Manila wants loans from nations critical of Duterte drug war
PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed its flights Continue on page 5
AFTER REJECTING financial assistance from countries that called for a United Nations probe on President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, Manila now wanted to resume talks for new loan and grant agreements with those nations. In July last year, the UN Human Rights Coun-
Trawlers anchor off a wharf in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province. Philippine Airlines has resume its Manila-Pagadian-Manila flight, (Zamboanga Post)
Founded 2006
cil voted to adopt Iceland’s resolution calling for a probe in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign and alleged human rights violations in the Philippines. Among the member states of the UN Human Rights Council that voted to the resolution were Australia, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Croatia,
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Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay. Duterte condemned the resolution and said he will not allow UN investigators in the Philippines. But in a memorandum dated February 27 and released only recently, Continue on page 3
PAL resumes Manila flights to Pagadian City
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Duterte, hinamon ang U.S.
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NPAs continue to yield in North Cotabato
Members of the 39th Infantry Battalion render free haircut to the students of the Makilala National High School as part of their civil military relations. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Geonarri Solmerano) KIDAPAWAN CITY – Communist rebels continue to surrender peacefully heeding government’s call to return to the fold of the law and avail of the amnesty program of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Just recently, over two dozen of New People’s Army from the towns of Arakan, President Roxas, Makilala and Kidapawan City – all in North Cotabato – yielded to authorities. They all received financial assistance of P65,000 each as initial aid for their livelihood from the Department of the Interior
and Local Government during the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here. This is on top of remuneration they will get for each surrendered weapon. PPOC chairperson, North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco and her vice-chairperson, Vice Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza lauded the peaceful surrender of the rebels and praised the military and other stakeholders for their united efforts in promoting long-lasting peace in the province. The government aid
was part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The E-CLIP offers a complete package of assistance to former rebels as well as their family members, who have surrendered to the government and totally abandoned their armed struggle to become productive members of our society. The 19th and 39th Infantry Battalions were also awarded P21,000 bonus for its efforts in the government’s peace and development campaign. (Rhoderick and Drema Bravo)
March 9-15, 2020
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March 9-15, 2020
Duterte, hinamon ang U.S.
H
INAMON NI Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang Amerika na magsampa ng mga kaso laban sa kanya kaugnay sa alegasyon ng extrajudicial killings ng kanyang madugong war on drugs. Ito ang ibinunyag ni nong makipag-usap sa Sung Kim ukol sa Visiting Duterte matapos uma- kanya si US Ambassador Forces Agreement na ib-
Manila wants loans from nations critical of Duterte drug war Continued from page 1 Manila lifted the suspension and ordered resumption of the talks for new loans and grants from those countries that voted for the Iceland resolution. However, the memorandum said that all necessary approvals, authorities and clearances - as required by relevant laws, rules, and regulations - should first be obtained prior to actual negotiations and conclusion of any agreement with the covered foreign governments. CNN Philippines also reported that under the
Iceland resolution, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will conduct a comprehensive review of the Philippines’ human rights situation and present the results in June 2020, during the UN 44th regular session. “The tough-talking President has in the past repeatedly lashed out at the UN and human rights groups for criticisms on his drug war, which according to government data has left around 6,000 suspects dead in police operations. Local and international human rights groups say the anti-drug
campaign has resulted in thousands more extrajudicial killings, a claim the government has denied,” the report said. “The killings are also being examined by the International Criminal Court, an international tribunal which could have Duterte and his officials prosecuted and jailed. Duterte has threatened to arrest ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and her investigators if they set foot in the country, claiming they have no jurisdiction over the Philippines,” it added. (Mindanao Examiner)
