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June 29-July 5, 2020
PNP Chief warns erring cops anew N
ATIONAL POLICE Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa again warned erring cops and ordered the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) to run after rogue policemen. “Just as the Philippine sive in going after erring of the law and an officer National Police is quick to cops. This should there- of the courts. Rest asrecognize and reward our fore serve as a warning to sured that I will file cases personnel for their out- PNP personnel who refuse against you and hold you standing performance, we to toe the line.” accountable for your are equally swift and deci“I am both an officer Continue on page 3
DOH cautions public vs. unregulated use of dexamethasone
PNP Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa (PNP)
Duterte names communist rebels top national security threat COMMUNIST REBELS pose the “number one threat” to the national security, President Rodrigo Duterte said at a recent Covid-19 task force meeting. Duterte also condemned their recent attacks on government troops distributing aid to struggling Filipinos amid the economic strain
caused by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Philippine News Agency, Duterte reminded those present at the government meeting that communist rebels previously “drew a blade across the neck of a captured policeman” escorting government workers as they distributed aid to Filipinos in Negros
THE DEPARTMENT of Health has cautioned the public against the unregulated use of a steroid that researchers in England claimed can improve Covid-19 survival among certain patients. Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Continue on page 2
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
Province. He referenced the ambush and slaying of four police officers last July, for which the New People’s Army (NPA), the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing, claimed credit for. Duterte said that “forces arrayed against” the Philippines were Continue on page 2
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DOH cautions public vs. unregulated use of dexamethasone Continued from page 1 Vergeire warned the public against non-prescribed purchase and use of “dexamethasone” as either for prophylaxis or cure from the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19. “Dexamethasone is a type of steroid medication that is currently indicated in the treatment of different conditions such as severe allergies, preterm labor, and as adjunct in certain chemotherapy regimens. We strongly urge the public not to rush to the drugstores, buy this drug, and take it without the supervision of a doctor, in order to be cured or be protected from the virus,” Vergeire explained. “It is highly important to note that though this may be considered as a breakthrough in science, the study on this drug as a cure for Covid-19 is yet to be peer reviewed. Furthermore, it is intended as part of supportive care and is not meant to be a cure or prophylaxis for the disease. There is still no vaccine or cure for COVID-19,” she added. Dexamethasone landed in the news when researchers from England reported that deaths in severely-ill Covid-19 patients on mechanical ventilation decreased by onethird with the inclusion of dexamethasone in their treatment, while it reduced deaths among patients receiving oxygen by one-fifth. However the study found no benefit in patients with mild disease who do not require respiratory support. Vergeire said dexa-
methasone has only been given to patients who are critically hospitalized, those who are already intubated and supported by a ventilator, or those who require oxygen therapy. She emphasized that dexamethasone is only a supportive drug for the critically-ill patients. “We want to remind and warn the public not to buy or worse—hoard it—in the hope of self-medicating or taking it as prophylaxis. There is still no prophylaxis nor vaccine for Covid-19, and the most effective way to protect ourselves is by continuing to practice regular hand-washing, wearing of face masks and other appropriate personal protective equipment, practicing cough etiquette, and physical distancing,” she said. Vergeire also said that the s0-called Fabunan anti-viral injection, a much talked about drug by Dr. Ruben Fabunan, a physician now based in the US, which reportedly contains dexamethasone, has not yet applied for drug trials under the Food and Drug Administration. As such, the Department of Health cannot guarantee the safety, efficacy, or purity of this specific combination of drugs. “Dexamethasone is yet to undergo further trials and review, but we assure the public that the DOH is in coordination with the global medical community. The department remains in close collaboration with different experts both locally and internationally in the search for a
cure and other treatments that are safe and effective against Covid-19,” Vergeire said. The Food and Drug Administration also has issued a cease-and-desist order against the use of the Fabunan anti-viral injection, amid reports that more people were getting the medication, she said, adding, “to date, there has not been any record of the Fabunan anti-viral injection applying with the FDA.” But according to the Market Watch, the U.K. government has approved the use of dexamethasone — the first coronavirus drug that scientists says has been shown to save lives — and it costs just £5 ($6) per patient. A trial led by Oxford University found that the low-dose steroid treatment dexamethasone cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators, and by a fifth for those on oxygen, according to results published. The treatment will now be used on the NHS as standard care for Covid-19 patients and the U.K.’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the drug could “immediately be used across the world” to save lives. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as the “biggest breakthrough yet” in the global research effort in the fight against coronavirus, at the daily briefing. He added that the U.K. had enough supplies of the drug to deal with a potential second spike in hospital admissions. (Zamboanga Post)
Duterte names communist rebels top national security threat Continued from page 1 taking advantage of the distraction and vulnerabilities caused by the on-going coronavirus pandemic to further compromise the nation’s stability. According to the president, the “forces” include the ISIS-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorists, the most violent jihadist group in the southern Philippines, and the CPP. He said the CPP poses a greater threat to the country than the jihadists, which he described as “terrorists with no ideology.” By contrast, the president said he believes the CPP has an ideology with a “more pernicious” effect that “could undermine the peace and security of our country.” “Terrorism is the number one threat to the country. It’s not the Abu Sayyaf—not these
terrorists of no value. The high-value targets are these Communists,” Duterte said at the meeting. According to Duterte, the NPA has “been troubling the country for five decades” and has “undermined the national security of the country.” He said that left unchecked, the prolonged Communist insurgency “could undermine the peace and security of our country not only (in) this administration … (it) can transcend to the next generation.” “At what point will the country suffer a downfall? I don’t know. But if I do not do my duty now as president, as the other presidents did when it was their time, we might just bargain away, place in jeopardy the democratic values that the Filipinos have enjoyed for the longest time,” he warned.
Duterte said he remained hopeful that the NPA would not try to sabotage the next wave of government aid soon scheduled for distribution, but added that the Philippine armed forces stand ready to respond to any national security threat posed by the rebels. “That’s my order to the armed forces, to the soldiers, is: ‘Hit them,’” he affirmed. “When I say I will kill you, even if I won’t do it myself, we will kill each other, including me,” he said, referring to the NPA’s subversion of the Philippines’ democratic values and national sovereignty. The NPA is officially designated a “terrorist organization” by the Philippines, the U.S., the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. (Breitbart)
June 29-July 5, 2020
The Mindanao Examiner
June 29-July 5, 2020
PNP Chief warns erring cops anew
Continued from page 1 criminal acts,” Gamboa said. Undercover members of the PNPIMEG recently arrested the municipal police chief of Zamboanga del Norte’s Godod town in southern Philippines, accusing the official of robbery and extortion. Brigadier General Ronald Lee, head of the PNP-IMEG, said Captain Haran Ulah allegedly demanded P10,000 so-called protection money from treasure hunter Jose Abarca. Lee said the money was in exchange for the unhampered treasure hunting activities of Abarca in the village of Raba. He said Abarca reported the matter and sought the assistance of PNP-IMEG which drew up a plan to arrest the town’s police
chief. Ulah was arrested in an entrapment operation on Thursday afternoon at his office after receiving an initial P5,000 in marked money he demanded from Abarca. “We have arrested another police officer accused of extortion in line with our continuing implementation of General Gamboa’s directive to go after rogues in uniform, regardless of their rank and stature. We assure the public too, that we will immediately and properly act on all complaints against erring police officers and men being forwarded to us,” Lee said. He said police agents also seized Ukah’s weapons - one M16 automatic rifle, one .45-caliber pistol and two cell phones – and recovered the marked
money as well that will be used as evidence against the official. Lee warned cops involved in illegal activities, saying: “There will be no respite in our crackdown against police scalawags and other rogues in government service despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Walang Covid-Covid sa amin kapag ang huhulihin ay iskalawag na pulis.” He said another cop in Cebu, Staff Sergeant Charlito Sanchez Tinoy - who is assigned at Regional Personnel Holding Accounting Section – was also arrested while manning and betting in the illegal game in the village of Sudlon in Lahug. Tinoy was previously arrested and charged with illegal gambling, according to Lee. “Were intensifying our
monitoring of policemen involved in all forms of illegal activities and assure the public that we will apprehend them as soon as we have built enough evidence against them.” “We must make it clear that General Gamboa has a strict zero tolerance policy against police officers who continue to tarnish the good reputation and image of majority of the police force,” Lee said. He also urged the public to report to the PNP-IMEG cops who are involved or engaged in illegal activities. Tinoy was among the 4 people arrested by the police on June 21 during the illegal cock fighting amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The three were all civilians - Jojo Ombos Mainit, Frederick Jacalan Vosotros, and Lando Sabanal Calumba. (Cebu Examiner and Mindanao Examiner)
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PNP-IMEG photo shows the arrested policeman Charlito Tinoy.
PNP-IMEG photos show Captain Haran Ulah following his arrest on June 25, 2020 at the Godod municipal police office in Zamboanga del Sur province.
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June 29-July 5, 2020
Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Task Force Covid-19, and Jolo Municipal Government)
June 29-July 5, 2020
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June 29-July 5, 2020
Across : 1. Hurt 5. Make a selection 8. Frank 12. Legal hold 13. Bad grade 14. Gambling city 15. School groups (abbr.) 16. Became more profound 18. That woman 19. River mouths 20. House locations 22. Large antelope 25. Washington, DC time zone 26. Food allotment 28. Knife feature 31. Australian dog 32. Witty reply 34. Chaps 35. Poetic work 36. Big, hairy spider 41. India’s Mother ___ 42. Pen point 43. Abnormally sensitive 46. Linger 47. Little piggies 48. Self 49. Broadcasts 50. Egg on 51. High explosive (abbr.) 52. Scottish loch
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 29-July 5, 2020
HEALTH
RECIPE
ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
Gout at Mataas ang Uric Acid
BAKED RAVIOLI M
thecountrycook.net INGREDIENTS : • 1 lb ground beef • 1 yellow onion diced • 1 26 oz jar pasta sauce • 1 25 oz pkg. frozen cheese ravioli • 1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese INSTRUCTIONS : 1. Preheat oven to 425F degrees. Spray an 11 x 7 or 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick spray. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble beef with diced onion. 3. After beef is fully cooked, drain excess grease.
4.
Layer one cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of the dish. 5. Then add half of the frozen ravioli. 6. Then add half of the beef mixture. 7. Next add half the cheese. 8. Repeat layering with one cup pasta sauce, remaining ravioli and beef mixture. 9. Then add remaining pasta sauce and top with remaining cheese. 10. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. 11. Remove aluminum foil and continue to bake for another 8-10 minutes (until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted).
araming paiba-ibang payo sa gout at tamang pagkain. Kaya minabuti ko ilahad ang pahayag ng Mayo Clinic sa American tungkol sa gout. Ang gout ay isang komplikadong sakit sa buto, na may kasamang biglaan at matinding pag-atake ng sakit, pamumula at paninigas ng kasu-kasuan ng katawan. Naaapektuhan nito ang paa, sakong, tuhod, kamay at kamao, ngunit kadalasan na-apektuhan ang hinlalaki sa paa. Ang gout ay nabubuo kapag mataas ang lebel ng uric acid sa inyong dugo. Kaya ang resulta nito ay ang pagkakaroon ng crystals (parang buhangin) na nabubuo sa kasu-kasuan o palibot ng tissue na dahilan ng pananakit at pamamaga. Ang matinding pagatake ng gout ay maaaring makapag-pa-gising sa kalagitnaan ng iyong pagtulog na para bang sinusunog ang hinlalaki. Ang apektadong joint
image: Freepik.com ay mainit, namamaga at naninigas. Ang mga kadahilanan ng panganib (risk factors) sa gout ay ang labis na katabaan, sobrang pag-inom ng alak, high blood pressure, mataas na kolesterol at diabetes, at kung may lahi sa pamilya na gout. Ang gout ay nagagamot, at may paraan para mabawasan ang panganib na dulot ng gout. Ang American Dietitic Association ay ini-re-rekomenda ang mga sumusunod kung umatake ang gout: 1. Uminom ng 8-16 tasa ng likido (liquid) bawat araw. Mas mainam kung tubig o sopas ito at hindi matamis na inumin. 2. Iwasan ang pag-in-
om ng alak. 3. Kumain ng katamtamang dami ng protina, mas mainam kung galing sa gatas (low-fat milk), tofu o tokwa, at itlog. (Hindi bawal ang monggo at tokwa sa gout. Karne ang babawasan.) 4. Bawasan ang pagkain ng karne, isda at manok sa 4 hanggang 6 ounces lamang. Ang mga pagkaing ito na mataas sa protina ang nagpapataas ng uric acid sa iyong dugo. 5. Panatilihin ang tamang timbang. Kumonsulta sa doktor kung ikaw ay nilagnat at ang kasu-kasuan ay mainit at namamaga. Baka senyales ito ng impeksyon.
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The Mindanao Examiner
June 29-July 5, 2020
PNP to intensify anti-drug campaign PHILIPPINE POLICE Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa has ordered an intensified campaign against illegal drugs and to target drug lords across the country. “In addition, I also echoed the guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte for PNP units to seize every opportunity to be on the offensive against illegal drugs. An all-out offensive puts the lives of our PNP personnel at risk so we must exercise all possible precaution to ensure that they are safe and that no lives are lost,” he said. Gamboa’s orders include operations against high-value targets belonging to the Top 10 most wanted drug personalities in every jurisdiction. He also honored the bravery of Staff Sergeant Renato Pastillero, of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-10, who was shot and wounded by Mars Sido Gomal, the subject of surveillance and monitoring operations of the police. Gomal shot Pastillero three times after a spotter from the criminal group recognized him as an undercover agent. Gamboa also ordered the police to maximize the use of information and communication technology, saying, digital law enforcement ensures faster exchange of information
and tactical accuracy on the ground. “Thru the initiative of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, we are publishing a Revised PNP First Responders’ Manual under the New Normal to emphasize the observance of minimum health standards in a crime scene; modified duty rotation of mobile and beat patrollers; orientation of health safety protocols; and proper use of protective equipment.” “A similar Revised Manual for Police Investigators is also being finalized to better equip our crime investigators with investigative tools and technology that will not only minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus but will also enhance capacity to solve and monitor cases, serve court processes and harmonize the functions of the criminal justice system,” he said. Gamboa said the PNP Investigator’s Handbook in the New Normal contains the General Principles of Investigation and the General Investigative Procedures which will serve as an updated guide for all investigators who respond to crime incidents. He said the PNP is also reformulating police response procedures to ensure the health and
safety of our police and the general public; continue investigative and detective services; and to strengthen and upgrade the PNP’s investigative function and capability.
Just recently, Mayor Beng Climaco lauded members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and police arrested a taxi driver in a sting operation at To-
mas Claudio Street and another drug dealer at Atilano Drive in Baliwasan. “Thank you very much PDEA and our law enforcement authorities for the unwavering
campaign against illegal drugs in support of President Duterte’s all out anti-drug war. Security remains our priority despite the pandemic,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Lapu-Lapu City mayor recovers from coronavirus LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Junard Chan has recovered from the deadly coronavirus disease (Covid-19) after undergoing two weeks of quarantine. Chan, who returned to work, was greeted by members of the City Council and other city officials and employees.“I did not expect that I would have a faster recovery. I did not expect that you would greet me today. It’s not easy to stay in a room that you can see no one. Thank God, I am here now,” Chan said. He believed he contracted Covid-19 during the times he removed his face mask while in public places and ate in the company of other people. He thanked the medical front-liners who attended to him during his isolation. “Dako nakong kalipay nga ipahibalo kaninyong tanan nga nagnegatibo na kita sa Covid-19 human sa 14 ka adlaw nga isolation gikan sa atong pag-swab niadtong Hunyo 10 diin kita nagpositibo,” he said. It can be recalled that Chan, instead of attending
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan greets city officials and employees, as well as well-wishers, who waited for him in front of the City Hall on Thursday, June 25, 2020 as he returns for work after recovering from Covid-19. Chan announced his recovery after a 14-day quarantine. (City Hall video grab) the flag ceremony on Independence Day on June 12, went to social media to relay the message that he was infected with the dreaded virus. He said he was touched by the messages of support from his constituents and well-wishers, which gave him the strength to continue working through constant virtual meetings with the city’s Crisis Management Team and to
strive to recover as early as possible. Chan considered his recovery from Covid-19 as “second life”, saying he viewed it as a miracle and debt from God, the Our Lady of the Rule, the patroness of Mactan Island, and Señor Sto. Niño. He was the first local chief executive in Cebu to contract the coronavirus. The second was Mayor Sun Shimura, of
Daanbantayan town, who announced recently that he tested positive for Covid-19. The municipal hall of Daanbantayan suspended operations last week to disinfect the building while the Office of the Mayor has also been closed and will be opened after a week. Shimura is now undergoing isolation for mild coronavirus symptoms. (John Rey Saavedra)
June 29-July 5, 2020
The Mindanao Examiner
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June 29-July 5, 2020
200 kilos of Cebu meat products destroyed A
A city government worker sprays disinfectant on a truck transporting hogs to ensure that animals and vehicle are free from any virus. (City Veterinary Office)
Palace expects economic growth back to 6% next year THE NATIONAL government expressed optimism the economy would expand at a faster pace and return to 6 percent growth trajectory in 2021 despite the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that the Philippines suffered its first economic recession since 1998 due to the Covid-19 health crisis. Roque, nevertheless, remained confident that the country would experience a faster economic recovery. “The economic troubles will continue pero inaasahan po natin dito sa Pilipinas ang masiglang pagbalik sa normal at inaasahan po natin na matapos itong taon na ito ay babalik po tayo sa six percent growth na naman,” he said. In May, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas admitted that
the country suffered its first economic contraction in 22 years due to unexpected shocks, including the Covid-19 outbreak. The Philippine Statistics Authority has reported that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) declined 0.2 percent from January to March this year. And the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its World Economic Outlook June 2020 Update released recently, has further downgraded its economic outlook for the Philippines. The IMF projected a 3.6-percent contraction in the country’s GDP this year, a sharp reversal from its baseline 6.3-percent growth forecast given last year and the 0.6 percent growth outlook in April. It, nevertheless, expected that the Philippine economy will revert to 6.8 percent growth in 2021. Roque said the reopening of more industries in the country following the relaxation of quarantine restrictions would
help reboot the economy. “Alam naman po natin na ang karanasan ay hindi lang po dito sa Pilipinas. Nagbu-bukas naman na po tayo ng ekonomiya dito,” he said. From 2012 to 2016, the Philippines’ average economic growth is 6.6 percent. The country posted 6 percent growth in 2019. President Rodrigo Duterte first placed the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the most stringent community quarantine, in March this year to stop the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Duterte eventually eased the quarantine restrictions and placed only Cebu City under ECQ until June 30. Roque noted that the Philippines has so far borrowed around $5.758 billion from multilateral foreign lenders to boost the country’s war chest against Covid-19. (Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)
UTHORITIES IN Zamboanga City recently destroyed over 200 kilos of confiscated processed meat and chicken products which came from Cebu City, the Port Management Office or PMO said. The Bureau of Animal Indus- combating the spread of the ed with the ASF such as China try and the Department of new coronavirus or Covid-19 following the breakout of the Agriculture or DA seized the pandemic. Climaco said the disease in July 2019, mostly meat products from a boat af- City Veterinary Office contin- backyard pigs in the provinces ter alert security guards and ues to strictly implement the of Rizal and Bulacan and then port police at the Port of Zam- DA guidelines of zoning and spread elsewhere in Luzon. boanga inspected the vessel to protocols with regards to the The task force is composed of ensure they were free from the movement, sale, and trade of representatives from the City African swine fever virus. The hogs, pork and pork products Veterinary Office, National meat products - 194 kilos of to contain the spread of ASF in Meat Inspection Service, Task processed meats and 30 kilos the country. She signed early Force Ordinance, and Busiof chicken products - had been this year the Executive Order ness Permits and Licensing mis-declared and did not have 543–2020 in support to the DA Division. The FDA previously documents. It was all burned guidelines and also in pursuant ordered the pull-out from the last week in the presence of to President Rodrigo Duter- markets of all processed pork representatives from the Food te’s order urging local and na- products such as luncheon and Drug Administration, the tional government agencies to meat imported from RusMeat Inspection Service and harmonize efforts with the DA sia, Ukraine, Czech RepubDA. “PMO-Zamboanga is com- in stopping the spread of ASF. lic, Moldova, South Africa, mitted in performing its other Checkpoints have been placed Zambia, Hungary, Bulgaria, mandate of making sure that in entry and exit points in Zam- Belgium, Latvia, Poland, RoZamboanga City and its neigh- boanga since last year to ensure mania, Mongolia, Vietnam, boring islands is free from the that no infected hogs and its and Cambodia. AFS is a large, threat of African Swine Fever pork products slip past the city. double-stranded DNA virus and ensuring food safety in She said personnel from the in the Asfarviridae family. The the region per President Dute- City Veterinarian Office contin- virus is transmitted to pigs rte Executive Order No. 105,” it ue to inspect and conduct dis- through direct contact with said, referring to the creation of infection of trucks transporting infected pigs, their waste, the national task force to pre- live pigs and other animals to contaminated clothing, feed, vent the entry of animal-borne Zamboanga to protect the hog equipment and vehicles, and diseases. Because of the con- population against the ASF. in some cases, some tick spefiscation of the undocumented “Zamboanga City remains free cies. Although ASF cannot meat products, the Department from ASF,” Climaco said, add- be transmitted to humans of Agriculture Region awarded ing, strict protocols are being through contact with pigs or the Port Police Division and observed to monitor and regu- pork, the virus causes a haePMO-Zamboanga with a cer- late the entry of hog and pork morrhagic fever with high tificate of appreciation and products here as a measure mortality rates in domestic P10,000 cash to the security against the contagious animal pigs; some isolates can cause guards involved in the appre- disease. Task Force Karne Last death of animals as quickly as hension of the contraband. September, Climaco organized a week after infection. ClimaGood Job Mayor Beng Climaco the “Task Force Karne” with co also reminded personnel also lauded the confiscation of the local government work- manning the checkpoints the meat products. The local ing closely with the Food and at the boundaries to always government is strictly imple- Drugs Administration and DA wear face mask and disinfect menting safety measures to en- in conducting inspections in or wash their hands with soap sure that Zamboanga remains support to the national ban on and water frequently to enfree from the African swine the importation, distribution sure the safety of their health fever despite the humongous and sale of all processed pork against Covid-19. (Cebu Exwork it is currently doing in products from countries infect- aminer, Zamboanga Post)
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COTABATO Rhoderick Beñez Kidapawan City Mobile: (0927) 4757936
ZAMBOANGA Jeng Fernandez 3/F JLC Bldg. Don Alfaro St., Tetuan Phone: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0995) 5202358
DAVAO Door 2, 402 Nidea St., Obrero Malou Cablinda Phone: (08 2) 2841859 Mobile: (0925) 7621914
PAGADIAN Richard Suarez Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera sts., Gatas District Phone: (062) 2142706 Mobile: (0910) 7348600
E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
ARMM
Eastern Mindanao
Western Mindanao
Cebu
Manila