LABANAN ANG COVID-19! ISANG PAALALA MULA KAY GOV. SAKUR TAN, VICE GOV. TOTO TAN AT CONG. SAMIER TAN.
Waiting for God’s sign
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‘Bong Go willing to sacrifice presidential bid’
S
ENATOR BONG Go, who is running for the presidency, is not backing out of the political race, said lawyer Melvin Matibag, the secretary general of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) after the former presidential aide said he is still waiting for God’s sign whether to continue or not. There are talks that give way for Bongbong mate is presidential Go may slide down to Marcos whose running Continue on page 2
Establishments warned THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned commercial es-
tablishments to comply with the health protocols, those who violate
strictly public saying the or-
der may lose their business permits. DILG Undersecretary Continue on page 3
U.S. Grand Jury Indicts Church Leaders
(Pikisuperstar on Freepik / clker-free-vector-images on Pixabay)
ARMM
THE U.S. Department of Justice has charged the founder of a Philippines-based church and two top administrators of allegedly orchestrating a sex trafficking operation that coerced girls and young women to have sex with the church’s leader under threats of “eternal damnation.” It said the superseding indictment expands Continue on page 6
Eastern Mindanao
A photo from the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan shows President Rodrigo Duterte raising the hand of presidential candidate and Senator Bong Go.
Duterte umapela ng pagkain sa mga gobernador, alkalde DAVAO CITY – Umapela si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa mga gobernador at
Western Mindanao
alkalde sa bansa na dalhin ang kanilang mga constituents sa mga vaccination
Cebu
sites at nakiusap pa ito sa mga opisyal na Continue on page 3
Manila
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The Mindanao Examiner
November 29-December 5, 2021
Waiting for God’s sign
‘Bong Go willing to sacrifice presidential bid’
President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go listen to political ally and friend Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a recent meeting.
Continued from page 1 daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Hugpong ng Pagbabago and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino have forged an alliance and are behind Marcos-Duterte tandem. “No, Senator Bong Go is not backing out from the presidential race at tuloy na tuloy ito,” Matibag told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Go said he is willing to “make the supreme sacrifice for the good of our country, and for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders.” Go, a member of the PDP-Laban, told reporters on November 24 that he is waiting for a sign from God whether to pursue his candidacy or not after saying that he still cannot believe that he is running for the presidency. President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also gunning for a senate seat after his term ends, has pushed Go to run in next year’s polls. Duterte even endorsed his daughter to be as Go’s vice presidential, but not Marcos. “Nabigla ako. Hindi pa pumapasok sa isipan ko kung bakit ako nandito as a candidate po ng pagiging presidente,” Go said, adding “iniisip ko pa nang mabuti, nag-aantay po ako ng sign sa Panginoon. Kung sa tingin niyang, dito ka na lang Bong. Susundin ko po at siyempre yung Pilipino.” Matibag said Go, who filed his candidacy under the political party Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), was just being honest when he made those statement. “Alam mo naman yan si Senator Bong Go is very honest, pero hindi magwi-withdraw yan and as a matter of fact nag-meeting nga sila sa Malakanyang (on November 24) at naroon ang mga governors, more than 50 of them and they are all supporting Senator Bong Go at hindi lang mga governors, pati mga ibang (local government) officials,” he said. The PDDS has welcomed Go’s candidacy, including Duterte’s senate run, saying
“lubos ang aming kagalakan na pinili ng Pangulong Duterte at Senador Bong Go tumakbo at mapabilang sa aming hanay dahil nabuo ang aming partido base rin sa kanilang adhikain para sa bayan at inspirasyon. Gaya nina Pang. Duterte at Sen. Go, hangad naming makapaghandog ng tunay na pagbabago sa taumbayan. Kaya bitbit din namin ang mga plataporma ng Presidente kabilang ang pederalismo at masidhing laban kontra droga, krimen, terorismo at katiwalian. Ang PDDS at PDP-Laban ay magkatuwang, magkasama at iisang grupo na sumusuporta sa kandidatura ng Pangulong Duterte at Senador Bong Go.” PDDS, whose president is Greco Belgica, the former chairman of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission and is now running for senator, also called on Duterte’s supporters and followers to unite and continue the president’s program. “Panawagan ng PDDS sa lahat ng mga taga-suporta ng Pangulo: Ito ang panahon para tayo ay magkaisa. Isantabi ang mga pagkakaiba at pansariling interes para ipagpatuloy ang mga adhikain sa bayan na ating pinag samasamahan noong 2016 ng ating suportahan ang nooy Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang kandidatura dahil gusto natin ng pagbabago. Kailangan tayong magsamasamang muli para maipanalo ang Pangulo at si Sen. Go upang maipagpatuloy nila ang mga nasimulang reporma.” Go also issued a statement on November 25 and below is the full text of his pronouncement: “Running for the Presidency is something I have never dreamed of. Iniiwasan ko ang posisyon na ito, but fate -- as I said -- has a way of turning things around. Nagdesisyon ang partido at si Pangulong Duterte and I accepted the challenge. At present, I continue to seek guidance from the Divine Being for I believe that the Presidency is a matter of destiny. Kung para sayo yan, para talaga sayo yan. Nakakataba ng puso yung suporta at hindi po namin kakalimutan yan
pero totoong tao po ako at sinasabi ko lang ang totoong nararamdaman ko.” “Naging kandidato na ako as Vice President for about 40 days hanggang sa nangyari po ang hindi natin inaasahan. At dahil sa mahal ko at ayaw kong masaktan si Pangulong Duterte at ang kanyang pamilya ay kinailangan ko pong magpaubaya. But in the past few days po, I realized that my heart and mind are contradicting my own actions. Tao lang po ako na nasasaktan at napapagod din. O baka dahil sadyang napakarumi at ganun kainit lang talaga ang pulitika. Talagang nagreresist po ang aking katawan, puso at isipan. Pati po ang aking pamilya ay nahihirapan.” “Ako naman po ay isang probinsyano lamang na binigyan ng pagkakataon ng Panginoon at ng mamamayang Pilipino na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Hindi po ako isang pulitiko. Hindi ako nanggaling sa malaki o kilalang pamilya. I am only a simple public servant from the province na walang ibang hangad kundi ang magserbisyo po sa aking kapwa tao. Pero sa ngayon, baka hindi ko pa po panahon. Ako yung taong handang magsakripisyo para wala nang maipit, masaktan at mamroblema. Ayoko na pong mahirapan si Pangulo at yung mga supporters natin. Mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte. Matanda na rin po siya at ayaw ko siyang bigyan pa ng dagdag na problema.” “Having said this, I leave my fate to God and the Filipino people as I vow to do my best every day to serve selflessly and tirelessly. I am willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the good of our country, and for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders. Marami namang paraan upang makatulong sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Ako naman, kahit saan man ako ipadpad ng aking tadhana, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo. Kung anuman ang aking magiging desisyon, ipapasa-Diyos ko na lang ang lahat alang-alang sa kung ano ang makakabuti sa bayan.” (Mindanao Examiner)
November 29-December 5, 2021
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The Mindanao Examiner
Tight security in Zambo after capture of Sayyaf bomber ZAMBOANGA CITY has tightened its security following the capture of an Abu Sayyaf bomber who is also wanted for the spate of ransom kidnappings of Filipinos and foreigners in the southern Philippines. Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokeswoman, said the 42-year old Kalmi Mustala was captured in the coastal village of Recodo after soldiers and policemen swooped down on his hideout last week. At least a dozen police and military units from Sulu province and Zamboanga City participated in the joint operation that led to Mustala’s arrest. The terrorist is being linked to the twin suicide attacks on Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Sulu’s capital town of Jolo on Janua2y 27, 2019. It was unclear what Mustala’s role in the attacks
which was claimed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS after a pair of Indonesian bombers detonated their explosives simultaneously inside and outside the church. The first bomber, a woman, detonated an explosive belt, while the second attacker blew himself up outside the cathedral and killing and wounding dozens of people, including soldiers deployed in the area. The spokeswoman said Mustala was also involved in the February 2012 kidnappings of Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra and Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn. He is also being linked to the September 2019 kidnappings of three Indonesian fishermen Maharudin Bin Lunani, and Samiun bin Maneu and Muhammad Farhan; and three other Filipinos, Ronnie Terung,
Joshua Baning and Michelle Panes. “The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant under criminal case Nr. 2991-3 for violation of Presidential Decree no. 11866 as amended by RA 8294 known as illegal possession of Explosives used in the commission of the crimes of double frustrated murder and double attempted murder issued by Honorable Judge Alsad H. Alfad of Sulu RTC, Branch 3 dated June 19, 2021 with no bail bond recommended. Accused is presently detained at the headquarters of the Zamboanga City Police Office lock-up cell,” she said in a statement. No other details were made available by the police on Mustala’s arrest or whether his group was planning an attack or targeting wealthy businessmen here. (Mindanao Examiner)
Duterte umapela ng pagkain sa mga gobernador, alkalde
Establishments warned Continued from page 1 Jonathan Malaya said DILG continues to receive complaints from the public that many establishments do not follow the health protocols and guidelines under the new alert level system imposed by the National Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases. Malaya cited the violations on the limit on the number of customers inside an establishment, especially those which are supposed to accept customers who are fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 disease in indoor establishments such as restaurants, amusement parks, recreational venues, fitness studios
and gyms, among others. “Many restaurants and indoor establishments are not checking the vaccination status of their customers and are violating the 50% operational capacity for indoor establishments and 70% operational capacity of outdoor establishments,” he said. “These establishments are strongly warned that the government will revoke the Safety Seals issued to them which will deprive them of the additional 10% operational capacity, as well as lose the badge of honor that they are compliant with all public health standards against Covid-19. Repeat violators or those without Safety Seals, the
DILG will recommend the revocation of their business permits issued by the local government,” Malaya said. He urged all local governments and the police to conduct regular inspections of establishments to ensure their compliance with Covid-19 guidelines. “The local government can issue a show cause order against the violators. We cannot be complacent at this time, even if cases are going down and vaccination is going up, we cannot put our guard down. Look at Europe, their vaccination rate is high but they are now undergoing a new surge. Vigilance will prevent another surge,” Malaya said. (Zamboanga Post)
Continued from page 1 gastusan at pakainin ang mga tao at minsanan lamang umano ito. “I also appeal to all governors and mayors, dalhin ninyo ang mga constituents ninyo sa mga vaccination sites, sa mga hospitals, malls, at maging sa mga Jollibee at McDonald's branches para mabakunahan na sila. Ang problema nito, iyon ang --- mga governor, bahala na kayo nito. Iyon namang pupunta sa Jollibee para magpabakuna at saka sa McDonald’s, matapos parang gutumin, walang pera, tapos maamoy niya 'yang karne diyan, I suggest --- I am authorizing all governors and mayors, gumastos na lang kayo ng pera, papalitan ko lang ‘yan balang araw.” “Pakainin na lang ninyo sila para may... Pakainin ka doon tapos gutom ka. Eh ‘di kaawa naman 'yang Pil-
ipino. Really, you just give me the bill and I will try to pay it if I have the money. Tutal ano lang naman ‘yan eh. Iyon magpatigas-tigas na matagal mong kumbinsihin, bigyan mo lang 'yan ng siopao. Sanay ang mga gobyerno -- governor and mayors sa paghakot ng tao so dapat kayang-kaya din nila ito. Well, this is a very... Hindi na kailangan sabihin sa ano na sanay ang mga gobyerno at mayor. Sanay ito sila sa eleksiyon maghakot. Para ito pang ano hindi na nila kaya,” ani Duterte. Nagpasalamat rin ang Pangulo sa pribadong sektor at sa tulong ng mga shopping malls at fast food chains, gayun rin ang mga pribadong ospital sa pahintulot ng mga ito na gawin vaccination sites ang kanilang lugar. “Maraming salamat sa bayanihan ninyo. At kung maaari, pakainin ninyo tutal
one time lang naman 'yan at para lang sa bayan, gawain mo para sa bayan. Kailangan talaga lahat mabakunahan,” wika pa nito. Ngunit ipinahayag rin ni Duterte na hindi dapat papasukin sa mga restoran o resorts ang mga hindi bakunado at maari umano silang carrier ng Covid-19 at makahawa ng ibang tao. “Ang mga ayaw, they should not be allowed inside public restaurants or resorts because they are a threat to public health and the safety of the general public, threat to public health. Alam mo pagka ang sumatotal nitong sabihin mo public health. Anong public health? Public health 'yan kasi ang sabi ko ang dead end niyan is kamatayan. Dapat maintindihan ito ng mga kababayan natin: kailangan lahat ay magpabakuna,” paliwanag pa ng Pangulo. (Malou Cablinda)
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The Mindanao Examiner
November 29-December 5, 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, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin)
The Mindanao Examiner
November 29-December 5, 2021
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Govt. puts premium on mental health program MENTAL HEALTH conditions cost the Philippine economy a staggering P68.9 billion each year, equivalent to 0.4% of its GDP, according to a mental health investment case for the Philippines launched by the Department of Health (DOH) and the United Nations. According to DOH, around 96% of this cost comes from loss in productivity, with the remaining 4% coming from healthcare costs. But the good news is that investing in a small set of evidence-based, cost-effective actions could result in 700,000 healthy life years gained and over 5,000 lives being saved in the country, with economic benefits of P217 billion over the next 10 years. The Investment Case Report outlines
a number of recommendations that support the country’s implementation of the Mental Health Act, with continuing support through the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. “As the COVID-19 continues varying degrees of worry, fear, and concern continue to cloud everyone’s minds, the scale of the pandemic’s impact has gone far beyond physical health. It has also led to a concerning rise of psychological suffering and, consequently, an increase in the demand for the entire continuum of mental health interventions, from health promotion to specialized health service delivery,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also stressed the government’s
China tells Philippines to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal BEIJING HAS told the Philippines to remove its dilapidated warship manned by soldiers on Ayungin Shoal after the China Coast Guard harassed last week a pair of civilian boats carrying supplies for the Filipino troops. China said the Philippine government has previously committed to remove the BRP Sierra Madre stuck in the shoal. But Senator Ping Lacson rejected the call of Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian that the Philippines honor its commitment and remove the ship from the area. “I don't think there was an agreement. I could not imagine the Philippine government, much less the Department of Foreign Affairs, na papasok sa kasunduan na tatanggalin natin ang BRP Sierra Madre. Walang lupa ang Ayungin, pero sa atin yan Napakaliwanag,” he said. Lacson said the BRP Sierra Madre which also serves as an outpost of the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, should be refurbished and reinforced. “Dapat huwag natin bayaang iusog. Kung kakayanin lagay tayo ng isang barko doon na functioning,” he said. This is not the first time China intruded into the Philippines’ territory and exclusive economic zone in the West Philip-
pine Sea, according to Lacson. “As early as 1995, China occupied Panganiban (Mischief ) Reef. This was followed by a standoff at Panatag Shoal in 2012. Lacson noted Panatag Shoal is 118.79 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine coastline, well within 200 nautical miles and way closer compared to China,” he said. Despite China violating an agreement brokered by the United States, the Philippines won an arbitral victory in 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China had no right over the area. Yet, China still dared lay claim over the area, which is 105 nautical miles off Palawan. Lacson said he is drafting a Senate resolution to express the Sense of the Senate to condemn the recent actions taken by China in the West Philippine Sea. He also asked to be a co-author of Senate President Tito Sotto's Senate Bill 2289, “An Act Declaring the Maritime Zones under the Jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines.” Under the bill, the Philippines could exercise sovereignty over its internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea, and the airspace over it as well as its seabed and subsoil in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other existing laws and treaties.
The bill provides for the needed flexibility in the passage of subsequent laws pertinent to the rights and obligations to which the Philippines is entitled and may exercise over its maritime zones. “Kailangan may municipal law para klaro, parang nine-dash line na sinasabi ng China, para ma-reinforce ang ating sinasabing pag-aari sa WPS,” Lacson said, referring to the West Philippine Sea. Lacson also reiterated his stance to maintain a balance of power in the region while the Philippines works to attain a minimum credible defense posture. He said this entails accelerating the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but the Philippines is spending less than one percent of its budget for this while its neighbors spend more than two percent of their budgets for the purpose. On the other hand, Lacson said that while the Philippines should still maintain trade relations with China, it should continue to assert its sovereignty and sovereign rights over the exclusive economic zone. “Mas maganda trade relations with China maintain natin pero assert natin ang sovereignty and sovereign rights over the EEZ at ang ibang sovereignty natin ang nakataya,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
commitment to the prevention and management of mental health through the implementation of the Mental Health Act and with the guidance of the findings on the Investment Case Report. “If we are to follow the recommendations of the Investment Case, we may be able to save more than 5,000 lives and gain more life-years by reducing the incidents, duration, and severity of mental health conditions. Guided by the National Mental Health Strategic Plan for 2019-2023, we are implementing the provisions of the Mental Health Care Law, and now through the Investment Case for Mental Health, we would have specific actionable steps to strengthen the whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach,” she said. Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, the WHO Representative to the Philippines, emphasized the significant economic impact of mental health conditions and urged the country’s decision-makers to prioritize investments to support people suffering from key mental health conditions. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a silent pandemic of mental stress and psychosocial issues in addition to disrupting the limited available resources for mental, neurological, and substance use disorder in the country. The insights presented by the Investment Case Report supports evidenced-based opportunities to reduce the adverse health impacts of mental health conditions as well the economic benefits that outweigh the cost of investment,” Abeyasinghe said. Daniel Grafton, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Consultant, noted some of the opportunities that can help sustain the management of mental health in the country. Among these are the establishment of the Philippine Council on Mental Health to oversee the implementation of the Mental Health Act, the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, and other initiatives being implemented by DOH, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Education (DepEd), and partner stakeholders. According to Dr. Corazon Dumlao, DepEd Chief of School Health Division, the population-based interventions have the greatest impact in preventing mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety. She said investment should be made in enabling mental health professionals, training, and hiring counselors in DepEd for prevention and provision of basic mental health services in schools. Dr.Felix Laban Jr., of the DOLE’s Bureau of Working Conditions, has cited the creation of guidelines mandating the implementation of Mental Health Policy and Programs in the workplace. He said the Investment Case Report provides evidence of the benefits of scaledup interventions to the Department of Finance and other non-relevant non-health sectors. The Report enumerated various challenges the country is facing concerning mental health conditions, including the growing prevalence of mental health and substance use conditions, the stigmatization of people facing mental health conditions, the meager number of trained mental health specialists, and inadequate resources invested in mental health services. National and international experts who are part of the WHO and UNDP support to the Philippines have called on the Duterte government, and public and private sector partners to promote mental health with the following recommendations: (1) strengthen mental health leadership and governance; (2) invest in evidence-based, cost-effective clinical and population-based mental health interventions; (3) include a mental health intervention while extending UHC; (4) increase the capacity of the health-care workforce and the health system to provide mental
health; and (5) Invest in mental health research and development. Last October, the DOH and the USAID RenewHealth project launched the “Lusog-Isip”, the first mobile application for mental health and self-care for Filipinos. Lusog-Isip was developed in response to the growing need for mental healthcare, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic when the delivery of traditional face-to-face interventions has become more challenging. The application aims to expand access to culturally-adapted, evidence-based tools and interventions on mental health, emphasizing self-help and self-care. It also screens individuals so it can get a better sense of their overall well-being and how they usually cope with stress, before recommending ways they can help themselves through workbooks, exercises, audio guides, journaling, mood tracking, or simple self-care reminders. If users feel they really need to speak to someone, they can also access a list of mental health and psychosocial support service providers near them or online. “This app is a timely innovation and we thank our partners at USAID for making this a reality. As the DOH and our health workers strive towards coping and living with this pandemic, we must find ways to care for the mental well-being of our fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer because of this current circumstance.” “Lusog-Isip is a self-care app and one way we can make mental healthcare more accessible to those who need it,” said Frances Prescilla Cuevas, Chief Health Program Officer of the DOH Mental Health Division. The application is available for both Android and iOS devices through the Google Play and Apple App Store. The development of Lusog-Isip is also timely in Zamboanga City where the number of suicide cases is high due to depression. And only recently, two young men hanged themselves separately due to depression. Official data of national and local suicides cases were not immediately available, but last year, there were at least 20 cases of suicides in Zamboanga that prompted Mayor Beng Climaco to order the City Health Office to formulate a mental health program and for the City Budget Office to fund the project. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite attributed these incidents to many factors, including stress due to the current health crisis. “With what is happening right now due to the pandemic, this contributes to our stress. Those who cannot cope with or handle the stress well get depressed and some of them commit suicide,” Miravite said. “We are sad over the number of suicide incidents due to frustrations as a result of Covid-19, but as mayor of Zamboanga City together with the department heads and 98 barangays, we do everything possible to help alleviate the plight of our people, especially during these trying times of the pandemic. There is hope in our efforts in God’s grace,” the mayor said. Climaco said mental health programs are important, especially during this time of the pandemic. “Our local government requested the City Budget Office to study the program together with our mental health professionals,” she said. She said a team of medical officers from the City Health Office and other agencies have already met and will come up with a program addressing mental health issues. “We are concerned with everybody’s mental health and mental health awareness is very important and we need to raise the collective consciousness about mental health,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
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November 29-December 5, 2021
U.S. Grand Jury Indicts Church Leaders Continued from page 1 on allegations made early last year against three Los Angeles-based administrators of the church, which is known as the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KOJC). The nine defendants named in the 42-count superseding indictment are charged with participating in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity – the Glendale-based Children’s Joy Foundation (CJF) – donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the KOJC allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round. The superseding indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury on November 10, expands the scope of the 2020 indictment by adding six new defendants, including the KOJC’s leader, Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, who was referred to as “The Appointed Son of God.” Three of the new defendants were arrested November 18 by federal authorities. The remaining three, including Quiboloy, are believed to be in the Philippines. The defendants charged in the superseding indictment are: Quiboloy, believed to be 71, whose primary residence is a KOJC compound in Davao City, but who also maintained large residences in Calabasas, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Kapolei, Hawaii; Teresita Tolibas Dandan, also known as “Tessie” and “Sis Ting,” 59, of Davao City, the “international administrator” who was one of the top overseers of KOJC and CJF operations in the United States; Helen Panilag, 56, of Davao City, the one-time top KOJC administrator in the U.S., who oversaw the collection of financial data from KOJC operations around the globe; Felina Salinas, also known as “Sis Eng Eng,” 50, of Kapolei, Hawaii, who allegedly was responsible for collecting and securing passports and other documents from KOJC workers in Hawaii, as well as directing funds solicited to church members to church officials in the Philippines. And also Guia Cabactulan, 61, the lead KOJC administrator in the United States who operated the KOJC compound in Van Nuys (charged in original indictment); Marissa Duenas, 43, a Van Nuys-based administrator who handled fraudulent immigration documents for workers (charged in original indictment); Amanda Estopare, 50, another Van Nuys-based administrator who was in charge of tracking and reporting the money raised in the U.S. to KOJC officials in the Philippines (charged in original indictment); Bettina Padilla Roces, also known as “Kuki,” 48, a fourth administrator who allegedly handled financial matters (arrested November 18 in Reseda); and Maria De Leon, 72, a resident of the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, the owner of Liberty Legal Document Services, who allegedly processed fraudulent marriages and immigration-related documents for KOJC workers (arrested November 18 at her residence). A statement from the U.S. Department of Justice said the superseding indictment charges Quiboloy, Dan-
dan and Salinas with participating in a conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, as well as the sex trafficking of children. These three defendants allegedly recruited females ranging from approximately 12 to 25 years of age to work as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” for Quiboloy. The indictment states that the victims prepared Quiboloy’s meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called “night duty.” The indictment specifically mentions five female victims, three of whom were minors when the alleged sex trafficking began. “Defendant Quiboloy and other KOJC administrators coerced pastorals into performing ‘night duty’ – that is, sex – with defendant Quiboloy under the threat of physical and verbal abuse and eternal damnation by defendant Quiboloy and other KOJC administrators,” the indictment alleges. “Defendant Quiboloy and other KOJC administrators told pastorals that performing ‘night duty’ was ‘God’s will’ and a privilege, as well as a necessary demonstration of the pastoral’s commitment to give her body to defendant Quiboloy as ‘The Appointed Son of God.’” The indictment alleges the sex trafficking scheme started no later than 2002 and continued to at least 2018, during which time Quiboloy and his top administrators caused the victims to engage in commercial sex acts by ordering female victims, including the minor victims, to have sex with defendant Quiboloy on a schedule determined by the church leader and others, including Dandan. The victims who were obedient were rewarded with “good food, luxurious hotel rooms, trips to tourist spots, and yearly cash payments that were based on performance” – which were paid for with money solicited by KOJC workers in the United States, according to the indictment. As part of the alleged scheme, the three defendants told female victims who expressed hesitation at night duty “that they had the devil in them and risked eternal damnation.” Furthermore, Quiboloy would threaten and physically abuse victims who attempted to leave KOJC or were not available to perform night duty, according to the indictment, which also alleges Quiboloy would physically abuse victims for communicating with other men or engaging in other behavior that upset him because he considered such conduct adultery and a sin. The statement further said that victims who managed to escape KOJC suffered retaliation in the form of threats, harassment and allegations of criminal misconduct, according to the indictment. “Defendant Quiboloy would give sermons, broadcasted to KOJC members around the world, in which he would allege that victims who escaped had engaged in criminal conduct and sexually promiscuous activity, and therefore faced eternal damnation, in order to discourage other victims from leaving, retaliate against and discredit the victims, and conceal the sexual activity between defendant Quiboloy and the victims,” the indictment states. Quiboloy, Dandan and Salinas are charged in count one of the superseding indictment, which alleges the sex trafficking conspiracy. Each defendant is charged in at least three
of five substantive counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. The superseding indictment also outlines KOJC’s nationwide soliciting operations, which allegedly gave rise to additional criminal conduct, including forced labor, labor trafficking, document servitude, marriage fraud and money laundering. Under Quiboloy’s direction, KOJC administrators allegedly brought workers from the Philippines to the United States and confiscated all forms of identification before forcing the workers to spend long hours illegally soliciting money for KOJC outside of businesses across the United States. While KOJC workers told potential donors their money would be used by CJF to help impoverished children, the money was actually used to directly finance KOJC operations and the lavish lifestyle of KOJC leaders, including Quiboloy, according to the indictment. “KOJC administrators maintained the legal immigration status of workers who proved capable of meeting daily cash solicitation quotas by fraudulently obtaining student visas for such workers or by forcing them to enter into sham marriages with other KOJC workers who had already obtained United States citizenship,” the indictment states. Some of the workers were moved around the United States to solicit donations as CJF “volunteers,” who were also called Full Time Miracle Workers, according to the indictment, which alleges these “workers fundraised for KOJC nearly every day, year-round, working very long hours, and often sleeping in cars overnight.” An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The sex trafficking conspiracy charge alleged in the indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The five substantive sex trafficking charges each carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a potential sentence of life. The additional fraud, cash smuggling and money laundering offenses in the indictment carry statutory maximum penalties ranging from five to 20 years in federal prison. As part of the ongoing investigation, the FBI is encouraging potential victims or anyone with information about KOJC activities to contact investigators. Those with information are asked to call the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565. Individuals may also contact the FBI through its website at https://www.fbi.gov/tips. The ongoing investigation into KOJC is being led by the FBI, which is receiving substantial assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Ahn, Jake D. Nare and Benjamin D. Lichtman of the Santa Ana Branch Office, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Angela C. Makabali of the General Crimes Section, are prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Schonbachler of the Asset Forfeiture Section is also working on the matter. (Mindanao Examiner)
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November 29-December 5, 2021
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Sulu Pictures in the News
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Across : 1. No longer is 4. Dislike strongly 8. Pierce 12. Picnic drink 13. Stratford-on-___ 14. Peru’s capital 15. Buck’s mate 16. Tardy arriver 18. Artist Salvador ___ 20. Maturing 21. Silent 25. Ike’s monogram 26. Wallet fillers 27. Zones 29. Unusual 30. London’s Big ___ 31. Give in 35. Bath powders 37. Mimicker 38. Water (Fr.) 41. Conclude 43. Singer ___ Ronstadt 45. Mouth parts 46. Approximated 49. Swith word 52. Trim 53. Thorny bloom 54. Achieved 55. Ball holders 56. Fling 57. Be mistaken Down : 1. Clump 2. Stir 3. Sleazier 4. Actress ___ Berry 5. Accessible 6. Small child 7. Compass point (abbr.) 8. Walk heavily 9. Fearful 10. Revise 11. Flat-bottomed boat 17. Spanish house 19. Plus 21. Likewise not 22. “___ Clear Day...” (2 wds.) 23. Build 24. Without meaning
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November 29-December 5, 2021
Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys visits MASIPAG Mindanao community
HEALTH
Bawas Stress: Mabisang Paraan Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
K Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys poses with members of the Bayanihan Women's Organization in the village of Wangan in Davao City’s Calinan District during his visit to the office of the MASIPAG Mindanao. DAVAO CITY —Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys has recently visited members of the MASIPAG Mindanao or the “Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura,” an NGO network in the southern Philippine city of Davao being supported by the Kingdom of Belgium. MASIPAG Mindanao briefed Parys on the updates of various development projects, including land reform programs and how the farmers resorted to agro-ecology in coping up with the Covid-19 pandemic and
effects of climate change. During the community visit in the village of Wangan in Calinan District, MASIPAG Mindanao leaders showcased their trial farm and rice-based Diversified Integrated Farm System maintained by the Bayanihan Women’s Organization and its federation the Kababaihang Nagtataglay ng Bihirang Lakas. Parys was awed at how farmers do the actual transplanting of rice seedlings. He also expressed his gratitude to the MASIPAG Mindanao
for hosting the visit as he saw and heard from the farmers themselves the development projects being supported by the Belgian government. “MASIPAG is honored to host Ambassador Parys. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the collective experience of our network. Our network also expresses our commitment to improve the quality of life of small-scale farmers as we are committed to advancing agro-ecology,” said Leo XL Fuentes, MASIPAG Mindanao Coordinator. (Malou Cablinda)
RECIPE
Beef Salpicao INGREDIENTS : • 1 ½ lbs. beef tenderloin cubed • 1 head garlic • 1 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup olive oil • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • 5 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2.
3.
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5.
Pound garlic using a mortar and pestle tool. -1 head garlic Combine garlic and olive oil in a pan. Turn on your stove and set the heat to between low and medium. Cook garlic while stirring until it turns golden brown. - ¼ cup olive oil Remove the fried garlic and oil from the pan and place these in separate bowls. Set aside. - 1 head garlic, ¼ cup olive oil Combine beef, salt, ground black pepper, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Let it stay for 10 minutes. - 1 ½ lbs. beef tenderloin, 1 tea spoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 5 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, ¼ cup olive oil Heat a clean pan. Once the pan gets really hot, sear the marinated beef until
agad sa kama, isipin ang mga bagay na mayroon ka o mga dapat na ipagpasalamat, o kaya naman ay magbasa ng maaaring makapagpa inspire sa iyo na kung ano ang kabuluhan ng buhay. Binibigyang diin ang pagkakaroon ng payapang isip ang dapat unahin. Kung nawala ito sa iyo, gumawa ng paraan na maibalik ito. Mag-meditate, tawagan ang ilang kaibigan o kaya naman ay maglakad ng 30 minuto. Maibabalik mo ang iyong lakas at pagkatapos ay makapagta-trabaho ka na ng mas epektibo. Ang iba’t ibang paraan para sa stress ay gumagana sa iba’t ibang tao. Subukan ang iba’t ibang paraan para malaman kung ano ang mas babagay sa iyo. Ang mas importante ay gumawa ng mga bagay, o kahit na anong bagay na makapagpapalibang sa iyo at makatatanggal ng stress.
PANAWAGAN NG TULONG NG PAMILYANG NAMATAYAN NG AMA DAHIL SA COVID. Una po sa lahat ay gusto po munang magpasalamat ng aming pamilya sa mga taong nagbigay ng tulong pinansyal sa amin. Salamat din po sa pagpapaabot ng inyong panalangin at pagpapalakas ng loob namin. Tunay nga pong napakabigat ng problemang aming kinakaharap. Nawalan po kami ng mahal sa buhay at napakalaking halaga pa po ang kailangan namin dahil meron pa po kaming kailangang bayaran na utang sa ospital, as of Nov. 03, 2021 may balanse pa po kami na P1,509,500.00 (1,200,000.00 Hospital Bill + 309,500.00 Professional Fee). Kaya naman po kami ay patuloy na kumakatok sa inyong mga puso, anumang halaga na inyong ipagkakaloob ay malaking kabawasan na sa pinansyal na problema na pinagdadaanan namin ngayon at ito ay tatanawin naming malaking utang na loob sa inyo. Sa mga nais pa po na magbigay ng tulong, eto po ang GCash # namin. GCash Number: 0947-6428513 / 0965-5245150 - Marjorie B. Toh GCash Number: 0926-8850607 - Angelo Frederick A. Toh Pwede din po dito sa aming bank account.
INSTRUCTIONS : 1.
ung ang inyong buhay ay nagiging masyadong komplikado gumawa ng mga paraan para ito ay gaming simple. Inirerekomenda ng mga eksperto ang ilang mga paraan para mabawasan at makontrol ang stress. 1. Ihiwalay ang malaking gawain sa mas maliit na gawain. Kung ang inyong mga gawain ay masyadong marami hatiin ito sa maliliit na gawain at gawin ito ng paisa-isa. Panatilihin na nakatuon ang isip sa mga gawain na ginagawa sa halip na isipin ang mga susunod pang mga gawain. 2. Matutunan na tumanggi, kung nakararamdam ng sobrang tuwa sa inyong personal at propesyonal na responsibilidad, subukan na umurong at pag-isipan ng mabuti kung ano ang aalisin. 3. Magkaroon
ng maiksing pahinga habang nagtatrabaho. Tumayo sa iyong lamesa at mag-unat, o gamitin ang iyong lunch break para maglakad sa park. 4. Palitan ang inyong araw-araw na pressure ng physical na gawain. Ang healthy lifestyle ay ang iyong mabuting depensa panlaban sa stress. Sundin ang balanced diet, limitahan ang pag-inom ng kape at alak at kumuha ng sapat na tulog. 5. Ibahagi ang iyong nararamdaman. Kumausap sa inyong matalik na kaibigan o miyembro ng pamilya, ang mga malulungkot na tao ay mas nakararanas ng stress at hindi malusog na pangangatawan. 6. Subukan ang meditation. Ang meditation ay nagpapataas ng immune function, nakabababa ng pangamba, at tumutulong na mas maka-isip na mga kapaki-pakinabang na bagay. 7. Sa bawat araw gawing sentro ang iyong sarili, Sa halip na bumangon
Bank Name: Metrobank Account Name: Marjorie Buela Toh Account Number: 574-3-57411184-7 Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat lahat.
panlasangpinoy.com
6.
7.
8.
the sides turn brown. - 1 ½ lbs. beef tenderloin Add oyster sauce and a bit of butter. Note: save the remaning butter for later. Continue cooking for 3 minutes. - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce Add remaining butter along with the fried garlic and parsley. Continue cooking until the liquid evaporates completely. - 3 tablespoons butter Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with rice. Share and enjoy!
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November 29-December 5, 2021
November 29-December 5, 2021
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Ceres buses resume trips to Cebu
B
ACOLOD CITY – The Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), operator of Ceres buses, has resumed trips between Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental provinces and assured passengers that it has strictly followed the public health protocols. Jesideth Seballos, media the riding public with the utmost ental. “We will continue to enrelations officer of VTI, said they care,” Seballos told the Philip- force social distancing and use have reopened the routes which pine News Agency (PNA). of face masks in all the trips,” were previously suspended due Seballos said the VTI fully she said. to the travel restrictions. “We adheres to the travel guidelines She said the provincial govare happy that after a long peri- set by both the provinces of Ne- ernment of Negros Occidental od of time, we are back to serve gros Occidental and Negros Ori- has approved the bus operation
Mandaue, Cebu chambers named ‘Most Outstanding’ this year CEBU CITY – The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) have been hailed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as this year’s “Most Outstanding Chamber (City and Provincial Levels) in the Visayas and in the Philippines.” The PCCI cited the Cebu business groups for their crucial role in the inclusive efforts to recover the economy amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the second time MCCI was hailed as the most outstanding in the Philippines, the first one being in 2019. Additionally, MCCI is awarded as the most outstanding in the Visayas for the ninth time this year. MCCI president Steven Yu
said the award is a recognition and affirmation of the dedication and selfless service of the MCCI Board and staff, the active involvement of its members, and the trust and confidence of the provincial and city governments. “We will continue to be relevant as a Chamber and create high impact and innovative activities and projects for our beloved Mandaue City and Province of Cebu. This will be our contribution to the revival of our economy and our country,” Yu said. The awarding ceremony was held recently during the virtual 47th Philippine Business Conference. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) was also named as the “Most Outstanding Chamber Award (MOCA) in Visayas” and a special recogni-
tion of excellence in the areas of business policy and advocacy, delivery of business support services, and chamber operations. “These accolades compel us to connect opportunities, grow businesses, and create value for the business community in particular and society in general,” CCCI said, adding it will remain steadfast in its vision-mission to be the engine of Cebu’s business growth and voice of the islands’ business communities despite the hurdles brought by the pandemic. It also recognized the other neighboring chambers that have garnered MOCA recognitions: its sister-chamber Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a special citation; and the city governments of Tagbilaran and Iloilo for having won the Business Friendly LGUs award. (Carlo Lorenciana)
A fleet of Ceres buses parked at the South Terminal in Bacolod City. (Photo by PNA-Bacolod)
A fl flee fleet eett of C Ceres erreess buses bu usses es parked parkked pa ed at at the the South th Sout So out uth Terminal Term Te rmin inal al in in Bacolod Baaco B colo lod City. City Ci ty. (Photo ((P Photo hoto ho to by by PNA-Bacolod) PN P NAA-Ba Bacco olod d))
with a maximum of 70% capacity - four units from Bacolod City to Dumaguete City via Mabinay town in Negros Oriental; two buses from Bacolod City to Cebu province, also via Mabinay; and four buses from Bacolod City to Cebu province via Don Salvador Benedicto town in Negros Occidental. Seballos said all buses take
off from the Ceres South Terminal in Bacolod. She said the provincial government also required VTI to submit a copy of the passenger manifest for the purpose of the monitoring and contact tracing. Fully-vaccinated individuals are required to present an electronic or printed copy of the travel coordination permit
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey
Strong demand for residential properties noted CEBU CITY – The demand for residential properties has remained strong within the high-income market in the country as buyers continue to look for their next homes even at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the report called “Global Buyer Survey 2021: The Philippine Edition,” the Santos Knight Frank firm said as demand for new and second homes continues, low-density environments and wellness-related features, such as indoor air quality and green spaces, are now important considerations for buyers. The latest survey focuses
ARMM
on results from local respondents ages 40 to 60 years old that live in the city. The survey suggested that 49% of local respondents said their budget for their next home has not changed since the start of the pandemic last year. There is also a noted growing interest in the suburbs (40%), while the city still remains ideal for 33% of local buyers. Overall, these findings suggested that the demand for homes remains but it also continues to evolve in light of the pandemic. “The pandemic has amplified buyers’ concerns on their health, wellbeing, comfort, and safety, and we see this clearly reflect-
ed on the shifting preference in acquiring new or secondary homes," said Marie Villanueva, Santos Knight Frank associate director for residential services. Villanueva said as recovery from the pandemic continues over the next months, buyers who want to acquire residential property, should need to make a decision soon amid the discounts seen today. “Our survey suggests that 39% of owners expect the value of their property to increase between 1-9% over the next 12 months from the start of the survey, reflecting increasing market confidence,” she said. (Carlo Lorenciana)
Eastern Mindanao
issued through the Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) travel management system that will be approved upon submission of the vaccination card or certificate. Passengers who are not vaccinated will be required to submit an S-PaSS permit as well as a negative RT-PCR test. (Nanette Guadalquiver)
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
Western Mindanao
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 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 resellers 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 0915-3976197. (AJC)
Cebu
Manila