SULU – Local tourists continue to flock to the southern Filipino province of Sulu where beachfront restaurants have mushroomed in recent years due to the improved peace and order situation and the massive infrastructure projects of the localGovernorgovernments.Sakur Tan said the provincial and municipal governments have ramped up its tourism programs to entice
“An investigation is ongoing to determine whether any act that would cause the President to lose trust and confidence in his officials can be found or if there is malice or negligence involved. In such a case, if such findings are made, then the only determination left will be Continue on page 2Continue on page 2 ed by YouTuber Chente Ydrach.He faced Manny Pacquiao for the fourth time Continue on page 5Continue on page 5
FORMER MEXICAN world champion Juan Manuel Marquez announced that he turned down an offer of $150 million dollars to fight Manny Pacquiao for the fifthMarqueztime. was visiting Puerto Rico, where he announced an alliance with Miguel Cotto to promote fights. On the Island of Enchantment he went to the SoLpresa program hostSulu ramps up tourism efforts
ippine province of Sulu for allegedly poaching inside municipal waters, police and military reports said. Continue on page 4Continue on page 4 cases, all LGUs are nonetheless called to carry out measures in close coordination with the Continue on page 4Continue on page 4
Juan Manuel Marquez turns down
SuluGovernorSakurTan not only tourists, but investors as well. He said Sulu is not only rich in culture, but its peoplethe Tausug – are known for their hospitality. “We have vast natural resources, we have pristine beaches comparable to the best in the world. We have rich marine resources and we are all working hard to let the Continue on page 4Continue on page 4
IN A June resolution, the International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan asked to resume an investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, which Continue on page 6on page everyone is assured that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm monkeypox
ARMM Eastern Mindanao Western Mindanao Cebu Manila Est 2006 mindanaoexaminer.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT (062) 9555360 or (0917) 7103642 P10 August 15-21, 2022 2 ‘Mega Sardines’ trawlers seized ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two trawlers owned by the makers of the popular brand Mega Sardines were seized in the southern PhilPoliceandmilitaryhaveseizedtwotrawlersownedbyMegaSardinesinSuluprovince.(Contributedphoto)
Marcos orders probe on attempt to import sugar
T HE MARCOS administration is investigating anHE MARCOS administration is an attempt to import some 300,000 tons of sugar,attempt to some tons of sugar, according to Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angelesto Press Trixie Cruz-Angeles. She said an investigation is underway over the supposed “unauthorized” signing of a document directing the importation of the sugar.
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6 ofingspreadinsuresForeignMinisterJosephWu.(CNA)againstMonkeypoxanefforttopreventtheofthevirusfollow-thecountry’sfirstcasethezoonoticdisease.“While
$150 million to fight Manny Pacquiao
LGUs told to prepare vs. Monkeypox disease
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FormerPresidentRodrigoDuterte(PCOO)
PresidentBongbongMarcos
THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged all local governments to undertake proactive meaICC pushes probe on the Philippines’ drug war
Taiwan's diplomatic ties stable amid possible China retaliation: FM TAIWAN'S DIPLOMATIC ties with all of its allies are solid, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said amid fears Beijing could try to snatch away more of Taiwan's allies in retaliation for United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit."Our relations with all 14 diplomatic on pageon
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USTDADirectorEnohT.Ebong(seatedleft)andAboitizRenewables,Inc.VicePresidentDavidAboitiz(seatedright)signaUSTDAgrantthatwilllaythegroundworkforoneofthefirstoffshorewindprojectsinthePhil-ippines.Standingfromleft:U.S.AmbassadortothePhilippinesMaryKayCarlson,U.S.SecretaryofStateAntonyBlinken,PhilippineAmbassadortotheUnitedStatesJoseManuelRomualdez,andDepartmentofEn-ergyUndersecretaryFelixWilliamFuentebella.“TheUnitedStatesre-mainsasteadfastpartnerandsupporterofemergingeconomieslikethePhil-ippinesinfacilitatingjobcreationandbuildingofahighqualityandenviron-mentfriendlyenergyin-frastructuresthatsupportinitiativesaimedatmit-igatingtheimpactofcli-matechange,”Romualdezsaid.Blinkencitedseveralprojectsaimedatsupport-ingenergysecurityinthePhilippines.ThisincludestheUnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelop-ment’sEnergySecurePhil-ippinesInitiative,a5-yearprojectworth$34million(P1.89billion)thataimstomobilizemorethan$750million(P41.8billion)ofprivate-sectorinvestmenttosupportupto500mega-wattsofnewcleanenergygeneration.HealsonotedtheCleanEnergyDemandInitiativeandU.S.-PhilippinesMem-orandumofUnderstand-ingonCivil-NuclearCo-operationsignedinMarch2022andannouncedon-goingcapacitybuildingassistancetohelpthePhil-ippinesexplorenuclearenergyoptionsthroughtheFoundationalInfrastruc-tureforResponsibleUseofSmallModularReactorTechnologyprogram.ThePhilippinesisaninitialpartneroftheU.S.-ledIndo-PacificEconomicFramework(IPEF),agroupof13countriesacrosstheregionthatarecommittedtopromotingcleanener-gyanddecarbonizationasakeypillarofastronger,fairer,andmoreresilienteconomy.Blinkenrecognizedthecontributionsofsever-alpublic-privatepartner-shipswiththePhilippinesundertheIPEF’sCleanEn-ergy,Decarbonization,andInfrastructurePillar,whichincludestheCleanEner-gyDemandInitiative,theGeothermalDevelopmentInitiative,andtheEnergyResourceGovernanceIni-tiativethatwillstrengthenminingsectorgovernanceforresilientmineralsupplychains.(MindanaoExam-iner)U.S.SecretaryAnthonyBlinkenmeetsrepresentativesofsixsmall-andmedium-sizedrenewableenergycom-paniesatacleanenergyexpoinMakatiCity.
