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China ‘threatens war’ with Philippines as US pledges support to Manila
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hina is “threatening war” after it authorised its warships to open fire on fishers plying traditional waters, warns the Philippines. Now Washington says it has Manila’s back. Beijing has passed Problem is, those terForeign Secretary Telegislation calling upon ritories don’t belong to odoro Locsin Jr. says the its military-controlled it. Which means the law Chinese move “is a verbal coast guard to open fire represents a significant threat of war to any counupon “foreign” vessels escalation in internation- try that defies the law”. and destroy “illegal” al tensions. And that has Any nation not rejecting structures within the Manila worried the region the law will be signalling East and South China is about to erupt in vio- its “submission”. seas. lence. Continue on page 2
AFP Chief expresses alarm over China’s coast guard threats to fire at foreign vessels THE PHILIPPINES expressed alarm over China’s new law allowing its coast guard to fire at foreign vessels to assert its sovereignty in disputed waters in the South China Sea, raising tempera-
tures in the strategic waterway, the military chief said. Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said the Filipino fishermen venture into rich fishing grounds in the South China Sea to
make a living and not to provoke a conflict with China which claimed almost the entire sea based on historical accounts. “Yung pronouncement ng China na their Continue on page 6
Duterte appeals to rebels
New People’s Army rebels.
PRESIDENT DUTERTE appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) not to hamper the deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines, particularly in the far-flung areas where rebels are battling security forces, as the country gears towards mass vaccination campaign against the deadly disease. “I am appealing to the Communist Party of the Philippines, ‘yung Continue on page 3
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) leads a formation of ships from the Nimitz and Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group during dual carrier operations, February 9. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group conducted dual carrier operations with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Markus Castaneda)
Personal Vendetta ‘Presidente binatikos ng NUJP dahil sa isyu ng ABS-CBN’ BINATIKOS NG National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) si Pangulong Duterte matapos nitong sabihin na hindi niya papayagan ang muling pagbubukas ng television network sa bansa. Tinawag na “personal vendetta” ng NUJP ang pagpapasara ni Duterte sa ABS-CBN noong nakaraang taon. “We are tempted to Continue on page 5
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
China ‘threatens war’ with Philippines as US pledges support to Manila
Continued from page 1 Beijing’s aggressive new legislation orders its coast guard to “take all necessary measures, including the use of weapons, when national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organisations or individuals at sea”. Hours after the new law was passed, a flight of H-6K strategic bombers escorted by advanced fighters made a dummy “attack run” on the USS Theodore Roosevelt battle
group. Filipino fishers operating out of Thitu (also known as Pag-asa) island in the Spratly Islands also reported Chinese coast guard and militia vessels forcing them out of traditional waters. New US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has responded to Beijing’s intimidation by contacting Mr Locsin, telling him the longstanding defence agreement between the two nations would be honoured. “Secretary Blinken
pledged to stand with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of PRC pressure,” a State Department press release reads. “Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of the Mutual Defence Treaty for the security of both nations, and its clear application to armed attacks against the Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, which includes the South China Sea.” The new Chinese law dramatically raises the stakes of an armed clash
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A U.S. soldier stands guard at his ship in Zamboanga. (Library Photo - Al Jacinto) in the region. And posturing such as the two dummy air attacks on the US aircraft carrier battlegroup increases the odds of an incident. Neither side is showing signs of backing down. Earlier this month, the US military warned it planned to be “more assertive” against international law violations in the Pacific Ocean and the East and South China seas. “Our globally deployed naval forces interact with Chinese and Russian warships and aircraft daily,” the statement reads. It highlighted the “growing aggressiveness” of encounters and declared China “the most pressing, long-term strategic threat”. The East China Sea is bracketed by Taiwan, North and South Korea, Japan and China. The South China Sea is bracketed by Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and China. After World War II, China signed the international law of the sea which allocates specific portions to each nation under clearly defined criteria. Beijing insists these don’t apply to it. It says both seas belong to it based on historical ownership.A 2016 ruling by the international court of arbitration judged this assertion to be without merit. Now, US President Joe Biden has “underscored that the United States rejects China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea to the extent they exceed the maritime zones that China is permitted to claim under international law”. Mr Duterte’s office issued a statement saying he hoped no country
would do anything to increase tensions further. His foreign minister later expressed concerns the Philippines was about to lose access to its western exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The law “is virtually a declaration of war against countries that are legitimate claimants of the Chinese-claimed marine territory,” fishing federation chairman Fernando Hicap told the Hong Kong based South China Morning Post. Concern has been growing at the militarisation of China’s civilian coast guard and fishing fleets. The Coast Guard has recently been put under the operational control of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Analysts saw this as a disturbing move as coast guards are supposed to be a civilian policing force. Beijing has long sent its political commissars to sea with its enormous fishing fleets. But, in recent decades, these fleets have also undergone cooperative naval training. “The white ships of the coastguard symbolise maximum tolerance at all times to protect civilians and merchants at sea,” Philippines defence analyst Chester Cabalza says. Grey warships are “symbols of antagonism and war”. “(Now) Chinese coastguard can just shoot anyone, armed or unarmed, in territorial waters that they illegally claim. This is a serious threat to Filipino fishers … in our very own territorial waters.” Meanwhile, resentment among the Filipino community is rising. One fisher told local TV he had been barred from sandbars surrounding
Thitu Island by Chinese coast guard and militia. “Of course I’m furious, we used to be able to go there, that’s ours,” he said. “Why would they forbid us to go there now?” Another fisher released a short video account: “I have many enemies at sea. Look. Those are Chinese ships in front of me. They’re blocking me and I can’t get to sandbar two,” Larry Hugo states. “I will leave first.” Beijing has again warned that the US’s ongoing military presence in the South China Sea is “not conducive to peace”. China’s foreign ministry stated earlier this week that US freedom-of-navigation operations designed to “flex its muscles” were threatening the region’s stability. Meanwhile, the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier battle group passed China’s illegal artificial island fortresses in the Spratly Islands. Satellite imagery reveals ships in the group passed close to Beijing’s 12 nautical mile territorial boundary claim. But China continues to ramp up its efforts to enforce its territorial ambitions arbitrarily. Publication Defence News reports an analysis of satellite imagery has revealed a recent build-up of Chinese surveillance aircraft on Hainan Island at the northern extremity of the South China Sea. Work is well underway on enormous dry docks big enough to support China’s future force of aircraft carriers. And Woody Island in the Paracels has been undergoing further land reclamation efforts to protect its military airfield facilities from erosion. (Jamie Seidel, News. com.au)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
Senator Grace Poe, JCI extend food aid to Zambo fire victims
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Duterte appeals to rebels Continued from page 1 pinaka-umbrella, I don’t consider ‘yung mga NDF-NDF pati NPA. The Communist Party of the Philippines must guarantee that the vaccines in the course of their — being transported to areas where there are no city health officers or medical persons na huwag ninyong galawin ang medisina,” Duterte said. “As I have said, the money belongs to the Filipino people. The credit goes to no one. Sa inyo ito mga taong Pilipino, pera ninyo ito. So natural lang na kayong mga members ng Communist Party of the Philippines and the allied, NPA, NDF or whatever, kindly observe the rules of humanity,” he added. Duterte expressed concern that the rebels might sabotage the government vaccination campaign similar to what they did when the government distributed relief goods and cash assistance during the lockdowns last year. “Baka maulit kagaya itong mga pera, ‘yung mga Pantawid na pag-deliver ini-intercept ninyo,” he
said. The government aims to vaccinate about 70 million Filipinos this year. It expects to receive 5.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the first quarter of 2021. Some 117,000 doses of vaccines, manufactured by America’s Pfizer Inc., will be delivered to the Philippines this month. Marco Valbuena, a CPP spokesman, said the NPA will ensure that transportation of Covid-19 vaccines will be provided a humanitarian corridor for safe and unimpeded passage in guerrilla base and zones. “It is a matter of principle for the NPA to respect all humanitarian undertakings that benefit the masses. We strongly suggest that the transportation, distribution and inoculation drive of Covid-19 vaccines especially in the interior areas be handled by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine Red Cross and other civilian humanitarian agencies whose personnel are properly trained and who have the facil-
ities to undertake such missions. Non-Red cross vehicles that will be used as Covid-19 vaccine transporters must be clearly and properly marked with a red cross over white background.,” Valbuena said. “We strongly suggest that Covid-19 vaccines not be transported in AFP military vehicles, especially those which are not properly marked and carrying armed soldiers. Over the past year, the AFP has been carrying out combat and psy-war operations behind the veil of implementing Covid-19 restrictions. Using AFP to transport and to handle vaccines will not encourage people to be vaccinated especially in many areas in the countryside where people are traumatized by military garrisoning of their communities and helicopter gunships firing missiles,” he added. Duterte has previously ordered an all-out war against the communist rebels and even encouraged the formation of a hit squad that will hunt and kill rebel leaders. (Mindanao Examiner)
Senator Grace Poe’s Project Bayanihan coordinating team members and JCI-La Bella distribute food aid to fire victims in Zamboanga City. HUNDREDS OF fire victims in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines benefitted from the humanitarian mission sent by Senator Grace Poe through the Panday Bayanihan in partnership with the Junior Chamber International-La Bella (JCI-La Bella). The humanitarian mission was recently held in Barangay Tetuan where last month’s fire razed a neighborhood in Cabato Road and left at least 120 families homeless. Poe’s son, Brian Lanzamares, who is also the senator’s Chief of Staff, leads the Panday Bayahinahan, a non-governmental organization. The Panday Bayanihan regional coordinating team in Zamboanga Peninsula said the relief operation was in partnership with the JCI-La Bella. Panday Bayanihan was named after the iconic fictional local hero of the underdog masses portrayed and popularized by the senator’s popular father and “King of Philippine Movies,” Fernando Poe Jr., in the “Ang Panday” movie series. The Panday Bayanihan regional coordinating team in Zamboanga Peninsula and members of the JCI-La Bella distributed food bags containing
rice, cans of tuna, corned beef and beef loaf, and packs of instant noodles, and sachets of coffee at the Tetuan Central School. “Sana po makatulong kahit paano ang aming munting naiabot. Ang mga tulong po na ito ay bukal sa aming puso dahil ang malasakit sa kapwa kung wagas sa puso ay walang hinihintay na kapalit,” the senator said in a statement read by the Panday Bayanihan regional coordinating team. Those who received the food aid thanked Poe and her son and their partner for the humanitarian aid. “Muchas gracias gayod con el Senadora Grace Poe por la ayuda aqui na de amon lugar. Grande ayuda este para canamon maga pobre,” (Thank you so much Senator Grace Poe for your assistance here. This is a big help for us poor families.) said Milagros Cruz, one of the recipient of Panday Bayanihan project. “Pagpalain po kayo ng Diyos (Senator) at nagpapasalamat po kaming lahat sa tulong na inyong ibinigay sa amin,” a man, who gave his name as Pedring, said. Panday Bayanihan was organized in 2013 after typhoon “Maring” hit
the country, affecting 2.5 million people and displaced around 800,000 residents. Its main objective and mission is to extend assistance to the needy, especially those affected by natural and man-made disasters. “Whatever disaster or calamity that may hit anywhere in the country, the Bayanihan spirit will always be there. Nandiyan palagi ang ating mga kababayan na handang tumulong. That’s what Panday Bayanihan stands for. Kaya Panday Bayanihan dahil Bayanihan ang pinapalaganap natin dito,” Poe said. Poe, whose mother is veteran actress Susan Roces, made Philippine election history by garnering the highest number of votes of more than 20 million in the May 2013 elections. This overwhelming mandate inspires her to work hard towards her father’s dream of uplifting the lives of the Filipino people. She is also the first lady senator to serve as chairperson of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs. Over the years, she has spent her career standing for the rights of Filipino people. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
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)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
Personal Vendetta ‘Duterte binatikos ng NUJP dahil sa isyu ng ABS-CBN’
Washington reaffirms commitment to Manila
U.S. SECRETARY of Defense Lloyd Austin III and his Filipino counterpart Secretary Defense Delfin Lorenzana recently spoke on the phone and discussed a number of priority of bilateral defense issues for both countries. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Austin affirmed Washington’s commitment to U.S.-Philippine alliance and bilateral Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement, and highlighted the value the accord brings to both countries. “The Secretaries discussed the importance of enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capabilities and increasing interoperability between our two militaries through a variety of bilateral security cooperation activities.” “The Secretaries also discussed regional security challenges, to include the South China Sea, counterterrorism, and maritime security, and affirmed the importance of upholding international rules and norms, to include the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling,” Kirby
said. The Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration issued a unanimous award largely favorable to the Philippines, but Beijing rejected the ruling. This was confirmed by Lorenzana who said: “We discussed developments on the Philippines-U.S. bilateral defense relations, the Visiting Forces Agreement, Philippine-U.S. Balikatan military exercises, and the situation in the West Philippine Sea/ South China Sea. Both of us expressed our desire to visit each other as soon as we can safely meet faceto-face. I look forward to sustaining our dialogues to continually strengthen our alliance.” Austin, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, served 41 years in uniform, retiring as a four-star Army general after three years as commander of U.S. Central Command. Last month, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Philippine Secretary of Foreign
Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and they reaffirmed that a strong U.S.-Philippine alliance is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Blinken stressed the importance of the Mutual Defense Treaty for the security of both nations, and its clear application to armed attacks against the Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, which includes the South China Sea. He also underscored that the U.S. rejects China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea to the extent they exceed the maritime zones that China is permitted to claim under international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. Blinken pledged to stand with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of the Chinese pressure. “The two secretaries committed to continue building upon a relationship founded on shared strategic interests and history, democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties,” said Price. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 thank President Rodrigo Duterte for proving us right about what we have been saying all along, that the shutdown of ABS-CBN was a personal vendetta that a lapdog Congress helped seal. Why else would he rail about ordering the National Telecommunications Commission not to grant the network a permit to operate should Congress grant it a new franchise?” “And why else would he continue to wave the banner of long ago discredited accusations of unpaid taxes when the proper thing to do, then and now, would be to hale the Lopezes to court if he actually believes these to be true? We all know all he has to do to thwart a new franchise is to veto it. Unless he is no longer so sure about his grip on a once subservient chamber and fears a veto override,” pahayag pa ng NUJP. Sinabi ni Duterte na hindi nito papayagan ang ABS-CBN, na pagaari ng pamilyang Lopez, na makabalik sa ere kahit pa matunog ngayon sa Kongreso na posibleng bigyan ng franchise ang television giant na mag-operate. Matatandaang si Duterte mismo ang nagtulak sa mga kaalyado nito na isara ang ABSCBN dahil lamang sa hindi pag-ere ng political ads nito noong 2016. Iginiit ni Duterte na biniyaran niya ang ads sa ABS-CBN, ngunit may paglabag umano ang propaganda ni Duterte kung kaya’t hindi ito pinayagan. “Ang Congress is planning to restore the franchise of the Lopez. Wala akong problema doon kung i-restore ninyo. But if you say that if they can operate kung may — may ano na sila,
no, I will not allow them. I will not allow the NTC to grant them the permit to operate. Kung ibigay ninyo ‘yung franchise because it is within your power to do it, go ahead. Alam mo bakit? Unless and until mabayaran ng mga Lopez ang taxes nila, I will not — I will ignore your franchise and I will not give them the license to operate. Kalokohan ‘yan,” ani Duterte. “Parang binigyan mo sila ng prize for their being — for committing criminal acts. Iyong — ito ‘yung pinagbili ng ano, pinagbili ng Lopez iyong Lopez of Companies kasi maraming utang. So binili nila na lahat — pati ‘yung mga utang, pinagbili ng Lopez doon sa DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines). Mayroon akong kulang dito because I am not quite familiar. Ito lang ang akin eh. Pero ito dumating sa akin and I said in my official capacity as a government worker. Ngayon, binili — pinagbili ng Lopez doon sa DBP, binili ng DBP. Tapos mayroong batas SPV — iyong SPV is a law that was made to help ailing banking institutions,” paliwanag pa ng Pangulo. Ang SPV Law o Republic Act No. 9182 ay nilagdaan noong Enero 2003 upang hikayatin ang mga financial institutions na bigyan ng atensyon ang non-performing assets upang makatulong ito sa economic growth at rehabilitasyon ng isang naghihikahos na negosyo. “Ewan ko, ito bangko ito pero na — napabili nila ang — ang kanilang utang lahat doon sa DBP. But after a few years, binili ng DBP uli ‘yung pinagbili nila sa… Ipinagbili nila sa DBP iyong pinagbili nila. This time, medyo wala na ‘yung mga utangutang. Condoned, kung
ano-ano ang nilagay nila. Ngayon, unless it is cleared, I think Congress, I understand, started an investigation but stopped noong dumating na sila dito kay Lopez.” “There were so many investigations about banking except that pagdating kila — sa kila Lopez, huminto sila. So nagkakaroon tayo ng problema diyan. Dumating sa akin ito in official capacity. Ang magawa ko lang nito is I think I’ll pass it on to the Ombudsman. Para sa akin ang Ombudsman ang pinaka- independent body na mag-solve nito,” wika pa ni Duterte. Ilang ulit na rin sinabi ng ABS-CBN na wala itong utang sa gobyerno at humingi pa ng tawag kay Duterte dahil sa hindi pag-ere ng political ads nito. Hinamon naman ng NUJP ang Kongreso na gawin ang tama at nararapat. “Perhaps it is not too late for the members of the House of Representatives to salvage their reputations, to prove that they are what the Constitution charges them to be, members of a coequal and independent branch of government, and no longer the willing accomplices to the continuing siege on press freedom and all our other rights and liberties. Do what is right, grant ABSCBN a new franchise, and override any veto,” ayon sa NUJP. Sinabi naman ng mga kritiko ni Duterte na ito ay natatakot lamang sa posibleng pagbabalik ng ABS-CBN at baka ungkatin ang anu-anong mga isyu laban sa kanya at sa mga kandidato nito sa 2022 national elections na kung saan ay tatakbong presidente umano ang anak nitong si Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. (Mindanao Examiner)
Lanao Norte bags PhilJobNet award LANAP DEL NORTE – The Lanao Del Norte Public Employment Service Office (PESO) was proclaimed national winner for being the top user and advocate of PhilJobNet for two consecutive years now. PhilJobnet is an automated job and applicant matching system which
aims to fast-track jobseekers search for jobs and employers search for manpower. Governor Imelda Dimaporo and PESO manager Evelyn Lopez received the plaque of recognition from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently. The Lanao del Norte
PESO thanked Dimaporo for her support. Dimaporo said she happy with the honor and award PESO received from DOLE. “The award will serve as their motivation to give more effective service to the people of Lanao Del Norte,” she said. (With additional reporting from Rhoderick Beñez)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
Water system benefits Cagayan residents
The Agricultural Productivity Operations Office inaugurates the Spring Development Project that will boost agricultural productivity in Cagayan de Oro City’s Tignapoloan village. (Retchie Paculba) CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO) here recently inaugurated the Spring Development Project (SDP) that will boost agricultural productivity here. Aside from aiding farmers, the P1.4-million water system in the village of Tignapoloan will also benefit about 600 households who do not have access to potable water. Mae Anne Timoteo, chief of the APOO Agricultural Engineering Division, said the reservoir could
produce about 210 barrels of water per day (200 liters per barrel) and could aid farmers in planting banana, vegetables and other crops. “Sauna pa gyud ning panahon, dugay na silang gaaligutgot sa ilang katubigan dinhi. Actually, layo pa kaayo ang ilang baklayon para makakuha sila sa tubig,” said Councilor Jay Pascual, who is the Committee Chairman for Agriculture. He said establishing an environment-friendly water system is a great
help to the community members and farmers as it can benefit household who will need water for their drinking, cooking, washing clothes, and bathing. As for sustainability of the facility, Timoteo said they have already conducted a study on the level of water even during dry season. “Kadtong recent nga El Niño amo nang gibantayan ang kadaghan sa tubig apil na sab kung ting-ulan para makita kung makalahutay ang tinubdan,” she said. (Recthie Paculba)
Filipinos await Covid vaccine rollout DAVAO CITY – Filipinos will have to wait a little longer for the government’s delayed Covid-19 inoculation program with President Rodrigo Duterte saying he expects good results by the end of the year with the anticipated arrival of the vaccines. “I think that we have reasonably — we did our assignment. And ganito na lang, we are waiting for the vaccines to arrive and to immediately implement the required mandate and that is to mabakunahan lahat. And we will do it as fast as the vaccines will come in. We will survive. And by the end of the year, mukhang medyo na tayong — hindi naman
pinakamaganda, but magandang resulta sa pagod natin,” Duterte said. Duterte’s rhetoric further added fears among Filipinos, especially the poor and how the government lags behind other nations in Covid-19 response. Carlito Galvez, a retired army general who is appointed in-charge in the procurement of the vaccines, has repeatedly said in public that the medicines are arriving this month through an arrangement between the government and the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. COVAX or Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access, is
a global initiative aimed at equitable access to the vaccines led by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others. Duterte advised the officials facilitating the government immunization campaign to distribute the vaccines “as fast as we can” to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the medicines. “So just to make sure that this is an important undertaking and that it should be done correctly, and with the least, kung mayroon man, with the least of mistakes,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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AFP Chief expresses alarm over China’s coast guard threats to fire at foreign vessels Continued from page 1 guard coast can open fire to people intruding into their territory, it is very alaming po yan. I should say it’s very irresponsible statement dahil hindi naman tayo, ang ating mga kababayan ay hindi naman pumunta sa lugar na yan, sa disputed area para makikipag-gyera kungdi naghahanap buhay,” he said. Sobejana said the military will increase its presence, deploying more naval ships to protect local fishermen from harassment. I just want to make clear that our navy presence there is not to wage war against China but to secure our own people,” he added. There had been nu-
merous incidents in the past when Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons to drive away local fishermen. In 2019, a Chinese ship rammed and sank a local fishing boat in the Reed Bank, an area within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Fishermen groups were worried China’s coast guard could use a more lethal weapon against them in Scarborough Shoal and other disputed areas in the South China Sea The Philippines and China are locked in a maritime dispute over the sea where more than 3 trillion worth of seaborne goods pass every year. Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and
Vietnam have conflicting claims on the areas believed to have rich deposits of energy resources. China’s embassy in Manila assured the law was not directed at any country and conforms to international law. Security experts said China has the rights to impose its sovereignty in its territorial water, but could become a problem in disputed areas, raising tensions not only with claimant-states but with other extra regional powers which patrol the areas, like the United States. It could raise the possibility of accidents and miscalculations that could lead into limited conflict. (Manny Mogato, News5)
February 15-21, 2021
The Mindanao Examiner
Sulu Pictures in the News
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
Across : 1. Desert plants 6. Mishievous one 9. Tax inits. 12. Embellish 13. Spy org. 14. Knicks’ league (abbr.) 15. Lease again 16. Jug handle 17. Wine (Fr.) 18. Self-___ 20. Nutmeglike spice 22. Domicile 26. Arms depot 30. Musician ___ John 31. Shopping bag 32. Hawaiian garland 34. Heavy burden 35. Musical drama 37. Accompanies 39. Boundary 41. Singer ___ Diamond 42. Painters’ stands 47. Links gadget 49. Dollop 51. Forbidden 52. Existed 53. Train terminal (abbr.) 54. Macaroni shape 55. Umpire’s cry 56. Steeped brew 57. Relaxes
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Down : 1. Concern 2. Summer drinks 3. Young male horse 4. Fir or poplar 5. Student doctor 6. Solid water 7. Florida metropolis 8. Formal procession 9. Thomas Edison, e.g. 10. Batter’s stat 11. ___ Juan 19. Dinner, e.g. 21. Violin’s kin 23. Icy precipitation 24. Winter garment 25. Concludes 26. On the peak
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ
27. Cowboy’s gear 28. Most severe 29. Ghostly 33. “___ dead people!” (2 wds.) 36. Surrounded by 38. Moon feature 40. Make happy 43. Discount event 44. Wanes 45. Booty 46. Female pigs 47. Tango need 48. Water, to Jacques 50. Sheep’s bleat
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The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines. ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE: 3/F, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197 DAVAO CITY OFFICE: Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero Phone: (082) 2841859 Mobile: (0925) 7621914 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE: 3/F JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone & fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197
Colombia offers to sell pork
Colombia Ambassador to the Philippines, Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez. (Photo by Alberto Alcain) COLOMBIA HAS offered to supply the Philippines with pork and beef products and is also keen to increase foreign investment between the two countries. “We are interested in selling pork meat and beef to the Philippines and we would welcome, Mr. President, any support you can give us to accelerate the admissibility process,” Colombian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marcela Fernandez, told President Rodrigo Duterte. “We also want to see an increase in foreign investment both ways as
both your economy and my economy have a lot of potentials. And we want more tourism. More and more Colombians are visiting the Philippines and we believe that Colombia has everything that the Filipinos love,” she added. The offer came at a time that meat vendors protested Duterte’s Executive Order No. 124 putting a cap on the prices of pork and chicken based on the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture. The Colombian Ambassador said her government could also share
its rebel reintegration program with the Philippines. “Allow me just to suggest our program in reintegration for former combatants that now is a four-stage program and it goes from institutional strengthening, the route to reintegration, community approach and monitoring and evaluation,” she said. Both countries already exchanged talks and best practices on reintegration, but Fernandez believes that the Philippines and Colombia could further develop this area of cooperation. Duterte said the country is ready to develop ties with Colombia on trade and investment, defense, and in addressing non-traditional security issues, including terrorism and violent extremism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes. “We are also interested in cooperating on taking the peace process further, given Colombia’s experience. Together, in solidarity and cooperation, we will continue to build upon the gains of our longstanding friendship,” he told Fernandez. (Joyce Ann Rocamora, Mindanao Examiner)
Covid test results fakers face arrest KIDAPAWAN CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned individuals who are faking their Covid-19 test results following a series of apprehensions of people carrying forged RT-PCR test results. The DILG also ordered the police to prosecute individuals who are in possession of fake RTPCR test results. DILG Officer-in-Charge Bernardo Florece, Jr. said that fakers of RT-PCT tests, once caught, will be punished the fullest extent of the law. He said the police must ensure that all perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. “The DILG directs the PNP to arrest and prosecute individuals who are forging their RT-PCR tests. This is a crime and is punishable under our law. We are also warning those people planning to fake their test certifications. Huwag niyo na pong gawin at kung hindi, sisiguraduhin po namin na makukulong kayo. Huwag po tayong matigas ang ulo. Magpa-test po tayo para sa kabutihan nyo, ng inyong
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pamilya, at ng lahat,” he said. Florece said Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, provides for penalties of P20,000 but not more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. He said tampering of records relating to notifiable diseases or health events of public health concern, which includes official medical test results or medical certificates, or such other documents and records issued by public health authorities is punishable by law. “The PNP must be vigilant in guarding entry points of tourists and travellers to ensure that people are abiding by the standards set by the IATF and the local governments and are compliant with minimum health standards,” he said. “Iniiwasan natin na maulit ang nangyari sa Boracay na nakapasok
ang mga turista na may pekeng RT-PCR tests kaya naman kailangan itong pangunahan ng PNP at ng pamahalaang lokal,” he added. Six Metro Manila residents were barred from entering Boracay Island after presenting fake RTPCR test certifications. Later on, three of these individuals tested positive for Covid-19. “Kung nakapasok ang tatlong ito na nagpositibo sa Covid sa Boracay ay mas malaking problema, mas madami pang madadamay sa kalokohan ninyo,” Florece said. He said opening tourism sites is not an excuse for tourists to fake their way to a vacation. He said that Filipinos should not forget that tourism is slowly being opened but minimum health standards and IATF protocols must still be strictly observed. “Nakikiusap po kami sa ating mga kababayan, makiisa po tayo, hindi pa po tapos ang pandemya, mahaba pa po ito. We must cooperate or else nakahanda po ang PNP at ang mga pamahalaang lokal na kayo ay arestuhin,” he said. (Rhoderick Beñez)
HEALTH
ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
SAGING: Ang Pinaka -healthy na Prutas sa Buong Mundo
M
ay kasabihan na “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Mali po iyan. Ang bago ngayon ay “Two bananas a day keep the doctor away.” Marami nang pagsusuri ang nagsasabi na ang saging ay sobrang healthy at napakabuti sa katawan. Heto ang mga nilalaman ng isang saging na 100 grams: Calories: 88 calories, Vitamin A: 430 I.U., Vitamin B: Thiamine .04 mg., Vitamin C: 10 mg., Calcium: 8 mg., Iron: 6 mg., Phosphorus: 28 mg., Potassium: 260 mg., Carbohydrates: 23 grams, at Protein: 1.2 mg. Sobrang Dami ang Benepisyo ng Saging (Lakatan, Latundan o Saba): 1. Tiyan – Napakaganda ng saging para sa mga may ulcer at nangangasim na sikmura. Ang saging ay may sariling antacid na tinatawag na phospholid. May flavonoid din ang saging na parang tinatapalan ang
mga sugat sa ating tiyan. 2. Puso – Mabuti ang saging sa puso dahil mataas ito sa potassium at bitamina. Lalu na kung umiinom ka ng mga gamot sa puso at altapresyon, dagdagan mo na rin ng 2 saging bawat araw. 3. Parang Multivitamin - Kung susuriin mo, parang multivitamin na ang saging dahil may vitamin A, B, C, Calcium, Iron, at Potassium ito. Kapag kumain ka ng 2 saging bawat araw, you can Have It All like Edu Manzano and Feel Complete like Piolo Pascual. Tipid pa! 4. Mabuti sa Colon - Dahil mataas sa fiber ang saging, puwede itong panlaban sa colon cancer at iba pang sakit ng bituka natin. 5. Good for exercise – Sa mga mahilig mag-ehersisyo at magGym, kailangan mo ng saging para hindi bumaba ang iyong potassium. Magbaon ng 2 saging sa bag lagi, tulad ko. 6. Para sa stress at pang-relax – Alam ba niyo
na ang saging ay may tryptophan? Ito’y isang kemikal na nagpapasaya sa atin at nagpapaganda ng ating emosyon. Kaya kung depressed ka dahil iniwan ka ng iyong girlfriend, huwag nang lumuha, mag-saging ka na. 7. Pang-baon talaga – Kaibigan, kaya mo bang magbaon ng abokado o mangga sa bag? Hirap kainin hindi ba? Pero ang saging ay napakaganda ng lalagyan. Talagang ginawa ng Diyos para kainin. 8. Baka makabawas ng Leukemia at Hika sa Bata – May pagsusuri na nagsasabi na kapag ang bata o sanggol ay lagi mong papakainin ng saging, mas hindi sila hihikain, at hindi rin sila magkakaroon ng leukemia. Hindi pa ito tiyak, pero marami ang naniniwala nito. Kaya kahit ano pa ang nararamdaman mo, kumain ka na ng saging para maging healthy at malakas.
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 15-21, 2021
February 15-21, 2021
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Cebu eases up travel guidelines
EBU – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has signed an executive order simplifying guidelines for people travelling to the province. Under Garcia’s by the Inter-Agency Task Force submit themselves for check-up Executive Order No. 9, which for the Management of Emerg- for any Covid-19 symptoms and took effect on February 9, all ing Infectious Diseases (IATF- screening at the point of deparpersons who want to travel MEID), and other executive or- ture and at the point of arrival. The order also enjoined lohere will no longer have to go ders. And Authorized Persons cal governments to follow suit so through the mandatory testing and quarantine. And letters of Outside of Residences (APORs) as not to confuse the public, but acceptance from the local gov- need only to present identifi- if it chooses to issue its own regernment of destination are not cation documents, authority to ulations, it has to be submitted travel signed by their officials, to Garcia for approval. required anymore. Garcia issued the order However, the order, Garcia and follow minimum health following reports reaching her said does not apply to overseas standards. Non-APORs will only have that travellers who enter the Filipino workers and returning overseas Filipinos arriving in to present a valid medical cer- province, particularly Cebuathe province as they are sub- tificate to enter Cebu, but both nos, were subjected to stringent ject to different regulations set APOR and non-APOR have to interviews and long queues. She
Do not obsess over new Covid variant: Gov. Gwen
CEBU – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has called on the public not to fixate or be obsessed with the U.K. Covid-19 variant, saying, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and even the World Health Organization (WHO) have pointed out that there is no evidence yet to prove that the new variant is deadlier than the original novel coronavirus. Quoting a CDC report, Garcia said the new variant is not as deadly as Covid-19. “Viruses constantly change through mutation and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time,” she said reading a CDC advisory. “Tungod kay RNA man ni siya, ang genetic code ani nagsige’g kausab depende og kinsa ang host organism ana ug ang environment, mag-mutate in order to survive,” she said, adding that since Covid-19 started in 2019 it has gone through several mutations.
She further cited that “new variants emerge and disappear, and other times, new variants emerge and persist” still depending on the host and the immune system of the host, among other factors including the environment. In the same CDC report, it said multiple Covid-19 variants have been documented the US and in other countries but it was only in the UK that conducted a genome test. “But does it mean deadly? Angay ba nga kahadlokan, angay ba nga karon mag sige na pud ta og share sa Facebook ‘hala naay bag-ong variant panago namo tanan. Kamang mo ilawom sa inyong mga katre, panira mo sa inyong kwarto kay naay bag-ong variant,” Garcia said. She also emphasized that Cebuanos, including so-called medical experts and self-appointed social media experts, should look into a more important issue to be answered: How severe and fatal is the UK Variant? “I hope you do your own study, pagtuon mo. Information is readily available, dili sa Facebook ha, ayaw nang Facebook kay colored kaayo na. Ang inyong mabasa nga ni share anang iyang i-share kadto ra pud ni support sa iyang stand. You Google it, pangita sa tanan nga balita and kadto mga credible sites. Basaha unya kamoy timbang-timbang,” she added. (Vanessa L. Almeda)
pointed out that other government officials and agencies seem to think that they are still dealing with locally stranded individuals (LSI). “Wala namay LSI. Dugay naman tang nag-ease sa atong restrictions, August pa,” she told top provincial and regional officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Integrated Provincial Health Office in a meeting prior to the issuance of the order.
Since August last year, Cebu is placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). On January 21, the IATMEID amended the Omnibus Guidelines for the implementation of community quarantine in the country. Quoting the amended guidelines, Garcia questioned the enforcement of strict measures when the IATF-MEID has eased up its rules. She said Cebuanos go through unnecessary trouble because of these measures,
slowing down the efforts of the province in reviving the economy. The governor also underscored the seeming different treatments of APORs and non-APORs. “What makes APORs special compared to non-APORs? Why do we make life difficult for these people (non-APORs) who only eke out a living,” she asked. Municipal officials and tourism operators and the business sector strongly support Garcia’s order. (Vanessa L. Almeda)
Cebu Chamber works hard to rebuild consumer confidence CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said while most businesses have resumed their operations, low consumer confidence and spending activity remain a challenge. CCCI President Felix Taguiam said they are working hard with the government to rebuild consumer confidence amid the slowdown in the economy since last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic Taguiam expressed optimism about Cebu’s gradual business recovery while many establishments are still reeling from
the economic slowdown. “About 80 percent of our member businesses are already open. But the strong consumer confidence and spending are still not there,” he said. While most businesses have been affected by the pandemic, Taguiam urged the business community to move forward and reboot as much as possible to adapt to the changing times. “There is no such thing as going back to (the) old norm already. We have to move forward. We have to restart. Businesses have to live with Covid-19. Covid caught all of us off guard. No
Bring and promote your business in Mindanao, ADVERTISE in our newspaper and website and get fast results! CEBU Rodil P. Ybañez G/F Dreamfield Bldg, Sancianko St., Mobile: (0923) 1670009
COTABATO Rhoderick Beñez Kidapawan City Mobile: (0927) 4757936
ZAMBOANGA Jeng Fernandez 3/F JLC Bldg. Don Alfaro St., Tetuan Phone: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197
DAVAO Door 2, 402 Nidea St., Obrero Malou Cablinda Phone: (08 2) 2841859 Mobile: (0925) 7621914
PAGADIAN Richard Suarez Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera sts., Gatas District Phone: (062) 2142706 Mobile: (0910) 7348600
E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
business was ever prepared for this. We were all caught flat-footed,” he said. Taguiam underscored the need for businesses to reboot and repurpose their operations to survive these challenging times, noting the increased adaption of the business community to the digital space as consumer trends shift to online platforms. Such a trend, he added, is going to support the economic recovery of businesses here as they find ways to reach out to their markets in the pandemic era. (Carlo Lorenciana)