Saudi rejects longer grace period to legalize status of illegal migrants
Gas leak most likely cause of Two Serendra blast PAGE 2
Army kills NPA rebel, captures child soldier in clash PAGE 4
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Malacañang trumpets economy report, but poverty remains a big problem PAGE 7
Philippine Universities go Google
Oishi is new ONE FC Featherweight World Champion
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Jalosjos’ dynasty collapses in Western Mindanao
D
AP IT AN CIT Y – IItt was a humiliating defeat APIT ITAN CITY alosjoses ealthy and po wer ful poalosjoses,, a w wealthy pow erful for the JJalosjoses litical clan that rruled uled most of the Z amboanga Zamboanga Peninsula for many yyears ears ears,, but like a sand it ev entually collapsed fr om the rrampaging ampaging tides of the eventually from sea. Zamboanga del Norte conWhat remains of the powerful dynasty in the victed of raping an elevenyear old girl in 1996, tried to recently concluded local run for mayor in and national elections are now part of the politiZamboanga City, but was disqualified by the Commiscal history of Mindanao. sion on Elections due to his The clan’s patriarch conviction. Romeo Jalosjos, Sr., a Many of Jalosjos’ official former congressman in
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco's Thank You Card. two nephews Zam-boanga Si-bugay Gov. Rommel Jalosjos and Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Jr. – the patriarch’s sons. Jalosjos’ daughter, Svetlana, who was running for re-election as mayor of Misamis Occidental’s Baliangao town, had been defeated. Her cousin, JJ Jalosjos, son of Cesar, who ran for mayor in Labason, also lost in the elections. And so is Cecilia Carreon, the patriarch’s sister, who ran for mayor in Dipolog, the capital city of Zamboanga del Norte. And Marjorie Jalosjos, wife of Jalosjos Jr. who ran for congress in Zamboanga del Sur’s 2nd District.
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Cesar’s daughter, Johanna Parreno, was also defeated in the congressional race in Zamboanga del Norte’s 3rd District. And Mercy Arquiza, an elderly cousin of the clan’s patriarch, ran for vice mayor in Zamboanga, but just like the others, she too, lost terribly. Only two members of the clan managed to win the polls - Bullet Jalosjos as congressman of Zamboanga del Norte’s 1st District, and his aunt, Rosalina Jalosjos, who won the mayoralty race in the clan’s remaining stronghold, Dapitan City. Western Mindanao Bloc The Jalosjos patriarch has not been seen since the
slate in his own Alliance of Parties for Progress which is allied with the United Nationalists Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay also lost in the elections. Even the party list group Kapamilya ng mga Nakulong na Walang Sala founded by Jalosjos himself had been disqualified by the Commission on Elections. The Clan His younger brother Dominador, who was a candidate for governor in Zamboanga del Sur, had been disqualified also by the polls body for his robbery conviction in the 1970s. Another brother, Zamboanga del Norte congressman Cesar Jalosjos also lost in the elections, and so were
defeat of many of his clan members, but the devastating results of the elections sent a strong message that their clout and influence had waned and this would have a devastating effect on Presidential elections in 2016. Jalosjos, in his previous news conferences, said he wanted to establish a strong political party in Western Mindanao that would be a force to reckon with in the Presidential elections. But in Zamboanga City alone, Jalosjos entry in the local politics dominated for decades by the Lobregat family – the matriarch, Maria Clara Lobregat, (1998-2001; 2001-2004) who died or cardiac arrest, and her son, the
Southern Mindanao
Davao
current mayor, Celso Lobregat – had been a rough sailing for the wealthy patriarch because of the avalanche of disqualification cases filed against him on top of black propaganda spread by his foes. Though Jalojos believed he would make it, the local courts all upheld the decision of the poll body in disqualifying him. His throngs of supporters and followers, believing the wealth of Jalosjos would make him win in the mayoralty race, continued to worship him, some even saying that he is the only one who could unseat Lobregat from power and bring change and eventually anchors his rule in Zamboanga. Propaganda Jalosjos had promised the moon. Being a traditional politician that he is, Jalosjos vowed to bring peace and development to Zamboanga and transform the city like Singapore. He even distributed publicly and bought newspaper ads outlining his 25-point Agenda. Before elections, one loca newspaper report had quoted Jalosjos as saying: “Even if the other camp succeeds in depriving the people of Zamboanga their right to choose a new and better kind of leadership in the coming elections, I will still be here to help my team win. If they win, it’s as if I also won because they will be the ones who will implement our 25 point agenda for Zamboanga City.” But Lobregat, who ran for congress won by a slight margin over Jalosjos’ bet, Crisanto dela Cruz, a former Catholic priest and a philanthropist who is popular among the poor. Logregat’s younger brother, Jomar, also lost in the congressional race in Zamboanga City’s 2nd District to independent can-
