lang yan,” ani Hataman at hindi na umano nito pinapansin ang mga alegasyon at sa halip ay inaatupag na lamang ang kanyang trabaho. (Mindanao Examiner)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Security forces arrested 3 people, including one of southern Philippines’ most wanted criminals, army officials said. Officials said police and military agents pounced on Muktar Ahmin and two other companions Nader Alan and Nadjal Esmola, who are all facing kidnapping charges. The army did not give details of the arrest, but the trio was nabbed in Mindpro Mall in downtown Zamboanga. Police said Ahmin is a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation front behind the kidnappings of foreign missionaries in Zamboanga Peninsula. It was unknwon whether they were planning to kidnap individuals or if the trio was carrying any weapons with them. Officials have not provided additional information about three suspects. (Mindanao Examiner)
Illegal logs seized by soldiers and forest rangers in Mati City.
Illegal logs seized in Mati City DAVAO CITY – Forest rangers backed by government troops recovered about two dozen illegally cut logs in a joint operation in Mati in the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental, army officials said. Officials said the logs were seized in the village of Tagbinonga where illegal tree cutters abandoned them. The operation was carried out by members of the 701st Infantry Brigade, 104th Division Reconnaissance Company and personnel from City Environment and Natural Re-
sources Office in Mati headed by Matranillo Wines. “As part of our mandate in protection and preservation of the environment, the military will continue to support the government units and agencies for the same cause, along with other people’s organization. This is an interagency activity that portrays the spirit of Bayanihan,” Col. Paterno Morales, the deputy brigade commander, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
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June 3-9, 2013
RP wins 'New Frontiers Award' for typhoon rebuilding efforts
One of the two communist rebels who yielded to the military encashes a livelihood cheque in a bank in Davao.
2 NPA surrenderors get livelihood aid in Davao DAVAO CITY – Two communist rebels have surrendered to the military in southern Philippines and both were provided livelihood aid by the government, officials said. Officials said duo – Dante Miranda and Jessie Casium – were both members of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda, of the Guerilla Front 34 Southern Mindanao Regional Command of the New People’s Army. They were also presented to Davao del Norte Governor Rodulfo del Rosario at the Provincial Capitol in Tagum City. Del Rosario handed over P50,000 to each of the rebels to help them in their livelihood. The 1003rd Infantry Bri-
gade under the 10th Infantry Division said the two men would also receive livelihood assistance from government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP. Col. Buenaventura Pascual, the brigade commander, urged other rebels to surrender peacefully and start a new life with their families. “I am very happy for this. Ito ay nagpapahiwatig ng malinaw na daan ng tagumpay sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan. Ito po ay nagpapalakas ng ating buong-pusong pag-aalay ng ating sarili upang tuparin ang tungkulin sa pag-akay sa ating mga kapatid na naligaw ng landas, na ngayo’y kasama na nating muli.”
“Kaya akoy nanawagan sa mga NPA na naghihirap pa sa pagtatago sa kabundukan na bumaba na at sama-sama tayong mamuhay tungo sa masaganang bukas nating lahat,” he said. Lt. Col. Llewellyn Binasoy, battalion commander, said the CLIP is aimed in encouraging NPA rebels to return to the folds and live a peaceful and normal life with their families. Del Rosario, for his part, praised the former rebels for listening to the call of the government for peace. “Mao kini ang inyong ‘seed money’ para sa pagsugod ninyo sa bag-ong pagpanginabuhi. Gamita ninyo sa matarong alang sa kaugma-on sa inyong pamilya,” he said.
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippines has been awarded the "New Frontiers Award 2013" at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, Filipino tourism officials said. Officials said the New Frontiers Award became the main feature of the ATM and is given to destinations that have surmounted great adversity to rebound its tourism industries. The award also gives tribute to the resilience of local communities to rebuild their lives, as well as bring attention to the crisis management and risk reduction practices of local authorities. It is the only citation extended during the event. The Philippines was shortlisted, together with New York State (Hurricane Sandy) and Pakistan (2012 floods), among an original list of 10 nominees for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity. “The Philippines, its government and its people, has shown remarkable fortitude and a stoic determination to get both communities and the local economy back on track following the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Bopha late last year, and their resilience in the face of such a monumental crisis is commendable,” Mark Walsh said in a statement sent by the Department of Tourism to the regional newspaper Mindanao Ex-
aminer. Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., who led the Philippine delegation to ATM, received the award from Walsh, the Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions. The crystal trophy came along with free exhibition space at the ATM worth $10,000. The delegation was composed of 14 organizations representing nine tour operators, four hotel and resort companies, and one airline company. The award, Bengzon said, is in recognition of the continuing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and the tourism economy after Typhoon Pablo (international code name Bopha) wrought havoc in the Philippines in December last year. The catastrophe is deemed the world’s deadliest, leaving millions of people homeless and infrastructure and agricultural farms vastly damaged. “The Philippine government, under the administration of President Aquino and the Department of Tourism have worked hand-in-hand to establish tourism as a major generator of income for the people and the country. At times of adversity, such as this, the determined spirit of our countrymen, supported by assistance from the international community, shines through and, it is this same spirit that is driving our tourism industry forward,” Bengzon said. The first quarter arriv-
als from the Middle East region recorded a 22.1% gain over the same period last year. “We intend to attract more of the highspending market from this region. Service providers are optimistic of the continued uptrend and are investing to take advantage of this windfall. Cebu Pacific has launched its first long-haul flight to Dubai to commence in October. Other airlines are to announce their services within the year,” he said. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said the award highlights the sheer resilience of the Filipino people and the resolve of all stakeholders to fast track recovery. “We also are very thankful to the many countries and international agencies with their generosity to help in our rebuilding efforts. Our recordbreaking performance and new highs of the industry clearly indicate that our partnerships are bearing fruit. Despite these crises, we remain undaunted and focused in showing our visitors that we are worth visiting,” Jimenez said in the same statement. “Indeed, what makes the Philippines more fun is its people. The Bayanihan spirit, amplified during crisis, is a unique social phenomenon that will forever drive the Filipinos to remain steadfast and dependent on each other for strength, through good times and bad. That in the midst of great challenges, we still manage to put on a happy face,” he added.
Mother dies from injuries escaping rebel bombing THE PHILIPPINE ARMY said a young mother who was injured after falling in a cliff while escaping a rebel bombing near their house in Compostela Valley province had died from internal injuries. It said Ellen Sucnaan, 20, who just gave birth two months ago, succumbed
to her injuries in the hospital. The army said Sucnaan and her baby were vacationing in her mother’s house in the village of Tuboran in Mawab town when communist rebels detonated a landmine. Panicked and fearing
an attack by New People’s Army, Sucnaan took her baby and escaped behind the house, but they fell in the cliff. Both mother and child were injured, but the woman eventually died, according the 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Philippines Foreign Affairs launches own Facebook page
Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Antonio Cerilles reads an issue of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper in Pagadian City.