inasura ng Pangulo matapos nitong palagan ang kanselasyon ng Amerika sa visa ni Senator Ronald dela Rosa, na dating pinuno ng Philippine National Police, na siyang nasa likod ng “Oplan Tokhang” – ang kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. “Sinabi ko sa kanya, extrajudicial killing? Wala akong paki-alam diyan. You can bring on the charges you want, but I will stick to my guns. I will kill anybody that will tend to destroy my country,” ani Duterte kay Kim. Hindi naman nagbigay ng pahayag si Kim o ang US Embassy ukol sa panghahamon ni Duterte, ngunit iniimbestigahan na rin ng United Nations ang mga paratang ng ex-
trajudicial killings laban kay Duterte. Maging ang ilang mga senador ng Amerika ay kinondena na rin ang naturang isyu, gayun rin ang patuloy na pagkakapiit ni Senator Leila de Lima at kung kaya’t kanselado na ang mga visa ng maraming mambatatas na may kinalaman sa pagkakakulong kay De Lima na nahaharap sa mga kasong may kinalaman umano sa droga. Sa kabila nito, nais naman ni Duterte na ang susunod na Pangulo ay pumapatay rin, ngunit wala pa umano itong makita na karapat-dapat na pumalit sa kanya. “Wala pa akong nakita na new crop of politicians dito sa ating bayan ngay-
on. Frankly, wala akong nakita na puwede talaga maging Presidente. Alam mo, sa totoo lang, Presidente ka, na hindi ka marunong pumatay at takot kang mamatay, huwag ka na mag-Presidente. Walang mangyari sa iyo, walang mangyari sa bayan kung puro utos ka lang, in the end, ikaw pa ‘yung kontrabida. Ikaw na ‘yung gumawa para ikaw talaga ang bida,” ani Duterte. Kaliwa’t-kanan ang batiko at pag-kondena ng mga human rights group kay Duterte dahil sa extrajudicial killings sa bansa na ayon sa Commission on Human Rights ay nasa mahigit 27,000 na mula ng magsimula ang Oplan Tokhang noong 2016. (Mindanao Examiner)
Rehab plan up for Jolo villages razed by fire
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Sulu Governor Sakur Tan with urban planners - Carlo Cerezo, Renato Buhat Jr, Marmod Pasawod and Ralph Manongdo - from the Mindanao Development Authority. (Sulu Government) DAVAO – Urban planners from the Mindanao Development Authority are set to conduct a survey of 3 villages in Sulu’s capital town of Jolo that were razed by fire last month. Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority, sent a team to Sulu composed of Carlo Cerezo, Renato Buhat Jr, Marmod Pasawod and Ralph Manongdo to assess and help in the
planning on how to rehabilitate the villages of Tulay, Chinese Pier and Takut-Takut . They also met with Governor Sakur Tan and told him of the comprehensive rehabilitation plan compliant with existing statutory urban, housing and land use codes, ensuring the safety and convenience of its inhabitants. Piñol was recently in Sulu and met with Tan to
discuss the rehabilitation efforts for the affected villages. Tan thanked Piñol and President Rodrigo Duterte for the assistance. The Mindanao Development Authority is a government agency created through Republic Act 9996. It is mandated to promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active participation of all sectors to effect socio-economic development of Mindanao. (Zamboanga Post)
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Sulu Pictures in the News
Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan looks at the proposal of Sitti Naf-Frada Unga, representative of Esmaulana Global Ventures Co. Inc. for Sulu on Pyrolis (Waste to Energy Project) and the prospect of future oil exploration in the Sulu Basin.
A Technical Team sent by Globe Telecom called on Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan accompanied by Dr. Jodl Isahac, Engr. Al Siao, Engr. Cloyd Gepaya, Engr Albretch Aricayos, and Engr. Everard Penaflor. The Team of Globe Engineers are expected to perform preliminary inspection, maintenance checks, repair and upgrades on selected cellular towers and antenna locations in the province.
The Department of Education formally accepted the two-storey school building with 20 classrooms as donation from Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tambut and Sulu provincial government.
Maimbung Mayor Shihla Hayudini onboard the BRP Ang Pangulo with Governor Abdusakur Tan and other local chief executives for a breakfast meeting with Presidential daugther and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and representatives from the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Emini Kadiri, Nermida Muksan, Nur -Sadat Iraji, Helen Akmad, Bouhari Dumama, and Aaron Chiong. They also handed over assitance to Jolo fire victims.
Lt. Commander Brummel Magalong, of the Philippine Coast Guard, with Sr. Chief Petty Officer Reynaldo Najirul, Deputy Station Commander and Chief Petty Officer Madzni Sarail called on Governor Abdusakur Tan.
Davao city Mayor Sara Carpio leads the turn over ceremony of two-storey school building with 4 classrooms for Laud Lambayong Elementary School.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan receives Philippine Air Force officers Lt. Col. Nomar Alinsangan, Lts. Steiger Gonzales and Jay Rovinzor Enriquez.
March 9-15, 2020
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PAL resumes Manila flights to Pagadian City Continued from page 1 from Manila to Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province in Western Mindanao. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Gilbert Santa Maria led the inaugural flight recently. Tugade said PAL’s Manila-Pagadian-Manila route was a welcome development “because if we are to put reality to the situation that Mindanao is the future of the country, then mobility and connectivity must be enhanced and established.” He said President Rodrigo Duterte wanted more development projects for Mindanao to boost its economy, adding, the reopening of the
route by PAL is part of the development of the Pagadian airport pushed by three political leaders Mayor Samuel Co, Zamboanga del Sur Representative Divina Grace Yu, and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go. The three, he said, would always call him to follow up on the improvement of the airport “and here it is now.” Tugade said he has sent a team to inspect the progress of the renovation works at the Pagadian airport terminal. He promised to return to inaugurate the project before the Holy Week, as well as to improve the airport’s building, comfort rooms, and baggage counters. Tugade said the local
airport still cannot cater to evening flights as it lacks certain requirements, one of which is the length of the runway. He said the runway should be extended to 2.4 kilometers from the present length of 1.8 kilometers. He urged Co, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu and his wife, Divina, to work to acquire the lands needed for the runway expansion. PAL previously opened the Manila-Pagadian-Manila when Co was then the mayor of Pagadian from 2001 to 2010. However, PAL stopped flying the route in 2004, leaving the Cebu Pacific Air as the sole airline servicing the Manila-Pagadian-Manila route. (Zamboanga Post, PNA)
Philippine banks must divest from coal
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, of the Diocese of San Carlos, Negros Occidental.
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CAGAYAN DE ORO – A Catholic Church leader has appealed to Filipino financial institutions to stop funding the expansion of coal operations in the country and support the development of renewable energy instead. Representing the “Withdraw From Coal” campaign, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, of the Diocese of San Carlos, Negros Occidental, said: “As fulfilment of their moral obligation, Philippine banks must have concrete plans to phase out coal finance in the time required by today’s climate crisis. They must have clear policies restricting their exposure to coal, channelling the funds they divest from it into clean and affordable renewable energy for all Filipinos.” The call was made during the 3rd Philippine Environment Summit held recently in Cagayan de Oro City. While praising the SONA 2019 directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to fast-track the development of renewable energy resources and reduce dependency on coal, the bishop pointed out that the continuing dominance of coal in the country’s energy mix calls for even more ambitious ways forward from different sectors, including the finance industry.
“Banks financing coal are not only funding the climate crisis, they are also enabling the continued suffering of coal-affected communities,” he stressed. In addition to the 16 new coal-fired power plants added to the national fleet in the last decade, the Philippines is still looking to add a total of 12,014 MW of new coal power, making it the ninth biggest coal expansionist in the world as of 2019. At least 13 local banks had been identified to have loaned or underwritten $6.303 billion to coal interests from 2017 to the third quarter of 2019. Two of these banks, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Banco de Oro (BDO) account for nearly 55% of this finance. “The IPCC reported that the world has until 2030 to reduce coal use by 78% from 2010 levels to avoid even more disastrous climate impacts. As stewards of Creation, we must unite with our scientists on this and seek to veer away from a fuel that causes the suffering of our people and destruction of our Common Home,” Alminaza said. IPCC refers to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Alminaza stated that as the Philippines is one of the
most vulnerable nations to climate change, it must lead in phasing out coal, and financial institutions must take their role in it seriously - similar to the commitment of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and his own diocese to divesting its resources from dirty energy technologies. A petition letter addressed to BPI, the bank with which many Church organizations have financial relations, was also circulated during the event and was signed by hundreds of participants, including Bishop Antonio Ledesma, of Cagayan De Oro. “We appeal to all to join the calls as written in our letter as expression of our care for our common home and our future generations. For as one saying goes - we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors - we borrow it from our children. We must act swiftly for time is running out,” said Alminaza. Launched in Manila in January and in Visayas in February, “Withdraw from Coal” is a campaign spearheaded by the Church, civil society, and people’s organizations urging Philippine banks to divest from businesses involved in coal power generation and coal extraction. (Mindanao Examiner)
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March 9-15, 2020
Across : 1. Fire remains 6. Slugger’s need 9. Mama sheep 12. Respond (to) 13. Batter’s stat 14. Coffeepot 15. Gent (sl.) 16. Modified 18. Asparagus unit 19. Willie and Ozzie 20. That thing’s 22. Sixth sense (abbr.) 23. Welcome mat locale 28. Browning’s “always” 31. Hearing organs 32. Employ 33. Indian robe 34. Enjoy the slopes 35. Intensified 37. Look over 40. Raced 41. football player 45. High-minded 49. Dancer Fred ___ 50. Pointer 51. ___ bag 52. Make a knot 53. Down East 54. Conger 55. Dejected 56. Daisy’s kin
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Makilala, a resilient town
Makilala town Mayor Armando Quibod. NORTH COTABATO – The town of Makilala in North Cotabato province, one of the worst hit by earthquakes in the past, was able to gather some P60 million in donations -and thanks to its leaders who are working hard to stand up again and return the
lives of everybody to normalcy. The donations are now in a trust fund set up by the local government for the victims of the calamity, among other necessities. And Mayor Armando Quibod said they plan to use the donation
to purchase a relocation site where the National Housing Authority could build houses for earthquake victims whose homes were destroyed. But this should be part of the local government’s rehabilitation plan. “There is a process here and we are following the process to we can finally extend assistance to earthquake victims, especially those who are still in temporary shelters, and other projects,” Quibod said. He said they are also hurrying up the passage of the annual budget and once this has been approved, part of the funds will be used to acquire an area for the proposed municipal hall, and also for the rehabilitation and repair of the public market and a new integrated terminal. Because of the damage to structures caused by the series of earthquake late last year, employees are holding temporary offices. (Rhoderick Beñez)
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Visayan bloc rallies support for Speaker Cayetano
T
HE 48-STRONG Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to support the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano amid the supposed ouster plot against the top leader of the chamber. Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco, chairman of the House committee on Visayas Development, said Visayan lawmakers would continue to support Cayetano’s stand on various national issues, including ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. “We will continue to heed the Speaker’s guidance, as we believe that his fair and uncompromising stand on issues such as the ABS-CBN franchise renewal is the appropriate way of handling such concerns,” Frasco said. “Visayas bloc remains fully supportive of Speaker Alan, who has demonstrated
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco the kind of leadership, dedication and service to the people that we need to restore the public’s trust and confidence in the House of Representatives,” he added. Frasco refuted the claim of former Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez that the Visayan bloc wanted Congress to act quickly on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. Frasco said Visayan lawmakers recognize the importance of tackling far more urgent matters, such as finding
measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus disease outbreak on the economy. Despite a brewing coup plan against him, Cayetano said he would continue to stand by his principles and fight alongside his allies at the House of Representatives. “I believe in what I believe, I will not be transactional. I will not sacrifice my principles and this administration’s priorities... I believe most members of Congress see and appreciate the reforms
I stand for. If they do, then I will continue to serve as their Speaker. If they don’t then they can remove me, I will continue to serve as the Representative of Taguig City- Pateros,” Cayetano said. “Lastly, I believe in silver linings , so thank you to the Triple A Boys in Congress, ’yung mga puro absent, sipsip sa ABS-CBN, at yung mga nag-aantay ng allotments. You’ve shown me just how desperately we need to reform this institution. You have
strengthened my resolve to continue the fight,” he added. Cayetano bared that Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco has already been offering chairmanships and funding allocations for congressmen once the latter takes over the top post in the chamber. Cayetano’s allegation came, despite the term-sharing deal between him and Velasco that President Rodrigo Duterte had brokered in July last year.
Under the term-sharing arrangement, Cayetano would lead the House for 15 months up to October this year while Velasco would serve the remaining 21 months of the Speaker’s three-year term of office. Velasco, for his part, dismissed as baseless and sly innuendos being peddled by certain camps with vested interests the supposed coup plan to change the speakership at the House. “To my kababayans, these reports are far from the truth. The reports were meant to create deep division within the House of Representatives and its members, destroy camaraderie, distract lawmakers from fulfilling their mandate, and more importantly, derail the key legislative agenda of the Duterte administration,” Velasco said. (Filane Mikee Cervantes)
Cebuano, among those in Italy asking for repatriation
(ANSA) CEBU CITY – A Cebuana living in Brescia City in the Italian industrial region of Lombardy - which is now affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) - has appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte not to forget them if the government orders repatriation of Filipinos there. Hadassa Joy Bermudez, a native of Lapu-Lapu City, said she would be among the Filipinos who would avail of the repatriation to put her twin children to a safer place as more than 600 were confirmed to have been infected with the deadly virus in the region. “Actually, part of me would want to go home if it means for the safety of my
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children. It’s better to go for repatriation if there is. Nonetheless, if such repatriation means we can still go back here when it will become safer, then we have to come back because we have established life here. So, we will come back,” Bermudez said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Cebu. She praised the Philippine consulate in Milan for its prompt dissemination of news concerning the safety of their compatriots in the entire Italy, following the news that 822 Italians were infected with the viral disease. “They are also doing their part. They are doing their best to disseminate information. So far they have been releasing advisories for us to be take
extra precaution when outside,” she said. Bermudez said that Filipino consular officials have advised them to implement precautionary measures like wearing of masks and washing of hands. The consular officials have been posting news related to Covid-19 through the “Ugnayang Pinoy”, a public group page on Facebook. The Italian government has imposed a lockdown in many cities and municipalities in Lombardy region. The latest lockdown was implemented in the municipality of Lodigiano, according to Bermudez. She said the ordinance also imposed limited movement of residents, suspension of classes, limited hours of operation of pubs and restaurants, closure of Chinese and Japanese restaurants, as well as restrictions against public gathering and Holy Masses to prevent the spread of the virus. But she and her husband as well as other Filipino workers in the region are still reporting for work. She called on her relatives in Toledo City in Cebu and other Filipinos who have family members liv-
Eastern Mindanao
ing in Italy not to worry about their situation, saying they are taking extra precautionary measures when going out to public places. “Sa atong mga kababayan ayaw mo pag-worry, we are doing our best to be safe here despite the Covid-19. And also sa atong pinaka-maayong President Duterte, we are
here sir daghan pud dinhi Filipinos, Sir and we don’t know what’s going to happen very soon, so if anything kun naay plano Sir, ayaw intawon mi kalimti,” Bermudez said. Over 2,700 people are now infected with the coronavirus in Italy, and 107 had died, according to Emergency Commissioner and Civ-
il Protection chief Angelo Borrelli. He said more than 270 people have recovered from the deadly disease, but over 300 are in intensive care. The number of those in hospital is over 1,300 and the number of those in isolation at home is more than 1,000. (John Rey Saavedra)
Police probe fake news propagator
CEBU CITY – Police are investigating a Facebook user who allegedly claimed in his post that some hotels in Cebu have quarantined Korean nationals due to the Wuhan coronavirus after arriving from Daegu City in North Gyeongsang province of South Korea. The post listed 10 hotels where the Koreans are quarantined and told warned the public not to go there. The post was false, according to authorities. The Facebook account, which was eventually taken down, is believed to be spurious. The fake news only caused panic and fear among locals. The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu also released a statement saying that it was ready
Western Mindanao
to press charges against the Facebook user for maliciously spreading news via social media that their establishments were not safe for occupancy due to the viral scare. “There is no truth to the rumor that these Koreans are already afflicted and may infect others,” it said, adding the Department of Health has been updating them about the disease. Colonel Marlou Castillo, chief of the Philippine National Police - Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, said investigation is going on to determine who was responsible for the false news. Castillo said they will not hesitate to file charges for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 if they find enough evidence against
Cebu
the Facebook user. “In the event that we can gather any material or evidence na makuha sa kanila, we will not hesitate to file a case against them,” Castillo said. Last month, police arrested an optometrist in Mandaue City for allegedly spreading false information that a patient had died from the coronavirus in a private hospital. “We remind the public to refrain from posting any malicious or misinformation. We had our stories here last week where we filed a case and we are waiting for the warrant of arrest,” Castillo said, adding, fake news and wrong information could cause panic and hysteria. (John Rey Saavedra)
Manila