Manila
Romeo Jalosjos, Sr. didate, Lilia Nuno. Popular M ay or May ayor Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, Rep. Maria Isabelle Salazar, eventually was elected as mayor of Zamboanga, winning by a landslide against another lawmaker, Erico Basilio Fabian and Albert Cajayon. Salazar is one of the most respected political leaders not only in Zamboanga, but in southern Philippines, and has no records of corruption. Many locals believed Salazar helped Lobregat win the polls. Lobregat’s political party Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino is allied
with Salazar’s Liberal Party whose Chairman is President Benigno Aquino. Salazar, a motherly figure to many locals, is so popular in Zamboanga that they believed she would win even without campaigning. A humble person, who was a former journalist, Salazar vowed to bring Zamboanga - popularly branded The City of Flowers and La Bella Hermosa - to a new height and ushering renewed hope for all peoples in Zamboanga - Muslims and Christian and indigenous tribes. (Mindanao Examiner)
Mayor-elect Maria Isabelle Climaco (center)
Zamboanga Peninsula
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 10-16, 2013
Gas leak most likely cause of Two Serendra blast
MANILA – Philippine authorities are looking into gas leak as probably cause of the power blast in posh apartment building in Manila that killed 3 people and injured 5 others, including a U.S. national. Officials said the foreigner, Allan Poole, a resident of Two Serendra in Taguig City, was rushed to hospital along with another Filipino, Angelito San Juan, whose body is severely burned. Three other Filipinos, who were just passing near
the building at the Bonifacio Global City, were also injured from falling debris. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said San Juan’s unit at Room 501 was where the explosion occurred last week.. He said the investigation is going on. “We can’t say at this point what the cause of the explosion and investigation is ongoing,” he said. He said three people were killed after a slab of concrete wall landed on a delivery man, pinning the trio inside. Television news photos
and videos shared by citizens showed chunks of concrete and debris scattered on the street below the building. One witness, who was a building occupant, said he heard the powerful explosion and smelled an obnoxious smoke. He said security guards also told building occupants, particularly in Tower B, to vacate the area as police investigate the blast. The explosion was so powerful that it shattered the glass facade of a grocery across the residential building. (Mindanao Examiner)
Ilan lamang ito sa mga poste ng kuryente na ngayon ay namimiligrong bumagsak sa Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Mga poste ng kuryente sa Zambo namimiligrong bumagsak ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mistulang “Leaning Tower of Pisa” ang apat na mga poste ng kuryente sa Zamboanga City sa Mindanao dahil tila mga kable na lamang ng telepono ang humahawak sa mga ito upang hindi tuluyang bumagsak. Malaki ang panganib ng mga posteng ito sa kahabaan ng Don Alfaro Street sa Barangay Tetuan na pagaari ng Zamboanga
City Electric Cooperative kung tuluyang bumigay dahil sa matinding pressure at epekto ng gravity sa naturang kahoy. Dedma lamang ang nasabing Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative sa nasabing peligro dahil wala naman umaasikaso sa mga ito. Malaking perwisyo sa mga motorist at sa mga electric consumers kung sakaling bumagsak ang mga ito. Hindi naman agad
mabatid kung bakit hindi inaasikaso ng Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative ang pagaayos ng mga poste gayun halos arawaraw naman itong nadadaanan ng kanilang mga line men. Problema rin sa Zamboanga ang salasalabat na mga kawad ng kuryente, telepono at cable television na mistulang mga sapot na nagkabuhol-buhol. (Mindanao Examiner)
Mindanao Examiner's hard-working video and graphics editors Bobby Ahmed, left, and Joanna Wee, right, working on separate corporate projects at the Production Department in Mindanao Examiner main office in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. The Mindanao Examiner is engaged in newspaper and film production.(Photo by Dennis Balatbat).
Centennial Founding Anniversary Pagabolokan sa Panagsangka 2013 Isip alayon sa pagselebrar sa Centennial Founding Anniversary karong umaabot Julyo 1, 2013, usa ka centennial games nga gitawag ug “Panagsangka 2013” ang ipahigayon sa Kagamhanang Lokal ning dakbayan sa Dipolog diin adunay mga nagkalainlaing indigay sa paugnat sa kusog ang ipahigayon dinhi sugod karong umaabot Hunyo 22, 2013. Mao kini ang nasayran sa buhatan sa Impormasyon gikan kang Mr. Leonardo Silva, usa sa mga lumilihok niining maong event. Matud pa ni Mr. Silva nga adunay inter-office basketball, badminton, ug volleyball competition ang ipahigayon dinhi diin gigrupo ang mga opisina aron mosangka sa ubang mga nagkalain-lain usab nga mga buhatan. Dugang pa nga adunay mokabat sa 18 ka mga grupo ang musalmot
sa maong indigay. Sa laing bahin, aduna usa’y ipahigayong “Centennial Race” karong umaabot Hunyo 30, ning tuiga nga gilangkuban sa duha ka mga division sama sa: men’s division ug women’s division. Sa maong dibisyon, adunay upat ka kategorya: ang Category I - alang niadtong runners nga natawo sa tuig 1962 paubos (51 years old and above), Category II – alang niadtong runners nga natawo sa tuig 1963 to 1973 (40 to 50 years old), Category III – alang sa runners nga natawo sa tuig 1974 to 1983 (30 to 39 years old), ug Category IV – alang niadtong runners nga natawo sa tuig 1984 pataas (29 years old or younger). Ang gustong mosalmot sa maong fun run ang mokuha lang sa registration form didto sa City Information Office gikan alas 9:00AM hangtud sa 4:00PM, Lunes
hangtud sa Biernes o kaha mo-download lang sa www.ciodipologcity@yahoo.com facebook account niini, ingon man sa pag-email sa maong email add usab. Ang buot mobayad sa registration fee nga mobalor ug P100.00 ang giawhag lang sa pagdeposit sa ilang kwarta sa Savings Account No: 001823-1190-69, Chandler Ruiz, Bank of the Phil. Islands, Dipolog Branch. Pagkahuman sa maong deposit, I-email gilayon kini sa website nga nahisgutan sa unahan sa adlaw o sa dili pa muabot ang deadline sa submission of entries. Ang deadline sa registration ang gikatakda karong umaabot Hunyo 35, 2013. Alang sa dugang kasayuran, kontaka lang si Atty. Chandler O. Ruiz sa cellphone no. 09195556118 o sa iyang email address: r u i z c h a n d l e r @yahoo.com.(CIO-ACA)
3 Saudi rejects longer grace period to legalize status of illegal migrants
The Mindanao Examiner
June 10-16, 2013
Members of the Kitakyushu Goodwill Mission pose with local officials of Dipolog City.
Japanese firm donates rescue boats to Dipolog City DIPOLOG CITY - A construction company from Kitakyushu City in Japan has donated 18 rescue boats and two garbage trucks to Dipolog City in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, state media said . It said the donations by the Kitakyushu Goodwill Mission we re received by the Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council. Funamoto Yasuyuki, President of Funamoto Construction Inc. and head of the Kitayoshu Goodwill Mission, said they donated the boats and trucks after learning from the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement — Inter national through Hiroshi Ikeda about the need of the city for additional rescue equipment. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dipolog
through Council man Cyril James Ruiz sought the assistance of Ikeda for donors of disaster and rescue equipment. Yasusuki is optimistic the donations would
enhance the city's rescue and disaster capability to effectively respond to the people’s needs during emergencies. (With a report from Alfonso T. Ruda)
Pagsabog ng granada sa Pagadian City sinisiyasat pa rin PAGADIAN CITY – Patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa pagsabog ng granada na ikinasugat ng isang lider ng barangay sa Pagadian City sa Zamboanga del Sur. Sinabi ng pulisya na patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa atake upang matukoy ang motibo at kung sino ang nasa likod nito. Matatandaang hinagisan ng granada ang bahay ni Kapitana Judith Adal, 48, ng Barangay Dumagoc na kung saan ay
KISMET Cable Channel 63 Pagadian City
nahagip ito ng shrapnel sa pagsabog. Isang MK2 grenade ang ginamit sa pag-atake, ayon kay Inspecor Ariel Huesca, ang regional police spokesman. “Police recovered the grenade’s safety lever, fuse, spring and shrapnel from the area,” ani Huesca. Mabuti na lamang umano at hindi sa loob ng bahay sumambulat ang granada. (Mindanao Examiner)
MANILA - Saudi Arabia has rejected requests by foreign embassies and public and private sectors to extend the 90-day grace period to all illegal workers to give them ample time to legalize their status until July 3, according to a Filipino migrants’ rights group in the Middle East. Citing news reports, MIGRANTE Middle East and North Africa (MIGRANTE-MENA) coordinator John Leonard Monterona, said the Saudi labor ministry is not favorable in giving extension to the 90-day grace period deadline. On mid-April this year, Saudi authorities headed by the Labor ministry staged an intense crackdown of undocumented and overstaying expatriate workers by rounding them up at their job site and even in known accommodations of undocumented migrant workers. Hundreds of illegals workers were apprehended. But due to public and private sectors demand to put a halt on the crackdown, Saudi King Abdulla ordered a halt to the crackdown and instead gave a 90-day grace period to let all illegal migrants to legalize their status and for others to leave the Kingdom without any penalty. “Saudi labor ministry is really serious to clean up the Kingdom from overstaying and illegal migrants in line with its Saudization policy via Nitaqat or the localization of labor giving employment priority to its own nationals over expatriate workers,” Monterona said. Monterona also cited Saudi Labor ministry spokesman, Hatab AlAnazi, who was quoted by a national daily in Saudi
Arabia saying that the grace period was based on a royal decree and that only another royal decree can extend it. On May 31, Monterona said he had communicated with an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, who requested anonymity because it does not fall within his responsibility to speak the matter, confirming that the DFA had already ‘made a request to the Saudi envoy to the Philippines Ambassador Hassan to extend the said grace period to enable all illegal Filipinos in the Kingdom to legalize their continued stay and work.’ In reply, the Saudi envoy assured the DFA official that he would convey the request for an extension to the 90-day grace period to the Saudi government. “We supposed that by now, the Philippine embassy in Riyadh had already sent its request or made representations to appropriate Saudi authorities asking for an extension to the 90-day grace period,” Monterona said. “As the grace period comes nearer, it creates a chilling effect to illegal migrant workers for fear of being penalized once they could not fix their status or leave the Kingdom by July 3, thus some have resorted to forging their documents, and this has caused chaos at various passport department (locally called as Jawasat) offices,” he added. Monterona said there are a huge number of ‘illegal’ migrant workers in Saudi Arabia of at least 1.2 million, mostly from India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and from other Asian
countries. “We join the calls by the Philippine government and other migrant-sending governments to the Saudi government and direct our appeal to Saudi King His Highness King Abdulla to consider providing an extension to the 90-day grace period that will end on July 3 for humanitarian considerations,” he said. “With such huge number of ‘illegal’ migrants, all wanting to legalize their status or leave the Kingdom without any penalty, and considering the tedious process they go through, the 90-day grace period is not enough. Giving an extension is justified and reasonable.”
Ex-marine killed in Zambo City ZAMBOANGA CITY - A former marine colonel was killed inside his rest house in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said. Police said Fernando Camohoy, 59, was hacked in the head and shoulders and that his body was discovered by his son Freniel in the house in Lamisahan village. The victim’s motorcycle and his gun were both missing and believed taken by the family’s 23-year old helper who was only identified as Dodong, the prime suspect to the brutal murder. The suspect is a native of Kabasalan town in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Police said robbery was likely motive for the killing. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 10-16, 2013
Army kills NPA rebel, captures child soldier in clash
Members of the Negros Occidental Football Association pose with the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup trophy after defeating Davao Football Club, 1-0. With them are Shuzo Hoshikura, Suzuki Philippines General Manager for Automobiles.
Negros Occidental Snares U23 National Cup Trophy
DUMAGUETE CITY - The Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) clinched the 2013 PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup after holding the Davao Football Club score-
less in their finals match. The score was 1-0, with the lone NOFA goal coming from Jinggoy Valmayor’s penalty kick. In the first game, North
2 men shot in separate incidents in Zambo Sibugay PAGADIAN CITY – Two persons were shot and wounded in separate incidents in Zamboanga Sibugay province in western Mindanao, police said. Police said a lone gunman shot Roberto Doble, 34, in an attack in the town of Diplahan in Zamboanga Sibugay. Doble was heading home when the attacker, hiding in the bushes, shot him. The motive of the attack is still unknown, but police said the victim was
rushed to hospital. Police said another shooting incident was also reported in Buug town that wounded Edilberto Rosales, 47. It said Rosales, a farmer, was shot several times by his drinking buddy, Ruben Baranda, in the village of Labrador following an argument. Baranda fled after the shooting. Rosales was brought to hospital in Pagadian City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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
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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
Cotabato revelled in the space against Iloilo Football Association with a 3-0 win. North Cotabato FA places third in the final rankings behind NOFA and Davao FC. Iloilo FA falls to 4th place in the 9-team tourney. Striker Joshua Beloya added to the celebration after garnering three awards for the champions. He received the Golden Boot Award, the Best Midfielder Award, and the 2013 PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup’s Most Valuable Player Award. Beloya shared the Golden Boot Award with Juven Benitez and Rudane Tamon of North Cotabato FA. They all scored four goals each in their matches. His teammate Anthony Tongson was hailed the Best Defender. First runner-up Davao FA also received awards, as goalie Dominador Tato received the Golden Glove Award, and the team cited for the Fair Play Award. (Kelly Austria)
DAVAO CITY – Philippine troops killed a communist rebel and captured a wounded child soldier in fierce clashes in the southern province of Compostela Valley, security officials told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Officials said troops attacked members of the New People’s Army manning a roadblock in the village of Lunganapan in Laak town. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division, said government soldiers killed one rebel in a 20minute running gun battle and recovered an M60 machine gun, a back pack and electric wires that officials said is being used by rebels as detonating cord for improvised explosives. He said the fighting stopped after the rebels fled, but pursuing troops caught up with them hours later in the village of San Antonio, sparking another clash. Paniza said the child soldier was wounded in the head after he threw
himself down a rugged terrain while trying to flee from the soldiers. The minor was eventually captured and soldiers seized from him an Ak-47 assault rifle. ”The minor was given
Zambo police say suspected drugs recovered near body of murdered Atilano scion ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police in Zamboanga City said it recovered suspected illegal drugs near where a scion of a wealthy family was killed. It said the large plastic sachet believed to contain methamphetamine hydrochloride or locally known as shabu was found Wednesday in the same area where the body of Justine Atilano, 31, had been recovered. Atilano, whose real name was Jose Agustin Atilano, was shot dead early Wednesday in the coastal village of Rio Hondo, notorious for its criminal undergrounds. Atilano, also a disc jockey, was said to be the
Don't bring stun guns in HK, Pinoy travelers warned MANILA - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong warned Filipino travelers transiting or entering the territory against bringing restricted items, particularly stun guns or similar devices, either handcarried or checked-in luggage. It said 57 airline passengers were arrested last year by Hong Kong Police for illegal possession of stun de-
first aid and then brought to hospital. There were no military casualties,” he said. The NPA is fighting for a separate state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
vices. During the first three months if this year, Hong Kong authorities arrested 14 mostly Filipino seamen for possessing such devices. The Consulate reminded travelers of the ban and other similar devices at Hong Kong ports. It said offenders may face a penalty of up to HK$100,000 or about US$13,333, and a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
owner of a restaurant in Pasonanca village, whose family runs a budget hotel. Police said Atilano was on a motorcycle when he was shot and killed. His body was recovered near two parked jeeps near the Al-Makdum Islamic School in the village. His motorcycle was also found in the area, according to the police. It said forensic investigators also found at least 13 bullet casing fired from a 9mm pistol, but it was unknown whether only one gunman or more was involved in the attack. Police said Atilano was shot repeatedly. A photo of his body was also posted in Facebook and is now viral. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the murder and police said it mounted an investigation into the latest killing. It was not immediately known whether the murder was connected to illegal drugs. Killings are rampant in Zamboanga where guns for hire actively operate, but police usually blame personal grudge and family feud in the spate of attacks in the city. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 10-16, 2013
Malacañang trumpets economy report, but poverty remains a big problem MANILA – Manila trumpeted the country’s 7.8% growth in Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of this year. In a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner, Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, cited reports by the National Statistical Coordination Board, said that based on initial readings, the Philippine economy outperformed that of all Asian economies in terms of first quarter growth, including China, which grew by 7.7%, Indonesia, which grew by 6% percent, and Malaysia, which grew 4.1%. “The growth in GDP is the highest quarterly growth rate posted under the Aquino administration; and the highest in a non-presidential election year since 1988,” she said, adding these results surpassed almost all market expectations. Valte said the growth in the economy was felt in almost all sectors, most notably in local manufacturing, which grew by 9.7%. The continuation of government public expenditures was also a key to the GDP growth, increasing by 13.2%. She said this was helped by the growth in
the government’s spending in public construction, which expanded by 45.6%. By expenditure, capital formation likewise grew by 47.7%. “Without doubt, the confidence of both investors and consumers remains strong, as economic activity accelerates even in an uncertain global economic climate,” Valte said. She said more than economic growth, the Aquino administration is focused on fostering inclusive growth. “Since our administration took office, we have worked to drastically expand social safety nets to help the most vulnerable in our country,” she said. Valte said most noteworthy of this growth is the four-fold increase in the budget of the anti-poverty Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which to date has helped more than 3.9 million Filipino
households. She also said the recent local and national election results showed that the public has confidence in the President,
changed But despite the GDP growth report, the National Statistical Coordination Board said the state of poverty in the
President Benigno Aquino and agrees with the direction the country is going. “Therefore, our administration will continue to promote and expand policies that lead to a Philippines where no one is left behind,” Valte said. Poverty still un-
country remains unchanged. GDP is one the primary indicators used to gauge the health of a country's economy. It represents the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period.
Secretary General Jose Ramon Albert in his April report said poverty incidence among population was estimated at 27.9% during the first semester of 2012 and comparing this with the 2006 and 2009 first semester figures estimated at 28.8% and 28.6%, res p e c t i v e l y, poverty remained unchanged as the computed differences are not statistically significant. The report, using data from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, conducted by the National Statistics Office in July 2012, measured poverty incidence or the proportion of people below the poverty line to the total population. The report pointed out that during the first semester of 2012, a Filipino
family of five needed P5,458 to meet basic food needs every month and P7,821 to stay above the poverty threshold every month. He said these respective amounts represent the food and poverty thresholds, which increased by 11.1% from the first semester of 2009 to the first half of 2012, compared to the 26% increase between the 1st semesters of 2006 and 2009. Create jobs This was also echoed by former Cagayan Congressman Jack Enrile who recently said that despite the constant reports regarding the country's economic growth, this achievement has not translated into the creation of employment opportunities, particularly those that provide decent wages for majority of our work force. “At least 2.76 million Filipinos are unemployed. And many of those who are employed have salaries that are way below the estimated family living wage of P1, 022 a month. What is ironic is that we have vast resources where enough jobs and livelihood can be generated,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 10-16, 2013
Philippine environmental groups criticize mining firm Philippine Universities go Google MANILA — Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), Mindanao State University IIT (MSU-IIT ) in southern Philippines, and Silliman University in central Philippines have joined the ranks of more than 100 campuses in the country and abroad that adopted a host of seamless communication tools accessible through Google Apps for Education. The universities were looking for a cost-effective and efficient system so going Google was the next logical step, according to users on campus. Silliman University also wanted a service that would improve their communication and correspondence system. “We wanted the new system to be more interactive and user-friendly. Google was the best option because it offered what we needed at no cost,” Mark Raygan Garcia, Director, Office of Information and Publications of Silliman University, said in a statement sent by Google to the Mindanao Examiner. One very useful Google apps is Gmail. Its high storage capacity makes it a clear favorite among educational institutions. “We were interested in having our branded Gmail to replace our old e-mail service. We did it for obvious reasons: powerful
spam filtering and bigger mailboxes,” said Dante Dinawanao, Systems Administrator of MSU-IIT. Silliman University’s challenge also involved its old e-mail service, particularly the high bounce-back rate of their e-mails. “We received a number of complaints about our e-mails not getting through. Add to that the limited storage capacity,” Garcia said. Garcia expressed that their previous system needed a higher Internet bandwidth, which could increase their IT costs. “It started with our in-house system servicing the students. It was not working as planned. There were no technical challenges encountered except to prepare for the needed increase in Internet bandwidth,” he said. MSU-IIT implemented Google Apps for Education in two of its campuses in Iligan City and Marawi City where they integrated Google Apps into the in-house applications. Amelia Buan, Assistant Professor in MSU-IIT, uses Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google+ Hangouts for collaboration with her colleagues and students. “The tools help us easily provide feedback to our students’ course output, and manage, track, and implement tasks for our College’s projects. It
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gives us more time to brainstorm on better ideas for future projects,” she said. And for UZ, choosing Google Apps is a step closer to implementing a successful distance e-Learning program in the university. Yolynne Medina, its MIS Director, said: “We migrated to Google Apps from the old mail server in 2009 but implementation was poor and only a few employees were using it. The Google Support program for Educational Institutions provided the best avenue to get support from top management. It helped employees and students become aware of the benefits of using Google Apps.” Support from Google made UZ one of the first universities in the Philippines to implement Google Apps. UZ uses Gmail, Chat, Drive, Calendar, and Google+. The university loves that everything is backed up, with a 99.9% guaranteed uptime and built-in robust disaster recovery. “We are not afraid of losing a single e-mail or file. The biggest advantage for the management is saving a lot of money from buying e-mail servers. Also, since Google Apps for Education is hosted on the Cloud and requires minimal maintenance, UZ didn’t need to hire an administrator who
MANILA - An alliance of environmental groups called Alyansa Tigil Mina has criticized Philex Mining Corporation for allegedly refusing to pay up to P6 billion in compensation and penalties for damages caused by an accidental discharge of some 13 million cubic meters of mine waste from its Padcal mine in the town of Itogon in Benguet province. The group said the mine waste caused damages to the San Roque Watershed Reservation of the state-owned National Power Corporation. “It is very unfortunate and outright irresponsible for Philex to snub the Napocor which is only one of the sectors that the mine tailings spill in August damaged. How about the other affected communities then? It is undeniable that the incident has not only affected areas covered by their mining tenement but
also areas downstream, affecting fishing and farming communities,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner. He said the National Power Corporation has written to the company to pay P6 billion in compensation and penalties for damages caused to the watershed’s reservoir. But in a letter to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Philex said the claims of the National Power Corporation were immaterial. Garganera said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, as the government body responsible to evaluate, monitor and investigate mining-related incidences, should respond to this and clarify concerns on payment of damages caused by the mines. The MGB said that Philex has paid its fine of P1.034 billion and was al-
lowed to resume operations in March. However, the agency is yet to disclose to the public how the rehabilitation and damages were dealt with. ATM earlier demanded that the environmental compliance certificate for the tailings ponds of the Padcal mines be made available to all stakeholders. Garganera said MGB must facilitate negotiations and dialogues between the National Power Corporation and Philex, as well as other stakeholders affected by the mine spill. “We expect the MGB and Philex to be fully transparent, specifically on reporting to the public how the impacts of the mine tailings is being addressed. They should stop misleading the public about their rehabilitation work and include containing mine wastes in the San Roque reservoir,” Garganera said.
Investigation into shooting of OFW in Zambo continues ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police continue its investigation into the shooting of a Filipino overseas worker who was only vacationing in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said.
The victim, Abibakrin Budin, was in a motorcycle taxi with his newphew when the gunman shot him several times in the body with a pistol near the Zamboanga International Airport.
will take care of the system,” she said. There are over 25,000 users among students, faculty and staff in the three universities who are now enjoying Google Apps for Education. “We are happy to know that universities outside of Metro Manila are embrac-
ing the suite of collaboration tools of Google Apps for Education,” said Janet Yoon, Google Apps Supporting Programs, lead for the Philippines. “Google will continue to support these universities to establish a more efficient and accessible learning system for their students and faculty.”
The attacker escaped after the shooting which occurred despite the presence of policemen and soldiers at the vicinity. Budin was rushed to hospital. His family said Budin was on his way to the airport and would fly to Manila on his way to the Middle East where he works. The motive of the attack is still unknown. Gun attacks in Zamboanga City are not uncommon and dozens had been shot and killed since early this year by suspected hired killers. (Mindanao Examiner)
June 10-16, 2013
MANILA – Japan’s mixed martial arts fighter Koji Oishi has defeated Filipino champion Honorio Banario taking away his featherweight title during the ONE Fighting Championship: Rise to Power bouts held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
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The new ONE FC Featherweight world cham-pion Koji Oishi of Japan won by a dramatic knockout against Philippine pride Honorio “The Rock” Banario of Team Lakay (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales) Oishi, 36, won in a dramatic knockout, but Banario’s fans were disappointed over his devastating defeat. According to the official ONE FC report, the fights were one of its largest events in history and 20,000 fans were treated to a night of unforgettable inside the
famed ONE FC cage. It said the first round was a back-and-forth slugfest that put the packed crowd on its feet. In the second stanza, Oishi landed a right hook that dropped Banario and silenced the crowd. Oishi instinctively jumped on his foe and finished the fight with several punches. The crowd went wild as Oishi was crowned the new ONE FC Featherweight World Champion. In the co-main event of the night, Bibiano Fernandez was crowned ONE FC Interim Bantamweight World Champion by defeating Koetsu Okazaki via unanimous decision. Fernandez utilized his clinch takedowns and superior grappling to remain in control of his opponent for most of the fight. The victory adds another title to Fernandez’ already impressive list of accolades and extends his winning streak to six. It said the fans in attendance at MOA Arena also witnessed history as Masakatsu Ueda was crowned the first ever ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix champion. The bout featured back-and-forth action that earned it fightof-the-night honors. Ueda nearly finished Belingon