Mga bomba naharang sa Davao City DAVAO CITY – Nabawi ng militar ang 6 na mga pampasabog sa isang lalaki matapos itong maharang sa checkpoint sa Davao City sa Mindanao. Sinabi ni Lt. Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander ng 69th Infantry Battalion, na iniimbistigahan na ngayon si Joey Atienza, 33, kung ito ba ay miyembro ng rebeldeng New People’s Army o terorista. Sakay si Atienza ng motorsiklo ng harangin ito ng mga sundalo sa Barangay Mabuhay sa Paquibato district na kilalang kuta ng mga rebelde. Anim na anti-tank bomb ang nabawi sa lalaki, na residente rin ng naturang lugar. Nabatid kay Pasaporte na naitimbre umano sa kanila ng mga impor-
mante na may dalang mga bomba si Atienza at kung kaya’t mabilis na naglagay ng checkpoint ang mga sundalo sa lugar. “Malamang NPA ito. ( The arrest) was made possible because of the cooperation and support extended by the residents of Paquibato who revealed the illegal and criminal activities of the NPA in the area,” ani Pasaporte. “This is a clear manifestation that the people residing in the area of Paquibato are fed up with the terrorist activities and have long wanted peace in Paquibato,” dagdag pa nito. Hindi naman nagbigay ng anumang pahayag ang NPA na matagal ng nakikibaka upang maitatag ang sariling estado sa bansa. (Mindanao Examiner)
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MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced the launching of its official Facebook page – Department of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Philippines in an effort to bring it closer to the public and to better reach those who are mobile and technology-savvy. It said the social media page is in line with the pursuit of being more proactive in its public diplomacy efforts, including engaging a wider range of audience through the use of a trusted and highly popular social networking service such as Facebook. The new official page will provide information on the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, specifically information and announcements from the Department, its Embassies, Consulates and Missions, and news, photos and video clips of DFA programs, projects, and activities. “The DFA Facebook page is one of the projects programmed under the DFA Strategic Plan in order to advance the
Department’s public diplomacy thrusts. We acknowledge that the social media is a powerful communication tool and through Facebook we hope to build stronger relationships with Facebook users and fans and encourage more people to become fans through interactions,” DFA Spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a statement sent to the regional
newspaper Mindanao Examiner. “We created it to allow the general public to easily find DFA-related information through a medium that can be easily accessed, wherever they are,” he said. The Filipino public will now have easy access to vital information such as consular and Assistance to Nationals services, news, and even pub-
lic advisories. Last year, the DFA also set up its official Twitter account (@dfaspokesper son), which features links to media releases, announcements and other updates that may be useful to the general public. The Facebook page is also an extended media platform as the DFA has already set up its official website (www.dfa.gov.ph).
Gunmen kill 2 in Zambo Sur ambush PAGADIAN CITY – A gunman opened fire on a motorcycle taxi and killed its driver and a five-year old boy who was among his four passengers in Zamboanga del Sur province, police said. The taxi driver Jerry Garnica was heading to downtown Bayog when the attack occurred. Garnica was himself wounded and later died in the attack that also killed Orlando Colot. Police said the gunman and his companion escaped on motorcycle after the shooting. The mo-
tive of the ambush was not immediately known, but police said they recovered two bullet casings fired from a 9mm pistol. The taxi came from the village called Camp Blessing, which was previously raided by communist rebels. It was not immediately known whether the latest attack was connected to the raid by the New People’s Army. About 40 communist rebels disguised as government troops raided Camp Blessing and carted weapons issued by the
military to local militias. The rebels also seized communication equipment from village chieftain Reynaldo Villaver. (Mindanao Examiner)
Man stabs partner over illicit affair ZAMBOANGA CITY – A former soldier stabbed his partner after accusing her of having an illicit affair in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said. Police said the man, Alfredo Nicodemus, surrendered after attacking Joemariefe Magdula, 42, outside her office with a kitchen knife. The woman, who works for beauty product supplier Personal Collection, was rushed to hospital due to many stab wounds in the body. Nicodemus said he confronted her partner who admitted carrying out a relationship with another man which drove him to attack the woman. “I phoned the man and he too admitted the relationship. It was too painful for me and she deserves it,” he said. Police said the woman is in critical condition. (Mindanao Examiner)
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June 3-9, 2013
7 Man shot, but cheats death
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June 3-9, 2013
Police files charges vs. Zambo teacher for assaulting cop ZAMBOANGA CITY - A drunken gover nment
Man killed in front of girlfriend BASILAN – A 20-year old man was shot and killed in an attack by a lone gunman in Isabela City in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, police said. Police said Musa Anding was buying at a store together with his 13year old girlfriend when killed. The teenager was unhurt from the shooting. The assailant escaped after the attack and police investigators recovered a bullet casing of an M14 rifle in the area. Police is investigating the motive of the killing or whether it was connected to his affair with the girl. (Mindanao Examiner)
teacher is facing charges after he assaulted a police officer who booked him in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. Marlon Marquez, who teaches at the Limpapa National High School, suddenly grabbed police investigator Roberto Millan II by his collar and slammed his face against the iron bars of his detention cell. Millan was investigating the Marquez when he assaulted the officer. Police said there were complaints against Marquez for violating the law on Anti-Violence against Women and their Children. Millan has filed charges in court against the teacher, who eventually posted bail for his temporary liberty. There was no immediate statement from the Department of Education about Marquez. (Mindanao Examiner)
Filipino man mauls septuagenarian partner DAPITAN CITY – Police arrested a 54-year old man for mauling his widowed septuagenarian par tner in the coastal town of Liloy in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte. Police said Romulo Bayubay was arrested after neighbors phoned authorities to say that he was beating Rosario Borling, 71, during a heated argument in their home in the village of San Isidro.
