Pamilya ng ‘Maguindanao massacre’ victims nakipag-ayos sa Ampatuan? PAGE 2
Appeals to free 2 Moro filmmakers mounting
New physiotherapy clinic for amputees inaugurated in Davao City
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Poor man's condo sa Zambo City may mensahe
Army troops arrest war refugees on suspicion they were Moro rebels
Nagpanggap na university dean dinakip sa Zamboanga
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Pamilya ng ‘Maguindanao massacre’ victims nakipag-ayos sa Ampatuan?
Mindanao Examiner Photo by Mark Navales
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Southern Mindanao
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Pamilya ng ‘Maguindanao massacre’ victims nakipag-ayos sa Ampatuan? MANILA – Lumagda diumano sa isang extrajudicial settlement ang ilang kaanak ng mga biktima ng tinaguriang “Maguindanao Massacre” sa mga akusado sa kaso. Ito ang ibinunyag ng isang organisasyon ng mga mamamahayag – ang ALAM o Alab ng Mamamahayag matapos na mabatid ang naturang kasunduan na pinasok ng mga naulila sa angkan ng mga Ampatuan. Inamin naman ni ALAM chairman Jerry Yap na nabigla at nadismaya sila matapos na malamang lumagda diumano sa settlement agreement ang 14 na kaanak ng mga mamamahayag na pinaslang sa lalawigan ng Maguindanai. Sinabi ni Yap na napag-alamang pumir-ma sa kasunduan ang 14 na kaanak ng mga complainant noong Pebrero pa, ngunit hindi na-bigyan ng
kopya ang mga pamilya ng biktima dahil sa pinatay diumano ang kanilang negosyador. Hindi naman pinangalanan ni Yap ang naturang negosyador at kung sino-sino ang mga pumasok sa kasunduan at kung sila ba ay nabayaran ng mga Ampatuan. NAL OK O NALOK OKO Gayunman, nakarating sa ALAM na isang maliwanag na panloloko ang naganap dahil ang laman umano ng kasunduan ay isang isang waiver. At batay sa waiver, tinatanggihan umano ng mga kaanak ng biktima ang mga dati nilang claims sa naturang massacre. Naganap ang Maguindanao massacre noong November 28, 2009 na kung saan ay pi-naslang ang 58 katao, kabilang ang 32 journalist and media workers. Itinuturo din umano ng mga ito si Maguindanao Governor
Esmael Mangudadatu na siyang tunay na utak ng krimen at pagpatay sa kanyang asawa kung saan ay nadamay lamang ang iba pa. Pinaniniwalaang black propaganda na-man ang naturang akusasyon kontra kay Mangudadatu at mahi-rap paniwalaan ang bintang dahil kabilang sa pinaslang ang ang kanyang mga kapatid at tauhan rin. “Ano na naman bang pakana ang mga nangyayaring ito?” giit ni Yap. “Apat na taon na ang nakalilipas pero wala pa ring nangyayari sa kaso. Sa halip na luminaw, lalo pang lumalabo.” Dahil dito, bumugso ang galit ng mga mamamahayag sa bansa sa pangunguna ng National Press Club at ALAM. “Posibleng may naganap na pananakot kung kaya’t napilitang pumirma ang mga biktima,” dagdag pa ni Yap. “Alam nilang hiwalay ang usapin sa pagbibigay
Ang patriarch ng Ampatuan clan na si dating Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr habang nagpapahinga sa isang gazebo ng Eastern Mindanao Command sa Davao City sa ekslusibong larawan ng Mindanao Examiner na kuha noong Abril 16, 2010 bago ito nailipat sa piitan sa Maynila. kompensasyon sa mga biktima. Iba rin ang mga kaso ng multiple murder.” Maaari rin umanong pinanghihinaan na ng loob ang mga kaanak ng biktima dahil sa kawalan
ng suporta ng gobyerno. “Noong 2009, napakaraming nangako ng tulong at suporta sa mga biktima pero kahit isa, walang natupad,” dag-dag pa ni Yap. “Kahit si Gover-
nor (Mangundadatu), nangakong susu-portahan din ang mga biktima, pero ngayon, wala na rin kaming naririnig.” (May dagdag na ulat mula kay Nenet Villafania)
“The Filipinas were forced to work beyond regular working hours without regular salaries and only earning from the commission they receive on drinks offered to customers,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. He said upon representations of the Philippine Embassy’s Police Attaché Charlo Collado, the Royal Malaysian Police raided the bar and rescued the women. The arrested bar
owner is being investigated under Section 13 of the Malaysian Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act of 2007. Malaya said a Malaysian citizen, who was concerned on the plight of the women, emailed the Philippine Embassy to report the matter and even provided the phone number of one of the victims. He said they were able to secretly contact the women and informed the Malaysian police about their plight.
“We are grateful to the Malaysian police authorities for their immediate action on our request. Cooperation between police and other author ities, as well as vigilance among the general public, is essential in combating human trafficking,” Malaya said. He said the women are currently staying at a shelter home, pending the investigation of the case. After their testimonies are taken, the Philippine Embassy will work for their immediate repatriation.
Fate of abducted WMSU clerk unknown Malaysia rescues 10 Pinay in Sarawak bar ZAMBOANGA CITY – The fate of an abducted clerk of the Western Mindanao State University remains unknown, although his family claimed the captors are demanding P20 million ransom. Police earlier reported that Al Roxas works as a professor, but later corrected this, saying he works as a clerk in the university. Roxas was taken at gunpoint in his house in the coastal village of Campo Islam by armed men clad in army and marine uniform. The gunmen dragged Roxas to the coastline where two speedboats were wait-
ing, according to Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman. He said the boats sped towards Basilan, once of the five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. “The Zamboanga City Police Office is now conducting a thorough investigation on the incident,” Huesca said. Other reports said Rojas works as clerk in the university. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction and the motive is still unknown. (Mindanao Examiner)
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TAWI-TAWI - Malaysian authorities rescued 10 women from the Philippines who were forced to work at a karaoke bar in Sarawak, Filipino officials said, adding the club’s owner was also arrested. Officials said the women, who arrived in Malaysia on February 6, were victims of human trafficking. They were recruited to work as service crew in Baila Me Karaoke bar in the coastal town of Bintulu, but ended up working as guest relations officers.
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Davao Oriental's Mount Hamiguitan maybe included in World Heritage List DAVAO CITY - Mount Hamiguitan Mountain Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental is expected to be considered for inscription as a World Heritage natural site next year, according to a statement sent by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Mindanao Examiner. With its high number of unique, endemic and globally-threatened species of flora and fauna, the Philippines nominated the mountain range for inscription in the World Heritage List, it said. Studies have shown that the mountain range is home to some 1,380 species of flora and fauna with 341 endemic to the Philippines, including that of the critically-endangered Philippine eagle and the Philippine cockatoo as well as the Shorea polysperma, S. astylosa and the orchid Paphiopedilum adductum, among others. The DFA said after deliberations during the 37th Session of the World Heritage Committee being held in Phnom Penh in Cambodia, the Philippines was requested to formally submit information related to land claims and the expanded boundaries of the property. The Mount Hamiguitan nomination was therefore referred for discussion possibly in next year's World Heritage Committee meeting. It is expected that once the
Philippines submits all the requested additional information before February 2014, consideration for inscription will be undertaken in June 2014. The Committee, however, commended the Philippines for the Agreement that was signed between the province of Davao Oriental, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and key stakeholders such as the indigenous peoples groups, to protect and conserve the integrity of the site. The Philippine delegation to the World Heritage Committee meetings in Cambodia, led by Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Cristina G. Ortega, welcomed the support of many Committee members who recognized the remarkable biodiversity of the property. Also in Cambodia to lend expertise about the Philippine nomination was Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, UNESCO National Commissioners (UNA COM) for Culture Architect Michael Manalo and Eric Zerrudo and UNACOM experts for world heritage concerns Architects Augusto Villalon, Joycelyn Manghaya and Dr. Domingo Madulid. Next year, the Philippines fully expects that
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
Mount Hamiguitan will be added to the World Heritage List which already includes 967 properties, of cultural, natural or mixed sites, deemed to have outstanding universal value to humanity. If it is inscribed, Mount Hamiguitan will join the five other World Heritage sites in the Phili p p i n e s — Tu b b a t a h a Reefs Natural Park, Puerto Princesa Suterranean River National Park, Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras, Historic Town of Vigan and Baroque Churches of the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the 190 State Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention. The country is currently an observer in the World Heritage Committee which is tasked with the implementation of the Convention. The Committee is composed of 21 States Parties and meets once a year and decides whether a property is to be inscribed in the World Heritage List. It examines state of conservation reports on properties already inscribed in the List and it can also ask State Parties to take action when properties are not being properly managed.
The two sisters - Linda and Nadjoua Bansil - were filming in Sulu province when gunmen seized them inside a commuter jeep near Patikul town. (Photo courtesy of Medmessiah Bansil and El-Niño Tan)
Appeals to free 2 Moro filmmakers mounting ZAMBOANGA CITY – Various groups and filmmakers have appealed to kidnappers to free 2 young Filipina Muslim filmmakers who were seized in the southern Philippines. The two sisters Linda and Nadjoua Bansil - were filming in Sulu province when gun-
men seized them inside a commuter jeep near Patikul town. Police and military authorities said the duo is being held by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels. It was not immediately known what the duo was filming, but one of them had previously researched about coffee
farming in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region and is one of the biggest suppliers of coffee in the region. Both women have written and made many films about Muslims and their cultures and traditions in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
Probe begins in Sultan’s ambush PAGADIAN CITY – Police launched an investigation into the ambush that killed a sultan’s son in Pagadian City in the southern province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said. Officials said three gunmen were involved in the attack that killed Jamirel Bago, son of Sultan Abdulrajak Bago, 62, who works with the National Food Authority in Pagadian City. Chief Inspector Ariel
Huesca, a regional police spokesman, Bago and his son and their bodyguard, Reynaldo Gamoa, 60, were in a car when gunmen attacked them just outside the NFA office in the village of Tiguma. He said the assailants escaped on a motorcycle after the attack that left both The elder Bago and Gamoa critically wounded. “Victims sustained
multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of their bodies and were rushed to the Mendero Hospital in Pagadian City, however, Jamirel Bago was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician,” Huesca said. He said police investigators recovered 22 bullet casings fired from an M16 automatic rifle and .45caliber pistol in the area. No individual or group claimed responsibility for
the attack which was captured in a security camera. Huesca said the police are still investigating the motive of the attack or who was behind it. Bago’s family did not release any statement about the shooting. Gun attacks are a common occurrence in Pagadian City where hired killers are actively operating. Many of the cases remain unresolved. (Mindanao Examiner)
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ADB criticized in the Philippines MANILA - The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and the Freedom from Debt Coalition have demand that the Asian Development Bank stop messing up with the climate and energy agenda and programs in the Philippines. The two groups said ADB must cease pretending it is an institution working to abate the impacts of climate change and desist from any further interference in the energy sector of the country in the wake of the miserable failure of the power privatization scheme which it pushed the Philippine government to undertake. PMCJ and FDC are once again making this call in view of the on-going ADB –sponsored Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila. It viewed the gathering as a high profile public relations stunt to deodorize ADB’s intensive investment and promotion of dirty energy and privatization of energy and power sectors. AD ir ty E ner gy Legacy Dir irty Ener nergy It said from 1969 to 2010, ADB had used $8.7B in financing different fossil fuel projects, a big chunk of which was used in building coal-fired and gas-fired power plants. In June 2009, ADB also approved its Energy policy - its third major energy policy document that aimed to give ”secure and clean energy” for Asia. But this was mere rhetoric because just after this document was approved, a total of $1.5 billion worth of fossil fuel projects was also approved. This clearly showed the inconsistencies in its pronounced goals and obvious fi-
nancing of dirty and harmful energy. Mountains of available data belie the Bank’s claim, and its 2008 to 2012 “clean energy showcase” clearly exposes the sham. In 2008, at the start of its clean energy investments included 33% going to coal and large hydro projects. PMCJ and FDC said $100 million of the total $650 million that went to the construction of the 4000-MW Tata Mudra Ultra Mega Power Project (coal plant) in India and the refurbishment of the 600-MW coal plant in Masinloc in Zambales province in the Philippines were tagged as clean investments. It said in 2010, ADB’s socalled “clean energy” investments amounted to around $1.7 billion of which $233.2 million was devoted to construction of gas-fired plants in China, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. And in 2011, of the $2.1 billion total “clean energy” investments, some $465.1 million was allocated to the construction of 2 large hydroelectric dams in Laos, while $115 million went to the construction of 1600-MW and 750-MW gas-fired power plants in Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. In 2012, out of $2.35B of “clean energy” fund, about $400 million went to the construction of two waste-to-energy facilities in China and $107.29 million to a gas-fired plant in Thailand. In fact, in a 2012 study by the World Resource Institute, the ADB ranked 3rd amongst the top International Financial Institution funders (of coal-fired power
plants) in the world with a total funding of $3.9 billion for 21 coal plants across Asia. Its track record clearly speaks for itself, ADB as a promoter of dirty and harmful energy. ADB’s Power Privatization: A Big Failure, A Showcase of Corporate Greed The ADB is also responsible for engineering the current power crisis caused by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and which after 12 years since its enactment has resulted in the Philippines having the most expensive residential electricity rates and second highest industrial electricity rates in Asia. The EPIRA has not done anything to lower electricity rates; instead, it has removed the ownership, management and control of government as it allowed the privatization of the government’s power assets to a few big monopolies whose only intention in acquiring such properties is profit. And while EPIRA vests a lot of responsibilities on the Energy Regulatory Commission to protect consumers, the ERC has failed miserably in this task. ADB' so-called power sector reforms and privatization program are not about providing access to all, especially the poor nor are these about making power rates more affordable for the poor and the general public. The Wholesale Electricity Spot Market which is the heart of the privatization and restructuring program financed by the ADB, which is expected to provide lower rates has virtually become a mechanism of price manipula-
tion. It would seem that the problems we face today are results of the so-called solutions pushed by ADB in the past. ADB’ oal Trail in the P hilipADB’ss C Coal Philippines PMCJ and FDC also emphasized that the ADB has a clear hand in dirty and harmful energy projects in the Philippines. The coal-fired power plant in Naga in Cebu province in central Philippines which was strongly opposed by the people due to its hazardous effects on the health of the host community was heralded by the ADB as a “clean energy” project for its adherence to the use of circulating fluidized bed technology, the groups said. It was later found to have produced four times more coal ash than a conventional coal-fired power plant. Municipal health records show an increase in morbidity and mortality rates in the area. The project is also a clear depiction of ADB’s funding of dirty and harmful source of energy and its privatization policies at work. The acquisition and rehabilitation of the Masinloc coal-fired power plant received $490.400 in ADB assistance and this plant annually releases 3,766,177 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the environment. Add to that the $210,000 ADB loan for the privatization and refurbishment of the Calaca coal-fired power plant which annually releases 3,850,841 metric tons of CO2. With climate change a scientifically and globally accepted truth it is dismaying that the ADB continues to support and fund projects which will hasten climate
change and put the lives of people at risk. Both PMCJ and FDC maintained that these three projects are pursued not in the interest of providing accessible power and electricity to nearby communities, rather it is in compliance with the demand of industries located in economic zones within the areas, and with the powers that be in the power sector in pursuit of big bucks. “Now we ask how on earth an institution like the ADB - with its dirty track record of financing dirty and harmful energy projects and credit-pushing electricity reforms hostile to people and communities - can openly proclaim itself as an institution working and advocating for true clean, accessible and affordable energy for all?” it asked. Expose the Truth The continuing support of the ADB of projects which clearly fuel climate change hampers the adaptive capacities of communities and places the lives of people in serious danger, according to the statement sent by PMCJ and FDC to the Mindanao Examiner. “This trumps the Bank’s selfproclaimed image and stature. ADB is a two-faced Janus who continues to stand in the way of clean energy development in countries like the Philippines. PMCJ and FDC continue to maintain that while ADB aggravates the people’s misery and that of the entire nation, it allows corporate greed of a few big monopolies to reign in the energy and power industry,” the statement said.
New physiotherapy clinic for amputees inaugurated in Davao City DAVAO CITY – Patients of Davao Jubilee Foundation, including those with physical disabilities resulting from armed violence, are benefiting from a newlybuilt physiotherapy clinic which was supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The ICRC said the newly-inaugurated facility has individual treatment rooms and gait training area for patients who need to undergo post-prosthetic exercise or to recover from nervous system injuries. It can accommodate about 30 patients availing of physical therapy every month. “The new facility will help patients to confidently recover and function to their full potential, so they can regain their independence and dignity,” Catherine Fry, ICRC health delegate in Mindanao, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner. She said the physiotherapy clinic will strengthen the capability of the physical rehabilitation center. DJF is a non-profit organization that provides physical rehabilitation services to amputees and other people with disabilities. It mainly caters to people from Mindanao, a region affected by conflict and insecurity. The ICRC has been referring warwounded patients to the foundation since 2000. Last year, the ICRC sup-
ported the upgrade of DJF's workshop as it shifted to polypropylene technology, which produces prosthetic and orthotic devices more quickly and that are more durable and easier to maintain. In 2011, a gait training area where patients could practice using their new prostheses was built with ICRC assistance. In the first quarter of 2013, more than 160 patients received services in this center while 41 polypropylene prostheses have been delivered to the amputees. One of the technicians is studying in a recognized school of prosthesis in Cambodia with a full sponsorship from the ICRC. The ICRC is a neutral
and impartial humanitarian organization that assists and protects victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. This year, it continues its assistance to weapon-wounded persons by propositioning medical materials in 17 hospitals in conflict-prone areas of Mindanao. The organization also covers the medical costs of some vulnerable/indigent patients injured due to armed violence. The ICRC also works with jail authorities to improve the delivery of health care services within detention facilities and strengthen the links with referral civilian health facilities.
A boy goes with his father who makes a living out of driving a tricycle. Poverty and unemployment remain remain a big problem in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
5 soldiers wounded in rebel clash PAGADIAN CITY - Five gover nment soldiers were wounded in a clash with communist rebels in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said. Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said most of the wounded soldiers were hit by shrapnel from a landmine explosion set off by New People’s Army rebels in the village of Dagum in Lakewood town. He said troops, from the 53rd Infantry Battalion, clashed with about 50 rebels. “The fighting
lasted for two hours,” he said, adding a still undeter mined number of rebels were either killed or wounded in the clash. Lt. Col. Victor Tangawohn, commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, said the soldiers were patrolling the village following reports from civilians that rebels were frequently visiting houses in the area. There was no immediate statement from the NPA, but the rebel group has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a separate state in the countr y. (Mindanao Examiner)
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SP Dipolog mihangyo ni DILG chief Mar Roxas hatagan ug fire trucks DIPOLOG CITY - Usa ka resolusyon na usab ang gipangamahanan ni kanhi konsehal ug karon Vice Mayor-Elect Horacio Velasco diin gihangyo niini si Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas nga mohatag ug fire trucks, lakip na ang kompletong ekipo sa pagsumpo sa sunog aron adunay hinanaling magamit ang Bureau of Fire Protection. Mao kini ang nasayran sa buhatan sa Impormasyon atol sa pagpahigayon sa Regular Sesyon, sulod sa SP Session Hall, ning dakbayan. Matud pa ni Velasco nga mipasar siya ug laing resolusyon tungod kay dili sigurado nga nadawat ni kanhi DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo ang iyang nahaunang resolusyon nga
nagahangyo sa naulahi ug dugang firetrucks alang dinhi sa siyudad gumikan kay dauton na ang existing firetrucks nga gigamit karon sa mga personahi sa BFP. Dugang pa nga nakadawat usab siya ug feedback gikan sa kauluhang Manila diin matud pa adunay 30 ka mga bag-ong firetrucks ang miabot karon sa buhatan sa DILG aron iapod-apod kini sa mga nanginahanglang lokalidad. Tungod niini, giaprobahan gilayon sa hawanan sa konseho ang maong gipadas-ug nga resolusyon aron masiguradong mahatagan usab ang dakbayan ug mga bag-ong firetrucks ug ekipo sa panahon na unya nga iapod-apod na sa maong buhatan kining maong mga ekipo. Kahibaloan nga alayon
ang pag-upgrade sa mga kahimanan sa BFP sa programa ug vision ni Mayor Evelyn Uy. (ACA)
Farmer killed in Zam Sur PAGADIAN CITY – Police are investigating the killing of a farmer who was shot at the back of his house in the town of Labangan in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines, a police spokesman said. Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca said the 39-year old Solomon Onido was killed by a lone gunman at around 6 a.m. He said Onido at the back of their house to urinate when he was attacked. Huesca said the victim was shot twice at close range and died instantly. He said the gunman fled after the shooting. It was not immediately known if there was a witness to the killing. The motive of the murder is still unknown, but Huesca said police is investigating the killing. Onido’s family did not give any statement about the murder. (Mindanao Examiner)
Ang ‘condo’ ng matandang pulubi sa Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Poor man’s condo sa Zambo City may mensahe ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nagsilbing “eye opener” ang dalawang political posters na isinabit ng isang matandang pulubi sa kanyang barongbarong sa tabi lamang ng kalsada sa Zamboanga City na kung saan ay ipinapakita nito ang masaklap na katotohanan ng buhay ng bawat isang maralitang Pilipino. Mismong ang poster ni defeated senatorial candidates Jack Enrile at Teddy Casino ang nakasabit sa harapan ng
kanyang “condo” na kung saan ay makikita ng publiko ang mga nakasulat doon. “Murang Pagkain, Maraming Pagkain” ang slogan ni Enrile at “Karaniwang Tao, Panalo kay Casino” naman ang mababasa sa propaganda ni Casino. Ngunit malayo naman ito sa katotohanan para sa matanda na halos hindi na kumain sa buong mag-araw dahil sa sukdulang kahirapan sa buhay. Panglilimos sa kalsa-
da ang tanging ikinabubuhay ng matanda at masuwerte na lamang kung mabibigyan ng pagkain ng mga dumaraan sa tabing kalsada na ayon sa kanya ay bihirangbihara. Init sa araw at matinding lamig naman sa gabi ang nadarama ng matanda, ngunit namimiligro naman ito sa banta ng sakit sa tuwing may bagyo o ulan at sa kabila nito ay bulag naman ang lipunan sa kalagayan nito. (Mindanao Examiner)
‘Noynoying,’ not poor communities, blamed for recurring flood problems in Philippines MANILA – A Filipino youth group has criticized the Aquino administration for blaming Manila’s poor communities for recurring flood problems in the country’s metropolis areas. The government has blamed poor communities for the tons of garbage that clogged canals and drainage systems across the metropolitan cities. "Blaming the urban poor for Metro Manila's flood problems is disgustingly un-scientific and elitist. They are trying to create tension between the urban poor and other Metro Manila residents to cover up the fact that the Aquino administration does not have a real solution to lessen flooding in the region," Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan, said in a statement sent to the re-
gional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. "Will floods end once the 'estero-side' shanties are demolished? Of course not, floods are multi-factorial in nature. Other factors include the massive deforestation of 'upstream areas', irresponsible releases of water from dams, and the poor urban planning of the Metro," he said. Crisostomo explained that with upland areas near the National Capital Region having lost most of its forests, most rainfall is no longer retained in the ground. Instead, it swells rivers which head to the Metro Manila. Another factor is the policy by private dam operators in which they do not regularly release water, choosing to release only during emergency situations, such as at the height of heavy
rainfall and typhoons. "True to Aquino's reputation for Noynoying, he finds it more convenient to blame someone else for the flooding instead of actually doing the necessary changes to address the problem," he said. “Noynoying” is term used by political activists to refer to Aquino’s lack of action on many issues confronting the country. Crisostomo also criticized the offer of P18,000 for informal settlers to rent houses while awaiting relocation sites being promised by the government. "What will P18,000 do? We dare President Aquino and the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways to try finding somewhere to live in for only P1,500 per month," he said.
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EU vows to support RP health program for indigenous tribes DAVAO CITY – The European Union has vowed to support a government health program that would address the needs of indigenous tribes in the Philippines. The Philippine government has recently signed the Guidelines on the Delivery of Basic Health Services for Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples or the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 201301. The policy is expected to gain grounds with its inclusion in the planning of the local government units. The new guideline which will jointly be implemented by the Department of Health, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Department of Interior and Local Government and will put together government initiatives for the advancement of the indigenous peoples’ health and welfare. European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux has welcomed the signing of the joint memorandum. “This guideline is a proof of commitment of the government of the Philippines to improve social and individual wellbeing of all Filipinos especially the most vulnerable and marginalized population,” he said, adding “as part of the European Union’s support to the health sector as a whole, the EU has decided to support more specifically the needs of the indigenous peoples for this program.” He also stressed that the real challenge does not end in the signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-01. “Beyond the signing, we need to see real action and interaction at the local level to make health services available, accessible, and culture sensitive,” Ledoux said.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-01 is landmark for our Kalusugang Pangkalahatan implementation. “It brings real meaning to our humble intentions for the marginalized and underserved people. Further, this gives a guarantee that our indigenous people, who are generally missed out in the provision of services, will be provided health services through these special efforts.” “We will deploy health workers who are culture sensitive to the needs of the indigenous people and we will find innovative as well as alternative ways to deliver these services particularly in our GIDAs,” he said. GIDA refers to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas. Austere Panadero, Interior Undersecretary for Local Government, said the joint memorandum is a milestone because “from here on, we are going to see better policies and services for our brothers and sisters in the various IP communities of the country.” “We have been partnering with the indig-
enous people in so many things like the CADT and this new endeavour is equally important and very challenging. Believing that health service is very important and basic human right, this has to be made accessible to the Indigenous Peoples. DILG looks forward to this partnership and in the coming months, our office together with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples will be working very hard to immediately put this on the ground to make health services for our brothers and sisters become better than they are today,” he said. For her part, NCIP Chairperson Zenaida Brigida Pawid, said the signing of the Guidelines is very important for the indigenous people. “We vow in very grateful acceptance of the challenge that is hurdled to the NCIP, but we look very kindly at the very people who make sure that we are not a disappearing race and that is the DOH. We also look very kindly at DILG who have helped us understand that we are not different from the rests of the Filipinos,” Pawid said.
Boat capsized in Zambo, 1 killed ZAMBOANGA CITY – One fisherman died and five others rescued after their boat capsized in bad weather off a coastal village of Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said the body of Efren Macaso was recovered off Limpapa village and his companions, four them all minors, have been saved by fellow fishermen. Those who were rescued have been identified as Ismael Asmud, 53; Nikieoy Inglan, 13: Beejay Inglan, 14; Aris Jay Rodero, 11; and
Narjie Hampac, 13. Officials said the six were fishing when huge waves battered their small boat and causing it to capsize. The rescue of the five fishermen came a day after a group of sailboats also capsized due to huge waves off Santa Cruz Islands. One fisherman, Sonny Hallim, 41, is still missing and feared dead after rescuers failed to find him. Officials said 13 others had either been rescued or swam to safety. (Mindanao Examiner)
Photos released by the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center show the teenagers shortly after their release in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines. One of the teenagers, left, demonstrate how he was holding the bamboo pole with a white flag when soldiers arrested him. They were among 8 war refugees arrested by the military on suspicion they were rebels. (Mindanao Examiner)
Army troops arrest war refugees on suspicion they were Moro rebels COTABATO CITY – Philippine authorities have freed three teenagers who were arrested along with 5 men, mostly war refugees, on suspicion they were Moro rebels. The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center or MinHRAC reported that the teenagers had been released by the police in Sultan Kudarat province. They were seized by army soldiers on June 23 while trying to get their belongings in the village of Kulasi where rebels and soldiers had clashed. It said those arrested were villagers who fled the fighting, but the military said the group was carrying explosives, an accusation strongly denied by the victims. Zainudin Malang, MinHRAC executive director, said those arrested were innocent civilians displaced by the fighting in the village and that they were taken by soldiers while on their way to briefly go to their homes to salvage their belongings. “The men were asked by their families to take advantage of a lull in the shelling and get direly needed basic living supplies from their
homes which they earlier evacuated to escape the shelling. The men carried with them a white flag to indicate they are not combatants,” he said. Malang said the freed minors were reunited with their parents and guardians. He said they held off the announcement of the release of the minors hoping they can secure the freedom of the 5 others. “The release of the 5 did not push through and they were brought to the fiscal's office. The team accompanied them throughout the trip from the PNP Precinct in (President) Quirino (town) until they reached the Provincial Prosecutor's office in Isulan (town), Sultan Kudarat,” he said. He said the arrest of the villagers is a serious human rights violation. “We ask civil society groups to express their condemnation at yet again another violation of human rights in the Bangsamoro. Displacement is already a violation of one's rights. When displacement is followed by arbitrary arrest, then that is simply cruelty,” he said, adding, it was not the first time this has happened in the displaced communities of Mindanao and it
would not be the last unless and until the people learn to express their disgust. “As we have seen in the past, silence merely encourages impunity, only encourages perpetrators to continue violating our rights,” he said. Malang said authorities have filed criminal charges against the 5 men for illegal possession of explosives. “The irony is this - per interview by my colleagues, they had in their hands not bombs, rifles, or grenades. What they had were bamboo poles at the end of which is a piece of white cloth to indicate they are not combatants.” “They even approached the soldiers, under the mistaken impression that nothing would happen to them "sibilyan po kami." The soldiers then assured them "Ganoon ba? Walang problema. Halika kayo, sama kayo sa amin para maalagaan kayo." or similarly comforting words. They went with the soldiers and it was only when they reached the battalion camp (of the 33rd Infantry Battalion) that they learned to their shock that they were being detained,” Malang said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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July 1-7, 2013
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Appeals for release of abducted Moro filmmakers mount Statement of NUJP-Zamboanga on the Abduction of Indie Film-makers Nadjoua and Linda Bansil. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Zamboanga City Chapter joins if not leads the media community in the entire country in our COLLECTIVE APPEAL for the joint security forces in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police based in Sulu, the Provincial Government of Sulu with incumbent Gov. Abdusakur Tan and Gov.Elect Abdusakur Tan Jr., the Municipal Governments of Talipao and Patikul, civic community groups, and the Barangay Local Government Units of Lower and Upper Sinumaan in Talipao and its peripheral areas, and the regional government of the Bangsamoro under Gov. Mujiv Hataman to COORDINATE and MOVE for the safe and speedy release of sisters Lydia and Nadjoua Bansil. The two sisters are Indie film-makers, and have traveled to Sulu to take footages for an upcoming Indie film they are working on. They are known for having produced the first film on the Bajaus, or sea gypsies in southern Philippines. They were abducted on 22 June 2013 at the vicinity of Mount Sinumaan in Patikul, Sulu, an area which is also locally known as among
the lairs of the Abu Sayyaf since the late ‘70s. Nadjoua Bansil is among the three Muslims who is a nominee to the 2013 Gawad Urian Awards for the film, ‘Bohe, Sons of the Waves’ (‘bohe’ is a Tausug term that means water), which she directed and her sister Linda codirected. The sisters also got nominations for the same movie in the Cinemalaya Awards. She is a film studies alumna of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University and an employee of Amnesty International. The safety of media workers has long been on the line,and this violent act stains further the image of the Philippines as the mostdangerous country for media workers to operate on. We respectfully call on the Philippine national government NOT TO ALLOW this incident to be another demonstration of its helplessness in addressing the roots of the social conflict in Sulu. Instead let its immediate action towards the Bansil sisters’ freedom from their captors, young orphaned sons of the Abu Sayyaf Group members, be an initial manifestation of the GPH’s efforts to address the structural and cultural violence that have long been inflicted upon those in these conflict areas.
Nagpanggap na university dean dinakip sa Zamboanga ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nahaharap sa kasong estafa ang isang babae na nagpanggap na university dean dito matapos itong mahuli sa entrapment ng pulisya sa Zamboanga City. Kinilala ng pulisya ang suspek na si Huda Lacbao, 47, na nagpakilala sa kanyang mga biktima bilang si Dean Carla Ochotorena, ng Western Mindanao State University. Modus operandi ni
Lacbao ay manghikayat ng mga gustong mag-enroll sa naturang university kapalit ng salapi. Ngunit nagduda umano ang mga biktima nito kung kaya’t nagsuplong sa pulisya. Isang entrapment ang isinagawa at nadakip si Lacbao ng mga parak. Nabawi rin sa kanya ang mga marked money. Ayon sa pulisya ay naka-kulekta na ng halos P40,000 ang suspek sa mga naloko nito. Sinampahan na ng
kaso si Lacbao na humingi ng tulong sa Public Attorney’s Office upang maipagtanggol ang sarili sa akusasyon. Kasalukuyang nakapiit si Lacbao sa Zamboanga City Police Office. Hindi naman agad nakunan ng pahayag ang tunay na Carla Ochotorena, ngunit isang opisyal naman sa pulisya ang asawa nitong si Senior Supt. Ramon Ochotorena. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Three workers - who wear no safety harness - dangerously take down a huge billboard in anticipation of a brewing storm in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. It was unknown whether the men are working for a private contractor or not. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
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July 1-7, 2013
Unabated killings grip Zamboanga
T
ated b y hir ed he unabated mur murders perpetrated by hired ders perpetr killers in Z amboanga City in souther nP hilZamboanga southern Philippines hav e br ought fears to many tr aders have brought traders esidents and author ities hav e failed misand rresidents authorities have er ably to stop the killings erably killings.. Just recently, a scion of a Zamboanga students and well-known Chinese fam- filmmakers - Muslim sisters ily, Justine Raphael Wee, Linda and Nadjoua Bansil was fatally shot in who were seized while filming in Sulu province on Zamboanga City. His murder triggered June 22. It also called for the a rally by some 200 Ateneo safe release of Professor Al de Zamboanga students Rojas, of the Western and attended by faculty Mindanao State University, members and Catolic who was abducted on June priests, who demanded 22 in Zamboanga City by justice for the slain alum- armed men in military uninus and other victims of form. “The Ateneo de gun attacks and senseless Zamboanga University killings here. Father Salvador Wee mourns and sends our conled the prayers while stu- dolences to the family of dents held black stream- Justine Raphael Wee, 22 ers with writings “Justice years old, one of our very for the senseless killing of promising graduate students. We also pray and beg Justine Raphael Wee.” Others carried white the authorities for the impapers with writings call- mediate solution to this ing for a stop of the un- senseless killings and jusabated killings and gun tice for Justine,” reads one attacks in Zamboanga. notice circulated on the somedia network “Let's pray for justice for cial Justin and other victims of Facebook. Wee, scion of a wealthy senseless killing here in Chinese family, was shot our City." The rally also called June 22 in the head by a for the safe release of two lone gunman wearing a former Ateneo de motorcycle helmet at a
roadside eatery along Veterans Avenue. No individual has claimed responsibility for the killing. Wee's Facebook account was flooded with sympathy messages from friends. "A very dear friend
was shot! SOMETHING MUST BE DONE! He was such an awesome kid with so much ambition and full of dreams! Justice for Justine Raphael Wee!," one of Wee's friend wrote in a post on his Facebook wall. Others cannot believe
the bad news that befell Wee, whose mother is now in the United States. Some of his siblings are in Manila and that Wee was living alone in Zamboanga City. Gun attacks are not uncommon in Zamboanga City where hired killers are
actively operating. Most of the murder cases in Zamboanga remain unresolved and police and local government officials usually blame the killings to either family feud or grudge. (Mindanao Examiner)
Murder of Ateneo alumnus Justine Raphael Wee and the senseless killings in Zamboanga City spark a rally calling for justice for all murder victims. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
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Zamboanga Peninsula