Continued from page 1Continued from page 1 how many heads are going to roll,” Angeles said.Angeles said the Sugar Order No. 4 issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration, which supposedly directs the importation of sugar, is allegedly illegal.“The Chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Board is President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. As such, the chairman sets the date of any meetings or convening of the Sugar Regulatory Board and its agenda. No such meeting was authorized by the President or such a resolution likewise, was not authorized,” Angeles bared, adding the resolution appears to have been signed by Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian on behalf of Marcos. “He was not authorized to sign such a resolution because the President did not authorize the importation,” Angeles said, adding importations are a sensitive matter, particularly concerning agricultural“Sugarimports.isone such importation which we take great care with. It is a balancing act. The importation has to be carefully studied to protect both the consumer against the rising prices of basic commodities while ensuring at the same time that we do not destroy the local industry,” Angeles said. A farmers’ group, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) earlier lauded Marcos’ decision to reject the importation of 300,000 tons of sugar. Sinag Executive Director Jayson Cainglet said the SRA and the DA should heed the marching order of the chief executive to support local production. (Mindanao Examiner)
U.S. supports Philippines’ green energy program
WASHINGTON CONTINUES to support the efforts of the Philippine government to promote renewable energy with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressing the importance of investing in clean energy as he cited the Philippines’ increasing vulnerability to the dangerous effects of climate change.Blinken, who was in Manila recently, also highlighted the United States’ clean energy commitments to the Philippines at an expo featuring small- and medium-sized renewable energy companies where he lauded the projects of six renewable energy companies specializing in biomass, hydropower, solar, wind, energy efficiency, and off-grid solutions. He said last year, the Philippines announced an ambitious clean energy goal - to produce 35% of the country’s energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 50% by 2040. “The United States commends these goals, and we’re committed to helping the Philippines achieve them,” he said. Blinken, alongside Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, also witnessed the signing of a grant awarded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. for a feasibility study to develop one of the first offshore wind projects in the Philippines. This project is expected to produce up to three gigawatts of clean energy, providing power to more than two million“USTDAhouseholds.iscommitted to delivering game-changing projects to close the infrastructure gap and support the clean energy transition in the Philippines,” said USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong. “Our assistance will be critical toward defining the wind projects’ technical and design options, as well as structuring deals for international financial institutions. Our goal is the delivery of clean energy to millions of Filipinos.”
Marcos orders probe on attempt to import sugar
2 BASELCO employees killed ISABELA CITY - Two men working for an electric cooperative in the troubled Muslim province of Basilan were killed in an attack in the outskirts of Isabela City. The victims, Alvin Pangilinan and Raymond Singson, all employees of the Basilan Electric Cooperative, were shot while clearing power lines in the village of Sumagdang. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the twin murders, but the province which is a part of the Bangsamoro autonomous region is a hotbed of MuslimPoliceinsurgency.areinvestigating the motive of the killings. Gun attacks are not uncommon in the province where hired assassins are actively operating. (Mindanao Examiner)
2 The Mindanao Examiner August 15-21, 2022
3The Mindanao ExaminerAugust 15-21, 2022
Continued from page 1Continued from page 1 Department of Health (DOH) in stemming the spread of this new virus,” said DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. Abalos said that while the country’s health authorities are already strictly monitoring inbound and outbound travelers for monkeypox cases, it would be in the best interest of the local government to be prepared for any “Theeventualities.adage prevention is better than cure still applies today. As the primary front liners in your areas, it behooves upon our LGUs to initiate precautionary measures and spread awareness to your constituents about monkeypox and what they need to do about it,” he said.According to the DOH, the common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, backpain, muscle aches, lack of energy, and skin eruptions.Abalos enjoined all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors to ensure the readiness of their respective health centers, Epidemiologic and Surveillance Units, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to implement the DOH guidelines and protocols on the surveillance, screening, management, and infection control of monkeypox.“Katulad ng ginawa natin sa laban kontra Covid-19, kailangang magsagawa na tayo ng mga preparasyon at ihanda na natin ang mga tauhan natin para siguraduhing hindi na dadami pa at lalala ang mga kaso ng monkeypox sa bansa,” he said.Abalos said the local governments should closely monitor travelers from countries with reported or ongoing cases of monkeypox who are experiencing signs and symptoms, and to coordinate with private health care facilities to ensure the reporting of individuals experiencing symptoms, and report information on suspected or confirmed cases to the DOH within 24 hours.He likewise asked the public to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards set by the DOH, conduct disinfection measures, practice good hand and respiratory hygiene, and minimize contact with sick persons to limit“Thisinfection.isnot the first time that we are faced with a huge health concern. We have been through the worst of times during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic so we are now more resilient as a people and can rise above any other challenge, including monkeypox,” Abalos said. The first monkeypox case in the country was a Filipino who arrived from abroad last July 19. Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. The virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The DOH said it has completed case investigation and identification of at least 10 people who had contacts with the Filipino - three of them are from the same household. “All have been advised to undergo quarantine and are being monitored by the Department of Health.