Borling sustained injuries and bruises in the different parts of her body from beatings she received. Policemen brought the elderly woman to the hospital where is currently confined. The extent of Borling’s injuries was not immediately known. Bayubay is facing charges for violating Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women. (Mindanao Examiner)
Parents buy school supplies ahead of the opening of classes in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Geonarri Solmerano)
A man, whose father was killed earlier this year, was himself shot and wounded by a suspected assassin in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said. The victim, Men Hassan, 35, was resting inside his house in Sangali village, when the gunman barged and shot him repeatedly and fled on motorcycle after the shooting. Hassan was rushed to the hospital where he told police that he believed the assassin was the same man who murdered his father Mukim Diman in the village of Tictapul. Police investigators are looking into family feud as behind the shooting. Gun attacks and killings are not uncommon in Zamboanga City where hired killers actively operate. Dozens of people had been shot since early this year and most of the cases remain unresolved.
Spray plane Commies enter Zambo village, take weapons from civilians crashes in Davao airport DAVAO CITY – A small spray plane crashed in Davao City airport in southern Philippines, injuring its pilot and forcing airliners to divert their planes, authorities said. It said the Cessna, owned by Mindanao Rainbow Agricultural Development Services, is being used in banana plantations in Davao, when it crashed in the runway. Its pilot, Captain Jose Bugarin, was rushed to hospital. The company did not release any statement about the crash. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is currently investigating the cause of the crash. (Mindanao Examiner)
PAGADIAN CITY – Communist rebels disarmed a former village leader and a civilian in Zamboanga del Sur’s Lapuyan town in southern Philippines, police said. Police said about a dozen gunmen wearing military uniform entered the village of Mandeg and introduced themselves as New People’s Army rebels and went on to Monico Mandeg and seized his ,45caliber pistol.
The rebels also confiscated two more .45-caliber pistol and a shot gun from Camilo Anguid. The rebels fled after the confiscation of the weapons, leaving the two men shaken by the incident. Just this month, dozens of NPA rebels disguised as government troops also raided the Camp Blessing in the town of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur and carted weapons issued by the military to local mili-
tias. The rebels, numbering about 40, also seized communication equipment from village chieftain Reynaldo Villaver. They stayed for about 45 minutes in the village before fleeing to the hills. 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)
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Philippines asserts need for continued protection of migrant workers MANILA – Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Yabes has strongly asserted the need for continued protection of migrant workers at the recent meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Geneva. Yabes also spoke to Ambassador Eva Åkerman Börje, the National Focal Person of Sweden, and stressed stressed the importance of social protection of migrants as a continuing major concern of the GFMD. He encouraged Sweden to led the GFMD in encouraging countries of destinations to be more engaged on the issues of migrants protection. He emphasized that migrants protection is a shared responsibility of both the sending and destination countries. Sweden is the current chair of GFMD until June 2014 and will be hosting the GFMD Summit in May 2014 in Stockholm. Now in its sixth year, the GFMD has remained as the largest and most com-
prehensive global platform for dialogue and cooperation on international migration and development. Following the 2006 UNGA High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development, the GFMD has opened up a space for informal and voluntary dialogue among countries on current and emerging migration and development issues. Over time, its members
have sought to find innovative ways of promoting a practice-related and action-oriented process. Each year, the GFMD builds upon the achievements of the previous year and introduces new means of promoting more effective dialogue and partnership between and among governments, international organizations, the civil society, and other non-governmental actors.
Masked gunmen kill 2 in Zamboanga del Norte DIPOLOG CITY – Motorcycle gunmen shot and killed two persons in an attack in the town of Liloy in Zamboanga del Norte province in southern Philippines, police said. Police said Jessie Velasco, 37, and Rafael Callao, 68, was traveling on a motorcycle when masked gunmen shot them. The attackers were tailing the duo and shot them in the village of Kayok. Velasco was a fish vendor while Callao worked in
a lumber yard as a chainsaw operator. The two men fell bloodied and wounded in a rice paddy in the initial volley of fire, but the attackers eventually finished them off. Police said both victims were repeatedly shot by the assailants who fled after the killings. Gun attacks and killings were rampant in the province and many of these cases remain unresolved. (Mindanao Examiner)
1 soldier, 3 others wounded in NPA clash PAGADIAN CITY – Communist rebels killed a government soldier and wounded three others in a clash in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials told the Mindanao Examiner. Officials said the fighting erupted in the town of Tambulig and that among those wounded in the fighting was platoon leader Lt. Jose Pamor, of the 55th
Infantry Battalion. The clash near the village of Dimalinao lasted more than 30 minutes. Some 60 New People’s Army rebels were involved in the fighting, but it was not immediately known if any of them had been killed or wounded in the clash. Insp. Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said the wounded
soldiers were rushed to hospital in Molave town. He said security forces were sent to track down the rebels. “There is a joint police and military pursuit operation in the province to track down the rebels,” he said. The NPA rebels have been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC This is to inform the public that Pilar Gina Fernando is no longer connected with the Mindanao Examiner Newspaper and Television effective May 15, 2013. Any transaction entered by Pilar Gina Fernando shall not be honored by the company. HR Department 062-9925480 Email mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
A woman buys plastic garlands in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province. Plastic garlands are best alternative for real flowers and are largely used to decorate homes. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Geonarri Solmerano)
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Julia Barreto, bida sa 'Cofradia'
RP and Taiwan should allow independent investigation AN INDEPENDENT international investigation is in order.This is the call of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM)1 as the diplomatic crisis between the Philippine and Taiwanese governments drags on. The said crisis was brought about by the shooting of Hung Shih-cheng, a 65-year old Taiwanese fisherman aboard a fishing vessel by the Philippine Coast Guards (PCG) last May 9, 2013. It took the Philippine government days to respond to the demands of the Taiwanese government for an apology to and remuneration of Hung’s family as well as an investigation of the said case and punishment of the perpetrators. While both governments conduct their respective investigations on the said incident, queries and doubts are likely to be raised by both governments on whatever results will come out of these investigations. We can only suspect that objectivity in the conduct and analysis of the investigation will be maintained. For this diplomatic row to be concluded swiftly and with great objectivity, the only recourse of action is for both governments to call on and allow third parties, like the United Nations and its relevant agencies, to conduct an independent and impartial investigation. It is only through this initiative can we be able to discern which rules of engagement were followed or violated, what international conventions will govern or can be applied in the said situation as well as formulate actual recommendations in the resolution of the case. So many people have suffered from this diplomatic row – the fisherman’s family, the Filipino migrants working and living in Taiwan, the Filipinos who have processed their work documents for Taiwan. It is but crucial for both governments to resolve this row immediately and with political will. The APMM again reiterates its calls on both governments to implement concrete measures in their respective countries to protect the safety and security of their nationalities. Local authorities in both Philippines and Taiwan need to be mandated to ensure protection of migrants amidst reports of racist attacks hurled on Filipino migrants in some Taiwan provinces.
Politics behind Pagadian bomb blast PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Army said politics were the main motives behind a recent bomb blast in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur. A homemade bomb went off at the parking area of a Gaisano Mall that damaged at least two parked cars. There were no casualties in the bombing. “Our reports suggest the
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 3-9, 2013
blast was connected to politics. One of the car owners was the target of the attack,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commander of the 1st Infantry Division. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the blast. Police said it launched an investigation into the blast. (Mindanao Examiner)
JUST SAY
NO!
Julia Barreto
MANILA - Sasabak na umano si teen star Julia Barretto sa kanyang kauna-unahang pagbibidahang teleserye ngayong opisyal nang inihayag ng ABS-CBN sa Mindanao Examiner na siya ang magiging lead star ng TV remake ng nobela ni Dominador Ad Castillo na Cofradia.
RP, Brazil ink air services accord THE PHILIPPINES AND BRAZIL negotiated and initialed an air services agreement which would pave the way for their respective carriers to mount daily flights to and from each other’s territory, according to a statement sent by foreign affairs officials to the Mindanao Examiner. Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis headed the delegation with the Philippine Embassy officials in Brasilia and successfully negotiated the country’s first air services agreement in South America. The accord will also open new destinations for Philippine carriers and promote tourism. Bruno Silva Dalcolmo, Superintendent of International Relations of Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil and head of the Brazilian delegation, said the Philippines is a "perfect gateway to Asia." Seguis expressed optimism that the ASA will result to further increases in tourism figures and people-to-
people exchanges between the two countries. He said Brazilian comprise the largest tourist arrival in the Philippines from South America and are considered among the biggest tourism spenders accounting for US$22 billion spent internationally in 2012. On the other hand, the Philippines could serve as another gateway to the ASEAN market of at least 600 million people. Pending ratification of the ASA, the aeronautical authorities of both countries signed a memorandum of understanding granting traffic rights and setting out other operational details for their designated carriers. The ASA is the 11th bilateral agreement between the Philippines and Brazil and a milestone in the two countries' 53 years of formal diplomatic relations. Maria Socorro Gonzaga, Philippine Airlines’ Vice President for External Affairs, said they may fly to Brazil three times a week and up to seven flights a week.
Ayon pa sa television giant, bago pa man maging parte ng Star Magic Circle 2013 si Julia ay una na itong napansin ng publiko dahil sa kanyang galing at sa ipinamalas niyang talento sa pag-arte sa mga teleseryeng tulad ng Kokey, Palos at Walang Kapalit. Para sa kanyang biggest break, bibigyang buhay ni Julia ang papel ni Cofradia na ginampanan ng beteranang aktres na si Gloria Romero noong 1953 at ni Gina Alajar
noong 1973. Ang Cofradia ay umiikot sa kwento ng isang babaeng natatakot umibig dahil sa kulay ng kanyang balat na magkakaroon ng kakayahan na magpalit ng anyo dahil sa mahiwagang kandila.
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Gunmen shoot 2 lending firm collectors ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two employees of a lending firm were shot as they collect from creditors in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said. Police said one of the victims Bemilo Islanan was killed while his companion Jeffrey Gavarra had been shot twice in Country Home Subdivision in the village of Ayala. The two were employees of Nickel Lending Investment and had been attacked by two gunmen. Both victims were rushed to hospital, but Islanan, who was shot in the head, died along the
way. Initial police investigation said the gunmen approached the two collectors and without any warning shot them at close range. It was unknown whether any of their creditors were involved in the attack. Gun attacks are not uncommon in Zamboanga City where hired killers actively operate. Dozens of people had been shot since early this year and many of these cases remain unresolved. Police largely blame personal grudge and the proliferation of illegal weapons in most of the murders. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Yosi bawal na! D
AVAO CITY – Lalo pang pi-natibay ng Davao City ang ordinansa nito sa pagbabawal sa paninigarilyo upang masi-guro ang kalusugan ng publiko laban sa mga sakit na nakukuha mula sa nakakalasong usok na dala nito. Sa pinalawig na ordinansa ay ipinagbabawal na rin ang paninigarilyo sa lahat ng pampublikong lugar. Layunin ng bagong ordinansa na gawin “smoke-free” ang Davao City na pinapaboran naman ng publiko. Nagsimula ang bagong batas nitong Mayo 31 lamang sa ilalim ng City Ordinance 0367-12 o ang “New Comprehensive AntiSmoking Ordinance of Davao City.” Kabilang sa ordinansa ay ang pagbabawal rin sa ecigarettes, shisha o hookah na kalimitang ginagamit sa mga tradisyonal na restaurant ng mga Arabo at iba pa. Maging ang paninigarilyo sa mga outdoor concerts, rallies at parade o kaya ay mga public gathering ay bawal na rin, gayun rin sa mga gusaling pampubliko bukod pa sa mga sementeryo, palengke, bus at jeep terminals. Pinayuhan rin ng pamahalaang lokal ang
ARMM
Mindanao Examiner Photo mga addict sa sigarilyo na sa loob na lamang ng kanilang bahay o sasakyan at designated outdoor smoking areas manigarilyo. May multa rin na hanggang P5,000 ang mahuhuling lumabag sa ordinansa at maaari pang mabilanggo ng hanggang apat na buwan. Hindi naman agad mabatid kung maging si Pangulong Benigno Aquino na kilalang chain smoker ay darakpin kung sakaling bumisita ito at manigarilyo sa Davao City. Inalmahan naman ng mga cigarette vendors ang nasabing ordinansa, ngunit hindi pa mabatid kung kukuwestyunin ito sa korte ng mga dambu-halang
manufacturers dahil malaking kalugian ito sa kanila. Malaking buwis rin ang mawawala sa pamahalaan dahil sa epekto nito sa bentahan ng sigarilyo. Sa Zamboanga City ay isinusulong rin ni Konsehal Myra Abubakar ang kaparehong ordi-nansa, ngunit hindi pa sigurado kung maipapasa ito dahil ilan sa mga kasamahan nito at maging ang alkalde ng Zamboanga ay naninigarilyo rin. Ngunit pabor naman ang publiko sa panukala ni Abubakar. Sari-saring sakit ang makukuha sa paninigarilyo, lalo na ang “second-hand” smoke na nalalanghap ng mga tao. Nagdudulot ito ng
Southern Mindanao
Davao
cancer at sa istatistika ng pamahalaang ay marami na ang nasawi dahil sa paninigarilyo. (Mindanao Examiner)
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June 3-9, 2013
Manny Pacquiao is richest congressman GENERAL SANTOS not only in his homeCITY – Filipino boxing town, but the whole superstar and lawmaker country as well. A known philanManny Pacquiao is now thropist, the wealPacquiao has thiest cona soft spot in g re s s m a n his heart for in the Philthe poor and ippines is one of the with a net c o u n t r y ’s worth P1.8 largest indibillion as vidual donaof 2012. tor of proPacquiao, poor projects who repres e n t s Rep. Manny Pacquiao in Sarangani other Sarangani (Photo by Joseph and of p r o v i n c e Jubelag - Mindanao parts Mindanao. in Con- Examiner) His supporters and gress, is the world’s first eight division cham- followers have repeatpion, who recently won edly urged Pacquiao to a re-election on run for the vice presidency and even the Mindanao Island. A former market presidency in the 2016 boy, Pacquiao worked elections. Pacquiao is also a his way up to the ladder of success and has be- popular charismatic come the symbol or leader in the Philiphope and an inspiration pines. (Mindanao Exto many young boxers aminer)
Wife castrates philandering husband PAGADIAN CITY – Police is searching for a woman who went into hiding after castrating her philandering husband in Misamis Oriental province in southern Philippines, reports said. It said the man woke up in their bedroom all bloodied and was shocked to see that a portion of his penis had been cut off by his wife.
Manila
Police did not say whether the missing part of the penis had been recovered or not, but the man was rushed to hospital. He told police that they even had sex the previous night and could not believed his wife castrated him while he was asleep. The man said his wife may have been hurt when he told her that he has a
girlfriend. It was not immediately known whether the couple has any child, but police said the man is likely to file charges against his wife, who went missing after slicing off his husband’s precious organ. It was unknown whether the man would still be able to perform sex after the surgery. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula