LABANAN ANG COVID-19! ISANG PAALALA MULA KAY GOV. SAKUR TAN, VICE GOV. TOTO TAN AT CONG. SAMIER TAN.
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February 21-27, 2022
Bakuna, ituturok sa tainga!
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AGAMA’T BUMABABA na ang bilang ng kaso ng Covid-19 sa buong bansa, muling nanawagan ang Pangulong Duterte sa publiko na magpa-bakuna at nagbanta na naman ito na ituturok sa tainga ang ayaw sa naturang gamot. “Iyon lang paulit-ulit tao na ‘yun naman sana pa nabakuna, huwag Continue on page 2 ako nakikiusap sa mga hanggang ngayon hindi
South Cotabato environmental groups oppose open-pit mining, launch ‘Green Votes’ KORONADAL CITY – Organic farmers and church groups launched the so-called “Green
Votes” initiative following reports that there are efforts to lift the ban on destructive open-pit mining
in South Cotabato. The Green Votes is a campaign aimed at Continue on page 2
Philippines is Covid-19 low risk THE NATIONAL government has declared that the country is now at
low-risk classification for Covid-19 infections citing data from the Department
of Health. “Nasa low-risk Continue on page 3
Sulu now has Center for Culture and Arts GOVERNOR Sakur Tan praised the Sulu State Continue on page 5
A provincial government photo shows Gov. Sakur Tan with Sulu State College president Charisma Ututalum after the unveiling of a bronze plate during the inauguration recently of the Center for Culture and Arts.
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Eastern Mindanao
Sinabi ni Pangulong Duterte na ituturok nito sa tainga ang Covid-19 vaccine kung patuloy na tatanggi ang mga tao sa naturang gamot. (Mindanao Examiner)
‘Troll farms’ pinaiimbestigahan sa Senado NAIS NI Senador Risa Hontiveros na imbestigahan ng Senado ang mga
umano’y “troll farm” at iba pang nagpapakalat ng fake news online.
Sinabi ni Hontiveros na tungkulin ng Senado Continue on page 3
Anti-human trafficking bills hailed ILIGAN CITY – A Child Rights Consortium commended the passing of the “Expanded Anti-Traf-
Western Mindanao
ficking in Persons Act of 2022” which is aimed at strengthening anti-trafficking measures and
Cebu
boost the efforts of stakeholders in the community-level implementation. Continue on page 3
Manila
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
Bakuna, ituturok sa tainga!
Continued from page 1 nilang pahirapan ang sarili nila balang araw, mga anak, and your neighbors of contaminating them pagka-tinamaan kayo. Kaunting sakripisyo ‘to, it could be because of your belief or just outright indifference.”
“Sabi ng iba, itong salitang bugoy, “Ah, walang mangyari niyan, kalokohan ‘yan.” Well, Science has proven, time and again, at it shows in our fight against Covid na talagang napigilan ‘yung surge. And hindi natin gustong babalik ‘yan kaya nakikiusap
tayo na the only way to fight Covid really is still the fundamentals: you wash your hands; you wear your mask; avoid crowds if you can, but importante ‘yung mask. It has proven that it is very effective,” ani Duterte. Inamin naman ni
South Cotabato environmental groups oppose open-pit mining, launch ‘Green Votes’ Continued from page 1 uniting organizations, personalities, and institutions to engage local leaders for the protection, conservation and sustainable development of South Cotabato’s natural resources “We organic farmers believe in our inherent right to a healthy ecology. We are firm that we need to protect biodiversity and genetic resources, within and outside our farms. We believe that agricultural production should go with nature, not against it.” “It is therefore incumbent upon us organic farmers to defend our watersheds which is an indispensable aspect in our production. An attack on our watersheds is an attack on our capacity to produce food and will impact our communities’ food security,” said Johnny Legaria, chairman of MASIPAG’s Provincial Coordinating Body for South Cotabato province. MASIPAG is an acronym for “Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-uunlad ng Agrikultura,” a network of environmental groups and advocates which has over 50,000 members in the country. Environmental advocates in South Cotabato have been riled up by apparent efforts to railroad the amendments of the environmental code, a landmark ordinance which has banned openpit mining within its territories. MASIPAG fears that once the ban on openpit mining is lifted, the controversial Tampa-
kan Gold-Copper project owned by Sagittarius Mining International, will commence full operations. The mining project, if it pushes through, will to gig up an 800 meter deep open pit mine covering more than 500 hectares, all this to tap one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits pegged at 12.8 million tons for copper and 15.2 million ounces of gold. The Tampakan project, it said, will impact the livelihood of thousands of farmers who rely on the river systems for vital irrigation. MASIPAG added that the proposed project will put up a mine drainage tunnel treatment plant which will discharge to the Pula Bato River, a main tributary to the Altayan-Taplan and Marbel Rivers, and ultimately to the Buluan Lake and Liguasan Marsh. All these areas have a high volume of rice production which run the core of Mindanao’s rice granary as well as inland aquaculture along with areas that have high ecological value. “It is laughable that we are still campaigning against mining when in fact our energies should be focused on restoring our overly exploited world to prepare us for the looming threats ahead,” said Gary Ben Villocino, Advocacy Officer of MASIPAG Mindanao. He added that as the challenges of an ever changing planet are pressing clearer – rising global temperatures, increasing incidence of drought and flood all of which, impact
the agricultural sector. “The need to elevate the level of public discourse on environmental protection is indispensable and the need for leaders who act on these issues is vital,” he said. Villocino said residents of South Cotabato are also opposing the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining. “There are efforts to amend the ordinance and allow open-pit mining again and are all opposing it because of the effects it will have not only on farmers, but to the environment as well,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. He said the upcoming elections offer a platform to elevate the discourse on various environmental concerns, after all, decisions on what to do without forests, lands and waters fall into the hands of political leaders who will try to market themselves in the upcoming weeks. The Green Votes campaign, which will run up to May, will feature community and church-based discussions on agro-ecology and environmental protection. These activities will serve as a platform for public discourse and engage aspiring political leaders to adhere to a pro-environment agenda towards the local and national elections and beyond. The end goal of the campaign is to support local leaders who themselves are environmental advocates and act towards curbing the excessive exploitation of the province’s natural resources. (Mindanao Examiner)
Duterte na hindi pa umaabot sa herd immunity ang bansa sa proteksyon kontra Covid-19 subalit patuloy naman ang pagbaba ng mga kaso. Nagbabala rin ang Pangulo na lubhang delikado pa rin ang Covid lalo na sa mga walang bakuna. “The Covid is here and it can afflict everybody. No one is still safe. You have to avoid, wear a mask, and listen to what government says. And for those who are not yet vaccinated, pakibakuna lang. Kasi ‘pag hindi, ako ang pupunta diyan sa inyo, ituturok ko ‘yang bakuna sa tainga mo, palusutin ko doon sa kabila. Iyan ang dapat sa inyo eh,” wika ni Duterte. “And I’d gladly do it because all of the things that I did, paulit-ulit na lang ako, hindi ito para sa akin kagaya ng baku-
na, kung matusok ko ‘yan sa tainga mo. Ito para sa Pilipino para hindi ka makahawa. Kaya ako halos na lang lumuluhod na magpabakuna kayo para naman malayo tayo sa perdition. Hanggang ngayon, kakaunti lang naman, ubusin na natin lahat, let’s get over with this ano ninyo, magpabakuna kayo at maligaya ako. Ako ang sabihin ko lang, if there is something that would make me happy when I go out of this office, maligaya ako kung malaman ko na halos lahat nagpabakuna. And if the majority, mag-abot na ng milyon-milyon, umaabot na tayo ng milyon ngayon, pero mayroon pa kayong, sabi ng mga doon sa provincial reports na mayroon pa ‘yung mga tao na ayaw talaga,” paliwanag pa nito.
Ilang beses na nanawagan si Duterte sa mga ayaw magpa-bakuna, ngunit marami pa rin talaga ang hindi naniniwala sa gamot kontra Covid kahit pa libo-libo na ang mga nasawi. Karamihan sa mga ayaw magpa-bakuna ay mga naniniwala sa sabi-sabi o maling balita na nakakasama ang gamot sa katawan at may nagsasabi pa na magiging zombie ang nabakunahan o kaya naman ay masisiraan ng bait o kaya naman ay magiging abnormal. At lahat ng mga ito ay pawang haka-haka o tsimis lamang at walang katotohanan at napatunayan na rin ng siyensya na malaki ang proteksyon ng tao laban sa Covid kung sila ang nabakunahan. (Mark Navales at Malou Cablinda)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
Anti-human trafficking bills hailed Continued from page 1 The House of the Representatives also voted to approve on third reading the House Bill (HB) 10703, or the Anti-Online or Offline Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Act of 2022. “The legal framework provides for the foundation of our actions in combatting against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and human trafficking. The bills will facilitate enforcement of community obligations towards the safety of its citizenry and ensure achievement of rights,” said PCMN National Director, Fe Foronda, on how the bills (HB 10658 and SB 2449) will build up the ongoing interventions of local stakeholders against sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking. The International Justice Mission (IJM) said it is also pleased to note that Congress passed the bill. It said Internet communications technologies
have grown exponentially during the last 10 years and although it has made lives easier, it has also made committing crimes against children easier. “It is high time that the Anti- trafficking in Persons Act was strengthened to make it more responsive to emerging trends and enable the use of technology to the law's advantage instead of allowing it to perpetrate online sexual exploitation of children,” said Atty. Samson Inocencio, Jr., Regional Vice President of IJM Global Programs Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children. As member of the Consortium, the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network has been working with the Child Rights Network in policy advocacy and has joined forces with partners like the Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking to campaign and raise awareness on sexual exploitation of children, both at the na-
tional and local levels. The Consortium is actively advocating for the institutionalization of a Human Trafficking Prevention Education Program through schoolbased and community-based programs. In collaboration with the Department of Education, it has conducted a pilot program on prevention education through the roll-out of the safety of children online worksheets to 69 public schools in Dasmarinas City and Iligan City which reached 109,000 students. The Consortium said it supports policy change not only on national bills but also through local ordinances to protect children against sexual abuse and exploitation. Through the passing of these bills, the Consortium strongly advocates for its full implementation for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation in all aspects. (Mark Navales and Malou Cablinda contributed to this report.)
‘Troll farms’ pinaiimbestigahan sa Senado
Philippines is Covid-19 low risk Continued from page 1 classification na po ang National Capital Region at ang buong Pilipinas,” said Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles, adding that three metrics have been used to determine the current classification namely - growth in active Covid-19 cases, average daily attack rate per 100,000 population and health systems capacity. Nograles thanked the public for their cooperation in observing the minimum public health standards and expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of people getting vaccinated
against the deadly respiratory disease. “All of the progress we have made to bring down the number of cases is a product of our collective efforts, and we thank our kababayans for their cooperation. We urge everyone to remain conscious of our health protocols as we work to build on the progress we continue to make,” Nograles said. But he was quick to say that the acute phase of the health crisis could only end if the 70% (of the population) vaccination target is achieved by the middle of 2022. Quoting the World Health Organization, Nograles said “this
is a matter of choice.” He cited the government target to vaccinate at least 90 million people before the end of the term of President Rodrigo Duterte in June. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also explained that average daily cases per day now is lower than earlier this month. She underscored the country’s steady decline in new Covid-19 cases had helped in managing the national health system capacity. The government has vaccinated over 61 million Filipinos so far. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 na protektahan ang integridad ng gobyerno. “Susuportahan ko ang isang panukalang batas na mananagot sa mga gumagawa ng fake news. Lalo na dahil nitong nakaraang kalahating dekada, tila yung buwis na galing sa taong bayan ay ginamit para din mag-finance ng ganitong klaseng operation,” ani ng senador. Noong nakaraang Hulyo, kabilang si Hontiveros sa mga senador na sumuporta sa Senate Resolution No. 768 ni Senator Panfilo Lacson, na nananawagan para imbestigahan ang mga alegasyon na ang mga pampublikong pondo ay ginagastos sa mga troll farm at pekeng social media accounts. Binigyang-diin ni Hontiveros na dapat may regulatory mechanisms ang mga social media companies na sa ngayon ay bigo sa pagpigil ng pagkalat ng fake news sa kanilang online platforms. “May responsibilidad ang mga kompanyang ito, at pati na rin tayong mga gumagamit sa websites o apps nila, na tumulong sa pagpigil ng pagkalat ng fake news. Lalo na, tulad ng sinabi ni Maria Ressa sa [speech n'ya sa] Oslo, 'yung stakeholders na kikita sa social media
business. They should be accountable,” sabi ni Hontiveros. Si Hontiveros — ang chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality — ay nagbanggit ng ilang mga hakbang para panagutin ang mga social media companies. Itong mga hakbang ay nakasaad na rin sa Senate Bill (SB) No. 2209 o ang proposed Special Protections Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Law at sa SB No. 2449 o ang Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2021. “Doon sa anti-OSAEC bill, yung mga social media companies ay talagang dapat ring accountable — whether sa [paggamit sa] online sexual abuse and exploitation o human trafficking. At doon sa anti-trafficking law, ginawa rin naming accountable pati intermediaries, banks and others, na nagiging daluyan nitong dark transactions ng OSAEC and human trafficking at nagiging daluyan ng bayad para sa tao na parang gamit tayo at hindi tao,” paliwanag pa ni Hontiveros at sinabing dapat ito rin ang gawin para sa mga nagpapakalat ng fake news at mga trolls. Si Hontiveros mismo ay naging target ng fake
news na kumukuwestiyon sa kanyang kredibilidad at kinutya sa kanyang mga adbokasiya. Kaya umaasa si Hontiveros na ang susunod na administrasyon ay makakahanap ng mga paraan upang buwagin ang mapang-uyam na operasyong ito dahil ito ay isang pang-aabuso sa kamalayan ng mga mamamayan. Ang paglaganap ng fake news ay isang global phenomenon, na tinatawag ng United Nations (UN) na “infodemic.” Kasalukuyang humihingi ng tulong ang UN sa mga negosyo, pati na rin ng media at mga mamamahayag, upang labanan ang maling impormasyon — karamihan sa mga ito ay nakatuon sa Covid-19. Sa ngayon, inaprubahan na ng UN ang ilang mga hakbang laban sa fake news sa Africa, India, at Caribbean. Samantala, ang European Union ay gumagawa din ng mga hakbang upang labanan ang fake. "Kung kayang suportahan ng ibang mga bansa ang mga hakbang laban sa fake news, magagawa rin ito ng Pilipinas. Hindi natin maaaring payagan na hindi maparusahan ang mga gawaing ito. Gawin natin ang lahat para manaig ang katotohanan,” wika nito. (May karagdagang ulat ang Mindanao Examiner.)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
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, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin)
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
Sulu now has Center for Culture and Arts
A provincial government photo shows Gov. Sakur Tan with Sulu State College president Charisma Ututalum and guests ands faculty members.
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 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 09153976197. (AJC)
Continued from page 1 College for continuing the preservation of the rich heritage and culture, and arts in the historical southern province which is the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. Tan, who was guest of honor during the recent inauguration of the Sulu State College Center for Culture and Arts, praised the college president Charisma Ututalum, saying: “I have never imagined that this can be realized in such a short time under your administration.” He also commended the dynamic, passionate, creative leadership and faculty of the Sulu State College and vowed to support the objectives and programs of the Sulu State College Center for Culture and Arts. Tan, who is also a leading advocate of the preservation of Tausug history, said he would rebuild the original palace of the Sultanate of Sulu-Darul Jambangan (Palace of Flowers) in Maimbung town. “This is what I am saying, the great importance of our history, culture and arts, it gives definition to our identity, our heritage as a people, and this is what truly matters,” he said. “To all faculty and staff of the Sulu State College, a job well done; and to Charisma, we are very fortunate to have you as our Sulu State College president. Thank you for your passion and commitment.” For her part, Ututalum also lauded Tan for being an inspiration and a pillar of Tausug values. “A quintessential Tausug that best represents our culture, when he walks, when he talks everyone can feel the Tausug aura, making him the Tausug pride,” she said of Tan. Ututalum also acknowledged the contribution of
Deputy House Speaker Loren Legarda, who ensured the inclusion of the project in the college budget. “Her love for the culture and arts greatly paid off in the different parts of the country, including Sulu. I want to thank her for what she has contributed toward achieving this day and inspiring Filipinos and the Tausugs,” she said. She said the Center of Culture and Arts is the first in Sulu - one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region - and will serve as a “vessel for memory, hopes and dreams.” “It is a place where culture is created and shared, places that allow the people of the past to speak to the present and to the future,” she said. The Sultanate of Sulu, founded in 1457, continues to lay claim to Sabah which it obtained from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on Borneo Island. The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of World War II. But the Sultanate said it had merely leased North Borneo in 1878 to the British North Borneo Company for an annual payment of 5,000 Malayan dollars then, which was increased to 5,300 Malayan dollars in 1903. The Sultanate of Sulu is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north. But North Borneo was annexed by Malaysia in 1963 following a referendum organised by the Cobbold Commission in 1962, the people of Sabah voted overwhelmingly to join Malaysia. The Philippines has not abandoned its claim on Sabah. Two years ago, President
Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman and Chief Legal Counsel, Salvador Panelo, said the government has not abandoned its claim on Sabah. Panelo reiterated Duterte’s position that he would pursue the Philippines’ claim to Sabah. “The position of the President, meron tayong claim. Eh totoo namang may claim tayo di ba? That has been a bone of contention ever since,” he said. Sulu entered Philippine history as a place-man in the Tao-I-Chih-Lioh of 1349, a compilation of countries and islands that traded with China put together by the traveler and trader, Wang Ta-yuan (Wang Dayuan) toward the end of the Yuan dynasty (1280-1368 AD). Its political relations and cooperation with China dated back to the Yuan dynasty (1278-1368). The Sulu missions convinced the Chinese to view Sulu as an equal of Malacca. With Chinese co-operation, Sulu subsequently became an international emporium. The Sulu missions had convinced the Chinese to view Sulu as an equal of Malacca. With Chinese co-operation, Sulu subsequently became an international emporium. Sulu featured prominently in the annals of the Ming dynasty (13681644), being among the first country in the Nanhai (the Chinese term for the South China Sea) to send a tribute mission to China in 1370, two years after the founding of the Ming dynasty; then again in 1372. Sulu continued to send tribute missions to China in 1416, 1420, 1421, 1423 1424, according to historical data which was also featured on the website of GlobalSecurity.org. (Mindanao Examiner)
Villamero’s Enterprises For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
Cops accused of killing mayor, aides surrender NINE COPS accused of killing Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and two of his aides and an innocent civilian in March last year have surrendered to authorities, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said. CIDG spokesperson Lt. Col. Mon Sawan said that aside from the police officers, three other persons also surrendered to the Detective Special Operations Unit in Camp Crame. The mass surrender came after the Samar Regional Trial Court Branch 32 issued warrants of arrest against the suspects. Late last month, state prosecutors filed criminal charges in court against Lt. Col. Harry Sucayre, Maj. Shyrile Tan, Capt. Dino Goles, Lt. Julio Armeza Jr., Staff Sgt. Neil Cebu, Staff Sgt. Edsel Omega, Staff Sgt. Randy Merelos, Cpl. Julius Garcia, Pat. Niño Salem and several others accused in murdering the mayor, his security aide Staff Sgt.
Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino Rodeo Sario, driver Dennis Abayon and passer-by Clint John Paul Yauder; and for the frustrated murder of another security aide Mansfield Labonite. In a resolution dated Dec. 15, a panel of state prosecutors from the Department of Justice said Aquino and his aides were ambushed by the suspects at Labuyao Bridge
in Calbayog City. Then Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba said prior to the DOJ’s decision, four out of the nine respondents were dismissed upon the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service citing overwhelming evidence of administrative culpability. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
NOTICE Please report to us any individual or persons who are illegally soliciting money or donations for or in behalf of The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, The Zamboanga Post and Radyo Mindanao. We have a strict company policy against solicitation in any forms and the Company shall not be responsible for illegal practice of unscrupulous persons, who pass themselves off as Reporter, Stringer, Correspondent or Sales Executive of The Mindanao Examiner, The Zamboanga Post and Radyo Mindanao. When in doubt, please call or SMS us at these numbers (062) 9555360 or 0915-3976197 or email us – mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Pulis Dabawenyo, 2 iba pa pinuri
Employees of the Office for Settlers Communities-BARMM headed by Executive Director Edgar Ramirez, Admin Staff Rachel Mae Martinez, Charie Mae Racaña, Daniel Anthony Blanco Lu Rosana Canja Cabaya read the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper. (Mark Navales)
DAVAO CITY – Umani ng malaking papuri at paghanga ang isang pulis dito matapos nitong mailigtas ang lalaking nagtangka umanong magpatiwakal dahil sa pag-ibig. Kinilala ng Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) ang naturang parak na si Patrolman Jovanie Mendoza na siyang humalbot sa lalaki habang nakatungtong ito sa ibabaw ng pasamano ng Bolton Bridge at nailigtas sa tiyak na kamatayan. Nabatid na ang 26-anyos na si Mendoza ay naka-destino sa San Pedro Police Station 2. Sa isang video na nag-viral sa Facebook, makikita si Mendoza na tumatakbo patungo sa tulay ng may matanggap na ulat na isang lalaki ang nakita sa ibabaw ng pasamano. Tinantsa muna ni Mendoza ang sitwasyon at ng makakuha ng tiyempo ay sinunggaban na nito ang lalaking sawi at nailigtas ito. Kasama ni Mendoza ang dalawang police auxiliary members na nakilala lamang sa pangalang Panaguiton at Romo na parehong naka-duty ng mga oras na iyon. Kinausap ni Mendoza ang lalaki upang pawiin ang
matinding kalungkutan nito. Naganap ang mala-pelikulang drama noong Pebrero 14 na Valentine’s Day pa man din. Naiyak ang lalaki habang kinakausap at nabawi rin ang isang suicide letter nito. Ilang oras ang makalipas ay sinundo ang nasabing lalaki ng kapatid nito sa mismong himpilan ng San Pedro Police Station 2 at lubos na nagpasalamat sa kapulisan lalo na Mendoza.
Ang agarang pagresponde nina Mendoza, Panaguiton at Romo sa nasabing insidente ay pagpapakita lamang na ang ang “Pulis Dabawenyo” ay laging handang tumulong sa sinumang lubos na nangangailangan, ayon pa sa PCADG. “Maraming salamat Patrolman Jovanie F Mendoza sa pagliligtas mo ng buhay. Isa kang tunay na Pulis Hero!” hayag pa ng PCADG. (Malou Cablinda)
February 21-27, 2022
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Pictures in the News Kusug Tausug Partylist Zamboanga Satellite Office
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February 21-27, 2022
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Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down : 1. Great deal (2 wds.) 2. Mother horse 3. Piercing tools 4. Male heir 5. Fragrant wood 6. Satiric 7. Platter 8. Words of understanding (2 wds.) 9. Hydrogen and oxygen, e.g. 10. Media mogul ___ Turner 11. Messy place 16. Military command (2 wds.) 20. Athletic group 22. First garden 24. Tiny fly 25. Solidifies 26. Urgent acronym
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Answer to last week:
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
OPINION
Born Anew by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu)
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The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is available in Cotabato City’s lone newspaper dealer Bernadette Guotana at “Goutana Copy Center” at Stall 5. For subscription, please call 0997-5412615. And for all your publications, please call Bureau Chief Mark Navales at 0916-6885389
HEALTH
Paano Maiiwasan ang Heart Palpitations? Ni Dr. Willie Ong
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ng palpitations ay ang pakiramdam na mayroong mabilis at kumakabog na tibok ng puso. Maaari itong matrigger ng stress, ehersisyo, gamot o minsan ay mula sa ilang mga sakit. Bagamat nakakabahal ang palpitations, kadalasan ay hindi naman ito delikado. May mga pagkakataon lamang na ang heart palpitations ay bunga ng sakit sa puso tulad ng irregular heartbeat (Arrythmia) na kailangan ng gamutan. Kapag mayroong heart palpitations, mararanasan ang sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso. Maari ring maramdaman ang palpitations sa lalamuna o leeg at sa dibdib. Maaaring magkaroon ng palpitation kahit na nakapahinga o may ginagawa, kahit na nakatayo o nakahiga man. Kailan Dapat Kumonsulta sa Doktor? Ang mga palpitations na tumatagal lamang
ng ilang segundo at hindi madalas na nangyayari ay hindi nangangailangan ng konsultasyon sa doktor. Kung mayroong history ng sakit sa puso sa inyong pamilya at palaging nagkakaroon ng palpitations o lalong lumalala ang palpitations, kailangan nang kumonsulta sa doktor. Maaaring magsagawa ng heart-monitoring tests ang doktor upang malaman ang dahilan ng iyong palpitations. Kailangan ng emergency medical attention kung an heart palpitations ay may kasamang pananakit ng dibdib, hirap makahinga, labis na pagkahilo o pagkalito at pagkahimatay ng pasyente. Agad na dalhin ang pasyente sa pinakamalapit na hospital. Risk Factors Para sa Heart Palpitations Narito ang ilang mga kondisyon na maaaring magpataas ng posibilidad ng pagkakaroon ng heart palpitations. Laging stressed, mayroong anxiety disorder o madalas nagkakaoon ng panic attacks, kapag buntis, umiinom ng mga gamot na may stimulants
tulad ng mga gamot sa sipon at asthma, kapag may hyperthyroidism, may sakit sa puso tulad ng arrythmia, bara sa ugat sa puso at heart attacks. Paano Makakaiwas sa Heart Palpitation? Ang pinakamabisang paraan upang maiwasan ang palpitations ay iwasan ang mga triggers o risk factors na nabanggit sa itaas. 1. Bawasan din ang pagiging stressed o ang labis na pag-aalala o pagiging nerbyoso. Subukan ang ilang mga relaxation techniques tulad ng meditation, yoga at deep breathing o aromatherapy. Makakatulong din ang laging pagdadasal upang maging relaxed. 2. Bawasan ang paggamit ng mga produktong may stimulants tulad ng kape, sigarilyo at gamot sa sipon, energy drinks dahil pinapabilis ng mga ito ang tibok ng puso. 3. Iwasan ang paggamit ng illegal drugs tulad ng cocaine at amphetamines dahil nagdudulot ito ng palpitations.
N CHAPTER Three of the Gospel of St. John, we read the encounter of Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus told Nicodemus after acknowledging that Jesus is a teacher who comes from God, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Being born anew is to be born into the realm of the spiritual. The reply of Nicodemus is representative of his lack of understanding of this spiritual realm when he was talking about an earthly birth. “Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’” (John 3:4) Being born into the spiritual world is the breakthrough of grace in a soul. It’s the higher world breaking into an earthly world and shatters the glass of self-seeking. The realm of the supernatural or the realm of the divine life breaks in, reconstituting a soul, changes its habits, thinking, perspective and outlook in life. It gets injected with the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. With faith it now walks and lives in the spiritual. Hope means ordering its life beyond this world and love means it now acquires the divine life whose essence is to love. The soul who used to be too focused or attached to the things of this world such as wealth, power, pleasure and fame that are not evil in themselves unless it becomes the sole emphasis in life, is now focused on God. Grace which corrects and perfects human nature will now use these same earthly things to further God’s kingdom. Wealth will now be used to help its brothers and sisters both for their spiritual and material needs. Power and fame would now be instruments to help spread the Gospel. Pleasure will now be utilized properly for nourishment, pro-creation and rest rather than be abused as an end in itself. St.
Paul who had a lot of zeal to persecute Christians before his conversion used that same zeal with greater intensity to spread the Gospel. Likewise, his intellectual prowess was elevated and perfected by grace to come up with brilliant theological doctrines recorded in his letters. The dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus continues with our Lord telling Nicodemus how this being born anew is carried out and the two different kinds of birth, biological and spiritual. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-7) Christ is referring to Baptism and the other Sacraments as well as the Holy Spirit, when he talked about the water and the Spirit. For us to be born into the spiritual realm we need to receive the sacraments starting with baptism. The Holy Spirit is present in every sacrament as the dispenser of grace. After our baptism, we will need the other sacraments to make the divine life grow in us. Since we will surely commit sins after baptism, the Sacrament of Confession is necessary to renew our struggle for holiness. We would need the Holy Eucharist for spiritual food and the Sacrament of Confirmation to transition us from a child of God in baptism to a soldier of Christ; ready to do battle against the three main sources of sin: the world, the flesh and the devil. The Sacrament of Matrimony and Holy Orders give us the grace to carry out our spiritual calling or vocation. And the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick aids us in our last moments here on earth for our journey to our ultimate home. Being born anew is to be a new creation in Christ. “So, whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
RECIPE
Ginataang Hipon, Sitaw, at Kalabasa INGREDIENTS : • 1 lb shrimp cleaned • 10 strings beans sitaw, cut into 2 1/2 inch length • 2 cups kalabasa squash, cubed • 2 cups coconut milk • 1 medium yellow onion sliced • 2 tablespoons bagoong alamang shrimp paste • 1 cup malunggay leaves • 3 cloves garlic crushed • Salt and pepper to taste • 3 tablespoons cooking oil • Salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Heat oil in a cooking pot. Saute the garlic and onion until the onion becomes soft. Put-in the shrimp. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside. Meanwhile, put-in the bagoong alamang and pour-in the coconut milk. Stir and let boil. Add the kalabasa. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until tender. Put the shrimp back in the pot. Stir
panlasangpinoy.com
7. 8. 9.
and cook for a minute. Add the string beans (sitaw) and malunggay leaves. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve. Serve and enjoy!
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The Mindanao Examiner
February 21-27, 2022
February 21-27, 2022
The Mindanao Examiner
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February 21-27, 2022
Alert Level 2 in Cebu
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EBU CITY – More commercial establishments are expected to re-open with workers getting back on their job as Central Visayas region, including Cebu province, has been placed under Alert Level 2 status until end of the month as the number of active Covid-19 cases continue to decline.
Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas chief pathologist, welcomed the lowering of alert level status in the region, as well as Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. “More businesses (will) open and the allowed number of persons will be higher, which means livelihood slowly can be restored,” Loreche said. Under Alert Level 2 status, the intrazonal and interzonal movements are allowed. However, the local governments are directed to impose reasonable restrictions, but should not
be stricter than those prescribed under higher alert levels and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Establishments are also allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% capacity for indoor venues for fully vaccinated customers and 70% for outdoor dining, but this requires that all on-site workers or organizers of activities are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 while the minimum public health
standards are strictly maintained. Loreche said this latest development in the fight against Covid-19 and its variants “really showcased our capabilities to be living with the virus.” “Let’s make it to Alert Level 1 after this. It’s the coordinated involvement and response of everyone. And, this after (Typhoon) Odette (Rai) and the Omicron (variant) surge, One-Cebu can now move onwards to preparing for endemic (status), rebuilding and reintegration,” she said. (John Rey Saavedra)
Cebu lauds NTF-ELCAC The Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
SEC warns public against online investments schemes CEBU CITY – The Securities and Exchange Commission has warned the public against persons posing as investment solicitors representing organizations not registered with the SEC. Vanessa Almeda, SEC-Cebu information officer, said their Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) has discovered five unregistered firms soliciting from unsuspecting victims to invest with them online. Almeda identified the firms as Great4 International Marketing Corporation which is allegedly doing business under the name and style of Home of Organic Wellness; Sky International Trade Company Limited / Philippine88. com; Ground Zero Poultry; AVZ Ventures / AVZ Ventures, Inc.; and Global Booking Hub which is engaging through Global Booking Hub.com / GBH / GBH-12 Consumer Goods Trading. She said an initial investigation disclosed that Home of Organic Wellness has been en-
ARMM
ticing the public to invest in the company through membership packages for a fee of P7,000 each that entitle would-be investors lofty designations, such as marketing director, marketing coordinator, marketing specialist, marketing officer, and brand ambassador. She added that Home of Organic Wellness has no secondary license to solicit investments and is based in Quezon City. At Sky International Trade Company, would-be investors are told to register on their website and choose nine “VIP plans” with online orders worth P200 up to P50,000. “The investor can earn P20 to P2,400 daily depending on what plan they get. An investor can also earn from direct order rebate equivalent to 10% and 5% for indirect order rebate,” the EIPD said. The poultry farm offers an opportunity to its lenders to earn an amount of savings while contributing to the business’ growth. They may opt to invest a minimum amount of P20,000 with guaranteed money back
of 8% monthly, or a total of 48% returns semi-annually. AVZ Ventures, on the other hand, also offers schemes that focus on the referral and recruitment of new members to gain profit. While the Global Booking is a group of persons claiming to be engaged in delivery service, foreign exchange, and appears to be promoting “Tora Token,” a token with corresponding value depending on the amount invested. “Global Booking has a DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) registration operating under the name of GBH-12 Consumer Goods Trading with certificate number 3356904 operated by a certain Masahiko Ferrer Tanaka. (One is) registered as (a) corporation but based in Quezon City but does not have a secondary license to solicit investment, AVZ Ventures Inc. is the name,” Almeda told the Philippine News Agency and she advised Cebuanos who have come across these groups to report to them to the authorities. (John Rey Saavedra)
Eastern Mindanao
CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama lauded the efforts of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), saying it helped greatly in bringing government services right to the doorstep of the people and at the same time kept insurgency at bay. Rama also cited the post-Typhoon Odette (Rai) response here as a clear example of taking relief assistance straight to the affected communities. “Rather than the people coming to City Hall, various teams from every department had been sent out to distribute cash assistance and rice subsidies at where our constituents live. We equipped our mountain barangays with chainsaws and generators, gears they need to start their own roads to recovery,” he said. He said concreting the roads in the upland villages, opening more farm-to-market roads, and providing farmers with facilities to sell their goods, as what the local government did, helped alleviate their plight. “These are just,
Western Mindanao
but simple peace initiatives that we, in local governance, can contribute by making our people feel and experience by themselves that the government exists to serve them, to attend to their needs,” he said. Rama, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council, attended the NTFELCAC’s online meeting recently which was attended by representatives from the Joint Regional Task Forces who discussed the gains and setbacks starting in 2018 and mapped out the “way forward”. He said public officials need to go back to the basics of public service in plotting the direction in the years to come to address the decades-old insurgency problem in the country. With the NTF-ELCAC’s effort to review actions taken over the past four years from 2018, Rama said he is optimistic the mission of the government “may result in more relevant and meaningful initiatives borne from love, those that matter to the most vulnerable to any armed conflict.” NTF-ELCAC is the
Cebu
Whole-of-Nation approach in defeating the local communist rebel group and obtaining a sustainable and inclusive peace throughout the country. On December 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order 70 synchronizing the government’s instrumentalities of power with the capabilities of private sector stakeholders to end more than five decades of atrocities committed by the New People’s Army rebels, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging a violent campaign to overthrow the democratic government. Unlike in the past, when local chief executives left the insurgency problem solely to the military and police, Duterte’s Executive Order 70 is the collaboration of various government agencies and their corresponding units at all levels, providing practical solutions to solve issues on the ground. (John Rey Saavedra)
Manila