The DOH assures everyone that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm Monkeypox cases,” it said.The DOH said the Monkeypox disease is now a “public health emergency of international concern,” and everyone can help prevent the spread of the virus by minimizing close sexual contact with suspected cases, especially those with rashes or open“Thewounds.DOH wishes to emphasize that anyone may get Monkeypox. If you have a travel history to countries with Monkeypox, and then have symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy and rashes, seek immediate medical attention. This will help hasten recovery,” it said.The World Health Organization has reported that monkeypox is now present in over two dozen countries, and warned the public that there will be more cases as the virus continues to spread. Among the countries with reported monkeypox cases include Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Congo, French Guiana, United States, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1Continued from page 1
2 ‘Mega Sardines’ trawlers seized
LGUs told to prepare vs. Monkeypox disease
Continued from page 1Continued from page 1 world know that Sulu is a magnificent place to spend the holidays,” he said by phone from his office in Patikul town following a meeting with officials from the Bureau of Tourism of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Tan said he and Tourism Regional Director Marites Maguindra and John Lomboy, the chief of the Regional Tourism Operations; and senior tourist police officers discussed various tourism programs for Sulu, including workshops and seminars for tourism operators and other stakeholders. “The government must take the initiative to jumpstart the tourism industry here in the province. We must work in partnership with other government agencies and entities, towards the creation and provision of the necessary support facilities and amenities. Organize resort owners and provide proper training in the management of their business, to professionalize the tourism service provider sector,” he said. “This is now the time for investors to take a serious look at Sulu’s potential, the improved climate of peace and order is now conducive for the development of the local economy. We will ensure that the standard of services in Sulu is at par with other world-class and popular tourist destinations in the country,” Tan said during the meeting. “The vast potential of the tourism industry is naturally embedded in the DNA of the Sulu landscape, given the full commitment and support to the development of tourism, Sulu can be one of the best tourist destinations in the foreseeableLastfuture.”March, hundreds of people joined a marathon in Sulu dubbed as “Maimbung Color Blast Fun Run 2022.” Several beauty pageants, including LGBTQ activities were also held successfully in the province.Tansaidthe huge improvement of the peace condition in Sulu did not come overnight, but was the result of long years of collaborative efforts of the provincial, municipal and national governments’ campaigns to lure rebels to return to the fold of the law. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sulu ramps up tourism efforts
The two vessels F/B Marison and F/V Aston belong to the Mega Fishing Corporation owned by Malcolm Davey Lim based in Zamboanga City. The trawlers and its crew were seized off Banguingi town, according to the reports.It said F/B Aston had no commercial fishing vessel license while the other trawler had an expiredGov.license.Sakur Tan, who was informed of the seizure, said local fishermen had long complained about the poaching of commercial trawlers in municipal waters. The encroachment of large and illegal fishing vessels like these has been the sentiment of fisherfolks coming from the province of Sulu as it directly affects their catch and could lead to a shortage of supply in the market and increasing price of seafood products in the local markets. Fish that are being caught in the waters of Sulu are usually brought to other places like Zamboanga City to be processed as canned goods.Tan said that it should serve as a warning to those who are poaching in the waters of Sulu that such encroachment will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He said that appropriate charges will be filed in court against the poachers and other people who are responsible for the blatant violation of fisheryTherelaws.was no immediate reaction or statement either from Mega Sardines or its owner. (Mindanao Examiner)
4 The Mindanao Examiner August 15-21, 2022
Washington donates medical equipment
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken turned over medical equipment and supplies during his recent visit in Manila. Blinken, who reaffirmed the Washington’s support for the Philippines’ Covid-19 response, said: “As the Philippines continues to work to vaccinate people, to reduce the spread and save lives, my message is simple - the United States is with you. We will end this pandemic and emerge better prepared for future health crises by working together not only across governments, but across private sectors and across civilDuringsociety.”his first visit to the Philippines as U.S. Secretary of State, Blinken led the handover of U.S. government-donated personal protective equipment, testing kits, laboratory equipment and supplies, and hygiene kits in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Department of Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, and Manila City Mayor Dr. HoneyTheLacuna.donation is expected to support the efforts of local medical facilities such as the Philippine Genome Center and the Bulacan Medical Center.Blinken noted that the United States has unconditionally donated more than 33 million safe, effective vaccines to the Philippines and has provided more than $50 million to help train Filipino healthcare workers, boost the vaccine rollout, and support the country’s economic recovery. "We thank the U.S. government for helping the Philippines respond to Covid-19 and protecting Filipinos with the much-needed vaccines and technical assistance. Your support helped save the lives of many Filipinos. We cherish this long-standing health partnership, and we hope this level of commitment is sustained beyond the Covid-19 pandemic,” Vergeire said. (Mindanao Examiner)
