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North Borneo Bureau ‘Philippines, Sultanate of Sulu exert claim on Sabah’
T
HE PHILIPPINES said it would revive the “North Borneo Bureau” to exert its claim to the mineral-rich Sabah even if Malaysia insisted it is theirs. This was confirmed reau to uphold the counby Foreign Affairs Secre- try’s claim to Sabah. tary Teodoro Locsin Jr. A report by ABS-CBN who told lawmakers that also quoted Locsin as tellhe has decided to revive ing members of the the North Borneo BuContinue on page 3
The heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu - Sultans Ibrahim Bahjin, Muizuddin Jainal Bahjin, Muedzul-Lail Kiram, Mohammad Venizar Julkarnain Jainal Abirin and Phugdalun Kiram - continue to exert strong influence in the Sulu Archipelago after they signed a covenant in 2016 aimed at consolidating and strengthening their unity and formed the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate. Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, who is a key figure in the unification of the sultans, said the signing of the covenant was unprecedented and historical, and will further strengthen the unity of all heirs to the Sultanate of Sulu. Tan, a respected and influential Muslim leader in the South, is also the Special Envoy of the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate. (Mindanao Examiner)
President Rodrigo Duterte and Nur Misuari (PCOO)
Public urged to be cautious of anti-virus products E N V I RO N M E N TA L HEALTH group EcoWaste Coalition has cautioned consumers not to fall for misleading online ads for products claiming to prevent Covid-19 infection and urged the public to be critical of products that are promoted to effectively
eliminate pathogens. The EcoWaste Coalition also notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the proliferation of virus blocker products in popular online shopping platforms. “Our monitoring of online shopping sites shows the unchecked marketing
and promotion of disinfection or sterilization cards containing chlorine dioxide with misleading health claims,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. He said also advertised as disinfection or sterilization cards, virus
Mayors target of ransom kidnappings PAGADIAN CITY – The mayors in Zamboanga Peninsula are now targets of ransom kidnap-
ping, according to the police which bared the names of local chief executives during a virtual
executive meeting called recently by the Regional Peace and Order Council Continue on page 2
blockers that are said to be “Made in Japan” are worn on the neck to repel or kill viruses, bacteria,
fungi and others by releasing chlorine dioxide for 30 to 45 days. Japan’s Consumer Af-
fairs Agency warned the public against false or misleading Continue on page 3
Anti-Duterte placards? LUMUTANG NGAYON sa Zamboanga City ang ilang mga placards ukol sa di-umano’y korapsyon sa pondo ng gobyerno sa gitna ng Covid-19 pandemic. Ipinako sa mga poste sa ilang barangay ang mga placards kasabay ng pagtalakay ng Senado sa isyu ng umano’y korapsyon sa PhilHealth o Philippine Health Insurance Corporation at sa Department of Health, at Department Continue on page 2
Propaganda placard.
First Standard Finance Corporation Zamboanga City 0995-5202358 FOR SALE
Mitsubishi Strada P850,000
FOR SALE
Subaru XV P790,000
FOR SALE
Toyota Altis P750,000
FOR SALE
Toyota Fortuner P2,300,000
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The Mindanao Examiner
September 21-27, 2020
Anti-Duterte placards?
Propaganda placard. Continued from page 1 of Budget and Management, gayun rin sa kontrobersyal na white sand project ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Hindi naman agad mabatid kung ang mga placards ba ay may kinalaman sa mga kumakalat na black propaganda laban kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte o sa mga tiwaling opisyal ng mga ahensya sa pamahalaan. Dalawang larawan rin ng mga placards ang natanggap ng Zamboanga Post at ito ang nakasulat mula umano sa grupong “Alumbra”: “Ladron na pondo del gobierno (sic) ay contra del gobierno.”
(Magnanakaw sa pondo ng gobyerno ay kalaban ng gobyerno.) Mistulang nananawagan ang di-kilalang grupo na mag-alsa ang publiko laban sa gobyerno dahil sa bintang ng korapsyon o nakawan sa kaban ng bayan. Bagama’t walang ebidensyang inilabas ang nasabing grupo o tahasang bintang sa sinumang opisyal, ang propaganda ay lumutang rin sa kasagsagan ng mainit na isyu ng SALN o Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth ni Duterte at iba pang opisyales ng pamahalaan. Ito ay matapos na hinigpitan pa ng Ombudsman ang pagpapalabas ng
SALN ni Duterte at mga opisyales ng pamahalaan sa media base sa Memorandum Circular No. 1 na nilagdaan ni Ombudsman Samuel Martires. Maging ang isyu ng pagtugon ni Duterte sa Covid-19 ay binabatikos rin ng mga kritiko ng Pangulo dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang nito sa bansa. Pinalagan ni Duterte ang batikos at nanawagan sa publiko na huwag maniwala sa mga “dilawan” o oposisyon. “Huwag ho sana kayong maniwala diyan sa mga dilawan, opposition, na hampas dito, hampas doon, kung anong pinagsasabi,” ani Duterte. “So I hope that everybody would listen to reason. Makinig kayo sa rason. Huwag ‘yang basta na lang maniwala ka na ganito, ganito,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo. Posibleng imbestigahan naman ng pulisya o National Bureau of Investigation kung sino ang nasa likod ng mga kumakalat na propaganda placards dahil sa nakikitang implikasyon nito sa pamahalaan at sa batas. (Zamboanga Post at Mindanao Examiner.)
Smuggled cigarettes destroyed!
Mayors target of ransom kidnappings
Photos from the Bureau of Customs show the smuggled cigarettes prior to its destruction. The Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga under District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr. recently destroyed some P545-million worth of smuggled cigarettes and raw materials in the illegal manufacture of cigarettes. It also handed over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue some P1 billion in fake revenue stamps. (Zamboanga Post) THE BUREAU of Customs in Zamboanga City destroyed over half a billion pesos in smuggled cigarettes and raw materials and warned those involved in illegal activities to stop or face the law. District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr. said the assorted cigarettes were seized in separate anti-smuggling operations since May in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces. He said they also handed
over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue some P1 billion in fake revenue stamps which were seized from the series of apprehensions in May in Pagadian City. Barte said the aggressive anti-smuggling campaign, as well as destruction of the contraband, is a firm directive from Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero. “This serves as a warning to smugglers that we are committed in performing our mandate to protect the borders
from illicit trade and customs fraud,” he said. Barte also commended the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Philippine Marines, Philippine Navy, National Bureau of Investigation, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, the military and the local government of Zamboanga, and other stakeholders for their support and active cooperation in the anti-smuggling campaign. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Continued from page 1 or RPOC. Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the RPOC, said the police revealed threats on kidnapping, as well as the names of mayors who are now targets of bad elements. She said the meeting also thoroughly discussed terror and bombing threats in Zamboanga Peninsula and other issues. The meeting were attended by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Uy, Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma, Isabela City Mayor Djalia Hataman, Ipil Mayor Anamel Oligario, Liloy Mayor Roberto Uy Jr., and representatives from member government agencies to include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Police Regional Office 9, Western Mindanao Command, the 1st Infantry Division, among others. “The RPOC unanimously approved a resolution commending the 102nd Infantry Brigade for the successful operation against Abu Sayyafs in Zamboanga Sibugay (last
September 9). The governor of Sibugay lauded the successful operations by the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 44th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police, as well as the Philippine Air Force for the air support (during the operations), the Philippine Navy for the naval assault, and all security forces.” “The swift and decisive action of the security forces prevented bombings and acts of terrorism in the Peninsula. The RPOC sought intensified security and urged the public to be proactive and vigilant, but calm,” Climaco said. At least 5 Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed and 2 soldiers wounded in military operations in the towns of Alicia and R.T. Lim. The fighting erupted in Barangay President Roxas in R.T. Lim where security forces caught up with a group of gunmen escaping a military operation from the nearby town of Alicia. Citing intelligence reports, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the
Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf gunmen were on a kidnapping mission. Climaco said security is tight in Zamboanga since the twin suicide bombings in Sulu’s capital town of Jolo late last month. She said roadblocks and checkpoints around the city are being guarded by soldiers and policemen and patrols continue even at night. The Ulama Council also reaffirmed its support to the local government of Zamboanga and the security sector following a meeting with Col. John Divinagracia, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga; and Col. Rexmel Reyes, acting Zamboanga police chief; and the Technical Working Group-Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism led by Climaco and represented by Jojo Abdusalam. Abdusalam said the conference was the first of a series of meetings for the crafting of an action plan intended to empower the community in the fight against terrorism and other forms of lawlessness. (Zamboanga Post and Mindanao Examiner.)
The Mindanao Examiner
September 21-27, 2020
North Borneo Bureau
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‘Philippines, Sultanate of Sulu exert claim on Sabah’
Continued from page 1 House Appropriations Committee that: “While we fiercely guard our waters, we are not forgetting our terrestrial domain. In pursuit of securing what is ours, I have decided to reactivate the North Borneo Bureau.” “After realizing that the rest of us have almost forgotten our Sabah claim, casually designating it as another country’s territory, well we have not forgotten. This is one of several international disagreements we can afford to conduct in our best interest without any risk of loss of any kind for our country,” he said, adding, “Our honor is involved here.” Locsin said there are also plans to revive both the Brunei Daruss a l a m - In d o n e s i a - Ma laysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Sabah claim. “BIMP-EAGA, dormant for a while but it was agreed to revive it. Pretty much like even some of our special concerns like Sabah. That was, on our part, put on back burner which I never agreed with. But over the years, from one admin after another, starting with Cory Aquino, it was put in the back burner, but something happened this year. And if I may talk about this, when the press release was put out by the US embassy and they very casually referred to Sabah, Malaysia, and that was it. I blew my top,” Locsin shared, recalling an incident that happened in late July. “I told (the US) embassy (to) take it down. Of course, they didn’t want to do it. So I accused them... And (US Secretary of State) Mike Pompeo said, ‘Leave it to me. I will make sure to bring it down’.”
“Because that thing has been happening to us, that claim has always been there and we should have never allowed it to be dormant. But ... we have no control over that. But now, we are going to revive that bureau and make sure no one is allowed to question that claim without a challenge from us. That is part of Philippine history, especially of Philippine south,” the report further quoted Locsin as saying. Sultanate of Sulu The Sultanate of Sulu, founded in 1457, continues to lay claim to Sabah which it obtained from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on Borneo Island. The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of World War II. The Sulu Sultanate said it had merely leased North Borneo in 1878 to the British North Borneo Company for an annual payment of 5,000 Malayan dollars then, which was increased to 5,300 Malayan dollars in 1903. The Sultanate of Sulu is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north. But North Borneo was annexed by Malaysia in 1963 following a referendum organised by the Cobbold Commission in 1962, the people of Sabah voted overwhelmingly to join Malaysia. Sabah is Ours Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein repeatedly said his country will not recognise any foreign claim for Sabah, adding, it belongs to Malaysia and will always be part of the Federation. “We will not recognise,
what more, meet any foreign claim for Sabah. At the same time, I want to categorically state here that Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia,” Hussein said. Hussein said that Malaysia also stopped paying cession money to the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu and that Kuala Lumpur made an understanding with the Philippines that the claim by the Sultanate of Sulu over the mineral-rich state of Sabah will not be raised at any regional or international platform. “Malaysia and the Philippines have an understanding that the claim over Sabah will not be raised at any regional or international platform,” he said, adding, they also stopped paying annual cession money of RM5,300 (about P61,300) through lawyers representing the nine heirs of the Sulu Sultanate since 2013. He said the payments were made based on a treaty signed on January 22, 1878, between the then Sultan of Sulu, Sultan Jamal Al Alam and Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent of the British North Borneo Company. “Apart from the payments to the heirs of the Sulu Sultanate, Malaysia has never made any payment to the Philippine government,” Hussein said in a written reply to Chang Foon Hin (PH-Kota Kinabalu), uploaded on the Parliament website, according to a report by Bernama. It said Chang wanted to know if the Malaysian government planned to stop paying the cession money to the Sulu Sultanate through the Philippine government as a measure to end foreign interference in Malaysia’s sovereignty, and instead utilise the money to solve the
issue of illegal Filipino immigrants entering Sabah, just several hours by boat from the Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi. “Until now, the claim on Sabah has only been raised by those who claim to be descendants of the Sulu Sultanate,” he said. Cession Money Insulting, Pittance But Sulu Governor Sakur Tan (also called Datu Shabandar), who is the Special Envoy of the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate, said the cession money that Malaysia pays annually to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu was insulting. “The amount is insulting anyway, you can never change history,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Even Nur Misuari, chieftain of the Moro National Liberation Front, previously said that what Malaysia pays to the Sultanate of Sulu (and North Borneo), was but a pittance. President Rodrigo Duterte’s former Spokesman and now Chief Legal Counsel, Salvador Panelo, said the government has not abandoned its claim on Sabah. Panelo reiterated Duterte’s position that he would pursue the Philippines’ claim to Sabah. “The position of the President, meron tayong claim. Eh totoo namang may claim tayo di ba? That has been a bone of contention ever since,” he said. Sultan Ibrahim Q.
Bahjin-Shakirullah II said North Borneo is an inextricable part and parcel of the Sultanate of Sulu. He said the Sultanate of Sulu asserts its position on the following: 1.) The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo was never lawfully ceded to the Republic of the Philippines, and therefore remains a sovereign and independent state; 2.) The stipulation in the Deed of 1878 that the lessees of North Borneo shall administer the territory for “as long as they choose or desire to use them” places it in the category of a “perpetual lease”, effective for 100 years under international law. The contract of lease has therefore expired and possession over North Borneo should now be exercised by the Sultanate of Sulu, its rightful owner. And 3.) The heirs of Jamalul Kiram II do not have private ownership of Sabah. The territory continues to be owned by the Sultanate of Sulu, and not any private person. In view of the history of the Sultanate and the circumstances surrounding the lease of Sabah, he said: “We desire the recognition of the independent statehood and sovereignty of the Islamic Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.” But Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram, who claims to be the 35th Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, said his grandfather, Sultan Mohammad
Esmail Enang Kiram, who was recognized by the Philippine government in 1957, “transferred the rights of North Borneo under the government of President Diosdado Macapagal in 1962.” Kiram said his father, Sultan Mohammad Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram, and he, being the Crown Prince of Sulu, confirmed the transfer of the rights of North Borneo to the Philippine government and this was made official through Memorandum Order No. 427 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1974. “We aspire for an amicable solution to the predicament that affects us all in this region,” Kiram said, adding, “The Royal House of Sulu firmly believes that diplomacy will allow us to move forward as governments and other parties involved play a crucial role from alleviating our people from poverty.” The two are only among the 5 recognized sultans in Sulu. The others are Sultans Mohammad Venizar Julkarnain Jainal Abirin, Muizuddin Jainal Abirin Bahjin and Phugdalun Kiram II. Tan recently met with all the sultans who comprised the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate and they agreed to “speak on a common voice on issues concerning the Sultanate.” (Mindanao Examiner)
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Public urged to be cautious of anti-virus products Continued from page 1 advertisements of anti-virus products, including disinfection cards, describing them “as lacking in objectivity and rationality, absent of any scientific grounds, and in possible violation of laws on mislabelling and health promotion.” The FDA in May issued Advisory No. 2020852 against “Made in USA” SDS Blocker Anti-Virus and “Made in Japan” Virus Shut Out, two disinfec-
tant products that were found to make misleading health claims. “Potential hazard may come from exposure to ingredients such as chlorine dioxide or chlorite. Exposure to these chemicals through inhalation and skin contact may cause irritation in the mouth, esophagus or stomach, shortness of breath and other respiratory problems,” according to the FDA. EcoWaste Coalition’s monitoring of online
shopping sites revealed that more unregistered disinfection or sterilization cards are being sold online, including Anti-Bacterial Virus Shut Out, CL-40 Virus Blocker, Disinfection Powder Air Portable Card, Green+ One Virus Blocker, Guardian Air Sterilization Card, Hengai Virus Blocker Card, Jaysuing Space Sterilization Card, Nanoclo2, Padano Air Sterilization Card, Saratito Virus Blocker, Virus Blocker, Virus
Blocker Disinfection Card, Virus Block Out, and Virus Down. The group pointed to the products’ false or misleading claims as stated in their online advertisements. One product boasted of effectively blocking epidemic viruses. “This ID-like tool is simple enough to be worn at all times for prevention against viruses and bacteria,” touted another product. “Neutralizes all
known pathogens up to 99%; thus, stopping the spread of viruses, bacteria, and allergens,” another product claimed. “Suitable for all ages including new born babies and pregnant women,” said one advertisement. But another product warned “do not use this product for babies.” However, the same product has a photo of a baby wearing a sterilization card while playing.
“FDA International approved,” declared one advertisement, but FDA International does not even exist. To protect consumers against deceptive marketing and promotion of disinfection and sterilization cards, the EcoWaste Coalition requested the FDA to issue the necessary public health warning and to impose regulatory sanctions against erring parties. (With a report from Rhoderick Beñez.)
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The Mindanao Examiner
September 21-27, 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)
September 21-27, 2020
The Mindanao Examiner
Sulu Pictures in the News
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The Mindanao Examiner
September 21-27, 2020
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The Mindanao Examiner
September 21-27, 2020
Yeshua: The Name Jesus’ Friends And Family Would Have Called Him While He Was Alive
A photo from the Office of the Sulu Vice Governor shows Vice Governor Toto Tan talking with Lt. Col. Gerald Monfort, commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion.
Army agri project to launch in Sulu German crucifix depicting the “King of the Jews” sign in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. (Wikimedia Commons) REGARDLESS OF religious belief, the name “Jesus” is nearly universally recognizable. However, it may come as a surprise that the name millions of Christians all over the world are implored not to take in vain was not actually “Jesus” at all. ‘Jesus’ real name, Yeshua, evolved over millennia in a case of transliteration’ Controversial though the claim may sound, at heart it is really more of a translation issue. What Was Jesus’ Real Name? Of course, neither English nor Spanish were around in their modern form when the real Jesus was actually alive, or for that matter, when the New Testament was written. Jesus and his followers were all Jewish and so they had Hebrew names — although they would likely have spoken Aramaic. The “J” sound used to pronounce Jesus’ name does not exist in Hebrew or Aramaic, which is strong evidence that Jesus was called something entirely different by his contemporaries. Most scholars, therefore, believe that the Christian Messiah’s name was actually “Yeshua,” a fairly common Jewish name around the time Jesus was alive. Archaeologists have actually found the name carved into 71 burial caves in Israel, dating from the time the historical Jesus would have been alive. This leads to the question of why, if there were evidently so many men named “Yeshua” running around at
the time, the name “Jesus” came to be unique. Since not every language shares the same sounds, people have historically adapted their names so as to be able to pronounce them in various languages. Even in modern languages, there are differences in the pronunciation of Jesus. In English, the name is pronounced with a hard “J” while in Spanish, even though the spelling is the same, the name is pronounced with what would be an “H” in English. It is precisely this type of transliteration that has evolved “Yeshua” into the modern “Jesus.” The New Testament was originally written in Greek, which not only uses an entirely different alphabet than Hebrew but also lacks the “sh” sound found in “Yeshua.” The New Testament authors decided to use the Greek “s” sound in place of the “sh” in Yeshua and then added a final “s” to the end of the name to make it masculine in the language. When, in turn, the Bible was translated into Latin from the original Greek, the translators rendered the name as “Iesus.” In John 19:20, the disciple writes that the Romans nailed to Jesus’ cross a sign stating “The King of the Jews” and that “it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.” This inscription has been a standard part of depictions of the crucifixion in Western Christianity for centuries as “INRI,” an abbreviation for the Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, or “Jesus the Naza-
rene King of the Jews.” Since Latin was the preferred language of the Catholic Church, the Latin version of “Yeshua” was the name for Christ throughout Europe. Even the 1611 publication of the King James Bible used the “Iesus” spelling. How Yeshua Became Jesus It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the “Jesus” spelling came from, although some historians speculate that version of the name originated in Switzerland. In Swiss, the “J” is pronounced more like an English “Y”, or the Latin “Ie” as in “Iesus”. When the Catholic Queen, “Bloody” Mary I took the Engish throne in 1553, droves of English Protestant scholars fled, and many ultimately found refuge in Geneva. It was there that a team of some of the brightest English minds of the day produced the Geneva Bible that used the “Jesus” Swiss spelling. The Geneva Bible was an enormously popular translation and was the version of the Bible quoted by Shakespeare and Milton. Eventually, it was brought over to the New World on the Mayflower. By 1769, most English translations of the Bible were using the “Jesus” spelling popularized by the Geneva Bible. Thus, the name used by English-speakers today is an English adaptation of a German transliteration of a Latin transliteration of a Greek transliteration of an originally Hebrew name. (By Gina Dimuro / ATI)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
SULU – The 21st Infantry Battalion has sought the support of the provincial government for its agricultural farming project in the town of Patikul in an effort to promote peace and development in Sulu. Lt. Col. Gerald Monfort, the battalion commander, has recently met with Vice Governor Toto Tan and presented his
project which will largely benefit the town folks. The project is planned to be implemented in the villages of Danag and Bungkaung in partnership with municipal agencies to empower villagers and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program - a human development measure of the national government
that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18. Tan has pledged to support the project, saying, he will always be supportive of any program that will benefit the great majority of the Tausug populace. (Mindanao Examiner)
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September 21-27, 2020
September 21-27, 2020
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Mayors rally behind Gwen vs. dolomite mining
C
EBU CITY – All of Cebu’s local chief executives have stood behind and supported the provincial government’s decision to stop dolomite mining in Alcoy town. In a resolution, the The Capitol said no public further prevent more damage League of Municipalities of consultation was done with the to the terrestrial environment the Philippines (LMP) Cebu municipal government of Alcoy in the Municipality of Alcoy,” Chapter said the “persistent and the provincial government claiming that the activities of dolomite extraction in Alcoy on the transport of the dolo- the companies that undertook and the consequential dam- mite and not even an environ- the extraction and transport of age it will cause the environ- mental impact study on its ef- dolomites to Manila are not covment of Cebu Island, violate fect in the town’s environment. ered with Environmental Imthe constitutionally protected Cebu Governor Gwendo- pact Study as mandated under right of the Cebuanos and re- lyn Garcia issued a cease and Proclamation No. 2146. “The Provincial Governsulting in irreparable and un- desist order against two mining quantifiable harm to them.” companies in the town of Alcoy ment of Cebu, and even the Even Alcoy Mayor Michael and effectively stopping the ex- Municipality of Alcoy, was not Angelo Sestoso expressed their traction of dolomites used in informed of the beautification support to the Capitol’s effort the controversial Manila Bay project nor was there any public consultation held before the to protect the “terrestrial envi- white sand project. ronment of the Island of Cebu Garcia signed Executive issuance of the two OTPs (ore and the Cebuanos’ constitu- Order No. 25 ordering Dolomite transport permits) to PMSC for tional right to a balanced and Mining Corporation (DMC) and the transport of said dolomite healthful ecology.” Philippine Mining Service Cor- rocks from Cebu to Manila,” she Dolomite boulders from poration (PMSC) to “immediate- said. The Mines and GeosciAlcoy have been shipped to ly cease and desist from further Manila as filling materials for extracting, processing, selling, ences Bureau (MGB) in Central the so-called “white sand proj- and transporting of dolomite, Visayas said it issued two OTPs ect” of the Department of Envi- associated mineral deposits, to the PMSC which allowed the company to transport 7 tons ronment and Natural Resourc- and other quarry resources”. es (DENR) in Manila Bay. The order, she said, was “to of dolomite for the Manila Bay
Tourism workers undergo Covid tests
Lapu-Lapu City conducts free swab testing for tourism workers in preparation for the reopening of the tourism industry. (Lapu-Lapu PIO) LAPU-LAPU CITY - The local government said it tested nearly 400 boatmen, boat operators and dive shop owners for coronavirus disease in preparation for the reopening of the tourism business here. The Lapu-Lapu City Health Office also tested jet ski and water sports operators. The swab testing was conducted at the Maribago Gymnasium here. Lapu-Lapu, located on Mactan Island, is home to some of Cebu’s famous
ARMM
beaches, high-end resorts and the international airport. Just recently, Mayor Junard Chan also graced the free swab testing of more than 300 boatmen and tourist workers on Olango Island east of Mactan. He said the tests are needed before island hopping activities can resume. Those who were tested are advised not to go out of their houses until the test results are out. Those who test negative will be given a flu vaccine and will be issued identification cards
to assure tourists that they are safe to work, Chan said, adding, those who will come out positive for the virus will be confined in the city’s isolation facilities. Chan also announced that once tourism establishments in the city resume operations, “snorkel for rent” will no longer be allowed. He said tourists will have to either bring their own or buy brand new snorkels, but this will also be made available by enterprising motor boat operators. (Carlo Lorenciana)
Eastern Mindanao
beautification project. Garcia, however, said issuance of such OTPS to the mining firm, PMSC, was without proper notice to the Alcoy municipality, noting that the absence of public consultation “clearly lacks transparency” on the part of MGB and the mining firms. She said it violated DENR Administrative Order 201021 which defines the role of a local government in ensuring compliance with “public notice, public consultation and public participation”. “The absence of Environmental Impact Study is a clear and blatant violation of DENR Administrative Order No. 2003-30, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1586, establishing the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System,” she added. The governor also invoked the constitutional principle of “balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony with nature” in issuing the order. She asked the Alcoy LGU, the police and the military to assist the provincial government in implementing the cease and desist order. She said the domestic sale of dolomite is not included in the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) between the DMC and the government. The LMP expressed its “vehement and continuing objection” on the selling of dolomite rocks and other minerals which are used as substitutes for sand and gravel, soil conditioner, and other purposes. It also recommended to the Capitol the review of the permits of DMC and PMSC and to check whether they have complied with the country’s laws and regulations that ensure the replenishment and restoration of the exploited area. Those who signed the resolution also wanted to ensure that the mining companies provide their “contribution to the just and equitable share of all local governments and Cebu province affected by their projects.” DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the crushed Cebu dolomite boulders overlaid on the beach area of Manila Bay were already crushed before being brought to there. The
Western Mindanao
Mayors in Cebu province have signed and passed a resolution expressing support to the Capitol’s effort to protect the “terrestrial environment of the Island of Cebu and the Cebuanos’ constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology” after dolomite from Cebu was shipped to Manila for the so-called “white sand project” of the DENR in Manila Bay. (Cebu Provincial Government Photo) project, he said, “will serve as a campaign for the people to tell them that it’s about time we take care of our environment and maintain cleanliness, because, as DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu believes, the current pandemic is connected to our being neglectful (of) our environment”. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo defended the Manila Bay project and said it has been on the pipeline and was already allotted with funds last year. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also said the white sand project will prevent soil erosion and flooding. “Itong ginawa po nila, ito po ay tinatawag na beach enhancement, so hindi lang po ito pagpapaganda. Itong beach enhancement pong ito ay para po maiwasan ang soil erosion at para makatulong din po sa flood control,” he said in defending the project. Lawmakers and environmental groups criticized the project since dolomite sand could pose public health risks and environmental problems. Manila Mayor Francisco
Cebu
Domagoso also sided with Panelo and Roque and defended the project. “Our stand is very clear, until particular sand is found pollutive harmful without proper studies, we will support the rehabilitation of Manila Bay,” Domagoso said. “To know na makapaminsala siyempre me mga syentipiko naman and I think DENR is in the right position to know better than me, sapagkat sila naman ang talagang tinalaga ng batas na mangalaga sa ating kapaligiran.” “Let us be very clear about this. I will not comment on whether or not gipa-gwapo ba nang Manila Bay. Dili ko mag-apil-apil ana. Ang akong komentaryo ug ang akong posisyon mao nga kaning duha ka firms (Dolomite Mining Corporation) labi na ning PMSC wala na ni mag-mining, ga-quarrying na ni kay namaligya na ni locally,” Garcia said. (Carlo Lorenciana. With reports from John Rey Saavedra, Marita Moaje, Azer Parrocha and Cebu Examiner.)
Manila