Putang Ina yan COA: Duterte
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ALIT ANG Pangulong Duterte at minura ang Commission on Audit (COA) matapos na ilabas nito ang mga resulta ng audit o preliminary reports ng ibang-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, kabilang na ang P67-billion deficiencies umano sa Covid-19 funds ng Department of Health (DOH). Agad naman iti- anomalya sa ahensya at cisco Duque ay nanggi ng DOH na may ayon kay Secretary FranContinue on page 2
ZAMCELCO, inireklamo na naman! ‘Isang taon na ang problema, wala pa rin solusyon’ ISANG MIYEMBRO ng Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative ang nagreklamo dahil sa di-umano’y paulit-ulit nitong pakiusap sa ZAMCELCO na tugunan ang kanyang problema sa kable ng kuryente na nasa loob ng kanilang compound. Ayon sa kanyang reklamo na idinulog sa community page na Continue on page 2
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
Taliban return may revitalize SEA terrorist groups THE TALIBAN’S takeover of Afghanistan was swift and thorough. The U.S. government’s $83 billion project of state-building failed spectacularly. And the U.S. military’s provision of $6 billion a year in security assistance Continue on page 6
Ang mga larawan na ipinadala ng isang electric consumer ukol sa kable ng kuryente na nasa gitna ng kanilang ipinapagawang bahay sa Barangay Talon-Talon. Isang taon na umano itong inirereklamo ng ibang mga kapit-bahay sa ZAMCELCO ngunit hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin aksyon ito sa problema.
Afghan Taliban fighters stand guard in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Aug. 16, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)
Lawmaker bares more projects for Sulu SULU REP. Samier Tan, a close political ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, bared Thursday a plan to install more street lights in the municipalities of his province’s first congressional district, especially in the capital town of Jolo. Continue on page 5
Rep. Samier Tan and wife Patrice Tan during the August 16 inauguration of the covered court which the lawmaker donated to the Laum Alat Elementary School. He also donated 5 motorcycles to the the 7th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police under Lt. Col. Jessie Balinang. (Image: Sayjin Ukkoh)
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Near-helicopter crash? Netizens bash Senator Go on PIA site PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte’s longtime aide-turned-senator Bong Go was totally bashed by Netizens on social media following his supposedly near-helicopter crash while enroute to Basilan
Western Mindanao
province from here to inaugurate a hospital. The Facebook page of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Western Continue on page 3
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August 23-29, 2021
Putang Ina yan COA: Duterte
Continued from page 1 napahiya ng husto ang lahat ng nasa kagawaran dahil sa inilabas ng COA. “Winarat nito kami, winarat niyo ang dangal ng DOH...hindi kami makaharap sa mga tao... wala pa rin akong tulog, ilang gabi na po ito. This is unfair, unjust that this judgment been handed down, clearly without giving the DOH the full 60 days within which we should have given our rejoinder. Masakit po talaga sa amin ito... nagkakasakit na mga tao ko, nag-isolate, nag-quarantine, may namatay na. Por Diyos por santo maawa naman kayo,” ani Duque sa ginawang pandninig ng House ukol sa report ng COA. Agad rin ipinagtanggol ni Duterte si Duque at pinangunahan ang kalihim na huwag nag-resign sa kanyang puwesto. Inamin naman ni Duterte na hindi lamang DOH ang na-flagged o pinuna ng COA, ngunit maging ang Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG) at si Secretary Carlito Galvez, na siyang incharge sa pagbili ng mga Covid vaccines. Si Galvez rin ang peace adviser ng Pangulo at pinuno ng Office of the Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process. Subali’t marami pang ibang ahensya ang pamahalaan ang isinaman ng COA sa kanilang mga reports. Kasama dito ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) na bumili ng hygiene kits, sanitary napkins at thermal scanners na umabot sa P1.269 million mula sa isang construction at trading firm sa Pasay City, ngunit wala naman ito sa address na ibinigay ng OWWA. “Hindi lang ito pati ‘yung DILG may nababasa ako, pati ‘yung kay Secretary Galvez, mayroon din, flagged, puro flagged, flagged, flagged down. Stop that flagging, Dod damn it! You make a report. Do not flag and do not publish it because it will condemn the agency or the person that you are flagging. The flagging is spelled f-l-a-g-g-e-d. Ang
ginagawa ninyo is f-l-og-g-i-n-g. Flogging, hampas. Eh huwag naman sige kayong flag nang flag. Tapos wala namang napreso, wala naman lahat. And yet you know that when you flag, there is already a taint of corruption by perception. You cannot... You know, this COVID-19 will never be won by the way you are also behaving,” ani Duterte. Ipinag-utos rin ni Duterte sa mga taga-gobyerno, partikular sa mga may kinalaman sa Covid-19 response, na gawin nila ang lahat at kahit mangutang pang muli at huwag sumunod sa kagustuhan o abiso mula sa COA. “Ang utos ko ganoon. Kung wala kayong, sa lahat sa gobyerno, especially connected with COVID --- kung wala, mag-utang kayo. Hindi ako papayag, na you do everything you can. Mamamatay na, kita mo ‘yung mga frontliners tapos wala kang ibigay na suporta. By the way, itong frontliners, unahin mo na lang. If there is enough money, bayaran
ZAMCELCO, inireklamo na naman! ‘Isang taon na ang problema, wala pa rin solusyon’ Continued from page 1 ZAMCELCO Consumers’ Complaint Page sa Facebook, maraming beses na itong dumulog sa ZAMCELCO ngunit walang aksyon ang kooperatiba. Nabatid na mahigit sa 3 buwan na itong nagre-reklamo sa ZAMCELCO dahil nakaharang ang kable ng kuryente sa ibabaw ng kanilang ipinapagawang bahay sa Barangay Talon-Talon. Nakuryente na rin umano ang kanyang mga karpentero dahil sa problemang dulot ng kable sa kanilang ipinapagawang bahay. “Nagpapagawa po kami ng bahay sa Talon-Talon area, pero di po kami puwedeng mag-proceed sa roofing kasi nandoon po ang kuryente ng ZAMCELCO at wala pong proper na poste. It’s been 3 months already since nag request kami for the relocation (ng kable ng kuryente) and they gave us a letter saying that it’s for schedule, but until now wala pa rin,” saysay ng nag-reklamo. “Three times na
kami nagpunta doon (sa ZAMCELCO) at wala rin nangyari. One day maulan, habang gumagawa ang carpenter namin biglang nag spark ang kuryente na nasagid ng bakal na ginagamit sa paglagay ng semento ng poste ng bahay at na electric shock ang carpenter pero d naman masyadong malakas. Kung pwede, hingi ako ng tulong sa inyo kung ano ba ang puwede naming gawin para alisin nila ang kuryente sa loob ng property namin at lagyan nila ng proper poste. The neighbors told us na since last year pa daw sila nagre-request na palagyan ng poste meron naman doon ready na ang poste, pero di pa rin nila ginagawa,” dagdag pa nito. Nagtatanong na rin ang ginang na nag-reklamo kung anong legal action ang maaari nilang gawin laban sa ZAMCELCO kung sakaling may makuryenteng karpentero sa kanilang ginagawang bahay dahil sa nakahambalang na kable ng kuryente. “Ano bang legal ac-
tion ang puwede kong gawin para kung sakaling may masamang mangyari sa carpenter (namin) na ZAMCELCO ang (may) liability kasi even through email, phone call, text and chat messages nagawa ko na at hanggang ngayon wala pa (rin aksyon. Naghihintay kami sa kanila para matapos na namin ang bahay at ang masaklap (eh) nangungupahan lang kami at di nmin magawa ang bahay dahil sa kuryente dahil natatakot ang mga carpenter maglagay ng roofing,” ani pa ng nag-reklamo. Kaliwa’t-kanan ang reklamo ng mga electric consumers sa ZAMCELCO dahil sa palpak na serbisyo nito. Maging ang Service Department nito ay hindi rin maasahan at kadalasan ay walang sumasagot sa mga tawag sa telepono. Tadtad rin ng reklamo ang ZAMCELCO Consumers’ Complaint Page sa Facebook bagama’t isa lamang itong community page na ang layunin ay iparating sa kinauukulan ang mga problema at hinaing ng mga consumers. (Zamboanga Post)
mo ‘yung...Tsaka ‘yung mga medisina ulit utangin mo. Huwag mong sundin ‘yang COA. Putang ina ‘yang COA-COA na ‘yan. Wala namang mangyari diyan,” wika pa ng Pangulo sa kanyang utos kay Duque. Maging ang mga pahayagan ay tinira rin ni Duterte sa paglalabas ng COA preliminary reports ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan lalo na ngayon papalapit ang halalan. “Iyan ang ayaw ko, iyang flagging-flagging eh. It creates a conundrum pati na, alam mo political season na ngayon. Kanya-kanyang banat, kanya-kanyang criticism itong mga newspapers akala mo as if they are the epitome of propriety and decency,” sabi pa ni Duterte. Batikos Umani naman ng batikos si Duterte mula sa mga mambabatas at sinabing hindi dapat pinapakialaman nito ang COA dahil isa itong independent body. “Sabi siya nang sabi na galit siya sa korapsyon pero hindi naman niya sinusuportahan ang COA na siyang pangunahing ahensya na nagsusuri sa tama o maling paggastos ng gobyerno sa pera ng taumbayan. Spending our people’s money means that it has to be done in accordance with the law. If they cannot comply with the law, then they have no business spending our money. Kung hindi susundin ang tuntunin sa tamang paggastos ng pera ng taumbayan, hindi malalaman ng tao kung ginagamit ba ng tama ang mga buwis na pinaghirapan nilang bayaran o kung ninanakaw lamang ng mga kurakot na opisyales
ng gobyerno,” ani Senator Leila de Lima. Sinabi naman ni Senator Ping Lacson na dapat huwag matakot ang COA sa tirade ni Duterte. “First, the Commission on Audit is a constitutional body which is independent of the executive or legislative branches of government, and certainly not under the Office of the President of the Republic. It has a mandate to perform, and no one can dictate on them. Second, COA findings and recommendations are public documents. Transparency dictates that the public must be informed of how public monies are spent.” “That said, the President is out of line in publicly castigating the COA, which is just performing its mandate and responsibility to the people and the Constitution. For its part, the COA should not be cowed by intimidating statements, even those coming from the Chief Executive. In fact, those in the COA should proceed with more vigor, courage and independence,” pahayag pa ni Lacson. Maging si Senator Riza Hontiveros ay nanindigan sa panig ng COA. “The Commission on Audit is an independent, constitutional body designed to check on the President and other government instrumentalities. The president cannot exempt any agency from audit procedure, or worse, encourage them to defy COA’s jurisdiction. Trabaho ng COA na mag-release ng mga reports, lalo na ngayong pandemya dahil mabilisan ang paggasta at napakaraming emergency procurement. COA only ensures that accountability would never give way
to haste, especially on the pandemic budget,” wika ni Hontiveros. “Imbes na pigilang gawin ang trabaho nila, dapat pa ngang pasalamatan natin ang COA, dahil sa pamamagitan ng kanilang report, itinuturo nila ang mga kailangang itama at bigyang linaw ng Department of Health. Akala ko ba ay hangad ng administrasyon na wakasan ang kurapsyon? Bakit gigipitin nanaman ang isang ahensyang sumusubaybay at nagbabantay sa bilyun-bilyong pisong pondo ng bayan? Bakit parang gusto yatang hawakan sa leeg ang isang independent, constitutional body, pero ayaw naman papanagutin at padaanin sa proseso ang ahensyang pinagpapaliwanag lang naman? Kampihan ba ang magpapatakbo sa bansang ito?” dagdag pa nito. Shit Noong September 2018 ay binira rin ni Duterte ang COA matapos na magsumbong sa kanya si Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos ukol sa COA circular. Sinabi pa ni Duterte na ihulog na lamang sa hagdanan ang mga COA auditors upang hindi na makapaglabas ng kanilang reports. “Sino’ng taga-COA dito? Ihulog mo na sa hagdan para ‘di na maka-report. Maniwala ka diyan COA na ‘yan. You know you just do it by circular and expect everybody to obey. Mga circular... ano’ng paki-alam ko? Inyo ‘yan. Kaya yan circular circular...’di mo malaman circular nila ano pakialam ko putang ina circular mo. Kaya nga circular lang yan eh. Make it a law or a regulation but don’t give that shit of a circular,” wika nito. (Mindanao Examiner)
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August 23-29, 2021
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Near-helicopter crash? Netizens bash Senator Go on PIA site Continued from page 1 Mindanao posted a photo of Go showing him speaking on microphone and captioned: “Kung sakali mang mawala ako sa mundo, isa pong karangalan ang mamatay na nagseserbisyo sa bayan.” Below the caption reads: “SEN. BONG GO on the near helicopter crash on the way to Basilan today (August 14, 2021) during his visit in Labuan, Zamboanga City.” The PIA did not release any news article or details of its report and neither did the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Other news reports, quoting Go, said the chopper lost altitude and the pilot told him a tailwind was pushing the aircraft down. The pilot eventually regained control and landed the chopper safely. Another picture showed Go and captioned a quote from him: “Ang pakiusap ko lang po sa ating mga doctors dito sa Basilan General Hospital, huwag po ninyong pabayaan ang mga kababayan natin na may sakit kung wala silang pera. Please lang po tulungan natin mga kababayan natin.” Go flew to Basilan on a helicopter to formally inaugurate a Malasakit Center in Isabela City. But his presence in the province was largely seen as political propaganda rather than just an inauguration ceremony. From Basilan, Go flew back to Zamboanga City where he inaugurated another Malasakit Center and distributed food packs to selected beneficiaries. The lawmaker is a loyal supporter of Duterte’s daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Carpio who is reportedly aspiring to replace her ageing father in next year’s polls. Duterte is also facing preliminary investigation from the International Court of Justice on allegations of extrajudicial killings of drug users in the government’s bloody war on drugs since he won the
presidency in 2016. The Malasakit Center is a One-Stop Shop where poor patients can efficiently access financial medical assistance from agencies such as Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. On the PIA-Western Mindanao Facebook page, Lyster V. Arbutante wrote this: “What service are you trying to say? By being a presidential photographer? Service to the president ha ha ha?” Cleo Ross’s reaction was more extreme and said: “Go away and let it happen.” One of Go’s supporters, Belen Flores, wrote: “Stay safe Senator Go.” Mariete Olivo Aban’s comments: “Ayaw anay kawala sa mundo Sen. Bong, ihatag anay ng among 2018 diff sa mga MUP retirees kai need nila na karon kay pandemic MN ECQ pa gyud.” Aban was referring to the pension differential or arrears of retired “military and uniformed personnel” which remain unpaid by the government. The Department of Budget and Management initially released in 2018 a total of P2.85 billion to several agencies to cover one month equivalent of the 2018 pension differential of MUP. The initial release will benefit retired military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the retired uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority. The total requirement to cover the 2018 pension differential of retired MUPs amounted to P34.20 billion. The Pension and Gratuity Fund was significantly reduced to P152.9 billion from P172.9 billion when the General Appropriations Act was passed, affecting the release of the 2018 pension differential of retired MUPs. (Mindanao Examiner)
More children infected with Covid-19 THE NONGOVERNMENTAL organization called “Save the Children Philippines” has raised concern over the increasing number of children infected with the Covid-19 and is calling for immediate action and protection by the government and general public. It said the number of reported cases of children and adolescents already infected with the deadly respiratory disease is alarming, especially now that the Delta variant poses grave risk and could infect more. Citing initial data presented by health authorities, it said over 48,000 children ages 19 and below, have Covid-19 as of February this year where 40.2% are from the 15-20 years old age group; 17.4% are ages 5-9, and 18.5% are ages 4 and below. Globally, children account for up to 15% of confirmed cases. While children may not belong to the “highrisk groups” and most Filipino children infected with Covid-19 remain to
be mild as studies show, there is a growing concern that the highly contagious Delta variant is more fatal to children, especially to those with co-morbidities or who are less than one year old since their immune response is either compromised or not yet developed. “The symptoms of children should not be disregarded. Children with Covid-19 generally have milder effects and better prognosis than adults but those who have underlying diseases have higher risks to experience severe illnesses,” said Dr. Cecilia Francisco, Director for Thematic Programs of Save the Children Philippines. Since inoculation of children against Covid-19 is not yet a government priority and the country is still far in achieving herd immunity, the Save the Children called on adults to get vaccinated and the sooner this is done, the greater chances for children and adolescents to rise in the
priority list. It said while adults are prioritized for vaccination, children must also continue to receive other life-saving immunizations and health nutrition services necessary for their survival. “We call on the government to ensure that all children will have safe and inclusive access to basic childhood vaccines and receive routine immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases, even at the time of pandemic,” said lawyer Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines. “We also emphasize our call to parents, guardians, caregivers, and communities for them to act more responsibly around children by strictly adhering to the minimum health and safety protocols to protect themselves and their children from the imminent threats of the Delta variant,” he added. (Rhoderick Beñez and Malou Cablinda)
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The Mindanao Examiner
August 23-29, 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, Rep. Shernee Tambut)
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The Mindanao Examiner
August 23-29, 2021
Lawmaker bares more projects for Sulu Continued from page 1 Tan, vice chairman of the Public Order and Safety, has already put up street lights in several villages in Jolo, one of his many infrastructure projects in Sulu. In Maimbung town where he served as mayor, Tan also transformed the once sleepy town into a bustling municipality and built projects which complimented the provincial government’s peace and development efforts that impacted on the lives of villagers. The historic Maimbung town, the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu, is perhaps the most beautiful in Sulu. Its roads are all lined up with lights and even has a huge park fronting the municipal hall. The town’s beach front is covered in powdery sands. “We are really all
working hard here to uplift the living standards of our constituents and help our people as much as we can. Sulu is a beautiful place and the provincial government is also working hard to bring progress, peace and development in all corners of the province,” Tan told the Mindanao Examiner. Tan did not say the amount of money involved in the lighting project, but many of his friends said the lawmaker spent mostly his own money for various projects. Tan also inaugurated on August 16 a covered court he donated to the Laum Alat Elementary School and also donated 5 motorcycles to the 7th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police under Lt. Col. Jessie Balinang. Even during his stint as mayor, Tan until now
continues to help the poor, sending them food aid and financial assistance as part of his humanitarian program now called “CongMayor CARES.” Tan even sent relief goods to the Aeta community in Tarlac last July to help the indigenous tribe cope with the effect of the health crisis. He also partnered with Kusug Tausug party-list of Rep. Shernee Tambut and launched the Training for Work Scholarship Program that offers training on computer servicing, welding among others which benefit residents of Sulu. Just this year, Tan distributed hundreds of computer tablets to elementary students to help them with their online classes and thousands of bags of rice for families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Cebu Pacific transports 7 million Covid vaccines Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee
Workers unload a cargo of Covid-19 vaccines from a Cebu Pacific plane.
lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and re-
sellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Cebu Pacific or CEB, the Philippines’ leading carrier, has transported over 7 million Covid-19 vaccine doses in at least 23 provinces and cities across the country – another milestone in the industry’s history. CEB was the first airline to transport vaccine doses to Sulu and Basilan provinces in the Muslim autonomous region via Zamboanga City in Mindanao last July 23. And on August 6, the carrier again flew vaccine shipments to both municipalities – 39,000 Janssen doses to Sulu’s capital town of Jolo, and 5,000 Sinovac doses to Basilan. Isabela City Mayor Djalia Hataman praised CEB and thanked the airliner for its effort in trans-
porting the vaccine. “We thank Cebu Pacific for safely bringing the vaccines here to us,” Hataman said. Alex Reyes, CEB’s Chief Strategy Officer, said the transported vaccines were subject to the most stringent standards to guarantee product potency and efficacy until they arrive at their designated stations. “We are delighted to keep flying more vaccines across our widest domestic network to aid in our nation’s vaccine distribution efforts. We look forward to carrying more doses as we all work towards achieving herd immunity as soon as possible,” said Reyes. He said apart from Zamboanga City, CEB has also carried vaccines to 22
other destinations since March this year, specifically Bacolod, Bohol, Butuan, Caticlan, Cauayan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Masbate, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tawi-Tawi, Tuguegarao, and Virac. The airline has also transported over 16.5 million vaccine doses from China to Manila since April, also this year. Reyes said CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 31 destinations, on top of its 8 international destinations. Its 74-strong fleet, one of the youngest in the world, includes 2 dedicated ATR freighters and one A330 freighter. (Cebu Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
August 23-29, 2021
Taliban return may revitalize SEA terrorist groups Continued from page 1 proved meaningless, as Afghan security forces simply evaporated in the face of Taliban offensives, surrendering without a fight. So what does this mean for Southeast Asian security? How will it impact Islamist militancy moving forward? Right now, there is no clear answer, but a look at recent history suggests the return of the Taliban could revitalize weakening terrorist networks in the region. An intertwined history Afghanistan has always played a part in the development of terrorist networks in Southeast Asia. Not many Southeast Asians traveled to fight the Soviets in the 1980s, but those that did returned to Southeast Asia and took over leadership of almost every militant Islamist group, including Jemaah Islamiyah, Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, and Laskar Jihad. These returnees were placed on pedestals and established madrassas that they used as centers of recruitment and indoctrination for the next generation of militant jihadists. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front broke away from the secular Moro National Liberation Front in 1984, and moved their headquarters to Lahore, Pakistan, where they deepened ties to transnational jihadists. By 1996, al-Qaeda was dispatching operatives to replicate at the local level their Afghan training camps. Southeast Asian militants were increasingly being trained at al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan. And the results were devastating. One only has to look at the casualties of the 2002 Bali bombings to see the devastation that could be wrought by alQaeda-trained operatives. Jemaah Islamiyah’s operations chief Hambali and al-Qaeda anthrax researcher Yazid Sufaat were in Afghanistan on 9/11 waiting to procure a virulent strain that could be produced in a Malaysian lab. Southeast Asian militants played key roles in al-Qaeda operations, as well. A meeting in Kuala Lumpur in 2000 reviewed the failed attack on USS The Sullivans (January 2000), planned the USS
Cole attack (October 2000), and made final preparations for the 9/11 attacks the following year. Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, al-Qaeda’s operational chief Khalid Sheikh Mohamed called for militants in Indonesia to launch a diversionary attack. The result was the Bali bombings that caused the death of 202 people. Other attacks against U.S. interests were planned, including a bombing of U.S. naval vessels in the Singapore Strait. From 2002-2009, Jemaah Islamiyah was al-Qaeda’s most consistently lethal franchise. With the initial defeat of the Taliban and much of al-Qaeda being driven from Afghanistan, in 2001-2002, the links between Southeast Asian militants and Afghanistan became more tenuous. Years of effective counterterrorist operations across Southeast Asia led to JI’s collapse as a militant organization. It launched its last terrorist attack in 2011. By 2014, the Islamic State, which had swept across Syria and Iraq, was the new shiny thing to attract the interests of regional militants. Former leaders and cells of the pro-al-Qaeda Jemaah Islamiyah defected to the Islamic state, and Southeast Asian militants began to travel to Syria to wage jihad. By November 2014, there were enough to establish a Bahasa-language-speaking company. Now what? What does the Taliban’s takeover mean for militancy in Southeast Asia? At one level, it’s a clear propaganda victory. The Taliban and their Mujahidin antecedents can claim to have defeated two superpowers. Islamists will rejoice in that fact, alone. And it will inspire them to set their sights back on their own corruption-ridden governments, which they view as being propped up by the West. We do not know if Afghanistan will return to being a terrorist safe haven. Some argue that al- Qaeda never left, and that the Taliban have not moderated their stance on the group one iota. Others contend that after been driven from power for 20 years, the Taliban have
an incentive to make sure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven again. But the most important factor is not what happens in Afghanistan, but the terrorist trajectory in Southeast Asia. For the past seven years, pro-Islamic State groups have been the most consistently lethal terrorist organizations in the region. JI has quietly let them absorb the body-blows of the region’s security forces, who have been far more proactive with the Islamic State, far more willing to cooperate with regional partners, and armed with far greater legal powers and authorities. Pro-Islamic State groups, especially in Indonesia, are significantly weakened. And Jemaah Islamiyah is waiting to pick up the pieces. It certainly has the financial resources to do so. They are stronger than they have been in years, as the state gave them ample space to regroup, run their madrassas, mosques, businesses, and charities. Jemaah Islamiyah never renounced violence, waiting patiently for the appropriate time to resume terrorist operations. And unlike in parts of South Asia and the Middle East, things are much more fluid in Southeast Asia. Groups and individuals can move between groups without consequence. What is very telling is that by July 2021, Indonesian security forces had already arrested over 30 members of Jemaah Islamiyah. And of course, things in Iraq and Syria remain far from settled. Though the Islamic State has suffered reversals, it is far from a defeated force. They too, could regroup, one again drawing support from Southeast Asia. Arguably the greatest impact on regional security from the fall of Afghanistan will simply be a greater questioning of American reliability and commitment as an ally and security partner. The damage has been done, and this plays into the hands of Chinese propagandists who revel in sowing seeds of doubt regarding U.S. reliability. (By Zachary Abuza / BenarNews. The author is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. )
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August 23-29, 2021
The Mindanao Examiner
Sulu Pictures in the News
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The Mindanao Examiner
August 23-29, 2021
Across : 1. Big Swallow 5. Depots (abbr.) 9. So-so grade 12. Yachting 13. Slender 14. Science rm. 15. Duo 16. Move 18. The thing here 20. Termite, e.g. 21. African country 25. Emporium 26. Respond 27. Hog’s dinner 29. Simpler 31. Spit 35. Addition sign 37. Fathered 38. Heroic narrative 41. Treat with drugs 43. Platter 45. “Mona ___” 46. Audience member 48. Knotted 52. Corporate VIP 53. Channel 54. Margin 55. Be mistaken 56. Collections 57. Canines
CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009
Rodil P. Ybañez
DAVAO CITY Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines (082) 2841859 / (0932) 4323301 / (0997) 3172021
Marilou Cablinda
NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY Rhoderick Beñez (0927) 4757936 Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down :
PAGADIAN CITY
Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600
Richard Suarez
1. Mountain pass 2. UN member 3. Luau souvenir 4. Take part in something 5. Disrobe 6. Dissertation 7. Be unwell 8. Stuck-up one 9. Nurse ___ Barton 10. Consumer 11. Critic Roger ___ 17. Elaborate 19. Traveler’s stopover 21. Bard’s “before” 22. Brewed drink 23. Holds 24. Gore and Roker 28. Fertile desert spot
30. Pirate’s drink 32. Fin. fund 33. Dog doc 34. Summer beverage 36. Choose 38. Outer ___ 39. Tailor 40. Croc’s kin 42. Counts calories 44. Ceases 47. Payable now 49. Groom’s response (2 wds.) 50. Hen product 51. ___ Moines, Iowa
Weekly Sudoku:
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ 3/F, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / 0915-3976197
Maritess Fernandez The Mindanao Examiner The Zamboanga Post
Newspaper, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief / Producer
Answer to last week:
Reynold Toribio Graphics / Video Editor
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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
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The Mindanao Examiner
August 23-29, 2021
DepEd mimando sa mga magtutudlo nga magpabakuna
HEALTH
Pagkain Para Lumakas Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
K
PAGADIAN CITY - Gimando ni Ruth Fuentes, ang Western Mindanao Regional Director sa Department of Education (DepEd-IX), sa tanang mga magtutudlo sa Zamboanga del Sur Schools’ Division nga magpabakuna batok sa Covid-19. Sa gipahigayon nga panagtigum sa mga division chiefs ning bag-o pa lang, gipahibalo ni Fuentes nga sa vaccination program sa kagamhanan, ang DepEd-IX nakatala sa labing ubos nga rating sa vaccination. Nasayran usab ni Fuentes nga ang Zamboanga del
Sur Schools’ Division adunay lamang 51% nga mga magtutudlo ang nabakunahan batok sa Covid-19. Samtang, gipahibalo sa mga division chiefs nga ang vaccination roll out ang hinay sa mga lungsod tungod kay gihatagan ug priority sa mga local government units ang mga grupo nga A2 ug A3 ug dili makapadayon ug bakuna sa A4 kinsa nahisakop ang mga magtutudlo kung dili mahuman ug bakuna ang nasangpit nga priority groups. Gimando ni Fuentes nga ipalig-on ang advocacy
program sa pagbakuna sa Covid-19 tungod kay ubos ang turn out sa Region IX. “Ayaw kamo pagsalig sa usa ka source, himoa ninyo ang tanang pamaagi nga kamo mabakunahan. Hinumdumi nga kita ang nagtrabaho sa nasudnong kagamhanan,” si Fuentes nagkanayon kinsa hingpit na nga nabakunahan. Gihatagan ni Fuentes ug deadline ang 49% nga mga magtutudlo nga wala mabakunahan nga hangtud karong semanaha makumpleto ang ilang pagbakuna. (Gideon Corgue)
apag gusto mong mag-ehersisyo o magtrabaho ng mabigat, kailangan mo ng sapat na lakas. Makukuha natin ito sa pamamagitan ng tamang pagkain. 1. Saging – Napakaganda ng saging sa mga nag-e-ehersisyo dahil mayroon itong taglay na carbohydrates, vitamin B at potassium. Ang potassium ay kailangan sa normal na pagtibok ng puso at paggalaw ng masels. Masdan niyo ang mga tennis players na palaging kumakain ng saging. 2. Spaghetti – Nagbibigay ng lakas ang spaghetti dahil sa taglay nitong carbohydrates. Sa mga diabetic, mas mainam ang spaghetti kaysa sa kanin, dahil mas hindi tataas ang iyong asukal sa dugo. 3. Gatas – Ang gatas ay isang kumpletong pagkain dahil mayroon itong carbohydrates, protina at fats. May vitamin B pa ito na nagbibigay ng lakas. Piliin lamang ang low-fat milk para hindi tumaba. 4. Chocolate Bar –
Para sa kabataan, puwedeng kumain ng tsokolate dahil mayroon itong asukal, gatas at cocoa. Maituturing itong energy bar. Pero limitahan lang ang kakainin sa isang maliit na hiwa at baka ikaw ay tumaba. 5. Pakwan – Ang pakwan at buko ay napakabisang natural energy drinks. Ang pakwan ay may 92% alkaline water na mabuti sa katawan. Punong-puno din ang pakwan ng vitamin B, potassium at electrolytes na kailangan ng taong laging pinapawisan. Maganda rin ang pakwan bilang panlaban sa heat stroke at init ng panahon. 6. Buko – Ang sabaw ng buko ay mayroong maraming electrolytes na maihahambing na sa suero na ginagamit ng doktor. Ang laman ng buko ay may carbohydrates na nagpapalakas at nakabubusog din. 7. Nilagang itlog – Ang itlog ay siksik sa protina, vitamin B at vitamin D. May sangkap pa itong Choline na kailangan ng ating utak. Limitahan lang ang pagkain sa 1 o 2 itlog sa maghapon.
8. Nilagang mani – Ang mani ay punong-puno din ng protina, minerals at good fats na nagbibigay ng lakas. Mas masustansya ang nilagang mani kaysa sa pritong mani dahil wala itong mantika at mababa sa asin. Dagdag payo para lumakas: Kumain ng mas madalas pero katamtaman lamang. Ito’y para makakuha tayo ng tuluy-tuloy na suplay ng enerhiya mula sa pagkain. Sa umaga, kumain din ng masustansyang almusal para may lakas tayo. Isang paalala: Huwag sosobrahan ang pagkain ng mga nabanggit dahil puwede tayong tumaba. Tandaan lamang na kapag mayroon tayong kinain, ay sasabayan ng ehersisyo para matunaw ito.
‘Unfair’ says embattled DOH chief on COA report
Senator Grace Poe, Health Secretary Francisco Duque and Senator Leila de Lima. EMBATTLED HEALTH Sec. Francisco Duque continues to defend his himself against widespread criticisms following a preliminary report by the Commission on Audit (COA) which flagged over P67 billion Covid-19 funds of the Department of Health (DOH). Duque also criticized the COA during a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, saying: “Winarat nito kami, winarat niyo ang dangal ng DOH...hindi kami makaharap sa mga tao...wala pa rin akong tulog, ilang gabi na po ito. This is unfair, unjust that this judgment been handed down, clearly without giving the DOH the full 60 days within which we should have giv-
en our rejoinder. Masakit po talaga sa amin ito... nagkakasakit na mga tao ko, nag-isolate, nag-quarantine, may namatay na. Por Diyos por santo maawa naman kayo.” But Senator Grace Poe asked after reading COA’s report on the DOH’s long list of deficiencies during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing: “Shouldn’t Sec. Duque be suspended by now if you’re going to apply the same judgment as what happened to the PhilHealth executives?” Poe pointed out that Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered the preventive suspension of eight PhilHealth executives and five
DOH officials last year for various offenses related to the use of people’s money during the pandemic. “The fact that we can’t even go out of our homes, are we happy with what is happening? Are the medical frontliners happy with what is happening to them? Somebody must be held accountable,” she said. In the COA report, a total of P11.89 billion of funds remained unobligated on top of the P42.1 billion that was transferred to partner agencies without a memorandum of agreement. “Ito po ay hindi lamang kapabayaan, ito po ay kriminal,” Poe said. Senator Leila de Lima urged Congress to investigate
the findings of the COA on the DOH which she said is “very concerning” and to ensure that those responsible be held accountable. She also filed Senate Resolution filed on August 17 underscoring the need to look into the COA’ findings to address recurrent issues that plagued DOH’s services, as well as the persistent lapses that give rise to wastage even amidst times of scarcity and shortage. “The lack of prudence and diligence on the part of the DOH should not be tolerated. Its failure to judiciously and meticulously plan and respond to the health needs of the country is unacceptable and warrants a thorough investigation to determine who are responsible,” she said. According to De Lima, the COA report on the DOH revealed that of the total appropriation of approximately 205.621 billion (pursuant to Republic Act No. 11465 or the General Appropriations Act for FY 2020) and of the total allotments received amounting to 200.855 billion, the DOH has unreleased appropriation, unobligated allotment, and unpaid obligation amounting to 4.765 billion, 24.641 billion and 34. 496 billion, respectively. De Lima noted that the same report likewise “exposed a very palpable repeti-
tion of what has already been previously pointed out by COA’s findings in 2019.” Notably, the state auditors again divulged that drugs, medicines, and other types of inventories with a total value of 95,675,058.98 were nearly expired or have expired due to “deficient procurement planning, poor distribution and monitoring systems, and identified weaknesses in internal controls.” “This is not the first time that the DOH has been flagged by COA for its over-procurement and poor distribution of medicine,” De Lima said, adding in July 2019, COA also said the DOH had P18.449 billion worth of medicine purchased from 2015 to 2018 yet to be distributed to government hospitals, health centers and other government treatment facilities. She said the continued and persistent problems on the part of DOH that COA has reported undeniably shows its systemic failure to comply with relevant laws and rules. “The DOH’s deliberate inaction on, and non-compliance with COA’s recommendations also reveal lack of concern and gross negligence. The fact that in the thick of waging a war against Covid-19 there are unused funds from 2020 means the DOH lacks a sense of urgency with the rising deaths and infections,” De
Lima said. “Namamatay ang ating mga frontliner nang walang nakukuhang sapat na benepisyo, gaya na lamang ni Maria Theresa Cruz, isang nurse sa Cainta (Rizal province) na namatay noong nakaraang taon dahil sa COVID-19, na di man lang natanggap ang katiting na P60 kada araw na hazard pay. Tapos mababalitaan natin ang ganitong kapabayaan at kawalang malasakit na bilyon-bilyong pondo ang hindi masinop na ginastos?” De Lima said. De Lima maintained that the over-procurement and poor distribution of medicines and other medical supplies is a systemic problem within the DOH that has long crippled the health system thereby affecting the lives and safety of Filipinos. “The DOH cannot justify these occurrences to lockdowns and other health protocols, to which any responsive government agency should have already adjusted and adapted,” she said. In October last year, De Lima also filed Senate Resolution No. 539 directing the appropriate Senate committee to look into the COA report showing 2.2 billion worth of expired or overstocked drugs, medicines, and other supplies in the inventory of the DOH. (Mindanao Examiner)
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August 23-29, 2021
August 23-29, 2021
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Don’t use pulpit in anti-vax Csermon
Cebu Pacific’s ‘GetGo’ is now ‘Go Rewards’ CEBU – The Philippines’ leading airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) said its loyalty program GetGo is now Go Rewards, the lifestyle and rewards program of the Gokongwei group. It said this gives CEB customers more ways to enjoy deals and benefits from its many partner brands. With this migration, GetGo points earned before January 1, 2020 are converted into Cebu Pacific Travel Fund. This virtual wallet may be used to purchase new flights and add-ons (and even taxes and fees) on the CEB website. One Go Rewards point is equivalent to P1.00, and can be redeemed by the member for the flights with CEB or purchases in over 2,000 retail stores. “We are excited to be part of this new and improved loyalty program
ARMM
where we are now able to offer more rewards and options for our customers,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience. She said GetGo members have been informed of their corresponding point conversions via registered email. Under Go Rewards, members can earn and redeem points from purchases in Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, Southstar Drug, True Value, Daiso, Toys R Us, Mini Stop, Daiso Japan, No Brand, Caltex, and Handy Man, and many more. Members can also enjoy exclusive deals and coupons that they can discover via the Go Rewards app, according to Iyog, adding members with GetGo loyalty cards may exchange
them for the new Go Rewards Classic card. “Simply present the old GetGo card in any Robinsons Retail store, and immediately activate the card through the Go Rewards app to easily view your points,” she said. Iyog said GetGo members with existing Go Rewards membership can conveniently merge both accounts through the Go Rewards app. On the other hand, GetGo members who are new to Go Rewards can merge their GetGo membership by downloading the Go Rewards app, selecting “Register,” and then linking their GetGo account. After doing so, the GetGo number will be deactivated, and the new Go Rewards number will be the membership account moving forward, she explained. (Rhoderick Beñez and Malou Cablinda)
Eastern Mindanao
EBU CITY – Archbishop Jose Palma has warned priests not to use the pulpit in their personal campaign against the government’s mass vaccination program. He advised priests trast to the personal be- one should be encouraged to study the issue opposing the vaccination liefs of the priest himself. The Philippine News well and only then can program against Covid-19 to refrain from including Agency also quoted Palma one make a choice to v or personal stands in their as saying that the “Church not to v,” said Cimagala, vaccina- who also writes a syndihomily. “Do not use the recommends cated column for various pulpit for your person- tion.” Palma’s remarks came newspapers, including al opinions because the pulpit is for the official after a video clip showed a the Mindanao Examiner. teaching of the Church,” priest delivering his hom“Whatever choice said Palma on his homily ily against the govern- one makes he should do at the opening salvo for ment’s mass vaccination it in good faith with love the 170th Parish Fiesta at program. The clip quickly for God and neighbor as the St. Augustine of Hippo went viral on social me- prime motive. One aldia. Parish in Carmen town. ways takes some studFather Roy Amora ied risks whatever deciWhile he respects the personal opinions of the Cimagala, who followed sion he makes. That way priests, Palma reminded Palma’s statement, wrote whether one is right or them that the pulpit is this on the Facebook page wrong in the end, God used only to preach the of the Roman Catholic will take care of everyofficial teachings of the Archdiocese of Cebu. “The thing. No need for acriCatholic Church. This, he question of vaccination - monious discussions and said, means that the hom- the pulpit should not be much less using the pulily must share the reflec- used whether one is for or pit for expressing one’s tion or the message of the against it. Since there are views on this matter,” he Church in general even if, serious and valid reasons added. (John Rey Saaveat times, it runs in con- behind each side, every- dra, Cebu Examiner)
Police investigate Camotes beach party NATIONAL POLICE Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has ordered an investigation into a beach party in Camotes Island off Cebu province and attended by some politicians. Eleazar said he ordered the provincial police to look into the beach party which was held on July 10, but was only reported recently to the Department of the Interior and Local Government. He said the order to investigate the event came from Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. “We will abide by the directive of our SILG Secretary Eduardo Año to investigate the said gathering which may have violated minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols and could
Western Mindanao
have been a super spreader event. I am directing the local police to closely look into the evidence and coordinate with the LGU regarding the incident,” he said. Videos of the beach party showed guests completely disregarded the minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols. It was unknown how many of those who attended the party have Covid-19 or had close contacts with someone infected with the deadly respiratory virus. Eleazar reminded the public that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, minimum health standards must strictly be observed and mass gatherings or potential super spreader events are prohibited. He
Cebu
also encouraged the public to continue reporting to authorities all violations of minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols. “Ang insidenteng ito ay isinumbong lang ng isang concerned citizen. We urge the public to continue reporting to authorities incidents where minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols are violated,” Eleazar said, adding that even politicians are not exempted from the pandemic restrictions. Año and Eleazar did not identify the politicians who attended the beach party, but other reports said as many as 700 people were at the event. (Cebu Examiner)
Manila