in both the first and second round with submission attempts, and imposed his superior grappling skills against the explosive Belingon in all three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. (Mark Navales)
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General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad takes over ‘ TABAK ’ Division
P
AGADIAN CIT Y–B ener al F elicito Vir gilio Tr inidad, Jr CITY Brrigadier G Gener eneral Felicito irgilio Jr.. took ener al Officer -in-C ommand of the P hilippine Ar my’ Gener eneral Officer-in-C -in-Command Philippine Army’ my’ss 1st over as the G Infantr yD ivision in Z amboanga del S ur pr ovince follo wing the death nfantry Division Zamboanga Sur pro following of B ener al D aniel L ucer o. Brr igadier G Gener eneral Daniel Lucer ucero “Scuba divers Trinidad is who were with the Assistant Dithe good General vision Commanimmediately apder of Brigadier plied first aid and General Daniel upon reaching Lucero, who the shoreline drowned during rushed General scuba diving with Lucero to the his staffs in Mendero HospiTukuran town. tal in Pagadian He said LuCity for medical cero drowned dutreatment. The ring his reception Commander of in welcoming 21 1st Infantry Diviarmy officers, all sion was declared second lieutenexpired by the atants, at the Tabak tending physiBeach. cian at 3:15 in the C a p t a i n afternoon,” Jefferson Somera, Trinidad said in a a spokesman for statement sent to the 1st Infantry the regional Division, earlier newspaper said Lucero had a heart attack Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero (Mindanao Examiner Mindanao Examiner. while scuba div- Photo) He said Luing with his staffs and wife at the beach.“It 1983, was rushed to cero, who was the 43rd was a sad day us all. We Mendero Hospital in commander of the Divilost a good man, a good Pagadian City, but died sion, is a great loss to the officer, a good friend,” along the way, according army. Somera told the to Some-ro. “He has extensive exMindanao Examiner. “In line with the activ- perience in the Army’s But Lucero's wife ity, Bri-gadier General Civil Military Operations, said his husband died af- Daniel Lucero invited of- shown his great interest ter a malfunction in the ficers of the (1st Infantry) in giving primacy to the diving gear. "He is gone. Division, who are certified welfare of the people by There was a malfunction scuba di-vers. They were advocating the Internal in his diving gear," she assisted by civilian friends Peace Security Plan said in a separate inter- and members of Life Time Bayanihan to win peace view. Dive Center of Pagadian especially in this part of Lucero, who be- City. While nearing the Mindanao,” Trinidad longed to the Philippine walapsed at about 1:55 said. (Mindanao ExamMilitary Academy Class p.m.” iner)
ARMM
Southern Mindanao
Davao
June 10-16, 2013
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Farmers still cry for land reforms in Philippines MANILA – Filipino peasant groups and various farmers’ organizations have criticized President Benigno Aquino for his failure to fully implement the distribution of nearly one million hectares of land under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms or CARPER. Aquino last year had promised farmers that he would hasten the President Benigno Aquino implementation of the land reform law. When had to distribute a total of Aquino took power in 1,209,236 hectares to landless 2010, government still farmers.
From July 2010 to December 2012, Aquino was only able to distribute 251,876 hectares or about 21%. The CARPER expires on June 14 next year and there is no sign that Aquino would ever complete the land distribution. Farmers’ groups said the Aquino administration is the worst performer as far as land acquisition and distribution since the CARP was launched by his mother, then President Corazon Aquino. (Mindanao Examiner)
Gunman attacks radio station, broadcaster’s house in Dipolog City DIPOLOG CITY – The house of a radio broadcaster, previously arrested by policemen for his alleged libelous commentaries about them, has been attacked in Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte province, reports said. Reports by TV 5 in Manila, quoting the media watchdog National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said no one was injured or killed in the attack on the house owned by Rodolfo Tanquis, 50. Police did not release any reports about the alleged attack on Tanquis’
Manila
house, a day after gunman also strafed his radio station dxFL. The strafing on the ra-
dio station damaged the announcer’s booth. The owner of the radio station, Franklin Lim, told police that he heard a burst of
gunfire, but thought they were from firecrackers. He said the radio technician reported to work at 6 a.m. and discovered the announcer’s glass booth shattered and bullet holes peppered the door. Police said it recovered at least 8 deformed slug and four casings of bullets fired from a .45caliber pistol. The motive of the attack is still unknown and police would not say if the shootings had anything to do with the operation of the radio station or its announcers. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula