Sulu now has ‘Malasakit Center,’ Tausugs praise Duterte, Go SULU – Governor Sakur Tan expressed his deep appreciation and thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go for various pro-poor programs and projects in the southern province of Sulu. One of the projects was the Malasakit Center which was recently opened in the capital town of Jolo. It is the first
Founded 2006
in the province and the 5th in the Muslim autonomous region. The center is a program of the Duterte administration aimed at serving as a one-stop shop to hasten the delivery of medical services and give poor patients access to free medicines. It covers various patient services and expenses, including laboratories, medicines
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and surgeries. Tan led government officials in the launching of the center along with Vice Governor Toto Tan, Dr. Fahra Omar, head of the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital; and Assistant Secretary Jade Jamolod, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and municipal officials. Continue on page 7
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Duterte allies push for Constitutional amendments P
OLITICAL ALLIES of President Rodrigo Duterte are pushing - in the middle of the pandemic - for amendments in the Constitution ahead of national elections next year. The move was strong- because the country is still who are pushing in tinly opposed by various struggling to battle the kering the Constitution groups and other lawmak- spread of Covid-19. It also may have political Continue on page 2 ers, saying it was ill-timed raises suspicion that those
Mining in Tawi-Tawi stopped! DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a stop to all mining operations in the southern province of Tawi-Tawi and expressed concern over the devastation there. Duterte ordered authorities to step up rehabilitation by planting trees in areas devastated by nickel mining, especially in Tumbagaan Island in Languyan town. Mining money was also being used to Continue on page 7
A satellite (Google Maps) photo of Tumbagaan Island in Tawi-Tawi’s Languyan town shows how it is devastated by nickel mining activities. The island was once covered in thick vegetation. (Mindanao Examiner)
DOH, PRC eye cheaper Covid saliva test Police probe mayor’s assassination President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
Mayor Christopher Cuan
ARMM
NORTH COTABATO – Who did it? Who was the mastermind? These questions always popped up to ordinary citizens asking why Mayor Christopher Cuan, of North Cotabato’s Libungan town was murdered. Cuan’s driver, Edwin
Ihao, was also killed when four gunmen attacked the mayor in broad daylight and without fear. The twin killings occurred recently while the mayor was inspecting his cockpit arena. The attackers escaped Continue on page 2
Eastern Mindanao
TWO STUDIES in the Philippines have confirmed detection of Covid-19 by using saliva as an alternative specimen, the Department of Health (DOH) said. It said the studies carried out by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have shown “growing” evidence that the saliva can Continue on page 3
Western Mindanao
Senator Richard Gordon, who is also the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, leads the pilot saliva testing and says it is not only cheaper, but non-invasive as well. (From Senator Dick Gordon’s Facebook page)
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Duterte allies push for Constitutional amendments
Continued from page 1 agenda. Senator Franklin Drilon and members of the so-called Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives claimed that pushing reforms was bad timing in times of a pandemic and that it was only a gateway for term extension. Rep. Carlos Zarate, of the Makabayan bloc, said the revival of debates in both chambers of Congress was being used as a smokescreen to keep the Duterte administration in power in preparation for the national elections. But Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque was quick to douse speculations, saying that Duterte does not interfere in Congress, citing the separation of powers of the Executive branch from the Legislative branch. “Hindi naman kinakailangang bigyan ng basbas ng Presidente iyan – iyan naman po’y katungkulan talaga ng Kongreso. Tanging Kongreso lang po ang pupuwedeng magsimula ng proseso para sa charter change, hindi po ang Presidente. So niri-respeto po natin iyan at sa ngayon po ang number one priority natin ang Covid-19 lalung-lalo na ang usaping vaccine.” “So wala pong ibang top priority ang Pangulo kung hindi matapos po itong pandemyang ito sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng bakuna sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. The Department of the Interior and Local Government also posted on its website a news release from the Constitutional Reform (CORE) Movement which parried criticisms on the new talks on Constitutional amendments, saying those who opposed it have only misled the public on
the nature of the amendments being sought. “It’s not Cha-cha. It’s Constitutional Reform or CORE, which means amending only certain provisions in the 1987 Constitution,” said lawyer Vicente Homer Revil, CORE national chairperson. “Amendments to cure the ambiguity in the current system and reforms designed to make the country stronger, attuned to the needs of the current times, most especially in the new normal set-up,” Revil said. Revil brushed aside the opposition posed by Drilon and the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives to the resumption of congressional hearings on proposals to amend restrictive economic provisions in the Charter and to convene both Houses of Congress as a constituent assembly. But Revil claimed that Drilon and his allies were just trying to muddle the issue of constitutional reforms by invoking the urgency to solve the pandemic which is the actual priority of the Duterte administration. He said the opposition merely wanted to deny the people the benefits of a more vibrant investment climate should amendments took into place. “There is no right timing to remove ‘restrictive’ economic provisions in the Constitution than now so that Filipinos could benefit from a more responsive and attuned time,” Revil said. Revil further said that amendments to the economic provisions would bring about much-needed foreign direct investments and employment opportunities for the people. He said the restrictions on for-
eign investment constraint the growth of the economy, which has suffered in decades due to low capitalization, high unemployment rate, poor infrastructures, and non-inclusive development. “As such, protectionist provisions that limit foreign ownership do not promote healthy competition in a dynamic global economy,” Revil pointed out. He added that the CORE Movement is only pushing for “strategic amendments” that are critical in improving competitions with other countries, empowering the regions, strengthening the powers of local governments, among others. “We all seek reforms in our society and yet we refuse to put them into our Constitution. We continuously freeze action on the changes we need to do in our society because we fear that the restrictions will affect us first before anyone else,” Revil said. Revolutionary Government Another group, the “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee” or MRRD-NECC is also campaigning for the establishment of a Duterte-led “revolutionary government.” The group said having a revolutionary government will help fast-track the establishment of federalism before Duterte’s term ends in 2022. The group said a revolutionary government is the way to go to heal “all the ills of our society” without amending the 1987 Constitution. In November 2017, Duterte threatened to declare a revolutionary government if his political opponents tried to oust him from power. He also cited the precedent set by
Police probe mayor’s assassination Continued from page 1 in a car after the shooting, leaving the bloodied body of the politician slumped near his vehicle. The motives and identities of the gunmen were unknown, but North Cotabato Nancy Catamco condemned Cuan’s murder in the village of Cabayuran and called on the police to run after the killers. “The killing today of Mayor Christopher “Amping” Cuan of the municipal-
ity of Libungan in the province of Cotabato must be condemned in the highest degree,” Catamco said. “I have instructed the Cotabato Provincial Police Director to immediately conduct thorough investigation in this violent incident in order to achieve full justice for Mayor Christopher Cuan and the other victim of this unconscionable and heinous crime,” she added. In January last year, Cuan escaped an assassina-
tion attempt after a gunman barged inside his office and shot him, but missed. Police also raided his house in October 2016 in search for illegal drugs, but found nothing. Cuan denied all allegations against him. President Rodrigo Duterte tagged Cuan as an alleged drug dealer and included him in the so-called “narco list.” Several politicians in the list had been assassinated. (Mindanao Examiner)
Corazon Aquino, who established a revolutionary government soon after leading an uprising in 1986 that ended the Marcos dictatorship. Aquino sacked all elected officials, abolished Congress and tore up the 1973 Constitution in favor of a provisional charter. She handpicked a commission to write a new Constitution, which was ratified by plebiscite in 1987. Federalism Duterte repeatedly vowed to push for a change
in form of government – from presidential system to federal – and even threatened to make Mindanao a federal region if lawmakers fail to amend the Constitution to pave the way for new federal government. He said the current unitary system has spelled so much trouble. When he was mayor in Davao City in southern Philippines, Duterte had been strongly campaigning for the establishment of a federal form of government and in many of his public appear-
ances and speeches he said federalism is the next best thing for the country. In 2019, Duterte warned his critics that he would declare a revolutionary government and arrest his detractors if he is pushed against the wall. “I have enough problems with criminality, drugs, rebellion and all, but if you push me to the extreme, I will declare the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and I will arrest all of you,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Davao Mayor Inday Sara facilitates donation of RT-PCR machines to Zamboanga City Al sent Yesterday at 9:26 PM
Mayor Beng Climaco and Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite pose with the team of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Diterte at City Hall. (Bong Serondo) DAVAO CITY Mayor Sara Duterte facilitated the donation of two RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test machines, including 25,000 sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the local government of Zamboanga City. Al sent Yesterday at 9:25 PM Mayor Beng Climaco thanked Duterte for facilitating the donations which were received in Zamboanga through the City Health Office and the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC). “Muchisimas gracias Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte for facilitating the donation of two RT-PCR test machines and 25k sets of disposable specimen sampling kits to the Zamboanga City government through the City Health Office and the Zamboanga City Medical Center,” she said. Climaco together with City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite and ZCMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Al Kunting received the donations from Duterte’s representatives led by police liaison Staff Sergeant Aran Galacio, Personnel Development Officer Jeffrey Ramirez and his
assistant Jean Mark Gison. The mayor conveyed her profound gratitude to Duterte stressing the donations will greatly support Zamboanga’s efforts in fighting the spread of Covid-19. “It will help us make a meaningful difference as we continue to battle Covid-19,” she told Duterte’s team. Climaco said as part of the local government’s long term plan, Zamboanga through the City Health Office, is constructing its own molecular testing laboratory in an effort to ramp up the Covid-19 test, treat and trace initiative. “We continue to work hand-in-hand with the national government, the National and Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, and our private and non-government organization partners to maximize anti-Covid efforts and ensure the safety and protection of our constituents,” she said. “During this turbulent and uncertain time, we have to intensify collaboration and partnership with all sectors and agencies to be able to survive and beat Covid-19,” the mayor added.
In January last year, the Philippine Embassy in Washington headed by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez branded both Climaco and Duterte as “remarkable women” who were invited by the US government for a series of lectures and meetings for the project “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia” under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the US Department of State. Climaco was accompanied by her Chief Executive Assistant Michael Angelo Saavedra, who also thanked the US government for the opportunity to be part of the important event. Netizens, who followed the Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, praised Climaco’s hard work and her dedication as chief executive of Zamboanga. “Congrats to our Mayor, Madam Beng Climaco,” said JVM RD. “The two best women Mayors in the Philippines keep up the good works,” Toledo Curay Arlisa said. Jose Balenton also commented that: “Our Mayor of Zamboanga is the best.” And Jocelyn Sczepanski said she is proud of Climaco. “Good job we are proud to have you mayor Beng.” Even Saavedra was mentioned by Masocorro Reyes: “Congrats Madam Beng and Michael.” And Maria Aizon said Climaco is a world-class mayor. “Our world class mayor,” she wrote on the social media page of the Philippine Embassy. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)
January 18-24, 2021
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DOH, PRC eye cheaper Covid saliva test Continued from page 1 be used as a specimen for testing. “Recently there has been growing evidence on the potential of saliva as an alternative specimen for Covid-19 testing and the DOH recognizes the potential use of saliva as a specimen for SARS-CoV-2 detection through RTPCR,” DOH said. So far, the Covid-19 testing is conducted after extracting Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal swabs. According to the DOH, both the studies being conducted separately by the RITM and the PRC are still in their initial stages, adding that upon completion (of both studies) results will be assessed by the Covid-19 Laboratory Expert Panel (CLEP) and the Health Technology Assessment Council. Their recommendations will help DOH develop an evidence-based policy on the use of saliva as an alternative specimen for coronavirus testing. The DOH noted that it also recognizes specimen pooling strategies as a prospect for greater
Covid-19 testing efficiency by reducing turnaround time and saving on supplies. It has issued a memorandum to provide interim guidelines on the conduct of Covid-19 pooled testing based on the pooling protocols set by the Philippine Society of Pathologists, Inc., RITM, and DOH. “Rest assured, the Department of Health will continue to support the conduct of studies and innovations that will help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in our country,” it added. President Rodrigo Duterte also expressed readiness on the use of the saliva-based test for Covid-19 which recently guaranteed a 99% detection rate in the US. Duterte said the saliva-based test would be a good alternative to the more expensive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. “There’s a new type of test, Gordon (Philippine Red Cross Chairman, Senator Richard Gordon) said swabbing saliva is 99% effective. Then let’s use that
instead,” he said. Gordon, who underwent pilot saliva testing, said it is not only cheaper, but non-invasive as well. “Kapag ito ay pumasa, mas maraming kababayan na natin ang magkakaroon ng kakayahan na makapagpatest upang sila ay ligtas na makabalik sa trabaho. Kailangan lang nila ilagay ang kanilang laway sa sterile bottle at isumite ang sample sa Red Cross laboratory. Sa ating pilot testing, tayo ay nagsagawa ng parallel swab test upang makita masiguro ang accuracy ng saliva test. Ito ay game-changer sa ating laban kontra Covid-19. Mas madalas na makakapagtest ang ating mga kababayan dahil mas abot-kaya na ang saliva test,” he said. “We have to learn to adjust to a changing world, where there are pandemics. With the saliva test, we are hoping that there will be more testing done for our people. We hope and pray that this will ease the burden of the Filipinos,” he added. (Rhany Chairunissa Rufinaldo, Anadolu Agency and Zamboanga Post.)
Zambo woman doubts own Covid infection
Health workers in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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A WOMAN who was previously tested positive for Covid-19 at the Zamboanga City Medical Center now doubts whether she was really infected with the deadly respiratory disease or not. Her neighborhood was placed under strict lockdown for at least 2 weeks after she was told that she contracted Covid-19 and had to stay in hospital until she recovered from the viral infection. “I don’t know whether I really had Covid or not, but I am sure I was not sick from it except for my diabetes and kidney problem,” she
told the Zamboanga Post newspaper. The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that during her stay at the hospital she was only given insulin shots and Calcium tablets. “That’s it, those were me regular medicines during my stay. I was not on a ventilator and not given anti-Covid medicines. I just slept, ate, slept, but really I don’t like the food they gave me, especially the fish. It was an unforgettable experience, really,” she said, recalling how she struggled to stay strong both mentally and
physically after being told she had Covid-19. The woman, who lives with her husband and about a dozen adult children and grandchildren in a small house in a village near the hospital, said she feels stronger now, although she continues controlling her blood sugar count. She wished that the national government would be able to purchase Covid vaccines and avail them for free, saying she and her husband have no means of livelihood and rely solely on what their neighbors or her children give them. “Vaccine, that is all I wish for now,” the woman said. The Zamboanga City Medical Center has broken ground for the construction of two buildings that will house a molecular laboratory and a Covid isolation facility. The buildings, with a capacity of 53 beds, will be constructed on a 1,800 square meter property near the hospital along Veterans Avenue. It will complement the existing facility at the hospital as part of measures in confronting the pandemic. (Zamboanga Post)
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Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Task Force Covid-19, and Jolo Municipal Government)
January 18-24, 2021
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Sulu Pictures in the News
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Across : 1. Not all 5. Milky gem 9. Biolgy, e.g. (abbr.) 12. Singe 13. Talk wildly 14. Zodiac lion 15. Unusual 16. Valentine phrase (3 wds.) 18. Branch 19. Less fatty 20. Poor farmer 22. Slight error 26. Hear 28. Inexperienced 29. Author ___ Christie 31. Per person 34. Went first 35. Bemoan 37. Future flowers 40. Most unkind 43. Artists’ stands 45. Originally named 46. Superman’s gal (2 wds.) 49. States further 50. Yoko ___ 51. Finales 52. Red vegetable 53. Prohibit 54. Untidy condition 55. Slips up
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Sulu now has ‘Malasakit Center,’ Tausugs praise Duterte, Go Continued from page 1 The governor also graced the payout program of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Affairs (OASMA) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the relief operations for Sulu market beneficiaries. “In behalf of the Tausugs, I thanked President Duterte and Senator Bong Go for giving us this Malasakit Center and many other projects that will benefit the poor and the marginalized sector of our community. Truly, our President Duterte and Senator Bong Go have nothing but love and care for the poor, and the welfare of every Filipinos. Magsukol President Duterte and Senator Bong Go,” he said.
He also thanked Jamolod and all those who contributed to the realization of the Malasakit Center in Sulu. Go said he recognized the efforts and sacrifices of health workers and frontline and medical professionals - doctors, nurses, and other members of the hospital staff - and reminded them to serve their patients with excellence, regardless of their ability to pay for the needed care. The Malasakit Center, he explained, is a product of his shared vision with Duterte to fight for the welfare of the sick by providing them access to medical assistance whenever they need it. He also stressed his firm commitment to ensure Filipinos’ right to access health care, espe-
cially during the time of the coronavirus pandemic. To help ensure that every Filipino can access affordable and quality health care, Go authored and sponsored the passage of the measure when he was elected senator that became Republic Act (RA) 11463, also known as the “Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.” Signed last December 3, 2019, the law brings together the government agencies from which indigent patients may seek medical assistance, namely, the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, PhilHealth and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (Mindanao Examiner and Manila Times)
Provincial buses resume operations in Zambo Peninsula
Rural Transit buses at Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal (Mindanao Examiner Photo) PROVINCIAL BUSES have resumed its trips, but only on point-to-point routes within the Zamboanga Peninsula. The routes of pointto-point buses are Zamboanga City, Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province, and Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte province, including the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Passengers must have complete entry requirements of their destination to be able to purchase tickets, at least two days before the scheduled trip. Those without the necessary requirements will not be able to purchase tickets. Walk-in passengers are not allowed to purchase ticket on the same day of travel unless for emergency purposes. Under the guidelines of the point-to-point service program, buses cannot drop-off or pick up passengers in barangays or municipalities in between inter-provincial routes. A manifesto system will be adapted to ensure passengers boarding on point of origin are the
same passengers arriving in point of destination. Passengers bound for Zamboanga City must present medical clearance certificate, travel authority, coordination pass, proof of residency, and RT-PCR test negative within 5 days from the day of swab. All passengers are also mandated to follow health protocols, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Last month, Zamboanga Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer Rafael Derick Garcellano Evangelista III met with Rural Transit Mindanao officials headed by Pagadian Branch Manager German Avenido and discussed the preparation for the resumption of travel between provinces, and other matters, including health protocols among passengers. The meeting centered on the preparatory activities, coordination, and health protocols. Also in the meeting were other Rural Transit Mindanao officials Roland Aballe, Tata Abasolo,
and Efren dela Cruz, and Ronie delos Reyes and Richard Lim who were with Evangelista. Rural Transit Mindanao said: “We make sure you’re safe on your trip following the New Normal. So we are asking all passengers to follow the safety protocols that we have implemented so that we can avoid Covid-19.” The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed provincial buses in point-to-point routes to resume operations following the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 88. The LTFRB also reminded passengers, drivers, ticket conductors, and operators to always wear face mask and face shield, refrain from talking, eating in public transport, maintain proper ventilation of the vehicle, regular disinfection, bar anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, and to always follow the “one-seat-apart” physical distancing rule. (Zamboanga Post)
Gov. Sakur Tan leads government officials in the launching of the Malasakit Center along with Dr. Fahra Omar, head of the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital; and Assistant Secretary Jade Jamolod, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor)
Police disarm Zambo anti-narcotics chief ZAMBOANGA CITY - The regional police disarmed the anti-narcotics chief of the local police force after he was tested positive for alleged illegal drug use, officials said. Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Ylagan, the regional police director, said Major Jivertson Pelovello, who heads the Zamboanga City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, is now with Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section and is undergoing pre-charge investigation and summary dismissal proceedings. “Pelovello has been disarmed of his issued firearms and slapped with corresponding administrative charges,” Ylagan
said in his report to National Police Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas who ordered the regional police to immediately take Pelovello in restrictive custody. Sinas, who was previously assigned at the regional police headquarters here, vowed to spare no one in the on-going anti-narcotics program to purge the police ranks of drug users. “Anybody who will test positive for drug use does not deserve to stay in the service any minute longer,” he said. Pelovello was among 60 members of the Zamboanga City Police Office, including 12 of his personnel who were tested for illegal drug use by the
Regional Crime Laboratory Office on December 18. He was initially screened, but the subsequent confirmatory test on January 6 yielded positive result for drug use. There was no immediate statement from Pelovello. In July last year, a video clip which went viral on Facebook allegedly showed Pelovello pinning to the ground a hapless civilian following a traffic altercation in Pasonanca village. In the clip, Pelovello was seen stepping on the man’s chest and later dragged him on the pavement as he called for police back up. (Zamboanga Post)
Mining in Tawi-Tawi stopped! Continued from page 1 bankroll political campaigns in the Muslim autonomous region. Surprisingly, Duterte did not order an investigation into the mining in Tawi-Tawi or who were or groups behind environmental destruction, and why it was not acted upon by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. As early as 2016, the Regional Legislative Assembly of the previous Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had asked the DENR to issue an order stopping all destructive mining activities in the Muslim autonomous region. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte was very much concerned about reports that Tumbagan Island has been completely devastated by mining activities. “The island has, at this point, been mined out. And while rehabilitation efforts are under way, the president is issuing a directive to stop any and all
mining,” he said. E n v i ro n m e n t a l i s t s said nickel mining activities have destroyed the environment on Tumbagaan Island. Tawi-Tawi is one of 5 provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In September 2019, the BARMM said it suspended all nickel mining operations in Tawi-Tawi to pave way for a review of the region’s mining policy. The Philippines is the world’s second-largest nickel ore producer in 2018 after Indonesia, with both Southeast Asian nations as the top two suppliers to biggest buyer China. And latest available industry data showed that 2.34 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) of highgrade ore, or nearly 90% of 2.66-million wmt of the high-grade material the Philippines exported to China in the first half of 2018 came from Tawi-Tawi, one of 5 provinces under the BARMM. Tawi-Tawi accounted for 27% of overall nickel ore exports, totalling 15.8-million wmt, to Chi-
na during the six-month period. In 2016, ARMM Assemblyman Hanibal Tulawie, then chairman of the Committee on Environment and Ecology, said that a resolution was passed asking the DENR to immediately issue a “cease-and-desist” order on all mining companies operating in Tawi-Tawi and also in Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces after he received numerous complaints from the public and environmentalists who are opposed to destructive mining methods. Photos of nickel mining operations in Tumbagaan Island posted on Facebook also showed huge trucks and barges hauling off red soil, which was allegedly being shipped to China where it is processed. There were previous reports indicating that Tumbagaan Island was totally devastated because of mining explorations and the nickel mining activities there and also in Panglima Sugala town. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Basilica cancels masses
C
EBU CITY – Augustinian friars have cancelled all public masses at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño as a measure to prevent the spread of the deadly Covid-19 following a surge of devotees in the church.
An unidentified devotee prays outside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City to pay homage to the Holy Infant Jesus. Augustinian friars overseeing the Basilica announce the cancellation of public novena masses until the Fiesta Señor Day. (Photo courtesy of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño)
Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr., said devotees and pilgrims can only participate in novena masses and celebrations for the Fiesta Señor 2021 through live streaming via Facebook, YouTube, and other broadcast partners. “For four days, we have observed that the surge of people coming to venerate and celebrate the novena Masses has brought us into a conclusion that a greater action should be done to prevent us from (getting) the virus,” Nohara said. In a separate advisory, he said despite the cancellation of Holy Masses, the Basilica will still be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the pilgrims and devotees who want to visit the image of the Santo Niño. “Pilgrims and devotees
are strictly advised to observe and follow the minimum health protocols implemented in the Basilica,” the advisory reads. The devotees and pilgrims are permitted inside the Basilica only for “quick veneration of the image of Santo Niño and offering of personal prayers.” The decision to cancel all public Masses at the Basilica came after the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas reported dozens of new cases here. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) here said medical experts continue to clarify that the sudden increase of cases is attributable to the social gatherings celebrated during the Christmas season. “EOC reminds the public that the virus follows
the human behavioral pattern, and it is only human behavior that curbs its spread,” it said. The EOC recommended that those who have participated in social gatherings, especially during the Santo Niño pilgrimage to self-isolate for 14 days, especially if they start to experience the symptoms of the coronavirus. Vice Mayor Michael Rama, who oversees the cultural aspect of the Sinulog 2021, said the Sinulog Foundation also cancelled the inter-village dance ritual competition to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the production of cultural events to be aired via a virtual platform. (John Rey Saavedra)
Cebu Pacific sees rising Cebu Chamber nixes new demand of cargo service Covid lockdown
CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has opposed plans to impose strict quarantine measures again following the emergence of the new variant of Covid-19. CCCI president Felix Taguiam said Cebu’s economy is still recovering, and stringent lockdown measures will create more economic pains. Taguiam pointed out that the economic health of Cebu cannot withstand another round of strict quarantine restrictions similar to what was experienced in 2020. President Rodrigo
Duterte said another lockdown was possible amid the threat of the new Covid-19 strain that has spread in other countries. “To survive and take a path to the new normal, Cebu’s business owners and leaders have had to rethink or redefine their business models and invest in new tools and digital technology,” Tagiuam said, adding these include localizing supply chains and adopting workplace systems such as online marketplace and workforce mobilization practices such as work from home arrangements. Taguiam emphasized
that lowering the cost of doing business remains the main advocacy of the business sector here amid the economic challenges. “The CCCI would appeal to all stakeholders in Cebu to join us in our advocacy to facilitate the ease and lower the cost of doing business in this island,” he said. Taguiam expressed the chamber’s commitment to overcome all hurdles faced by the business community to achieve the shared goal of not only the businessmen here but of all the Cebuano people, towards preserving the vibrancy and edge of Cebu. (Carlo Lorenciana)
CEBU CITY – Budget air carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) said it recently took delivery of its second ATR (Avions de Transport Regional) cargo freighter to boost its cargo operations to and from domestic airports with short runways. “We saw this pandemic as an opportunity to recalibrate our business and optimize operations to address the needs of our customers,” said Alex Reyes, Cebgo President and Chief Executive Officer. Reyes underscored the rising demand for cargo in the country. “There is a growing demand for cargo to and from the Philippines and our fleet of dedicated
cargo aircraft allows us to address this while doing so in a more efficient manner,” he said. The ATR 72-500 aircraft with tail number RP-C7253 was converted at the Sabena Technics DNR S.A.S. facility in Dinard, France. CEB’s first freighter that arrived in August 2019 was also converted at the same facility. Both ATR freighters, operated by CEB subsidiary Cebgo, are equipped with a large cargo door, allowing for capacity to be as much as eight tons of palletized cargo. Apart from its two ATR freighters, CEB has also recently modified one of its A330 aircraft into an all-car-
go configuration, removing seats so that cargo can be carried in the main deck. To date, only a third of the airports in the Philippines can accommodate jet aircraft, while the rest can only be served by turboprops. CEB has ensured transport of essential goods is not hampered, especially during the pandemic. The carrier continues to anticipate its cargo business to continue flourishing, and its investment in these dedicated cargo aircraft supports its commitment to continue providing affordable and accessible air travel services. (Carlo Lorenciana)
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