PDIC pays deposit insurance to of the closed Rural Bank of Polomolok KIDAPAWAN CITY - The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has started paying deposit insurance through Postal Money Orders (PMOs) to all depositors eligible for outright payment who maintained deposits with the closed Rural Bank of Polomolok (South Cotabato), Inc.Eligible for outright payment of deposit insurance are individual depositors with valid deposit balances of P100,000 and below who have no outstanding loans with the closed bank and have a complete mailing address in the bank records or updated this information through the PDIC Mailing Address Update Form. The PMOs amounting to P15,000 and below may be encashed either with the localpost office or with the nearest branch of the Land Bank of the Philippines. Meanwhile, PMOs above P15,000 may be deposited to the depositor’s account in any local Depositorsbank.who have not received their checks after October 6 from their local post office are advised to contact the PDIC Public Assistance Department during office hours at telephone number (02) 8841-4141, or e-mail PDIC at sidegov.ph.polomolok-pad@pdic.Depositorsout-MetroManilamay call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline during office hours at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). It said inquiries may also be sent to the official PDIC Facebook page anaosimto;SantosItstownMagsaysayHighwayOfficeunitedResolutionvirtueInc.molokOfficialPDIC.www.facebook.com/atRuralBankofPolo-(SouthCotabato),wasorderedclosedbyofMonetaryBoardNo.985.Adat-July14,2022.Itisafour-ruralbankwithHeadlocatedonNationalinthevillageofinPolomolokinSouthCotabato.branchesareinGeneralCity,SouthCotaba-andinAlabelandMaa-inSarangani.(Mind-Examiner)
Continued from page 1Continued from page 1 on December 8, 2012. In the first three fights the record was two wins for the Filipino and one draw. The fourth fight took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mexican scored one of the most important wins of his career with a shocking knockout in the sixth round. After that win there was much talk of a fifth bout, but the Mexican turned it down.“They offered on the table $150 million for a fifth fight, but I said 'no, I don't want a fifth fight. Better the pride, the dignity, the love for the sport', and the most important victory of my life because we had beaten the best pound-for-pound fighter at that time,” the Mexican boxer said. Marquez, popularly called “El Dinamita,” retired from boxing in 2014, and has a lifetime record of 56 victories, 40 of them by knockout, and a margin of 7 defeats. In June 2022 he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. (Marca.com)
Continued from page 1Continued from page 1 allies have remained stable," Wu said at a press event in Taipei, when asked if China was trying to lure Taiwan's allies to change their loyalties in response to the Pelosi visit, the first by a U.S. House speaker to Taiwan in 25 years.Wu indicated that some senior officials and heads of state from these diplomatic allies are planning to visit Taiwan in the near future to show their support amid rising cross-Taiwan Strait tensions.He did not give further details, citing only the example of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who arrived in Taiwan last week for a six-day-visit. Gonsalves has repeatedly said during his visit that he is here to show solidarity with Taiwan while urging Beijing to stop its military drills. China responded to the Pelosi visit by holding live-fire military drills in six maritime areas around Taiwan and suspending imports of some Taiwanese foods and agricultural produce.There have also been rumblings that it might try to steal away some of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies. Taiwan has already lost eight diplomatic allies - Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Kiribati, Nicaragua, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, and the Solomon Islands - to China since May 2016, when President Tsai Ing-wen came to Beijingoffice.has reacted so strongly because it objects to other countries treating Taiwan as a nation, including by sending high ranking officials to visit, and believes the U.S. is violating its commitments to the "one China" policy and fueling Taiwan independence efforts. Wu said that Pelosi's visit was simply an excuse to launch large-scale military drills around Taiwan that had already been planned.ThePLA's retaliatory missile launches, drone deployments, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaign took a relatively long time to prepare, meaning Beijing has always been ready to launch a similar attack on Taiwan whether Pelosi visited or not, Wu argued. He believed the moves will only backfire and lead to more senior officials from allies and like-minded countries visiting Taiwan soon. Wu said China's decision to carry out military exercises in areas surrounding Taiwan was a gross violation of Taiwan's rights under international law, particularly in the way it designated the zones for its exercises. In terms of the range of its missile tests, Wu said China is clearly trying to deter other countries from interfering in its attempt to invade Taiwan and gives the world a clear image of "China's geostrategic ambitions beyond Taiwan." "In other words, China's real intention behind these military exercises is to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the entire region. This has already brought significantly unstable elements into the mix, threatening regional security," Wu said. (By Joseph Yeh / CNA)
Taiwan's diplomatic ties stable amid possible China retaliation: FM
Juan Manuel Marquez turns down $150 million to fight Manny Pacquiao
WITH THE increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) vowed to ramp up vaccination in an effort to achieve the target of 50% booster coverage against the deadly respiratory disease.President Bongbong Marcos previously ordered the Department of Health (DOH) and the local governments to hasten the roll out of booster jabs to protect Filipinos from Covid-19.“Now on booster shots for the healthy population, Mr. President, we stand by your directive that 50 percent of the general population should receive their first booster dose. Likewise, we stand by your commitment to administer doses to at least 23 million people within the first 100 days of the Marcos administration,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Executive Vice-President of LCP, during a recent meeting with Marcos in Malacañang.Belmonte said the LCP is also grateful to the efforts of the Marcos administration, through the DOH, to respond to the plea of local officials that more population, even healthy ones, should be given a second booster. The DOH has now allowed people to have a second booster. According to its guidelines, people ages 50 and above, and 18 to 49 years old with comorbidities, shall be allowed to receive the booster shot - either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines - and can only be administered at least four months after the previous dose. “We are dedicated to helping our people remain protected against Covid-19. We are making it easier for us, many of our people to avail of the primary series and boosters, including second boosters. The Department of Health, along with other government agencies and private sector partners, aim to increase vaccine coverage nationwide,” said Health Undersecretary Dr Maria Rosario Vergeire. “We need every eligible Filipino to turn this into a whole-of-society fight against the virus. Together with the President (Bongbong Marcos), we stand by the fact that vaccines are safe and effective and remain to be our best defense in this pandemic,” she added. The DOH previously said the second booster shot is initially available for senior citizens (Priority Group A2) and frontline health workers (Priority Group A1). It said the second booster shot is primarily mRNA vaccines such as those manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer which will strengthen immunity against the virus, including the latest Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.Itsaid the following are under Priority Group A1: Workers in essential health services and all people 60 years old and above; Priority Group A2: Senior Citizens. The vaccines are to be given at least four months after the administration of the first booster dose. (Mindanao Examiner)
depositors
5The Mindanao Examiner - RegionAugust 15-21, 2022 Made from 5160 High Carbon Steel and Kamagong handle and scabbard. For table and wall display, or as self-defense weapon. Zamboanga City 0915-3976197 FOR SALE Kampilan 21” (P13,000)
Cities vow to ramp up Covid jabs
6 The Mindanao Examiner August 15-21, 2022 14 rescued from capsized boat off Sulu aroundwhoandtotheMunap,gers,outInfantryoperationfollowingsafelycludingGuardincesouthernMaimbungduringizedpassengersesSULUTheCoastandthe21stInfantryBattalionrescued14peoplefromacapsizedboatoffSulu'sMaimbungtown.(CoastGuardBARMM)–Securityforc-rescuedoveradozenofamotor-boatwhichcapsizedbadweatherofftowninthePhilippineprov-ofSulu,theCoastsaid.Itsaid14people,in-sixchildren,wererecoveredrecentlyajointrescuewiththe41stBattalion.AnSOScallwassentbyoneofthepassen-35-yearoldHaberwhichpromptedArmyandCoastGuardmounttheoperationsavethepassengerswerefoundfloatingtheirboat.TheboatoriginatedfromTapulIslandandwasheadingtoMaimbungwhenitwasbatteredbyhugewavesandstrongwindsandcapsizedeven-tually.Allthepassengerswerequicklybroughttothehospitalformedicalexaminationafterbeingatseaforhoursandexposedtothefreezingwater.MayorSheilaHayu-dinihasorderedtheMu-nicipalDisasterRiskRe-ductionandManagementCouncilandRegionalHealthUnittoprovideallthenecessaryassistancetotherescuedpassengers.(MindanaoExaminer) Continued from page 1Continued from page 1 was deferred in November 2021 at the request of the Philippine theThegenocidemitted“theerationsintopreliminaryafterPhilippines’cisionlikewiseto2019,drewcountryolution,challengedernment,killings.”dressabilityandlackpolice;non-cooperationand/orshotcationskilledwhogressiontheenforcerssistentingsreaffirmedturedrugportionateoftheseRightsCommissionport30,000toraisingofdidbelieveButtermtheanti-drugpeoplerevealedGovernmentgovernment.datahasatleast6,000werekilledduringoperationsbypoliceacrossDuterte’sfrom2016to2022.humanrightsgroupsthatthisnumbernotincludevictimsvigilante-stylekillings,theestimatedtollbetween12,000anddeaths.Khanciteda2022re-ofthePhilippines’onHuman(CHR),describingdeathsastheresult“excessiveanddispro-force”againstsuspectsamid“acul-ofimpunity.”TheCHRreportalsoitsinitialfind-thatthereisa:“con-narrativebylawallegingthatvictimsinitiatedag-orresistedarrest;aremostlyciviliansinuninhabitedlo-sustaininggun-woundsintheheadstorso;thatthereisbytheandthatthereisaofeffective,prompt,transparentaccount-mechanismtoad-thedrug-relatedThePhilippinegov-however,hastheICCres-giventhattheofficiallywith-fromtheCourtinthesecondcountrydosoafterBurundididin2017.Dutertemadethede-towithdrawthemembershiptheICClaunchedaexaminationhisanti-narcoticsop-in2018.AccordingtoDuterte,actsallegedlycom-bymeareneithernorwarcrimes.deathsoccurringinprocessoflegitimate police operations lacked the intent to kill.” But this contradicted his previous public threats against drug suspects: “My order is shoot to kill you. I don’t care about human rights; you better believe me.” He also praised the rising body count of victims of police killings as proof of the “success” of his “war on drugs.”
The ICC, however, clarified that “it retains its jurisdiction over crimes committed during the time in which the State was party to the (ICC) Statute and may exercise this jurisdiction over these crimes even after the withdrawal becomes effective.”Theprosecutor plans to investigate the drug war killings during Duterte’s presidency, from July 2016 to March 2019 (before the Philippines left the ICC), as well as incidents during his tenure as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City from 2011 to 2016. Facing the consequences of his predecessor’s bloody legacy, newly-inaugurated President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has opted to reiterate Duterte’s decision to withdraw from the court, categorically stating that “the Philippines has no intention of rejoining the ICC.”Though the Philippines’ withdrawal will not deter an ICC investigation, this will make it difficult for the ICC to exact cooperation from the government since the global court has no police power to support its investigation.Marcos has also argued that: “There is already an investigation going on here and it’s continuing, so why would there be one like that [in the ICC]?” This reinforces an early pronouncement during his election campaign that: “We have a functioning judiciary, and that’s why I don’t see the need for a foreigner to come and do the job for us.”
Yet the ICC’s Khan claimed that there has been no indication of “domestic authorities investigating the alleged systematic nature of these and other killings,” and described the Philippine Department of Justice’s investigation as a mere “deskMarcos’review.”
PLDT, palpak na naman!
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Umani ng matinding batikos mula sa mga subscribers ang dambuhalang PLDT dahil sa palpak na Internet service nito sa lungsod. Ilang linggo na umanong wala o mahina ang Internet sa Zamboanga at pulos advisories na lamang ang inilalabas ng PLDT ukol dito. Ang matindi pa umano ay hindi man lamang nagbibigyan ng diskwento o rebate ang mga subscribers sa kabila ng epekto ng palpak na serbisyo ng PLDT sa mga negosyo, estudyante at iba pang sector.Mabilis lamang, ayon sa mga nagre-reklamo sa pahayagang ito, ang PLDT sa disconnection ng Internet at telepono kung hindi agad makabayad ang mga ito sa tuwing katapusan ng buwan.“Isang araw ka lang late sa pagbayad ng PLDT bill eh putol agad, pero kung sila ang may kapalpakan okay lang. Dipat bigyan ng atensyon ng Kongreso at ng pamahalaan ang poor services ng PLDT,” ani ng isang negosyante. Maging ang mga estudyante ay hindi na rin makapag-aral o makagawa ng kanilang assignment online dahil sa kawalan ng Internet. Karamihan sa mga ito ay napilitang lumipat o bumili ng modem mula sa Globe Telecom. Mas maganda umano ang Internet connection ng Globe Telecom kung ihahambing sa PLDT. Matagal na umanong nangyayari ang “walang kwentang” serbisyo ng PLDT bukod pa sa napakamahal na Internet subscription nito na may halagang P2,100 kada buwan. Walang pahayag ang PLDT ukol sa kanilang serbisyo. (Mindanao Examiner)
ICC pushes probe on the Philippines’ drug war
evasion of the ICC probe leaves the impression of a political calculation and a personal discomfort towards human rights. He may be seeking to prevent antagonizing Vice President Sara Duterte, a political ally, by shielding her father from accountability. And with a family history of past abuses under his father’s dictatorial regime, Marcos is predictably less concerned about upholding human rights and demanding accountability than preserving the political Morealliance.importantly, the Philippines’ non-membership in the ICC does not bode well for the country’s democratic ideals. Duterte’s decision to withdraw and Marcos’ subsequent resolve not to rejoin the Court highlights the grim reality that the Philippines’ commitment to human rights can be side-stepped and subjected to compromises depending on who is in power.The case of the Philippines also sets a precedent for other countries to leave multilateral institutions whenever state leaders feel intimidated or uncomfortable. If a long-established democracy such as the Philippines renounces the ICC, what is to hinder other countries, particularly neighboring authoritarian states in Southeast Asia, from doing the same? (Andrea Chloe Wong / Lowy Institute)
OPINION OPINION
On Human Sexuality by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) IN THE gospel, Christ was once asked about marriage and divorce. And it was there that he had to clarify certain misunderstandings the people of that time had about these matters. And he also brought in the issue about celibacy. (cfr. Mt 19,3-12) Human sexuality is a very delicate topic that has to be handled very, very well. It is so delicate that even a little misunderstanding of it can cause tremendous damage in the spiritual life of a person. It is where the disconnect between man’s body and soul, and ultimately between God and man, can be the sharpest. It can lead us blind, deaf and insensitive to the spiritual and supernatural dimension of our life. That is why, back in 1995, the Vatican issued a document that to me holds special and urgent relevance today. It’s entitled, The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, and precisely talks about a topic that should be made mainstream. It needs to be brought out more in the open. Given the many issues in this area that have managed to generate a lot of confusion and complications, the document offers a basic and comprehensive primer especially to parents who are the first teachers and formators of their children. What we have in society only reflects and is a result of what we have in our families. If the families do not do well or even fail in the education of their children in human sexuality, we cannot expect a society that will have a healthy attitude toward this very important aspect of human life. The naked truth is that problems in this area have multiplied not only in number but also in kind. Wherever we go, even if we would just take a cursory look around, we can immediately see that there are things that are not quite right or, shall we say, that at least raise eyebrows, provoke questions and concern, Pornographyetc. is now so easily accessible that even little innocent children can already get exposed to them. Teen-age pregnancy is on the rise, together with casual sex and hook-ups, STD, abortion, contraception, and illegitimate children. This is not to mention the rise of problems related to the confusion in sexual identity. There is a need to stress the original beauty and truth of human sexuality, its great positive and constructive power and contribution to our lives. And so, we have to highlight its origin in our human nature as designed by our Creator himself. We therefore cannot help but view human sexuality always within the framework of our Christian faith. From there, we have to stress why our human sexuality is to be lived always in the context of truth and love, that is, in chastity, and not just in the context of our feelings and passions, and other worldly trends and some ideologies detached or even hostile to the faith. Since we cannot avoid having some conflicting discussions on this topic, we have to have a clear idea of the distinction between good tolerance and bad tolerance, between healthy open-mindedness and the unhealthy one. More importantly, we have to find ways to make this concern of teaching the truth and meaning of human sexuality an ongoing affair. Some structures have to be put up to continually help parents effectively discharge their duty of being teachers to their children, especially in the area of human sexuality. (FRC)
The Mindanao Examiner 7August 15-21, 2022
tayo magkakasakit. Sa Japan, ang mga dahilHuwagmaylutuinglulutopanlabansulforaphane,sproutsli,tuladerarahumabaganitongpasyentengnapag-alamanpagsusurimatis.kamote,KasamalongAaymadilawangmushroomsaynag-che-chemotherapypasyetengpinapakainngShitakeparabumiliskanilangpaggaling.3.Carrots-Angnaprutasatgulaymaytaglaynavitaminatlycopenenatumutu-makaiwassakanser.angmgacarrots,kalabasaatka-Saisang6nataongsabreastcancer,naangmgakumakainngpagkainaymasangbuhaykump-sahindikumakainnito.4.Broccoliocauliflow-–Angmgacabbagesngbokchoy,brocco-caulifloweratbrusselsaymaysangkapnanamabisangsakanser.Sapa-nggulay,i-steamolangngbahagyanakasamangoliveoil.pakuluananggulaymawawalaangbisa
Ni Dr. Willie Ong (Manila)
Saying No to Some Things Means Yes to Better Things by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) A GOOD idea is not necessarily a “God idea” says John Mason. He meant that there are many good, noble things in life you can engage yourself in, but you don’t have to, because you will lose your focus. Just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should. Would Einstein become a brilliant scientist if he had busied himself on mastering the violin, or be a professional moto-cross biker aside from his scientific explorations? It’s no good to be a jack of all trades and master of none. It’s only when we are focused that we are able to get results. No other key to growth and success is as overlooked as this is. The temptation is always to do a little bit of everything. John Mason would further advise, “There is power in the word no. No is an anointed word. It can break the yoke of over-commitment and weakness. No can be used to turn a situation from bad to good, from wrong to right. Saying no can free you from burdens that you don’t need to carry right now. It can also free you to devote the correct amount of attention and effort to God’s priorities in your life.” Stephen Covey, in his best-selling book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” says, “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, unapologetically, to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside. The enemy of the ‘best’ is often the ‘good.’”One of the wisest advice of many selfhelp books to achieve success in one’s profession is to be an expert in a certain field, that you become a sought-after person, because of your unique skill that no one else could do. In other words, you are the best in that business. Be the best programmer, the best cook, the best athlete, the best teacher, etc. that you become irreplaceable in your workplace and other companies would love to have you. And this unparalleled status can only be achieved if you focus on where you are goodThisat. however would not mean that we lessen our attention on the other important things in our life such as God, family, friends, and relaxation. The focus we are talking of here not only refers to our work or profession but focus as well on other aspects of our life. It means giving ample time to the different roles we have to play in life as a father or mother, husband or wife, office worker, student, a friend to our barkada, etc. Otherwise, our work becomes our life, and will turn us into a workaholic when there’s more to life than just work. C.S. Lewis said when we put second things first (instead of putting first things first), we not only lose the first things but lose both. When we focus only on one thing in life, let’s say, our socializing activities with our friends, and neglect all else such as God, family and work, in the end we destroy our relationships with God and family, our job performance suffers, and we never would really enjoy our social life because of the guilt we carry for having neglected the more important things in life. Prioritizing the first things gives peace of mind and a more enjoyable life. And lastly John Mason would tell us, “Yes and no are the two most important words that you will ever say. These are the two words that determine your destiny in life. How and when you say them affects your entire future.” (CC)
'Records a 95% y-o-y increase in 2Q22 profit' MANILA - Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) recorded a 33% increase in net profit to P15.6 billion in the first half of 2022, as earnings surged by 95% to P7.6 billion in the second quarter. Performance was better across the board— faster loan expansion, improving interest margin, robust fee income growth, stable operating costs, and lower provisions amid healthier asset quality. “The continued improvement in the Bank’s performance cements our strategy as we enable various customers and businesses as economic activities accelerate. This also validates the recent recognitions we received from prestigious publications, naming us the country’s best bank,” said Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee.“Our focus on serving our client needs while actively managing risks and promoting efficiencies has driven our solid operating results, and will continue to do so in the medium term as the economy expands,” he added.Gross loans rose by 9% year-on-year to P1.3 trillion, led by a 12% growth in corporate and commercial lending and 16% increase in gross credit card receivables. Asset quality improved with NPLs declining by 7%. The ratio of NPLs to total loans stood at 1.9% in the first half, down from the 2.3% a year ago and significantly below the industry’s 3.9% NPL ratio in May. This enabled the Bank to further trim down provisions by 46% in the first half. Metrobank’s NPL cover stood strong at 196%, a hefty buffer to protect the bank against marketMeanwhile,risks. total deposits grew 13% to P2.1 trillion. CASA deposits climbed by 10% to P1.5 trillion from a year ago, which resulted in lower funding costs. As net interest margin recovered to 3.4%, net interest income increased by 6% to P39.8 billion.Non-interest income went up by 8% in the first half driven by an 18% jump in fees and other non-interest earnings. Despite volatile markets, the Bank managed to post P3.4 billion profit from trading income from strong customer driven flows. Amid a rise in the Bank’s transaction volumes, operating expenses remained in control and stayed flat at P29.4 billion, backed by on-going efforts to improve operational efficiency, resulting in 53.8% cost-to-income ratio, an improvement from the 57.2% posted in the same period last year. The recovery in the Bank’s revenues alongside stable costs led to a 16% rise in pre-provisioning profit to P25.6Metrobankbillion. is the country’s second largest private universal bank with consolidated assets of P2.7 trillion and total equity of P303.4 billion. The Bank’s balance sheet remains strong with capital adequacy ratio (CAR) standing at 17.6% and common equity Tier 1 (CET 1) at 16.8%, both well-above the central bank’s minimum requirement.Asatestament to Metrobank’s financial strength and position in the market, leading London-based financial publication Euromoney recognized Metrobank as the ‘Best Bank in the Philippines’ at the recently held Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2022. The Bank was also recognized by award-giving bodies such as Asiamoney, The Asian Banker, and LinkedIn for being the Best Domestic Bank, the Strongest Bank, and the Top Banking Employer in the Philippines, respectively. (Richard Ebona)
Metrobank posts 33% growth in 1H22 net income
PANLABANPAGKAINGSAKANSER
SA ARAW na ito, tuturuan po namin kayo ng isang ulam na mabisang panlaban sa kanser. Ito ay ang aming espesyal na ulam ng Top 4 anti-cancer foods. 1. Bawang at sibuyas – Sa pagsusuri, ang mga sibuyas ay malakas pumigil sa paglago ng cancer cells. Ang bawang ay may sankap na ally sulfides, na tumutulong sa pagsugpo ng kanser sa colon, suso, baga at prostate. Para maging epektibo, ang bawang ay kailangang durugin at prituhin ng kaunti. Huwag sunugin! Puwede ring kainin ng hilaw ang bawang, pero mag-ingat lang at nakahahapdi ito ng sikmura. 2. Shitake mushrooms na nabibili sa palengkeAng Shitake mushroom ay may polysaccharides at lentinian, na nagpapalakas sa ating immune system (katawan). Kapag malakas ang ating immune system, mas hindi nito laban sa kanser. Paraan ng Pagluto: 1. Gamitan ng konting mantika lang. Igisa ang bawang at sibuyas. 2. Ilagay na ang half cup ng Shitake mushrooms.3. Pagkaraan ng 2 minuto, ilagay ang one cup ng hiniwang carrots. Lagyan ng 2 kutsarang oyster sauce at one-fourth na basong tubig. 4. Pagkaraan ng 2 minuto, ilagay na ang two cups ng broccoli. Lagyan ng tubig kapag natutuyo na ang gulay. Maghintay ng 5 minuto hanggang maluto na ang gulay. 5. Huwag i-overcook ang gulay para maiwan ang sustansya. Huwag din damihan ang sarsa para manatili ang bitamina sa gulay.Ihanda ng madalas ang ulam na ito at mababawasan ang tsansang magkasakit ng ating mga kapamilya.
8 The Mindanao Examiner Gallery August 15-21, 2022
Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government,Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Municipal Government, Rep Shernee Tambut, Radyo Pilipinas Jolo, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz SalapuddinRep. Shernee Tambut, Jolo, Asiri, and Aziz
The Mindanao Examiner 9August 15-21, 2022 Across : 1. Sleeping spot 4. Apex 7. Underground drain 12. Madrid cheer 13. Chill 14. Commerce 15. Dozing one 17. Dined 18. Custodian 20. Abolish 21. Director ___ Howard 22. Raise 24. Count ___ of jazz 27. Illegally copied 30. Burn reliever 31. ___ Vegas, Nevada 32. Firefighter’s need 33. Sports VIP (hyph.) 35. Skiing hill 36. Potent particle 37. Summer shirt 38. Pres. before HST 40. Choosy 45. Police attacks 47. Meantime 48. Escape 49. Barnyard sound 50. “The Greatest” 51. Clocked 52. Misjudge 53. Fishing snare Down : 1. Pear type 2. Jazz’s ___ Fitzgerald 3. Antlered animal 4. Walk cautiously 5. Atlantic or Indian 6. Fringe benefit 7. Hi-fi system 8. Historic time 9. Site of Napoleon’s defeat 10. Biblical locale 11. Pull apart 16. Weirdest 19. Greek Cupid 23. Sports player 24. Sheep’s comment 25. Total amount 26. Sunroom 27. Watering hole 28. Sixth sense (abbr.) 29. Gosh! 31. Limping 34. Flung 35. Zone 37. Choir voice 38. Brood 39. Painter Salvador ___ 41. Citrus fruit 42. Persia, today 43. Wicked 44. Give forth 46. President after HST Answer to last week’s crossword: Weekly Sudoku:Answer to last week: ADVERTISE WITH US 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 BARMM Bureau Chief Mark Navales at 0916-6885389 Guotana Newspaper Dealer 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. Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief Reynold Toribio Graphics/Video Editor MANILA No. 18 Purok 4B Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, 1632 (0916)chardee.mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com9558559,(0915)0070927,(0947)2652969 Richard C. Ebona ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWI TAWI BARMM 3/F, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 (0915) 3976197 / (0935) 6123587 MaritessDAVAOFernandezCITYKamya Alley, Dagaang Compound, San Pedro Extension (087) 9851560 / (0997) 3172021 MarilouCEBUCablindaCITYG/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009 Rodil P. Ybañez NORTH KIDAPAWANCOTABATOCITY Paolo De Jesus (0927) 4757936 BARMM CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY 5-A Pansacala Street (RH10) Cotabato City, 9600 Mark Navales (0916) 6885389 PAGADIAN CITY Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600 Richard Suarez MAF Trading Zamboanga 062-9555360 / 0917-7103642
10 The Mindanao Examiner August 15-21, 2022
The Mindanao Examiner 11August 15-21, 2022
tificate of M/V Filipinas Cebu
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey
The creation of the group was approved during Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco’s meeting with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. Frasco proposed to make existing airports and seaports more aesthetically pleasing, convenient, and tourist-friendly.Frascosaidthe country must now resume pre-pandemic routes and open new ones to minimize the congestion in the major ports. “While we understand that introducing major infrastructure changes to the existing airports and seaports is something that cannot be done in the shortterm, in answer to the call of the President to improve the overall tourist experience, we have identified ways where we can introduce enhancements that do not necessarily entail longterm actions,” she said. Apart from opening new domestic routes, also proposed are the installation of uniform signage, as well as, the use of lighting, backdrop, and furniture in airports and seaports that reflects the socalled Filipino brand. Frasco said she wants the travelers to have an experience that is positive for all senses. “Traditionally, the DOT has been involved in the promotion and marketing purely and mostly in ads but this time around, we wanted a tacit manifestation of our brand as the Philippines because this is what the President very clearly said in his SONA (State of the Nation Address), that he wants us to promote the Filipino brand to the world," she said. "This is something we would like to herald in the Philippines beginning with our pride, and our culture, our heritage, our identity as Filipinos. And that is why the elements of the aesthetic improvements that we wish to introduce are all made in the Philippines and distinctively Filipino,” Frasco added. She also recommended the establishment of a onestop shop for land, air, and sea connectivity and also emphasized the need to enhance barrier-free tourism in the country. “The DOT and DOTr could do this by providing appropriate facilities in gateways and transport hubs for persons with disabilities, such as elevators with PWD-friendly features, clearly designated PWD parking slots, and check-in counters with low and recessed or split-level counters that can accommodate persons seated on wheelchairs. Bautista, meanwhile, welcomed the proposals and vowed to work closely with the DOT. “I think our experience working with airlines and now working with the government will now allow thisIexperiencewethetheusM/VFilipinasCebu.(PhotocourtesyofJhonReyAsturias/ConcepcionMunicipalDisasterRiskReductionandManagementOffice)tosolvetheproblemsandissuesandworkingwithDepartmentofTourismcanbetterimprovetheofourtourists.amveryhappywestartedconversationandIagreethatweneedtofurtherdis-cussthedetailsoftheproj-ect,”hesaid.TheDOTiscurrentlylookingattheNinoyAquinoInternationalAirportTermi-nal2,DavaoInternationalAir-port,andCebuCityPier1aspilotprojects.Theprogram,tobeledbytheDOTwiththesupportoftheDOTr,willbeapartnershipbetweenthetwodepartments.(JoyceAnnRocamora)
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DOT, DOTr collaborate to improve airports, seaports
CEBU - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended the passenger ship safety certificate (PSSC) of the M/V Filipinas Cebu owned by the Cokaliong Shipping Lines after it ran aground in Concepcion in Iloilo province while enroute to Cebu.“While the PSSC is suspended, the Coast Guard will not allow the vessel to travel. The shipping company has to comply with the guidelines before the lifting of the suspension order by the MARINA,” Coast Guard Iloilo Station Commander Paterno Belarmino Jr. told the Philippine NewsHeAgency.saidthe shipping company has to hire a salvor to conduct an underwater inspection and if found the vessel is undamaged, then the MARINA would issue the lifting order.The 37 crew members were left on board the grounded vessel for further investigation as the MARINA will conduct its separateBelarminoprobe. said that based on the statement of the skipper of the ship, the duty helmsman had dozed off, but the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime and Safety Unit are also investigating the incident. The PCG Marine Environmental Protection Unit found no oil spill in the area, according to Belarmino.Basedon the supplemental manifest submitted to the PCG, the vessel was carrying 279 passengers, including three infants. All were safe and had been sent home. (Perla Lena)
MARINA suspends safety cer-
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 0915-3976197. (AJC)
C EBU
The Department of Tourism (DOT ) and the Department of TransporEBU - The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are set to create a technical working group to further improvetation (DOTr) are set to create a technical group to further the country's air and sea portsthe air and sea ports.
